“Captain Herrera, I would assume you are cleared? I would also guess that no one else here is. Is that correct?” Harold asked.

The rest of the men agreed that they were not. At that Captain Herrera turned to the militia, “I need you to escort everyone out of earshot and then set up a perimeter around the yard, no one is to be allowed to enter until I give the word. Is that clear?”

“Yes sir!” They all said in unison. The mayor grumbled a bit as the militia men escorted him away, but ended up heading back to his home. Captain Franks decided to wait in the house to hear the outcome of the meeting.

Harold turned to Chance, “Son, I am sorry but you will need to head inside as well.”

“It is ok, Harold. He is cleared.” Brother Joshua spoke up as he stepped out of the shadows.

Captain Herrera pulled his sword and turned to the voice. He held his blade once he realized who it was.

Brother Joshua pulled a medallion out from under his robe and showed it to Captain Herrera and then returned it to its hiding spot, who nodded and returned his sword to its scabbard.

Startled, Chance turned to Brother Joshua, “I am? How is that?”

“You are, but how is not something that I am currently at liberty to discuss.” Brother Joshua responded. “I am also not here. Does everyone understand?”

“Very well.” Harold responded. “The reason I declared it a realm secret is that the mark is the family seal of the Dwarrowbender Clan of the Dwarrow Mountain Dwarves. They are the only clan that makes the armor for the King’s Black Guard. I received word from a contact within the clan that their last shipment to the King had been intercepted. It was ten boxes. Each box was a complete set of armor and weapons for a Black Guardsman. The only thing missing for a complete uniform is the cloak and under tunic.”

Captain Herrera gasped. “How was that possible? They usually send a full legion of troops to guard such a shipment.”

“From what I was told they were ambushed by several Bonded pair and probably two legions worth of mercenaries.” Harold responded. “The only reason they knew that much is because a scout was checking the back trail and was not slaughtered with the rest of the legion. He decided it was best to be able to report what had happened. This happened about eight months ago and from what I know this is the first lead they have had about the boxes. It appears as if we have recovered all of the boxes, but we will not know until we can open them if they still contain the Black Guard armor.”

“We will need to send word to the King in Grensmar that the boxes have been recovered.” Captain Herrera added.

“On a different note, I think that Brother Joshua might need to know the new information about Chance. It might affect what he is not able to disclose.” Harold added.

Chance quickly looked at his father shocked at him bringing it up. “Dad? Are you sure?” he asked.

“It will get back to him sooner or later. I have to include it in my latest report to the King and I am sure that Captain Herrera will as well. Am I right Captain?” his Dad answered.

The Captain nodded. “It was something I was not looking forward to Chance, but the requirements of the Kingdom come before this.”

Chance understood somewhat but did not see how his bonding to Alyssia was a major issue with respect to the Kingdom. He decided that if his father and Captain Herrera agreed though, that it was good enough reason.

Alyssia, Love, are you still with the girls? Chance asked.

A sleepy voice responded, Yes and I was having a wonderful dream. These two are wonderful. You should see the pretty bow they tied around my neck. It’s purple and matches my eyes “wonderfully” according to Mallory.

Could you slip out my bedroom window and come here? There is someone I would like for you to meet. Chance chuckled. He could picture the two girls tying pretty bows all over the demi-dragon, telling her how beautiful she was and Alyssia soaking up the compliments.

Suddenly chance felt a thrill of excitement flow through the bond and then a sense of euphoria. What are you doing Little One? Chance asked.

I AM FLYING! It was dark outside and I figured it would be safer to glide down to you. So I climbed the chimney and took off from there intending to glide down to make it over the soldiers, but then decided to see if I could fly instead of glide down there and IT WORKED! The excitement in her voice was very evident which caused a broad smile to spread across Chance’s face.

This earned him a few inquisitive looks from Brother Joshua and Captain Herrera and a knowing look from his Dad.

