Circle of Stone

The Story

Page 53

Laura - 2001-02-24

iel trailed off to the edge of the camp site to search the area making sure no prowlers lurked near by.

Azari had been sleeping peacefully for quite some time. When she awoke, she woke in unsuspecting fear not knowing where she was or what lead her back to the camp site. As she sat up, every muscle in her body tormented her as she began to regain her composure. The sudden attack, being bound for hours, the wild horse ride, falling into the woods on her ankle, what else could go wrong she pondered in deep thought. " Tiel?" Azari became a bit concerned when Tiel did not respond. It was obvious Tiel must be out hunting for food or could someone else be with her? Azari decided to put her concerns away in her mind for a while. She knew she needed much rest. With that in mind she eased herself back to the ground for a little nap.

Amber - 2001-03-01

o it was that they'd finally figured out where they stood.. Selene thought as her blush deepened a bit at his gaze. He had such a strange affect on her, unlike any of the other couriers. But then again, he wasn't like any of them at all, not in the slightest bit. "I hope I can consider you worthy of that title forevermore.." She replied with a wry smile. "Besides, I don't know if I could stand being refered to as madam... It reminds me of my mother.." She said, shuddering at the thought. Her mother was so.. subservient and docile. Selene couldn't imagine being anything lke that, at all!

And then, he kissed her gently on the cheek, and she found herself frozen to her spot in surprise, eyes wide. Not even her father had ever done that to her! Her mother had kissed her, yes, on the forehead, but that had been when she was a little girl.... She was barely aware of his words to her, nodding dumbly as they finally hit home. His whistle brought her back fully to attention, and she turned to watch the horse come towards them. She wished HER horse would come when bidden, but of course, that would be too OBEDIENT of the beast, something he would never be... She sighed, forcing herself to keep her tone civil.

"If you must help that.. that.. thing, so be it.. I will go with you, not for her sake, but for yours." She took his hand, swinging up behind him. To keep herself from slipping, she wrapped her arms around his waist, nodding to him. "I'm ready.." She replied, unruly chestnut curls falling down into her eyes.

George - 2001-03-08

revor had smothered a smile as Selene’s eyes widened in astonishment at his gentle kiss. It seemed obvious the young noblewoman was unaccustomed to such displays of affection. Perhaps had he taken the time to consider his actions, he might have refrained from such a precipitous action. But, that was Trevor for you. To not kiss a pretty girl would have been uncharacteristic for the young knight. He did note that Selene had discarded her lordly ways and almost behaved as one of the girls Trevor was accustomed to. Which made her all the more desirable. Perhaps it was his manner which kept her off balance. Trevor always preferred the direct method when dealing with people and situations. That was his father in him, hard driving and unwavering. Unfortunately the world did not always accommodate such behavior, as Trevor had discovered with Azari. Women were exceeding strange creatures, almost as if they were from another world. They were so mysterious, so unlike menfolk. How he wished his sister Sasha were here to advise him, not for the first time to be sure. She, being a woman, would have insight into this world, if she were disposed to reveal any secrets to a lowly man. It could be that a code of honor existed between women which prevented such disclosures. To complicate matters further, what appealed to one woman would not always work on another. So how on earth could a man know what to do? It was this dilemma that Trevor found himself caught in. He was attracted by Azari initially, by her beauty and warrior spirit. But now Selene’s loveliness and regal bearing tugged at his heart. She needed him and that appealed to his chivalrous nature.

Trevor brushed these thoughts aside for future contemplation and helped Selene aboard. Her arms about his waist thrilled him, but her words concerning Azari dampened his spirits somewhat. He was about to correct Selene’s crude description of her, but decided to keep his peace. There was no way he wanted to be caught in the middle of this conflict, especially between two females. They, for all their beauty and gentleness, could become terribly vicious opponents, resorting to all kinds of tawdry behavior, such as hair pulling, scratching and the like. No indeed. A man had best keep away from the center of such disputes. “Indeed I must, for that is my duty. As you have already been the beneficiary of those duties, hmm?” he gently chided, reminding her that she had been in the same predicament not long before. “Thank you for your willingness to help me. Now hold on tight.” Trevor spurred his steed forward and they were off, dodging limbs and rocks.

They had traveled less than a mile when Trevor’s horse whinnied and reared, nearly tossing them off. Only Trevor’s quick reactions saved them from injury. Several figures jumped out in the trail, blocking their path. Settling his mount down, Trevor peered at them. Something was familiar about the big one, a brute with ugly eyes, a smashed nose and teeth missing. Could it be? Trevor felt a flash of fear, then anger. How dare this thug defy him, a Knight of Torrigan! More men appeared behind them, cutting off retreat. Trevor realized that he and Selene were in grave danger. “Well, well, so we meet again, my ugly friend. One taste of my blade was not enough? Perhaps you would like a second helping.” Trevor temporized, hoping to get the thief talking. Anything to buy them time. He thought furiously, looking for any avenue of escape, any possible edge he could exploit. Glancing about at the faces surrounding them, Trevor thought he recognized some of them from his earlier rescue of Selene. It appeared the gang had reunited and now had the upper hand. Surprise had been Trevor’s ally before, but now it was the thugs’ advantage. The barbarian laughed, his horrible face alight with piglike glee. “You tink you so tough. Ha! I tink I show you who da tough one is, knight-boy. Hey, what you say, boys? Want me gut him like de fish, huh?” The gang joined in his laughter, enjoying the moment. Trevor felt Selene's arms tighten around him in fear. He turned his head slightly and whispered, "Do not fear, Selene. I will not let them have you." He returned his attention to the leader and replied derisively, bravado hiding his fear. "You? Gut me? PAHH! When I am finished with you I shall feed your remains to the fish!" To Selene's horror Trevor slowly dismounted, as if he had all the time in the world. He faced her and whispered as he handed her the reins discretely, "You must find Azari and get help. I will try to hold them off while you escape." He noticed that the men on the trail ahead were not paying attention and had left a gap in their ranks. "Hold on tightly!" He smacked his horse soundly on the rump and the stallion bolted. One of the thugs tried to stop him, but was mowed down and trampled under the panicking horse's hooves. Horse and rider disappeared around a bend in the trail and Trevor was suddenly alone, encircled by the enemy.

He drew his sword with determination, the blade singing. The thieves backed away, leaving their leader and Trevor in the middle of the circle, their faces set and grim. The leader gestured for some of his men to pursue Selene and then drew his sword, hatred oozing from every pore of his body. Trevor felt dismay as he watched several riders take off after Selene. He hoped she would be smart enough to get off the main trail to throw off any pursuers. And that she could find Azari soon. He could use all the help and swords he could get. Trevor knew his best chance for survival lay in bold actions. It would be the last thing they would expect. With that in mind, he attacked the leader, a war cry leaping from his throat as he swung his sword.

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