Mystery of the Templars Part 7 - The Search

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kaelyn: It had been more than a month since Odis had left to search for his daughter and Dmitrii. Raven had left before dawn with Mia for their own meeting with Mia's 'employer', Kae explained things to Rhys who was not in the least happy but understood and was glad to have Ademar for company... much like old times. Kae saddled Zhara and rode to Turas Lan in search of Maahes as she had promised her husband she would do. It was not going to be easy to tell him she was leaving to help look for her brother and his Lady. Having found him wandering around the markets again she dismounted and approached him, tucked inside her vest was a scroll... the one was his that he asked her to hand on to the last time they met. " Good morning M'Lord Maahes, beautiful day is it not." her tone soft and friendly. A good way to start things of yes? Yes! she thought to herself as she hoped she could make him understand why she had to go as she had done with Raven. Though Raven was not happy he at least understood. The two Knight's with her kept their distance but never let her out of their sight as she approached the large man, both remembering well the last time they had met as well. Her eyes looked like a storm tossed sea but she hid well her inner turmoil, from the giant of a man. Meeting his amber gaze she smiled and slowly took the scroll from her vest. " I forgot to give this back to you after our last meeting..." she held it out to him. Nice Kae very nice she thought to herself once more.

Maahes: A storm tossed at sea was met by the burning fires and heat from the sun, as his mind crept with ideas of war and inner turmoil that plagued him like a disease. In rumors the men of the army spoke in whispers about the failing mind of their General, and here with every line; dark circle could only speak truth as the stress of heart ache bore down upon him. At first he had not heard her, the comment of the day brushed away like the tide upon the shore, but as the inner locking puzzle of his mind started to fall together he gave a look to the vacant sky. "I had not noticed.." A raspy voice broke out, free from the cage of silence and clawing it's way to the surface. The clear sky, was a crystal blue ocean void of any clouds but livid with a cool breeze. "..but it is." He returned his face to her with a small forced smile. One you would give your enemy when asked, but as quickly as it came it left. Before him stood the scroll he had almost forgotten, and a scared mangled hand reached out to take it. "It is still intact. Your skill runs deep, Ranger." Almost instantly as it fell in the massive palm of the Beast he closed his fingers tightly around it, the paper crushing together under the weight of his hand. Though, this was no accident. "So you are making your rounds I see." Eyes passed from Kae to her two knights, no doubt they were keeping a watchful eye on her, considering what happened the last time. He thought to himself how great it was that so many had such loyal companions, and that he would reward them for their duty. "Have you anything to report?" He spoke as he let go of the crumpled paper watching the breeze harass it as he moved down the market streets.

Kaelyn: The smile her gave her did not reach his amber eyes. She felt a bit uncomfortable by it as well as if it was never there to begin with. Kae was a bit troubled by the disconnected look, she wished she knew him well enough to ask about it but dared not. “Did you not think it would be cared for M’lord?” she said with a small fleeting smile. Emotions were rampaging through her and it was hard to keep them reined in. “Aye, they do run deep… and are finely honed.” She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. No time like now to get this out and in the open. Kae watched as the paper danced on the streets of the market in the breeze. " Aye, I have made my rounds already this morning, and came to report my findings." she fell into step beside him as he walked. Her hand lay casually on the hilt of her sword " The repairs in a small village to the East are completed and walls erected to surround it." she explained taking a deep breath and glancing at him as they walked before letting her eyes fix down the road as she continued. " Maahes... my brother and the bailiff's daughter Wila have been missing for some time now. I have spoke to my husband and though he is reluctant knows that I need to go and look for him and her. Pagan and Phantom are going with me." there it was out and Kae was not really sure how he was going to react but whether he said Aye or Nay she was going and would deal with the consequences later. Hopefully he would understand though she knew none were going to be happy she was making all attempts to assure her safety and that of the babe she carried. " I am only going to seek information that may lead to them... I will come back and report to Raven and you my findings before I act... unless you want to go and use this as part of your rangering lessons?" smoothly done it gave him a choice in the matter as he was her commander in many ways. " I have made arrangements for another of my Knight's to over see the training of the rangers and archers in my absence... should you grant it to me." yes she was covering all her bases and wisely so. She was not a stupid woman and would never leave not having a second in command for Rangers. " His name is Ademar and second to him is Draven.. as Ademar is watching over my cousin Rhys... who is staying at Ravens Crest while we are away." her voice was steady though her heart raced as she waited for him to speak.

