Alaster was surprised by the news. How long? He thought. He started sprinting down the road to Kaylen’s cottage. Alaster couldn’t handle the tension; it was like swimming in water to the surface for air. The door swung open hard as he hit it; almost knocking it off its hinges. The home was empty, Ciara was gone.

     Alaster stood in the doorway upset that she chose to flee but he understood why. Suddenly a pair of legs landed on Alaster’s shoulders and wrapped themselves against his chest. The next thing he knew he was thrown and landing on his back. “Ouch!” A dagger stabbed into the wood floor an inch from his neck and was being held at an angle against it. He gathered enough focus to see Ciara’s angry upside-down gaze.

     “Why did you come back!? I told you to leave me alone!” She was as mad as ever.

     “I was walking through the woods that night and heard the howl of the ghouls and you scream, I ran to it fearing the worst- Look, I can explain the rest later, but I need your help,”

     “Screw you!”

     The end of a longsword rose next to Ciara’s head. It was Kaylen’s, “Am I interrupting something?” he said, Ciara slowly drew the knife out of the floor, letting Alaster go as she stood up.

     “There’s a group of bandits that extort the town, said Alaster. “The villagers need help, I have a plan to---”

     “I don’t care; I’m not helping you Alaster,” Ciara shoved her dagger back into its sheath walking passed Kaylen to the table to gather her supplies.

     “Why not,” asked Alaster. The question made one of her ears twitch and she froze in place. An aura of murderous intent could be felt radiating off of Ciara. Kaylen saw what was coming and quickly stepped to the other side of the house, leaning against the free wall. That wasn’t a smart thing to say kid.

     Ciara turned back to Alaster. He could almost see the red in her eyes. “Why not? Why not!? I’ll tell you why not! I have grown up alone on the streets stealing for food, joined gangs, mercenaries, and treasure seekers. In the course of less than a week you have put me in more danger then all of those combined!!!” She started counting with her hand. “You attacked my caravan; you caused a cave-in more than once; your reckless behavior entering the treasure room almost got me killed by two golems that you activated. The wound I sustained during the cave-in got infected and I almost died from a fever while being hunted by ghouls that you attracted with the battle…And the worst part is… you keep helping me! Why!? We are supposed to enemies, treat me like it! Hate me, fight me- (she shoved his chest) -want me dead- just like the rest of them! Do it! Do it, so I won’t feel bad killing you for that damned amulet! ...” Small tears of frustration welled in her eyes during a moment of silence. “Please, just hate me, make it easy.”

     “Ciara I promised you, you would have the amulet when we found out what it did. You have my word. I just need your help this last time.” Ciara turned and grabbed her supplies and headed to the door.

     “They have Teva!” Ciara stopped in the arch of the doorway “Don’t do it for me, at least do it for her.” She thought for a moment and walked out the door.

     Alaster stood in the rays of light emanating from the open door. Kaylen stepped from the wall to Alaster who looked at him with a defeated demeanor, “I don’t know what to do.”

     Kaylen looked through the window. “Well, she hasn’t left yet, you could ask again.”

     Alaster followed Kaylen’s gaze through the window. It lead to Ciara, who was standing at the town well, drawing some water. Alaster looked back a Kaylen who gave him a ‘What? Go!’ gesture.

     Alaster left the house and walked up the street to Ciara who was drinking some water out of her cupped hands. “Ciara, I know it’s not my place to ask for your help. I’ve caused you enough trouble as it is-”

     “Do you ever shut up?” She cupped some more water from the bucket and splashed it against her face and then turned, walking past Alaster.

“How many of them are there?” Her calm, calculating manner was back.