Mim walked up to the two figures, stopped, and turned back to face Bill. “Castle,” she said, pointing at the larger one.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance young sir and I hope this evening found you well,” Castle said with a slow nod.

Mim pointed to the smaller one. “Ruckus,” she said, then turned and walked up to Castle, handing him something which he tucked away in a small pouch. Ruckus half-stumbled up to Bill, nursing a thick bottle of powerful-smelling alcohol.

“Lookit here, y’learn ‘nything tnoight?” Ruckus said, giving Bill a stern gaze.

“Yes?” Bill answered, leaning his head away from the swaying man.

“Fine, fine,” Ruckus said, taking a drink. “We’ll be settlin’ this later, us two!”

“What? Settling what?” Bill asked. Ruckus looked as though he was going to fall, then took a quick step and shot his right fist forward, landing a blow on Bill’s stomach. Bill doubled over, coughing and gagging. Castle gave a slow, loud laugh that shook his whole body.

“Ruckus,” Mim said between her teeth. Ruckus looked up.

“‘m only teasin’, just bein’ frendly-like on accounta it’s sucha nice mernin’,” he said, patting Bill on the back. Bill looked up weakly and Ruckus winked at him before swaggering back to the other two.

“Whilst you were below dealing with our common enemy the brawler and I were ensuring that the path to the forest’s edge was clear of any such as would stand in our way,” Castle said. Mim nodded. “We were told to march this day and come to a stop only after sun down as we should by then have reached the Swanwing Crossroads where our mutual allies have encamped.” Bill stumbled up to the other three, still clutching his stomach, and the four began making their way out of the awakening town.