Back to Camp

Dalen Woodland, Morning of 2 DSTR –

Silence.

It was something Kline appreciated, and something he found was an asset. Many people spoke and spoke well, he did not do such things. He felt action was stronger then words, and as they walked, the caw of the raven before them, he did not speak. He moved quietly, almost seeming to brood, while leading the horse. His long hair loose this morning and his eyes forward.

As the two talked about distances and map he kept his words to himself. There was nothing more to be added, he could see, so he did not add anything. He knew it was better to remain silent then to speak and appear a fool.

The forest was gloomy, dark still, the dim light of the encroaching morning was little more then a hint. Wisps of fog moved through the trees like specters, leaving behind dew that started to glitter and sparkle as the sun fought through the branches. The forests seemed to slowly turn from a dark prison to a glittering cave, giving up a breathtaking vision with a freshness that seemed to rise with each step. As if the morning was some grand victory over a darkness that wished to consume all.

His mind worked over the possible trouble they were walking into. It might be true the bird was from Glumly, but he did not have any love for the little thing. He was not one to trust fey.

He was impressed when they reached the road.

Kalena looked up and down the desolate road, not sure which way was the camp. She was about to look again to the crow for guidance, but then had an idea. She put her fingers to her lips and let out a piercing whistle. Somewhere down the road Enyo's ears perked up in recognition where the mare had been picketed near the Baron's camp. Biting through its tether with its teeth with the greatest of ease, the mighty war horse tore off down the road toward its mistress.

Kalena grinned as the steed suddenly galloped into sight around a bend. The beautifully-formed Achaean thoroughbred could easily have carried divine blood from the reaches of Mount Olympus. It was midnight black and magnificent, nearly seventeen hands high, powerfully-legged, with elegantly sloping shoulders and muscular quarters. Its neck was long and sleekly tapered, its eyes keen and intelligent, almost arrogant.

Kalena greeted the mare with no small amount of affection. “Hey girl,” she said, stroking its mane as she turned to Kline and Lafayette proudly. “This is Enyo. She's the finest horse I've ever rode, and not to brag too much, but the finest that I've ever seen in the Two Kingdoms. And I breed and train champion steeds, so I do know my horseflesh.”

“That you do.” Kline said finally and pulled himself up to the back of his horse and let her lead the way now, seeing as her horse would know the way. The other horses were all tethered and led down the road with them. The party moved along the stone paved road, large flagstones were laid out and likely were all that was keeping the forest from swallowing the road.

It was a quick ride before he could see the heads leading up to his camp. The two wagons were still parked at the side of the road and his men were at the cookfires. He could smell the coffee and it caused him to hurry his horse along.

“Did you find the bandits, Captain?” Van asked as he approached them as they rode in. His eyes went to Lafayette as if he might be one of them.

Laffy was sipping a steaming cup. “He is here aint he, either he found them, and they are settled, or he found no point in it.” He grumbled over the cup. “Next time you choose to take off let us know, Captain, we did not even know there was not any watch for an hour or so.”

Herod and Frogmore were with the drivers eating what was left of the meal last night.

By daylight Frogmore could be seen. Half fiend, his skin was an ashen grey and looked to be patterned like a weave, two black horns rise out of his head near his ears, like ram horns. His eyes were almost all black except for two white pin pricks that seemed to go where he was looking. He picked up his helmet and pulled it close as the ridges came into camp.

Kline dismounted and nodded to Laffy. “Noted, sorry, I did not expect to be gone the whole night.” He looked at Van. “See to the horses, and see this fellow has two for himself.” Kline motioned to Lafayette. “This is Mister Lafayette, he will be joining us for the rest of the trip to the city, give him all due respect and honors.”

He turned and nodded to Kalena. “I think I should sell this wine, then we can see about dinner? I should go and make a call on your friend alone in a day I suspect. I do not wish to do so when I am likely to do something rash, it also may do me some good to learn a bit more of him.” He had been pondering, and he truly suspected he might try and beat information from the boy rather then ask nicely, particularly if he was alone with him.

Laffy brought him a cup of the coffee. Kline paused then only to take a deep drink, moaning after, it was thin and weak, but better then nothing.