33 Caught up

As Riou reached the tavern's mess hall he noticed that most of the caravan men were already gone. Bronach and Herger were also already leaving. There wasn't much time to spare, so he ate calmly, but at a good pace, just like he learned during his meals with the men of the First Army. Then he went for the counter near the kitchen, close to where the owner was putting plates away in a bucket, probably to wash them later.

"I will be taking this for the trip" - exclaimed the boy grabbing two slices of yesterday's cooked meat from a plate and showing it to the owner. It was very cold but seemed good enough to consume.

The man nodded and waved acknowledging the boy's request.

Riou began to walk towards the exit that was on the opposite side of the counter and kitchen entrance, while nibbling on the food. 'It's cold, but it's not too bad… you can taste the of lack seasoning and salt even more when it's cold… but it's better than nothing'

As he walked, the boy threw the bag with his clothes on his back, holding it with one hand as the other held the food. Approaching while putting the meat in his mouth he noticed that the sun was quickly rising and the horizon had brightened significantly since a few moments ago. But something was strange. For all the men to be outside preparing the caravan to leave… it was too silent.

Outside, he saw Herger and Bronach moving at fast pace towards a group of people that immediately grabbed his attention. They were about 25 men and women, estimated the boy, all mounted on horses in a semi-circle near the caravan, clearly intending to prevent its movement. Herger's men were quiet, but clearly on edge, their hands seemed to be too close to their sword handles.

They were all very distinct when it came to clothing, but each wore a reinforced leather jacket for protection.

Looking at them Riou immediately related them to thugs from most RPG games. With their unkempt and missing hair or even completed shaved heads.

And aside from that, what most caught the boy's attention was the expression and air of malice that could be felt from them.

Everyone of them had weapons that varied from bows to swords, but none were drawn at the moment. And as Riou slowly approached the Caravan he noticed that all of them had some sort of leather strap tied on their arms, which seemed awfully familiar to the boy 'Where have I seen that before?' He thought while trying to understand the situation before him.

As Bronach and Herger finally reached the center of the group, the merchant's angered voice could be heard - "What is the meaning of this?"

"Are you the owner of this caravan?" - a strong woman's voice came from the middle of the group as one of the women began to approach him on top of her horse. Her hair was black and braided from the front to the back with a very short length. Her skin was toned by the sun and her clothes seemed a little better than the average garments of the other thugs. A long sword could be seen sheathed on her belt, the horse had bags and a couple of small daggers strapped to the saddle.

"Yes, I am. And who are you? What do you want with my caravan?" - questioned the Merchant beside Herger who watched the woman's every move.

"You see, we have no problem with your caravan… but it came to our attention that someone we are looking for is traveling with you, so we came all the way from Brigantium to check." - said the woman with a certain air of superiority looking at the Mercenary group.

"And who would that be?" Asked the Merchant already knowing the answer.

Riou briefly looked around and couldn't see the rogue. Not only her, Elias' group was strangely absent as well.

The woman jumped down from her horse and with a few steps walked past Herger and Bronach looking around - "A thief…" - she said pausing for a moment - "You see, we are also running a business. Someone stole from us and we are looking for repayment, wouldn't you do the same in our place?" - questioned the woman turning around to face them once again. "We are very easy to negotiate with, we accept coin, merchandise, work, and even blood." - smiled the woman.

With a heavy heart Bronach asked - "Does this thief have a name?"

"Victoria… or Viki to her friends." - said the smiling woman.

Bronach clearly expecting such answer "How much is the debt if you don't mind me asking?"

The woman shook her head "Not at all, it would be about 2000 coins."

The merchant and the mercenary leader opened their eyes wide in surprise.

"Now that we have established what we are looking for, would you be so kind and deliver the thief to us?" Asked the woman in a much more serious tone.

Bronach looked at Herger. The Mercenary leader looked at the mounted group as if analyzing their chances, and with a serious look just shook his head very briefly.

The merchant turned around and walked a couple steps with his hand on his nape, he stopped and stroked his beard once finally sighing - "Where is she?" - he asked to the mercenaries, which looked to the last carriage.

