Thread: Student of Dune (DarkAngel & Sync)

Even the patience of the Fremen could be tested, and both Ravis and Talgar were starting to become restless. Ravis knew that the exchange would be done near here, near the market they were currently standing by, but he was not entirely sure exactly where it would occur. He knew it was that was so as to keep them safe if things did go badly, and it was all the more reason for Tal to not know until the younger man needed to know. Ravis understood the younger mans disquiet, and he sympathised in a way but he had his orders from Naib Fuhrlar, from the Reverend Mother Jessica, and he would not disobey them. If all went according to plans, they would have a travelling companion in short time. If notat least he and Tal would be able to escape to safety. And it was getting close to the time that their companion would be late. A shrill bird call sounded over the market. Both Fremen looked around Tal suspiciously, as if he was half-expecting an attack, and Ravis more cautiously, like he was looking for someone. The sound had not seemed to come from the same direction as hed seen the flash of cloak, from there the birds had been startled earlier. Nothis call seemed to come from the general direction of the Keep. This gave Ravis hope that things would yet go well. Have you noticed that the number of people in the market seems to have fallen since weve been here? Talgar observed quietly. I had noticed, Ravi agreed, equally quietly. Be on your guard, now more than ever. While I hope things will proceed as they have been planned, I am wary that they may not. Ourcompanion will be joining us shortly. Come, this way. The two men carefully made their way towards the rear of the market place, towards a small group of hovel-like dwellings slightly closer to the Keep. As they walked, Tal was increasingly aware of a lack of people around them either no-one was around at all, or they were all remaining indoors, in which case it would be strange but otherwise not noteworthy or they were away for a reason, such as hiding from something theyd rather not face, in which case he knew to be ready as he could be. His hand rested casually on the hilt of his sheathed crysknife only a fool would think him not capable of drawing and killing in one easy motion. Something is very wrong, Ravis Tal noted in a whisper as the pair came to a stop at the edge of the collection of dwellings. Across the small street was another collection of dwellings, and a flat section of rocky wall they rested against. I know, Tal, the older man replied. But we must now proceed as we have planned. If things are to go wrong, we must deal with the changes as we find them. Ravis nodded towards the flat section of rock wall. They will come from there. Watch the houses and walls surrounding. They will be open as they come to us, but that cannot be helped. With luck, caution will not be needed. I understand, Tal replied, as he set his gaze to watching. In a way, he felt that this situation was almost similar to his first riding of a worm in that situation, like so many rides that followed, he had checked his hooks and ropes then set his thumper with the thumper active and its rhythmic pulse calling a worm, he had to wait and watch carefully for wormsignuntil it finally came not a big worm, but large enough for him to ride and call his test a success. This, now, waiting and watching for an ambush that might never happen, felt like he was waiting for a worm that might not showlike he was waiting to see whether it would be Shai-Hulud or Shaitan that showed. And yet that feeling of unease would not leave him