Fire a warning shot.

“Ignis.” I said pointing my hand at the water. A fireball shot forth into the river. Far bigger then when I normally cast the spell but I was pissed. He and another drew their swords while two more put their hands on their swords. “I like my odds.”

“What is the meaning of this.” A voice said and I saw it was Aaron.

“This wizard threatened us.” One of them said.

“No. I never threatened anyone. He threatened to kill us then he called Selena a trow whore. I will gladly leave once she is allowed to pass.” I looked at Aaron.

“I suggest you men do as he says and let her pass.” Aaron said as he came over. He looked just as pissed as I was.

“You don't command us anymore old...” The fat one began to speak. Aaron took the sword out of one of their sheaths and knocked the sword out of the fat ones hand with a single movement before kicking him into the river.

“Not old enough I can't take the four of you.” He said pointing the sword at the other one who had already drew his sword. The guard dropped it and stepped back. Aaron turned back to the one trying to get out of the water in armor. He grabbed the mans breast plate but the collar and pulled him up and put a sword to his throat. “You. Apologize to the lady, find your general and tell him what happened here and beg for a transfer back to the castle because if I see you again I just might loose my temper and you don't want to see me angry.”

“Sorry my lady.” He nodded.

“As for the rest of you. This man is a personal close friend of my family and the girl is a friends of my daughters. Her father fought by my side. Died for this kingdom. If I here even one snide remark against her again you will find out how badly this old man will kick all of your asses.” He threw the sword down and nodded at me to follow and looked at Selena putting his arm around her. “We were wondering where you got off to.”

“The city, I don't know. I just appeared there.” She shrugged. I saw Aaron hold his side.

“Teleportation magic. Your father was pretty good at but he said it took him many years to master. He used to tell me about some of the weird places he would just appear at just by a random thought. Don't worry. Will get it figured out.”

“Never knew you were in the military.” I said.

“I was a captain till I took a sword through the gut. Best thing that ever happened to me.” He smiled over at me.

“A sword through the gut was the best thing that ever happened to you?” I laughed.

“Who do you think was the healer who tended my wounds when I awoke. I saw my Lily's face and fell in love instantly. I couldn't swing a sword anymore so the king named me forester of the Kingswood for my many years of service. Best job I ever had.”

“There you are. Thank the goddess.” Belladonna said as she saw Selena. I saw Lily was with her,

“She appeared in the city and managed to track me down this morning.” I said and gave Lily a look. She gave me a small nod. It wasn't like I could hide what really happened to her.

“How are you feeling?” Belladonna touched her face. It looked like she was back to her normal self.

“Much better. Everything passed at sunrise but I didn't get much sleep last night.” Selena shook her head.

“I will make you something.” Belladonna smiled and looked at me. “Thank you.”

“Surprised Artemis isn't with you two?” I looked at Lily.

“She and the princess are as thick as thieves those two. The king and queen treat her like a second daughter. She even has her own room at the cabin. They are both probably out hunting already knowing them.” Lily smiled.

“Think I will take there lead myself and head south away from this rabble.” I nodded.

“And I will go take some food and drink to the guards and ask them politely to be more considerate of others. You men and your ego's.” Lily shook her head at us and passed by. Aaron gave me a look. “I heard that dear.” Lily glanced back and he smiled and pat my shoulder. I headed south and got a little ways in when I saw my little fairy friend.

“Hello my friend.” I smiled. “How are you doing.” She made a noise and covered her ears. “Yeah. They can be a little loud.” We road for a ways when I heard the familiar sound of a bow string and the wish of an arrow.

“Shit.” I heard a females voice yell and the fairy flew up and hid.

“Language princess.” I heard a familiar voice say. Artemis. As I came over the small ridge I saw the princess was target practicing.

“Morning.” Artemis looked toward me.

“Hey. What are you doing here?” The princess waved.

“Hunting. You loose your royal guard?” I joked as I noticed no sign of her protector.

“Only for a second. I am sure Willow will find me pretty soon. She always does.” Artemis shook her head. “Willow is probably a better tracker then even you. We can never loss her for long no matter how many times we tried when we were younger.”

“So are we target practicing?” I said dismounted and tieing my horse lead onto a tree.

“I have never used a longbow but dad does so I wanted to impress him.” She shrugged.

“It's a daddies girl thing.” Artemis smiled.

“You do know I am holding a weapon and like you have any room to talk.” Princess Rose gave her a look.

“With the way your shooting I feel pretty safe.” Artemis teased. It was weird to see the princess act just like a regular girl. Nothing like I would expect for someone of noble blood.

“Let me see. Maybe I can help your highness.” I shrugged. She nodded and went through the steps and fired. She wasn't bad by any means and hit the target but was off center. She could maybe hit a deer but not necessarily kill it.

“Well?”

“You have great form but your just shooting to quick. This isn't a short bow. It has more draw strength then what you are used to is all which is throwing your shot off.” I said. “Nock your arrow. Hold the bow at eye level.” I smiled and she went through the steps. “Your stance is good. Keep your arms straight.” I touched her elbow and raised it a little. “Straighten your back.” I said putting it on the small her back. “Take a deep breath and draw.” I slid up behind her. I caught the scent of some flower in her hair and leaned in close to whisper in her ear. “Aim down the arrow where you want to hit. Take your time and focus on your shot.” She let the arrow fly and hit it dead on target.

