"Princess Arimaaa!!"

The day the princess came back with the remnant of her group, she was greeted by a maid, a thin girl with long orange hair, cat ears, tail and eyes of the same colour, slightly taller than the princess. When she saw her, the maid ran and jumped in the princess's arms, hugging her as she brushed her cheek against hers. This made the princess laughed as she returned the hug.

"Hello Mandarine, I'm back."

"Oh, I was so worried! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did you have enough to eat on the way? Do you need a bath?..."

Taking the princess's head between her hands, the catgirl smelled the princess hair for a bit.

"You need a bath! Come with me, I'll prepare everything right away!"

Not giving the princess a choice, the catgirl named Mandarine pulled her inside the castle, passing before guards, maids and servant who bowed to her on the way.

Alariel and Arca looked at each other and laughed a bit, the maid's attitude was refreshing. Arca turned to face the remaining soldiers of the group.

"Good work everyone! Mission accomplished. Rest, tend to your wound, you'll be called later for your reward! As for now...Paron!"

Straightening himself and hitting his chest as a salute, the old warrior waited for his captain to continue. She threw him a small purse, a smile on her face.

"Tonight's first drink is on me!"

"Thank you, Captain!" Said the soldiers as one before departing in the town's direction, where their families, a warm meal and a good bed were waiting for them.

"That was generous of you." Said Alariel, looking at Arca from the side.

"They deserved it, that's all."

"Indeed they do...Let's follow those two, I don't know about you but I could also go for a bath."

"You know what...me too, actually. That's a thing I missed on the road, the castle's bath."

As the two went on in the castle, saluted by the guards as they passed before them, Alariel laughed a bit at the semi-Orc's answer, putting a hand before her mouth in an exaggerated ladylike fashion.

"How ladylike of you...Don't tell me that man has awakened your feminine parts...?"

"Shut up Alariel!" Answered the slightly blushing semi-orc.

Turning a corner, the two guardians came across a richly dressed man, with a sword at his side and the Griffin coat of arms pictured on his long black coat. The man was kind of old, grey hair sharing space on his head and bear with brown ones. His physic showed he wasn't used to fighting, his belly clearly not the one of an active man. As he saw the two women, the man slightly bowed to them, showing them a white smile only coloured by one or two golden teeth.

"Guardians! What a pleasure to see you back in one piece! How did Princes Arima journey go?"

The two women bowed in response to the man, Alariel politely answering him.

"Thank you for your kind words, Chancellor Gastonar. We have just arrived and all went well."

Looking around, the big man showed a curious look to them.

"But...I don't see the Princess. I was hoping to greet her too."

"My apologies, Chancellor. The Princess was taken away by one of her maids to...refresh herself a bit."

The chancellor slapped his forehead with one of his rings covered hands.

"Of course! How insensitive of me! Please salute her on my behalf, I'll be sure to greet her officially when I see her."

"Be sure we'll do it, Chancellor, now if you'll excuse us..."

After another bow from the women, the three separated, going back on their way.

Looking behind to be sure the man was gone, Arca growled a bit.

"I don't trust this man..."

"You don't trust a lot of people, Arca..."

"True."

....................................................................................................................

Some time later, behind tall wooden doors guarded by a dozen female guards, the princess and her two guardians were enjoying a bath in the royal bathroom.

Made of white marble and gold plated pictures, the size of the 'bathtub' was gigantic, looking more like a pool than an actual bathtub in the first place. Two giant lion's head were letting small waterfall out of their mouth, Filling the bathtub with warm water and foam, foam produced thanks to expensive liquids and lotions reserved for the nobles use, the kind of product with a price so high you could feed a whole family for a month with the price of one bottle.

"That is soooo refreshing..." Said the princess, leaning against the bath edge.

"Indeed it does, very relaxing after this journey." Added the black skinned elf lady while she was using some of the foam to wash herself, sitting in the bath a bit away from the others.

"And 'this' is something else I missed on the road..." Said Arca before drinking some sweet alcohol from a stone cup, a sigh of ease following her gulp.

Arima got off the bath edge to swim a bit, enjoying the warm water around her.

"You're not supposed to swim in the bath, Princess..." Pointed Alariel.

"Bah! Let her enjoy for a bit. You know how those last days have been stressing for everyone." Said the semi-orc.

After a minute or two, the princess stopped swimming to float on her back, letting herself be drifted away by the slight flow of water made by the little waterfalls as she admired the multicoloured pictures painted on the bathroom's ceiling. She didn't saw the two orange pointy cat ears pointing out of the water surface, contrary to her elf guardian who silently signalled her semi-orc friend, indicating the scene to watch with a smile of connivance.

The orange ears disappeared in the water, replaced by a long orange cat tail. The tail came taping the princess's waist left side before it went in the water, making her jumped to face that side, only to be gripped from behind by Mandarine as the cat girl emerged from under the water, grasping the princess's chest.

"KYAA! Mandarin! What are you doing!?"

"Just checking how my dear Princess is growing, that's all..."

The princess struggled to escape the cat girl embrace, blushing.

"Let go, Mandarine!"

"At your order, majesty." Said the maid on a playful tone as she let the princess go, letting her fall into the water, leaving only her head above the surface.

"THAT'S UNFAIR! YOU GOT ME BY SURPRISE!"

"I know. But it's only because I love my Princess sooo much, meow..." Answered the cat girl, exaggerating a gripping sign with her two hands.

"It's time for a tickle fight, my dear Princess!" Said the maid as she got closer.

"Come and get me, I won't let you win this time!" Provoked the princess as she stood, pointing at the maid in an exaggerated fashion before she jumped on the cat girl, making them both go underwater.

While the princess and the maid were playing together, Alariel got closer to Arca, taking the second cup on the plate before talking.

"So...how about you tell me what happened back there?"

" What are you talking about?" asked the semi-orc.

"Oh you know, when you left with a certain man and came back, your cheeks a bit red and a new armour on...and I'm not even talking about your sword."

"I...I don't have anything to say..." Said Arca as she looked away, a bit of red coming back to her cheeks as she took another sip from her cup.

Seeing her friend embarrassed, Alariel smiled devilishly before continuing.

"Ooooh, so much happened that only thinking about it makes you blush?...Is it possible that...our dear Arca has finally become a woman?" Said the elf lady on a mocking tone.

"SHUT UP! I...I mean..."

The semi-orc coughed a bit, her scream had been involuntary loud. The other two had stopped their tickle fight when they heard Arca shouted.

"He...he...might...have done something to me..." Said the semi-orc, her eyes fixed on an invisible point far away, and her face far redder than she wanted it to be.

