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Private - Solo post, part 3

Gwestion stared down at the ground, gripping his bow so hard that his knuckles were white, even though he couldn’t see anything else to shoot at. He also couldn’t see who had helped them.

Gladhron, meanwhile, had turned his attention toward trying to tend to his father. “Gwes, help me!” he cried desperately, frantic.

The near-panicked sound in his voice urged the younger brother to come to the elder's aid. Gwestion stirred from his stunned state and tossed his bow to the ground before he climbed down to join it. Then he ran to join Gladhron, sliding to a stop at the sight of his father. Swallowing, he dropped to the ground beside him. “Keep watch for those wolves,” He suggested, though he wasn’t even sure what good it would do, if they were both out of arrows.

His medical supplies had been in his saddlebag, unfortunately, so he had nothing to work with. But he’d do whatever he could. Gwestion was a bit sickened to see the awful condition of his father, but he tried his best to remember what his mother had taught him about tending to wounds. Gwedhion’s legs looked like a bloody mess, and he had other wounds as well. Gwestion found that his hands were trembling as he tried to carefully cut away the shredded bits of his father's clothing, to better see the wounds. Stay calm, the teenager reminded himself with an effort, but telling himself to do so didn't make it happen.

Meanwhile, Emma also heard the desperate sound as the young man pleaded for his companion to help him. She urged her horse out of the shadows, swiftly dismounting while the two swapped places, realizing that she could be of more help here than anywhere else.

“Gwes!” Gladhron called to his brother in a whisper, spotting the horse and rider drawing near, hooded, and only partially visible by the moonlight which peeked out through the clouds. “That must be our mysterious friend,” He breathed a sigh in relief. “Hello! Thank you so much, you saved us! I don’t know what we would’ve done, if you hadn’t come when you did.” He declared.

“Hi.” Emma replied, dismounting the moment she’d brought Nutmeg to a halt before them. “Don’t mention it, I'm only glad I wasn't too late.” She smiled weakly while hastily grabbing some supplies out of her saddlebags.

“You.. you’re.. a girl.” Gladhron realized in astonishment, his mouth dropping open slightly.

“Good of you to notice,” She answered, sounding a bit amused, while pushing him aside so she could go to help the other guy.

“But.. miss, you shouldn’t be out here! There’s wolves out there!” Gladhron protested, astonished to find that it was a girl who had rescued them.

“Not anymore, as you may have noticed,” She pointed out. She kneeled down beside Gwestion and wordlessly began to help him cut away the clothes. She was surprised to notice that the man was actually still conscious, although barely. “It’s alright, you’re going to be alright,” The girl spoke softly, soothingly to him, as he struggled to maintain consciousness.

“Where’d they go, anyway?” Gladhron asked softly, peering anxiously into the dim forest. The clearing had been quiet for several minutes now, and he couldn’t help but feel like the wolves were about to jump out at them again.

“Looks like they’ve decided to go off and lick their wounds… for now. Hopefully we’ll have time to get out of danger before they come back.” Emma answered, without stopping what she was doing.

Gladhron stood back, watching the other two with a feeling of helplessness. Nervous, he glanced around, keeping a sharp lookout for more wolves. “Is.. is he going to be alright?” He asked, after he couldn’t stand it any longer.

“I don’t know, but we need to this bleeding stopped, quick.” Gwestion said shakily, finding it harder and harder not to panic. His father was obviously in agony, and he felt like he couldn’t do anything for him. “It’s too much..” He muttered, his hands shaking, feeling sick with wondering the same question.

Emma paused as she glanced at the boy beside her. His hands were shaking, and he had a panicked look on his face and his breathing was shaky. “Hey, listen.” She put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention on her. “You need to calm down, alright? I.. I can’t tell at this point whether he’ll live, but if he’s going to, then I’ll need you to help me,” She told him softly. “Just take a deep breath and stay calm, alright?”

Gwestion took a slow, deep breath and nodded, knowing she was right. But it wasn’t her father about to die here! She wasn’t the one who’d frozen, who had failed to take the shot out of fear of hitting him… “W-we need to clean the wounds,” He remembered from what his mother had taught him. “And bandage.. s-stop the bleeding..”

“We need to keep him warm, too,” She muttered. “Else, he’ll go into shock,” She glanced with concern at the young man beside her, “Look, I get that you’re worried, but if you can’t calm yourself down enough to be useful, then you won't be much help. And if that's the case, then I need you to stay out of the way, alright?” She informed him, speaking more bluntly now.

He sat back, closing his eyes, and took a slow breath, as deep as he could. While she worked, he took a few seconds to try and get his emotions in check.

Meanwhile, Emma looked up at Gladhron. “You there,” She addressed him. “Could you gather up our arrows while we’re bandaging him? We may need them.” She had no idea if the wolves would be returning, but she didn’t want all three of them to be out of arrows, if they did! “Also, gather some branches, and make a stretcher that my horse can pull. Secure it to my saddle and when we're done here, we'll need your help to move him onto it," She said with a nod to the patient. "Alright?” She said, offering him some things to do to help keep him busy.

Nodding wordlessly, Gladhron let his gaze linger on their wounded father for a moment longer, then turned to gather up all the arrows he could find. Afterward, he set out to gather up some strong branches to serve as side poles for a stretcher. He also took a moment to retrieve his father’s saddle and gear, grimacing as he extracted it from the remains of his horse. Trying not to feel sick, he placed the saddle, with its bags and all, near the other horse so he could take it along. There would be useful things in the bags, after all.

As his brother set off to begin his tasks, Gwestion opened his eyes again, his jaw set, a look of determination replacing the look of desperate hopelessness. “I don’t have any of my supplies here, but I can cut up my cloak to make bandages,” He offered.

“That should help.. but spare his cloak.” Emma answered. “We’ll need it to keep him warm. We'll use mine to cover the stretcher.” She decided, figuring that would be the best uses of the blankets.

Nodding, Gwestion worked alongside the girl, both mostly silent with only an occasional word, asking to pass something or help with a bandage. His trembling hands steadied as he worked, as the terror and shock of it all began to fade and his confidence in what he was doing returned.

By the time the two youths had done all the first-aid they could for Gwedhion with what they had, Gladhron had managed to construct a crude stretcher, using some branches and boughs with lots of pine needles. Both brothers exchanged a wordless glance as the three worked together to carefully lift Gwedhion onto the stretcher, which he had secured to the girl’s saddle.

“Alright, let’s go,” She spoke with a no-nonsense sort of tone as she took her horse’s lead rope, and set off to lead the way at a pace that they could manage.

“Where?” Gladhron asked, confused as they started walking carefully, grabbing his father’s saddle from the ground, his bow slung across his shoulder. He strapped the sword to his side, since it would be more useful to him than to Gwedhion right now.

“There’s a place not far from here,” She assured them. “My friend should be waiting there. We can build a fire and try to keep your father warm. We can tend to him better, there. In the morning, if he’s stable enough to move him further, we can take him to my mom,” she explained, turning to look at the two with a smile. “It’s alright. She’s a healer, one of the best in the Breelands. Also.. the only one around, but don’t worry. If anyone can save your father, she can.” She informed them confidently. “But first, the mine. We should be safe from wolves, there, too. Don’t worry, it isn’t far. C’mon.”

“How far is it to your mother?” Gwestion asked, frowning as he tucked his father’s cloak around him, trying to be sure that he would be comfortable enough.

“It’s in the Chetwood. Near Archet. So, about a day’s journey.” Emma answered as she began to lead Nutmeg along, while the brothers stayed near the stretcher to be sure that their father didn’t slide off or get bounced around too much. “On horseback we might be able to go a little faster.” She added, calling over her shoulder.

Gwestion and Gladhron exchanged glances as the girl mentioned horseback. After the horrible events, and the shock of their father being so badly injured, they had nearly forgotten their own horses, but now it came crashing back to their minds.

Gladhron swallowed hard. “We.. lost our horses,” He said softly, inwardly lamenting their loss.

Gwestion said nothing, feeling too miserable and guilty about abandoning the poor animals, to be able to speak.

“Oh! I have your horses!” Emma informed them. “They’re alright. The mare got bitten on the back of her thigh, but it missed the tendon. She’ll limp for a while, but she’ll be fine in a few weeks.”

The brothers were stunned and delighted to hear this news. “They’re both alive?” Gladhron asked, surprised. "I thought the wolves got them."

