CHAPTER 6 Two lavishly dressed Sojourns pounded up the trail on the backs of galloping horses. By their flowing blond and brunette hair and the manner in which they rode it was obvious the two were women. The men around the campfire were already standing, made aware of the approaching riders by their lookout on the rock. There were three of them, not including the one hiding above. The brunette leaped from her horse as it ground to a halt. "There has been a change of plans," she said before anyone else had a chance to speak. She recognized the man in the middle as Sersh and winced slightly knowing this would not be easy. "You must return to the camp." Sersh took the pipe he was smoking from his mouth and smiled ruefully. "What brings you out here, Tia? I could use some comfort on a cold night." "Do not banter with me, Sersh, it is not a joke," she said carefully. "Then what is it?" He countered, "Why would we head back to camp? We have orders." Tia would not let up. "The plans are changed, the Patriarch wants you back now." Sersh looked at his companions then back at Tia. "Why does he need us?" He asked. "Look, the Patriarch sent me down here in the middle of the night to fetch you back." She paused. "All four of you." She looked at the top of the rock meaningfully. "I do not question his reasons and neither should you. Now are you coming or do I go back and tell him you refused." Sersh stared at the girl in contempt. "We will head back, but you and the blond will leave word with our Southern friends. They should be here within the hour." "Of course," said Tia, "I will tell them to wait for your return." Sersh laughed wickedly, "Tell them whatever you wish, and pray they don't decide to kill you where you stand." Sersh called the lookout down and the four broke camp and set out. "Those Southerners don't take kindly to delays. I don't envy your job," he said as they rode off. The blond girl had been holding the horses. She looked worriedly at Tia and asked, "We will not be waiting long, will we?" "No, Lorina, not long," Tia answered, "Pahl and his friends will come out of the brush once my old compatriots are far enough away. We should pack up what they have left for our own journey, though." Lorina seemed to take courage in this and tied down the horses to help gather some of the leftover food. After they had packed what little food was left, they moved to the edge of the camp and waited. Not more than a hundred yards to the south, Hawk, Derek, and Pahl emerged from the trees and onto the trail leading their horses. They mounted quickly and rode up to the girls. "Well done," said Hawk in obvious admiration. Tia smiled, happy to receive his compliment. Then, remembering what the departing Sojourn had said, her smiled vanished. "Supposedly my prior acquaintances were to meet some Southerners here. I think they may be clansmen and we should be off before they arrive." "Then let's not delay. Which road is the quickest to Nordenland?" Asked Hawk. "The road to our right is quickest," Tia answered, "But not safe. I suggest we take the middle one. It veers more west, but we chance less unsavory meetings." "Then we take the middle road," Hawk said. The group started down the road with Tia again leading. They had barely gone a quarter mile when they heard horses in the distance back at Kerom Point. Quickly they rode to the side and dismounted, bringing the horses into the shadows. They could see at least seven horses and riders, all dressed like the Southerners Hawk had first encountered at Silver Lake. The wind and the distance made it impossible to tell what they were saying, but from their gestures it was obvious they were not delighted to find their contacts gone. Hawk stood still, wondering if they would come down this path and find him and his companions. He guided the group further back toward the tree line. Then leaving his horse, moved to where he could watch the Southerners. He sighed in relief as he saw them gallop away toward the Sojourn camp. But knowing they would soon catch up with the other horsemen and the decoy would be foiled, he instructed the four young men and women to mount up. They rode long and hard into the early morning and every minute Hawk expected a group of angry men to materialize behind them. Several times he looked back expecting to see a pursuit, yet he was wrong. and the Southerners never came. They eventually crossed another road and Tia instructed them to follow the more western route than straight north. Hawk knew this was a good decision, for if they were pursued, a western trek was the most unlikely. Still, Hawk took the horses and made a false trail up the northern road, then backtracked through brush and trees to his companions. On this new road they passed numerous homesteaders, farmers, and even some trades. Tia pointed out that this was normal near the Border, unlike deeper South where most people lived in clans. Hawk was a little concerned about their appearance, especially the stallion he road, but Tia again reminded him that in the South, no one took much notice of the affairs of others. She seemed to be correct for most of the people barely acknowledged their passing, except the farmer with whom Tia bartered for fresh produce. The old farmer was gruff, gray-haired, and unkempt. He wore a