Maahes: Life moved in bouts of gold, with ores that swept the ocean like hands moving through the different paths of life. It was then the breeze shifted, the paper stilled and returned to brush across his sandaled feet. "Your husband sees you fit to go on your own?" His question was dryly spoke yet fill with the rich tones of his accent as the words fell together. Midway through he would bend to retrieve the bit of hope, and the paper of rice was captured by an oversized palm as his fingers secured it. Straightening his body he bent his head to meet her eyes again, but in place of the plain flat expression there was a smirk of defiance. A dare. "One thing these lands have taught me, is that no permission would need be granted." Look at him forming a correct sentence and sounding much the part of his title. "You will go even if I say no." Across the way he slowly lead her without the single venture of touching her, but with the direction of his steps to a vendor whose outsides were filled with objects of death. Collectors of fine weaponry from around the world would envy the small space, as with each built wall there was a line of new designs, and freshly finished blades of every shape."Perhaps Ranger it is discipline you need but then you will not be so quick to leave." He spoke so nonchalantly. The man at the shop was eager to see Maahes step under the covered area, inviting him with a pleasant smile and extending his expression to Kae. Large callused fingers curled around the thin neck of single arrow, the tip iron as he had seen from the traders in the East. No matter what she would say next it would be missed as the long stem of the aerial shaft was inspected. Satisfied he gave the man a small nod, and held up three fingers to signal the order. With a quick nod in return the vendor prepared three sets of five and started to bundle them up. When she offered him to follow, his face darkened as the desire was there. Yet it was the guilt that clouded his eyes and turned them black; the Guilt that he was more then willing to leave, and almost could not control the want. Maahes was going through dark times, but he as always kept them to himself. Like any fool he bottled his emotions until they exploded from him in a fit of rage, but this time the bottle would not open. "I am surprised your husband does not wish to accompany you." Using big words. He spoke as he returned his attention to her tucking the bundle of arrows over one shoulder and then setting his eyes within her own waiting for her to lead them out.

Kaelyn: Kae watched as he bent to pick up the fragile paper that moments before he crushed and discarded. Then he spoke once more "It is not a matter of being fit Maahes.... and Darius knows how I feel and I him. He asked me to wait but understands that the longer I or we wait the less people might remember about seeing them." his smirk was challenging and she reveled in the thought of that challenge. Maahes was such and enigma to many including her. What would it take to chip away at this puzzle of a man, she shook her head softly. " Maahes I have been tested and proven myself many times over. I am more skilled than some of my Knight's and Darius trusts me in this..." her gaze became challenging to him as well and she grinned. " I did not come here to seek permission , but came as a friend to let you know what my intentions are... and Aye, if you say no I will still go. He is my brother... my blood and he would do the same for me and has." her voice firm as she held to her ground. Kae was a woman like not many others, she did what she though she had to and let her passionate sometimes volatile nature to rule her actions when she had to. She followed him across the way to a vendor and smiled of course he would choose to look at weaponry... and this vendor had some of the finest. Kae began to look at a few daggers, then arrows. Her hands touched them much like a child would something that they thought was precious. The sound of his voice interrupted her thoughts as he spoke of discipline. " I am more disciplined than most you will find Maahes, I train as hard as those I lead if not more so. Being a woman, a leader... and especially one who can wield weapons as I can have made it so. I will leave with or without you. I know not what lies ahead but I know I have to at least try to find him. Have you never been that close to someone... that when they are gone you feel it?" she spoke as she stroked a finger over the blade of a dagger she was looking at. Kae nodded and smiled to the man as she looked over the wares and watched Maahes trying to figure him out and then realizing that maybe impossible. He kept himself closed off from others and yet by the ways he spoke tried to fit in as well. She knew well what that was like to be so different and wanting to be apart of it all. While in Windsor she had learned a lot about herself and others. Being a ranger allowed her to see things most others would not think important... and she was beginning to see Maahes. A stranger to these lands, keeping all at a distance.... yeah just as she does. There was more to her than just what people saw... but she kept it concealed behind a veil. No one but Darius knew the Ranger...the woman. Maybe if she let her defenses down people might understand her more... she would need to work on that another time. Right now her thoughts were on her brother and finding him. His words once more had her looking at him. " Darius did want to go Maahes but he is required to be elsewhere for a while." she smiled when he placed his bundle over his shoulder. She had already purchased what supplies may or may not be needed for this trip. With a nod to the vendor she turned and left the tent. Once more out in the sun she turned her head and found Pagan and Phantom standing nearby... with a small nod she began to walk again down the street. Could he understand if she explained it to him this need to go? Most likely not. She once more began to think that they are more and more alike than either really knew. Taking a deep slow breath she stopped and met his gaze... cool blue to golden amber... making sure she did not touch him in anyway. She had not missed the way he reacted when she asked him to join her and then it was gone... she had heard the muffled comments of the army speaking about him and his current state of mind. It might be good for him to come with her... who knows he might even learn something! she smiled inwardly at that thought. "Maahes... will you join us?" she asked softly. She would not ask again if chose to stay she would respect his choice and leave by noon as she had planned.

