[Nerindel]

Korpúlfr

Korpúlfr was just directing Airefalas towards the fine fabrics when the fanfare sounded announcing the arrival of Lord Falasmir and his attendants, the northerner excused himself and joined his captain, promising to return and negotiate a price before the night was out. Smiling warmly, he nodded and watched the two Gondorian's as Falasmir's procession made its way down the courtyard.

Korpúlfr had no love for Umbar's lord and made no effort to push himself forward like the other merchants, fighting to gain their lords attention and approval, he needed nor wanted either. But Falasmir and his entourage inevitably passed his way. He bowed respectfully both to Falasmir and Wyrma the leader of his people, showing no sign that her new position surprised him in the slightest, he had heard the rumours and having inconspicuously questioned Tinar he had gained the truth, though he was not entirely sure weather Wyrma's youngest son had known of his slip.

"Master Korpúlfr," the lord of Umbar addressed him accordingly, "the women of my court speak very highly of your fine wares, I pray that you have not yet sold all to our new guests," Falasmir commented running his hand along a soft red silk which was finely inlaid with gold thread.

"Not as yet my lord, but an interest has been shown." He replied pleasantly, but behind his pleasant facade he felt almost certain that the older man was toying with him in some way.

"Very good, I would never hear the end of it if I returned empty handed." Falasmir laughed, then clapping his hands a short, squat, balding man stepped forward.

"This is Tahrim, he will see to my needs," then with a dismissive hand he continued down the line of waiting merchants.

Korpúlfr's dark eyes almost narrowed with the malice and contempt he felt at the lords insult, but a sharp look from his leader, reminded him of the importance of the facade they maintained. Putting on a well practised smile he turned to Falasmir's negotiator "Now to business!" he laughed heartily. But his smile did not remain long, Tahrim took but only three bolts in the end, but three of the best and at a price that was more insulting than the lords impromptu dismissal.

As he watched the old man ordered servants to take the bolts away, he lifted another glass of the rich red wine with which to quell his burning anger. "Lord Falasmir wishes to impress his guests, with what his Merchants have to offer, you would be advised not to disappoint!" the old man warned with a sly grin, Korpulfr almost choked on his drink, but managed to supress his anger and nod his understanding, but as the old man turned away a grin pressed his lips, His merchant! if only he knew the truth! he thought with renewed satisfaction.

Looking around the courtyard his thoughts again turned to the sea captain and his interest in their people, The Northerner Airefalas had seemed cautious, but pleasant enough, even his captain seemed to have a non threatening air about him, But Korpulfr knew only too well how much outward appearances could be deceiving and the northerners interest in his people concerned him deeply. The type of men who generally sought their kind where never to be trusted, greedy manipulative people thinking to use their peoples skills to their advantage.

Suddenly his last memories of his mother flashed into his mind. It was mid afternoon when they came, the young men of the tribe where out hunting, leaving only the women, children and elderly tending the day to day chores in their camp. a mild breeze whipped among the tents when suddenly the ground rumbled, Korpulfr was with his cousins drawing pictures in the sand with a dried twigs, when a large cloud of whipped up sand approached fast from the west, there was screams and he was snatched up by his mother fear gripped him this was not the first time the large dark men had come, burying his head in his mothers shoulder he began to cry.

"hush little one, everything will be fine" his mother whispered trying to comfort him as they ran, but the thunder of hooves still pursued them.

"To the forest!" someone yelled and his mother made for the cover of the dark trees, but once in the forest their pursuers divided them and he and his mother ended up separated from their tribe, his mother exhausted faltered and stumbled, he could hear men's voices close behind them. His mother looked at him, her large, round eyes filled with fear and sadness, her hand strayed to her belt where a small knife lay, but with a tear she stayed her hand and put him high into the branches of a large tree.

"Hush now little one!" she said kissing his forehead, "You must not move or even make a sound, no matter what you hear, do you understand!" she said sternly. he nodded slowly as she smiled and ran her soft hand down his cheek moving aside a stray lock of raven hair.

"I will always love you my little Raven" she whispered, turning away from him as the dark men broke through the trees to circle her. Filled with fear Korpúlfr clung to the tree and closed his eyes. As a loud howl rang out he opened his eyes and cautiously looked between the dark leaves. Below he could see the form of a large brown and cinnamon wolf, its lips pulled back threateningly revealing sharp dangerous looking teeth, Suddenly the wolf leapt towards the nearest Haradwaith warrior, Korpúlfr heard a whistle sound and closed his eyes as an arrow pierced the wolves side, when he opened his eyes the wolf was gone but to his horror his mother lay still on the ground Surrounded by the dark skinned warriors.

"Our lord will be most pleased!" one of the men laughed pulling a dark arrow from his mothers side. Throwing his hand to his mouth to suppress the sick feeling in his stomach he turned away. The dark men took his mothers body upon one of their horses and rode back from whenced they had come.

Closing his eyes and gritting his teeth he pushed the memory aside, only evil wicked men looked for our people!he thought bitterly narrowing his eyes in the direction of the sea captain, it was then that he noticed the man's new companion a short yet attractive young woman, it was unusual to see women traders in the city, but he had dealt with a few desert trader that were women, but this one he did not know. pretending to be examining the other merchants wares he made his way slowly towards the sea captain and the desert woman.

He had just got close when the young woman walked quickly from the terrace towards the door bumping his shoulder in her haste, she turned and hastily apologised, their eyes lock momentarily, before she again moved towards the door. Something about the young woman's warm gold flecked, brown eyes seemed familiar, but he had never seen her before of that he was quite certain.

With a bemused shake of his head he turned back to the terrace but seeing one of Falasmir's more loyal Merchants now heading toward the captain he moved in the opposite direction, wondering what the desert woman and the northerner had discussed. Perhaps he would seek out Tinar and see what the young son of their leader made of the captains sudden interest in skinchangers and desert people. But just now he had business to conduct. Seeing the stout Umbarian wine Merchant he headed in his direction and began plying his trade, even negotiating prices for the mans fine wines and spirits, making sure that he positioned himself were he could keep a close but guarded eye on the Foreigners, If they were hunting for his people he would make sure they found one! one that would most definitely fight back making sure they troubled his people no more.