“Yes,” Emma assured them, smiling. “They got a good fright, but otherwise, they’re fine. My friend’s taking care of them now. They came running almost right to where we were, and we were able to scare off the wolves, for a while anyway.”

“Thank you.” Gwestion was so relieved to hear that their horses had survived, thanks to this girl. Not only that, but she had come to find them, and had saved their father as a result. He couldn’t imagine how they would ever repay such a debt.

“Well, don't thank me till we're all safe,” She said softly, although she was glad she’d been able to help them. She glanced around, suddenly remembering that they were still out there. “Keep your bows ready, by the way,” She added, suddenly feeling nervous.

“Good idea.” Gwestion agreed, placing an arrow on his string.

Gladhron drew his father’s sword and carried it in his free hand, rather than his bow. “I can use this a lot faster than my bow,” He explained, since he couldn’t really keep his bow ready while carrying the saddle and everything else.

And so they proceeded as swiftly as they could through the forest without risking more harm to the injured man, while keeping alert for any sign of the wolves.

Private - Solo post, part 4

It took somewhere around twenty to thirty minutes before they drew within sight of the mine, left over from long years ago before the land in this area had become abandoned. Long ago, Emma didn’t even know how long ago, people used to live in this area. They worked small mines, scattered throughout the hills, and had sheep that grazed on the hillsides. But as the land grew more dangerous, those people left their small villages and homesteads, and came to live in the safety of Bree, Archet, Combe, and Staddle. Or else, they perished or ventured further abroad. She didn’t know the details, only what she’d heard from elders’ stories.

All of that had happened long before Emma had been born. As far as she knew, only rangers and outlaws ever really came through here, anymore. Somehow, she got the feeling that these three were part of the first category, not the second. But she did figure she ought to still be wary, since she didn’t actually know. At least until she felt sure about them. Regardless, right now they all had a common enemy; the wolves. And a common goal; saving the injured man and getting someplace safe.

As they walked, having to take it slow in some places, because of the patient, and even at times having to take hold of the ends of the stretcher that dragged the ground, and lift it over rocks or logs. Emma left that work to the brothers while she guided her horse, stopping her when needed, or urging her on when they needed to go forward. At times, she got a chill down her spine and looked around, feeling uneasily as if they were being watched. The closer they got to their destination, the more she began to feel like they were being trailed.

Walking along behind the horse, alongside the stretcher, Gwestion was getting the same feeling, himself. “I think the wolves are back,” He muttered nervously to Gladhron.

Gladhron looked around slowly and nodded, but he still saw nothing. “I’ve been feeling like they’re watching us, too.” He admitted under his breath.

“We’re not far now.” Emma called back to assure them, hoping they could get there before the wolves grew bold enough to launch an attack. She caught a glimpse of a shadow darting through the trees, and knew that she wasn’t just imagining things. They were there. The beasts were trying to surround them. She had no idea how many of the pack were left alive, but she knew that she had only managed to injure most of those she shot. She’d only killed a few. The same had been true of the men; several wolves had been killed.. mostly by the father’s arrows. But many others had simply run off with injuries.

The entrance to the mine finally came within sight… but a big wolf stood between them and it, blocking the way. Snarling, baring his teeth as he paced before the entrance.

At the same time that they saw the leader, several others emerged, gathering behind them and to the side of them. “They’re all around us!” Gladhron called out, alarmed.

Gwestion drew back his string, trying to decide whether to shoot at the alpha, or one of those moving in behind them.

Emma drew her bowstring as well. “Get out of our way!” She yelled at the alpha, hoping the shouting would work a second time.

The wolf growled, gathering himself to spring. Then he leaped away to avoid the arrow that she let fly. He tried to run toward their side, but Gladhron slashed at him with his sword to prevent him from getting closer.

Emma yelled, “Run!”

Leading Nutmeg, Emma and Gwestion rushed forward, with Gladhron hanging back to the rear and slashed his sword at the wolves to keep them at bay, giving the younger two time to get to the mine entrance. Doing so also served to guard his father, being pulled behind the horse.

“Dare, let us in!” Emma pounded a fist on the door the moment she got in reach of it. They only had to wait a moment before he got the door unbarred. “Take Nutmeg,” She told him urgently, while loosing another shot at a wolf that tried to rush toward them. It stumbled and fell at her feet, making her jump back in case it wasn’t dead.

Seeing the situation out there, Dare wasted no time in grabbing Nutmeg’s reins. He drew her hastily inside the cave, where she could join the other equines, while Emma and Gwestion fired arrows back at the wolves to keep them from getting closer.

Gladhron stood guard at the door, first making sure that Nutmeg and his father got inside, then he tossed the saddle inside after them and turned to face the wolves, sword drawn. “Get in, both of you!” He ordered. He remained at the door, with his sword swinging at any wolf who dared get too close, until both Gwestion and Emma were safely inside. Then he ducked in after them and shoved the door back in place, just in time. He held the door closed with his shoulder as the wolves jumped at it, clawing and digging at the ground around it. Gladhron’s heart jumped as he wondered if the door would hold up even if they got it bolted. Still, he’d feel better with it bolted. “Someone help me!” He called out.

Dare hastened over to assist Gladhron while the other two went past him to tend to the patient. Together, they wedged a thick beam across the doorway. “That’s about as good as we’ll be able to bolt it,” He said nervously. “Do you think it’ll hold?” He asked, backing away.

“Let’s hope so,” Gladhron answered, then grabbed another beam that was lying around, having fallen from supporting the side walls. He jammed it against the door to add a bit extra security to it. “There… that should help it hold.” He said, backing away a few steps down the tunnel, only to trip over the saddle he’d thrown on the ground, as he had forgotten it was there. He sighed at himself as he sat up.

“You alright?” Dare asked, offering a hand down to him.

“Yeah, thanks.” Gladhron accepted his help getting up, then picked up the saddle and carried it along as the two young men went down the tunnel to join the others.

Meanwhile, Emma had hastily stepped over the saddle as she hurried down the tunnel to get to Nutmeg, kneeling by the stretcher to check how the patient was doing. She was glad to see that Dare had collected firewood while he was waiting, although she thought it had been a bit risky. Still, she would get a fire started once she’d seen how Gwedhion was faring.

Gwestion had followed her, hopping over the saddle Gladhron had tossed down. When he saw his horse standing there with Gladhron’s, he hesitated. He wanted to see how she was doing, but he also felt that he ought to check on his father. But, seeing that Emma was checking on his father already, he thought he could probably take a few minutes to see to his horse. He went over to the mare and held out his hand to her. “I’m sorry,” He murmured, stroking her nose, putting his head down on her forehead. “I’m so sorry. I’m glad you’re alright.” He rubbed her neck, noticing that both his and Gladhron’s horse had been unsaddled already. He’d have to thank the guy for that, later. Once he’d had a moment to apologize for abandoning her, he stepped back to check on her wound. At least it wasn’t life-threatening, and she would recover well enough. He briefly checked on Gladhron’s horse as well, and found him to be well enough. Just as Emma had said.

Satisfied that the horses were alright, Gwestion went to join Emma as she tended to his father, bringing his saddlebag which contained medical supplies. “What can I do to help?” He asked, kneeling down by her.

“Help me unhook the stretcher from Nutmeg,” Emma asked, glancing up.

“Sure.” Gwestion went to one side, while Emma went to the other. Working together, they lowered the arms of the stretcher to the floor.

“How is he?” Gladhron asked as he entered the chamber where the others were, with Dare right behind him.

“Hard to say.” Emma answered, beginning to check what she needed to do first. “I could use a fire, if one of you wants to get it started?” She added, with a nod toward the firewood. She knew that Dare didn’t know how, but she hoped the other two might. “Preferably with as little smoke as possible,” She added, glancing over as Gladhron hurried to get started on the fire.

“I’ll unsaddle Nutmeg,” Dare offered, hurrying over to the horse.

“Thanks.” Emma spared a moment to smile at her friend before returning her attention to tending to the patient. Now that they were in the mine, she and Gwestion could focus on doing more than the hasty bandaging they’d done in the clearing, while the other two handled the other tasks.

Outside, they could hear the wolves snarling and howling, trying to find a way in. Once he had built the fire, Gladhron went back down the tunnel to guard the door.

---

It was a while before they were able to sit back and simply keep watch on the patient. Emma sighed, pushing her hair behind her ears. “I… I think he’s stable now. But we’ll need to keep a close eye on him through the night.”

Gwestion nodded, relieved to hear this. “Thank you.” He sighed and looked at his father, who had been unconscious for a long while now. “I don’t know that I could have saved him, by myself.” He added softly.