“She is flying Dad.” Chance responded. “She will be here in a moment. It is here first real flight and I am not sure she will be easy to get down.” Love, I know you are excited but I need you to meet someone. It is important. Please? We can go somewhere later tonight maybe and you can fly until you tire, alright?

Oh, alright. You sure are spoiling my fun though. You are going to owe me some bacon or more of those meat pies for this. Alyssia answered with a bit of a pout.

Joshua’s eyes widened as realization set in about what he had said. Then they about bulged out of his head when the small silver demi-dragon landed perfectly on Chance’s right shoulder.

“Brother Joshua, I would like for you to meet Alyssia, my bonded demi-dragon. Alyssia, I would like you to meet Brother Joshua.”

Tell him it is a pleasure to meet him. Alyssia said as she dipped her head to Brother Joshua.

“What is her true name?” the stunned priest whispered.

“She says it does not translate well but the best she said that it translates to is Heralded Beautiful Silver Star.” Chance responded.

“So, she is the daughter of Shining Moon on Glittering Scales? Who was bonded to Grand Mage Alexander Grimm?” Brother Joshua asked Alyssia.

This time, it was Chance and Alyssia turn for their mouths to drop open. Chance was finally able to nod slowly.

“What are the chances of that?” Brother Joshua whispered under his breath and shook his head. “Well, you are right Harold this definitely changes things. I will need to confer with others and determine the next best course of action in light of the news today. I will be in touch. Congratulations young Demi-Mage!” With that he stepped back into the shadow and seemed to disappear, to Harold and the Captain at least, Chance and Alyssia could see him step back and wrap a cloak around himself then turning, leap up to catch the top of the wall around the yard, slip carefully over the top. They also heard him drop, almost silently, on the other side.

“Well, I would never have suspected that man of being a Black Guard.” Harold said quietly.

“Me either,” responded the Captain.

“Wait a minute! Are you saying Brother Joshua is one of the King’s elite Black Guard? I mean I knew you were Captain. To be a Blade Master and a member of the King’s Guard one would guess that you are. So if you and Brother Joshua are Black Guards then…” Chance stopped midsentence and turned to his father in awe, “that means you…” He could not finish his sentence. He could not wrap his mind around the fact that this gentle giant of a man whom he called father was a Black Guard as well.

“Yes son. It does. This does not go beyond this house. Your mother knows but other than Jacinto here” Harold nodded toward the Captain “and Joshua, no one else in town knows.”

“It is getting late Harold so I will let you and Chance get inside and see to the children. If you need anything send word. I will send off my report tomorrow morning at first light. Then, once we receive a response, we can determine the best course of action.”

As they turned, Alyssia leapt off of Chance’s shoulder and took flight. Are you ready to go out flying Little One? Chance asked.

No, I can tell you are exhausted Big One. We can do it another night. I am going to fly over the house to the window of your room, though. She answered.

When Chance and his father walked into the house, it had quieted down considerably. There were still a few of the women that had come to help out sitting in front of the fireplace. They each had one of the younger children in their laps rocking them as they talked quietly. Harold walked over to his wife and kissed her on the forehead.

“Love, is there anything you need me to do?” Harold whispered softly.

“Can you and Chance carry the children here to our bed? Be careful going in as there a few children on palettes on the floor. These have a spot in the bed though.” She whispered.

Chance and his father carefully lifted the children out of the arms of the women who had come to help. They gently carried them to the bed and laid them out. Then returned to repeat the process until the bed was full and the women’s arms were empty.

“Goodnight Janice, see you in the morning.” The ladies whispered as they left.

“Well since it seems as if the bed is taken, I am guessing I am sleeping in here?” His dad asked jokingly.

“If you complain you can sleep in the forge.” His mother promptly responded with a grin splitting her tired face. Then she pointed to a palette of blankets made up in the corner. “There m ’Lord, there is your bed for this evening.” She said as she dropped into a curtsy.

“Where am I at mom?” Chance asked looking around.

“I put a palette on the floor of your room. I figured the girls might need you in there if they awoke in the night.”

At this Alyssia chimed into his thoughts. Hurry up Chance. I think I am ready to go to sleep too.

