“Once there was a bright little girl,

  Atop her head sat a big black hat,

  Sword in hand in green fields she twirled,

  Hunting down evil just like a cat,

  And in her time of need I came,

  To save her soul and my strength to lend,

  For what she sought was naught but fame,

  To simply find whom she called friend.

  Then in the dusk that soon appeared…”

  - Elaria Kastiane, Bard, “Ditty Of A Friend”

  She felt it tightening around her, the sweat dripping from her brow as she struggled in vain against the demon’s grasp. Her body grew hotter, her breathing more ragged. She tried to roar in fury but nothing escaped her throat. The wretched abomination, an amalgamation of the horrors she’d seen combined into one. Twisted sacks of flesh and blood hung like pimples on the side of the monster. Massive bony protrusions tore through the skin, unnaturally elongated and all too deadly. Tendril like claws sprouted out of its sides, the muscles practically bursting out of its own horrifically decayed flesh.

  Panting, she tried to free herself only to find that she had been further restrained. With one last desperate breath, she surrendered to the monster of her nightmares, allowing the tendrils to slowly envelop her fully. It was her loss, and there was nothing she could do. Awaiting the inevitable, she found herself strangely devoid of panic. Perhaps it was because she was somewhat aware that this was a nightmare. Not that it helped her avoid the intense feeling of discomfort that arose from anticipating death. She had been stabbed, torn into and broken before, none of those experiences were things she’d particularly want to relive.

  Li...v…

  She heard her mind call out. A garbled, almost incomprehensible mess. But the mote of willpower remained.

  Liv…

  Even in her dreams, she found herself surprised by her own spirit. Taking heed of its words, she came to one conclusion. Surrender was not an option, not even when the inevitable was right in front of her, nightmare or not. Pooling her remaining strength, she did the one thing she could think of to defeat the nightmare. Waking up.

  With a roar in her mind, she awoke. Her eyes wearily shoot open but alert nonetheless. Yet, the weight did not disappear, the pressure upon her only grew. Then her nose itched, really itched. She tried to scratch it but her arm felt pinned. Annoyed and worried, she mustered enough willpower to move her head and look down. The reason became all too obvious.

  A mop of black hair was brushing itself against her nose and cheek. Its owner haphazardly lay on top of her, the girl gripping onto her like a howler monkey gripping a tree trunk. Unlike the howler monkeys however, Lucinia was completely asleep and a fair bit heavier. Though Sophie did finally find an answer to a question that she had never even considered before. Do princess’s drool? The answer was a firm yes, judging by the moist spot that formed just above her chest.

  “Livy…” The traxian sleepily mumbled.

  A flicker of disappointment crossed Sophie’s mind. The words of encouragement she had found resolve from appeared to be nothing more than the dreamlike mutterings of the traxian. Then guilt soon followed as she remembered the separation that the girl had gone through with her attendant. She watched Lucinia travel through a plethora of different emotions. Pain, fear, doubt, joy, sorrow, confusion, and delight all rolled into one tiny being.

  Her own heart felt pain at the sight. Her own experiences had led her being thrown to the world head first, she could understand the weight likely weighing upon Lucinia’s soul. But that brought up another problem, with the traxian gripping her so firmly, she could barely breathe.

  Reluctantly, she tried prodding at the sleepy traxian. Unfortunately, all it earned her were several slaps to the nose, the girl unconsciously responding to the new stimuli.

  “Lucinia.” She wheezed.

  Like a child, she grabbed on a little tighter and treated Sophie like nothing more than a part of the bed. Further restrained, Sophie tried to blow onto the traxian’s face. All it did was make her bangs flutter a little, but that surprisingly seemed to do the trick.

  Letting out an incomprehensible mumble, a small slurp followed as Lucinia tried to remove the drool from her cheek. Her eyes then opened slowly, her half heartedly scanned around her, before landing upon Sophie’s.The traxian didn’t seem to be processing the sight at first, opting instead for a more physical approach and reaching forward to squeeze Sophie’s nose, much to her dismay.

  Only when Sophie sniffled from the sudden irritation did Lucinia’s eyes widen.

  “Uweh?” The traxian squeaked and recoiled.

  Sophie let out a gasp, finally able to fully intake air into her lungs once more.

  “You’re a bit of a heavy sleeper.” She croaked.

  “Hah?! You…” Lucinia growled before pausing.

  The two shared a look before reviewing their current situation. The traxian was currently straddling the elf, outraged and shocked in equal measure. Meanwhile Sophie just wanted to breathe.

  A small rustle drew their attention to the side and an equally sleepy Mila had awoken from their commotion. Even the inquisitor seemed mildly befuddled by the sight until she realized what she was seeing and her eyes widened with mild shock.