“You were a great help,” Emma assured him. “I’m not sure I could’ve managed without you.” She paused, realizing something. “I don’t even know your names,” She mentioned, then put out a slightly blood-stained hand. “I’m Emma. This is Dare,” She added with a nod to her friend.

“Gwestion,” He replied, shaking her hand. He nodded in greeting to Dare.

“I’m Gladhron,” The older brother added, as he came in from guarding the entrance. “And your patient is our father, Gwedhion.” He concluded, taking a seat on the ground by the fire. “The wolves are still out there, but they’ve gotten quieter, and stopped trying to dig their way in.” He reported. “They’ve started howling, instead.”

Emma sighed, hugging her knees. “We’ll have to keep waiting, and hope they give up when the sun comes up.”

“Our mothers will be worried sick,” Dare muttered.

“You said it was a day’s journey to your home?” Gwestion asked, recalling Emma saying something like that earlier.

“Yes, around a day, depending on how fast we go. We came out here to gather medicinal plants for my mother,” Emma answered. “We should be able to get back a little sooner than that, though. We took a bit longer to get out here, because we weren’t hurrying,” She explained. “Nutmeg can pull the stretcher with your father, and..” She paused, thinking of the injured horse’s leg. “I hate to ask the mare to carry two riders… maybe Nutmeg can carry one of us, and she can carry someone else? While the gelding should be fine to carry the other two.”

“Arrow should be able to handle us both,” Gladhron agreed, gesturing to himself and Gwestion. “He’s strong and fast.”

Gwestion thought for a bit, looking at each of them. “I believe you should ride Cinnamon,” he told Emma. “I’d guess you’ll be the lightest. Then the next lightest of us can ride.. Nutmeg.” He smiled with amusement at the two spice names. “That would probably be him,” He added, nodding toward Dare to indicate he thought he’d be lighter than himself.

Emma grinned as she heard the name of their two horses. “Cinnamon, and Arrow. Nice names.” She said appreciatively.

“Alas, for Nínim,” Gwestion said sadly, recalling his father’s horse as his gaze fell upon her saddle, still stained with her blood. He looked away and focused on his father, who had survived. So far.

“Is that elvish?” Emma asked curiously, more gently.

Gwestion nodded silently.

“It means ‘snowdrop’,” Gladhron supplied. He glanced at Gwestion and put a hand on his shoulder. “She was very old,” He reminded his brother. “Father was talking of retiring her soon… and at least she died quickly.”

“Yes.” Gwestion sighed, then looked at his horse, thinking for a moment. “Do you have any more yarrow leaves, Emma?”

“Maybe,” She took a look in her pouch. “A few, yes. For Cinnamon?” She guessed. Actually, she had meant to do that once they finished tending to Gwedhion, but with everything that had happened, it had slipped her mind.

He nodded as he got up to go over to the horses.

“I’ll help,” Emma offered, and together they went to see what they could do for her wound. It didn't take long to apply a paste of the leaves on her wound. Then they returned to sit around the fire.

“Well..” Dare glanced around. “We only have a small amount of food, but we may as well eat something.” He suggested.

“We have some supplies, too.” Gladhron offered, going to their saddlebags to grab whatever food he could find. “Gwestion can manage to fix up a fair meal, too.” He added with a nod to his brother.

“Great.” Dare smiled. “I know nothing about cooking,” He laughed, though a bit nervous because of the continued sound of howling outside, echoing around the tunnels on either side of them.

Gwestion quietly took his canteen and wet a rag so that he and Emma could wipe their hands clean, then he took over the meal prep, with some assistance from Emma.

“Someone will need to keep an eye on him through the night,” She mentioned while they cooked, with a nod to Gwedhion.

“And it would also be wise to keep an eye on the door,” Gwestion mentioned. “But one person could manage both tasks, I suppose. Three of us can sleep while one keeps watch? Then take turns every couple of hours, perhaps.”

“They can’t get in here, can they?” Dare asked, nervously glancing toward the door.

“I don’t think so… but it doesn’t hurt to be watchful, just in case.” Gladhron answered, not entirely confident in the door’s stability. It was quite old, after all.

“I wish they’d quit howling out there,” Dare shuddered. “I don’t like hearing them, and I sure don’t like how it echoes down the tunnel.” He said, looking toward where the tunnel continued from the open area where they had set up camp.

“Does that tunnel come out anywhere?” Gwestion asked, frowning as the thought occurred to him that the wolves might sneak in that way.

Emma looked down the tunnel, then at Dare. “I.. I don’t know,” She realized. “You know, it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to barricade it, just in case.” She decided. “Come on, Dare, Gladhron. Let’s do that, while Gwestion keeps an eye on the entrance.” She suggested, glancing at Gwestion to make sure he did not mind that.

Gwestion nodded. He was still cooking supper anyway, so he might as well keep an eye on the entrance too. He turned his attention on the tunnel entrance while the others set off further down the tunnel.

Private - Solo post, part 5

As the three youths set off down the tunnel, Emma kept an arrow ready on her bow, while Gladhron, leading the way cautiously, held his father’s sword ready.

Dare followed at the rear, looking nervous. He gripped a torch, as he had no weapon to weild. “What do we do if we find… well, whatever we’re looking for?” He wondered, frowning a bit.

“Depends on what we find,” Emma answered softly. “If the tunnel’s blocked and nothing can get in or out, then everything’s fine. But..”

“Look,” Gladhron interrupted, pointing several yards ahead. “Dare, bring your torch a little closer?” He asked, setting off to get a closer look.

Dare moved along after him, nervous that there might be wolves lurking in the dark tunnel. “What is it?” He asked, glancing back at Emma, as she kept up with him.

“Looks like the tunnel has partially collapsed,” Gladhron said, peering past the blockage. “It’s still possible to climb over, though.”

“Let’s block it off the rest of the way, then.” Emma suggested. “I don’t feel comfortable leaving it open, just in case.”

“Good idea,” Dare agreed swiftly, not liking the idea of the wolves possibly having a way in.

“There’s more rubble just beyond the blockage, we can use it to block it up the rest of the way.” Gladhron said. “We should be able to manage it pretty quickly, if we all work together.”

“Let’s get started then.” Dare said, anxious to have the passage blocked off. After hesitantly climbing over the blockage, Dare stuck the torch into a bracket which the miners used to use for that very purpose.

As the three pitched in to begin the task, Emma and Gladhron had to set their weapons aside to work, but they kept them near at hand. As they carried rocks, broken beams, and whatever other rubble they could find, the hole began to fill in, as they piled everything into the gap that remained passable.

“Help me carry this beam, Dare.” Gladhron asked, having wandered a little further down the tunnel to find more things to fill in the hole.

Uneasily, Dare ventured further from the torchlight. “We probably shouldn’t stray too far,” He muttered, glancing nervously down the tunnel. Then he froze. “What is that?” He asked, grabbing Gladhron’s arm fearfully.

Turning around, Gladhron saw nothing but darkness beyond them. “A.. tunnel?” He answered, glancing at Dare.

“No.. I’m sure I saw a glint of something. Like eyes.” Dare insisted, backing away a little.

“I don’t see anything,” Gladhron peered hard into the gloom, feeling nervous, but trying not to let it show. He listened, but all he could hear was his heart beating swiftly, and their breath in the darkness. “Just help me drag this beam over, and we’ll stay on our side of the blockage after that.” Gladhron assured him. He glanced again at the darkness, but saw nothing. Still, he didn’t entirely dismiss the idea that Dare had seen something.

“Hurry up you two,” Emma called, waiting on the other side.

“We’re coming,” Gladhron grabbed the heavier end, which still had some support braces nailed to it, and waited for Dare, who was of a slighter build, to grab the bottom end. Together, they half-lifted, half-dragged the beam over to the blockage, where Gladhron let it rest. “This ought to be eno-” He paused mid-sentence. “Get down!” He yelled, instead.

Dare, carrying his end of the beam, had just dropped it to the ground when he heard Gladhron’s warning. Without hesitation, he threw himself down to the ground, just as a large wolf flew right over him. It would have landed on his back if he hadn’t ducked.

Gladhron drew his sword and faced it as the beast spun to face them, snarling as it looked from one young man to the other, as if trying to decide which one would be easier prey.

“Better get back on the other side, Dare,” Gladhron said softly, momentarily locked in a staring contest with the big wolf. His heart pounded, feeling far too close to those teeth for comfort, but he was also determined to defend the civilian. The other guy didn’t even have a weapon, after all.

