A dark afternoon to depart... The leaden clouds hung heavy over the group gathered at the south gate.the conversation was sparse, many thinking of the dangers to come, many embracing their children, or the families they were leaving behind. Donhelm stood a little way apart from the others,
already the responsibility of what lay ahead had begun to weigh on him. He sparked the tinder to his pipe and sighed as the first fat drops of rain began to fall. Spring in Breeland could be a wet affair he had noticed.
Where was she?
Soon the rain increased and hoods were put up, cloaks drawn more tightly about armoured bodies. The fire which lit the milestone sputtered and hissed in the downpour.
Donhelm cast his eye over the group, he couldn’t decide if there were more than he had expected..or fewer.At any rate, there was a sizable party gathered, one which would carry death to the enemy wherever it would be met. Some were old friends who had been on the trade Caravan which had returned beaten and bruised a few months previously, and some were strangers to Donhelm. Among the group were grizzled veterans and mere boys.
Where was she?
The last to sign up that very morning had been a lad of only Sixteen. His father had sent him on behalf of the family to take part in the war party. Donhelm watched the boy as he conversed with Remis, he seemed likeable enough and had already proven his worth with the quarterstaff in a spar or two. He had given his name as “bob” though something about his manner suggested that he wasn’t being particularly truthful. Donhelm had decided to ask no further questions, content that he at least had another ally in his search for Mugendo, and another warrior in the fight against the shadow.
Ahh there she is!..no..no its not her..
He emptied his pipe onto the road and tucked it into the saddlebag on his mare, tightened the leather straps, checking that all his packs were secure. Cymaru had made sure he was well provisioned, she had cooked many times for him in the past and he was glad to be taking something of her with him. The embraces taking place around him only made him feel more lonely, and he so longed to see her face once more, before he departed.
Asulin approached and informed Donhelm that all was ready.Time to go..to take the first step towards death…..or glory. Perhaps in front of winter fires..or in the summer fields, tales would be told of this venture. Donhelm groaned as he heaved himself onto his horse. He looked over the assembled company and decided to keep his rousing speech (written whilst drunk) very short.Already the patience of the few townsfolk who had gathered to watch them ride off was wearing thin in the storm and a few were already trudging back inside the gate. Mostly only family and friends remained.
She’s not coming!
He lifted his horn and blew a great blast. The echoes came back to him from the narrow streets to the north. Some townsfolk stopped at the gate and turned back to look at him.
“Friends!” he called.”Brave warriors!” his voice sounded as if it came from a great distance in his mind. He continued.
“Pride yourselves in the journey you are about to undertake! while those who would cower under their beds in a storm, fester and rot in Bree, be uplifted in the knowledge that you at least are doing your part to defend those very people!
“And many more people who are more deserving of it!” someone called out.
(This wasn’t how he had planned it in his head..he had imagined flags and musicians..not a sour bunch of bedraggled grim faced men and dwarves).
He turned to the civilians..”Do not weep! Send your thoughts to those on the dark road, compose lays and poems for us! Tell your children how brave was their father or brother!
“we already know!” piped up one sodden wife..”Mine never fails to keep us informed of it!”
This drew some laughter.
Donhelm sighed and continued..”we ride south to repay debts! To seek a comrade in arms..one who is even now fighting on your behalf!” the crowd grew silent.
Shes not coming!
“Do not weep! But watch the road for our return! We will do great damage to the enemy if we are able! Look to your hearts and take pride in having known us, for we do so having known and loved you!”
One of the dwarves spat out a great gob of tobacco on the wet road.
Donhelm gave up the speech..he turned and raised his sword instead. The company took the signal and mounted up. There was nothing more to be said..and she hadn’t come to say goodbye.
With a final blast of the horn, he jerked at the reins, and his horse reared up. “MOVE OUT!”
The company moved slowly at first and then amid a great thundering of hooves and splashes of rainwater..they disappeared into the mist.
