Awyrgan awoke with a start to shouts of grief and anger. He recognized Umbria's voice.
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"Where were you when orcs attacked and hath slain my kinsman?! Are you not sent here to keep the roads free of them?!"
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He watched as she fell to the floor. Time seemed to stand still and no one moved.
Aye, where were they. And where was I when orcs and the wild men attacked my villege. Why was I alone left alive only to return and discover the ashes. Too few are left to deal to so much evil. All the memories he had pushed away deep inside came flooding back out and he was wracked with sorrow. He face twisted with pain.
He stood gradually, like a dark omnious shadow. Slowly he walked to where Umbria lay and people parted in front of him. He picked her up gently and carried her back to a seat in the corner away from the eyes of the onlookers. One man followed too closely and Awyrgan fixed him with a whithering green-eyed stare that sent him stumbling backwards. Then he waited for her to awaken.
She stirred and looked about her. Awyrgan paused as he gathered his words and then he spoke. He seemed to have aged years and his shoulders were slumped again. The haunted look was back in his bright eyes. "I do not pretend to know your grief - all are different. But I know how it is to loose your kin. Do not lay this blame on those who already struggle with such matters; please." He waited for her reaction and, getting none, spoke again. "I am sorry for your loss. And to answer your question, I am not a Ranger but I have had dealing with their kind. Nearly all of them carry some sorrow such as you must bear." He sat back in his own chair and waited for her to speak.
[ January 10, 2003: Message edited by: Carrūn ]