In Search of Vitreous Small

[Repsol]

She stood in front of him as his mind made all attempts to comprehend what had just taken place, she stood a few inches lower than him, she smiled and spoke to him softly...

Tis best Sire iffen thou doth nae see any of that which follows, we shall need to ask who sent them, where did they come from and when, we shall have little time when they arrive so iffen thou wouldst make a small fire and place these two pots upon it, we shall nae go further this eve, the larger pot contains the herbs, the second requires the need of some heat...

He looks to her and answers..

So I be the tea boy now..

Do nae get them mixed Sire or thy days as tea boy will be shortened...

He took the pots and moved a little way into the trees, he gathered some twigs and laid them in a pile, he then drew his pipe and his trusty two stones from his pouch, he thrust the two stones together and as a few sparks jumped into his pipe base he slowly inhaled and let out a narrow stream of smoke from his pursed lips, he then did the same over the twigs and sparks jumped onto them, he blew softly and as the small twigs began to crackle he laid more on top till he could see flames, then he added more twigs and some larger sticks from dead branches laid on the floor, the fire took and the sticks turned to embers, he placed two larger branches on the flames and deposited the two pots on them.
He turned to see the two riders dragging something into the trees, it was the person that had remained from the six in the field, it was writhing and muttering words he had not heard spoken before, he could make out features, they where not that of any living thing he had seen before, and he noticed it's hands had been removed at the wrist, it's face was that of a pig? yet the voice of a person though rough.
Erin appeared and began to speak to it in it's native tongue, its eyes darted between Erin and one of the riders, the other rider had gone, it lay somewhat awkward on the ground, as Erin placed a hand upon it's head, it squealed a little, then fell silent, it sprang to it's feet and the rider standing next to Erin opened up his cloak and grabbed the thing within it, then it was all over not a sound, other than the thud of the small creature slumping to the ground at the riders feet, Erin turned and moved to Repsol who turned sharply as if he had not seen a thing, he was tending the fire as the small lids upon the pots began to rattle as if playing some magical tune.
Erin lifted the smaller pots and placed in what seemed like finger nails, the last few she needed to force into the top of the pot with a small stick, she looked to him and in her soft voice spoke...

They carry poison upon their finger nails, the fluid in the small pot draws off the poison and melts the bone of the nail, it will stand us in good stead later, there be a outpost not three miles away which houses forty of them we shall move around them the morrow when the moon shall be rising....

She placed the small pot upon the fire and took the large pot and stirred it with a small narrow stick, sniffed it and placed it back on the fire without it's lid, Repsol stood still puffing on his pipe, still attempting to get his head straight after what he had seen, he moved to his mount and untied the girth, he placed the saddle on the ground and took out a bag which contained cured meat, he held some for Erin, she smiled politely and declined his offer, he folded two large pieces in half and placed them in his mouth, he sat by a tree and thought, the thoughts which would aid him upon this quest, sarah was never far from him, and sooner rather than later he hoped and prayed he would see her again......

[Repsol]

Erin knelt in front of the fire, she lifted the pot without the lid as the aroma drifted to Repsol's nostrils, he became relaxed, the meat he had scoffed down had done the job with the food though he knew he would need to hunt soon, for more to sustain them for the remainder of the journey, as he loved his cured meat dearly even he could not continue to eat it in such amounts.
Erin handed him a small wooden cup, he held it cupped in his right hand as though he was a child waiting for a treat, she placed her left hand under his and began to pour the liquid into the cup, she looked upon him and smiled, he looked to her nervously at the smile and at the fact she actually thought he may spill it so supported his hand.
He averted his gaze and momentarily looked at the fire where the other pot bubbled along as if singing it's own tune to some hidden and silent orchestra which no one but the pot could hear.
He took a sip from the cup and breathed a small sigh as the taste of berries, mint and some other ingredients he could not place a name to, seemed to just seep into his body, he thought he may be asking for more, or at least the recipe.
As he sat the two riders entered the trees and approached Erin, they stood talking for some minutes then Erin walked to where the Lord was sitting, she slowly knelt at his feet and took a sip then spoke...

My Friends have hidden the bodies of the fallen, no one shall find them or any traces...

I hath had intent dear Lady, these Friends of yours may they be at all in any shape or form be human, as I hath neyer seen any human ride horses that fast, show very little mercy and be so very maticulate in everything they do..

Erin just looked to him and smiled, shook her dark locks and replied...

Pray tell me Sire of the little one called sarah, i hear tell from the hills she be of spirit, and one of such beauty for one so young, and one is led to believe thou found her on a mercy patrol twas by only chance ye came upon the poor girl, and as is it said her parents where massacred by the one ye seek, pray tell is it true as it is told...?

He looked to Erin and allowed a slight smile, he was bursting to tell, but for two days ago he had threatened to strike the woman before him, and now it was as if he was sitting with an old Friend, he lit his pipe and sipped on his drink, thought for a moment and began to speak, Erin folded her legs beneath her and placed her right hand upon the ground to help steady her...