large brimmed, straw hat and his pants were shredded near the ankle. His shirt and pants both were of some cheap homespun and dust covered sandals adorned his dry cracked feet. The way he talked made Pahl and Derek both hold back laughter. He cackled like an old hen and his voice rose with an inflected high pitch when he felt he wasn't being heard, which was most of the time. "What'll it be youngish?", the oldster said. "Haven't got all day now, I'm fixin' to make a big sell when the caravan comes a callin'." Though he spoke and acted absentmindedly, Hawk noticed his sharp eyes as he glanced at the stallion. "Where are you from old man?" Asked Hawk, "Your accent is not Southern." Hawk stared the man directly in the eyes and the man stared back. The rest of Hawk's group thought the exchange rather peculiar. After a moment the old farmer looked away and hefted a bag of potatoes. "Might be askin' you the same thing, but I won't." He replied matter of factly. He tossed the sack onto a pile he was creating for his forth coming sale. "Now lookit, I's got potatas, carrots, turnips, and some colliflowa if yer intristed." Tia stepped forward and smiled at the farmer. "We are taking a long journey and would be ever so grateful if you also had some dried fruit or meat we could purchase cheaply?" "Ain't nothin' here cheap, but I's see what I can do fer a perty girl." He winked before turning around and going into the shed he called his home. Pahl blushed at the man's forthrightness with Tia and his smile dropped to a frown. Derek noticed Pahl's behavior and chuckled inwardly. "It would be well if we could get all we need from this old farmer," Hawk said to Tia. Tia nodded, "Yes, I agree. He will not be talking to anyone about us and even if he did, I do not think anybody would pay much attention." "Exactly," Hawk said, again astonished by the young girl's insight. Despite the old man's carefree demeanor and Tia's portrayal of an innocent girl, the two bartered like dogs for a single bone. When it was finished Pahl and Derek had learned a skill at trading both would gladly use if they ever got back to Aubon and the Fur Trade. Loading their saddle bags with the not so easily obtained foodstuffs, the five riders mounted and headed due west. They passed several wagons, teamsters, and farmers on foot who were heading both directions. None of the other travelers appeared concerned with Hawk's company, which reassured him to some degree. Still, he could sense someone searching for them and knew that they must get into Nordenland quickly, and undiscovered. After a few hours of hard riding Hawk called the group to a halt and a break. The horses were lathered and tired and the riders were exhausted. Hawk used his arts to keep alert and bade the others to rest and eat. Not surprisingly Pahl, Derek, and Lorina were napping shortly after they sat to rest. Tia, however, remained awake, munching on an apple. Hawk tied down the horses with a stake and approached Tia. "How far to a larger town than the small villages we have been passing?" He asked picking an apple out of her back pack. "A little over two hours ride," she replied between bites. "What town?" Asked Hawk. "It's called Lohtsurn," she said. "It's not all that large, but it has several taverns and inns, and is usually rather crowded. All of which will benefit us." Tia had been staring down the road they had traveled, but turned her attention to Hawk. She studied him for a moment then asked, "Why did you come all the way south after these?" She indicated Derek and Pahl. "You are no relation and you seem intelligent enough to know that the Patriarch would have you killed if you were caught. And still might." Hawk turned and stared at Tia until she began to feel uneasy under his gaze. Then he said, "You know the boys even less than I, yet you and your companion have given up your entire lifestyle for them. Though I suppose your companion had less of a choice and more to gain." The last was added with knowledgeable inflection that left no guessing that Hawk knew Lorina's predicament before their escape. Tia took a final bite of her apple and tossed the core into a nearby brush. She turned her attention back to the empty road and wondered if this man in black would ever give a straight answer. She sat for a moment trying to conceal her young emotions. She was a thief and liar, and she knew that he knew it. Where the last few years of her life she had been calm, cool, and in control, now she felt confusion, and lack of confidence in her initial resolve to leave the Sojourns. Hawk could readily sense these conflicting emotions and Tia's frustration. He knew she would not go back to the Sojourns, but he was unsure if she might simply slip away and they would be without a guide. Even though at any other time Hawk would consider what he did next as ludicrous and overly trusting, he decided that this young girl needed to have some direction and understanding if they were to continue together. "Tia," Hawk said in a quiet voice. She turned, the frustration melting when she saw his face. "You must know some things about me, if we are to benefit each other," Hawk continued in the same calm voice. With a smooth narrative Hawk wove a portion of his life into a colorful tale that held Tia spellbound, for it was a spell