On the Way to Marshend: Crossing the Stream(Continued from On the Way to Marshend: At the Camp) Shade scrabbled up the bank, getting wet and muddy in the process - and inflicting a couple of furious parting scratches on Aerin as he left her. The mud was more than enough to make Aerin skid and fall, but there were also tussocks of grass that she could catch at with her good hand - which would hold until her rescuers caught up with her. Probably. Aerin clutched a tussock with her good hand as she winced at the pain of her scratches. But even with her dire situation she pulled herself up enough to at least watch the others galloping toward her. To make sure that Shade got out of the way and out of harm's way. Seeing Aerin hauling herself up the bank, Derron once more slowed to a trot, and began once more top focus on the wagon and approaching men. He still did not trust the situation. Finally, Niko made his way to where Aerin was clutching precariously to the bank. He looked up at the merchant running, and then to the disheveled shadowcat. But the ripping of the bank drew his attention more urgently. He moved as close as he could to Aerin- hopefully within arm's reach so that he could pull her up. But if fortune was not kind, he was prepared to go down on his stomach to reach a helping hand out to her. The dornishman saw Aerin fall and catch herself on a clump of the loose turf. Hex snapped his right arm down releasing his grip on his shield. The steel edging bit sharply into the turf. Keeping hold of the bow in his off hand, Hex grabbed the handle of the whip at his waist unfurling it as he sent the end gently flicking towards the ground by the girl's hand. "Mi'lady," he called out, keeping a wary eye on the spitting shadowcat. "Wrap the leather around your wrist and I'll pull you up!" It would be hard to reach her on his feet - crawling might be the only way. But then ... The dornishman saw Aerin fall and catch herself on a clump of the loose turf. Hex snapped his right arm down releasing his grip on his shield. The steel edging bit sharply into the turf. Keeping hold of the bow in his off hand, Hex grabbed the handle of the whip at his waist unfurling it as he sent the end gently flicking towards the ground by the girl's hand. "Mi'lady," he called out, keeping a wary eye on the spitting shadowcat. "Wrap the leather around your wrist and I'll pull you up!" It would bbe hard - impossibly hard - for Aerin to do this with her injured shoulder. But with Niko's help ... "I can't," Aerin grimaced. "My arm is hurt," she called to Hex, even as she herself wondered where Shade was. She was slipping down the bank a little even as they approached. On the far side of the river, Derron saw that the armed man riding beside the wagon had directed it to the ford. The female driven - an unusual looking woman at this distance, had looked alarmed but had complied. They would soon be in the water ... That was enough for Derron. He assumed Niko could handle the fellow with the whip, who looked familiar. Some sort of merchant he had dealt with during his time as Steward was what he could recall, but until he saw him up close he could not be sure. He kicked his heels and rode towards the wagon and the armed men. He did have a sword in the scabbard on his saddle, and his hammer in his belt as always, but he kept his hands clear of both. His horse reached the bank about the same time as the wagon. He pulled up, his smile having an edge to it. "I'd advise taking it very slow. The bank's a bit treacherous." He paused, then added, "I apologize for my being short, but last night we were attacked by bandits, and I'm still a bit wary of strangers." On his stomach, in the mud, Niko crawled closer to Aerin. He could see the predicament that she was in- could see that before he started crawling. But as much as he had wanted to rush things by running to her- crawling was the only way. While Aerin's grasp on the tussock was good, the tussock's grasp on the mud at its roots was less so. Aerin contemplated just letting go and falling back into the water. After all, that's all it was. Water. But then they'd have to fish her out. So with a deep slow release of air Aerin waited for Niko to come closer. The plan was to wait for Niko to get close enough, then let go of the Tussock and grab for Niko's hand. She should be able to do that. Maybe. Probably. "Perhaps the other arm then, mi'lady," Hex answered Aerin. "Or hold tight and I'll be there in a herat beat." Hex continued forward at a jog, dividing his attention between the shadowcat, the stubborn young woman, the steward and the wagon. Realizing that left him equally unprepared to deal with any, the dornish focussed his attention on the girl. Hex rolled his wrist, sending an ever expanding ripple through the whip causing the end to rest near Niko's hand. The hurried approach of the steward, and the young man's own heroic rescue efforts, had led the dornish to reconsider the possibility that the girl was hostage. On leaving the wagon, Hex had wondered