You woke up the next day, earlier than most. You spend half an hour limbering your muscles and shaking off the drowsiness. By the time you are done, rest of the camp has awoken and started grabbing their morning rations.

You grab your ration and join a group of caravan hands eating theirs. You get some raised eyebrows but no one objects, though their gossiping seems to have stopped with your arrival.

It is clear your presence has caused all of them to clamp up. You try to break the ice and get the conversation restarted.

"Go on. Don't mind me. I am paid only to keep princess alive, not keep you guys in line."

"Yeah, right."

It is clear that most of them don't believe you and it is understandable. As you have noticed so far everybody in this expedition has their own clique with which they associate. Mercenaries generally stick to their own squads and workers usually mingle among themselves. Medics seem to have formed their own group though you haven't seen Valentine join them yet.

And you... You are an outsider to all of these groups though you probably would have fewer problems with the mercenaries themselves.

Nonetheless, you need friends and you are not going to let something stupid like cliques and groups get in your way.

"Tattling on you guys does not benefit me in the slightest, not so when I am lacking in friends. And all cards on the table, I am kinda interested in the gossip mill you guys got going and I got some of my own stories to tell."

Your words calm down some more of them and you can see interest in some eyes. So to restart the conversation, you tell them stories from your time as a United Cities Samurai.

"You fought a wyvern."

"I ran from a wyvern."

"But you are still alive."

"I am a very good runner."

Bit by bit, you manage to break the ice and soon, they start gossiping once more. You return to your food while keeping an ear out for the interesting bits.

"So, yesterday, I was clearing the trash boxes for the medical tent and I found a chocolate wrapper inside one. Someone has very expensive tastes."

"Dude, those things like cost a fortune. You could buy enough food to keep yourself fed for a month for the price of a single bar."

"I know right?"

"Sheks were at it again yesterday. They came this close to starting a fight. Honestly, those lot are more troublesome than worth."

"Well, they can also bend your spine and tie it like a pretzel so."

"Have you seen that guy with the gas mask and the yellow striped cloak?"

"Yeah, I swear he/she or whatever the fuck is under that never takes it off."

Gossiping dies down as workers finish their food and start packing the camp up. You head to your employer's tent only to find that she has already finished her own breakfast.

"Good morning Wolf."

"Good morning princess."

You take your place at her side as camp finishes packing and expedition starts moving once more.

The first half of day goes without any incidents and expedition makes good distance. It is late afternoon that pathfinders come back with the reporting presence of armed men up ahead moving towards you. Then your rearguard reports the same. It doesn't take long for armed figures to appear among the sand dunes, surrounding the caravan.

You gaze at them through binocular while your employer stands by you.

"Rebels."

"Hmm?"

"They are rebels. Probably intending to "requisition" our supplies for the cause."

"Can we negotiate with them?"

"They are sending someone but I really wouldn't hold my breath for any peaceful solution. These guys are armed thugs at their core and are no different than all the other kinds of bandits infesting these deserts."

"I would like to make the attempt, nevertheless."

You nod and follow after your employer as she walks out to meet the speaker for the rebels.

She meets the guy halfway between the caravan and their men.

"Greetings my friends. I am captain Mack, representing the rebellion. We are fighting for a free future where rights of simple peasants aren't crushed under the foot of tyrants and everyone can live free from the shackles of those pigs who call themselves 'nobles'."

"How virtuous of you but that doesn't explain why you and your men have decided to bar our path."

"Why, it is only for a simple reason my fellow citizen. As you might guess, fighting the good fight doesn't come cheap. Our army needs resources, supplies, and weapons so we can keep fighting the forces of oppression. As such, we require a small donation from you."

"Define small."

"Half of all the food, ammunition and the medical supplies you carry along with all your spare weapons."

"That doesn't sound small."

"It is compared to the value of freedom."

Your employer turns to give you a look and even though you can't see her face, you can feel her frustration.

"Yeah, no."

You march forward, squaring up to Mack.

"Listen here you little worm. I don't care who you are or what you want. You and your merry little band of thugs are standing in our way and none of us have any intention of playing along with your delusions of justice or freedom. Either you get off, or we march over you, do you understand?"

"We outnumber you 3 to 1!"

"With nothing but half-starved farmers and untrained peasants who barely know how to hold their weapons. We have fully armed and armored mercenaries and enough firepower to down a Sand Devil. So you are going to go back, take your guys and leave or we will paint these sands red with your blood."

So-called captain Mack snarls at you impotently before turning away and marching back to his men.

"Was that wise?"

Your employer asks as you two make your way back to the caravan.

"These so-called rebels are nothing but a bunch of thieves and brigands. They neither have the courage or the will for battle let alone any skill. They use their numbers to bully and rob defenseless citizens but run at the first sign of real trouble."

"Is that experience speaking?"

"Yes. You don't know how many farms and villages these chucklefucks pillaged and looted in the name of their 'revolution'. We would be doing everyone a favor by ending their lives."

Your employer doesn't reply and soon after you are back among friendly faces. You take out your binoculars and start searching for the signs of attack but it seems your words have gotten to the Mack as the rebels start leaving, allowing the expedition to begin moving forward once more.