in reality. This finely crafted illusion allowed Tia to actually see in her mind the episode that marked the meeting of Hawk and the boys from Aubon, their short time together, and their travel on the road to Gahlen. The excitement, fear, bonding, and several other stirring emotions were portrayed and felt in Tia's heart. She sat entranced by the display and tears of wonderful love wetted her cheeks when she witnessed Pahl's parents and his little sister's life together. How she wished she could have had a life like that, and in an instant knew why Hawk had shown her these things; he too wished the same. When it was over Tia sat for moment wiping her face and composing herself. At first she felt ashamed, because she had not cried since she was a very little girl, but when she saw Hawk take no notice the embarrassment was gone. "I will let the others sleep for another half glass, but then we must be on our way to Lohtsurn," Hawk said as he stood to tend the horses. "You might want to rest as well, Tia." Tia nodded absently, then she looked at Hawk with a growing respect. Quietly she said, "Thank you. Thank you for the explanation." Simply nodding Hawk began unloading the horses and brushing them down. He gave them some oats from one of packs and checked their hooves for rocks and splits. Tia had laid down and closed her eyes, so Hawk continued on his own brushing the horses then checking their provisions. After making a quick inventory of their foodstuffs Hawk looked at his companions. By their heavy breathing he knew they were too tired to wake and continue. The two boys, and blond girl had fallen asleep without even eating. Hawk decided he would let them rest for at least another hour, while he would use his arts to discover if their enemy was close. Closing his eyes to mere slits Hawk slowed his breathing and relaxed his body to enhanced his inner awareness. For several minutes he sat motionless and soon he could feel the senses of his four companions lying not ten feet away. Three were deep in sleep and one lightly sleeping he presumed was Tia. Almost as if he were stretching a palpable ring Hawk enlarged his circumference of feeling two fold. Now he could sense the horses grazing, they were calm and peaceful. Again with a gentle mind push the ring doubled in size. Several times he continued to double the size of the invisible ring he had created. Within the ring he could sense any living creature's nature or purpose of thought as if it was being projected toward him. By using this technique Hawk hoped he might discover the ill intentioned searchers if they were nearby. As the circle grew Hawk warped and narrowed it so that only the eastern side would continue to grow and not as wide as it was long. Soon the oblong ellipse was stretched to a mile in length and Hawk sifted out the animals and concentrated more on any human awareness he might reach. It had been several years since he had used this technique and he was amazed at how quickly he was able to enlarge the ring. Distance did not seem to matter, but as he reached out five then ten miles the number of recipients grew to where it was difficult to concentrate and discern any one conscious. As the ring continued to grow Hawk was bombarded by the feelings, senses, and demeanors of hundreds of tradesmen, farmers, and buyers in the midst of heckling over goods and arguing prices. He nearly passed out from the barrage, barely controlling the overwhelming feeling to simply give in to the mind boggling madness that erupted from the contact. He knew if he did not break this spell quickly his mind would be lost in a wash of merging emotions. Without proper thought Hawk had drawn on a particular art he had not fully understood and was on the verge of paying the highest price for it. Ironically it was the thing he searched that saved him from certain insanity. Because of the curving trail, Sersh and Targ, two of the Sojourns from the original camp were just outside Hawk's circle when he warped it into an ellipse. As they rode closer to him they penetrated the circle, but their intentions were not fully noticeable until they saw Hawk and his party resting just up the trail. At that moment Hawk felt a stabbing hatred pierce through the jumble of emotions that threatened to dislodge him from the precarious cliff where his mind balanced. The anger in these two men burned red hot fire into Hawk's mind, shattering the cacophony of other feelings and bringing him forcefully back to single consciousness. Immediately Hawk's eyes opened and he quickly stood. Shaking his head to clear his clouded vision he witnessed two riders pounding down the trail with murder in their eyes. "Awake," Hawk yelled and waved his arm in a sweep in front of his sleeping friends. Tia jumped up into a fighting crouch with a short dagger in her right hand, while the others groggily stood. Still recuperating from his brush with sanity Hawk was slow to turn back around and face the oncoming riders. Shoulders slumped and slow thought processes gave Hawk difficulty in concentrating. Tia noticed Hawk's strange behavior and seeing the riders almost upon them she knew there would be no time to flee or convince the two Sojourns of another tale. Her face set in grim determination she moved forward to intercept the two