until they arrive

After a few painfully trying hours, a carriage comes within sight, heading in your direction. There appears to be only three guards, but you cannot be sure there aren't more. Slowly they advance as you ready an arrow, lighting the tip with flame.

As soon as they are in position you spring from your concealment, calling out for them to stop. "Hold!" you shout, aiming your bow for them to see. "Not one step further!"

"Hail, fair damsel," the leading mercenary begins. A rough looking man, obviously used to such danger. He wears a mesh of chain and a bascinet with no visor. No hair can be seen atop his head—likely due to the helm—but he has a thick stubble. "You aught put that down 'fore you get hurt."

"You aught do as I say, and none of you shall be harmed," you reply confidently. You've laid your trap well. They must think nothing of the dampness of the ground they step.

"One arrow for the three of us? Come now, lass—no need to make us stop you."

You suppose fame has its limits; if they knew who you were, they wouldn't be so brash. Instead, you have to rely on your intimidating figure—a figure more like to incite the opposite reaction to fear.

"Is the judge in there?" you ask. A moments hesitation gives you your answer. Three guards in total, and the judge himself; easy gathering.

"I've said nothing of the sort," the man replies.

"Than who is in the carriage?" you poke humoredly.

"It's..." he stumbles, "several cheeses."

"Cheeses?" you laugh.

"Aye, cheeses," he states with clear frustration.

"What types of cheeses warrant a carriage?" No reply comes. You can't help but laugh. "Cheeses," you say aloud. "I'm to believe cheeses."

"Now watch yourself, girl. I'll not be mocked."

You take a brief moment to compose yourself. "No, I didn't mean to mock you." You cannot help yourself. "But cheeses." Your laughing returns.

"I've had enough of this! Stand down, or else!"

"I'll give you two options as well," you reply. "You can resist, forcing me to light the turpentine you've all been standing in." They clearly now understand the danger they're in. "Or you can take double your wages to ensure my new captive gets to Everglan."

In truth, it is one choice, do as I bide or die, but your biding is more than fair. "Double our pay to cross this arse," he laughs. "Hey boys, that sound right with you?"

"More than right," answers the man behind him and to the left.

"Aye," the third responds.

"We have a deal," the lead man states. "I'll have your name to seal it."

"Morgan Hamilton," you proudly tell him.

"For truth?"

"Aye," you answer.

"You haven't any wings or scales," he laughs.

"Yep," you respond, dropping the arrow and putting the bow away. "Not a dragon," you sigh as you approach. Clearly the stories of your victory have already become exaggerated. "And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

"Gregori Large Hands," the front man says, displaying them for you. "This young one is Sam, and the ugly one back there is Stinky Tom." You're unsure whose the young one and whose the ugly one. All three seem to stink enough.

"A pleasure to meet you all," you lie. "I take it the judge is in there," you say, motioning towards the carriage.

"Aye," answers Gregori.

"I want him bound." The men do not move. Gregori motions his large hands, showing his empty palm. You suppress a sigh at their distrust, but you know they have little reason to trust you. You shuffle through your sack, making sure they cannot see what's inside. Pulling out one of the bags of gold you tell him, "this should suffice for now, I think." You toss the bag at him.

He measures the weight in his hand, clearly satisfied. "Alright boys—let's get him."

"Hands and feet," you order. "And gag him for now."

The men move to the entrance on the other side. You hear the bustling inside, and several curses from both the judge and Gregori.

"Stay still you bastard."

"Unhand me, you whoreson!"

"Leave him unharmed" you call to them, not really caring if they do.

"Oui! He bit me."

"Get me some cloth for his mouth."

"You craven degenerates!"

A few more curses are muffled as Gregori comes back around. "Gagged and bound," he tells you.

"Good," you answer. "I'll mostly be traveling in the carriage."

"As you wish, ma'am."

You nod respectfully. "I'm going in now. I'd like to continue towards Everglan as soon as you and your men are ready." You walk past Sam and Tom and step into the carriage, closing the door behind you.