The Twins - Chapter 14

Hey folks!
It seems that whatever deadline we give for ourselves we are unable to make. Amber's computer crashed, however, so we have a pretty good excuse (I think). Anywho, here is the long awaited Chapter 14, written by Amber. Fun times here, ya'll. I'll hopefully be working on the next chapter over break ... but I won't make any promises too soon. ;) Enjoy the chapter and be sure to comment!

Ciao,

C.
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The day was young, and the sun had not yet arisen when Ellyn felt someone shake her from her sleep. She turned sleepily to the side and looked up to see Brynn fully garbed in hunting attire, with his bow and arrows in a sling across his shoulder.
“Let’s go,” he said.
“What time is it?”
“Almost five.”
Ellyn rolled back over. “I don’t think so.”
“Ellyn, you are coming with me. You promised the other day that you would. And it’s about time you learn how to properly hunt.”
“Well, I do not remember promising you anything, but since you woke me up I might as well.” Ellyn stood up, stretched, and picked up the long bow and arrows that Brynn had recently finished making.
“Here,” Brynn tossed her an apple. They walked at a brisk pace through the hill country in order to reach the woods beyond by sun-up. Little talk existed between them, as Ellyn was still half asleep and Brynn preferred a quiet morning. Taking Ellyn hunting was a risk, he knew, but if for some reason he could not hunt and Erath was still not recovered, someone would have to be able to get food. He heard a small snap, and glanced over at Ellyn to see that she had broken one of the arrows.
She shot him an awkward smile. “How exactly do you fit it in again?”
Brynn smiled, held back a teasing remark, and showed her where to place the notch. “But you don’t need to notch it quite yet,” he said. “It will be another half hour at least before we reach the forest.”
“Just trying to be prepared,” Ellyn said, but she placed the arrow back in its sling.
As Brynn predicted, they reached the woods thirty minutes later. The sun had just begun to rise, and golden streams of light poured through any spaces they could find, illuminating the forest with a misty, yellow hue. Brynn glanced around, checked the ground for prints, and then strode cautiously forward. He spotted a small herd of deer grazing about ten yards away, so far unaware of his existence. Nodding at Ellyn to watch him, Brynn silently put an arrow to his bow and lined up the shot with ease. His form was perfect, and he drew his arm back. Just then one of the deer put its head up, noticed Brynn, and took off. Brynn quickly released the arrow; it whistled through the air and narrowly missed the retreating target. He turned and looked at Ellyn, expecting her to have done something that scared them off, but she just shrugged. Brynn grunted, annoyed at losing so easy a shot.
“Alright,” he said, “let me teach you how to shoot.”
“I know how.”
“You said you’ve never shot anything in your life!” said Brynn in surprise.
“But I just watched you do it.”
“Ellyn, watching is not enough. It takes lots of practice as well, and your form needs to be perfect.”
Ellyn laughed gaily. “Watch me.” She slipped past him, walking cautiously around the trees in search of more prey. Brynn was surprised at how quiet she managed to be. That certainly did not seem like her. After about ten minutes of searching, she spotted a deer not far off. Shooting a playfully haughty glance at Brynn, Ellyn notched an arrow to her bow, held it up, and shot. She watched the air whistle through the air and come to a sudden stop in a dead stump just to the right of her target. The deer ran off, and Ellyn turned to look at Brynn, embarrassed. To her surprise, he looked impressed.
“Are you sure you’ve never shot before?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Positive,” Ellyn answered. “But I missed.”
“You almost hit the target, Ellyn. I couldn’t shoot that well until I was fourteen years old,” he told her.
“Thanks a lot,” she said sarcastically. “I feel so encouraged.” Brynn just laughed.
“Well, I meant it as a compliment. I’ve been shooting since I was eight years old,” he reminded her.
“Oh. Right. Um, thanks,” Ellyn answered, subdued. Brynn grinned.
“Come on. Let’s go get a deer.”
The two tramped through the woods for another half-hour before spotting a herd of deer.
“Alright,” Brynn said in a barely audible voice. “Let’s shoot at the same time and ee if one of us can hit something. Aim slightly to the left of the one you want to hit.”
Ellyn nodded, concentrating.
“On three,” Brynn whispered. “One,” he raised his bow and pulled an arrow from his quiver. Ellyn did the same. “Two.” He notched the arrow and aimed at the deer he wanted. Again, Ellyn mirrored his careful movements. Pulling back on the string, he whispered, “three.” Both arrows were released at exactly the same moment, hurtling through the air. Each went to a deer. The rest of the herd galloped off.
“Nice work,” Brynn said, turning to his companion. “Rylan and I tried to do that so many times, but one of us would always release first and scare the herd – What?” he stopped at Ellyn’s look.
“Who’s Rylan?” she asked.
“My brother,” he answered, walking through the brush where the two deer lay. Ellyn followed him.
“Older or younger?” she asked.
“Oh, older. Here, we can reuse these arrows,” Brynn said, jerking his from one of the deer.
“Brynn,” Ellyn said, her voice soft. “That deer is still moving,” she said, looking at the one she had shot.
“Don’t look,” he said shortly, pulling his knife from his belt. Ellyn turned away, grimacing. She heard Brynn grunt, and looked over at him. He was wiping blood from his knife.
“Next time aim for the heart. Instant death,” was all he said.
“Alright,” she answered.
“Do you want me to show you how to clean it?” he asked.
“No, you can do the dirty work. There is no way I’m skinning that thing and dumping out its insides.” She made a nasty face and turned away. Grinning, Brynn made no rebut and went over to the deer to begin his work.
Ellyn assisted Brynn as little as possible; not because she wasn’t willing to help, but because she thought it was disgusting. At last Brynn gave a nod of approval and slung the deer over his broad shoulders. As they walked through the woods, back to camp, he thought about the shot Ellyn had made.
“So how did you make that shot?” he asked. “How did you know what to do?”
“I learn by observance,” she answered. “It usually takes me once or twice watching something to figure out how to do it.”
“Interesting,” Brynn said. “Well, we may make a hunter of you yet. That is, when you get over the nasty part,” he teased.
Ellyn laughed. “Good luck.”

When Gavin awoke, Brynn and Ellyn were just coming into the camp. Brynn had a deer slung over his shoulder, something Gavin had always wished he could be able to do, and never quite understood how someone could do it.
“You never told me your sister could shoot,” Brynn said, dumping the deer on the ground.
“She can shoot?” Gavin asked in shock.
“I told you already, I learn from watching people,” said Ellyn, annoyed that they didn’t believe her.
“One would think you would be able to cook then, after watching your mom doing it,” Brynn replied.
“Oh, that’s sick,” Ellyn made a face and turned away.
“It was just a joke!”
“No, you’ve got blood all over your shoulder!”
Brynn craned his neck around to look. “Oh.” He shrugged and began to work on making a stew with the venison.
“So I was thinking about our situation last night,” Gavin said, spreading the map out on the ground, “and seeing that Erath will not be able to walk for a couple weeks at least, I think we should stay at the town of Rollagen until he is recovered enough. Then we will move on to the country of Peryon where Tiras is, and so forth.”
“Yes, that seems the only reasonable thing to do at the moment,” said Brynn. “But do we have enough money to pay rent for that long?”
“I have some. And we can get jobs while we are there.”
Brynn smiled. “Just so long as Ellyn doesn’t offer to cook for anyone.”
“I know of a nice inn at Rollagen,” Ellyn changed the subject. “I can go ahead and reserve two rooms, and you two can get Erath there.”
“I don’t want you going by yourself,” said Gavin.
“Well someone needs to make sure there are rooms available,” Ellyn replied. “We don’t want to get there and find out that they have all been reserved.”
“Hold on, we don’t even know how we are going to get Erath there,” Gavin said. “He’s in no condition to ride Ben, especially that far. And carrying him on a litter would take all day.”
“Couldn’t we go to town and get help?” Ellyn asked. “I’m sure someone has a cart or wagon, or something like that.”
“Ellyn, that is the first sensible idea you have had all day,” said Gavin.
“And the day is still young, perhaps it will happen again,” Brynn teased.
“Oh, get over yourselves,” Ellyn said in response, going over to Erath to change his bandages.
Erath turned his head slowly. “Don’t change the bandages today.”
“You said that yesterday. It cannot be put off,” Ellyn said firmly.
Erath grunted as Ellyn changed his bandages as gently as she could. He wished it were Gavin, because for some reason he felt he could be so much more open around him. Ellyn – well, she was different.
Gavin walked up. “Brynn and I are going to town now to get a wagon,” he said. “We should be back in a couple hours.” He added to Ellyn, “I don’t suppose you can stay out of trouble ‘til then?”
“Really Gavin, don’t be silly. I will be fine.”
“Alright,” he said. Looking at them both one more time, as if to assure himself they would not kill each other while he was gone, Gavin turned and left with Brynn.
Once Ellyn finished changing Erath’s bandages, she picked up her bow and arrows.
“You’re leaving?” Erath asked with surprise and perhaps even a bit of excitement.
“No, I am just practicing here,” said Ellyn. “Tell me something to hit.”
Erath was surprised. Ellyn usually was not one to involve him in any of her doings. He felt awkward going along with it. “I don’t care, just hit anything.”
“Oh, you are no fun.” Ellyn raised her bow.

