Lianne stared at Kendel as he leaned relaxed against a tree, folding his arms with a pleased grin on his face. She had tensed her whole body, the conjured magic in her palm flickering. She was ready to attack if he made a wrong move.

"What are you doing here?" Lianne asked, her eyes squinted, carefully observing Kendel's behavior.

Kendel's eyes wandered from Lianne to Amra as he lifted his eyebrows and revealed his teeth in a wide smile. "I was out on a stroll and happened to come by this place, surprised to see you two here," he answered while shrugging.

Lianne shook her head. "Don't think that I'd buy that even for a second," she said, already irritated by his smug attitude. Kendel didn't have his horse with him unless it was out of sight. He didn't have anything, except for a couple of pouches hanging from his belt.

Kendel smirked while walking toward them, making Lianne alert. She watched his every step as he casually sat next to the fire as if they had invited him to stay. "I guess you're smarter than a bunch of dwarves," Kendel said, winking at Lianne, letting her know that he was messing with her.

"Tell us why you're here or leave," Amra said with a hoarse voice, staring strictly at Kendel.

"You're in no position to make threats," he said, a permanent smile plastered on his face as he glanced at Amra. "You're looking paler than the last time I saw you."

Lianne sighed irritated. "I'm not in the mood for your games."

"I'm not here to play games," Kendel quickly said back.

"Look, we've had a long night. Tell us why you're here or leave," Lianne demanded, looking straight at Kendel's eyes.

"I'd say you had quite a fun night," Kendel said while scanning through Lianne's bloodied clothes.

Lianne immediately averted her eyes, feeling uncomfortable. She had forgotten about her appearance. It must have been clear to Kendel that she had been in a fight. "It's none of your business," she quickly said.

Kendel lifted his hands in the air. "That's fine. You don't have to share the fun, but could you point that somewhere else?" he asked, indicating the conjured magic still flickering in Lianne's hand.

Lianne weighed her options, and let the magic die out in her hand, feeling a rush of relief washing over her. Even if Kendel was irritating, he didn't seem like a threat. She was in no state to fight, and he didn't look like he would start one.

"Thanks. You don't have to act hostile. I'm only interested why you're here all bloodied and your elf has gone back to the inn," Kendel said amused.

"How do you know where Faolin went?" Lianne asked baffled.

Kendel shrugged casually. "Oh, I merely saw him leaving. Since you left the inn without your belongings, he must have gone to get them. It doesn't need a genius to put the two together."

"How do you know we left without our things?" Lianne asked, still wary of everything he said.

Kendel's grin widened. "The trees have ears and houses have eyes," he said while tapping on his ear as if Lianne wouldn't otherwise understand.

Lianne pursed her lips, feeling her patience coming to an end. "Why are you actually here? You wouldn't come unless you had something you wanted," she insisted, not being able to stand Kendel's innuendos anymore.

"You don't find it believable that I happened to come by?" Kendel asked, widening his eyes with an innocent look on his face. Even with his puppy dog gaze, Lianne knew he was playing with her. She didn't know Kendel but she had already learned that he wanted reactions. He enjoyed them.

"Stop the nonsense and tell us why you're here," Amra demanded. Her weak voice grew louder before she coughed violently, her frail body shaking.

"Calm down. Don't exert yourself," Lianne said to Amra, who tried to even her breath while leaning back against the tree trunk.

"Have you thought about my generous offer?" Kendel asked, finally revealing why he was there. He lifted his eyebrows expectantly, some of his blond curly hair falling over his eyes.

"We still don't have money, so if you came for that, you came for nothing," Lianne said, rubbing her hands together in front of the fire.

"But you see, the terms have changed," Kendel said. His crooked smile grew while he scratched his hair and tucked it behind his ear.

Lianne stopped and turned to Kendel. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not a man who wants to stand still when the world around me moves fast. You know what I mean?" Kendel asked, leaning closer as if he had something important to say and he wanted to be sure his audience was listening.

"No, I don't," Lianne answered dumbfounded.

"The thing is, while I was on my nightly stroll, I happened to spot a certain someone playing with something they shouldn't have," he said, glancing knowingly at Lianne.

