Age: 22
Race: Kul'Darin
Gender: Male
Rahl stands at 5'11 with wide shoulders. The hair on his arms and legs is thicker than a normal mans, but none would compare to him to beastkin. A mop of thick, curly dark brown hair hangs to his strong jawline. He is always barefoot, to feel the earth beneath him. He easily puts others at ease with his slight, but honest smile beneath a square, shaggy beard.
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Rahl Mountainwalker
A Kul'Darin earth shaman.
Description
Personality
While the Old Owl tradition is based on patience and long thought, leading to wisdom; Rahl is the exception to the rule. While perceptive, and usually irritatingly correct, he lacks the tact and patience provided by experience.
Rahl sees things as they are, and the truth is important to him. He will not let a falsehood remain uncovered, whether it should be or not. While some would call him openly honest, others my term him as a guileless troublemaker.
Equipment
Weapons: A stout, iron-shod staff of strong oak and a leather sling tied around his wait.
Armor: Supple leather with heavy bronze bracers over his ankles and wrists.
Magic Training: Natural magic is not something learned so much as felt, not taught so much as inferred. Rahl's magical strength lies foremost in a rare earth-based ability called Pathmaking. This allows a shaman to create an untraceable path through any terrain, the Kul'Darin people hold this ability in high esteem for it's aid in their guerrilla strikes and raids.
Rahl has a moderate ability in increasing crop yields. He can also slightly alter terrain to help or hinder as he sees fit. He is not nearly strong enough, yet, to cause earthquakes or avalanches.
The spirit of Rahl's ancestor, an earth shaman named Uralda, travels with him in the form of a small burrowing owl. Her advice is a simultaneous source of comfort and irritation.
History
Rahl was born into the Old Owl tribe, his potential portended by the stars in the heavens and whispers in the wind that proceed the births of all shamans among the Kul'Darin.
Raw magical talent can alter the world with intent, but to be most effective it must be focused. The young Rahl was mentored by Barntar, the only other Earth shaman in the tribe. Under Barntar's tutelage Rahl learned how to contact the spirit of his ancestors, the secret myths and rites of the Old Owls. Barntar's talents lay in other directions than Rahl. While the young boy could disappear for hours, show pilgrims to sacred shrines, and lead thanes to the heart of their foes; Barntar gave life and prosperity to the Old Owls by increasing crop yields and aiding in the finding wells or veins of ore. Barntar's true strength, which Rahl only witnessed once, gave him his ekename, Barntar Groundshaker.
Barntar and the other elders of the tribe, having peace in there own lands (due in large part to the prosperity and fear provided by the Groundshaker) do not wish to upset the balance they have with their neighbors. In sending Rahl as representative to Ephram they get rid of a troublesome youth for a time, and possibly gain a more powerful shaman on his return.
So begins...
Rahl Mountainwalker's Story
- Seen 15 Times • Page 1 of 1
Myra entered the make shift area where the horses were kept. She whistled and Owen trotted over. He gave her shoulder a nudge. "Yeah I know, thought you were rid of me for a bit. I thought maybe I'd brush you down a bit but if you are going to be ungrateful..."
A heavy hoof thumped the ground and his nose made contact with her shoulder again. Myra smiled, "I thought so." The brush was in her hand, having pulled it out of her pack before she came in. Slowly, Myra began to brush the stalliion down. The dust from the road began to fall away as the brush moved through his coat. The task was calming to Myra, allowing her to forget about the troubles they were about to face.
His coat shone in the dim sunlight by the time she was done. Contentedly Myra sighed and rubbed his face. "There you go. Nicest looking boy out there." Her head layed against him. He neighed quietly.
Myra stepped away, "Alright, go on now. When Ephram gets back we have a job to do so be ready you." The horse snorted, mocking her statement that it was he that would not be ready. Myra slipped out of the fence and made her way across the camp. She passed Anna's seated form and did her best not to disturb the dwarven woman as she seemed to be concentrating.
She spotted Ashton in a group of meditating Kul'Darin. Myra stopped, looking at the meditating forms. It was as if their calm and concentration was radiating out into the camp.
A heavy hoof thumped the ground and his nose made contact with her shoulder again. Myra smiled, "I thought so." The brush was in her hand, having pulled it out of her pack before she came in. Slowly, Myra began to brush the stalliion down. The dust from the road began to fall away as the brush moved through his coat. The task was calming to Myra, allowing her to forget about the troubles they were about to face.
His coat shone in the dim sunlight by the time she was done. Contentedly Myra sighed and rubbed his face. "There you go. Nicest looking boy out there." Her head layed against him. He neighed quietly.
Myra stepped away, "Alright, go on now. When Ephram gets back we have a job to do so be ready you." The horse snorted, mocking her statement that it was he that would not be ready. Myra slipped out of the fence and made her way across the camp. She passed Anna's seated form and did her best not to disturb the dwarven woman as she seemed to be concentrating.
She spotted Ashton in a group of meditating Kul'Darin. Myra stopped, looking at the meditating forms. It was as if their calm and concentration was radiating out into the camp.