"Ooooooh, I smell something interesting..." said the cat girl maid.

Mandarine swum back near the two guardians, quickly followed by the princess, the two at least as curious as the elf.

"Please Arca, it's only us, you can tell. It will be our secret. Won't it, you two?" The princess seemed eager to know more too.

"He...he kissed me..." The words hardly came out, being a whisper more than actual talking.

"Kiss? Who kissed you?" Asked the princess, unaware of the first part of the conversation.

"Sir Maximilian." Answered Alariel, clearly not as shy on the matter as her friend. She continued.

"That's it? By your reaction, I thought there was something else..."

Angry at her elf companion, the semi-orc stood out in the bath, pointing at her.

"Well sorry to not be as 'open' as you on the matter! I'll let you know that was my first k...!"

The warrior lady stopped dead in her track, putting a hand on her mouth to shut herself up, but clearly too late.

There was a small silence, then Alariel slowly clapped her hand in a very ladylike manner.

"Congratulation for your first kiss..."

The green skin of the semi-orc was completely red at that moment, she stepped in the elf's direction, reaching with her hands to apparently strangling the elf.

"Ho you little...!"

Not letting the muscular semi-orc reaching her, the elf lady gripped Mandarine in her arms, to the maid surprised.

"Meow?" Asked the cat girl as she looked at the grinning elf lady.

"Special attack! GROPING CAT CANNON!" Playfully shouted Alariel as she threw the light maid on her semi-orc friend who received her in the chest, falling back on her buttocks in the water while Alariel and the princess were laughing heartily.

The elf nudged the princess and showed the semi-orc defenselessly sitting with a cat girl doing her best to grope her breast, moving on her while laughing exaggeratedly loud.

"Now would be a good time for a sneak attack, Princess..." Said the elf on a conspiring tone.

"Good idea, Alariel." Answered the red-haired princess before swimming around the semi-orc.

"Stealthy tickling attack!" Shouted Arima as she started to tickle the semi-orc sides with both hands, making the green skin lady started to laugh far too loud to not be heard outside of the room.

"YAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, STOP IT! STOP IT!"

...........................................................................................................................................................

Outside of the room, the guards were talking among themselves.

"Don't you think we should go check inside? Ther are making a lot of noise..." Asked a soldier.

"There is a semi-orc in there, did you really think it would be quiet?" Answered another one, only to be interrupted by one of her colleagues elbowing her. As she looked in front of her, she saw someone calmly waiting for them to step aside.

"Lady Kitsu! Sorry, we didn't hear you come."

Slightly nodding with a gentle smile, the one named Kitsu said.

"My apologies, I'm not as loud as a semi-orc..."

While the guard was still searching for something to say, the woman passed the doors, the guards stepping aside to let her pass.

...........................................................................................................................................................

Finally managing to grasp the two tickling girls, the semi-orc blocked them under her arms, one under each.

"HAHA, GOT YOU!" Roared the semi-orc, victorious.

The princess struggled a bit, while Mandarine simply let herself be lifted, looking like a dead body as the semi-orc shook her a bit.

"Hey, cat girl, are you dead?"

"No, I simply loose all strength, meow."

"Uhum."

The four in the bath were interrupted by someone clearing her throat.

As they looked, they saw another maid. Tall, just a tiny bit on the chubby side, looking a bit over forty, long golden blond hair brought back in a hair bun, fox ears and tails of the same colour and eyes not visible because they were nearly closed, a fox lady was standing near the bathroom entrance, a gentle smile on her face.

When she saw her, the princess managed to escape Arca's grip to run out of the bath in the woman's direction, a big smile on her face.

"Aunt Kitsu!!!"

As the princess jumped to hugged the fox lady, the one named Kitsu moved at an impressive speed, pulling out a towel from behind her and passing it around the wet princess, actively drying her. Once finished, she put another towel, a dry one, around the princess, making sure she was correctly covered.

"Welcome back, little Princess..." Said the fox lady before lovingly hugging her.

Following the princess, the other three got out of the bath too, Arca whistling as she admired Kitsu's quick movements.

"I see you're as fast as always, lady Kitsu."

The older maid respectfully bowed to the two guardians.

"You are far too kind with this humble fox, lady Arca."

"'Lady' Arca... I'm worried about you eyesight, lady Kitsu." Said Alariel, clearly mocking her friend, evading an elbow hit from Arca.

"If you are finished with your bath, her majesty has asked me to lead you to the purple salon."

Hearing the fox lady talking about the Queen, the two guardians straightened themselves, nodding before going for their equipment, only to realise it had disappeared, only the magic staff, the big sword, the dagger and the coat of arm had remained.

"As usual when coming back from a mission, your equipment is being taken care of by the maids, they will be washed before we give them back to you." Precise Kitsu.

"Ha yes, I always forget about that. Lady Kitsu, my armour is new, can't I have it back now?" Pleaded the semi-Orc.

"Not before you've seen her majesty I'm afraid." Answered the fox lady, her gentle smile not leaving her face.

Knowing perfectly well it was no use trying to convince the uncompromising maid, the semi-orc sighed and made a gesture signifying 'I give up' and went to put on the clothes who had been ready for them.

.........................................................................................................................................................

"I look stupid..."

Arca was clearly not pleased with what she was wearing. The maids had prepared a brown dress 'to embellish your natural green' as they said. The semi-orc warrior wasn't used to lady dresses, and it showed the way she was lifting the underpart of the robe to not stepped on it, collecting discrete laughs on the way.

"You look like a lady for once...except maybe for the big sword attached on your back..."

Next to her, Alariel was, as usual, at ease in dresses, especially low-necked ones like the yellow dress she had on her at the moment.

"That's exactly what I said...I look like a stupid lady of the court." Said the semi-orc, grinning, proud of her little taunt.

Alariel sighed while Kitsu, walking next to the princess, laughed a bit.

"I'm happy to see those two are the same as always."

Arima, to whom the maid was speaking, was looking a bit less joyful than before, preoccupied with something.

"Kitsu...how have things been while I was gone?"

The maid kept silent for a bit, probably looking at the princess from the corner of her eyes, but it was impossible to say.

"Your brother's...problem has sent the castle in a bit of uneasy state. Your sister has left the castle, Princess."

"Katerina is gone? Why?"

"Officially, it is some kind of political exercise, like any royal heir has to go through to learn how to lead the kingdom. Unofficially, it is Queen Alexandria who sent her away."

Arima was clearly surprised by the maid's words.

