The Deadly Hunt Begins

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

(This is intended to be a continuing storyline that will play out over time. Any with a feeling for it are encouraged to post and "play along")

He was a patient man, in most things, but the recent events involving Kyle, Cara, and now his Queen required...no, DEMANDED...that more intense measures be taken. Gerben and the guards were perfectly suited for the defense of the Castle proper, but what was now required was not simply defense. It was time to become the aggressor and take the task to those that threatened the ones he cared for...and that was a task for which he was superbly qualified for.

His first task had been to, once more, build his network of "eyes and ears". The gathering of information might seem strange, considering the way he operated, but long years perfecting his "craft" had taught him that information was a priceless coin and one could never have too much of that particular coin. He'd taken a room at the inn to use as his base of operations and command center, as it were. There were a few that remembered his name and more importantly, what he was quite capable of doing, and eagerly agreed to provide him with what information passed heir way. Considering that these assassins were clearly a few levels above the average "knife for hire" variety, he would need to expand his network considerably. There were a few in the surrounding areas that owed him a favour, here and here, but he knew where he needed to go...though he'd rather not, a trip to visit with Enaya was in order. A few days away from the Queen would be a good thing, anyway...he'd hurt her terribly when he flatly refused her request, but this was one of the very few times that he would...he could not.

Enaya was a dancer, a very GOOD dancer, but also had once been one of the best seductress-assassins in the business. She'd often boasted that she could turn a man's bones to water and after watching one of her performances, he'd had to agree. It had been years since he'd last spoken to her and she'd left no doubt at the time he was more than welcome to...enjoy...her company, any time he wished. He'd declined, of course, yet he hoped she could still offer him a bit of "professional courtesy" in a different area. It was a 3 day ride to the inn he remembered her dancing in, but as he had nothing more on his plate for now, he'd saddled Shade and started out.

Considering the events of 2 days past, he was mildly surprised that the trip was uneventful....he'd expected another "attempt" on his person, but none was forthcoming. He'd arrived at the Boar's Nest near to mid-day and haggled the price for a room, at the same time making surreptitious inquires into whether or not Enaya still danced for the patrons. The tavern keeper had given him a very odd look but asserted that she did, in fact, still favour the patrons with a dance or three in the evenings. He'd gone to his room after having a tankard of his preferred honey mead and stored his belongings inside, then whiled away the time in the tavern watching and drinking very slowly. When the time came, he ordered an evening meal, and with the first taste instantly missed Cara's cooking..but as his body needed fuel, he choked it down reluctantly and waited for the anticipated evening performance. It was not much later that the tavern keeper announced in a loud voice that Enaya would dance shortly. He kept his eyes to the area that had been cleared for her performance and noted as she made her entrance that, although some years had passed, she had lost none of her beauty or grace...and if it were possible, she had improved upon her talents. He watched as she finished her performance, knowing she had seen him....he was a rather large target to miss...and waited for her...to come to him. He did not have to wait long for her to sashay seductively to his table and take a seat. Her smile was inviting and her eyes smouldered with an unspoken offer as she greeted him throatily. He leaned forward and captured her eyes with his own...then smiled. Same old Enaya, chuckling as he took her hand a placed a kiss to the back of it.

"Well, now Hawk, what brings you to my neck of the woods..have you finally decided to....mmmmmmm...take me up on my....offer?"

"And feel the blade slip 'tween my ribs as I lay there, En?....not much chance of that. I need information, pretty lady...information that you ...may have. I am seeking a crew....consummate professionals. They started as eight, but have been diminished by 2...one was a woman. The rest have gone to ground, though one was wounded sorely and may be dying. I know the name of the contract holder, and the mark. The contract holder will be dealt with in time....but the crew", and at that he gave a bleak smile, "belong to me."

Enaya knew exactly what that meant, as she had known the Hawk for quite a few years. Had they not been in the profession...but, ah well, they were what they were. She knew he would not be in the mood to play....she knew what that bleak smile meant...and as good as she was, she was very glad that smile was not meant for her.