Myra raised an amused eyebrow at the man in front of her. She looked up at him, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Woman I am and courier by trade." Myra shook her head and put her hand out to shake his.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Rahl Mountainwalker of the Old Owl. I am Myra Hannail." With a tilt of her head she took a moment to look him over. Broad shouldered, long haired and barefoot, he was an interesting figure to look at. He was about her age, maybe a little older but it was hard to tell under the beard.
Shouldering her satchel, Myra nodded. "His majesty? Prince Ephram? He is not in camp at the moment but I am to meet with him upon his return. I would be happy to pass that on to him."
The shaking of her head caused her braid to swing back and forth, self concisouly Myra grabbed it and pulled it over her shoulder. "No debt and I will accept no pay. As I said I am going to be seeing him already. I am just impatiently waiting for him to return." She offered him a friendly smile.
Myra bit her lip and frowned. They needed another person to deal with this spy. "Tell me Rahl of the Old Owl, are you here to help his fight?" Myra wasn't technically here to help the cause, she was just here but she knew of a spy and they needed another body to help. There was a job to finish. "If you are here to help him than I think I have a way you can help. Will you attend with me? Listen and see if you can help possibly?"
Myra glanced to where Ashton was meditating. She wished the woman would look up. "When she is done." She pointed to where the woman sat. "We can discuss with her about you coming along. You wish to talk to him, I think you might be useful." Myra lowered her arm and smiled at him.
"Agreed?"
"It is a pleasure to meet you Rahl Mountainwalker of the Old Owl. I am Myra Hannail." With a tilt of her head she took a moment to look him over. Broad shouldered, long haired and barefoot, he was an interesting figure to look at. He was about her age, maybe a little older but it was hard to tell under the beard.
Shouldering her satchel, Myra nodded. "His majesty? Prince Ephram? He is not in camp at the moment but I am to meet with him upon his return. I would be happy to pass that on to him."
The shaking of her head caused her braid to swing back and forth, self concisouly Myra grabbed it and pulled it over her shoulder. "No debt and I will accept no pay. As I said I am going to be seeing him already. I am just impatiently waiting for him to return." She offered him a friendly smile.
Myra bit her lip and frowned. They needed another person to deal with this spy. "Tell me Rahl of the Old Owl, are you here to help his fight?" Myra wasn't technically here to help the cause, she was just here but she knew of a spy and they needed another body to help. There was a job to finish. "If you are here to help him than I think I have a way you can help. Will you attend with me? Listen and see if you can help possibly?"
Myra glanced to where Ashton was meditating. She wished the woman would look up. "When she is done." She pointed to where the woman sat. "We can discuss with her about you coming along. You wish to talk to him, I think you might be useful." Myra lowered her arm and smiled at him.
"Agreed?"
Myra couldn't stop the light laughter that escaped as Rahl apologized and called her lady. "Well in the end it will be Ashton and then Ephram's call but this...situation could use another body." She would have explained more but the appearance of a small owl caused her to pause.
Rahl glanced at the owl and then back to Myra. Myra nodded, biting her lip to hold in her giggle of amusement as she watched the owl. She couldn't decide if Rahl was fond of the small owl or not as his friendly smile gave way briefly to irritation. "It is a pleasure Ernalda." Myra bowed her head slightly in greeting to the bird. Family, that explained the Rahl's reaction to Ernalda's appearance. Family had a way of showing up when you least expected them.
She held very still as Ernalda hopped onto Rahl's staff. She looked Myra over and then tended to her grooming. It felt a little as if Myra was being appraised by Ernalda as worthy to be speaking to Rahl. Myra looked at the man wondering what to make of the pair.
Rahl didn't seem phased by the owl's brief scrutiny. Myra barely hid her surprise as he inquired about her and Ashton. Unused to talking about herself, Myra's cheeks coloured slightly. She scuffed at the dirt with her boot, looking down briefly.
"Me?" Myra, looked up from the ground and smiled at him. "There is not much to tell about me Rahl of Old Owl." She pulled on her braid a little. "I am a courier, asked to stay on board by Ephram and while I can be of help I shall remain. I am staying with Anna May." Myra pointed to where the dwarven woman sat in her own mediation. "She is a healer and a protector of Prince Ephram."
Looking back to where Ashton sat, "Ashton is a favourite of Ephram's and she leads many of his fighters." Myra paused unsure of what else she could add. "I have not been in the camp that long but they are a commited group."
Myra turned to face Rahl, she shrugged. "I am afraid there is not much more about them or the camp I can tell you. My apologies."
She leaned against a near by tree and crossed her arms across her chest. "A shaman is a noble path. Sent by your elders." Myra nodded appreciatively. "Have you travelled far?"
Rahl glanced at the owl and then back to Myra. Myra nodded, biting her lip to hold in her giggle of amusement as she watched the owl. She couldn't decide if Rahl was fond of the small owl or not as his friendly smile gave way briefly to irritation. "It is a pleasure Ernalda." Myra bowed her head slightly in greeting to the bird. Family, that explained the Rahl's reaction to Ernalda's appearance. Family had a way of showing up when you least expected them.
She held very still as Ernalda hopped onto Rahl's staff. She looked Myra over and then tended to her grooming. It felt a little as if Myra was being appraised by Ernalda as worthy to be speaking to Rahl. Myra looked at the man wondering what to make of the pair.
