The Wounded Man's Gold, Part 5

"I am Esmiralda," I answered after a long pause. "If I decline your offer, will I be carried back to the city, or must I find my own way?"

Merrick's initial response was a slow, mischievous grin that made me a bit nervous.

"Or will I be allowed out of this clearing...?"

He shook his head. "Nothing quite so nefarious, I assure you. You would be free to go as you please and continue your travels. We are harmless."

He didn't sound too sure about that, but I was intrigued. It seemed a strange group of people and I wondered what their purpose was. Besides, my coin was dwindling. Perhaps the tales he referred to would translate into more.

"Then I accept your offer," I said. He nodded as if that was the expected answer and beamed.

Broo-Fang stepped forward and bowed his head briefly, like a child ducking a thrown stone. "I am...pleased...to make your...acquaintance," he said. His voice was soft, his speech slow and lilting. I am not sure if that was due to an unfamiliarity with the language or some form of speaking impressed onto him by his temple tutors, for he was surely some kind of monk. His robes identified him as one, although I could see no insignia so I could only guess at his order. I bowed in return.

"Well met," I said, then frowned. That wasn't exactly true, but of all the men I had met that night he, at least, had not threatened me, carried me or begged any of my coin. Perhaps that was the best I could hope for. "It is good to see one such as yourself about in these troubled times. The Robes of Peace are a most welcome sight."

Strangely, that intended compliment had the opposite effect. Broo-Fang Tane's face clouded over and he lowered his head and stepped back into the shadows. He might have whispered, "Of course," or it might have been something else, entirely.

"We've little food to share," Merrick said after clearing his throat and stepping in front of the smallish man. He shot Seymuhr a glare. "We weren't expecting any other companions. You are welcome to share our fire. It is small out of necessity, but warm, nonetheless."

If Sehmuhr sense any irritation from Merrick, he gave it no sign. He merely walked to the edge of the clearing and peered into the darkness, flexing his muscles until his armor squeaked.

"I thank you." It was not very cold, but I found that after my recent capture and wild flight through the city, I felt chilled to the bone. My fingers trembled as I reached them toward the glowing coals. Perhaps it was a natural reaction from one who thought death was imminent only moments before. I reminded myself to get an opinion from a priest or healer at some point on that topic; perhaps that information would be worth a mention in a medical journal? "What are you doing out here?" Surely there are rooms within the city walls that would be safer and...shielded from the elements?"

Merrick chuckled. "I suppose it depends on which elements you wish to shield yourself from," he said. "There will be time for our tale later, if my alternative plans have worked out. We'll know soon enough. What of you? How did you come to bear the mantle of the Falcuhn, and what fortune has brought you to our fire?"

Tane leaned in from the shadows and I heard Sehmurh approach, as well. I hesitated and licked my lips. They seemed innocent enough—besides the travel manners of the brute that tossed me there—yet I was reluctant to tell much of my tale. I never thought it was that interesting, for one thing. Perhaps that was the best way to learn more about these men—and fully decide if I was indeed safer in their company or out in the forest, hiding from wolves.

"As to the 'fortune' that brought me here, you know that well enough," I started, with a glance up toward Sehmurh, who stood with his massive arms crossed over his chest. "As to the rest? You would have to know me as a little girl...."

Up next: Mira tells her story