We had a clear problem in our group, and that was the lack of trust. Granted, the constant aura of mistrust and suspicion was due to my efforts, but it still made something as simple as sitting and eating by the campfire awkward. We weren't even in the Tar Flats yet, so betrayal would have to wait.

  With the Tar Flats only a day and a half away, the Andregi were hunting to store up on meat, and we were conserving energy, resting more often. We were ahead of schedule, and with the battle against the dragon only a few days behind us, we figured going into the Tar Flats as healthy as possible was to our benefit.

  We rested a few hundred feet downstream of a small lake, perhaps 20 feet wide, fed by a small waterfall. The Andregi assured us there was no animal activity in the area. We ate roasted rabbit and a side of forest berries and herbs; it was a decent enough meal.

  After that, I stood and stretched, heading towards the waterfall.

  “Where are you going?” Korin asked. It was casual, but her paranoia was clear to me.

  “To wash by that waterfall, of course,” I said. Korin looked annoyed. “You realize there are predators in this forest. What if you get attacked?”

  I wasn’t perturbed. “The Andregi assured us it was clear, or do you mistrust their abilities so much? But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have someone watching my back.” Morah perked up before I shot him a deadly gaze.

  “Lindra, would you mind?” I asked.

  “Got nothing else to do,” she answered, shrugging.

  ~

  “Things aren’t good at camp,” Lindra said as we walked.

  “Aye, it is a bit tense.”

  “There’s a reason you asked me to watch your back,” Lindra stated.

  “You're the only one I could reasonably ask. Korin wouldn't, and Morah, well... There are only so many lurid glances I can take before I do something. And Caan and Nara are busy hunting.”

  Lindra chuckled, “Never seen someone so obsessed with being clean. Even our noble lady has been marinating in that armor.”

  “It’s a habit mostly. I used to bathe just for the pleasure of it. Now I want to feel that waterfall. This close to the tarflats, it’s only a bit chilly.”

  “You’d never survive in the north with that thinking. Any water is either frozen or would chill you to the bone in seconds.”

  I smirked at her. “You’re not really selling your home to me.”

  “It doesn’t matter what I say; you’ll never buy it anyway.”

  I shrugged. “That’s fair.”

  As we reached the lake, if it could be called that since it was barely knee-deep, I walked to the area closest to the small waterfall and started stripping.

  “For a Southern lass, you don’t seem to have all that much shame,” Lindra observed.

  “What do I have to be ashamed of? I’m quite lovely.”

  Lindra laughed, not averting her gaze. “You don't lack confidence either.”

  “Humility is a creation of the weak-minded. If I’m powerful, beautiful, or intelligent, why pretend otherwise?”

  “Don't Southern men like their women demure and humble?” Lindra asked. I wasn't sure if she was eyeing my chest or the two amulets.

  I turned and started walking into the lake. “They do, but I don’t care for Southern men.”

  Stepping into the waterfall, I shuddered. The large amount of water washed away all the dirt and grime I wasn't able to properly remove after the dragon.

  “Did you want me watching your back, or was this a seduction?” She asked.

  “Why can’t it be both?” I inquired.

  “Does that usually work for you?”

  I thought back to Jenna. “It worked once before. Why not try again?”

  I was mostly working off of her occasional intense glances. I had no clue about how Northerners view such things.

  “What is the northern opinion?” I asked over the sound of the water. It was pleasant getting my long hair cleaned.

  ‘I could design a system of pipes to replicate this. Add a reservoir….’

  Lindra smirked and shrugged, “Men bedding men are quite looked down upon. However, women take pleasure in each other occasionally. Most are rather apathetic so long as the woman is unbonded.”

  I looked at her with genuine confusion. “Really?”

  Lindra laughed, taking off her coat. “I know.” She said, shrugging, “Hypocrisy of the highest order.”

  “For men, it’s the one who is submissive who gets the disapproving stares.” She sat on the ground, working on her boots. “For women, we can’t make babies with each other, so the men hardly consider it sex.”

  ‘The monumental hypocrisy of humanity is unending. Still, I can’t believe that worked. Who knew taking off your clothes and baring your arse was such an effective method of seduction?’

  Lindra pulled off her heavy furs, revealing a body forged by a lifetime of combat training. She had many scars; most were healed, but a few were still red and yet to fade. It was the first time I had ever seen defined abdominal muscles on a woman, not to mention the strength of her arms and thighs.

  My father must have been a pathetic excuse for a northerner for me to not have anything resembling her stature.

