Leaving her home behind once again, Mariel could not help but feel a little sad about it. Watching the walls slowly disappear amongst the trees reminded her of the beginning of her journey, and every step by the sturdy horse only increased her longing to be reunited with her family. The convoy had finally gone far enough for its entire size to be visible along the road. Sixty carts of varying sizes, all pulled by strong, sturdy horses used to the cold, and loaded down with arms, supplies and in the twelve carts in the back; conscripts. Between each cart was a formation of imperial soldiers, whom marched in perfect step.

She took in the sights from the bench of the eighth cart. Next to her, the man named Ulwir sat silent. This close to him, she could almost feel his aura of danger. Without a doubt, a warrior of renown and his description provided by the captain had not been even close to the sheer force of presence he radiated.

“Pay attention girlie, keep your eyes on the sides of the road, you’re paid to look for enemies.”

“Well, I thought perhaps that you might be one.” She spat back without thinking.

The man looked at her with surprise, and soon, a row of teeth, all made of metal, revealed themselves from behind his lips.

“You’ve got guts… Unusual for a woman from these parts. It has been a long time since someone didn’t cower in fear.”

“You’re a northerner?”

The man nodded and patted grip of one of his axes. “Many of our kind make our livings working as mercenaries, cut-throats and gladiators. Some of us are really good traders too though.”

“But why do something as boring as this need such a peerless warrior?”

“Flatterer are you girlie? My captain is on this mission, and so I follow him.”

“You go far back?”

“You’re asking way too many questions. Focus on the mission, and perhaps if we do find some action and you don’t die, try again.”

The convoy continued through the forest for the whole day and finally came to a halt deep into the night. The carts were spread out in a circle, and any leftover space onboard each cart turned into a sleeping zone. The animals were fed, and guards posted around.

She rubbed her hands together, trying to keep warm. Temperature had plummeted along with the last sunlight and left the vast forest cold and unwelcoming. Behind her, guards and drivers were gathering around blazing fires and drinking together.

“It’s freezing out here…” Siravin approached her carrying a big blanket which he threw on her. “It’ll help. You know, I could take over if you’d want.”

“I’m fine… Though I guess I was getting a little lonely… I miss everyone.”

“I’ll admit… I do too. But what’s important is that you bring your family together.”

“I’ve been wondering… What’s with the obsession? I know that sounds rude, but I’d like to know.”

“I have my reasons.”

“That’s exactly what you said the last time too… And that’s a long time ago. I haven’t gotten any closer to you during all that time?”

“It’s not that…”

“Are you hitting on me?”

“No.” His blunt rebuttal somehow hurt her feeling a little. She sighed and looked out into the darkness.

“There is something I’ve been dying to do though.”

“Okay? To me? What?”

In the blink of an eye, she found herself in his embrace. Her moment of appreciation of his warmth was soon interrupted by her proximity alerts going off, and she roughly shoved him backwards, causing him to fall backwards onto the ground, sinking into the snow. Before she could help him back up, a handful of snow hit her square in her face.

“Hey! Stop fooling around and do your jobs, I swear… Kids these days, an onlooker would think you’re related by the way you act.” Ulwir trudged up to them and pulled Siravin out of the snow by the collar of his jacket.

“Actually, we are… She’s my younger sister.”

“What?” Ulwir seemed to ignore her disbelief and sighed.

“No kidding huh? Alright, well pull yourselves together.”

“Why did you lie to him?” She whispered.

“Don’t worry about it.” He smiled and left her alone to watch the forest.