Nearly four hours later, Gavin and Brynn returned on a cart driven by an old workhorse. There was an old man at the front holding the reins. Gavin jumped off the back and walked over to where Erath was lying. “You ready?”
“Just get it over with.”
Brynn came alongside Gavin, and together they lifted up the stretcher on which Erath was lying. He grunted at first and bit his lip until it bled, but refused to let himself cry. They carried him over to the wagon and set him in it as gently as they could. The ride back to Rollagen was rough, as the cart was bumpy and therefore exceedingly painful for Erath. He bore it the best he could, and his pride kept him from showing any obvious signs of pain. They reached Rollagen by nightfall. The farmer was kind enough to drive them to the inn, where Gavin and Brynn had already reserved two rooms. They bid him goodnight, and after the slow process of getting Erath into his room which he would share with Brynn, they all went exhaustedly to bed.

Gavin awoke before the others, and went to the nearby tavern to eat. As he walked down the street, he noticed that the town of Rollagen was fairly large as far as towns go, and was also quite prosperous. It was a clean and organized town, lacking in crimes, and most of the people there were quite friendly. Gavin was surprised to see that there was barely anyone on the streets. A few people were headed hurriedly in the direction of the town square, but that was all. Curious, Gavin followed them. He reached the square, and stopped. An enormous crowd was gathered, and a man standing on the back of a cart was reading names from a huge piece of paper. Gavin nudged a tall man standing next to him. “What is that he’s reading?”
“Names for the draft.”
“Draft?” Gavin asked in surprise.
“Yeah, I’m surprised you have not heard about it! There is an army coming down from Borrador. They’ve been splitting into battalions and ravaging different cities. The word is out that they are coming here.”
Gavin was shocked. “When will they be here?”
“Could be a couple of days, could be a week.”
He had heard enough. Gavin turned and headed back to the inn, where he found that everyone was up.
“Gavin, where were you?” Ellyn asked, meeting him in the hall. “I hope you got me something to eat.”
“No time for that,” said Gavin. “Where is Brynn?”
“I think he is in his room still. Is something wrong?”
Brynn came out of his room just then. “I’m going to get something to eat, do you want anything?”
“Brynn, listen. I was just at the town square, and they are drafting people now. Armies of Borrador are ravaging towns, and they are coming here.”
Brynn’s face hardened. “When will they get here?”
“A week or less.”
Brynn put fingers to his temple, thinking hard. “We cannot get out of here, unless we wish to abandon Erath. But I doubt that thought is in any of our minds.”
The twins shook their heads in unison.
“If we are stuck here, we should help,” said Gavin.
“Help with what?” Ellyn asked. “Are you seriously considering fighting against the men from Borrador? Because if you are, I do not want to be left out.”
“Ellyn, obviously they would not let you fight,” Gavin said. “But they would let me and Brynn.”
Brynn nodded. “If we cannot get out of here, I would rather not just sit around and do nothing.”
“Well what am I supposed to do then?” asked Ellyn in annoyance.
“Take care of Erath I suppose,” Brynn said.
“That could present a problem,” Gavin cut it. “But we can figure that out later. I’m going back to the square to get our names on that list.”
Brynn nodded, and Gavin left.
“That is definitely not like him,” said Ellyn.
“What?” Brynn asked.
“Joining some army – Gavin never does that kind of thing! I don’t know what has gotten into him lately. And I’m nervous for him. He has never fought before in his life.”
“Gavin will be fine. He may be inexperienced with a blade, but he knows how to use his head better than most people can.”
“I just hope that is enough to keep him alive.”

The time has come, quoth the walrus.

Esteemed readers of this oft neglected blog-
If you are reading this, I must say I am extremely grateful that you still take the time to check this blog. I know it's been forever. We (my co-authors and myself) have mused long upon this quandary (ok, we thought about it for ten minutes or so) and at last came to the conclusion that must take a break from the authorship of this blog. This is largely due to perplexing and voluminous mounds of homework and the highly noble pursuit of education. And so, we bid adieu to you for a short time. Our goal is to have the next chapter posted by Thanksgiving (right, Amber?) and after that joyous occasion we will reassess the situation and come to a further conclusion about this blog. In the mean time, I leave you with this quote:

"Poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese." - G.K. Chesterton

Yes, he really wrote that. Don't ask me what that has to do with anything. :)

Ciao, ya'll.

C.

Erath - Chapter 13

Wow. I'm so sorry guys. Thanks for being patient.




Gavin sighed contentedly as he finished the venison that Brynn had caught for dinner. The twilight was exquisite; just above him the sky was streaked with wispy clouds stained purple. Behind him, the sky had taken on a dark purplish hue, and just in front, the blood-red sun setting behind the mountains, setting the clouds aflame with bright orange, reds and yellows. The cool air and gentle breeze was soothing. What made the evening more enjoyable was the fact that Erath and Ellyn had not had an argument for almost four days. It was gloriously peaceful between the four travelers.
“Nice night, eh Gavin?” Brynn asked, sitting down beside his friend. At Gavin’s nod, he went on. “Red sun though. It’ll be hot tomorrow.”
“Let’s hope the tempers won’t be,” Gavin remarked.
“Remarkable isn’t it? They haven’t fought for nearly a week. I wonder why?”
“We have nothing left to argue about,” Ellyn said, coming to sit down on Gavin’s other side. “Actually, I have gotten bored of him, and I think he has of me too.”
Gavin chuckled softy, but Brynn looked about himself. “Where is he anyway?”
“He said he was going out to cut wood,” Ellyn said, brushing her dark red hair out of her eyes. “He took the big hatchet this time.”
“When did he leave?” he asked testily. Gavin’s fingers twitched nervously.
“Oh,” Ellyn shrugged her shoulders carelessly, “about a quarter of an hour ago. My, you two are so paranoid.” Ellyn got to her feet and started rummaging through the food pack. “He said he would be back within the hour with wood for a fire. But it looks like we are going to need more food. Besides, I am getting tired of meat every night. Can’t we go into a town tomorrow and buy some fruit?”
“Maybe bread and cheese, but not fruit,” Brynn said. “It is too expensive and does not travel well.”
“Well, can we go tomorrow then?”
Brynn shrugged his shoulders. “I suppose so. Will you be alright being with Erath for most of the day?” he said, turning to Gavin.
He nodded.
Night was starting to fall by then. The inferno of colors on the western horizon was dimming, and the cooling, gentle aromas of night and soft noises of nature were beginning to come out and enclose the three companions.
Heavy steps coming from the trees behind them made Brynn turn around. Arms wrapped around a pile of freshly cut wood were the first things to come out of the shadows, quickly followed by the long stride of Erath and finally his face. The hatchet sat atop the pile, glinting in the fading light. Gavin went over to him and tried to take some wood and lighten his load, but Erath snapped.
“I can carry it myself.”
“Just trying to make it a little easier,” Gavin said gently.
“I can handle it.”
Gavin turned back to the others with a small shrug.
Erath approached the small fire pit that Brynn had dug earlier and began setting up the logs. In a few minutes, there was a small blaze going. As the night was cool, the three of them crowded around it as Erath fanned the tiny tongues of fire.
“How much farther till we get to the village?” Ellyn asked.
“I would say a league or so to go,” Gavin said. “After we pass through this hill country, we should be at the foot of the first mountain. You and Brynn will need to go through these woods to get to …” he pulled out the map, a ragged piece of parchment that must have been fairly new when they started, “a little town here called Rollagen. It’s pretty rural.
Brynn looked over Gavin’s shoulder at the map. “We will leave just after dawn. I will wake you up, Ellyn.”

Gavin watched as his sister dragged alongside the briskly striding Brynn, her eyes half shut. “She never was a morning person,” he said quietly to himself.
Erath was sitting beside the smoking fire, a bucket half full of water beside him.
Something was different about him. Gavin could see that, but was not quite sure what it was. He looked at Erath’s absent eyes for a few seconds before they came back to themselves and locked on Gavin.
“What?” he snapped, complexion taking on a sour expression.
That was it; his face wasn’t showing anger at all. It was tranquil, no lines of contempt or irritation spoiling it. For a minute, Erath was handsome. It was as if Gavin could see what Erath would have been like if he had not had such a terrible past.
“Oh,” he said, shrugging his shoulders, “it’s nothing.”
Erath’s brow softened a little, but not very much. After dumping the rest of the water on the remaining fire, he got to his feet, standing to his full height for the first time since he joined them. “Let’s start work while we have time.” So saying, he rolled up his blanket and set it beside the rest of the gear. Taking up the pot of rabbit stew they had had for breakfast, he offered some to Gavin – who declined- before throwing it out.
“I will be back in a few minutes,” he said, turning to find a stream in the woods.
Gavin continued docilely straightening the camp, but he was puzzled. Erath had never acted this way. He had not needed to be ordered to help; he had volunteered, even suggested it first. What happened? There must be some reason he is acting so obligingly. Is he trying to get something from me out of it?
After he finished, he sat down to watch the sun climb up the sky’s walls. All was still until the sound of splintering wood and the crashing of something hard brought a piercing scream that rang in the surrounding hills.
Gavin scrambled to his feet and bolted for the woods. “Erath! Erath!” he yelled. He needed no answer, for the continuing stream of cries and curses reached his ears easily. Then they stopped. Running, Gavin came to a small ravine, where, at the bottom, was a little brook of water. The sight that met his eyes was terrible; a fallen tree across the ravine had blocked a wall of boulders, where the stream came. Now there were only the remainders of the log, and the boulders were scattered across the ravine. Gavin stood at the edge, horrified. “Where is he?” he said quietly, anxiously. “Erath?” he called.
The sounds of someone breathing hard through their teeth reached his ears, then groans of agony came to him. Then Gavin could make out, underneath a boulder, was a leg in the baggy, ragged slacks of a sailor.
“Over here, idiot!” a voice screamed.
Gavin scrambled down the side of the ravine and over the various sized rocks until he could see Erath. He was pinned beneath a boulder that was almost as large as he. His face was red, and lines of suffering were etched in his face.
Gavin didn’t bother to ask what had happened or if Erath was all right. He got down to where Erath could see him and asked, “What do I do?”

