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   Dragon Clan Chapt.  2 By Heathen57 (MF, fant., viol)

   Dragon Clan 2 The Journey Continues



   They approached the settlement from the Southwest along a ridge above
the town.  From this vantage point they could survey the area for miles
around.  The terrain was rocky where they were, but lower down there were
tended fields that lay fallow after giving their bounty earlier in the
year. The main road continued away from the village and toward the forest.
A smaller path that led to the gates of the settlement.  Small huts dotted
the landscape, the homes of the farmers that tended the fields.  With no
sign of troops and no movement other than a few carts, they started down
the ridge.

   Archer's Point was the largest settlement in the area.  It grew up
around an ancient outpost.  The crumbling towers and the ancient wall were
the only sign of a time when it was a wilderness outpost of the kingdom. 
Long ago abandoned by the troops that built it, now it housed the only
village within 3 days ride.  Built up inside the walls were shops and an
inn.  Aldren was hoping to be relieved of some of the burden they carried
in exchange for much needed supplies and perhaps some coin.

   They picked their way carefully down the slope.  There was a barely
discernable path that was really little more than an animal trail, but was
better than slipping on the loose rock on each side of them.  Once down,
they rode side by side through the tall brown grasses.

   Aldren once again stole a glance at his partner.  Her fine features were
highlighted in the mid mornings sun.  She was beautiful and carried herself
with a confidence that was astounding considering just a few weeks ago she
had been near death.  Her physical wounds had healed.  The wounds in her
mind would take longer, if they ever healed at all.

   His mind shifted toward the present and specifically the village ahead.
He was wary of the small villages toward the northern part of the kingdom.
He was not sure how far the influence of the priests extended.  Were these
people friendly to the kindred?  If they weren't, did they want to fight
their way out of the village?  These thoughts were racing in his head as
they moved down the main road.

   As they approached the fork in the road, Ameni voiced the concerns that
Aldren had been thinking.  "I think that you might better go in alone.  We
do not know how the townspeople would react to having an elf come riding
in."

   Aldren sighed.  "You are probably right.  It just galls me that you
cannot ride in.  I will get what we need and feel out the folk.  You can
wait just off the road about a mile past."

   They were at the fork in the road.  Ameni continued on leading the
packhorse they had chosen, while Aldren veered off toward the gate with the
other three loaded with the excess.

   He entered the town as casual as possible, but it was a lost cause. 
Even trying to blend in, a large man in leather and mail leading three
horses that were piled with weapons was not a normal sight.  Children and
animals shared the space within the open areas, darting between the
buildings and the adults that were moving about their business.  The adults
would stop and stare as he approached, muttering among themselves in hushed
tones.  His concerns were confirmed when he spotted the sign mounted on one
of the broken turrets that indicated a priest of the upstart Gods resided
here.

   Aldren reigned in at a shop that looked as though it was the local
tavern.  He knew this would be a place to get information about where he
could sell his wares as well as getting a feel for the general attitudes of
the populace.  As he dismounted, a group of children gathered around to
stare.  One older child was toward the back of the pack, trying to be a
part of the group, but obviously was not accepted as part of their core. 
Aldren looked at this child and spotted the signs of elvish blood in his
background.  That would be enough of a reason for his being outcast, at
least in the south.  Aldren pointed to him and gestured for him to come
forward.  "What is your name?"

   "Mirgan, sir"

   "Ahh a man with courtly manners.  Aldren then looked him up and down. 
"How old are you then young Mirgan?"

   "I have 14 winters sir." The young man drew himself up to his full
height.

   "That many eh?  Would you watch my horses and keep them safe?" He
produced 5 coppers from his belt pouch.  "I will pay you fairly."

   Mirgan's eyes lit up at the sight of the coins, but he kept his
mannerisms in line with his duties.  "That I will sir.  They will be safe
or my life will be forfeit."

   Aldren looked the young man up and down.  "You are not carrying any
weapon.  Any guard needs a weapon." He then reached into one of the
blankets and pulled out a short sword.  For a full-grown man it would have
been not much more than a large dagger, but it fit the young man's stature
well.

   Mirgan hefted the blade feeling it's balance as he had seen the men in
the village do.  He broke into a big smile, and then sobered.  "All will be
as you left it on your return."

   With a smile Aldren turned to the open doorway and entered the tavern.
As his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the interior, he could see it was
in many ways the same as other inns and taverns throughout the kingdom. 
The open beam ceiling was blackened with the soot from the candles and the
fireplace that was on the far wall.  A few long tables that were scarred
from knives and rough use.  The floor was rough planking with gaps along
the edges.  The man behind the counter was Aldren's height but larger in
girth.  His face showed the fights that he had broken up and the ruffians
he had tossed from his establishment.  His voice was gruff but his manner
was pleasant enough when he asked Aldren his preference.