  No teasing or jokes emerged from her mouth, just a simple noise that surmised the situation quite well, “Oh.” Mila exclaimed.

  “She was suffocating me in my sleep.” Sophie explained.

  “I was not!” Lucinia protested indignantly.

  Sophie just shot her disbelieving glance before gently raising her leg to touch the traxian’s bum.

  Finally aware of her current position, the girl quickly jumped to the other side of the bed and away from her. Sophie gently massaged her chest and throat before belatedly sitting up and letting out a tired sigh. She groaned when she stretched her arms, her muscles aching from the pressure that they had been under.

  “I dreamed I was fighting a demon. Like the one back in the arena and… my other nightmares. It was holding me tightly, stopping me from moving. Felt oddly realistic.” Sophie chuckled softly, “Turn out Lady Lucinia is quite the hugger when she sleeps.”

  “Insolent little churl.” Lucinia hissed.

  Mila snickered a little before releasing a sigh of her own.

  “Whatever you two do on your own time is none of my concern. But speaking of time, what time is it?” The inquisitor asked.

  This set the trio off to look around the room. They hand’t really sorted through the logistics of everything before resting their weary head last night. Noticing that there wasn’t a proper clock on the walls, Sophie became the first to get out of bed and immediately regret it. She missed her slippers and immediately winced as her toes curled from touching the cold floorboards.

  She yawned when she reached the window to the room, only briefly flipping the curtain aside just to be blinded by the bright light from outside. It was a warm whitish yellow, at least that’s what she could make out with her eyelids still shut from sheer brightness.

  “Tis morning.” She pulled away from the accursed light and informed her companions.

  Tired grunts flew back in response and the trio slowly set about awakening for the day.

  Donning her adventurer leathers, Sophie allowed herself a small smile. Let’s just hope the rest of this trip goes well.

  The rest of the morning and afternoon went without much trouble. A brief reunion of all members of the convoy at the outskirts of Venelli before they set off once more. Then a hard day’s travelling trying to squeeze what distance they could before nightfall.

  Arnold’s group mostly mingled amongst themselves, though occasionally would answer a question or two that Elaria posed. Sophie and the others busied themselves with recounting their own experiences. Though what she found the most amusing was how Lucinia seemed to be avoiding looking at her or Mila, likely still stewing with a faint sense of embarrassment from the morning’s awakening. The templars and the inquisitors, including the orc warrior, carried on with their tasks dutifully, only occasionally trading hushed words that none of the others could hear.

  In terms of her travel experiences, Sophie was just relieved that everything seemed more or less normal. Though that tended to be the case within patrolled or civilized lands. The problems usually arose when they got closer to conflict zones or had to take paths less well travelled.

  She shuddered at the memory of the dwarven smuggling tunnels and the disaster it ended up being. But despite the horrors she faced, she did walk out with two curious things. Sophia’s existence, and a meeting with both an earth spirit and the voice of Morea. Caught in-between a war of dwarves and darkness, she was just relieved that both Aryana and her were able to walk away from that debacle relatively alive. Stars, I hope Ary’s fine right now. But my chest… It just feels uneasy whenever I think about her. Please be fine.

  “Ease up, eh? We’ll have plenty to worry about soon enough.” Elaria said as she ruffled Sophie’s hair.

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  “I know.” Sophie let out a soft murmur.

  “Hey, Soph.” Elaria clicked her tongue.

  “Worried about Aryana, are you?” Elaria queried with a cheeky grin.

  “How’d you know?” Sophie exclaimed, alarmed at how her thoughts were so easily unveiled.

  Elaria smirked and flicked her nose playfully before trapping her in a headlock. Sophie, trusting her sister, did not resist and allowed it to happen. Elaria toyed with her ponytail for a few moments before sighing and releasing her.

  “It’s written on your face, like this.” Elaria scrunched up her own face, turning into a far more wrinkled and almost duck-like version of herself.

  “Pfft.”

  “I’m serious!” Elaria scoffed before giggling, “Okay, maybe a bit exaggerated, but you get the idea.”

  “What? That I’m a thinking being?”

  “Doubtful.” Lucinia quipped from the end of the wagon.

  “Hey, I thought we were friends now.” Sophie jokingly protested.

  “Aye, aye. That’s why I have to call it like a see it.”

  “I-”

  “Haha, she’s got you there, Soph.” Elaria chuckled.

  Sophie whined but pushed it no more than that. Lucinia appeared to have satisfied her fill for a quick jab,. At least Sophie could hear it from the tone of her voice that she no longer meant such comments with malice or disdain. She was trying to joke, and Sophie could appreciate the effort.

  “Mental capacity aside, it’s mostly that you have this weird frown on your face. A little different than other times I’ve seen you frown. That’s how I know when you’re thinking about Ary.”

