True to his word, Grandpapa had been waiting for Saga at Beacon’s Gate. She’d gone to bed early the night before, and woke up a few hours before dawn to make sure her traveling gear was ready. She was especially sure to bring her old notebook, with almost every page filled to the margins with knowledge she’d earned and recorded during her years at the Academy after receiving it as a gift from her grandfather for joining the Bards. Her father had left the Dove’s Landing defense contract on a table next to the door, and she’d tucked it away safely in her pack.

She stood with her grandfather now, wearing the same red coat and hat from the previous day, but otherwise dressed in fresh clothes. Her braid felt a little tighter in the back now, though Miss Lessa had done an admirable job of concealing her horns.

They made idle chatter while waiting for Master Dorrin, and he arrived not long after dawn, looking tired. “Up late, old friend?” Tale asked him, and received a heatless glare in return. Master Dorrin didn’t seem so mean when he talked to her grandfather, Saga noted.

“Aye. Just wanted to make sure I had everything for the trip. Never know what you’ll run into out there.”

Tale nodded, understanding, then gestured to Saga. “I hope you’ll forgive me, but I told her about your task.”

“You what!?” Master Dorrin’s glare was suddenly real, and he looked at Saga. “How much did you tell her!?”

“Relax, my friend. I simply explained that you’ll be leaving her at Dove’s Landing to investigate some bandits, and that she’ll be returning home without you.” Her grandfather hardly seemed bothered by Master Dorrin’s anger, and he’d likely expected it.

The other man closed his eyes, visibly composing himself with a deep breath. When he finally opened them, he’d returned to his usual dour mood. “I see. I suppose it can’t be helped, she would have found out eventually.”

“She’s standing right here.”

The two men paused, blinked and looked at her. Tale’s eyes danced in amusement, while Master Dorrin looked almost apologetic. Almost.

“Ah. So you are. My apologies, young lady. Yes, as your grandfather said, I’ll be moving on from Dove’s Landing after we arrive, though I’ll remain for a day or two in case you require assistance.”

Saga hesitated, then nodded. She didn’t think she’d need his help with trade negotiations, but she had long learned not to turn down help when offered. “Yes, Master. I appreciate the offer of assistance. If there’s anything I can do to help with your-”

“No!” His response was sharp, cutting her off before she could finish. He took a deep breath, calming himself once more - that man needs to watch his blood pressure - before continuing. “No thank you, Miss Vance. My task is much too dangerous to involve you, no offense. I can move quickly and quietly on my own, and I know exactly what I’m looking for.”

Saga stared at him for a moment, trying her best to replicate her mother’s stern expression. He met her gaze at first, but then eventually sighed. “That said…if I think of something you can do to help me, without endangering yourself or prolonging your trial, I will be sure to let you know.” She opened her mouth to reply, but he held up a finger to cut her off again. “But, I expect you to follow my orders on this matter. If I tell you to fight, you fight. If I tell you to run, you run. The trial is yours, and I’ll let you deal with the village however you see fit, but as soon as bandits become involved, I’m in command.” His raised finger turned into an extended hand. “Do we have a deal?”

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Saga’s heart skipped a beat. Is he…treating me like an equal? I mean, sure, he’s taking control, but he normally wouldn’t bother giving me the choice. What’s gotten into him? She realized she was just standing there, and nodded jerkily before shaking his hand. “Yes, Master. I agree to your terms. Thank you for your trust.”

He looked her in the eye for a moment before nodding, squeezing her hand in his, then letting go. Her grandfather, who’d been watching silently, made eye contact with his friend. Something unspoken passed between them, and she was struck with the notion that she’d passed some kind of test. Before she could ask what was going on, she heard a voice yell from within the gate.

“Saga!” It was Arty, waving to her from the back of a wagon at the head of a convoy of five or six such carts. The trio stepped off the road as the carts rolled by, and Arty nimbly leaped from his cart to approach them. Dapper made an appearance on her shoulder as he approached, waving a greeting at the young man. Arty smiled and waved to the beatweaver before looking at Saga. “I was able to finish the device thanks to your father. It works, as best as I can tell, though it’s probably not powerful enough to protect the entire convoy.” His gaze turned to the carts as they slowly rolled by.

“Anything is better than nothing,” Saga reminded him, a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “and I’m sure once this works you’ll have all the resources you need to improve it.” She squeezed the shoulder, then dropped her hand. He looked back at her and smiled nervously. “If you say so. Erm…may I ask a favor?”

“Of course.” She smiled, waiting.

“Could I…uhh…” He trailed off, his face red. She raised an eyebrow, confused, but before she could ask what had him so nervous, he let it out. “CouldIhaveakiss?”

She blinked. “What?”

“I mean, for good luck, you know, with the trip and all that…” He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, and she couldn’t help but think he looked like a puppy. She laughed, despite herself, then leaned in quickly to place a kiss on his cheek.

“Good luck with the trip and all that, Bartalan Fox.”

He stared at her, stunned, his hand on his cheek. It was as if he didn’t believe she’d actually do it. She laughed again, her eyes dancing, and gave him a light shove. “Go! You’ll miss the caravan.”

With her prodding, he finally recovered. He smiled brightly, waved, and turned. As he began to jog, she felt his Will flow out from him as he cast Haste. His version of the spell was more refined than hers, doing little more than rustling the clothing of those he passed, while hers had caused a minor windstorm when she ran at full speed. It took him only seconds to return to his wagon, and she watched him the entire way before looking back to the two men with her.

Master Dorrin’s face was carefully neutral, but her grandfather seemed on the verge of breaking into laughter. “Why do you tease that poor boy so?”

“I’m sorry?”

He actually laughed this time, and she couldn’t help but glare at him in confused frustration until he recovered enough to reply. “By the angels…you don’t even realize what you’re doing, do you?”

“Evidently not?”

“You know he fancies you, Saga. He has since you two were old enough to have such thoughts.” His face was full of mirth as he wiped tears from his eyes. “Why else would he ask you for a kiss before you two are separated for what will likely be at least several months?”

She frowned. It honestly hadn’t occurred to her that he might feel that way. They’d practically grown up together, and she considered him as much of a brother as Epic. Sure, she teased him now and then, but she didn’t think he actually felt that way. Him asking for a kiss hadn’t even shaken that view since a kiss on the cheek wasn’t an uncommon way for someone to wish someone else good fortune, but in retrospect it was obvious. She groaned loudly, burying her face in her hands, and this time even Master Dorrin smiled while Tale laughed again.

“I genuinely had no idea!”

“Miss Vance, you are incredibly astute when it comes to observing others, yet your awareness in this matter is astoundingly dense.”

“I…that…” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, counting to three. When she opened them again, they had finally regained their composure. Good. I’d hate to have to cause them harm. “Arty is a close friend, nothing more. If I’ve been acting otherwise towards him, there’s nothing for it than to clarify things next time I see him.

“Grandpapa, good day to you, and give my best to everyone at home. Master Dorrin, we’d best be heading out if we’re to make it to Dove’s Landing on time, don’t you think?” Without waiting for an answer, she turned on her heel and began to stride away, casting a Strider spell to lighten and slightly quicken her steps as she departed. She knew Master Dorrin wasn’t a mage; he’d have to work hard to catch up with her.

Serves him right!