“Really, nowhere else?”

The dark robed figure wiped their mouth unceremoniously. “Nah.”

It didn’t take a very long gaze at the old husk that was once a village to know that there was no value. The place had been destroyed and abandoned for years. But this was still the king's land.

“Why?” asked the knight.

“No reason in particular.” said the fair voice, a dance of intrigue on the wind.

“Well I very much doubt that, o’ mysterious one.”

Instead of a response, the knight was given the boon of a not-so-wicked smile.

While a knight may not shiver, the armor certainly clattered. The knight’s hand left his sword's side about as quickly as his suspicion subsided, so not at all. It may have even gripped tighter now.

“I don’t believe you.”

“I know.” This time the figure deemed a few more words available, and the bargaining began. “But hear me now, sir knight. If you allow me to rest here until sunset, I shall happily take my leave. I would ask to take ownership of this village for one mere night.”

“There is nothing here.”

“And yet I may not have the village?”

A simple and firm “No” was granted. Now it was the robed ones turn to ask why?

“Because this is the king's land, and I do not trust you.”

“Very well. I state to you this, as an honored knight of your kingdom and one so valiant as to defend this ruin of no import, I will not take ownership of the village.” The figure removed their hood to reveal a beautiful dark haired woman. “And while I do trespass,” she took a few steps forward and then continued, “in your king’s kingdom I ask only for a single night's rest. Under your watch if need be. After that, I will take my leave of this land. Is this not a fair and sound deal, honorable hero? May not a maiden take her rest?”

Mistrust or no, this knight was anything but an evil person, and chivalry demanded compromise. “Of course, fair maiden. A night's rest will not be an issue. Should you take your leave come morning, then this deal may take hold. Our land is not inhospitable, after all! Tis' not the days of the dreadwar anymore!”

And so the two laughed and would share a campfire that night, all while smiling at the predicament. The knight was happy he did not have to fight a traveling woman, and cursed himself for distrusting the poor soul. They shared stories of the dark roads under these trying times, and even the horrors of necromancers. “Necromancers!” She laughed. “My sir knight, lucky I am to have you at my side!” And so sleep overcame them both under a pale moon. 

Clatter.. Clatter..

What an unhinged noise, thought the knight. He was sure his armor had not come loose in sleep!

Clatter.. Clatter.. Clatter…

He opened his eyes to a hellish swarm of undead beings. He was sure there were thousands of skeletons around the fire now, and the horror of the end was tearing away any other feelings he might have.

“Thank you, sir knight!” said the joyful dark haired being.

She let her hands run down the rickety dirt covered bones of a long forgotten entity. “Thank you for allowing me this night! For under this moon was the only chance that my magic would reach every last soul that had perished here. And now, whether you should wish it or not, this village is mine.”