Lianne's heart started beating fast and her whole body tensed up. "What do you mean?" she asked, but Kendel immediately laughed.

"Now, don't you go playing dumb with me. I know you're not," he said and looked Lianne straight in the eyes. "I saw what you did."

Lianne's mind went numb. Suddenly she lost all the will to fight as her eyes locked with Kendel's. He looked at her as if he knew her secrets and Lianne hated that. "What do you want?" she asked defeated.

Kendel leaned back on his hands and stretched his legs, the soles of his knee-high boots almost touching the fire. "Look, I've got this problem that needs to be taken care of, and I need your help," he said while shrugging.

"What kind of problem?" Lianne asked, a hollow feeling growing in her stomach.

Kendel grinned. "Let's just say a man-sized problem."

Amra instantly leaned closer to Lianne, realizing what Kendel meant. "You can't agree to kill someone. We can find Clandmere without him. We already found the mountains. We can go from here on our own," she tried to appeal to Lianne before she had even said anything.

Kendel glanced at Amra amused. "Oh? Did some blind seer tell you about mountains?"

"How do you know that?" Amra frowned.

Kendel laughed. "They always say to follow the mountains, or a river, depending on what you're after. They can't help it. That's what they do."

"Are you saying that the seers lied to us?" Lianne asked, her eyes widening, even if she knew not to believe everything Kendel said.

"What can you expect from old fools who spend their days in a tent, sniffing the scent of incenses," Kendel shrugged mockingly.

"No, you're wrong," Lianne said, instantly on the defense. "We haven't gone all this way because of a lie. Clandmere is in the north."

Kendel lifted his hands and shook his head. "I never said that it isn't."

"So, it is in the north?" Lianne asked but Kendel only shrugged at her question. She closed her eyes, pinching her nose with her fingers, feeling a headache coming up. Kendel irritated her so much that it started to affect her physically. "I'm not even considering your deal unless I know you can take us there," she said, speaking slowly, trying to keep her irritation in check.

"You won't take my word?" Kendel gasped in an overdramatic manner.

"Come on, don't play dumb with me," Lianne taunted, annoyance evident in her voice.

"Fine," Kendel shrugged as he started digging through his pockets. He took out a small pouch that Lianne immediately recognized. It was the same one Amra had taken from Kendel's belongings when his horse had been on the run.

"You know what's inside?" he asked, mostly focusing on Amra while showing the pouch.

"Yes, two rings," Amra replied.

"These rings will get you inside," Kendel said. He tossed the small pouch lightly in his hand, a silent clinking echoing in the air every time it landed on his palm.

"How?" Lianne asked, suspicious of how could two small rings help them like that.

"Don't you think it would be unwise to share my secrets when you haven't agreed to my proposition?" Kendel asked, putting the pouch back in his pocket.

"I don't trust you'll take us there," Lianne said while folding her arms, observing Kendel's expression. The rings were not proof that he actually knew where Clandmere was or how to get there.

Kendel seemed to ponder for a moment before he leaned back on his hands and grinned. "You can have my life if I lie. How does that sound?" he replied confidently, enjoying the baffled looks on Lianne's and Amra's faces.

Suddenly a rustling sound echoed behind the trees, startling Lianne. Steps grew closer to the camp, accompanied by clopping of hooves, meaning that Faolin was coming back.

When Faolin emerged behind the trees with two horses, he stopped and stiffened, realizing that Kendel was sitting by the fire. "What are you doing here?" he asked baffled, scanning Kendel closely from head to toe.

"Welcome back. As you can see, we have a guest," Lianne said with a sarcastic tone.

"Why are you here?" Faolin repeated strictly.

Kendel sighed exaggeratedly. "I already told these ladies that I was merely on a nightly stroll and happened to come by them," he answered, mustering the most charming smile he could.

Faolin glanced at Lianne, who shook her head, signaling him that Kendel was lying. "He's not going to believe that either," she said to Kendel.

Faolin averted his gaze and pulled the horses closer to the camp. He tied both Myrin and Sol to a tree and Lianne stood up. "Let me help you," she said and went to the horses. She started untying their belongings, putting Amra's lute gently leaning against a tree.

