The woman charges forward, blade aimed at her target’s torso. “You little thief!”

Said robber raises her hands to chin level and backtracks. “Oh, come on Aisha. Be a good sport. You weren’t even using it.”

Aisha has an aggravated tone. “It’s a family antique!” She swings the rapier, but the rogue deflects with a dagger. She then continues with more furious attacks. “I will kill you!”

“We just saved your life!” Kai argues.

“You are the very reason why they spotted me on the first place, remember?” The knight slaps a shield against the thief’s grip and makes the dagger fly to the sea; she readies her sword for the final strike.

“Your highness please stop!” A man's voice interrupts. All eyes on him. “I’m Solanus, the high summoner. We met a few times.”

Aisha turns to him and lowers her weapon, not entirely abandoning a combat stance. “I recall that.” Kai uses the chance to move away a couple of steps, the princess notices but doesn’t pursuit. “But what is such a respected citizen doing with a criminal?”

“It’s a long story”, he thinks, but answers: “She has helped me escape the Capital. An ally, you could say.”

“She has stolen from hundreds of people and today took advantage of the imperial invasion to increase that number. One good deed can’t even her wrongs.” Her voice is so firm that leaves Solanus uncertain of what argument he could use.

“Today it was all done under my influence.” The child speaks.

Aisha raises a brow. “And who are you?” She looks at the summoner. “Your pupil?”

The kid has a grin full of sharp teeth; the corners of his lips rip into his cheeks to reveal more. Eyes glint in gold like topaz. Darker spots twirl on his skin. And a guttural sound escapes his throat. “I’m the owner of the gem you claim. Also the one who blessed your ancestors.”

The princess’ mouth forms a circle; arms limp by her side.

Returning to his human features, the dragon moves closer to Aisha. “What perfect timing for us to meet. I have so many questions, and I have no doubt so do you.”

Both of them return to the road. The woman still perplexed. But Omega is already asking about the current situation. Summoner and rogue in tow.

Kai glances at Solanus a few times before he interrupts in a low voice, so only she can hear. “If you want to apologize for lying, there is no need. I already suspected as much.”

She has a confused expression. “Then you don’t mind?”

“You being a robber? Of course I mind!” The girl flinches, he sighs. “Nonetheless you helped me even when not fully agreeing with my decisions. So I’m returning the favor.”

The thief has a weak smile. “Thanks, Sol.”

“You are welcome. But Kai,” she meets his eyes. “Do avoid provoking her highness. Or you’ll end up being stabbed. For real.”

She giggles. “I will. Sorry, old habits die hard.”

And they all continue on the road to Amber Village.