Maahes: There wouldn't be a reason he would need to speak, nor would he need to reply as he started to walk to wards the Barracks to put forth the orders needed for his absence, but Maahes stilled in his steps to turn on the Arctic Wolf. His overpowering frame towered with her own, like a mountain unmovable and spilling out deadly fire. "I know little of matters of the heart, or love for a brother, but you will not be alone." Removing the bundle of arrows from his shoulder he extended them to her men, with a request they fill her quiver with the iron tips in place of any other. Returning to Kae, the Lion roared as he passed. "We leave by noon." He called out over his shoulder as he moved to wards the castle to let Bess and Adam know he would be taking a short leave.

Kaelyn: She stood and watched him move to wards the barracks and turned to face her. He was a giant of a man but that did not frighten her in the least she straightened her form and met his gaze though her head was tilted back to meet it. Her knight's still nearby watching... vigilant as ever and more loyal than most men to a female in command. They had been at her side for years and respected her skills and knowledge. His words came out almost as a growl when he spoke but she was used to that now. "For that I am sorry Maahes... I have not always had Dmitrii in my life but for the last few years. I have to love him a great deal and would lay down my life for him and he for me if need be. As for being alone Maahes... Pagan and Phantom will be with me. But will be glad you will as well." her eyes grew a bit larger as he told Pagan and Phantom to switch out her arrows for the ones he had just handed them. They both nodded and went to do his bidding... for they could see that the arrows were better than the ones that she carried already. Kae grinned as he called out his orders as he passed her " Aye, M'Lord General as you wish." she said and glared at his back. She had sent a missive already to the Castle explaining her absence none could call her neglectful of her duties and responsibilities. This would be very interesting the Lion learning from the Wolf... her knowledge of being a ranger and of tracking. It just might be fun as well for they were sure to push each other in many ways.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Love of a Father

Meanwhile…elsewhere in the Isles………

The morning had brought the sunshine and a visitor to the door. While the men had been in the MacDonald lands for little over a month, their remaining hadn't been entirely by choice. The room was plush with the elegance of Rome brought to Scotland. Persian carpets upon the floors and heavy draperies to keep out the heat of the day. Soft over stuffed chairs of leather and beds of down. A beautiful prison, but a prison none the less.

Odis was awake and waiting as the door opened to admit the two large armed men. Accompanying them was the dark one eyed man named Victor. The man himself was thin but hardly one someone wanted to challenge out of hand. "My Lady wishes a word with you Odis." He spoke softly as he extended a hand towards the door. Odis sighed and looked to the gentlemen just joining him in the common room between their bed chambers. The maids were slipping past with the trays of food for breakfast.

Odis gave a nod as Victor led the way. As they walked through the halls, Victor glanced to the larger man. "It has been sometime since we have seen each other. I see that life hasn't been entirely unkind to you. "

Odis lifted a brow and shrugged his shoulders as he walked along, his eyes straight forward. "It has been a long time since we were soldiers together, Victor..." He spoke in the low rumbled tones as the man chuckled and gave a little nod.

"Ah yes… and you saw it fit to confess the sins of our disgressions." The man spoke with a slight cooling to his tone. Odis was simply in no mood as the larger man suddenly burst into action. The guards walking with them had no time to react as the large hand grabbed Victor's throat as he pinned him to a wall.

"Disgressions? You murdered that girl’s father before you raped her. Be glad I didn't kill you when I had the chance. " He hissed into the man's face. Victor sneered, though he was quickly loosing breath. His single eye looked away from Odis down the hallway.

"And if I remember correctly, since they would not allow you to take his life… you took the sight of his left eye." The smooth voice floated from a doorway. The raven haired beauty moved slowly as the sight of seeing her personal guard on his tiptoes and slowly turning blue didn't unnerve her. "Put him down Odesus... and come with me. There is much we should discuss." She spoke with out touching either and ignored the sight altogether while she swept passed. A Matron within her castle.

Odis grunted and dropped him to the floor. The guards moved to follow as Victor shook his head. If any of them were safe from this mad man, it was certainly Augusta. "I am no longer that man." He stated as he followed the sweetly scented woman as she shrugged her shoulders.

"You may take on as many roles as you wish... " She paused and looked at him. The dark sultry eyes were calculating and unforgiving as she looked passed Odis to the now standing Victor. Words would likely be shared with that one. Later however… there were more pressing things afoot. "I am known as Augusta, Valisa... Rosemary... " She shook her head a bit as she held the door open to the chamber before closing it firmly behind her. "Names are as convient as clothing. When one tires of it... cast it away and don something new... and fresh." She lifted a brow as she looked the man over. Odis had lost the healthy tan, his skin seemed to remain sickly pale... and at moments like this his breathing was shortened. Though the man had denied the healers she had sent. Men... and their stubborn ways.