"I filled our flasks and bought food from Hann," Faolin whispered to Lianne while leaning closer to her but keeping his eyes firmly on the horses.

"Thank you," Lianne said while glancing at him. She was delighted that Faolin had thought about them, but at the same time, she felt bad that he didn't even look at her way.

"What is he really doing here?" Faolin whispered while tossing the backpacks and bedrolls to the ground.

"He suggested a new deal," Lianne said while kneeling and searching a flask from their belongings.

"What kind of a deal?" Faolin asked while kneeling next to Lianne, digging through his backpack.

Lianne hesitated, and then cleared her throat. "He wants me to get rid of some man," Lianne said, her voice breaking and a lump forming on her throat. Her emotions started to take over. It was ridiculous to even think about accepting Kendel's proposition, but it would be the fastest way to their destination, even if she still didn't trust him.

Faolin finally looked at Lianne, his eyes wide. "Kill a man?" he asked surprised, his breath brushing against Lianne's cheek, making her too conscious of his closeness.

"I guess so," Lianne said, a tinge of sadness in her voice, which Faolin seemed to pick up.

"You don't have to agree to something like that," he said, turning to her, his earthy scent lingering to Lianne's nose. It was clear from the smell that he had been smoking his pipe recently.

Lianne let the scent wrap around her, the familiarity of it making her feel comfortable and safe. She loved that scent and it made her feel like she was home. She wanted to close her eyes and sink into oblivion.

"I know," she instead said, took the flask and one bedroll from the ground, turned around, and walked back to the fire. Lianne opened the bedroll and set it on the ground. "You need to rest," she said to Amra, who pulled herself on top of it.

Lianne knelt and opened the flask. "Drink up," she said while holding it in front of Amra's face.

"I can drink on my own," Amra said while frowning, trying to take the flask from Lianne, who shook her head.

"Don't argue with me," Lianne said seriously and Amra yielded. She opened her mouth so that Lianne could help her drink, even if she looked ashamed.

Amra gulped the water greedily as if she was parched. Lianne let her drink quite a lot but then tilted back the flask. "That's enough so you don't have to get up soon," she said and Amra rolled her eyes.

"I'm not a child," she sighed, but Lianne stood up and took the flask back to where Faolin had piled up their belongings.

Faolin handed Amra a package of food wrapped in fabric. "Here, this is from Hann. You should eat," he said silently as if he didn't want Kendel to hear him.

Amra took the food and opened the package. A spicy smell of dried meat and bread wafted to Lianne, making her mouth water. "Thanks. It looks good," Amra said while slowly starting to eat.

Faolin handed Lianne another package, but she put it aside as she sat next to Amra. She couldn't eat as long as Kendel was there.

"I do not have any for you," Faolin said while sitting down, glaring at Kendel who shook his head.

"Nah, I'm not a fan of Hann's cooking. I'd rather-"

"So, you want her to kill a man?" Faolin bluntly said, interrupting Kendel.

"I knew you two were whispering something," Kendel said his grin widening.

"That will never happen," Faolin said, getting a baffled look from Lianne. He wasn't the one to decide that, but his response made her feel warm.

"Well, look at you. Trying to act protective of the bloody lady over here," Kendel said while leaning closer to Faolin and raising his eyebrows in interest. "It's her call, isn't it?"

Faolin pursed his lips while squinting his eyes, glaring at Kendel. "She will not do it. You do not know her."

"Oh? I know a lot of things, mind you," Kendel said, his grin again widening.

"You do not know anything about-" Faolin started saying when Kendel interrupted him this time.

"I've seen your arrows, the Qesser before," he said.

Faolin gasped silently. "How do you know that name? People usually call them by their common name," he asked baffled.

"I'm not some common folk," Kendel laughed.

Faolin stared at Kendel, inspecting his features closely as if he was searching for something. "You should leave," he said firmly.

"It's not your call," Kendel said, a smug look on his face.

Faolin was starting to say something when Lianne spoke. "Kendel, I want to talk to them alone."

