Wolf had gone to talk to the local noble and the knight. He had explained the situation to them and had asked for the freed slaves to be taken care of in some capacity.

The knight had given his word that the slaves would be housed and given work within the community.

The little lady had already been taken care of. As a noble’s child, she was bathed, fed, and changed into some finer attire. Wolf had felt the need to stay until he could speak with her.

He didn’t know why, but it was something instinctual. He understood that Dragon may want to speak with her as well, though he had disappeared.

The little lady, Rose, was now in a simple, yet elegant, red dress and a pair of shoes with slight heels so her presence was obvious whenever she walked.

She was accompanied by a hand maiden a little older than her, though still quite young. The pair were standing tall with pride.

“My lady.” He bowed his head.

Rose curtsied in response. “Good sir.” She replied to him. Wolf didn’t correct her, he was sure she understood he was no sir, but if that’s what she wanted to call him he wouldn’t protest.

After the greeting there was a long moment of silence.

“Could we talk in private?” He asked, his eyes not leaving hers.

She turned to look at the handmaiden and then back up at Wolf. Wolf could tell that Rose couldn’t really dismiss the handmaiden, Rose was a guest under the current lord and the handmaiden took orders directly from the lord, though could help her whenever she asked.

“It is only for your ears. It is to do with Dragon.” Wolf spoke, a little stiff.

Rose looked back up at the handmaiden. After a moment the handmaiden relented and guided the pair to another room, pardoning her leave as she went to go get them some refreshments.

“Dragon has already left. I’m sorry for his behaviour.” He bowed his head.

The girl frowned for just a moment but quickly righted her expression. “The good sir seems to be busy.”

‘She’s too formal...’

Wolf could tell she was stiffer than usual too. Though he didn’t know how she acted with Dragon, he could tell she was straining herself with him.

“If you have any need of me, please do not hesitate to ask for my help.”

“…” The girl bowed her head. “Thank you for your offer, but I can not burden you so good sir, you have done so much, and I am not sure I can repay this debt.”

Wolf was surprised at how linguistically talented she was. There was a moment of silence once more, though it wasn’t quite so silent for Wolf. He waited as the footsteps returned and the door swung open.

“Eeeeh?”

Wolf turned to look at Tiger.

“Hmm…” Tiger glanced over to one side and then looked at Wolf. “Dragon’s gone already? He didn’t even say goodbye did he?” He asked the girl.

Wolf stood and was about to leave with Tiger. He stopped when Tiger spoke.

“What are we going to do about the little lady?”

Wolf exchanged a look with Tiger.

“Can’t just leave her like this, right?” Tiger scratched his chin.

“It’s not our place to interfere with such matters.”

“Not liked that. We have to sort out some apprenticeship or something.”

“What?”

“Yeah.”

Wolf furrowed his brow. Tiger rarely made sense, but this time he made no sense at all.

“Not like that. She knows magic.” Tiger shrugged at Wolf.

Wolf turned to face the girl. The girl grew slightly paler and had gripped the cup that she had stopped sipping out of.

“Who else knows?”

“Just the three of us.” Tiger replied with a yawn. “Four of us. It’s not a problem.”

“It’s a problem.”

“Just get that knightly fellow to look after her, not an issue.”

Wolf and Rose exchanged a look. Tiger was an idiot, but he sure had some good ideas. The knightly fellowed seem to be someone he could trust.

‘Magic…’ Wolf pursed his lips into a frown for just a moment. Then Wolf excused himself and Tiger as they went to meet the knight.

They passed by the handmaiden who seemed perplexed. She had brought refreshments, but they were leaving. This was obviously a first for her. Tiger made is easy for her as he grabbed onto the two drinks, the bits of cheese and fruit, and then scoffed himself.

“Perhaps I shoul-”

“No, I’m coming along.” Tiger stated with his mouth half full of food.

It seemed as though Wolf wouldn’t be able to get rid of him. Wolf sighed.

“What is with the pouch?” Wolf asked, motioning to Tiger’s pack at his side.

“Oh, gifts.” Tiger grinned.

The knight fellow, Sir Richard, was speaking with several guards. Wolf’s ears twitched as he heard something about relocating some of the slaves around and finding them roles as labourers.

“Sir Richard, a moment if I may.” Wolf said once he was close enough.

Sir Richard quickly turned around, almost in shock from Wolf appearing out of nowhere.

“Ah, sir Wolf, it is good to see you so soon. How may I be of assistance.” He asked.

“I need to speak to you about something. Alone.” Wolf stated, motioning his head to the side to the other guards.

Sir Richard bowed his head, his expression not shifting, though his eyes did flash with curiosity. He dismissed the guards quickly, and he took a moment to glance around.

“There is no one around.” Wolf said, his ears twitching. Tiger sniffed the air and nodded.

“I have a request.”

“When doesn’t he?” Tiger chuckled to himself.

Wolf paused for a moment. Then he continued to speak. “This is perhaps the biggest ask I have of you.”

“The biggest ass?”

“Tiger.”

“Fine.”

“The biggest… ask.” He emphasised the last word. “We have a friend of ours, we’d like you to try and get her some help.”

“Of course… What kind of help?”

“Well you see, we have a mage.”

“A mage.” Sir Richard’s eyes flashed open. “The savage woman?” He asked, surprised.

Wolf raised his brows and the knightly fellow cleared his throat.

“Excuse me, I meant no offence.”

“Not her. The little lady, Rose.”

“The little lady?” Sir Richard’s face was painted with surprise. “You are certain?”

“Tiger is.” Wolf replied.

Tiger nodded. “She smells like a magician to me. It’s awful.” Tiger winced.

“If you could oversee her training, I would feel reassured that she would be treated well. I know, if anything happens, you will send us a message right away.”

Sir Richard bowed his head. “I shall call for an old friend of mine, a mage of minor repute, but he should be able to carry the task without her falling into service.”

“Thank you. We won’t forget this debt.” Wolf said. His words were final in the matter. This girl had kept Dragon company, he could see their bond. It was the least he could do.

“Alright, well that’s that then. Let’s head out.” Tiger motioned with his head as he turned and left.

Wolf gave a gentle bow and then followed.