A deal.

  Leoric’s words rattled around in Daegal’s head for a moment as he turned them over again and again, trying to pick them apart. There was always the chance that this was a ploy, something that could be used to lure him into a trap where the soldier’s held an advantage, even if it was only a perceived one. While this was something that could happen, Daegal had to think about the likelihood that it would happen and found the odds to be on the lower end.

  The man had a point. If he wished to avoid conflict with these soldiers, and many more in the future, he would have to find another path. He matched Leoric’s stare as much as he could before probing for more information.

  “What kind of deal?”

  Before Leoric could answer, Father Conrad interjected. “Have you lost your mind man? You don’t make deals with devils!”

  Leoric pointed a very stern finger at Father Conrad. “I do when the alternative means many deaths! What do you expect me to do in this situation? The way I see it, I only have two options here, and that is either leave, or make a deal. So, unless you have an idea that doesn’t involve the needless sacrifice of myself and the men under my command, I ask that you remain silent or be removed from this conversation entirely!”

  Conrad looked outraged, but he had no reply that would satisfy the captain’s demands. With order now restored, the conversation could continue. Leoric crossed his arms across his chest before delving into an explanation for Daegal’s question.

  “I was sent here to investigate and report back should there be anything of concern. Naturally, you fall very much into the category of things to be concerned about. I am duty bound to tell them of you, and despite what I may say about your seeming willingness to cooperate, they will send a larger group to attempt to either capture or kill you. My fear is that they will take such a rash action, and underestimate what they are up against as well. There is no illusion in my mind that you aren’t strong, strong enough that it would likely take a small army to deal with you. That is a strength that is feared but can also be respected if you use it right.”

  He continued. “So, the deal I have for you right now is that you make a show of strength and goodwill by coming with us of your own volition. The bishop, as well as my lord, the king, will likely wish to see you for themselves to determine if you can truly be trusted. You will likely face intense scrutiny and will have to travel many days to reach the city, but it is the best option to avoid conflict.”

  Daegal gave the offer serious consideration as he weighed all the potential ways it could go wrong against the best outcome. If he refused, then it was all but guaranteed that he would be hunted down relentlessly. He was just starting to make a life for himself, build a place where he belonged and didn’t have to be alone. To go back to solitude, and worse, likely have to abandon even his cave, would be too much to bear.

  His mind was already starting to lean toward accepting the deal, but before he could speak either way, a voice cut through the silence from behind him.

  “No, Daegal, you can’t go with them!” Fiora ran out from where she was hiding which only made Daegal worry as he still didn’t know their true intentions for her. “They won’t give you a chance to prove yourself! It’s too dangerous, even for you. Please, don’t go!”

  Daegal’s attention was now split between Fiora and the soldiers, worried that something might happen. The men made no moves nor said anything in reaction to her appearance, though Leoric did address Fiora’s accusation.

  “I am guessing you are Miss Fiora then? My lady, I understand you have some sort of... relationship, between you and Daegal here, and your concern is quite the positive mark for his character, but logically this is the only option for us all. There must be a show of trust in order to establish a rapport.”

  “And how do we know that you are worthy of our trust?” Fiora shot back at him. “You could just be saying whatever you think will allow you to easily get rid of Daegal!”

  “I must resent that accusation, my lady. As a knight and a noble I have a duty to keep my word whenever it is spoken, even to a being as... unique as your friend here. I readily admit, the church will be difficult to convince, but the king on the other hand, he may listen. Over the years I’ve had a few opportunities to speak with my lord, and a few more than that to be in his presence as he made rulings. He has always struck me as pragmatic individual. If you can convince him that you are not a threat and show that you can provide a benefit to the kingdom, he is likely to give you a chance.”

  “A ‘likely’ chance?” Fiora questioned with skepticism.

  “Is a likely chance to be given the opportunity to prove yourself not better than a guarantee that you will be hunted?” Leoric protested. “Make no mistake, if they come for your friend here then they will come for you too. You don’t strike me as evil in any way, and I feel it would be a waste of life to have you condemned to the pyre.”

  Before the back-and-forth argument could continue, Daegal finally managed to insert himself back into the conversation.

  “Fiora, please, stop. I appreciate that you are trying to protect me, even if it should be the other way around. Believe me, I’m considering all those possibilities that you’ve mentioned, and even though it’s scary, I think Leoric is right. I... I don’t want to be alone again, and I don’t want to force you to give up your home either. If they come for me, then that will become a reality, one that I do not think I will be able to bear. If this has even a small chance of avoiding that fate, then I will take it.”

