I always love the atmosphere in the Hall. Bertude selling drinks behind the aged wood counter, Royce busily doing paperwork, fledgling Adventurers practising in the duelling pit. I still cannot believe that Stillwater is one of the Champions. Only days ago, I was a solo. Now I am walking in here with my new Charter.

As we approach Royce, I see Pela running some drinks around. Yes! So grateful Bertude gave her a go. Royce looks up and smiles at Stillwater. “Ah, Joan, it has been a while. What has brought the Watch in today?”

“We aren't here as Watch, Royce, we are all here to sign up a new Charter. Gunnar, Lone, WayWocket and I want to register the Rejects.”

He cocks an eyebrow at her. I cannot believe his skin does not crack; looks so dry and old-like. “You want to be called the Rejects? Are you sure?”

We all nod at the same time. First time we have worked together with one mind. “Alright. Here is the paperwork.” He hands Stillwater a stack of paper. “This one is for your Charter, and finally these need to be filled out by you, Gunnar, and WayWocket to register as Adventurers.”

Glad I do not have to do it again; was a bit of a pain in the arse before. We wander over to a table. As they start to fill in the paperwork, I say, “Hey, while you are doing this, I am going to say hi to a few friends. Is that okay?” Stillwater, not even looking up, waves me away.

Walking to the main bar, I call out, “Hey, Bertude, how are things?”

She looks up from polishing the bar. “Ah, Lone, things have been a little slow this morning. I have to thank you for suggesting Pela. She has been marvellous. Needed someone new with a little grit and a can-do attitude.”

I look around and see her clearing a table, smiling over at me. “Well, I knew she would be able to help you out.”

“So, what has brought you and the Watch in today?” Bertude asks.

I keep forgetting that this is a big place, so news does not travel that quickly. “Actually, we are not part of the Watch anymore. We are signing up as a Charter today.”

“How the bloody frick did you get Stillwater to join you, with her ranks?” Oh, my Saints! “Just kidding!” Dung, she was pulling my chain. Been a while since anyone pulled anything of mine. I glance over at Pela. Sigh. “A Charter with Stillwater at the helm will be a welcome addition to the Halls.”

Smell the distinctive scent of Pela. “All cleared, Bertude. Oh, you are here. You didn't come back last night. Is everything okay?”

“Yes, everything is fine, Pela. Just here to sign up. I am in a proper Charter now. Woohoo!” She smiles that wonderful smile. “But, bad news, I need to ask for a little extension for the rent, is that okay?”

She scowls at me. “So now you’re telling me that you don't have the rent, huh?” Oh great, need to find another ... Pela just bursts into laughter. Bertude looks at my face and covers her own mouth. I can hear her chuckling too. “It's fine! I have a job now, and that is because of you. Just pay when you can. So who is in your party?”

Bertude pipes in before I can say anything, “Bloody Champion Stillwater, Gunnar Noname of the Green—” Hang on. Gunnar is one of the Green? I thought they were all about forgiveness and all that stuff. “—and WayWocket, alchemist extraordinaire! And of course this lug nut.” They laugh about that.

“Come on now, he isn’t a lug nut!” Thanks, Pela. I knew you would have my back. “They are useful. He is more like an old cat warming itself in the sun.” They burst into laughter again.

I grumble over their laughter, “Is that right? Well, I helped to stop the grain bins from being poisoned last night so—”

Bertude stops laughing abruptly and exclaims, “You what?” Great, I was supposed to keep a lid on the whole thing. Damn it, I am an idiot! “How much grain was poisoned? I ate bread for breakfast this morning!”

I can see Pela trembling, but before I can say anything a large hand grips my shoulder. “Do not panic, ladies. The Rejects caught the culprits and stopped them from carrying out their plan! Sorry for scaring you.”