“Yes. I did it.” She said as she turned and gave me a hug and then stepped back blushing a little. “Sorry.”

“It's quite alright your highness.” I smiled.

“Can you show me next?” Artemis gave a grin and raised her hand.

“You already know how to shoot a long bow.” Princess Rosalyn shook her head.

“He didn't know that.” Artemis shook her head and gave me a smile.

“Just keep practicing. Once you get the motion down you will be able to do it faster.”

“There you are.” I heard Captain Willow saw behind us. I didn't even here her approach.

“Told you.” Artemis gave me a smile.

“Captain Willow.”

“Heard you also had a dust up with the bridge guards.” The captain gave me a look.

“Sorry about that.”

“What did you do?” Princess Rosalyn put her hand on her hip.

“One called Selena a Trow whore.” I shrugged.

“Please tell me you killed the son of a bitch.” Artemis hoped up quickly.

“No but your father almost drowned him.”

“Your mother smoothed things over as she always does and the guard who insulted your friend is on his way back to the castle.” Captain Willow replied then looked at me. “Next time just show them the knife I gave you or carry the sword the king gave you.”

“Noted captain.”

“You know you have a fairy shadowing you?” She glanced up.

“Yeah. New friend of mine. She is shy around others but we get along great.”

“Hey little one.” Princess Rosalyn said and began to sing. It wasn't so much words as if she was humming. The fairy came down and responded.

“Now she is just showing off.” Artemis said as she got up and walked beside me.

“It is nice to meet you.” The princess smiled as the fairy landed on her hand.

The ladies headed back to the kings lodge and I headed south to do some hunting. Ran into an ass load of deer as a whole herd ran across the river. I managed to down two of them then drained them before continuing south just to explore a little. The river turned southeast and ran into flat terrain. The pine trees gave way to dense oak trees and moss. Other then a trail by the riverside their was no sign that any human had come this way. It was another two leagues before I saw anyone.

“Hello stranger.” A man smiled and waved. He was fishing with two boys by the river side.

“Good day.”

“Looks like you have had a good of day as us.” He smiled as he looked at my kills.

“So it seems.” I nodded. They had gotten an ass load of fish heading up river to spawn their eggs.

“Gladly trade you some fish for the smaller one. I love fish but you eat the same thing every day...”

“I understand trust me.” I nodded and hoped off. He gave me half of what they had caught which was a good amount.

“Want any coin to covered the difference?” He looked at the deer.

“No. This is plenty. Thank you.” I said as I pulled out a sack to put the fish in and tied them on. “Though directions back to crescent city would be nice. Never been out this way before.”

“Well just follow this road to the old fort at Ravens hill. From there head east and the road will take you straight to the city.”

“Thanks.” I said and shook his hand. His two boys waving. I found the fort well enough and crossed the river were a drawbridge once stood. This was no doubt from the Trow war. I had heard about the battle but from the look of the fort it was hard to believe we had one it and drove them back across the border after humans and eleves united. I soon found myself along the plains and heading for the city but cut north and road around till I found the goblin camp. It didn't take me to long to find the goblin elder and the truffle girl.

“Hello.” The old woman smiled.

“Hello orc slayer. You like goblin new home. Much better you think?” She said holding out her hand as if it was a manor house but it was far better then the shack I found them in.

“Yes. Here. I brought back your basket and some fish.” I said as I untied both.

“Thank you human. Yummy fishy.” She smiled taking the sack which she had to drag to her tent.

“Hey little one. How do you feel?” I smiled. She looked a little bruised from the whole ordeal but good otherwise.

“Good. I have more truffles. You buy.” She smiled as she went to a cloth she had made into a bag.

“Sure.” I said and pulled out two silver and handed it to her.

“Only two coins?” She pouted as she looked at it.

“They are worth more...” I began to say. “Never mind. Your right. Here.” I said and handed her more copper then she could hold.

“Thank you.” She said and ran to her tent. The old woman was dragging the sack along and handing out fish to each tent.

“Indeed. Nice to see some one who cares.” I turned to see Emerald.

“Emerald. What are you doing here?” I smiled at the voluptuous hobgoblin.

“I am half goblin and there are a lot of my people out here.” She gave a smile and a shrug.

“And many and more coming from the look of it.” I nodded to the tents they were putting up.

“Yes. I can take a few on as maids at my brothel. The catch is picking since I only can hire so many.” She shook her head.

“Time to open a second brothel I guess.” I teased.

“I am working on that actually. One of my competitors has recently retired to a plot of land six feet underground. A fitting retirement for him.” She smiled as if enjoying the thought. Not someone she liked it would seem. “His place now sits empty and his girls unemployed. It is larger and closer to the castle which means much richer clients.”

“Sounds like you are about to hit the big time.” I grinned. Her girls were lovely but the docks weren't the best location.

“Yes but I am a few gold short still. I might have to take out a loan but it wont take me long to pay it back.” She smiled.

“I could offer you some some.” I shrugged.

“I appreciate that dear but we are talking a sizable amount. I have persuaded the bank to hold it for me using my assets but I still need to raise ten hundred copper or at least put a substantial down payment on the place." She shook her head. It had to be one hell of a place but to be that close to the castle that might be cheap. That was about half of what I had in the bank.