Suddenly Viki jumped out of the carriage and walked towards Bronach. Elias and his group came right after her from the carriage as well.

The woman smiled once again seeing the thief, and quickly looked at her group and signaled with the head. The group quickly began to spread out even more in an attempt to completely surround the caravan group.

Viki smiled to the merchant and nodded, understanding there were no choice but to surrender. The enemy were in greater numbers and had the advantage of being on horses. Even if they won, many would certainly die.

The rogue quickly turned towards the smiling woman - "And you know Bonnie, it was barely worth 50 coins, your group was asking for 500 coins." - said Viki looking at her.

The woman looked seriously at the rogue "It was the market price… nobody was forcing you to buy it, much less steal it. Now that it has come to that, the price went up slightly"

"Slightly? It's 10 times higher!" - exclaimed the rogue

Bonnie smiled once again mocking her - "You knew you would have to pay up eventually, nobody steals from the boss and goes unpunished. If you don't have the coin, you will come up with the equivalent in goods, work or… you can always sell your body… I'm sure the boys wouldn't mind someone like you." - she licked her lips looking at the concerned Viki in front of her.

Riou observed and listened to the interaction with attention, but away from the focus of everyone.

"Enough!" - said Elias walking in confidently towards Herger and Bronach while the rest of the Dracar Hunters stayed behind, clearly not so confident and much less eager to participate in any possible fight.

"If all it takes to settle this is 2000 coins I will gladly pay." - said the noble's son confidently in front of Bonnie.

Bronach brought his palm to his face while Herger sighed deeply looking into the sky. Bonnie finding it extremely funny began to look around the young man "I don't see 2000 coins with you, are you hiding it somewhere?"

"Don't be silly." - said the young noble turning towards the merchant. - "Please master Bronach, pay the woman so we can be on our way. Once we return home I will ask father to pay you back." - bonnie laughed heartedly while Bronach looked at Elias and shook his head bringing the boy near and whispering - "We don't have that kind of coin here boy, and these are not the kind of people who will accept collecting on a later date so be silent for your own good, before you end up killing us all."

Bonnie looked at her group and shouted - "We have a noble's son here boys, should we take him as well?" - the thugs smirked and laughed maliciously, the situation was clearly aggravating.

Riou had finished his breakfast at this point, and put his bag down. 'Elias will definitely complicate things' thought the boy after hearing the thug leader's remark.

Elias got away from Bronach and looked once again at the thug leader - "What do you say? Let us go unharmed now and when I'm back to Brigntium I will personally pay you 3000 coins"

Bonnie turned around, she looked at Viki's face briefly and continued to face Elias. She then walked towards him smiling. Noticing the noble would start to run his mouth again she quickly kicked him in the stomach taking him by surprise. He quickly fell down down in pain.

"Shut up!" - shouted the thug's leader, clearly the fun and games were over and everyone's hand suddenly went for their swords, everyone was ready to unsheathe their weapons. Riou knew if that happened many would die.

'Damn, I guess I have no choice now, can't stand aside anymore… I will have to go with magic on this one' thought the boy remembering films where criminals were depicted as guns blazing thugs.

Having an idea, Riou quickly looked down on the ground, searching for small rocks and stones while nobody paid attention to him.

Bonnie continued - "We tried to play nice, right boys? But since you want to negotiate so badly. I think we can take this noble here along with the thief, and maybe nobody dies" - said loudly the woman looking around - "... or… or we can fight, and the victor keeps all, the caravan, the girl and the noble, given that they survive of course." - smiled the woman leader while the thugs began to get restless and eager to attack.

From the corner, a loud boy's voice could suddenly be heard cutting down the momentum of everyone - "I have a counter proposition!"

The focus suddenly shifted to the boy who approached from the side, with something in hand.

When 3 of the thugs saw Riou approaching, they began to shout clearly afraid - "That's him Bonnie! That's the boy we told you about!"

Bonnie glanced at them with contempt, they were slum thugs, the lower rank of the gang, and they were often drunkards or mushroom addicts. Clearly to her, their word didn't count for much as she paid no attention to them. Looking back to the boy she continued.