Rest of the day goes on without any more incidents. The expedition sets up camp once more at the sunset with tents going up in under half an hour. Nightly rations are distributed and once more you find yourself with some free time at your hands.

(2 days of travel left for Stoat.)

You decide to pay a visit to your employer. You find her going over the maps, specifically the area between Cannibal Plains and the World's End.

"Princess."

"Wolf."

"Going over the maps once again?"

"Nothing else to do."

"It will be pretty difficult to move inside the plains with a group this big, you know that right? We will be slowed down by the pack beasts and all the equipment we carry. A big, fat and juicy target for all the cannibals living there."

Your employer remains silent for a moment, her focus on the maps. Then she begins speaking.

"That is why most of the expedition will not enter the plains itself. Instead, we will find a spot in the areas patrolled by the cannibal hunters and set up a fortified base."

She points to an area east of the Cannibal Plains colored green.

"Pack Beasts and noncombatants will stay there along with half of our fighters. We will take the rest with us into plains, carrying supplies on our backs. We will search the whole plains, inch by inch if we need to."

"You seem to have given this a lot of thought."

"You will come to find that I am a very meticulous planner."

"Do you know why your friend has picked Cannibal Plains of all the places to disappear into?"

"I have no idea."

"Really?"

"Our separation wasn't planned. How she ended in the Cannibal Plains or why she hasn't left, I don't know. What I know is that she is currently there and she is still alive."

"Is there any way I can help?"

Your employer thinks about your offer for a second.

"I must admit that I have never been to World's End or to Okranite lands. While I did research, I don't have any first-hand experience."

"Well, I have visited World's End twice. Very nice place, hidden up in the mountains. Tech Hunter's HQ is located there and Cannibal Hunters use it to restock and rearm. It has an agreement with the Holy Nation which is surprising considering Tech Hunter's main mission is to recover lost technology while Okranites consider all lost technology to be work of Narko and heretical. Weather is cool and rains are common around those parts. As for Okran's Valley, it has a warmer climate. Been there a couple of times during raids. Northernmost farms are mostly abandoned and are rarely patrolled but there is a watchtower located to the east of Okran's Fist that is still manned. Once we get past that, we should be safe."

"I see. Thank you."

"No problem Princess. Call me if you need anything else."

"I will. Have a good night Wolf."

"You too Princess."

Morning comes after a night full restful sleep. You greet it awake and alive, ready to tackle whatever life may throw at you. You don your gear and leave your tent as camp slowly comes to life.

You decide to eat your breakfast with the mercenaries. Grabbing your morning ration you look around and spot two familiar faces, Ezra and Nines eating their rations along with a Shek and two humans. You make your way to where they are seated, your approach noticed by Nines first then Ezra.

"Well, well. Look who it is, Mr. I-slay-giant-psychos-singlehandedly gracing us with their presence."

Others of their group turn to you at Ezra's proclamation. They quickly clear up a spot for you among themselves which you take.

"Hope I am not interrupting anything."

"Nah. We were just swapping stories, comparing feats, see who has the bigger dick, that kind of stuff. Ruk there was kinda winning until you joined."

Ezra points to the Shek who is intensely staring at you.

"Sorry to ruin your game."

"Don't worry about it. I am still the best sharpshooter in this unit and that is all that matters."

"In your dreams No-Hive. It is I! Nines who is the best sharpshooter here!"

You decide to stay silent and not bring up Nines' embarrassing showing with the psychos.

"Everyone knows I am better than you Nines."

"Nines bets that he can shoot a target farther than Ezra can."

"Oh, you are on. I will make you eat your words bugman!"

One of the human mercs stops them before their argument can pick any more steam.

"You two, sit down. We don't have time for an impromptu shooting contest. We move in fifteen."

"That is plenty of time for me to beat Nines' ass."

"Do Hives even have asses?"

"Erm... That is..."

You take that as your cue to leave, not wanting to be part of that conversation.

Winds are the first sign, picking up speed over the morning and gaining strength until it feels like empty air itself is pushing against you. Then you see the sand clouds rising over the horizon. Few minutes after your pathfinders rush back to the caravan, reporting a sandstorm headed your way.

"Can we get out of its way in time?"

Your employer asks to which you shake your head.

"We need to hunker down and weather it."

You employer nods then turns to the workers close by, calling out orders. They pass it to the rest of the expedition and soon tents are set up once again, animals are pulled under covers and the whole expedition prepares for the coming storm.

Fortunately, your employer has not skimped out in necessary preparations. Sand goggles and dust coats are taken out and distributed to everyone. Glowlights are attached to certain tents, supply crates are sealed and all of the animals are secured. When the sandstorm hits, the whole expedition is ready for it.

You and your employer take cover under the same tent. With nothing else to do but wait, boredom sets in after a while. Sound of wind and shaking of tents make it hard to converse vocally and much to your dismay your employer doesn't seem to know sign language.

Mayhaps you should try to teach her some time.

Thankfully storm itself does not last very long and a headcount afterward reveals no losses except time.

(1 days of travel time)

After the storm, most of the people are reluctant to start traveling again but your employer decides to make most out of the remaining day and cover some distance. So with much grumbling, people shake off the layer of sand from themselves and pack up once more.

