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Dragon Clan Chapt. 2  By Heathen57  (MF, fant., viol)

Dragon Clan 2 The Journey Continues




They approached the settlement from the Southwest along a ridge above the town.  From 
this vantage point they could survey the area for miles around.  The terrain was rocky 
where they were, but lower down there were tended fields that lay fallow after giving 
their bounty earlier in the year.  The main road continued away from the village and 
toward the forest.  A smaller path that led to the gates of the settlement.  Small huts 
dotted the landscape, the homes of the farmers that tended the fields.  With no sign of 
troops and no movement other than a few carts, they started down the ridge.

Archer's Point was the largest settlement in the area. It grew up around an ancient 
outpost. The crumbling towers and the ancient wall were the only sign of a time when it 
was a wilderness outpost of the kingdom.    Long ago abandoned by the troops that built 
it, now it housed the only village within 3 days ride.  Built up inside the walls were shops 
and an inn.  Aldren was hoping to be relieved of some of the burden they carried in 
exchange for much needed supplies and perhaps some coin.

They picked their way carefully down the slope.  There was a barely discernable path that 
was really little more than an animal trail, but was better than slipping on the loose rock 
on each side of them.  Once down, they rode side by side through the tall brown grasses.

Aldren once again stole a glance at his partner.  Her fine features were highlighted in the 
mid mornings sun.  She was beautiful and carried herself with a confidence that was 
astounding considering just a few weeks ago she had been near death.  Her physical 
wounds had healed.  The wounds in her mind would take longer, if they ever healed at 
all.

His mind shifted toward the present and specifically the village ahead.  He was wary of 
the small villages toward the northern part of the kingdom.  He was not sure how far the 
influence of the priests extended.  Were these people friendly to the kindred?  If they 
weren't, did they want to fight their way out of the village?  These thoughts were racing 
in his head as they moved down the main road.

As they approached the fork in the road, Ameni voiced the concerns that Aldren had been 
thinking.  "I think that you might better go in alone.  We do not know how the 
townspeople would react to having an elf come riding in."

Aldren sighed.  "You are probably right.  It just galls me that you cannot ride in.  I will 
get what we need and feel out the folk.  You can wait just off the road about a mile past."

They were at the fork in the road. Ameni continued on leading the packhorse they had 
chosen, while Aldren veered off toward the gate with the other three loaded with the 
excess.

He entered the town as casual as possible, but it was a lost cause.  Even trying to blend in, 
a large man in leather and mail leading three horses that were piled with weapons was not 
a normal sight.  Children and animals shared the space within the open areas, darting 
between the buildings and the adults that were moving about their business.  The adults 
would stop and stare as he approached, muttering among themselves in hushed tones.  
His concerns were confirmed when he spotted the sign mounted on one of the broken 
turrets that indicated a priest of the upstart Gods resided here.

 Aldren reigned in at a shop that looked as though it was the local tavern.  He knew this 
would be a place to get information about where he could sell his wares as well as getting 
a feel for the general attitudes of the populace.  As he dismounted, a group of children 
gathered around to stare.  One older child was toward the back of the pack, trying to be a 
part of the group, but obviously was not accepted as part of their core.  Aldren looked at 
this child and spotted the signs of elvish blood in his background.  That would be enough 
of a reason for his being outcast, at least in the south.  Aldren pointed to him and gestured 
for him to come forward.  "What is your name?"

"Mirgan, sir"

"Ahh a man with courtly manners. Aldren then looked him up and down.  "How old are 
you then young Mirgan?"

"I have 14 winters sir."  The young man drew himself up to his full height.

"That many eh?  Would you watch my horses and keep them safe?"  He produced 5 
coppers from his belt pouch.  "I will pay you fairly."

Mirgan's eyes lit up at the sight of the coins, but he kept his mannerisms in line with his 
duties.  "That I will sir.  They will be safe or my life will be forfeit."

Aldren looked the young man up and down.  "You are not carrying any weapon.  Any 
guard needs a weapon."  He then reached into one of the blankets and pulled out a short 
sword.  For a full-grown man it would have been not much more than a large dagger, but 
it fit the young man's stature well.

Mirgan hefted the blade feeling it's balance as he had seen the men in the village do.  He 
broke into a big smile, and then sobered.  "All will be as you left it on your return."

With a smile Aldren turned to the open doorway and entered the tavern.  As his eyes 
adjusted to the darkness of the interior, he could see it was in many ways the same as 
other inns and taverns throughout the kingdom.  The open beam ceiling was blackened 
with the soot from the candles and the fireplace that was on the far wall.  A few long 
tables that were scarred from knives and rough use.  The floor was rough planking with 
gaps along the edges.  The man behind the counter was Aldren's height but larger in 
girth.  His face showed the fights that he had broken up and the ruffians he had tossed 
from his establishment.  His voice was gruff but his manner was pleasant enough when 
he asked Aldren his preference.

