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Santiago drank from the jug he had set aside. The hair on his chest was mopped with sweat and he leaned lightly on his sword. His sparring partners were also taking a break. This was the last day he would be able to take advantage of this. The caravan was moving on. Through the course of his training, he had also taught these guards a little of his own technique. Not enough that all his secrets were divulged but enough to improve their ability in protecting the caravan. Again he thanked them for their time but did not hand over any money. They fought better when he offered to teach them something instead of lining their pockets with gold that may or may not make it back to their families.

One by one his sparring partners left the series of circles Santiago had drawn in the dirt, clasping hands and bidding him farewell. Not a bad lot, Santiago mused. It was certain their measure of respect for him far outweighed what he had for them. Everyone you meet in life has their uses, Santiago supposed. As his mother used to say- Everyone who crosses your path is a teacher, no matter what or who they are. Learn from every encounter.

Pouring the rest of the contents of the jug over his head, Santiago shook the water from his head. His scimitar was in his sheath and he raked his hands through his hair to comb it out. He spied Valya looking at him briefly from a distance. He had noticed her haunting gaze lately and knew there was something bothering her. As much as he did not want to leave her looking as such, he had set himself in a routine this week and he would not break it. When Val was ready, she could come to him as he did to her for his problem. They were not lovers nor intimate friends in his opinion and he certainly never catered to a womans every whim before. Hed be damned if hed start now.

It was his routine, after practicing his skills with a blade, to take a walk in the forest nearby. His hope was to find the place that was so visibly etched in his brain from his dream. It fascinated him more than anything, if it indeed was dream. A strange sensation washed over him every time he entered the mossy trail, the feeling someone was watching his every footfall. This is where he came for solace from the rest of the group. Time to reflect on where he came from and the path ahead.

Stretching out under a tree, Santiago ran through the various techniques of the sword in his head. One of them might have what he needed to be more effective against ogres. He closed his eyes and recounted in his mind the numerous books he read over the course of his lifetime. He could remember none on ogres. Taking down one was a far cry from being able to fully dispose of a whole clan. Perhaps he should stop avoiding Valya. If he listened to her, she could return the favor by sparring with him. Their height was the same but her reach No, he needed more information to come up with his own solution. Valya never had the patience to spar with him in the past and surely her opinion hasnt changed on the matter.

Opening his eyes he tried not to jump to his feet with his sword in hand as a peculiar man appeared before him. No, not a man. A gnome. Santiago grinned at the smallish person. Yes, Santiago thought, you look somewhat familiar to me.

"Pinch me." Santiago prompted.

"I fear you will not wake up in your room again if I do that." He replied.

"Fair enough." Santiago nodded. His suspicions were proven right. "You've been watching me, aye?"

The gnome nodded in return. "You seem to know how to handle yourself with a sword but there are some mysteries that elude you. I have come to offer you my services to help you better understand."

Santiago eyed the man doubtfully. Why would he offer his services up so freely? There had to be more.

Begging your pardon but I fear there has to be more to it than that. One does not give and not expect to be given something in return.

I fear you are right. The gnome, named Pethmen, told Santiago of his tribe and their hatred for the ogres. The ogre clan has even spread to the elven ruins. Santiago saw the fire burning in his eyes and knew this gnome was acting of his own volition, not that of his tribe. It intrigued Santiago that of all the people of his current group, the gnome had picked him to approach. If he wished to quest with them, so be it.

Well then. Thats interesting. Santiago rubbed his goatee thoughtfully. You could tell me about the ogres, aye? Perhaps their weaknesses and flaws? Perhaps we could benefit from each other.

A cry arose from the tree and Jose sprang into action, landing heavily on Santiagos shoulder. He screeched and pointed to the gnome before hopping up and down spastically. Santiago winced at Joses actions, his bare shoulders taking the brunt.

Yes, yes, Jose. It was not you the other night. He held up his hand and Jose rubbed his face into the palm. With another screech, he leapt up the tree trunk and disappeared. Santiago merely shrugged at Pethmen. Just then a dozen or so acorns tumbled from the branches, hitting Santiago on the head one by one.

You can help with that? Santiago asked, brushing the offending acorns off. Pethmen nodded. Well then we have an accord. He offered his hand and Pethmen took it. Well start on the morrow. For now I will show you my traveling companions.

Santiago stood and stretched. The day was waning and he wanted to be refreshed for his jaunt to the ancient well. He had spied Allendra going there often and wanted to find out more about her. A lot more in fact.

Now then, Pethmen. Let me tell you about our little group. There is Valya. A strong stout warrior, for a woman anyway, communes with her God and such. Then Genis who apparently could not work his way out of a wet sack but that might have to do with Schnell. Hes a pixie and his hands love to roam where there not wanted. Santiago kept the conversation going and finally met Val in the eyes. He would not avoid that talk for long.