For Glory or Gold

Call of The Forest

They exited the the cave around the middle of the following day, the sun nestled high over head and shared her radiant heat. Torin stood at the entrance for a moment and soaked in the warmth of the spring rays, as Sestina and Kestrin moved passed. Her eyes were closed as she took in the smells of the forest, as she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder. Some came over her that moment, as she felt his body draw close to her. The smell of evergreens overwhelming her senses.

She stood so that she faced Estien directly. He watched as a smile played at the corner of her soft lips.

"Yes?" he raised his eyebrows in expectation of an answer. The response he got was not what he expected.

Torin adjusted her hands, that were resting on his arms to wrap around his neck. She watched closely at the twitch in his brow and the tilt of his head that showed the confusion he was in, yet he didn't back away.

“Thank you, for everything.” She pulled him close in a tight hug. His arms came about her waist and gently returned the hug.

“You’re welcome.” He whispered softly into her ear.

A loud screech came from a few paces away from them, as Kestrin cleared his throat.

Torin brought herself back down on her heel. Taking a brief pause to share a moment with Estien.

"I know." She whispered to him softly, kissing the back of his hand as she walked away. Leaving him standing in the cave opening in a trance, Kestrin walked passed her and went straight to Estien.

"How long have you two been a thing?" Kestrin asked as he looked back at Torin.

Estien cleared his throat, “We’re not.” His gaze remained as he watched her walk over to the large cat and say farewell.

Torin glanced back at Estien, volumes unspoken in that one glance.

“Are you sure you’re not a thing?” Kestrin pestered on.

“I’m sure.” Estien said as he made his way out into the small clearing.

Sestina stood in the sunlight, her chestnut brown hair almost glowed in the afternoon sunlight, her green eyes and tall frame gave the appearance of unspoken power. She wore her leather armor like a princess wore a gown, with pride and dignity. The delicate set of her eyes drew a strong line back to her temple, giving her an appearance of royalty. She carried an intense look in her eyes, that almost challenged others to try her patience.

"We should plan to set camp not far off." Sestina spoke out in the calm, "We don't want to be on the pass down when it gets dark. There were rock slides on the way up."

"She's right," Kestrin agreed, walking over to join his sister. His brown hair matched his sisters and his tall frame gave way to the power he carried. He shifted his crossbow from his hands to the clip at his belt. He carried it with assertiveness and began to scan the tree line with confidence of his target. "There was a large slide on our way up, we barely missed it. The forest is in disarray." There was a soft shimmer at his neck as he turned to Estien, almost like there was a ghost of gold over part of his body.

Estian stood still another head above Kestrin, his bold strides showing a level of assurance that few carried well. Torin appeared out of place along side this group of fighters. It was apparent in their body language that they had some form of training and were capable of holding their own. Yet, there was Torin, unsure of her own power and still learning how to control them. While it became easier for her, as she practiced in the evenings on her cat, it was difficult.

The cave let out into a dirt clearing, that would take the traveler into the forest line that was not far off. The calm sound of the forest filled the surroundings with ambiance and gave no appearance of threat. Torin was walking about the clearing, trying to get a baring of where she was exactly, when she stopped in her tracks.

“Do you hear that?” Her head dipped low and her head turned slightly to the right, just enough to lift her ear in the air.

Sestina was closest to the girl, so she approached her. Only, panic filled her body as she saw the girls eyes turn white as milk and her body stiff in position.

“Estien!” Her cry for her friend brought Torin back to her body.

Estien reached her just as she was about to fall, catching her promptly in his arms. He lowered her slowly to the ground as he watched her blink repeatedly.

“There..” Torin began to speak, shaking her head to try to clear her thoughts. “There are men, out in the forest.”

Kestrin rushed over with a drink for her, which Torin took happily. “Men where?”

“They were..” Torin paused to look around at the sun’s position, “East from here.”

"We need to move.” Estien said as he looked to his friends.

"Agreed." Sestina spoke, quickly tossing her brother his pack.

"They were armed," Torin groaned, the appearance of pain clear in her eyes.

"Marigauns?" Kestrin asked.

"Henti Guard?" Estien asked.

"I don't know." Torin said quickly, "I've never met them before.” She closed her eyes trying to recall their faces, “They have yellow fabric hanging from their swords and were wearing leather." She sontinued to try to recall their images. "They all had beards too." She looked to the two men before her, who were clean shaven.