Ordering a mug of ale, he wet his thirst then asked the bartender if there was a merchant 
in town that would be interested in trading some articles that he had picked up from the 
trail.  The man directed him to a building across the courtyard.  Finishing his ale, Aldren 
strode out into the daylight to see a rather strange site.

It seemed that Mirgan took his vow to keep Aldren's possessions safe.  Standing with his 
feet braced, the boy held two men at bay.  There was a crowd starting to form laughing at 
the two for being wary of the boy.  The marks on their arms, and the slice in one of their 
tunics demonstrated that they had every right to be cautious.  He could see the sword in 
Mirgan's small hand tremble in fear and rage.

Aldren walked up beside the boy and drew his own sword.  The two would-be thieves 
decided the odds were no longer in their favor and left.  Aldren sheathed his blade and 
put his hand on Mirgan's shoulder.  The boy lowered his sword and still trembling, knelt 
on the ground.  Mirgan finally looked up.  "Thank you sir.  I wasn't sure how much 
longer I could hold them off."

"Mirgan, you showed more courage and honor than you would find in the courts of the 
King.  The odds were against you and you stood firm.  No man could ask for more than 
that."

Those words seemed to give the boy strength.  He stood, once again tall and proud.  The 
two untied the horses and headed to the shop that the tavern owner recommended.

  The shopkeeper had come out to see what the commotion in the courtyard was.  Aldren 
approached and greeted the man.  He was short but wide, with a jolly face that belied the 
sharp wit of a businessman.  Aldren asked if he was interested in some barter for some 
weapons and goods.  As the load was revealed, he could tell the man was itching to know 
where he came across such a horde, but knew enough not to ask. The two set to 
bargaining, with Mirgan keenly watching the proceedings.   When the shopkeeper made 
some excuse about the cost of an item, the boy rolled his eyes.  Aldren caught the 
movement and pressed the point.  The shopkeeper relented and a deal was struck for all 
but the ponies. 

When all was done and they had sealed the deal, he had traded for all the supplies they 
could use, 15 gold coins of the realm, and an extra something for his new partner.   
Mirgan beamed in pride when Aldren handed him a new cloak and scabbard for the short 
sword.   

"A man needs a good scabbard for his sword."  Aldren replied to the boy's question.  
"Now you will join me in a meal before I continue on my journey."  Talk of the earlier 
incident had spread through the village and they were greeted with stares and whispers 
that, following Aldren's example, Mirgan ignored.  His shorter legs were stretching to 
keep up with Aldren, but his step was proud.

The happiness Mirgan was feeling was flattened when they reached the inn at the edge of 
town.  The owner refused to allow Mirgan to enter.

"You can come in, but I won't allow a worthless half breed in my place.  I don't want 
them to disgrace my establishment!"

Once again, Aldren's temper almost got him in trouble.  " This boy… No, this man has 
served me above and beyond any duty that I had laid upon him today.  He has shown 
more courage and honor in a few hours than you will in your entire miserable life.  
Perhaps you had better re-think your position before I let my companion run you 
through."

Mirgan just looked disgusted at the skinny little man.  "Lord Aldren, sir?  I know of a 
place that we will be more than welcome.  He isn't worth the trouble."

Aldren looked at him and nodded.  With one more black stare at the innkeeper, he turned 
and strode away, letting Mirgan lead him to the location he preferred.  They moved 
through the gate and immediately turned to the left coming to a halt at one of the small 
huts just outside the wall.  A beautiful woman appeared at the door her simple dress 
showing the smudging of flour from her day's labor.  A little older than Aldren in actual 
years, her pretty face showed the concerns and worry of someone much more advanced 
in age.

Mirgan approached her.  "Mother, this man was turned away from the inn because of me 
and hasn't eaten.  Can we spare enough for him a meal?"  The woman looked at her son 
in surprise.  His serious tone and the formality of his words shocked her more than the 
stranger that stood behind him. 

"Of course, we always have enough to share with a traveler."

Aldren turned to one of the packhorses pulled out a small bundle.  "Only if you will allow 
me to contribute to the meal."  He handed her a bundle that contained cured meat.  She 
took the package and ducked back into the house, motioning them to follow.  The inside 
of the building was sparse but clean and tidy.  A fire burned in the hearth over which a 
pot was heating, its cover dancing as the contents bubbled away inside.  The smell of a 
stew filled the room and Aldren realized that he was indeed hungry.