Between the waves of pain, Erath gritted his words out through his teeth. “Get a rope … put it in a bowline … on a bight knot … and get it wet.”
“Right,” and with that, Gavin took off for the campsite, leaving Erath alone again.
Once he felt that Gavin was far enough out of earshot, Erath let out a loud cry of pain. The tears he had tried to hold back came down in rivers. He let his head down on the cool rocks and cried. It was all he could do for the next ten minutes until Gavin came back very suddenly, catching Erath in another tremor of sobs. For a second, Erath wanted to stop blubbering in front of this quiet and powerful young man, but then it didn’t matter. His pain was real, and there was no possible way he could convince otherwise.
Gavin sat down beside him and held the rope out. “How do you do it?”
“You don’t know how?” he managed to spit out.
“I was never a sailor.”
“Give it to me,” he ordered.
Gavin handed him the rope, and Erath pushed himself up on his elbows. When his back arched up though, a renewed pain shuddered down his leg. More tears ran down his cheeks, but he had stopped his sobbing. Quickly swiping the mist from his eyes, he took the rope and tied the knot, clumsily at first, then tighter.
“Go soak that in water,” he said. “It will hold better.” Once this had been done, Erath instructed him how to tie it around the boulder so that it would be lifted without any further damage to his leg. This being completed, Gavin threw the remainder of the rope over a sturdy limb protruding from a thick tree.
“Now just pull on the rope. The boulder should lift,” Erath said. Every word said was more breath used up and more pain added to his limbs.
Gavin wrapped the end of the rope around his right arm and grabbed with both hands, yanking on the rope. It didn’t budge. He tried again, throwing his weight down and trying to bring the rope with him, but once again, it remained where it was. The sun was high up in the sky by then, and the sweat poured down Gavin’s face and neck, soaking his shirt and the tunic underneath. After a third hard tug, he let go of the rope and staggered back a bit.
“I’ll be right back,” he said breathlessly, and took off at a tired jog for the camp. As soon as he came in sight of it, he could see Brynn and Ellyn just getting back. Calling to them, he came up and told them what had happened in as short sentences as he could. “… And I need help pulling on the rope. It’s not moving at all, and Erath has been under that boulder for nearly two hours.”
Brynn’s anxious and tense face at once turned to where Gavin tiredly pointed. He ran at a sprint, Ellyn struggling to keep up behind. Gavin came last of all to the place where Erath lay. The three of them took hold of the rope, and on Brynn’s count, heaved in unison on the cord. The boulder lifted.
“Ellyn!” Brynn yelled, face red and biceps straining, “pull him out!”
Immediately letting go of the rope, Ellyn darted up to Erath’s side. She grabbed him from under the arms and dragged him away slowly, her feet shuffling, trying to keep balance. Erath let out a wild cry of pain.
“Is he out?” Brynn yelled desperately from behind the boulder.
“Yes!” she shouted back.
Brynn sighed, letting go of the rope. Gavin followed suite and the huge rock crashed down, splintering and damaging the thick cord. Small pieces and chips of rock flew for a second, then only dust.
Erath was screaming now. The sudden movement of his broken leg had hurt, but not only that, but it had been jerked up onto a higher rock when Ellyn pulled him away. This sent waves of anguish throughout his body. He lay on the ground, writhing in pain; the others didn’t know what to do. Black dots flashed across his vision, his mind becoming more and more blank as consciousness threatened to leave him.. Erath remained facedown for several minutes, shuddering with pain and uncontrollable sobs.
At last, he turned his head toward them, the tears gone. His face was swollen and red, his eyes almost bloodshot. “Help me up,” he said weakly.
Brynn was the first to come out their stupor. “Not yet,” he said. “We should make a litter to carry you back to camp. Ellyn, you go back to camp and make up the fire; find as many bandages as you can, and see if there are any herbs you can find as well. Gavin, you and I will make the litter.” Kneeling down, he looked Erath in the eyes. “Wait a few minutes until we can get you back without much more pain for you.”
Drawing a shaky breath, Erath nodded.

The pain was still ever-present for Erath, but it was much better lying on the three extra sleeping blankets everyone had given him. Ellyn was making another poultice for the few cuts he had received, and Gavin was fitting a splint for his entire leg and re-binding it. One of the bones in his shin was broken, and the muscles in his thighs were badly bruised. It had been two days since the accident, but his pain was still horrible. The only way he could keep himself from bursting out was his pride. When he was with Gavin, it was all right to cry in front of him, but he didn’t want the others to see his tears. He didn’t exactly know why that was so, but something about Gavin disarmed him so that it was all right.
Brynn came up to him, holding out to him a tin plate with a haunch of some meat he had caught and cooked while the twins took care of him. “It will be a few months before your leg heals you know,” he said in passing..
Erath took the food, his attitude at once sour at the news. Lying around for a few days was all right, but for months?

Some hours later, when the other two had gone to bed, Brynn went over to Gavin and spoke softly in his ear. “Looks like the days of peace will be over soon.”
Wearily looking up at Erath, then Ellyn, Gavin sighed through a slight smile. “I give it twenty-four hours.”

Brynn - Chapter 12

Hello people!
Sorry about the delay; there were some editing complications. Anyway, let me know what you think! I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Cheers!

C.

Chapter 12:
“I am so tired!” Ellyn exclaimed, flopping onto the ground. She was the only one awake enough to be talking. Gavin and Brynn had spent half the day trying to find Ben, who had run off the night before, while Erath and Ellyn argued over everything under the sun. They had only traveled for a few hours before another rainstorm had turned the road into a stream and the wind had picked up, making every step a fight. Somehow, everything seemed to be going wrong. Ellyn and Erath were constantly fighting, and more than once Gavin and Brynn had had to physically restrain them. Gavin was busy helping Erath with his bandages, which Ellyn refused to do, and keeping firewood stocked and Ben taken care of. Brynn went hunting nearly every morning before the others were up and was teaching Ellyn how to cook. Ellyn did her best with the cooking, but everyone preferred it when Brynn made dinner. Erath didn’t even attempt to help but usually watched the others with an air of being aloof. The one good thing that had happened was that since Erath’s arrival Ellyn and Gavin fought less frequently, either from lack of energy or because it was boring compared to arguing with Erath.
“Where’s the provision sack?” Ellyn asked crossly, breaking the silence.
“Here,” Gavin said, swinging it off of his back and setting it on the ground next to her. Ellyn began rummaging through it, muttering. Brynn went to chop firewood while Gavin unloaded the packs. Erath watched the three of them work, resting against a tree. It had been nearly two weeks since they had found him and his wounds were healing well, but he still insisted that his injuries incapacitated him. Arguing was fruitless, so the other three had stopped trying to get him to help.
At dinner they sat silently around the fire. A few birds bid goodnight to the world, the only sound disturbing the silence of the trees around them. The sky was slowly growing darker, and stars appeared, glimmering faintly against the blue. Brynn sat up abruptly.
“We’re almost out of bread,” he stated, glancing around the circle. The others turned their attention toward him.
“So?” Ellyn asked.
“So we need to buy more,” Brynn answered, smiling wryly. “The village of Sveya is about five miles away from here. We can go there in the morning and buy provisions. All right?”
“Sounds good,” Gavin responded.
“Sure,” Ellyn said.
Erath just glared into the fire. Brynn knew by now that he shouldn’t expect an answer from him.
“Let’s get some sleep,” Brynn said, finally.
All four were asleep within minutes.