"Mother did? Why?"

Kitsu seemed unsure of herself.

"I...it isn't my place to talk about that matter, Princess. All I can say is that the Queen have the best intentions, be it for your siblings or you."

"If you say so, Kitsu..."

The group walked silently for a while. After a bit, Mandarine, walking on the other side of the princess, smiled at her.

"Don't worry, Princess. If Lady Kitsu says the Queen has a good reason, that means she has. No one knows her Highness better than her personal maid."

"I know, Mandarine, it's just that...sometimes, mother and sis, they don't...you know, they have been arguing a lot recently. With brother accused like he has been, I don't think they should fight like that...what about father?"

"We have arrived,Princess." Said the fox maid, visibly not willing to talk about the king.

...........................................................................................................................................................

The purple salon, as the name implied, had the purple colour predominant, be it the fabric on the walls or the curtains, with here and there silver and golden tree branches pictured like they were coming from the ground and ceiling. Two tall and large windows opened to a balcony with a magnificent view of the capital, although at the moment the windows were closed, the cold air not allowed inside.

Several book shelters were filled with precious looking volumes of encyclopaedias on different subjects, be it political, magic, history or even alchemy.

In a corner was a chess board, where silver and golden made characters were waiting for players to move them. On the wall above the fireplace was a portrait of the royal family, the king, queen and their children, the prince and two princesses.

On another shelter was other kinds of book, full of stories and legend about mythical heroes and creatures. Arima had heard quite a lot of them already, stories read to her by the woman who was currently sitting in one of the two comfy purple armchairs in the room, facing the fireplace where a fire was currently burning while reading one of the numerous letters put on the little table between the two armchairs.

The woman in the armchair looked forty or a bit less, like an older and bustier version of Arima, with long hair as red as Arima's falling down her back. On her head was a silver tiara finely made, representing a set of wings going around the top of her head, her eyes were also the same colour as the princess.

The first thing you could say about the lady sitting in the purple salon was that she was beautiful. Even the one or two grey hair visible on her head were only giving her some kind of 'mature' beauty. If her face wasn't at her best at the moment, it was only because what she was reading seemed to be bothering her.

"Your majesty, Princess Arima and her guardians are here..."

As Kitsu talked to her, the queen looked up from the letter, her eyes stopping on the princess. The crowned lady stood up from the armchair, facing the group.

Kitsu and Mandarine immediately stepped on the side, bowing to the queen while doing so. Alariel and Arca, standing behind the princess, respectfully bowed too. Arima took out the coat of arms and presented it to her mother, bowing to her as she did.

"Mother...I present to you the coat of arms of the griffin's house..."

Without a word, the queen carefully took the coat of arms presented by Arima and put it on the small table before falling on her knees and taking the little princess in her arms, tears in her eyes.

"My little treasure..."

Seeing the princess trying to hold back her tears, Kitsu simply said.

"There is no one but us here, Princess, there's no need for protocol..."

As she heard the maid's words, the little girl let her tears fall freely, holding her mother with all her strength.

"Mama..."

...........................................................................................................................................................

After long minutes without a word, the two simply hugging, they broke the embrace, looking into each other's eyes before laughing awkwardly.

"Kitsu, I think my daughter and her friends might be hungry from their travel, could you...?"

"Of course, your majesty. Mandarine, if you may..."

The two maids got out of the room, closing the doors behind them, leaving the trio with the queen.

"Sit with me Arima, I want you to tell me everything about your journey."

"Before that, Mother. Kitsu told me about Katerina...what happened?"

The queen sighed before weakly smiling at her youngest daughter.

"It is something we will talk about, but later. Can you wait for a bit and start by your story before we talk about that?" Asked the queen.

Arima thought for a bit, then simply nodded.

"Yes, mother. So, we first passed by a small village, not very interesting at first, but there was some kind of artists practising their show and..."

The princess went on and on about the journey she had achieved. The road to the dungeon without any special events, then the hard time with the monsters inside.

"There were skeletons, quads...and spiders, mother, enormous, so many, it was so scary and...a lot of soldiers died because of me..."

Seeing her daughter's eyes getting teary again, the queen got her handkerchief from the table and used it to brush away the tears away.

"Don't cry, Arima. Those brave women and men gave their life for you. You would shame their memory by crying, be thankful to them and honour their sacrifice. Do you remember the stories I have read you? The heroes don't want the ones they saved to cry for them but to live so their sacrifice will not be in vain."

The princess nodded at her mother's words before continuing her story.

"So...we managed to escape the spiders for a time..."

Arima continued to explain how the group had move forward, how Arca had cut the big spider's legs so they could close the door or how Alariel's magic had allowed them to win some time. The queen smiled at the two guardians.

"I see that, as always, my trust in you two has been well placed, I'm thankful for your help."

The two bowed as the queen was thanking them.

"You honour us, your Highness." Said Alariel.

"It was a pleasure to look after the Princess." Added Arca.

Kitsu and Mandarine came back at that time, Kitsu pushing a trail filled with things to eat and drinks, Mandarine with two chairs for the guardians to sit on.

Once four cups of tea were filled and the princess had drank a bit, she continued her story, reaching the point where the group was crossing the long stone bridge where Maximilian had helped them.

"A man helped you, you say?" Asked Alexandria, clearly surprised.

"Indeed mother. He killed the spiders who were coming after us with magic spells, allowing us to flee and find a place to rest. We weren't looking great at that time, we had little to eat, barely anything to drink, and the soldier lady who had been poisoned earlier was clearly in bad shape. With the alchemist killed by the spiders, we thought she was done for. And there, as we were desperately in need of help, be it for victuals or medical attention, that man appeared at our camp entrance."

"The same one that helped you on the bridge? Didn't he have any hesitation about coming to a camp filled with armed soldiers?" Questioned the queen before taking another sip of her cup.

Arima shook her head from left to right then hesitated a bit.

"I... think I should let Arca speaks about that moment, she was the one who spoke to him first."

The queen's eyes rested on the semi-orc.

"Is it true, Arca?"

"Well...yes, your majesty. As the captain of the group's soldier, I took on myself to questioned him."

"Oh...I hope he didn't suffer too much..."Said the queen, misinterpreting the semi- orc's words.

"Suffer? What do you m...Oh! No, no, your Majesty, I simply asked him some questions while the guards were menacing him with their blade, nothing bloody or anything like that...not that I think we could have 'interrogate' him, to be frank."

"I don't understand, was it impossible to hurt him? Not that I wish you had, but your explanation makes me asked myself even more questions, my dear Arca." Said the queen, her gentle smile not leaving her face.

