"They are lying." Puck looked at the 4 travelers walking to the barracks. "I know they are Puck."
The young soldier looked up at his captain. George ran his hand through his hair like he did a lot when he was thinking.
"Then why do you let them in? And let them stay with us?" Puck whispered as he picked up the second sword of the travelers to put away.
"Because it's Kallen. If he thinks he needs to lie to us, he probably has a damn good reason to do so. Now put those swords away and keep your tongue. We are in enough trouble as it is." Puck hurried towards their weapons depot, and George looked at the barracks once more. They had gotten in safely. George's mind ran a thousand miles an hour. Never in an age would he have thought to ever see Kallen again. Let alone with Halbarad, captain of the rangers. The old soldier wasn't stupid. He knew who his neighbors were and Fornost wasn't that far away. Kallen had been his closest and dearest friend and when he told him he would join the rangers, George knew it was the right thing to do for Kallen. He had always been purer of the heart than he was.
But why did they come here now? His head turned towards the inn. He wondered if the enemy's spy had seen them... Those black riders… His blood still froze thinking about them... were looking for Norfolk women. And now Kallen showed up with a female ranger, a ranger captain, and an injured ranger. Lying about who they were to hide the fact they had a woman with them. It was all just too much of a coincidence.
George snorted and spit in the melting snow. He needed to talk to Kallen somehow and get them out of there as fast as he could, without letting the spy know who they were.
Kallen moved quickly, swinging his sword in the air to attack her injured side. Ram ducked, and turned, dancing away from him. He was laughing as she pulled a face at him. Ram moved in as he was laughing, sending him to the ground as she tackled him. With a loud clanging of their armor, they dropped to the ground. Both of them snickering in joy. "I win," Ram said with a smile. But Kallen quickly dropped his sword and sent his hands into her armor, tickling her. Ram let out a high-pitched scream. "No, Kallen. NO, STOP STOP IT, WHAHAHAHAHA." She laughed, out of control. She was helpless as his fingers harassed her sides. Sharp pains shot through her body as he attacked her bruised side.
"Do you yield?" Kallen asked as he kept on tickling the strong warrior. Too late he saw the look in her eyes as her fist collided with his jaw. She kicked him off with a force she had not used during their spar. Sending the younger ranger through the air. She turned to her side as she fought to get air into her lungs. She cursed as she painfully clung to her side. "What was that Kallen?" She shot as she looked over her shoulder to the younger ranger who was still grabbing his jaw as he rolled over the ground in pain. "Don't be a baby, I did not hit you that hard." She panted, grabbing her injured side as she got to her feet.
The younger ranger got to his feet. His brow had knit together, a snarl around his lips. "What the hell was that?" He shouted furiously, still holding on to his jaw.
"What?" Ram looked at the man in shock as she popped on her left leg, her hands on her hips. "You hurt me, Kallen. Or did you forget the giant bruise on my side?" She crossed her arms, glaring down at the man in front of her. "What were you thinking?"
Kallen blinked, before losing his fight. "Oh man, I forgot about that. Sorry, Ram." She huffed. Kallen pulled out his biggest smile. "I can take care of it if you like." He wiggled his eyebrows at her. Obviously trying to flirt yet again.
Ram had trouble dealing with his terrible flirting actions as it was. And now she was in pain and no mood for his antics. She walked away from him towards the small bench that held her brothers. Strider raised his eyebrow at her, as she rolled her eyes. "Don't ask." She shot towards the two. Strider closed his mouth as he was about to ask if she was alright. Ram had been on edge. Especially when they were alone.
The plan was to stay one night and then move on. But the outside world had a different plan. For two days the snow was whirling and the freezing temperature turned water into ice. The wind was howling around the large settlement in the middle of the wild, next to the king's road. Now they had been stuck there for two days forced to keep up the act they did when they first got in.
Ram took the cup of water Halbarad handed to her. She drank quickly as the cold liquid ran down her throat, calming down some of her anger.
She felt an arm around her, and Kallen moved in to kiss her cheek. Fury flared up, as she swung her elbow towards his ribcage, covered by her tunic. "Don't touch me." She hissed at him, as she forced her face into a smile. But Kallen just laughed and pulled her even closer.
"Kallen!" Halbarad barked at the younger ranger, his burning eyes forcing the younger rangers away from Ram. "I'll go clean up." He snickered before he turned and walked off.
