Eoin Fionnlaigh's Story

Eoin

The crisp morning air was seeping over the hills and all the life that inhabited the forest was beginning to change. Those that hunted the night would be bedding down and those that basked in the sun would rise to find the day ready to greet them.
A mist hung in the morning light as it was starting to crest the tip of the trees and high grass and the calls of songbirds from across the land were starting to call up and outwards to the heavens. This was a good time for hunters and it was the time for them to get out into the wilds and find game, for which Eoin had already been apart of and returned from.

Eoin sat at his campfire, weapons laid out to his side on a large set of boar skin, well oiled and cleaned as he did every few days and always at the same time. The light was beginning to sheen off the blades as he bit into the flesh of his morning kill, an Elk that was caught coming back from the low grass lands heading back into the mountains.
Like many a hunter he took only what he needed to survive and keep, leaving the rest for the land to take back. As he held the small haunch of meat in his mouth he finished bundling the last of the furs together that he had gathered over the last few days. Though he did not relish the thought of coming into contact with any of the inhabitants in the valley below, it was always good to keep such things around in case there was a trade to be made.

He pulled his large braid aside and stood up near the fire looking out over the valley, his camp had been made on an overlooking section of the cliff that allowed him to see much of what was going on below. Smoke off in the great distance were beginning to build up, no doubt the own campfires of small settlements and villages that he could not see for the treeline.
But still he knew they were there and his destination down towards the southern tips of the land was going to be nothing but guess work on which ones to avoid and which to pass through.

Eoin

After pulling his bedroll and other possessions together, which for the most part was not much. Eoin began to make his way down the mountain heading south like he planned. The sun was now caked over the side of the cliff and were he once occupied was now covered in golden rays of light.
His claymore was wrapped inside the roll of furs and his sword was swung on his left hip, the axe he made a habit of keeping in hand as he traveled. For the sake of personal protection and safety, which to his demise was not always something he did and several years ago a mountain cat made him regret not being prepared.

Most of the animals that roamed the countryside were not really so dangerous as to threaten a man like himself, but in lean times many animals were not unwilling to try.

It was easy for someone to lose track of the day as they traveled around the lands, his steps onto the grass and the fallen dry leafs crumbling below his feet made the ominous sound of approaching life more easy to discern from the normal noises of the wilderness. His ears however did come to the conclusion of water nearby and in fact upon a closer examination he did find a small stream moving parallel with himself, flowing down the side of the mountain.
While he normally avoided moving along such landmarks it was a good change for him, his mere presence was enough to scare off much of the animals that were watering themselves and when he passed it was easy enough for them to come back and continue.
So it was that Eoin continued on his path down the valley.

Eoin

As his path reached down into the valley Eoin stopped as something reached his ears, it was a strange and intense sound that carried on the wind and made the air sour like mulled wine.

"Hoo-ah!" The air shifted to carry the heavy weight of such a noise.

Eoin cast his gaze around and his back slightly stiffened, he had encountered such a sound before but that was far in the past and all who dared uttered it around him had passed. With a heavy foot and weapon in hand he continued on his journey, the sight of smoke plumes in the short distance ahead signaled to him that their was a village ahead.
He planned on getting supplies and unloading his hunt onto someone who could make use of them. Even though he could feel the cold a new fur cloak was not something that he required at the time and his mind would be more at ease with mutton and drink instead.

The settlement ahead was coming into view, its walls were sparsely made but sturdy by the look of them. It was then that Eoin stopped for a moment to contemplate the fact that entering would make a scene on his behalf. He knew that his appearance was rather feral and the last two such villages he entered threatened his life if he did not leave, he would have to consider putting them at ease. The thought was to let the guards hold onto his weapons and only allow him in with his baggage and despite the fact he didn't like being unarmed in any circumstance, necessity would preach it at this point.

Eoin began to take a step and continue his path, but at that point a moving glint of shining light caught his eye. He was no fool and could easily tell that it was something metallic moving beyond the brush and into the woods. If it had not been for the morning light he would not have caught such a thing, so the nature of the world was in his favor today.
He cut back on his own path and turned into the forest the tree's were tight and narrow but for some reason Hagen found a path of no resistance. Even so he also found small torn pieces of fabric on the small undercut limbs. Someone had made this path and by the looks of the tracks in the dirt and mud have been using it for only a short while. The scent of weapon oil was on the air as he moved closer, taking care to not step on any of the twigs and leafs underfoot. He could hear hushed whispers ahead and his eyes could see the small forms ahead, which as he got closer appeared to be two soldiers.