Dare moved slowly to stand up, trying not to attract the wolf’s attention.

It didn’t work. The wolf turned to him the moment he began to move. It seemed to make a decision, and lunged for him.

Gladhron lunged at the same time, slashing an upward, rising cut at the wolf, with a yell in a language the other two did not understand. His sword cut a large gash across its belly. The wolf stumbled, falling short of the young actor, then wriggled and snarled as it tried in vain to reach him. It took it a moment to die from its wound, but it did at last.

Dare had fallen backward over a pile of rocks in his haste to leap backward. He lay there with a hammering heart for a moment, staring in horror at the wolf. When it finally went still, he remained frozen in place, trying to recover after it seemed to be over.

But the wolf wasn’t alone. Two others had emerged from the darkness behind it, one closer than the other. Gladhron grabbed Dare by the arm and dragged him upright, spurred on by adrenaline mostly. “Go!” He ordered, taking charge as the eldest of their group. Not that he knew Dare’s age, but he guessed him to be sixteen or seventeen.

Catching sight of the wolves, Dare didn’t need to be told twice. Despite his nickname, he was not really a very daring sort of guy. He ran for the gap in the blockage. He could hear Emma on the other side, urging them both to hurry.

As the first of the two wolves arrived, Gladhron slashed the sword in front of its nose, trying to hold it back to give Dare time to get through. It backed off for a moment, baring its teeth, but unwilling to get within range of his blade. The moment Dare had made it through the gap, Gladhron began backing toward it. His heart raced, wondering how he was going to get through the gap without the wolves ripping him apart first. The wolf seemed to be waiting for him to lower his guard, or else for an opening of some sort. It crouched, preparing to leap at him.

Then an arrow zipped past Gladhron, striking the wolf just as it was launching itself at him. “Gladhron, come on!” Emma yelled as the creature tumbled to the ground just short of him.

Without hesitating, Gladhron rushed toward the opening, wiggling his way through the gap as quick as he could. There were at least one more wolf left in the tunnel, after all, though it hadn't yet reached them. Still, he didn’t want to give it the opportunity to get to him. Unfortunately, due to their efforts to narrow the hole, he got a little stuck around the chest and struggled for a moment. He began to panic before Dare and Emma grabbed his arms and pulled him clear of the hole.

Immediately, Dare hastily began to work on filling in the gap. He did not want any of those wolves pushing their way through there!

“You alright?” Emma asked Gladhron, a bit breathless. Watching, being able to do so little from this side of the blockage, she’d been terrified that she’d end up having to watch them both be ripped to pieces by the savage wolves.

“I think I’ll live,” Gladhron admitted, relieved to notice that he was uninjured.

Dare was trying to wedge a large chunk of wood into the hole, hoping that help make it more difficult for the wolves to dig their way through, when the third wolf suddenly thrust its head through the gap, snarling and snapping at him. With a yell of alarm, he instinctively leaped backward in retreat, but not quick enough. The wolf’s teeth found his arm, but the piece of wood he’d been holding deflected the wolf’s teeth somewhat, which kept the teeth from sinking into his arm. Unfortunately, they still caught on his sleeve as the wolf bit down with powerful jaws, keeping his arm trapped against the wood.

“Emma! Help!” The young man cried out in panic as the wolf began yanking viciously in an attempt to either drag him through the gap, or else to rip his arm off. If only his sleeve would rip, he could be free. He and Emma had spent their childhood playing games in the woods, and he'd always been coming home with rips or tears in his clothing. Of all the times for his clothes to not tear, why did this have to be the time?!

As Emma and Gladhron rushed forward to do whatever they could to help him, Dare suddenly remembered the torch, which was in another torch bracket, near enough to reach with his other hand. Snatching it from the bracket, he thrust it hard into the animal’s face.

Alarmed and caught by surprise, the wolf let go of him in its haste to get away from the flames, yelping as its nose got a bit singed.

Emma grabbed her friend and dragged him hastily away from the opening, fearing that his arm would be damaged very badly.

At the same time, Gladhron snatched up her bow from where she had leaned it nearby. It already had an arrow nocked on the string. He held the bow ready, aimed at the opening, waiting just in case the wolf tried to get at them again.

While Gladhron waited for a shot at the wolf, Dare sat on a stone that had been too large for any of them to move, and watched as Emma began checking the damage to his arm. He was breathing hard, his heart pounding while she carefully peeled away the rest of his sleeve, and took a look at his arm.

“The teeth grazed you, but it doesn’t look too bad.” She assured him softly after taking a look. “We’ll need to bandage it, though. For now, keep pressure on it to slow the bleeding, alright?”

Dare nodded, relieved to hear her diagnosis. It felt like he’d nearly lost his whole arm, but it was reassuring to know that Emma thought it’d be fine. “Let’s get this hole filled in, first.” His pulse was still racing with terror, but he wasn’t going to relax until he knew the wolves couldn’t get in.

Gladhron was peering intently at the darkness beyond the blockage. He couldn’t hear the wolf on the other side, but he assumed it was biding its time, probably plotting how to get to them. Probably hoping that if it remained silent, they’d think it was gone. He wasn’t falling for it though. “I’m not sure if he’s waiting for reinforcements, or an opportunity…” He muttered, tense. As an idea struck him, he turned to Dare. “Hand me that, will you?” He asked, nodding for the torch. “And Emma, see that old torch on the wall behind you?” He asked. “I'll need that.”

He returned Emma’s bow in exchange for the unlit, old torch left by the miners, while Dare offered him the lit torch. Gladhron didn’t take it, but instead, he held the unlit one up to it until it was blazing. “Get read to shoot,” He told Emma softly, as they both crowded around the opening.

Emma nodded to let him know she was ready. She guessed at his plan, and hoped it would work. When Gladhron tossed the torch through the gap, the area beyond was illuminated. As soon as the flame gave light to the other side, the wolf leaped away from it with a snarl, and Emma loosed an arrow. She let out a breath of relief. “I got him!” She reported in relief, seeing her arrow strike it in the neck.

“Good! Let’s hope there aren’t any others in there,” Gladhron looked through the hole cautiously, then took a deep breath and hoped he wasn't about to lose his arm... before reaching through the hole. He stretched out as far as he could, trying to reach the beam that he and Dare had dropped. They’d left it so close to the opening, but he hadn’t had a chance to push it the rest of the way through, which had been his plan.

"Careful.." Emma warned, watching him with wide eyes. His arm and shoulder were out of sight, reaching through the gap, the rest of him still on this side with them. She waited, fearing he might get attacked.

Gladhron managed to get ahold of the closest end, with the support brackets which formed a sort of Y at the top, and soon he was dragging the heavy beam through the gap, grunting with the effort.

Once it was within her reach as well, Emma grabbed a bracket as well and helped him pull, and finally they left it to rest there, with the widest part in the gap, so that it filled in the hole pretty well. Then, all they had to do was pile rocks and things around it, and the gap would be filled.

As they stepped away to ‘admire’ their work, Emma frowned slightly as she began to worry that the wolves might be able to dig their way through. She looked up, studying the roof, and thought that it looked like it could easily collapse a bit more. She turned to the boys. “Let’s move back a little more. I have an idea.”

Once they had moved back a sufficient distance, Emma readied an arrow on her string, then shot at the ceiling directly above where they had been filling in the blockage. She watched with satisfaction as dirt and rocks showered down in that spot, adding a significant amount of debris onto the pile of rubble where they had been working to fill it. “There,” She nodded in satisfaction. “They shouldn’t be able to dig through that very easily.”

“Good idea,” Gladhron nodded approvingly. “Now, let’s see how Gwestion’s doing, and have some supper. I’m starving. He must have it ready by now.”

“Right,” Emma grinned a little at his overdramatic-ness. “And we’ll get your arm bandaged, Dare.” She added with a smile at her friend. “C’mon, let’s go… hopefully he’s had a more boring time than we have.”

Private - Solo post, part 6


“Those aren’t regular wolves… are they?” Emma asked, guessing rather than asking. She glanced at the brothers, while she worked on cleaning Dare’s cuts, back in the main chamber of the mine where they had set up camp.

Gwestion glanced at the entrance where they could still hear howling outside, then he looked at Gladhron, and finally at her. “I.. don’t know.” He answered softly.

“Are they.. wargs?” She wondered. “I’ve never seen one, but… I’ve heard that they’re bigger than the regular sort of wolves… and smarter, and more.. well, everything.”