enemies, but as she did Hawk reached out his left arm to restrain her. "Wait," said Hawk. "I will deal with them." Tia looked at him questioningly, but held back. Nevertheless, she held her dagger in a menacing fashion. Unarmed, Pahl, Derek, and Lorina stayed back, unsure what to do. Sersh and Targ reined in their horses and leaped off. Hawk smiled at their first mistake--a trained fighter would have remained saddled. Sersh drew a short sword strapped to his horse and Targ pulled out two wicked looking daggers from under his cloak. Both men moved forward cautiously, but their eyes spoke of nothing more than extreme hatred upon seeing Tia. Raising both arms with his palms out Hawk said, "You are making a mistake, Sojourns, we are not worth it." He tried to invoke a spell, but his mind was still foggy from the previous ordeal, and knew he could not penetrate the conviction of these blood thirsty thieves. "It is you, who made the mistake!" Shouted the auburn haired Targ, mad with anger. "Step aside and we might not kill you," growled Sersh. "It is the other four we want, not you." He made a waving motion with the tip of his sword as he moved closer and Targ circled to the right. Tia backed up, taking a protective position in front of her three companions while Hawk tried to distract their foes. With speed bordering on the supernatural he spun in place, snatched the pack of apples from the ground near him, and launched it at Targ. Targ tried to duck, but the pack caught him on the shoulder and he fell dropping one of the daggers. Immediately Sersh leaped forward striking out with the short sword, but Hawk was too fast. He dodged left, grabbed Sersh's sword arm with his right hand, and smashed his left elbow into Sersh's face. As Sersh reeled back from the blow, dropping the sword, Hawk squatted down spinning into a reverse sweep kick that took both of Sersh's legs out from under him, landing him on his back, driving the wind from his lungs. "You bastard!" Shouted Targ as he retrieved his fallen dagger and charged Hawk. Hawk whirled in place to face Targ's rush and barely dodged the dagger thrust from the left. He blocked Targ's right arm as it slashed toward his face and fell backward when they slammed together. Hitting the ground Hawk kicked Targ over his head and rolled backwards into a squatting position. As Targ began to stand from the throw, Hawk planted a crunching back kick into his chest sending him rolling across the ground. "Hawk!" Tia cried, and Hawk dove straight forward into a roll as Sersh's sword cut into the soft dirt where Hawk would have been. "I'll deal with you next," said Sersh in a deadly tone directed at Tia. His face bloody from a broken nose and his breathing heavy, he gave Tia a deadly stare. He looked at Hawk warily and quickly glanced back at Targ who was slowly crawling to his feet. Sersh backed away and Hawk moved forward. Hawk was shaking slightly with adrenaline. He knew he should have sensed Sersh's last strike, but he didn't and if it hadn't been for Tia's warning Sersh could have killed him. Hawk began to feel less confident. These men were not exceptional fighters, but he was still shaken from the previous spell. He decided he must take them singly and since Sersh appeared shaken he would handle with him first. Feigning a stumble, Hawk dropped to one knee. As Sersh moved in quickly for a killing blow Hawk leaped straight up to deliver a punishing side kick that snapped Sersh's head back, knocking him unconscious. Hawk landed and retrieved Sersh's sword from limp fingers. He moved quickly and easily toward Targ who stood brandishing both daggers. Hawk was not an expert with the sword, but he was more than a match for Targ. After a quick feint, slash, then riposte, he found an opening and brought Targ to his knees with a deep cut in the man's upper left thigh. Targ cried out and dropped both of his daggers in a plea of surrender as blood poured from the gaping wound. Pahl and Derek came over quickly and bound Sersh with rope from the Sojourn's saddlebags. Tia held her dagger at Targ's throat while Lorina attended his bleeding leg and Hawk tied his arms behind his back. Targ complained of his wound, but Hawk knew it wasn't crippling, though very painful. When the Sojourns were bound, Hawk took their boots and Targ's daggers. He gave Pahl and Derek each a dagger and put the boots into Targ's saddlebag. "Wouldn't want you to follow us too soon," said Hawk as he bid his companions to load up the horses and prepare to leave. "When the Southerners find you, black one, you will die," spat Targ. He looked at his companion for support, but Sersh still lie unconscious. Hawk turned and in icy tones replied, "Feel lucky I did not slit both of your throats for the trouble you have caused me." His voice was devoid of any humor and Targ held his tongue from further comment. Quickly gathering and loading their belongings, the group left the two Sojourns and rode on toward Lohtsurn. All were eager to put several miles between themselves and the Sojourns, but Hawk said that they would not be followed for quite some time. He explained that since the Sojourns were alone, their companions and the Southerners most likely split up searching down the other roads they had passed. Everyone accepted this except for Tia who began a