Bandach

**Bandach** is a red deer and a Corps Member in the Home Herd.

## Appearance

Bandach is a young red deer with a splash of black on his muzzle. His antlers are in their fourth growth, with eight spikes, two tines at the top of each beam, and bez and brow tines below

## Story

Brechin is grazing in the meadow when he senses he is being watched, and demand the spy show himself. Bandach appears, and Brechin comments he never thought he'd find him creeping around like a lost brailah. Bandach takes offense to this and says he's no brailah, and will fight any deer that says so. Brechin praises his bravely and asks why he has been watching him. Bandach responds that he has a message from Drail, but promises he was watching, not spying, for Bandach spies for no one, not even the Lord of Herds. He informs Brechin that Drail has summoned the council at Larn. Brechin tells him to tell Drail he's busy, and Bandach is nervous. Though he admires Brechin's shows of disrespect toward Drail, the Lord wouldn't hesitate to punish the messenger for the message. He asks again when Brechin will come, and he responds he will when he can. He starts to leave, but then stops and tells Bandach that if he must, he can give Drail his apologies, and wishes Herne be with Bandach. Bandach is left shaking, but relieved that Brechin tempered his response. He whispers for Herne to be with Brechin before leaving.

When the Draila attack the Outriders, Bandach runs to Brechin's aid, his face torn open at the cheek. Brechin is delighted to see him, commenting that at least some stags have sense and courage. Bandach doubts the others will fight, pointing out how many of the Corps members are still in velvet. Brechin praises Bandach's bravery and says he'll make a fine Outrider. Ten or twelve Draila race toward them, and Bandach proudly urges Brechin to let him show him how a young stag can fight, aware that the Draila mean to kill Brechin. Brechin tells Bandach to go warn Eloin, fearing what will happen to her and his calf, urging Bandach to save them. Bandach stares into his eyes and at last nods, wishing Herne be with him, and Brechin returns the phrase. Bandach runs to the bottom of the slope and turns to watch Brechin's murder.

Sgorr reports to Drail that Bandach escaped, but they'll catch him before sunrise. After seeing Brechin fall, Bandach goes to the hinds by the stream, where he finds the Draila reassuring them and escorting some to the Home Oak. The lead hind, Fourleaf, sneaks away and hears Bandach, going to him, and he tells her that the Draila have taken the herd and killed the Outriders. He adds that they can't stay her, for he has a duty to perform; warning Eloin of Drail and Sgorr's intentions. Fourleaf gives herself away to the Draila, and Bandach runs. He's headed up a slope when he's attacked by two Draila, and one leaves a deep gash in his side. Salen attacks one of them, saving Bandach's life, and the Draila flee. Salen tells Bandach the other Outriders are dead, and asks about Brechin. Bandach lies about having seen him escape over the hills, leaving Salen some hope as he dies. Bandach bellows in grief.

Bandach reaches Eloin, Blindweed, Bhreac, and Rannoch, and delivers the news of the Outriders' fall, as well as how the Draila is coming to take Eloin to Drail, and Sgorr is coming to kill her calf. He plans to get them all away into the next glen, perhaps into the high land itself, but it is too late- Sgorr and five Draila are nearing. Bandach charges at them, giving the group time to swap Rannoch for Bracken's dead fawn. Exhausted from the night of running, the Draila catch and kill Bandach. As Eloin is escorted away by the Draila, they pass Bandach's body on the bloodied ground. She whispers a thank you to him.

#### References

1. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 5
2. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 5
3. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 5
4. ↑ Fire Bringer, page 5