Retribution - Part 1

Arun pulled his cloak tighter about his shivering frame and stopped, peering down over the snow-covered landscape. The bleakness of winter was apparent wherever he looked, and the only tracks he could see were his own; a set of booted prints, and the half circular hoof prints of his horse. He cursed under his breath and surveyed the horizon, hoping to catch even a glimpse of his quarry. In the distance he could see the dominant spectre of the Pardor Mountains, towering over everything like watchful Gods, but otherwise, there was only the grim, white, stillness of the season.

"By the Light, they won't escape me for long!" he muttered, starting down the sloping ridge and leading his horse by its reins. "Before the winter's through I'll have them!"

He followed the valley floor, benefiting from the small protection offered by the hills on either side. The snow still managed to find its way inside his clothing, but the biting wind was somewhat lessened, and he was able to make better time. He kept his head bowed, shielding his face and eyes from the swift, icy flurries of snow, and trudged along, his anger giving him the strength to fight the elements.

At last he left his meagre shelter and climbed the scree-covered embankment on his right. At the top he stopped again and looked down on the old Kettin road, which led along the base of the mountains to Aina, a port city on the southern coast. If Arun's instincts were right, then his target would be somewhere within those walls. He would be able to lie low, almost invisible among the rest of the rabble that infested the streets of the city. He would be harder to find, certainly, but Arun was a determined man.

He led his mount down the slope and pulled himself into the saddle when he reached the bottom. Aina was no more than an hour's ride, and once in the city he would be able to rest and stable his horse while he made enquiries. His only concern now was reaching an inn and banishing the chill of winter from his weary bones.

He made good time, and arrived at the Aina gates a few hours before nightfall. He nodded at the sleepy guard who was on duty, and dismounted, preferring to walk into the city of his birth on his own two feet. The usual crowds were in evidence, and he shook his head in disgust, reassured once again by his decision to take up the life of a ranger. People buffeted him from either side, but neither apologies nor excuses were offered. With the smell of civilisation in his nose, he made for the nearest inn.

Afeek peered over the top of his foaming mug of ale and nudged Shandar rudely in the ribs. The wizard spluttered, and coughed an arc of wine across the table, winning himself a chorus of angry stares from the other patrons of the inn. Afeek chuckled, but hid his hand behind a fur-lined paw as Shandar turned his angry glare in the young thief's direction. "I don't find it at all amusing," said the wizard, dabbing at the puddle of spilled wine. "Do you know how hard it is to get stains out of this robe?"

Afeek smirked. "I'm sorry Effendi, but it was not intended. I was merely trying to get your attention."

The wizard arched a white eyebrow. "And why is that? I hope it is not another of your ridiculous notions. By the Gods, I don't think I could take much more! I've half a mind to go back to Shagrim."

Afeek chugged at his wine and giggled. "And I'm a Glandar Knight! Anyway, my notions aren't ridiculous. We need more money, unless you want to conjure some food for us to eat? No, then I have a proposition. Look at that tall man, standing by the door. He just entered."

Shandar turned his head in what he considered a subtle manner and peered towards the inn's wide entrance. A tall, heavily cloaked man was indeed standing beside the door, shaking snow from his clothing and boots. His attire, although worn and faded, was certainly of a good quality, and most definitely expensive. The wizard's sharp eyes could also pick out a fat purse dangling from his waist. He frowned, and glared at the Katrin with dark eyes.

"Don't get any ideas about stealing from him, idiot. That man's a ranger, and obviously a skilled one, judging from his bearing and the way he wears his sword. He'd catch you before you were even out of your seat."

Shandar very nearly choked again as he spluttered with suppressed laughter. "Hah! I've seen Ogre's who were better at stealing than you are."

Afeek's fur stood on end with anger, but he held his temper and fell silent, knowing that it was useless to argue; the wizard would plead blue was green if he had a mind to. Instead, he sipped at his drink and watched the dark-haired ranger as he crossed the crowded common room, approaching the bar. With an expression of pure innocence, the young Katrin chuckled inwardly, deciding that it was time Shandar was shown a thing or two about the skills of a thief!

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