  While I preferred more delicate beauty, I had no issues with some variety. And she had more than enough for me to enjoy.

  She gave me a predatory smile as she stepped into the lake after undoing her braid. I wouldn't lie; I felt mildly intimidated. As she joined me beneath the waterfall, I noted the significant physical differences between us; she was larger, in every respect.

  ‘She hid quite a chest under those furs; this will be enjoyable.’

  After a few minutes of cleaning, she asked, nodding to the shore, “Now we’re clean, shall we?”

  With my acceptance, she offered her hand; I took it, and then she pulled me forward and, in a fast motion, picked me up in a bridal carry and walked towards the shore. Her strength was as intimidating as it was arousing.

  ~

  Lindra was quite a demanding lover. Passionate and hungry with impressive stamina. Her biting my neck was certainly strange, but I didn't mind. It lacked a certain depth of emotion since we were just two women working off a bit of tension. And that we did.

  “We’ll be hitting the Tar Flats in the next day or two. Do you really think there is betrayal for us at Tar Town?” She asked.

  Lindra was sitting next to me, still nude on her cloak. We had air warmers and a circle to fight off the heat and dry our bodies rapidly.

  “Hard to say, but is that a risk we are willing to take?”

  Lindra took a deep breath, a bit of frustration showing. “And what about you, Myr? Can we really trust you?”

  ‘Of course not, trusting me is a horrible idea.’

  “Let’s say the plan doesn’t work; they refuse to give us the reward without the Gem and refuse the note. What would you do?” I asked.

  “Hard to say; our rewards, which you guessed, are weapons. 10 halberds, 30 longswords, 35 axes, and five spears. Even if we demand it, we can’t back it up with force. Would you also demand your prize?”

  I whistled in appreciation of the cost, and I nodded. ”Yes, I didn’t come all this way and risk my life for nothing. In regards to your question of trust, let's assume that your mistrust is valid and I want to take everything. Would that plan not be after receiving my reward?”

  Lindra squinted at me. “I suppose. Where are you going with this?”

  “That means in either case, all you have to do is leave with your prize as fast as possible the moment I receive mine. Disappear into the north and wait out the fallout. They will come for me, Korin, and Morah long before they look north. And when has the empire ever had any success in the north?”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  She laughed to herself. “You know this isn’t helping me trust you.”

  I gave her a raised eyebrow. “Even though I gave you my body.” I shook my head in pretend disappointment. “You, Andregi, are shameless.” I teased.

  With a sigh, I looked into the forest. “I would love it if you would trust me. But I know how others see me, and I know what I am; I know what I’ve done. But I want this mission to be a success, and if reassuring you that in either situation, you would still walk away with your reward, so be it.”

  Lindra was silent for long moments. “And if they don’t agree and demand the gem immediately.”

  “I don’t think Orian is foolish enough to think I wouldn’t account for that. They’ll ask for some kind of assurance. A bargaining chip, a hostage, or something to guarantee delivery of the gem.”

  Lindra sighed with some mild annoyance, “So, either I trust that some southern lord is honest in his dealings or the maiden of fire herself.”

  I stood and walked over to her. She looked up at me curiously. I smiled and placed my hand on her shoulder, slowly pushing her backward. Lindra allowed me to have my way until she lay flat on her back. Then I straddled her hips and ran my hands along her toned abdomen and chest. She released soft moans from my ministrations.

  “Trust yourself. Trust your instincts; your goal is to get those weapons back to your people. Everything else is secondary.” I shifted so I could kiss along her strong stomach all the way to her neck.

  “You’ve killed the dragon and satisfied your end of the bargain. Don’t let your honor blind you to the treachery that southern lords can plan.” She moaned as I bit her on the neck, the same way she did mine. “Think about it at least.”

  She mumbled something unintelligible before I stopped biting, and then, with some urgency, she pulled me into a kiss. I pulled away for a breather and then stared into her eyes lovingly. It was a face I had long perfected. I brought my lips to her ears and whispered.

  “I’ll tell you a secret; do with it as you wish.” I paused for dramatic effect and spoke. “Orichalcum isn’t my reward.”

  Two Days Later.

  The Tar Flats were as wretched as before: nights as dark as the abyss and sweltering days of endless walking through a mire of desiccated earth. We had a decent pace, and we were ahead of schedule. However, suspicion hung about the air.