  Fiora still looked distraught at the idea of Daegal going along with this, but she could not find it in her to deny his resolve. Leoric watched the two of them with great interest, observing the kind of person that Daegal was.

  “I can see why you decided to trust him,” Leoric stated. “If he is lying, then he’s doing a damn good job of it, but I feel inclined to believe otherwise. So, you’ve made up your mind?”

  Daegal took a breath to steady his nerves as he nodded. “Yes. I... I will go with you. I don’t want to fight you or run away anymore.”

  “Very well. If there is nothing you need to collect first, we can-”

  “I’m going too!” Fiora interrupted with a firm voice, drawing everyone’s attention and surprise.

  Daegal was stunned by her declaration but immediately moved to refute it. “Fiora, you can’t pos-”

  “NO!” But he was cut off by Emil who had thus far remained a quiet observer on the sideline. “No, you are not going anywhere little missy. I’ve dealt with your whims, I’ve dealt with your... friends, but I’m not about to let you trapse off to the city to throw yourself at the mercy of those who will punish you, or worse, kill you for supporting Daegal!”

  “If I don’t defend him, nobody else will! He needs my help, and I owe him this! Daegal saved your life, he saved me from slavers who would have sold me to God knows who. I won’t be able to sleep at night if I don’t do everything I can to help him.”

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Emil opened and closed his mouth several times as various frustrated and furious expressions crossed his face. Eventually the man growled and lashed his hands out. “God damn it all Fiora!”

  Father Conrad interjected at that. “Do not use God’s name in-”

  “Shut the fuck up Conrad! I’m talking to my daughter!” The priest was stunned into silence as Emil turned back to Fiora. “You are an insufferably stubborn woman Fiora! You ignore common sense, you ignore the safe path and instead choose to walk a trail of thorns, all because you believe it’s the right thing to do.”

  Emil let out a heavy sigh, his body slowly going slack as he did so. “You are so much like your mother that it hurts. She wouldn’t listen to reason either, always looking for the next adventure, dragging me around behind her even if I stumbled trying to keep up. It seems I’m getting dragged around again, because I’m not letting you run off on your own.”

  “Dad, you don’t have to-”

  “But I'm going to. I’m your father, it’s my job to protect you, and I’m going to do that no matter what. You are all I have left, and I love you too damn much to let you go through with this by yourself.”

  The two of them were at a loss for words after that. Fiora looked at her dad with surprise, but also heartfelt gratitude. Leoric filled the silence for them.

  “So, you two wish to join and provide your support for Daegal here?”

  The father daughter pair exchanged a brief look before Fiora answered. “Yes, we do.”

  Leoric sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “While I could argue the wisdom in such an action, I can facilitate it. If you would like to plead Daegal’s defense, you will be allowed to, and I’m sure I don’t need to stress the consequences should things not go the way you are likely planning.”

  “I’m aware,” Fiora answered confidently while her father was less certain but also affirmed as much.

  Leoric nodded. “Very well. We will allow you the opportunity to join us, but I must ask that you collect what you need to travel quickly. It is a weeklong journey by horse and cart, and there will be few stops along the way. A few of my soldiers will accompany you to ensure that nothing untoward is being planned.” He looked at Daegal next. “Do you have any needs that we should be aware of before we start on the trail?”

  “I, uhm, probably should eat something before we leave. I-It's because I need more than humans, and it’s been a few days since my last large meal.” He looked around for Randolf and saw his face in the crowd. “Randolf, might I buy a pig from you before I go?”

  The gruff man considered for a moment before waving his hand. “You don’t need to buy it; I’ll give you one as a good luck gift. You’ve helped me out a lot this past winter, so it’s the least I can do for you.”

  Daegal couldn’t help the small smile of gratitude and slight wag of his tail. He took up Randolf on the offer, though he received his own, larger escort of the remaining soldiers who followed him to ensure he didn’t try to escape. He wasn’t going to as he understood the consequences of such, but they were duty bound to make sure, even if many would have preferred to be anywhere else but in his presence.

  Even while he ate, they watched, making him feel self-conscious as the soldiers watched him with various levels of disgust or disbelief as he ate a whole cooked pig. He tried not to let their judgmental stares get to him, but he had a feeling that his appetite just made them more nervous than before. Once his meal was finished, he collected a few blankets and made sure that his fur cloak didn’t have any damage before going to meet up with Fiora and Emil at their house.

  Along the way to their house, he met with Eira who had been waiting nearby. She wanted to wish him luck on his journey, and to apologize for not being able to go herself. Her years coupled with the leg injury made traveling a difficult prospect. She expressed confidence in Fiora’s ability to defend him and promised to cook him a nice meal when he came back. Daegal thanked her for her words and then proceeded to find the father daughter duo.