“Father would know,” Gladhron mentioned with a glance at the unconscious man, wrapped up in bandages. “But… well.” There was no point telling them what they all already knew. That the man couldn’t tell them anything in his current condition.

Gwestion took a shaky breath and began to dish up the food into whatever dishes they had between them. Despite their limited resources, he had come up with a very tasty meal, comprised with things taken from both of their supplies.

Emma nodded silently, casting a concerned glance at their father. He was still alive, but she wasn’t sure how long she could keep him that way. She really needed to get him to her mother, and even then… she wasn’t sure. Taking a slow breath, she turned back to Dare, trying to focus on the positive. This was a wound she could handle. “You were fortunate,” She informed him as she tied off the bandage around his arm. “Those teeth only left a few shallow cuts. It could’ve been far worse.”

“Fortunate.” Dare managed a weak laugh at the irony. “Listen, Emma, next time you have a premonition that’s life-altering for me.. could you give me a little better warning?” He asked, recalling her earlier teasing about him getting his hand bitten off by a wolf. “I don’t think me losing a hand is a joking matter.” He added with a little smile, because he was joking even as he said it.

Emma blinked at him, taking a moment to realize what he was talking about. She let out a little laugh, shaking her head at his joke. After the terror and uncertainty and tenseness of the situation, it was good to have a moment of amusement, anyway. “Ha ha. You know I don’t have that gift, silly.” She rolled her eyes, then turned to accept the plate Gwestion was offering her.


The four teenagers ate mostly in silence, and soon after, they decided on sleep shifts. Gladhron took the first. Then Emma, followed by Dare, and lastly, Gwestion. As they were trapped underground, they had very little way of telling the time, so they would have to make the best guess they could about the length of each person’s shift.

Halfway into Emma’s shift, the howling began to die away, though she still occasionally heard some, further off. By the time she woke Dare, they no longer heard any wolves, and she was not sure what that meant.

Dare felt nervous throughout the entire shift. He kept expecting the wolves to suddenly launch a surprise assault at the door, or to emerge from the dark tunnel to his left, or something of the sort. Nothing like that happened.

By the time Gwestion was awakened, there was a bit of light peeking through the gaps in the wooden door, proof that the sun had finally begun to rise. After checking his father’s condition, he went close to the entrance and listened carefully at the door. There was nothing. No sound to indicate that the wolves were still there. He wasn’t sure whether they should trust that, however.

Eventually, the others began to wake. Gwestion had fixed a meager breakfast for them, but he had spared as much of their supplies as he could. Just in case they were stuck here for a while longer, he didn’t want to be without any food.

After much discussion, it was finally decided that they would risk opening the door and try to assess the situation. Emma and Gwestion kept their bows ready, while Dare held the door, ready to shut it swiftly if need be. Gladhron wielded his father’s sword, and had let Emma wear his own at her hip, in the meanwhile, since she claimed to know how to use a sword. Dare nervously held onto a knife, borrowed from Gwestion. And so, armed as well as they were all able to be, they unbarred the door and cautiously took a look outside.

There were wolf tracks all around the entrance, proving that they had been crowded around the entrance to the cave all through the night. They had tried digging and clawing their way in, and the snow was trampled and muddy all around the area. But the most recent tracks that they could find seemed to be hours old, as near as the inexperienced youths could tell.

Growing just a bit bolder, the brothers ventured further, searching for fresher tracks, following them for a little way, until at last, they deemed that the wolves had given up and left. For now. Which meant that this was their best chance to get to Bree.

As hastily as they could, they gathered up their things and saddled their horses. Carefully, they moved Gwedhion onto the stretcher that they had fashioned the evening before, and connected it to Nutmeg, as Emma had suggested before. They checked the forest again to make sure it was still safe before leading the horses out of the mine, and then they set off.

They had to go more slowly than they’d like, due to the patient, but they made steady progress. Emma led the way on Cinnamon, while Dare rode Nutmeg, pulling Gwedhion along on the stretcher. The brothers, riding double on Arrow, rode at the back, keeping an eye on Gwedhion as well as watching their surroundings. Although they were watchful and alert for any sign of the wolves, there was no sign after several hours. They had to stop now and then to check on the patient, and make sure he wasn’t getting too cold, but they tried to make each stop as brief as they could.

---

After several hours of traveling, Emma finally spoke up. “Why aren’t they coming after us anymore?” She glanced around, feeling nervous about the eerie silence that seemed to fill the snow-clad forest. “I feel like they’re up to something…”

“Maybe they’re laying low, to draw us out,” Gwestion suggested softly, equally uneasy.

“Or, maybe they all got so tired trying to get to us, they decided to go to sleep.” Gladhron shrugged.

“Somehow I find that… unlikely.” Gwestion rolled his eyes, sitting behind his brother.

“Doesn’t mean it’s impossible.” Gladhron pointed out. “They’re flesh and blood, just like us. They have to sleep sometime,” He reasoned. “And, if they figured they had us trapped in that old mine, and assumed that we were too scared to come out, maybe they figured they could go sleep and that we’d still be there. Only they didn’t count on us getting bold and taking the chance.” He pondered his idea for a moment. “And now we have a head start on them. They still have to traverse the same distance we have,” He reminded them. “Maybe they’ll give up and go after other prey.” He muttered under his breath.

“Seems like, if they planned to come after us when they woke up, that they’d sleep in shifts, like we did.” Gwestion pointed out. “So they could make sure we didn't slip past them.”

“Well, maybe they already gave up, then.” Gladhron retorted. “Maybe they figured we’re too much trouble. We did kill quite a few of them.”

“Let’s just be glad they aren’t coming after us anymore, huh?” Dare suggested, finding all this talk a bit unsettling. "We can discuss the 'why' of it once we're safe."

Everyone agreed, and they continued traveling in mostly silence for the next few hours after that.

---

Eventually, as the sun was going down, Emma began to recognize that they were nearing her home. She still half expected the wolves to come bursting out of the woods to try and stop them, but fortunately, there was still no sign of them. The forest became more and more familiar to her even in the growing gloom, and soon she pointed ahead at the light glowing from a cabin in the distance. “There, that’s my house.” She said in relief.

“Maybe you’d better ride ahead, and let her know to get ready for a patient,” Dare suggested. “She can get supplies ready, and all that.”

Emma glanced back at the brothers to check if they had any objection, but they both nodded in agreement that it was a good idea. She nodded in reply, and kicked the horse’s sides, setting off at a swifter pace.

It wasn’t long before Emma and her mother were at work, tending to Gwedhion, the horses were safely settled into the barn, and Gwestion was tending to Dare’s wounds while Gladhron brought in water in from the well and made sure there was enough wood in the stove to heat the water. Now, all they could do was wait, and pray that their father would be alright.

Private - Solo post, part 7


Gwestion stared at the door intently, his hands clasped together under his chin, elbows resting on the table.

Meanwhile, Gladhron paced the floor in front of the fireplace, restlessly. Several hours had passed since the youths had reached the cabin, and it was nearing dawn by now.

Dare’s arm had been cleaned and bandaged. The horses had been tended. Dare had expressed concern about getting home before his mother sent out a search party. And if there were wolves lurking about, they realized how disastrous that could end up being. So Gladhron and Gwestion had escorted Dare to his house, which wasn’t far. After seeing him there safely, the brothers hurried back through the woods to Emma’s house. There was still no sign of the wolves. Bedrolls had been spread out on the floor in the living room, but no one had really slept.

Daylight was spilling over the bottom of the window as the sun began its ascent into the sky, when at last, Emma’s mother, Ms. Seri, stepped out, looking very tired. Gwestion rose from the table with anxious hope stirring among his fears, while Gladhron spun away from staring out of the window, both waiting in silent anticipation of some sort of news, as the woman softly closed the door behind herself, and came into the living room.

She paused, glancing from one brother’s face to the other. “He’ll be sleeping for a long while,” She told them gently. “He’s going to need a lot of rest, but he should survive.”

Gwestion let out a shaky breath that he hadn’t realized he was holding.

Gladhron sighed audibly in relief. “He’s alright?”

Ms. Seri hesitated. “‘Alright’ is a very.. uncertain term to use at this point,” She answered gently. “His leg was damaged quite badly. As was his arm. He lost a lot of blood, and he would have been better off not being moved. But I can’t fault any of you for it, given the.. situation.” She offered a sympathetic smile to the boys. “The cold may have helped slow his blood, at least,” She added. “You got him here in time for me to help him, that is the important thing.”

