Once the morning arrived, Traren opened as usual, served guests and took care of business downstairs. During the night, they had gathered up all the food, clothes, drink and equipment they thought they would need. The rest they had bought from a very paranoid shop owner, who seemed terrified of even talking to strangers. When they left, he loudly complained about the evil demons which had made her blood boil. On the way back, it was clear enough. Whether it was bad weather, cold, lack of business, illness or problems, demonkin were to blame, their kin cursed loudly, and especially vocally whenever an inquisitorial squad passed by. Approaching the northern gate, they found that the whole square close to the gate was lined with wagons, loaded with supplies and waiting soldiers. A few guards were scattered around the area and one of them approached.

“Just stay hidden Siah… We don’t want to attract any attention.”

In her mind, she could head the mindling yawn. A moment later, what amounted to snoring rung in her head.

“Your business here? Civilians?”

“No. We’re mercenaries hired to protect the convoy… A moment… Our papers are right here.” Siravin reached into his thick coat and pulled out the small folded sheets. The guard scrutinized them lazily and then shouted for the captain to assist him. A very gentle-looking man with a short brown beard, wearing a heavy set of chainmail and winter clothes approached them. Though he seemed gentle, he carried a massive two-handed sword that even seemed a few sizes too large.

“Sir. We’ve got some mercenaries here with papers.”

“Let me have a look.”

They waited anxiously for the captain to look through their papers. Eventually, he nodded and returned the papers.

“Okay, welcome aboard. I am Captain Kradden. During this journey to the imperial capital, you will obey my orders to the letter, and without question. Clear?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good answer. We’re received some reports of some mild weather coming in, so be prepared for mud. Then again, during the cold season, you can have ice one day, mud the next, so be flexible. The road will be scouted ahead of us, and we expect very few problems.”

The captain waved his hand and another battle-worn veteran approached. He was an older man but beneath a deceptively frail appearance they could almost smell his battle prowess. Armed with several axes and a large shield, Mariel thought he resembled the northern coastal raiders from the books she had read as a child.

“This is Ulwir, one of my best soldiers. He will be your direct superior and will take care to supervise you.”

“Don’t worry captain, these greenhorns are too stupid to be spies. I’d say the boy’s got the killer instincts… The girl… Why aren’t you at home?” He looked at her, and she took a tough stance.

“I’ve trained hard to be able to hold my own in combat, and my… Father thought this would be a good place to start.”

“Little missus… There won’t be any real combat. It’ll be a long, cold and boring journey, perhaps interrupted by a simple brigand.” The captain sighed. “But we can always use an extra pair of eyes anyway. I’ll take no responsibility if you’re killed however.”

“That’s okay.” She nodded.

“Well don’t just stand around… Board the cart over there and stash your gear. We’re moving out as soon as bureaucracy has hauled its lazy feathered ass over everything.”