We're Not The Bandits

For Spooktober 2024, word "tongue"

They followed the caravan out of town, staying about a half-mile behind. It was a slow pace for two people traveling simply, but they stayed far enough back that no one seemed to notice their contrived delays and distractions. A group on horseback passed them and then the caravan, and even a man with a laden mule outdistanced them as Lisveth bent to fuss with a lace on her boot.

Galen had suggested joining the caravan itself under the premise of seeking protection from the bandits, which would have alleviated the burden of staying close enough to observe but not so close they were observed. But Lisveth preferred freedom of movement. “And if someone does drop a fireball on a wagon, real fire,” she said, “wouldn’t you rather not be in it?”

Sometimes Galen found it difficult to argue with her logic.

At night, they camped within hearing of the caravan, keeping their own fire and voices low. On the fourth night, they were apparently no longer low enough, and two guards came over the hill and approached them in the twilight.

“Heads up,” Galen said quietly, crouching over the fire with a pan.

“They probably smelled that bacon,” said Lisveth. “Keep cooking while I talk to them. It’ll look more innocent, and besides, I’m starving.”

It was a man and a woman who approached, weapons slung loosely at their sides but within easy reach. “Good evening,” the woman called. “Got a moment to talk?”

It was a pleasant and innocuous opening. Galen shook the bacon in the pan.

“Certainly,” called Lisveth. “Not much supper to share, but you’re welcome to a bite if you like, too.”

“That won’t be necessary,” said the man, not too gruffly, “but thanks for the offer. We have our own supper with the caravan.” He raised an eyebrow. “As I’m sure you know.”

“Well, I guessed as much,” answered Lisveth, “but I was only trying to be friendly.”

Galen felt their eyes passing over him, gauging his build, the sword at his side, the crouch of his legs. He rocked back and sat solidly on the ground, trusting to Lisveth’s silver tongue. If it somehow came to a fight, she’d be quicker with her magic than he could get across the fire, anyway.

“Talking of being friendly,” said the woman, “we note you’ve been trailing us the last couple of days. Not walking with us, but staying close.”

Lisveth’s mouth firmed into a sulk. “The Octovirate’s roads are for the use of all. We’re heading south, same as you. Nothing to say we can’t cover the same road.”

“You don’t have wagons to handle or gear to manage,” the man pointed out. “You look reasonably healthy. You should be making better time.”

Lisveth looked faintly flustered and she glanced at Galen. “We—we wanted to be near someone. In sight or hearing. Not everyone can afford to pay for guards, you know, and well, we couldn’t afford to join the caravan, right? But we don’t want to walk alone in bandit country. Felix is okay with that sword, but there’s just the two of us, you know?”

Felix? Galen resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

The woman seemed to consider this. The man frowned. “So you’re hoping to use our protection without paying for it?”

“We’re not hurting you! We’re not in your way. We’re on the high road, same as you are.” Lisveth’s lower lip jutted slightly, and the other woman nearly rolled her eyes in irritation.

Galen had to look down at the bacon to keep from smiling. It was starting to burn, so he set the little pan aside.

“There’s no one saying you shouldn’t be using the road,” the man amended, sounding more exasperated now than suspicious. “It’s just that, well, there are bandits, and with you shadowing us so, some people are wondering if you aren’t…connected in some way.”

“What?” Lisveth didn’t seem to understand him.

He looked a bit pained. “You know, scouts or something. Watching. For the bandits.” He turned abruptly to look at Galen. “You aren’t saying much.”

“Not much to say,” Galen answered. “Just, I don’t think I could take a whole set of guards by myself.”

The man huffed with frustration. “I didn’t mean you could do it yourself. Not like the two of you could present much of a threat, I’ll grant you that. But if you were working with someone, scouting for them…”

Lisveth gave him a dubious look. “And somehow we’d signal them that you were coming? From behind you?”