Strider gently took Ram's hand, pulling her on the bench with him. "Calm down. We got eyes on us." Ram looked away, trying to keep her face under control. It was hard, and she had to fight the tears, as her frustration had trouble finding an outlet. Her heart was racing as she clenched her hand into a fist. She inhaled deeply, gaining control of her feelings, at least on the outside. She smiled at Strider, but it did not reach her eyes and he knew she was far from feeling fine. "I'll go after him. See you at lunch." She smiled, jogging after the younger rangers.
Halbarad and Strider exchanged a look. "We need to leave this place sooner than later," Strider whispered.
"I agree. Watch out, the captain is coming." Halbarad signaled with his eyes and the two rangers got to their feet. The captain of the guard had tried to get to them in the last two days, but so far they had managed to stay away from him. But they were too late now as he sat down quickly. "Gentlemen. It is good to see you." The captain smiled and pulled them back down on the edge of their sleeves. "I need to have a word with you." Strider exchanged a look with Halbarad. "We need to get going, captain, perhaps another time?"
But the captain shook his head. "No, Captain Halbarad, you have been avoiding me ever since your arrival. I need to talk to you." Halbarad did not look shocked when the captain named him correctly. "I thought you might." He replied, wary of what was going on. "Don't worry. I won't expose you. I need your help." George let go of their arms and turned to Halbarad.
Halbarad exchanged a look with Strider who gave a slight nod for him to continue.
"What seems to be your problem, dear captain," Halbarad asked, looking at George from the side. The weathered soldier pulled up his nose for a moment. "A day before you arrived, some black riders passed here, telling everyone they would pay good money for northern women. Especially female rangers. Their accomplice is still in the inn. That is why I told you to stay in the barracks." His voice was a lot softer, as he looked at the door of the training grounds. Since the forsaken inn suffered heavy winters, they had a full winter accommodation for training and storing food. It was connected to the barracks with covered walkways, offering much-needed shelter from the snowstorms. It had only one door, and Strider and Halbarad were sure there were guards posted outside of them right now.
"And why are you telling me this?" Halbarad asked. "Why not take Ram and hand her out yourself."
George snorted. "Gees Halbarad. I know we never met and I know we don't always see eye to eye. But to sell women to a snake from the east is low. Even for me." He was silent for a moment. "The world is turning much darker than I would like. We need to pick our friends with care."
He looked at the door again, before looking at Halbarad. "And you wish to pick the rangers as your friend," Strider spoke softly.
George looked over his shoulder to Strider and nodded. "Yes. We do." Strider looked at Halbarad and nodded. Halbarad placed his hand on George's shoulder. "Well then. Let's talk about how we are going to do that."
They were only half into the conversation before the door flew open. A young soldier came running to them, looking quite shocked. "Captain, some of the patrons attacked the woman, you need to be there before a fight breaks out." George got to his feet, turning to the two rangers. "Is she alright?" Strider got to his feet as well, looking at the door. The soldier looked at his captain. "Tell them Puck," George stated, already walking to the door. "Shaken, but uninjured. Kallen took her to your office. We thought it would be the safest place at the moment." The soldier looked at Strider from the corner of his eyes. "She put up quite a fight." Halbarad nodded. "I thought she would." They arrived at the door and George turned to the young soldier. "Take these men to my office. I will be there soon enough. Take the inside road, Puck." The soldier nodded and turned towards Strider and Halbarad. "This way."
They walked quickly through the halls of the inn. What state would she be in? Strider's heart was pounding in his chest. They attacked Ram. He balled his fists in anger, as fury flared up inside him. He never took well to men that attacked women, but to think Ram was on the receiving end flared up a defensive streak in him he had not felt before.
Puck opened a heavily adorned door and Strider was inside within two steps. The office was sparsely decorated. It held a desk and three chairs. Two by the table and one by the fire that was burning happily. Kallen sat at the chair behind the desk. His legs popped up on the table as he leaned back comfortably. Ram on the other hand was pacing up and down in front of the fire. She looked up at them before she started pacing again. She had her arms crossed across her chest. Strider met her eyes for a short moment before she looked away. She had a bewildered look in her eyes and her fingers tapped nervously on her upper arms. Puck had not lied when he said she was shaken. Her jaw was tight as she paced up and down, no longer looking at any of them.
