Chapter 22

Terrance and I split up as we returned to the Manor. He headed to his office to start paperwork while I decided to find Bob or Hank. After asking one of the maids, I headed off to see Hank. I found the wolf in the training area flirting with Tessa. I smiled to myself at the irony as I approached my friends.

“Hank, you got a minute,” I called as I neared the two.

Tessa waved as Hank responded, “Sean, what did you need?”

I shook his hand before continuing, “I need to make money and only have a few days to do it. Before you ask, I can’t ask the Princess for a loan because this is something I need to do myself.” I hoped the adventurer tropes existed as I asked my next question, “Is there a guild or something that pays for monster and bandit extermination and the like?”

While he was deep in thought, Tessa spoke up, “The guardsmen around the Manor have been talking about how with the Baron’s men all dead, there aren’t enough men to patrol the roads and keep them safe.” She shrugged as she finished her thought, “The rumor is, the council was going to offer bounties to select guardsmen to do it on their days off. You earned enough respect during the assault that if you asked, I’m sure they’d jump at the help.”

Hank nodded while she spoke, then added his own opinion, “I don’t know of any guild or the like, so I think asking the Captain of the Guard about the bounties would be best. I have the afternoon off, so we can go now if you want.”

After agreeing to meet at the stables in an hour, I left to find the girls. I followed our imprint and found the four women huddled together in Shalyndria’s study, still planning for Friday. I smiled, sitting next to Petra as I listened for a moment. Once they paused for a moment, I interjected, “Y’all seem to be having fun. Unfortunately, I need to talk to Shalyndria and Petra alone for a minute.” I didn’t miss the hurt look that briefly crossed Nadine’s face. After making a snap decision, “You know what, nevermind. I could use some extra input anyway.”

Everyone settled back down as I continued, “Rumor is safety on the roads has fallen since the Baron’s soldiers were killed and the guard is looking for help. Hank and I are going to the barracks to talk to the Captain. Nadine, would you accompany me on the roads for a few days?”

I saw the knowing look Petra and Shalyndria shared as she answered, “I would love to come with you. We can work on your magic as we hunt.”

Shalyndria nodded as she commented, “I would come, but I am needed here to help with the transition. Petra, why don’t you go with them and keep our erstwhile Arbiter out of trouble?”

Figuring I could keep the secret for a few days, I waited for her answer. But it seems we both saw the disappointment on Nadine’s face. “I’m needed here to protect you, especially if our two most powerful mages are leaving town for a bit,” The knowing look and acceptance through the bond told me both her and Shalyndria were ok with Nadine and me getting closer.

Milla spoke up as we finished our planning, “While you’re at the barracks, I will have Tessa gather the gear and clothing you will need. If you will excuse me.” She stood and left the room, waving her goodbye. Nadine left, saying she needed to change clothes to visit the guard. The only sounds breaking the comfortable silence was clothes shifting as my two lovers moved to sit on either side of me. I wrapped them in my arms as they each laid their head on a shoulder.