"You aren't keeping me and those men prisoner here for idle conversation and reminising." He pointed out as he looked around the room with suspicion.

"No... I'm not. I'm keeping you here to keep you alive… and the child as well." She stated as she moved towards a small table to the side. "Would you care for a drink? " She inquired as she poured one, turning to allow Odis to watch her as she took a drink from it... then offered it to him. Odis had learned long ago, Augusta was quite practiced in poisoning. She had once managed to poison one man sitting nearly half a room away and leaving all others untouched by the effects.

"What do you know. " It wasn't a question, not really, as he took the glass from her. Formality only as he slowly seated himself. Augusta poured another, all in clear veiw, for herself. The slow steps carried her to his side as she turned a bit to face him and seated herself at the end of the couch. The satin dressing robe was bound at the waist... though hid nothing of what little the woman wore beneath it.

"I know that some fool contacted the Holy Father. Reporting that they have the child in their custody. " She spoke the words softly, watching... almost feasting off the livid expression that ignited upon Odis's face. The manicured hand lifted to stale Odis's anger. "I also have word that the child and her lover escaped. Giving the Knights a terrible fit of displeasure." She smirked only slightly at that. "Odesus, when she is found… both the Church and the Knights will try to kill her. If they can not control her... they have no use for her."

Odis had left behind the drink as he began to pace through the room. "Where ? " He asked as his eyes focused on an old image that caused his heart to seize. The dark expression seemed to turn from an unforgiving father into the old soldier's rage once more. Quiet... plotting... commanding. It was quite fetching on him as far as Augusta was concerned. hm… had things been different.

"I am awaiting word on the location. I will entreat an audience with the Duke and Duchess both. It would be wise if you were there to explain… else it will leave all of this into my hands... and I am somewhat jaded towards the Father's side of this tale." She pointed out. She rose slowly from the couch and the glass set down before she moved towards him. The soft silk hand lifted to caress Odis's face in an attempt to sooth his heart. "You are unwell… you should spend this time resting…" She spoke with a note of concern. But Odis knew that such concern from Augusta typically ended up with a man in a crate and dirt being tossed over it in the middle of the night.

"Send the two guards back to their mistress. I will stay until Willa is found." He spoke with a small nod. For now their goal was mutual. Though there was to be a war over the little girl that no one wanted... at least... not until now. And he'd be damned if he gave her up to them.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

The hooded man entered, his hands invisible under the cloak… his eyes seem to be hollow as he looked to the man she called Odesus, then wavered back to the woman. Moving slowly, his eyes veer back to the man. At her side, he leans down and whispers in her ear. “M’Lady, I have word…” pausing. As she canted her head he responded immediately. “The girl and her lover have escaped Raasay… Sir Robert had them imprisoned in his Castle, but they escaped and have made it off island.” His eyes veer to the man, then back to the woman. “Current location is unknown, but they will make a run to the Duke, I guarantee it.” Standing, the man’s face remained unveiled, hidden in the shadows of a hood. Still it would remain obvious to Odis that this man was a member of the famed Illumnati priests. Leaning back down, he whispers into her ear again. “M’Lady, I have dispatched men to watch Turas Lan and the coast…with no word from his Holiness, I wait orders from you…”

As the dark man entered the room, the conversation fell silent. Odis watched the man with a cold loathing. Did he know him or what he came to represent? No. Well not entirely, the man smelled of the church, incense and ink. The thick bodied farmer turned slightly away from the pair as the man spoke of needing Augusta's attention. This of course would only make his suspicions of Augusta grow.

Augusta watched the man enter with little more then a rise of her brow. The ebon haired woman canted her head to listen to the words as they spilled from the priest's mouth. The smile that touched her face was entirely unholsome as she gave a little nod. "Hm. Very good… you have done me well." the words were a sultry purr as she looked at the man's face letting those nearly black eyes tease the priest for what he could not have. She did so love this tormenting little games. "We will talk later.. when you and I have a bit of time...alone. " She spoke with a tone of authority though it ebbed with a lustful desire. Her attention returned again to Odis as she lifted her shoulders just slightly in the light of the disgust most likely both men would regard her in. This was going to be a touchy situation. The Templars as well as the Illumnati were simply involved by a political associations. Scholars…. and Warriors... neither had business in the world of Religious politics not when in the end it would effect the world as a whole. "You may go." She stated with a wave of her head to the priest before walking towards the window. The feet moving across the expensive carpeting as she had much to think about... and play the game correctly. She was running out of handmaidens to leave behind to be found in the ashes.