"Is that so? Let me hear it boy." - said Bonnie clearly entertained.

Riou smiled and walked towards Bronach and Herger who looked very concerned with what the boy would say.

"What about you turn around and we forget this ever happened? We go, and you go, safe and sound." - said Riou looking to Herger and pointing to Elias on the ground. The mercenary quickly understood, grabbing the young noble and helping him to the back, returning shortly after.

Viki watched the boy and what caught her attention was how calm he was despite that situation.

The woman shook her head unable to understand that statement. Looking behind and laughing to her men she continue - "In case you haven't noticed, we have the upper hand here. Why would we leave empty handed?"

The enemy was laughing while Riou's party looked at him with strange expressions clearly not understanding or disapproving his attempt.

"I see, so you think that's not a good deal." - said the boy clearly showing he had more to say. He was now in the middle of both groups. In front were the thugs in a semi-circle on top of their horses, and in a line a few steps behind him were the mercenaries in front of the carriages.

Bonnie smiled once again "Do you have a better one perhaps?" - she said jokingly, mocking the boy.

Riou nodded "I do… how about, on top of that you also forget this scam altogether?"

Bonnie looked back to the group with a face that couldn't believe her ears, as the whole group began to laugh even louder… except 3 of them that began to slowly back up, taking even more distance from the boy.

Bronach looked at Riou and whispered concerned - "What are you doing boy? Are you crazy?" - Riou just lifted his hand towards Bronach to make him stop.

Bonnie quickly turned back to Riou thinking it to be very funny. The boy was hoping she'd show any sign of compromise by now, that could take them to a more civilized resolution.

And by the looks of her eyes and her men's eager response on the mockery. It seemed clear to him that they ill intent would not change. A more direct approach was indeed necessary.

"I don't think you know how to negotiate boy, no one would take that deal either." - she said mockingly.

Riou nodded once again understanding her remark but clearly disagreeing with her.

"I don't know, I'd say it is a pretty good trade if you ask me, but I think I can make you see that as well." - he took 5 stones from the left hand and put them on his right palm.

"What is that?" - said the leader of the thugs looking, without believing her eyes, she who expected some kind of valued item, saw just regular stones in the boy's hand. She turned back to her men and continued -

"Can you believe an idiot like this exists?" - she said turning back to Riou

"What you gonna do with those petty stones boy? Throw them at us? You think that will be enough to scare us off?" - she continued laughing at the boy.

Riou just calmly smiled at the entertained thug leader.

"Let me know if you change your mind." - the moment he finished his sentence the stones began to float and move, up and down or from side to side within his palm.

Bonnie looked mildly impressed by the magic display - "Ho, so what? You are a mage's apprentice? Even if you set those stones on fire before throwing them, still they will do no harm" - said the thug's leader mocking the boy once again - "Go ahead, do your worst!" - she said almost laughing.

Without another word the 5 stones on his hand disappeared without trace. It was so fast that even Bonnie didn't realize they had vanished.

And as nothing happened right after, the thugs leader opened her arms - "Was that it?" - the mocking tone continued.

It was only a moment later that she heard 5 distinct sounds of something heavy hitting the ground. Looking back she saw 5 of her thugs laying down beside their horses. With a quick glance one could see that their heads had an open hole through and through right between the eyes. The victims were dispersed amongst the thugs group.

The thugs looked at each other unable to understand what had happened and looked back to Bonnie waiting for an answer.

Bonnie quickly turned back towards Riou with wide eyes, clearly trying to make sense of what happened. She never knew about anyone that could do such a thing and she had fought some mages before, but the boy performed no chanting, no words… nothing.

Never in her wildest imagination had she thought that such a small boy would be capable of a thing she couldn't even explain.

Before she could regain her wits, Riou was ready with 5 more stones floating on his right hand.

Viki and the others looked astonished to the bodies in the ground as well, but the rogue quickly turned towards Riou looking to his necklace with a spark on her eyes 'So that's the power of the necklace ! No wonder he was so cautious… Now I see'

Riou was the first to break the silence - "Still not good enough?" - questioned Riou to the still confused thug leader. Before she could reply however, the stones vanished once again. Bonnie this time quickly tried to follow then, unsuccessfully. And as she looked behind once again she was just able to see another 5 of her thugs falling off their horses.

