“Darling, you haven’t seen anything yet,” Crow winked at Penelope. “I’ve picked up quite a few useful skills in the outer villages, and besides,” he shrugged, turning to look ahead again as they approached the edge of the town. “I can spot a swindler from a mile away. I used to use some of the same tricks as that merchant when I resold the things I stole for money. How can I call myself the best thief if I let someone else steal from me?”

As she moved a little closer to him, he smiled, enjoying the remainder of their privacy while it lasted. It was a shame that William was going to put an end to it when they reached him, but at least he knew now that they would still be together when they got back to Brerra. He was excited to be with her, free from the metaphorical shackles of the mission they were on. He planned to show her all the best parts of the outer villages, the places he was fondest of during his life there. Even though he couldn’t give her the same luxuries as a nobleman could, he wanted to do his best to make her happy.

He glanced down at her affectionately, [i]I hope she finds peasant life as enjoyable as I do.[/i]

When they reached the spot where they had left William, the knight was quick to chide them for taking so long. Annoyed with his relentless criticism, Crow rolled his eyes in response, “If it bothers you so much, then you can go next time.” He snapped his fingers, as if struck with a realization. “Oh, wait, that’s right. You can’t go, because you can’t figure out how to mimic a simple accent. Looks like you’ll just have to leave the errands to us.”

“Watch your tongue, thief,” William narrowed his eyes warningly.

“No, you watch yours,” Crow said sharply, causing the knight to blink in surprise. “Listen here. Penelope and I have done all of the heavy lifting for this mission, and you’ve done nothing but complain and mutter about how you could have done it better. I don’t know how to get it through that thick skull of yours, but you’re not the most important person here—in fact, you’re not even [i]remotely[/i] competent enough to be calling the shots. So, until you learn how to talk like a Younisian and start making some decent plans that don’t involve fighting anyone who looks at you the wrong way, just stand back and let us work.”

Feeling relieved after having gotten that off his chest, Crow stepped over to the stallion he and Penelope had been riding and began preparing it with the rope and saddlebags.