whether Aerin had used the trained shadowcat as an excuse to delay returning to her wagon and the group of armed men. It now seemed equally likely that the cat had trained the girl, the girl's jeopardy simply an effect of the 'cat's own agenda, making Niko and the guards no more than they appeared. "Or perhaps this one can can be of some small assitance to Niko," he offered to the younger man. The tussock that Aerin was clutching was starting to slip. Shade had turned and watched the whip flick out, speculatively. There was still something of the kitten in Shade at times ... he crouched low, his tail lashing. "And," added Hex. "Call off that da ... your cat, or I fear it will be mittens all 'round." Wordlessly Niko took the whip, and began to help Aerin secure it. "Unfortunately ... I do not think anyone truly commands Shade," Niko said haltingly the precariousness of his position affecting his speech. "Aerin?" he asked, speculatively. As Niko wrapped the end of the whip around her good wrist she whispered "Niko! That's Hex! That's the merchant who sold me Shade. He kept Shade in a cage! Shade needs to be kept away from him at all costs!" she hissed. "Hex?" Niko asked, perplexed. "Right now, we need to get you up, so that you can handle Shade. I am sure that he will not listen to me any more than he would listen to... Hex." "He's more likely to kill Hex," she muttered under her breath. "That's the problem." "Watch the weight!" she called out louder. Then let go of the tussock and grabbed the whip above where it was wrapped. As she did, Niko reached out to grab her forearm- just in case. Once everything was settled, he called out to the merchant. "Pull, if you please! Slowly!" Shade continued to watch suspciously from a distance as, between them, Hex and Niko hauled Aerin to safety. (reunites below) --- That was enough for Derron. He assumed Niko could handle the fellow with the whip, who looked familiar. Some sort of merchant he had dealt with during his time as Steward was what he could recall, but until he saw him up close he could not be sure. He kicked his heels and rode towards the wagon and the armed men. He did have a sword in the scabbard on his saddle, and his hammer in his belt as always, but he kept his hands clear of both. His horse reached the bank about the same time as the wagon. He pulled up, his smile having an edge to it. "I'd advise taking it very slow. The bank's a bit treacherous." He paused, then added, "I apologize for my being short, but last night we were attacked by bandits, and I'm still a bit wary of strangers." The man who rode beside the wagon was dressed more finely than any man Derron had seen in the long years since the war - including Lord Draupaud himself. He smile genially at Derron. "Sheathe your weapons!" he called out to the bodyguard surrounding the wagon. "A thousand pardons, Sir. My own men are inclined to be too wary - especially where there's a Shadowcat involved." He flashed a smile that had slightly too many gleaming teeth. "Darcy Thelbane," he said. "At your service. Can you tell me the safest place to set the horses into the water? We bring wine - and it should not be banged about too much." Derron nodded and replied, "Trust me. Being wary around that bloody animal is a wise decision." He glanced both up and downstream, then said, "I think about 50 yards downstream the bank has a shallow slope, but you need to back up and go around some of the brush to reach it. I would have preferred to go that way but we are in a bit of a hurry." With a glance at Aerin and Niko he added, "And once the children are back where they belong, we shall be on our way. Perhaps we shall see each other in town. We can exchange tales over some ale at the Song and Sheep." Darcy Thelbane nodded. "My thanks. We'll be with you shortly." He began to giving the sullen-looking woman instructions for turning the wagon - and Derron was able to go to Aerin, Niko and Hex - who were now struggling free of the bak - and all over them considerably muddied by their experience. Derron nodded and wheeled his horse, walking it towards the group clustering about Aerin. He chuckled and said, "At this pont you could just as well slide into the water. I don't think you'll be swept away. On second thought, hang on. If you were swept away, your father would have me skinned alive! And His Lordship would not stop him." -- (reunites here) Aerin considered the far more likely scenario of Shade deciding her companions were fair game for sharpening his claws if she went into the water. Especially Lancer. Then again... no, Shade was like all cats when it came to smaller prey. Like mice. Or Lancer. She took a chance, hoped the merchant did indeed have her weight supported, and lifted one foot and drove it into the muddy bank and knee height. And attempted to climb out of the creek bed with their help. Shade watched suspiciously from a distance as Aerin was successfully pulled to safety. Niko helped her to get firmly on the bank, then unwrapped the whip, throwing the end back