Sarah was in hiding when my patrol found her parents and her small brother slained, we searched near the wagon and as we where all but leaving we stumbled across the little one, she was tired and hungry though the only cook was I so the table offered was nae of any taste which she may have had afore, we took her to Windstorm and slowly she became more and more settled, she is of a feisty manner with a mind of a older girl, she doth fit into the Windstorm Ladies way of life rather well, she can talk the spots off a dog and scream like a banshee and she has the most magical smile which nae the best wizard or witch in the world could conjour, her eyes are deep and full of life, her hair flows like corn in the fields when the breeze doth flow across it, she has the strength of a small ox and she can fight, (rubbing his fingers as though they where trapped but yesterday in the trunk) better than any lad of her age I am sure........

He broke off and took a breath on his pipe, his look a little sullen, Erin broke the silence ..

What is wrong...she will await thy return and then life shall be one of which thou wouldst favor surely.

Aye it may

He sat back and drew on his pipe and sipped the warm drink til the cup was empty, Erin knelt once more lifted the cup from his hand, lifted the pot from the small fire and filled it once more and handed it back to the Lord with a smile which shone like the sun itself, she knew he would speak when he wanted to she would not push in any way, she busied herself with the other pot in silence....

[Repsol]

He sat watching as he drank the the cup dry though he knew his bladder would take no more, he would need to seek some privacy soon, Erin had taken some arrows from his bag and dipped them into the larger of the two pots, allowed them to dry then replaced them, and laid them at his side with a slight smile, he looked up to her and then down to the bag of arrows.

Tis done Sire, most of the tips are now with poison, though it be dry when mixed with the blood shall kill quickly, if thy aim is nae quiet as good.

He chuckled, a little at the suggestion his aim was poor, he snapped up his bow, and took a dry arrow from the bag and walked to the edge of the trees, he turned and looked to Erin, with a slight pertinent gleam in his eye, he spoke..

Mayhap thou wouldst oblige me in this folly, iffen thou wouldst be so kind as to place the small pot upon thy head and stand afront the tree there behind thee, so as I may show to thee my aim be one that is true, then iffen I strike the pot, it shall be so, and iffen I miss, I shall seek another assistant...

Erin unfortunately did not see the fun side of this and decided she would stand the pot on a low branch of a tree some way off and that she would nae be standing within many feet of the said pot.
Repsol lifted the bow, squinted slightly to range the pot, no wind to consider and no arc to judge it was a straight shot using the power of the bows string, he placed the arrow on the string and held it in place with the two fingers and thumb allowing the string to sit on the flesh between his finger tips and his first finger joint, he cradled the arrow and laid the shaft over his thumb and index finger as the curled around the bows shaft, steadying the length of the arrow, he lifted the bow which brought the arrow up to just below his right eye, with his head slightly tilted to the right.
He looked down the length of the arrow and drew a shallow breath in, he sighted the pot and closed his left eye, he slowly allowed out his breath and at the last second he let loose the arrow, within seconds it had travelled the distance and struck the pot in the middle, the pot fell to the ground in shards as the arrow flew to the tree some yards behind the pot and stuck a third of its length into the tree, he lowered his bow and feeling rather chuffed with himself he returned to his seat and laid the bow down beside, the look he gave Erin as their eyes met spoke volumes of his confidence with this weapon, as she would find out he mastered all he used, the sword, the staff, the bow, the daggers, if he would have said so himself he was pretty formidable, not perfect for there be none who are, but he would say handy.....
Then the realisation hit him he had shot his drinks pot, without thinking Erin had been to her saddle and removed another similar pot and filled it and placed it in the fire embers to heat up, he smiled to himself and drew upon his pipe for now they could only wait for nightfall....



SARAH: She did not care for her surroundings, the ladies who kept her or the food, all she knew was he was gone, at first she sat beside the open window looking out to the track he had gone down, but he was not coming back for her, as the nun who was plaiting her hair tugged at it slightly her head moved back with the motion, but her eyes never left the dolls in her hands, the ones the pretty Lady in Windstorm left for her.
She did not cry for she did not know what to cry for or for whom, in her little mind one day melted into another and he did not return, she was sleepy when he left, he did not look back to wave or cuddle her as she had wished him to as this he did before she slept, this ritual kept away Dragons and Demons though none had visited her since he had left she did see a Dragon on the big wall but a soldier man shooed it off, and she ran to the old nun to tell of it, she did get a cuddle then, but it was not the same, the big strong man would chuck her up in the air and fight with her, he is her steed with hair she could pull and noises he made which where nothing like the animal it was meant to be but it made her giggle, he would be silly but he was strong and she needed him, more than either one of them could know.
The soldier men where good but could not make the noises so she soon became bored, she would lay when the sun had gone and see his face in the darkness and would snuggle to her cover and drift off to sleep.

