He needed to help Enge out of the city, and protect her from any stray invaders in the area. Where they’d go from there, he didn’t know, but he’d figure that out when—
And then someone else got to her first. The traders, who’d found weapons somewhere, moving with a grace and economy that Trei had only seen among experienced warriors. They each carried shields with either a sword or spear. In contrast to both the people of Running Water and the invaders, they held a tight formation between the five of them. Guarding each other’s backs, making it hard for an enemy to maneuver against them without coming into striking distance of their fellows.
One of the men took a moment to say something to the bard, then they closed ranks around her, shielding her from any danger. They moved through the