"Soldiers?.. Here"

The thought went through his mind as he approached closer and soon he could see them, two men laying on their stomachs peering over a fallen log and into the side of the village. Their sight was slightly obstructed by the woods and a section of the wall but they still had a direct view into the town itself.
Eoin began to think they were just a rival tribe and they were gathering information like most of the bickering parties did. But a fire soon began to burn in the back of his mind. The sight of the armor one wore was recognizable, a type of uniform for a organized troop and Eoin could remember coming across them before on the mainland many summers back. The kind of soldier that gave an actual warrior such horrible reputations. He knew that he himself could be a monster during battle but he still had a code of honer to live by, whilst these men would kill a starving child for a bite of bread.

He looked on as he crept ever closer, using the small path that they made for themselves to add to his silence and as he got upon them he looked down. They were sharing small whispers between one another and he was contemplating what to do, killing them outright would not be worthy and man to die with grief on his heart is laid bare before the Gods. So Hagen grips his axe in hand and speaks.."You two... beg your gods.." at the first sound of his voice the man on the left shot around with a rather surprised look on his face. With Eoin's heavy mass behind them he began to panic, whist his partner began to fiddle with the clasp on his sword this man grabbed his club taking a rather wild swing towards him.
The attack was pathetic to say at least, both of the men were scouts in the closest sense of the word. Not a pound of fighting flesh stretch between the two of them and Eoin's axe made a quick strike fording the mans chest cavity. His eyes go blank in moments and then Eoin turns his attention to the other as he finally gets his weapon free, rolling over to face him. A large foot then pressed against the flat of his blade pinned the small man to the ground. The impact of his foot resounded with several cracking ribs and the mans own blade pinned against himself.

"Any last words before I cleave your soul from its pathetic vessel?" Eoin asked cleanly and bluntly, the man under him did not look in anyway to have a decent visage. His skin was potted with sores from the days of not washing and his mouth was missing sections of teeth, either broken or gone entirely. He began to utter obscenities towards Eoin, cursing him and calling him a heathen among other less savory words. Eoin gave a sullen face and reached back retaking his axe from the others body, the without hesitation brought the blade of its head around to the mans neck and parted his head from his shoulders.
The slice was clean and precise, feeling in no way like killing a man and more like threshing wheat in the field.
He looked around the bodies for several seconds and came to a horrid realization, there was a space for a third body and signs of other belongings. It was easy for him to conclude then that there was another left and he was most likely in the village.

Eoin

The bodies below him becoming stiff and cold, Eoin was beginning to think of a better way to pull out the third. He would most likely be in the village posing as a traveler and would not want much attention, but he would need a way to distinguish himself from the others while not in uniform. He knelt at the first dead and began to rummage through what the man had on him, most of which was some sparse possessions. Food in a satchel not far from the bodies and several small pouches of water nothing to really help what he was doing. That was until he caught sight of an item laying on the other mans body, an insignia of some sort.

It had several small red and blue etched markings on it and a circular indention around the outside. His mind finally snapped back into the reality of know that this was a badge of the mans service. The army that sent them was one of discipline and coordination so it would suit to think that each man had a post and rank. This also made him realize that the man in the scout in the village would most likely be the most competent of the three and the hardest to root out, Eoin would need help.

Pulling a small leather bag from his satchel he took up the severed head and placed it within, hide helmet and all. If it came to it this would be his proof and the leather would keep the bag from leaking outright.

Wiping his axe clean he begins to work his way out of the brush, doing his best to make as much noise of it as he can and his required reaction was garnished. As he stepped out of the heavy foliage into the clearing surrounding the village there were two guards waiting for him with weapons ready.
Doing his best to look not threatening which for him is a rather difficult matter, he began to speak.."Ho there, I just got seperated off the main path.. sorry for having to cut my way out." the two seem to nearly relax their stance but keep an eye and spear point on him while the first one questions.
"You don't look like many outsider.. whats your business in Cantae?"

Eoin lowers his hands and question in his mind if her ever heard of such a place, it was slightly know that the village was the center point for many boarders that met and they had a strange superstition here with the druids that lead them. His thoughts ending Eoin spoke up.."I'm from the mainland over the channel, been up north for the past three seasons.. just came from the mountain range this morning. I was hoping to barter for food and drink, then maybe see your smith." Both of the guards give each other a look and it can be seen that they are both piecing the information together separately. Finally they both lower their weapons and stand back a bit to give Eoin some breathing room.