  Elaria mimed a more serious frown this time, but in Sophie’s eyes, it just looked like she needed to desperately rush to a restroom. Mortified that it was the expression she wore when thinking about Ary, she stared at Elaria desperately, hoping that her sister would reveal the deception. Elaria just stared back curiously, trying to ascertain her thoughts.

  Oh goddess, she’s serious, Sophie balked at the thought.

  She was saved from her despair by a whistling noise emerging from the front of the convoy. Everyone seemed to direct their attention forward. In the distance, Sophie could just about make out a small cloud of dust growing larger. Riders, she tensed up.

  Almost instantly, the convoy jumped into a defensive formation. Mila and Philippe’s mounts surged forward to join Runebound. The shield bearing orc rode up next to the Lily Knights while the two templars secured the rear flanks. Up ahead, Thulgrim pulled out and locked a dwarven crossbow onto the side of their wagon whilst Arnold and Gil maintained an equidistant defensive cover around their wargon. Beside her, Elaria rummaged through their pack and produced a short bow and an arrow with quivers that Sophie didn’t even know her sister had packed. The bard acknowledged her surprise with a smug little wink before handing it over to Raylani who swapped positions with her and letting her take the reins.

  Lucinia sheltered behind one of their supply bags and cautiously peaked over it in case arrows were shot their way. Sophie just kept her hand on the hilt of her sword and cursed her lack of ranged weapons training in comparison. Situations like this and I’m practically useless, damn.

  Barely a minute later and they could now see the riders in full. A squadron of about a dozen armored knights and a few men-at arms on horseback. The knights wore plate armor and purple-blue tabards with silver inlays. All of them had upon their chest a symbol of a stag’s head, likely the sigil of whatever lord or knight order that they served. The men-at-arms were wearing simple gambesons and wield a motley assortment of spears and pikes unlike the lances and swords that the knights carried.

  Arnold raised a hand in greetings to indicate their friendliness before forming a fist to signal the convoy to halt. The wagons jolted to a halt and everyone kept their hands on their weapons, ready for a scuffle. Sophie motioned for Lucinia to keep her head down, the traxian needed no extra encouragement.

  “Hail sir knights!” Arnold shouted.

  The armored riders slowly came to a halt in front of them. One of the knights, one bearing a cloaking alongside his gear, rode forward ahead of the others, the man lifting his helmet’s visor up to reveal himself to the convoy. He held up a gauntleted hand to indicate his own lack of hostile intent, the gesture relieving those in the wagons somewhat.

  “Hail travellers. Chevalier of Order of The Silver Stag, Capitaine Henri Fontaine, at your service.” The man spoke with a thick Gratian accent.

  “Arnold Rochsbach of the adventuring party Runebound and my colleagues.” He motioned towards the inquisitors.

  “Junior Inquisitor Philippe Roche, a pleasure capitaine.” Philippe mimicked the accent almost perfectly.

  “Inquisitor Lyudmila but currently seconded to the adventuring party The Lily Knights.” Mila stated while motioning to Sophie and the others.

  “Oh ho? Knight’s eh? An inspiring name for adventurers.” The capitaine chuckled, “Regardless. Travellers, I must ask that you disclose the name of your destination for you are getting closer to contested territoire. As such, for your safety and ours, please cooperate.” He finished with a stricter tone.

  In this, Arnold ceded the matter to the inquisitors. Honesty or deception, the choice was now up to them. Mila and Philippe shared a hushed whisper for a second. Philippe giving Mila a supportive nod.

  “We are bound for Monte Del Trisse. To act as both scouts for the church and the adventurers are to serve as our guards in lieu of more… provocative colors.” Mila answered the man.

  She wasn’t telling the truth, but Sophie couldn’t say she was lying either. Technically, there was a kernel of truth there. She did find it amusing that none of the others seemed to dispute the claim.

  Her words did cause a stir amongst the knights however. Upon hearing of their destination, a grave look overtook the capitaine’s face and he maneuvered back slightly to consult with his troops. The chevaliers were still friendly although a little more wary than before.

  “Execusez-moi, madamoiselle, to be certain, you and your group are bound for Monte Del Trisse?” The capitaine returned to ask.

  “That is correct.”

  “That would mean your next destination from here… the town of Etoile, non?” The man asked.

  Sophie watched as Mila’s face paled, the girl looking deeply unsettled.

  “That is part of the route, oui.” Philippe took over.

  For the first time on their trip together, Sophie saw Mila give a quick nod of appreciation to the junior inquisitor. And in turn, rather than tease her, he just solemnly nodded and titled his head backwards to indicate he would handle it. Without even protesting, Mila offered a small bow towards the chevaliers before pulling back.

  The inquisitor wore a dark look on her face when she passed by Sophie and the others. She offered only a simple phrase to explain everything. One that was easily understood by the rest.

