laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

As the day wore on, farms and fields gave way to quiet forest as the duo continued northward. Bandits and thieves were known to be in this area, but both had fought worse and remained wary. Caravans had resumed their treks along the sole highway which joined the western part of the kingdom with the rest, bridging the Dovey and continuing east and west for leagues. Most of which had been traveled by the Chosen and their grandparents at one point or another.

"So," Adam finally broke the long silence as their horses cantered along the well beaten path. "You have any insights as to where to meet them?"

"All I know is to go north right now," Howard reminded. "We'll find them, don't worry," he turned and grinned to his cousin who nodded.

"Rooting out the Promised isn't the only thing we'll have to contend with you know," the son of the wainwright confided. "Undead, demons, vampires and all sorts of other dangers lurk in the shadows."

Howard nodded as he glanced along the left of the road, taking in the dense foliage as they passed. "I know. I was there also when grandfather told us the stories. Remember?"

Adam chuckled. "Yeah. Just wondering if we'll get to take part in an epic battle like he did."

"No. There was only one Sater. Sorry to disappoint you."

"I'm not, trust me. But he did have a son though." As they pondered the possibilities, the thunder of hooves from behind prompted both to turn and glance to the rider leaning in over his horse's neck in a fevered effort to catch them. Or was he running from someone? Immediately, Howard reined his horse around and drew his sword as Adam did the same. Apparently an act that made their would-be attacker slow his steed as they sat up and raised a right hand. Once within closer view, both recognized the rider as the afternoon sun glinted off of his shortly cropped blonde hair.

Howard relaxed and returned the sword to it's sheath. "Ryan, are you mad?"

"We almost killed you," Adam added.

The knight of Zariva reined in his chestnut and nodded. "If you thought you were leaving on this quest without me, you're both sorely mistaken. We've been through too much together over the years."

Nodding, the group's assumed leader nodded. "You realize you may never see home again? This isn't a weekend ride or delivery. We're heading into the tiger's jaws, friend."

"Good. It sounds like a worthy cause to die for then," Ryan's serious tone and gaze made Howard realize this wasn't some casual goal his friend had in mind.

"Ryan, the duke needs all the able knights to defend our families back home. You sure about this," Adam queried.

"Where you go, I go. As I said, we've been through hell together already. If my brother's are called, then I can't let them go without me." Howard knew the older fighter would never be convinced otherwise and relented as he leaned in and shook the knight's hand warmly.

"Glad to have you then."

Ryan grinned wryly. "Not like you had a choice anyway. I helped train you in the bow, remember," he reminded as he shook Adam's hand, then spurred his horse between the cousins. "There's a few other moments during combat that could also be brought up for my application if needed."

Howard raised a hand to stop the warrior recounting all his deeds. "No need. Let's go on to Purbeck." As they continued on to the farming community, he smiled at how Arhus was growing this small idea into a solid group of seasoned warriors already. Hazel green eyes rose to the blue sky above and mouthed, "Thank you".