Chapter 7: New Path

        Caden and Rilyn walked up a hill. They exited Sharsden on the opposite road that they came in on. Neither talked on the hike up the steep hill. At the top, they stopped next to the lone tree and looked back at the town. A few people stood at the edge of town and stared back up at them.

        "Makes you wonder," Rilyn said. "Doesn't it?"

        "What?"

        "What the Dragon Knights have done to that town to make them react like that."

        "No, it doesn't," Caden said. "It's clear that the man has corrupted the town."

        "What man?"

        "The man with the dark shroud," said Caden. "I don't know what it means, but I know he caused this."

        "Sucks doesn't it?" said a voice from the tree.

        Rilyn and Caden looked up. The young woman from Tinate sat on a branch. She wore brown boots with a short dark green dress. 

        "What does?" Rilyn asked. He dropped his hands under his cloak and grabbed the handle of his curved swords.

        "Getting chased out of town for something you didn't do." She jumped out of the tree and landed in front of Rilyn. She stuck out her hand. "Hi, I'm Suzidan."

        "Hey Su," Caden said. "What are you doing out here?"

        Su spun around on her toe. She faced Caden. "Hi Cady. I followed you. Thought maybe you could use my help."

        "And what makes you think you can help us?" asked Rilyn.

        "Well, let's see." She placed a finger on her lips. "Caden saved my life, so I guess I owe him the same." She tapped her mouth. "What else, oh that's right! I know where the Dragon Knight training camp is."

        "Will you show us?" asked Caden.

        "Of course I will." Su kicked the tree. It shook and a bag fell out of the branches. She caught it and slipped the strap over her shoulders. "Shall we go then?" She walked away from the town as leaves from the tree drifted down around her.

        Caden followed. Rilyn grabbed his elbow, stopping him. "This is too convient," he said. "I don't trust her."

        Caden shook his arm free. "Will you relax," Caden said. "She's not a witch. Trust me on this."

        "Not unless you can tell me what happened in that tower."

        Caden dropped his head. "It's complicated." He clicked his tongue and pulled Starlight by the reigns. He walked after Su.