nervous habit of periodically looking back over her shoulder. The group had ridden for an hour before they passed a teamster. Hawk hailed him to halt and explained that two ruffians were down the road. The teamster looked worried until Hawk told him that the men were bound and if he released them he should be wary. The man thanked Hawk and he said that he would let others worry about the ruffians. Ramshackle homes made of old wood or logs marked both sides of the trail as the five riders neared Lohtsurn. It was late afternoon and the cloudy sky darkened the landscape quicker than usual. Several locals were finishing up the day’s work outside their homes, bringing in well water or logs for fireplaces. The homesteaders glanced at the five riders, but as before, no one paid them much attention. Lohtsurn was a much larger town than the small villages the group had ridden past. The other villages consisted of nothing more than one or two trades with small markets for local farmers. Lohtsurn had several large trades, four taverns, a blacksmith, a horse trader and any number of carts on the main street selling leather, fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes, cloth, and trinkets. As Hawk and his companions road into Lohtsurn they noticed most of the vendors closing down. Only two carts remained on the road, but they were just finishing packing up their goods. It seemed that Lohtsurn was not the safest place to have unguarded goods left on the street as night fell. Tia confirmed this telling the others that the market in Lohtsurn only ran between the eleventh hour in the morning to the third hour after noon. Pahl couldn't see how anyone would make a profit within those strict time frames. In need of losing the two extra mounts, Hawk had Tia lead them to the town stables. She was less than enthused about this because the low price they would get in Lohtsurn wasn't a third of what they could demand in the Kingdom. Still, it made sense to sell the horses early, lest they became easier to follow. After reaching the stables it took no small amount of negotiating to get the owner to make a buy since it was after closing. Tia managed to convinced the old man of the horses future value and the limited opportunity for the low price she was asking. When she finally made the sell, the five road to an inn on the Northern side of town. With the extra gold from selling the horses Hawk felt it prudent to get a good night’s sleep and made arrangements for two rooms at Northroad Inn. The innkeeper fed them dinner in their rooms as Hawk asked. Even though he felt safe here, Hawk wanted to refrain from drawing attention to themselves. With an added Kingdom silver as a tip, Hawk made the innkeeper aware of the group's need for privacy and he would keep it so. Dinner was a delicious blend of roasted turkey, greens, and a fattening gravy that left everyone feeling full and sleepy. Despite a unanimous vote to retire early and wake early, Hawk wanted to discuss their present situation and plans for tomorrow's journey back into Kingdom territory. He brought the group together in the men's sleeping quarters and once gathered they began to speak quietly about their plans. "As I remember," began Hawk, "It is much easier traveling south and leaving the Kingdom proper than going north into Nordenland from Southern territories." Though speaking to all he directed the statement to Tia. "This is true," she acknowledged. "The border we originally crossed was deserted, but I am positive a Kingdom Post will be active on this northern road. That will mean a high cross fee and possibly kingdom credentials." "Either a merchant's seal or foreign papers?" Hawk asked Lorina spoke up, which surprised everyone. "If you do not have proper Kingdom identification, it is possible to plead Lord's Errand." "Lord's Errand?" Asked Derek happy to hear the beautiful young girl speak. He was again mesmerized by her soft eyes, and now more so by the intelligent manner in which she spoke. Looking at each of her companions in turn, Lorina explained, "If one presents himself appropriately, he might easily convince a tired old Post guard, that his Lordship's pleasure was at risk by belaying two damsel's transportation to his presence." Spoken like one well educated, Hawk nodded his approval and understanding of the young girl's proposal. To shed light to the other's who seemed confused by the vague explanation he said, "Then, if we were to dress you and Tia again as Sojourn's and give an easy explanation that you were a gift to a minor noble, we might go unheeded.?" "Exactly," said Lorina smiling. "Especially if we used Earl Darmain of Valeez. Valeez is just west of Surik and Darmain has a well known appetite for foreign girls." Amazed at her friend's knowledge of Kingdom nobility Tia mentioned, "Lorina, when you were capt...um, taken, Sersh said you were with orphans and you yourself have told me you were a poor teacher of children living with your grandmother. How do you know so much about the nobility and their ways?" Lorina looked at Tia and smiled. "It was pertinent not to divulge my heritage at the time of my capture, but you must all know that I am the daughter of a minor baron in Surik." This brought a look of surprise to all in the group except Hawk. She seemed to think