   Ordering a mug of ale, he wet his thirst then asked the bartender if
there was a merchant in town that would be interested in trading some
articles that he had picked up from the trail.  The man directed him to a
building across the courtyard.  Finishing his ale, Aldren strode out into
the daylight to see a rather strange site.

   It seemed that Mirgan took his vow to keep Aldren's possessions safe. 
Standing with his feet braced, the boy held two men at bay.  There was a
crowd starting to form laughing at the two for being wary of the boy.  The
marks on their arms, and the slice in one of their tunics demonstrated that
they had every right to be cautious.  He could see the sword in Mirgan's
small hand tremble in fear and rage.

   Aldren walked up beside the boy and drew his own sword.  The two
would-be thieves decided the odds were no longer in their favor and left.
Aldren sheathed his blade and put his hand on Mirgan's shoulder.  The boy
lowered his sword and still trembling, knelt on the ground.  Mirgan finally
looked up.  "Thank you sir.  I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold
them off."

   "Mirgan, you showed more courage and honor than you would find in the
courts of the King.  The odds were against you and you stood firm.  No man
could ask for more than that."

   Those words seemed to give the boy strength.  He stood, once again tall
and proud.  The two untied the horses and headed to the shop that the
tavern owner recommended.

   The shopkeeper had come out to see what the commotion in the courtyard
was.  Aldren approached and greeted the man.  He was short but wide, with a
jolly face that belied the sharp wit of a businessman.  Aldren asked if he
was interested in some barter for some weapons and goods.  As the load was
revealed, he could tell the man was itching to know where he came across
such a horde, but knew enough not to ask.  The two set to bargaining, with
Mirgan keenly watching the proceedings.  When the shopkeeper made some
excuse about the cost of an item, the boy rolled his eyes.  Aldren caught
the movement and pressed the point.  The shopkeeper relented and a deal was
struck for all but the ponies.

   When all was done and they had sealed the deal, he had traded for all
the supplies they could use, 15 gold coins of the realm, and an extra
something for his new partner.  Mirgan beamed in pride when Aldren handed
him a new cloak and scabbard for the short sword.

   "A man needs a good scabbard for his sword." Aldren replied to the boy's
question.  "Now you will join me in a meal before I continue on my
journey." Talk of the earlier incident had spread through the village and
they were greeted with stares and whispers that, following Aldren's
example, Mirgan ignored.  His shorter legs were stretching to keep up with
Aldren, but his step was proud.

   The happiness Mirgan was feeling was flattened when they reached the inn
at the edge of town.  The owner refused to allow Mirgan to enter.

   "You can come in, but I won't allow a worthless half breed in my place.
I don't want them to disgrace my establishment!"

   Once again, Aldren's temper almost got him in trouble.  " This boy...
No, this man has served me above and beyond any duty that I had laid upon
him today.  He has shown more courage and honor in a few hours than you
will in your entire miserable life.  Perhaps you had better re-think your
position before I let my companion run you through."

   Mirgan just looked disgusted at the skinny little man.  "Lord Aldren,
sir?  I know of a place that we will be more than welcome.  He isn't worth
the trouble."

   Aldren looked at him and nodded.  With one more black stare at the
innkeeper, he turned and strode away, letting Mirgan lead him to the
location he preferred.  They moved through the gate and immediately turned
to the left coming to a halt at one of the small huts just outside the
wall. A beautiful woman appeared at the door her simple dress showing the
smudging of flour from her day's labor.  A little older than Aldren in
actual years, her pretty face showed the concerns and worry of someone much
more advanced in age.

   Mirgan approached her.  "Mother, this man was turned away from the inn
because of me and hasn't eaten.  Can we spare enough for him a meal?" The
woman looked at her son in surprise.  His serious tone and the formality of
his words shocked her more than the stranger that stood behind him.

   "Of course, we always have enough to share with a traveler."

   Aldren turned to one of the packhorses pulled out a small bundle.  "Only
if you will allow me to contribute to the meal." He handed her a bundle
that contained cured meat.  She took the package and ducked back into the
house, motioning them to follow.  The inside of the building was sparse but
clean and tidy.  A fire burned in the hearth over which a pot was heating,
its cover dancing as the contents bubbled away inside.  The smell of a stew
filled the room and Aldren realized that he was indeed hungry.