Your employer does not look happy over lost time so you try to cheer up.

"Look at the bright side princess. That sandstorm should have covered all our tracks. If anyone was following us, they will now have a harder time of it."

You set up camp late that day, using every bit of sunlight available.

(2 days of travel left for Stoat.)

Once the camp is set up, you decide to...

You decide to train to keep your skills sharp. You go through several advanced sword katas over and over, movements having long since become second nature to you. Then you practice your martial arts, going through your unarmed katas the same way.

Towards the end of your practice that you get a visitor.

"Human. I wish to test my might against you."

"Sure?"

You are not really sure if this is a good idea but from what little you know about Shek, they are a stubborn race with an obsession on martial might. As such you don't think refusing her is an option her or would help you in the long run. Best to get it over with now.

"As the challenged party, you set the rules."

That is convenient and fortunate for you. This means you can set the rules so that accidental death or decapitation isn't in the cards.

"Blunted weapons. The one who yields loses."

Your opponent nods, before starting to disarm herself. You send a worker to fetch you a couple of training weapons and he returns with two wooden swords. You thank him and pass one to the Shek. She gives it a couple of swings to test its weight and balance.

"This weapon is too light."

"That is the point. Otherwise, it would be a poor sparring weapon."

"Hmmph."

You and your opponent take your stances, facing each other.

"Begin!"

You call out and allow Morena the first strike which she obliges with an overhead strike.

She is fast, fast for a Shek anyways but nowhere near your level. Her strength, on the other hand, is greater than yours. It is so only by a small margin but you still feel it when you block her strike.

But strength isn't everything as you demonstrate by showing her weapon aside and neatly transitioning into a counterstrike that catches her in the hip.

Right on the external bone plate. She doesn't even feel it, giving you a taunting smile.

Undaunted, you try to press the attack but your footing is not stable and your second swing gets caught on her weapon. Before she can strike again you nimbly take a step back and reset your stance.

You take the initiative in the next exchange, striking first. It is a solid strike but Morena manages to block with an impressive display of skill and agility. But that doesn't stop you as you simply flow into your second strike with a far more successful result.

THUNK!

You bring your sword on your opponent's side with enough force to make her take notice even through the bone plating. Her eyes narrow as she goes on the offensive.

But she telegraphs her move, badly enough that you see it coming and easily parry it aside before returning to your initial stance once more.

You once again go on the offensive, striking far faster then your opponent can react. Your sword connects with her upper leg and once again your opponent seems to feel the sting of your weapon through the bone playing covering most of your body.

But she remains calm and rational, showing a surprising degree of restraint for a Shek warrior. And when you try to follow your first strike with a second, she parries it.

Then explodes into motion with a lunge, hoping to catch you off guard. She almost succeeds. Off balance and over-extended it takes every bit of skill you have to parry her attack.

But you do parry it, deflecting all the force behind your opponent's sword to side while you nimbly step out of the way of her charge. Realizing her back is now wide open to you, she tries to turn around mid-stumble while she is off-balance and it costs her as her left leg suddenly gives out, bringing her to a knee.

You quickly abort your strike, take a step back and wait for her to get back up, sword raised.

Your opponent grunts, the first clear sign of pain she has shown since the start of the spar, and forces herself back on her feet though she now noticeably favors her right leg.

"Do you yield?"

"No."

Yep, there it is. The stubbornness Shek people are known for though in this case. The logical thing to do now would be to stop but you are sure that she wouldn't accept it. Yet continuing risks further injury for her and the expedition doesn't really need to lose another fighter, especially one skilled as her.

Well, if she is not going to stop, then you have no choice but to make her stop.

You move forward once again and this time, you hold nothing back. Shek suddenly finds her in front of a fierce assault. She tries to block but you are too fast, flowing around her guard and scoring a hard hit on her stomach followed by another hit on her shoulder, tearing another gasp of pain.

You push aside her desperate retaliation before resetting your stance once more.

Your next attack sends your opponent reeling. You can already see bruises beginning to form on the uncovered patches of skin. She is breathing hard and even through her attempts at masking it, you can see that she is in considerable pain. Yet you can also see that she is not going to stop or yield. She will keep fighting until either she is unconscious or you make her stop somehow.

You decide to give her what she wants.

Unfortunately, your hesitation costs you. It costs you your second attack as your opponent goes on the offensive, mustering all her remaining strength and power. And it costs you as you find yourself caught off guard by her all out attack, taking a hit on your chest.

But now she has overextended, leaving herself wide open for you and you have no desire to let this spar go any further. You descend on her once more and she can't even muster the strength to defend. You strike her once and she gasps in pain. You are about to strike her a second time when you notice it. The wild swing of her own weapon. Nowhere close enough to stop yours, completely out of control and heading towards her own face.

You take your off-hand off your weapon and quickly grab her weapon before it can connect, stopping it inches away from her own eye.

She blinks, once, then twice. Then her eyes turn to yours.

"I yield."

"What is your name?"

"Morena."

It is then that you notice your spar with the Shek now you know as Morena has gathered an audience. There are groups of other mercs and workers nearby, all watching you.

You offer Morena your hand. She stares at it for second before turning to you.

"You need medical attention."

