Piper felt a little nervous now that Bal told he not to trust their new traveling partners. She hoped that all went well on this trip through the forest and that she had not made her first mistake in this little quest. She shifted her pack for a moment making sure that the stone was still there before she too got up on her horse. Her and Bal rode out to the others who nodded and led the way to the East exit to the small town. There were guards there and instantly she felt dread coil deep within her. She stiffened on her mount and fidgeted with the reins. How could she have forgotten that there were guards at every exit? She quickly looked at Balthazar for support and guidance but almost as soon as she turned her head Shamuesâ€™s thick accent voice rang out to the guards standing watch, â€œHello my friends! It seems that we are off again.â€ His voice was confident and friendly as he tossed a pendant to one of the guards that grinned, â€œI was hoping you wouldnâ€™t forget about me this time.â€ The guard was replying with a familiarity that made her nervous. Was Shamus going to turn them in? â€œWell I remembered that you wanted a pendant for your wife from Armarantian. You were in luck. I did not get drunk of my ever loving arse this time.â€ He let out a boisterous laugh and nodded his good bye to the guard and continued onward but just as Piper was almost past the guard the man shot up from his seat, â€œHalt!â€ Piper nearly fainted from shock. He must have recognized her which meant that there was going to be a fight. Her hand twitched and started to move for her dagger when the guard reached out to her foot hold, â€œYou should be careful. If you have to run from Orcs a loose strap could cause you to fall.â€ He tightened the strap within seconds and smacked the back end of her horse, â€œHave a safe journey.â€ He smiled and waved them through. Piper was still in a bit of shock so all she did was nod.<br/>It was not until they were out of sight of the guards that she started to relax. Her and Balthazar was slightly farther away from the caravan so if they so choose to speak they would not be overheard. After five minutes the silence began to bother her, â€œI was so scared that they had recognized me.â€ She spoke under her breath and only loud enough for her companion to hear.