“You’re quick, use it to your advantage, and stop trying to match my attacks.” Declan called as he spun his broadsword in his hand, watching the Servicer panting, and gripping the short sword he had pulled from another hidden nook in the inn.

Arlen raised the sword in a beautiful arc towards Declan’s shoulder, hoping that when Declan would go to parry, he would leave his right side open for a blow from Arlen’s left fist.

Instead, Declan rushed him, not even bothering to raise his sword, but elbowing Arlen’s arm away lazily, and immediately striking towards Arlen’s face, but stopping before making actual contact.

“Be. Quicker. For a man, you’re slightly taller than average, but compared to some Beast Awares, you may was well be a child.” Arlen stepped back panting, but not complaining.

As Servicer, Arlen had been taught every breed’s anatomy, and various poisons in the event his Master or Mistress would require that skill. However, challenging a seasoned soldier- let alone a fighter from Magee, in direct combat was not something they had ever bothered training him to handle.

“What needs to be quicker? Legs? Arms?” The Servicer panted, circling back around to his starting position.

“Everything.”

Arlen’s studious expression faded away, and he raised an eyebrow at Declan in mock annoyance.

“That is not helpful to me.”

Declan, for the first time since Arlen had met him, smiled. He was having fun.

“You’ve picked the worst teacher in the whole North Kingdom!” A voice called out from behind Arlen, and when he swung around, he found himself staring at 2 Beast Awares and a… beast. A regular beast. It was shaped like a ball, its legs hidden under its fleshy round back, with prickly quills that were currently relaxed, and not pointing straight like they look like they could should the beast desire. The beast had a long snout, that ended with a ball of a black nose, and round black eyes on a soft furry face. Had it not been for the deadly spikes, it would’ve looked… cute.

The Beast Awares that had spoken, was walking towards them. He had large yellow orange eyes, two tusks, a snout, a barrel chest, and his leathery skin was a dark brown. He was covered in thick leather padding, with two swords strapped to his back, and a dagger at his side. He looked menacing even if he was actually shorter than Arlen.

“Tork! I am an excellent teacher, just ask any of my students.” Declan had the point of his sword digging into the ground, and was leaning on it with an even bigger smile than before.

“You don’t have any students, Declan.” The Beast Awares named Tork grunted at the man, not smiling at all as his floppy, leathery ears twitched, causing one of the small gold hoop earrings he was wearing, to glint in the sun.

“Well then I don’t have any bad reviews, do I!”

Tork moaned while looking at the sky.

“Alright, tell you what boy, you watch Delcan and I fight, and you tell me who you want to learn from.” Tork barely even looked at Arlen who was backing away from the menacing Beast Awares, not realizing that in doing so, he was standing beside Tork’s companion, who had remained silent through the whole exchange.

This Beast Awares had black eyes, was covered in long fur, stood easily at 7 feet tall (if not taller), and had a long floppy fleshy nose that resembled a trunk. It dangled down in front of its mouth, hiding any emotion that it might have shown.

Arlen admired the almost pale grey fur with its rare tint of purple, and noticed that this Beast Awares wasn’t armed at all, but carried two heavy satchels, and held the leash to the beast beside them.

“That there is Ora. She don’t talk, just like your mute brother. I had the pleasure of not talking to him last night when he brought us our ale.” Tork called over his shoulder as he unsheathed one of his swords. “Ora’s pet by the way, is Quib. Mind his pointy ends.”

Arlen nodded politely to Ora, who nodded in return. Then they turned both of their attentions to the two men that were circling each other. Declan was being showy about spinning his sword in his hand, while Tork gripped his weapon grimly.

“Tork here was a student with me!” Declan called out, having noticed Arlen’s genuinely concerned expression.

Tork jabbed his broadsword toward Declan, who dodged the move, and brought down his sword onto the blade, knocking its tip to the ground. This move opened up Tork to receive a blow to the face.

He seemed ready for this move though, as he grabbed Declan’s arm, and yanked the man forward, smashing his face against his own head. Blood ran from Declan’s nose immediately, but it hadn’t been broken. Tork had restrained himself somewhat.

Arlen watched transfixed. Tork had drawn first blood, which somewhat surprised the Servicer.

Declan recovered quickly from the blow-, Tork had loosened his grip on Declan’s arm, and Declan used the moment to draw back his elbow sharply, and pummel Tork’s snout.

