[Arvedui III]

The fight had been simple. Rangar had ducked and dodged and lunged and slashed his way around the camp. After a time, he Calmir and Rave had set on returning to camp. It seemed like the most logical thing to do anyway; They were the distraction and since there was no sign of Turthol or Wren he had to assume they'd made it out all right. What troubled Rangar was no sign of any leader. Well, maybe it was random. He thought during the walk back to camp. No leader meant no plan, no other motive, save senseless killing, and most importantly, no conspiracy against himself. Rangar's growing relief swelled even more once they got back to camp and saw Turthol and Wren, both fine.

"Had fun?" Turthol said cheerily as the three sat down. "Not really." Said Rangar. "Well, then it took you long enough; The sun's almost gone." Rangar chuckled, that was Turthol. Then he noticed the others looking at him. Waiting for me to say something He thought, hoping inwardly he didn't have to speak, but knowing also that he would. He sighed. "Well, erm, I think we should stay put for a bit. It's been a," he paused thinking. "Hard night." Grunts of assent sounded, making Rangar feel a little better. "Um, Wren? Can I talk to you?" The noblewomen looked up from her sword and nodded, getting up. Rangar followed suit and started walking away from the rest of the group, wondering about how to phrase what he wanted to ask. Wren followed a little way behind, then Rangar spoke.

"Um, I'm sorry about what happened, Wren." "It's all right." She mumbled, giving Rangar the distinct impression she didn't want to discuss it. "Look, um, I need to know, um, what happened after you were, erm" This was far too awkward. "Kidna, er, captured." Wren looked away, but spoke of all that had happened in a quiet sort of voice. As she spoke, a dead weight dropped into his stomach. It was too good to be true. Someone is hunting me. Then, she asked the question for him. "Rangar?" "Yes" He said slowly, dreading what was coming. "Why would someone be looking for you?" " I-don't know." He said softly, letting his head sink to the ground. "I honestly don't know." Thankfully, she did not pursue the subject, but it made him feel all the more guilty that he could not even offer an explanation as to why she was kidnaped.

The day went slowly after that. Rangar and Wren came back to camp, and then Aerin started a soup. Turthol came over and talked with him about what the next move should be, but Rangar really didn't care. So long as it got him away from this place. He checked on Bregand, who was doing better, then the group ate, and settled down for the night. "Ok, I'll take first watch, then Calmir, then Enien. Everyone just try and sleep. We'll get off to a new start in the morning." There was nothing else he could say. As darkness crept over the lands, the rest of the group settled down for the night, while Rangar sat on a log, staring blankly at the darkness.

Why? Why would some want to-to kill me? What did I do? The blood? Maybe, but was not that my own? Or was it? Erg, why can't I have any answers?! Then, quite suddenly the sound of soft footsteps reached his ears. Automatically, Rangar drew his sword while trying vainly to discover the source of the sounds.Through a pale mist to the right, a shadowy figure began to emerge. Seeing Rangar he turned, and almost involuntarily, Rangar followed. Stupid! You should have gotten the others! He thought as he strove to keep up with the shadow he was pursuing. The figure dipped out of sight, and Rangar stopped while breathing a sigh of relief, ready to except the figure as some trick of the downs or just as some innocent traveler who had stumbled on the camp. He turned, then suddenly, a icy soft voice near whispered from somewhere in front of him,

"Ahh Rangar, we met at last."

[ May 16, 2003: Message edited by: Arvedui III ]