"Alright, you can enter."
But your too well armed to be let in like that.." The guard makes a gesture at Eoin's armaments. Having a sword and axe might have been one thing, but the claymore strapped across his back was what changed the rules.

Eoin nods and slowly unlatches his weapons from his hips, handing them grip first to the guard on the right. It takes a moment to unsheathe the claymore from the skins and furs but afterwards he hands that over as well. Both of them give him another look over and they nod to one another before the same guard speaks again. "Alright, you may enter now.. just go to the barracks before you leave to reclaim your weapons." Eoin gives them both a stiff nod before walking through the west gate to enter the village.

Now if only he could gain the attention of the right person.

Eoin

The search took several minutes but Eoin was feeling he was on the right course.
After fishing through several villagers who were willing to speak to him, of which there were not that many. He was able to ask around and see what he could discover. The village was part of of the sectual tribes and they followed the lead of a circle of Druids that gave their lives order. He was able to understand that seeing as many of the western tribes back in his homeland did the same even going so far as to sacrifice like these people did as well. However it was that aspect that made Eoin uneasy about such tribes, if they were willing to spend life so easily then they would be open to more horrific ends in the future.

The story didn't get closer to his ears until he heard tell of an invasion coming from over the channel and that peeked his interest. If the Druids thought that killing their own would somehow save them from a foreign army then they were wrong, even if the gods intervened they have no sway over the followers of another.

But he knew the story had some merit due to the sacked head tied to his belt.
He palmed the leather bag for a moment, contemplating the truth of what was to come. This man must have been one of the scout for this foreign army, his uniform and insignia would easily show that to be true but it still meant there was one left in the village.

After asking around for someone who could help him with a problem concerning the village, several apt stares and hushed retreats later he was met by a younger woman who pointed him along the way to find a man named Caderyn who was last seen near his home near the center of the village.
Feeling somewhat off about finding someone at their home and intruding just to ask for help in a matter, even if it was one that concerned the village bothered Eoin. He walked through the lightly packed spacing of the village, dodging hastened looks of worry and contempt as he could see many of the other tribesman eying him with suspicion.

It took several minutes for him to actually find the house and lay eyes on it, for the champion of the tribe it was quite a humble home to look at. Eoin approached the home and looked over the door as he reached a hand up to strike the frame hoping that this Caderyn would be inside.

*Knock.. knock*

Cadeyrn sat quietly in his home, his gear organized and ready for the long journey ahead of him. He had been brooding over the implications of his future actions. He knew very well what he would be doing for Sorcha and for the Tribe, and he knew without a doubt it was the right thing to do, even if it meant being exiled by the Tribe.
His thought process was interrupted by knocking at his door.
Sorcha?, he thought to himself as he stood up and opened the door.
Cadeyrn had been looking at where Sorcha's eyes would have been on the other side of the door, but instead, he came eye-to-torso with a giant of a man.
The Champion did not recognize the stranger, and these were indeed troubling times. Instinctively, his main hand slowly rested on the hilt of his long dirk, and although he had to look up to meet the gaze of the blond-haired giant, he did not break eye contact.

"Can I help you, stranger?", he said, his tone neutral.

Eoin

It took merely seconds for Eoin to get an answer at the door to this mans home, but what came to answer him was not what he had thought would be a known champion. He was smaller then what Eoin was expecting and the frame of his body did not look to be well suited to combat, but when his eyes met with the champions he could get the understanding behind his status within the village. He had a certain fire that flickered vaguely behind his eyes and it there that Eoin noticed that he had the potential for great things within him.
He looked over his shoulder for the moment and turned back to meets Caderyns eyes again.

"Hear from the others in the tribe that you are their Champion.. I thought their description was off but now I see they described you well." He slowly untied the bag from his belt and held it low at his side. "I know of your tribes danger and the forces that are coming, but for now I must tell you that they are already here."
He splays the bag open in front of Caderyn not thinking much of the action of showing a freshly severed head to another in the space of his own home. But for the time being he did not have the luxury of normal civilities.

"This man was one of three scouts.. I came upon them while coming to your village and I can tell you with assurance that the third is still in your village." Supporting the bag with one hand he produces the insignia with the other, it was a large flat metal disk with a light blue woad circle imprinted on it albeit rather crudely. Mush of the rest of the markings had been worn from wear but it was still recognizable as something used to promote status.