You expect her to deny and refuse. But Morena surprises you by obediently accepting your hand and letting you help her back on feet and then to the medical tent.

Medics try to take her from your hands but Morena growls at them, forcing you to lead her to a stretcher bed. Not too soon after Valentine walks out from her office at the back.

"My my, what do we have here?"

She takes in the state of Morena and lets out an appreciative 'hmm'.

"Is this your handiwork Wolf?"

"She insisted."

"Is that so? I wonder if it was that famous Shek pride or her own masochistic desires that drove her."

Morena glares at Valentine and bats away her hand when she tries to examine her bruises.

"Cute. But I really don't have time for such childish games. So you either be a good girl and let me do my job or I will sedate you. Which one it will be?"

Morena doesn't reply, keeping her glare on Valentine but she doesn't bat away the sexy CMO's hands a second time either, allowing Valentine to inspect her bruises.

"I have things handled here Wolf. You can go."

You nod and make to leave.

"And next time when you are going to dismantle somebody, let me know first. I would love to watch you work."

Of course, the news of your sparring fight against Morena and its result has already spread to the whole camp by next morning. You find yourself the target of many stares on your way to grab your morning rations only to be informed by a worker that your employer has summoned you to her tent.

You go to her tent to see what she needs, finding her waiting for you inside.

"Good morning princess."

"Wolf. I heard a very interesting rumor today."

"About what?"

"About my bodyguard beating one of my mercs to the point of hospitalizing her. Would you care to explain?"

"To be fair she did most of the damage to herself by accident."

Following silence from your employer tells you that she is not amused.

"Look. it was a spar okay?"

"A spar?"

"Yes! It was her idea too."

"And again why did you have to hospitalize her?"

"She didn't yield."

"What about stopping regardless? Or saying no to the fight from start?"

"You never met a Shek before, have you?"

"Yes, I have."

The hint of indignation in her voice tells you otherwise.

"I am not talking a noble like Lord Inaba or a non-warrior. I am talking about a Shek born and raised in the kingdom. A true Shek as they would call it."

You take her silence as a sign to continue.

"You see, princess. Shek like those are very stubborn as a people and they don't take well to the word 'no' especially when they challenge people to fights."

"I am sure that is just a stereotype."

"It really is not. You don't get murderous lunatics like berserkers from a peaceful or a reasonable people."

"And you really couldn't have said no to her?"

"I could have but it would have resulted in more problems down the line. Same with calling it off before she was satisfied."

Your employer lets out a sigh and you can feel her frustration.

"Alright. But please Wolf do not incapacitate any more of my mercs, please. I need them."

"I will try."

"Guess that is all I can ask from you."

You just give her a grin in reply before leaving the tent. Most of the expedition has already packed up by the time you do so you have to eat your morning rations alone but that is fine by you. You can appreciate some peace and quiet.

When everything is packed up and the expedition is ready to move you go and take your place by your employer's side once more at the middle of the caravan.

And so begins another day of travel.

You spot it in the distance, the dead body of a wyvern bigger than a house. A group of bonedogs is feasting upon the carcass, tearing chunks out of the decayed flesh and gnawing at the bones. You can't tell what killed the beast, not from this far away at least and you don't have any desire to go close to it, a sentiment not shared by some members of the expedition.

"Look at the size of that thing! We could get a fortune for its bones and hide alone."

One of the workers points out.

"We have no time for distractions like this. Keep moving."

You employer replies. Her decision gets some grumbles but nothing loud or noteworthy. Then she turns to you.

"What are the chances of us having to face one of those?"

"It is slim as long as we stick to well-traveled routes."

She nods but you can see that the prospect of having to face such a monster worries her. And you feel the same.

"Worst comes to worst, we use flash and sonic bombs. Those are pretty handy in fending off wyverns. We have some right?"

"Only a handful. They are very expensive."

"Better than nothing."

Towards the end of the day, expedition comes across another caravan belonging to Hive traders. They beeline towards you as soon as they spot you and soon your employer finds herself being offered deals and discounts by a very enthusiastic Hive merchant, much to her consternation.

"This is a very good offer no-Hive. 3 for only the price of half, yes?"

"For the last time, we do not require anything."

"Are you sure? There is always a need for a new frying pan or some rope? Maybe some ammunition? How about spare parts? We have everything!"

Honestly, her first mistake was allowing Hive traders to get this close. You would have warned her but you had figured that she knew how persistent Hive merchants could be.

Oh well.

As your employer tries to explain over and over that she doesn't need anything, you take a look at their items on display. Most of it is useless junk or stuff that expedition already has in abundance. But few items do catch your eye.

Specifically an old steel watch, a small cooler, a book about animal domestication, some kind of compass and a pair of nightvision goggles.

You decide to inspect...

...the steel watch and the compass.

Watches and compasses are expensive items but they are also very essential items for travelers. While your employer has a watch and a compass, you do not and Hive merchants usually sell cheap.

Both the compass and the watch show signs of wear and tear. You even notice a few spots of dried blood on the watch. Definitely second-hand. Watch has a small chain attached and it seems to be showing the correct time. Compass, on the other hand, seems broken.

"Ah, interested in the timetracker and wayfinder, yes?"

You find a Hiver, standing by your side as if summoned by the prospect of trading.

