Since they were no longer scouting ahead, they had little time to anticipate predators and no room to go around them. Which was perfectly fine with Cassidy. She was tearing through every deer, boar, and wolf that dared to leave the woods. Alera was fine with it too. She figured Cassidy was entitled to catharsis, especially when it kept everyone safe. The fury with which Cassidy did it though was a little intense, maybe terrifying. Alera was just glad she stood behind the girl and not in Cassidy’s eyeline.

Cassidy was taking down a whole pack now, or rather, scaring it off. She was very twitchy since the spiders and didn’t wait for these wolves to leap onto the road like the trip with Bertold. Her Perception must have gone up because she was able to notice the wolves hiding behind the bushes. They had no chance to use pack tactics on her. If she saw the underbrush move, she killed it. No more assuming it was just the wind. There were still more out there too but she could hear them withdrawing, searching for easier prey. Her hand dropped; the bow lowered. Her dogs looked up at her and whined. She’d been stealing all the action. They wanted to play too.

She’d run off the wolves but missed some killing shots. With a gesture of her hand, the dogs ran after the injured wolves, bringing them down. The difference in Tiers didn’t seem to make a difference; especially now that the wolves were injured. Cassidy turned to Alera wincing a little in consternation. “I’m sorry. I told you I’d help you learn to kill but I’ve been taking them all down myself.”

Alera shook her head vehemently. “No, no. I don’t mind waiting. You just keep venting your frustration.”

Cassidy frowned now. “I’m not frustrated.”

Alera looked at her, surprised. “You sure seem to be acting that way. You’ve killed everything you could lay your eyes on since those spiders.” She reached out. “I can understand wanting to vent after that.”

Cassidy looked away, rejecting the hand, eyes glancing over the bodies on the road. “Maybe I have been feeling a little bloodthirsty… Can you help me clean this up?”

Alera had learned to deal with all the blood and death by now. She made no comment about her healing arm and helped Cassidy drag the bodies off the road. They were heavier than expected. Cassidy collected her arrows but left the ones in the woods. They were wooden and she didn’t feel like hunting them down when her quiver was near full.

This had been going on for two days now and Alera didn’t see any sign of Cassidy slowing down. Maybe that self-aware apology would be a start but Alera doubted it. Cassidy was in her own headspace and took every attack head on. Only on the rarest occasion would she even allow her dogs to join in.

They continued walking past the blood strewn dirt and back onto the dusty road. Cassidy’s dogs running back to join them. The faithful Companions were uninjured.

The rest of the day was monotonous. No animals came out for Cassidy to kill and the two had run out of conversation topics long ago. They were still five days out and the trip was wearing on them both. Even Koda and Sugarbear seemed tired of this adventure.

It was a couple hours from dusk when the view finally changed. The dogs’ ears perked up and Cassidy was squinting in the distance. “Are those wagons?”

Alera tried to see for herself but all she could pick up on were the colorful clouds and forest silhouette.

Cassidy stretched out her legs and Alera was forced to chase after the taller woman. Sugarbear let out a “Woof.” But Cassidy silenced her quickly with a nudge mid-stride. She wanted every impression to be friendly and a barking dog the height of your hip was more intimidating than friendly.

They’d only just begun to move forward when torches were lit and a group headed their way. Apparently, they had someone with eyes as good as Cassidy’s, if not better. Cassidy slowed to a stroll and Alera bumped into her back, grumbling about speed changes without warning.

Cassidy was doing her best. She didn’t know the etiquette but she remembered Bertold and the knights, so she stopped and waited now that the larger group had noticed them. Alera had managed to catch herself before walking into Cassidy again and kept silent this time. She took a few steps to the side to see the floating flames come in this direction. It would take a couple minutes for the other party to arrive.

Cassidy whispered, unsure of how high their perception. “It’d be nice if this caravan lets us spend the night with them. Any luck and we could get some good information about the Southern City too. I uh...” She coughed a few times; it was too dark to see how red her cheeks were getting. “Didn’t have very many opportunities to learn about it up North.

Alera frowned. She’d come to expect Cassidy to know about everything and this new information was not promising. “It sounds like we should try to get along then. Let me do the talking. I tend to handle ‘Friendly’ better than you.”

Cassidy glared. “You don’t even know what questions to ask. Just hang around in case I make a blunder or something.”

Alera mumbled in disagreement but the other party was too close to continue this discussion.

