Dead Reckoning

Chapter 7: Into the Fray

The forest loomed ahead, dark and foreboding, with branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. Rory felt a strange mixture of fear and excitement swirl within her. The moon was a sliver in the sky, barely illuminating the path ahead. She tightened her grip on her sword, its dull blade a poor excuse for a weapon, and glanced over at Hadrien, who walked beside her, his armor clinking softly with every step.

"Are you sure about this?" Rory asked, half teasing, half serious. "You do realize that joining me in what is likely to be a spectacularly dumb idea could lead to your untimely demise, right?"

Hadrien chuckled, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ah, but think of the tales that will be told! 'Hadrien, the gallant knight, who bravely fought alongside a fair maiden against the fierce wolves of the Darkwood!' It's practically a ballad waiting to be sung."

"Or a cautionary tale," Rory shot back, a smirk playing at her lips. "Though I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have a knight in shining armor along for the ride, even if you are more of a knight in slightly tarnished aluminum."

Hadrien placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. "I'll have you know this armor is made of the finest Steelhold steel! Not a dent on it. Well, mostly." He grinned, and the warmth of his laughter wrapped around her, easing some of the tension.

Rory couldn't help but smile back. There was something undeniably charming about him, a blend of confidence and humor that made it difficult to keep her guard up. "So, what brings you to this delightful corner of the world, besides saving kittens and charming unsuspecting strangers?"

"Oh, you know," Hadrien replied with an exaggerated sigh, "the usual. An overly ambitious knight seeking glory and adventure, hoping to make a name for myself beyond the potato fields of Steelhold."

"Potatoes? Glory?" Rory raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How does one achieve glory in a land known for its spuds?"

"Ah, but there's a rich history behind those spuds!" Hadrien exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious. "Did you know that Steelhold's potatoes helped sustain the realm during the Great Famine? We turned the tide with a simple vegetable!"

Rory laughed, her earlier worries dissipating in the light of their banter. "I'm guessing you're not the only knight who thinks he's destined for greatness then."

"Destiny and knights often go hand in hand," Hadrien said, his voice dropping to a mock-serious tone. "It's practically in our contracts."

Rory rolled her eyes, amused. "I can see the fine print now: 'Must fight evil, save damsels, and ensure potato production remains steady.'"

"Exactly! If only I had read the contract more closely," he sighed dramatically. "But alas, here I am, without a name for my fair companion."

Rory smirked, knowing he was trying to get her to reveal her name. "Companion? Now you're just being generous. I'm more of a reluctant sidekick."

"Reluctant or not," Hadrien replied, flashing that disarming grin, "it would help to know the name of the brave soul standing beside me. After all, how can I protect you properly if I don't know your name?"

Rory hesitated, caught off guard by the genuine curiosity in his eyes. It felt odd to be seen as anything other than just another stranger. She could feel her resolve slipping. "Fine. It's Rory."

"Rory," he echoed, rolling the name on his tongue like it was a fine wine. "A strong name, fitting for a brave warrior. It suits you."

"Right," she said, slightly embarrassed. "Well, just remember that when we're being chased by wolves, you can call me 'hero' or 'savior' instead."