Rahl didn't seem phased by the owl's brief scrutiny. Myra barely hid her surprise as he inquired about her and Ashton. Unused to talking about herself, Myra's cheeks coloured slightly. She scuffed at the dirt with her boot, looking down briefly.
"Me?" Myra, looked up from the ground and smiled at him. "There is not much to tell about me Rahl of Old Owl." She pulled on her braid a little. "I am a courier, asked to stay on board by Ephram and while I can be of help I shall remain. I am staying with Anna May." Myra pointed to where the dwarven woman sat in her own mediation. "She is a healer and a protector of Prince Ephram."
Looking back to where Ashton sat, "Ashton is a favourite of Ephram's and she leads many of his fighters." Myra paused unsure of what else she could add. "I have not been in the camp that long but they are a commited group."
Myra turned to face Rahl, she shrugged. "I am afraid there is not much more about them or the camp I can tell you. My apologies."
She leaned against a near by tree and crossed her arms across her chest. "A shaman is a noble path. Sent by your elders." Myra nodded appreciatively. "Have you travelled far?"
Myra couldn't stop the smile that broke as the og began to lick the dwarven woman's face. She shook her head and kept her attention back on Rahl. Relieved that he did ot press more about her life, Myra nodded as he talked of travelling. She frown just briefly as the man seemed to react to something and then it passed. She let it go. Myra mad eit a habit of never asking too much of strangers, they tended to get suspiscious and with the way things were right now there was a chance that anyone could be a spy.
Myra opened her mouth to tell Rahl not to call her Lady, simply Myra and to explain in brief what was going on when Ephram approached. She stood straight and nodded to the man.
"Yes, I do. We learned something when I delivered the message. I think it best that we retire to your tent to discuss this in private." Myra smiled. "Before we go, allow me to introduce Rahl Mountainwalker of the Old Owl. He comes as a the request of his elders. Ashon, Anna May and I have some thoughts on how to deal with what we discovered and I think Rahl could help. If you are willing to hear us out that is." She smiled.
"If you two will head to your tent Ephram, I will gather Anna and Ashton. We will meet you there." She frowned a little and dropped her voice. "Prince Ephram, be sure there are none within earshot. What we need to tell you is sensitive and could change the way the coming fighting will turn out." Myra looked at Ephram, her normally friendly smile now fallen away. With a nod to them both men, she turned and headed to free up Anna from the dog.
Myra gave the dog a slight shove off the woman. "Get off with ye." She offered her hand to Anna May. "He is back and we all need to talk about this and see if we can't nip this problem in the bud." Myra gave Anna a wink. "Come on, let's get you off the ground before that dog decides you are a comfy pillow again." She laughed.
Once the dwarven woman was standing, Myra led the way to where Ashton was meditating. Not wishing to disturb any of them, Myra crouched a short distance away from the woman. She picked a few small pebbles. Lobbing them lightly she pinged them off of Ashton's shoulder. Myra waited for the inevitable glare before standing and waving Ashton over to her. She pointed to Ephram's tent. Once Ashton acknowledeged the gesture, Myra turned and headed to where she hoped the men were waiting.
Myra opened her mouth to tell Rahl not to call her Lady, simply Myra and to explain in brief what was going on when Ephram approached. She stood straight and nodded to the man.
"Yes, I do. We learned something when I delivered the message. I think it best that we retire to your tent to discuss this in private." Myra smiled. "Before we go, allow me to introduce Rahl Mountainwalker of the Old Owl. He comes as a the request of his elders. Ashon, Anna May and I have some thoughts on how to deal with what we discovered and I think Rahl could help. If you are willing to hear us out that is." She smiled.
"If you two will head to your tent Ephram, I will gather Anna and Ashton. We will meet you there." She frowned a little and dropped her voice. "Prince Ephram, be sure there are none within earshot. What we need to tell you is sensitive and could change the way the coming fighting will turn out." Myra looked at Ephram, her normally friendly smile now fallen away. With a nod to them both men, she turned and headed to free up Anna from the dog.
Myra gave the dog a slight shove off the woman. "Get off with ye." She offered her hand to Anna May. "He is back and we all need to talk about this and see if we can't nip this problem in the bud." Myra gave Anna a wink. "Come on, let's get you off the ground before that dog decides you are a comfy pillow again." She laughed.
Once the dwarven woman was standing, Myra led the way to where Ashton was meditating. Not wishing to disturb any of them, Myra crouched a short distance away from the woman. She picked a few small pebbles. Lobbing them lightly she pinged them off of Ashton's shoulder. Myra waited for the inevitable glare before standing and waving Ashton over to her. She pointed to Ephram's tent. Once Ashton acknowledeged the gesture, Myra turned and headed to where she hoped the men were waiting.
Myra waited for Ashton to move closer to her. She paid very little attention to the woman's glare. Her voice was hushed as Ashton approached.
"Ephram is back and waiting for us. I asked him to make sure no one is near by."
Myra headed towards Ephram's tent. She didn't look back, assuming Anna and Ashton would follow close behind. She looked around, checking that no one lingered close by. Once she was confident that no one lurked near by Myra stepped inside.