Now I'm in trouble with Stillwater too. She lets go, gives me a warning look, and I watch her walk back to the table. Pela still looks scared. Bertude hugs her waist and pulls her in. “Don't worry, lovely. Stillwater is one of the best. If she said she took care of it, then there is nothing to worry about. So, Solo, you were with them when it happened?”

I glance over at the group. Death stare from Gunnar and Stillwater is ignoring me. “Yes, I was. It was a bit dicey, but we all pulled through and saved the grain mills. Been up all night, doing reports and other stuff. Now I am going to be in the Adventuring group with the Rejects. Did not realise that Joan had so much of a reputation.”

“Yes, she does ... I think you need to head back over. She is motioning to you.”

I look over and there she is, about to yell out to me. Great, I hope I am not going to get in too much trouble for that slip of the tongue.

As I approach the table, Stillwater says, “I can't believe you, Solo. Ten seconds and you go blurt out what happened. We need to keep this to ourselves until we can talk to Count Darel. This is not just a story to help you chat up some young wisp of a thing!”

Gunnar grunts in agreement. WayWocket might be drinking the ink.

“It is not like that at all! One, she is my roommate. I am staying at her place until I am back on my feet, and leaving the Watch means it is going to be a little longer before I can help her out with rent. Two, it slipped out! They were giving me grief, and it just happened. Bertude and Pela are good people, they will not say anything, and the bar is empty right now. It is all good.”

“Always stepping in it, hey, Halfy?” Yay, a new nickname from Gunnar. Halfy is a little better than white-bred. “I keep telling you that sometimes you need to keep your fat mouth shut!”

That is it, I am going to give him what for! As I take a huge breath, Stillwater steps in. “I know what you are thinking, Solo, but Gunnar is right. If rumours find their way into the wrong ears then all of this will sum up to naught. Here, fill this in, then sign and I will explain to those two why we need to keep it quiet.”

Dumb, dumb! Why can I not keep my trap shut? Well, it is what I do well: I talk my way out of everything. Damn it.

Okay, let us have a look at this paperwork. So, fill in register number; have that. Name, hmm, I should leave it as Lone Solo. Last thing I want is them thinking that I am telling more lies. Well, I am now, but that is what they know me as. Round and round I go. Oh well, nothing I can do now.

So what is this mission statement? The Charter, blah, blah, innocents. Good, yep, more stuff. Well, it is pretty much just what we discussed at the barracks. At least it does not say we are going to do everything for free.

“Looks good. What do you think of it, Gunnar? WayWocket?”

Leaving it hanging, need to mend some of those bridges with Gunnar. He speaks up, “Yeah, it’s like how we try to hold ourselves up in the Watch. Not too charitable for you, Halfy?” I shake my head. Not going to give you anything! “Good then. Being a Charter will mean we are a bit more out in the open. Not a fan, but what are you going to do?”

“Yes, this is a great beginning. Only needs a little sunlight to secure it into everything,” WayWocket mumbles.

Stillwater seems to have finished speaking to Bertude and Pela. She comes back and sits down. “So, has everyone signed?” Nodding, like everyone else. “Good, once we do this we are not part of the Watch anymore. We are Adventurers and have to look for work. There will be some adjustment needed, but as long as we stick together, we can be great!”

Yeah, I am picture perfect for this team. Stillwater gives me a look. “That means you too, Lone!”

Looking at each one of the members of my new Charter, I wonder if this is the path I should take. We have a madman, a racist, an optimist, and then there is me. What a great bunch of idiots we are! WayWocket's and Stillwater's eyes are lit up like the gaslights outside, and there is Gunnar, just grumbling along.

“Joan, one question.” She stops her conversation with WayWocket. “Never mind, sorry, lost track of what I wanted to say.”

Stillwater smiles. “It's okay, Lone, it's going to take some time to be a true team. This will help our last commitment to the Watch—exposing Zlata. We just need to get this report and the evidence into the hands of someone who will listen.”

“Great plan, boss, except we’re relying on Halfy here to get us into the inner circle!” Gunnar complains.