"Only the watch-"

"Timetracker."

"Yes, that."

"Of course! It is not high-quality Hive engineering but it is still functional. Detracting the cost of damages and such plus the first time customer discount, I can give it to you for the price of only 13.000 cats!"

"7.000 cats."

"No-Hive must be insane. We can offer no less than 11.000."

"9.000 cats."

"10.000 cats is our last offer and that is only because we feel bad for your apparent mental instability."

"We have a deal then."

"Most excellent. Would you also be interested in a lantern of radiance? They come half off with any other purchase you make! Or we might offer you this unique-"

You finish counting your cats and pass the agreed amount to the trader.

(-10.000 cats)

"Just the watch."

"Timetracker."

"Yes. That."

You are handed the watch and you quickly stuff it down inside your backpack.

(Old Steel Watch added to inventory.)

You don't think so, no.

Having done with your shopping you return to your caravan and find out that your employer has managed to finally deal with the Hive Caravan Boss.

"That was quick. How did you manage to get them to leave you alone?"

"I calmly explained that I have no need or desire for trade."

"Seriously, how did you manage it?"

"I bought two crates of animal feed and a lantern of radiance."

The expedition continues marching two more hours after the encounter with the Hive Traders. Your employer gives order to camp once the sun has started dipping behind the horizon.

(1 day of travel left for Stoat.)

Once the tents are up, you are once more set free to do as you wish by your employer with a warning to not beat anyone up unless it is absolutely necessary.

You...

...decide to check up on Ezra and Nines. See what they are up to. You find two of them some ways away from the camp with crossbows in hand aiming at a makeshift target quite far away.

"Did you see that bugboy. Right on center."

"Pfft. It is of course by at least a digit."

"No, it isn't."

"Yes, it is."

"Your eyes must be failing because that is right-Oh. Hey Wolf."

Ezra greets you, breaking from the argument she was having with Nines.

"Hey, guys. What is up?"

"We are trying to see who is the better shot and why it is me so that Nines can shut up forever."

"In your dreams no-Hive."

"You two still up on about that."

"Yeah. Saw your spar with Morena by the way."

"It feels like the whole expedition did with how everyone has been talking about it."

Ezra laughs.

"You know how it is. With nothing to do but walk all day, people get bored. So they talk about stuff."

Nines stares at Ezra and you get the feeling that if he had eyelids, he would be squinting.

"But weren't you the one who told everyone about it?"

"YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH BUGMAN OR I SWEAR-I mean. I don't know what you are talking about."

Ezra nervously laughs as she turns to you, with obvious fear in her eyes.

"You do realize that I got chewed out for that by the princess right?"

Ezra wilts under you glare.

"Sorry dude. I didn't mean to get you into trouble. It was just so cool watching you handle Morena like she was some kid instead of the stone cold murder machine that she is."

"And you had to let everybody know."

"Like I said, boredom."

You let out a sigh.

"What is done is done. Can't really do anything about it but be more mindful next time."

"Promise."

Nines makes a noise that suspiciously sounds like a laugh, earning a glare from Ezra in return.

"So, you guys have been having a shooting contest, right? Who is winning?"

You get a "Me" from both Nines and Ezra.

"Bullshit! With my last shot, I am on the lead."

"No-Hive missed. Nines is on the lead."

Rather than get involved with this pointless argument, you start walking towards the target, leaving the two bickering sharpshooters behind. It takes around five minutes for you to reach it at a light jog, or that is what your new watch tells you. It is kinda nice being able to check on time whenever you want though you should see if you can get it tuned and cleaned when you arrive at Stoat.

Inspecting the target, you notice that arrow has lodged a finger away from the center, to the right. Looking behind, you see both Nines and Ezra still bickering, unaware of your departure.

You return to Ezra and Nines, the two still going at each other.

"Just admit Nines is the best No-Hive."

"Never. That shot was dead center! You just can't take someone else being better than you."

Before Nines can reply you interject.

"It is actually a finger off the center."

Both of them turn to you and silence ensues for one blissful moment. Then Nines slowly turns towards Ezra, smiling wildly with all of his teeth on display.

"Don't you even open your mouth bugsy. Even with a miss, that only makes the total score equal."

Nines just keeps smiling much to Ezra's frustration.

"How about we make this more interesting then?"

Both of them turn to you.

"You see, I am a very good shoot myself."

Nines laughs remembering your showing with throwing stars.

"And I want to see how I measure up to you guys. So how about I join this little contest of yours?"

"Sure dude, but don't be too disappointed when you get trashed."

You quickly make a trip to the quartermaster to grab a longbow and some arrows. While crossbows are easier to use and usually possess a higher punching power, most of the samurai of the empire are trained in the use of bows even though they are seen as obsolete compared to the crossbows. Most of the samurai don't even practice that much with bows, preferring melee and relying on auxiliaries for the fire support.

You, being the overachiever you are, did regularly train with the bows enough to handle one with expertise few people have.

You get a raised eyebrow from Ezra when your return.

"You sure you want to use a bow?"

"It is the ranged weapon I am most familiar with."

"Your funeral."

Nines just nods before both he and Ezra step aside, allowing you to take the first shot.