The men sat across from one another on low benches as the woman ladled the stew into 
bowls.  Combined with the coarse bread she had made earlier it was a wonderful meal.  
As they ate Mirgan gave her the account of what had happened in the town.  Dulca, for 
that was the woman's name, listened to the tale her son told with the air of disbelief.  She 
looked at Aldren for conformation.

"What he has told you is indeed true my lady." He said.  "This young man proved that he 
is honest and worthy of the trust I placed on him.  You have taught him well."

Dulca looked at her son who was beaming at the praise.  It was as though she was seeing 
him in a new light.  He had suddenly grown from the little boy playing in the dirt to the 
young man who sat at the table.  She got a sad look on her face as she realized that he 
was now of the age to make his mark in the world.

Aldren then took his leave from the woman.  Ameni was waiting on the road for him and 
he was anxious to meet up with her again.  Mirgan had already gone out to bring his 
horses to the door.  As he started out his ears caught the sound of many feet moving 
along the road.

Looking out, he saw a mob of about 15 men heading towards the hut.  In the forefront 
was the innkeeper and what had to be the priest of the village. Aldren cautioned Dulca to 
stay inside and then loosened his sword in its scabbard.

Mirgan also saw the crowd and stood in front of the horses, his new scabbard hanging 
from around his waist.  When the crowd got close enough the innkeeper started shouting 
about how Mirgan had threatened him, and that he wanted the boy punished for such 
things. Apparently the crowd had come along to participate in the fun.

Mirgan stood his ground.  "I did nothing wrong.  In fact, I asked my lord Aldren not to 
run him through, though he deserved it."

The priest then spoke.  "We will not abide any sort of talk from such as you.  A public 
beating will teach you to keep your lying tongue in your head."  He then reached down to 
grab Mirgan only to be met with the point of a sword.

"I will not be beaten because of the lying words of some skinny little man."  The priest 
reached again to grab him and Mirgan laid open his forearm.  The priest screamed in pain 
and ordered the mob to seize the half-breed.

Before anyone could get close enough to touch the boy, Aldren stepped out with his own 
sword in his hand. "You touch this boy, and your blood will be soaking the ground."  His 
eyes were blazing.  The crowd hesitated briefly, but the lust for blood overcame any 
caution and they moved in.   

Aldren took the first one with an upward slice that left the man on the ground holding his 
organs in his hands. He parried the blow aimed for his neck, and then decapitated his 
opponent. Another lost his sword arm, and a fourth was run through and fell back into the 
dirt, his heart pierced.  Aldren stole a glance to his left and saw that Mirgan had already 
dispatched one attacker and was working on another.

The fight ended quickly when the mob realized that their numbers were falling without 
the results they had anticipated. They backed off, carefully watching the defenders, 
pulling the bodies of the dead and wounded with them.

Dulca came out of the hut and ran to her son.  She checked him for wounds, but found 
that he only had a small cut on his scalp.  The blood that covered him was from his foes.  
Aldren watched the retreating crowd, then turned back to Mirgan.  The boy was looking 
at him and the fire in his eyes was startling in it's intensity.  The warrior that had been 
under the surface was unleashed.  Little did he know it was the same look that he bore as 
a young man.  

Aldren suggested that the young man go and wash the blood off.  Mirgan was still shaky, 
but moved toward the small barrel at the side of the house.  Dulca looked at the warrior 
that was in front of her.

"Lord, I fear that my son's life will now be forfeit here, as well as my own.  We must go 
to my brother, but he lives in a town called Ramas and that is four days ride."

"In which direction does this town lie?"

"North and East of here."

"I am sure that you can ride with us for that time, since my companion and I are heading 
that way.  Pack only what you need and we will wait for you on the main road."

Mirgan came up about this time.  The thought that he had killed someone, and that he 
could have been killed had set in on him.  He knelt down on the ground and started to 
shake violently.  Aldren gave him a few minutes then bent down to touch his shoulder.

"Mirgan, you did well today.  You did what you had to do to protect yourself and your 
mother.  The world is filled with dangers now, especially for ones such as us.  Your 
mother has asked to go to her brother.  What you need to do now is to help her get what 
you must have and then leave.  We will wait for you on the main road."

The young warrior stood and wiped the moisture from his eyes.  He knew that Aldren 
was right and to stay here would mean death for him and his mother.  Aldren left the 
spare horse for them and he moved out across the fields to meet his companion.

Ameni was sitting on a boulder between two trees awaiting his arrival.  He almost missed 
seeing her until she gave a soft call to him.  She signaled him into the grove and he made 
his way into the brush.