“Good night mom, Good night Dad, I love you.” He said as he turned and headed to his room and some much needed sleep.

As Chance woke up the next morning he realized that he could not roll over or even really move. In the dim light of the pre-dawn, he was able to make out the sleeping forms of Mallory and Jessica snuggled up next to him. Sometime in the night they must have woken up and found him on the floor and decided to sleep on the floor with him, rather than in the big soft bed. Then, he noticed a light weight on his chest and glanced down to see, curled up in a tight ball, Alyssia. Chuckling to himself, at his predicament he decided it might be a good day to sleep in. So he settled back down, put an arm around each girl and cuddled them closer. When his arm went around them it was like the working of Ard, they both sighed deeply and seemed to relax even more and slip deeper into sleep. He realized, he felt more relaxed this way too and slowly faded back to sleep.

Chance awoke some time later as his door slowly opened. His mom peeked through the door, then seeing he was awake, stuck her head in. “How precious,” she whispered, “Looks like you have three young girls who adore you.”

At this Alyssia lifted her head and nodded it at his mom. Then she proceeded to stretch out the kinks from her night’s sleep. Chance tried to suppress his chuckles as her tail tickled him on the ribs as it swung side to side. Soon though he could bear no more and moved his hand to stop her tail. This woke up Mallory who stretched and yawned. Then glancing around, she gave him a radiant smile, “It wasn’t a dream! It really did happen. My dreams did come true!” He could see the tears form in her eyes, but could tell they were tears of happiness not of pain or sorrow.

“No Mallory, it is not a dream. The nightmare is over for you.” Chance assured her.

At this point the conversation woke up Jessica who sat up quietly and looked around sleepily. “Mallory, I am hungry. Do we get to eat today too?”

Stepping into the room Chance’s mom picked her up then said in all sincerity, “Jessica, you will get to eat every day and several meals every day from now on. Ok? I promise. There will always be food for you to eat.” Chance could see the tears forming in her eyes as she promised the little girl. “Come on. Let’s wash our face and hands and comb our hair, then we can go get some breakfast. What would you like to eat for breakfast today Jessica?”

She set the little girl down in front of Chance’s wash basin and began brushing her hair. Jessica thought for a minute. Then in a soft voice, “I don’t know, just not gruel.” She made a face of disgust when she said it. “I don’t like gruel.”

Laughing, his mom leaned over and he heard her whisper, “You know what I can’t stand it either so you will never have to eat gruel in this house. Deal?”

“Deal!” Jessica squealed happily.

“What about you Mallory? What would you like for breakfast?” Chance asked.

As Mallory opened her mouth to answer a small quiet voice said “B-b-b-ac-on.” Startled everyone turned to where the voice came from but the only one there was Alyssia, who sat staring at them.

“Was that you?” Chance asked Alyssia.

She nodded and then with much focus said “B-b-b-ac-on.”

They were all shocked. Little One! You can speak out loud! Chance said excitedly.

I am still trying to master it. It is more of an audible illusion incantation. Once I get the hang of it, it will become second nature. I have always understood your speech but demi-dragon, and dragon, mouths are not made to make the sounds human’s make. My memories explain the incantation but some of it is just practice and some is building up my Ard stamina.

The girls both started talking to Alyssia, asking question but not listening for an answer to any of them. Finally, Chance spoke up, “Girls, those were her first words she has ever spoken. It is going to take her sometime to learn to speak clearly, alright? Now who is up for some BACON?!” He scooped up Alyssia and started to head for the kitchen with the girls tagging along behind when his mom reminded him of the other children and the women that were helping that had never met Alyssia. Chance thought for a moment.

“Girls, how about we get breakfast at the Market and then go shopping for some new clothes for you two? We can snag a few pieces of bacon on the way out though.” Chance asked. “That way we can eat breakfast together without Alyssia having to hide in my satchel. Sound like a plan?”