"How to explain...he was powerful, your Majesty. I mean, really powerful. Later that night, he and I 'fought' against each other."

"Alone? Why not getting help from the soldiers?"

The semi-orc seemed bothered for a second.

"I...might have challenged him, in a way."

Surprising the ladies in the room, Kitsu laughed lightly. Seeing everyone looking at her, she bowed.

"My apologies, it's just that I can imagine so well our dear Arca doing that..."

Imitating her maid, the queen put a hand before her mouth to mask a slight laugh.

"Indeed. Nonetheless, Arca, was there no one to second you? I would have thought the soldiers would not lose sight of him, being a stranger and all..."

"Well, how to explain..." Said Arca, thinking about how to continue the story.

"Arca, maybe I should..."Proposed her elf friend.

"Good idea, you're better than me at those things."

"It seems so. To understand why we let Arca go alone with that man, it is important that I explain to you how our meeting went."

"Please, go on." Patiently said the queen.

"So, that man was there, with soldiers menacing him with their blades. He was armed, but his sword had stayed in his scabbard. Arca, taking her role as captain very seriously, wanted to know what he was doing there, maybe was he a spy or some assassin sent to hurt or kill Princess Arima."

"And...was he?"

"No, Mother!" Exclaimed Arima, making all eyes turned to her, making her blushed a bit.

"As Princess Arima so vividly just said, we don't think he is...at all."

"And what proof did you found that makes you so sure about that?" Questioned Alexandria, more curious than doubtful.

"He simply explained to us, at first, that if he wanted us dead, all he had to do was to do nothing and look while the spiders were tearing us apart...and, believe me, your Majesty, this is not a figure of speech, those monsters were numerous enough to destroy us."

"So he helped you with those filthy monsters. Arima told me he used magic, but you said he was armed with a sword. What about his staff? Or maybe did he have magic scrolls, although scrolls with magic spells strong enough to kill an entire group of monster are quite rare..."

The queen began to think out loud, lost in presumption and what ifs, like she had the habit to do when an interesting subject was presented to her. Alariel slightly coughed in her fist to take back the queen's attention.

"Oh, I'm sorry Alariel. You know me, I have a spirit too vivid for my own good. So about this man..."

"That's one of the special things about him, your Majesty. Do you remember Arca said he was powerful? He showed us the spell he had used to kill the spiders because we didn't believe him at first. The spells were used with so much accuracy and had so much power that we thought it was the work of an archmage."

"And? Why couldn't he be one?"

"He is too young, your majesty. I would say he is between his twentieth and thirtieth year, no more."

"Maybe does he have elf blood?"

Alariel thought for a bit.

"I don't think it is possible. It is very rare for different races to lay together, as you know, I have read a book on the subject. Because humans are known as the 'blank race', the child tends to take physical resemblance from the non-human parent. If that man had elf blood, it would had shown."

"Alright, he is human. And what about his catalyst?"

"That's the surprising thing, your Highness. He wasn't using one. He was there, before us all, and believe me I was very careful and ready if he was trying anything fishy, but he simply showed us the spells like that, with his bare hands!"

Not only the queen, but Kitsu, still standing next to her, was also surprised.

"Intriguing..." said the fox lady "...a young man, a human at that, powerful enough to use magic without a catalyst, this is indeed something I've never heard about...What about you, your majesty?"

Alexandria stayed silent for a bit, thinking.

"I've read some very old historical volume. They talked about ancient races, far more powerful in magic than we are today...but it is nothing more than legend these days...please Alariel, continue with the story."

"Very well. The soldier who had been poisoned before, the one the giant spider spat on, was in a critical condition. Her armour had taken most of the corrosive damage, but her body was literally beginning to be eaten away by the poison."

The queen slightly tilted her head on the side, curious.

"No that I'm not sorry about this brave soldier...but what does it has to do with that mage?"

"I'm getting to it. So that man, who by the way had introduced himself as Maximilian Baltazard Van Nilmerus, had just finished proving us he was the one who had used the spells. He was still talking to Arca...or should I say taunting Arca?"

Alariel looked at her semi-orc friend from te corner of her eyes. Arca slightly growled as a response.

"Let's stay with 'talk'. So he was talking with Arca, when the hurt soldier coughed loudly, more because she wasn't able to keep silent than by indiscretion. Maximilian proposed his help, Arca wasn't thrilled at the idea but the soldier herself asked her to let him try, not that we had that much of a choice."

"Was there no one else who could have helped?"

"I'm afraid not, your Majesty. The alchemist was the one who had our medical equipment, and the spiders had killed him earlier that day."

"Indeed, Arima said so...so? What happened next?"

Arima was the next one to talk.

"It was impressive, Mother. He simply looked at her and knew exactly what to do. He made her drink an antidote for the poison then Alariel and I made water boiled for him. He healed the soldier completely."

"So...he is a priest now? He knows how to use healing spells?" Asked the queen, a bit dubious about her daughter's tale.

"Not at all, mother. He used a knife to take out the...the...Alariel, what did he say it was?"

"Pus, Princess, the filthy things in her body was pus."

"That's it! He took out the pus and..."

Arima excitedly explained how Maximilian had operated the soldier, her mother and the maids patiently waiting for her to finish. After she was done, the queen simply nodded with a smile.

"This seems to have captivated you, my Daughter."

"It was very interesting, Mother. The soldier Milne is safe thanks to him, I never saw someone healing someone else like that."

Looking at Alariel, the queen asked.

"Is it true? I know Arima can be...imaginative when she tells a story..."

"The princess spoke the truth, you Highness, I saw it with my own eyes."

The queen exchanged a look with Kitsu, the fox lady seeming as interested as the queen by the tale.

"And what about this? The coat of arms, you talk a lot about that Maximilian but what about the dragon?"

"We didn't saw him." Answered the princess.

"But how did you..."

"Maximilian gave it to us. He was coming back from the treasure chamber, at least that's what he told us. He told us the dragon was dead."

"Dead!? That's surprising. If a group of adventurers had managed to do that, I'm sure it would be known...Have you heard anything about this, Kitsu?"

"Nothing has come to my attention, your Majesty, but I'll keep my ears open...Princess, you said he gave it to you, doesn't he know the value of a coat of arms?"

"He...didn't exactly gave it for free..." Said Alariel.

"What do you mean? Explain yourself..." Ordered the queen when she heard the worried tone in the guardian's voice.

"He asked the Princess to make an oath."