She looked back desperately and this time she quickly addressed the boy - "Stop it! Enough!" - she said after losing almost half of her men in a moment.

The thugs realized that the tables had turned, they no longer had the upper hand in the fight. She knew it was pointless to do anything else now. It was late, but she finally realized what the boy meant.

It was no negotiation from the beginning. She cursed her tongue and regretted not attacking right off the bat as they had the chance.

Riou looked towards Bronach who was in a mix of confusion and awe, he couldn't believe the boy was a mage

"I think I'm getting better at negotiations." - said Riou, the Merchant looked at him with a large grin in his face - "I'd say they just can't say no to you."

With their numbers greatly reduces, the thug leader stepped back. Noticing the movement, Riou continued - "So, do we have a deal?" - said the boy looking seriously to the woman who reluctantly nodded.

Bonnie looked at Viki with anger, she was the reason she lost so many men. She clearly would want revenge on the girl.

Riou noticing the animosity quickly added - "I'd forget about it if I were you, be warned that next time I see you, there will be no negotiations." - said the boy calmly. Bonnie clearly forced to comply slowly nodded and mounted her horse.

"Let's go!" she said kicking her horse, quickly riding back to Brigantium followed by the remaining forces that she had. They were fast and clearly dissatisfied.

Riou watched as they left, when suddenly a heavy hand smacked his back

"Boy! What was that? I knew something was off, but a mage?" - inquired the mercenary leader not believing his eyes with a joyous tone. - "I apologize, I completely misread you as a greenhorn."

Said Herger excited and finally turning to Bronach - "You hired this one for a bargain old man, a mage would charge 10 times higher!"

Bronach nodded relieved that the threat had gone - "Hah! Indeed, this boy is full of surprises!"

Riou smiled to them as he noticed another person approaching from behind. He turned towards it just to be suddenly hugged… He felt smooth skin and a sweet flower like scent that reminded him of lilies. Pressed against his chest, two very soft prominences that quickly grabbed his attention. A whisper followed the hug right to his ear - "Thank you." - Viki said open heartedly with a smile.

Riou was caught by surprise, he didn't need any thanks, nor did he intervene because of her. It was just the best approach to avoid unnecessary damage to the caravan and at the same time showing his worth as a mercenary.

Riou sighed, clearly defeated he hugged her back with one of his arms until she finally let go.

As she moved just a bit back to look at his face. With a grin and seductive eyes she continued in a playful tone - "What would you want me do to compensate you?" - she said as Riou noticed her hand inadvertently holding to his necklace pendant, without a concern or fear, clearly not trying to hide it.

The boy quickly tapped her hand once to release the necklace "You? I would not dare to ask for anything, as I'm certain you'd rob me blind at the first opportunity." - he said with a wry smile.

Viki laughed - "I may… or I may not…" - she said looking at him and then glancing to his necklace once again.

Riou nodded smiling - "I doubt it, you said so yourself, that old habits are hard to forget, right?" he said as he distanced a bit more from her.

Viki was clearly smiling as she shook her head while pouting at his remark.

The tension on everyone else finally dispersed with Herger breaking the silence once again with a potent shout - "Wake up you lazy bunch! We still have a road to take and we lost too much time already! Pack up we are moving!"

Herger turned to Riou once again "Hey boy, the thugs left their horses behind, do you want one?" - said Herger clearly promoting the boy to a full fledged mercenary. Riou thought about it for a moment and looked behind to the Dracar Hunters, especially Elias who seemed awfully quiet, the noble was sitting down near the carriage with a hand on his stomach surrounded by his group.

"I'm not very fond of riding… and if you don't mind, I will continue inside the carriage, but you can give the horses to the others." - he said pointing to Elias group.

Herger grinned - "I had thought of that as well, but so you know we will keep the extra horses, so if you change your mind let me know." - said the mercenary leader.