"I need your help champion.. and all I need is that you trust me"

Cadeyrn noticed the large man sizing him up.
No doubt he finds one of my size and age as Champion to be intriguing.
"Hear from the others in the tribe that you are their Champion.. I thought their description was off but now I see they described you well.", the giant of a man said in his baritone as he began to untie a bag that was curiously tinted with a crimson color.
Opening the bag revealed a severed head, understandably causing alarm to shoot through Cadeyrn. The Champion did not step back or show his surprise in any way, instead he stared at the head as he listened to the man.
"This man was one of three scouts.. I came upon them while coming to your village and I can tell you with assurance that the third is still in your village."

Gods no, they're already here.

"I need your help champion.. and all I need is that you trust me", The blonde giant rumbled.

Strange Cadeyrn thought to himself, Seems like I should be the one calling on him for help.
The Champion simply nodded and went back into his home to grab his sword and spear, leaving his shield laying on his bed. He sheathed the Longsword in it's shoulder sheathe as he walked out onto the grass with the stranger.

"What is your name, and what is it you suggest we do?".

Eoin

Eoin gave a soft grin as the champion before him spoke with compliance, it was a good feeling. All he needed was this mans help and a larger problem could be averted from happening.

"All I need is for you to gather everyone you can to see what you have to say near the center of the village, this will have a reason." He reties the bag and hands the draw string to Cadeyrn making sure that he took the its familiar weight. He turned and pointed out towards the center of the village and gave his plan.

"Let your people know of what has been discovered and speak of finding the small camp they were using to observe the you..

I will watch from the back and keep my eyes on anyone who looks to be leaving or highly suspicious. This man will have a rather oft look about him, rather more like myself. So when you see me head for someone who will be of most suspect then that will be your signal to act as well."

Eoin takes the insignia and presses it into Cadeyrn's other palm.."Keep this, I already know the image and if you must reveal it to force a response." Eoin backs out of the mans home then and moves away from the door, he seeks to disappear into the small packs of crowded villagers in an attempt to remain unseen. Though still his head is visible from over most others he does what he can to remain aloof of others attentions.

All I need is for you to gather everyone you can to see what you have to say near the center of the village, this will have a reason.", the big man said.
Cadeyrn nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"Let you people know of what has been discovered and speak of finding the small camp they were using to observe the you..
I will watch from the back and keep my eyes on anyone who looks to be leaving or highly suspicious. This man will have a rather oft look about him, rather more like myself. So when you see me head for someone who will be of most suspect then that will be your signal to act as well."

He wishes to flush the scout out., the Champion thought to himself.

The man handed an insignia to the Cantae Warrior."Keep this, I already know the image and if you must reveal it to force a response.", he rumbled, confirming Cadeyrn's thoughts.
The warrior nodded at the much larger man, and with that the stranger did the best he could to disappear into the village.

Cadeyrn went back into his home and looked to the right wall where a hook had been attached to the wood. On the hook was a Mustering horn made from bronze and a large bull's horn, used to rally the village for important announcements and to call upon aid during battle. The Champion took the horn along with the severed head into the center of the village. Once there he sucked in a deep breath and placed the horn to his lips.
Blowing into the horn created a noise so loud, everyone in the village would hear it and immediately head for the center.
After just a couple of minutes, Cadeyrn was confident that everyone had arrived, and so he began to speak.
"Cantae!", he yelled, opening the bag in his hands "I bring disturbing news. There is someone here who seeks to do us harm!", with that, he dumped the head out of the bag, understandably bringing gasps of surprise and disgust from the villagers as well as the sound of weapons being drawn by the warriors .
"We found a small camp just to the west of the village. We killed the ones there, but there is one among us bearing this!", Cadeyrn raised the insignia, making sure it was visible.
"They are Scouts for the invaders!", he finished, buying himself enough time to find the Blonde Giant in the crowd, his eyes locking on the man to see if he had spotted anyone suspicious. He hoped Sorcha was present, as this was a sign they may need to leave the Tribe lands earlier than planned.

Eoin

After several minutes of walking around within the whole group that was in the village, Eoin could only happen a guess as to why he was helping this tribe. He could think back to when he was younger and his own people almost fell to invaders, thinking that this was the reason all together. It took a few moments after that for him to hear the sound of the horn and that was when most of the other villagers began to move in unison towards the center of the village.
Cadeyrn was there when he looked up and he could see the young champion awaiting the rest of the villagers to arrive. Eoin did his best to stay in the back of any group that formed and even more so all the way towards the back of the growing body of people. He walked silently and calmly as he watched eyes being cast up towards Cadeyrn awaiting to see what it was that he called for.