The two whirled away from each other, blood dripping from their noses, but both now smiling.

Declan attacked first this time, he swung the sword down towards Tork in a manner that was similar to Arlen’s method moments earlier. Tork parried the blade so that Declan was swung clumsily around with it-, unless he was willing to drop the weapon. While Declan was pulled with his blade, Tork stepped into his space, and kicked the inside of Declan’s knees that were already bent from following the parry through. Declan was down on one knee, leaving Tork hovering above him with a blade at his neck.

Arlen clapped politely with Ora, who seemed just as interested in the fight.

“You two are just going easy on each other, but that was still informative.” Arlen stepped forward.

“Tork you seem more willing to improvise.” He noted nodding towards the Beast Awares who snorted in appreciation at the observation.

“Declan, your jabs and recovery are cleaner.” Declan raised his eyebrows at Arlen, almost looking insulted.

“Alright there judge, your turn again.” Declan wiped the blood from his nose, and took a more relaxed stance than when Tork had been his opponent.

The two squared off in front of each other, both ready and waiting.

Arlen threw his sword at the man, who blinked in surprise. As he raised his weapon to block the impact, Arlen had already begun to rush at him. He aimed a punch to Declan’s face with his right hand, as Declan’s dominant hand was in the downward motion of stopping Arlen’s thrown sword, but his left hand came up just as quickly, and caught the fist.

Arlen used being held by Declan as an anchor as he drove a left hook into his kidney. Declan doubled over, but still while holding Arlen’s right hand, yanked him down with him, this only levered Arlen half onto Declan’s back, and his legs over the sword arm.

Declan’s grip tightened around Arlen’s fist, but Arlen kicked the broadsword from Declan’s grip. Declan responded by flipping him over his shoulder onto his back.

Winded, Arlen stared up at the bloody smiling face of Declan.

“Sloppy, but effective.” It would seem the innkeeper was finally winded. “You’re a quick learner, and adaptable.” He clasped Arlen’s hand, and helped his stand, then leaned closer to his ear.

“Is it normal for your kind to learn so quickly?”

“We’re normally even faster, but you really are a horrible instructor.” Declan barked a laugh, and the two of them turned to face Tork and Ora, who were watching with casual interest.

“Your new stable boy seems like he has potential.” Tork smiled ruefully at his old comrade. “I was just coming out to tell you that Ora and I are going to go to our next job, so I’ll see you another time.”

Declan raised his hand in a lazy farewell.

“Say bye to Bonnie or she’ll shave off your tusks, and use them for soup.” Tork nodded seriously. He believed the threat.

The two Beast Awares, and their pet, headed towards the inn, leaving the two men in the stable area to continue their training in peace.

“Tork is a great fighter. Not graceful, but as you said; willing to improvise. He thinks outside the box.” Declan tapped his temple. Then an idea seemed to occur to him.

“You and your brother should join him. They’re bounty hunters, but if you’re looking for fighting experience, that is the best way to get some.”

“Would Tork really accept us tagging along?”

“If you offer to take less of a cut for the bounty, he’ll take inexperienced men, and help train them.”

Arlen considered this seriously. Being in close proximity meant less privacy for Aggie, but it would be valuable to learn more fighting and survival skills, and Sean O’Farrell would be looking for 2 people, not 4…

“I’ll run it by my brother.”

“Better do it quickly, Tork I can tell is anxious to get going.” Arlen nodded, and held out the handle of the short sword towards Declan.

“Keep it. I have about 7 of those, and you’ll need something. I’ll just add it to your tab.” Declan wasn’t kidding either. Arlen knew he expected payment for his help, and rightfully so.

“Thank you all the same.” Arlen offered his hand, and Declan shook it without any hesitation. “If I might ask before I go though, how could you tell I was a Servicer? My kind do not all look the same, and we carry no obvious markings.”

“I’ll answer that if you answer mine.”

“Depends on the question.”

“Fair enough, but then I don’t have to answer your question.” Arlen hesitated, but nodded stiffly in agreement to the terms.

“Are you and your ‘brother’ running from someone?” Arlen felt goosebumps rise on his flesh at having a guess hit so close to home. He had chosen thus far to be more honest with the innkeeper for two calculated reasons:

1) A Magee figher was known for their secrecy, and their honor. Arlen had not done any wrong by him, and knew that the Magee would respect the discretion.