   The men sat across from one another on low benches as the woman ladled
the stew into bowls.  Combined with the coarse bread she had made earlier
it was a wonderful meal.  As they ate Mirgan gave her the account of what
had happened in the town.  Dulca, for that was the woman's name, listened
to the tale her son told with the air of disbelief.  She looked at Aldren
for conformation.

   "What he has told you is indeed true my lady." He said.  "This young man
proved that he is honest and worthy of the trust I placed on him.  You have
taught him well."

   Dulca looked at her son who was beaming at the praise.  It was as though
she was seeing him in a new light.  He had suddenly grown from the little
boy playing in the dirt to the young man who sat at the table.  She got a
sad look on her face as she realized that he was now of the age to make his
mark in the world.

   Aldren then took his leave from the woman.  Ameni was waiting on the
road for him and he was anxious to meet up with her again.  Mirgan had
already gone out to bring his horses to the door.  As he started out his
ears caught the sound of many feet moving along the road.

   Looking out, he saw a mob of about 15 men heading towards the hut.  In
the forefront was the innkeeper and what had to be the priest of the
village.  Aldren cautioned Dulca to stay inside and then loosened his sword
in its scabbard.

   Mirgan also saw the crowd and stood in front of the horses, his new
scabbard hanging from around his waist.  When the crowd got close enough
the innkeeper started shouting about how Mirgan had threatened him, and
that he wanted the boy punished for such things.  Apparently the crowd had
come along to participate in the fun.

   Mirgan stood his ground.  "I did nothing wrong.  In fact, I asked my
lord Aldren not to run him through, though he deserved it."

   The priest then spoke.  "We will not abide any sort of talk from such as
you.  A public beating will teach you to keep your lying tongue in your
head." He then reached down to grab Mirgan only to be met with the point of
a sword.

   "I will not be beaten because of the lying words of some skinny little
man." The priest reached again to grab him and Mirgan laid open his
forearm. The priest screamed in pain and ordered the mob to seize the
half-breed.

   Before anyone could get close enough to touch the boy, Aldren stepped
out with his own sword in his hand.  "You touch this boy, and your blood
will be soaking the ground." His eyes were blazing.  The crowd hesitated
briefly, but the lust for blood overcame any caution and they moved in.

   Aldren took the first one with an upward slice that left the man on the
ground holding his organs in his hands.  He parried the blow aimed for his
neck, and then decapitated his opponent.  Another lost his sword arm, and a
fourth was run through and fell back into the dirt, his heart pierced. 
Aldren stole a glance to his left and saw that Mirgan had already
dispatched one attacker and was working on another.

   The fight ended quickly when the mob realized that their numbers were
falling without the results they had anticipated.  They backed off,
carefully watching the defenders, pulling the bodies of the dead and
wounded with them.

   Dulca came out of the hut and ran to her son.  She checked him for
wounds, but found that he only had a small cut on his scalp.  The blood
that covered him was from his foes.  Aldren watched the retreating crowd,
then turned back to Mirgan.  The boy was looking at him and the fire in his
eyes was startling in it's intensity.  The warrior that had been under the
surface was unleashed.  Little did he know it was the same look that he
bore as a young man.

   Aldren suggested that the young man go and wash the blood off.  Mirgan
was still shaky, but moved toward the small barrel at the side of the
house. Dulca looked at the warrior that was in front of her.

   "Lord, I fear that my son's life will now be forfeit here, as well as my
own.  We must go to my brother, but he lives in a town called Ramas and
that is four days ride."

   "In which direction does this town lie?"

   "North and East of here."

   "I am sure that you can ride with us for that time, since my companion
and I are heading that way.  Pack only what you need and we will wait for
you on the main road."

   Mirgan came up about this time.  The thought that he had killed someone,
and that he could have been killed had set in on him.  He knelt down on the
ground and started to shake violently.  Aldren gave him a few minutes then
bent down to touch his shoulder.

   "Mirgan, you did well today.  You did what you had to do to protect
yourself and your mother.  The world is filled with dangers now, especially
for ones such as us.  Your mother has asked to go to her brother.  What you
need to do now is to help her get what you must have and then leave.  We
will wait for you on the main road."

   The young warrior stood and wiped the moisture from his eyes.  He knew
that Aldren was right and to stay here would mean death for him and his
mother.  Aldren left the spare horse for them and he moved out across the
fields to meet his companion.

   Ameni was sitting on a boulder between two trees awaiting his arrival.
He almost missed seeing her until she gave a soft call to him.  She
signaled him into the grove and he made his way into the brush.

   As he dismounted, she took note of the blood that was still fresh on his
mail.  He gave her a quick account of what had happened and let her know
that they would have a couple of traveling companions for a few days.  She
readily agreed to the change of plans.  They broke out some of the fresh
rations and settled down to wait for the new refugees to show up.

