Author’s Note: Hey there, I will be reediting 17 and 18 later on. Can't contact my PR friend, so for now not edited atrocious chapter coming up. I have no excuse for yesterday, hope you forgive me. Later today another chapter coming out. Anyway, point out any mistakes you see and enjoy!

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We were travelling through the mountain pass on foot, with the exception of cart drivers and merchant himself who rode on carts. Mules were only used to pull the cargo. Although they and horses looked like normal Earth’s animals, they weren’t. The difference was, they had twisted sense of pride. They would die before being broken to the extent that one could ride on them. And they had low birth rate. All in all, people abandoned trying to saddle them, when they discovered that animals didn’t protest to haul carts. Some misdirected pride, don’t you think?

I wouldn’t mind travelling like that since I didn’t really tire that much. It could have even been pleasurable journey. Could have been. If it wasn’t for the awkward silence. I walked in front of the caravan, near the object of my admiration, and didn’t have slightest idea what to do. When I finally gathered courage to speak she spoke first which startled me a bit. Her voice was quiet, yet filled with confidence and pride, and it sounded as beautiful as she was.

“We haven’t been introduced to ourselves, I am Arianne.”

“RIGHT! I mean yes, ha ha ha…I mean, my name is Rob…”

My outburst was met with badly masked amused smile, which just made the wounded pride hurt more. She noticed my embarrassment and stopped at that. Damnation! I haven’t had much contact with women before, and when I managed to achieve something with Cynthia, it was cut short. But even with her it wasn’t really that hard, because she was more of a tomboyish type, Arianne was a woman incarnate. And my stupid actions didn’t really help.

After a few hours, our group left mountains and we stopped for a brief rest. I decided to try and mingle with other mercenaries, to try and forget the awkwardness of the journey before. Unfortunately, she must have had the same idea. Dejected, I decided to go to their group anyway, to listen to what they were saying.

They were sitting in a circle, telling rumors. I was eating a cracker and drinking water from my backpack, when I heard what the rumors were about and almost choked.

“Yeee, me heard that as well. A dwarven mercenary, covered in white scales and burning purple eyes. Killed the beast and got its Aspect, slaughtered his way through spider infested Lower Passage burning all them crawlies along the way!” (Mercenary 1)

“Bullshit!”(Mercenary 2)

“Ya call me liar?!” (Mercenary 1)

“And what if I am? Hah?!” (Mercenary 2)

“Shut up! I heard about that as well! Dwarf who got fortune from selling dragon corpse, he is to be next lord of Rasgar Hold!” (Mercenary 3)

“Rasgar Hold my ass, I heard he will be granted position in Court!” (Mercenary 4)

Dwarves continued to argue, while I stealthily retreated, trying not to draw attention to myself. I could understand being famous, but hearing about my exploits, imaginary or not wasn’t something I could handle at the moment. Especially if she was there, listening in on that. I wasn’t worried they would recognize me, since only indication of me being that person were my eyes. And purple eyes were characteristic to many races. Slit irises could be explained with some rare lizard.

Don’t be mistaken, I didn’t mind having fame and admirers. Quite on the contrary. However fame and recognition had its cons, so until I was trained and able to fend for myself, I wouldn’t divulge who I was unless necessary.

I didn’t notice that my silent departure was noticed by certain pair of green eyes.

During the rest of the day I didn’t talk with Arianne. Taking passive stance, I simply stared in front of me with blank mind. At nightfall, we reached human village. It was supposed to be our first stop, where we would camp near settlement for additional protection. There was a fenced clearing specifically designed for that purposes, with enough place to leave carts and make campfire inside.

After unhitching mules from the carts, they were left to wander around. Then, merchant who employed us went with 2 of his drivers to the village. Rest of us decided on the lookout terms. I definitely didn’t want to be left alone with Arianne to extend my daily torture, so I volunteered for the worst watch, just before dawn. To my dismay, she said she would take the same one. Fuck! Was she sadist? Did she enjoy me embarrassing myself in front of her?

Nothing could be done now, I didn’t want to look like a prick and change my mind, so I begrudgingly accepted my fate. I was surprised to see everyone orderly go to their blankets and whatnots to sleep. I imagined they would start drinking, laughing and telling more stories and rumors. Well, whatever. I was slightly tired after whole day of walking in stress, so I also took plaid and laid near the fire.

I didn’t notice when I fell asleep. Waking up was rather rough, as I was kicked repeatedly. I looked up to see rather disgruntled dwarf, who in hushed voice cursed me for being heavy sleeper. I apologized quietly and stood up slowly, stretching my limbs to shake off grogginess. It was still dark, but fire was still lit so you could see around you. And the person with whom I was to spend this watch was really noticeable.

She on the opposite side of the campfire, staring into it, so I had chance to admire her looks. When she raised her vision and looked straight at me, I awkwardly turned my gaze away. I could hear rustling from her direction. She came to my side and sat down, 2 feet away from me. The worst part was, I could feel her gaze on me. What did she want?! Did I insult her somehow? Was I staring too hard?

After few breaths to calm myself down, with pumping heart I turned to her. Yep. She was staring at me, really intently. Our eyes met and I tried – I really did! – to return her gaze. But it was simply bloody too hard. I felt my cheeks growing hot and turned to look at fire, while speaking.

“Can I help you with something?”

On the edge of my view I could see her frown slightly, before she answered.

“You can answer my question Rob… the Dragon Slayer.”

“Wha…! How did you know?!”

“I didn’t really, until now. I just had my suspicion. Don’t worry, I won’t spread your identity, I just want to know how you did it. ”

“How I did what?”

“Killed the dragon of course. You are far too weak to do it head on, so you must have used some magic or Artifact, right?”

I grew mad at that remark. I wasn’t that weak, at least I didn’t feel that way. All my fights were won with ease which gave me confidence, and she just bombed it. Her image in my eyes worsened, and with my pride hurt earlier and now I retorted rather rudely, while glaring at her.

“What the hell do you know about my strength? I did kill the dragon, and though I don’t have weapon, my claws are enough to pierce dragon scales!”

She smirked amused, and I felt my anger turn rage. What the fuck! I thought of her as a goddess while she belittled me all along! I was just about to stand up and walk away when she interrupted me.

“If you are as strong as you say, why not prove it?”

I looked at her blankly. What?! Prove it?

“And how would I prove it to you?”

“Simple, we duel each other.”

“I won’t hit a woman.”

Now she grew furious. I could see her eyes flare with rage as if she wanted to burn me with her gaze. I could feel bloodlust oozing out of her. Was that the same elf I admired just the other day?! Scary!!!

"You will fight me dwarf. Otherwise I will beat you senseless where you stand and make the rest of your journey living hell.”

Ehhh… I had no choice now. I gulped loudly and agreed, deciding to go easy on her.