"My name is Alessia Veles. And who might you be?"

  "My name is Heron... Bratti," Heron said, the surname leaving his mouth with difficulty.

  It was the first time he'd had to introduce himself by his full name, and anger slowly seeped in as it reminded him of his father.

  "I'll be the first to admit that I'm not familiar with Scallia's citizenry, so I don't know where in the hierarchy you are, though I'm pretty certain my family ranks above yours," Alessia said nonchalantly.

  "I don't know where we rank either," Heron replied, though not for the reasons she assumed.

  "Well, no need for me to flaunt around you then. You'll keep quiet about my identity and only confirm to your comrades outside that I'm to be let go. Understood?"

  "I'm sorry, but I don't think Almir is just going to accept that," Heron said. "Can't you at least let them in and explain? I'm sure they'll keep it a secret. I doubt they, as mere adventurers, would go against a noble."

  Alessia sat in silence for a moment. "You being a Scallian citizen would make sense..." She was talking to herself more than to Heron. She then placed her pendant on the table to make it clearly visible. "Do you know what this pendant means?"

  "That you're a noble?" Heron asked, genuinely confused.

  Alessia looked at him for a second, then burst into laughter. Heron was even more confused.

  "I... I'm sorry," she said, her eyes teary. "Either you're a fantastic liar, or you have amnesia."

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "I truly don't follow," Heron said.

  "Give me your passport," Alessia said.

  "I don't have one."

  "What do you mean you don't have one? Wait..." Her eyes narrowed. "Are you here illegally?"

  "No. Maybe. It's a long story." Heron wanted to explain, but didn't know where to start.

  "Well, I don't have time for long stories. But unless you want to be jailed for illegal trespassing, I'd suggest figuring out how to make you and your friends leave me be."

  "You know you're being awfully rude. We only wanted to help."

  "Your friend didn't seem to have that idea. He'd sell me out for a pretty coin if you hadn't stepped in. So I'll forgive your transgressions, and you make him go away. I'm sure the girl will follow."

  Heron sighed. "Okay, let me speak with them outside, and you wait here."

  "No. I need to make sure you don't say anything that would put me in danger."

  "Well, why does it matter? I can tell them who you are the moment you leave."

  Alessia scratched her chin. "You make a valid point." She paused. "I suppose you'll keep me company for a bit, then. Alone."

  "Or you can just tell the truth, and we avoid this. They won't let me go with you alone."

  Alessia slammed her hands against the table in frustration. "So stupid," she hissed. "I'm so stupid."

  The wombat jumped out of the satchel, frightened by the sound.

  "No, wait, Mr. Wussums!" Alessia cried, reaching for the animal.

  The wombat ran around the small room, squeaking in panic. Alessia scrambled after him, her noble bearing completely abandoned as she dove to catch the fleeing animal. She finally cornered him near the door and scooped him up carefully.

  "Shh, shh, it's okay," she murmured, hugging him close and cradling him against her chest. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." She stroked his fur until he calmed, then gently placed him back in the satchel.

  She stood there for a moment with her back to Heron and her shoulders tense. When she turned around, her eyes were tired.

  "I'm sorry. This is all too much," she said, trying to compose herself. "Well, I placed myself into this situation, so if this is the end, so be it." She took a deep breath. "Invite your comrades in."