The Inn was small and crowded but not unpleasant, even to someone who was used to relatively high standards, like Oliver. However, it did stink noticeably of beer, and wasn’t clear of drunkards.

Just as Oliver was about to go check on Julian, he walked in with a considerably shorter Alice by his side. He looked Oliver up and down, and stopped when he saw the bruise which was beginning to form on his cheek. Before he could even ask what happened, he noticed Alice by his side and he was even more surprised.

‘Alice?!’

‘Wait… Oliver? But you…’ Alice’s jaw dropped, moving her finger from Oliver to Julian. ‘That means… He’s… You’re…. What!?’

‘You two know each other?’ Julian knew the question she was about to ask, so instead tried to divert the attention to something different.

Oliver took a couple of paces towards them, his head was hanging low, and he spoke in a quieter voice. ‘We were in the same legion for a short period of time. And there were some… Complications. We haven’t spoken in a couple of years.’

Alice wasn’t as composed as Oliver, or Julian, and continuously looked between the two with a look of sheer confusion, and curiosity. ‘I should escort you two back home. Your parents must be worried sick. Everyone thinks that you’re dead. We should go straight to Esteria!’

Julian and Oliver shared a wary glance.

‘Over the past week I’ve had 5 attempts on my life, and every single one of them was because they were searching for something they think I have in my possession. But, I do not and they aren’t going to stop searching any time soon. I can’t go back and put my family’s safety at risk. No more people should get hurt because of me.’ Julian became serious at the prospect of returning to Esteria, which unsettled Oliver more than his usual cocky and carefree attitude.

‘I think Julian’s right,’ Oliver agreed, which made Julian grin like an idiot. ‘We can’t go back, but you can’t tell anyone either.’

The two were now looking at Alice intently, which sent s slight shiver down her spine. Placing both of her hands on her head, she let out a deep sigh and began to walk towards the bar.

‘I’d like that drink now, please.’ Her voice was slightly strained as she took a stool at the bar. Julian to a seat to her left, and Oliver to her right. They weren’t exactly sure how to proceed. Alice got a glass of mead, and downed it quickly, coughing ever so slightly after. ‘Okay… I think that I should come with you guys, to where ever you are going. Two guards are better than one.’

‘No, I feel bad enough dragging Oliver along with me.’

‘Really…?’ Alice was shocked at his utter denial of her. ‘With all due respect sir, there’s always a chance you’re going to be in harm’s way, and no matter how good Oliver is, he can’t always be there.’

‘I agree, I can’t look after you alone.’ Oliver would happily accept someone’s help with looking after Julian, and no arguments against that person being Alice.

He wasn’t massively opposed to having some more company around, but he didn’t want Alice to think it was her duty to do so. Mumbling something which sounded like a curse, Julian begrudgingly agreed to their proposal.