Ries clogged along through the muddy streets in his new shoes. He could tell they would be painful eventually. Hell, he thought, his whole new life would be painful as long as that acid-tongued, axe-wielding, mind-reading female was involved.

He wondered how in the world he would avoid her if she was waiting at the gate he was to go out of. A bright idea struck him. Of course! He would just go out the gate and walk around the city! As soon as he thought of such, he struck out for the front gate. Anyone looking, he thought with happily, would think that he was headed back to his master’s manse. His cleverness made him laugh heartily inside.

Two hours later, Ries was on the road past the city, free at last. He ran exuberantly to a rock near the side of the road and jumped onto it, crowing with glee. No doubt, the girl was still waiting by the gate, caught by the watchmen, likely as not. He chuckled. Any casual passerby would no doubt think that he was mad, as caught up in his freedom as he was.

Suddenly, he stopped. His master would be expecting him back at home an hour ago! His short distance suddenly did not seem enough to Ries. He looked behind him cautiously, then started walking with a determined pace into the forest. Coming to a young maple tree, he stopped, and with great effort, broke off a bough. Cleaning the twigs and leaves from it, he regarded his new quarterstaff with pride. Now, armed and prepared, no one would be able to stop him in his quest.

“No?” questioned the voice behind him.

Ries swirled around, heart beating franticly. How the deuce? For there she stood. The reason for his tardiness. But now her hood was pulled back, and the axes were freely displayed.

“I see you prefer the forest as well,” she remarked. “It makes for a good hiding place, and there are many defensible places.” She nodded in his direction. “Good choice.” Striding to the maple sapling, she plucked a twig from it, and chewed thoughtfully on it for a minute.

“So I supposed you were trying to avoid me? Oh, don’t answer. I know you were. I don’t blame you, but it’s lucky for you that I am tolerant of you.” She paused. “You know nothing of me, no?”

Ries dumbly shook his head. Her laughter sounded like a nightingale.

“You can call me Aren. Now it seems we shall have plenty of time to acquaint ourselves on the journey, but right now, the townspeople have formed a hunting party for myself, and we have need to push the pace. Let’s go, shall we? I know how much you would resent being taken back to your old place.” She winked annoyingly at him.

Ries blustered, trying to find words to say. She stalked off silently through the forest, her gray cloak blending well with the trees. A hunting party! Frustration kicked in, and he resentfully fell into step behind her.

“I suppose you’re going to tell me about that little incident back there that now has everyone chasing you, and why you are dragging me along with you? He bit off the words angrily.

“All in good time, country boy,” she replied calmly. “First of all, I told you why I needed you with me, to help me out. As for the so-called ‘incident’, well, he didn’t look ready to die, and I always hate the idea of a crowd gathering for a bit of public entertainment. It’s a gruesome way to die, with everyone watching.”

“Well, ‘Aren’”, Ries said. “You seem to have done a fine job setting him free and making the public want to hang You!”

“Well, thank you, country boy.”

“Damnation! Stop calling me ‘country boy’! You are simply doing it to anger me.”

“I seem to be succeeding,” she replied with a smile. “You look quite angry. Do try to hold it in, though, until we find a suitable target for it. Rage can be a powerful ally.” Aren’s voice grew solemn. “But it can also be your greatest enemy, your assassin.”
Before he could think of a reply, she motioned him down.

“There is a carriage coming down the road. Be still.” Ries didn’t hear anything, but did as she said.

The next second, he heard the tell-tale rattle of the wheels, and the rough voice of the driver.