The robe shrouded man, his face well shadowed under the hood, but his eyes veered to the low cut dress… his manly yearnings teased by the bare skinned busom of the vixen… her voice willing all men to submit to her whims… “Yes M’Lady… I am at yer command…” What power did this woman have over the men? What role did she play in the Illuminati scheme to gain the girl? What could this vixen gain in the world of religious politics? Only she could answer those questions. The robed man bowed… “By yer leave M’Lady… I shall be in the Church library reading…” then the warrior priest bowed once more and backed out, just as the woman stood up, allowing bare legs to protrude from her garments, moving seductively to the window. The robed man turned, opened the door and exited.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

KAELYN: Kaelyn, Pagan and Phantom waited for Maahes by the gates of the city to begin their search. Her face was a mask of calmness.... devoid of emotion yet in the depths of her eyes if one looked they would see they turbulence than swam there. She sat upon Baran her large black Welsh war horse... he stamped the ground as she kept a hold of his reins as they waited for the General to meet them. Her need to leave growing by the minute and her mind reeled with possibilities of what might have happened to her brother to keep him away so long and none made her feel any better.She had her bow attached to her saddle with the new arrows Maahes had purchased and given to her, her sword lay at her hip. She wore a simple black tunic, black leather pants and knee-high boots. Her armour... was packed just in case. Pagan and Phantom were dressed in the green and gold colors of the Griffin House with the symbol of Argania emblazoned on the front. Their mounts grew restless as they continued to wait " M'Lady... should I go find him?" Pagan asked... his words had her looking at him blankly " Nay. We wait another quarter hour then we leave.... with or without him." her tone cool as she went back to her thoughts.

MAAHES: "You will have to wait no longer." Boomed a voice from the path, raising over the hooves beat as the horse moved up beside them. Gone were the simple rags that Maahes wore, and bestowed upon his body the noble colors of Skye, and the rich scarlet of Avaria. For once he fit the part of General. A tunic that fit well, bearing the Griffin Crest, and the scarlet scarf with Avaria's Phoenix around his thick neck. His goatee had been trimmed, his face freshly shaved, Maahes started to look more a Gentleman and less a Beast. "I am sorry to have kept you waiting." He spoke dryly, as he pulled back the reins to signal the horse to stop. Maahes's colossal form did not need ten pounds of armor to add to it's frame, but somehow it all fit. Across his back, and running his spine his sword curved, the hilt at the base of his spine, and the blade's end over one shoulder tucked away by thick leather. Across his chest overtop of the leather chest plate, the leather belts ran each fastened with bronze and holding tight to mini daggers. Kae's face was unreadable, the emotion running out upon her features, but deep inside he knew what she was going through. Pulling up beside her he overlooked the city from their perch, and spoke in a flat even tone."Your brother will be very proud to know we have even made it this far, it will be only a matter of days that we will find him. Do not worry, Little One. It will be done." So to was his promise, and the Beast reached out to touch her arm in a friendly gesture. "At your command, Ranger."

KAELYN: Kae turned at the sound of Maahes's voice and just gave him a nod as she sat upon her large black horse. Hand on the hilt of her sword and her mind a million ,miles away. " No need to apologize M'Lord.. " her face expressionless as her eyes gazed out at the land below. There had been a time when she would have said more or shown at least a glimpse of her emotions.... not this day. She was the warrior once more... a bit distant and cool Baran never flinched as he moved his mount next to hers. He was trained by some of the best trainers... she had ridden him into countless battles... it was as if the woman and horse were one at times. She had been deep in thought as his words drifted and found her... "Aye, he would be proud. I just hope we find them both safe and unharmed." she said softly once more looking out past the horizon as if she were able to see the signs that might have been left behind by them. Maahes had then called her little one and she had to smile for she had never thought of herself as little... but then again compared to the Lion she was small. " Little am I?" she teased him and though the smile never reached her eyes. And yet when he touched her arm as a friend would she turned to him and starred. " I hope so ....my friend" her words were laced with all the emotions she forced herself to contain. With a nod Kae took the lead of their small band.. " Move out!" was all she said as she kneed Baran and gave him his head to gallop off. Finally she thought to herself " Hold on Dmitrii we come for you both." she whispered to the wind.

MAAHES: Such defiance had always been a trait he adored of the other sex. Much like Tommasina his companion her reactions were very much the same. Aye, Kae was much smaller then he, but he had to wonder for how much longer? The woman was busting at the seams with child, and as always acted as the reason he was there. Maahes cared dearly for children, and the one that rest inside her would not have to be his own for him to lay his life down. Raven was a good man, and would be a great father so Maahes was there to deliver her and the child back home to him. Yet, inside his noble cause was a selfish reason, for he longed to see the countryside and escape the small hell he had built around himself. Kae gave the order and he smiled a defiant heavy smirk as he settled back onto the saddle trying to keep his calm. It was nice to let her lead, for once he could simply enjoy the view.

