Disclaimer; Velgarth, Valdemar and everything in it, belongs to Mercedes Lackey. Any original characters and the ravencat as it is described belong to me. A description of any original races used in this story, can be obtained by asking for it.
Laying at the ground, one black wing twisted in a position that left little doubt about that it had to be broken, was a small creature resembling a gryphon.
Well, at a lenght that Teirgan estimated to be close to about three meters, small might not be the correct word to describe it-- though it certainly would be when compared to a gryphon. The feline back part of it looked almost too thing though, which certainly helped to make it look smaller than it truly was at first glance.
The front part though, which bore a strong resemblance to a raven with what appeared to be a fully functional pair of ears on top of its head, was certainly not like the raptor-type bird of any gryphon Teirgan had heard about. Also its color was a bit unusual, judging by the only gryphon he had seen up close this far.
While its wings were completely black, the rest of its plumage and fur was a speckled black and tawny, at least the parts that weren't full of mud after something that had to have been a nasty fall.
:It would be quite helpful if you could be of some use: the strange horse said, tossing its head to get rid of some of the sleet which had gathered in its mane::get my friends there to that shelter of yours would be a good start, I noticed that you had a fire going. Even better if you can get some splints on the ravencat's wing, I don't know if he suffered any other injuries as well though..:
With a swish of its tail, the horse walked over to what at first glance looked like a pile of fur at the ground right behind the creature it had refered to as a 'ravencat'. It did take Teirgan a few moments to realize that there was someone inside all that fur-- and as it moved in response to the horse's approach, he became quite certain of that it was a human wearing several fur coats.
Well, from what he could see, it at least appeared to be human.
"Let me get this right.." he began, pausing for a few moments as the Companion and his Herald moved up beside him, "you drag me out here, making me think that I might have encountered some kind of changehorse... And when you finally decide to make it known that you can speak, it's to demand that we help one of your friends?"
The horse raised its head to its full height::acctualy...yes. I would prefer that you did so out of the kindness of your hearts though, as I would prefer not to have to resort to any persuasion-- something which I believe won't do any of us any good:
Making a point by placing one large forehoof quite audibly onto the ground when turning partly, the horse looked over at the Companion and the Herald.
:Yes, things are certainly different here.. But while I will admit that I have a disadvantage due to that, I would rather not that you do any meddling with that magic or 'mindmagic' of yours. As for my name, it is Hinrayu-- I will have to leave it up to my companions to decide whether they wish to reveal their names or not:
Looking at each other, the Herald and the Companion obviously communicated, although Teirgan couldn't hear anything, he had seen it often enough to realize what was going on.
"We'll try to help" the Herald said, looking more than a little nervous, "Truda will help me, as she knows a bit about the matter of splinting a wing".
Realizing that the Herald wasn't the slightest keen on doing something like setting a number of broken bones, the thought probably made the kid feel rather unwell, Teirgan forcibly held back a wry grin. Better the kid than him though, as after being dragged along against his will, he wasn't exactly in a mood to do anything to help-- so crossing his arms, he watched as the Herald slowly approached the 'ravencat'.
The horse.., Hinrayu, wrinkled her nose-- making Teirgan wonder if the horse was as amused as he was.
:It is no need to worry, he's not going to wake up and peck your eyes out, I think.. He's got a thick scull, but I believe he managed to knock himself out quite throughoutly:
Lowering her head to touch the person in the fur coats with her muzzle, she became quiet for a few moments::would you need some light to work by, or would it be better to haul them back to that shelter of yours?:
With a loud snort, the Companion turned around to face Hinrayu, its stance and expression speaking of annoyance as it walked forwards to stop right in front of the horse.
And while the Herald and Teirgan watched, the Herald with anxiousness visible on his face, the two 'equines' circled around each other-- the topic of whatever they were talking about clearly affecting both emotionally.
In fact, Teirgan winced as he felt something like a pressure growing at the back of his mind, not painful really- but certainly not comfortable either.
Whatever Hinrayu and Truda were discussing, neither of them were happy.
Finally, after..., Teirgan wasn't sure about how much time that had passed-- both stopped circling and appeared to relax slightly. The Herald, who had been sitting at his knees beside the 'ravencat', slowly exhaled-- undoubtely relieved that nothing had happened. Then he stood up and walked slowly over to Truda to stand beside her, with one hand at the Companion's neck.
And both watched the horse, Hinrayu.
:If...you could get the ravencat, carefully, up on my back while I'm laying down, we will be going back to your shelter: Hinrayu said, her voice cold::it would also be helpful if you could make sure that he doesn't fall off, you'll have to sit on my back to do that I believe:
Clenching his teeth, Teirgan looked at her, not the least tempted to do anything to aid her.
"Why?" he asked, "I don't exactly have any good reasons to do anything that you want, do I? So give me one, if you can".
The muscles in Hinrayu's neck tensed as she looked back at him, she was certainly not happy about the answer he had given her.