[Repsol]

As the evening sun began to set behind them Repsol stood and moved to his saddle lifting it and moving to his mount, he lay the saddle on its back and reached under its belly to pull the girth strap under to fasten it loosely, as he was not going to ride straight away he busied himself as he knew this passage would be full of dangers.
Erin fetched more of the warm substance and handed him the cup, he drank and swallowed it back feeling the warm refreshing taste of the mint and other herbs the like he had not tasted before but each seemed to compliment the other, he found this somewhat fascinating.
After a few minutes the two riders appeared in the camp along with their mounts, Erin offered them some of the warm liquid to which both filled their cups and sat near the glowing embers, he did not look to them for any answers as to the ride ahead as they chose only to speak to Erin, though after what he attempted no one could blame them.
He placed the wooden cup upon his saddle and moved to his bed roll behind his seat, he rolled it our along the hind quarters of the horse, within the hesian material was laid chain mail, not for him but for the protection of his mount, as he un rolled it the material fell loosely to just below the horses flank about half way down its tail, the mail was joined by two leather straps so it could be adjusted easily, he pulled a length of mail to the side of his saddle and fastened it off under his now mounted bow, he walked round the other side and did the same, by doing this if they where to make a run for it he would not need to remove arrows from his mount, the front however could not be covered as such due to the weight, for this was not his battle horse.

They left the tree line and headed south, the two riders at each flank this course would take them past the camp of their enemy giving them distance so as not to disturb them, though Repsol's thinking was they should all perish so as to clear a path for retreat once the act had been done, this idea was not in favor with the others, after some distance they could smell what could only be rotting flesh, the stench filled their nostrils, the small flickering fires in the brasiers could just be seen, then came a scurrying in front of them, Repsol loosed his sword and prepared to kick on his mount to attack, Erin laid her right hand upon his left forearm, then from the side of him appeared the Watcher.
Thule sen spoke softly, Sire there be no enemy within distance to strike us here, though I feel it will get worse afore it gets better.
Why did he not find these words comforting, the Watcher rode with them telling of what he had seen and how they should approach this area, Repsol was listening intently and with reasoning in his mind could see some flaws in the plan, but the advantages far outweighed them, so he was content in the knowledge of what they where riding into, they sat back and relaxed in thier saddles and passed comments to and fro as the horses walked slowly......

[Repsol]

As the small piece of wood swung down the rider managed to duck out of the way, unfortunately Repsol didn't, it struck him at the top of his shoulder and lifted him out of the saddle he could feel himself in the air over the top of Erin's mount and onto the ground, he shook his head and began to stand his hand automatically going for the handle of his sword, he heard the bushes to his left rustling and a figure emerged at speed, he fumbled his attempt to release his sword and the figure was upon him, as he reeled from the first contact the figure came again, it was somewhat larger than himself, he made a second attempt for his sword but the figure was on him again he felt a rasping thud to his groin area and he was on his knees again, this time he forgot his sword, he reached down with both hands to the top of his boots and grasped the daggers.
He rolled backwards to gain some distance and came up on his right knee, the figure stood and bellowed a laugh, he turned and ran into the wood where it had come from, it was gone as quickly as it came.
He thought to himself it did not want to fight when the odds where even, he turned to face up the track, Erin was laying upon the floor with the Watcher looking over her, Repsol ran to them , Thule sen stood and turned to Repsol his voice was bitter but calm....

Doth seem sweet Erin has been taken from us my Friend, seems we had a traitor in our midst and I did nae see it he was in my confidence, twas one of the riders, tis why ye was knocked from thy mount and he was nae, I hath dispatched the other, he shall leave evidence of his catch, he will then ride on and tell the others of this.....

Repsol turned to the hooded figure beside him, he so desperately wanted to be the first to come across this person who had done this, he looked down to Erin lifeless corpse at his feet and knelt down, he lifted her hood from her face and there was peace, her eyes closed and her skin shining in the moonlight, not taking his gaze from her he spoke..

So this be a decoy to kill Erin, why? and how doth thy know this rider will find his quarry and do as thy asks of him, for they could well be allies, we shall wait and see iffen thy rider is true, by the gods he had better be, for I shall ride him down and then justice shall be seen to be done at the tip of my sword.....

He stood and looked to Thule sen, for the first time the man removed his hood and turned to Repsol, his hair tied up into a single strand from the top of his head and down to the middle of his shoulders, the growth of hair around his chin thinned and kept well, his features never changed when he spoke...

The rider whom I sent to find him be me brother by blood line, he may be trusted without reserve, I did nae see this coming and now I hath lost a dear Friend, a very dear Friend, he shall be found and so shall his accomplices, trust me they shall be found..

