“Dave, wait,” Red whispered, her fingers extending to reach him from behind, capturing his hand in hers.

  “What?”

  He stopped and turned around. In times past, he might have swiftly withdrawn, but now he allowed her to hold him. The warmth of her skin enveloped his palm. Unintentionally, he gently squeezed her fingers, prompting her to withdraw her hand. A short, silent gasp escaped her lips.

  It was just… whatever.

  “I should talk to him alone,” she said.

  “And why is that?” he whispered, slipping his hand into his pocket as if to safeguard the warmth it held.

  “You can be way too direct and harsh sometimes. Also, you are short-tempered, and he is drunk. He’ll feel more comfortable with me, enabling me to gather more information. You would chase him off.”

  Her gaze was fixed on the door leading to Joaquin’s room. She only realized his proximity when his face came nearer to hers, so close that she felt the warmth of his breath softly touching her pink lips. His eyes locked onto hers.

  What are you doing, Dave? Why?

  She took a set of shallow breaths, her lips slightly parted, eyes delving into his.

  “Why are you so nervous, Red? Are you hiding something?”

  He breathed those words out, his deep voice barely above a whisper, sending shivers down her spine.

  “What? I’m not hiding anything. What are you talking about?”

  Her words emerged slowly, somehow automated, as if she wasn’t fully present. In truth, she wasn’t. His sharp features held her attention as she analyzed the wild energy that danced in his smokey gray eyes. Her fingers trembled weakly with an overwhelming urge to brush against his cheek.

  Why is he doing this? What is wrong with him today? Or is it me? Perhaps I’ve also had too much to drink.

  “Okay. I trust you,” he said, smiled, and pulled back.

  In just a few steps, he disappeared behind his room’s door.

  Red rolled her eyes and took a few deep breaths, playing with her hair.

  What was that? He never acted like this. Indeed, he never cared about respecting others’ personal space. But this was different. Was he doing it on purpose? To intimidate me? But why? And why do I feel so —

  She shook her head, dispelling those thoughts. No time for such things. Dave is…

  Dave.

  That’s it. She must hurry before Joaquin falls asleep. Without further hesitation, she knocked on his door.

  She barely caught the weak mumble of some unrecognizable words.

  “Joaquin, are you alright? It’s me, Red. May I come in?”

  Gibberish echoed from behind the door, but the enthusiastic tone signaled her to enter.

  She opened the door, her eyes landing on him, and she couldn’t help but chuckle.

  He was reclining on the edge of the bed, bare feet brushing the floor. His shirt lay on the floor, while his leather pants were still on, though unzipped. He lay on his back with arms outstretched.

  “Are you alright?” she asked again as she walked in.

  A familiar tension replaced her amusement, a feeling she seldom experienced. In no way did she expect him to possess such an athletic figure. He wasn’t as muscular as Dave, but it exceeded her expectations.

  In the dimly lit room, his skin resembled a marble statue. As she came closer, she didn’t discern any traces of body hair on his upper body. A few were visible as her eyes moved down to his underbelly, revealing the nicely defined abs of a swordsman. He clearly knew how to wield a sword. Even the muscles in his hands betrayed a regular use of a dueling sword. Something heavier would result in a more substantial form.

  When he lifted himself, she averted her gaze. His long, black, wavy hair cascaded to his face, adding another layer of charm and a seductive spark to his eyes and smile.

  “I’m fine, lady Red. Tired, drunk, as you can see.”

  He let out a loud sigh, tossing his hair aside. Red took an unconscious step closer, her eyes attached to his young, handsome face.

  “But I feel good. All the singing and dancing and those folks. I love it.”

  He slowly inspected her from head to toe and smiled even wider.

  “It’s nice to see someone so pretty like you, lady Red, caring about me. Oh, have you enjoyed the evening? I couldn’t find you in the crowd.”

  “Sure, I did. How can someone not enjoy such an artistic experience and performance?”

  “Ah, you are too sweet. Be my guest, please. It makes me nervous when a damsel is standing, and I’m not able to get up.”

  With a nod, he gestured to a spot on the bed beside him.

  Red smiled and nodded.

  “Maybe that’s a good thing. It means I’m safe,” she said.

  His energetic laugh filled the room.

  “Good one, lady Red. I wouldn’t bet my coin that you are fond of such humor.”

  He is in a positive mood. That’s great.

  “You don’t know me that well, Joaquin. It takes time to open up to a stranger,” she said while settling next to him, closer than she initially desired.