You notch an arrow, take a deep breath as you draw, then let loose. Your shot sails the distance but only manages to clip the edge of the target, much to the amusement of both Ezra and Nines. You don't let it get to you though. It has been some time since you last used a bow. You expected some rust on your skills. Maybe you should get back to training with bows once again.

After you goes Ezra. You recognize the crossbow in her hands as a ranger. It is very well maintained and even decorated a little bit, adding it a touch of personality. You watch as she takes aim, lining up her sights before pulling the trigger. Her shot goes wide, not even connecting with the target.

"Not a single word."

Nines goes last, a standard ranger type in his hand. He fluidly raises his weapon, takes aim then lets loose. His bolt impacts the target dead center.

"Bullshit."

Ezra protests while you move forward to take your next shot.

Next turn you do better, managing to land a shot. It is far from the center but still a solid hit. Ezra goes after and she too manages to hit the target through her shot is not any more accurate than yours much to her consternation. Lastly goes Nines, oozing confidence. While it is not dead center like his previous shot, his bolt still lands much closer to the center than either yours or Ezra's.

You move to take your last shot. You try to remember the lessons your instructors gave you while you were still a conscript. You try to adjust your stance and footing before drawing and loosing an arrow in a single motion.

It goes wildly off course. You definitely have some rust to work through.

After you goes Ezra once again but it is clear to everyone that her morale is in tatters. Her last attempt is half-hearted and her shot goes off course just as yours.

Lastly, Nines takes his shot and scores another solid hit though it was just a practicality as he had already won. His success proves to be the last straw for Ezra as the Scorchlander merc takes off in a huff, leaving the two of you behind.

You congratulate the Nines, then two of you go up the target to recover the ammo and dismantle it.

Afterward, you bid the Hive merc goodbye and head to your own tent and turn in for the night.

First thing you do when you wake the next morning is to check your watch. It shows somewhere around six past half. Shaking the sleep off, you once again begin preparing for a new day. Hopefully, today will be the day expedition reaches Stoat.

Once you are fully awake and clad in your armor, you leave your tent in search of breakfast. Morning rations are bland as always and there are not many people awake and around, to begin with.

You decide to mooch some real food off of your employer instead of trying to force down travel rations. Thankfully your employer is an early riser much like you and you manage to catch her just in the middle of her own breakfast. She remains silent as you grab a chair and sit down opposite from her at her breakfast table.

"Princess."

"Wolf."

You grab a plate and start filling it with food. Your employer doesn't object, instead calling a servant and requesting more. Soon both of you are eating in what you would classify as companionable silence. Only once when you are both finished that you break the silence.

"So, we will arrive at Stoat by the end of the day, right?"

"That is the plan, yes."

"Anything you are planning to do in Stoat?"

"I was planning to hire an extra squad of mercenaries or at the very least replace our losses."

"How long will we stay there?"

"Only a single full day at most."

"Then we head for the World's End."

"Yes."

"Our route will take close to the Spine Canyon which means Sand Ninjas and Bloodraiders. Then we will go through the edge of Bast which means we will have to dodge some Holy Nation patrols which will not be easy."

"I have everything planned. As long as we stick to it, we will be fine."

"And if something goes wrong, I will cut open a path for us to escape."

"It will not come to that."

The conviction in her voice surprises you. From any other noble you would just take it as baseless arrogance but from her, it sounds like a simple truth. But you have seen too many plans go to shit to just take her word.

Nonetheless, you nod to her and do not argue any further. You made your point after all. She is your priority until your contract ends and you will keep her alive.

Soon after, you and your employer leave the tent together, side by side and oversee the last of the preparations for today's journey. It half an hour for workers to finish packing everything up and by 8:30 expedition begins moving again.

Your watch shows 1:48 afternoon when one of the pathfinders returns to report a sandpit ahead. He gives detailed information about its location and size and advises your employer on the shortest possible safe route around it. All in all, expedition barely loses an hour circumventing otherwise what could have been a very dangerous hazard. An hour your employer makes up by increasing the pace.

It is good to see those pathfinders earning their keep.

Sun has begun to touch the horizon when the city of Stoat is sighted on the horizon. Expedition picks up speed, the promise of real beds and a solid roof urging everyone onwards.

3 more hours pass before the expedition reaches the gates of Stoat, and there you get the first glimpse of the harsh realities of life in United Cities.

People by their dozens, flock to the caravan, starved and covered in filth. Most of them are little more than skin and bones, many of their yellowed teeth missing and only a few thin wisps of hair hanging onto their scalps. These are the people of Empire, deemed too poor to be allowed into its cities and too weak to make use of as slaves, unwanted and discarded like trash.

Mercenaries of your employer quickly form a protective ring around the whole caravan, keeping the mass of people away through violence, mercilessly striking anyone that gets too close. Flesh is split and bones are shattered, yet these people still press on with cries of mercy on their lips heedless of the threat of pain or death.

They only care for soothing their aching hunger and burning thirst, even if it is only for a moment. So they beg. They beg for scraps of food or drops of water. They beg for a reprieve from the all-consuming pain that has become a constant in their lives.