Everyone was in considerably better spirits the next morning. The sun had finally come out after days of rain. Sleep helped a great deal as well.
“When we get to town, Ellyn, why don’t you come with me to buy food?” Brynn suggested as they ate breakfast.
“And what are we supposed to do while you’re gone?” Erath asked coldly. Brynn met his challenging gaze.
“I’m sure you and Gavin will find something to do,” he replied. “I don’t think it’s wise for you to go into town, considering the condition we found you in last time.”
“I can take care of myself,” Erath snapped.
“Oh, really?” Brynn asked. “Then I suppose you don’t need Gavin to help you with your bandages anymore? Be grateful that you have people remotely caring about your welfare. You certainly don’t seem to realize how dependent you are on all of us.”
“We’ll try our hand at hunting,” Gavin broke in, hoping to avoid another argument.
“Good. Let’s get going,” Brynn answered, turning away from Erath’s glaring blue eyes.
They reached Sveya within an hour and separated outside the gates.
“We’ll meet by that grove of trees in an hour,” Brynn decided. The others nodded and set off. Inside the village, confusion reigned. Wagons full of people, animals, and possessions filled the streets. Chickens clucked, men shouted, and children weaved in and out among the carts. Women were hurriedly piling the wagons full of pots, pans, mattresses, food, and other goods.
“What’s going on?” Ellyn asked, looking around.
“I don’t know. Let’s see if we can find out. Come on,” Brynn said, leading the way to a bakery. Inside, there was a long ling of customers, each of them jabbering excitedly.
“Where is everyone going?” Brynn asked the proprietor, when they finally reached the counter.
“How should I know? Lot’s of places, I’m sure. What can I get you?” the man asked, briskly.
“Four loaves of traveler’s bread,” Brynn told him.
“But why is everyone leaving?” Ellyn persisted. The man put the bread in a sack.
“Haven’t you heard?” he asked, stopping to stare at them. “There’s been trouble brewing on the borders of Elindin. No one knows for sure just what it means. That’s twelve silver coins,” he finished, handing Ellyn the bag. Brynn paid and they left the congested shop.
“What does “trouble” mean? It could be anything! It could be sheep rustling, or wolf attacks, or a hundred other things!” Ellyn burst out.
“Well, getting worked up about it isn’t going to help,” Brynn reminded her. “Why don’t we try talking to some of these people?” Ellyn nodded, and they made their way through the crowded street to the line of wagons.
“Excuse me,” Brynn began, addressing a gray-bearded old man. “What’s going on at the border?”
“What? The border?” the old man asked, leaning toward him. “You want a ride?”
“I don’t want a ride anywhere,” Brynn answered, speaking louder. “I was wondering why are you leaving?”
“Weaving? No, Marguerite doesn’t weave much anymore. She used to be the best around here, ‘til she got married, and then she didn’t have to be the best anymore,” the old man went on.
“No, sir, I mean, why are you going?” Brynn tried. Ellyn stifled a laugh.
“Going where, sonny?” the man asked.
“Never mind,” Brynn finally gave up. “Thank you anyway.”
“Sure, it was real nice talkin’ to you too,” the old man answered, smiling amiably.
Ellyn giggled as they walked away from him, and Brynn couldn’t help smiling either.
“Why don’t you try this time?” he suggested.
“All right,” Ellyn agreed. “Sir?” she said politely to a tall, brawny man.
“Yeah?” the man responded, scratching his scruffy black beard.
“Do you know anything about what is going on at the borders?” Ellyn asked.
“Nah,” the man answered. With that, he turned around and walked away.
Ellyn’s mouth hung open in astonishment. “Well, why are you leaving then?” she asked, running after him.
“Gotta get out,” he answered shortly.
“But why?” Ellyn persisted.
“’Cause there’s trouble at the border. Ain’t ya heard?” the man answered.
“Of course,” Ellyn answered, exasperated. “But what is the trouble at the border?”
The man ran a hand through his hair, thinking, before replying, “I dunno.”
Brynn caught up with them. “Come on,” Brynn said, laughing. “We’re not making any progress. We need to get back to Gavin and Erath anyway.”
It took them almost fifteen minutes to get through the crowds of people. Ellyn almost got kicked by a mule, but other than that, they made it back to the gate in relatively good shape.
“We made it!” Ellyn exclaimed, taking a deep breath. “I wasn’t sure we would be able to get out without being smashed by a cart.”
“Looks like the boys are back too,” Brynn answered as they drew near the grove. Gavin’s back was toward them, but they could see that Erath, who was facing them, was not in a good mood. Gavin turned around as they walked up. His bottom lip was bleeding but he looked relieved to see them. Ellyn gasped.
“What did you do to him?” she demanded, rushing toward Erath. Brynn grabbed her arm and held her back from him.
“What happened?” Brynn asked quietly.
“Erath decided to steal a chicken,” Gavin answered, flatly.
“You what?” Brynn asked, looking at Erath.
“Stole a chicken,” Erath answered, his voice cool.
“Why?”
“Because we couldn’t catch anything. And we needed the meat,” he replied.
“We don’t eat stolen food,” Brynn said.
“Oh?” Erath asked. “Maybe you don’t. But some of us haven’t had life handed to us on a silver platter.”
Brynn’s eyes darkened with quiet anger. “I’m sorry if you had a rough childhood,” he said coldly, “but stealing is unacceptable, and as long as you are part of this company, you will not. You also entered the town, which we all agreed, would be unwise.”
“Maybe I didn’t agree,” Erath answered.
“Then you should have spoken up,” Brynn said, stepping toward him.
“You can’t control me. I’ll do what I want to do when I want to,” Erath replied defiantly.
“You’re traveling with three other people, now,” Brynn went on, his voice low. “You have to think about how your decisions will affect everyone else, whether you want to or not.”
“No,” Erath whispered menacingly. “I don’t.”
Brynn did the only thing he could think of to do. He punched Erath squarely in the face. Erath stumbled backward with the force of the blow and landed in the dust. He got up, rubbing his chin. His ice blue eyes had become dangerously sharp, but Brynn was already moving on.
“If that isn’t clear,” he said, “let me know.” Turning to Gavin and Ellyn, he said, “Let’s get out of here.”

“Hand me that pack, Erath,” Ellyn said, pointing to the bag next to him.
“Do it yourself,” he said, sullenly.
“Do you have to make everything so difficult?” Ellyn asked, disgusted. She grabbed the bag and started throwing things in it.
“Do you have to order me around all the time?” Erath retorted evenly.
“I was just asking you to be helpful!” Ellyn answered angrily.
“Well stop asking! Do something for yourself for once!” Erath grabbed a sack and shoved the cooking supplies in it.
“Erath, don’t talk to my sister that way,” Gavin said. “Ellyn, don’t talk at all.”
“Why should we listen to you, now?” Ellyn demanded.
Erath looked at her, astonished. “Do you know that’s the first reasonable thing I’ve ever heard you say?” he asked.
“How’d you do it, Gavin?” Brynn asked. “They’re agreeing about something. Unbelievable.” Gavin and Brynn both laughed for a minute before realizing that Ellyn was staring at them, her arms crossed defiantly. Erath simply glared at them.
“The point still stands,” Ellyn said. “Why do I have to listen to you?”
“Because we all want to live. And to live, we’ve got to have order. So: Gavin, you will take care of Ben and be the navigator. Ellyn, you will do all of the cooking, once you’ve mastered something edible. Erath, you will keep the firewood stocked. I will continue to do the hunting and be in charge of packing everything when we are ready to move. Any questions?”
“What about my wounds? They’re still not healed yet,” Erath pointed out.
“If you are well enough to steal a chicken, you are well enough to chop firewood,” Brynn answered. “Anything else?”
Gavin was the only one who looked happy about the new rules, but Ellyn and Erath were both silent.
“Good,” Brynn said. “Gavin, you have the map, right?” Gavin nodded pulling it from his pocket.
“We need to head--,” he paused, looked up, and then pointed to the right. “That way.”
“Let’s go,” Brynn said.

The Twins - Chapter 11

Ok, here it is!! The end of the chapter is ... not exactly where we want it to be. So if you have any suggestions please comment!


“Great, now what are we going to do with him?” Ellyn threw her hands up in the air with an exasperated edge to her voice.
“If you ask me, I say we take him along with us,” Brynn responded, gazing absently into the fire.
“What, trail him along like some puppy? I don’t think that is going to work. Besides, he will refuse to come with us, you can count on that.” Ellyn paced back and forth in front of the fire.
“I don’t know about that, Ell,” Gavin said.
“Why? If he is a deserter, he will want to stay away from anyone that might give him away.”
“Or he might want to stay with us. He might be afraid that we will give him away, and because of that he will stay with us to make sure we won’t.”
Ellyn sat down with a moan. “This is too confusing! All I know is that I refuse to have him come with us. The man is barbaric!”
“Ellyn, just because Erath slapped your hand does not mean he is barbaric.” Brynn glanced at her. “Rude maybe, but not barbaric.”
“Well still, I do not like having him around here. As soon as he wakes up I am going to make that clear to him.”
“No Ellyn, you won’t,” Gavin cut in. “When he wakes up we are going to try to carry on a reasonable conversation with him. We’ll see what he thinks about all this.”
“Fine,” Ellyn gave in. “You can have it your way. But he won’t want to come with us.”
At that moment, Erath moaned and his eyes flickered open. Brynn stood and went over to him. “Are you ready to talk?”
Erath glared up at Brynn, and slowly dragged himself up to a sitting position on the ground.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Brynn continued on. “Where are you headed?”
“What does it matter to you?” Erath asked spitefully.
“Well that depends on your answer.”
“Somewhere out of this country. Tiras maybe.”
Gavin and Brynn exchanged glances, and Ellyn moaned and put her head in her hands.
“It just so happens that we are headed to Tiras as well,” Gavin stood and came over next to Brynn. “Would you be interested in coming with us?”
Ellyn coughed.
Erath raised an eyebrow. “Why would I want to come with you?”
“The road to Tiras can be dangerous. The more people you travel with, the safer you are.”
Ellyn coughed loudly.
“And,” Brynn joined in, “we could very easily report you. Would you not want to stay with us to be sure we won’t?”
Ellyn’s cough turned into a strangled, choking noise. Gavin quietly kicked a bit of dirt at her with his boot to silence her.
Erath shot her a curious glance, and then ignored her. He had been worried that they might turn him in, and as much as he d to admit it, they were right. “You swear you won’t turn me in if I go with you?” he asked.
“Of course,” Brynn replied.
“Fine. I’ll go with you as far as Tiras.”