2) He truly needed to improve his ability to fight, if there was to be any chance of him learning how to protect Aggie properly.

“Yes, we are running from someone. How could you tell?”

“Your brother is on high alert, and I’ve seen that look on people before. Jumpy at everything and everyone, scared of looking people in the eyes. He’s hiding, and from someone who scares him a lot.”

“He will suffer greatly if he’s caught.” Arlen spoke hesitantly, but shook his head as he felt his own worry creeping up.

“As for your other question; I knew you were a Servicer, because the only people who know about the Magee fighters, are the Magee themselves, and Servicers.” Declan stood tall again, and crossed his arms.

“A Magee fighter wouldn’t have pointed out my sword to me, they would’ve greeted me in our language. Your Ruling Family of Servicers, have a special relationship with us Magee fighters- an alliance if you will. We allow you to be taught of our existence, and to an extent our ways, and the reason for this, is that your kind seek the information for the sake of valuing knowledge, or bettering the world.” Arlen nodded gently. “We also train some of your kind if they are to be bonded to more… combative individuals.”

Arlen chuckled softly. It was strange hearing someone speak of an alliance he knew nothing about, but then again, why would he need to have that information? His teacher’s carefully crafted their lessons for each Servicer, knowing that they were being specially educated for individuals, therefore more in depth focus to specific topics depending on the Servicer.

“I suppose the Ruling Family of Servicers, miscalculated your duties.” Declan nodded towards the inn, he was smiling, but it was appropriately grim.

“Declan, to be quite honest, they miscalculated everything.”

***

Aggie placed the heaping plate of scrambled eggs, meat, and fruit in front of the Fey man whilst trying not to gape openly.

She had noted him quickly when she and Arlen had first arrived the previous night, but she had been so afraid of the innkeepers, that she hadn’t had a moment to take in his… Otherworldly-ness.

From behind, the Fey could pass as any human or mix-breed, but once one caught a glimpse of their face; it was hard not to study their strange beauty, deeper and deeper. It might have been one of the many reasons that though Fey traversed the boundaries from their realm to the world of humans and Beast Awares easily, very few of them endeavored to mingle for lengthy periods of time. Therefore, seeing a pure Fey was rare.

It was also probably how Aggie ended up hovering around his table, topping up his barely sipped water. His eyes were deep pools, with flecks of mysterious blackness, that pulled you in closer, and closer…

His nose wasn’t angular and hard, as some people had described other Fey, but soft, making him seem friendly and approachable. His lips looked soft, and skin was alabaster white-

“You’re spilling.” He spoke. His voice was light, and pleasant, as the water pooled around his glass. Despite Aggie having only observed his appearance by stealing glances, the flashes of his faces were swirling around her mind, distracting her.

“Never seen a Fey before?” He asked kindly as Aggie gasped and began mopping up the water around the glass with her sleeve- for some idiotic reason.

She shook her head, and noticed that her hands were shaking for some reason. Even if she were safe to speak, she wouldn’t have been able to do more than stammer.

“It’s quite alright. You will get used to glimpsing us soon enough.” He reached out, and touched her hand as she continued to uselessly dab at the puddle of water.

Aggie went very still, and everything in her body felt warm and light, she felt the world fade around her, there wasn’t anyone else but

“Angus!” Aggie jumped, and coincidentally spilt more of the Fey man’s water. Arlen stood only about a foot away from her, and was staring angrily at the Fey man.

Aggie was grateful that the inn didn’t have many patrons in the in dining area, as she felt her face flush.

“You won’t do any good here. My brother and I, need to leave.” The Fey man looked bored, but also curious as he stared at Arlen.

“Aren’t you fascinated by me as well?”

“I’m as fascinated in you as everyone other than my brother in this inn is.”

“Yes, but your brother is entirely human.” The man put it bluntly, and continued staring at Arlen. “Not that anyone would think you’re full blooded brothers, but it is interesting to meet a human without any Beast Awares in his blood. Not even a drop of Fey…” Arlen stood protectively in front of Aggie.

“Chay, are you bothering my guests?” Bonnie was in front of Arlen in a second, and staring down at the Fey man without an ounce of regard.

Chay stared at Bonnie with a half smile on his face, then flicked his eyes over to Arlen and Aggie. Despite Aggie being blocked from sight, she could still feel his gaze.