"Hey Greenhorns, it's your lucky day! You will ride with us now, prepare your horses!" Shouted once again the mercenary leader to the surprise of the Dracar Hunters. Especially Elias who once again had sparks of excitement on his eyes.

Riou smiled at the scene. Elias was still a complete fool, but Riou could not help but sympathize with him at some level. Many times, he also fantasized about the life of an adventurer, dreams of excitement and a new world to explore. But now that it had happened to him, the reality of it was far from what he dreamt of. Even so, he couldn't say he was not having some fun every now and then with it.

--------------------------

A sinister presence comes in a dark room only lit by a couple of candles. A knight was sitting down on his desk as if to waiting for a visit.

"My Lord Roderick" - said Albert, the knight's personal servant as he entered the room.

The knight waited eagerly for the next words.

"It has arrived my lord." - continued Albert approaching the knight and delivering a vial tightly sealed.

The knight carefully took it in his hands - "Such a high price for such a small recipient."

"Shall we give the order to proceed my lord?" - questioned Albert.

"Not right away… the king is too cautious around me or my men and we will need someone to take the blame. That's why we will act as soon as Bhalrom arrives at the King's castle… send the word to the agents." - answered the knight without taking his eyes off the vial.

Turning towards Albert, the knight gave the vial back. - "Now go, you know what to do."

----------------------------- A couple weeks down the road

After a few weeks on the road, the caravan had finally arrived at the first Northern city without incident.

The merchant spent a couple of days negotiating, selling and buying goods in the town and as the night approached once again they sought refuge in biggest city inn.

"I'm telling you, never in my life had I had such an easy trip like this one… not once I say, not once we have been attacked by wild beasts or those damn monsters" - said Bronach with a mug in his hand to another merchant that was coming from the next city going towards Allard.

"I sure hope to find such peace on the road… my caravan lost a couple of men on the way here from Gufa. The wargs were vicious during the night, be careful on your way to Thanes." - advised the merchant.

The inn's hall was full of people, merchants, warriors, mercenaries, soldiers and townsfolk. Very lively as there were some cord instruments played by musicians to set the ambience .

From the entrance suddenly 3 persons walked in and immediately gathered the attention of those nearby. They were looking around with interest, clearly searching for someone.

All three stopped searching as soon as they locked their gaze on the back of a boy with brown messy hair sitting on a chair at the counter beside a few young nobles.

The 3 quickly walked towards the boy.

Feeling uneasy, as if something approached from behind, Riou turned around. He saw Therese, Leona and Eileen approaching at a fast pace.

Despite the surprise, Riou quickly noticed that Therese and Leona were exactly as he first met them while Eileen had clearly seen better days. Her pristine training gear and leather armor was no more, she was now wearing on top of her clothes, a leather armor very similar to the one Leona was wearing, but clearly curried and torn, with many marks of fighting and was beat up. Her hair was also tied in a ponytail.

Riou at first glance could tell that Eileen clearly had been through a lot to get to that state. But despite the dirt, blood and torn clothes, the graceful and elegant Eileen remained untainted.

Noticing Riou seemed surprised, the group beside him turned as well.

A woman with azure eyes were the first to speak as the three stopped in front of the boy.

"Do you know them Riou?" - she said quickly leaning towards the boy and putting a hand on his shoulder for support while talking near his ear and looking at them with interest. She smiled after a moment looking at Eileen specifically.

Leona and Therese turned their heads towards Eileen at the same time, but the princess didn't move a muscle.

Riou nodded acknowledging the question without looking away from the three - "So… I guess the swords weren't enough" - Said the boy with a wry smile in his face. The people around them just watched the conversation silently but with much curiosity.

Therese laid a hand on the sword attached to her belt "I told you before that I have searched a long time for swords like this. And our parting terms were not the best… so I'd say no, these swords are not enough, and you can have them back if you will."

Said the Lioness with some asperity to her tone.

Riou looked at Therese, despite her tone, she seemed calmer than he'd expected her to be in this circumstance. Something was clearly amiss 'Therese is up to something' Thought the boy turning to Eileen.

"Could you introduce us." - said Eileen politely before he could say anything. The princess was still looking at the woman that was beside him with unusual interest.