   Within an hour, they heard the sound of three horses moving along the
road.  Aldren stepped out to the edge of the trees and greeted Mirgan and
his mother.  They both had dressed for traveling and carried what looked to
be the barest of possessions on the third horse.  He led them back to the
clearing to meet Ameni.

   Ameni took stock of the two strangers.  Both were dressed in rough
woolen cloaks hiding their tunics.  The woman appeared to be still young
for having a child the age of the one riding next to her.  Her golden hair
was curled in ringlets that hung loosely around her face.  Blue eyes that
held the fear of the day's events.  The cloak could not hide the fullness
of her figure though.  Her large breasts were evident and the tight
leggings she wore showed that her legs were still shapely though they did
not carry the muscle tone that was evident in Ameni's own.  She had to
wonder in the back of her mind if Aldren had thoughts of bedding this
woman.

   The young man who rode at her side was definitely half-elven.  The
characteristics of the kindred were prominent in his face.  He had the
sadness in his eyes of one who had just had to kill for the first time.  At
his side was the sword Aldren had given him.

   She noticed all of this in the time it took for them to stop and
dismount.  As soon as they were on the ground, Aldren made the
introductions.  Mirgan was speechless staring at the elf maiden.  She was
the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.  It took him a few seconds to
realize that she was speaking to him in greeting.  Remembering something
that his late father had taught him, he brought his arm across his chest in
the greeting of the kindred.  It was clumsy, but he did it with such
seriousness that there was no doubt about his sincerity.  Ameni hid her
smile and returned the salute.  "Hail fellow warrior and friend." She spoke
in Elvish.

   Mirgan was startled at hearing the language.  It sounded like the words
were wound around all the living creatures in the world.  It seemed to
touch something deep within his soul.  He had heard his father speak it
only a few times, and it stirred the memories long past.  Finally he was
able to speak.  "Forgive me my lady.  I do not understand the speech of the
kindred.  My father never taught me."

   Aldren spoke up to relieve his embarrassment.  "What Ameni said was the
formal greeting that one elf warrior gives to another when they meet.  She
is acknowledging your status as a man and a warrior."

   At this, Mirgan smiled.  This beautiful woman considered him a man, not
some little boy.  He drew up to his full height that was still less than
the elf in front of him.  "My Lady, You have my gratitude for allowing us
to travel with you and the Lord Aldren.  May our journey be swift and free
of danger."

   Ameni smiled down at the young man.  His speech and mannerisms were more
for the courts of kings, not some little village.  But his mannerisms were
stiff.  She decided to put him more at ease.  " I appreciate the fine
manners that you possess, but on the road like we are, you may call me
Ameni.  Aldren wasn't actually a Lord of the lands; rather he was a captain
of the King's guard.  You may find that during a fight, it is easier to
shout just a name without the title."

   Aldren then asked the young man to help with the setting up of the camp.
Mirgan moved off to get some wood for a fire.  Ameni and Dulca prepared a
meal from the supplies that had been acquired earlier.  They soon settled
down around the fire.  Dulca told of her marriage to Mirgan's father, an
elf of the Wood clan.  They had lived in harmony near his father's
settlement for a while, moving when their only child was born.  He had been
killed and She and Mirgan survived from her skills as a healer and a small
plot of land.  The priest had arrived and established himself as the
authority in the town and that is when the trouble had started for Mirgan.
His appearance was much like his father's and he was shunned then
persecuted by the priest and his followers.  She had been in fear for him
for some time and today was the final straw.

   The rest of the conversation was of the adventures of the two companions
to date.  During a lull in the conversation, Mirgan asked Aldren about how
he had survived being half-elven.

   "It was no problem for most of my childhood." he explained.  "It wasn't
until the new cult took power that things started going bad.  I had taken
some taunts when they first started growing, but I was a big child and my
father being in the guards was a help.  Also my mother was well respected
as being a wise woman and a healer.  She taught me much of her magic, but
certain things she refused to even speak of.  Once the old king was gone
and his son in power, the cult wormed its way into the court.  I had
planned to leave, but it happened suddenly when the priests ordered someone
very close to me killed for disobeying them.  I went into a rage and slew
four priests and several more of their followers.  I grabbed what I could
and took off.  I am sure there is a price on my head, but no one has lived
long enough to claim it."

   There was more talk, but soon they bedded down for the night.  Aldren
took the first watch of the night waking Ameni several hours later.  Then
he lay down to sleep.