As he dismounted, she took note of the blood that was still fresh on his mail.  He gave her 
a quick account of what had happened and let her know that they would have a couple of 
traveling companions for a few days.  She readily agreed to the change of plans.  They 
broke out some of the fresh rations and settled down to wait for the new refugees to show 
up.

Within an hour, they heard the sound of three horses moving along the road.  Aldren 
stepped out to the edge of the trees and greeted Mirgan and his mother.  They both had 
dressed for traveling and carried what looked to be the barest of possessions on the third 
horse.  He led them back to the clearing to meet Ameni.  

Ameni took stock of the two strangers.  Both were dressed in rough woolen cloaks hiding 
their tunics.  The woman appeared to be still young for having a child the age of the one 
riding next to her.  Her golden hair was curled in ringlets that hung loosely around her 
face.  Blue eyes that held the fear of the day's events.  The cloak could not hide the 
fullness of her figure though.  Her large breasts were evident and the tight leggings she 
wore showed that her legs were still shapely though they did not carry the muscle tone 
that was evident in Ameni's own.  She had to wonder in the back of her mind if Aldren 
had thoughts of bedding this woman.

The young man who rode at her side was definitely half-elven.  The characteristics of the 
kindred were prominent in his face.  He had the sadness in his eyes of one who had just 
had to kill for the first time.  At his side was the sword Aldren had given him.

She noticed all of this in the time it took for them to stop and dismount.  As soon as they 
were on the ground, Aldren made the introductions.  Mirgan was speechless staring at the 
elf maiden.  She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.  It took him a few 
seconds to realize that she was speaking to him in greeting.  Remembering something 
that his late father had taught him, he brought his arm across his chest in the greeting of 
the kindred.  It was clumsy, but he did it with such seriousness that there was no doubt 
about his sincerity.  Ameni hid her smile and returned the salute.  "Hail fellow warrior 
and friend." She spoke in Elvish.

Mirgan was startled at hearing the language.  It sounded like the words were wound 
around all the living creatures in the world.  It seemed to touch something deep within his 
soul.  He had heard his father speak it only a few times, and it stirred the memories long 
past.  Finally he was able to speak.  "Forgive me my lady.  I do not understand the speech 
of the kindred.  My father never taught me."

Aldren spoke up to relieve his embarrassment.  "What Ameni said was the formal 
greeting that one elf warrior gives to another when they meet.  She is acknowledging 
your status as a man and a warrior."

At this, Mirgan smiled.  This beautiful woman considered him a man, not some little boy.  
He drew up to his full height that was still less than the elf in front of him.  "My Lady, 
You have my gratitude for allowing us to travel with you and the Lord Aldren.  May our 
journey be swift and free of danger."

Ameni smiled down at the young man.  His speech and mannerisms were more for the 
courts of kings, not some little village.  But his mannerisms were stiff.  She decided to 
put him more at ease.  "  I appreciate the fine manners that you possess, but on the road 
like we are, you may call me Ameni.  Aldren wasn't actually a Lord of the lands; rather 
he was a captain of the King's guard.  You may find that during a fight, it is easier to 
shout just a name without the title."

Aldren then asked the young man to help with the setting up of the camp.  Mirgan moved 
off to get some wood for a fire.  Ameni and Dulca prepared a meal from the supplies that 
had been acquired earlier.  They soon settled down around the fire.  Dulca told of her 
marriage to Mirgan's father, an elf of the Wood clan.  They had lived in harmony near his 
father's settlement for a while, moving when their only child was born.  He had been 
killed and She and Mirgan survived from her skills as a healer and a small plot of land.  
The priest had arrived and established himself as the authority in the town and that is 
when the trouble had started for Mirgan.  His appearance was much like his father's and 
he was shunned then persecuted by the priest and his followers.  She had been in fear for 
him for some time and today was the final straw.

The rest of the conversation was of the adventures of the two companions to date.  
During a lull in the conversation, Mirgan asked Aldren about how he had survived being 
half-elven.

"It was no problem for most of my childhood." he explained.  "It wasn't until the new 
cult took power that things started going bad.  I had taken some taunts when they first 
started growing, but I was a big child and my father being in the guards was a help.  Also 
my mother was well respected as being a wise woman and a healer.  She taught me much 
of her magic, but certain things she refused to even speak of.  Once the old king was gone 
and his son in power, the cult wormed its way into the court.  I had planned to leave, but 
it happened suddenly when the priests ordered someone very close to me killed for 
disobeying them.  I went into a rage and slew four priests and several more of their 
followers.  I grabbed what I could and took off.  I am sure there is a price on my head, but 
no one has lived long enough to claim it."

There was more talk, but soon they bedded down for the night.  Aldren took the first 
watch of the night waking Ameni several hours later.  Then he lay down to sleep.