Her eyes adjusted to the dimmer tent. She moved to make room for the others before she began. "I delivered that message. It went to the king's advisor. I believe, from what I overheard that someone has tipped them off to the elves planned skirmishes." Myra kept her voice low, if any did try to hear it would make it difficult.
"Ashton has a plan. There is a potential spy in your camp. Would be best if they are flushed out and stopped. If we let the spy ride out, we can follow and stop them. That way we know exactly who it is and can question them."
Myra looked around at those gathered there. She figured Ashton would have more to add, tactics were not her thing but she felt better having told Ephram what she had heard. "Anna has said she would help, I will lend myself and Owen. Ashton is another and I felt that perhaps Rahl might lend us his assistance as well. He wished to talk to you anyway"
Myra fell silent. She had said her peace and now would leave it to those in charge.
"Ephram is back and waiting for us. I asked him to make sure no one is near by."
Myra headed towards Ephram's tent. She didn't look back, assuming Anna and Ashton would follow close behind. She looked around, checking that no one lingered close by. Once she was confident that no one lurked near by Myra stepped inside.
Her eyes adjusted to the dimmer tent. She moved to make room for the others before she began. "I delivered that message. It went to the king's advisor. I believe, from what I overheard that someone has tipped them off to the elves planned skirmishes." Myra kept her voice low, if any did try to hear it would make it difficult.
"Ashton has a plan. There is a potential spy in your camp. Would be best if they are flushed out and stopped. If we let the spy ride out, we can follow and stop them. That way we know exactly who it is and can question them."
Myra looked around at those gathered there. She figured Ashton would have more to add, tactics were not her thing but she felt better having told Ephram what she had heard. "Anna has said she would help, I will lend myself and Owen. Ashton is another and I felt that perhaps Rahl might lend us his assistance as well. He wished to talk to you anyway"
Myra fell silent. She had said her peace and now would leave it to those in charge.
Myra looked around, listening as both Rahl and Ashton spoke. She glanced at Anna May, the woman seemed ready for whatever came at her and Myra would hate to be on the receiving end of her mace. The look on the dwarf's face said everything, there was no need for her to utter a word.
All eyes in the tent were on Ashton. It was a decent plan, it meant likely hard rides as the spy would most certainly run when spotted but that wasn't a big deal. Myra kept her voice low, one could never be certain if someone was eavesdropping and this plan hinged on no one getting wind of it. "I purpose that we stagger leaving the camp. That way it isn't suspiscious that so many just happen to be riding out at the same time. Since one of those will be Ashton and likely one Ephram himself we could end up showing our hand far too early. I offer myself and Owen for the road to the capital. Owen is fast. If the person tries to bolt down that road, to get there as fast as they can, I feel that I would have a decent chance of catching them."
Myra looked thoughful for a moment. "If the spy sets off on horseback, they would have to pull one from the stable area. Perhaps someone could keep watch there, follow the spy out? Or even slow them down, not allow them to take a horse. Be easier to catch if they are on foot." She looked around, "It is of course simply a thought. I am willing to go where ever you need me to be." She gave a slight smile and small shrug.
Myra knew she wasn't a leader, not a fighter or a tactician. She was greatly out numbered in this tent. A prince, a warrior, a shaman and a fighting priestess Myra was like the runt of the litter. This though made her bite her lip in order to hold in the giggle that threatened to burst force. She waited now to see if Rahl or any of the others had thoughts on the plan and for Ephram to make the final call.
All eyes in the tent were on Ashton. It was a decent plan, it meant likely hard rides as the spy would most certainly run when spotted but that wasn't a big deal. Myra kept her voice low, one could never be certain if someone was eavesdropping and this plan hinged on no one getting wind of it. "I purpose that we stagger leaving the camp. That way it isn't suspiscious that so many just happen to be riding out at the same time. Since one of those will be Ashton and likely one Ephram himself we could end up showing our hand far too early. I offer myself and Owen for the road to the capital. Owen is fast. If the person tries to bolt down that road, to get there as fast as they can, I feel that I would have a decent chance of catching them."
Myra looked thoughful for a moment. "If the spy sets off on horseback, they would have to pull one from the stable area. Perhaps someone could keep watch there, follow the spy out? Or even slow them down, not allow them to take a horse. Be easier to catch if they are on foot." She looked around, "It is of course simply a thought. I am willing to go where ever you need me to be." She gave a slight smile and small shrug.
Myra knew she wasn't a leader, not a fighter or a tactician. She was greatly out numbered in this tent. A prince, a warrior, a shaman and a fighting priestess Myra was like the runt of the litter. This though made her bite her lip in order to hold in the giggle that threatened to burst force. She waited now to see if Rahl or any of the others had thoughts on the plan and for Ephram to make the final call.
Myra nodded. "Alright. So I will ride out towards the capital, the way we travelled earlier today. If they are going to tip off to the plan again they will head that way."
She looked around to see if anyone would argue. Everyone seemed involved in their own part of the plan.
"I will wait and catch them if I can. I have no magic ability. My skill is my speed if this spy is a magic user than I will be vulnerable. I will however do what I can." Myra frowned.
There was a chance that if the spy was a magic user and even reasonably powerful she might be injured in the pursuit. Doubt began to creep in. She wasn't signed on for this, she simply wanted to help.
