At the Castle Gates

[Robert Allen Windstorm Guard]

(( It is the PITS[/u] when you hit the wrong button))

-As the paths of the riders intersected, Cpl. Allen saluted The Captain. The look of grimness on his own face mirrored exactly the one that was being worn by Lord Hawkmoon as he spoke out, "Captain, I just learned Lady Loxley tis missing also....."-

[Halethala]

She’d heard the ominous report, stood watching the searchers leave in clusters, her heart torn and anxious. Surely Lady Dream was safe, somewhere, simply thrown from her steed. No, perhaps not, but she just could not imagine harm befalling the Chatelaine, in any form! Would not entertain it. They would find her, they simply had to . .

Yet, as she fingered the seal of the letter hidden deeply in a pocket of her skirts, with guilt she realized this may just be the opportunity she had been hoping for . . Hesitating even as she finally made her decision, steps rapid yet riddled with halting, she made her way to the rags she had kept back for such a time as this . . old traveling clothes she had used in her journeys before coming here, to this, now her home. She would once again slip into the guise of a young man, inobtrusive and undistinguishable, and take to the road once more . . alone. Of course, first she would join in the search, doing what she could to help. There were far better trackers than she, and soon the Rangers would also be in service to the Lady . . yet her conscience would not allow her to simply leave with the worry that Lady Dream was not home . . Once she was safely embraced by her family, Letha would slip off away, unseen . .

They would be angry when they found her missing as well . . intentionally, at that. Not understand why she left without escort. Not at the least taken Sinold into her confidence, or asked him to come with. She had tried, at the picnic. . . but he had left her before she could muster the courage. Perhaps it was best she hadn’t . . he would have tried to stop her. But she had seen too much bloodshed these past weeks . . looked death in the face until it haunted even her waking hours. And there was still the memory of the Rangers who had sacrificed their lives before in aiding her . . No, she would chance this alone, since she could not be certain of the letter’s authenticity . . could not be sure it was not merely a ruse to entice her uselessly again . . it was a chance she would take alone, endangering only herself this time . .

She retrieved the letter, written a few days before, when there had seemed little chance of her finding a way to leave without notice . . caressing the soft vellum, she tucked it into a worn leather pouch to be sent back to him in a few days, once she was beyond tracking . . he would fret and fuss, she knew . . but perhaps, if she met with success in this journey, she could rest again, and move on with her life . . with him . .

And so, she moved to saddle her Varda once again. She had lent his use to those who had fought, been delighted to see him back in his stall now that the worst seemed past . . It amazed her how things seemed to have fallen together in her favor, as if to confirm that the rashness of her actions may not be as foolhardy as they appeared, even to her. She swung up onto his familiar back, and turned to gaze back at the Castle, searing the image in her mind, as did she each dear face of her family . . Biting back a soft sob that caught in her throat, she gripped the reigns tightly and, with determination, set off to catch up with the most recent party to leave . .

[Perran]

*Many were riding out, there seemed an urgency as time went by. Hushed whispers of what might have befallen her, where she might be and where she may not be. Sir Dorian clad in his dark clothing always made Perran shudder, he admired the man greatly and listened to every word he spoke.......he was a true Knight and looked up to by many. The Sergeant Gerben was riding too, along with others he was not sure of their names......he felt rather sorry for the French man as he watched, it was good of him to offer to help. A visitor he knew as Swift had left for the search too, surely between them all there would be good news to be heard soon.

He could only watch as he tended the great Stallion, gliding gentle fingers along the graze on its neck. The Stable Master had given him some salve to keep the wound clean.....telling him not to worry as they would bring the Lady home safely. That pretty young lady from Kent was there too... Perran felt a flutter in his stomach as he gazed upon her, she was kind and thoughtful too, but definately not going to look at him while that Ranger was about. Oh well, he mumbled, plenty more fish in the sea..... now if he only could catch one.

