"Escorting my trade convoy through the Enchanted Woods."

Moving along with the convoy was actually quite relaxing as far as jobs went, there were only five carts in total, large though they may be, and all I needed to do so far was keep lookout. Nothing yet had prevented me from chatting with the folks I was escorting, the shield maidens and guardsmen among them helping me watch the forest path.

Before our departure I had inquired to Ming Zhao why she would choose to hire only a single person in protecting such a valuable convoy, and she had told me that another member of my guild had already been sent ahead to meet up with us, and that her caravan had competent guards of its own. She also informed me, with a wink, "There are stories of your numerous daring adventures that greatly swayed my decision as well."

I didn't like the sound of that one bit. The majority of my adventures, however successful they were, tended to end with me in some embarrassing state of undress, and a choice few, the juiciest stories around the guild, were the ones where I wound up completely naked.

Goddess, I hope she didn't mean those stories, and if she did, I at least hope they weren't told with too much detail.

Blushing again at the memories of such tales, I break off a small distance from the main trail to scan the deeper woods, and seeing only more nothing, return to the lead wagon to check back with my beauteous employer, Ming Zhao.

However, before I quite reach the vehicle, my belt gets snagged and removed by something I didn't see, I'm not especially worried about losing it since it's the kind of belt you wrap around your tunic, and wasn't holding any of my important gear, so I'm still armed, and instead of my trousers falling down like usual, my shirt simply slackens seductively around my shoulders.

The realization that we aren't alone hits all at once and snaps me to focus. I hoist my staff and shout loudly to the mercantile caravan in my charge, "To arms! We're being assailed by unknown and malicious creatures!"