I, still, own nothing. Zip! Zilch! Nadda!
R&R everyone! Chapter 4 won't happen if you don't!
"I'm cold, tired, and wet." complained Maerad, not for the first time that day. They had left the ramshackle inn early that morning, almost glad to get away from the stinking filth of the place.
"I seems to me as though we're going to have to put up with the rain for quite a while. And believe me, I dislike the idea as much as you Maerad," Cadvan said, glancing over at her, hunkered down atop Keru, her cloak wrapped tightly around her shivering form. He felt a pang of guilt for dragging her from her sleep so early, especially after her restless night last night. "Maerad," he began gently, "We could turn around if you wish..."
Maerad looked up at him, startled. "By the Light, no! If this blasted weather plans to continue raining as you think it does, then I wish to get through it as quickly as possible! The closer we are to Lirigon, the better! And besides, almost anything is better than that filthy, stinking inn!" A look of disgust fleeted across her face.
Cadvan laughed, his dark, sopping hair thrown back from his face. "Maerad, I never will be able to understand you." He let out a small chuckle, then shook his head. "Then onward we trudge!"
Maerad smiled, wondering how she had gotten lucky enough to be loved by a man like Cadvan.
They quickened their pace, Maerad soothing Keru in the Speech to lift her spirits. She was very reluctant to go any faster than she was already going, due to the cold rain.
They traveled for hours through nothing but flat land, the Broken Hills eventually fading away at their left. The rain finally lifted, brightening all their spirits, and they quickened their pace even more. For some time, Maerad and Cadvan rode along in companionable silence.
Cadvan finally spoke. "I think we should begin searching for someplace to stay the night, Maerad. Darsor and Keru are becoming weary." Maerad nodded her silent agreement, and they began keeping a watchful eye for someplace suitable. They finally came across a small ditch, scarcely big enough for the two of them and the horses.
"It isn't in any way very guarded, but I guess it will have to do," noted Maerad. "The sun set long ago, and we have a long day of traveling ahead of us tomorrow." Cadvan nodded his agreement, and the two set to work weaving a glimmerspell and a shield around their shelter. Although The Nameless One had been defeated, dark forces were still at work in certain parts of Annar.
Despite the cold and the still damp atmosphere, Cadvan and Maerad slept peacefully that night, feeling no need to keep watch. The next morning, they set out again early. This pattern continued for weeks on end, much of the time with heavy rains falling and soaking the travelers to the bone.
FIVE WEEKS LATER
Maerad opened her eyes, surprised to find the sun shining brightly and no rain falling. She sat up and looked about. They were on a never ending plain of grass. Cadvan sat behind her, their meager portions set out before him. "Breakfast, my Lady?" he teased playfully, "for the day has passed, and My Lady has slept till near noon." He winked at Maerad, making her heart leap. Cadvan was at his best when he was in a playful mood.
"Breakfast? I daresay you mean lunch, good sir, if it is indeed as late as you deem it to be," Maerad shot back. Cadvan laughed, a sound that made her heart leap even higher, and nodded.
"Yes, I suppose you are right Maerad. You outwit me again." They ate lightly, then packed up to leave. "We should arrive in Lirigon today, if all goes well." Cadvan observed, studying the blurred outline one the horizon. He sighed. "Finally. At last I am lucky enough to set eyes on Lirigon once again."
Maerad smiled. "I cannot wait to see it!" she exclaimed, winning another smile from Cadvan.
"And see it you shall!" he replied, then they set off.
The two traveled for a few hours, each lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly, Maerad felt a nauseating twisting inside her stomach, causing her to fall off Keru. She writhed on the ground, as the pain became stronger and stronger. Then she cried out. It was no longer only pain, it was a darkening presence, eating away at her innards. Cadvan was suddenly there, his face pale, causing the scar on his cheek to stand out stronger than ever.
"Maerad! Maerad!" He called out, trying to soothe her. He frantically looked over her, finding no sign of a physical wound. Maerad cried out, the dark presence destroying her from the inside out. Cadvan called out to her, seeing nothing else he could do.
Elednor, come back to me. Elednor...
The pain stopped, and Maerad's vision went blurry. She lay limp on the ground, seeing only Cadvan's pale face before everything went black.
R&R!!!
Also, I do appreciate criticism, as I'm not a very good writer...help me in any way you can!
By the way, I also enjoy cliffhangers, as you can see!