Fara’s friends advanced forward with hatred in their eyes. She forced herself to be calm. She pointed at the nearest woman. “Anclla, how pregnant are you?”

The group were now in a semi-circle around Fara, and some had drawn their weapons. Anclla finally spoke, “Six months.” Her voice halted the group.

Fara pointed to another. “And you, Christie?”

”Four. I think.”

Fara sighed, looking around at those surrounding her. “Say you escape all this and form a new hideout. Do you want to raise children like that? After finding a lover and birthing children, are you really so determined to remain bandits? I’m sorry for what happened to Mattias. But it was his encouragement of your relationships that brought us here. But it was that weakness that convinced the Guildmaster of Refuge to make a place for you. He saw the potential, and wanted to increase the size of his town. For what its worth, Mattias was offered the same chance. But you all know, he could never accept it. I’ve said all I can say. Think about this chance. We won’t get another one.”

”Isn’t the Guildmaster going to demand our blood when he learns that his best two just plummeted from the cliff to their death?” Anclla pointed out.

”You think a mage can fall to their death?” Fara asked. “She used wind magic to defeat Mattias. She could use the same magic to slow their fall. I expect they’re still alive.”

Anclla and Christie were both encouraged by this. “We can’t blame Fara for everything,” said Christie. “What do we have to lose by trying? Deeper into the frontier is a death sentence.”

Fara nodded. “Many of you fear Kyvril. He is many things, but a liar is not one of them. We will have safe passage. Will you come with me tomorrow?” She looked at the twins, Bette and Timen. “He harbors no ill will against you two. He was a friend of your father’s. It was for you that I made the trip to Refuge in the first place. You two deserve better than this harsh, brief life of ours. Will both of you come?”

Both scowled, but Timen stepped forward. “Kyvril should apologize for sending that overzealous orc of his.” Bette joined him, running her hand along her bruised neck.

“I’m sure he will. Nothing in the hideout happened as it should have. I’m sorry to you all.”

One by one, the rest of the bandit clan joined her. Despite Rodney’s derisive quip about Fara being chief, by the end of the night, she was in spirit their leader.

***

Early the next morning, Rhunal activated her golem once more to signal to Fara to meet with them. It was no surprise that the young woman believed it would be a bad idea for the pair to show themselves again. The bandits had decided to accept Kyvril’s offer, but the sight of Rhunal and Brondulf could easily stir them to violence. 

“I didn’t expect that much courage behind that quiet face,” said Rhunal. 

“Well, I had no choice. The twins are my family, but they wouldn’t come alone. I tried to hold it in, but I was frightened the whole time.”

“And I guess you will not want an escort?” Bron said.

“They’re going to take Kyvril’s offer. But their feelings are still raw. I know what would happen if they saw you. Rodney is only in line because of his woman, Christie. We’ll be able to reach Refuge. We aren’t defeated yet.”

“Your people defended themselves well in the hideout. It will be some time before the bandit army is ready to pursue you.”

Fara shook her head. “For someone who dealt so much violence against those men, you really downplay your role a lot. You killed more than half of them.”

“Hmm,” said Bron. “It’s not something I like to dwell on too much. I had to kill those men, so I did. It’s not something I enjoy doing. At this point, I’d almost rather fight a chimera with Rhunal than kill other men. Almost.”

“Fara?” said Rhunal, in a sombre tone. “Did you really love the chief, Mattias? Were you his woman?”

“We all loved him, needed him, and respected him. He was my lifeline out of the city, my leering landlord, and the fights the twins kept getting into. Mattias promised hardship, but that was a lie. He did not allow anyone in his gang to suffer. It was a harsh land, and he wore our troubles on his back, seemingly with no effort at all. I did not lay with him, but he asked once. I nearly said yes, but it was too soon after losing Lovell. I wasn’t ready.”

“You must hate me.”

Fara met her eyes, showing a fire in her expression Rhunal hadn’t known she was capable of. “Yes, I do. But no more than I hate myself. I chose my loyalty to my family, the twins, over Mattias’ life. How did I become so cold? Mattias was many good things, but he couldn’t give up his influence. It wasn’t only you, she-orc, that killed him. When I sought out Kyvril, I arranged for his death. Kyvril is a man known for taking any necessary action. If some have to die to achieve his goals, he doesn’t hesitate. I wonder if I’ll ever tire of hurting people to save my skin.”  

“Whatever your reasons, you saved most of your people, not just yourself. Don’t forget it. We won’t be returning to Refuge right away. Maybe in time, you can forgive me. You’d make a worthy friend.”

Fara’s expression hardened. She turned to leave. “I will lead them to Refuge.”

Bron waited until Fara was out of earshot. “Why’d you tell her we wouldn’t return to Refuge?”

“It might be good if we don’t antagonize the bandits right away. They’ll have time to get settled without having to face the two who killed their chief.”

“I guess I see your logic. But how long are you thinking of staying out here? Their feelings about us will not fade quickly.”

“Forget what I just said. It’s not them I’m thinking of. It’s Carinus, somewhere on the frontier. If he’s out here, we’ll never make it back to Refuge.” 

“After all this time, why is he pursuing you so stubbornly?” 

“I’ve heard two tales of a talking bird-lizard encountering him,” said Rhunal. “It spoke to him in the center of Greihold, threatening him. Not sure what exactly it said. Tavern tales get warped with time. But it was something about returning a rebellious child. I can’t help but think the chimera was talking about me. And then it attacked him again, on the road. The same creature twice. It’s not a coincidence.” 

“Something to do with that jade-masked orc warlock in the north?” Bron asked. “After all, he commanded several chimeras against us.” 

“I guess we’d have to ask Carinus himself.”

“Can we avoid running into him?”

Rhun stepped closer, pushing her fist into his chest. “We will not run, Bron. Steel yourself. It’s time to face the man who was once my master.”

“I thought you hated calling him your master?” 

“Well, I mean to kill him. Least I can do is acknowledge our past together.”

“I hate to ask, but do you have a plan to counter an archmage of lightning?”

“Its time to meditate to Tempest again.”

“You’ll contact the storm goddess? Your meeting with her will be seen and heard for miles. That will certainly summon Carinus to our location.”

She nodded. “Wizard or no, he won’t be trampling all over the frontier to find us. He’s probably found a spot that covers most of the approaches to Refuge. Instead, I’ll seek out a tall hill and a vicious storm. Empowered by Tempest, I will face Carinus.” 

”We will,” Bron said. “Though I’m afraid a fight against a wizard won’t be to my strengths. I’m worried about this one, Rhunal.”

Rhun stepped closer, bumping him with her shoulder. “Don’t sell yourself short, big man. Your resistance to magic will be a boon. Besides, I’m afraid too. But don’t tell anyone.”