for a moment before continuing. "I must return home as quickly as possible." "How long were you with the Sojourn's?" Asked Pahl, now interested in the young girl. He had never personally met nobility, since the Baron of Rorshauk actually lived in Gahlen, never paying homage to his legal ownership. Sitting forward, Pahl listened intently. Lorina looked to Tia. "About two weeks longer than you two," Tia said indicating Pahl and Derek. She still found it strange the girl she had come to call a friend was actually from a wealthy northern family. Tia was not well versed in Kingdom politics, but she knew the titles of important figures in the Kingdom as well as the South. As she understood it, a baron wasn't much elevated, but did command certain lands, titles, and privileges. Privileges she had thought never to know. Derek shuffled and Pahl looked to him thinking he was going to ask a question, but his friend sat in mute silence. Pahl turned back toward Tia and Lorina to ask another question when Hawk interrupted him. "How did you come to be, shall we say, involved with the Sojourns?" For the benefit of Tia, Hawk refrained from mentioning the practice of her Sojourn family in slave trade. Lorina remained quiet for a moment deciding how best to answer the question. She furrowed her brow in thought, then said, "I was actually working with an orphanage and teaching them in a poor province west of Gahlen. What I told Tia was partially true. "I was out picking berries when I was...taken. I meant to stay at the orphanage for some time when things changed. I do wish to go back to the orphanage someday, but I fear now I should go directly to Surik, lest my parents think me dead." Hawk considered for a moment. "From where we are now I judge Surik much closer than Gahlen, at least two days of hard riding." He looked at Pahl and Derek. "Still, I must get Pahl and Derek back to Gahlen, lest their Father have me sent to the gallows." Both boys smiled at this and Derek realized uncomfortably, it was the first time he had smiled for days. Hawk continued, focusing his next comments on Lorina. "The direction I wish to proceed toward would naturally be Surik, since my ultimate destination is further northwest than Gahlen. But, I must not take this course unless you can guarantee your father will provide adequate transportation and protection of Derek and Pahl. Derek and Pahl graced Hawk with a barrage of questioningly looks. Despite Pahl's internal feelings of returning to his family, he wanted to continue with Hawk and discover mysteries both he and Derek knew Hawk had not yet revealed. Neither Pahl nor Derek wanted to be left out of the circle, but Pahl was the more vocal about it. "We've been together for over two weeks now!" Pahl suddenly blurted. "I don't see why we shouldn't stay with you. At least until you reach the Keep." If Hawk was surprised by this outburst, he didn't show it. Regarding the young man he had grown to be fond of, Hawk stated, "Both your father and Bojax Freed counted on me guarding you. They gave me a trust that I almost broke." "Yes, but..." Pahl started. Hawk stopped him saying, "There are no buts, Pahl, only facts. And the fact remains that I am a danger to both you and Derek." Pahl stared at Hawk, frustration etched onto his young face. Tia found his emotional state likable and smiled warmly at him. The attention made Pahl flush, but he still hadn't resolved this issue and wasn't ready to let it drop. He began to gather his thoughts to present a viable argument. Before Pahl could object further though, Derek said, "Hawk, isn't it possible we were meant to find you at Silver lake?" Hawk did not respond, which Derek took to mean he should continue. "Both Pahl's mother and my own taught us of the Light of the Path and the probability of the purpose of things. Perhaps there is a higher purpose here and Pahl and I must play a part. If this is true then it wouldn't help for us to be sent back early. This might thwart a necessary event that would otherwise accomplish something great." Pahl was amazed at Derek's change in attitude from his original skepticism at Crossroads Inn. Derek had always been the logical one, never emotionally out of control. It was a rare occurrence for Derek to speak of things not easily and logically explained. Pahl was also surprised to hear the reference to higher purposes in life. Derek was certainly becoming quite the philosopher, he thought. Hawk listened intently with one hand absently rubbing his short beard. He seemed to weigh all that Derek said, while Tia and Lorina listened but had trouble fully understanding Derek's position. Since he had everyone's attention, Derek continued, "This may sound farfetched, but Pahl and I both witnessed the ferocity of the Southern warriors who attacked Hawk . If they are intent on killing you, Hawk, what's makes you think they will not wish to finish us off as well? Also, wouldn't our family and friends be in more jeopardy if we returned?" Hawk waited for a time before answering Clasping his hands on his lap he said, "You may be correct, Derek. Perhaps it would be wiser to bring you along. I have no idea whether my old master is still at the Keep, or even if he is still alive, but I must find out. It would require much commitment." Hawk looked down for a moment