Stefan VII

"I don't believe I've ever felt that welcome in my entire life," Ilyana breathed with a smile.

"People welcome heroes with open arms," Stefan shrugged. "The villagers likely thought their time was up. We changed that."

"I was just happy for a bed to sleep in," Haar grinned. He lounged atop his horse as they traveled south, seemingly on the brink between staying on the saddle and falling.

Anna frowned. "I'm far more concerned with how the people regarded us once they knew we were on orders from the crown."

"They were surprised, what of it?" Haar mimicked Anna's frown, almost teasing.

Stefan answered for her. "Soldiers of the crown not being expected to save them? It means they did not believe the Reinhearts cared about them."

"Didn't you see the blacksmith's expression when Stefan mentioned he was Stefan Thornwood?" Anna continued.

Haar seemed to reanalyze the entire events of the previous day. Ilyana's expression melted as she too came to the conclusion the rest had reached.

"Do the Lokirians hate your family?" the young mage asked.

Stefan did not answer, instead setting a hard expression to his face.

"Not his family," Anna replied. "They hate their nation, which does encompass his family, I suppose."

"Lokiria was an ideal. A nation that would be greater than the rest," Stefan murmured. "But aside from the capitol city and a few other choice locations, our own people despise the rulers."

"That does not make it your fault." Haar surprised Stefan with his remark. "Your father turned Lokiria into the militaristic nation it is. His conquests are what have plagued the small folk."

Stefan let loose a ragged breath. "Everything seemed so simple before Hayden died. I could ignore all the problems, because everyone was afraid."

"It's easier to rule through fear than love," Haar shrugged. "The easy way never seems to work out in the long run."

"Says the man who'd rather sleep away the world than watch it move." Anna laughed at her own jibe.

The tension was broken. Ilyana joined Anna in her laughter while Haar shrugged, displaying the slightest of smirks. Stefan spouted a chuckle as well.

"Haar, what do you know of love?" Anna taunted. "For all the while I've known you, I can't recall a single woman in your life."

"I could prefer the company of a man."

"I've known you far too long for that. I saw the way you talked to that serving girl in Grisstal."

Haar sputtered, "W-what? I'd never stare—"

"Who said anything about staring?"

The two remaining companions laughed.

[X]

Northwatch was the largest city on the border between Lokiria and Thoradia. And after over a month of traveling, the quartet had at long last arrived.

Weeks of mercenary work had left them worse for wear. Ilyana cheered at the sight of the city, and Haar's complaints about the lack of a bed ceased.

"Anna, I want you to find us an inn. Try and save us as much money as possible," Stefan ordered. "Take Haar with you as well. Once you have sleeping arrangements for us, obtain what provisions we'll need for the return journey."

"Where should we meet you?" Anna asked.

"Those gates." Stefan pointed back where they had entered. "Ilyana and I will try to ascertain our target's whereabouts."

The group parted in pairs.

"Sir?" Ilyana got his attention by pointing to a nearby wall.

The bastard's attention was pulled to where she gestured. A poster with the bold words 'Lord Arran' met their gaze. But it was not the poster itself that interested Stefan, but the boy putting it up.

"Excuse me," the half-noble started. "But is Lord Arran on his way here?"

"You live under a rock?" the poster boy laughed. "Lord Arran already visited Northwatch the day before last!"

"My apologies, fine sir," Stefan replied through grit teeth.

They had their lead.


Author Notes: This is the last of the Stefan chapters that I was bored to write. The next several are probably my favorites of this entire story.

Trivia! Ah, fuck it, I got nothing.