Perran was glad the grave digging duties had ended for now, his place was here in the Stables with his horses. He called them his, but he owned only one. Lady Andrea had helped the King gift it to him...he called her Sienna after the colour and had trained her well. She nodded her head up and down as she watched him tend to Biscuit, brushing along his back and down his flanks. He missed that horse lady and her riding skills, often wondering of her.

The Lad thoght more of this as he finished the grooming and placed fresh straw into the feeder. He took a carrot from his pocket and allowed Biscuit to take it from his palm, his own reward was a nudge and a snort which brought forth a gentle pat from Perran.*

"Don't you worry now Biscuit......they will find her soon enough...and Sir Robin... I'll bet he be on his way here right now".

*With that thought in mind, Perran set about making sure all was ready just in case Biscuit was to ride out again. It was then he caught sight of the Lady Halethala.....he could not help but wonder of her attire, but did not ask, he only spoke to wish her safe travels and a speedy return home.

His eyes drifted over to where the kind Lady Beren stood watching, he smiled then and returned to his duties.*

[Jonathon Swift Kent Ranger]

(gone south by the river, now turning to the south east)

*rain, it was a blessing sometimes, and a curse to a man whose legs were strapped in leathers. Jonathon shook his long hair out as he continued to ride. He wondered a little and frowned. Biscuits tracks had not been seen for a while and what made things was was this devil inflicted rain!

Jonathon stopped awhile and gave a great groan. HIs back as usual was the complaining sort. He knew that the healers of Kent would be after his hide again if he set to destroy their careful work. He hated being in bed, surely purgatory for Swift would be bed ridden in the middle of a crowd of wrong minded people.

Whilst patting old Nightshades head he looked up to the water filled sky and wondered if Scar had better luck. Maybe a torn dress or some evidence of life.? Jonathon looked across the the vast expanse of marsh to oneside of him and frowned*

she would nae have gone in there now would she? Silly Lass iffn she did!

*Jonathon scratched his chin and smiled a little to himself. Aye...it would be like a woman to look for a road rather than a river. Just like one... A wry old chuckle emerged*

Jonathon you've been a silly old fool!

*taking a bite into his old kent bread he groaned as he ate. It had become a little more unpalattable if that were possible.*

Aye...

*with a nod he began to make his way across the marsh in the hopes of finding Biscuits tracks or; better still; a young womans*

Lass?

*he shouted*

don't worry I'm coming tae bring ye home

[sadhbh]

*Clear worry shone in her eyes as she wondered what happened to the Good Lady. Sadhbh clung to her shawl as if it were a blanket against the raging of her thoughts. What if and why were the beginning of questions that filled her mind. Sadhbh frown deepened a moment before she tried to smile for Lady Berens sake*
we shall see her soon.
*with a gentle look Sadhbh left Lady Berens side and stepped back. There was something she could do surely!. She prayed that whatever may come; that the Chaterlaine was safe and well. Sadhbh lowered her eyes. She moved toward the chapel and dipped her form with respect. Soon her heart and mind ran over the old oft said words. This time her prayers were given up for Lady Loxley a woman who she found to be a friend. With earnest hope she prayed that the Lady would be found soon and found to be safe and well*
m'Lady, I pray ye shine thy light over Lady Loxley and guide her back home. Guide tae men to her and keep her safe. I ask this of thee for I know thy goodness and thae love ye bear for those who be in plight. Please...bring her home safely...

*lowering her head she closed her eyes*

[Robin of Loxley]

* He had broken camp with the Rangers and was on His way back to the Castle ...carefully making sure that the injured had settled comfortably within the carts....before giving the signal to move out.

Half way to Windstorm proper........the sounds of faint horns reached His ears.......what was this ??.....the horns seemed to reach out to Him in an un natural way.........
Turning to Gerrad......
"See that tha men are comfortable when they reach tha Castle........I'll go ahead with some lads and find out whats up ! "

Approaching the gates ......He sees an odd looking green flag with an arrow..........and starts to worry.........Turning to Todd..........." Somethings amiss........lets hasten.".........

