Iron of the Innocent: Mistress of Agony (Vol 2)

Chapter 3: Fellowship

274 I.C.
Sacren
Solorn Kingdom
Solorn Province

The night air cooled and Dreydan was thankful he wore his warm cloak over his brown, leather armor. He put the hood up and pulled the garment closed as he waited. Hands was tethered in front of the inn, and he waited patiently for the mercenary. He thought about the ride home and decided the most direct route on the main road would be the quickest. No one knew he was leaving town outside of Melerin and Reasha. He doubted anyone would ask them.

The door of the inn opened and a few noisy locals preceded Bethahna. She closed the door behind her and walked over to him. Her form fitting, dark leather armor was clean and well kept. The lantern light reflected off its smooth surface. A shined metal, ornate clasp held her black cloak closed at the neck, and her damp, clean hair was free from any bonds, reaching her shoulders. Her wide leather, sword belt supported her two short swords and three daggers in their sheaths. She carried her shield on one arm and her big pack in the other.

"I thought you were going to wait for me in the common room," she said.

Dreydan shrugged slightly. "It's a nice night," he replied, "and Gelrick should have told you I was out here."

Bethahna set her pack and shield down, then looked around and took a deep breath. "I can't argue." She smiled softly and made eye contact with him. "Gelrick must have been in the kitchen. I didn't see him."

Dreydan nodded. "My mistake," he said. "All ready to go?"

"I am as soon as that stable boy brings my horse around," she answered looking him over. "Moving forward, if we make a decision on something we need to be clear that we will do as agreed."

Dreydan thought about it. "You are probably right."

Bethahna appeared to appreciate his response as she stepped closer to him. "Let's see this armor," she said.

Dreydan let go of his cloak and Bethahna began checking his buckles to make sure they were properly secured. "I do know how to put on armor," he said dryly.

Bethahna stopped and looked up at him. "Never have anyone check it?" she asked with a wry smile.

The soldier thought about it, then sighed softly, "Yes," he said turning serious. "Among my fellow soldiers we check each other."

"Well..." Bethahna said as she continued her inspection, "I'm a soldier too."

Dreydan looked surprised. "Oh? The Solorn army?"

Bethahna shook her head. "No," she said, "Check me." The woman turned so Dreydan could make sure her buckles and straps were appropriately fastened.

"What kingdom?" Dreydan asked as he inspected her armor.

"A long way from here," she said softly.

"You do have an accent." Dreydan commented.

"So do you," Bethahna pointed out.

Dreydan looked confused for a moment. Then he realized what she meant. "I suppose I would to someone from somewhere far away," he chuckled. Finished with his inspection he stepped back. "All done. You did a good job."

Bethahna turned and nodded in gratitude. "Thanks. You too."

The two heard the sounds of a horse's hooves as the stable boy brought Bethahna's horse around. "What a beautiful horse," Dreydan said admiring the animal. It was a large brown and white speckled horse, broad and strong. It was almost as tall as Hands.

Bethahna smiled. "Thank you. She was a surprise gift from Bartholomew. He is the man who owned the wagon that transported you to Vaxtin."

"I remember."