  This proximity might set the right mood to extract more information from him; it had nothing to do with having an ideal view of him.

  “What is it, lady Red? You seem nervous.”

  Are men synchronized or something?

  “Or mad? Are you mad that I’m drunk?”

  He straightened up, leaning on one hand, and faced her. In that pose, with a twisted torso, sharp-defined chest, and hair swirling around him, he became even more attractive.

  His lips curved into a sly, narcissistic smile. He ran a hand through his hair and leaned closer to her. The moment she noticed it, she lifted her gaze from his body, and as their eyes locked, he whispered, “You are an exquisite woman, lady Red. The kind that inspires songs. Spicy tales for adults.”

  He reached out with one hand, placed an imaginary strand of hair behind her ear, and gently caressed her cheek with his index finger, continuing down her neck before withdrawing it.

  Her heartbeat drummed in a wild rhythm. She recalled a time when similar shivers ran down her spine years ago, her mind slipping to a hazy memory of a young elven ranger.

  Traveling with Dave since she was sixteen limited her chances to meet and connect with other men. At first, her relationship with Dave was so complicated that they went days without seeing each other. Meeting other men was a little easier back then. However, their situation required them to travel from one place to another, and those opportunities became more and more rare. But that young elf was difficult to forget.

  And now, a similar tension overwhelmed her body and soul. It had been far too long since she was close to someone. Joaquin was nice, friendly, cheerful, and handsome. Dave, despite having his own allure, was cold. Cold stone, resting deep in the ocean, awaiting the world’s end.

  Lost in thought, completely entranced by Joaquin’s eyes, she was hypnotized, inching closer towards his face.

  Joaquin unconsciously licked his lips to moisten them. The heavy, hot air was hard to breathe. Red’s chest moved in the pulsing rhythm of his own heart. Her full pink lips longed for a gentle kiss, for a faint touch of his teeth. Her eyes were aflame calling him to be devoured.

  Am I charmed?

  His mind raced. She was beautiful, and her desire was so strong it was palpable in the air. However, there was something in her gaze besides the all-consuming flame of lust. A shadow. Doubt and hesitation. Guilt. Guilt of innocence.

  Will Dave kill me?

  As the idea crossed his mind, a wave of uncertainty surged through him, only to be met by the warmth of Red’s lips pressing against his own.

  The kiss began slowly, a delicate exploration of longing. Enveloped by the crackling passion in the air, an electric current ran through his body, awakening a flame deep within.

  As the lock of their lips deepened, he immersed himself in the sensation, succumbing to the intoxicating dance of their tongues. The taste reminded him of the sweet, sun-kissed berries they had enjoyed together on the road.

  Her fervent reply mirrored his own intense longing, their desires merging into a shared intensity. The moment seemed to transport them into their secluded paradise, where nothing else mattered except the bliss they shared.

  But just as the kiss reached its zenith, in a fleeting second of pure ecstasy, he dared to let his hand brush against her arm. In an instant, Red pulled back, shattering the intimate connection between them.

  In the depths of her eyes, he saw a reflection of the doubt and guilt he had glimpsed earlier.

  “I can’t,” she said, her voice a mixture of regret and anguish.

  The moment hung heavy with unspoken feelings, leaving them both suspended in a silent understanding that this passion had encountered an insurmountable obstacle.

  She felt a nervous tremble within her chest, a longing for another human’s touch. Yet, her heart desired more than just burning passion. She yearned for a flame that would envelop her entire being and feed her soul with life, just as the sun nourishes the earth. The fire she felt now consumed only her mind. Once gone, just an empty shell would be left. A shell that would intensify her loneliness.

  Joaquin let out a sigh and scratched his head.

  “Sheesh. I’m glad you did that. In this state, I would only disappoint you. I’m—sorry, Red.”

  “No, I’m sorry, I…”

  She stood up and made a few nervous steps in a circle, the fingers of her hands intertwining in a chaotic dance of discomfort.

  “This is not why I came. It’s…”

  “The alcohol. We both drank our share tonight, lady Red. No need to apologize. I—I won’t pretend I didn’t like it. But I value our friendship, or at least the great fundamentals of it we already laid down. I want to build on that.”

  He tried his best to stand up but failed and ended up lying on his back again, one hand covering his eyes.

  “The world dances.”

  He started laughing. Red chuckled and burst into laughter with him.

  It will be alright.

  She did the right thing. And he likely won’t remember it the next day. Which brought her mind at ease and back to her initial intentions.

  “The last song was beautiful,” she said.

