Escort the girls

Alex decides that his skills are best put toward safeguarding the granddaughters. Roderick takes him aside and slaps him on the back. “That’s my boy! You did exactly what I would have done at your age. I reckon you will have a fun few days, showing the lasses some of your fancy swordwork — and I’m not referring to the sword you carry at your side, of course!” He winks and laughs knowingly.

Alex looks at him in disbelief. “You promised Horglesby that we would treat them as if they were our sisters!”

Roderick shrugs. “And I meant it. You may not have a sister, but I do. A finer pair of titties you will not find this side of the River Xathastar! In fact, once we are done with this quest, I’ll take you to meet my sister, and you’ll see why I spent my formative years with my hand firmly wrapped around my pecker!”

Roderick takes Alex to the carriage and introduces him to his new charges. Tabitha is 20 years old and carries herself with an air of dignity. Cinda is the same age as Alex, and she seems more playful. They both have long, dark hair. Tabitha’s is straight and held by a band in the back. Cinda’s is more naturally curly, and it hangs loosely over her shoulders.

If the girls are frightened by their experiences of the past days, they hide it well.

Roderick takes Alex aside and says, “A word of advice: they don’t know you’ve only been a squire for a day. As far as they know, you’ve traveled the world, fought dragons, and charmed many a young maiden into surrendering her virginity to you in gratitude for your service to the king. As long as you act as if you know what you’re doing, you’ll have them eating out of your hand. For that matter, you can have them eating out of your lap!” He winks, knowingly.

Roderick finishes his preparations and gives his final instructions to Alex before mounting his horse and racing off to adventure. Alex turns and looks at the ladies, trying to decide how to handle this turn of events.