Traveling was simultaneously exciting and a bit boring. The carriage was quite comfortable and I could watch the scenery. Of course, I could talk with my friends, read and train magic. But sitting for such a long period, even on a plush bench, was not ideal.

  We stopped for lunch, which consisted of smoked sausage, cheese and bread. No crackers. Thankfully we would be able to supply frequently. We did not even need to camp. There were stations along the road where you could park your wagon and spend the night. We sparred in the evening. It was a great way to get some exercise after a day of sitting.

  The journey went smoothly so far. It was the end of the third day as we arrived at an inn for the night. I noticed that it got colder as we moved north. Winter might be coming to an end but the land was still covered in snow. As usual I stretched as I left the carriage.

  Chariot remained on the roof and served as a guard together with Frank. That meant we did not need to unload all of our bags, only the clothes we needed for the night. Surprisingly, the stable was filled with many horses.

  I looked around as we entered. There were quite a few people here. I noticed plenty of scars and everyone had some sort of weapon hanging from their belt. Hatsumi approached the innkeeper. “Greetings! My ladies would like to rent rooms for the night.”

  The man examined Hatsumi. Her eyes caught people off guard but the maid uniform was effective. A maid travelling with nobility made sense so they ignored minor things, like unnatural eyes.

  “I apologize, there is only one room left.” The man replied, looking nervous. “We have a mercenary company staying here right now.”

  “Mercenaries? Here?” Helena inquired. “Duke Colton is not known for hiring mercenaries.”

  “Indeed, my lady. But they have been hired by Baron Ridge.” He replied. “May I inquire who you are?”

  “Helena Frost, daughter of Count Frost. We are students of the Royal Military Academy. I am going home during the break and my friends are accompanying me.” She explained.

  “Oh? You girls are from the Wolf’s Den?” A man shouted. “Why don’t you show us some of your skills? Interested in some wrestling?”

  I did not like the tone. Some of his comrades laughed. I noticed that even the few women among them joined in.

  “Rather bold of them to talk to a noble like that.” Cassie mused.

  “I sincerely apologize…” The innkeeper replied. He looked rather uncomfortable.

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  “Ah, we would never lay a hand on a noble, of course.” One the mercenaries said, while leering at Hatsumi. “But what about that pretty maid? Maybe we can borrow her?”

  “Shall I make an example of him?” Hatsumi asked.

  “What? The maid wants a fight?” The mercenary laughed, and stood up. Then he walked straight towards her. “Maybe we can have a little wager…” His hand reached towards her face.

  There was surprise in the man’s eyes, as his hand was caught. It turned to concern as he realised she was stronger than him. Then his eyes widened in horror as she opened her mouth and she saw the teeth.

  “VAMPIRE!” He screamed. But it was a short scream. Her teeth pierced his throat and his body went stiff.

  The room became very quiet. The mercenaries stared at her in shock. Fighting a vampire without magic was not an easy task and they likely knew it.

  Nyx jumped from my head, the movement got people's attention. They had ignored the small skeleton, but now she grew. Her eyes were glowing as she stared at the mercenaries. Her mouth opened and a purple tongue formed. Then she started licking her paw.

  “Did you kill him?” I asked Hatsumi.

  “No. I simply paralysed him. He should be fine, I think.” She replied.

  I nodded, that was good. He had been rather rude. A bit of paralysis seemed like a good punishment. Then I reached into my pockets and retrieved my licence and held it up.

  “I am a necromancer, senior mage and carry a permit that allows me to exceed the normal limits for undead soldiers. Hatsumi is my servant and a vampire. Nyx here is…” I looked at her. She was still licking her paw. “She is my guardian.”

  I was not sure if any of them could identify an official licence. But they should be aware that those existed.

  A man stood up. He was slightly better dressed than his companions and the long sword at his belt looked decent. He bowed to us. “I apologise for any offence my men have caused. I am Captain Arlo.”

  “What exactly are you doing here?” Helena asked.

  “We have been hired to search for vampiric nightshades. We were given a crystal to detect them and potions to burn them once we find them.”

  Cassie scratched her head. “Alchemy is great but hunting nightshades without a mage seems kind of risky.”

  “Were not the ones in the Korrah forest shielded from detection?” I wondered.

  Skadi nodded. “Yes. I doubt your crystal is gonna find them.”

  The man looked rather pale. “I… I see.”

  “I guess we will take the one room. Maybe you can find some place for our driver to sleep as well?” Helena asked the innkeeper.

  “Certainly, Lady Frost!” He replied and bowed.

  We left the mercenaries behind and went to our room. Nyx shrunk again as she followed. After closing the door I asked my friends: “Is this ok? Do you think they will attack us during the night?”

  “I doubt it. I don’t think they have a mage. They could try to burn the inn while we sleep, I guess.” Cassie suggested.

  “We will need to have someone keep watch. If they start a fire we have water magic.” Helena replied while inspecting the room. “Only two beds, we need to get a sleeping bag.”

  “Or share beds.” Skadi suggested while Cassie seemed to blush.

  “We could kill them and turn them into undead.” Hatsumi suggested.

  Helena shook her head. “They are just some uncivilised mercenaries. I think they have been taught a lesson, that should be enough. But it is not a good sign if a local baron feels the need to hire such thugs.”

  “We don’t know if that story is true.” I pointed out.

  “You are right. But it’s not really our problem.” Skadi replied.

  “I suppose. So, who wants first watch?” I asked.

  “I can keep watch. I only took a little blood but it is more than enough for me to stay awake without trouble. I doubt I could sleep right now.” Hatsumi offered.

  “Fine with me. Let’s ask the innkeeper for some food and go to bed.” Helena suggested.

  The mercenaries kept their distance as we had our dinner. It was simple stew but I enjoyed it. Afterwards we returned to our room. I shared a bed with Helena and Cassie shared with Skadi. Maybe it was a sign of how close we had become but sharing a bed felt surprisingly comfortable.