Two men stopped once the firelight was close enough to touch Cassidy and Alera’s faces. Koda and Sugarbear hung in the shadows just below it. Another two men flanked the torchbearers with weapons casually within reach. All but the lead man had bows and daggers. He was dressed in softer clothes in a more colorful display than you’d find on any hunter in the woods. The others must be rangers like her, Cassidy thought.

The man without weapons took a small step forward to show initiative, but stay well in range of his armored guard. “Hello.” He smiled, the torch light bouncing off his face to give him a friendly glow. “I’m Sterling Paxon of the Paxon Trading Company.”

He didn’t introduce his companions so Cassidy mimicked him and took a small step forward. “Hi Paxon. My name is Cassidy and this is Alera.” After a brief hesitation she left out her dogs. These strangers didn’t need to know them.

He glanced over them both before reaching out his hand and she stepped forward to match his grip. “It’s nice to see such lovely ladies on the road but why’s there just the two of you?” She caught him glancing above her head, noticing her Tier.

Cassidy just smiled. “We parted with some friends half way here and are traveling to the Southern City. Is your caravan headed North?”

He gave a nod but said. “If your friends left you to head South on your own, they’d be no friends of mine. All of the monsters are well above your Tier. Why don’t you come join us for the night so I know you at least make it till morning?” There was something a little strained in that banter. He seemed more worried than anything else.

Cassidy guessed at Tier 1 they were hardly a threat and she welcomed the opportunity for an easy night. She and Alera agreed and let him lead the way. No one mentioned the two dogs trailing behind even as two of his guards went to pick up the rear.

They walked past several wagons loaded with boxes. Clumps of men and women were interspersed throughout, guarding the merchandise. After half a dozen wagons, they came across an open area where men and women had laid out chests and blankets at random, all surrounding a glowing fire that spread its warmth to the edges where Cassidy and Alera stood. The guards left to return to their station, putting them alone with Paxon as they watched the traders and waggoneers relax by the flames.

“Have you eaten?” Paxon looked at his guests. “Rylie has an excellent stew going.”

Cassidy didn’t question how he could have cooked something as time intensive as a stew when they’d been on the road--what she assumed was—all day. She just nodded her head and smiled. “That’s a very kind offer. Thank you.” Aera was staring at her like she’d grown horns and Cassidy was slightly offended. She knew how to be polite too!

Before they knew it, they were seated on rolls of blankets with bowls in their hands. One given for each dog as well. Paxon pulled another blanket roll over to sit with them and picked up a bowl himself. Cassidy noticed he failed to grab a spoon.

“You’ve been traveling awfully late in the day for safety.” Paxon looked to be barely older than herself, closer to Alera’s age. But he put off such a grandfatherly feeling, Cassidy had to check the sense of shame that seemed to pop up. As if she’d been caught misbehaving.

Instead she just responded. “We’ve been lucky so far.”

He frowned. “Luck doesn’t carry you very far. How much distance are you covering each day?”

She gave it a thought but had no idea how such things were measured. “Once its dawn, we’ll have just four days to go.”

“JUST four days?” His eyebrows crept up. “That’s a long time for two Tier 1’s to be on the open road.” Cassidy and Alera glanced at each other. He let out a huff as if something had been bothering him. “This is a working train. Everyone has their job, but I notice you have a flute there and probably some Skill. If you care to travel with us and play at night, I’m sure it’d be great for moral. Our wagons get us to the North in a week and after a few days we come back. It may add on to your trip but you’ll be a whole lot safer riding with us.”

Alera wanted to giggle at the thought of Cassidy accepting that offer. Giving up her freedom to sit in a wagon all day while others killed off the monsters. Not to mention throwing away a week of travel to make the trip three times as long just for a bit of safety. Nothing could be more out of character. Alera glanced at the girl sidelong to see Cassidy was having trouble coming up with words. Alera decided she’d take this one on. “That’s a very kind offer.” Her voice sweet and demure as she looked up at Paxon from under her long lashes. The giggle she was holding back translated itself into a light joy that lifted up her every word. “But we’ve already been on the road nearly a week and half. It’d be so frustrating to give it all up here.”

His face fell into a concerned frown at her words. Cassidy just let out a sigh of relief. He replied. “Then you’ve been trying your luck a long time. Four days may not seem like much but these woods have wolves and cougars that always watch the road.”

“And spiders.” Cassidy chimed in.

“What?” He spun his attention back to her.

“It’ll be three days now since we ran into a pack of them up North. If they weren’t so sensitive to Alera’s Sound, I don’t think we’d be here.”