“How is he, now?” Gwestion asked softly.

“He is alive, and should remain that way. But I can’t say how fully he will recover, if ever.” She informed them honestly. “And I’ll need to keep a close eye on his injuries to make sure they don’t get infected.” She added.

Gwestion swallowed and gave a slow nod. “Thank you.” He whispered, realizing that the healer had given up her night of rest in order to keep their father from dying.

Seri looked from one to the other. “Emma told me that you boys were not injured?” She checked.

“Dare was,” Gladhron corrected.

“I tended to his arm, though.” Gwestion quickly assured her.

“I meant neither of you two, but yes. Where is Darius?” She asked.

“We took him home. He was worried about his mother.” Gladhron answered. “He seemed fine. Gwestion’s studied healing type stuff with our mother,” He explained.

“Good.” Seri nodded, letting out a soft sigh as she sank down in one of the chairs at the table.

“Would you like us to get you anything, ma’am?” Gwestion offered, seeing she was so tired.

Seri smiled faintly. “Thank you, but I think you two had better get some rest. And maybe a bath,” She added with a little twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “Have you looked at yourselves?” She asked, raising an eyebrow as the brothers glanced at each other.

“Oh. Um. Right,” Gladhron cleared his throat. He hadn’t seen a mirror, but he could see his brother. They were streaked with blood and dirt.

“There’s a bath already filled and ready to go,” Emma called, as she came in from the hallway. She had already finished and changed into a clean dress, her hair brushed and still damp. “The water’s good and hot, and there’s plenty of soap.”

“That’s what you needed all that hot water for?” Gladhron asked accusingly, teasing.

Emma grinned. “And here you thought it was for something important, right?” She teased back, then passed a folded towel to Gwestion. “You’re next.” She informed him.

“Who decided that?” He wondered, frowning slightly.

“I did. Deal with it.” Emma shrugged, sitting at the table with her mother. “Go on. Shoo.” She waved her hands at Gwestion in a ‘shoo’ motion.

He looked at her for a moment, as if he was thinking of protesting, but then he shook his head with a quiet little laugh. “Fine.” He agreed, deciding it wouldn’t do much good to argue with the lady. He shrugged at Gladhron as he stopped to get a new set of clothes from his saddlebags, which they’d brought in with their bedrolls.

“After that, you should try and get a little sleep, if you can.” Seri told him, before covering a yawn. She had been up all night treating the patient, bringing him back from the brink of death, it seemed like.

Emma glanced at her, then got up and went into the kitchen to start some breakfast. “Gladhron, if you don’t mind, you could bring in some more water and we’ll get it heating for your bath.” She told him.

Gladhron sighed. “Why doesn’t Gwestion get my water after he gets done? It’s only fair, I got his water.” He folded his arms with a frown.

“Two reasons,” Seri spoke up. “One, if you bring in the water now, then we can get it heating and ready to pour in the tub by the time your brother gets done. And two, when he gets done with his bath he’ll be wet, and if he then goes out into the snow to bring more water in, he could get sick.”

“And the third, best reason;” Emma added, poking her head out from the other room. “Cause Mom said so.” She smirked and then retreated back into the kitchen.

“Right.” Gladhron uncrossed his arms, nodding. “Of course. Sorry, ma’am.” He nodded to Seri before he grabbed his cloak and went out to do as he was told, while Seri watched him go with amusement in her eyes despite how tired she was.

---

A couple of days passed. The brothers slept in the living room, since there was only the one spare room in the house, reserved for patients. Gladhron claimed the couch, leaving Gwestion the armchair to sleep in. Gwedhion remained mostly unconscious, only occasionally half-waking enough to accept a morsel of food, or a sip of tea, before slipping off into sleep again.

Seri had tried to assure the brothers that this was fine, that his body simply needed rest, to recover from his wounds. That it was best anyway, so he needn’t feel too much of the pain. She still sat with her patient as much as she could, usually until she fell asleep in the chair beside the bed, before Emma came along and sent her to get some rest. She and the brothers then took turns keeping an eye on him until her mother returned to her post and sent them off to handle the chores and whatever else they could find to keep themselves busy.


“Why do I have to do the washing part?” Gladhron grumbled as he passed a freshly rinsed plate over to his brother. “Couldn’t Emma do this?”

“Emma is busy preparing herbs for Ms. Seri,” Gwestion reminded him.

“Then why can’t you do this, and I’ll do the drying?” Gladhron suggested as he handed him another plate. “Or, better yet, I could um, go outside and tend to the horses, or chopping firewood.”

Rolling his eyes, Gwestion handed the plate back. “You missed a spot. And besides, it’s not like it’s such a horrible task to wash dishes.” He pointed out. "It's less work than tending horses or chopping wood, and you don't get dirty from it."

Gladhron sighed and stared at the plate, then glared at it as he scrubbed at the stubborn place he’d missed. “I just hate it.” He muttered.

“That’s because you’re afraid the soap might actually get on you and get you clean,” Gwestion teased.

“I am not,” Gladhron rolled his eyes and flicked some soapy water at his little brother.

“Hey!” Gwestion tried to duck but was unsuccessful. “Don’t make a mess in Ms. Seri’s kitchen,” He scolded. “We’re supposed to be cleaning up, not making a mess.”

“It’s just a little soap and water, Gwes. What’s the matter, you scared?” Gladhron grinned and held up the sponge threateningly, like he was going to throw it.

“Don’t you dare…” Gwestion narrowed his eyes, holding up the plate he was drying, like it was a shield.

“I agree with Gwestion,” Seri interrupted. “I’d really rather you didn’t throw things around in my kitchen.” She placed her hands on her hips, eyebrow raised.

Gladhron turned, and hastily put the sponge down. “I wasn’t really going to, I swear.” He promised.

Gwestion lowered the plate and looked at her questioningly. She hadn’t come out of the treatment room very much over the past few days.

Seri gave Gladhron a faint smile. “Good.” She told him, then looked at them both. “Your father’s awake. He’s asking for you both.” She told them, before swiftly holding up her hands to stop them from rushing into the other room. “Take it slow, boys. He’s still very weak, and he’ll need to rest soon. But you should be able to talk with him for a few minutes.” She told them softly. “Walk. Don’t run.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Gwestion remembered to set down the plate, and then followed Gladhron as they both walked down the hall as quickly as could be managed while still being considered a ‘walk’.

Gwedhion was all wrapped up in bandages, but he was awake, and even propped up slightly on pillows. As his sons entered, first Gladhron, then Gwestion, he took a swift moment to assess them both for any injuries. He smiled faintly as he seemed to relax. “She said you weren’t hurt, but I had to see for myself.” He admitted.

“Father, I’m so glad to see you awake.” Gladhron claimed the seat by the bed, his relief clear on his face.

“Are you.. in much pain?” Gwestion asked softly, tentative.

“I…” Gwedhion hesitated, blinking slowly. “I suppose you could say that,” He admitted. “But the healer lady used some numbing herbs on my wounds, so I don’t feel it as badly as I would otherwise. And she’s given me some tea to ease the pain, too.”

Gwestion swallowed, nodding slowly. He remained near the foot of the bed.

“What of the wolves?” Gwedhion wanted to know, raising his head up from the pillow with some effort. “Were they all slain?”

“No, unfortunately.” Gladhron answered, shaking his head. “It’s a long story, but we’ll tell you when you’re up to it.”

“I want to know now, son.”

Gladhron and Gwestion exchanged glances. Then Gladhron began to tell his father the tale, with occasional corrections or reminders from Gwestion.

Gwedhion listened attentively, letting out a slow breath once they had reached the end of the tale. “So, maybe a dozen or more, still out there.” He muttered.

“I don’t think they followed us, Father.” Gladhron told him. “I mean, it’s been days. We never saw any sign of them on the way here, and-”

“They’re still out there, Gladhron.” Gwedhion interrupted. “Believe me. These wolves serve the Enemy. They are not simply animals acting on nature’s instinct. They’re driven by a dark will which wants nothing more than to destruction and death. Particularly, the death of our people. If they haven’t yet followed your trail here, they will.” He paused, glancing from one son to the other. “How far are we from the nearest village?” He asked.

“I think Emma said it was about half an hour to Archet, on foot. A little more than an hour to Bree.” Gwestion answered. “But we haven’t ventured the trip, yet.”

Gwedhion considered that, frowning. “Half an hour, to an hour... So if anything were happening in the village… news wouldn’t have reached us here.” He looked concerned.