Both girls let out squeals of delight that hurt his ears and ran back to the bedroom to change into the one outfit that they had gotten last night. Chance grabbed his satchel and placed his enchanted belt and pouch back inside then he opened it up enough for Alyssia to climb inside.

After checking with his mom to see if she needed anything, and getting a sizable list, they headed out for the Market.

The morning was spent with the girls wandering through the shops, oohing and aahing over everything. Mallory could remember a time when she was not chased out of every store she entered but Jessica had been too young when her parents had died to have any memory of the good times. The girls each got several new outfits, underclothes, soft soled shoes, sturdy winter boots, and cloaks. They also each got a small sack of hard candy to enjoy. Alyssia got some too, along with a healthy size serving of bacon. Chance also filled his mother’s shopping list and arranged for several merchants to come by the house to measure the orphans for more clothes and shoes.

As they were walking out of the Market past an alley someone stepped out behind Chance and slipped an arm around his throat as he prodded him in the back with a dagger. A voice he recognized whispered in his ear, “Alright boy unless you want me to stick you like a pig you are going to come with me. Bring those little ones with you too. No noise or you are dead.” He turned his head and spoke to the girls, “You two come along unless you want to see your hero-boy here dead.”

Chance slowly started backing up, he was unsure what to do. He had a little girl’s hand in each of his and if he let go the man would surely notice. “Now you are going to help me get those boxes back. You hear me?”

“Why would I do that?” Chance asked angrily.

“Because I am going to take these girls and something ugly is going to happen to them if you do not.” He replied. “It won’t be just a strapping this time either.”

That was when the realization hit, it was the Merchant guard from the other day. He remembered now Alyssia had said he was there but he did not remember seeing him in the group arrested. Somehow he had hidden or gotten away without being caught.

“Ok. I will help you.” Chance replied. As Chance was speaking though, the man screamed and the dagger fell to the ground harmlessly.

Ewww!!! Yuck! How long since he washed that hand! He tastes NASTY! Alyssia squealed.

Taking the opportunity provided by the little dragon, Chance reached up and grabbing the man’s arm with both hands leaned forward quickly and tugged downward. The guard went flying over his back landing hard on the ground, his breath exploding from his mouth in a gasp. Chance reached into the satchel and pulled out his enchanted dagger. Then dropping a knee to the guard’s chest he placed the dagger just under the man’s nose.

The girls were frozen in place at the sudden turn of events. Chance quickly broke them from their trance and urged Mallory to get the City Guard and bring them back. Alyssia I need you to go get either my dad, Captain Herrera, or Brother Joshua, please. Try not to be seen but if so we will deal with it later, just get them here. He urged Jessica to go sit against the wall on the opposite side of the alley.

About that time Mallory came running back in with a City Guard. “Hey now! What’s going on here?” He shouted at Chance. “What are you doing to the guard? You better let him up or I will be forced to put you in jail.”

“He attacked me!” the Merchant guard yelled. “Get him off me!”

Chance was startled for a moment. “This man assaulted me and threatened two children in my care. This is a King’s matter. Please send someone for Captain Herrera.”

“Maybe it is and maybe it isn’t.” The guard said angrily. “You need to do what I told you to do and let that man up and give me that dagger before you hurt someone with it.”

Chance, I have your father. He is headed your way. Alyssia told him.

Tell him to run. This City guard is threatening me with jail if I do not let the man up and give him my dagger. Chance told her.

Giggling broke through the link. What did you do Little One? Chance asked.

I did as you told me. I used my Ard and made a voice scream RUN at him. He is turning onto your street now. Alyssia giggled.

The guard pulled his short sword from his belt and advanced toward Chance. “I told you what to do and you have not listened. Maybe some time in jail will open your ears boy!”

“HOLD SOLDIER!” Harold’s voice boomed in the close confines of the alley.

The guard immediately whipped around and started to move to stand at attention at the air of command in Harold’s voice.

“Wait! Who are you to tell me to hold? You want some jail time too?” The guard snarled.

“Why don’t you wait on your commanding office guardsman? He should be along any minute now. He will tell you I have the authority here and that you better damn well listen when I tell you what to do!” Harold responded forcefully.