“Most certainly not.” His eyes had hardened at the thought. He’d need to spread the word among his guard. Not all of them were prepared to face Tier 4 monsters but he looked back to the ladies. He’d offered his hospitality and he couldn’t just abandon them right away for work that could wait till tomorrow. He worked to turn his focus back to them as his mind was spinning between wondering how exactly they’d gotten this far and how to be a good host.

Alera picked up on the pause and went a few steps back, conversationally speaking. “I would love to play my flute for you though. It’s been awhile since I’ve had an audience larger than Cassidy.” She gave a small smile and Cassidy rolled her eyes when Paxon wasn’t looking.

He went back to smiling with her offer. “You know I think that would be a wonderful idea. This group could always use some entertainment.” He stood up and clapped his hands together in a forceful sound that pulled everyone’s attention to him. Addressing the group lounging by the fire, he raised his voice to be heard. “Our new friend Alera here is a bard and while she has declined to join us on our journey.” There were a few feigned sounds of disappointment. “She has offered to play for us tonight.” The group livened up at this. Stamping their feet and whistling before falling silent as Alera stepped forward.

Cassidy was curious. She had never heard Alera play before. They’d been too focus on planning how to stay alive and Alera had never offered her flute as a tactic. She sat back and poured her full attention on her travel partner as the woman raised her flute to her lips. Firelight dancing down its silver edge. The song started out a little slow. Ok, really slow by her standards, but she didn’t know what was expected of music in this world and then the last few notes caught her attention. It was Harry Potter. Alera was playing the theme song to Hedgewick’s on the flute! Just as Cassidy caught on, Alera switched it up. Her fingers sped up and the notes began to dance through the air. The breath, directed by her fingers, interweaving music from the instrument as it went out to join the listeners. Cassidy was captivated, as was everyone else. She wasn’t sure how long Alera played, but when the woman finally lowered her flute, she felt a profound sense of loss as if something was taken from her.

Cassidy dropped her hands down to her side to feel her dogs. Ground herself in their warm fur as her own breath caught back up with her and she pulled herself from the mystical sound to reality. A resounding clap broke out all around her and Alera gave a very dignified bow. Her cheeks red from the attention or from the exertion, Cassidy wasn’t sure.

Paxon leaned over to whisper as Alera was shaking off everyone’s thanks. “That’s not someone who should be traveling the road like this. She’s better suited for this train, where she can be protected.”

Cassidy kept a straight face. She didn’t respond as she continued to run her fingers through her dogs’ fur. Her mind racing back and forth through the problem that always presented itself. Alera was designed to be protected and treasured. Cassidy was not. How was she suppose to get her to the City? Paxon’s warnings worming its way into her ear and eating at her thoughts. Alera would be safer with the caravan even if they only had a few days left. There was no telling what could come next, when Cassidy might be a little too slow to cover herself and Alera at the same time. She couldn’t stand the thought of extending the trip, but they could split up. Alera had always wanted the safer option. She remembered the woman crying on her blanket in the grass, too overwhelmed to stand up and face reality. Maybe this was the best option for them both. They could always meet again when Alera made it back to the South… If she chose to that is.

Alera returned to them both delighted. Life lighting up her face even as the firelight turned the rest of her into a slim silhouette. Paxon clapped his hands in happiness. “That was quite the performance. I’ve never heard any songs like that! Where did you learn them?”

Cassidy looked at the dirt on her boots. They’d never talked about this. Whether or not they shared their origin. It didn’t seem to matter though as Alera avoided the question. “You really like it? It’s been my dream to set up shop in the South and teach music.”

He followed along with her. “Well with this talent, you’ll only need to play in a few key taverns to get the recognition needed for such a goal. In fact… I might know a few. I could write you some letters of recommendation but with all my work it could take a few days.”

She gave one of her small smiles at his tact but politely declined. “That’s alright. I think I’ve been on the road long enough. I look forward to meeting the city with Cassidy by my side.”

Now Cassidy found her place to speak up and leaned forward on her elbows, chin rest on her hands as if in thought. “You know Alera, this might be just what you need. I have no contacts in the city that would help you set up shop and I’m sure practicing with the caravan would help get your name out there where ever it stops.” Paxon looked over at her approvingly. Alera just looked hurt. She took the words as if a blow to the face.

“I thought we’d been doing fairly well together. I’ve helped clean up after all the fights, and held my watches!” She was remembering all the runs through the woods. Every fall and scrape. The blood from each monster splattering the ground or even her face. She’d stopped whining. She didn’t complain. Why would Cassidy want her gone?