and then stared at both boys with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into their souls. He said, "Are both of you willing to continue with me despite the danger and hardship?" Before they could answer he added, "And, follow my directions without question? This is not to mean you can not ask questions, only not to second guess my leadership." Pahl and Derek answered as one, "Yes." Hawk gave them an atypical smile and turning to Tia asked, "What are your plans, young thief?" He said it light heartedly and no offense was taken by the appellation. "I do not know," she said, almost apologetically. "I had thought that I would find work in one of your towns." She looked at Pahl timidly, and for the first time without seductive overtones she said, "Perhaps in Aubon." Pahl was visibly shaken by her mild manner and smiled at her warmly. He was finding this young foreign girl more attractive then ever. Under different circumstances he felt certain they could develop a relationship. "Very well, then we shall stay as a team until we are near Surik," said Hawk. "Then, Tia and Lorina will go on to Surik while the three of us will travel to the Keep. It has been a while, but I doubt the way has changed. We should be able to take West Surik Highway unless there is an easier road." "No, there isn't," confirmed Lorina, "But that road splits from the old road to the Keep. I haven't traveled it, but I understand that this old road isn't used much and is a haven for less respectable individuals." "Understood," Hawk said. Feeling the pangs of drowsiness upon him, Hawk advised his companions to turn in. Tia and Lorina went over to their room Hawk cautioned them not to open their door to anyone, but he knew the warning was unneeded. Pahl and Derek bade the girls good night and were pleased by the response. Tia blew Pahl a kiss, while Lorina simply nodded and returned the salutation. After the girls had left, Pahl said to no one in particular, "It seems things are turning out better already." Lying down with his eyes closed, Hawk observed, "Get some rest, we start early tomorrow." ***** A tap on the shoulder awoke Pahl to a darkened room. Considering he had barely shut his eyes, he knew they were truly making an early start. He found later that he had slept for nearly eight hours, wishing for twelve. Rain danced unceasingly off the room window informing Pahl he would be soaked within the first hour after they left. He hid his annoyance and rolled out from warm covers. Finding his boots where he had left them, he slipped them onto his feet. He was so tired the previous night, he neglected to undress before sleeping. He yawned and stretched and listened to the patter of rain. After rousing Derek, Hawk lit a small lantern that rested on an oak end table, bathing the room in soft yellow light. Pahl and Derek squinted at the rush of new light. Hawk turned the wick down, not to comfort the boys, but to keep from attracting outside attention by the light, then he turned to Pahl. "Pahl, wake the girls and then meet us downstairs," said Hawk. "We should have the horses prepped by the time you get there. Pahl nodded and still tired, shuffled over to Tia and Lorina's room. Leaning on the door he knocked, then waited. Tia opened the door sooner than Pahl expected, causing him to stumble forward off balance. "Are you ready to go," he asked, unbelieving. "More than ready to get out of this ill forsaken Southland," She said quickly. Lorina stood behind Tia with a satchel in her hand. Pahl guessed the two had heard the men and had slept in their clothes, as well. He told them where Hawk and Derek had gone and then led them down the hallway. The stairs leading to the first floor were old and creaked as the three companions climbed down. Pahl thought they would wake the entire Inn before reaching the bottom. The landing led into main guest dining area which was vacant and silent, except for the patter of rain drops on the windows. Several hanging lamps turned low, flickered shadows throughout the room. The front door stood partially ajar where Hawk and Derek had recently exited. Pulling up the hood of his rain cloak, Pahl led Tia and Lorina out the front door, closing it solidly when they were outside. A disgruntled stable boy with straggly blond hair and sleepy eyes, assisted Hawk and Derek in readying their mounts. As Pahl walked up, the boy and Derek were finishing cinching the saddles, while Hawk loaded on baggage. Pahl took the reins of two lead horses and brought them to Tia and Lorina. The girls easily climbed into the saddles without assistance, so Pahl helped ready the remaining three. After they were loaded and mounted Hawk tossed the boy a silver coin. Catching it in mid flight the boy secreted the coin into a shirt pocket. As the riders headed out into the rain the stable boy called out, "You might want to see a smithy soon, some of your hoof shoes need adjusting." Hawk waved back thanks and led the group onto the dark, wet road North. ********* "Quit looking over your shoulder, Pahl, the bordermen will be suspicious." Pahl turned his attention forward and gave Tia an understanding glance. Since leaving Lohtsurn he had taken to riding beside her, while Derek road along side Lorina. Both brothers had found their new companions interesting and