While our camp had defined boundaries, with a dedicated perimeter maintained at all times, the bandits relied far more on camouflage. Their tents were all muted browns and greens, most covered in leaves or moss and attached to nearby trees. It was effective, and with the dense foliage, I suspected you could walk within a hundred feet and not notice the clearing.

The tent at the center stood out, three times the size of any other, with metal stakes driven into the ground and a stack of crates by one side. Reaching out, I detected wisps of mana rising off of both the tent and the containers. If I had to guess, the structure must be enchanted, likely costing a ridiculous sum of gold for a modicum of comfort.

Nobility might have a monopoly on mages, but not on comfort over practicality.

Stretching further, I scanned the entire camp, identifying sixteen total mana signatures. Fifteen felt around as powerful as an average person, almost too weak to sense. The last felt more potent, but as I looked closer, I realized it was actually two separate sources practically on top of one another. One let off waves of metal mana, likely an enchanted weapon or possibly armor. If I had to guess, that must be their leader.

So, fifteen subordinates and one leader, with a piece of enchanted equipment and likely more of those magical explosives. At full power, I could win, but it would be challenging. But if I held back to keep my identity secret, I would not stand a chance. Either I would be forced to use my magic or my full physical abilities, both as good as a smoke signal to those seeking me.

But why fight them by myself? After all, I had an entire camp of allies with a vested interest in stopping these raiders from attacking us again.

Walking back into the forest, I reached down and scooped up my prisoner, slinging him over my shoulder. Straightening up, I made my way through the wilderness towards our camp, careful to continue making markings on the trees I passed.

Soon enough, with the moon shining above my head, I pushed through the trees back into our camp. Turning, the traitorous Torem glared at me, raising his sword with a shout and rushing towards me.

"Hold! Identify yourself!" he shouted, raising his shield while glaring out from under a helmet. Belatedly, I realized with my hood up, he did not recognize me and pushed it back with one hand.

"It's me, Torem. Lower your weapon, if you would." I responded, dropping my prisoner to the ground as I met his eyes. The other three on watch ran back, weapons drawn as well, though they slowed when they saw it was me.

"What're you doing up this late? Your watch is not for another three hours," he muttered, weapon still raised. I ignored his question, turning to another of the men with a smile.

"Please, wake Darius and Prin. I would rather not explain twice, and I suspect they will want to ask my new friend here some questions regardless." I said, nudging the tied up man at my feet with one boot.

A wiry man who appeared just barely out of his teens raised an eyebrow, spear still in hand.

"Uhhh, okay? I'll be back in a few minutes," he said, confusion etched on his face as he jogged away.

If Torem was worried, he did an excellent job hiding it behind his stony-faced expression, though I did notice his eyes glance down to the bandit several times. For my part, I ignored them, crossing my arms and leaning against a nearby tree.

We did not have to wait long, and within five minutes, both Darius and Prin returned with the guard. Darius was already dressed in armor with his greatsword strapped to his back, while Prin was wearing the same traveling clothes I was used to seeing. In fact, I suspected he had been awake, likely going over the total losses from damages and calculating how much profit there was still to be made.

"What the hell are you thinking, Lucas? Do you have any idea how late it is? I have half a mind to toss you from this camp and leave you to find your way back." Prin hissed, a dark rage on his face. Darius did not say anything but certainly looked less than pleased, folding arms across his broad chest.

I bowed my head, responding, "Deepest apologies, my lord, but I found myself unable to sleep. A consequence of the excitement from last night, I think. Either way, I went for a short walk around camp and noticed someone skulking around. He did not look familiar, so I decided to keep an eye on him."

Their eyes dropped to the man at my feet, and Prin's faced changed, going from rage-filled to a more neutral expression.

"Who is he?" he asked, though I felt it was self-explanatory.

"A bandit. One of the ones that attacked us last night, I believe. I disabled him and had him guide me back to his camp, to do some scouting."

"Risky. If you had been caught, I doubt they'd have been thrilled to find you. They probably wouldn't kill you, but beating you half to death on the other hand..." Darius trailed off as he walked closer, kneeling by the tied-up man.

"I was confident I could remain undetected, and if they did find me well, I am a fast runner." I shrugged, not bothering to elaborate.

Prin raised his eyebrow at that but did not respond, glancing down to this nephew. Darius stood, turning to the same skinny guard that got them, saying, "Go back to my tent and into the medical supplies. There is a small glass vial with a purple liquid in the second compartment. Bring that back for me."

Nodding, the guard ran, and Darius turned back to me, asking, "Why was he hanging around here? Were they planning another attack tonight?"

"An excellent question, my lord, but I suspect Torem would be better equipped to answer," I replied, turning to the man.

Torem, for his part, kept his face schooled into a blank expression, scoffing and shaking his head.

"What is that meant to imply?" he said, a hint of anger flickering across his face.

"I felt it was obvious, but if you insist on dragging this out, I can oblige," I said, walking closer as I spoke.

When I was within a half-dozen feet, I stopped, continuing, "The spy I captured was not alone when he came here. No, he was meeting someone to discuss their plans. You can imagine my surprise when I found Torem speaking to the bandit. I missed most of their conversation, but what I did hear was damning enough. They were working together, with plans to pay Torem a sizeable sum of gold for his assistance."