"There were a couple that moved through a few days ago, Hawk...one had a gut wound...a bad one. For all I know, he's already dead and buried...if not, Clem can lead you to where they camp. I keep a healer close....just in case...and sent him to see what he could do. And Hawk.....they paid in gold."

He knew Enaya well and could tell when she was playing with the truth, and when she was speaking the truth. What she'd just said was indeed, truth. The fact that gold had changed hands told him what he needed to know.

"You have my thanks, En...I had a feeling you, above anyone, would be the one to come to for this...I owe you..."

Her eyes softened then, and she leaned forward...kissing him softly..."You don't owe me a thing...Dorian. I'll never be able to repay that time you saved my life. But if you ever decide to cease your roaming and take a wife....or even just a companion...you know where I am"

(note:this is the first of the crew...Daziel and whichever one accompanied him...will wait to find out which of the remaining that was.)

[Cara McKenna]

((As far as I know none are with Daziel as when he was wounded the one leading the small band said he may very well be dead or a traitor and if they found him they would kill him themselves...so you may only be searching for the one this time))

[Dream Loxley]

((Have to just say how wonderful it is to read The Hawk again. Always such an enthralling story I have missed! ))

[Guest]

The tall stranger entered the "Boars Nest" and sought a vacant table.

Finding one in the back recesses of the room, he sat down and when approached by the serving lass, he ordered an ale.

Scaning the room casually he noticed a man that he recollected from times past and repositioned himself unobtusively within ear shot.

Watching closely the interaction between the the one called Dorian and the one called Enaya, the man waited for the lady to leave, and then approached the one called Dorian.

Greetings M'Lord Dorian, Are thee well?

Steel blue eyes gazed thoughtfully at the man before him and a smile beamed forth.

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

Though he would watch Enaya depart, that did not mean that he was unaware...he'd felt eyes upon him as they had talked and knew that he was being watched...not entirely unexpected, truthfully. If it was one that wished to exchange pleasantries, doubtful as that may be...or one that was in the information selling trade, they would make it apparent soon enough. He leaned back in his chair and affected an apparent posture of negligent recline, sipping his mead as his eyes scanned the room...right hand moving to within close proximity of his dagger hilt as the left grasped his tankard. It was mere moments before a tall figure disengaged itself from a nearby table and moved towards him. His eyes raked over the man with the cold, calculating eyes of the professional as the man greeted, calling him by name and smiling in a familiar manner. His pose never altered one bit as the man spoke, but if this one truly KNEW him, then he also knew just how close he was to death at this moment if he were to be more than he appeared.

He would neither return the smile, nor would his voice hold any measure of warmth or friendship as he replied...booted foot kicking out a chair as he responded...


"If you know my name, then you know what I am...sit....and say what you have to say...or ask what it is that you will." Only then would he smile a hungry wolf's smile.."Well will I pay for information I seek...trifle with me in slightest manner...and you will not see another sunrise...in this life."

[Guest]

A hand shot out from beneath his cloak and cut short the chairs journey towards him. He wondered what possessed the mans mind so much that could possibly produce such a cold hatred that eminated from both his eyes and demeanor.

"If you know my name, then you know what I am...sit....and say what you have to say...or ask what it is that you will. Well will I pay for information I seek...trifle with me in slightest manner...and you will not see another sunrise...in this life."

He looked calmly at the man, there was no longer a smile on his face, just a look of concern for a man that once was his Lord's ally.

M'lord Dorian, I fear that ye nay remember me, yet that is only ta be expected fer ah have been gone some years now together with M'Lord. Ahh mean no harm but only wish to convey that there those within tha realm that may be able ta help ye.

