The Elder's Path by J.D. Caldwell

wonders for a girl. And a bird, it seemed. Alir was back to his regular self and the two of them were finally getting some good time together to work on their bond. However, Lyn was running unfortunately low on coin. Wonders the baths, food, and beds might do, but it didn’t come free, and Lyn was loathe to go back to camping outside. The weather was much calmer and level up here at the peak, but Lyn was not ready to face it just yet. Offhandedly, she wondered what she could do around town to make her way and put off having to sleep outside as long as possible. But she wasn’t overly concerned about it; she was sure she’d find a way. As luck would have it, the opportunity came to her.
    Though, Lyn wasn’t sure she’d call it luck. As chance would have it, fate had delivered Satora and his band of thieves to Brightpeak as well. Whether it was chance or not, Lyn c ouldn’t avoid greeting them, so with a shake of her head and a small smile she went to meet the eccentric bandit. Satora and his men were tying their horses to a post as Lyn approached.
    Satora, catching sight of her, feigned surprise. “Well well, here I c ome to the Northern Province for some solitude and respite from my reputation, and who do I see but my most adoring fan?”
    Lyn rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “How did you know I was coming up here, Satora?” she asked, secretly amused but refusing to give the bandit the satisfaction; people like him thrived on a responsive audience.
    “Oh, what are you implying dear girl? I knew no such thing. I was simply about my business; fate saw fit to bring us back together again. Thank the stars, lovely, not I.” He winked at her and finished securing his mount. He gave some orders to his men that Lyn couldn’t quite make out, but it seemed like it was generally well received. As his men joked and prodded each other on the way to the tavern, Satora dusted himself off and motioned for Lyn to follow him. “Come girl, let’s get a room for Satora.”
    Following him back inside the inn, she watched as he bargained good-humoredly with the keep for a room. “Well,” he said to Lyn conspiratorially, “for a hotel in the middle of nowhere they sure charge kingly prices, no? But I suppose they don’t often get travelers, let alone for longer than a day or two. Plus I’m guessing they charge more for suspiciously masked folk. By the by love, how long will you be staying?”
    Lyn narrowed her eyes at him and replied, “For a time, I suppose. I am a traveler after all, who knows? I could be gone tomorrow. Or next week. Or maybe I’ll stay forever.”
    Satora chuckled at her and sat down at a table, motioning for her to do the same. He ordered e nough food to feed four people. Lyn gave him a strange look, but said nothing.
    “I wasn’t sure what you liked,” he said with a smile in his voice. "In fact, I am not even sure of your name, my young Druid. In my swoon over you when we last met, I was unabl e to remember to ask the favor of your name."
    Lyn started to say something, but couldn’t think of exactly what. She had never had a man pay her this sort of attention. And while she knew money was no particular object for Satora, she was flattered that he was going out of his way to please her. So instead of something witty or flirtatious, she awkwardly replied, "Lyn."
    The bandit's eyes pulled up, revealing that he was indeed smiling. “Anyway,” Satora continued, “I simply couldn’t leave you up here unchap eroned! A beautiful thing like you around all these rough mountain men? I wouldn’t hear of it!”
    Lyn found herself blushing and tried her utmost to suppress it. “I’m quite sure I can handle myself. Not that I’m complaining; for as eccentric as you are, you ’re good enough company.”
    Satora gasped in mock indignation. “What, me, good enough ? Lyn, dear, I am the absolute epitome of good company. Look at this garb, would you? Stylish, functional, and lots of pockets besides.” He