exciting despite the heavy rain. The friendship they were developing made the wet ride almost enjoyable. They had talked and laughed most of the morning, lifting their spirits to new heights. It wasn't until they reached the Kingdom border and the large border post guard that the group had become silent and somber. Pahl thought it certain they would be retained when Hawk had begun a smooth explanation for his lack of credentials. The Controller, a tall man with broad shoulders and heavy cloak, had questioned Hawk extensively about the Sojourn women. From the way the other guards had eyed Tia and Lorina, Pahl had thought they were in for trouble. Several guards had come out of the Post Station and placed themselves in strategic positions around Hawk's group in case of the need to retain them. Somehow Hawk's mentioning of Earl Darmain had eased the Controller's suspicion's and before he knew it, Pahl was riding past the guards. Still, even after they had passed the guard's and Lorina's ruse had worked, Pahl could not shake the feeling at any moment an alarm would sound and once again his group would be fleeing certain capture. He did his best, however, to heed Tia's warning and remain seated forward, riding as casually as possible. The rain had turned the hard dirt road into sloppy mud that had thoroughly caked onto the riders' horses. Lessening from a down pour to periodic drizzle the group stopped for an afternoon break. They were several miles north of the border and Hawk felt safe to stop. They had recently crossed a small stream and Hawk told Derek and Pahl. to wash down the horses while he and the girls prepared a lunch. The young men quickly unpacked the horses and hurried them down to the stream. Hawk took the opportunity to speak with the young women alone. As they open the packs with food he said, without preamble, "Lorina, you are a daughter to the King, Marcus von Allmen." It was not a question. Astonishing both girls, Lorina replied, "How...how did you know that?" "I suspected, at first, when you stated your relation to a baron and your manner of speech. But when I listened to you speak to Derek as we traveled, my suspicion was confirmed." Both girls stared at Hawk with mouths partly open. He continued unabated, "I have the ability to discern certain things. When you spoke with Derek, you spoke as royalty to a commoner. I do not say that you are conceited or vain, only that your upbringing lends to a certain manner of speaking. "Also, I spent some time in court, some years back, and met a certain nine year old, who happened to be the sixth daughter to the king. I was delivering a message from an Eastern Noble and while staying in court a found this little blond girl tending flowers in the Royal Garden. I spoke with her briefly, but found that while young, she had a marvelous understanding of life." Not letting Hawk continue, Lorina held up her hand. She reached beneath her tunic and withdrew a thin gold necklace with a beautiful silver rose dangling from the end. "You were the man who gave me this?" She asked unbelieving. "You still have it," said Hawk. "I am glad. It was my mothers before I gave it to you." Lorina von Allman, sixth daughter to the King of the Northland had a faraway look as she recalled, "I was teased by my childhood friends when I told them an angel had given it to me. It was after I had received this gift that I had committed my life to serving the less fortunate. Something of what you told me, `that all are equal in the Light of the Path.'" "You remembered. Impressive." With eyes downcast, Lorina said, "But you never came back. Why?" Without letting him answer, she continued, "It was this gift that helped me remember, remember to care for the animals, and plants, and...and orphans. It has some magical properties I think." After a brief pause she said, "You were orphaned, when you were young." "I was." "What is my part in this. This sequence of events that Derek spoke of?" "I know not, only that I fear you play a role. An important part, I think." Tia watched the exchange with detached awareness, somehow there, yet not. Amazed at Lorina's true heritage, yet less surprised than she thought she should be. She remained silent and thoughtful. "We will all learn our purpose in this grand play soon enough, I should think," said Hawk. "But for now it will be best for you to return home. It may be that the King will need to become aware of events soon, and you are our best link to him." "Why are you speaking to me now about this?" Lorina asked. "What about Derek and Pahl?" "It will be difficult enough for them to leave you at our agreed point of separation, without them knowing you are royalty," said Hawk. "I am tempted myself to see you safely into Surik, but my need to reach the Keep quickly outweighs caution. Besides, I feel confidant of your and Tia's abilities." Tia placed a hand on Lorina's shoulder. "I will stand beside you to make sure you reach your family, I promise." The two girls stared at one another, then as tears filled Lorina's eyes they hugged. "Thank you, Tia," Lorina said as she wiped her face. Smiling with a wry Sojourn look Tia said, "We had better get some food together or the boys will think they worked, while we did nothing." The three laughed and began preparing the lunch in earnest.