Ricard puts Rosalind to good use

Ricard was the leader of their little group, however, that never quite satisfied him. They had nothing, no respect, no money, nothing in the village. They weren't good looking. They weren't born lucky like other people. At a young age it had often been just them. His 'friends' as they were often called were pathetic in their own right. They had no spine or drive for more. Not like he did.

Now though, things were different. They had Rosalind or rather they could become her. A beautiful, strong and well respected knight, who they could puppet to their leisure. Of course while his lackey's used Rosalind to have more pleasurable experiences, like drinking and basking in the town's praise, Ricard had other plans.

A few days ago a traveling merchant had stopped in the village. Everyone had looked at his wares, and of course some of them bought while some just browsed. Ricard had been eying any potential magical artifacts they could find, hoping for something useful. When he had found something, a special bracelet that would increase his strength. He had been ecstatic at first. He wasn't even thinking when he paid for it.

It turned out it was a sham, and when he demanded the money back the merchant feigned ignorance and made some wild claims about him not being worthy. Long story short he didn't get his money back and had been given a warning by the villagers. He had wanted to teach the fool a lesson at the time but everyone had been watching. Now though....it was time to get his money back....with interest.

So now Ricard, or rather Rosalind was patrolling the route to leave the village, waiting for the merchant to come. She was walking the road, pretending not to notice anything when she heard the carriage passing by. Of course she had dressed in a little more....informal wear for the occasion, were only her breast plate, gauntlets and boots. The rest of her clothes were more form fitting thick cloth that while it accented her curves, still offered some protection.

"Lady Rosalind, what a surprise." Merchant greeted as he glanced at the knight. "What are you doing here?" He questioned.

"Oh, I was just on patrol." Rosalind answered in her husky voice. "What about you? Are you headed to the capital?" She asked innocently.

"Why, yes I am." He answered. "I'm supposed to pick up a new shipment of supplies in a few days and I wanted to get there early." He told her.

"I see." Rosalind answered. "Pardon me for asking, but is the shipment urgent?" She innocently questioned.

"Yes it is milady. Why do you ask?"

"Oh dear, I'm afraid that I have to inform you that the main road has been closed." Rosalind told him. "There was some extra monster activity these past few days and a landslide occurred. The main road is blocked out." She warned him. "I had only just recently got word when I went further up. No carriages are able to pass." She told them.

"That's terrible news." The merchant exclaimed. "What am I supposed to do now?" He wondered.

"Don't worry sir, I'll have you know that I know an alternate route." She told him. "Allow me to escort you through so that you can return safe and sound to the city."

"Is it really necessary for you to do that?" The merchant questioned. "Shouldn't you be staying in the village?"

"Well....you see." Rosalind tried to appear bashful. "I wanted to apologize for Ricard's behavior. He's a friend of mine and I must admit he did overstep his bounds the other day. So consider this compensation for his behavior."

"Hmmph, forgive me for saying this but that guy is nothing more than a fool." The merchant told Rosalind. "He was arrogant expecting the trinket to work for him, but it only works for the pure hearted." He informed Rosalind. "On top of that, he lacks even the decency to come and apologize for himself." The merchant grumbled.

"Sir, I don't really appreciate what you are saying." Rosalind told him darkly. Her fists clenching tightly as her body was filled with rage. "I must inform you that that is my friend you are talking about." She added.

"My apologies. I should not have said so much." The Merchant told her. "If you want to accompany me then you may, but answer one question for me." He told her. "Did the arrogant fool really intend to apologize, or were you just lying for him?"

"Well you caught me. I lied. He would never agree to apologize." Rosalind answered.

"I thought as much. You are truly too good a friend to him." The merchant said.

"Yes, I've been told." Rosalind answered. "Now...let's get going. I'll make sure you're well taken care of and that everything is right once we're done." Rosalind said darkly as she climbed on to the carriage.

Soon she and the merchant were off, heading down a dark lonely dead end road. "Would you like some stew?" She offered. "It's a little spicy but it tastes great." She told him as she showed the kit of numbberry stew she had on hand.

"Hmm...it tastes strange."

"It's my special recipe." Rosalind smiled sadistically as they went on.