"Those sound like Lord Vancer[Lord Vancer, Acting Ruler of Dresda and Hentati. His mages cursed the land and opened the portal.]'s men. we’re not safe." Sestina spoke out. "We need to split up so they won't find us."

"They won't find us,” Estien tried to calm the huntress, “I can cover our tracks." He spoke, looking from the twins to Torin and back again.

"You said East, right?" Kestrin asked calmly, looking to Torin.

"Ya, I think so." I pointed to the Eastern slope, “That way.”.

"Good, they'll have to get beyond the rock slide."

"I’m not sure they haven’t already." Torin interjected, snapping her fingers to get Nel’s attention.

"Dang it!"

"Kestrin, we can't go West, it’ll take us into the mountains and not to a harbor." The frustration in Estien’s voice was almost contagious as the group was starting to get short with each other.

“Come on! Think fellas!” Sestina cleared the air and encouraged the group to think of what they should do.

“Let’s start heading South, we should be able to pass them quickly and quietly.” Kestrin suggested, adjusting his pack on his feet.

Estien looked to Torin, as she was visibly shaken. “It’s ok, I’ve got you.” He reassured her, as they began to follow Kestrin into the forest.

The sure steps of Kestrin had the group moving at a good pace, down the mountain side. They had entered the pass down the mountain, where pathways were narrow and rocks surrounded them. It was not uncommon to see small patches of rubble covering the pathway, making it difficult to pass through. They would slow their pace and assist each other over the rubble as they pressed onward.

As Kestrin offered his hand to Torin, to assist her in her footing there was a loud screech that came from behind them. Whole flocks of birds in the trees to the North took flight at once and it was obvious something had startled them. Torin turned abruptly to see what was happening when the rocks beneath her gave way and began to slide.

The scream that left her throat set her companions in a panic, as she lost her grip on Kestrin’s hand.

“Estien!” She screamed as she went over the edge.

Estien moved quickly, grabbing hold of the rope on Sestina’s pack and wrapping it about a lone tree not far from them. He climbed down the mountain side. The twins waited for him up top, holding fast to the rope he was using. It seemed like forever before the twins heard anything. The look of genuine concern on Kestrin’s face had his sister nearly in tears.

“Don’t fret!” Sestina tried to console her brother, “I am sure she will be fine.” She turned back to the ledge, “She’s stronger then she looks.”

It felt like forever to the pair, as the way waited, but soon Estien came climbing the rope, slowly. Torin was over his shoulder as he crested the top of the ledge. Sestina grabbed her firmly and brought her up onto the ledge, while Kestrin helped Estien up. The two strong men clasped arms briefly, an unspoken apology from one to the other.

“How is she?” Estien questioned as he approached Sestina.

“She’s breathing,” she said quietly. “She’s unconscious though.” She looked up to Estien, “She hit her head hard. We need to get her to a healer.”

“There’s one at Camp Tesnri.” Kestrin said, from his position beside Estien.

“Aye,” Sestina replied, “but we need to move fast. It is sure they have our position now and they will be hot on our heels.”

Estien turned to Kestrin, “Can you carry her?”

“Yes, but why?” Confusion covered his face, “Aren’t you coming?”

“I need you to go ahead.” Estien looked to Torin’s still form and then back to his friends, “I’m going to try to slow them down.”

Sestina lifted Torin’s small form and helped nestle her into Kestrin’s arms. With one last glance to their friend, Sestina and Kestrin took off down the pass. They didn’t know what Estien had planned, but they knew he was good on his word. He would catch up to them and to the girl he was sent to see safely to La’Koda.

Kestrin and Sestina had not expected Estien to be away for as long as he was. As they continued to take turns carrying the girl, it was nightfall when they heard a loud roaring thunder of a rock slide. As they looked back up the pass, the dust showed it was back the way they had already gone.

They exchanged a quick look. “I’m sure he’s fine,” the brunette said to her brother. Then another loud roaring crash took place and they stared at each other for just a brief moment.

Kestrin shifted Torin’s limp form on to his shoulder, “We need to go!”

The pair took off at the fastest pace they could muster. Trying to beat the rock slides down the mountain, as crash after crash took place behind them. One slide would lead to another, and soon the pebbles were falling just steps behind them. What should have taken them several days to get down took the pair well into the night to clear. They reached the forest at the end of the pass and chose to set up camp within view of the passage. They still trusted their friend would come.