Ellyn reluctantly pulled out a roll of bandages from her travelers’ bag and tossed it at Erath. “Fix yourself up,” she said coldly.
“Ellyn …” Gavin looked at her. “You’re the only one that knows how to do it well.”
She sighed. “Fine.” Reluctantly going over to where Erath sat, she unrolled a strip of cloth, cut it, and forcefully grabbed Erath’s arm.
“Ow! You don’t have to make it worse!” he said in annoyance.
Ellyn pinched her lips together and wrapped the cloth as tightly as she could around the long cut on Erath’s forearm. He pushed her hand away forcefully and angrily unrolled the cloth from his arm. “If you insist on being rough, I’ll just do it myself.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind it that much,” Ellyn said sarcastically.
He lifted his cold eyes to her. “Yes.” It was firm and quiet, as if he were about to start shouting.
“Suit yourself,” Ellyn stood, unaffected by his rudeness, and set her blanket by the fire to sleep. Gavin came over and sat next to her.
“Really Ell,” he said. “Do you have to make things worse?”
“Worse? He’s making everything worse!”
“Ellyn, we need him. As soon as he heals, he will be a great help to us.”
“Yes, and before he heals I have to tend to him and feed him and take care of him. That’s making things worse.”
Gavin sighed. “Ellyn, please. It won’t be for too long.”
“Yes, that’s what bugs me. As soon as he is better, he will be bossing me around. Right now I have control … but not for long.”
Gavin chuckled. “Don’t take advantage of it.”
“Take advantage? Why would I do that?” Ellyn asked in surprise, and then lay down to sleep.


“Ellyn, wake up.” Brynn shook her.
“What?” she slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes.
“I shot a rabbit for breakfast and I need you to cook it now.”
“A rabbit? For breakfast?!”
“Yes, what else did you expect?”
“I don’t know - eggs, biscuits. Something more… breakfasty.”
Brynn laughed. “Welcome to the real world,” he said. “No breakfast in bed here.”
“Great,” Ellyn stood. “Where is the rabbit?”
“Here,” Brynn held it up. “I just skinned it.”
“Eww! I changed my mind – you can cook it.”
“Come on Ellyn. Me and Gavin are busy, you’re the only other one that can do it.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll see what I can do.” She reached out and squeamishly took the rabbit from Brynn.
Ten minutes later Ellyn was stirring a lumpy, brownish stew over the fire and pinching her nose at the same time. Gavin came up behind her.
“Oh good. Breakfast. I’m starving.”
“Eat at your own risk,” said Ellyn.
Gavin took the ladle from her and tested the stew. He raised his eyebrows, and had a bit of difficulty swallowing it. “It’s … good,” he cleared his throat.
“Hmm,” Ellyn took the ladle back from him at continued to stir the stew. Brynn came to the fire just then, and tried it as well. He had more difficulty swallowing it than Gavin did. “What did you put in this?” he asked her.
“Look, you asked for breakfast, and here it is. If you do not want to eat it, you don’t have to.”
“Well, I want something,” Erath called from where he lay close to the fire.
“Serve yourself,” Ellyn called back to him.
Gavin sighed and grabbed a bowl. After ladling some stew into it, he brought it to Erath.
“What is this?” Erath asked suspiciously.
“Breakfast, stupid,” Ellyn said hotly.
He opened his mouth to say something, then changed his mind and sipped from the bowl. Immediately Erath began to choke and spit it out. “What are you trying to do, poison me?”
“You know what? I’ve had enough. If you want to eat, you can make your own food.” Ellyn angrily thrust the ladle into the stew and stomped off to her bag to find something else to eat.
The rest of the day passed slowly. Erath was still not well enough to walk for very long, so they ended up having Brynn and Gavin carry the bags and Erath riding on Ben. When Brynn came back with another rabbit for supper, he showed Ellyn how to skin it and what kind of herbs she could find that would go well with it in a stew. The result was a supper that tasted slightly better than what they had for breakfast.
But what really annoyed Ellyn was how demanding Erath got. She had to do everything for him, including changing his bandages every night. And the better he got, the crabbier he got. Ellyn struck back in whatever way she could. His stew had more lumps and hair in it than everyone else’s did. His bandages were either too tight or too loose. And if he needed something, Ellyn went as slow as she possibly could to get it for him. Needless to say, with every day that passed, both Ellyn and Erath’s moods got worse. By the fifth day since Erath’s arrival, the tension in the air was so much that Brynn and Gavin took whatever opportunity they could to get away from the other two. And of course that only made things worse, because it left Ellyn and Erath alone together way too much. By the end of the week fireworks went off every time they spoke to each other, and everyone had very short tempers. So of course it didn’t help that Gavin read the map wrong and they went in the wrong direction for two days. And when they finally got back on track they found that a bridge had washed out, so they had to take an extra day to cut down a tree and somehow make a bridge out of it so that Ben could cross. By that time no one could carry on a rational conversation. It soon became apparent that someone had to take charge or else everything would fall apart.

In case you're wondering...

We're still here. And Amber is supposedly writing the next chapter. In the meantime, I'm busy reformatting...So let me know what you think of the new layout, while we're waiting for the next chapter. Thanks!

Chariss

Erath - Chapter 10

“Hey you!” a voice shouted from behind.
Erath didn’t bother turning around. Shoving another body out of the way, he made his way to the door quickly.
“Stop! You still have to pay your tab!”
Finally stopping at the door, Erath turned around slowly. The spherical bald innkeeper bustled up to him, his face redder than usual with indignation. He held aloft a long wooden spoon, dripping with stew from the kitchen. At last he reached Erath.
“You did not pay for that meal, and I intend to get it from you,” he said, anger spicing his voice.
“I’ll be darned if I give it to you,” he retorted.
“Don’t use language at my inn, lad!” the owner nearly roared. “Just pay your bill and get out of here.”
“The only thing I’m giving you is this,” Erath swung a clenched fist into the innkeeper’s prodigious girth, following it up with a swing to the nose. The man keeled over, moaning as Erath made his escape out the tavern. He couldn’t have been a stone’s throw away before he heard a bellowing noise from behind him.
“After him, boys! That’s the one!”
Erath swiveled his head around. Three lanky men were running after him, two with clubs, and the third with a sharp, leather-making tool. All were fast runners. Erath doubled his speed, racing through the crowded town. Very soon though, his breath ran short and his legs cramped from the sprinting. He managed to get out of the town, but there was no place to hide. The road led on a broad plain devoid of trees, and miles away loomed the mountains.
Stopping, Erath doubled over, hands on his knees, panting. Weariness flooded his consciousness. Rising to his full height, he turned to where the town’s gates were. At once he could see the three men, still running hard, but behind him were at least a dozen other men. Apparently the innkeeper was a very popular man, and the incident he made at the tavern upset several men of the town.
He picked up his weary feet and began to run again. The scorching heat drew sweat from his body and sapped the little strength he had left. A sudden pain jabbed him in the shoulder and he went sprawling. At once he felt a heavy weight on his back, then a voice crying out.
“I have him! Come quickly before he gets away!”
Erath struggled, but his attacker didn’t budge. Just above his shoulder blade, he could feel something running and sticking to his tunic. Once again he felt the sickening nausea of capture and potential death approaching. Grunting heavily, he forced his shoulders up, not caring about the wound. The man above him started with a cry, but before Erath could use the man’s surprise against him, he felt another shock, but only in his other shoulder.
“Ah!” he cried aloud and fell back on his face.
“Is this the lad?”
Erath could hear another voice from behind him. The other men were near. He turned his face to one side and could see a pair of boots. He exhaled loudly, admitting defeat.
“Yes. What do you want to do with him?” came his attacker’s rasping voice.
“Let him stand on his own feet,” the other commanded.
“Yessir.”
The weight lifted from Erath’s back. Two strong hands gripped his shoulders and yanked him to his feet. He grimaced as the hands grasped his wounds, but refused to cry out. Immediately, he felt lightheaded and wavered as if about to fall, but the two men on both sides grabbed his arms and held him in place. He raised his head, looking at the great man before him straight in the face. Although he tried to appear unhurt and defiant, he could tell the other men could see he really was the opposite.
The huge man in front of him took another step closer, bending his head a little to be on a level with Erath’s. “You have stolen food from Glutundon, and he demands it back. Will you give it to him?”
“And if I don’t?” Erath asked haughtily.
“I and these men will take it from you by force.”
Erath stole a glance around him. Several men, all wiry with muscles rippling up and down their arms, surrounded him. Looking back at their leader, he spat at his feet. “I have nothing to say to you,” he snarled.
At once a man ran at him, his bloodied leather tool upraised. Erath darted away and swung his fist into the man’s stomach, making him double over. That seemed to be the signal for the others to attack. Blows were showered on Erath, but he refused to give in. He continued to fight, an unarmed lad against a dozen armed, seasoned men. Suddenly a knife was thrust into his thigh as if out of nowhere. Erath gave a loud cry of pain and fell, clutching the hilt. As soon as he was on the ground, dozens of feet started kicking his body. He looked up as a cudgel came hurtling toward him. Not knowing what else to do, Erath turned his head to the side and squeezed his eyes shut. The blow sent showers of sparking light into his head. Darkness flooded his senses and he stopped moving.