"You mean...like a pact!!" The queen exclaimed as she jumped out of her armchair. Without needing any words from her queen, Kitsu was kneeling before the princess, touching her forehead then palping her chest at several places.

"Kitsu, what are you doing!" The princess, surprised by the maid reaction, didn't really know how to act.

"Let her inspect you, my daughter. If that man has put some kind of curse on you, she will be able to feel it. Where did he touch you? Did he took some blood from you or something else?" Inquired the queen, clearly worried about her daughter's condition.

"What! No! we only shook hands. When we did, there were some strange symbols who wrote themselves on our hands, but he said it was only a mark of trust..." Arima was doing her best to explain what happened to her mother, but the queen was already scolding Arca and Alariel, the two guardians silently taking the blame from their queen.

"You two! How could you let her do that!? I trusted you with her safety and know she has made a pact with what could be a demon in disguise! I should have you two taken away for treason!!!"

"MOTHER!"

The queen opened her eyes wide, as did the others, when the princess came placing herself between her guardians and her, protecting the two women from the queen's wrath.

"Don't scold Alariel and Arca! Arca tested Maximilian before we discussed, and Alariel advised me to not make that oath, it was my decision!" Bravely said the young princess to her mother who was now going to scold her instead.

"Now you listen to me, young girl. If the law demands that you have guardians, it is not for you to protect them after you make a foolish decision. You are too young to understand but..."

"IT WAS MY DECISION!" Shouted the princess, stopping the queen in her sentence.

A heavy silence fell on the room for a few second before the princess continued.

"I'm...I'm sorry to have raised my voice against you, Mother. But...inspect me all you want, you'll see I'm not cursed. I trust sir Maximilian, as I trust my guardians, they did what they had to and shouldn't be scold fo that."

Princess Arima had spoken in one breath and without stopping. After she was done, she stood there, facing her mother the queen as Alexandria was imperiously looking down on the little lady who had just dared to raise her voice against her. After a second or two, the queen spoke.

"If I was to judge your action as the Queen, your little tantrum would be treated with a fitting punishment...but as a mother..."

The queen let a gentle smile come to her face, passing her hand against her daughter's cheek.

"...I'm proud of you. You stood up for your people, as should do a Queen...I shouldn't have blamed them like that...But we still have to inspect you. Kitsu, would you?..."

"Of course, you Highness. If you may, Princess..." The fox lady showed the open space before the fireplace, silently asking the princess to placed herself there.

Doing as told, Arima simply stood there. Kitsu came facing her, a metre away and took something from under her maid dress. A small wand of more or less thirty centimetres, with a blue crystal at his extremity. The maid pointed at the princess and...

"Scan!"

As she said the magic words, the fox lady slightly opened one of her eyes, letting a golden eyeball be seen behind her eyelid. A magic circle appeared around Arima, who was calmly waiting for the fox lady to finish her spell.

"So? What do you see, Kitsu?" Worriedly asked the queen, expecting the worse.

"It's hard to say, your Highness...there definitively is some magic on her, but I don't sense any dark magic, curse or demon blood. I don't know what that man did, but it doesn't appear to be harmful..."

The magic circle disappeared as Kitsu put her wand away, speaking to Alariel next.

"I don't recognise this magic, what is it?"

"If I trust what he said, it is runes magic."

The fox lady seemed surprised by the elf's words.

"Rune magic? Really? I have some troubles believing you..."

"I know it is hard to believe, lady Kitsu. Here, look at my staff."

The elf stood and showed her magic staff to the maid, the queen curiously looking at it too.

"What are we supposed to see, Alariel?" Asked the queen, not the most knowledgeable on the magic subject.

"This rune...is different from the rest..." Said Kitsu as she studied the staff. "I can sense it is more powerful, complex...what does it do?"

"He said it would allow me to charge my staff outside of battle, so I would have more magic energy at my disposal while fighting."

"Impossible." Simply declared the fox lady. "That kind of rune would require magic crystals, several days and mage smiths to be placed on a weapon like that. And I'm not talking about the fact of being able to know how to write it in the first place..."

"Is it that hard? I know equipment with runes are valuable, but isn't it possible for a high mage to do it?" Asked the queen, as curious as a child before something new.

"Your majesty, if we follow the rules of magic, this kind of rune would only be able to sustain some drops of mana by mages forging it without a crystal. Even if it worked, I really doubt you would be able to store more than a breath of magic in it...have you tried already, Alariel?"

"Not yet...do you want me to try now?" Asked the elf.

"If you may, it shouldn't be long..." said the fox maid.

...........................................................................................................................................................

"Impossible...I still don't believe it."

Alariel had poured all the mana she could inside the staff, then Kitsu had tried to fill it too, to no avail. The staff passed from the maid to the elf once again.

"I feel the energy in it, but I also feel it isn't full...just how powerful is that man? Alariel, what was his level?" Inquired the fox lady, now sitting in an armchair like Alexandria had asked her to do when she had seen her lack of mana was taking a toll on her.

"I don't know, lady Kitsu."

"Didn't you scanned him? I would have thought it would be interesting to know that."

"Oh but I scanned him, believe me, I did. But I couldn't see his level, and I am able to see up to thrice my level, lady Kitsu."

"You're trying to tell me that man is more than thrice your level? That would make him a man with a level superior to a hundred..."

The queen breathed in as she heard that.

"You mean...like the legendary heroes?"

Alariel simply nodded.

"That's what I think. This man could be a descendant of the ancient heroes of legend, the ones who managed to fight back the demons invasion two hundred years ago...that or he could simply have hiding artefact, like the ones used by spies to hide their status..."

"If I may, lady Kitsu..." Interrupted Arca.

All the eyes turned to the semi-orc, standing next to the armchair where Alariel was sitting. Seeing no objections, she continued talking.

"...As you know, I have fought against that man."

"Indeed, I have heard so. Tell me, is he really strong, or do you think he is simply equipped with a hiding artefact?" Questioned Kitsu.

Arca thought for a bit, remembering her fight with Maximilian.

"He...is strong, I mean, really strong. I don't know how to make you understand how I felt when I faced him, but...It was as if a child with a stick was going against a full armoured experienced knight. I let my rage spoke, I became berserk, but in the end, I was powerless against him. That's why I'm so sure he didn't have any ill attentions, because if he had wanted to, none of us would have been able to stop him."

She laughed a bit, a resigned laughed more than a joyful one.

"To be honest, I don't think he would have even broken a sweat taking care of us."

The queen exchanged a look with Kitsu before asking.

"Really, you lose that bad? Seeing you, I would have thought everything went well."