You try to keep your eyes in front of you as the caravan slowly makes its way through the sea of beggars. This scene is nothing new to you, having seen it many times before. Most major cities have groups like these camping before their walls. They subsist on the refuse from the city and hide in the shadow of its walls for protection. Disease and malnutrition slowly kills them and were it not for the ruinous tax policies of the nobles they would have long gone extinct. But as it is, their population is kept stable as samurai keep throwing any people out of the city who can no longer pay their taxes.

You know this because you were once one of those samurai tasked with such a duty. One of the many reasons why you left that life behind.

A sound coming from your employer breaks your focus and you turn to look at her. She looks calm and collected on the outside but you notice the blood dripping from balled up fists, her nails having dug into her palms.

You put your hand on her shoulder.

"There is nothing you can do."

"I know."

"Then don't hurt yourself over it. Block their voices out. Think about the things important to you."

She doesn't answer but as you watch, you notice her fists slacken and her posture relax. You keep your hand on her shoulder and stand by her side, blocking her from the view of the beggars.

Fortunately, the samurai gate guards sally out and clear a path for the expedition, allowing everyone to quickly move into the city and leave the desperate masses behind.

Stoat may not be the biggest city, that honor goes to Heft, but it still is a city an as such one of the main population centers of the Great Desert. Nomads, traders, citizens, drifters, and all kinds of people fill its streets and is through this crowd the expedition makes their way, towards a warehouse much like the one in Sho-Battai reserved by your employer in advance.

After getting inside, everyone explodes into actions as animals are lead into stalls, crates are unloaded, entrances are fortified and among the middle of it all stand you and your employer.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes."

Once everything is unloaded and every exit covered, your employer gathers everyone around her for an announcement.

"I will make this brief. We will stay in Stoat for a day, two at most. During that time, no one will leave this warehouse without groups of at least two others. If you want to unwind and visit a bar or two, then that is fine but you will do in groups and shifts. I want at least two squads of mercenaries and half a dozen workers here at any given time. Understood?"

A chorus of 'yes' sound out and you marvel at how careful your employer is being here.

"Good, then you are all dismissed."

After the announcement is done, your employer withdraws to an empty office and you follow after. Once both of you are inside the door is closed you turn to her.

"Are you expecting trouble?"

"Yes."

"What kind?"

"No idea. At least something along the lines of what happened back in Sho-Battai. They will probably make their move when I go out to negotiate with that other merc group."

"What is the plan then?"

"Well, I paid enough guards that we should be safe on the streets. I also choose a very public bar as the meeting spot so if they try anything I can literally pay every single drifter and merc inside to help out."

"What about bringing some extra muscle?"

"I thought about it. Though I am not sure how many I should bring. A large group means we will be very conspicuous and make it harder to slip away if things go sour plus I am not sure how much I can trust any of them except you. What do you think?"

"Get at least one or two more. I can suggest a few trustworthy names."

"Please."

"Nines, Ezra, and Morena. Valentine too if you are not shy of risking your chief medical expert."

"I would rather not."

"Thought so. Of the three left, Nines is the best shot while Morena is the best at close combat. Ezra falls somewhere between two."

"And your suggestion is?"

"Nines and Ezra."

"Alright. I will talk to those two. The meeting will take place tomorrow, afternoon. Until then you are free to do as you wish."

You nod and leave the office. Now, how to spend your free time.

You decide that some shopping is in order. Except you need to find at least two others to come with you. Thankfully that problem is easily solved by inviting Ezra and Nines.

"Hey, you two want to stretch your legs?"

"Sure dude."

Nines just nods. Together, you leave the warehouse after informing the mercs at the guard duty. There is still some time until all the shops close and you three move swiftly to make most of it, you taking the lead and navigating through the streets of the Stoat. It is soon after that you arrive at the market district, surrounded by shops of all kinds.

Having been subsisting on travel rations for five days, you are eager for something with a bit more taste. Hell, you might even stock up on some tasty snacks for the rest of the journey considering the depressing amount of rations that you see in your future.

Plus, you remember that bit of gossip from the workers about the chocolate wrapper. While chocolate is a very expensive luxury, it might still help you on the road to Valentine's heart. Or to her bed.

So, of course, the bakery is your first choice.

The bakery itself is a small, two-story building, with second story serving as the home of the owner. The base level has many different kinds of baked goods, pastries, and sweets on display. You can see food cubes, rice cakes, honeypies, cookies and a lot more on display.

Towards the end of the room, is a shopping counter manned by a Greenlander woman who smiles at you.

"Greetings! How may I help you?"

"Do you have a menu I can browse?"

"Certainly. Here you go."

You take the offered menu from her and start checking items.

You decide to buy a single cinnamon roll. While your stomach yearns for more, you do have a budget and you really can't afford to bankrupt yourself over sweets.

(-3.500 cats)

The shopkeeper hands you your purchase in a paper bag with a smile.

"Thank you for your patronage. Please do visit again."

You just nod and swiftly leave. Friendly shopkeepers are not something you are accustomed to. It is mostly apathy or malicious price gouging that you often deal with, not smiles.

She even gave you a fresh roll! It is even warm! This is not normal behavior!

You find Nines and Ezra outside waiting for you outside the bakery.

"Where to next chief?"

Ezra asks while Nines remains on the lookout for any potential trouble.

