During this time Grayson was staring at Chunhua, almost rudely for he never saw anyone so exotic and glamorous. Lance stole a glance at his brother, and shoved him a bit, knocking him out of his reverie. Lance grinned at Grayson, and Grayson just frowned at him.
Finally, Lance came forward and asked, "Umm, I don't mean to interrupt, but do all of you want to join us for lunch? We have this buck here Grayson caught. It's the least we can do."
Annchi smiled and replied, "We love to," before the others could deny.
Lanying, Sir Reginald, and Chunhua looked at her like she was crazy. Lanying thought that Annchi was too trusting sometimes. Sir Reginald thought that Annchi's innocence could lead her into danger. Chunhua was just mad at the thought of dining with untrusting, thieving outlaws. Lance saw the three's reaction, and really could not blame them. He was thankful that he has a better chance to get to know Annchi though, although he did not know why.
Smiling, Lance said, "Great!"
A few hours later, the meal was ready.
After they ate, Lance asked them, "So why are you here?"
Lanying forgot her wariness toward the outlaw, and answered eagerly, "We're on our way to Atlantis!"
Sir Reginald and Chunhua looked at her with surprise. They never expected that Lanying would say something about the mission.
"Atlantis? Why would you want to go there?" asked Lance.
"We need the stone of water from there." answered Annchi.
Chunhua and Sir Reginald frowned at her and were about to comment when Grayson suddenly replied in excitement, "Oh! I know what you are doing! You're looking for the lost unicorn, aren't you?"
Lanying, Chunhua, and Sir Reginald looked at him in surprise. They never knew that outlaws or any common folk known about the way to find the lost unicorn. Because only legends like that were found in books. Annchi and Lanying were exceptions because they were fortunate enough to learn from a merchant.
"How'd you know that?" asked Lanying.
"Grayson has always had a keen interest in legends." answered Lance.
He got serious and commented, "Another thing, this is a very dangerous mission. It seems to me that you might need more protection. No offense Sir Reginald, I am sure you are a very brave and great fighter, but I don't think you can defend three young women."
These words caused both Lanying and Chunhua to speak up.
"Hey! I may be young, but I can take care of myself." protested Lanying.
"I agree. I may be a princess, but I know how to defend myself." Chunhua agreed.
"I am sure both of you can, but do you know what you're up against? Plus, the Evil One might discover what you are doing, and go after you." Lance replied.
This caught the others' attention. The Evil One was the source of the evil that entered Xia and nearly destroyed everything. No one who seen this being had lived to tell the tale.
"So what do you suggest?" asked Annchi.
"Well, why don't my gang and I join all of you on your quest?"
True, he did want to protect Annchi, but he also just wanted to be closer to her too.
Suddenly, Chunhua asked, "How do we know we can trust you?"
"Your highness, my brother may be an outlaw, but he is an honorable one. That includes the rest of us," began Grayson.
"Besides, I couldn't let a pretty thing like you get hurt." he finished with a grin.
Chunhua just sighed.
"Well, Miss Annchi, the choice is yours." said Sir Reginald.
Chunhua and Lanying nodded in agreement.
"Lance? Are you telling the truth?" Annchi asked.
"Yes, my lady." Lance replied honestly.
Annchi looked straight into his eyes and saw that he was sincere. Lance thought she looked into his soul with those eyes that were as blue as the sky.
"All right then. You may join us."