towards Hex, as he turned to regard the man. "Are you hurt?" he asked Aerin first, even as he nodded to Hex. Derron relaxed just the slightest bit as Aerin got to her feet and Niko began checking her over for anything worse than a scraped knee. He then looked carefully and finally recognized the man with the whip. "Master Hextall, isn't it? Wine merchant, and purveyor of fine cats as I recall. Thank you, good sir, for your timely assistance. If the girl had been hurt or lost, her father would have had me boiled alive, or simply beat me to death. Making a delivery to the Song and Sheep, are you?" Hex wound the whip around his waist with a flick of his wrist. "Fine wine, I'd say Mi'lord," he answered. "The cats are sold on an "as is" basis, I'm afraid. As to sales, I make a circuit. Hopefully I'll make it out your way before I head back south for re-supply." Derron's smile turned to a slight frown. "No need to call me with an undeserved title. Steward, Mister Thorne or simply Derron will do." He looked back to where Aerin was standing still as Niko checked to make sure she was no worse off than when they arrived at the ford. He turned back to Hex and said, "I will make sure to tell her father you assisted us in saving young Aerin from another of her foolhardy acts." He spoke loudly enough that Aerin heard him. Hex smiled in return. "Aye, Mister Thorne, perhaps we best leave the 'mi'lords' and 'good ser's' to those that do not work for a living. And tell me, steward, was my last wine delivery well received? I can make you a price on a fixed order." Derron nodded. "Aye, that it was. Our Lordship originally comes from southern lands and appreciates the wines from there. As for deals, I fear we do not have time to discuss such things. We have a sick woman who needs attention, and must be going. But I am sure we will see you in Marshend before nightfall. We can discuss it then." He turned to the others. "Aerin, if you like you can ride across with me or Niko to stay dry. We must tarry no longer. Shade will catch up with us, of that I am sure." "The woman," Hex nodded towards Gwendla and the wagon. "Has some talent with healing, herbs and such. I'm sure she would be happy to do to make your companion's journey easier, at least until we reach Marshend and a trained healer." Hex smiled as the suggestion came to him. "She could ride along with you, while Master Thelbane and I move our wagon to a safer crossing." Alexander's voice dropped, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "I can't see anyone having a reasonable objection to that." "Well," Niko said with a nod towards the entourage, "business must be good for such an increase in fortunes. Which this one would think would be a good thing, no?" "More fortunes, more problems." Hex replied. "At least so this one has found, Niko. And appearances can be ..." the dornishman trailed off as Derron began to speak. Derron pursed his lips then said, "As long as she can cross immediately. Once Aerin is upon a horse, the wagon will move out and we will ride after it." Something tickled Niko's mind at Hex's words. It wasn't what he said, so much as *how* he said it. But the Steward was right- they didn't have time for him to woolgather over the meaning of some trader's words. Probably just something to get him a better return on his goods. Niko nodded at Derron's words, and after a wave to Hex, turned to go back to the wagon. Aerin came over to Derron's horse and, giving Shade an apologetic look, reached up and took Derron's arm, swinging behind him on the horse. Hex raised his hand in return to Niko, as he noted Aerin swinging in to the saddle behind the steward. "You may wish to ride near the steward," he said. "Master Thelbane's manners are not always as refined as my own." The dornish switched the shield to his other arm unconciously shrugging his left shoulder to confirm his bow was in place before setting off at a march back to his own wagon. Aerin wanted to talk to Derron about Hex, but held her tongue. Everyone thought it was her fault anyway about Shade and the stream. She would just have to wait and see what was really going on. Because it just seemed wrong for Hex to not be in charge of his own wagons. And he was acting like he wasn't in control. A deal he couldn't refuse? Hex could refuse quite a lot, of that Aerin was sure. Shade trotted alongside the horse, content to follow Aerin now, and pull occasional faces at Lancer. Seeing Derron's signal, the wagon started to move, just as Hex's own wagon, which had successfully crossed higher up, started to lumber into sight - but it was still a good hundred and fifty yards away. Derron trotted up to the wagon and matched its pace. "Lass, climb up with the driver. I'll go fetch Hex's friend." Again, the scouts fanned out as they began to accelerate towards Marshend, the rearguard between Hex's wagon and their own. They probably would have included Hex in their cordon, but for the fact of the hard looking mercenaries that surrounded them. Niko was again at the front