Huh, for some reason I felt like I missed a week...apparently not, last chapter was the 9th, this is one day late though since I went to MegaCon yesterday, I do apologize for not having it up earlier today buuuuuuuuuut HERE IT IS

Chapter Two

Otrobort Way

A few days later, Soren and Mia along with their carriage friend: Fistivus, and older gentleman with a long beard headed out of Corelis through the Otrobort Way that links Corelis to its northern neighbor Malsean where Oscar and Rolf settled.

It took a while but Mia convinced Soren that a visit was just what they needed, instead of longing for their old friends; they should go out and see them.

Fistivus ensured them that following the Otrobort Way was the fastest to and most efficient to Malsean without being intercepted by the countless traders that dot the Corelis-Malsean Cross Kingdom Path.

About halfway they would come across the Otrobort Rest and from there it would be just a few days to the Trade Center of Malsean.

"So…this guy kept following me waving this glass sword in my face saying that I would be a fool not to purchase his glass weaponry collection! He made the argument that only truly skilled warriors will appreciate them! They have raw power and can be sold for a lot! Can you believe it!? A weapon like that would probably break after...like…three swings or something! Then you'd be standing there with no weapon! Of course, I gave him a little something, anyone who fights with a glass weapon will probably win because their opponent would die of laughter!"

Fistivus continued laughing as he told more trader stories about ridiculous sales pitches, Mia smiled, laughed and commented as Soren sat, staring out the back. Trips like this on almost empty roads were never a good idea on the other continents. Even with the air of peace covering Ymarkteg, there are bound to be bandits somewhere.

"Glass weapons…I imagine they were very beautiful." Mia stated.

Fistivus thought for a second and nodded to her "Yes…showpieces I said, no more…but it's not my place to say, I imagine he continues to sell them."

Mia turned to Soren, she appreciated how cautious he was, however, these years had not dulled her senses either, while enjoying the conversation with Fistivus she continues to watch everything, they may not be mercenaries anymore but that does not mean they should let their skills rust.

Reaching the Otrobort Rest, Fistivus dismounted and began caring for the horses; he told Soren and Mia to get some rest, or at least, something along those lines.

"Long day tomorrow, don't stay up too late." He stated while fetching water.

Soren turned "What is there to stay up for here anyway?"

Fistivus laughed "Yes, what indeed, get some sleep you two."

Soren entered the building, he waved to the person behind the counter who nodded, Mia having paid when she came in earlier.

Reaching the room, he knocked "Mia-"

"You can come in, Soren!" she shouted from the other side of the door.

He walked in and looked over at her as she put her nightgown on and let out a long sigh. "I'm so glad that I've gotten used to life."

Soren moved over to her and embraced her from behind "I am as well…"

"Maybe, but you're still cautious about going anywhere far from Corelis?" she said placing a hand over his.

"I'm more worried about you…true that we only had a few jobs as active mercenaries while the group was together, but that doesn't mean there still aren't people out there willing to do anything."

Soren and Mia remained silent for a while, both of them were ultimately happy to depart from Corelis to visit friends. Despite the few reservations, it was a great change of pace for them and will further have them happy with their choice of living in Ymarkteg.

Soren let Mia go and removed his overcoat as she threw herself on the bed "I can't wait to get to Malsean." She said, followed by a yawn.

Soren laid next to her and nodded "Same here…"

Outside Fistivus finished with the horses and went into the inn, the Otrobort Rest stop remained silent as the hour of midnight came and went.

Early the next day the trio was on the road again, they passed two carriages heading back, each waving at each other quickly as they continued down the road.

"Ever thought of learning to ride a horse, Soren?" Mia asked. He glanced at her, Mia had some experience in the past and during their stay in Corelis, she practically mastered it though they didn't own a horse of their own.

He shrugged "Learning the sword was tough enough, I think I'm good."

Mia shook her head "You took to the sword way faster than anyone else I know. I myself never learned how to control magic properly."

The archsage smiled remembering the time aboard the ship as they neared Zatuo when Soren tried to teach Mia, Leah and Zihark how to use magic.

"Well…you-" Soren and Mia turned towards Fistivus looking at the road ahead.

The merchant turned, wondering why the pair went silent so quickly "Are you two alright?"

"Stop the carriage!" Soren yelled as he got out, followed by Mia. The two walked past the horses and looked down the road ahead before turning to the trees on both sides.

Mia closed her eyes, everything went absolutely silent. She opened them again and turned slowly; Soren glanced at her and noticed her pupils had changed their appearance.

"Whoever is out there…we are giving you one chance to leave us be!" Soren called out.

A laugh was heard from one side followed by a voice from the opposite trees "We are being paid too well to listen to an idle threat!"

Slowly Soren turned to Fistivus and nodded, the merchant reached behind himself and grabbed two swords, throwing them as he heard cries reverberate through the woods.

As one of the blades traveled towards Mia, she reached out, looking at two specific trees as a large man with an axe exploded out, tearing through branches, once in sight he seemed to slow. She took note of the arc of his swing and began ducking, as soon as she grabbed her blade out of the air, his axe flew over her, with a quick spin she sliced the man horizontally across his chest, he fell onto the road on his back.

Soren on the other hand held his blade up as another crashed into it. The bandit swung wildly ripping the sword away from Soren, he turned to the sage laughing only to see him pull a tome out of his cloak and blast the man with ripping winds into a tree.

With both men down Soren and Mia continued surveying the trees, once they were content, Soren picked up his sword and turned to Fistivus.

The merchant nodded and began moving, Soren glanced at the man on he struck who glared at him "You…we…were lied…to…" the bandit's head fell to the side as his eyes closed.

Soren got on the carriage as it passed by, followed by Mia. They gave the swords to Fistivus "Who were they?" Soren asked.

Fistivus shrugged "There are very few attacks along this road; several years back a group of bandits known as the Korgan Clan led by Murawk constantly attacked merchants, stealing their wares and sometimes their lives. However, Anondye dispatched a troop led by General Joltam into the mountains to the east and wiped them out. There haven't been attacks by organized bandits since then…since there were only two; I highly doubt they were in anyway related to the extinct Korgans or any other possible clan that may have formed."

Soren glanced over at Mia, who gave him a worried look. He knew what she was thinking.

"They knew who we were and that we would be here…who sent them, how did they know they would be taking a less popular route and why?"

Here we end Soren, Mia and Merli-uh Fistivus XD

Seriously though Fistivus does draw a little from Merlinius

Remember if anyone is interested in seeing the OCs, upon their intro into the story the OC sheets will be added to my deviantArt, first one will be up next Saturday along with the Malsean chapter.

Each sheet has multiple OCs and are uploaded as the last OC on each sheet walks in

Anyway, enough of that, see ya next Saturday!