It was just before moonset when Ameni touched his shoulder to awaken him.  He was 
instantly awake.  She touched her finger to her lips urging him to be quiet.  "We have 
visitors."  She whispered in his ear.  He slipped his sword into the scabbard and rose up.  
Ameni was urging the other two up and to slip quietly into the bushes.

"Two men approach from the road.  They are very inept at stealth, stomping in the brush 
and talking much too loud."

"Where and how close?"

She pointed to the trees just ahead where the path had veered from the road.  He listened 
as she whispered her plan.  He watched as she moved silently and disappeared into the 
woods.  Aldren then walked into the trees then started circling toward where the would-
be robbers would emerge into the clearing.

He crept up to a stand of trees and waited.  Two men, the ones that Mirgan held off in the 
village were sitting behind the low shrubs planning how to ambush their quarry.  He 
looked to his right and spotted Ameni holding her bow at the ready.  He grinned and 
silently drew his sword.

Finally deciding on a plan of action, they both stood but one was having trouble getting 
his short sword out.  They peered into the clearing seeing the fire and remains of the 
camp but no people. The taller of the two asked "Now where do you think he could have 
gone, Rafe?"

"Right here boys." Aldren shouted.  The two turned to see him standing about 15 feet 
away and slightly uphill.  They looked at each other then back to him.  From their 
actions, Aldren could tell that these two were not the brightest ones from the litter.

"You gonna come down here so's we can rob you, or do we have to come up there?"  
This was Rafe who apparently had found his voice but obviously not his wits.

"Neither.  You are going to walk back down the road toward town and think seriously 
about if you are really cut out to be robbers."

Rafe was trying very hard to think of a plan so they would not have to go back empty 
handed.  Finally he figured out that there were two of them.  "Com'on Gar, they's two of 
us and only one of him.  We can take him anyways"

Gar, who had the quicker mind looked at his friend. "But he's got a sword.  See it right 
there in his hand.  We could get hurt real dead like."

Rafe thought about this.  "Yer right.  Why don't you go first and see what happens."

"Well I'm thinkin' you outta go first, since this waz yer plan."

"OK We will both go."

Aldren finally interrupted their conversation.  "That is not a good plan at all."

They both turned back to him.  "And why not?" was Rafe's reply as he took a step 
forward.  An arrow passed within inches of his face, sticking into the tree next to him.  
The feathers were still quivering from the impact.

"That's why.  Now move before I turn you would be robbers into the robbed."

They both turned toward the road.  Gar turned back and said, "What about our horses?"

Aldren grinned and told them he would turn them back toward Archer's Point in the 
morning.  They would be smart enough to find their way home.  With that the 'robbers' 
headed out in a slow dejected trot.

Ameni asked, "Do you think they are smart enough to make it back?"

"Those two are probably not smart enough to walk and talk at the same time.  They were 
the ones who tried to steal the stuff I took into the town to trade.  Mirgan held them off 
and even took a few cuts at them.  They must have figured that I was alone.  Not good as 
thieves.  I wonder if they can handle any job?"

With that Ameni slipped onto the mare's back to make sure they had indeed made it back 
to the road.  Aldren called the other two back down and they started packing up to 
continue their journey.  They broke camp and headed out to the road.

The sun was dancing on the hilltops that showed to the west of them as they moved out.  
The day promised to be clear and warm.  The trees were growing thicker and taller 
around them now, creating an archway through which the road wound.  Mirgan rode next 
to Aldren in front and the women coming up close behind.

Ameni had seen Dulca watching Aldren in the camp earlier.  She wasn't sure if it was 
gratitude or lust, but it worried her.  She wasn't sure if Aldren was interested in her or 
not.  They were almost opposites in build and he hadn't tried to bed her, so she was 
unsure of his preferences.  She was still hopeful that he would see her in that way and at 
least make some sign of interest.  Again she saw Dulca watching as Aldren rode lightly in 
the saddle.  "He does cut quite a figure doesn't he?"  Ameni stated.

"Hmmm?  Yes he does.  Reminds me of my late husband, but larger.  I hope that Mirgan 
will some day grow up to do as well."

"He is a fine man."

"Are you two bonded?"

Ameni was reluctant to answer.  "No.  We have been together only as companions"

"Sounds as though you would wish for more?"  Dulca smiled in answer.

"Perhaps you are right, but I am not sure of his thoughts."

"I was watching last night.  He was looking at you with such admiration and even lust.  
He cares even if he does not say so."

