Thread: The Prophecy (Tesora & CharmSnake)

I've been able to do it since I was small... Does Zol know about this skill of yours? he asked idly. Don't tell him. Should you ever meet him, that is. He drew his hood back up over his head and opened the door to exit. If he finds out then you'll be a threat to him, so keep it to yourself. Yarrol stepped out and found the horse drinking from a puddle formed by a cart rut. He made sure that the saddle and the reins were all in order. Then he took a moment to inspect his healed wound, running his fingers over the scar. It was as if it had been sealed years previously. Some minutes later the princess emerged from the carriage. Ready to go? And would we be taking horses? Just one horse, he answered. They rode off down the road. Yarrol alternated every so often between a trot to make time and a walk to pace the horse. The pieces of bread torn off had to be eaten quickly else the rain would sog them. The thunder and lightning had subsided for a time. After they had traversed a few miles he broke the silence. Yes, in case you were wondering, he told her. I am a forest ranger. We call ourselves Silvariannu or if you like, Silvariannu Corvus. In common talk that is the Raven's Forest Keepers. You don't find us. We find you. The road dipped and was flooded with brown water. There was no telling how murky the bottom was. He dismounted and led the horse on a detour through the brush. Some of us are born into it, he continued. Others hear the call. The rustling of leaves and the snapping of twigs echoed off the tree trunks until they re-emerged at the edge of the road on the other shore of the deep mud hole. Is that basket empty? he asked her knowing that the wool dress that she kept it covered with had to have been thoroughly soaked. If it is too heavy let me toss it away. He took the burden from her arm and heaved it into the brush. It landed somewhere in the wet leaves with a swish, hidden away from the sight of the road. He remounted and they continued on. You are destined for Valys, he said. Where else would she be headed? Valys has its own troubles but we will see that you get there. While Parnathea suffered flooding, Valys to the south had been parched and its hills were ablaze. Another day and we shall reach the river Tynan. Whether Zol pursues you across its banks is another matter. The road had made a steady incline. Once at the top the ribbon of brown mud unfurled long rolling and straight, disappearing into the valley far below. Yarrol stopped the horse to survey the area. All seemed clear. We will make camp before nightfall, he told her. There will be no fine linens for you to sleep upon but you should find it quite comfortable nonetheless. We are no more savage than anyone else. The road was good here and he urged the horse into a trot to make time. They descended the trail in the spittle of thinning rain. Every mile or so he would let the horse walk and rest for one or two hundred yards. Yarrol kept his eyes peeled and his ears sharp for trouble that never came. Finally the long road bent to the right and soon they came to a large silver birch tree on the left. He stopped and dismounted. There was a small gap in the brush. It was a deer trail that he knew well and he led Gwyndolen still seated on the horse off the road and into the trees. Not far to go, he told her. Watch out for branches. Darkness was falling and visibility was poor, yet the ranger seemed to know exactly where he was going. They were climbing yet again, switching back twice during the ascent, Yarrol always patient to allow the horse sure footing. After about twenty minutes they heard neighing of other horses. A few more yards and they emerged into a small clearing with a half dozen steeds grazing. A fellow ranger sat on a fallen log at the edge to their right. He nodded to Yarrol. Yarrol returned the nod. Come, he offered his hand for her to dismount. Leaving the horse in the cozy pasture hidden on the hilltop, Yarrol and Gwyndolen continued along the foot trail past the horse keeper and among the tall spruce. The smell of the needles was rich in the damp air. Soon there were faint voices and wood smoke. They arrived into another clearing, much smaller than the horse pasture. Several animal skin tents were nestled among the trees and shrubs. Two large yurts with thin streams of smoke escaping their pinnacles commanded the camp from the far end. Three or four people dressed in tree bark and leather came and went. There were many more staying dry within the tents. Lifting back the flap on one of the yurts, Yarrol led the princess inside. It was warm and lit by a crackling fire in the center. The interior was tall enough to stand comfortably. Lines hung criss-crossed from which various blankets hung to divide the room into private sections. Raindrops pattered on the roof. A slight woman with hair a similar color to Yarrol's tended a pot over the fire. A young dark haired man lay asleep on a blanket to the left. An elder sat cross-legged on the right carefully filing tiny pieces of bone. Long dark reeds lay at his feet. Tirra, Yarrol called to the girl stirring the pot on the fire. I bring a guest. He turned to the princess. This is my sister, Tirra, he said. I am taking Gwyndolen to Valys tomorrow. She will stay with us tonight. You will need a change of clothes, said Tirra. Her eyes were also blue but not so pale as her brother's. She stood up and retreated behind one of the blankets. What happened to your arm? the old man in the corner's voiced scratched as he continued to painstakingly file away. It was cut. It was not cut yesterday, said the elder without looking up. And it is already healed. Gwyndolen laid hands upon it, explained Yarrol. You are a healer? the old man's dark eyes suddenly peered up at her. Bennu, Yarrol informed her of the elder's name. Sem, he then nodded towards the sleeper behind him. I'm going to pitch a tent. I'll be back in a few minutes. As he ducked behind one of the blankets, Tirra returned with a leather tunic and shawl, finely embroidered with henna-like designs. She knelt next to the pot and lay the garment folded next to her on the ground. Just go behind there and change into this when you like, she said and started ladling the hot stew into bowls. Yarrol reappeared with a bundle and quickly exited through the entrance flap, leaving his guest alone to get acquainted with the kin of his tribe.