Three weeks have passed since the inn, and now the clearing below the foothills rings with steel. Derick and Garth trade hard, measured blows, dust kicking up around their boots as the last exchange finally breaks Garth's guard.
Garth
Enough. You win this round, Derick.
A slow clap drifts from the tree line. Joi snaps upright with a happy bark, tail whirling as Sara steps out of shadow, a small treat already pinched between her fingers.
Sara
Easy, girl. I brought something better than applause.
Sara crouches to scratch Joi under the chin and offers the treat, then lifts her eyes over the dog's head to Derick with a knowing smile.
Sara
I hear you are the sort who takes bounties seriously. There is one in Deep Root Village, deep in the Glistening Woods, a werewolf troubling the townsfolk. Come with me, and we can put it down.
Win the upcoming duel
Resume wandering life