   It was just before moonset when Ameni touched his shoulder to awaken
him. He was instantly awake.  She touched her finger to her lips urging him
to be quiet.  "We have visitors." She whispered in his ear.  He slipped his
sword into the scabbard and rose up.  Ameni was urging the other two up and
to slip quietly into the bushes.

   "Two men approach from the road.  They are very inept at stealth,
stomping in the brush and talking much too loud."

   "Where and how close?"

   She pointed to the trees just ahead where the path had veered from the
road.  He listened as she whispered her plan.  He watched as she moved
silently and disappeared into the woods.  Aldren then walked into the trees
then started circling toward where the wouldbe robbers would emerge into
the clearing.

   He crept up to a stand of trees and waited.  Two men, the ones that
Mirgan held off in the village were sitting behind the low shrubs planning
how to ambush their quarry.  He looked to his right and spotted Ameni
holding her bow at the ready.  He grinned and silently drew his sword.

   Finally deciding on a plan of action, they both stood but one was having
trouble getting his short sword out.  They peered into the clearing seeing
the fire and remains of the camp but no people.  The taller of the two
asked "Now where do you think he could have gone, Rafe?"

   "Right here boys." Aldren shouted.  The two turned to see him standing
about 15 feet away and slightly uphill.  They looked at each other then
back to him.  From their actions, Aldren could tell that these two were not
the brightest ones from the litter.

   "You gonna come down here so's we can rob you, or do we have to come up
there?" This was Rafe who apparently had found his voice but obviously not
his wits.

   "Neither.  You are going to walk back down the road toward town and
think seriously about if you are really cut out to be robbers."

   Rafe was trying very hard to think of a plan so they would not have to
go back empty handed.  Finally he figured out that there were two of them.
"Com'on Gar, they's two of us and only one of him.  We can take him
anyways"

   Gar, who had the quicker mind looked at his friend.  "But he's got a
sword.  See it right there in his hand.  We could get hurt real dead like."

   Rafe thought about this.  "Yer right.  Why don't you go first and see
what happens."

   "Well I'm thinkin' you outta go first, since this waz yer plan."

   "OK We will both go."

   Aldren finally interrupted their conversation.  "That is not a good plan
at all."

   They both turned back to him.  "And why not?" was Rafe's reply as he
took a step forward.  An arrow passed within inches of his face, sticking
into the tree next to him.  The feathers were still quivering from the
impact.

   "That's why.  Now move before I turn you would be robbers into the
robbed."

   They both turned toward the road.  Gar turned back and said, "What about
our horses?"

   Aldren grinned and told them he would turn them back toward Archer's
Point in the morning.  They would be smart enough to find their way home.
With that the 'robbers' headed out in a slow dejected trot.

   Ameni asked, "Do you think they are smart enough to make it back?"

   "Those two are probably not smart enough to walk and talk at the same
time.  They were the ones who tried to steal the stuff I took into the town
to trade.  Mirgan held them off and even took a few cuts at them.  They
must have figured that I was alone.  Not good as thieves.  I wonder if they
can handle any job?"

   With that Ameni slipped onto the mare's back to make sure they had
indeed made it back to the road.  Aldren called the other two back down and
they started packing up to continue their journey.  They broke camp and
headed out to the road.

   The sun was dancing on the hilltops that showed to the west of them as
they moved out.  The day promised to be clear and warm.  The trees were
growing thicker and taller around them now, creating an archway through
which the road wound.  Mirgan rode next to Aldren in front and the women
coming up close behind.

   Ameni had seen Dulca watching Aldren in the camp earlier.  She wasn't
sure if it was gratitude or lust, but it worried her.  She wasn't sure if
Aldren was interested in her or not.  They were almost opposites in build
and he hadn't tried to bed her, so she was unsure of his preferences.  She
was still hopeful that he would see her in that way and at least make some
sign of interest.  Again she saw Dulca watching as Aldren rode lightly in
the saddle.  "He does cut quite a figure doesn't he?" Ameni stated.

   "Hmmm?  Yes he does.  Reminds me of my late husband, but larger.  I hope
that Mirgan will some day grow up to do as well."

   "He is a fine man."

   "Are you two bonded?"

   Ameni was reluctant to answer.  "No.  We have been together only as
companions"

   "Sounds as though you would wish for more?" Dulca smiled in answer.

   "Perhaps you are right, but I am not sure of his thoughts."

   "I was watching last night.  He was looking at you with such admiration
and even lust.  He cares even if he does not say so."