“It’s just, I’ve forced you to be someone you’re not to follow me this far. I’m your friend. I’d rather see you shine. Like tonight.” Paxon had taken the role of spectator at this point as he watched the discussion between the two women.

“Someone I’m not? You made me someone more! I’ve always been able to play the flute, but now I’m not scared when the monsters come. Now I know how to take care of myself when things get rough. I don’t have to rely on everyone I meet anymore. You taught me that.” Alera opened her palms and stared into them as though imagining every bit of dirt and blood they’ve picked up in these past few weeks. “I can shine whenever I want. Now I don’t have to let adversity stop me from doing so.”

Cassidy was eyeing the woman, perplexed. She remembered what it was like at the beginning. She couldn’t imagine the road had really changed Alera that much. The woman still didn’t even know how to kill after all and maybe that was for the better. Cassidy felt she herself was already becoming to use to blood and murder as she thought back to those bandits. Without her cold fury their memory just made her feel sick inside. “Why don’t we think it over tonight. Paxon is offering a lot of help we’d never get elsewhere.”

“Then you’re thinking of staying with the caravan?”

That took Cassidy aback and she just blurted. “No.”

Alera’s eyes darkened and she walked away to find a place to sleep. There was enough room. She didn’t have to be anywhere near Cassidy.

Cassidy let out a sigh and rubbed her temples. She didn’t want to put the other woman through four more days of what she’d already assumed was a nightmare. Alera had her arm flayed for goodness sake! How could she want to risk anymore?

Paxon turned back to engage Cassidy. “You really do care for your friend.” He said with another warm smile.

Cassidy just looked back with a frown. “I’ve put in too much effort keeping her alive to throw it all away now.”

“Really?” He quirked an eyebrow. “I guess the trip hasn’t been entirely monster free.”

She didn’t bite his bait. She’d already warned him about the spiders. He knew they ran into trouble already. “I’ve been to the North with all its nobles and blood-feuds. What’s the South like? Can you give me any warnings?”

His eyes seemed to flicker in the light, drawing you in as the rest of his face went blank, expressionless. “Well the North has its nobles and knights. The South has its merchants and the merchants—” He paused to gesture at the figures in the dark. “—have their rangers.”

Cassidy frowned as she picked up on the distinction there. “So, the rangers belong to the merchants and not the city?”

“Oh no, no, no.” He was shaking his hands in front of himself as if to misdirect any infamy. “The rangers belong to the city but the city belongs to the merchants making the rangers property of the merchants.”

Cassidy really didn’t like the sound of that. “All rangers?”

He smiled again and his eyes held their friendly glow. “No. Just the ones that go into the Ranger Corp.” He took a slight pause to glance at her before continuing as if nothing happened. “And they only accept the best of the best.”

Cassidy went back to frowning. Was he insinuating something? There was no reason to insult her.

Paxon went back to enjoying the view of the fire. He could hear the hushed murmurs of his people all around them as they got ready to sleep. Cassidy and he were the last two sitting in conversation.

It had been a worry when his rangers spotted the two. Hospitality demanded nothing less than an evening of kindness for the lone travelers but they’d turned into a surprising reward. The woman Alera was a musician any Company would fight over. Really, she could have her pick of places to be and it sounded like her friend was doing all the encouraging he needed to have the flute player join his company. He could talk her into a more permanent position on the road.

Then there was the Tier 1 ranger Cassidy, he had written her off from the start. The more he was around her though, the more mysterious pieces started to fit into place. Like the two dogs. Those had to be Companions and no one raised those anymore, complaining about all the work it took, even though it was well worth the effort. But breaking your own bottlenecks was hard; forcing another creature to break its own was nearly impossible. Still, they made Tiers blur as they and their partners could take down much higher animals. He began to see their travel was less luck and more the monstrous power these two dogs brought their owner. She may be young but she’d grow quickly into someone powerful. His Skill Intuition was starting to dig at him. If her friend joined his company, he’d have a ringer for bringing Cassidy over too. Better to start making plans early than throw something together at the last minute.

Cassidy had been pondering in the silence. Neither the North nor the South sounded like places she wanted to be. Maybe she should just try to find an Alchemy apprenticeship. No more killing that way. No more bloody shirts and scarred armor. If she weren’t willing to admit she needed people in her life, she’d just stay at her house forever. Should she check into the smaller towns surrounding the cities? They could be more her speed. Less politics, noble or commercial.