“If,” Kestrin was trying to speak as he caught his breath, “If he’s not… here by… by morning.” He motioned toward the hunting village of Camp Tesnri.

“We’ll go on.” Sestina said, catching her breath as well, her hands resting upon her knees. The still form of Torin laid upon soft grass, her small black cat laid beside her.

“How the?” Sestina pointed to the cat.

Kestrin responded with a shrug as he knelt on the floor near Torin’s sleeping form. When they had caught their breath, Sestina examined the wound on Torin’s head better. The bleeding had stopped, but her hair was matted around the wound. She carefully cleared the debris from the area and applied the little bit of salve she had with her. Setting her on a mat they had with them, they settled in for the night.

“I’ll take first watch,” Kestrin offered, “you rest.”

“Very well,” Sestina settled in a soft grassy area.

The first several hours of the watch went smoothly. The occasional animal would pass them by, but nothing of threat or concern. It was late in the watch, as Kestrin felt himself dozing on his watch, that he saw the vague outline of a form. Nocking a bolt in his crossbow, and setting his eyes, he moved slowly to nudge his sister. She rose quietly, after seeing the stance of her brother.

Kestrin nodded toward the pass, where there was a figure coming toward them. It had a staggering gate and moved unevenly. At first glance it would almost appear that they were injured. Sestina signaled with her hands, Estien?

Not sure, Kestrin signaled back.

They waited patiently, until they had moved far enough away from their sleeping charge, to announce their presence.

“Halt!” Kestrin’s strong voice spoke out to the form.

“Kestrin,” a sigh came from the tall form, “thank the God’s!” Estien fell to his knees on the path. “Is Torin ok?” His eyes coming up to greet his friends.

“She is as to be expected.” Sestina said as she came alongside her friend. “Come, let’s get you to camp.”

The twins came along either side of the tall protector and escorted him to the small camp they had made. It wasn’t much, as they had no fire or food, but it was a safe thicket for them to sleep in. Estien collapsed beside Torin, ensured she was still breathing well and then fell asleep.

Sestina looked from Estien to her brother. “What did he do?”

“We can ask in the morning.” Kestrin replied as he positioned himself on the rock he had been on before.

“Get some rest, brother.” Sestina said as she set to take watch, “I think you’ll need it.” She glanced again to the two that slept on the grass floor. Estien’s arm had come over Torin protectively. The soft chirping of crickets in the night air made it very difficult for Sestina to stay awake. She took to cleaning her daggers, to encourage her to stay awake.

The sun rose slowly over the forest, but the dense fog below made it difficult to see the glowing orb. Sestina set about raising her friends for the day, which they awoke better then she would have.

The trio set about preparing for the day. They packed up their mats and quickly ate of the few biscuits Kestrin and Sestina had in their packs. A quick meal as they set out for the morning. Estien finished his meal and knelt gently beside Torin. His left hand coming up to caress Torin’s right cheek.

“I am very sorry,” he whispered gently to her. Reaching low he scooped her into his arms, as the twins stood waiting for them. “Please forgive me.” He whispered once more as he pressed a fond kiss to the top of her head. The injury on the back of her head evident as her head lulled forward. She moaned quietly in his arms and nestled into him.

The band began their trek toward the hunting camp. It was still nearly two days journey before they would reach the camp, and they did their best to hurry their way. Estien carried Torin, refusing to let another bear his charge to their destination.

“Estien, we can help.” Sestina came alongside him, as they had finished their midday rest.

“I cannot allow you to.” He looked to the young assassin, knowing full well what she had been trained for. “She is in my care and I swore an oath,” his voice trailed off slightly as he looked to the woman in his arms, “to bear her safely to La’Koda.”

“We would not have been sent if not to help.” Kestrin said as he came along the other side. “Please, let us help. I feel horrible.”

“Kestrin, it is not your fault.” Estien encouraged his friend, “It was an accident, but I cannot let anything else come to her.” His eyes came back to the sleeping figure, her brown hair was matted behind her head, while the bleeding had stopped, bruising had begun to form on her brow and left temple. He began to question if she was hurt anywhere else.

Estien was brought out of his thought by the now familiar screech of Harpy overhead. Her large wings carried her above the canopy of trees, bringing herself low to the ground and alighting upon a fallen log. She watched the trio as they walked beyond her, carrying the girl. Her head c*****g toward them as she considered them.

