-Chapter Twenty Five-
Casavir awoke to a lonely bed. He rolled over and found her gear was also missing. He rose and donned his armor and weapons quickly and rushed to the main room of the Sunken Flagon.
He entered the room to find Lana, Sand, Bishop and Shandra about to leave.
"Decided to join us after all eh Paladin?" sneered the ranger.
Casavir ignored Bishop and looked inquiringly at Lana. "Why did you not wake me? Today we head to West Harbor do we not?"
Lana only nodded and opened the door to leave as the others fell in behind her.
The small band took some time to get through Neverwinter so everyone could do any necessary restocking, but were on the road by the afternoon. The trip to West Harbor had come upon them suddenly and rations, potions, scrolls and healing kits needed to be resupplied before they could leave.
Lana and Bishop took the head of the group scouting the path and setting a blistering pace. She spoke as little as possible to anyone and kept her jaw clenched and set.
"Is this not a two weeks trip or will we be running the whole way?" Sand sniped as he tried to catch his breath when they paused for a brief water break.
"Ya, my feet are killing me. Is there some emergency or are you just trying to kill us slowly?" Shandra whined.
Lana stood staring at them all looking impatient. "I do not recall asking you to come Shandra. If this is too much for you, please feel free to return. The way back is not far and I think even you can make it alone," Lana retorted bitingly.
Casavir stepped forward, "My lady, I agree. This pace is not necessary. We will reach West Harbor in plenty of time for you to..."
Lana cut him off, "I do not remember asking your opinion in this Casavir. You may escort Shandra back to Neverwinter if you choose. You are not bound to me, it is not your duty to be here," she snarled.
Bishop stepped up next to Lana, standing so close he rubbed against her arm. "I say we can keep this pace. If the rest of you ladies can't keep up, Lana and I can go ahead and you all can catch up. If you can that is," he said mockingly.
Casavir started to object but Lana cut him off again. "I think that sounds like a good idea. Bishop and I can move much faster with just the two of us. Bishop and I will go ahead and set up camp. Casavir, you are in charge while we are gone," Lana said curtly.
Without another word, she grabbed Bishop by the arm and pulled him onward down the path.
Sand watched the two retreating figures and looked quizzing at Casavir, "Trouble in paradise Casavir?"
Casavir clenched and unclenched his jaw. "I am not sure. Let us make haste, they will be moving much faster now."
I am sure she is just upset after last night. I will leave her to sort things out and give her a day or two to calm herself. There has been much emotional upheaval, but if that ranger tries to take avantage…
Sand, Shandra and Casavir hurried down the trail ahead. It was a grim and monotonous trek and no one felt like talking. Shandra griped about her feet hurting and while Casavir kept stoically silent, Sand would shut her down with a snide remark.
It was nightfall before Casavir's group finally overcame Bishop and Lana. The two had set up camp and had a fire with food cooking over it by the time the threesome arrived.
"Well, I see you finally made it. Took long enough, we've been here for hours," Bishop sneered. He stood over the fire, stirring the pot hanging from a tripod over the flames. Lana sat watching the new arrivals grimly.
"Well we didn't run the whole way like idiots," Shandra retorted as she sat rubbing her feet.
"I for one enjoyed the brisk pace. It is not like there is anything I was missing along this lovely road," Sand snarked to Shandra.
Casavir stood and stared at Lana. She remained silent and withdrawn and only met his eye for a split second. He had missed her company and decided to take the intuitive to mend last night by sitting beside her unbidden.
"I admit Bishop that it is welcome to arrive to a warm fire and meal. You both have done well and made good time. Maybe tomorrow we can travel together since we have made such good distance today," Casavir said with what he hoped was an encouraging tone.
Lana nodded but kept still. Bishop snorted but for once remained silent as he continued to monitor the stewpot.
Shandra piped in, "So, we finally get to meet your father huh? I always wondered about where you came from, now we get to meet your friends, how great."
"Yes, it will be such a thrill to meet all the local townsfolk. I'm sure it will all be so very quaint," Sand said dryly.
"Your father is elven right?" Shandra inquired of Lana. Lana responded with a slight nod.
"Well then Sand, you two should get along great. You can try to outsnipe each other, that should be fun," Shandra said sarcastically.
"Why is it we are making this little journey to home anyway Lana? I didn't think you were homesick or anything. I thought you didn't want to come back."