"That's because he didn't really fight, your Majesty. It was more...'educating' than fighting. He hit me once or twice, but nothing more."

"So...I'm sorry, I'm not really an expert at fighting, how can you know he is that strong if he didn't really fight?"

Arca thought for a bit, wondering how she could explain, then she remembered something, something that made her tremble for a second.

"His aura, your Majesty. When I was going Berserk, he...he crushed me. In one hit, he broke my armour and made me fall, I tried to attack him and then...those eyes, oh Goddess those eyes!"

Arca stopped talking, putting her face in her hands as if it could help her forget.

Once again, the fox maid and the queen looked at each other, not really knowing how to interpreted what the semi-orc had said.

"Do you know what she is talking about, Alariel?" Asked the fox maid.

"I'm sorry but no. She was alone with Maximilian when that happened, and it is the first time she speaks about it."

They stayed silent for a while, Arca still with her face in her hands. After the moment of silence, the queen spoke again.

"Kitsu, maybe with your 'see-through' capacity?" Proposed the queen.

"Are you sure, your Majesty?"

"If Arca is willing, yes."

"Excuse me but...what is the 'see-through' capacity?" Asked Arima.

Kitsu smiled at the Princess before answering.

"Some people of the fox race, like me, have a special ability. It allows us to look through someone memories by his or her eyes, to live what she or he has lived." Explained the fox maid.

"Isn't it painful?"

"Not in the least...it is not supposed to. There is a rule amongst the ones having this ability, we can only use it on a willing subject. It is the only way to look through their memory without hurting them...or us. For Arca, it will feel as if I was looking over her shoulder from behind while she relives that moment. She will know I'm there, and at the same time will not feel me, it is a bit complicated to explain. Let's say it is not pleasant, but it doesn't hurt either. What do you say, Arca? Are you willing to try?"

Arca looked between her fingers for a second, then straightened herself, simply nodding.

"If it can show you, I'm willing to try."

"Very well, let's get closer..."

Mandarine brought the armchair closer to the other one, making the fox lady and the semi-orc head's less than thirty centimetres away. Kitsu put her hands on Arca's temples.

"Try to relax, look into my eyes and remember what happened..."

Then, Kitsu completely opened her eyes, revealing the golden orbs she had. There was no iris nor sclera to be seen, only a vertical oval black pupil on a golden orb looking straight into Arca's eyes. As the semi-orc was losing herself in the fox lady's eyes, she heard her say a single word before all went dark.

"Yakitsuku!"

...........................................................................................................................................................

"Captain, everyone has passed the bridge."

"Thank you, Paron. OKAY EVERYONE, LET'S GO!"

Kitsu, through Arca's eyes, was reliving what had happened in the dungeon.

"This place is a nightmare. I wasn't told I would have to do that kind of things to get to the treasure..."

A fat man transporting two bags hanging by his shoulder was breathing heavily as he was advancing.

"Chemist, you should let one of us help you with your bags." Proposed Paron to the man who appeared to be the alchemist of the mission.

"No! No one touches my goods! I'm here to make money, not to see my precious potions be taken away by ...someone..."

The fat man wasn't looking at anyone in particular, apparently distrustful of everybody in the group. Behind him, walking while looking down with a bag far too big for her on the shoulders, was a young panda girl.

The group climbed down the stairs, two soldiers opening the path with torches and swords, followed by three others armed with spears and shields. Arca was walking next to the princess, her sword in hands, while Alariel, her magic staff ready for anything who could come at her, was guarding Arima's other side.

"How are you doing, Princess?" Kitsu heard Arca asking.

"I'm fine, Arca. I'm sad for those soldiers, they were killed by the skeletons and there was nothing I was able to do..."

"They gave their life for the mission, Princess, don't be sad for them, their death will be honoured." Said Alariel to comfort the young princess.

The group arrived in a new room, far more vast than the last one. The two soldiers opening the path signalled the rest to move forward, burning some sticky material on the way.

"This is some kind of silk, kinda sticky too...BE ON YOUR GUARDS, STAY GROUPED!" Arca was still ordering the group around as they went on.

*From what they have told us before, this must be the place where the met those monsters...* Thought Kitsu, looking at the scene from Arca's perspective.

The place was quite, too quite for the semi- orc's taste and Kitsu was feeling it. The nightmare began with a soldier's scream coming from behind. As they turned, everyone saw one of the soldiers on the ground, dead, currently eaten by a spider as big as him.

"SHOOT IT!" Ordered Paron, five bowmen let their arrows flew, killing the monster with a bit of difficulty.

The group didn't have the time to savour their victory, noises starting to come from all around them.

"RUN!!!" Ordered Arca as she pointed forward, the group fleeing what happened to be dozens and dozens of spiders, all the same size of the one they had killed just now.

Alariel used her magic to threw a fireball, killing one the nearest spider, but the elf didn't wait for her spell to collide before following the group, passing next to two of the bowmen, bravely trying to give a bit of time for them to flee, only to be also killed by the spiders.

As they were running, Arca heard one of the soldiers shouting that the chemist had also been killed.

"Quick! To the door! Block it so we can go down!!"

The group miraculously reached the exit, closing the big doors and blocking them with everything they found. They were not quick enough, though, and one of the soldiers got poisoned. She saw and felt as Arca cut the spider legs, allowing the soldiers to finally close the door.

Kitsu calmly observed the scene playing before her eyes, smiling as she saw the little princess resolution to go on.

...........................................................................................................................................................

Through the semi- orc's eyes, Kitsu was able to see the gigantic place they were in, the long bridge passing above the deep darkness, ensuring death for the ones who would fall.

The group was still advancing, Alariel suggesting to find a place to rest for a bit. Arca agreed with the elf's idea, seeing how the soldiers were tired and hurt, still walking behind them.

*It is here that he is supposed to appear...* Thought the fox maid just before hearing a voice resonate.

"RUN!!!"

A shout coming from a tower made the group look up, only to see a man's silhouette casting a big fireball at them. Not wasting any time, Arca put herself in front of the princess and ordered the bowmen still living to shoot at the man and three arrows flew.

"No Arca, look!"

Following her friend's indication, Arca look behind to see the burning corpse of a gigantic spider.

*What a spell! He managed to touch is target from that far?* Thought the fox maid.

Understanding in a second what was happening, Arca gave the order to run straight away from the danger.

Once again, a soldier shouted that the man was attacking them, this time with ice arrows. The semi-Orc took the time to lean over the bridge, only to see the falling corpses of smaller spiders. Shouting to the others the man was helping them, she didn't stop again, this time running straight for cover.

