Leaving behind a smiling inn keeper who is eager to see you again, you set out for the road.  Lelika is surprised when you take her hand, but is pleased by the gesture, slowing her wild pace to walk by your side. “They really think so much of us?” she seems more flattered than worried at the stir the two of you have caused, a former bandit now feared by the guards of the road.<br/><br/>Ten minutes later you spy a horseback patrol heading down the road towards you, flying the same black on yellow banners. As they draw closer you count eight men and two empty saddles, the beasts rather splendid with finely groomed manes of steel grey and pale brown, with bright yellow silk woven into the hairs of the tail.<br/><br/>This is enough to make Lelika nervous, and her hand stray to her bow, as he doubts the short sword would be of much use against mounted warriors. They stop several paces in front of you, where one of them addresses you. He has cropped, dark blonde hair, an inch shorter than Lelika’s, greens eyes and a steel polished breastplate that sparkles in the noon sun.<strong>“My lord, Sir Rathos of Silver Tusk Manor, would invite the two Pain Bringers to his halls for a private audience,”</strong>he announces, his expression unmoving, but only with a great deal of effort. The guardsmen behind him part, revealing the two empty saddles.