"What happened?" Halbarad asked, pushing Kallen's feet off the table. Kallen smirked, his eyes flashing towards the female ranger. "They tried to steal Ram from us. Luckily they did not expect a fight." He sounded cocky, but Halbarad knew him long enough Kallen was just as shaken as Ram. Kallen's eyes flashed towards Puck.
"Can you leave us alone for a moment?" Strider asked the soldier, trying to sound calmer than he was feeling. The young soldier looked from one ranger to the other. But then he nodded and moved outside, closing the door behind him.
Kallen got to his feet and walked over to Ram, his fists clenching and unclenching as he tried to keep himself in check. "We need to leave here as soon as possible." He stated, his eyes flashing towards Halbarad.
Strider nodded. "I agree." He looked from one ranger to the next. "What happened?" He asked softly.
Ram looked up at him, tears had welled up in her eyes before she looked away. She stopped pacing and Strider stepped closer, his hand slowly moving towards him. Ram flinched, and the ranger quickly pulled his hand back. "What did they do, Ram?" He asked softly, stepping closer once more. She was a wreck, even though she was trying to keep her composure. She must have been in real trouble for her to look this shaken. Strider thought.
It was Kallen who answered. "They went for her. I heard her scream, so I ran back. I did not know she was following me. Why was she there alone anyway?" Kallen glared at Strider, who looked back at Halbarad. "We were negotiating peace. She left right after you. We thought she would be fine." Strider answered, looking back at Ram. Was this his fault? Strider's heart fell for a moment.
"Well, she wasn't," Kallen spit, "They..." "No Kallen." Ram snapped, her arms hung beside her body as she clenched her fists and her jaw. Clearly upset by what the younger ranger was going to say. But Kallen turned towards Strider. "No, Ram. We all knew about this and yet somehow you were alone." Kallen's eyes narrowed as he looked at Strider. His mouth was pulled in a snarl, as his eyes passed over the ranger chief.
"That is not important now I.." Ram started, her voice cold and harsh. She squared her shoulders to look bigger and stronger than she stopped and turned to her. "Not important? I saw where they had their hands if I had been a few moments later…"
"Shut up!" Ram yelled, suddenly stepping towards Kallen. She pointed her finger at him. It was shaking. When she saw it she quickly pulled her hand back. She turned away from the three rangers.
It was all too much. Strider was looking from one ranger to the other as he realized what had happened. Those men did not just attack Ram. They assaulted her. His heart stopped, but he knew instinctively what to do.
"OUT." The chief snapped.
Kallen looked at Strider in surprise. "What?"
"Out, now." Strider barked. Halbarad moved, quickly followed by a confused Kallen, who closed the door behind him.
When they were alone, Strider inhaled, trying to calm himself down. Ram was a proud woman. Proud and too hard on herself. She would never show her weakness in front of Halbarad and Kallen. He looked at the female ranger in front of him. He wasn't even sure she would show him.
"Cailean." He spoke her real name, hoping to break through her walls. She looked up at him, small and fragile. Her tears had finally made their way down her cheeks. Strider opened his arms, and the woman quickly ran to him. He put his arms around her gently as she let out her tears. He stroked her hair softly. Even now the smell of her hair was intoxicating. "I'm here. I got you." He whispered as she pushed herself even deeper into his embrace.
"I could not... I could not fight them off. They.." She tried to speak, but she had trouble breathing through her tears. "I am sorry," Strider spoke softly. Kallen had been right. They should not have let her leave alone. Ram looked up, wiping a tear away from her cheek. "It was not your fault Strider. We did not know about this." She swallowed and wiped her other cheeks clean. Strider could see she was far from alright, but as he saw her swallow, he knew she was trying to get a grip on herself. "In their confidence, they told me a part of their intentions. Apparently, there is a price on the heads of female rangers and northern women. They need to be brought alive to the crossing of Brinst." Ram swallowed looking up at the tall ranger in front of her. In her eyes lay a look of want and despair. Strider was unable to deny it. He nodded before he pulled her back into his arms. "Thank you, we will discuss that later." He spoke softly as he felt her relax in his arms.
