The Order of Dragonfire

Chapter 8

Thorn.

That was the name the two bandits had mentioned. Alex eyed the stranger cautiously with a slight step backwards. He didn't seem hostile, and by all accounts these people had just helped her. Even so, she was still ready to carry on fighting if need be.

"My friends have told me that they had a slight altercation with you. When they described your apparel and your... trophy," He looked down at the ring upon her finger "I immediately recognised the fine establishment you hail from. They would not have bothered you if they knew who you were, and it is no surprise you found them to be little trouble. We came at once to beg your forgiveness and offer compensation. It looks like we were just in time."

Despite his kind words, Thorn's slimy tone put Alex on edge. Maybe it was the stress from the rest of the day, the actions of his 'friends' or the way he was acting, but she knew better than to trust him. She also found it slightly disturbing that they had managed to track her down so quickly.

"I would have been fine on my own. You shouldn't have bothered."

"Of course. I'm sorry if I implied you wouldn't." Thorn said, bowing deeply. "Please, we just wish to be of service and to right the wrong done to you."

Alex still didn't trust him, but given the circumstances she needed help and this was almost too convenient. Besides, if she let him then they could go their separate ways, something she was all too eager to do.

"Fine. I need supplies and some light armour. Leather, if you have it. Get me that and you're forgiven."

Thorn smiled again, showing the large gaps between his stained teeth.

"Of course, my friend. Please, come with us, we shall see to it right away and ensure that you are well fed." He clapped her on the shoulder and a couple of burly individuals, other friends of his presumably, appeared to each side. She got the impression he didn't intend to give her much choice. But even so, she didn't see much reason not to go with them. There were over a dozen people in the crowd around her, plus she imagined more wouldn't be too far away. Even Alex would have trouble escaping that many, so if they wanted to harm her they would have no reason to take her elsewhere. Despite a hint of doubt gnawing at the back of her mind, she nodded and followed her new acquaintance.

"It's not often that we meet individuals from the great land of Mienola, and certainly not of your stature. What brings you here?" Thorn asked.

"A mission." Alex replied, not wanting to reveal too much. Although there would probably be no harm in it, she still didn't trust these people.

"Ah, naturally. And if I may, why would you be travelling without supplies? As I understand it you had a great abundance of them mere days ago, along with your armour. Why would you now ask us for some?"

The question irritated her and it wasn't helped by Thorn's exaggerated civility. She didn't like thinking about what had happened. She still didn't know who had taken it, but presumed it was the tribe that Thorn's group had defended her from. There was no reason to think he was responsible but she couldn't shake feeling that he already knew the answer to his question.

"I... lost it." She said, choosing her words carefully.

"If I may say so, misplacing so many items of such importance would require dreadful misfortune."

"It was stolen." She sighed, deciding to be honest. Perhaps she was just being distrustful after the incident with the other tribe. After all, she had no reason to distrust Thorn, besides not liking his tone. Then again, his friends had hardly treated her well when they first met a few days earlier.