But he could see that as soon as Cadeyrn lifted the leather bag and began to dump out the head of the fallen scout, he knew things were going to change. Eoin cast his eyes around and made sure not to concentrate on what it was that the champion was doing, only to see several faces casting their own expectations around. While he knew that most of the stares he was receiving were because he himself was new to the village and more of a prominent figure to scrutinize.
That however was not what he was looking for.

Faces pulled away from disgust or surprise were not either, many of the woman and younger men did not have the stomach for such a thing. While many of the guards that gathered were looking to the champion to lead them to protect the village.

Eoin was looking as hard as he could to see faces that were not there before, many of the same traders from before were still around and so were the same crowds that inhabited the area before.
He did see other faces that did not arrive until after the horn was blow, but these as well shared the same textured mannerism of those that lived within the village. Many spoke openly within the body of people, while others got the attention of friends and relatives as they joined the crowd.
It was then that Eoin noticed one that was not like the others, he was a man with a rather stern look in his eyes and the attention he was giving too Cadeyrn was more so then just an attentive villager. His face was almost devoid of dirt and there was a scar running cleanly across the bridge of his nose. His features also bore a close resemblance to the two men in the woods, with an exceptional wild nature to the eyes and some more feral looks then most people have.

The giveaway was when his eyes met Eoin's and it was then that he realized he had been made. Eoin gave a quick look at the young champion who was already looking at him and he gestured towards the man for Cadeyrn to see.
The man took this as his signal to run and broke from the group in a quick run, his leather armor showing from beneath his shoulder mantles as they flapped in the air from his pace.

Eoin broke out into a run as well, using his large hands to spread the small section of the crowd in front of him. He was chasing the man now heading towards the west gate of the village, the same entrance that Eoin had used that very morning.

Eoin

The running wasn't helping things one bit.
Eoin was quickly gaining on the mans tail but every time he got within arms reach the smaller target would slip away. Either by ducking through someone's home or diving through a street venders stall. The cause of him taking the West gate out of the village was hampered by the guards as he approached and for that Eoin was thankful. But now he has been running after this one man for several minutes now and it would not be long before he got away.

Passing near through the center of the village again he was able to catch a thread of the mans cloak as he dove around a corner. However the three young women screaming at the top of their lungs was not that much of a help in itself and as he thought Eoin lost sight of the runner.

The man was frantic with breath, not only were the others of his group discovered and killed. But it seemed that he had someone on his own trail that was aware of his presence.
The man was quick and light on his feel though, the saving grace that had helped him survive so far and he was not about to let his feet fail him now. He ran for more then he thought he was worth, ducking guards and then bursting out another one of the gates doing his best to remain detached from whatever patrols the village might have. He ran for some time unaware if anything was following or even if anything was aware of him.

The beat of his shoes on the ground kicking up dust and sullen soil as the departing morning dew could no longer sustain itself in his tread. Patches of mud was caking on the sides of his legs and the ends of his cloak were now tattered from the attentions of Eoin's grasping hands.

It wasn't long before the man ripped through several bushes and entered a large clearing, many of the large oaks and fur trees around casting shade for him to breath in. He was far enough away from the village now and the safety of the forest was between him and that horrid place.. or so he thought.
The man was leaning against one of the oaks as he gripped his side to help ease the pain of the long run, labored breaths escaped every few seconds as he tried to reconstitute himself. It was the feeling of a sudden impact to his jaw that slammed him violently into reality. He rolled away from the tree to see the large form of Eoin breaking the treeline along with the rest of his outstretched arm. "You ran far.. but not far enough."

The man pulled a dirk from within his cloak as a sign of defense and readied himself while still backing away.

Eoin on the other hand had already taken enough of his problems at this point and charged the man with both hands outstretched. The fleeing scout was not able to get past his grasp as Eoin hefted him into the air with ease and wrenched the blade from his fingers. Setting his mind on trapping or incapacitating the man Eoin had a considerably bright and horrid idea at the same time. He pressed the man against one of the large oaks and flipped the blade in his hands, driving it deep into his left shoulder effectively pinning him to the tree like a fly to a board.
In response the lets out the most primal of screams, its sound cascades outward in a torrent of pain and anguish. With this sound it was assured that no one within this ear shout could ignore such pain.