   Aldren turned in his saddle and glanced back.  She then saw what she had
missed before.  He did have a special look when he saw her.  It filled her
heart with a joy but also a fear.  She had never been with a man before. 
Would he be repulsed by her lack of experience?  She had never had the urge
to mate with a man, but now her loins seemed to be constantly in a state of
excitement.  The rhythm of the horse did not help and she was confused by
her lack of concentration.  But she would also wait until he took the first
steps.  She was too proud to even have the appearance of the girls who sold
themselves to any traveler with coin.

   For Aldren's part, he was just as unsure as the elf.  Ameni was the most
beautiful woman he had ever seen.  She had the mystique of the kindred.  He
had known the girls around the King's court, but most were too soft and
flabby for his tastes.  Now this woman with her lithe figure turned his
head.  Combined with her grace, she set him on fire.  But he didn't just
think of her as a bed partner.  He had dreamed last night of a bonding with
her.  But he said nothing in fear of her reaction.

   They rode far that day, stopping only to rest the horses and stretch
their legs.  By nightfall, they had found a clearing to set camp for the
night.  Dinner was a quick affair and Aldren chose first watch.  Mirgan
asked to watch with him and to the boy's surprise the request was granted.

   Long into the night the two stood guard.  Aldren taught the young man
many things that would help his survival.  Such as standing facing away
from the fire so his eyes would be more adjusted to the dark.  how to blend
in closer to the foliage, and how to determine the best spot to see
everything.  "How did you learn so many things?" Mirgan asked.

   "My father taught me much about being in the wild.  I learned much from
both of my parents.  My father had a small sword in my hand as soon as I
had the strength to hold it upright.  From him I learned the things that I
needed to survive.  My mother was strong in magics and healing and she
passed those skills to me, at least as much as she felt I would understand.
Since the times are against magic, I keep that part hidden except for the
healing."

   "My mother was an elf, and Ameni reminds me of her in many ways.  Her
death was the cause for my departure from the service of the king."

   "You mean that the priests had your mother killed?  But why?"

   "Fear.  They were afraid of the power and influence she possessed.  She
was a barrier to their control in the court and through the court the
kingdom."

   "Is that why they want to destroy the elves?  Because they fear them?"

   "Exactly.  They know the elves have the power to resist them.  And that
would give others the courage to do the same.  They must have fear and
obedience to control, not justice and equality among all the known
peoples."

   They stayed together for the rest of the night talking of the problems
and advantages of being half-elven.  Aldren woke Ameni for her watch, and
then bedded down for the night.  Sleep was difficult though for his
conversations with the young man had stirred up many memories.

   Mid afternoon found them in the village of Ramas, and Dulca's brother.
He greeted her warmly and welcomed them to stay with him and his wife.  He
thanked the two warriors for bringing his family there safely.  He was a
big man large in girth, but solid due to his profession as a smith.  He
asked for Aldren and Ameni to stay overnight and he would check their
horses in the morning.  The evening meal was lively with the smith's
children begging for stories from the travelers, and plenty of ale being
passed around.

   Aldren did get a few minutes to question the smith about the climate of
tolerance in the area.  The smith, Donnal, said that the new religion had
not taken hold around here and Mirgan would be able to grow up in peace. 
He also promised to continue to teach Mirgan as much as he needed to know.

   The next day Aldren and Ameni bade them farewell with a promise to
return some day.  They had sold the last horse for a good bit and had split
the coin, the same as before.  The air was turning cooler as the season
started to change but was still comfortable as they moved away from the
village.  Side by side they headed North keeping a bearing on the goal that
Aldren had originally set out for.

   During the next few weeks they had a continued spell of good weather. 
They spent the mornings practicing and sparing.  Sometimes they stayed in
the same camp for a few days, but most of the time they would use the
afternoon moving North.

   Then the weather had turned foul.  It had been raining for two days, and
this day had dawned there was a heavy mist.  The moisture had worked its
way through their cloaks, leaving skin cold and clammy.  There wasn't
anything that was dry in their camp.  By mutual agreement, they broke camp
early and headed toward the road.  The travel was miserable, and they moved
like ghosts, the only sound was that of the hooves of their mounts.  Aldren
was moving toward the foothills looking for an empty cave where they could
dry out.  He was hoping to avoid contact with a Wargbear, which used the
caves as dens.  With their bowstrings wet, the only defense was a sword and
there was too much a risk of injury.  Aldren had seen a warrior that had
been caught by a Wargbear.  The poison from the claws resulted in a
horrible death.  He learned that there was a cure for the poison and he
made a special effort to carry the supplies he needed.