Taking action once again, the woman barged in "I'm Viki, these bunch here are the notorious Dracar Hunters." - she said eagerly while pointing to the group with them on the counter. While pointing she tended to lean towards the boy even more, stretching her arm around him, making no attempt to avoid touching him. All this while paying attention to the blonde's reaction. Once done she locked eyes with the blonde. - "Pleased to meet you." - she said very politely and in a joyous tone.

Eileen just smiled back and waited for Riou.

The girls in the Dracar Hunter looked at each other with widened eyes watched by the guys who were not understanding why they had such a reaction.

"These are Eileen, Therese and Leona" - said Riou standing up - "Let's get a table, I imagine you didn't came here by chance, right?" - Therese nodded in agreement.

------------------------ Eileen Perspective

'It's him,' thought the princess as she saw the back of a boy with messy brown hair and cheap commoners white shirt sitting on a chair in a counter. By the speed of Therese and Leona's steps she knew they too were certain that they finally found him.

Didn't take long for him to turn in their direction. "I knew it was him" thought Eileen as a sense of accomplishment filled her, she was glad to finally have found him.

But before they could exchange words someone barged in.

"Do you know them Riou?" - said a woman with azure eyes and way too revealing clothes, awfully close and clingy to Riou.

Eileen felt something boiling up within her, immediately disliking the woman.

"Could you introduce us?" - said Eileen to Riou controlling herself to show none of the animosity she was feeling. Clearly the request was an attempt to subdue the curiosity to whom was that woman and why was she so close to him.

"I'm Viki, these bunch here are the notorious Dracar Hunters." - said the woman clearly rubbing her intimacy with Riou in, she deliberately leaned towards him, uncaring to which parts of her body touched him. Even daring to put her arm around him. "- Pleased to meet you." she said very politely and in a joyous tone.

Eileen smiled as she was gracefully subduing a strange urge to attack the woman.

"These are Eileen, Therese and Leona." - said Riou standing up - "Let's get a table, I imagine you didn't came here by chance, right?"

Eileen glanced towards Viki and nodded, politely giving her good bye. As they left the counter the princess smiled as she couldn't help or avoid this strange sense of victory she was feeling.

----------------

"Do you know who they were?" - Elias questioned the group who shook their heads.

"All I know is that the younger blonde girl was gorgeous." - said Isabel looking at Doris.

"The three were beautiful! Did you see their armor and weapons? They must be real adventurers." - said Mark looking at them. - "How do you think they met Riou?"

"I don't know, maybe they worked on some job together, like us that now know him as well. I told you, this trip will be good for our reputation." - replied Elias.

"Well, you didn't like him at first Elias, it was only after he saved you from the thugs that you began to treat him better." - said Doris mocking her friend.

They continued talking while Viki watched with attention from the distance the table were Riou went.

------------------------ At the table

The food was on the way while they waited at a more private table.

"So, what happened to you Eileen? And why are you here? I thought your father didn't allowed you to leave." - said Riou very curious to why she was so battered.

Leona smiled but kept quiet.

Riou noticing her reaction looked at Therese.

"It's been over a month since we suspected you were in this caravan. We followed your trail. Her father allowed her to come. She is now studying under me while we travel together, so I thought it would be wise to use the time to catch up for her training." - answered Therese nonchalantly.

"She was in charge of taking care of every beast, monster or bandit we found along the way." - added Leona smiling.

Riou could understood why she was in such state but something bothered him - "But we found nothing on the way here, not a single beast or monster." - said Riou

"Beasts and monsters have a very keen instinct. If you don't hide your presence in the plains, the majority of them are too cowardly to attack if they sense danger," - said Therese.

"So when you properly hide it and travel in small numbers, they will show up very frequently," - added Leona.

Riou nodded understanding, 'Must have been harsh for her.'

The food arrived, on the table was a plate with many pieces of boar meat still with the bones, some stinky cheese and bread on the side.

Riou remembered the custom Syldis have taught him and waited for Therese to start. While waiting he asked.

"About the swords, why do I have a feeling you have something else in mind? You could have melted these two and make whatever weapon you wanted" - said the boy.

