Page 51 of Bound By Honey

After a few moments of intense concentration, Sage managed to overpower Asher's attack and claimed three pieces of loot. With her newfound bounty, she began building up her dragon even further by adding artifacts and spells that would grant it increased power in future battles.

With every card draw, trade-off, or attack made by one player, someone else would counter-attack or try to steal back their lost loot. This cycle continued until Colby had built up an unassailable hoard and was finally declared the winner.

Though disappointed by her loss, Sage was still happy with the results. After all, she hadn’t expected to make it this far, given her lack of experience compared to everyone else at the table.

Asher congratulated Colby before turning to Sage with a smile. "You did really well for your first time playing. You held your own and didn’t give up even when it seemed hopeless. I'm impressed."

Sage beamed. "Thanks. It was really fun!"

"Glad to have you back," Sawyer said, a large grin spreading across his face as he patted her on the back.

"You were missed," Colby added.

"On that note," Asher winked, "we should find you somewhere to sleep. If you promise not to run off on me again, I may have a place you can stay."

***

Sage woke with a start, unsure of where she was or how she had gotten there. Her eyes darted around the strange room, taking in the unfamiliar furnishings.

She sat there, trying to piece together the previous night’s events. She was with the Charming Four and had slept in a side room of Asher's tent. She had started treatment on Prince Finn. A treatment that appeared to be working.

With a groan, she stretched fully on the makeshift bed. Voices quietly carried through the thin tent walls.

Curious, she got out of bed, slipped her dress over her head, and ran her fingers through her hair before opening the flap to join the men.

They sat around a table, talking earnestly. On the table was a folded letter that all four seemed to be discussing. Sage couldn't make out the conversation, but it was clear that their words held an urgency.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Sage stepped forward, but before she could ask what was happening, the four mages suddenly fell silent and turned to her.

"Ah, Sage," Sawyer said, a smile on his face. "Good morning. Sleep well?"

Covering her mouth as a yawn escaped, she nodded yes.

"What's that?" Sage asked, her eyes darting to the letter.

"We have a new mission," Colby answered, practically bouncing in his chair.

"With things beginning to settle down here, I can hand over the repairs and recovery to our military to organize," Prince Finn replied. "We must leave soon."

"So what does that mean for me?" Sage asked, pulling up a chair to join the others at the table.

"You're coming with us," Asher replied.

She couldn't keep the grin from her face. "I am?"

"You are, but," Prince Finn's face was earnest, "you have to stay with us and do what we ask when we ask. You can't run off, or we can't protect you."

She wanted to tell them they didn't need to worry about that. It wasn't something she would do until she realized she had done just that to them. She offered a sheepish grin. "What's the mission? Where are we heading?"

"I'm afraid we can't tell you the details of the mission itself. Not yet, at least, but it may become dangerous. Hopefully, your skills won't be needed, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are," Prince Finn said

Sage nodded and smiled. "Don't worry about me. I won't run off on my own."

Prince Finn's face softened. "I appreciate your assurance, but this mission is dangerous. We shall need all the help we can get."

"It will take us a couple of days to reach where we need to investigate in the mountains," Asher added.

"We must plan our supplies and route carefully," Sawyer said. He began to lay out maps and papers filled with notes on the table before them.

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