   They made it to a cave that was gouged into the cliff face.  Aldren
coaxed a branch into flame.  He peered around the corner of the entrance
half expecting a deep bellow of rage, but the cave was empty.  It was large
enough to get all three horses into the back and seemed very snug and dry.
Stepping in he did not see any signs of occupation so he stepped back into
the entrance and beckoned Ameni to enter.

   While Ameni unpacked their gear, Aldren moved back out into the forest
and gathered enough wood to make a good-sized fire.  Again he used his
magic to start the blaze and they soon had a good fire warming them. 
Aldren felt comfortable enough to strip down to a loincloth to let his mail
and under padding dry.  As he pulled his shirt off Ameni got a good look at
his chest.  He was as powerfully built as she expected, but she was
surprised at the amount of scars he had on his chest and back.  When he had
stripped down he turned to Ameni.

   She hesitated a moment then began to remove the armor.  She got the
leather off and removed the outer layers of padding, but left her shirt and
breeches intact.  He could see her breasts through the damp fabric. 
Suddenly he realized that he was staring, and immediately dropped his gaze
to the floor.  She looked at him in surprise, then down her front and
realized just what he had seen.  She turned her back to him.  He cleared
his throat, and then grumbled.  "I am sorry to be staring.  But I will not
try and force myself on you." When she turned to look at him, her arms
covering her breasts, he grinned at her.  "Besides, I would not be in my
right mind to try and ravage a woman who could remove my head before I
could touch her."

   She returned his grin and then lowered her arms.  He gave her another
quick glance then turned his attention toward the pot of stew that was
bubbling next to the fire.  He wanted this woman like no other he had ever
met.  It wasn't just for her beauty, though she was indeed the most
beautiful, sensual creature ever, it was her whole persona.  She was smart
in the ways of nature.  Quick and deadly, yet she was gentle when given a
chance.  Her strong will had caused a couple of disagreements between them,
but she would listen to his reasoning.  He had learned to listen to hers as
well, for more than once she had been correct.  But he could not lust for
her.  They were friends and partners.  He did not want to lose her over
something alike this.

   For her own part, Ameni was having her own war with her thoughts.  She
was grateful for his saving her life.  He nursed her without ever trying to
take advantage of her weakened state.  He was ruthless in a fight.  He had
taken on a couple of ruffians that had tried to steal their horses.  That
battle was short and bloody.  Before she could grab her bow he had
disemboweled one and removed the head from the other.  Yet he showed
remarkable compassion when he had buried her kin.  And his dealings with
the local farmers were fair, even to the point of being generous.  He was
courteous to those who deserved it.  Yet he had not made a try for her, or
even made lewd comments to her.  She thought he might be interested because
when she would catch him looking at her, she could see a bulge in his
breeches.  Maybe it was because she was an elf and a fighter.  He had to
see that she could be both and still be a woman.  Sighing, she shook off
the thoughts and accepted the dish of stew.

   Later they were both sitting near the fire, tending to tasks that kept
their minds and hands occupied.  Ameni was oiling and checking her body
armor.  She stopped and looked at Aldren.  "May I ask a question?"

   Aldren look up from sharpening his sword.  "Of course."

   "What was the cause for those scars you carry?  I can make out the ones
from battle, but there are too many too close together to be made by a
weapon."

   He set his sword and stone aside.  "When I was young, in my mid teens, I
had gone out hunting with some of the other lads.  Their fathers were in
high regard in the king's court and I believe they only had me along was to
tease.  We camped out intending to return to the keep with the game we had
killed.  I knew of reavers, but when I wanted to camp well away from the
kills, I was over ruled.  Late that night we were attacked.  Fortunately
there were only 10 or so.  I grabbed the long knife that I carried and
moved with my back against a large rock.  The older boys were terror
stricken and slow to move.  One other lad moved toward me.  The others did
not even get weapons out before they had been killed in the frenzy.  It was
sure luck that this other lad and I survived.  We had killed several of
them and the rest retreated.  Daylight came and we headed to the keep to
call out the guard.  I was laid up for quite a while, but my father was
very proud that I had defended myself as well as I did.  That is when he
started my weapons training in earnest."

   "You must have been frightened."

   "What frightened me most was that when they started toward me, I came
into a battle rage.  I did not remember much of it, but my friend swore
that I looked like a bezerker, swinging my knife and at one point grabbing
one of the creatures with my left hand and dashing its head repeatedly on
the rock.  He said that when they broke off, I was screaming for them to
come back and fight.  And losing control like that scared me the worse.  I
swore I would not do it again."

   "And have you?"

   "Only once.  After my father had been killed.  An evil git of a priest
and his followers had followed my mother when she had left the keep to
visit her kin.  He got the followers to catch her and hold her while he
tortured her.  I came upon them just after he had choked her.  None of them
lived to tell what they had done."