Arriving at the stables .......He dismounts as Perran approaches...........

"Whats up lad ??.........why has tha horn sounded......whats going on ??"

[Perran]

*The lad was quick to take hold of Jewel as Sir Robin dismounted......he patted the black horse and kept him steady. He knew this moment would come, has expected it and prepared....but now was lost for words.......

Finally Perran swallowed and lowered his gaze a moment, he frowned and pulled a face as he thought hard how to explain. He started slowly but somehow his words fell over one another in their rush to get out......*

"'tis ye Wife Sire.....she went out....there was four men, strangers....she told the Guards 'twas personal...... I never did 'ere her say that afore....and then later...Biscuit..... he did come 'ome ...all saddled and the likes.....and a rope.......I tended to 'im M'Lord....and iffn yers wishes....I can 'ave 'im ready to ride out in just a blink 'o yer eye."

*He stopped then....still holding Jewel's reins....his normal smile lost in his sadness..... he shrugged his shoulders, not knowing what else to do or say as he watched both anger and concern showing in the man's eyes."

"Sir Dorian ...hes gone out...and many others.....Mary told me she took gold..... lots of it.....does yers think theys got 'er still.....yers will fetch 'er back won't ya."

[Jonathon Swift Kent Ranger]

Ah, I'm too old for this game
*he thought with a chuckle. Swift tended to talk to himself when he rode, often it was the best company for a man in his line of work. Sometimes it was to his failing should an enemy be nearby yet Swift still had some wisdom teeth in his head and some widom taboot!.
Tenderly the old man ran his hand over Scar and offered some meat which had crossed his path earlier. Swift smiled*
Aye, you've been a good friend that and now you must be a good friend to another lad. Find the Lass all alone, shes probably cold and scared
*he did not think of the worst scenario. A woman of her stature would gain a pretty penny in the right hands.
Jonathon brushed Scars feathers then sent him off*
Lets hope shes not in trouble eh lad. Find her for me and stay close to her. I will follow...
*Man and horse followed the old falcon in the hopes of finding this Woman of Windstorm, this Lady loved by many*

[Robin of Loxley]

Perran's words seemed to come forth with such speed that it was almost difficult to understand what he was saying ...

" tis ye Wife Sire.....she went out....there was four men, strangers....she told the Guards 'twas personal...... I never did 'ere her say that afore....and then later...Biscuit..... he did come 'ome ...all saddled and the likes.....and a rope.......I tended to 'im M'Lord....and iffn yers wishes....I can 'ave 'im ready to ride out in just a blink 'o yer eye."

He looked at the lad .....almost disbelieving what He was hearing........then seeing that the boy meant each and every word , He calmed the lad quickly.......whilst trying to keep calm Himself.........

"Now then lad..........let us look at Biscuit here and see iffn we can find something that will tell us where he's been eh !!..........ahh see that ye have groomed him already "....noting the mark around the horses neck.

Indeed tha lad had groomed the large horse and had done a thorough job to boot.....and even though He ran a hand down each of the horse's legs ....there was nothing to be found..nae grass seed nor burr. He tapped Biscuits right forelock with His hand and waited until he raised his hoof.......taking it into His left hand He removed the Dagger from His boot with His right hand, carefully scrapping away whatever soil and stone He could find..............repeating the process with the left hoof......*Nothing* He cursed..........

Talking softly to Biscuit.....He moved to the great horse's hind legs and repeated the process..........He scraped away the loose dirt and found a darker......almost black soil trapped deep down........Excitedly He placed the sticky substance in Peran's hand...telling the lad to nae drop it whilst He checked the last hoof.....this time a larger clump of black soil fell into His hands as he inspected the hoof......

Satisfied that there was no more to be seen........he sat on a hay bale and studied the soil............closing His eyes and thinking back to all of the patrols that He and the Rangers had done since arriving in Windstorm.......*where would one find that soil * He pondered and why only in the rear hooves of Biscuit.