Therese sighed and put the sword on the table.

"When I met Eileen and Syldis, they both depicted a picture of a boy that, despite having no place or belongings, was eager to choose poorly and give away valuable weapons to people he had barely met." - said Therese looking at the sword. "Then this boy says he can, with the help of the Great Magus, reproduce this metal once again." Therese change her focus to Riou. "Then we talked more and some questions began to rise… as why would the blacksmith call you "master", instead of the magus?" Riou looked at Eileen who remained quiet.

It was no secret, but she surely seemed to have talked a lot about him while traveling with Therese.

"A mere boy, which no one knows anything about... a very dangerous boy to say the least," - she continued taking a moment before continuing while Riou listened attentively.

"So I came to the conclusion that you simply don't see much value in this," - she said pointing to the sword. "Which can only mean you know how or where to get better ones."

Riou smiled. "Don't you think you are overestimating me too much?"

"It's a possibility," - replied the Lioness bluntly.

"Why do you need better weapons, if you are already considered one of the best fighters there is?"

Leona and Eileen looked to the side.

'Oh man, is this such a touchy subject?' thought Riou as Therese explained.

"There are barriers that skill and technique alone can't overcome. I need a weapon that can withstand his sword to be able to fight back."

Riou nodded, kinda understanding where she was going at - "His sword?" he questioned

Therese looked at her great sword "My clan leader, he is a very skillful warrior. And his sword, it can cut through anything, no one could ever win against him with that weapon"

"How did he get it?" Asked the boy with curiosity.

"One day he showed up with it, he said it was a gift, a reward for his superior skill" Said Therese clearly saddened by the lembrance.

Riou sighed - "Ok, I will be honest with you… I may know a thing or two about better weapons, but I don't have the materials, nor know where to find them… that's the truth. We are at square one again because I'd say Max is the safest bet to help you with this, as he knows a lot about minerals" Riou paused a moment before continuing "And there is another thing that is really bothering me"

Therese nodded with a faint smile, clearly agreeing with the boy's proposition and satisfied that she was right. He indeed could produce better weapons.

Riou looked down at the food getting cold in front of them.

"Do you guys always take this long to start eating?" He looked to the three.

"I must wait for master as she is stronger than me." Replied Leona while Eileen nodded.

Riou looked at Therese, - "So? What are you waiting for?"

"You" replied the lioness bluntly once again, as if it was no secret. Eileen seemed doubtful of that remark. Despite being more used to the thought that the boy was much stronger than she had previously imagined, but still in her mind he couldn't be stronger than Therese.

Riou got surprised "How can you be so certain?"

"It's just what my senses told me, also, you are not very good at concealing yourself, especially when angry." - said Therese as he remembered the first time they met.

Riou's head went down in defeat - "Fine, so it's my fault the food is getting cold." He said taking a piece of meat by the bone attached to it and putting in his plate. "I was just trying to be polite you know? And please, if you intend to travel with me, could you stop waiting this long? People will expect you to go first. It might pass the wrong idea or they might get angrier at me"

"No." - replied Therese while serving herself as well and followed by Leona and then Eileen. The princess smiled as she found the way Therese replied very funny.

Riou just sighed 'I knew it from the start… they are a very troublesome bunch to be with'

"I still have a contract with the merchant here, so I will have to stay with the caravan until Thanes, do you want to stay as well or…" - before Riou could continue the three nodded in agreement towards the boy before he could propose any other option.

He thought it would be polite to request permission for them to join.

After the meal was done Riou went towards Bronach and Herger while the three waited on the table.

"Hey old man, do you mind if we get 3 more for the road? Some friends of mine want to go to Thanes with me, but since I'm still under contract they will be tagging along, is that ok?" - questioned Riou

"If I don't have to pay for them, I see no problem with it, what do you say Herger?" - said the merchant looking at the mercenary seated near him

"I don't see any harm on it either, the boy can surely look after his friends if something happens." - replied unconcerned the mercenary leader.

Riou nodded in agreement and began his way back to the table. In the middle of the way, someone approached him.