Repsol turned back to the lifeless form as Thule sen stood over the body he bent down and lifted the form, he was muttering verses which Repsol could not make out, Thule sen turned and walked into the tree line, after a while he returned, his hood returned, he gave a short growl and the sound of hooves came down the track, his mount halted some four feet away, Repsol's mount was a little way up the track eating grass, he walked slowly, his mind reeling with the events which had just happened and why what did they want from her death, he lifted the straps and climbed upon his mount, the two riders then rode at pace, many questions needed answers and he knew when they met up with the 'others' he would get the answers he wanted...

[Repsol]

The two riders came to a bend in the track, as they rounded it they saw two horses and one rider standing over a crumpled heap, the rider turned as the two rode closer, the watcher approached him and looked to the motionless body on the ground, he spoke to the other hooded rider and turned to Repsol...

Justice hath been served, there be nae more here we can do...

Repsol nodded as the other rider mounted, the emptiness he felt would not leave him, though he could not call Erin his closest Friend she was an ally on this quest and judging by things he did not have many.
The three decided that although it would be dangerous they would ride through the day as there was little distance left to travel, they kicked on their mounts and at a gallop headed for the small outlying village where they would meet, this would then be the last before they would meet their quarry.

Time had passed quickly, when the single hooded rider returned and spoke with the watcher, the group they where meeting had arrived and where waiting for them.
The three riders rode up to the village, the buildings where like he had never seen before it was as though all where built to withstand assault and by the look of some not from the elements of the weather, they came to one in particular which stood alone and slightly back from the others, though none where in a straight line, it gave this appearance maybe because it stood furthest from the track.
Two huge men stood either side the entrance both wearing bearskin cloaks, thick brown canvas boots and both had huge axes in their hands, they looked to the party and grunted to each other as the three stopped and dismounted.
Thule sen approached and spoke to the man on the right of the door, the man took his hand from his Axe and placed it palm to the door and with a effortless push opened the door, Repsol walked passed and into the dimly lit house, he noticed as he passed the door was thick oak, and the man opened it as if it where nothing.
The three where met inside by a young lad who asked them to follow him down some steps, they walked down and into a room with a low ceiling though better lit, the smoke from the lamps filled the upper part of the room and the smell was pungent though this lifted the further they moved into the room, no seats and no tables where in the room, just huge cushions on the floor and a fire in one corner, nothing adorned this room.
As Repsols eyes became tolerant of the light he saw others in the room, sitting on the cushions, a thin balding man offered his hand to the three and smiled, he seemed feeble but his hand shake was a goodly grip, the three took up seats and waited....

[Repsol]

He sat and looked round the room, the faces he did not know, as the introductions commenced he had heard of no one in the room, some where elders from clans of the northern lands whom had suffered at the hands of Vitreous Small and his raiders, all here seemed to have lost much riches and lands to this man some had lost sons and daughters to him and would pay any man well to bring him down.
Repsol knew there where men better suited in the world than he to bring this man down, so why did they want him, he was aging quickly with this quest and he was losing interest very quickly the more it dragged on, but as it was explained by the woman in the corner it could not be a quick finish as they had to wait until the moon and the time was right for this to succeed.
Repsol saw this going down a familiar path, it brought back memories of their final days in the east, he could not let desperation sneak into these plans as he would be the one standing alone to face this man.
The plan was becoming clear, though they spoke of moons and stones, what where such things, he did not understand and felt the need for refreshment, he stood and moved to the steps, as he reached the bottom step the young lad appeared above him, he offered the Lord a wooden mug and smiled to him as he accepted it, the liquid inside was warm as a small plume of steam rose from it.
No one lifted an eye to the Lords movements and carried on thrashing out the make shift plan, he took his seat and watched as different men took their turn at drawing in the dirt on the floor, one man in particular made certain reference to a garrison with some 100 strong which needed to be passed.
Repsol looked to his right and the now de hooded Sen who looked to him as their eyes met a silent understanding that these people did not have a clue as to what they spoke, Repsol came to the conclusion they would have him slaughtered within the first strike, he needed to speak but could he get a word in among st the frenzy of men wanting their ideas drawn out in the dirt.
Repsol stood and cleared his throat, no one took notice, he looked down to Sen and shrugged his shoulders, he lifted the sword from its resting place and stood behind the man who had been explaining for sometime, he cared not to remember how long as it was boring him, scratching one thing then rubbing it out and re drawing it many times, he dropped his sword as it stuck in the floor about a inch from the mans finger he retracted his hand and spun round to Repsol standing over him, as the sword moved from right to left the Crimson stone upon its hilt flashed dashes of red around the room as the flames danced off the stone, it settled and looked menacingly surreal as the red stone reflected a red glow across the Lords eyes.
He looked round the room as it fell silent for the first time since his arrival, he looked to a man sitting on the only stool in the room and spoke....

Send out riders, and surfs, woodmen and the young men and task them to seek information I need to know of woodlands to seek hiding, I need to know of any men moving and any paths which are nae used frequently, and mark them well nae to speak of this to anyone nae in this room, they shall seek me out first with their findings, this should be done within the fourth moon rising, so time is against us, iffen I am to die doing this then it shall be at my decision......