KAELYN: Kae had no problem taking the lead for it was something she was used to. Her Knight's flanked them in the front and back as they rode always looking out for possible dangers and such.
Her eyes scanned everything looking for signs or traces of which way her brother and Wila may have traveled. If Dmitrii knew they were in danger would he have thought to leave some subtle clues behind?? She sure as hell hoped so or the search could be more difficult for them.Her thoughts swarmed with many things... worry for Raven and Mia, as well as for her cousin Rhys. Dmitrii and Wila, not to mention the babes she carried. She shook her head she had to concentrate on the search right now all other thoughts and feeling would have to wait.They were now well away from Turas Lan...Ranger instincts in high gear...always alert to the slightest details in the landscape. She happened to notice a path that veered to the left of the main road. She raised her left hand to signal a stop. Dismounted and visually began to search the area for any signs that they may have traveled this way.Pagan and Phantom were at her side in an instant... they as well were trained in the ways of a ranger and began to look about. She knelt and observed the hoof prints that were on the dirt...old ones yet not so.. as no others were over top. She ran her fingers gently in the marking as not to disturb them to much.
Finally Pagan approached "M'Lady? " he questioned as he watched her inspect the marks, Phantom was keep watch in case anyone came upon them. She looked up and past Pagan to Maahes " Tracks, a few riders, one horse is heavily weighed down... mayhap carrying two people or supplies." she said almost distantly. She was pointing to the tracks as she spoke. Kae was trying hard to be in control of her emotions and yet wanted to teach Maahes about rangering as well. She felt as if she were fighting a loosing battle with her emotions. They had been riding hard for days now... resting when they could.. and the horses as well. " There is a small glade just over that rise... we can make camp there for the night and begin the search again at dawn." she still knelt be the tracks her mind racing at why so many tracks were found here on this path that seemed so out of the way..... unless you were trying to avoid using the main road?? Curious was it not and why?? Those were questions they needed to answer.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

They rode to the clearing and made camp for the night. Kae's mind was twisted with thoughts, and her body was sore from hours in and out of the saddle looking for clues. Pagan and Phantom went to go and hunt for some food to supplement what they had brought with them. She moved about the camp easily... for it was something she was quite used to, for years she had lived in camps all over with her Knight's.

Kae gathered twig and bramble and placed them in the center of the camp and taking out two flint stones proceeded to get a fire going. The nights were getting cooler and the season's shifted from summer to fall. The fire now going strong she sat and poked at it with a stick... humming softly an old song she remembered from her childhood. Maahes had gone to tend his mount... and hers as well. He really was not as bad as many thought when they first saw him... he was tall, dark, and imposing figure to say the least.

Kae smirked...though a man of little words really, he said volumes with his eyes and body language. Kae's thought's drifted to her husband and prayed for him to be safe... one hand rested on the swell of her growing stomach. The rings on her hand catching the firelight, making it shine and sparkle like the stars in the sky.

Her weapons were laying on the ground on the blanket where she would sleep later.... unbraiding her hair she sat at the fire and combed her fingers through its thick golden length. It hung to the ground sitting as she was... but she cared not. She was lost in thoughts and the flames and never heard the sound of footsteps behind her.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kaelyn: ** Having freed Sir Robert's family from those that kept them captive, seeing them to safety. Maahes, Kae as well as Pagan and Phantom could get back to looking for Dmitrii and Wila. The men had given some information, though their choices were either to speak or die... they chose the first. So The group was heading for a small fishing village to ask around there. Night was coming quick as was another rain storm... they would never make the village before it hit.. they pushed on. Soon they would need to make camp again, as well as eat.**

Maahes: Another camp? Maahes was simply not used to stopping. It had been his ways to go straight through. Though he had never met Dmitrii, but Willa was close to his heart. So any man she loved, he would love in return. Moving up beside Kae on his horse he felt the rain start. Do not forget Maahes that she is pregnant. "Your child does it still kick?" He had worried that the babe had been hit while in battle, but so far things had been well. (d

Kaelyn: ** Kae hated stopping herself when she felt like they were so damn close to finding her brother. She was a bit sore from the fight but not overly so as Maahes, Pagan and Phantom did their best to take the brunt of the fighting on themselves. She did have to fight but only long enough for them to dispatch their foes and come to her aide. She looked as Maahes rode up next to her " Aye they still move Maahes." she said softly. Kae seemed to get tired easier the further along she got in her pregnancy. She gave him a soft smile " Thank you for asking General." she gave him a soft smile. It took everything she had to remain seated in her saddle... her strength waning the longer they rode yet she going, just a little farther she thought to herself.**