Kendel glanced at Lianne and let out a deep sigh. With an exaggerated gesture, he stood up and dusted his trousers. "I'm going for a piss," he said while starting to walk out of the camp without even looking back.

Lianne observed Kendel as he disappeared between the trees, his steps light on the mossy ground. When he was gone, she turned to the others. "What do you think?"

"I do not trust that man. I cannot sense him and that troubles me. That is not natural," Faolin said while staring at the fire between them. Lianne nodded. She had noticed the same. Usually Faolin was observant and sensed more than them, but he had not sensed Kendel even before.

"I don't trust him either, but am I a fool to even consider his proposition?" Lianne pondered aloud, even if the whole thought sent shivers down her back. Was she thinking that killing someone might be a small price for getting to Clandmere? Had she gone over that line?

"You shouldn't even think about it. He's the fool to think that you would agree to kill someone," Amra said while putting the package down. She had eaten most of it with a good appetite, getting some of her strength back.

"Why would it be any different from what I've done already? It could get us to Clandmere," Lianne spoke what was going through her mind.

"You'd have to voluntarily put yourself at risk and let the darkness control you," Amra said firmly.

"But what if we can't find Clandmere without him?"

"He's playing us. We'll find the place without him," Amra still tried to convince Lianne.

"You should not give away your humanity to please that man," Faolin said strictly.

"I don't even know what humanity I still have left," Lianne said with a self-deprecating smile.

"We have already made it this far. We will find Clandmere too," Amra repeated what she had said before. Even if Lianne believed what she said, a seed of doubt had been planted inside her and it was hard to get rid of.

"I agree with Amra. He should leave," Faolin said, trying to appeal to Lianne.

"I don't-" Lianne got interrupted by the sudden rustle as Kendel stepped into the camp. She hadn't even heard his steps before he was there.

"So? What have you decided?" he asked while casually folding his arms.

Lianne took a deep breath, many thoughts running through her mind. She wasn't sure that she would make the right decision, but she had to decide something. She turned to Kendel with a serious expression on her face. "I want you to leave."

Kendel looked straight at Lianne for a moment. "You want, or your partners want?" he asked, a small mischievous smile playing on his lips.

Lianne hesitated but composed herself quickly. "I want you to leave. I'm not accepting your proposition."

Kendel let his hands fall to his sides. "Well, I guess I can't convince you," he said and started to walk back to where he had originally come from. "Good luck on trying to find there all by yourselves," he said while waving his hand without looking back.

Kendel walked out of the camp, his figure disappearing into the dark woods, his light steps almost inaudible. He had a relaxed bounce on his step as if he wasn't disappointed by Lianne's decision and that bothered her. Kendel was playing with her and she was always at disadvantage with him. She hated that she got pulled into his games.

Kendel's steps seemed to disappear into the night quickly. As soon as he was gone, everyone seemed to relax. Lianne let out a deep sigh, taking the package of food next to her. She wanted to eat and forget about everything that was happening around her. She had instantly started to doubt if she made the right decision by sending Kendel away.

Lianne started to eat, even if she didn't have an appetite. Amra lay down on the bedroll, getting ready to sleep. Faolin stood up and fetched two bedrolls from their belongings. He put one next to Lianne without a word and set the other one on the ground.

"You can both get some sleep. I will stay awake," Lianne said to them while she ate. She didn't taste the food but still pushed herself to swallow every bite.

"Thanks," Amra said drowsily while she turned on her side and closed her eyes. "You made the right decision," she still said before her breathing slowed down and she fell asleep. Lianne looked at Amra's sleeping form, her mind a mess. She wasn't as sure as Amra was.

Faolin lay on the bedroll, stretching his long legs while staring at the sky visible through the trees. Lianne didn't see if his eyes were open or not, but she guessed that he had gone to sleep without saying anything to her. She didn't blame him. She was sure that Faolin was still confused after what she had done.

Lianne looked around the dark forest while she chewed the meat, her mind numb and her body exhausted. The latest leg of the journey had taken too much of her. There were too many things left open that dominated her thoughts. Edwin, Kendel's proposition, Yugtrass's deal. How could she find Clandmere?

