The Stranger

The figure stood on the side of the road. For the past ten minutes or so, the two princes had been watching it, and it had yet to move.

As they got near enough, the figure materialized into a man. He looked to be slightly older than both princes. As they drew even with him, they noticed his clothes were slightly torn, and his arms were covered with scratches and bruises in the first stages of healing.

Miashgon reined in his horse, "Hey there. What brings you to the side of this road in such a state?"

The stranger groaned, "I was ambushed two days ago. I managed to escape with my horse and my clothes, but they took everything else."

Miashgon frowned, "Ambushed? By whom?"

The stranger remained silent for a few moments, seemingly collecting his thoughts, "Some enemies of mine. Thieves and vagrants, all of them. They must have known I was coming, and set a trap. I was lucky to escape at all."

Xavier cut in at this point, "How can we know that you're not the thief, making this story up to ambush us?" He spurred his horse, "Come on Miashgon, we need to keep going."

The man looked at bit startled, but stopped Xavier, and replied, "You have a point, friend. I wish there was some way to reassure you-"

Xavier started moving again, and the stranger stopped them once more, "-but I cannot. However, answer me this: Did you say his name was Miashgon? As in Miashgon the prince?"

Xavier sighed, "Yes, Miashgon Jiponte. If you were wondering further, I am Xavier Lxotu. Is there anything else you need to know before we continue on our merry way?"

Miashgon shook his head, "Calm down Xavier, there is no harm in curiosity. Besides, we're not in any rush."

The stranger smiled, "Well then, I do have another question. Do you mind if I ride with you for a while? I know that's a strange request, but we seem to be going along the same path, and I've no food or weapons until I get to Kelt. I have friends there waiting for me."

Xavier began to object, "We really don't have the time, or the-"

Miashgon cut his friend off, "Come on Xavier, we're headed to Kelt as well, and its not a problem to feed and protect him for a few days."

Xavier grumble, "Your kindheartedness will be your downfall. However, if you think this is a good idea, we probably have a few extra supplies."

The man smiled, "Thank you! I'll just go get my horse then," and he pointed to a grove of trees a few hundred feet behind the road.

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