“I would not worry friend,” Alex said, “So long as we keep our wits about us, we can overcome a few lowly bandits,”James took a breath and pulled Scarlett onto his lap to hold her tight. “What would I do without you two?” he asked,“Well,” Alex said, “You’d be missing an arm,”“And a woman to call your own,” Scarlett smiled, “So probably dead or in prison by now,”James smiled and nodded his agreement. “So when shall we leave,” he asked Alex ,“We can leave in the morning, that is if you think you can arise early enough,”“We’ll be up,” James said, “I’ll be sad to leave such a soft bed behind though,”Scarlett agreed. Once their break was over they again went to the field until it was dark and Morrick called everyone in for the night. They had a feast celebrating their newest workers Franklyn and Ruby.“So where will you go now?” Jacob asked Alex ,“I’ve been told to visit the capitol of Thane,”“I do wish you well in your travels,” Jacob then handed him a sack that jingled as i

They started walking forward again leading them through the open countryside for hours. After reaching the top of a tall hill they spotted their friend walking below in an open prairie. Bayle was about to yell out to him, but James stopped her. “It seems he doesn’t want our company, let us follow but keep scarce,”They waited until Alex was a fair distance away before continuing. Since they knew his destination keeping pace was no concern. “So how did you two meet Alex ?” Bayle asked while climbing some boulders,“Well he and I met a little more than one year ago,” said James , “I stole everything he owned, yet he not only forgave me, but helped me pay my debts through labor,”“I met Alex and this fool in a forest, James was caught in one of my traps. After inviting them around my fire I was captured by knights and taken to prison for not paying proper taxes,”“Yes Alex and I worked for the coin in order to release her, she’s been a tag-a-long ever since,”“Tag-a-long?” Scarlett

Alex had dealt with this many times before and knew that Bayle would be just fine. She was a natural fighter and like many of Korryn’s warriors would cope with her actions.Alex , James and Scarlett gathered and locked the live bandits in the carriage and James climbed to the driver seat. Scarlett climbed next to him while Alex and Bayle held onto the back. “This might get a bit bumpy,” James shouted as he drove the carriage out of the grove. The many exposed roots and uneven terrain lifted and dropped the carriage over and over as though trying to shake its riders off. For a moment Bayle lost her grip and began to fall.Alex in a flash grabbed her by the back of her blouse long enough for her to get another grip. Bayle knew Alex was strong, it came with the territory of knighthood, but his grip was statuesque; unmovable. Once they were on the main road Alex let her go. The ride was now smooth and enjoyable as Bayle stared into the passing scenery. Her daze was short-lived how

Hours and many falls by Bayle later the two dressed and headed back to the farm. It was now beginning to darken on the horizon and they could easily smell the food Amber was preparing. After changing into some dryer clothes, they entered the cabin and sat down for prayer.Coltyn gave it and they then began to eat. The fifth plate which was laid for Scarlett sat untouched for a long while as they chatted about the day and the many bruises now covering Bayle.“Aren’t you already trained in swordplay?” Coltyn asked, “I’ve seen the rapier you carry,”“I am an adept fencer,” said Bayle, “But I would like to learn how to fight like Alex , become a warrior,”“How do you mean?” Alex asked,“I see you, and you are unstoppable, with sword, shield, fist, no matter the weapon you seem to be the best at it all. Without my sword I am defenseless,”“Fighting prowess comes from experience, I was not born a knight, I had to be molded into one,”“Then mold me.”Alex had not realized how serious she w

He led her around the many houses and buildings talking about the locations from memory. The two laughed as Scarlett enjoyed the glimpse into James ’s childhood. James stopped suddenly as they passed by three women on the street. They wore tattered rags and looked hungry. He turned to get a better look.“Do you know them?” Scarlett asked,“I do,”James caught up to them. “Yes?” asked the oldest, the mother of the other two. She was well wrinkled and seemed exhausted from living in poverty.“You wouldn’t know me, but I used to be a boy in this town long ago,”“Oh?” asked one of the daughters, “Which boy? We knew all of them and I don’t recognize you,”“My name is James , this is my wife Scarlett,”“We didn’t know any James , you must be mistaken,”“You wouldn’t know me, but I was a poor orphan, I feel rather embarrassed about admitting this, but I used to use your attic for refuge at night near fifteen years ago,”“We haven’t had a house for ten,” said the other daughter,“Ignore him