Aldren turned in his saddle and glanced back.  She then saw what she had missed before.  
He did have a special look when he saw her.  It filled her heart with a joy but also a fear.  
She had never been with a man before.  Would he be repulsed by her lack of experience?  
She had never had the urge to mate with a man, but now her loins seemed to be 
constantly in a state of excitement.  The rhythm of the horse did not help and she was 
confused by her lack of concentration.  But she would also wait until he took the first 
steps.  She was too proud to even have the appearance of the girls who sold themselves to 
any traveler with coin.

For Aldren's part, he was just as unsure as the elf.    Ameni was the most beautiful 
woman he had ever seen.  She had the mystique of the kindred.  He had known the girls 
around the King's court, but most were too soft and flabby for his tastes.  Now this 
woman with her lithe figure turned his head.  Combined with her grace, she set him on 
fire.  But he didn't just think of her as a bed partner.  He had dreamed last night of a 
bonding with her.  But he said nothing in fear of her reaction.

They rode far that day, stopping only to rest the horses and stretch their legs.  By 
nightfall, they had found a clearing to set camp for the night.  Dinner was a quick affair 
and Aldren chose first watch.  Mirgan asked to watch with him and to the boy's surprise 
the request was granted.

Long into the night the two stood guard.  Aldren taught the young man many things that 
would help his survival.  Such as standing facing away from the fire so his eyes would be 
more adjusted to the dark. how to blend in closer to the foliage, and how to determine the 
best spot to see everything.  "How did you learn so many things?"  Mirgan asked.

"My father taught me much about being in the wild.  I learned much from both of my 
parents.  My father had a small sword in my hand as soon as I had the strength to hold it 
upright.  From him I learned the things that I needed to survive.  My mother was strong in 
magics and healing and she passed those skills to me, at least as much as she felt I would 
understand.  Since the times are against magic, I keep that part hidden except for the 
healing."

"My mother was an elf, and Ameni reminds me of her in many ways.  Her death was the 
cause for my departure from the service of the king."

"You mean that the priests had your mother killed?  But why?"

"Fear.  They were afraid of the power and influence she possessed.  She was a barrier to 
their control in the court and through the court the kingdom."

"Is that why they want to destroy the elves?  Because they fear them?"

"Exactly.  They know the elves have the power to resist them.  And that would give 
others the courage to do the same.  They must have fear and obedience to control, not 
justice and equality among all the known peoples."

They stayed together for the rest of the night talking of the problems and advantages of 
being half-elven.  Aldren woke Ameni for her watch, and then bedded down for the night.  
Sleep was difficult though for his conversations with the young man had stirred up many 
memories.

Mid afternoon found them in the village of Ramas, and Dulca's brother.  He greeted her 
warmly and welcomed them to stay with him and his wife.  He thanked the two warriors 
for bringing his family there safely.  He was a big man large in girth, but solid due to his 
profession as a smith.  He asked for Aldren and Ameni to stay overnight and he would 
check their horses in the morning.  The evening meal was lively with the smith's children 
begging for stories from the travelers, and plenty of ale being passed around.  

Aldren did get a few minutes to question the smith about the climate of tolerance in the 
area.  The smith, Donnal, said that the new religion had not taken hold around here and 
Mirgan would be able to grow up in peace.  He also promised to continue to teach Mirgan 
as much as he needed to know.  

The next day Aldren and Ameni bade them farewell with a promise to return some day.  
They had sold the last horse for a good bit and had split the coin, the same as before.  The 
air was turning cooler as the season started to change but was still comfortable as they 
moved away from the village.  Side by side they headed North keeping a bearing on the 
goal that Aldren had originally set out for.


During the next few weeks they had a continued spell of good weather.  They spent the 
mornings practicing and sparing.  Sometimes they stayed in the same camp for a few 
days, but most of the time they would use the afternoon moving North.

Then the weather had turned foul.  It had been raining for two days, and this day had 
dawned there was a heavy mist.  The moisture had worked its way through their cloaks, 
leaving skin cold and clammy.  There wasn't anything that was dry in their camp.  By 
mutual agreement, they broke camp early and headed toward the road.    The travel was 
miserable, and they moved like ghosts, the only sound was that of the hooves of their 
mounts.  Aldren was moving toward the foothills looking for an empty cave where they 
could dry out.  He was hoping to avoid contact with a Wargbear, which used the caves as 
dens.  With their bowstrings wet, the only defense was a sword and there was too much a 
risk of injury.  Aldren had seen a warrior that had been caught by a Wargbear.  The 
poison from the claws resulted in a horrible death. He learned that there was a cure for 
the poison and he made a special effort to carry the supplies he needed.

They made it to a cave that was gouged into the cliff face.  Aldren coaxed a branch into 
flame.  He peered around the corner of the entrance half expecting a deep bellow of rage, 
but the cave was empty.  It was large enough to get all three horses into the back and 
seemed very snug and dry.  Stepping in he did not see any signs of occupation so he 
stepped back into the entrance and beckoned Ameni to enter.