As if by some invisible sign Sen and his brother stood pulled up their hoods and moved quickly to the steps, he turned at the foot of the steps and spoke softly to Repsol....

Two moons my Friend and we shall return...

He turned and looked to the other hooded man and both ran up the steps and where gone, the remainder of the group hastily made arrangements as per the Lords wishes, the room emptied quickly as they rose to the tasks in hand, instructions passed from mouth to mouth quickly, then the Lord found himself standing alone, looking to the dirt and to his solitary sword standing proud in the middle of the lands which had been drawn in the dirt, his sword signified his feelings, standing in the open alone.........

[Repsol]

Repsol sat upon the seat in the quiet room, the lamps had been replaced with new ones which filled the room with the aroma of oil, his food was very good and the warm drinks where plentiful with gratitude for the latter to the young lad who had been the only one to visit him that day.
As he sat thinking of where the next few days would take him he heard mens voices from the room above, he looked to the steps and shadows began descending, a man of medium height appeared he turned to the Lord and announced he was a woodman and that he had sought to find him safe passage through the woodlands around the village to where he may seek shelter.
The woodman was invited to show on the dirt map where his path led, the woodman lifted a small stone and placed it on the ground explaining this to be this house and then ran a sausage like finger through the dirt, scribbling a few other circles and lines as he went, giving the Lord a very good idea of where it was going as every now and then his arms would shoot above his head and arc down as he explained where the low trees would be, after a short time the Lord lifts a small animal skin bag and took out three copper coins, he stood and moved to the man careful not to tread on his recent drawing, the man stood as Repsol approached and looked to his, Repsol offered the man the coins, the man placed his cloth hat under his arm and accepted the coins, he explained to the Lord he would have done it even if there had been no reward, he bowed his head,turned and climbed the steps.
Repsol turned back to the new artwork and studied it closely, he could see the route clearly, though at this time he had no orientation has he had not seen the place in daylight.

He settled down on four of the large cushions and closed his eyes, after what seemed a short time footsteps came down the steps into the room, it was Sen and his brother, Repsol was leaning up on one elbow when they appeared, they removed their hoods and took some refreshment from the lad who seemed ever present and eager to serve, Sen spoke as his brother took a seat near Repsol....

Tis not as it was first feared my freind, we hath took stock and watched, it seems there is no massive army as we first thought, there be some men which may cause us some distress but this can be overcome, these where the ones of which we saw, there will be more but none who can cause us more trouble.

Sen knelt upon the ground and began adding to the drawing of the woodman, Repsol drank and watched he knew his questions where being answered in picture form, though he did wish to speak with Sen about preporations, Sen's brother sat in silence...

[Dream Loxley]

Eagerly awaits the next Chapter in this wonderful read! ..........

[Repsol]

As the drawings upon the ground in the middle of the room took form Repsol knew he needed to see the places which where coming to life, the paths, the huts which held the men he would need to pass before he could attempt that what he was here for.
He turned to the silent figure sitting opposite, sen's brother made no attempt at returning his gaze, it seemed fixed on the ground, sen pointed next to the encampment and house of Small, it seemed like a small garrison, sen offered a small piece of knowledge to this as he spoke Repsol listened...

The men on guard at this place are nae special, just guards nae what thou wouldst expect, iffen Small was expecting us it may be different, tis a wonder he doth nae know as he tends to find information which would alert him to intruders in his lands, alas for the time we should assume he is aware and playing a deadly game, though my Friend thy longbow may nae be of use as the distance would be too great to seek the knowledge it be really thy prey, so a smaller bow or iffen the need be great a sword may suffice...

Repsol looked to sen and sat back with against the wall, he rubbed his chin and looked to the ground, he took a mental note of all which was drawn and decided this day he would walk some of the routes which lay before him, he stood and lifted his sword and placed it back in its sheath, he took one long look at the drawings and moved to the steps and began to climb.
As he reached the top step he came into the living quarters of the family who lived there, he walked through and out the door, the two large men on the door turned and looked then turned back in silence, he moved to his mount which was tethered to the rear of the house out of sight of prying eyes, he lifted his bow and placed the string over his left shoulder and across his chest, he lifted the quills and looked for the path the woodman had drawn on the ground..
He soon found the path, it was narrow and it seemed rarely used, the trees hung low offering very little light even in the height of sunlight, there was a dark green glow as the sun bounced off the leaves, a ground mist hovered like a huge spiders web covering the ground as he walked slowly through the mist dispersed from around his legs and has he passed it reformed as though no one had been, he decided to pick up the pace a little as he did nae fare too well in the dark, he started to run a little, the path wound round trees and bushes just as it did in the drawing, the woodcutter it seemed was immaculate with his details.
As he moved at pace his chest was beating harder than usual, the blood through his veins ran fast, he came to the break in the path and took to the woodland slowing a little to look at the surroundings, he moved to a huge tree and stood with his back to it, keeping his back to the tree he moved round its huge trunk side stepping the roots as he did so, he was thinking of his escape route, the break in the path would momentarily throw off any pursuers, this would give him time to take shelter, as he rounded the tree about halfway he saw the perfect hide, he marked the tree with his dagger not so much so he could see it but feel it, he paced out to where he had seen the hide, it was perfect, natural foliage, a fallen tree a hole where the roots had once stood offered perfect cover from any following him and offered him good sight of any target, the heather grew in abundance, he grabbed a huge bundle and began laying it against the fallen tree so as any who pass will not notice how it lays, after some time he moved back to the break in the path and moved on the way as directed in the drawings....