Eoin stands there and stares the man down, as he dangles and is forced to come to terms with his current predicament.

The crowd had parted, but not quick enough for Cadeyrn to catch up to the blonde giant and the intruder. Now he lagged behind, ducking through homes and around crowds of onlookers. Every now and then, the Champion would catch sight of the enemy scout and the large man, but finally lost sight of them as they exited the west gate into the woods.
Cadeyrn tossed his spear over the nine-foot wooden wall and launched himself up at it, finding a hand hold near the top and pulling himself gracefully over it and lowering himself to the ground.
As he landed, he saw a large form crashing into the underbrush and so again, Cadeyrn renewed his chase, running parallel with the intruder and his pursuer. The chase lasted a couple of minutes, leading the Champion to a clearing where the first thing he saw upon entering was his new ally pinning the intruder to a tree with a long bladed dirk.
The man screamed in pure pain, writhing on the knife in his shoulder, but Cadeyrn became distracted when he heard rustling and approaching footsteps.
Turning, the warrior saw about six of Cantae's warriors appear out of the underbrush, making their way to their Champion.

"Take him", Cadeyrn said with authority, motioning the warriors to the intruder as he stepped beside the much larger man.

"What about him, Champion?", one of the Cantae inquired, motioning his spear at the giant.

"Leave him, I need to speak with him alone", Cadeyrn said as his men pulled the dirk out of the intruder and carried him off back to the village.

"Take the prisoner to the Chieftain!", he called at there backs before turning back to the other man.

"Come. I do not intend to be in the village long enough for the Scout's trial, and it may be best to keep you hidden from the villagers. After this, strangers will not be welcome in Cantae lands, I'll explain once we reach my home".

When she had been unable to locate Adair or his horse, Sorcha followed her instincts and it lead her to the clearing of the Old Oak, the same meeting place she had with Caderyn later that evening. The first thing she noticed was that Adair had the mysterious woman with him.

Great. Now they will think me a liar. She just shook her head at the sight, but the presence of the woman only brought more troubling issues. Biting her lower lip slightly, the young woman looked at the two people, the horse and then thought of herself.

“We will be slowed down greatly if one of us has to walk.” She stated slowly as the gears in her mind started turning. While her family didn’t own one themselves, she knew where she could get one and wouldn’t be punished if she were caught. If I take his then he won’t be able to follow. Nodding to herself, she knew she was about to take a huge risk.

“I will be back. Go on without me. I will catch up.” She had to leave her traveling gear, weapons, and her bag with him. To be seen with them in the tribe would be dangerous. Without another word, she turned on her heels and started running back to the tribe luckily avoiding all of the mishap with the scout as well as seeing or being seen by Caderyn.

Heading back to the tribe, she went to the stable again and got the tack for one of the horses before sneaking it into the woods nearing the place where they allowed the horses to graze during the day. Getting the tack to the woods was one of the hardest parts she knew, but stealing the horse was going to be another matter. Well borrowing was more accurate. She planed on bringing it back. Granted that she survived the whole ordeal or not.

The grazing area held several horses from the tribe, but there was one she wanted in particular. Caderyn’s. As Champion he was granted a high status among the people and given things or had wealth to buy them. His standing never stopped the two of them from being friends and for that Sorcha was thankful.

Letting a low whistle out she caught the horse’s attention and drew the animal to her. Stealing glances around her, she made sure no one was looking and using the mane of the beast, lead it to the woods where she had hidden the riding gear. Once there she started putting the tact on as quickly as she could begging the horse not to make a sound so she could follow behind of Adair to save her tribe and more importantly make sure Caderyn didn’t condemn his soul.

Eoin

Looked at the hanging man for a few moments before Cadeyrn showed with several of his own tribesman in tow.

They too took several moments looking at the man with his shoulder bleeding profusely from the long bladed puncture wound and it was Cadeyrn's own judgement that he be taken back to the tribe chieftain. Eoin didn't have really care, though he did catch the man it was their land and their tribes affair. The man would most likely be quickly questioned then summarily executed, that or just killed the moment they decided to do so.

He did the honers of prying the blade from the tree to free the man, who for his own worth tried to muster up the strength to run as he hit the ground. But the last few moments of bleeding robbed him of that hope or any of the sort before that time.

As the other tribesmen carried him off Cadeyrn approached Eoin with his own concerns and it was easy for him to understand.