  “Bad memories.” She whispered before simply remaining beside the wagon.

  None of them needed to question it. If Mila looked so bothered by the mention of the place, then they could surmize that it likely had to do with the last time she was here and the scars that experience left upon her. Like Saclia for me, Sophie mused. And Philippe knows, huh.

  “I see…” Philippe’s voice dragged her out of the mire that was her thoughts, “I will discuss this with the rest of them.” He saluted the chevalier.

  “See to it.” The man brusquely commanded, but made the effort to salute in return.

  Philippe and Arnold rode down to Sophie’s wagon, motioning for the templars and Mila to join them. It felt a little odd to be peering out from the side of the wagon at six mounted individuals, their forms towering over her crouched position. As usual, the moment the horses got too close to her, they would let out a neigh of displeasure at being in her presence.

  “What seems to be the matter?” Sophie asked once everyone was gathered.

  “Chevaliers want to escort us to the border. Don’t want non-military folk near the checkpoints. To ‘ensure our safety’ or so they say.” Philippe answered, “I obviously have no issue with it. But I do understand if it might… complicate plans.” He looked pointedly towards Arnold.

  The rogue smiled cheerily and shrugged, electing to not answer.

  “I mean, if it’s just escort duty I don’t see the problem. Just to the border, right? Not all the way.” Sophie queried.

  “Just the border.” He clarified.

  “That’s not the problem. The issue is that last time an armed force tried to approach, Annalise’s knights were less than welcoming. And if we arrive with a full military troop…” Mila growled.

  “Ah, I see. How irritating.” Philippe tutted.

  “Might even make us military targets.” Arnold chimed in.

  “Shit. Didn’t even think about that.” Philippe swore.

  “What does that mean?” Sophie asked, her curiosity and concern rising.

  “We’re a big enough group as is. If we travel with a military escort, the republicans might think there’s something worth stealing from her or that we’re high value targets. We are going to get closer to the frontlines and they’re not exactly static.” Arnold explained.

  His detailed explanation made sense to Sophie. But for Philippe and to an extent, Mila, it seemed to elicit some level of suspicion from the two church officials.

  “Although if they’re insisting, I don’t see much way out of this that’ll be anything other than needlessly difficult beyond just letting them follow us” He admitted.

  “What? So we don’t have a choice?” Sophie let out a disappointed click of her tongue.

  “Not really, no. This is a military occupation zone after all.” Philippe replied, a small smirk on his face, “I was mostly asking out of professional courtesy.”

  “Tsk.” Sophie accidentally uttered.

  A flicker of amusement passed Mila’s face at her open disdain of Philippe’s words. The junior inquisitor chose to ignore the gesture but didn’t meet her gaze.

  “So what’s the point of asking us?”

  “Mostly just to inform all of you.” He confessed.

  “But-”

  “Bah, Sophie, don’t worry. It’ll be fine.” Elaria unexpectedly interjected, stunning Sophie with a poke on the cheek.

  “Ela?”

  “Let them follow. Just tell them not to pick through our things or meddle in our affairs.” Elaira smiled sweetly as she turned to mostly speak to the others, “And if they do, well, we’re more than capable of figuring out a less gentle solution.”

  “The bard’s right.” Arnold added, “If the chevaliers are intent of tracking us, we’ll have to put up with it. Lest we want to cut a swathe through the countryside and I very much doubt that’d be the case.”

  “Bah, then why even bother with this meeting? Just let them come along then. Not like we have a choice.” Sophie rolled her eyes.

  The inquisitor grunted and spurred his horse back towards the soldiers. Arnold bid Sophie a good day and joined him. While Mila instructed the templars to take up new positions closer to Sophie’s wagon.

  “We’ll be happy to have you as our guides. Though we must stop in Etoile briefly to load up on some extra supplies.” Philippe announced for them.

  The chevalier looked pleased, the man giving his mustache a knowing twirl before speaking, “Excellent. I apologize for the inconvenience, but this is the warfront, so military affairs and all that.”

  “Of course, capitaine. It is not a problem for us.”

  “Allonz-y.” He barked a command to his own men and made a series of gestures to set up a formation. “Rolant, take the volunteers and ride ahead. Informez the commandant in Etoile.”

  “D’accord, capitaine.” One of the other chevaliers acknowledged.

  He then whistle and began riding, the men-at-arms taking that as their cue and joining the leaving chevalier. Four armored knights remained including the capitaine, the horsemen casually taking their place alongside Arnold without even asking. The rogue could only spare an apologetic glance at Sophie before he resumed his role as convoy leader.

  “Ready?” He called out.

  Sophie and the others nodded.

  “Alright. Let’s get moving. Lead the way, sir." Philippe spoke.

  The capitaine then whistled for the rest of his men to follow. And the journey could begin once more.