[Repsol]

His pace again was quick as he marked in this mind areas which would aid him if pursued and places he may stand and fight if needed, as he progressed he could hear feint voices ahead of him he looked round and found he had cover to his right, he stopped and paused for a moment so as he may find the direction the voices came from, he did not for one moment seek their attention, he dropped his sword and bow with the quills under some low bushes.
He crouched to the ground and moved along slowly on his hands and knees, the ground seemed especially cold alas this was the only way he knew, after watching the Great cat Midnight stalk and move, though he was not that gracious with his movements he could use it's effects, the things the King had told him all those years ago still ran around his mind, slowly he edged forward, the ground under some of the huge bushes was not littered with any twigs so he could lay on his front and drag himself forward on his elbows, the voices now seeming closer.
He could not offer himself a look at this moment as any break from cover would give him up, the voices now very close, the rustling as someone moved in the bushes to his right, he stops his heart pounding the blood pumping in his neck, he pulled his right knee out to level it with his waist and reached down with his right hand to the top of his boot, and grasped the handle of his dagger.
From the tone and their language it was a hunting party, they had followed two boar into the trees, this did not fill him with confidence as he was at the right height for a full grown boar to damage him beyond repair, he needed to be out of this situation and quickly, as he attempted to retreat from the position he turned slowly and began to move on his front the way he had come in.
It was at this time the bushes to his right seem to explode into life, squeals and roars deafened him as the undergrowth began to shake and be ripped from its very roots, he lay still for he knew he did not disturb them, the voices began to close in around him, he scurried to a bush with a larger base and thicker stems, he lay silent, his daggers now in each hand, though he could not see what was happening, his position was too awkward, he could hear the thundering of hooves getting closer, then as he looked he saw the frame moving at him at speed, the head was down and the tusks of the boar inches from the ground.
His heart pounding he knew move or die, as the boar leveled at him there was an Almighty thud and a piercing squeal, a lance had hit the boar between the shoulder blades, as the animals lifeless body slid to within feet of him he drew a breath of relief, he turned and scrambled quickly as he knew the owner of the lance was not too far away.
As he did so he moved some bushes which drew the attention of the other hunters as they deemed him to be the other boar, so with caution they moved in closing around him, he lay still breathing into the ground, as the men closed in to his right the bushes moved , it was the other boar it had laid quiet to prolong its life but now knowing there was no way back it struck at the group of men, hitting three of them before a forth man finished it with a lance, as the men lay groaning and shouting out in pain this was his last chance to move away and return to the village, he had seen enough for one day.
He slowly pulled himself along the ground with his elbows until he had reached the place he knew where his sword and bow lay where he left it, he knelt on his left knee and looked around to ensure of no followers, after some time he moved away back to the path where he could pick up his pace, as he ran back to the village he counted his blessings as this day the gods looked over him....

[Repsol]

He entered the house and went in passed the two guards, he moved to the steps and went down, the gloomy red glow of the flickering lights glowing on the walls as he came into the room, sat there was sen's brother with two elders, the two elders looked up but the hooded man made no gesture of greeting.
Repsol took deep breathes to calm himself and moved to the huge cushions and sat down, the young lad appeared moments later with a warm broth for the lord, he smiled and accepted the warm liquid.
He addressed the two elders as they inquired as to his venture...

I fell across a hunting party, twas closer than I would care for at this time, though we must move quickly now as I feel time is nae in favor at this time, I note sen is absent I wish to speak with him urgently as I shall be riding at dark on this eve.

The urgency in the Lords voice caused the hooded figure to raise his head, and for the first time he spoke...

Sen doth watch for thee, he rode forth as scout and shall be back forthwith as he shall have news of what will await thee..

Repsol looked to the man who had rested his head again, he knew now he needed to make final preparations for the final part of his journey, as he turned there was a commotion upstairs as voices where raised, a shadow began to come down the steps, Repsol placed his hand upon the hilt of his sword as the two elders stood, stumbling the last few steps and falling upon the floor a young man appeared gasping for breath, his eyes made contact with Repsol as he lifted his hands and knelt before them.