* * * * *

“Ellyn, stop being so paranoid.” Gavin rolled his eyes at his twin. “Just because there was a fight at the inn a couple hours ago doesn’t mean we’ll meet up with that man. And if we do,” he patted the young man on the shoulder beside him, “Brynn will take care of him.”
Ellyn chuckled. “I think you’re the one who’s being paranoid,” she retorted good-naturedly. “I only said that once as we were leaving, and you’re still going on about it.”
Brynn sighed. They had been going at it for twenty minutes now. He was walking in between the twins to keep Ellyn from roughing up her docile twin, but he could not stop her talking. Although he liked Gavin immensely, he was beginning to tire of their constant bickering.
“Those beds were really uncomfortable, don’t you think?” he asked, abruptly changing the subject.
“Yes,” Gavin agreed heartily, glad for the change, and rubbing his shoulder. “I am sore all over.”
Ellyn shrugged. “I was really tired so I fell asleep pretty quickly. I didn’t notice anything about them.”
“I usually sleep well anywhere,” Brynn commented, “but that bed was harder than most rocks I have slept on during hunts.”
The three of them had finally left the little bustling town and had made their way a little down the road. Before them was a wide expanse of plain, brown and cracked by the recent drought. Ditches lined the roads, apparently to drain them of water when it rained. But now they were filled with dust and debris from travelers; no sign of water anywhere near them. Far away in the distance, the purple mountains shot up from the ground, their peaks so high they looked as if they would soon scrape the blue expanse above them. Thin wisps of clouds hung thousands of feet above them, giving what little shade they could to the three travelers and baggage pony. Nearly a hundred yards away though were a band of men.
Ellyn grabbed her twin’s sleeve. “I told you,” she whispered, “they are bandits around here!”
Gavin didn’t reply. As the men came closer, he noticed they were all armed … and that their weapons had blood on them. He forced himself to go on though.
Soon enough, the men passed them and went back into the village.
After they had been in the town a while, Gavin shielded his eyes with his hand. “Do you see any place farther out where we could rest for the night?”
“You’re already thinking about stopping?” Ellyn asked, leaning over to see her twin around Brynn.
Brynn’s keen eyes spotted a small copse several miles away. He pointed in its direction. “If we go far enough we can reach those trees over there and spend the night.”
Ellyn drifted and began walking nearer to the side of the road.
Tapping Brynn on the shoulder, Gavin gave him the reigns to the pony with one hand and held his finger to his lips with the other. Then, slipping around Brynn with a sly smile playing on his lips, Gavin edged over to Ellyn who was gazing at the vast flatness around her. He walked past her, tripping her with his foot as he went.
Startled, Ellyn gave a little cry and fell down, rolling off the road and down the small incline to the ditch below. She grunted as she landed on her stomach and pushed herself up with her hands. The ground gave a little, and as she gazed more closely at it, she started up to her feet, screaming. “There’s a body here! A dead body!”
Gavin’s laughter ceased; his head snapped to where she was. Quickly skidding down the hill, he pushed Ellyn aside with sudden energy. “Get back,” he ordered, then knelt where the corpse was. He grasped the dusty wrist and felt for a pulse. His face relaxed and he set the arm down.
He looked up at Brynn and Ellyn who were both with him now. “He is alive, but hurt badly.” As Gavin ran his finger down the side of the unconscious man’s face, the dirt came off, revealing a black and blue spot on the man’s temple. Blood covered him in various places, mainly around the temples, nose and back.
“I’m sorry I pushed you over,” Gavin stood and turned to Ellyn. “I did not want you near him if he really was dead – or even decaying.”
Ellyn pushed the stray red locks out of her pale face. “It only scared me a little,” she said.
“What are we going to do about him?” Brynn asked, pointing to the man lying in the dust.
“Take care of him until he is better and then allow him to go his way,” Gavin said simply.
Ellyn took her gaze off the unconscious man and looked at her brother. “Then I suppose we must get him out of this hole and take him to the place Brynn said we would stay the night.”
Both boys looked at her in surprise.
Ellyn glanced from one face to the other. “What?”
“That’s the first time you haven’t argued with something he’s said this whole time,” Brynn said, pointing at Gavin.
Ellyn gave him a quirky smile. “I can do things willingly, you know. Come on, let’s just get him out of the dirt.” She went to stand at the crumpled up body’s head. “I will hold up his neck while you two carry him.”
Within a few minutes, they had carried him to the road and, after moving some of the luggage off the pony, had the stranger sitting on its back, leaning on its soft mane. Gavin led the horse while Ellyn made sure the man didn’t slip off; Brynn carried the bags.

* * * * *

“I’m so tired,” Brynn remarked as he set down the heavy gear and sat.
Gavin took a seat beside the newly built fire and drew his knees up, sighing deeply.
Ellyn was the only busy one among them. The boys had laid the man out on the opposite side of the fire, and Ellyn was gently bathing the wounds around the invalid’s face. He was a pleasant looking fellow, she thought. Black hair that came to his shoulders, a muscular body, and a tawny face all appealed to her. Perhaps she would get to know him better once he woke up.
The wounds on him were immense. Many of them were bruises, but some were cuts, dried and cracked blood covering them. She dabbed her dirtied cloth with water from her canteen and continued wiping the blood and dirt away. As she washed his face, his eyeballs stirred under their lids. They fluttered and finally opened, staring up at Ellyn with a mixture of fear, wonder, and anger.
“Don’t worry,” Ellyn said coaxingly, “we are friends. We found you at the bottom of a ditch, so we’re making sure you get better.”
“I don’t want your help,” he said, pushing her hand away and getting to his feet. He staggered with weakness and sank back to the ground.
“Here, lie down,” Ellyn said, pushing his shoulder a bit. “You’ll make yourself worse if you try to get up.”
“Get away from me,” he said scornfully, smacking her hand this time.
Ellyn’s face turned crimson with indignation. With a flick of her wrist, she rapped sharply on Erath’s bruised knuckles. “I was just trying to help you,” she snapped. Tossing her head, she stood and looked down on him condescendingly. “See if I ever help you again,” she retorted, and went over to Brynn and Gavin, sitting down between them with a humph.
Brynn got to his feet and stood over the ailing man. “What’s your name?”
“Why do you want to know?” he retorted. “Who are you anyway? Where am I?”
“What’s your name?” Brynn persisted. When the man refused to say anything, he gave in with a short sigh. “I am Brynn, that lad over there is Gavin, and that’s his twin, Ellyn. You have no right to brush her aside when she was only trying to help you. I ask again, what’s your name?”
After a silence, the young man gazed straight ahead of him. “Erath,” he mumbled.
Brynn nodded and looked at the twins who had fixed their eyes on him. Turning back to Erath, he spoke again. “Where do you come from? And what happened to you?”
Erath sat sullenly, refusing to speak.
Brynn was getting tired of dealing with this man already. “Look. We rescued you from the ditch you were tossed into. Ellyn dealt with your wounds, Gavin and I carried you all the way over here, and believe me, you are no featherweight. I believe we have a right to know who you are and where you’re going.” His words were simple, spoken calmly. He took a step toward Erath. “So, who are you?” Erath didn’t answer but stared coldly at Brynn. He took another step. Erath sprang to his feet, fists clenched.
Gavin stood quickly. “What happened to you, Erath?” His tone was so commanding it forced Erath to lower his hands. Ellyn gazed up at her brother. Gavin had never spoken in that tone before.
Erath swung his haughty gaze at him. “I did not pay for my food at an inn, so they came after me.”
“Where are you from?” Gavin asked in the same commanding tone.
Erath’s eyes lowered a little, the pride leaving them. “A ship called the Freedom. I deserted.” Then his eyes darted up and his fingers clenched into fists again. “But if you try to make me go back or report me to the authorities, I’ll kill you.”
Ellyn looked at her brother, frightened.
Brynn had had enough. He pulled his knife from his belt and hit Erath on the head with his pommel in one quick motion. Erath groaned and fell to the ground, unconscious.