  The laughter settled as she sat back on the bed next to him again.

  “Thank you. But I doubt the guy who asked for it was asking for this one.”

  “Why do you think so?”

  “I composed it about a year ago and never sang it to anyone. Or even mentioned it. So…”

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  He clumsily lifted himself and settled on the bed’s edge.

  “But I’m glad you liked it, lady Red.”

  Joaquin looked her deep in the eye, and she noticed he may not be as drunk as he acted just a second ago.

  Her eagerness to learn more grew bigger. If he composed it himself, that means he heard or read about it from somewhere. He may actually be the ticket to their freedom. Specifically, to Dave’s freedom.

  “Oh, wow. You are more talented than I’ve expected, Joaquin.”

  “Well, thank you.”

  “So, it’s purely out of your imagination, or did you take inspiration from somewhere?”

  “You seek knowledge about Claddagh, am I correct?”

  He raised his eyebrows and smirked.

  “Yes,” Red said.

  Hiding such an intention was pointless. He is smart and sly as a fox. He already thinks she and Dave are treasure hunters of some sort. No reason not to use it as a decoy.

  “So, that’s why you are here? Has my song inspired you for another treasure hunt?”

  He ran a hand through his merry hair.

  “Yes, but I wanted to make sure you’re okay as well,” she said, her tone remaining sweet but firm.

  He can’t get the feeling of being played.

  “Okay, I will tell you.”

  He turned his face towards her. His eyes were sparkling through drunk gloss, and his lips played with a wide, amused smile.

  She smiled at him back similarly.

  “But?” she asked.

  He burst out in brief laughter.

  “You know me too well for spending so little time with me, lady Red.”

  “I’m quite observant.”

  She playfully poked him with an elbow to his side.

  “Ouch, alright, alright. I have one condition.”

  He dramatically raised his hand in front of her face with an index finger sticking out.

  “I want to travel with you and Dave. For a while.”

  He took a deep breath and waited for her reaction, but Red remained silent and watched him with a curious spark in her eyes, so he continued, “I’ll share everything I know about the amulet, and we can search for it together. I enjoy the company of both of you; Dave is difficult to tag with, but I still kinda like him. You are inspiring, and this is the opportunity I always desired.”

  “Opportunity for?”

  “For adventure and companions. An opportunity to meet adventurers who could inspire songs. Heroes I can befriend and travel with. See the world. Talk to ordinary folks, sleep under the stars.”

  “Ordinary folks?” she mused and stood up.

  “You—you know what I mean, I…” he stammered.

  “Yes, I know. I’m just pulling you by your finger, silly. But are you sure?”

  She stepped forward and leaned against the entrance door.

  “Traveling with me and Dave can be dangerous. We rarely visit towns like this. And looking for such an artifact may put us in tricky situations.”

  Chances that he would change his mind were as slender as a wisp of smoke. And she didn’t even want that. But Dave wouldn’t be happy about it. Understanding the amulet and spell was crucial, but an additional group member would only be a burden. Also, Joaquin may be smart, but he is just a bard. A kid spending the day daydreaming. Something could happen to him. She would never forgive herself for such an act.

  “I’m not afraid when I’m with you two.”

  Joaquin broke the train of her thoughts.

  “Especially when Dave is around. You saved me from a bunch of bandits. Also, I don’t want to brag, but I can wield a cord pretty well. It just happened that I have none at my disposal at the moment.”

  “You lost it, right?”

  “Yes… But!”

  He stood up, his pants barely holding around his hips, the room bearing witness to his improvised swordplay.

  Red raised her eyebrow. Even in his state, he executed those moves with surprising ease. The flickering candlelight played upon his features, accentuating the shadows on his face.

  Who are you truly, bard?

  “So, you’re skilled with a cord?” she asked, emphasizing the word cord with a strong Lavinoir accent.

  He briefly paused and scratched his head before settling back on the bed.

  What else is part of this act of yours, Joaquin?

  “Alright, I will talk to Dave. I can’t give you an answer right now. I need to discuss it with him; he may be stubborn, as you definitely noticed.”

  With those words, she bowed, bending her hips slightly.

  “We will talk about it in the morning and give you the answer.”

  Turning, she opened the door she had been leaning on. Before leaving, she shifted her gaze towards him once more, the cold doorknob creaking as she rotated it.

  “Ponder your request until then. We lead a dangerous life. You can get hurt pretty badly. Or die.”

  “We will all die one day, lady Red. None are immortal. It is how we live our lives that gives meaning to death. I know how I want to live and what kind of death I may attract.”