And may Ahh say M'Lord ..... Iffn ahh nay see morrow's sunrise, then that will be tha way of things but it will nay be by thy hand......, take this ta Lady Loxley an ask her of it. An iffen yer wish ta speak again i'll be here on the morrow"

With that, he drew from his pocket the broken shaft of an arrow bearing two grey goose feathers and one black, pushed the chair carefully back under the table and turned on his heel and walked out of the tavern before Dorian could speak again.

As he exited he pulled his cloak tightly around him to sheild against the cold and with a troubled mind walked swiftly towards the forrest, soon to be swallowed within the trees and mist.

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

((just a quick note...it's going to take at least a week minimum...3 days back to WS and then 3 more back to the inn...assuming he finds Dream in a day))

[Dream Loxley]

((Dream can wait.......she will always wait......and her player is thrilled to read this thread and excited to see where it leads the wonderful writers. ))

[Guest]

((my bad... didn't realise you were so far from Windstorm and amends the post to read))

"An iffen yer wish ta speak again i'll be here on tha seventh setting of tha moon passed"

((your patience always astounds me Dream ;D ))

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

The charger's hooves pounded the road hard as he spurred Shade on to an even greater speed...the magnificent beast responding willingly to his master's urgings. He was well bred and superbly trained, and Dorian knew just how far he could push the great beast without injuring him. That chance meeting had derailed his plans a bit, but he had given the Queen his oath...and that oath, just as she had known it would, obligated him not just to her alone, but to ALL of Windstorm. That chance meeting with that stranger in the Boar's Nest had left him with little in the way of choice, so now it was that he drove Shade hard to return to the Castle. The broken remnants of the arrow lay secured in one of his saddlebags and if it meant what he THOUGHT it meant, then he must indeed seek out the Lady Dream and ask her of it. Whether it be for good or ill mattered not...she would have a right to know.

Not knowing how long it would take him to find Dream, he pushed Shade hard....dismounting and walking him when he judged the stallion would be close to exhaustion. The kindness of the occasional farm, rewarded with a bit of gold, kept both himself and Shade from suffering the effects of hunger, and with his odd peculiarity of being able to go without sleep for days, he found himself back at the Castle a full day ahead of schedule. He'd thundered through the gates without challenge, as both he and Shade well well known by now, and few would detain him with the grim set to his features that he now wore. He'd brought Shade to an abrupt halt as he reached the courtyard, flinging himself from the saddle and calling for a groom to see to Shade, flipping the astonished boy a gold piece as long, purposeful strides took him into the Castle.

He'd hoped to find the Lady within the Hall, but she had not been about as his eyes scanned the Hall. He bit back a curse of frustration as he saw the twins, Millie and Mollie going about their tasks, each looking to him in wonder, and perhaps even a little fear, as they flinched back from his dark visage. He took a moment to calm himself himself before he spoke, yet there was a flinty edge to his voice as he addressed them:

"I seek the Lady Dream...if either of you knows where your Mistress would be at this hour, I pray you go to her now and tell her that I wish...no....I NEED to speak with her as soon as possible. I shall be back within the Hall in moments....there is something I need to fetch from the Stables...something that may be an important message for her..."

Without waiting for either of the women to reply, he wheeled abruptly and strode from the Hall the fetch the broken arrow from his saddlebag...

[Dream Loxley]

((Taken from the room where I had the most amazing timing and was able to actually play this out. Now Dorian can return to his 'Deadly Hunt' and Dream shall await more news in a few days time. ))

Dream: *Mollie had found her.....and now....after some deep breaths and prayers she almost fell down the stairs in her haste to see what his message was.......and just how this had come to be.*

Dorian: He had returned to the Hall only moments after speaking to the twins...he was dusty and road worn from the trip back, but he doubted that Dream would mind such....especially considering what he held in his hand. He hoped that the girls would be able to find her soon, though he would at least bathe before he returned to the Boar's nest...

Dream: She was standing by the hearth......simply waiting while her mind was in turmoil and she played over battle scenes within.........her heart was pounding........she was not ready for bad news.....nor would she ever be. Hearing you before she actually saw you....she swallowed hard and spoke, although her words quite challenged also." Dorian.........I.........ye have news.....the girls did say.......oh.......please do nae tell me.........."