   He fell silent afterwards, lost in the dark thoughts that the last
memory always seemed to bring out.  Ameni moved over to where he sat.  She
touched him lightly on the shoulder.  "We are alike in that we have both
had to see family taken from us.  Even though I cannot remove your pain, I
do understand it."

   Aldren felt her fingers touch his arm and it was like a small bolt of
lightning to him.  He turned his head and saw compassion and sadness in her
blue eyes.  He could tell that she was thinking of her kin again.  He
placed his arm around her shoulders.  She leaned into him a bit, and they
sat for a long time in a companionable silence.

   Eventually Aldren's mind climbed from the pit of hatred and despair, and
he realized just how close she was sitting to him.  Her arm was around his
waist, her fingers slowly rubbing in lazy patterns.  He looked down and saw
her eyes were unfocused, lost in her own thoughts.  He could not longer
resist and moved his head and kissed her cheek.

   Ameni looked at him with a startled expression.  He thought he had
really messed up his friendship when she slowly brought up her hand to
touch where his lips had just been.  "Why did you do that?"

   "Well, uh... err... You looked so forlorn that I just did it.  I am
sorry if I offended you." He started to lean away.

   "I am not offended.  I am just surprised.  We have been together for
several weeks, but you have never treated me as anything but a companion."

   "You are a companion to me.  The finest companion that I could hope
for." He held up his hand to stop her reaction.  "And I was fearful to try
and make anything more from this because I did not want to lose you."

   "So you do see the female under all the armor." She whispered.  In
answer, he kissed her full on the lips.  They sank down on the blankets
devouring each other's lips.  Side by side they were exploring each other
as they kissed.  He felt the strength of her muscles combine with the
softness of her skin and hair to produce the combination that was his dream
lover.  He worked her soft breeches off her hips and touched the skin that
was revealed.  Her moans and the rhythmic movements assured him that she
was as excited as he.

   For her part she was exploring his back and trying to remove the
loincloth that he had on.  His hardness gave her the assurance of her
sexiness that she craved.

   They were both too excited to waste time.  In the back of his mind he
remembered a tryst with a maid in the keep.  She was the most excited when
she would be on top.  He moved onto his back, pulling her on top of him. 
Her wetness made a trail over the top of his manhood as she jerked her
pelvis against it.  She did get her top open and off.  As she leaned
forward to position him against her entrance, he covered both breasts with
his hands, kneading the firm flesh.  Her nipples already stiff became
harder than ever.  She moaned as she slid down his shaft until she was
firmly seated upon him.  He could not believe how intense he felt their
coupling.  He had been with several women, but they were just quick flings
to satisfy his lust.  There was something more here, and it was so intense
that it worried him.

   As Ameni started moving, she began to feel sensations that she never
knew existed.  She had never been with a man and she could not believe how
full, how complete she felt.  It was like she had discovered something that
she never knew she needed.  Between the sensations she felt as he caressed
her breasts and the fire that was building in her loins, she was sure that
her entire body would burst.  Suddenly she felt something building,
starting deep inside her core and it spread throughout her body. 
"Eyyyyyyeeeee..." Her voice became higher until it was a high-pitched
scream.  Then her body became wracked with spasms as she experienced the
first orgasm of her life.  Just as she started to regain her senses, she
felt Aldren's manhood grow even larger and harder, then start to spasm.  He
was moaning her name as his hips thrust up to push himself even further
into her body.

   She collapsed on his chest as he started down from his orgasm.  She had
never been this exhausted before.  But she also had never felt so close to
anyone before either.  She pressed her face into his shoulder and smiled.
"That was the most wonderful feeling I have ever felt.  I didn't know it
was so great."

   Aldren raised his head.  "You mean that was your first?"

   The question caused her to rise up with her arms on either side of his
chest.  Her hair had fallen around her face.  "Are you disappointed?"

   "NO!" Then he added in a lower voice.  "If I had known, I would have
taken more time.  I have heard a woman's first time is very special."

   "I cannot think of anything that could be more special."

   "Well if you are interested, we can experience even more."

   She grinned down at him.  "I am very interested to know even more." With
that they fell back into kisses and caresses, more gentle now that the edge
of their lust was dulled.  They made love again before falling into a
well-deserved sleep.

   Aldren awoke during the night and rolled over to look at the woman next
to him.  He had been lonely since his mother had been killed and he had
fled.  Now he had someone to care for and that cared for him as well.  He
had a mate now and he would never feel the pain of loneliness.

   ~~~~~~~~~FINIS Chapt.  2 ~~~~~~~~~