Brynn: Chapter 9

Hey ya'll,
Sorry this took me so long! Here is the long awaited chapter 9. Enjoy! And leave us lots of comments! ;)

C

~~~~~

Brynn woke with a start. He was leaning against the clay wall of the cellar. Across from him, stairs rose up to the door. The creaking of hinges had awakened him, he realized. He watched the thin line of light around the doorframe slowly expand into a full rectangle. The door was open, he thought, slowly. His sleep-befuddled brain made him drowsily unconcerned. At that moment in time, he just wanted to go back to sleep.

“All right, get him down there! We’ll deal with this in the morning,” a male voice said from above. “Two Wolves,” the man muttered to himself. A second later, he pushed a tall, dark figure in a hooded cape toward the stairs. The figure wasn’t resisting at all, he walked down the stairs slowly and precisely. Brynn finally woke up, as the figure neared him. Through the pale moonlight, Brynn could distinguish a smile on the man’s face.

“Well, what have we got here? Let me see, you’re a little short; hair’s a little darker than mine, and you have a scar the only place I don’t have one. Right above the eyebrow. Oh, don’t worry, it makes you look rather dashing,” the other man said.

“Excuse me?” Brynn said, confused. The man chuckled comfortably.

“You could pass as the Wolf, I suppose, but really we are quite different.” He pulled back the hood of his cape. Brynn thought his face interesting. Determined, yet laughing eyes, a firm mouth, and overall appearance of confidence hung about the man. Brynn could see the vague resemblance to himself, which was slightly disconcerting.

“So are you saying that you are the real Wolf?” Brynn asked, finally.

“Ah, and so light begins to dawn. You have guessed correctly, good friend. I thought it was unfortunate for you to get arrested in my name, so I decided to help you out. Fair enough? I do apologize for the inconvenience, Brynn.”

“How do you know my name, Zasur?”

“I make it my business to know everyone’s name. How do you know mine?”

Brynn laughed shortly. “Who does not know your name? ‘Friend of the meek and enemy of the tyrant.’ Also known as a major threat to the government. I think it is self-explanatory,” he replied.

Zasur laughed for a moment. “True—I suppose I am rather well-known.” He turned his face to the window and surveyed the moon for a moment. “We have time before the plan goes into action. Tell me more of yourself.”

“I was traveling to Ketsya with my companion, Iathan, when I was arrested in your name,” Brynn told him.

“Ah, that’s what it was, Iathan. I couldn’t remember the boy’s name. I spoke with him a little while ago. He didn’t know he was talking to the Wolf,” Zasur said, chuckling at the memory. “What will you do when we get out?”

“Continue traveling to Ketsya and visit my family,” Brynn replied, steadily. “And find Iathan, if I can.” Zasur thought for a moment. A low, soft whistle came through the window, and he stood up, looking out.

“Travis? Good. Meet you up around front. Thank you,” Zasur said. He caught two clubs as they were pushed between the bars of the window. Turning back to Brynn, who was watching him, he smiled brightly.

“It’s terrible how horribly insecure these jails are. This is the third one I’ve seen in the past few weeks that was indescribably easy to break out of!” he finished indignantly. He tossed a club to Brynn. “Our aim is to knock our dear guards senseless for a few hours. Keep killing to a minimum, if you don’t mind. I have my reputation to think of,” he added. “Let’s go.”

Brynn followed him up the stairs, breathing silently. The same whistle was heard, then Zasur and Brynn jointly rammed the door. The second time, the door creaked unhappily, as a commotion came from the room beyond. They rammed the door once more, and it fell through, with a loud crack.

“Good work,” Zasur commented. A blond haired man was dueling one of the four guards, and Zasur and Brynn quickly jumped in. The club was a handy weapon; Brynn found he could easily knock a guard unconscious without undue exertion. It was but a few moments before the four guards lay sprawled about the room, senseless. Zasur led the way outside where three horses were waiting.

“Someone will have heard the noise. Let’s be on our way, shall we?” Brynn, Zasur, and Travis mounted and rode quickly out of the town.

ʊʊʊʊʊ

They rode for an hour in the darkness. Brynn wondered vaguely where Zasur was leading them, but followed without hesitation. Finally, they entered the forest bordering the roadside. They had to move more slowly, but it was a relief from the hard riding. Another fifteen minutes, and they came in sight of a campfire and the group of men surrounding it.

“Ho there, Wolf, what have you brought?” asked a thin young man with dark hair.

“Another Wolf, Ivan,” Zasur called, dismounting and handing the reins to a man nearby.

“Another? Come, tell us all about it! Gerard has outdone himself with the cooking this evening and I’m sure your friend is hungry,” Ivan said, smiling. Brynn dismounted, grateful for the many hours of labor that had strengthened and toned his muscles. A few years earlier, a ride like that would have left him crippled. Zasur turned to him.

“Brynn, forgive me for presenting my brother, Ivan,” he said, grinning. Ivan ignored him and shook Brynn’s hand.

“I’m glad to meet you, friend. Have a seat, here, round the fire. Gerard, bring Brynn something to eat,” Ivan commanded. Around them, the men were talking and laughing. Zasur sat by the fire and joked with his men as food was brought for him, Brynn, and Travis.

“Tell us about your conquest, Zasur,” Ivan urged.

“Not much to tell. Everything went according to plan,” Zasur replied. “Travis and I managed to stage a little incident that made me look like the Wolf, got me arrested, and broke out.”

“Why didn’t you just enter the jail and break him out?” someone asked. “Why go to the trouble of getting arrested?”

“Because then Brynn could help us break out,” Zasur explained. “It was much more fun that way, too. I assure you, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

Watching Zasur and Ivan interact, loneliness tugged at Brynn. He was beginning to realize how much he depended on and enjoyed Rylan’s company. And now, surrounded by people, he felt more alone than ever. It was strange; suddenly being in the midst of so many had reminded him of his brother’s companionship. He shrugged it off, however, refusing to allow it to spoil the evening. You’ll have to come to terms with it, he told himself, wryly. In the mean time, he enjoyed talking with Zasur’s band of followers. They were a merry group, always poking fun at each other and telling stories of their past raids with Zasur. Brynn listened eagerly, enthralled by the daring escapes and risks Zasur orchestrated frequently.

“If that guard had been six inches nearer—” one man finished, leaving the sentence ominously hanging. The others knew what he meant. Brynn turned to Zasur, who had been quiet after their return, listening to the tales the men told. He was smiling slightly, as he poked at the fire absentmindedly.

“Don’t you ever get tired of being chased? Of being constantly in danger? Is it what you wanted for your life?” Brynn asked, finally. Zasur’s black eyes flashed up to meet Brynn’s blue ones.

“Does one get tired of doing his duty?” he asked, quietly. “It has never been a question of whether I want to or not. It is whether I need to or not. And the answer has always been that I need to,” he said, simply. Brynn gazed into the fire, thinking.

“You are a strange man, Zasur. Not many men would be willing to do what you do,” he said. “Standing up for the needy and pressing back on those who would oppress the people. Thank you for getting me out of the jail,” he added. Amusement glinted in Zasur’s eyes.

“That,” he said, “was a good time. We’ll have to do it again, eh?” He glanced around as his followers began to gather their bedding, still joking and breaking into bursts of laughter. Brynn rose, picking up his bedroll, which he had taken with him from the jail.

“Brynn,” Zasur stopped him.

“Yes?” he answered, turning back to look at him.

“I think there are more people willing to stand for justice than you think. Just because a man is a farmer or a merchant doesn’t mean he can’t fight for what he believes is right. If the test comes, I think they will stand firm. Farmers and fathers are braver than they look.”

Brynn nodded. “I’ll remember that.”

ʊʊʊʊʊ

It was morning, and Brynn was ready to start on his journey, once again. Zasur and Ivan walked with him to the road, to send him off. They paused there, as if unsure what to say. Finally Zasur spoke up.

“Brynn, you’re welcome to join us, if you like. We can always use people to fight for justice.”

Brynn considered the offer.

“Thank you, but I must find my family, first. Perhaps, if life in the city doesn’t work out …” He grinned. “I’ll be keeping an eye out for you.”

Zasur nodded in understanding.

“Well, then, it’s farewell. So long, Brynn. I hope your journey is safe, but not too dull,” he said, grinning back.

“So long, Wolf.” Brynn shook Zasur and Ivan’s hands. “Until we meet again.” He turned and started down the road. The brothers watched until he disappeared into the fog, then they too, went along their own road.

ʊʊʊʊʊ

It was nearly night when Brynn reached Ketsya. He made it inside before the city gates closed, and he was grateful, for shortly before it had begun to rain. Despite his heavy traveling cloak, Brynn was soaked by the time he found his family’s house. He was surprised to see the dark front windows, and alarm began to build within him as he knocked repeatedly on the door. There was no answer. Turning away, he spied a nearby house and decided to see if the neighbors knew anything. A short, round lady with graying hair answered the door.

“Mercy! What are you doing here, in all this rain?” she asked, surveying Brynn’s wet and disheveled appearance.

