Chapter 68 Inside the Forest part 4 (1/1)
Seeing Farien bow like he did, Jack was suddenly reminded of how Frumpkin mocked him for striking poses when he made his wishes. It was funny really... Even a month ago, Jack would have found such a gesture incredibly cool and dashing. Nowadays, however, the whole thing struck him as more than a little lame.
”I'm Jack.” He said, ”And that's Rose, and Madeleine.”
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Nodded towards the girls, and turned his attention back to Jack. ”So, I know it's late, and you all probably want sleep. We have a full camp for our company set up a ways from here, with hot food and shelter, and night watchmen. I knw we've just met, but I can promise you no harm will come to you if follow us there and share in our comforts. It'll certainly be a lot safer and more comfortable than where you're currently bedded down.” Farien said.
”And how do we know you won't just rob and kill us as soon as we lay down?” Rose piped up, her grip around her sword's handle getting tighter.
”Well frankly, you don't. But, as Jack here can tell you, if we wanted you dead, we could have killed you days ago.” Farien said. His face hadn't shifted from his positive demeanor, but there was just enough of an edge to his tone to give Jack the very clear impression that Farien was absolutely correct about what he was saying.
”The choice is yours, of course. But considering we mean you no harm, and I'm fairly certain you don't want to spend the night in the storm that's rolling in, or possibly getting jumped by wild animals or one of the nearby goblin packs. But, hey, I could be wrong.” He continued.
Jack looked back at Rose, who met his gaze with a questioning look mixed with discomfort and fear. He shared her emotions, but at the same time, while the situation itself made him nervous, there was something about Farien himself that Jack instinctively wanted to trust. He'd never really pegged himself as being that great at figuring out peoples motivations and intentions, but his gut rarely steered him wrong, and he was generally pretty good at picking up on when someone or something was amiss. But he could tell the girls were frightened, and he had to take that into account. He thought about it for a long moment, then spoke up.
”I am willing to come with you, but I cannot speak for Rose or Madeleine. If they are willing to, then I will go as well.” He said.
”That seems fair enough, under the circumstances” Farien said, scratching his chin. He looked back at Madeleine and Rose.
”So, what'll it be, ladies?” He asked.
”I don't trust you.” Madeleine said, lowering her dagger but keeping it close.
”I don't blame you. I wouldn't trust me either.” Farien said, laughing again.
”What can you give us to convince us of your intentions?” Rose said, not moving her hand from her sword. ”Right now all we've got is your word, and your word means nothing to me, stranger.”
”Well, I'm not here to make deals, but what would make you feel more comfortable?” Farien asked.
”For one, you will allow us to be the last in the line following you to the camp, and we will choose where we will set up. Jack will set up magic wards and barriers around us. If you or any of your men attempt to cross them without our consent, it will be the last thing that person does.” Rose said, her gazed locked with Farien's.
”Done.” Farien said, without batting an eye. ”Any other requests?”
”I want him trapped in barriers next to us.” Madeleine said, pointing at Farien.
For the first time since they'd been talking, Farien's face adopted a less than upbeat look.
”I'm sorry, what?”