Aleksandra followed beside them.  It almost seemed as if Storka was delaying him on purpose, but there was little Aleksandra could do about that. She figured it would just make him more upset with her and more adamant that he would not help her, but she had learned months ago that arguing with Storka was rarely a wise thing. The woman had intention in the things she did, so Aleksandra had to believe there was some kind of purpose in this.<br/><br/>As they arrived near the gather caravan, she could already see that some of the other mercenaries Maleki had been with were talking to Old Barnstorm, the man who organized and led the caravan.  He seemed to recognize Maleki as the others he was talking to drifted off to do whatever duties he had asked of them. Storka seemed to suddenly take on a second wind, and she all but pulled Maleki forward toward Barnstorm, leaving Aleksandra obscured in their wake.<br/><br/>"You're too late, boy. As much as I respect helping an old woman, your<i>friends</i>got here first." Barnstorm bellowed out to Maleki.  Aleksandra pressed forward, until she stood at Maleki's side.  When she did, Barnstorm's eyes immediately lit up.<br/><br/>"Leksi!  I thought you were planning to remain in the city for a time?" He exclaimed, treading quickly toward them and pulling Aleksandra into a rather warm embrace.  He held her there for a moment.  Aleksandra might have thought it odd he did not remark on Storka, who had also traveled with her here, but she got the feeling that was also something Storka made happen.  If people did not remember her, people could not speak about her.<br/><br/>Barnstorm was a thick and mostly jolly man, as long as you stayed on his good side.  He was probably about the same age as her father had been, with graying hair and a full beard. He had remarked that Aleksandra looked like his daughter several times, though she had died of a terrible sickness seasons before.  She could only assume that was part of why his welcome was so warm, not just the fact that she and Storka had served the caravan as healers on their way here.<br/><br/>"It's completely my fault Maleki was not able to arrive in a timely fashion, are you sure there isn't somewhere you could use his services?" Aleksandra said as Barnstorm released her.  "I'd be happy to help your caravan again, unless you've found another healer?"<br/><br/>"None as good as you, my dear."  He smiled down at her, but as he lifted his chin to look at Maleki, his brow furrowed.<br/><br/>"I suppose if you like to work at the rear of the caravan, I can move the others to the sides and front.  More risk at the back and the same pay as the others..."  Barnstorm offered.