"Are we to seperate then? I will head off immediately." Myra turned, not waiting for the others to respond. Rahl was right, they needed to move fast. Playing with her hair she headed out of the tent. They would sort themselves out and if something changed there was still time to catch her before she mounted up and rode out.
"What are you doing? You are paid to deliver messages, not chase down spies." Myra inwardly chastised herself.
She made her way to the area where Owen was contently munching some grass. He raised his head, looking directly at her.
"Aye boy, we are riding out again." Her voice was soothing, a smile touching her lips as she approached him. The prospect of the ride appealing to both of them. Myra rubbed his neck and began to lead him to the side. She prepared him for the ride, blanket and saddle.
One last look towards Ephram's tent and Myra hoisted herself into the saddle. She hoped they were ready for this. A glance at the camp as Myra tried to look for anyone who appeared to be leaving. No one stuck out immediately and she silently hoped it wasn't too late.
She looked around to see if anyone would argue. Everyone seemed involved in their own part of the plan.
"I will wait and catch them if I can. I have no magic ability. My skill is my speed if this spy is a magic user than I will be vulnerable. I will however do what I can." Myra frowned.
There was a chance that if the spy was a magic user and even reasonably powerful she might be injured in the pursuit. Doubt began to creep in. She wasn't signed on for this, she simply wanted to help.
"Are we to seperate then? I will head off immediately." Myra turned, not waiting for the others to respond. Rahl was right, they needed to move fast. Playing with her hair she headed out of the tent. They would sort themselves out and if something changed there was still time to catch her before she mounted up and rode out.
"What are you doing? You are paid to deliver messages, not chase down spies." Myra inwardly chastised herself.
She made her way to the area where Owen was contently munching some grass. He raised his head, looking directly at her.
"Aye boy, we are riding out again." Her voice was soothing, a smile touching her lips as she approached him. The prospect of the ride appealing to both of them. Myra rubbed his neck and began to lead him to the side. She prepared him for the ride, blanket and saddle.
One last look towards Ephram's tent and Myra hoisted herself into the saddle. She hoped they were ready for this. A glance at the camp as Myra tried to look for anyone who appeared to be leaving. No one stuck out immediately and she silently hoped it wasn't too late.
Myra kept her face calm. "Oh yes, I happen to be heading to the capital. There are outlaws about? I...I had no idea...oh dear." Her eyes went wide in a feigned act of helplessness.
She moved slowly towards Owen. "I would not wish to slow you down though sir. I do appreciate the offer. I am not prepared for bandits and such. As I said I have no coin. If you do not mind the company I will take your offer. It is safer and as you say wiser to travel together."
Myra stroked Owen's cheek. "I will admit, I am now fearful for my life travelling alone. I am going to stay with family in the capital." She slid up into her saddle, making the movement slightly awkward so he would believe her to be an inexperienced rider.
He doesn't know who I am. Doesn't recognize me as a courier. If I play this right I can slow us down enough for the others to catch up or at least give myself and oppritunity to take him down. Myra's mind whirled. She needed Ephram or Rahl or Anna to come. She could use her dagger well enough but she wasn't convinced that she could retrain the man alone. Ride him down, hit him with the throwing knife yes but hold him for questioning, not likely. Myra knew she had to stall things long enough for the others to figure out the spy was on this road and to follow.
Turning Owen towards the man, waiting for him to mount up as well, Myra fidgetted in her saddle. "I am not sure I will ever get used to sitting in a saddle for any length of time. I am Cathleen and it is a pleasure to have your company. Even if you did happen upon me in a..." Myra cast her eyes down and blushed. "Vulnerable state."
She looked back up at the man and then followed his horse back onto the road. A last look behind her and Myra blinked. She thought for a moment that she saw a figure, it appeared as a man but looked as if he was made of bark and his eyes were watching her. A small shake of her head. You are seeing things....
She moved slowly towards Owen. "I would not wish to slow you down though sir. I do appreciate the offer. I am not prepared for bandits and such. As I said I have no coin. If you do not mind the company I will take your offer. It is safer and as you say wiser to travel together."
Myra stroked Owen's cheek. "I will admit, I am now fearful for my life travelling alone. I am going to stay with family in the capital." She slid up into her saddle, making the movement slightly awkward so he would believe her to be an inexperienced rider.
He doesn't know who I am. Doesn't recognize me as a courier. If I play this right I can slow us down enough for the others to catch up or at least give myself and oppritunity to take him down. Myra's mind whirled. She needed Ephram or Rahl or Anna to come. She could use her dagger well enough but she wasn't convinced that she could retrain the man alone. Ride him down, hit him with the throwing knife yes but hold him for questioning, not likely. Myra knew she had to stall things long enough for the others to figure out the spy was on this road and to follow.
Turning Owen towards the man, waiting for him to mount up as well, Myra fidgetted in her saddle. "I am not sure I will ever get used to sitting in a saddle for any length of time. I am Cathleen and it is a pleasure to have your company. Even if you did happen upon me in a..." Myra cast her eyes down and blushed. "Vulnerable state."
She looked back up at the man and then followed his horse back onto the road. A last look behind her and Myra blinked. She thought for a moment that she saw a figure, it appeared as a man but looked as if he was made of bark and his eyes were watching her. A small shake of her head. You are seeing things....