Sire.....I bring news of Small....I have desires of a young woman and spoke with her last eve, she doth speak of the pox and that Small and some of his men are with this illness, the women hath gathered and will nae treat them as in fear of the spread, it nae fares well....

One of the elders moved forward and passed the young man two coins and turns to seek a response from Repsol, the Lord looked to the drawings upon the floor and looked to the elders, the young man stood and left the room.
Repsol rubbed his chin and knelt with the drawings in front of him, the distance between pebbles where not that great not half a days ride, he spoke softly...

Can the words of this youth be taken as true, he hath nae been corrupted by the delights of the loins...

The elders stood and looked to each other and one spoke...

He may be taken as true, he be a fine lad and his kin work hard in the area, I can vow he be true sire...

Repsol stood and looked to the elder who spoke and nodded, he was thinking this should nae detract from the quest he shall not allow the gods to take this man without him bearing witness to his natural demise, he shall move on and finish this thing in which he has been tasked.......

[Repsol]

He stood to the rear of the house and out of sight from the track which meanders through the village, facing the forest, the route he would now take will be North Easterly, he was close mayhap too close for his comfort, he thought long and hard on the situation he finds himself in, he shall wait for sen's return then he shall move on and finish this quest and return to his home, his heart was aching thinking daily of young sarah and how she must hate him for what he has done to her, at no time did he fear for her safety for the men he left guard where the finest in the Kingdom, but that was not his main thought at this time, he sat on a partly rotting log and puffed on his pipe.
The plan was he would at night pass the gathering of the men and on to Small's stronghold, the sentries would be disabled by sen and his kin, he would then move to Smalls quarters and banish his soul, his escape route was planned where horses would be waiting to take him via the north and West then south to Windstorm, this was hoped to reduce the enthusiasm of any following him.
He stood and tapped out his pipe softly against the building and moved inside to prepare....

[Repsol]

He stood looking insanely at the drawings, he would cast them to memory if it was the last thing he did, the three small pebbles where in place where they planned to meet the horses, sen had given to him the two small pots which Erin had worked on, he took a handful of arrows and loosened one of the tops of the small pot, he slowly dipped each of the arrow tips into the pot and withdrew them, the liquid did nae drop just glistened then slowly began to dry, was this right he would know soon enough.
He fastened the small pot carefully so none would drip out and placed it into a medium sized skin bag a lass has hastily made for him, with it some provisions, salted dried meat some fish and bread, enough for his journey back to his homelands.
He fastened the sword upon his back, his bow nestled over his right shoulder, he knew how he would do it and when it would not be easy, now he was ready, he turned and stood behind him was sen, without a word sen placed both his hands palms together at chest height and bowed his hooded head, he turns and beckoned Repsol to follow.
As they rose from the steps the elders where waiting, as they paid him their wishes of luck they bid him farewell, a woman gave him a small cloth as he left the house with sen ahead of him.

They soon blended into the forest and began the process of going round the small camp where the men had staged their braziers, slowly the two men moved through the woodland along the path, sen's brother was positioned twenty paces to their right and into the woodland, though with no more noise than that of a rabbit he moved freely,as darkness wrapped them in it's velvet cloak Repsol took time for his eyes to become accustomed to the lack of light the moon though half full shone little through the thick canopy of the tall trees.
After a short distance they came to the point where Repsol earlier had come to seek a passage through, sen turned and lowered to one knee, Repsol did the same, sen spoke softly...

100 paces to our left M'lord is the encampment, on me return to the village I saw nae a piquet nor heard much to tell thee so they be in slumber...

