Agree with a fistbump

“You got it” you say extending your fist. Krest returns the gesture as his expression turns serious. The butterflies in your stomach subside as they are replaced with worry.

“I need you to heed my next words carefully.” The tone is his voice matches his expression as his words are now more hushed. “If anything happens to me… I need you to protect Petra.”

“Why are the two of you close?”

“Something like that. Her brother, an arch priest of their faith and I are more uh, much closer.” He says while interlacing his fingers. “If the orcs ever managed to…” he winces as he forces the words out. “If the orcs ever managed to steal her chastity I would never be able to look her brother in the eye again.”

“Is that why you n’ Bax have teamed up with a bronze than? A personal favor for her brother?”

“Yes exactly. As a cleric her offensive options are limited, so her safety falls to me. If it comes to it, I urge you to prioritize her life over Baxter’s or my own.”

You nod understandingly as the two of you sit in silence for some time. The gentle crackling of the fire fills the emptiness as you watch the road down the hill. You hear an owl begin to hoo in the distance. It’s hoos are unnatural and steady. You can count out 10 distinct calls before it falls silent.

“Wake Petra.” Krest says suddenly. “The orcs will be upon us in 10 minutes.” You pull your mace from the dirt as you hurry to Petra’s tent.

“Petra, wake up, their nearly here” you say in a hushed voice. You wait several moments before Petra appears, leaving the tent. You and Petra exchange a few words as you make up your way back to Krest.