Myra smiled sweetly, slowly following. "I am fine. I thought I saw a deer. But must be all the riding, shaking me up too much." She giggled at her all too silly joke.
Myra needed to keep him talking, focused on a slow ride and the conversation so that it gave the others time to catch up. "I am travelling from a very small town, village really. Milishire. You have likely never heard of it this close to the capital. We aren't worth much. One of the reasons I am heading to the capital. I have extended family there and I am hoping to work in their shop."
She twirled her hair on her finger. "They own a small textile shop and sheep farm. Nothing big but enough that they need the hands and I work hard."
Owen's gait was slow, prompted by Myra's subtle signals with her knees and the hold on the reins. "So you are heading to the capital with papers for your master. Are you a courier or just running this important errand for him?"
Myra looked around as if she was taking in the scenery. In reality she was listening for signs that other riders might be approaching. She wondered how long this ruse would have to go on. Still playing with her hair she turned her attention back to Mark, waiting for him to answer the question.
Myra needed to keep him talking, focused on a slow ride and the conversation so that it gave the others time to catch up. "I am travelling from a very small town, village really. Milishire. You have likely never heard of it this close to the capital. We aren't worth much. One of the reasons I am heading to the capital. I have extended family there and I am hoping to work in their shop."
She twirled her hair on her finger. "They own a small textile shop and sheep farm. Nothing big but enough that they need the hands and I work hard."
Owen's gait was slow, prompted by Myra's subtle signals with her knees and the hold on the reins. "So you are heading to the capital with papers for your master. Are you a courier or just running this important errand for him?"
Myra looked around as if she was taking in the scenery. In reality she was listening for signs that other riders might be approaching. She wondered how long this ruse would have to go on. Still playing with her hair she turned her attention back to Mark, waiting for him to answer the question.
Myra felt terrible for the man. She bit the inside of her cheek hard as he explained what it is that he was taking to the capital, what the information detailed and how it would turn the battle.
Mark truly was caught between a rock and a hard place. He simply couldn't hand over the information to anyone without others paying for his actions, be it his family or a group of soldiers.
It was quiet for a short time as they moved down the road. Myra sighed, “Mark, what if...”
Her words were cut off by Rahl's appearance in front of them on the road. He called out Mark as a spy.
Myra wheeled Owen around to the rear of Mark's horse. She did not want him to bolt this way and she hoped that Rahl could stop him from charging.
“You are not a traitor Mark do not go down as one. Ephram will understand that they are holding your family, that you had no choice. Explain your side to him.” Myra didn't want to spook Mark into running and she knew the man was already torn as to his actions, she hoped this would not cause him to do something rash.
Her hand drifted down to one of her throwing knives. She could hit the horse and make it falter if need be, maybe throw Mark as it went down but she did not want to kill the man. He was in a rather unfortunate spot and it did not appear he had the free choice to be a spy or not.
Tension was thick in the forest air as Rahl stood his ground on the road and the horses pawed at the dirt below them. Myra's mouth was dry waiting to see what action the man would take.
"Don't be stupid....please...." She silently prayed for Mark to be calm.
Mark truly was caught between a rock and a hard place. He simply couldn't hand over the information to anyone without others paying for his actions, be it his family or a group of soldiers.
It was quiet for a short time as they moved down the road. Myra sighed, “Mark, what if...”
Her words were cut off by Rahl's appearance in front of them on the road. He called out Mark as a spy.
Myra wheeled Owen around to the rear of Mark's horse. She did not want him to bolt this way and she hoped that Rahl could stop him from charging.
“You are not a traitor Mark do not go down as one. Ephram will understand that they are holding your family, that you had no choice. Explain your side to him.” Myra didn't want to spook Mark into running and she knew the man was already torn as to his actions, she hoped this would not cause him to do something rash.
Her hand drifted down to one of her throwing knives. She could hit the horse and make it falter if need be, maybe throw Mark as it went down but she did not want to kill the man. He was in a rather unfortunate spot and it did not appear he had the free choice to be a spy or not.
Tension was thick in the forest air as Rahl stood his ground on the road and the horses pawed at the dirt below them. Myra's mouth was dry waiting to see what action the man would take.
"Don't be stupid....please...." She silently prayed for Mark to be calm.
Myra's face dropped, "Mark, please we were sent to find a spy..we had no idea you weren't doing it willingly.."
It was too late. She saw the fire ball form, saw Rahl jump out of the way, the boulder come at him and watched Mark spur his horse on. Fire was launched at the trees and Owen's reflexes are all that kept the pair from being swept up in the boulder.
Owen leapt and trotted out of the way. They came up beside Rahl. "Forest is burning. He wasn't a spy by choice. He was forced into it. Damn it!"
She kicked Owen, spurring the stallion into a run. He was fast, faster than Mark's horse. "Wait! We can help!" Myra was yelling. Leaning in against Owen's neck she spoke to the horse. "Alright, show him what we can do."
Owen took off into the brush. He ran, faster than one would assume a horse could when dealing with shrubbery and undergrowth. They overtook the rider on the road and with a great jump, Owen landed in the rode a few feet in front of Mark.
"Stop! Listen to me! We can help your family, there has to be some way to help them and keep the armies from being slaughtered."
