Both Gudrun and Sir Erlen know each other, but based on Gudrun’s expression, she hasn’t been the most polite to him. Or at least, both she and Jarl seem skeptical. They most-definitely know that I lied to them. But they haven’t said anything.

Rather than sleeping, Emerys remained up that night. And in the morning of the next day, she found herself in a house owned by two husbands–both of whom had asked her to cook. Upon making a variant of her favorite dish, she’d earned some copper coins.

I had eleven coins before I made their meal, and now I have twenty-three coins. Both men seemed rather pleased with my cooking. Lucky for me, lamb seems to be a popular meat source here as well.

Throughout the evening, she spent more time practicing her archery. This time, she tried to keep her thoughts on Helja’s advice. Meanwhile, Sir Erlen lingered in the stands.

“So I have acquired five other competitors while you were out,” He said. “The pot is worth a hundred coins.”

Emerys’ stomach lurched.

“One of the competitors is my brother, Sir Kellan,” He said. “You see, our family is from the same Isle as Gudrun, and we brought the competition here.”

Emerys refrained from a scrutinizing glare. Rather, she remained composed. How would Lydia handle a scammer? She tried to forget that sentiment, but instead imagined she were a stone-faced professor  “Maybe we can discuss those things over mead. Say, a pre competition celebration.”

Sir Erlen gave a dismissive wave. “I think that needs to happen after the competition, Lady Emerys. Can’t get drunk the night before a competition now, can we?”

“Really?” Emerys said. “Back where I’m from, that was an important part of the competition.”

When Emerys finished, she made her way back to find Gudrun and Jarl. She slumped in the chair, looking into Gudrun’s eyes.

“I don’t like any of this,” Emerys said. “They’re a bunch of scammers. They had us give money, so that they can split the cost most likely. Just think about it. Running a business like that shouldn’t be so profitable, but by that arena, I know they have a lot of money. Where else would it come from?”

“You signed up for it?” Gudrun said. “And when were you going to tell us it cost money?”

“Listen,” Emerys said. “Do they not have a place where we can report these losses? By the looks on your faces, it would seem you’re not surprised by any of this.”

“Because I’m not,” Gudrun said. “And forgive me for saying this, but although you have some skills in archery, you do not have what you need to win like that. At least, not in the way they claim. They want travelers so they can continue to scam people.”

“Then I am going to let them,” Emerys said. She then gazed deep into Gudrun’s eyes. “I know I was just scammed. But I am going to try and make a deal with one of the other competitors. I am going off to one of the taverns to see if I can find any of them.”

“And what are you planning to do?” Gudrun asked.

“I may be from a different culture, but I know about theives and scammers,” Emerys said. “I should be able to find a way to reverse the situation. But I cannot say much in case one needs to testify.”

Emerys looked into Gudrun’s eyes. Gudrun had a skeptical expression–one which left her with a strengthened resolve. Gudrun looked her in the eyes.

“We are so going to need to have a discussion after this,” Gudrun said.

“We knew this would be a problem,” Jarl said. “But sometimes the best way for someone to learn is by letting them fall. Next time you try to go for an opportunity for money, try to think things through. Not to mention the fact that the owner of this Inn is also in league with them, because they likely get a share from the scammers.”

Emerys sat back. “This Inn has a place to drink, does it not? Because if so, that will be my first place to go to. Because if there’s one thing theives and scammers love, it’s money. And as soon as you throw enough in front of their faces, chances are likely they will turn on each other. Although, if they are scamming people, what are the chances they are avoiding government taxes? And would there be any money for that discovery?”

“What are you on?” Jarl asked, his gaze stern.

Emerys exhaled a long breath. “I know it’s not always good to have the reputation for being a snitch. But I’ve seen companies like these in my own world. They are usually breaking several laws so that they can get rich. We don’t have time for a full-blown lawsuit, no. But the fact of the matter is that they’re hurting innocent citizens, are they not? Are they even knights, then? Are they even from the Isles?”

“Sit down for  a second,” Gudrun said.

Emerys sat across from Gudrun, releasing a heavy sigh. In looking into Gudrun’s eyes, the concern became apparent.

“I’m not mad at you,” Gudrun said. “But I would like to know what you’re planning. And why?”

“I wanted to leave certain parts of my life behind, but apparently I haven’t yet,” Emerys said. “I have to try and make it right. To you and Jarl, and then to everyone else here in this village.”

At that point, Emerys could hear her parents chastising her. Both your siblings have made something of your life, while you continue to bum off of people while you lie to your husband about it. The words felt slightly bitter as she remembered them. She wanted to let go of those thoughts, but then there were the thoughts still, telling herself her parents would still chastise her for what she had fallen for. Her recklessness had, once again, lead to another one of these situations.

“Let’s see how you do tomorrow, and then let’s reconvene,” Gudrun said. “And this is all a part of learning. Sometimes the best teachers are ones which aren’t pleasant, but they still mean there’s a loss.”

The expression in Gudrun’s eyes was something closer to what Emerys would find in a mom’s eyes. Although there was some sadness, the patience within her gaze left Emerys wondering if Gudrun had picked up on something else in relation to her.

“Maybe I can stick to cooking, then,” Emerys said.

“I do think it would be good for your track record if you were to raise awareness to the issue,” Gudrun said. “Just let me help you, please.”

“I will try.”

I am now going on a sting operation with these scammers. I felt foolish. But somehow Gudrun doesn’t seem mad at me. A bit disappointed, yes. But not angry. Somehow, even with my previous friendship with Lydia, I am not used to such kindness.