Chapter 5
After fifteen minutes of riding Ayron turned in the saddle and called out, "I know you're there Juniper. Come on out."
A black, terrier-sized, squirrel bounded down from the trees. "How long did it take you to guess it was me?" the crestfallen squirrel asked. Ayron smirked, but did not reply. He turned then, trotting off into the forest. Juniper lept overhead from branch to branch.
Eventually they came to a small clearing where Ayron stopped for a quick meal. Rummaging through his saddlebag Ayron felt his hand brush against something that had not been there before. He pulled out a small bag that jingled with coins.
"Still trying to win our game Varen?" He spoke to himself.
Said governor always tried to pay Ayron for the services he did, but Ayron always refused. Because of this, Varen had taken to slipping money into his friend's saddlebags. Usually when Ayron found them he rode back and returned the money, but this time he decided to let Varen "win" their game. For now.
Juniper peeked over his shoulder, curious as ever.
"Well," he questioned, "aren't you going to open it?"
Ayron looked over his shoulder at the squirrel, one eyebrow raised. The squirrel ducked his head under his bushy tail, his face a bright red under the inky fur. After proceeding to empty the bag of its contents, something caught Ayron's eye. It was a beautifully shaped ring; a lion's head with twin ruby eyes.