  Caan kept the gem close, and Korin eyed him with unending suspicion. She was clearly more warrior than scheming noblewoman. We walked in a loose diamond formation with me at the center, the Andregi bringing up the rear, and Morah ahead of us.

  I was close enough to Korin for her to talk without shouting. She was silent, though we walked for hours.

  “I see your game, Myr,” Korin said to me.

  “My game?” I asked, the very image of innocence.

  “You and the Andregi woman have been…” Korin paused, trying to find a delicate word. “Intimate.” There was a bit of distaste in her voice.

  I smirked at her. “If that’s what you want to call it.” Curious, I asked, “What of it?”

  “Is this your plan, to bed the woman to get them on your side? To convince them to participate in your impending treachery.” She was speaking rather loudly, probably trying to get the others involved.

  “Even if I were planning such things. The Andregi have a strong sense of honor. It doesn’t matter how talented my tongue is. Question my honor if you wish, but do not drag theirs through the mud.”

  She flinched, realizing that she had unintentionally insulted the Andregi.

  ‘Whoever your mother was, she didn't train you enough in the use of words, Korin.’

  “But you do not deny that you are capable of such treachery,” she accused.

  “I do not. But you and everyone else here already know that. What new information could it offer? The Andregi have already taken precautions against it. They have never given me the gem to hold. And we take watches in pairs. I am not offended.”

  Then I threw a judgmental glare at her. “But you alone have the luxury of anonymity. Even now, we don't even know your true name. You lie to us constantly, judge us for our shortcomings, and judge my choice of bed partner. You offer nothing and ask for everything. Anyone who’s lived a life outside of privilege and wealth knows it’s better to trust an honest thief than a lying priest.”

  ‘I don't need them to trust me, Korin. I just need them to distrust you and, by extension, Orian and the empire.’

  Nara stepped in. “Enough arguing; tonight, we discuss the plan going forward. We have at least a week of travel remaining.”

  I turned and nodded to Nara in acquiescence.

  ~

  We sat around the fire; everyone was on edge. Morah was rather apathetic, but he couldn't hide his intentions from me. He was playing it safe, waiting and watching, making sure he chose the right side.

  The Andregi were still suspicious of me, but not any more than usual. Korin, however, was failing to make any headway with them. She was too firm and self-righteous, incapable of adapting to situations outside her preconceived notions quickly enough.

  “So, no one trusts anyone else. This is the problem: How to deliver the gem with guarantees of our safety?” Nara stated.

  Korin shook her head. “Myr filled your heads with thoughts of betrayal; that is why we are having this conversation.”

  Lindra speared her with a glare. “Indeed, but is it unfounded? Are Myr’s concerns for our safety not legitimate? This is a secret mission; are we to trust that whoever our employer is will let us walk away with said secret?”

  Morah added, “This is the sticking point here. Two of us are criminals, and three of us aren’t even citizens of the empire. Anyone with sense would just kill us all and let the secret die with us. Doesn’t matter Myr’s intention, it still doesn’t erase the legitimacy.”

  Korin bit back her anger. “Then how do we solve this?” She gestured to me, “With Myr’s dual note plan? She is a magus; there are any number of treacheries that she could accomplish.”

  Lindra looked at me, her expression unreadable. “Myr’s reward is the orichalcum, and technically speaking, Korin’s reward is the delivery of the gem. Caan is my brother, so we can make a compromise.”

  “What kind of compromise?” Korin asked.

  “We need to make sure that we won’t be killed as soon as the gem is delivered. We abandon the notes and simply hide the gem. I alone will know the location. All the rewards will be verified and placed in our wagon and moved to an anonymous location with Nara and Caan. I will remain a hostage. I assume they would have mounts, so it’s likely that we can return to the location of the gem quickly. Halfway to the gem, Morah, Myr will leave to find Caan and Nara, who hid the rewards and will only provide the location after my safe return. Orian, Korin, and I will retrieve the Gem; after that, we part ways and disappear.”

  “Well, isn’t this a proper mess? What if Orian doesn't agree to this?” Morah asked.

  “Then no one will get anything,” Lindra answered, and then she gave me a vicious smile.

  “Especially if Myr kills me.”

  ‘I like the way she thinks.’

  “Orian could kill you during the gem collection. Do not underestimate him due to his age.” Caan said.

  “He does have a point. What if Orian has a different agenda and couldn't care less whether or not we get our rewards? The moment he knows the location, your life is meaningless. I can forsake getting my reward and be added protection.” I added, putting a touch of concern in my voice.