  The room absorbed Joaquin’s words, letting them linger like shadows creeping behind curtains.

  Red let out a sigh.

  “Poets. Good night, Joaquin. See you in the morning.”

  The door closed, leaving a thoughtful hush with him.

  She felt somehow relieved. Traveling with Joaquin complicated many things, but they had no alternative. And he was a companion she enjoyed spending her time with. But as she neared her room, an electrifying sensation ran all over her body as she remembered their kiss.

  Stop it, Blanchette! Get hold of yourself.

  The hallway, lined with uneven rugs and the echoes of distant conversations, carried her internal struggle.

  With a nervous laugh, she glimpsed Dave’s door. A strange feeling lingered within her, a sense of somehow betraying him. The door, solid and unmoving, stood as a barrier between their past and the uncertain future. A brief hesitation washed over her, but she decided she would go talk to him early in the morning. Currently, she needs to shower and get a good night’s rest. She didn’t want to provoke Dave with her smell.

  The flickering candlelight she had lit after she woke up still danced with the shadows, casting a comforting warmth upon the wooden furnishings when she entered. After locking the door, she started the ritual of undressing, shedding the layers of the day and allowing them to fall haphazardly onto the chair. Moving gracefully, she made her way toward the bathroom, each step imprinting a soft echo as her bare feet gently tapped on the cold wooden floor.

  Once within its confines, she adjusted the water temperature to her liking, letting the steam rise around her like a silken curtain. As the hot water cascaded down her body, its touch became a tender caress, tracing the contours of her skin and embracing every curve. The sensation, a lulling dance between warmth and wetness, dissolved the tension that had clung to her like an invisible shroud.

  Amid the comforting hum of the running water, the ambiance took on a soothing quality, turning the bathroom into a sanctuary of tranquility. It became a haven, providing solace for body and mind. Within the world’s complexities, she found respite in rhythmic droplet taps, gentle plumbing hums, and aromatic soap and steam.

  All will go well.

  Meanwhile, with a wide smile, Joaquin laid on his bed right after Red’s departure. He knew how they would decide. The song request was no accident. Yet, he understood their careful approach. The amulet they were seeking was far from an ordinary treasure. The moment he had learned about it, he would have never guessed it could really exist. But they were obviously the type searching for rare, possibly mythical relics.

  A wave of excitement pulsed through his whole being. With them, the travels will be exceptional. The dozens of stories it could inspire.

  Barely holding his eyes open, he took off his pants, and naked, he hid under the blanket, already dreaming about all the adventures that would come his way. The bed, creaking under his weight, welcomed his dreams with the warmth of well-worn sheets.

  Dave was sitting on the windowsill, gazing into the night through the opened window, one leg hanging from the outside while smoking one cigarette after another. The world outside bathed in the soft glow of the moons.

  He noticed when Red returned to her room. It took her longer than he would’ve expected. But all must have gone well; otherwise, she would come to discuss a new backup plan.

  He leaned his head back on the window frame and smirked. Finally, the bard would be gone. They would be alone again. Just as it should be. The cigarette smoke curled around him, blending with the cool night air, as he pondered the passing moments.

  What took her so long?

  And why did he even care? She could do whatever she wanted. Just like always. Like with that insufferable elven ranger. But the elf was at least showing genuine interest in her. This bard was a mere drunk. A way below Red’s standards. Also, she couldn’t sleep with him during these few days even if she wanted. She was too shy about something like that to happen in her current state. Or? Even if who was he to judge? It’s her body. What caused the unsettling feeling in his head then? Like a bug buzzing and walking around in circles.

  The nocturnal sounds, chirping crickets, and rustling leaves underscored the disquiet in his mind. Countless nameless and shapeless concerns overwhelmed him. Just a pure instinct warning him about approaching danger. To him, Joaquin, and to Red.

  ???

  Jalut had just left Hert, his horse Goliath, waiting at the city entrance. The mercenary, eliciting a twinge of satisfaction, always found the townsfolk, particularly the grateful children who had recently been healed, were easy to manipulate for information.

  Despite the slight alarm raised by the pretty lady in red detail, he dismissed it, assuming she was merely a young healer. Underlining his suspicion, the innkeeper mentioned they talked about her as a student of Narzum. No big deal. The bard, treated as a friend, had no clue about the potential danger her other companion was secretly presenting.

  Based on his discoveries, they spent six days at Hertz Inn, departing for the capital city three days ago. While avoiding towns by foot, it will take them no less than two weeks. Easy enough to catch them tomorrow morning.