Casavir watched her jaw clench and unclench but answered quickly for her, "Lana needs to return Lorne's sword to his mother. Lorne was a childhood friend and it is the noble and right thing to do, to speak to his mother and inform her of his fall." He reached over and took her hand in his own and gave it a small squeeze. She did not return his grip but did not pull away either.
Bishop snorted again but held his peace. "Well, if everyone is done questioning our noble leader, there is rabbit stew ready. I suggest you eat so we can get some sleep. You will need to keep up with us tomorrow."
After eating, cleaning up the meals remains and banking the fire for the night, they all rolled out their bedrolls and prepared to sleep. Shandra had agreed to take first watch. Lana removed herself a small distance away from everyone, but this was not unusual for her and Casavir. He followed her again unbidden and unrolled his bedding beside hers. She looked at him but said nothing as she removed her leathers and donned her usual cotton tunic and lay down, pulling her blanket around her.
He sighed. I see that her time with only Bishop today has done nothing to calm her. This cannot continue another night however.
"Lana, will you speak with me?" he asked softly.
Lana sat up and turned to look at him. "I did not know we had more to say. We both said quite enough last night Casavir."
He nodded, "Much was said, but there was also too much left unsaid. We questioned each other's devotion and integrity, which was wrong on both counts."
"I have told you my feelings repeatedly Casavir. I do not know what more I can say for you to start believing me."
"And I have heard all that you have said and pledged my loyalty to you also. I do not question your loyalty, nor have I ever. I want to be with you by choice. No one has made me serve by your side all this time. It is my choosing and my desire to be with you."
She sighed resolutely, "I think we should get some sleep Casavir. The road ahead is long and tiresome," Lana replied with her mouth set in a frown. She lay back down turning her back to him.
They arrived at West Harbor after a long and uneventful trip. Lana had kept her distance from Casavir, remaining at the head of the group with Bishop to scout ahead when they traveled and she had made it very clear at night that she did not feel like talking. He knew she was still hurting, but didn't know what more there was to say.
They stood at the town's entrance clumped behind Lana. She stood almost as stiff as a statue surveying the small buildings before her with no joy in her countenance.
"Nice place, not bad. So do we visit your father first or what?" Shandra said, breaking the silence.
"Not bad if you can get past the smell. The swamp certainly is endearing this close," Sand drawled.
Without comment, Lana started off across the small clearing ahead of them.
Casavir noticed several people stop as they went about their daily business to watch the band of travelers. No one smiled or called to Lana as she walked through what appeared to be a commons area and she did not acknowledge them either.
Lana headed toward a small house that was removed from town on the other side of a small bridge. She approached and entered without knocking. Lana strode into the small living area where an elven man sat by the fire polishing a longbow. He barely glanced up as she approached and did not seem surprised to see her.
"Ahh, you have returned. You still have the shard, don't you? Make your visit brief - you put us all at risk with your return," the man said coolly without looking up from his bow.
"As welcoming as ever. I missed you too father. I have delivered the shard to Uncle Duncan," Lana replied with equal coolness.
Lana's father nodded ever so slightly, "I sense one task only led to another. Such is the way - what seems a simple thread is often part of a complex tapestry."
Lana gave a curt nod. "I came for another reason. I will not stay long so have no fear," Lana answered.
She turned to look at her companions, "You can stay here or do as you wish. I have something I need to attend to. I will return shortly." Without further explanation, she turned and left them all standing awkwardly staring at each other.
"So, you are Lana's father?" Shandra asked awkwardly
"Yes, I am Lana's father, Daeghun. You may pull up a chair and stay if you desire."
She moved to pull a chair and sat on the other side of the fire. "We are Lana's companions- Sand who is a wizard, Bishop, our scout and a ranger and Casavir, a paladin. My name is Shandra; I was a farmer in Highcliff before my farm was destroyed," Shandra nodded in indication of each member in turn.
"I am sure Daeghun would find your story riveting. Why don't you regale him with your enchanting tale? In the mean time, I am going to look around," Bishop sneered and left them.
Casavir stood uncomfortably for a few moments longer while Shandra chatted at Daeghun.
"If you will excuse me, I think I will also go look around. I would like to see the town while there is still light," Casavir said excusing himself.
I wonder which house belongs to Lorne's family. I hope all is going well between Lana and Retta.
He strode slowly around the houses and few businesses with no real intent. It was odd to see such humble beginnings compared to the woman he knew in Lana. Daeghun had been right to teach her to leave; this was no place for someone like her. She was meant for better even if she did not see it.