Almost at the same time as the realisation came to Him that Biscuit had not been released........but had escaped.....He pictured the horse rearing to break free of his bonds.......that would explain why He had only found the deeply embedded black soil in the rear hooves.

He stared at the soil again..........then standing quickly muttering to Himself........."Tis soil of the moors...but which moor".........He turned then to Perran...

"Perran.....ready Biscuit and then gather all the Rangers that have come here with me ......only those that can ride swiftly and have fresh horses .....and ask that they ready their arrows for lighted signal..ahh shall be back shortly !!" ........

Reaching a hand to just behind the lads left ear.......He pulled His hand back and rolled a gold coin between His fingers .....*smiling gently* to the lad as He mockingly admonished the boy

" Really Perran.........ye should keep thy fortune far better hidden than behind thy ear" ......

Placing the coin to the lads hand....He ran off quickly to find Gerben and to relay his findings.........so that riders or pigeon could be sent to those that had already left in search of His beloved............

"Gerben........i am sure that we should be looking to the moors..........and not those so far away either........there are moors left of the Summerville to Launceston Road....just past the fourth creek fork ..can ye send word"........

As He raced back towards the stables...He realised that He had been about as coherent as Perran had been as he tried to get out his news to Him........Ohh well Gerben will know what i mean ( He thought to Himself)

Reaching the stables......He mounted Biscuit........Leant down and whispered some words to the large war horse's ears , and they left hastily with three score of Rangers trying to catch them...............

[Dream Loxley]

((.... wonderful posts by you all...... so real to me. Thankyou ))

[Perran]

*The lad screwed up the leather strap within his hands.....tightly twisting it around his fingers as he watched the Ranger. He had done wrong by grooming Biscuit.....he had forgotten....thinking it was best to clean the horse after its ordeal......he frowned and dropped his lower lip. If he had thought more then perhaps more evidence would have been saved. He kicked at the ground, furious with himself as one by one.....Robin lifted Biscuits hooves.

Chewing his lips, twisting the strap, his eyes widened as Robin dropped the mud into his other hand..... eyebrows raised...he had not failed competely.....his spirits lifted and he nodded with enthusiasm. Robin continued......he had sat down...looking forlorn......deep in thought.....then spoke out loudly of the moors. Perran was quick to agree....trying to show the good Knight that he was not as stupid as he had seemed to be.

Staring aghast as the man produced a coin from behind his ear.......his eyes near to leaving thier sockets for a moment......then he laughed as he realised it was but a trick of his hand. He slipped the coin into his pocket and chuckled.......that would be a good trick to show the lasses he thought to himself. He was quick to run to the guard house......give word to those there of the plans.....then without catching his breath.....he returned to the Stables and prepared Biscuit for another ride.

Panting....his cheeks ruddy and hair ruffled......he watched the men mount up. Nodding to himself that they would find her....he waited until the riders had almost dissapeared before lifting the coin from his pocket. He would practice that trick......indeed he would.*

[Master Sergeant Gerben]

Robins words had barely been cold or messages had been send out. The horn signal that spread, the flags on the tins of the castle, each with it's own meaning. Messengers sped out to round up the search parties and send them towards the right directions. The forrests, the meadows, the entire land around Windstorm soon bustled of sound. A call that was heard and taken over.

Those that were left to defend the castle kept their quiet watch, waiting and hoping for a tiding. For good news. Life within had gone quiet. The necesarry preparations for winter were taken, but none of the songs that were sang during the late fall harvest now sounded. The linnens were gathered for later washing, but none of the jokes the women shared were told to lure a laugh of lips. There was a hush over the castle while all... waited for news*


((OOC: sorry for being so late and scarce with posting, but I barely have half an hour or an hour on the computer for now, which includes my preparation times for school. But it's been a great time so far with the visit))