The fire's light danced on the branches of the trees, making them seem alive. Lianne stared at them, her vision blurring as her eyes wanted to close on their own accord. She adjusted her position and opened her eyes as large as she could. She wanted to go to sleep but she had to stay awake. This time it was her turn to watch over Amra's dreams.

Lianne put the food down and decided to practice the sealing magic Faolin had taught her. She opened her palm and started concentrating, even if her energy was low.

Lianne focused first on her breathing, trying to remember Faolin's energy that she had touched. She repeated in her mind why it was important for her to learn that magic. She never wanted to hurt the ones she loved again.

Lianne felt the energy steadily flowing from her heart, through her chest to her arm, and her hand. She felt the warmth trying to overcome her body, pushing the tiredness aside. Her heart beat stronger, even if she wasn't sure whether it was the darkness fighting the energy, or if it was the magic itself.

Lianne stared at her hand. A small glowing ripple formed on her palm, but it didn't get stronger. She focused only on that magic, but couldn't get it to its full power. Only a small light appeared on her hand, the warmth flickering before it disappeared.

Lianne frowned. She was feeling too impatient today to fully focus on what she was doing. She had practiced magic all her life, and even if it all originated from the same source, her energy, it wouldn't be easy to learn something so different. Lianne let out a deep sigh as she closed her hand.

"Do you need help?" Faolin suddenly asked, making Lianne flinch. Without her realizing, Faolin had sat up.

"I don't seem to get it. It's almost there, but then nothing's happening," Lianne said frustrated.

"You need to be calm," Faolin said as he stood up and walked to Lianne, sitting next to her. "You need to remember to focus on what it is meant to do," he said while opening his own hand and starting to gather energy.

Lianne looked at Faolin next to her, feeling his presence comforting, even if the hollow feeling in her stomach didn't want to leave. She felt ashamed of what she had done. She didn't want him to feel uncomfortable around her. "I'm sorry about the kiss," Lianne whispered to Faolin.

Faolin stopped and closed his hand while turning to look at Lianne surprised. Their eyes met, Faolin's hesitation clear in his gaze as he inspected her features closely. He seemed to think, opening his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but then he hesitated and closed it back again.

Faolin cleared his throat while averting his gaze. "Do not be," he finally said so silently that his words almost faded away before reaching Lianne. He opened his hand again and continued gathering energy. "You need to remember that it is not meant to harm. Focus your energy on sealing a part of yourself," he said as a soft glow appeared on top of his palm.

Lianne still glanced at Faolin, her heart thumping loudly. She put her fingers on top of his palm and gently traced his magic, to feel it flowing through him. Lianne didn't know if it was because she had already practiced the sealing spell, but she could feel his magic better than before. It felt stronger.

Lianne withdrew her hand and focused on her magic. She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. All the sounds seemed to disappear to the background. The wind on the trees and the crackling of the fire vanished into the darkness. All she heard was her own breathing and the energy rushing through her veins.

"See how it feels to you," Faolin said silently as Lianne opened her palm and concentrated. She felt Faolin putting his hand under hers, to keep it steady and strong.

Something started feeling hot inside her palm. The same kind of tingling warmth that she felt before. It spread wider, the energy flowing freely through her veins, rejuvenating her. "Good," Faolin whispered as Lianne opened her eyes, seeing the radiant glow she had created.

Faolin took a hold of her hand and turned it toward her chest, without her breaking the concentration. He pressed her palm on top of her heart and Lianne gasped. The feeling of her magic felt so comforting, almost like the softest blanket covered her. She took a deep breath and let it out in a long exhale. It felt welcoming, tingling as if it was mending her from the inside. Even Faolin's magic didn't feel as good as that.

Lianne squeezed her hand tightly, wanting to reserve the warmth, feeling empowered. She glanced at Faolin, who smiled at her gently.

"You got it," he said while pulling his hand away and standing up. Lianne looked up at him, his features highlighted by the moonlight as he walked back to his bedroll. He lay down on his back and closed his eyes.

"Thank you, Faolin," Lianne whispered into the air, and even if Faolin didn't answer her, she knew he had heard it.