Myra was watching Mark, hoping he would stop, take a moment to listen or at least not launch anymore magic at her or anyone else.
It was too late. She saw the fire ball form, saw Rahl jump out of the way, the boulder come at him and watched Mark spur his horse on. Fire was launched at the trees and Owen's reflexes are all that kept the pair from being swept up in the boulder.
Owen leapt and trotted out of the way. They came up beside Rahl. "Forest is burning. He wasn't a spy by choice. He was forced into it. Damn it!"
She kicked Owen, spurring the stallion into a run. He was fast, faster than Mark's horse. "Wait! We can help!" Myra was yelling. Leaning in against Owen's neck she spoke to the horse. "Alright, show him what we can do."
Owen took off into the brush. He ran, faster than one would assume a horse could when dealing with shrubbery and undergrowth. They overtook the rider on the road and with a great jump, Owen landed in the rode a few feet in front of Mark.
"Stop! Listen to me! We can help your family, there has to be some way to help them and keep the armies from being slaughtered."
Myra was watching Mark, hoping he would stop, take a moment to listen or at least not launch anymore magic at her or anyone else.
Myra frowned, "There has to be another way." She sighed. He seemed resigned that he had to deliver the information. At least now she knew what was being passed on. She could at least warn Ephram.
Behind them a fire was burning in the underbrush where Mark's fireball had hit.
Myra walked Owen backwards. "Go, go and help your family but you can always come back. Ephram can use those who believe in what he is doing."
"What the hell are you thinking? You don't know anything about this...you are letting him go? When did you turn all diplomatic?"
Myra's thoughts whirled. Where was all this coming from? She knew she felt terrible for a man who had seen so much and yet could do so little to stop it. She knew what it was to feel helpless, useless and backed into a corner.
She watched him head off down the road. Once he was out of sight she turned Owen back towards where they had left Rahl, where the fire burned.
The horse's hooves pounded hard as she rushed back. She stopped near Rahl and held out her hand, "Come on, he is gone and we have to do something about these flames."
Behind them a fire was burning in the underbrush where Mark's fireball had hit.
Myra walked Owen backwards. "Go, go and help your family but you can always come back. Ephram can use those who believe in what he is doing."
"What the hell are you thinking? You don't know anything about this...you are letting him go? When did you turn all diplomatic?"
Myra's thoughts whirled. Where was all this coming from? She knew she felt terrible for a man who had seen so much and yet could do so little to stop it. She knew what it was to feel helpless, useless and backed into a corner.
She watched him head off down the road. Once he was out of sight she turned Owen back towards where they had left Rahl, where the fire burned.
The horse's hooves pounded hard as she rushed back. She stopped near Rahl and held out her hand, "Come on, he is gone and we have to do something about these flames."
Myra steered Owen through the thick smoke. For his part the stallion kept his calm making it easier on his rider. He never did spook easy and in many situations where other horses would have bucked their rider, Owen seemed almost at peace.
Her lungs burned, the smoke making her cough. "We have to do something..." The fire was getting out of control, burning hot to her left and making it very, very hard to breathe. "Must be near where it started..." It was suddenly much harder to breath. Owen tossed his head as if echoing her thoughts but he kept moving.
Myra frowned, she was fairly certain she could hear horse hooves some close and now some that sounded as if they were moving away. "Who's there? You have to go the fire is starting to get out of control!"
She was trying to keep an eye on Rahl and guide Owen. It was getting harder and harder to see. The smoke and ash was making her eyes water. Owen kept moving, somehow knowing not to run and lose the Kul'Darin man who was near by. A figure appeared as they moved out of the heaviest of the smoke.
"You!" She coughed hard. "We have to get out of here." Blinking Myra saw Ephram.
"The spy...he is gone...he caused the fire to get away but...." Her body was wracked with a fit of coughing. She had been in the worst of the smoke and now was paying for it. With a shake of her head, Myra tried to inhale but was finding the task of breathing more and more difficult. She hunched over Owen's neck, the stallion's muscles a comfort under her cheek.
"Have to get...out...explain...no choice..." Myra was gasping now. She looked to Rahl for help but knew that the man couldn't explain it to Ephram and that right now the fire was more important. Watery eyes looked at the shaman as the courier struggled to get enough air in.
Her arms wrapped around Owen's neck but she knew that she wouldn't be in the saddle for much longer. Her body slumped slowly off and to the ground. Half crawling, half crouching Myra tried to make it to a place were the air was clearer.
Her lungs burned, the smoke making her cough. "We have to do something..." The fire was getting out of control, burning hot to her left and making it very, very hard to breathe. "Must be near where it started..." It was suddenly much harder to breath. Owen tossed his head as if echoing her thoughts but he kept moving.
Myra frowned, she was fairly certain she could hear horse hooves some close and now some that sounded as if they were moving away. "Who's there? You have to go the fire is starting to get out of control!"
She was trying to keep an eye on Rahl and guide Owen. It was getting harder and harder to see. The smoke and ash was making her eyes water. Owen kept moving, somehow knowing not to run and lose the Kul'Darin man who was near by. A figure appeared as they moved out of the heaviest of the smoke.
"You!" She coughed hard. "We have to get out of here." Blinking Myra saw Ephram.