“You think the wolves..?” Gladhron’s eyes widened a little. They needed to go find out what was happening in the villages!

Gwestion caught his breath, realizing the implication as well. They may have led the wolves right to a village of innocent, defenseless people. And they were here in this little cabin, isolated from it all, and unaware.

“I don’t know.” Gwedhion admitted weakly, struggling to keep his eyes open by now. “I just know these wolves aren’t the sort to give up that easily.” He mumbled. He let out a sigh. “I’m sorry I brought you boys along for this,” He added quietly.

Gwestion swallowed hard, then took hold of Gladhron’s arm. “We’d better let him rest now.” He whispered. They had some talking to do, anyway.

Reluctantly, Gladhron stood up, then nodded. “We’ll let you sleep now, Father. Get better. We’ll talk again when you’re ready.” He promised.

Gwedhion managed a weary nod before drifting off to sleep.

Gwestion and Gladhron slipped out quietly, and made their way into the other room where Seri and Emma were waiting. “He’s asleep again.” Gwestion informed the healer.

Seri nodded. “I didn’t expect he’d stay awake very long,” She admitted. “I was glad he was awake long enough to eat something, but then I gave him some tea that would help with the wounds. It does have a side effect that it tends to make people sleepy.” She explained. “But I am also glad you three had a chance to talk to one another.” She added softly.

Gladhron smiled, nodding. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“I think now would be a good time to get some rest, myself.” She decided.

“That’s a good idea.” Gwestion agreed. It was clear that she was very tired. “We’ll let you know if anything changes.” He assured her.

Seri smiled gratefully, then went off to lie down for some much-needed sleep.

As soon as she was no longer in the room, Gladhron pulled Gwestion aside into the living room. “We have to check on the villages.” He declared.

“I know,” Gwestion answered back softly. “But not tonight. We just promised we’d keep an eye on Father. We can’t do that if we-”

“Emma can do that,” Gladhron argued, keeping his voice down. “But if those wolves have made it into any of those villages… Gwestion, it’s our fault.”

Gwestion glanced away, not really needing that reminder. He gave a small nod, swallowing as he tried to push down the guilty feeling from before. “I know, but Father needs us, tonight, Gladhron.” He told his brother. “I promised Ms. Seri that we would let her know if she was needed. Not Emma.”

“Besides, Emma will be busy helping you two.” Emma spoke up from the doorway, frowning, her arms folded over her chest. “What’s all this about?” She asked, walking closer as she dropped her voice to match theirs.

Gladhron froze, staring at the girl, then looked at Gwestion, and back to Emma. “But you-”

“I know this area better than you two,” Emma cut him off, raising an eyebrow. “Now tell me what you’re talking about.”

“Our father expressed some concern that the wolves…” Gwestion hestitated. “he says they are servants of the Enemy,” He added softly. “He’s worried that they will have followed our trail, and that they may be causing havoc in the villages. That we, being out here in the cabin, might be completely ignorant of it all.”

“Right. So we’ve got to go check if that’s the case, and maybe warn people about them…” Gladhron frowned.

Emma bit her lip as she thought about this information. “I didn’t even think about them venturing to the villages,” She admitted. “Bree would probably be relatively safe, because it’s got walls and all. But the others…”

“So, we have to go check if everyone’s safe.” Gladhron insisted.

“I agree.” Emma nodded, looking at them both. “But not tonight.”

“What?” Gladhron frowned, confused by her both supporting, and not supporting, his plan.

“It’s dark now,” Emma pointed out. “And if the wolves are going to attack us, they’re most likely to do it at night. Like they did before. Cover of darkness and all that, you know?”

“They can still attack in the day time,” Gladhron argued.

“Yes, but we’ll be better off to go in the morning. Someone needs to keep an eye on your father, remember? And if we wait til morning, Mom will be busy doing that, so we can all slip off. She won’t need us as much, then. Right now, she needs us to do our part tending to your father.” She told Gladhron.

“Well… I guess you have a few good points there.” Gladhron admitted, accepting the argument.

Gwestion nodded as well, glad that Emma had been able to explain it to Gladhron better than he had. “Besides, won’t the gate at Bree be closed after dark?” He pointed out, guessing.

“It would, yes.” Emma agreed, nodding. “So, it’s settled? Tomorrow, after breakfast?” She asked.

“How are we going to check all of them and get back here before your mother needs our help again?” Gwestion asked softly, frowning.

Emma paused, considering that. “Well, there’s four main villages, and three of us.” She thought for a moment. “And… we have three horses.”

“Arrow is fine, but what about Cinnamon?” Gladhron asked, concerned about her injuries.

Emma frowned, sitting on the arm of the couch as she thought about that. “She’s recovered pretty well already, but she is still a bit stiff. I wouldn’t want to push her too hard, and risk opening the wounds again.” She acknowledged. “I’d say she could manage a short trip, like to Archet. That wouldn’t be too far, and the exercise would probably do her good.”

“You could take her,” Gwestion suggested. “You’re lighter than I am, so it’d be less strain on her leg. If you don’t mind me taking Nutmeg, that is?”

Emma nodded slowly, considering that. “I suppose Mom wouldn’t object if one of you rode Nutmeg,” She agreed. “We can do that. You two can check Combe, Staddle, and Bree. And I’ll check Archet and all the other little cabins and homesteads in between, since I know where practically everyone lives in these parts. And once we’ve seen that everything is safe, we come back here.”

“Sounds like a plan… but what if there are wolves?” Gladhron asked, frowning at this possibility.

Emma looked from one brother to the other, and they were all silent for a moment in thought. “Well,” She said at last. “I suppose we’ll just have to cross that bridge as we come to it, won’t we?” She sighed, knowing that answer wasn’t really satisfactory. “We’ll do our best to fight them, obviously. We’ll have our weapons. They worked before, they should work again.” She said, with more confidence than she felt.

Gwestion nodded slightly as he tried not to show how nervous the thought made him. Of running into that wolf pack again. Especially if he and Gladhron were going to split up. They had all only survived the other night because they had stuck together and worked as a team, right? So if the wolves found them separated… he remembered what had happened to his father when he’d become separated from Gladhron and Gwestion. When they’d left him, more like. To save themselves. He drew a slow breath in. “Right, one of us should keep an eye on Father,” he remembered.

“I’ll take first watch.” Gladhron volunteered. “Then Emma, then Gwestion.” With that, he set off down the hall to sit at his father’s side, watching to make sure his condition didn’t worsen during the night or anything.

Emma glanced at Gwestion, and both rolled their eyes. “Works for me, I guess.” She said, as he nodded in agreement. “We’d better get some sleep. Good night, Gwestion. See you at shift change.”

Private - Solo post, part 8


"Find anything?" Gwestion asked, after taking a look around to make sure that Emma's mother wasn't around. He had just come in from his trip to Combe and Staddle.

"Everyone in Archet seemed alright. No one's seen any sign of wolves, but that doesn't mean they won't still come around." She indicated a pot on the stove. "I made some hot chocolate. There should be enough for you and Gladhron."

"Oh? Thanks." He smiled at the thought of having a nice, hot drink to warm up with, after riding around for a few hours in the cold. "I'm surprised he isn't back yet." Gwestion mentioned, hanging up his cloak before going to get a mug.

"Yeah, me too." Emma admitted, frowning a little.

"I noticed his horse wasn't in the stable," Gwestion said while carefully dipping a ladle into the pot of cocoa, to fill his cup with. "I thought that seemed strange. I thought for sure he would've gotten here before me."

"I was starting to worry about you both, to be honest." Emma glanced toward the window. "It's dark now. I hope he hasn't run into any trouble..."

"Gladhron always seems to find some sort of trouble, you can count on that. " Gwestion joked, with a little laugh. He carefully lifted his cup to be level with his mouth, and blew slowly over the top of the steaming liquid. "Joking, of course." He added, looking at her over the top of his mug. "I hope he's alright, too." He frowned, trying to think of what could have delayed him so much.

"What took you so long, getting here?" Emma wondered.

"Oh," He slowly moved to join her in front of the fireplace, making a face of annoyance. "We flipped a coin to decide on who'd be going where. I ended up with Staddle and Combe, while he only got Bree." He huffed at that, clearly finding it unfair.

Emma raised an eyebrow in amusement. "So, he maneuvered you into taking both of the smaller villages while he took the one, bigger one?" She asked, trying not to look as amused as she was feeling. "How'd he manage that one?"

