Boran had noticed the riders long before they reached the inn. Having made no attempt to cover their lanterns they were easy to spot. When he did he raised the alarm quickly hoisting his weapon on to his shoulder before he stepped out to meet them. 

The call had interrupted a discussion Megra was having with the three mercenaries from before. She had offered a full refund for their trouble but to her surprise they rejected her. They seemed understanding of the situation and even offered assistance in the search for Ressa. It was a response that Megra hadn’t expected. It seemed that despite their bravado the men were quite honorable. Even so she did not push hard for the refund.

The Zmeu followed up with a call of her own that was echoed throughout the rest of the inn. As it did the employees of the Dragon’s Hearth sprang into action.Many took up positions at open windows with readied crossbows while others made their way to protect the wounded and secure back entrances. It was an impressive display, the Hearth appearing as disciplined as any military unit. 

Megra however made her way out front by Jazel and the freshly bandaged Miriana. Surprisingly the mercenaries followed as well. The madam wasn’t sure what they sought to gain but she was grateful for the extra show of force.

Outside the Pride had formed their horses in a line facing the Dragon’s Hearth. Raising her right hand Laoise flashed a few quick gestures. At her silent command the two riders at the ends of the formation dismounted. After collecting their bows and quivers from their mounts, they retreated back out of the light, taking positions at the edge of the forest that surrounded the brothel.  

“If you’re here seeking accommodation I’m afraid we currently have no vacancy available,” Megra called out.   

Laoise dismounted and lifted her visor, her blue eyes piercing as she met the madam's gaze.

“I’m here on behalf of Drummond Faeborne. He’s sent me to collect what he is owed,” Laoise said loud enough to be heard by even the sentries in the dark windows. 

“I’m not aware of anything we owe to Mr. Faeborne,” Megra answered. “By our ledger he’s stolen from us and we will not entertain anything except the safe return of our friend and a cure for his poison.”

“Drummond demands three things, the man who assaulted him, the woman he arrived with and fifteen hundred gold pieces or the equivalent amount in other valuables.” Laoise said, acting as though Megra hadn’t spoken at all.

The dragoness grit her teeth and hissed at the insult. “I understand your lot isn’t one for civility but even a common thief has some understanding of negotiation.”

“This is no negotiation, this is a collection. We will have what we demand and you will give it to us,” Laoise said

“You won’t be leaving here with anything but your own head if you don’t return the girl!” Miriana cried, drawing her sword and stepping to the edge of the large porch. 

The other warriors with Laoise drew their own weapons and took formation in front of their commander. Before any steel could clash Boran stepped between the combatants blocking Miriana’s path. 

It had been fast thinking on his part and Megra was grateful for his quick action and instincts. Despite having lost a bit of fervor over the years there was none more reliable than Boran in a pinch. She placed a hand on his shoulder to move him slightly so she could look at the golden warrior. 

“We would be more open to your requests if we had some assurance on the safety of our comrade,” she said, now trying to diffuse the situation.

“I assure you the whore’s safety will become more uncertain if you do not do as I say,” the woman answered, tapping the shoulders of her guards to stand down.

Megra could feel Miriana trying to squirm her way past but Boran refused to yield.

“We can indulge your first two requests, but the other is more difficult and we will need to discuss what's to happen to the taken girl.”

“There’s nothing to discuss,” Miriana hissed. 

“I know love, but we need to lower the tension first if we want any chance of negotiating her return.” Megra whispered ducking out of view behind Boran's large frame. “Now go fetch the bounty hunter and bring Cas.” The swordswoman hesitated but eventually relented, grabbing two other guards as she headed inside. 

“We’ll have the people you asked for shortly,” Megra called out but Laoise remained silent, she was already tired of the back and forth and if it were not for the fact the gunman was inside she might have already called for the place to be razed. But having seen what the man was capable of she would make no move until she could lay eyes upon him and be certain he was of no threat.