The guardsman, who was clearly out of his element, decided that waiting on his commanding officer was a wise decision.

A few minutes later Captain Herrera and Captain Franks arrived together.

The guardsman snapped to attention. “Sir!”

“At ease guardsman. What seems to be the issue here?” Captain Franks asked.

Deciding it was best to speak first, Chance spoke up quickly, “Well, this man, slipped up behind me and held a dagger to my back and threatened me and the girls with harm if I did not help him.” Chance relayed the events as they had happened.

“Did he say what he wanted help with Chance?” Captain Franks asked.

Chance glanced at Captain Herrera then glanced down at his satchel. A light of understanding blossomed in the Captain’s eyes suddenly. “It has to do with freeing the men from the house.” Captain Herrera spoke up.

“Very well. Do you want to put this man with the others from yesterday Captain?” Franks asked.

“No. I think he might know more about what is going on. We will take him for a bit. If you have a deep holding cell available away from the rest, for us to hold him in later I would appreciate it.” Captain Herrera said.

The merchant guard had laid there quietly while all this had played out but now, with an interrogation facing him, he decided it was time to make his move. He bucked his hips pitching the Chance forward and off balance. This freed up his right arm and with it he grasped Chance’s dagger wielding arm. He shifted the dagger down from under his own nose and plunged it into his own throat, severing the main artery in his neck. It had happened before Chance, or any else, could react. One moment, they had a prisoner and the next the man had committed suicide rather than face interrogation.

Chance sat there stunned. Then realizing that the warmth on his hand was the man’s blood. Chance staggered up and turned away from the body and emptied his stomach. Standing back up and wiping his mouth on his sleeve he asked, “How could he do that? I mean we weren’t going to kill him. He did not have to die.”

Captain Herrera looking down at the body in frustration explained, “He believed in his cause. He also felt that what he knew would be detrimental to it. We would have gotten it from him eventually, so he felt the only way to keep it safe was to end the cause of the danger. Even if he himself was the danger.”

Harold pulled Chance and Captain Herrera to one side and whispered, “What did he want help with Chance?”

Chance told him about the man wanting Chance to help retrieve the boxes or else something nasty was going to happen to the girls.

Muttering to himself Harold shook his head. “This was already a highly important issue, but this,” he gestured at the corpse, “This just told us their resolve in carrying it out. I do not think we can wait for word back from the capitol. We should all four us meet immediately and make a decision now. If we wait, it might become too late.”

Captain Herrera asked Captain Franks if he could have one of his investigators look into the dead man’s background to see when he had come to town and what merchant had hired him. They would also need to search where he stayed and inspect his body for clues as well, insisted Captain Herrera.

“I do not have the man power to do all of that and keep the peace in the city.” Captain Franks responded.

“I will ask the militia to assist you in keeping the peace if that will help? I will also provide the funds to pay for extra work shifts. This is a matter of extreme importance, believe me.” Herrera replied.

Placated, Franks agreed and began organizing men to see to the body and look into the things Herrera has asked of him.

“Chance, take the girls and head to the house. I will gather up our other guest and bring them to the house. See you this afternoon Captain, say at the fourth bell?” Harold asked.

Chance glanced around suddenly for the girls and found them huddled in a corner away from the body. Mallory was shielding Jessica and trying to keep the young girl calm. He walked over to them and knelt down. “I am so sorry girls. My first day as your protector and I almost failed you. Forgive me please?” Chance asked sincerely.

“You didn’t fail. From what you said you and Alyssia are together, so that means what she does is the same as you doing it. She saved us from the bad man, so you did too.” Mallory explained thoughtfully. She smiled and patted Chance on the forearm to comfort him as well.

“Oh young one, you are so smart and kind. Thank you.” Chance said. He then scooped up both of the girls and kissed them each on the cheek. “I am so glad you two are safe. I am not sure what I would have done, but I would not have let him hurt you.” He hugged them both tightly to him and headed toward the house with them in his arms.