Marshend After the Struggle: Derron(Continued from Nightfall at the Septa's House) Derron had been smiling sadly as he could easily hear his faithful friend trotting through the brush and dead leaves. But when he heard the breathing coming from above, something struck him. Besides the obvious fact that someone was hiding in the trees. He simply stopped and crouched down and smiled at Lancer. "Not as loud as I'd first imagined, boy. You haven't lost your youthful step, as it were." He scratched Lancer's ruff and behind his ears. "You're a good boy. And it's a good thing. Otherwise we might have been out and about all night." He raised his voice only slightly as he said, "You can come down now, child. No harm done, other than some lost sleep. Climb down and we'll escort you to the cottage. You can retrieve your trinket. Fair enough? Then we all need some more rest. Yourself included." There was a long pause - and the the sound of scrabbling. It appeared that the boy did not have too much practice in climbing trees. The scrabbling continued. Finally ... "I'm stuck," said the boy. He sounded disgruntled. Derron sighed then rose to his full height and looked up. "It has been a while since I was scrimping for apples up in trees." He looked to see first how far up he would have to go to reach the child, then for limbs that would bear his weight. If the 'boy' could dangle his legs to Derron's grip he would simply have lower the child. "No!" said the boy sharply. And then, as though he realised he had no alternative, Derron heard his nreaths as he edged closer - and then felt the tips of the boy's shopes brush against his shoulders. Derron reached up and gripped both ankles and held firmly. "Now let go with one hand and reach down to steady yourself on my head. Then do the same with the other." He held still but glanced down to see Lancer sitting, staring up at him and the child in the trees. Lancer's face had a distinct grin on it. Derron just smirked back. The boy did this ... light and delicate in his movements. And then suddenly he gave a little startled cry and fell with a sudden rush that nearly knocked Derron from his feet, and made Lancer give a startled bark. "I'm sorry!" said the boy penitently, scrambling to his feet. "Are you all right?" But for Derron, more than ever it was clear that this was no boy. Derron actually grinned. He had been knocked off balance and only maintained his upright position by placing a hand against the bole of the tree. "I'm fine. No apology needed. Lancer! Hush now!" The dog stopped barking but whined in the back of his throat. His tail was sweeping along the ground as he looked earnestly at the child. "Don't fret. He rarely bites, but he does like licking new friends." Derron leaned back against the tree with his arms folded and eyed the child. "First, let me assure you your secret is safe with me, lass," he began with a soft voice. "But I have to ask about what caused your shout and flight up the tree. Did the minstrel cause you any harm?" She shook her cropped head vigourously. "No! He's always been kind to me - ever since he was asked to bring me North." Her eyes grew round, as though she feared she was saying too much. Derron's eyebrows drew up, but he said, "I have to admit my curiosity as to your tale is raised, but I will not ask. What I do need to know is about this evening. Why did you shout, and then run?" She coloured. "I went to get something ... something of my own! from the cottage. I was going to slip in, like a thief, before anyone saw me. But the dog did, andthere were people - I was scared, so I screamed ... and ran." She lifted her head proudly - and there was something oddly familiar about the gesture - something Derron had seen before. "I know I shouldn't have." Derron's brows furrowed as he tried to recall what the girl's movement brought to mind but was too tired to recall. "Aye, you shouldn't have. But in the end, the only harm is some missed sleep. Hopefully the rest of the night will be quiet. Now, let Lancer lick your hand and we'll walk back with you." He figured if he slept on it, he would recall in the morning. Lancer licked her head, and the girl smiled. "But ... you won't tell anyone else, will you, Sir?" she asked anxiously. "Lantern said it would be more dangerous if it were known." Derron nodded. "That's true. And none will have it from my lips unless it is a dire emergency that knowing would help. And if I can give you one more piece of advice, do as little as possible to call attention to yourself. Skulking about at night might have kept you from being seen. But once seen it looks to be suspicious. If you had simply approached, the man on guard would have let you pass, probably after checking with Mariam. Do you understand my point?" She grinned up at him, an urchin grin. "I do! Annd thank you, Sir, for agreeing not to betray me." That was all she said, for they were now drawing close to where the Minstrel was standing with Merivel and Mariam. (Continued in Marshend - Merivel and Derron at Night) |
