I settled further into my chair in the back of the tavern, the ale in my tankard warmed my throat. The tavern was loud as people chattered about the very recent event in the kingdom. I didn't particularly care as long as it didn't effect my trade.

I rolled my neck, the last mark I'd taken out was a little more effort than I preferred. The pay out had certainly been worth it. The weight of the coin purse on my belt was satisfying. my hand brushed past the leather pouch as I moved to rest it on the wolves head pommel of my sword.

My eyes flicked to the tavern door on instinct as it opened. I had expected to see the usual kind who frequent places like this. But I knew she was different.

To any untrained eye she was a cold girl in a cloak, looking for respite from the autumn air. But her cloak looked finer than most, the bottom untattered and clean, like it was rarely worn. I caught the frantic look in her eye as she looked for somewhere to sit. Then I saw the palace guards entered a moment after, their eyes were scanning the room.

It didn't take me longer than a second to piece it together. She was running from them, hiding from them. I scrutinized her features and saw her tear stained cheeks.

Gods damn me.. I'm going to regret this.. I thought as I stood up.

I crossed the room to her in a few silent strides. My arm wrapped around her shoulder and my head dipped next to her ear. My voice came out as a low, rough whisper. "If you don't want them to catch you do as I say."