  From the horse bag, he retrieved the necessary ingredients for his potions, each scent blending into a unique aromatic symphony—the pungent herbs, the strong alcohol, and the earthy undertones of roots.

  When all mixed and poured, with careful precision, he attached the flasks to his belt, ready for a quick sip while riding. Timing was crucial; a few seconds early or too late, and they will know he is coming. He made one murky potion for his horse, who drank it from his master’s palm. Jalut patted him on his dark, silky neck.

  “Long day ahead, my friend. We are in a rush.”

  The hunt is on.

  ???

  “Good morning, lady Red.”

  Joaquin stretched and yawned. His fingers traced the smooth fabric of his fresh shirt, and he brushed the dust from the surface of his new leather trousers. A soft chuckle joined the symphony of the wilderness, intertwining with morning birdsong and the rustle of leaves. The moment her laughter reached his ears, he shot her an amused glance.

  “Will you do this every morning now?” she asked as she rose, stretching towards the sky.

  The gentle warmth of the morning sun bathed the clearing, casting a golden glow. Her white shirt, tucked into her pants, rebelled against its confines, offering Joaquin a glimpse of the smooth, pale skin of her hip.

  “A gentleman should take care of his attire. Who knows when he’ll find another opportunity to get a replacement?”

  As he finished, a heavy sigh escaped his lips. Red bent over to stretch some more. Captivated by the sight of her heart-shaped backside, he couldn’t help but lament in silence over the missed opportunity that night.

  After Red paid him a visit in his room, the following morning he gathered with her and Dave in her room for breakfast. A delicious scent of freshly brewed tea permeated the air. She informed him they had already discussed his proposition and needed some more information before deciding.

  So, he told them about his friend, living in Venterrant, the capital city of Lavinoir, a collector of old stories and legends. It was he who told Joaquin about Claddagh and its origin story, which Joaquin turned into a melodic song. He also mentioned that his friend possessed a map that should point to the place where the amulet was created and held. However, the map depicted an unfamiliar, possibly fabricated location. Nevertheless, he proposed fetching the map and additional information if they agreed to take him on their travels.

  After hearing this, Red and Dave exchanged a curious look. Dave inquired about the consequences of a fake map. Joaquin assured him that in that case, he would not trouble them again. They exchanged another silent look and agreed. He was taken aback by such swift agreement, oblivious to the fact they were desperate for any clue.

  “Daydreaming again?” Dave asked.

  Joaquin jolted upon hearing his deep voice from behind him. Red chuckled again, now with a mouth full of fresh strawberries. Dave stared at him and handed over a fistful to eat.

  “Thank you. No, I was just fully appreciating this opportunity you gave me to travel with you.”

  “It’s not that we want,” Dave sharply countered, “but you keep your friend’s identity and location a secret from us, bard.”

  “I’m—just—”

  He wiped his mouth from the fresh strawberry juice.

  “I’m merely guarding his personal, private space.”

  “And we respect that. Right, Dave?” Red interjected with a broad smile.

  Dave rolled his eyes and stepped out, the other two following him without delay while enjoying their breakfast.

  After a while, Joaquin sighed again. Red was always so nice and friendly towards him, and he hoped for Dave to change his attitude as well. At least a bit.

  The remaining days at Hertz Inn flew by. After the morning deal agreement, Red visited the seamstress’s house to check on the boy, taking him and Dave with her to get measured. She revisited the place two days later, bringing back new clothes for everyone. Thanks to the new attire and his lute, Joaquin fetched some coins with his singing, even in such a small town where gold coins are a rare sight. The whole time, Red treated him as an actual friend, never mentioning the passionate kiss they shared that one night.

  Even Dave seemed more relaxed around him, but the moment they hit the road, he returned to his annoyed self, giving Joaquin the vibe he was not welcome to travel with them.

  Did I offend him somehow?

  “Don’t mind him,” Red spoke out as if she was reading his mind.

  “It’s hard. I hoped it would get better with him over time.”

  “That’s how he is. He takes time to truly trust someone. For the travels, he doesn’t even fully trust me, believe me. With a vigilant eye on the surroundings, he focuses his attention on the road. He is giving his all to keep us safe. One never knows who lurks in the woods. Don’t bother yourself with it.”

  “Thank you, lady Red, for your kind words. In due time, our friendship will improve.”

  Lost in their cheerful banter, they pressed on along the road, completely unaware of the imminent battle for survival.