“Not at all Bonnie. I’m just getting to know dear Angus over there. No need to be afraid,” He held up his hands in surrender. “-You know I can’t affect a mind against its will.”

Bonnie raised an eyebrow, and breathed out in a huff.

“Conner, you and Angus better get going.” Arlen ushered Aggie away hastily, avoiding all of the guest’s eyes, and doing his best to stop Aggie from glimpsing the Fey man again.

It wasn’t until Arlen half threw Aggie outside of the inn, that Aggie started to get a hold of herself again, but even so, a flurry of thoughts flooded her mind.

Aggie turned to face Arlen wildly in the daylight.

“Wh-”

Arlen slapped his hand over her mouth.

“Conner! Let your mute brother finish his thought.” Tork’s goading voice behind him made Arlen close his eyes slowly, and let out a deep breath.

He turned to lock eyes with the two Beast Aware’s, who were both standing with their arms crossed staring at himself, and Aggie with serious expressions.

Aggie stared wide-eyed at the Beast Awares, then turned to Arlen in question. He sighed, and pulled Aggie towards the two watching them, until they were only a couple feet apart.

“Listen here Servicer. I’m fine bringing and teaching some fresh blood on a bounty hunt for the extra help, but I have my own problems. So all members on my team, better be perfectly honest.” Droplets of spittle flew out of Tork’s mouth and landed on Arlen’s tunic and face.

Arlen closed his eyes slowly again, and let out a deep breath. He could’ve blamed Aggie for being careless, but he had been the first one to blow his own cover. Perhaps because he was overwhelmed, or perhaps he wasn’t nearly as competent as he had believed himself to be. That last sneaking suspicion was one he fought with regularly, to keep at bay, but whether or not he wanted to admit it; they needed help.

“I swear on my honor that I will tell you, but we need to be able to travel further away first. It isn’t safe here.” Arlen nodded his head towards the inn

Tork glowered at the two of them, as Ora made a noise with her trunk-esque nose that sounded like a small trumpet.

“I will leave you lost in the woods, or worse, if I find out you bring us trouble.” He growled quietly at the two of them, and Aggie visibly shrank away from his terrifying yellow orange eyes.

Arlen nodded, and so the two of them bid their farewells to the innkeepers, and within the hour had gathered their small collection of belongings, and departed a group of 4, plus a pet.

They were heading North-West towards the North King’s lands, but Arlen had already known that they had all shared the same destination, when he had first requested that he and Aggie join them. There was no point joining the Beast Awares if they were traipsing back into Sean O’Farrell’s lap.

Tork waited all of 30 minutes before rounding on Arlen and Aggie, who had been following them from behind, both apprehensive. Aggie still was bewildered on what in the name of a horse’s ass was going on.

“Speak. Quickly.” Tork’s arms were once again crossed, and his legs spread apart in a pose Arlen recognized quickly as combative.

“This is-”

“I should also mention that myself and Ora here can literally smell fear that comes with a lie.” Tork tapped his snout menacingly, and Quib began to growl and halfway lift his quills.

Arlen paused. He couldn’t take them both. The worst they could do was slaughter them both and take their things. Or ransom them to Sean O’Farrell. However, if he told them the truth-

“My name is Aggie.” Arlen whipped his head so quickly that his neck hurt. He took in a sharp breath and waited.

Aggie was staring levelly at the two Beast Awares, and calmly removed the leather cap to reveal her should length sandy brown hair in all of its… unkempt glory.

“I’m on the run from my betrothed who has made it clear he will make my life a living hell. Arlen here is my Servicer, and we trying to run far away to live quiet lives. I overheard you two last night saying that you were bounty hunters, and believe you can help us.” The tidy, simple summary of their situation somehow frustrated Arlen more than her not thinking before speaking.

Tork’s mouth was still set in a grimace, but he was stricken as he stared into Aggie’s startling light green eyes. The 4 of them stood in silence for seconds as the information settled between all of them. Aggie shifted from back and forth on her feet, and occasionally scratched her now bare head.

“Who is your betrothed that you are running from, Aggie?” Tork’s face had relaxed, and his voice was calm, but Arlen wasn’t sure if that calm was to be trusted.

“Sean O’Farrell.”

“Lord Sean O-!” Tork choked on the name in an incredulous tone. He cleared his throat.

“You’re to marry Sean O’Farrell?” Tork’s arms dropped from their crossed position, and he looked back and forth from Arlen to Aggie.