He nodded to the young champion in a swift compliance, starting on his way to travel back with the young man.

Cadeyrn decided it would be better for the duo to head to the Old Oak and keep the larger man out of the village. One arriving, Caderyn decided there would be no harm in letting the stranger know of Sorcha's quest, since he himself was planning to accompany her on the journey, and he had no intention of leaving the giant of a man to the mercy of his Tribe.

"Friend, this is going to be hard to believe....", Cadeyrn started out, sitting on his rock beside the giant oak tree.

"A dear friend of mine, the village Blacksmiths daughter claimed she had a vision from a Banshee", Cadeyrn let that hang in the air for a moment.
"The Banshee told her she could stop the invading force that those Scouts had been leading here, and stop the needless sacrifices the Druids had been committing in the name of survival". He said, making eye contact with the man.
"It's my duty as Champion to protect the Tribe. But I also have a duty to my Heart to make sure Sorcha is safe, and if I can fulfill both by accompanying her on this journey, then I will not hesitate", Cadeyrn stood up.

"I'm telling you this for two reasons. One, I doubt you will tell anyone in the village, you do not seem to be the type, along with the fact that after today's events, strangers will most likely be seen as spies".

"Two, I feel compelled to ask you to accompany me. One of your skills would be a welcome addition".

After making his point, the Champion sat back down on his rock, but then looked up at the man again.
"What is your name, friend?".

Eoin

The walk back to the village was light and quick, in fact the two traveling together did not completely make it to the village. Instead it was the choice of the champion to have them both stop at a massive tree not far from the boundaries of its walls. It was there that Cadeyrn chose to tell Eoin of the villages current problem and what he himself was dealing with at the time.
This caused some worry to cross over Eoin's face, in his homeland and culture it was common place that a banshee was an obvious sign of trouble and not to be trusted in any facet. It was easy to see this troubled thought flow over his face as he listened to what the young champion was telling him. But he could tell that Cadeyrn was being truthful about the aspect of his friends predicament and the fact that he was generally worried about her.

"I can see that you are quick to trust, for all you know I could be one of them.. willing to sacrifice my own comrades for any purpose.
He responded as he crossed his arms looking slowly off to the distant meadows down away from the trees grove.

The sound of dogs from the village could be heard, the normal shale hounds that many of the tribesmen used around in this section of the region. Their barking and howling indicated that the pack had finally fully risen with the mid day sun as it finally arched high in the sky. Eoin gave Cadeyrn a rather serious look to return the champions own gaze an responded again.."But I can understand your current problem.. and the need that you have. I was heading West either way, so following you or being on my own would serve the same purpose and besides. The village would not be a good place for me now, despite being of what assistance I already have been."

"I can see that you are quick to trust, for all you know I could be one of them.. willing to sacrifice my own comrades for any purpose.. At Eoins words, Cadeyrn felt heat rising to his cheeks. It was true, he hadn't thought of the possibility of this man being one of the enemy.
"But I can understand your current problem.. and the need that you have. I was heading West either way, so following you or being on my own would serve the same purpose and besides. The village would not be a good place for me now, despite being of what assistance I already have been.", Eoin said.
Cadeyrn nodded and stood up from the rock.
"I'll be back. You should stay here, think of whether or not you wish to accompany me", Cadeyrn said.
"I need to go back to my home and gather my things and my horse at the stables. I'll meet you back here, along with Sorcha".
With that, the Champion took off at a steady trot towards the village.

First, he went by his home, grabbing both of his satchels and his shield, which he threw over his shoulder as he moved through the village, drawing some strange looks from some of the tribesmen and women who were probably wondering why their Champion was geared up for a journey.
Cadeyrn didn't care, for he knew they would never get the chance to ask him.
Once he reached the stables, he opened the large double doors and walked inside, moving down the aisle of wooden stalls until he reached his own horses stall.
"Alright Thunder, time to--", The Champion's voice caught in his throat as his mind tried to catch up with what his eyes were seeing.
His horse was gone.
Instantly, the Warrior dropped his things and put his face close to the ground, studying the loose dirt. His eyes caught small foot prints, probably a small man or a woman's feet leading into Thunder's stall, then walking out to the other end of the aisle, mixed in with the enormous hoof prints of his own horse.
Realization dawned in Cadeyrn's mind.
"Damn it all, Sorcha!", he exclaimed angrily.
Cadeyrn took another tribesmen horse, tacking it and riding it quickly out of the stables.

