*

‘No! Absolutely not!’ said Primus when they introduced Ouzo to him in the common room of Kardia’s inn, affectionately known as “The Worn Out Shield”. ‘First you persuade me to let a prostitute come with us, now you want to bring a filthy Wolf Clanner along?’

Horatio felt a pang of empathy in his chest for both Wyvera and Ouzo at the Professor’s words. A runaway prostitute and a Wolf Clanner they may be, but they were still…people too, weren’t they?

Ouzo didn’t show any signs of seeming to mind, though. Or maybe he was just used to this attitude, so common among Gardians, by now. He just looked blankly at Primus, continuing to pant quietly with his tongue slightly out, as if awaiting a final explicit decision.

‘What’s the problem, old man?’ said Egea. ‘We could use an apothecary. Or a druggist. Or whatever. He can pay his own way and having another party member with us just means we’ll attract more and stronger monsters, which will net us more treasure, which means more gold!’

‘Yes,’ nodded Ceres, ‘and the doors of Qind are always open, remember. If this gentle…wolf wants to come with us then who are we to refuse him hospitality and turn him away? If Wyvera was allowed to come along, then Ouzo should be too.’

Horatio was not particularly motivated by either of those reasons, but he liked the druggist’s enthusiasm and sincere nature. He didn’t see any harm in the Wolf Clanner coming along. So he thought he better make a contribution this time too, especially if it would please Ceres. ‘He also knows some ice magic, and he has quite a large axe,’ he said.

Primus put his head in both hands. ‘I can’t believe this,’ he murmured from behind them.

‘Face it old man,’ said Egea, ‘you’re not strong enough to fend off all of the monsters you’ll meet while out travelling, especially if looking for your granddaughter ever takes you off the roads, and the rest of us can opt out at any time. You’re kinda at our mercy here.’

‘FINE!’ erupted Primus, taking his hands away from his face. ‘But he has to audition like she did!’ he yelled, gesturing to Wyvera. ‘And we’re leaving right now! The innkeeper here put up a girl matching Olvia’s description two nights ago, and said she left continuing North afterwards, in the direction of Kirts. We’re gaining on her, even after that stupid tetrachamber nonsense. We leave now! ’

‘You won’t regret this, sir!’ Ouzo as Primus began walking towards the exit of the inn.

‘See to it that I don’t,’ huffed Primus with irritation. ‘Come on, everyone!’

They left the inn and, freshly stocked with supplies, left Kardia, getting back onto the North Road.

Soon enough, they were set upon by a group of monsters.

Random Battle 1.

Music: SNES_FFbattle

Background: Road1