Thanks Tim,
Now still on with the story.
Etir and his lord Aun Kerac quickly leave the fort and begin tracking the rebels, following their steps. It is at this point Etir asks Aun,
“Why follow them my lord? Surely we can just continue to Winterhaven now we are free?”
Au n shakes his head. “Nay Etir,” he says, “We cannot go until we know the plans of these robbers, for should they be planning an attack on Winterhaven we must know of it.”
“But why would they attack Winterhaven?” asks his vassal.
“Because Etir,” Aun sighs, “The jousting tournament is a special event. There will be kings and nobles from near every Kingdom in the known world. And our capture was meaningful, they were not just some random robbers, if they were they would not have held us captive. Therefore I can only believe there is some other force at work here and my suspicions are confirmed by what their leader said in the keep, that ‘The master will not be pleased.’”
“You then believe that it is one of the kings who wishes to destroy this event?” asks Etir, shocked.
“We shall soon find out,” Aun says, “there is the band we are tracking.” And with that, Aun holds out his hand and points into the trees.
There the rebels march, and the glint of steel can just be seen through the thick forestation.
“Let us hurry,” says Aun, “Night is falling, and we will not be able to keep them in sight after dark.”
So the two follow the band. Aun makes no sound, and travels head. While Etir stayes behind, holding the horse. All the while Aun contemplates where they are going.
When the rebels do finally stop, it is just before sundown. They arrive in a clearing and begin to make camp. Aun signals Etir forward.
“We shall make camp as well, but through the forest behind us so we will not be seen,” he says. And so the two trek back to another clearing, though much smaller, and set up their own camp.
Etir disappears for a moment, and returns with wood, but Aun holds up his hand.
“We cannot afford a fire,” he says, “They will see the light through the trees.”
“But what of food? And warmth?” asks Etir.
“Prepare for a hard night Etir,” says Aun standing.
I shall take the first watch. And with that, he takes his place at the tree line.
By the light of the moon, he contemplates where they are traveling too, and who might be trying to destroy the tournament.
To be continued.