  The pair in question had changed clothing since he had last seen them. They donned clothing that was sturdier, ready for the road as Emil had boots, thick pants, and a leather overcoat. Fiora had changed her dress out for one with darker colors, primarily black and brown, and a hood that draped over her shoulders. The two of them also had packed a rather large bag which likely contained supplies, spare clothing, and other necessities that they would need for the journey to the city and the subsequent stay that would likely be necessary.

  Fiora smiled and waved at him while adjusting the weight of her backpack. “Hello Daegal, are you ready to leave? We had to pack a lot in these bags, mostly because of my dad.” She shot her father an exasperated stare and he gave her an unamused one.

  “We have no idea what we will encounter on the road, and that’s not even taking into consideration the dangers we will face in the city. Make no mistake, Fiora, even if we succeed in defending Daegal’s character, there will be consequences.”

  She sighed. “Yeah, I figured as much. People just can’t, or maybe won’t, accept the truth even when it’s laid out in front of them. Anyway, are you ready, Daegal?”

  “Yes. I ate my fill and have some extra blankets for the trip. I should be fine until we reach this city. I’ve... never been anywhere else. I’m nervous, for more than one reason.”

  “Hey,” Fiora began in a soft voice, “you’ll be alright. My dad and I will be with you for every step of the way, and we will ensure that everybody will understand that you’re not a bad person.”

  Leoric rode up on his horse, looking over everyone and assessing their readiness. “Everybody seems to be prepared, but just to make sure, are you?”

  “Yes, lord Ashwood,” Emil answered. “We’re ready to leave.”

  “Very good. We have a cart that you can ride in, though I feel I must apologize as it is not a standard cart.”

  What he meant by that became clear as they all moved to the edge of town. They did bring a cart with them, but it also had a cage on top of it. The trio stared at it for a moment, not moving a step closer. Leoric stopped his horse in front of them, and he did look at least somewhat remorseful.

  “We came here under the assumption that we would be dealing with an animal, criminal mischief, or at the very worst an actual heretic. As a show of good faith, the door will not be locked at all.”

  “Well, that is... good to hear,” Emil replied diplomatically. Daegal and Fiora said nothing as they both had their own reservations regarding their transport.

  Daegal was a bit more confident about riding in the cart as he was quite certain he could rip through the structure of the transport with little issue. He decided to be brave for his two companions and entered first, though it took a lot of effort. The cage was built for humans, not for someone his size. After wriggling his way through the narrow door, he had to make sure he didn’t knock his horns on the bars, and ended up laying on his side, taking up nearly half of the cart for himself.

  Emil entered after Daegal had settled in place, but Fiora hesitated at the door of the cart. There was clear concern written on her features, and she was obviously breathing heavier than normal. Daegal could even hear her heart racing, and he eventually pieced together what was giving her such pause.

  She was remembering the slavers, the cage they threw her in, and nearly watching her father be decapitated by the monsters. It was all coming crashing down on her mind, rooting her in place out of fear. Daegal worried for her, but he also knew she needed reassurance right now. He adjusted his position so he could speak to her more closely.

  “Fiora, will you be alright?”

  She looked at Daegal, then the cage, then back to him again. “Yeah... yeah, I will be. I just... I need a second to collect myself.”

  He watched her, unsure, and tried to lighten the mood somewhat. “If it makes you feel any better, I can rip through the bottom of this cart in moments to make a new exit.”

  That got a chuckle out of Fiora, and a few nervous glances from the soldiers. “Yeah, it does actually. Thank you, Daegal.” With a deep breath, she stepped up and into the cage with the boys.

  True to his word, Leoric did not order the door locked and even allowed it to simply hang open. There was a general feeling of anxiety in the air from everyone involved in this situation, but they were ready to go. Leoric rode up to the front of the formation and called out to everyone.

  “Well, this is likely to be the most interesting ride home we’ve had to date, and an even more interesting welcome is to await us. To my men, do not panic or overreact as we now venture into uncharted territory. To our guests, I hope that we may all remain agreeable during our travels and that you will find success in your endeavors when we reach the city. Now, let us be off. We have a long road ahead of us.”

  With a crack of the reigns the convoy was spurred into motion. The clopping of horse hooves on the frosty dirt road marked the beginning of their weeklong journey, and everyone started it deep in thought. Considerations about what kind of reception they would receive upon reaching the capital were on the forefront of everyone’s mind. There was one thing for certain, though, and it was that they were in for an uphill battle all the way.