While Ameni unpacked their gear, Aldren moved back out into the forest and gathered 
enough wood to make a good-sized fire.  Again he used his magic to start the blaze and 
they soon had a good fire warming them.  Aldren felt comfortable enough to strip down 
to a loincloth to let his mail and under padding dry.  As he pulled his shirt off Ameni got 
a good look at his chest.  He was as powerfully built as she expected, but she was 
surprised at the amount of scars he had on his chest and back.  When he had stripped 
down he turned to Ameni.

She hesitated a moment then began to remove the armor.  She got the leather off and 
removed the outer layers of padding, but left her shirt and breeches intact.  He could see 
her breasts through the damp fabric.  Suddenly he realized that he was staring, and 
immediately dropped his gaze to the floor.  She looked at him in surprise, then down her 
front and realized just what he had seen.  She turned her back to him.  He cleared his 
throat, and then grumbled.  "I am sorry to be staring.  But I will not try and force myself 
on you."  When she turned to look at him, her arms covering her breasts, he grinned at 
her.  "Besides, I would not be in my right mind to try and ravage a woman who could 
remove my head before I could touch her."  

She returned his grin and then lowered her arms.  He gave her another quick glance then 
turned his attention toward the pot of stew that was bubbling next to the fire.  He wanted 
this woman like no other he had ever met.  It wasn't just for her beauty, though she was 
indeed the most beautiful, sensual creature ever, it was her whole persona.  She was smart 
in the ways of nature.  Quick and deadly, yet she was gentle when given a chance.  Her 
strong will had caused a couple of disagreements between them, but she would listen to 
his reasoning.  He had learned to listen to hers as well, for more than once she had been 
correct.  But he could not lust for her.  They were friends and partners.  He did not want 
to lose her over something alike this.

For her own part, Ameni was having her own war with her thoughts.  She was grateful 
for his saving her life.  He nursed her without ever trying to take advantage of her 
weakened state.  He was ruthless in a fight.  He had taken on a couple of ruffians that had 
tried to steal their horses.  That battle was short and bloody.  Before she could grab her 
bow he had disemboweled one and removed the head from the other.  Yet he showed 
remarkable compassion when he had buried her kin.  And his dealings with the local 
farmers were fair, even to the point of being generous.  He was courteous to those who 
deserved it.  Yet he had not made a try for her, or even made lewd comments to her.  She 
thought he might be interested because when she would catch him looking at her, she 
could see a bulge in his breeches.  Maybe it was because she was an elf and a fighter.  He 
had to see that she could be both and still be a woman.  Sighing, she shook off the 
thoughts and accepted the dish of stew.

Later they were both sitting near the fire, tending to tasks that kept their minds and hands 
occupied.  Ameni was oiling and checking her body armor.  She stopped and looked at 
Aldren.  "May I ask a question?"

Aldren look up from sharpening his sword.  "Of course."

"What was the cause for those scars you carry?  I can make out the ones from battle, but 
there are too many too close together to be made by a weapon."

He set his sword and stone aside.  "When I was young, in my mid teens, I had gone out 
hunting with some of the other lads.  Their fathers were in high regard in the king's court 
and I believe they only had me along was to tease.  We camped out intending to return to 
the keep with the game we had killed.  I knew of reavers, but when I wanted to camp well 
away from the kills, I was over ruled.  Late that night we were attacked.  Fortunately 
there were only 10 or so.  I grabbed the long knife that I carried and moved with my back 
against a large rock.  The older boys were terror stricken and slow to move.  One other 
lad moved toward me.  The others did not even get weapons out before they had been 
killed in the frenzy.  It was sure luck that this other lad and I survived.  We had killed 
several of them and the rest retreated.  Daylight came and we headed to the keep to call 
out the guard.  I was laid up for quite a while, but my father was very proud that I had 
defended myself as well as I did.  That is when he started my weapons training in 
earnest."

"You must have been frightened."

"What frightened me most was that when they started toward me, I came into a battle 
rage.  I did not remember much of it, but my friend swore that I looked like a bezerker, 
swinging my knife and at one point grabbing one of the creatures with my left hand and 
dashing its head repeatedly on the rock.  He said that when they broke off, I was 
screaming for them to come back and fight.  And losing control like that scared me the 
worse.  I swore I would not do it again."

"And have you?"

"Only once.  After my father had been killed.  An evil git of a priest and his followers 
had followed my mother when she had left the keep to visit her kin.  He got the followers 
to catch her and hold her while he tortured her.  I came upon them just after he had 
choked her.  None of them lived to tell what they had done."

