Chapter 5 THE NAME YOU DO NOT SAY
Xyra watched in contemplation, tracing Magnus's every move. She had to make a decision and fast, or he would be gone before she could do anything. She quickly went through her options. The first was to stay in town and risk being beaten again by street thugs, not to mention she would have to try and find an employer. Her other option was to follow Magnus for a while. He sort of has a regal quality to him, and he obviously has a lot of money. If I could get along with him, maybe…
She smiled as the thought of more money flew through her mind. She needed a get\-rich\-quick scheme, and what better way was there than to get in good with an obviously rich sorcerer? He would even be able to provide her with protection. He obviously had a fair hand with magic. The decision was made. She quickly got up and started following her fleeing quarry.
Just as Magnus walked through the door, Xyra ran after him. He wasn't even able to take three more steps before she called out.
"Wait!" she shouted. He turned to look back at her. She suddenly felt a bit nervous about asking to go with him. Still, she continued relentlessly. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to go with you."
Well, this is new, Magnus thought to himself as he just stood there and watched her for a moment. She looked a little anxious, obviously hoping that he wouldn't reject her request. He had to admit that he wasn't used to traveling with someone, so the idea was both intriguing and a little bothersome. He had always been alone. Some serious thought would definitely have to be given to this.
"Why?" he asked her. She had to have some kind of reason, at least one that was somewhat logical. This wasn't a decision to be made lightly on her part. What did she possibly hope to gain by traveling with him? She already had his money. There had to be another factor.
"Well…" she began, racking her mind for a good answer. She couldn't really think of a convincing lie. It was probably best just to tell him the truth. She would keep out the part about getting more of his money though. He would turn her down right where she stood if she gave him that reason. "I've been living here for a long time now, and I haven't been able to leave because of all the demons between here and the other towns. I want to get out of here, but I need someone to accompany me, preferably a sorcerer, and you just happen to be one."
"… I don't know…"
"Please?" She reached into her pocket and withdrew the small bag of money she had liberated from him. "I'm willing to pay you."
"But that's my money…"
"Please? I don't want to stay in this town anymore. I won't get in your way. Please take me with you."
Magnus sighed, running his hand through his hair. This was a tough decision to make. He really wasn't used to having a companion. He rarely ever, if at all, traveled with someone. However, he had to admit that he could use the conversation. Journeying alone often becomes incredibly lonely. Maybe I should just give in. It could be fun. She's not that bad of company—better than most of the women I've met. He shuddered slightly at that thought. More often than not, he would end up talking to a woman who was more interested in getting a room at an inn than actually having a conversation. This girl didn't seem as shallow. Besides, he kind of liked the idea of having someone to talk to. There was only so much he could say to himself.
"I suppose it's alright," he told her, smiling at the way she reacted. She probably would have jumped for joy if there hadn't been so many people watching right now. Magnus was easily aware of every set of eyes trained on the two of them as well as the looks he was receiving. Is this whole town full of bounty hunters? I should probably leave before I draw any more attention.
"Thanks," Xyra said cheerfully. "I promise I won't slow you down."
"Hold on. There's something you have to do first."
"… What?" she asked, taking a step back. What could he possibly want her to do? She felt her stomach churn at the thought of what some hunters would ask for in a situation like this. She prayed he wasn't one of them.
Magnus held out his hand, giving her a smirk.
"My money, please. I don't plan to act as your paid escort or anything, but since we'll be traveling together, I'll manage it."
Xyra frowned a bit as she stared at his outstretched hand. She really didn't want to return the money, but the thought of eventually earning more than that got her to concur. Besides, compared to what he could have asked for, this was nothing. She handed it over a bit hesitantly and then watched as he tucked the bag into one of his cloak pockets. Apparently, he trusted her not to steal it again, since he wasn't making an effort to keep her from seeing. She really had no intention of taking it. Now that they were traveling together, she needed to behave. He was her only way out of this place.
Without another word, Magnus turned away and began walking. Xyra was quick to follow.
"By the way," he began, glancing back at her. "I never did get your name."
"It's Xyra. Yours?"
"Just call me Magnus."
"So…what're you going to do in Drester?" she asked.
A slightly cruel smirk spread across Magnus's face.
"… I have to see a man about some demons."
"Demons? You're going to hunt?"
"Of course. The more I kill, the more money I get." And the more I kill…the closer I get to finding Raheem.
Xyra didn't say anything more to him as they reached the city limits. By his posture and expression, it was obvious that Magnus was thinking about something. Despite how carefree and naïve he appeared, he was apparently pretty serious\-minded when it came to hunting. However, that was only natural. Demons were tricksters by nature, using the dark to hide and attack when one least expected it. Without focus, facing a herd was like suicide. Hopefully he was as good as he appeared, or they would be in serious trouble. After all, only a gifted sorcerer could slay a demon.