...........................................................................................................................................................

The group had finally made it 'safe' to some kind of guard post, deciding to camp there.

Arca was informed of the precarity of their situation by Paron, a tall bearded man Kitsu remembered from a day he had brought a message from Arca to the queen, indicating her their provision of food and water was far from sufficient.

Telling him to do the best he could, Arca went to see the poisoned soldier. Judging by her state, she was going to die soon, the chemist was dead and Alariel didn't have the knowledge to help her.

Once again, Kitsu was admirative of Arima's way of dealing with the soldier, the princess was listening to the soldier's last words, crouched at her side.

That's when a new voice was heard, coming from the room entrance.

.........................................................................................................................................................

*So it's him...interesting.*

While she was reliving Arca's past, Kitsu studied as much as she could the man she had heard about.

*He is indeed young, at least compared to what they told me he was able to do...*

Kitsu looked as Maximilian showed to everyone the spells he had used earlier, proving it was indeed him who had helped them.

*They were right. No scroll nor catalyst. This man can cast spells without anything more than his hands...he didn't even have to say anything, he used magic without wording the spells! What is he?!*

Kitsu continued to relive the scene, looking with attention as Maximilian operated the soldier while Arca was forbidding her to move, using her semi-orc strength if necessary.

She felt the semi-Orc's will to test the man's strength, that didn't surprise her that much.

She looked as he protected the young panda-girl and fought an ugly rat looking soldier, this made her smiled.

*So he doesn't see non-humans as inferior being...As a foxkin myself, I like that...the soldier, on the other hand...*

She frowned when the man took the panda-girl hostage, threatening her life for mere coins. Maximilian used his sword, Falemgeril he called it, to...

*Wait a minute! Falemgeril?! He said his sword was the legendary Falemgeril?! Impossible...if I remember correctly, this sword cannot be handled by anyone other than those having the strength of a giant! How could he handle it?*

She saw how the sword Maximilian threw at the soldier crushed him as the weight made it impossible for the rat to move.

*I have troubles believing it, but seeing how a normal soldier cannot even move from under it, it could really be the real one...Goddess, to think Falemgeril would be found again...*

The scene continued, the soldier used a teleportation scroll to disappeared, then Maximilian once again surprised the fox lady.

Of course, she found it generous of him to share his food with everyone, but it was the Havenbag that caught her attention.

*And here comes another unusual artifact...who knows what he's got in there...*

When Arca tasted the food offered by Maximilian, Kitsu felt the delighted sensation in the semi- orc's spirit, that amused the fox maid.

As the princess and her guardians spoke a bit with Maximilian, seating next to the panda-girl he had helped, things quickly became tense as Arca, still doubtful of the man, ordered Alariel to scan him, but without result from the elf. After that, Maximilian stood up and asked Arca to follow him, giving her the opportunity to fight with him, to the semi- orc's satisfaction.

*So...the moment who terrified Arca is coming, I have to be careful, this could be an illusion that man has used on her, let's observe.*

And that's what she did. She didn't lose a single second of the 'fight', feeling the semi- orc's anger as she was played with, the man in front of her visibly stronger than her. her pride, nonetheless, wasn't allowing her to stop, she had to win. She attacked several times, each time being defeated, then Maximilian used his sword to humiliate her, writing 'little miss tantrum' on her chest plate. Kitsu found it quite amusing, but not Arca, whose anger was getting out of hand. Like the semi-orc had told them earlier, she let herself been taken over by rage, going berserk as she got bigger and taller. Kitsu felt her feral strength, like a beast set free of her cage, but this didn't seem to impress the man in front of her. She attacked, breaking the ground with her sword, but Maximilian easily evaded the attack.

The man, pity in his eyes, put his sword back in his scabbard.

*That is something she will not accept...* Thought the fox lady.

And, as she thought, this didn't please Arca, who was infuriated by the man. She charged, her sword going down on the man who didn't move. Kitsu opened her eyes wide as Maximilian didn't even flinch when he stopped the massive weapon with two fingers.

*Exactly as she told. Like a child with a stick attacking a full armoured experienced knight...*

He kicked her back, keeping Arca's sword. The force of the hit should have convinced the semi-orc she was no match for him, but she attacked once again, wanting her sword back.

And then, he disappeared.

Even Kitsu, with her enhanced eyes, didn't see him before he reappeared right before her, shattering Arca's thick armour with a single punch before stepping back calmly, letting the semi-orc falling on her knees before throwing up a bit while her body retrieved his normal size.

*Goddess...even as a spectator it hurt...well, that certainly is impressive, but I don't see why Arca seemed to be terrified by the simple memory of this moment. She was defeated but...why is she getting up again?!*

The fox maid was impressed and exasperated at the same time, Arca's obstination bringing more pain than necessary.

*Why does she keep going on? She should have understood already...*

Arca, once again, was going to attack but Maximilian seemed to have enough of it...then it happened.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Kitsu felt the semi- orc's mind calling for help, screaming for someone to save her, but no sound came from her mouth at first, and the fox maid understood why.

*Now I understand why she looked terrified...goddess, what is he?!!*

The one looking down at Arca had nothing in common with the calm and kind man who stood there a few seconds ago. The dragonlike eyes looking straight at the semi-orc seemed to pierce her very soul, as it did with the fox lady's, strangely enough.

*I feel like it is me he is watching, not Arca but me. How can this be? And what is this tremendous aura!? It's crushing her...crushing me...it's...gone?*

As fast at it came, it was gone. Maximilian had spoken a bit with Arca while Kitsu was lost in her own thoughts, and was back to his normal self, kindly smiling at the semi-orc.

While the two were discussing, Kitsu's mind was working hard.

*What was that!!! I have felt great aura before, I have faced strong and powerful being before, but this man...those eyes...oh goddess those eyes, what a nightmare.*

The rest of the conversation had nothing really that interesting compared to what she had just seen. Or, to be honest, she thought it was a bit more 'private' and did her best to not see or hear too much, even if she couldn't suppress a little smile when the semi-orc lady received a kiss from Maximilian. What interested her more was the new appearances of Arca's blade. Maximilian had used rune magic to give it a new life, making it more powerful and beautiful than it had ever been.

*Alariel didn't lie, he really is able to use rune magic. And with what I just felt about his aura, I don't have any trouble believing he is powerful enough to do so.*

Kitsu didn't miss the moment when Arca swore fidelity to him.

*Strangely enough, I'm not that surprised...I wonder if Princess Arima is aware of her guardian's new allegiance...*

Kitsu followed the rest of Maximilian's interaction with the princess group. How the man made Arima angry on purpose, how they discussed her brother's trouble...