Gwestion thought about that, while walking slowly so not to spill his drink. "I'm still not quite sure, to be honest. I suggested that one of us take Staddle, and the other Combe, then meet together and check Bree together. But then, the next thing I know, he's claimed Bree, and I'm supposed to go check Combe, and we're flipping a coin to decide which one of us takes the 'extra village'. Which, of course, he won the coin toss."

Emma laughed lightly, shaking her head. "That brother of yours," She grinned slightly. "So in other words, he wanted to go to Bree, so he pushed you into taking the other two so he didn't have to do as much."

"Pretty much." Gwestion grumbled. "Same as he usually does." He frowned. "But, he still isn't back... Shouldn't he have finished way before me? He should be here by now, right?" He frowned. "I bet he's goofing around while we sit here worrying about him."

"Well, Bree's got walls, and they close the gates at night," Emma remembered, offering some slight defense for Gladhron's failure to return to them. "So, he might have gotten trapped inside once the gates shut. But he should be safe there, at least." She pointed out.

"Ah.. that explains it then; he's probably found a tavern with plenty of eager listeners to hear him telling some wild, exaggerated story about his 'brave adventures'." Gwestion rolled his eyes, then gave a small grin, easily imagining his brother's exuberance with storytelling earning him a large, eager audience. "Which, I suppose, means that we won't be able to get any news from him until morning." Gwestion continued, sighing. He shook his head slightly as he sat down in front of the hearth. Hopefully, that was all it was. Hopefully, his brother wasn't in any danger.

"Does he do that a lot?" Emma asked, curious.

"Only when he's awake. And, well... sometimes even when he's asleep too," Gwestion answered with a faint smirk. "Of course, he is an excellent storyteller, but.." He shrugged, trailing off from his amusement as he looked toward the back room. "... how is he?" He asked softly, meaning his father, while his manner grew more somber.

Emma cupped her mug between both hands, resting it on her knees. "About the same, I think, as he was yesterday." She answered softly. She sipped her drink, then looked over at him as she realized that he hadn't said anything about his own findings. "Did you come across anything worth looking into?"

Gwestion lowered his cup, frowning. "Not much, but I did see some wolf tracks, on the outskirts of Staddle. Isn't that sort of near the border of the marshes where we met?" He asked, fairly sure he remembered his geography. He had studied maps of this land before they had set out for their trip, but he had never been to the Breelands before now.

"That's right," Emma agreed, looking concerned. "Did they look fresh?"

Gwestion gave a slow nod. "More recent than when we encountered them, I believe." He answered quietly. "It concerns me that they seem to be moving closer to the village," He frowned. "But I would guess the tracks to be at least a day old. They did not go into the village, though, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before they do."

"I agree... and the villagers there have no defense from such monsters." Emma frowned. There was silence for a moment as they both pondered on this. After a couple of sips of her hot chocolate, she glanced at Gwestion again. "Does your brother have any money?" She asked, tilting her head as it occurred to her that he might not be able to get a meal, nor a place to sleep.

Gwestion took a moment to think about that. "I think.. he had a little bit with him?" He answered uncertainly. He guessed what she was getting at. "I think he has enough to get himself something to eat, at least." He frowned, thinking for a moment. "He might even have enough to get a room for the night, but I'm not sure about that." Honestly, he wasn't even sure how much a room at an inn would cost, in town. "I suppose, if he doesn't, he could probably manage to find a place to sleep in the stable, if nothing else. Who knows, maybe if he tells stories well enough, people will be entertained enough to buy him a meal or something." He shrugged, feeling fairly convinced that Gladhron would be alright as long as he actually was inside the city. If so, then he would not end up sleeping out in the cold, without anything to eat.

"In that case, we should focus on what to do about those tracks you saw." Emma said thoughtfully.

Gwestion sipped his hot chocolate thoughtfully, remembering that his father had been very insistent on them not going after the wolves by themselves, and yet... he was worried about the wolves being so near to the village. He frowned and tried to decide what to do, and he couldn't help remembering the fear he'd felt while watching, helplessly, as his father was savagely attacked by those monstrous wolves. He felt torn between doing whatever he could to kill the beasts, or to obey his father's orders. He frowned as he tried to decide what to do, and finally sighed. "Perhaps.. let's just wait for Gladhron." He asked, hoping to stall for a little time to decide what to do. "I wouldn't want to decide anything until he's here, too."

Emma stared at her hot chocolate with a little frown, nodding slowly. "Yes, I suppose we can't really do much else, can we?" She sighed. "Anyway, let's get supper going. Mom is busy taking care of your dad, so that leaves the cooking up to us."

"Sure, I can help with that." Gwestion assured her, finishing off what was left of his hot chocolate as he stood up, moving for the kitchen. For a little while, the two friends worked together to cook up a meal, while letting all other issues fade into the backs of their minds, for now. They would resume worrying about the more important things, later.

Open Roleply- feel free to join
Right then, this is it," the elder brother, Bannon, declared, adjusting the heavy wool cloak on his shoulders with a purposeful tug. He cast a practiced eye around the common room of the Prancing Pony, taking in the rough-hewn beams and the motley assortment of travelers huddled near the crackling fire. "We need someone reliable, Elian. Someone who knows the path south better than Barliman knows ale, and who appreciates the gravity of a formal invitation to Edoras"

For his part, Elian was already propped against the bar, a half-empty tankard in hand. He stifled a yawn and cast a jaded eye over the crowd. "Edoras," he deadpanned, swirling his drink. "Wonderful. Because nothing says 'family unity' quite like a multi-week trek through bandit country to watch two people we've never met tie the knot in a place made of gold and straw."

Bannon, ever the picture of composed patience, merely sighed, a gentle shake of his head accompanying the sound. He smoothed the worn, earth-toned jerkin over his chest, his gaze sweeping around the crowded common room of the Prancing Pony. "It smells of pipe-weed and good ale, Elian, which is a significant improvement over our last encampment." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And we're here because Father needs to secure those trade routes before the season truly shifts. A wedding is simply a convenient excuse, and a safe one."

He signaled the innkeeper, Barliman Butterbur, for two pints. "Besides," Bannon continued, "the Rohirrim are a proud people. Honorable. Their connection to their horses is something to admire, not mock." His eyes glinted with a genuine appreciation that was entirely lost on his younger sibling. Bannon had already spent the journey planning their route, mapping out safe havens and potential dangers with a careful, methodical mind that left nothing to chance. All he lacked now was local expertise for the final leg of the journey.

Elian rolled his eyes, taking a long pull from his freshly delivered mug. "Proud? Honorable? Last I checked, those words didn't keep the rain out, nor did they feed a hungry traveller." He wiped a bit of foam from his lip with a theatrical sigh. "I'm just saying, if we're going to drag our collective behinds across half of Middle-earth, the guide had better be more 'guide' and less 'con artist'." He gestured around the room with a free hand. "Any of these fine people look like they know the way without getting us turned into Warg-fodder?" His eyes settled on a rough-looking individual near the fire. "Maybe him? He looks honest. Or at least like he's only slightly likely to rob us blind."

Bannon followed his brother's gaze and then dismissed the fellow with a wave. "Too many shadows around him." He took a considered sip of his drink, his brow furrowed in thought as he scanned the room, his mind already working through probabilities and reputation. "We need someone reliable, someone with a clear head and a known history with the Horse-lords. A careful plan requires a reliable path." He turned back to Elian, a hint of steel in his calm voice. "Now stop complaining, try to look presentable, and help me find a man who can get us to Edoras in one piece."

*What you were seeking was not something too hard to be found in this case, though the man sitting in a table at the side of the inn was not exactly ease dropping. He was working his way steadily through a large bowl of well sweetened porridge. Outside of berries there was very little sweet to be found in the wilds where he spent most of his time. He didn't look much like a horse 'lord' one could say. He was clean, not remarkable considering the fact he'd spent three days at the inn now. There were some stains on his clothing, but only those that would remain even after washing and become part of the fabric. After all, who would throw out good fabric merely because of some unevenness of colour thanks to a wayward berry or something. There was something not quite tame, something weather about him, as if he was part of nature itself.

He had eyes, calm and easy, and lines that formed deep crevices in a very ordinary face with a slightly larger nose, testimony to a life spent mostly outside. The inn keeper could point him out to you, or most customers would be able to. He was known. He 'lived' in Rohan, right past the mountains, but most of his life spent within he wilds, hunting, guiding Eoreds through difficult paths, guiding travelers, or sometimes serving as a messenger.*

@Arella