Once outside, he could clearly see his horses hoof prints in the dirt and where they had flattened the grass, leading off into the woods, but Cadeyrn remembered Eoin was still waiting for him at the rock, and so he set the horse at a dead gallop towards the Old Oak.

"Follow me, quickly", Cadeyrn said urgently, immediately jerking the reins around and heading back into the woods towards the village, hoping his dismounted friend could find him when he caught up to Sorcha

It didn't take the Champion long to find where Thunder had flattened grass and undergrowth, and soon he was on Sorcha's trail.
She should've known I would follow her whether she wanted me to or not, Cadeyrn thought to himself, hurt and anger whirling in his head. He knew he couldn't stay angry with his dear friend, but he would make sure she knew his displeasure.

The Woods opened up, and a few times Cadeyrn had to dismount to recheck the trail, soon discovering another less fresh set of tracks made by another, smaller horse. Now certain he could follow both tracks without dismounting, he took a look back to see if Eoin was following him before sending his own mount into a full gallop.

Only a couple of minutes of riding, The Champion saw a figure far ahead of him, but close enough for him to see the bright red hair gleaming in the midday sun.

"Sorcha!" He yelled as loud as he could. "Stay where you are!".

"Yes, she is on a quest from the Gods, a vision she was given". Cadeyrn continued where Sorcha left off.
"I told her I would accompany her and keep her safe on the journey", He continued, turning to Sorcha to narrow his eyes.
"Instead, she stole my horse and sought to leave me at the village, so I tracked her". Cadeyrn turned to Adair.
"I apologize for simply stating that I wWOULD be going, but it has become apparent that we are all on this road for separate reasons seeing as how Sorcha decided to keep her quest a secret from you. You do not have to accompany us on this journey, but I will not be turning back around and heading back to the village, in fact, the road you are travelling might be in the path of the advancing enemy who's scouts we caught in the village. You will need more than yourself, a weary traveler, and a Blacksmiths daughter to defend yourselves.
As if on cue, Eoin came pounding out of the underbrush.
"it seems my companion has arrived".

Eoin

The original wait for the champion to return was broken when Eoin noticed him speed by on horseback, which by all means meant he was in a crass hurry. It only took Eoin a minute or so to rush back to the village and find one of the guards, despite the total feeling of the whole village at the moment it wasn't difficult for him to ask for his weapons back.
Only with him getting his belongings back was he able to continue with his journey with Cadeyrn.

Sliding his weapons on and pulling his bow around his shoulder, Eoin hit the woods at a heavy pace in his step.

His size and stamina was more then a boon at this moment as he trounced over the landscape with ease, leaving prints in the earth to rival that of the horse he was chasing. Each point of time his feet made contact with the earth he would release the grip of his lungs slowly to conserve his breath. The small sting of branches and twigs snapping across his broad shoulders made it easy for him to know that the he was running and making progress.
Even when he was sure the horse was far out of his range, he still ran.
Only to be taken back by the sight of faces looking at his through the brush as he tore through the small barricade of woodland foliage that attempted to bar him. His eyes fell on Cadeyrn, the young champion he was following and Eoin's body reacted by digging his feet deep into the ground. His muscles clenched as his body hunched over to dig a hand into the ground which helped to hasten his stop. The act showered several flailing chunks of dirt on the onlookers before him and as he stood the visage of the people before him became clear.

Aside from Cadeyrn the three others were rather the same he could expect, their look was slightly off for what he knew. The other man was surely not from the common isles, his build and stature was more prominent then Cadeyrn but he had a more maintained air about him. The woman close to him was a wisp of a thing as Eoin looked over her, her skin was rather pale compared to the other woman and she had an distant look in her eyes.
As Eoin looked back at her he could see that her looks were almost sculpted in an effort to make her seem other worldly. However there was a smell in the air about her and the other girl. While the other smelled of embers and resin, there was the unmistakable scent of magik on them. The very presence was starting to make his skin feel strange and it was with that thought that Eoin turned his attention to the last woman.

It was obvious what her profession was, the small brash marks on her flesh from hours facing the forge she was a smith, As well the amount of frustration on her face directed towards Cadeyrn was starting to become so thick that one could taste it.

Eoin looked at her and spoke.. "So you must be Sorcha.. strange." he flicks the dirt off his fingers and steps away once before looking to Cadeyrn. "You could have said something you know.. instead I have to chase your beast through half the isles in order to find you."