“No! No no no no NO!” Tork took a step towards them, and made both Aggie and Arlen wince as though he was initiating the beating he might have resolved to give them.

“I am not aiding in hiding Sean O’Farrell’s bride.” Tork exclaimed far louder than Arlen wanted.

“Don’t shout it at the very least.” Aggie grumbled as though reading Arlen’s mind, as she eyed Ora and Tork. She seemed as though she had gotten over her fear of them in a matter of seconds. Arlen turned, and stared at her with a small frown. When Aggie wasn’t scared anymore, that meant she had set her mind on something. He had learned this within a day of meeting her.

“Tork, that man is going to bury me politically, and lock me in assigned chambers to sew my Goddamn life away. I don’t want money, I’m not stealing anything, I just want to live on my own terms. What is wrong with that?” She asked taking a step closer to the two Beast Awares who still seemed slightly startled at learning that not only could she talk, but that she was a girl.

“While dragging your Servicer down with you?” Tork nodded at Arlen who responded by glowering more threateningly.

“Lady Agnes does not drag me down. Her fate is now joined to mine, and that is my honor and duty.”

Tork grunted in a response, but turned his gaze back at Aggie, who remained disturbingly calm.

“Tork, if I give you a gold piece, will you take us with you.” Arlen looked at Aggie genuinely surprised.

Tork cocked a wiry eyebrow at her.

“I could just rob you.”

“-And I could return to Lord O’Farrell’s keep, saying I was kidnapped and held hostage by you.”

Tork let out a sound between a squeal and a roar that was incredibly threatening, but Aggie set her jaw, and continued staring. Only Arlen noted the small tremor in her knees. She was pulling one hell of a bluff. If Tork knew the specifics of her escape, he would’ve known that Aggie’s lie would never have been believed.

“Look, we won’t stick with you forever, just until we all leave the North King’s settlement, then Arlen and I will go on our way, and leave you alone forever. Besides, we will let you keep all of your bounty, and pay you a gold piece.” Tork was staring daggers at her, but he was clearly considering this offer very carefully.

Arlen was once again floored by his Mistress. He was beginning to suspect that there would come a time in the distant future when his duty as her protector, and educator might be redundant.

“If we do this, and if we get caught, I will hand you over immediately.”

“No you won’t.” Aggie retorted flatly. “You will say that family friends, and that you are helping us learn the bounty hunter trade. Any time we are in public, I will pretend to be a boy, and no offence, but no one is going to casually challenge your claim given how you lo…” Tork growled, and Aggie smartly stopped herself.

“We won’t get close to any nobility, so this isn’t a problem. We just won’t be able to enter and exit the city as easily by ourselves, especially if you crack the moment a guard questions you.”

Despite Tork trying to glare down Aggie, Arlen was beginning to notice that Ora was stroking her face as though in deep thought. After a brief moment of watching the human and Beast Aware butt heads, she eventually tapped Tork on the shoulder.

He swung around, and glared at his friend who notably frowned at him. Tork immediately lightened his expression. An interested exchange Arlen thought…

Ora pointed at Aggie, then at herself, patted her chest, and nodded.

“I don’t care if you have a good feeling about her.” Despite the objection, Tork suddenly sounded as though he was about to lose his argument.

After a few more furious gestures from Ora, and some broken comments from Tork, he swung around, nostrils flaring.

“Fine.”

Tork spit green mucus into his hand, and shoved it out towards Aggie with a challenging grin.

Arlen was about to reprimand the Beast Awares, but was mildly horrified to watch Aggie take a long snort, and spit her own brand of phlegm in her palm, before shaking the Beast Awares hand without flinching.

Tork’s look of displeasure quickly returned.

“Fucking humans.” He muttered darkly.

“Cowardly hog.” Aggie gave the Beast Awares hand an extra tug.

Tork yanked her harder so that she fell on the ground, and laughed at her.

Arlen didn’t have to move before Ora smacked him upside his head.

“Alright, alright, come on. Sooner I’m rid of you runts the better off we are.” He turned, and lumbered on through the forest as Ora knelt down and offered her hand to Aggie who was wiping her palm on the ground to rid herself of the mixed fluids.

Once Aggie was upright, Ora patted the girl on her head, then turned and strolled behind Tork casually.

Aggie stomped after them, leaving Arlen standing stunned behind her.

“What… just happened…?”