Casavir stopped when he heard raised voices coming from a large house nearby. He was curious as he made out two women's voices, one sounding very much like Lana's.
He quickened his pace and arrived just as Lana stumbled out from the door.
"Get out! Get out of my house you little conniving whore!" the other women's voice shrieked.
"Retta please! Please listen to me! I did not want any of this," Lana cried back.
"You killed him, you bitch! You dare tell me you loved him and in the same breath, killed him too!" Retta stormed out, fists clenched and face bright red in anger.
"How dare you darken my doorstep? You are the reason Lorne is dead, you killed him by sending him away. Get out of here now!" Retta screamed in anger.
"Retta, no! I loved him, I waited for him. I wanted nothing more then to marry him and …" Lana implored as tears poured down her cheeks.
"And nothing! You did not love him or you would not have fought him. You sought revenge for his leaving you. You always were a cold hearted little bitch, just like your father!"
"No, please. Listen to me Retta. I did love him. I loved him more and wanted to be with him for the rest of my life. It's all I wanted. He betrayed me and left me no choice. I don't know what happened after he left. I don't, I don't know," Lana sobbed, falling to her knees in a heap with her face in her hands.
Retta took the few steps to stand before Lana. "I treated you like a daughter. I trusted you, loved you and this is how you return it. Get out of my sight and never return. You are not welcome here," she snarled. She stood staring down at Lana's shaking form with a look of loathing and disgust. Retta remained for a few seconds more before quickly pivoting on her heel and stomping back into her house slamming the door behind her.
Casavir stood in shock at the scene before him. He looked at the door where Retta had gone and Lana's crumpled form. Casavir ran the few steps to kneel by her side. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close.
"It's alright Lana, it's alright," he crooned softly in her ear. Sobs continued to wrack her body. He sat on his knees rocking her and stroking her hair.
"It is over now; you have done the right thing. Lana, it will be fine."
After several minutes her sobs slowed. "Casavir, she cast me out. She hates me and I deserve it."
"No, no you don't. You did what had to be done Lana, she is just in shock. Give her time."
"I should have known. Everyone I love leaves me one way or the other. I should have known."
"No Lana, not everyone who cares for you leaves. I am here, I will not leave you." He pulled her close laying her head to lie upon his chest while he continued to stroke her hair.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and silently cried. They sat that way for several minutes longer until she could regain her composure. He stood and gently pulled her to her feet. Casavir wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his side while she put her arm around his waist.
"Let us return to your father's home. I think we have given this town enough of show for now," he said as he looked at the staring townsfolk. He glared at those closest and they hastily turned away.
Retta's house was on the other side of the field from Daeghun's and the commotion had drawn many onlookers. No one came forward to console Lana but as they walked by three burly men, they stepped forward with menacing glares.
The largest stepped forward and sneered, "Hey boys, looks who's back. It's Lorne's girl but she's brought a shiny new beau. Whatcha do with Lorne huh?"
The other two laughed mirthlessly.
"I always knew you were easy. I saw all those men you came into town with. Betcha yer real good," the man snarled.
Lana straightened and stepped forward to stand almost nose to nose to the heckler. "I should've killed you when I had the chance Ward. You and your brothers are nothing but scum."
"Eh, look at this boys. This little piece of meat thinks now that she has a big shiny bodyguard that she can talk back now."
Casavir grabbed Lana's arm and pulled her back to his side. "Excuse me gentlemen. As thrilling as this is, we have someplace we need to be."
One of the other men stepped forward and shoved Casavir's arm. "Well what have we here? Looks like our little Lana has gone and gotten herself a knight. She must be good, maybe we need to find out for ourselves."
The three men all chuckled evilly and moved to close around Lana and Casavir. The largest man, Ward, drew a dagger and sneered at Lana. "Come on, let's see what you got you little ice queen. I've been waiting for this for years."
Casavir pulled her closer, "We do not want any trouble, let us pass and we will be on our way."
He heard the unmistakable sound of Lana's blades being unsheathed. "Oh but I do want trouble. I want lots of it," she snarled beside him.
"No my lady, this is not the place. Withdraw your blades and let's just go," he said sternly.
"Let the little lady try. We've been waiting to take down this princess for the longest time. I'll betcha she's good in the sack and I intend to have a go at her now that Lorne ain't around."
He heard a bloodcurdling scream and before he realized what had happened, Lana had launched herself at Ward. Ward managed to parry a blow of one of her longswords with his dagger but she sliced his raised arm with her other as he tried to shield himself.