Maahes: "They?" Over the past few weeks he had noticed how quickly she had grown, and wondered to himself if there in fact two. "We will rest soon." He muttered under his breath, half thinking of leaving her there and going himself, but this was important to her. Seeing her brother, and after all it was her idea right? "Pagan, ride forward and get us rooms and have a meal ready." He spoke to her faithful knight as he drew his horse closer to Kae's as if afraid she would topple over the saddle at any moment. "Do you need to ride with me?" (d

Kaelyn: ** " Aye... they... I carry two it seems according to the healer Mairi." her eyes never wavering from his as she spoke. Blue eyes watched as Pagan nodded and set off ahead of them to do as Maahes bid him. Her legs gripped her horse tighter as she tried to stay put, when he spoke of her riding with him she looked at his mount. " Aye... if it will not be to much trouble? Will he hold us both? If not Baran can and easily." hoping it did not sound like and insult for it was not meant to be. She was tired and not sure how much farther she could go be herself. " Thank you... my friend."**

Maahes: "We'll find out." He simply reached across the closed distance and pulled her to sit before him. At that moment he pushed all of his fears and small inside troubles aside and let her rest against him; while he wrapped his arms around her." Keep her talking Maahes, "What of names? Do you have names yet?" What was he thinking taking a pregnant woman out with him?! (d

Kaelyn: ** It surprised her how easily he pulled her to his mount, knowing he was not one to have someone close to him. She remembered that from when she had touched his arm that day in the market. So tired... without thinking she leaned back into his body. " Aye we have come up with names... Garet Devlyn for a boy and Jelani Seren for a girl... so far just one of each." she said as her eyes slowly closed. She felt him tense slightly at her nearness and tried to sit up straighter, not wanting to cause him a undo discomfort. Her body was slow to follow her commands though. She must be crazy for doing this in her condition, but it was important that she find Dmi before these babes were born. He was her brother and he had done it for her after the battle at Trotternish when she was missing. The gate of Maahes' mount was steady and easy and it did not seem to mind the extra weight. She fought to stay awake when all she really wanted was to sleep. The rain fell harder, and it felt cool and refreshing as it pelted her skin... she smiled as her head tipped back a bit to face the sky.**


Maahes: The furs of his cape was removed to be drawn over her. Wrapped around her shoulders and front he pulled the fabric to keep her from the rain. "We will not be long, close your eyes, both you and your husband can trust me. I do not desire another man's woman." He smiled watching her heavy eyes, and the village was not too far. "I will keep my hands to myself." The rain wasn't welcome for once the air was colder now and his bare arms finally felt the frost of Summer breeze. He would be thankful for a warm bed himself, and a good meal. He wanted to ask about the names, wondering if they were family names picked for the generation. (d

Kaelyn: ** She felt him wrap her in his furs and smiled " Aye, I know we can trust you M'Lord for if not I would be here with only my men." she grinned sleepily at him. The air was cool and he had covered her in his cape. She pulled on it trying to share it with him as well. Kae leaned her head on his chest and drifted to sleep safe in his arms and safe in the fact that he meant every word he spoke. The names were indeed family names... the middle names were after her father and mother. Pagan had done what was asked and rode back to meet them. " M'Lord General they only had one room... I secured it... though I did not like the looks of those I saw there." his expression less than pleased. " I told the Inn keeper I was securing the room for M'Lord and Lady... I hope you do not mind but in her condition I thought it best." he said matter of factly with a nod to the now sleeping Kae. " Phantom and I will either bunk in the stable or make a camp nearby." with that said he fell back to ride with Phantom.**

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

"You've done well." A lesson he had learned quickly that words from a higher rank, pleasant in tone were more a reward a true soldier would ever want. Both of these men deserved the finest gold of every award that could be given, but what could he have to offer them now?


Heavy thick arms tightened around Kae once they were passing through the city's gates, the eyes of many others quickly turning to the sight as they made their ways in from the rain. Maahes hated to feel out of place, but by now the feeling was something he was growing used to.


Once outside the Inn he found it surprisingly easy to find the ground with her still secure, all he would do is sweep the back of her knees against the crook of his other arm and cradle her like a doll. It was the same feeling with whomever he carried, female. Never did he feel the monster, the overbearing Beast that he was when something so much smaller was held so close. It was unlike him to want to be near someone, but this was something Maahes would look forward to being used to. Of course, not with Kae her husband was a man he respected with his life, but in general. He was ready to settle down himself, and with the babies that grew inside her a reminder again of what he missing out on.


