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In all the years Brownie had been traveling in the Dark Enchanted Forest, she'd only run into a stoneskin wombat three times.

They were cute, cuddly, and deadly when they attacked with rock-hard butt attacks that could break bones.

The stoneskin wombat was technically classified as a [Monster] race, and defeating one would provide experienced points. Anything that spawned in a dungeon and had its own Mana was called a monster– but only a monster that spawned in a dungeon would be subject to dungeon madness.

This was just a regular enormous disgruntled wombat monster with a very hard butt.

Rufus had tensed beside her a second before they rounded a corner and found a caravan attacked by [Call of the Wombat].

It was an intimidation based attack that made the wombat everyone's focus target.

Rufus made to stand up but Brownie grabbed his furry arm to stop him.

“Stay calm.” The bard reached behind her and pulled out a bag from the wagon. She knew from experience that they didn't like dogs of any shape or size, and that included beastfolk and beastkin.

The caravan, three wagons pulled by alligator-dogs, looked like a branch of the Dark Army supply chain. A handful of lizardkin were spreading out to protect their goods while two with spears kept the snarling stoneskin wombat at bay.

“Here now!” Brownie called, jumping down and slowly walking forward. She drew everyone's attention including the upset monster. “What's happening?”

The creature didn’t appreciate her approach and bared its teeth, digging its front foot in the dirt as if getting ready to roll forward and smack her with its stone behind.

Brownie reached into her bag and pulled out her secret weapon for trips through the Dark Enchanted Forest.

Carrots.

A small bunch of lovingly grown sweet farm fresh carrots. They were shiny. They were fragrant. And they were instantly of interest to the wombat.

She shook the bunch, letting the creature take in the smell. Wombats, hippogriffs, unicorns, angry humans, and a surprising number of other creatures could be calmed by the delicious scent of carrots. “Sorry for any trouble you've had on the Great Road, mighty Stoneskin Wombat. Obviously you’re a Noble creature who didn’t deserve to be bothered. I hope this is enough to let us all pass?”

[You have attempted to use the skill [Influence Beast]. You have succeeded.]

The wombat closed its mouth and stuck its tiny nose out towards her, sniffing curiously.

One lizardkin stared at the bard like she was on fire, and the other covered her face to hold back a laugh. Luckily the stoneskin wombat was focusing solely on the bard and her carrots.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it.

“Then I thank you, Oh Noble Stoneskin.” She bowed slightly, and put the carrots down on the side of the road before walking back to her horse. Donna snorted her amusement, her tail flicking. Brownie appreciated the fact the mare didn't choose to add her own words to the situation… she wasn't very diplomatic.

There was a moment where everyone waited, watching with bated breath, until the stoneskin wombat made its decision and waddled over to the treat, sniffed one more time suspiciously, and then picked up the carrots before carrying on into the underbrush.

Everyone let out their breath.

Brownie just smiled. Music and food were both wonderful tools to calm a savage beast, and she armed herself with both while traveling.

The lizardkin stood at attention, and when it was obvious that the stoneskin wombat wasn't coming back, addressed the pair.

“General Rufusss!” the one on the left, with short spiky blue haired and tinted orange scales greeted. “Minstrel Bronwynn. Thank you for your aid.”

Rufus nodded, his demeanor firm and commanding. “Core Vandith, Report.”

The simple word had both soldiers stand up taller. Core Vandith stated, “We’re returning from a supply drop off at Kith Bog for the fire damage repairs. Two more and the village will be as good as new. We also loaded up a shipment of peat from the bog and dropped one off in Thistlecrick. This here is bound for the Black Fortress.”

“Good.” Rufus acknowledged. “Then we won't keep you.”

Brownie regretted the destruction of the village. She'd warned Henrietta and Keith about the Assassins but she couldn’t have imagined that they would light the village on fire as they traveled towards their targets in the Black Fortress.

She smiled and waved at the Dark Army as they got everyone back into formation and continued up the road.

Rufus only relaxed again when the army was out of sight. As his eyes flicked slightly, she assumed he was reading a notification.

“Do you think Thistlecrick will still be along the road as we travel?” Brownie asked when they were both settled. “I'd like to stop by the hotsprings if you aren't in a hurry?”

“It moves around just as much as any other part of the Dark Forest. The only guarantee is that it'll be on the north side of the Great Road.” He explained. “And I've no aversion to a stop over. It'll be good to check in with Derilla Vane now that he's out of diapause. We barely exchanged words at the wedding.”

The General of the North, Derilla Vane was an arachne who looked like a pointy eared, sharp toothed man above the waist, and a spider below. He was almost as tall as Brownie, but not quite.

Brownie smiled. “Then let's hope it's still between us and Kith Bog. I'd love for a relaxing soak!”