Now to think of it, you don't really have anything else currently on your shopping list except getting your new watch cleaned and repaired. Fortunately for you, Mechanic's shop is on your way to the bar so you can stop by on your way.

"So, do you guys want to visit the bar?"

"Heck yes!"

"Nines would like that, yes."

With agreements all around, all three of you head for the nearest bar. You make a brief stop at the Mechanic's shop, handing your watch to Hive manning the shop.

He offers to clean and repair it for 4.000 cats though you would need to leave it with him for at least three hours.

You pay him the price he asks and leave the watch with him, deciding to come pick it up on your way back to the warehouse.

With that done, you continue your way to the bar. Most empire cities have multiple bars and the one your are currently headed to is one of the bigger ones. It is also the one where the meeting will take place between your employer and the mercenary group she is negotiating with so you have the bonus scouting the place out beforehand.

The building itself is dome-shaped, with three tiers. The first level which is also the largest level is the bar area itself, with numerous tables, many of them already in use by drifters, mercenaries, travelers and the like. Noise from dozens of different conversations fills the air while waitresses serve drinks. This place is one of the most crowded in the city and you know that it hasn't peaked yet.

You and your new friends claim one of the free tables and soon after a waitress comes to take your orders. Both Ezra, you and Nines order beers. After the waitress leaves, Ezra leans over the table.

(-250 cats)

"So, it is the time for the drifter tradition of swapping backstories. Who wants to go first? Nines?"

"Nines will pass. Thanks."

"Me too."

"You two are no fun. Alright, I will go first. Now where to start? Well, I am a native of the Great Desert. I was born to a Nomad clan. It was my father who taught me how to shoot and I spent most of my childhood years hunting different kinds of animals among the dunes. Except it was a poor and boring life. So during a visit to the Bark, I signed up with a mercenary company and the rest is history. Now, it is your turn Nines."

"Fine. Guess Nines can tell you two. Nines was once part of the Western Hive. Nines was tasked with overseeing a group of drones sent to build a new village. Except the area Nines was sent to was occupied by beak things."

Both you and Ezra wince at the mention of the beak things.

"There were a lot of Beak Things. So Nines ordered the drones to charge and ran away while beak things were busy dismembering them. For his cowardice, Nines was exiled."

"Wow, that is rough, buddy."

"Ehh, Nines is over it."

The waitress returns to deliver your drinks before departing again. You take a sip, cool alcohol soothing your parched throat.

"Well, that only leaves you, Wolf. What is your story?"

"I was an orphan. Never knew who my parents were. Lived my life among the peasants until I reached the minimum age required for enlistment. Joined the Samurai. Worked my way up from a lowly conscript to the rank of Elite. Seen a lot of stuff in the process. Stuff that I just couldn't take and left after five years of service and became a drifter."

"Elite? Man, that explains why you are a one-man murder machine."

"I try."

"What do you think Nines?"

"Nines thinks that Wolf is a very adequate meatshield."

"Adequate? Excuse you, I make a great meatshield!"

"Not enough mass to block all the bolts and arrows."

You keep swapping stories with Nines and Ezra while working through your drinks. Ezra tells more about her life as a Nomad while Nines gives you a glimpse into the workings of Hive. The lack of individualism in his recollections make Nines' stories surreal. You in return tell them about stuff you did as a Samurai.

Ezra ends up polishing five bottles by the time comes for you three to leave with Nines and you having only three and tow respectively.

"Eyyyyy. Wolfie... You are... Like so hand-hic!-some dude... And badass..."

"Thank you?"

"And you Nines... You smug asshole... Hic!... I will get you... you will see... Hic!... I will beat you..."

"In your dreams No-Hive."

"We have to carry her, don't we?"

"We? Nines will stay as far away as possible from that mess, thank you."

"Nines."

"Plus, No-Hive will need someone with free hands on the lookout for possible aggressors, no?"

You sigh, before grabbing Ezra and hauling her over your shoulder.

"Just want you to know Nines. If she pukes, I will blame you."

"Nines will make sure to laugh."

Of course, you have to visit the Mechanic's on your way back to get your watch and even though Hivers have the most perfect poker face ever known to mankind, you can feel it judging you.

"I am her friend. Not kidnapping her."

Somehow you feel that he doesn't believe you.

"Here is your watch No-Hive."

"Thanks."

You take the watch with your free hand and inspect it. All of the stains are gone and the glass has been replaced, giving you a much clear look at the numbers. It also works much more silently now. Satisfied, you shove it inside your pocket before leaving the shop, mechanic closing the shop after you.

You feel many amused stares upon your return to the warehouse. Nines tells you goodnight in hivespeak before going his own way, leaving to you the task of getting Ezra to a bed. Thankfully dormitory area is mostly empty, allowing you to put Ezra to bed in peace.

You fend off her drunken attempts to drag you into bed along with her and make sure she stays in bed instead of crawling off before leaving the dormitory.

You take out the cinnamon roll you bought from the bakery. It is no longer warm but still fresh. You bite into it, the taste of cinnamon filling your tongue as the buttery sweet melts on your tongue.

You can honestly say that it is the best cinnamon roll you ever ate.

(1 to every test for three days)