as they made their way towards the village, and help for the Septa. "All right..." Aerin reached out with her good hand and pulled herself up onto the driver's seat next the the driver. Then she peeked back into the wagon to make sure the Septa and Ranulf were inside and all right. "Everyone ok?" she asked out loud. "She seems a little feverish," said Ranulf, worriedly. "And she call me another name - she called me Robin." The Septa seemed half-unconscious in the back of the wagon. Aerin resisted a curse. She looked at the driver. "Keep going as fast as is safe to Marshend," she told him. "I'll stay in back with her." Then she climbed back into the wagon, hissing as her arm hit a trunk as she climbed through. "She'll be ok," she told Ranulf. "We need to keep her calm and keep her from getting too warm or too cold," Aerin said to the boy as she looked at the Septa worriedly. The Septa was feverish, but still enough in her right senses that she managed a tight-lipped smile for Aerin. Ranulf looked up at Aerin worriedly, as though expecting her to know what to do. "All right," he said. "Should we give her something to drink?" "Yes... can you draw a cup of water for me?" Aerin asked Ranulf as she settled her muddy form down next to the Septa. "Hex is here," she told them, not sure if the Septa would be able to understand. "The trader who sold me Shade. He's with a group of men, most of them armed. Derron is talking to Hex now. I had a problem brings Shade back," she added ruefully as she took the cup and carefully held it to the Septa's lips for her to drink. Ranulf watched anxiously. Outside, Aerin could hear a horse - perhaps horses - and the sound of men talking. The Septa drank a little of the water and managed a grateful smile at Aerin, but did not speak. "Ranulf... come and talk to the Septa while I look out," Aerin whispered to the boy. "Keep talking. It will help her stay with us." And she moved to look out of the wagon to see what was happening. --- "He's lucky that no one is shredded," she muttered to Niko. "I'm fine. I think," she added to Niko in a louder voice as she gingerly tested her bad shoulder, and then the claw shreds in the fabric of the jacket on the other shoulder. "I needed to get Shade away from Hex, and Shade wasn't listening to me." She looked at Niko. "We still have to get Shade away. He might try to kill Hex," she said quietly. "Shade!" she called to the feline. "Come here, Shade. Leave him alone," she said in the tone she normally used for Lancer, and glancing at Hex. "I doubt your Shade will make a serious try, lady Aerin, though he may posture." Hex offered. "I had hoped the cat would serve as your companion and protector. It sounds as though it's caused more trouble than it's prevented." Aerin didn't answer immediately. Something about Hex's comment caused her to feel suddenly warry. "If Shade has not gone after him yet, then I think he is willing to let Hex be for now," Niko said, wryly. "Thank you for your help, Master Hextall," Niko said to the merchant, with a slight bow, using the name he had heard the Steward use. "I think from the disposition of the Steward, we had better be on our way," he added, somewhat to Hex, but more to Aerin, as he began to walk towards the stream, hesitating only if Aerin didn't follow. Shade rose to his feet and sauntered in parallel with the party, not deigning to approach (or perhaps not entirely trusting Hex). Aerin walked along edge of the stream toward the crossing point, trying to make good time with her sore body. If she did not follow, he said a bit more sternly to her, "The Septa cannot wait on the whims of Shade. He is your companion, not your pet- and will follow as he wills." "It was my pleasure, Master Niko," Hex replied to the young warrior. "But, please, call me Hex. Now that we've saved a young maiden from certain peril, it seems fitting we use a companionable form of address." Aerin rolled her eyes at the 'certain peril' comment. Especially since she'd been trying to save Shade from his own impetuousness. And realizing yesterday that Shade was capable of killing someone to save her made her doubly wary today. Yes... the sooner she was away the better for everyone. Shade included. "Are you going to Marshend, Master Hex?" she asked. "I thought you usually traveled with a smaller group," she added suddenly. "Aye, we're on the road to Marshend." Hex replied. "And you are correct that I normally travel with only a hired skinner to keep me company." The dornish man stooped to retrieve his shield, and slipped it securely on to his left arm. As he made adjustements to his glove and double checked his grip, he lifted his eyes slightly towards Thorne and Niko and continued. "However, Master Thelbane and his companions made me an offer I could scarcely refuse." The wagon drew up some five minutes after the Clearwater wagon had moved on. Thelbane was now dricing it. Gwendla was sitting beside him - from where he was standing, Hex could see that her lower lip was swollen and bleeding - Darcy Thelbane