Dorian: Slowly he turned to face the Lady.....she would not see the same man before her that she had know a decade ago....he LOOKED the same, but a darker aura surrounded him now...even more sinister and foreboding. Much had changed while he was away...his ability to hate had grown more keen and he would appear more lethal than he ever had before....but that was not at issue now. Without a word, he stepped closer and brought up what he held in his hand...the broken shaft of an arrow with the fletching still intact....two grey goose feathers and one black...

Dream: He had danced with her......then he had seemed more at ease....then he had seemed more a normal man.......with a heart, with a caring heart.....now he stood before her like a man who had lost so much, yet his heart still held such caring within it....she could see it in his eyes....if she looked deep enough......he was her friend, had been for so long and would always be........now he offered her this........and she could do no more than look at it......through the tears that welled in her own eyes. "Oh Dorian.....where......how........" She shook her head and breathed deeply as she lifted in her trembling fingers.

Dorian: He held out the arrow to her, as he saw the tears coming to her eyes. He'd brought anguish to many in his long years, but never had he wished to bring it to one that did not deserve it. He forced all manner of harshness from his voice and did his best to speak in a soothing manner. She had been a dear friend...both her and Robin....he was godfather to one of their children.....he owed her that much, to at least try to sooth the ache that would be growing deep within her breast....."It was given to me by a stranger as I searched for the ones that have brought terror to Windstorm's doorsteps....he said that there were...those that could aid me in my search, than gave this to me, saying that I should in turn show it to you and ask you of it..."

Cara: As always during the afternoon's Cara made a pot of tea, mixing in some of the elderberries that Prince Dieter had checked that morning before His rounds and thus whilst she waited for the tea to steep she then moved to the chimney ovens and removed the pastries for the afternoon as well.Sliding them out onto a platter she lifts it and the tea pot and mugs and sets them to the tray before heading for the Hall in her usual manner.

Dream: *She could not take her eyes from it..........lifting her gaze for a moment to watch his face as he explained........without thinking she lifted her free hand to wipe away the tears.....she had to find composure......it was who she was....always composed......even though at times she simply wished to fall in a heap...crumpled and worn out......much as she wanted to now.......yet she moved slowly and sat down, slowly to stay composed but knowing her legs needed help to keep her standing. She shook her head again as she tried to find the right words.*" A stranger.........nae my Robin then.........for he would have come home to me aye.....he would nae let me suffer so long.........but it must be a Ranger......mayhaps to let ye know they are still here.....and in the forests deep.......still awaiting word as I do......." She looked to him then as she searched his eyes. " Ye would have known him......my Robin"

Dorian: He nodded his assent to her words, "I have been long gone, M'Lady....but I have never forgotten the face of a friend....nor shall I ever....though most have gone to their graves long ago. This man was not Robin, that much I can be certain of....but he spoke in the same manner as Sir Robin always did.....and most of the Rangers that I had occasion to meet. and M'Lady....i heard nothing that said....death..."

Cara: Slipping into the Hall on silent feet Cara catches sight of Sir Hawkmoon and Lady Dream, the latter of the two looking as if she had just seen a ghost of six who thought playing neener neener in front of her eyes was a fun past time...

Dream: *Her eyes were still leaking the tears of fear and failure....tears of love and sorrow........yet how long had she cried at night only to wake in the morn alone still......there should be no more tears to fall. She felt her heart skip a beat at the word death, yet she looked at him and found a smile* "Aye.......ye would have known him......I am sure of such...mayhaps Gerrad........tall and fairer of hair........there be many a name I have forgotten over the years but iffn he finds ye again then ye can trust him and any others that follow him........and now.....aye.....now I wait still....but I am grateful Dorian......so grateful for ye and what ye have given me.......hope still......hope."