“I’m looking for my family. They live in that house, next door. Do you know where they are?” Brynn asked.

The lady looked out into the street for a moment, nervously, then grabbed Brynn’s cloak and pulled him inside the house, swiftly shutting the door. Before he could process what was happening, the woman had seated him in the kitchen and gone “to fetch Thomas, for he would know what to do.” Brynn warmed his hands at the fire, glancing around the warm, brightly lit kitchen. It was a comfortable little room, he decided, reminiscent of his old home. At the moment, he wasn’t quite sure what to think of his family’s disappearance, but he didn’t want to get worked up about nothing. They could simply be away and planning to return soon.

The woman returned quickly, with Thomas behind her. She whispered loudly.

“There, you see, Thomas. Sitting there, in our kitchen. What do you think of that?” Thomas stepped forward, straightening his glasses and peering at Brynn.

“I’m sorry to intrude,” Brynn said, wondering why the two of them continued to stare at him. “I am just looking for my family. If you could tell me where they are, I’d be most grateful.”

The woman breathed in sharply. “That’s just the thing of it. No one knows where they are. They left, oh, two months ago, and we haven’t seen ‘em since. Just up and left, in the middle of the night.”

“There, there, now, Melinda,” Thomas said, running a hand through his gray hair. “They have to be somewhere. And,” he added, turning to Brynn, “we have no reason to think that they aren’t well.” Brynn felt his stomach clench, as uncertainty took over.

“Why would they leave?” he asked, in disbelief.

Melinda shook her head. “No one knows.”

Brynn rubbed his hand across his eyes. Where could his family have gone, leaving no word for him or Rylan? And why? It was too strange. “Well, thank you for your help,” he said finally, rising. “I’d better be on my way.”

“You are welcome to stay here for the night,” Thomas offered, kindly. Melinda nodded. Brynn smiled, half-heartedly.

“Thank you, you are very kind, but I’d really better go. I’ll let you know if I find anything,” he added. They nodded, still staring at him oddly, he thought. “Oh, is there a good inn nearby?” he asked, as an afterthought.

“The Ram’s Head is down the street. Take a left at the corner and walk straight until you reach it. Can’t miss it,” Thomas answered. Brynn nodded.

“Thanks. Goodbye.”

The Ram’s Head proved to be a popular place, not just for travelers, but also for the locals, who came to drink a cup of ale and swap stories with their mates. Brynn found the proprietor with some difficulty, in the crowded dining room.

“Do you have any rooms?” Brynn asked, trying to be heard above the clatter of dishware and rowdy laughter.

“Sure, sure!” The bald innkeeper answered, slamming plates onto the tables with vigor. He was a rotund, red-faced man, swathed in a huge apron.

“Well, can I rent one?” Brynn went on, following the man as he weaved his way between the tables. The innkeeper handed him one of the heavy trays he was carrying, and began to serve another table. Brynn waited patiently, holding the steaming food. Finally, his host turned back to him, looking surprised.

“Did I hire you?” he asked, puzzled.

“No, sir. You just handed it to me,” Brynn answered, as the proprietor took the tray from him.

“Mm. Well, what do you want, sonny?” He was on the move again. Brynn was surprised at how agile the man proved to be.

“I want to rent a room,” Brynn repeated, as the innkeeper paused in front of a door.

“Well, do me a favor, will ya? Wait until this crowd clears out. I’m jam-packed and trying to keep up with all the orders. Thanks, sonny.” The man disappeared into the kitchen, shouting, “Luciano! Come help me!” Brynn sighed, but was resigned. He decided to wait in one of the little corner booths until the place had cleared out some. He began making his way through the mass of people, all the while having elbows jabbed into his stomach, and people stepping on his feet. An impatient woman behind him kept urging him to hurry up, and Brynn did his best to get out of her way. Unexpectedly, a girl and boy appeared in front of him, carrying plates of hot food in the opposite direction. Brynn stopped to let them pass but the impatient lady had no such notion. She pushed Brynn forward, right into the plate of the red-haired girl. Collision was unavoidable. Hot gravy and mashed potatoes spattered Brynn’s clothing and hair as the woman shoved him. The girl let out a shriek, followed by an indignant exclamation Brynn didn’t quite catch. The impatient lady disappeared into the crowd, and after the initial moment of silence, when the girl’s shriek and Brynn’s cry of warning had interrupted the chatter, the people went back to their own food and conversation. Brynn was face to face with the indignant redhead and her dark-haired counterpart.

“What are you doing?” the girl sputtered, fuming. The front of her dress had received it’s share of her food, and she rubbed at it with a napkin. “Why can’t you watch where you’re going?” The boy stepped forward quickly.

“Ellyn, stop it!” he said in a fierce whisper. “I’m sorry,” he said, turning honest gray eyes on Brynn. “My sister didn’t mean to be a problem.” Ellyn started to protest, but the boy was quicker.

“Here.” He handed Brynn his napkin. “I’m sorry about your clothes. Let’s get out of the way,” he said, realizing that they were still standing in a main walkway. The boy hustled Ellyn and Brynn over to a table. “Can I buy you some food?” he asked, hoping to make amends for the dinner spattered down Brynn’s front.

“That won’t be necessary, Gavin,” Ellyn said, calmly. “I’m sure this man was going to offer to buy me a new dinner, since he has adorned himself with mine.”

Brynn couldn’t hold the amusement out of his voice. “I’m sorry, young lady, but a very edgy woman happened to think it would improve my looks. She insisted on telling me so very forcefully.” Gavin was staring at Ellyn indignantly, but the stranger didn’t seem to mind her.

“Where are you going?” Brynn asked, surveying their traveling clothes.

“What does is matter to you?” Ellyn asked, her voice challenging. He merely raised his eyebrows and looked at Gavin.

“We’re going to Tiras, to my uncle’s house,” Gavin answered. “Do you know the way? Thanks to someone,” looking significantly at Ellyn, “we seem to be lost.”

“Aye, I’ve been there before. It’s not so far from here, but the road goes through the mountains and it’s not safe to travel alone.”

Gavin glanced a little worriedly at Ellyn. “Why not?”

“Wolves and bandits, mostly. They’re always prepared for defenseless travelers who happen to be passing through,” Brynn answered, frankly.

“Where are you going?” Ellyn asked, turning the conversation on Brynn. His eyes clouded for a moment.

“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “I was planning on staying here, with my family. But I don’t know where they are now. They seem to have gone away without leaving word for anyone.”

“Where would they have gone?” Gavin asked, curious.

Brynn shrugged. “I just don’t know. They could be anywhere. Maybe in Tiras,” he added, as the thought struck him. “My father is a merchant. Tiras is a port town, meaning that lots of trade goes on there. It’s possible,” he said, thinking out loud.

“Quite possible,” Gavin replied. “Do you think you’ll go there?”

“Well, as I’ve no where else to go, most likely. I’m going to check around Ketsya tomorrow and make sure that they really have left. But after that, Tiras seems most likely.”

“If you want, we could travel together,” Gavin offered. Ellyn, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, broke in.

“Gavin,” she said, “I need to talk to you. Over there. Now.” Gavin gave his sister a questioning look, but she just stood up and walked away. He excused himself and followed her to an alcove near the door.

“Gavin! What are you doing? We don’t even know who this person is and you’re inviting him to travel with us!”

“Ellyn, calm down. Does he seem like a bandit to you?” Gavin asked. Ellyn looked over at the empty table where Brynn sat.

“You never can tell. I’ve heard that crooks often are the least suspicious looking people. That’s why they get away with so much.”

“Ellyn, don’t be ridiculous. He’s just a guy looking for his family.”

“Did you see his bow? He looks like he knows how to use it!”

“Well that’s a good thing if the mountains are as dangerous as they seem to be!” Gavin answered impatiently. “Look, Ellyn. If he isn’t a good, law-abiding citizen, then we’ll just leave, alright?”

“If he doesn’t kill us first,” Ellyn muttered. Gavin smiled.

“I’m sure the two of us will be able to take him out, should the need arise.”

Ellyn smiled too. “Alright. You win. But if anything happens, it’s your fault.”

“Fair enough.”

The two finally returned to the table. Brynn had a good idea of what they had been discussing and had watched the conversation with amusement. They made quite a pair. But he already liked Gavin. And Ellyn—well, he’d get used to her. She was a character, but not necessarily a bad one.

“So, will you come with us?” Gavin asked.

“I believe I will,” Brynn answered, smiling. “There is safety in numbers, after all. And we’re going to need all the help we can get to get through those mountains.”

Believe it or not....

So...for all you faithful/not-so-faithful/nonexistant readers out there; believe it or not, I haven't forgotten about this project! I just happen to be in school, a noble, but time-consuming pursuit, which also happens to be the most important thing I'm doing right now. Fear not, when school (and a few other things...) are over, it is my desire to faithfully finish chapter nine and post it for your enjoyment (yes, it's partly/most of the way done). Please don't give up on us. Not yet, anyway. I promise we will eventually return, faithful ones.

Yours, extremely cordially,

C