by T. Rudacille
***
I did not know if Paul’s obvious elation at seeing James and me was the result of some recognition that a dastardly plan he had plotted had just been rerouted back on course, or if he was simply happy to have two people to guide him out of the notoriously treacherous Black Forest. Whatever the reason, he certainly did not look or sound like a man who was being taken prisoner by his bloodthirsty, evolved, very dangerous enemies.
“Ah!” He exclaimed upon seeing us, as though he had been expecting our arrival all along. “So good to see you! I seem to be a bit lost. Ms. Olivier, would you and your friend please show me to your camp so I may rest my weary bones? This is an old-fashioned request for lodgings and more importantly, hospitality. God does not just frown on those who turn away men in need; he punishes them swiftly.”
“Did you walk for miles with that entire speech prepared in your mind?” I asked, and my tone betrayed my slight bemusement at his completely random eloquence. Perhaps my current mental state was identical to what people felt when they heard me speak. Not that I cared…
“Let’s go.” James grabbed his arms and started to steer him along.
“I assure you, sir, I will walk cooperatively on my own.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. Move. Brynna, are any of his friends lurking around?”
“No. He came alone, and because he is not stupid in the slightest sense, that means he wishes to parlay.”
“Do I?” Paul asked, “I guess we shall see.”