Edfeil: *her feet were soft and the stairs. The first impulse as she saw her friend, as she saw the tears was to rush down. Instead.. she halted, her eyes wide as she looked between them, trying to discern what had passed before rushing in. She had learned... patience over the years.. and composure. But her heart yearned to run forth and see what was a happening and what she could do.*

Cara: Slowly Cara moved forth only to set the tray down pon the table there, nay wishing to draw attention to herself for now, as she knew the discussion between Sir Dorian and Lady Dream be of extreme import, yet she hated the tears that trickled and dripped, her heart ached to see them, and yet she said naught...yet

Dorian: He looked to her somberly, yet he would offer her no pity...pity was a poison that killed slowly, and he would not give that to her. She was just a woman that loved her husband...and missed him...needed him. The spark of a memory intruded, but only for a moment...of a time when he had been loved and needed...and he had failed. He would lay a comforting hand to her shoulder, then....and through the darkness that wafted from him, she would see that he understood....and though he was barely able to show it, she would see that he understood. "i could not say for certes that the man was fair of hair, M'Lady...only that he was tall...and had eyes of blue..."

Dream: *She noticed movement.....Edfeil and Cara...........she knew they would be concerned.....yet for the moment she simply sat holding the arrow head and listened to Dorian in the hope that her heart and mind would find some peace.*

Dream: *Her free hand reached to cover his as he laid it upon her shoulder.......there was comfort there yet she knew he would not....could not allow her to see anything else....to feel anything else from him.......he cared of that she was certain, and he knew heartache and loss........and he would always be there for her.* "Eyes of blue.........then mayhaps Gerrad after all...........we can only hope he sends word aye.......that all shall be well."

Edfeil: *She descended the stairs then, slowly. Her eyes upon the two, trying nae to make any noise our sound. She nae knew iffen she should hope.. or fear. And barely dared think or speak of either.*

Dorian: His voice grew softer then, feeling the pain emanate palpably from her...he knew that he had brought pain to a dear and loved friend, but she had also said that he had brought hope...and for a few moments, the Dorian of old broke through...knowing that she needed THAT man now, and not the dark shadoe that he had become..."I shall know soon enough, M'Lady...I am to return before the week's end and speak with him again. And that is precisely what I shall do...I will bring you word as soon as I can...and on my life...I swear...if I am able to...I WILL bring your husband home to you...and to Windstorm"

Dream: *She wiped her tears away again and smiled softly to him..........nodding to his words she did believe him.......every word he said she did believe. *"I know ye will iffn ye can my friend........and I trust in ye........but ye must also promise me that ye will be safe.....that ye will stay safe......and ye will come home also. Ye are precious to me....to us all, as ye always have been."

Dorian: He would not offer her an empty promise that they both knew he could not keep...no more than he would offer a false promise to the Queen...instead he would only nod to her, not trusting his tongue to speak what he truly felt. Since that time so very long ago, his life had not been his own to command...and he doubted that it ever truly would be again. But while he had the means to do what he could for Windstorm and those that called her home....and still called him family....he would fight....protect....defend....blled....and die, if need be, to keep the spirit of this place alive. "I will do as I can, M'Lady....my promise to you..."

Cara: She heard the words spoken by Sir Dorian and her eyes doubled in size...m'Lord Loxley??...How many times had she prayed for His return, ifn only to ease her Friend's pain? Every night she had spoken a prayer before bed, one of many but still fervent, that He would find His way back to Her. Many a time after a chance meeting the prayers would double, as with each meeting, despite many changes of mood she could see her Friend still ached.Now ifn she heard right.....Dia,le do thoil!...she whispered now, keeping her voice near inaudible, knowing the ONE whom needed to hear it needed naught a voice.