He fell silent afterwards, lost in the dark thoughts that the last memory always seemed to 
bring out. Ameni moved over to where he sat.  She touched him lightly on the shoulder.  
"We are alike in that we have both had to see family taken from us.  Even though I 
cannot remove your pain, I do understand it."

Aldren felt her fingers touch his arm and it was like a small bolt of lightning to him.  He 
turned his head and saw compassion and sadness in her blue eyes.  He could tell that she 
was thinking of her kin again.  He placed his arm around her shoulders.  She leaned into 
him a bit, and they sat for a long time in a companionable silence.

Eventually Aldren's mind climbed from the pit of hatred and despair, and he realized just 
how close she was sitting to him.  Her arm was around his waist, her fingers slowly 
rubbing in lazy patterns.  He looked down and saw her eyes were unfocused, lost in her 
own thoughts.  He could not longer resist and moved his head and kissed her cheek.

Ameni looked at him with a startled expression.  He thought he had really messed up his 
friendship when she slowly brought up her hand to touch where his lips had just been.  
"Why did you do that?"

"Well, uh… err… You looked so forlorn that I just did it.  I am sorry if I offended you."  
He started to lean away.

"I am not offended.  I am just surprised.  We have been together for several weeks, but 
you have never treated me as anything but a companion."

"You are a companion to me.  The finest companion that I could hope for."  He held up 
his hand to stop her reaction.  "And I was fearful to try and make anything more from this 
because I did not want to lose you."

"So you do see the female under all the armor." She whispered.  In answer, he kissed her 
full on the lips.  They sank down on the blankets devouring each other's lips.  Side by 
side they were exploring each other as they kissed.  He felt the strength of her muscles 
combine with the softness of her skin and hair to produce the combination that was his 
dream lover.  He worked her soft breeches off her hips and touched the skin that was 
revealed.  Her moans and the rhythmic movements assured him that she was as excited as 
he.

For her part she was exploring his back and trying to remove the loincloth that he had on.  
His hardness gave her the assurance of her sexiness that she craved.

They were both too excited to waste time.  In the back of his mind he remembered a tryst 
with a maid in the keep.  She was the most excited when she would be on top.  He moved 
onto his back, pulling her on top of him.  Her wetness made a trail over the top of his 
manhood as she jerked her pelvis against it.  She did get her top open and off.  As she 
leaned forward to position him against her entrance, he covered both breasts with his 
hands, kneading the firm flesh.  Her nipples already stiff became harder than ever.  She 
moaned as she slid down his shaft until she was firmly seated upon him.  He could not 
believe how intense he felt their coupling.  He had been with several women, but they 
were just quick flings to satisfy his lust.  There was something more here, and it was so 
intense that it worried him.

As Ameni started moving, she began to feel sensations that she never knew existed.  She 
had never been with a man and she could not believe how full, how complete she felt.  It 
was like she had discovered something that she never knew she needed.  Between the 
sensations she felt as he caressed her breasts and the fire that was building in her loins, 
she was sure that her entire body would burst.  Suddenly she felt something building, 
starting deep inside her core and it spread throughout her body.  "Eyyyyyyeeeee…" Her 
voice became higher until it was a high-pitched scream.  Then her body became wracked 
with spasms as she experienced the first orgasm of her life.  Just as she started to regain 
her senses, she felt Aldren's manhood grow even larger and harder, then start to spasm.  
He was moaning her name as his hips thrust up to push himself even further into her 
body.

She collapsed on his chest as he started down from his orgasm.  She had never been this 
exhausted before.  But she also had never felt so close to anyone before either.  She 
pressed her face into his shoulder and smiled.  "That was the most wonderful feeling I 
have ever felt.  I didn't know it was so great."

Aldren raised his head.  "You mean that was your first?"

The question caused her to rise up with her arms on either side of his chest.  Her hair had 
fallen around her face.  "Are you disappointed?"

"NO!"  Then he added in a lower voice.  "If I had known, I would have taken more time.  
I have heard a woman's first time is very special."

"I cannot think of anything that could be more special."

"Well if you are interested, we can experience even more."

She grinned down at him.  "I am very interested to know even more."  With that they fell 
back into kisses and caresses, more gentle now that the edge of their lust was dulled.  
They made love again before falling into a well-deserved sleep.

Aldren awoke during the night and rolled over to look at the woman next to him.  He had 
been lonely since his mother had been killed and he had fled.  Now he had someone to 
care for and that cared for him as well.  He had a mate now and he would never feel the 
pain of loneliness.

~~~~~~~~~FINIS  Chapt. 2 ~~~~~~~~~

