When Mistress Jen and her cat did not return, James waited over an hour before cautiously approaching Sam. James figured if Master Sam let the kids throw rocks at him, he might not be offended if asked a question. “Master Sam, we are happy and appreciate your groups’ guidance in escorting us to Rolling Dice, but is there anything we should know about why we made camp so early? We would like to be properly prepared so as not to burden any of you when you are ready to leave.”

Sam could taste James’ fear as he watched the man approach him. Of course, Sam understood the man didn’t want to do anything to cause harm to his family, but it made him feel like a bully, and before answering the man’s question, he replied with a laugh, “Your daughter Lisa has one hell of a throwing arm, she’s scored several hits on me yesterday.”

“Thank you?...” replied James uncertainly.

“Anyways, Jen went out to kill a gang of bandits several miles ahead of us.”

Fear came over James’ face as he wanted to ask why she went by herself, but he knew better than to question warriors like these, but he still asked, “Is there anything you need us to do?”

Sam looked over the wagons and said, “Yes, as a matter of fact there is, and it’s going to take a soft touch. She will be returning with 5 or 6 freed slaves that may need your family’s assistance in adjusting after what they’ve been through.”

Sam was glad to see the sadness and concern reflected in James’ face at the mention of slaves.

James said, “My wife and Jack’s wife have both volunteered at one of the shelters back home. We will all do our best to help. I will go and tell them to prepare.”

“Thanks James.”

“Of course, Master Sam,” he replied. James didn’t understand why these warriors were willing to risk their lives freeing slaves. Most of the adventurers he had ever met were only concerned about the loot and experience they could get.

After a very uneventful, but worried filled night, Tamako spotted Jen and Slim leading six new people back to the caravan camp as dawn was rising. As Tamako ran to Jen, Sam waved to James and his people to go help comfort the freed slaves.

Sam could see Jen’s relief when the merchants were quick to properly clothe and feed the traumatized people, and generally try to make them feel comfortable and safe.

Sam let Jen and Tamako have some private time as he went and provided any healing that was needed by their new guests. To his surprise several of the merchants were combating health issues as well. The merchants were shocked when Sam started casting healing spells, but Sam didn’t correct them or tell them he was really using enchantments.

Sam wasn’t comfortable being around traumatized people, so he didn’t really inspect or talk to them in an effort to figure out the best way to heal them and conserve his mana. He just burned through the mana in his enchantment by throwing total body heals at each one of them, and then did the same for the merchants.

“He’s a healer!” Amy said to her sister.

“Did you see how fast he cast those spells? He hardly said a word or even moved his hands!” said great-aunt Martha.

“He didn’t even look tired after all the healing! He’s so powerful!” said one of the children.

Jacks wife said, “Why are they escorting us? He could make a fortune in gold staying safe in the city as a healer?”

‘Old’ Greg, Martha’s husband said, “The cost of the healing spells he just used on us is greater than all the goods in our wagons!”

One of the former slaves added, “They may not be allowed in the City. The young women that rescued us, she moves like one of those legendary dark-elf assassins.”

“But she saved you!” replied Martha.

The former slave shuddered, and said, “If you saw what she did to all those bandits, you would not be able to sleep a restful minute at night.”

Jack said, “Without their help, we would all be taking a permanent dirt nap. Anyways, enough of this gossip, they might hear us.”

Sam did over hear them and thought, “Damnit Kelly, I forgot to pretend to cast the healing spells and look mana exhausted. You would be proud of Jen, but I worry about her getting hurt going off alone.”

Slim strolled over to Sam, and said, “I have gentle-heart’s share of the loot, she keeps refusing to pick it up.” as he ‘spit’ out a pile of money, weapons, food, tools, and other items from the bandit camp.

Sam put the loot into one of his rings and bent down to scratch Slim’s neck, and said, “Thanks for watching over her.”

Slim purred from the attention, and said, “She didn’t need any watching over. Her ninja techniques combined with her psych skills makes her a truly scary assassin, but you’re welcome Log.”

Over the next several weeks travelling to Rolling Dice, Jen and Slim wiped out two more bandit camps and freed 8 more slaves. The kids loved Slim and were constantly making special food for him and giving him constant attention. Sam just laughed to himself as Slim tried to pretend he didn’t like the kids by feigning indifference.