Edfeil: *And those words from Hawkmoon stopped her dead in her tracks. Her Husband? Dram's husband? He had gone out hunting and somehow.. found tiding of Robin? She kept where she was...three steps away from the bottom, nae wishing to interfere as iffen even to speak might disturb this sprinkling of hope.*

Dorian: Smiling in genuine happiness was almost beyond him no....all vestiges of happiness had very nearly been leeched away in Nightfall....but still he would offer her the best he could.."Then it is done, M'Lady....I will leave in a few hours....Shade still needs rest and I.......need a bath..."

Dream: *She stood then..........gripping the broken arrow shaft within her hand, the other she lifted briefly to touch your face before standing taller to kiss your cheek. She whispered softly* "Ye have given me hope Dorian.......and I shall cherish it.......'till ye can give me more....."

Dorian: His eyes closed briefly as he felt her lips graze his cheek....he felt the barest flicker of hope within his breast....perhaps Edfeil was right.....maybe he was not completely beyond redemption...but the end of that tale was far off...and there was much to be done between now and then....whispering..."Thank you...Dream..."

[Brennekah Windstrike]

((beautiful!))

[Dorian Hawkmoon]

It had been done...he had returned to Windstorm and given the broken arrow to Dream. She had confirmed through her tears that it was indeed of the style and type that Robin used. Since the man had spoken nothing of Robin's death, he was certain that the man was alive...somewhere...denying his return to Windstorm for whatever his reasons may be...and at least that had given Dream some small measure of hope. He had tarried only long enough to bath, change, and have at least one more good meal...then he had made his way to the Stables. He'd found Shade ready and noted an extra parcel tied to his saddlebag. Drawing closer, the unmistakable aroma of Cara's cooking tickled his nostrils and he sent her a silent thanks as he drew himself into the saddle....it would seem he would enjoy at least a few days of good fare as he made his way back. He eased Shade from the Stables and into the courtyard, the Stallions muscles trembling as he moved....he knew his Master's mood and was as anxious as he, it would seem.

With one last backward glance to the place he called Home, he nudged Shade's flanks and they thundered through the gates back from whence they had come. He rode Shade easily through the night, not trusting the terrain in the dim light of the moon. Once the sun rose, and after a short rest, he urged Shade to a hard gallop to reach the Boar's Nest before the seventh day had passed. They kept the hard pace, only slowing as dusk began to encroach, and once more resumed the easy trot until morn. This pattern was repeated until, on the morning of the seventh day after leaving, he returned to the inn. He saw no one that looked like the man that had given him the arrow outside, so he tethered Shade and made his way inside. A quick inventory of the patrons would also prove fruitless, as there were few in there this time of day. He selected a table where the doorway could easily be seen and took a chair, placing his back to the wall...and waited.

[Lady Edfeil]

((To allow both storylines to move on in their full glory, a second thread has been created for the original deadly hunt. This way this unexpected meeting and it's consequences can get the writers full attention here.))

[Gerrad]

He moved quickly through the mist towards where he had tethered his horse. It was difficult to move both quickly and without sound when so much was running through his mind, yet he forced himself to do so.

He reached his steed without incident and mounted the horse swiftly, pausing for a few minutes without motion and listening to the sounds of the forest to make sure that all was as it should be.

Satisfied that he was not being followed he turned the horse around and headed south at a slow walk then after a short while, he spurred the horse to a fast, yet safe pace and headed in a westerly direction.

On arrival at his destination, he was met by his leader.

“Well met Gerrad…..how did thy meeting with Sir Dorian fare?”

Gerrad paused before answering……..

“It was interesting ta say tha least M’Lord, t’was nae as one would have expected. He tis nae tha same man as once we knew, something troubles him deeply.”

He watched his leader as he told the story of their meeting and what had transpired, He watched as Robin fought with the decision to return his Rangers to full service of the realm. There were many concerns to be taken into account.

“Very well Gerrad, Iff'n we can help Lord Dorian with whatever ails his mind or …. Windstorms Realm then let it be done. Ye an I will leave on the morrow to meet with him and see iffn we can help.
Now go an send word in every direction an ta all men that we are on duty. Double tha traing and let t be known that no man can slack in his duty ”