Apologies

The swift, noisy movements were intended to rouse the man from his slumber, and Kalena was not disappointed when he snapped awake and rolled to the side, one hand going for his sword. He was plainly surprised, but then he regarded her with an expression of utter incomprehension. It was not at all the look she expected from a hunted man on the run. The reaction was enough to convince her she'd made a mistake on that score.

Ah well, it had been a longshot anyway. He was probably just some down-on-his-luck mercenary who had no place to stay. She'd been in the same boat herself once or twice.

Her green gaze momentarily flicked to the rapier he was pointing at her. She preferred a sabre, which was faster and lighter, and could slice through a man's skull like no one's business. They were perfectly suited to using on horseback, as well as at close quarters. Certainly, a rapier sword had some distinct advantages, but, in her opinion, these were cancelled out if one had sufficient experience fighting against them.

"What exactly do you think you're doing?" the man asked with genuine bewilderment.

Kalena had to stifle a laugh at the incredulous look on his face as he tried and failed to grasp just why she might wish to rob or murder him in his sleep. She had ample opportunity to do him harm if she wanted, and her balance and the expert way she held her sword showed she was capable of it. But with no obvious motive his puzzlement was completely understandable. She couldn't imagine what he must think.

“My apologies, good sir,” she said, smiling disarmingly and lowering her blade. “There is a dangerous killer on the loose who has caused quite a stir. And no offence, but I thought you looked rather suspicious sleeping out here in the open when there was a perfectly good inn only a few yards away. To make up for disturbing you, I'd be happy to offer you some money for a room if you're short.” She parted her cloak to reveal a fine suede coin pouch hanging from her belt, knotted at the neck with delicate gold strings. “My name is Kalena, by the way. And how are you called?”