Night came quickly, and Estien tried to insist that they continue through the night, which the twins concurred would be a horrible idea. Reluctantly, Estien settled down for the night, laying beside the sleeping girl. Her body seemed rigid as she slept that night, her voice moaning in her sleep.

“Estien..” Torin’s voice whispered his name late into the night.

Estien rushed to her side, as he was on watch during that time. “I am here.” He whispered as he came along side her, his left hand coming to her face.

“Est..” Her voice drifted off, her head pressing into his hand.

“She’s feverish.” Sestina said, as she came along side the sleeping girl. “We’ll leave early in the morning.” She looked to Estien as she laid a wet cloth across her forehead. Placing a firm hand on Estien’s shoulder, “Get some rest, I’ll take last watch.”

Estien nodded in response and laid near the sick girl, his body turned toward her. He fell asleep watching Sestina place cold compresses on Torin’s head. He slept fitfully all night, as the wind in the woods picked up and made the rest of the night unbearable. He awoke before dawn and saw Sestina and Kestrin sitting beside Torin, giving him cause to quickly rise from his place and rush to her side.

“She’s been in and out of sleep all morning.” Sestina said as she looked to Estien. “When you are ready, we can be on the move.” She looked back to the girl, “I fear the worse.”

That was all that Estien needed to hear. He gathered his things quickly and scooped the girl in his arms. He was ready to run all day, if she needed him to. He positioned her in his arms, looking down at the small cat that continued to follow her owner.

“Come on, then.” Estien said to the feline, before he stood, inviting her into his arms also. The cat quickly took the invitation and snuggled between the pair of them. Estien’s eyes moved from the black ball of fur, that was rubbing gently at its owner’s hand, to the face of the owner. Her features seemed so delicate and her body so fragile as he lifted her. She felt lighter than before, as her body seemed to be thinner. “You have to hang on.” He pleaded with the sleeping beauty in his arms.

“Estien,” her voice came groggily to her protector.

“Yes?” He answered eagerly.

“Are we almost there?” She moved her head against his chest, the rest of her body not moving.

“Yes, dear one.” He spoke softly, as they continued on. Sestina turned to see them speaking, worry written all over her face.

“I’m glad…” her voice started to drift off.

“Rest.” He whispered down to her.

“I’m glad I’m with you.” She sighed and went back to sleep.

Estien did everything in his power to mask the tear that rolled slowly down his cheek. He cared more for her then she would realize, he dared to realize that he had grown to love her.

They pressed on through midday, their bodies beginning to show the exhaustion of pushing through without rest. As evening began to set, they pushed into Camp Tesnri. The guards at the gates blocking their entrance.

“Halt!” One guard yelled out.

“What have you there?” Another shouted.

“Please,” Sestrina pleaded, “we have need of your healer.”

“No admittance,” the first guard said, “by order of Overseer Indarc.”

“Tell Indarc,” Estien spoke out, “that Estien Promontory is here and has need of services.”

“How dare you!” The first guard spoke out.

“Shut your trap and deliver the message.” Kestrin said, drawing his crossbow swiftly and taking aim at the guards.

“We’ll deliver it and then we’ll have your heads!” The second guard announced as the first ran to deliver the message.

Kestrin kept his crossbow drawn, while Sestina kept watch over Torin. Estien watched closely for signs of the overseer. As if by some magical force they were summoned, a large group of guards came to the gate. In the midst of the guard, was a man clad in armor. His helmet showed signs of wear and his chest piece had large dents in it. It was obvious he had been in battle and was doing all he could to maintain peace. The bags that set beneath his green eyes showed his days without rest, and the red hair about his head was unruly as it began to sneak out from beneath the helm. His beard was ragged and his nose came to a sharp point. He was not an attractive man, but he carried about him a friendly appearance when he met eyes with Estien.

“Estien!” He rushed to greet his friend. “What brings…” his eyes shifted from his friend to the girl beside Sestina. “Quick, bring her inside.”

Estien wasted no time with greetings, as he scooped her in his arms and followed behind the overseer.

“Captain?” The overseer spoke out as he entered through his gates, “Have the healer brought to my estate. Spare no energy!”

“Aye sir!” A man in armor said as he saluted and then ran off.

“I am sorry, brother.” Indarc began, as he closed the door to his estate. “We have had to close our borders due to Henti Guards in the area.” He showed the team into a large room with a fireplace.