Repsol clasped his left hand onto sen's right shoulder in gesture of understanding, they moved on quickly and quietly, the fires burning brightly and the close howling and barking of dogs, in his mind he prayed they be tethered, without any fuss they passed the camp and onto the path once more, they made good time.
As the turned the path disappeared into lush grass though still surrounded by the forest, a small brook ran from North to south, the walked through it with little noise, then rose an embankment where the trees would end.
At the edge of the woodlands they knelt sen's brother had gone he had moved off to the right, for the first time they saw a huge house surrounded by a small fence with three to four outbuildings faintly lit with torches, sen nudged Repsol's elbow and pointed to the second floor, there was a ledge with a man stood upon each corner of the building, sen lifted four fingers up and pointed to the men, then tugged at the bow, Repsol tapped sen's shoulder twice and then sen was gone.
He slipped the bow from his shoulder and took five arrows from his pouch and laid them upon the floor, he placed two small four small stones which where close by and laid one arrow across the stones and then the other four onto this one so the quills would not touch the floor and damage them.
He could see sen now moving over the open ground but it was a strain as he was in black, he saw the cloak open around the first guard and he fell motionless to the floor, he lifted a arrow and placed it in this bow, he stood and lifted the bow concentrating on the man at the furthest corner from him so if the guard nearest heard he would rush to that end where he stood and not to wards Repsol, sen and his brother.
He could barely see his target but with a squint he made them out enough to claim a good shot, he drew back on the bow as the string and would creaked under the strain he took a deep breath, at this distance there would be no arc to consider just the power of the bow would take the arrow straight, he began to exhale slowly as the last of the breath left his lips he loosed the arrow, within no time the arrow had struck the man under the left ear and protruded through his skull, it inserted to the Quill, as his arrow flew he had picked up a fresh arrow and already had the bow drawn and pointing to the second man, as sen entered the gate he let loose his second arrow striking the man as he turned to his Friend at the base of the skull at the back of his neck and coming out through his left eye socket, sen was safe and in, Repsol gathered his other arrows and ran in the tree line to the other side of the house.
He could hear muffled screams as sen's brother operated with precision in the outbuildings, the first man on the second level was waiting with a small bow for sen's brother to come out of the hut, Repsol drew back and let loose his arrow it struck the man in the right arm and into his chest, the man slumped down where he stood, he could not see a forth man, he scanned the ledge nothing next minute a thud on his back sent him reeling onto the soft grass and out into the open, he rolled forward to get distance with the dull pain left it was quiet hard, he came to rest on his left knee, with his hand on the dagger in his right boot, it was out and in his hand, the figure moved to wards him, Repsol flicked the dagger so now he had the blade in his hand and threw it at the figure, it clutched it's chest and fell to it's knees, when it hit the floor he was up and drawing his sword he was upon the figure now at waist height, he brought down his sword upon the right shoulder of the figure and drew it across under his chin, a gasp of air left it as it dropped back wards onto the grass, he placed his right foot upon it's chest and withdrew the dagger, keeping it in his left hand his sword in his right he moved off to the rear of the house.

[Repsol]

As he turned to round the high fence a man stood facing the house he turned as Repsol met him at chest height with his left hand, the dagger found the mans heart and he fell, Repsol moved into the house through an open door, as he entered a huge kitchen open up to him.
He had not taken a single thought, this is what he knew, there where three and any who didn't have cloaks on where game, and this was a game he had perfected.
He moved through the kitchen without a sound his boots soft on the stone floor, the kitchen then led to a passageway lit with small candles and at the end a huge staircase, as he came to the stairs he heard a scream behind him he turned as he saw a man with a huge club running full speed to wards him, as the man brought down the club Repsol lifted his sword and blocked the club inches from his head, as he set himself to bear the full weight on his right hand with the sword he fetched the dagger up and into the mans lower ribcage on his right hand side, he pulled the knife out and before the man hit the floor Repsol had turned and began to climb the staircase.
He got to the top and sen was sitting there to his right, he knew there was no life other then that of his friends sitting waiting for him, sen stood and pointed with his dagger to a room door slightly ajar, Repsol approached the door and pushed it open slowly with the tip of his sword, he slowly walked in , the stench of death had eaten into the very wooden floors upon which he stood, on the bed laid a man, almost black with decay, Repsol turned to sen who was now standing by the door and pointed to the man on the bed with his dagger and spoke...

This be him, what a waist of life it hath been M'friend, those men we doth kill this eve be braver than we thought, for to defend a dead man with thy life, how doth we know it be Small?

Sen pointed with his dagger to the mans right hand, he moved to the side of the bed and lifting his hand he placed a dagger blade at the side of the finger and removed the whole finger, placed it in a leather bag from under his cloak and turned for the door, Repsol followed him as they left the room sen's brother appeared and signaled to move with haste, as the three came from the back of the house they could hear the sounds of dogs, now they knew where the fourth man from the ledge had gone, quickly they moved in the direction which took them quickest from the house, Repsol lifted his bow as he passed and slung it over his right shoulder, they where away from the house but the sound of the dogs began to get closer, they turned north wards and away from the camp, Repsol reached into his bag and took out the small pot and the dried meat, he placed the meat about the ground and sprinkled the contents of the pot over it and then ran to catch the cloaked men ahead of him, they could now hear the howls and snarling of the dogs getting closer twas clear the animals where loose, Repsol thought..the meat get the meat, his breath now was labored his cloak catching on the sharp bushes as he ran through them he could not outrun the animals, then it was quiet, nothing the stillness of the night deafening them as they stopped to listen, the three turned and ran for as fast as they could, soon the found their horses, the three men mounted and rode like the wind.
After some time sen slowed his horse and began to walk her, Repsol and sen's brother did the same, sen turned in his saddle to Repsol and spoke...

Tis with fondness my friend I now take my leave from thy quest, O/our journey doth end here, tis with honor I shalt think of thee, I shalt allow the world to see this ring and the finger therein so all shall know Small is dead.....I bid thee well and gods speed thee to thy home and loved ones..

Sen held out his arm and the two grasped each forearm and pledged a friendship allegiance, Repsol turned to sen's brother who tipped the edge of his hood and kicked his horse on, sen turned and followed, Repsol turned his horse northward and rode like the wind.......