must have backhanded her. She kept her eyes lowered. "So," said Thelbane jovially, "thank you for your advice. An easier crossing by far - are there more rivers to cross between here and Marshend? We'll stay in your tracks, shall we?" Derron noticed the split lip and his eyes narrowed. Speaking very carefully he said, "Aye, that would be safest for you. Master Hextall claims yon woman has uses as a healer. I would consider it payment for the advice if she could ride with our injured as far as the Septa's. Miss, would you accompany us a ways?" He made sure to look at the woman and not at the man driving the wagon. He might not see the man's face, but his body language was still in the corner of Derron's eye. On seeing Gwendla, Hex's temper flared hot and then icy cold.The dornishman had no knightly preconceptions about the fairer sex, and knew that a blade would cut as deep whether wielded by a man or woman. But seeing the proud woman with eyes downcast, that the proud crannog could be rendered timourous after such a short time alone with Thelbane caused Hex to yet again question his actions. Chasing after Aerin had been a calculated risk. Hex hoped that his brief conversation with the steward and his seemingly able young guard had planted seeds of doubt regarding Thelbane and the rest of his escort. He had hoped to speed the path to the crannogs freedom. But if his gamble had led to yet more pain for Gwendla, Hex promised himself he would bring their situation, and Thelbane, to an end. Darcy Thelbane shot a narrow-eyed look at Hex and then he nodded. "Very well," he said. "But I wiould recommend you keep a close eye on her. She's idle and shiftless if not watched." Gwendla kept her head lowered, but scrambled quickly from the wagon and walked over to Derron. "Coming aboard?" Thelbane asked Hex. "Or do you propose to walk to Marshend?" "I believe the steward and I have business to discuss, his lord has a taste for the southern vintage." Hex replied. "I'll ride along with them until the business is done, and then come back and join you before we reach Marshend." Hex kept his eyes on Thelbane, as he added a question to Thorne. "Provided that suits you, steward Thorne?" Derron tried to keep his face calm, but suspected his eyebrows may have jumped a bit. He was not used to play-acting. As he extended a meaty hand to help the woman climb on behind him he said, "True enough. Find a horse and keep up with me, if you please. I will ride ahead and deliver her to those who need our help. Catch up and we can discuss the price of barrels." When the woman had her arms locked about his waist he wheeled his horse and proceeded to gallop after the Septa's wagon. Once out of earshot he said, "I don't know what trouble you have with those men, miss, but you're free to tell me. Personally, I'd like to know what sort of hornet's nest I may be sticking my hand into. I'll repay the kindness with any help I can offer." Hex kept a watchful eye on Darcy as he crossed to Thelbane's horse. Slipping his shield over his back, Alexander put a foot in the stirrup and mounted. Once secure in the saddle, he said. "I'll work on whoever's in the wagon while you see if you can learn anything from their guards." He then kicked his feet in the stirrups and followed after Gwendla and the steward. He saw Derron call across a man at arms and speak to him - he was still too far to hear what was being said, however. There was a very long pause and then he heard her voice, low and intense. "It's not the merchant. It's ... his companions. The Bloody Mummers - they hold my father hostage." Derron's head whipped around for a moment before he once more concentrated on his horse. As the approached the wagon he said, "If I can help you free him, I will. I've heard many a tale of the so-called Bloody Mummers. Right brutal bastards by all acounts. And they have the nerve to call themselves the Brave Companions. But for now we need to pretend nothing is amiss." As they got to the wagon he slowed and matched speeds. "Aerin, give the lady a hand aboard. She might be able to help the Septa. Make her comfortable at least." He also helped the woman across. Once she seemed safely aboard, he waved Binnder over. Aerin poked her head out in alarm. She reached out with her good hand and pulled the woman aboard. "The Septa is inside. She was shot with an arrow yesterday," she told the woman. And frowned as she saw the split lip and bruises. The woman nodded, and moved past her, a little awkwardly, into the wagon. "The wine merchant is travelling with the Bloody Mummers. We'll need to be on our toes. The woman claims they hold her father. Tell the men in small groups, but no one is to start trouble without my permission." Binnder tensed - and then nodded. "Shall I tell Niko, Steward Thorne?" Derron nodded and said, "Aye. But remind him we have more important fish to fry for now. With any luck, they're not looking for trouble with us. I'd just as soon leave things peaceful with them. We've had enough trouble for a simple trip