“Lila?” The man called out into the house, causing a young girl to respond. Her blonde hair pulled back and her pointed ears sneaking through. She was beautiful to behold. Her delicate features and kind gestures gave the room a sense of being welcomed, in an otherwise cold setting. “The healer is coming, can you prepare a room for her?”

“Of course, dear.” She smiled to the overseer and rushed upstairs.

“We’ll wait here for the healer, but she’ll need to rest after.” Indarc looked to Estien, who still cradled the woman in his arms. “Lay her here.” He moved a pillow from a long bench that had been covered in soft material.

Estien lowered her petite form onto the soft furniture, resting her head gently. “She fell,” Estien began without taking his eyes from her, “hitting her head.” He moved a stray piece of hair from her head. “No one can know we were here, Indarc.” Estien’s eyes bore into the face of their host.

“On my life,” he said with a bow, “no one will speak of it.” He walked over and placed his hand on Estien’s shoulder. This is when there came a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it.” Lila’s soft voice came from the stairway, as she was coming down to the door.

The stairs of the home were directly inside the front door, with a sitting room to the left of the stairs and a large dining area to the right. The home was well decorated in blues and grays, with soft red accents throughout.

Lila opened the door, where a man with long features and short brown hair stood. He greeted Lila with a short bow and a hug, entering swiftly with a bag in his right hand. “Who was hurt?” He looked about, almost familiar with their home.

“A dear friend.” She spoke eloquently, while showing the healer to the sitting room. There he was greeted by an unfamiliar site. The overseer stood near the fireplace, with Kestrin by his side. It was obvious they had been in conversation, as the body’s were turned toward each other. Sestina stood behind the narrow bed, where Torin lay. With Estien on his knee beside her, holding her face in his left hand and her hand in his right. It was obvious to everyone in the room, that she meant more than a charge to Estien.

“Let me have a look at her.” The healer knelt down, moving Estien from her side. “Lila, will you attend me?”

“Of course, father.” The girl replied promptly and stood beside the healer.

Estien stood at Torin’s feet, while the healer examined the young girl. Inch by inch he checked for anything broken. As he lifted the sleeve of her arm, an audible gasp came from Lila and the healer. Estien’s head shot over to them, the arm in question had some minor bruising, but was covered with about 15 small runes. These runes almost glowed against her pale complexion.

Lila looked from the girl to Estien, “Did you know?” ‘

“I did.” Estien said, confidently.

“I had not realized the gravity of this situation.” Indarc stated clearly, before rushing from the house.

“Where is he?” Kestrin started after him, but was halted by Lila.

“He is going to swear his men to secrecy.” She said, her hand on Kestrin’s chest. “He is a man of honor, and will not risk of the lives of those he holds dear,” she turned to Estien, “or those they hold dear.” She then turned her attention back to the girl and the work the healer was doing.

With a warm bowl of water, Estien watched as they cleared away the salve that Sestina had placed on Torin’s head. He watched as Torin groaned in pain as they washed the matted hair that prevented them from seeing the cut clearly. Estien was visibly shaken, watching the procedure take place and then the healer began to stitch the wound.

Sestina quickly came and took Estien from the room. “You need air.” She said, as she grabbed his arm and escorted him to the lobby. “She’ll be fine.”

Estien nodded, but spoke nothing, his eyes watching in the room. Kestrin stood nearby, ready to help if he was asked. He wasn’t, the healer worked quickly and then called Estien back into the room.

“Carry her up to the room that Lila has prepared.” The healer was washing his hands. “I have done what I can. I have healed the infection, but I do not have the power to heal the wound.” He explained as Estien picked up Torin’s still sleeping body. Her head had been bandaged and her chestnut tresses hung about her shoulders. “We will know more in the morning.”

Lila escorted the band upstairs, showing Estien the room for Torin and then a room for himself, which he declined. “I’ll be staying with her.” He said, sitting beside her bed.

Lila nodded and went to close the door, pausing briefly, “You know, there is room for two in that bed.” She smiled softly and then exited. She went down and showed Sestina and Kestrin to rooms, which they took their belongings with them. Nel had snuck upstairs and was laying outside the door to Torin’s room when Lila came back upstairs. A strong hiss gave her position away.

“It’s alright,” Sestina said, trying to calm a startled Lila. She walked over and opened the door to Torin’s room. Nel promptly ran in and found her way on the bed. Sestina noted briefly, the vague outline of two bodies on the bed, as Nel climbed aboard. Shutting the door, she smiled to herself. She’d not seen him care this much before.