The Tale of Friedensberg

Chapter 7 - The Road Ahead

As Jade walked with her newfound companion, Ivory down a stone dirt path, Jade's stomach growled. The Wolgan turned to look at Jade in curiosity. "I guess it has been a few hours since I ate anything." Jade laughed nervously. "Shall we take a rest and have a lunch break Jade?" The Wolgan asked. "Yea I guess it would be wise. But what will you eat Ivory? Surely you need to hunt something." Jade sat down while speaking, pulling out her satchel full of food. "I will be fine. I hunted and ate shortly before we met. Besides, do you really still need that clothing on? You are no longer in the town." Jade knew Ivory was right. So with that, she removed the cloak and dress, revealing her black outfit she put on before coming into this realm. Ivory laid next to Jade, resting her head on her front legs. Jade reached into her satchel and grabbed a loaf of bread. While grabbing the loaf of bread, she hit something in the satchel that made a clank. 'Hm?' Jade opened the satchel wider and saw a large silver cannister, wrapped in leather. 'What's in here?' Jade lifted the cannister out of the satchel and screwed it open to find water. Ivory lifted her head and looked to Jade. "What's that?" Ivory questioned, looking at the cannister. "Apparently, the waitress that helped me before I left the tavern packed not just food but a water cannister." Jade replied. Ivory stood up and turned to face the cannister, then sniffed the air above it. 

"What's wrong Ivory?" Jade got a little concerned. "I wanted to be sure it was safe for you to drink." Ivory laid back down. "Is it?" Jade questioned. "Yes." Ivory laid her head back on her front paws. Jade was concerned that Ivory would think her drink would have been poisoned by the very person that helped her, but was relieved she has someone to look out for her. She then drank from the cannister. Not realizing how thirsty she was, she drank half of the water from it.  A sigh of relief and contentment left Jade's lips, and she closed the cannister back once more. After drinking, she began to consume the loaf of bread. While Jade ate, Ivory's ear twitched and her head raised, alert to faint sounds in the distance. Jade's gaze followed Ivory's intent expression, wondering what had caught her attention. Ivory stood and began to growl, and Jade knew something was wrong. Jade placed the half eaten bread back in the satchel. Not knowing what to expect, whether a predator or bandits, she kept her sights in the direction Ivory had her eyes fixated on. "Ivory," Jade whispered, "let's hide in the bushes behind us. Keep out of sight of who or whatever it may be, but still able to see them." Ivory nodded, moving behind the nearby bushes behind them, and Jade following behind. They kept low to the ground, peering through the small gaps between the leaves and branches of the bushes. Shortly after, two bandits came into view, one male and one female, laughing evilly and hauling what looked to be a large burlap sack, containing something heavy. It could be a number of things, jewelry, gold, precious items, or a dead animal of some kind.

One bandit, Grimgar Ironfist, a burly, battle-hardened bandit with a rugged, weathered face and a thick, black beard. His piercing brown eyes seem to bore into those he meets, and his scar above his left eyebrow tells a story of past battles. He wears a worn leather tunic, breeches, and a wide-brimmed hat, with a leather belt and pouch at his waist. His broad shoulders and muscular build intimidate those who cross his path. His skin is toned, showing that he spends a lot of time outside. The other bandit, Raven Blackwood, a lean, agile bandit with a mysterious, brooding presence. Her black hair is pulled back into a tight braid, revealing a sharp jawline and piercing green eyes that seem to gleam in the shadows. Her worn cloak and tunic are a deep, earthy brown, and her soft boots are silent on the forest floor. A silver earring glints in her left ear, and a scar above her right eyebrow hints at a past encounter with danger. Her very presence seems to command attention, and her quiet confidence is unnerving to those who encounter her. Jade and Ivory looked to each other, trying to think if interfering would be the better thing to do. 'Those bandits need to be stopped. It's bad enough that the poor have to struggle enough as is.' "Ivory," Jade whispers, "stay hidden here for now. I will confront them. If things should get out of hand, you can join in if you deem it necessary." Ivory nodded her head once, acknowledging. Even though Ivory didn't like that idea, she knew Jade could handle herself.