"So, what's the deal with them?" - said Viki pointing to Eileen who clearly noticed the rogue talking to Riou.

Riou smiled to the rogue - "I'd say it's none of your business don't you think?"

Viki squinted her eyes and smiled back, - "Don't be like that, now that I thought we were getting along so well." - she said slithering to his side with a hand in his should to support as she approached his face.

Riou looked at her hand and at her once again, - "You are unexpectedly clingy today… I'd told you already, this necklace is worthless, so you can stop with these cheap tricks, they are not going to work."

Viki pouted at him, - "If it's worthless why don't you even let me hold it for a moment, so I can see it's magic?" - she said reaching for the necklace once again.

"Not going to happen." He quickly answered dismissing the conversation and dodging her attempt to grab the necklace. She look mad at Riou for a moment before glancing over the table once again to check if Eileen was watching.

"Well…" - she said while smiling at Riou, - "Maybe someday you will trust me enough to let me handle your belongings." - she once again slithered to his other side while looking at Eileen with a vile smile, she knew the blonde's eyes were watchful for her every movement since she began to interact with the boy again. Viki smiled as if she found it very entertaining, finally leaving and going back to her seat.

Getting back to the table Riou announced that all was set.

"Well, we will leave tomorrow morning so I will be going to my room and…" - Therese immediately stood up, followed by Leona and Eileen a moment after. Riou observed their action trying to figure out what they were doing.

Therese walked a few steps past him, - "Are you coming?"

Riou found her actions to be very strange, she was clearly up to something, again. He calmly stood up and began to walk towards his room followed by them.

Once they arrived, he opened the door and walked inside, Therese stepped in without reservations and glanced over the room as if measuring it and quickly turned back leaving the room.

Riou went to close the door, but he quickly noticed Leona and Eileen were still nearby, the wolf noticing his attempt to close the door moved to block it. Riou finding it very strange looked at Eileen for an answer, but the princess confused expression showed she as well had no clue.

Few moments later the inn staff showed up with Therese and without notice began to take beds from the next room, clearly intending to put them on Riou's room.

The boy looked without believing at the Lioness - "Do you all intend to sleep here as well?"

Therese nodded while observing the staff taking the beds from the other room, - "Yes, I can't take my eye off you, last time I did you vanished," - she said while watching the staff at work

"No, no, no," - said Riou quickly stepping out to talk with her while Leona took the opportunity to slip inside, she immediately began to push the chairs and furniture aside to make room for the extra bed. Noticing that Riou pointed at her and shook his finger from side to side - "Oh, come one now, there's no need for this."

"It's cheaper if we all use the same room, I don't see a problem with it," - answered Therese as the first bed was coming out of the next room.

"It's not a problem, it's just…" - Riou looked at Eileen as if pleading for help.

Eileen smiled thinking the situation was funny, she then stepped in the conversation - "What Riou means is just that in these lands it's a good practice that the women and men don't sleep together in the same room in an inn."

"But he is a boy, not a man" Said Therese logically analyzing the situation as Riou felt his pride taking a stab.

"Even so, it still counts" Added Eileen

"I didn't know of such custom." - answered the Lioness to the princess while pondering - "Very well, we will be on the next room then, you better not run again… I'm depending on you for that weapon," - said Therese ordering the staff members to put the bed back inside and going into the next room.

Riou thanked the princess who approached with a smile, - "You will learn how to handle the Lioness after spending some time with her," - said the princess stopping in front of Riou. "Now that I think of it, it's been awhile since we last spoke… seems like a long time has passed since then."

"I bet it has been difficult for you to handle Therese. Since I laid eyes on her I knew she would be hard to deal with… but on the other hand, I bet you have lots stories to tell. Perhaps tomorrow you can tell me some of them."

Eileen smiled, and pointed at Leona inside his room.

Riou looked behind and noticed that Leona had arranged the table and 3 chairs. She was clearly waiting for Eileen, Therese and himself in a very comfortable manner.

Therese left the other room. "It's all settled here, now I have some more questions for you," - and entered the boy's room once again.

Riou looked at Eileen once again who just smiled back at him. It was late but they clearly didn't intend to leave soon.