  “And what is to stop you from killing us and forcing the information out of Lindra?” Korin asked.

  I smirked at Korin. “She could lie, of course, and send me on a wild chase. I would have the gem, which I didn’t know the use of, and lose out on my reward.”

  Morah looked to Caan and Nara. “What if someone follows them, kills them, and takes our reward?”

  Nara gave Morah a confident smile. “We’ve been dodging the empire’s dogs for centuries. So long as we have a head start, we can evade them.” Nara continued, addressing the rest of the camp. “With no trust, this is our path. Play it step by step. First, getting Orian to agree; next, exchanging the gem; and finally, we part ways.”

  Korin bit back a hasty reply and responded calmly, “There’s still room for betrayal.” She was staring at me; clearly, she was nowhere near agreeing.

  “And how much more leeway must I give Korin?” I asked. “There’s mistrust, and then there’s paranoia.” I continued cutting off her response. “Your employer had to know this would have happened.”

  She pointed at my chest. “The condenser, you leave it with Caan and Nara.”

  “And leave myself defenseless?”

  Korin smirked at me. “You’re a magus; you’re never defenseless. And at the very least, if she is as treacherous as I believe, then we have a chance to defend ourselves.”

  ‘Well, that’s a good suggestion, Korin. But I can’t allow that.’

  “There's the small matter of her being able to use it without it being in her presence," Morah pointed out.

  “Every mage needs a source; if they’re too far from their source, they can’t use their magic. Remember when she said she could be a few hundred feet away from you and the crossbow would still work? It is simple to assume that beyond that, she cannot use it. It was a limitation even my great aunt had to deal with.”

  ‘My max range was a few hundred feet when I first became a magus, dear Korin. Now it's far greater. I don't even know what it is, but I have time to test.’

  I smiled at Korin and asked casually. "Before I agree, can you answer a question? What is the azurite for? I’ve only offered the truth; I think you need to do the same.”

  Morah laughed, “Aye, I would like to know that. What did we kill an ancient dragon for?”

  Korin hesitated to agree, so I teased. “Come now, Korin, it’s time for you to give us some trust. ”

  The noble woman looked at me, frustrated. “Trust?” She bit down in distaste. “Trust? When you continue to lie and manipulate.”

  I put on an air of mock offense. “What lies? What manipulation? The only liar here is you, and the more you are unwilling to give, the less inclined we are to believe that death does not await us at the end of this journey.”

  “You? Not lie? Don't make me laugh? Your performance by telling us your reward was just another play.”

  I hid a smirk and countered. “Don’t attempt to distract us, Korin. Tell us what the gem is for.”

  “It is not a distraction. I am simply pointing out that you, like me, have not been honest in the slightest. So are unworthy of such trust.”

  “That’s a bit much, Korin; after all, she was the first to reveal her reward.” Lindra pointed out.

  “Fool, her reward isn’t orichalcum; that was a lie to get you to trust her. Every moment, every word has been a manipulation.” Nara and Caan looked at me with accusatory eyes. Lindra, however, didn't look surprised.

  "Why did you lie, Myr?" Nara asked, her voice filled with threat.

  “To test if Korin knew what our rewards were,” Lindra answered. Every head turned to her.

  “You don’t look surprised?” Morah noted.

  “That’s because she told me her reward, her true reward. It is significant, and I can understand the secrecy.” Then she threw an accusatory glance at Korin. “Yet Korin didn’t hesitate to hide that fact and use it at an opportune moment.”

  Korin's eyes widened as she realized she walked into a trap.

  “So, this proves that Korin knew the entire time. Not surprising, but it's nice to have confirmation. But this does throw into contention why she wants Myr to leave behind her condenser.” Nara said.

  I nodded. ”All the easier to kill me. If she proved me to be a liar and a manipulator, then I would have to agree, and then they would take the rest of you out one after the other. If she didn't reveal it, I would have allowed myself to be weakened. But no, she proves herself to be the very thing she condemns me for.”

  I raised my voice, exuding an aura of authority, addressing everyone, “You need to ask yourselves. Who are you willing to gamble your lives for? Imperial nobility, or the Maiden of Fire.”

  Glancing at Korin, I savored the rage boiling behind her eyes.

  “Enough!” Nara said, sighing and rubbing her temples. “We pick this up in the morning.”

  ‘They’re mine now, Korin. You don't have the ability to play this game with me. And when I’m done, I’ll walk away with everything. And if I have to slaughter the lot of you to do it, then so be it.’