They kept standing like that for a while, Strider could feel his heart pound in his chest. He had not realized he missed her touch this much. At that moment between them, locked in the office of the captain, Strider gave in to his feelings for a moment. In their months traveling together, he had learned not only to rely on her. He had grown accustomed to her ways, appreciated her humor, and admired her passion. He had known for a while, but he had not given in, fighting to keep his feelings in. But she needed him now, and he was unable to shield his love for her.
Ram's breathing had calmed down and Strider was able to let her go. A tiny smile lingered around the female rangers' lips as she looked up once more. "Thank you." She whispered. Strider looked at her and returned her smile. "Any time, Cailean." He replied softly. To his surprise and joy, she blushed slightly before she looked away. She sighed and reluctantly she stepped backward. Not wanting to let their contact end, Strider let his hand linger in hers. She grabbed it firmly like she had done when they traveled together.
"Are you ready to let the others in?" Strider asked, not wanting to rush. Ram nodded. "Yes, we need to discuss this." Strider nodded. "Let's call the others back in." He opened the door, looking directly at Kallen's face. The young ranger had calmed down as well. He looked at Ram, who nodded at him. "Kallen, there is something I need to say." She stepped closer. Only letting go of Strider for a moment. The younger ranger's eyes shot from her to Strider, unsure of what was going on. "Thank you for coming to my aid. If it was not for you, things would look a lot different." She bowed her head. Yet Kallen stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. "You don't have to thank me, Ram. You are my friend, I would give my life for you." Ram flashed a smile at him and tapped him on his cheek, earning a smile from Kallen. Then she stepped backward and slit her hand in Strider's hand once more. Kallen looked at it and smirked, nodding as if he made up his mind.
Kallen was followed by the captain of the inn and Halbarad. Puck was set out to guard the door.
They quickly discussed the information the different sides had gathered. Ram was last and she quickly told them what she had told Strider. Halbarad nodded in agreement. "It is the same cause Kallen and I were investigating. But to learn they are after female rangers. That is awfully accurate."
Halbarad looked at Strider, who rubbed his face. He was tired and worn down. But as a true chief, he gathered himself and looked back at his fellow rangers. "We need to get to Fornost and see what they know. And we need to figure out where the female rangers are at the moment, so we can let them know to be on their guard."
Kallen huffed. "On their guard? They need to stay put in a safe place until we find more information." But Strider shook his head. "If that is their wish. But I can't force them to hide."
Ram nodded in agreement. "How many female rangers are there?" She asked. Strider looked from her to Halbarad. "About 10." He answered.
"And you two know where they all are?" She asked, surprised. But then the two older rangers shook their heads. "No, but I guess most of them are in larger towns or with their family since winter is coming. I know of only a few that will travel in the cold. " Halbarad got up and started pacing. Strider's mind was racing to remember where the women were stationed and with whom.
"Pi is in Rivendell." Strider continued. "my brothers told me she would come to them over the winter." Bala is with Withal near the Shire." Kallen said, joining in on the conversation. "Ram is with us." He looked at her and Ram gave him a slight nod. "Kim and Dash are with their family. Their mother was sick." Halbarad added. "That leaves Mirna, Thalila, Whendolyn, and Tir." "Tir is at home. She is with child." Ram added, earning a surprised look from Halbarad. "I did not know that." Ram smiled at him. "Woman talk Halbarad." She winked. "Thalila and Whendolyn are at the grey havens. They usually go there during winter."
Halbarad and Strider looked at each other. There was one left. Strider felt despair tugging at his heart. "That leaves Mirna." Halbarads jaw clenched. His sister had the habit of traveling alone in the wild. Strider had known the girl her whole life.
"Winter has come, she is probably inside somewhere. Bree perhaps. You know she doesn't like the cold much, Strider. Don't worry about her." Halbarad stated, trying to calm his own worries as well. Ram caught Strider's look and raised an eyebrow, but did not comment.
George stepped a bit closer. "I can get you the supplies you need and I can get you out safely. We will be able to keep up the appearance you are here for at least a day. I wish I could give you horses. But we can not spare them." Strider bowed his head in appreciation. "If we find any women coming to the inn, we will make sure they are protected." Kallen grabbed George's shoulder. "We can not ask for more, my friend. Thank you." George nodded in reply. "You just watch your back. If they catch wind you left, I am sure a few are crazy enough to follow you."