Even if he is a dick, he is right. “I agree. Zlata set up this whole 'hero' thing. She created it so she can take it away again. We might have to think of a backup plan to deliver this report.”

It is pretty apparent that Stillwater did not think of this. “What do you suggest, Lone?”

“Really, Joan, I have no idea.”

Gunnar scoffs, “Of course he doesn't!”

“If you have a good idea, Gunnar, why not tell all of us? Trust me, I am dying to know.” Gunnar looks over at Stillwater, hoping she might have something to add. “Of course,” I continue, “you do not.”

“I know where this is heading. Quit it, both of you!” Going to rip Gunnar a new one, but Mama Stillwater has to protect him. That prick just smiles at me. “I hear your concerns, but in the end, we have one real option, and that is Solo's award of bravery. Zlata might have used it to tweak my nose, but, by Abyssus, I'll use it!”

It is excellent to hear Stillwater swear, it is a beautiful thing. “Just have to wait till I hear from the Count. Might go for another ale. Does anyone else want one?”

Stillwater smiles. “Thanks, Lone. Sounds great.” Gunnar just gives me a quick nod. WayWocket pulls a flask out of his pocket, has a swig, then looks off with dream-like eyes. I guess that is a no from him.

I walk over to the bar. “Bertude, may I have a jug of your finest ale and three cups please.”

“That will be a silver slip.” Checking my pockets, I have four silver slips and one hundred and fifty copper bits left. Damn it! I was counting on this Watch job to see me through. Oh well. Hand over two fifty-copper coins, wondering if I could ask for ale money from those two. “So, where are you four headed next?”

Pour me a cup, taking a sip. “Well, hand in our Charter paperwork then wait for a message from the Count about the ball tonight.” Downing the drink, I stack the cup and pick up the jug. “I cannot believe that they are giving me an award for saving a child.”

Polishing the bar, Bertude smiles at me and says, “I hear they just hand them out to anyone these days.” I can see the mirth lines around her large round eyes. Damn that Dwarven dry humour! “Just joking! Congratulations on your award. Most would run the other way from a burning building.”

“Yeah, that is what I should have done, but I acted before I thought. Stupid training, hear the whistle blow, and you go a-running.” I thank her for the ale and move away from the bar.

While walking back over to the group, I contemplate what I just said. I did just act; there was no forethought. Anyone with my training would have done the same thing! I am nothing special, so how do I get out of this situation? Stillwater is the one who should be getting an award presented by the Count.

Stillwater taps her finger on the table. “Solo, are you going to pour? You’ve been standing there for the last few minutes. What’s up?”

Before I reply, I had better pour the drinks. “I have been thinking—” Gunnar nearly breathes in the ale he is drinking so quickly. He coughs. “—I do not deserve this award. Someone like you should have this thing, Joan. All I did was something anyone with training would have done.”

“Let me stop you there. I watched you run full-sprint into that burning building yesterday. I didn't even hear that small girl in trouble while I was backing up the crowd. You did a brave thing. Don't belittle it because you think anyone would have done the same thing if the roles were reversed. I can tell you I would have, but only you acted without any thought for your own safety.”

“Yeah, that's our Halfy, not thinking, like always,” Gunnar chuckles at me.

“Do not worry. All will be revealed soon. Only the dawn will show us the way. Accompany always. Only death and destruction are the way of the shadows. Yes, that needs a little more blue, not so much red.”

Now he is talking about yellow. Lean back in my chair and take a little mouthful of my ale. Maybe they are right; well, Stillwater is. Just mellow out, nothing you can do but roll with the punches. You have cold ale, a new Charter who is competent, and your soon-to-be woman Pela.

Maybe this award will have sort of monetary reward with it too. I could use the slips. This big plan to bring down Zlata, I am not sure if it will work.

This ale is good. This might be the best ale I have had in weeks. It is so warm, and I am so comfortable. I might just close my eyes for a couple of seconds.