Ward backstepped away from her, grasping his wounded arm. "You little bitch, you sliced me. I'll enjoy making you scream for that!"
The other two men lunged to protect their brother but Casavir was faster. He drew his sword and stood before them both, blocking their advance. "I think not gentlemen. This will be a fair fight or you will meet your maker this day."
The two brothers balked but stepped away from Casavir's blade wordlessly. He nodded with a fierce look at them both and used his blade to indicate they move so their backs were to Lana and Ward so he could watch Lana.
Lana was crouched and slowly circling Ward. Ward eyed her warily, his dagger positioned to strike.
"Come on ya bitch, show me whatcha got," Ward taunted.
Lana sneered. She lunged and made a quick slash at Ward's leg before withdrawing again. She had drawn a long gash down his thigh. He winced but regained his control quickly. "What, is that all you got? You're making this too easy."
Ward made an ungainly lunge which Lana easily sidestepped. As he passed her, she thrust out her foot causing him to fall to the ground on his face. Lana quickly moved back into a fighting stance and sneered at Ward as he scrambled to his feet.
"Oh, so we're going to fight dirty huh? Well okay then," he growled. Ward made another ungainly attack but this time Lana crouched low and caught him across the stomach as he flailed past her. Casavir winced when he saw the cruel snarl on her face.
This time she did not wait for Ward to regain his footing advancing on him while he righted himself. She kicked him while he tried to stand and he stumbled again. Lana jumped to Ward's side and kicked him hard in the ribs. Ward grunted in pain.
Her lips were drawn in cruel smile as she mockingly said, "Come on Ward, is that all you got? I thought you could do better then that. What a waste."
Ward bellowed, pulling himself up and charging her. Casavir saw hatred gleaming in her eyes as she threw her blades to the ground, lowered one of her shoulders to lunge at Ward. They collided with a hard thud. Lana caught Ward in the chest with her shoulder and punched him in the stomach.
Ward screamed in pain and fell to the ground holding his already wounded midsection. She screamed and jumped onto his writhing body, pinning him between her thighs. Casavir had not seen her draw Bishop's hunting knife as she leapt but she held it to Ward's neck.
Lana lowered her face so it looked like she was going to kiss him, but kept the dagger pressed to Ward's neck. Casavir could see a trickle of blood from the blade's tip.
She growled in a low, almost sultry whisper, "Give me one good reason I shouldn't kill you Ward. Beg for me you swine."
Ward looked into her eyes as he panted in pain. Casavir could see the fear etched on Ward's face as he stared at her.
"No? I didn't think there was a good reason either," she snarled as she drew the blade back to take the killing blow.
"NO! Lana no!" Casavir bellowed. He had seen the intent in her face and rushed to knock her from Ward's prone body. She lay sprawled with one leg still across Ward's stomach and glared at Casavir with hatred in her eyes.
"Lana, it is over. Do not do this, you have bested this pig. There is no need to shed anymore blood," he said gently as he grasped her bicep and pulled her to her feet.
The other two men stepped forward in a fumbling attempt to lunge at Lana and Casavir. Casavir held his sword in a striking position while holding onto Lana's arm. "I would not advise such action if I were you. Now collect your wounded and remove yourselves from our presence, NOW!" Casavir boomed.
Both men jumped forward, fear on their faces as they grabbed Ward and pulled him none too gently to his feet. They stood him between them and stumbled away while shooting fleeting glances over their shoulders.
Lana shook her arm out of his grasp. "Why in the hells did you stop me Casavir? That was my battle! You had no right!"
"Lana, that was no battle. You were taunting him and could have won three times over. Killing him would have proven nothing and would not ease your pain."
Lana stood glaring at him, but she said nothing as she stooped to collect her swords and resheath them. "He deserved it Casavir. The world would be a better place without the likes of him; I would be doing everyone a favor."
Casavir grinned in spite of himself. "Of that I have no doubt, but it will not help make things right for you. You would not want his death upon your soul. He is foul, but stupid. Even Tyr's justice does not allow for the killing of stupid my lady."
"Casavir, if I didn't know better I would think you just made a joke. A very ill timed, inappropriate joke I might add," she said with a chuckle.
"Yes, well, we cannot all be as brilliant as you my lady. Shall we return to Daeghun's now before any other excitement can find us?" Casavir smiled at her as he pulled her to his side with his arm around her waist.