His face shifted from shock to outrage, a scowl on his face as he retorted, "How dare you! I have been loyal to this caravan for years, but we have not known you for longer than a month! For all we know, you're the spy!"

Shrugging, I replied, "And yet you were curiously absent from your post during the attack while I was second to join the battle. Strange that you did not appear until after the fighting had ended. Tell me, did they pay you well to look the other way, or are you just pitiful at your job?"

Rage turned to hatred, but before he could refute my accusations, the other guard ran back up, vial in hand. Darius took it with a nod, kneeling again by the tied-up thief. Uncorking it, he poured it down the man's throat, waiting for several seconds.

Suddenly, with a gasp and a few racking coughs, the bandit's eyes flew open, darting around the clearing. He took several more deep breaths before looking up to Darius, who was still next to him.

"Wha-where am I?" he muttered, eyes closing again as he tried and failed to stand.

"The camp you attacked. But if it's all the same to you, I'll ask the questions. " Darius answered coldly, staring at him with practiced neutrality. Reaching down and grabbing a handful of his shirt, he turned the bandit to one side, pointing him towards Torem.

"You recognize this man?" he asked, squeezing his shoulder when he hesitated to respond. More telling was the brief moment his eyes widened when he saw Torem.

"I-ahh-no I don't," he answered unconvincingly, squirming under Darius' grip.

Gripping tighter, Darius said, "You answered quickly, and if I didn't know any better, you sounded a bit unsure about that. So, think carefully now, and answer honestly. Do you recognize him?"

Tears in his eyes, the bandit shouted, "O-okay! I'll talk if you let me go!"

Suddenly, Torem gave a shout, lunging forward toward me as he yelled, "Bastard!"

Ducking under his sword strike, I stepped back, drawing my dagger and spinning it. Anger was excellent for ruining proper technique, and Torem was no different despite his training. His strikes, typically crisp and efficient, became sloppy and wild as he struck at me in a blur.

In truth, I had come closer and pushed him, hoping he would lash out in a blind rage. What better way to confirm guilt than attacking the man levying accusations?

Roaring in a blind fury, he swung again, overextending in his rush to hit me. I stepped in, slicing my knife along his unprotected forearm, and he dropped his sword with a grunt before pivoting and lashing out with a shield. Rather than dodge, I braced myself for the impact, letting him throw me to the ground.

Rolling to diffuse the impact, I looked up just in time to see the other guards charge in, twisting his arms behind his back and pinning him. Torem still glared at me, struggling under his weight, but I knew he was now harmless.

Darius walked closer, holding out a hand to hoist me to my feet as he sighed, glancing down to Torem. Emotions danced across his face, too quick to place before he schooled his features into a neutral, controlled expression.

"You've been a friend for years, Torem, and I thought we treated you well. I'm sorry it came to this. Angry, yes, but more disappointed than anything else. You two, bring him to my tent and shackle him up. We can deal with him later." he ordered before turning to his uncle. Behind him, the former guard was carried away, kicking and struggling the entire time.

"But why attack us like this? What are those bandits thinking?" Prin asked, his brow furrowed.

I spoke up at this, responding, "I had a theory on that if you permit me to elaborate."

When he nodded, I continued, "My suspicion is that the bandits were working to delay our caravan and destroy property on someone else's orders. The bandit I captured mentioned a benefactor, and in their camp, I noticed a crate of bombs like the ones they used to escape. That, combined with the cost of their equipment, suggests someone with deep pockets is behind this."

Swearing, Prin nodded several times, turning to his nephew and jerking his head in one direction. The two of them walked out of earshot, speaking in hushed whispers. I could guess what they were discussing, at least if they had any common sense.

Trade to a brand new market was sure to be lucrative, and I suspected this was the first real chance most traders had to make contact with the Tinkerers. Prin would make a fortune, enough to catapult his caravan into another level of success. There were plenty who would have issues with that, specifically his competition.

Another merchant with similar aspirations, paying bandits to attack our caravan and delay it, made sense. If they could reach the south first, it could translate to hundreds or even thousands of gold pieces in profit. It did not take much thinking to conclude that there were plenty of rivals who go to such lengths. Of course, I had no idea who it was, but Prin likely had some inkling.

Someone cleared their throat, and I was broken from my musings, realizing Darius was standing a few feet away.

"I must thank you for your help, Lucas. If you had not caught Torem, there is no telling what could've happened."

I bowed my head, replying, "I was hired to do a job, and that is what I did. There is no need to thank me."

Nodding, Darius responded, "Nevertheless, we still owe you a debt of gratitude. However, I'm afraid I must ask you for one more thing."

I held up a hand, saying, "Of course I will help finish off our bandit problem. I am a part of this caravan, and I did make a promise to Julia to help keep us safe after all."

Darius chuckled, and he gave me another nod, commenting, "Glad to hear it, but don't let my uncle hear that you're making promises to his granddaughter. His favor only goes so far, and I think you're a few hundred away from getting permission to pursue her. Now, let's get the rest of the guards up and get them ready to go."