Life Review Ch. 03

"So where do we go from here? Is there somewhere within our range we could go? The place we need to head to in the morning is northwest of here, maybe just under a days travel according to the grimoire," Cassidy patted the large black leather book in her lap.

"The nearest settlement to us now is Ft. Rolver, which guards the southern pass into the flatlands and the independent territories beyond. We were pretty close by when we met, actually. If we are already going west, we should be able to make our way south by southwest from wherever we are going tomorrow and make it to the fort by nightfall," Denza didn't look happy at the prospect.

"You would rather not go to a human settlement if you can help it, is that right?" Shawn asked.

"Yeah, pretty much. Let's just say free elves are a rarity anywhere in Imperial territory. Whatever trade that happens between the two nations is usually done by proxies, so we don't have to deal with each other. If I go there, it will be as your slave," Denza spat the last word.

Shawn stared into the fire for a long while before asking, "Do we have another option?"

"Not unless we part ways. I can live off the land and make it home faster alone, but I can't leave you. Physically, it makes me sick to even think about leaving you," She said miserably. Shawn didn't know if it was a trick of the light, but he could of sworn her ears actually drooped.

"There is a hall for the Expeditionary Guild at the fort, right? The Merchant's Guild too? Cassidy asked. "They are extra-governmental entities, so we all could get registered and deposit our money there, right?"

Denza nodded dejectedly.

Cassidy smirked at Shawn and drawled, "So how abouts' we go stir up a hornet's nest?"

"You just love causing trouble, don't you Cass?" Shawn returned her smirk.

"Only when they deserve it!" Cassidy's smirk turned into a toothy smile that made her beautiful face look predatory. "What better way to rile everyone up then show up and get a free Elf registered in a human city, and fulfil a contract no one has been able to do before?"

"And walk in with a chest full of gold," Shawn added. He got up and moved to sit by Denza, putting arm around her shoulder. "Isn't the fort where Cadder came from?"

Denza shifted herself to press into Shawn's side, only feeling slightly conflicted doing so, "That is most likely where Cadder came from, because I doubt he hiked for very long in full armor."

"So it's settled," Cassidy stood up and struck a regal pose, pointing off into the distance. "We bury Tricha, then we go cause a ruckus in Ft. Rolver!"

"Does she know she's pointing east?" Denza whispered, struggling to suppress a giggle.

Shawn winked conspiratorially, "Just let her have her moment."