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Post by Dred on Aug 17, 2006 6:44:23 GMT -5
He knew that he was in trouble when his own senses had failed to tell him of the young man's approach. He was thankful that Kaie was more aware of their surroundings.
Looking the man over carefully, he thought he recognized the boy from long ago, whom he had trained and grown to love as a son.
Is it really you? I always wondered what happened to you after you were sent away to train on the isle.
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Post by karenee on Aug 17, 2006 8:21:17 GMT -5
Kaie examined the man suspiciously as he knelt beside Rhakar. "Don't touch him!"
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Post by Dred on Aug 18, 2006 6:47:51 GMT -5
He turned his attention to Kaie and wondered why she would react in this way but felt she had her reasons and let it go. Making eye contact again with the young man, he couldn't help but wonder what this change would mean for them. Now that you are here, what do you plan to do?
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Post by karenee on Aug 18, 2006 13:36:02 GMT -5
Kaie pushed Rita behind her, but watched Rhakar's face relax. "I'd like to know too. Do you seek to harm Rhakar?" She lifted the sword as the man turned to look at her.
----
Beagan turned to the young woman and spread his hands. "I would never hurt my mentor and friend, Kaie."
Her eyes narrowed. "How do you know who I am?"
"The village gossips described you well." He couldn't help but chuckle. They'd had much to say, and it seemed they had managed to understate the force of her personality. No wonder her father was so nervous.
He stared down at Rhakar. "I've been away. Last night I realised for the first time what sort of chieftan I served. When he killed you..." he choked for a moment, "...when he tried to kill you, I knew I wouldn't allow him to dispose of you so lightly." A rush of anguish swept over him and he dropped to his knees beside Rhakar. "Now that you are alive, I will remain with you. Please forgive me for not aiding you last night."
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Post by Dred on Aug 18, 2006 16:21:00 GMT -5
Knowing the depth of feeling he was seeing, he placed a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder. I take you at your word. Fear not. What happened last night would have happened had you tried to help me or not. We were far outnumbered and it only proves that the king wouldn't have honored any agreement regardless.
He thought for a moment as he chose his next words with care. What of your family? Do they still live inside the compound and if so, how will they feel about your leaving?
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Post by karenee on Aug 18, 2006 17:13:03 GMT -5
Beagan shook his head. "My mother died years ago, and Kaifeir threw my father in the pit while I was away. He seems to have vanished along with the rest of the captives."
Kaie tensed and stared down at him. "Were you one of the group sent to kill me?"
"Kill you!" Beagan hesitated a moment. "I was sent away on a secret mission before you arrived, Kaie. I heard of what your father did." He sighed. "My decision to leave is not as sudden as you may think. Without my father the village is no longer home."
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Post by Dred on Aug 18, 2006 19:57:40 GMT -5
Rhakar smiled lightly as he looked back towards the hills a moment. It is quite possible your father is with the others we rescued. I won't swear to it but it is very possible. I'm truly sorry for your mother. She was a remarkable woman.
The sudden question burned in his as he stared at Beagan. What was this mission you were sent on? Pray tell that it wasn't to the southern clans beyond the mountains.
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Post by karenee on Aug 21, 2006 9:05:14 GMT -5
Kaie studied Beagan's wary expression as he replied. "Men were sent, but I was not one of them." He was hiding something. Come to think of it, he hadn't exactly said he'd never been sent to harm her, either. She would have to trust him for now. He really seemed concerned for Rhakar and if he would help them, she would deal with any hidden problems later.
"Enough of this." Kaie stepped forward holding out Beagan's sword. "We'll discuss this later. For now, I will believe that you will not harm Rhakar. I must find our friend and bring him back. Will you help Rhakar to the place of safety he has in mind?"
He took the sword and nodded at her. What was he thinking? What was he hiding? Kaie tried to keep an open expression. Better for him to think he was trusted. Perhaps then she could discover what he was up to.
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Post by Dred on Aug 21, 2006 12:23:38 GMT -5
Let's make our way down stream and we'll meet there. Remember to stay on the far side of the river Kaie. I think we'll manage without difficulty.
He looked at Beagan and couldn't help but wonder at the strange feeling that came over him. He could tell that something was being kept back. Some reluctance was in place for the man to tell him all that was on his mind. He knew that he would need to ask him in private once they had a little time and distance from the village.
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Post by karenee on Aug 21, 2006 14:49:03 GMT -5
Kaie turned away and began the slow business of creeping around the village to the point where they had left Cyfnach. The sun had risen high in the sky by the time she found him, sound asleep. Softly, she woke him and told him that Rhakar was alive, though badly wounded. As she outlined the plan, she watched him carefully for his reaction to her news.
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Post by Dred on Aug 21, 2006 16:33:03 GMT -5
He couldn't believe his ears when he had woken enough to understand what it was she had told him. He remembered very little of the previous night but as he woke further, more and more came back to him. He shook his head in disbelief and struggled to his feet. The One has decided. There is nothing for me to say now.
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Post by karenee on Aug 22, 2006 11:20:00 GMT -5
Kaie supported Cyfnach to the stream without being seen, though she wondered at times how they'd make it. They hid themselves behind a couple logs to float downstream. Despite the pain, Cyfnach managed to swim without assistance. They passed the village silently as the sun began to set.
"I hope we find Rhakar before dark!" Kaie murmured, abandoning her log to swim beside Cyfnach. "How are you doing?"
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Post by Dred on Aug 22, 2006 15:30:00 GMT -5
He grimaced as he nearly went under the water but his feet touched ground just before his head went down. I'll manage. This would be much easier if my lungs didn't ache from the beatings.
**********
Rhakar crawled with Beagan along the banks until the were to the point they would be forced to cross the river to their destination. I'm ready when you are. This is the narrowest point and the swiftest moving. We'll need to swim agianst the current and then double back after we're on the far side.
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Post by karenee on Aug 23, 2006 10:50:51 GMT -5
Kaie took hold of the log and tried to help steer it as the water began to move faster. "Hang on, Cyfnach!"
___
Beagan struggled against the current as he fought to tow the hastily constructed raft safely, following Rita's lead across the water. Rhakar was trying to paddle with his hands. "Stop that!" Beagan gasped, spitting water. "If Kaie comes back and finds you dead who do you think she'll blame?"
It was with great relief that he tugged the raft up into a hollow in the bank where the current wouldn't take it. Slumping into the shallows, he glanced over at Rhakar. "Did we come too far? I can tow you up the bank, I think."
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Post by Dred on Aug 23, 2006 15:37:36 GMT -5
Coughing up water and trying to clear his thoughts took a few moments but it wasn't long before he recognized the location and nodded his head. He gasped deeply and gestured up the stream slightly. We're a short distance downriver of where we will meet them. Give me a moment to regain my strength and I'll be able to continue. I forget sometimes that I have limits.
***********
Cyfnach smiled at Kaie as he held onto the log as best he could. Thank you. My body is quickly losing the little strength it had gained from that rest on the hillside. After we stop, I'm going to need to rest for a few moments.
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