Traveling Decisions

As the man disappeared into the trees, Xavier turned to Miashgon. "What are you thinking? We're on the brink of war with Orna, and you pick up a random vagobond off the side of the road?"

Miashgon looked at Xavier, "The brink of war? I really don't think so. Besides, this man is obviously in need-"

"Or perhaps just looking to cash in on a couple of gullible travelers."

Miashgon shook his head, not knowing whether to laugh at Xavier's paranoia, or to fear the grain of truth in Xavier's statement, "Well then, you can keep an eye on him if you're so afraid."

Xavier just shook his head, and the stranger approached, riding a tall grey horse. The men began their ride down the path, and Xavier slowly fell back a few paces.

Miashgon attempted to strike up a conversation with the stranger, "So. If we're going to be riding with you, I suppose we'll need something to call you."

The man smiled bemusedly, "Arlon is what I go by. Arlon Sistra."

Miashgon nodded, "Arlon. Interesting name. It comes from Enur right? I think it means 'quick?'"

Arlon shrugged, "Something to that extent. I'm afraid I'm quite rusty with Enur. I haven't had it come up for quite a while. How well do you speak it?"

It was Miashgon's turn to shrug, "I know a bit. Enough to do some older magic, but I can't actually speak it."

Arlon nodded, "Still, its not very common for anyone to know the elder language any more. Even if they are royalty."

Miashgon shrugged again, "I learned it from my tutor. He knows a lot of obscure stuff. How did you come to know the language?"

Arlon frowned, looking a bit worried. After a moment, he sighed, "My parents were both fluent, and they tried to teach me. That was a long time ago though. Since then I've picked up pieces here and there. It has been a long time since I've run into anyone that knows any of it."

Miashgon nodded, smiling, "I know what you mean. Aside from Xavier, my brother, and my Tutor, I don't know anyone that knows it."

Arlon nodded.

The ride continued for a while in silence, and Xavier continued to ride in the rear of the group, occasionally making noises to remind them he was there, and unhappy with the companion.

Finally, curiosity caused Miashgon to break the quiet, "So these men that attacked you. Do you know why they did so?"

Arlon sighed, "Yes. As a matter of fact, I do. They are followers of a faction that does not get along with my friends and I. You could say its a bit of a difference of belief."

Miashgon pondered on this for a moment. "That's quite vague. I gather it must be quite a difference if they were willing to attack you in such a way."

Arlon shrugged slightly, "I suppose so. They would not have been so successful if I hadn't been stupid enough to travel alone."

Miashgon nodded, "Yes. It's much safer to travel in numbers. Especially if you're involved in a dispute, I'd guess."

Arlon grimaced, "You have no idea."

After another few minutes, Miashgon spoke again, "So. Do you have any idea where they might have gone?"

Arlon gave Miashgon a strange look, "As a matter of fact, I have a very good idea where they've headed. They'll be there for a few days while they wait for other members of their group to join them."

Miashgon thought for a moment, "How far from here is this place?"

Xavier cut in at this point, "Miashgon, you can't be thinking to attack these people? This is not our battle. We already have a job to do."

Miashgon turned to Arlon, "Excuse me for a moment." He rode back to Xavier, and they pulled out of earshot of the stranger.

Xavier cut off Miashgon before he had a chance to start, "I know we've gotten into a lot of trouble in the past, but this is different Miashgon. This is dangerous. Those men will have no trouble stealing from us if we help him."

Miashgon nodded, "I know this Xavier. However, this man is in trouble, and I can see that something that was stolen from him was very important to him. Besides, we're days ahead of schedule, and this may give us something important to bring back to our fathers."

Xavier shook his head, "We're not out here to play vigilantes. We're princes, not rogues."

Miashgon smiled, "Why can't we both? I know you have a sense of adventure, and this could be fun." He put a hand on Xavier's shoulder, "If worst comes to worst, we run."

Xavier still frowned, "I don't like this at all Miashgon. We don't even know this man. He still could be leading us into a trap."

Miashgon shook his head, "He's not. I saw a tattoo on his arm when he was getting onto his horse. He's an assassin. No assassin would dishonor himself by using a ruse to steal from others."

Xavier's eyes widened, "An assassin? He doesn't look old enough to be an assassin. It takes years to get to that point. In fact, he looks barely old enough to be tested for the royal guard."

Miashgon shrugged, "I saw what I saw. I know a real from a fake. So I say we help him."

Xavier sighed, "I suppose we can see what we can do. However, if it even looks to dangerous, we get right out of there."

Miashgon grinned, "I knew you couldn't resist a good spar," he then rode forward, calling out to Arlon, "So, how far is it?"

Arlon smiled wearily, "Not far. I thank you very much for this. You are truly helping me out."

Miashgon clapped his hands together, "It's not a problem, my friend. Lead the way!"

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