Chapter 14
It was dark by the time Ayron finally entered the small Ranger camp. After leaving a false trail or two — just in case — he had come to the main camp where the soldiers were. He and Orenus had talked a long time, and over the course of their talk Ayron had come up with another idea. The Ranger Captain proposed that a small regiment of soldiers stay behind in order to give more training to the village men.
"That way," Ayron explained, "they will be prepared to defend themselves, should we not be able to come in time to help."
The old centaur considered the proposition, scratching his cheek thoughtfully. "It is a good idea," he answered slowly, "but how will you keep an eye on the outlaws? You and your men can't stay here indefinitely."
"I've thought of that," Ayron said. "I decided to leave two of my Rangers here…and the men of Chippingford have agreed to help build two Ranger stations," he added.
Orenus sighed. "Very well, I suppose. I will leave a portion of my soldiers, and when I return to Cair Paravel I will tell King Darian of your plan."
"And the price?" Ayron asked.
"And the prince." Orenus said.
~o~o~
The last day of the tenth month was heralded by a heavy rainstorm. The storm lasted for most of the day, delaying the soldiers' return trip to the coast and Cair Paravel. But the next day the weather cleared, and the soldiers packed up their tents and supplies, and left — well, most of them left. A score and a half of men stayed behind to help train the village men of Chippingford, as planned.
Ayron sighed as he watched the soldiers disappear through the trees. He longed to leave with them and be with his Lily again, but there was much to be done in Lantern Waste. He had to oversee the construction of the two new Ranger stations, as well as several other things.