The light and the noise of the Inn quickly filled once the door was opened and Maahes cant his head to hide the light from her eyes.

"Show me to our room." He boomed to the keeper and the man quickly jumped to do just that. Not many crossed such a sight, nor such a man, and this keeper felt like keeping his life. Down the halls their steps carried, and Maahes felt himself grow weary of every dark corner. Once the door was open, the man turned to the General and asked if they would need anything. Maahes simply turned burning orbs of Amber at the man; sending him on is way.


He closed the door behind him, and instantly made way for the over sized bed against the wall. His heavy steps carried him across the floor and Kae's body would be pressed into the sheets as he threw back the covers. Gently he would start to remove the furs of his wrap and any blade he could find visible. Would she want something to eat? A night gown? For now he would simply let her sleep, and take the first watch from the window. He was simply glad to be off that horse, so when he perched in the window seat he took a deep breath.

Those words meant more to Pagan than General Maahes would ever know. " Thank you M'Lord General" he said with a nod and the briefest of smiles, before resuming his place in their small band. He and Phantom were very loyal to their Lady and to all they served. Phantom and him would lay their lives down for the man called General Maahes Asad Aziem as quickly as they would for Kae who still slumbered in the big man's arms. Content that he would care for her as they or her husband would, they rode the rest of the way to the Inn in silence.


Exhausted from days on horse back and searching for her brother Kae slept like the dead. She was floating.... no she was being carried in massive arms, then placed gently upon cool sheets. She muttered in Argania but never woke fully.

Her Knight's had found quarter's for themselves, with a last look to wards the room Maahes and Kae were in Pagan saw the large dark shadow of the general move to the window to keep watch with a salute that would go unseen they set off to gather information... blending into the shadows like a ghost's... it was what made them part of the Elite Shadow Knight's of Kaelyn's guards.The best of the best so to speak.

Kae slumbered peacefully for many hours only to wake when one of her wayward children within her womb began to kick and protest its confinement. She woke with a small startled gasp of pain... rubbing her belly she smiled still half asleep to see Maahes in a chair by the window.

" M'Lord general ?" she began to ask looking about the room " Where are we?" she sat up pushing her long hair back from her face, and chuckled as her stomach growled loudly declaring the need for food. The sound seemed to rumble and filled the silent air that blanketed them.

She smiled at him, her hands moving slowly over swollen belly that seemed to move on it own at the moment. " Active wee things they be." her voice still sleepy sounding as she stretched and started to get up. " You should sleep... I can take the watch." she looked at him blue eyes meeting cool amber.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

He took his rise when Kae's voice broke the silence. Moving to her bedside only to pull the blankets back up around her. "We are in the Tavern just a mile from our destination." What a great little house wife he had become, and continued to prove the fact with the tray sitting at her beside of some dried meats and cheese.

"I can not sleep, not here." He spoke as he returned to the window, watching the shadows that drew together in the courtyard. "I feel there is something missing..something I am not catching." Amber eyes moved over the distance with worry laced heavily on them. He looked exhausted, but would not stop.

"Get your rest while you can Ranger, I have a feeling tomorrow will be very busy."


Kae watched as Maahes moved toward her and started to get out of the bed only to have him pull the blankets around her once more. She was so very tired though she had slept long and hard for uncounted hours, she would have relinquished the bed had he wanted to lay down and rest for a while. Leaning against the now propped and fluffed pillows she looked over at the tray next to her and smiled at him " A tavern?? How long have I slept? " she asked rubbing her eyes." It seems you have thought of everything." she said with a small hand waving about the room and finally the tray next to her." Maahes, I thank you my.... friend." she put a lot of emphasis on the last words.

She did not make friends easily and yet somehow this large lion of a man had found his way into her life... she was grateful more than she could express. How many would leave to accompany someone they really knew into possible danger. Not many but here was Maahes, she smiled to herself then.

Blue eyes watched as he returned to the window " Maahes talk to me, if there is reason to be concerned I would know of it, even if tis only a niggling from within you. ." she sat up straighter in the bed and reach for a piece of cheese and began to eat it slowly. She could see he was tired and worried and it made her own inner fears leap to life though she tried to push them down as to not be a distraction for herself or those with her.

" Aye, perhaps I shall rest a bit longer, but if you find the need to rest as well you only have to wake me. Hopefully on the morrow we find Dmitrii and Wila so we can go home." the words no more were out of her mouth than she had fallen back to sleep, cheese still in her hand. The blankets rippled and moved seemingly of their own accord as her babes stirred within her womb.The small floating bulges that were either feet or hands danced under her skin like fairies in the moonlight, and she slept missing the beauty of the miracle of it all.