already." "Very good, Steward," said Binnder, and he urged his horse forward to speak to Niko. (Split into The Septa's House: New Arrivals) Aerin stayed at the back of the wagon to listen to Derron and the others. And to try to see if she could also see Shade. Shade was stalking through the grass, parallel to them. As though aware of Aerin's interest, he lifted his blunt herad and looked at her, then flicked his tail. By now, Hex had caught up with the wagon and the Steward. Shade affected total disinterest. Hex continued towards the wagon at a steady pace. "Greetings again, Steward Thorne." Hex said as he caught up to the wagon. "I hope Gwendla can be of some assistance to your passenger." Derron said nothing for a moment and kept looking straight ahead. He then glanced over at Hex and said, "What do the Bloody Mummers want with you, and in Marshend?" "I'm well, Steward, and thank you for asking." Hex replied. "But enough with the pleasantries. Thelbane was one of Hoat's Companions when we last crossed paths four or five years ago. As were a couple of his men. They haven't let slip the name of their current employer, though I've fished for it as best as I can. Nor do I recognize the sigil they wear. Though that is a question best left to military men, I expect." Hex reached for a wineskin tied to Thelbane's saddle and took a drink of water. Wiping his mouth, he continued. "As to Darcy's interest in me, he braced me at an inn before I started my journey north -- where the King's Road meets the Red Fork. As I say, he knew me to be a merchant with business in the North and offered me pay as a guide. Or deal with him and his men dogging my trail every step north. I took the silver, and as best I could kept them away from any settlements on the journey north." "Unfortunately, Gwendla and her father offered us shelter during a storm. Thelbane would have killed them for ... gods, I don't even remember. Just to have done it, I suppose. I convinced Thelbane they might have value as further cover or guides once we neared the Fens and they've been prisoners ever since." Hex took another draught before corking the skin and returning it to it's place on the saddle. "As to Marshend, I suppose there is no particular magic to that. I've led them here in the hopes they could do less harm when we parted company than might occur if I brought them to Clearwater or Holdfast." Derron nodded and pursed his lips. He finally said, "Fair enough. I apologize for my tone, but as we've been attacked by bandits once, then find this lot showing more interest than I care for, I am not in the most trusting mood." He paused as they rode, then added, "I've promised the woman what help I can provide. How many of these brigands are traveling with you in total, that you've seen?" "I appreciate the caveat, Master Steward." Hex replied readily. "I have only seen Thelbane and five others: the three with us and two left with the girl's father." Hex continued. "I think I would have noted anyone following, and am near certain Gwendla would have. But we tended not to sleep as a unit, as I'm sure you can appreciate. They could have advance riders or scouts. It would not be that difficult to have them advance a day's ride, and leave notes or other signs in pre-arranged locations." Hex considered as the horses advanced. "In truth, that would show more imagination or forethought than I would credit to Thelbane on his own. But in the wine trade we plan for our competitors' capacity, not their likely action." Derron mulled the information before replying. "Well, when we reach the cottage, I fully expect them to keep traveling. They may be the Mummers, but currently we outnumber them. At worst, they might leave and prepare an ambush or raid." He paused them uttered, "This was supposed to be a simple journey. But bandits claiming they seek a woman with a wolf, now the Bloody Mummers and a woman prisoner. Far from simple." "I would not underestimate them, Thorne," Hex replied. "Hoat's reputation is hard earned. They could do far worse than an ambush or raid. With the sacrifice of one or two men, Thelbane could get close enough to have a knife to the girl's throat. And more hostages could await in the cottage. A bandit seeks the greatest reward for the least risk. A soldier strives to reach his goal regardless of the cost." "Of course, I cannot say for certain whether Thelbane is still a ..." Hex trailed off. "Did you say a woman with a wolf?" "Aye, I did." Derron paused then scowled. "Don't tell me. They're also looking for this mystery woman." He cursed softly then said, "Whatever bounty is on this mythical lady must be great to bring out so many hunters. One group already assumed that Aerin and her cat were the targets." He looked up and said, "I just hope we can get rid of them peacefully." Aerin somehow doubted this would end peacefully. Especially since this Thelbane had threated the woman and her father. No... this wasn't going to end well at all. (Split into In the Wagon and The Septa's House: New Arrivals) |