"The spy...he is gone...he caused the fire to get away but...." Her body was wracked with a fit of coughing. She had been in the worst of the smoke and now was paying for it. With a shake of her head, Myra tried to inhale but was finding the task of breathing more and more difficult. She hunched over Owen's neck, the stallion's muscles a comfort under her cheek.
"Have to get...out...explain...no choice..." Myra was gasping now. She looked to Rahl for help but knew that the man couldn't explain it to Ephram and that right now the fire was more important. Watery eyes looked at the shaman as the courier struggled to get enough air in.
Her arms wrapped around Owen's neck but she knew that she wouldn't be in the saddle for much longer. Her body slumped slowly off and to the ground. Half crawling, half crouching Myra tried to make it to a place were the air was clearer.
Myra barely comprehended what was going on. She was lifted and then moving. Owen followed Ephram's horse as if they were tethered together and once they arrived back at the camp he moved towards the stable but did not enter. Instead the stallion paced and pawed at the ground as if waiting for someone to come and tell him his rider was alright.
Myra felt warm. Her lungs once heavy and burning, struggling to move and bring oxygen in slowly began to loosen. She could see light behind her eyelids. Her breathing started in great heaving moments and as her body began to feel more normal it slowed and steadied.
Myra coughed and began to move in the bed. Her eyes opened and she found Anna May standing over her. “I...the spy he got away...had to.” She coughed a bit more. Her breathing was normal again and she pushed herself upright. “Thank you.”
She knew the dwarven woman healed her, had known she was doing poorly when she was on the road. “Truly Anna, thank you.” There was someone at the door of their tent. They were being summoned to Ephram's tent.
Myra sighed. She smelt of soot and ash but this couldn't wait.
She exited the tent, stopping at the stable to calm Owen. The horse rubbed his nose roughly into her shoulder. “I know, I know. I am sorry. I am fine my friend.” She stroked his nose. He was set for the night and Myra stood at the door of Ephram's tent. A deep breath and she entered.
He asked if anyone knew what happened. Myra relayed the story about him finding her, the ruse she used to get him talking, what she learned of why he was a spy and the information about the tunnel that he was carrying. She also stated that it was Mark who had set the fire in an effort to escape.
Her hands played with her braid. “I had to let him leave. He had family in danger and he was so desperate that there was no way to stop him.”
Myra felt warm. Her lungs once heavy and burning, struggling to move and bring oxygen in slowly began to loosen. She could see light behind her eyelids. Her breathing started in great heaving moments and as her body began to feel more normal it slowed and steadied.
Myra coughed and began to move in the bed. Her eyes opened and she found Anna May standing over her. “I...the spy he got away...had to.” She coughed a bit more. Her breathing was normal again and she pushed herself upright. “Thank you.”
She knew the dwarven woman healed her, had known she was doing poorly when she was on the road. “Truly Anna, thank you.” There was someone at the door of their tent. They were being summoned to Ephram's tent.
Myra sighed. She smelt of soot and ash but this couldn't wait.
She exited the tent, stopping at the stable to calm Owen. The horse rubbed his nose roughly into her shoulder. “I know, I know. I am sorry. I am fine my friend.” She stroked his nose. He was set for the night and Myra stood at the door of Ephram's tent. A deep breath and she entered.
He asked if anyone knew what happened. Myra relayed the story about him finding her, the ruse she used to get him talking, what she learned of why he was a spy and the information about the tunnel that he was carrying. She also stated that it was Mark who had set the fire in an effort to escape.
Her hands played with her braid. “I had to let him leave. He had family in danger and he was so desperate that there was no way to stop him.”
Myra felt terrible. Following the spy had not gone the way anyone had hoped. Sure, they had learned a great deal and now tactics could be changed but she had found out the spy was doing so out of urgency and protecting his family, not maliciousness. The fact that he actually sided with Ephram made it almost unbearable.
Myra played with her braid as Ephram talked of changing to a frontal assault. She didn't know much about military tactics but that sounded more dangerous and with more chances for high casualty numbers than their previous plan. Myra dropped her braid as Ephram turned to face her.
"Elven camp....got it...." She stood there for a moment. "I should have something from you, so they don't think I am making it up. They don't know me and might think it is a ploy. Perhaps a letter with your mark? Something to prove that what I tell them comes from you?"
She felt guilty asking it of him as she watched Ephram lay out on his bed. He was clearly tired and there was still more to be done in the morning but she knew from experience she could not just walk into a camp and expect them to listen to her without proof of who sent her. He ordered the others to rest and Myra waited.
Myra played with her braid as Ephram talked of changing to a frontal assault. She didn't know much about military tactics but that sounded more dangerous and with more chances for high casualty numbers than their previous plan. Myra dropped her braid as Ephram turned to face her.
"Elven camp....got it...." She stood there for a moment. "I should have something from you, so they don't think I am making it up. They don't know me and might think it is a ploy. Perhaps a letter with your mark? Something to prove that what I tell them comes from you?"
She felt guilty asking it of him as she watched Ephram lay out on his bed. He was clearly tired and there was still more to be done in the morning but she knew from experience she could not just walk into a camp and expect them to listen to her without proof of who sent her. He ordered the others to rest and Myra waited.
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