The pact between the princess and the man was as they had told, Kitsu didn't close her eyes for a second while watching the runes appearing and disappearing.

*Indeed, it is rune magic, but I still don't feel any ill effect about it. Maybe what Princess Arima said was true, he really is helping her kindheartedly.*

The discussion quickly ended with Arima giving away the slave panda girl to Maximilian, receiving the coat of arms in exchange.

Kitsu stopped there her observation.

...........................................................................................................................................................

"So? What did you see, Kitsu?" Asked the queen when the two women were separated and the fox maid had closed her eyes back.

Kitsu sighed before answering.

"Good news, your majesty. If I trust Arca's memory, we don't have to fear for your daughter. From what I've seen, no harm has been done to her..."

"But...?" Asked the queen, knowing her maid well enough to understand there was more to be told.

"I now understand the uneasy feeling Arca has. I saw the fight by her eyes and...indeed, this man showed good attention and helped Princess Arima on her quest, but he hides a terrifying power behind his gentle smile. It lasted for a few second, but I've never felt an aura like his."

"But...is he a friend or a foe?" Inquired the queen, worried by her personal maid's explanation.

"He is a friend, Mother!"

That came from Arima, who had calmly waited for Kitsu to finish her observation but was willing to defend the man who had helped her so much.

"He is a friend. A friend I invited to come at the castle when he will arrive at the capital, actually."

"You did what?!"

The queen was more surprised than angered by what the princess had just said.

"She did, your Majesty, I saw it through Arca's eyes, and he gladly accepted...If I may emit a suggestion..."

"You know I'm always willing to hear your advice, Kitsu. What are you thinking about?"

The fox maid drank a bit of tea offered by Mandarine before continuing.

"From what we know, this man has had numerous ways and possibilities to hurt or kill those three but did none of that. We have multiple proofs that he could be a very dangerous adversary if we make an enemy out of him..."

"Please, Kitsu, don't turn around the subject, say what you think without detours." Pleaded the queen.

"If we don't want him as an enemy, maybe we should try to make him an ally..."

A long silence fell on the room for a minute before the queen said.

"Do you think it could work? We don't know a thing about him, apart from his name and the fact he could be dangerous."

"What I think, your Majesty, is that your daughter, Princess Arima, might have started to build friendly relationships with one of the most powerful living man walking on this land...If it his not a sign from the Goddess that we should at least try, I don't know what is."

The queen stood silent for a bit while the others in the room were looking at her.

After a while, she finally said.

"This could be a good idea...alright, Arima, I'll trust your feelings about that man."

A big smile appeared on the little princess face as she hugged her mother.

"Thank you, Mother! You'll see, you'll like him. He and you share the same idea on some subjects and..."

The princess was interrupted by someone knocking on the salon's door. In an instant, the cosy feeling among the women present in the room was gone, replaced by the protocol attitudes expected by outsiders. Kitsu stood next to her queen, the two guardians stood behind the princess like they were asked to and the gentle smile on the queen's face was gone, replaced by the imperious lady elegance fitting to her title.

Mandarine went to the door, opening it to reveal a guard who saluted the women in the room by a hit on his chest.

"My respects your Majesties, Ladies. The king requires your presence in the throne room."

Alexandria answered to the guard in a tone only a true queen could have with her subjects.

"Very well. Thank you, guard, go tell the King I'll see him in a minute."

The soldier bowed as the queen talked to him, visibly embarrassed.

"My apologies, your Majesty. The King has required your presences, but also her Highness the Princess and her guardians. All of you have to be escorted to the throne room immediately, it concerns your security."

As he was talking, a dozen other guards arrived, all saluting the women in the room by a hit on their chest.

Arima got worried, not knowing what the situation meant.

"Mother, is something wrong?"

The queen hush her daughter with a discrete sign of the hand, stepping in the guards' direction.

"If it is an order from my King, I'll gladly obey it. Let's go, everyone."

Kitsu quickly whispered something at Mandarine's hear while giving her something before following the Queen, Arima walking next to her mother with her two guardians behind her.

As Kitsu was approaching, the guard who had spoken tried to stop her with his spear.

"The King hasn't required your presence, maid..."

Not giving the guard the honour of a look, Kitsu looked straight before her and said.

"I am her Majesty's personal maid, have been for more time than you've been soldier, and will be until I die. My place is at my Queen's side, if you think otherwise, kill me. If you don't, then I suggest you step aside..."

The guard looked dumbfounded at the maid for a second, impressed by her imperious but gentle voice, then stepped aside slightly bowing to her.

"My apologies..."

Without any more words, the group went to the throne room, escorted by a group of guards surrounding them, leaving Mandarine behind.

...........................................................................................................................................................

In one of the capital's taverns, Paron and most of the soldiers from the princess group were enjoying a good meal and drink, laughing loudly while talking about their journey with the other customers. Some, like Milne, had already gone home to rest or treat their wounds, but the majority of the group was there.

"And then, spiders twice my size came from everywhere! Everywhere, I say!" Was claiming Paron, standing on a table with a cup in his hand, his arms opened wide to show the size of the monsters while the other soldiers were laughing, the warm feeling of security of the city walls doing the men lot of good after the journey.

"Twice your size Paron? That must have been some ugly spiders! How about you tell us how it looked?" Taunted one of the customers.

"I think you sleep with one of them every night...Now that I think about it, where's your wife? I think I've recognised her down there!" Retorqued Paron, collecting even more laughs from the assembly.

The laughs were interrupted by the tavern's door slamming open, two dozens of guards in arms entering the place. The one leading the group shouted to be sure everyone was hearing correctly.

"WE'RE LOOKING FOR THE GROUP WHO HAS JUST COME BACK FROM PRINCESS ARIMA'S JOURNEY! THOSE FROM CAPTAIN ARCA'S GROUP, RAISE AND PRESENT YOURSELVES!"

Stepping down from the table, Paron led the small group to meet the guards near the entrance. Saluting the team leader, the tall man said.

"I am Paron, I lead the group under captain's Arca orders. What is the meaning of this? Is something wrong?"

In a few second, the small group was surrounded, threatened by the spears head from the guards all around them.

"Paron and the others serving under Arca the semi-Orc's command, you are suspected of treason. By order of the King, you will surrender your weapons and shield, then will be escorted to the castle to be judged."

Paron looked around him for a few second, clearly not understanding what was happening. And it showed perfectly well in his answer to the guard.

"Wait, what?"