The small group resupplied their food and water in the towns and villages along the way, barely staying long enough to stretch their legs before setting off again.
They also paid road tolls without being overcharged, which would lead one to think that corruption in the south was low.
"It's going too smoothly," Leaf said, pushing the wagon. He was the first to notice the oddity in the situation, "Usually, someone would have tried to rob or attack us by now."
"It's different for non-losers," Jax said, motioning with his head toward the top of the wagon.
The rest followed his gaze.
Lucian, the boy in question, was drying some rare herbs on top of the wagon, munching on some nuts as he worked. To deal with the shaking of the wagon, he was using layers of nets to keep them in place.
He added cut fruits to the mix of herbs, the scent coming from the wagon turning sweet and refreshing.
"What did you say, Jax?" Lucian asked, looking down at the group pushing the wagon, "I couldn't hear you over the wind."
Jax laughed nervously, "N-nothing. I-I was just saying how lucky we are to travel safely, without any problems or encounters."
"That's right," Lucian said while continuing his work, "Aren't we lucky? It's almost as if we have someone up there watching over us."
The others laughed along with him, nodding their heads in agreement.
"Yep, we are blessed!" Goblin exclaimed.
"We are," Lucian agreed, then paused, "So blessed that I can't help but feel that our luck will run out soon."
They all looked at him with a confused expression on their faces. "Huh?"
"The borders are always chaotic," Lucian explained, "I've never crossed them without any problems."
The group was quiet for a moment before Jax spoke up, "For example?"
"For example..." Lucian paused, "...the guards could delay us, and the goods could get spoiled."
They looked at him, then back at their surroundings, and then back at him again, "That's all?" they asked in unison, "No fight against bandits? Or thugs? No blackmailing and threats?"
"I've been crossing borders for five years," Lucian said, "And I've never had any big problems with them."
"Five years...?" Leaf asked, "How old were you when you started?"
"Ten," Lucian said, his gaze distant and nostalgic, "A ripe age for an adventurer."
Most already knew Lucian as a seasoned traveler by now, so he was not bothered too often. He traveled mostly alone, occasionally joining a group of travelers if they had a common destination.
"..." The four boys were at a loss for words, imagining themselves in Lucian's shoes.
"I heard from villagers that a small group has been robbing the passing caravans," Lucian said, climbing down from the wagon. "We must prepare."
"..."
───────────────────────────
Lucian's words proved to be true when they were surrounded by bandits on their way to the border. It was a valley, a good place for a quick ambush and escape.
The group of thugs had been lurking around the area for some time, but upon seeing the blonde boy's head peeking from the back of the wagon, they became even more cautious.
"Hey, Lucian!" a man called out from atop his horse, showing himself with a grin on his face, "I see that you've got yourself a new group of workers! That's nice! Very nice! I almost couldn't recognize you!"
He waved his hand, signaling for his group to come out of their hiding spots. The thugs emerged from behind the rocks, holding weapons and shields.
"And I see you are still alive and kicking!" Lucian called back enthusiastically, showing his upper body.
"What dangerous plants are you growing this time?" the man asked.
"Nothing much," Lucian said, waving his hand dismissively, "Just some poison evies and stink bombs, that's all."
"..." The man was silent for a moment as if considering whether he should attack him or not, "Well then," he said after a while, "Let's get down to business. Pay up, Lucian. Just 250 silvers, 50 for each person, and you can pass."
"I'm afraid I'm not willing to give up my hard-earned money. You know how hard it is to make a living these days," Lucian said, shaking his head in disapproval. "What about you? For how much longer do you plan to sustain this lifestyle?"
The man's face darkened at the insult, "Are you trying to piss me off?"
"No," Lucian said with a sigh, "I've made a pretty big deal recently, and I will definitely need more workers to help me out with the amount of work that's coming. I'm just offering you a job opportunity."
His gaze swept over the group of men.
The leader laughed loudly at Lucian's words and then wiped a tear from his eye, "That was a good one! But, I'm sorry, Lucian, I don't have the time or the money to invest in some crazy plant idea of yours. I'll pass," he said, pointing at the wagon, "Now, pay up."
"The rest of your people don't seem to agree with your decision," Lucian commented as he pointed at the doubtful expressions on some of their faces, "I'm doing better while you guys are stuck in this place, risking your lives and freedom for a few measly silvers."
The leader's face twisted into a scowl, "You are getting on my nerves, Lucian. Pay up or die."
"Just hear me out," Lucian said, resting his arms on the edge of the wagon, "You don't have the gift to make money grow. I do. If you had helped me back then, we would have made it further together. You made a hundred silver from me over the years when you could have gained thousands."
The leader was clearly pissed off at the jab, "Shut up! You're just a lucky bastard!"
Lucian threw a small bag of coins at him, "Three hundred coins, seeing you this desperate is making me feel bad. Take them," he said, "I'll be back in two weeks. Think of an answer by then."
The leader caught the bag and opened it; the regret of a missed opportunity was clear in his eyes. He wanted to say something, but Lucian didn't let him.
"Move, Roland, I have a business to run."