Recruit him.

Putting her empty glass of water down, she walked over to the corner table where the mercenary sat with an extra sway in her step. The man noticed her before she made it halfway, and while he noted the jiggle of her large breasts, and sway of her hips, he assessed all of her with his perceptive blue eyes. It was clear he was no slouch.

Watching and waiting, the man with short wild brown hair, didn't move an inch, his eyes, staring deep into hers. “I'm Teija Croft.” She smiled extending her hand. The man stared at her, but remained quiet. “I want to hire you.” She continued.

The man gestured to the seat across from his. “Tell me.” His voice came out, with an odd gravelly echo, caused by the mask.

“My father has called me home to claim my birthright. Brigands have run of the old roads however, and I could use some muscle to reach my goal, and secure my inheritance.” She smiled softly.

“You expect trouble with collecting your debt?” He asked, again showing his keen intelligence.

“I do, but only from the words he wrote, no details as to what might be wrong.” She nodded.

“I'm not cheap.” The man replied.

Teija lilted softly, and threw him a small purse.

The mercenary opened it, and looked inside. Satisfied, he tucked it away, and nodded. “Killian.”

“I have a stage coach waiting for us if your ready.” The busty brunette replied, pleased, as she stood up.

With a nod, the man rose up to his full six feet, and followed after her, surprisingly quiet, for such an armored individual. The two met with the stage coach that had delivered the letter to her, and boarded, settling in for a long trip. Since it was obvious Killian wasn't talkative, she simply rested in the comfy bench cushion. That however began to wear away as the hours grew longer, and the darkness deeper. Finally she relented, and laid down across it, and closed her eyes. The jostling made it difficult, but she was tired, and soon sleep found her.

Teija woke with a start, the sound of a gunshot echoing through the air. Killian had slipped off his bench, and grabbed the hilt of the sword at his hip. “Bandits.” He whispered. “We'll have to fight our way through.”