WOT Adv 98

--- The Wheel Turns ---
Maer, Althair, and Kamar had rendezvoused with Thenlir and Maeslyn where they had hidden their horses on the south eastern bluff. Kamar had carefully laid Keb on the ground and spread his cloak over her, looking at her worriedly with Maeslyn by his side and conversed in low whispers. Althair simply sat by his son's body and stared into the darkness, saying nothing, absently stroking his bow. Thenlir was caring for the horses.

Maer had left them with their thoughts and went on lookout over the bluff for the past quarter of an hour.

"Any sign of our Shienarian friend?" Maeslyn asked Maer, crouching next to him some moments later.

He scanned the darkness of the town, staying low. "No. None yet."

Maeslyn nodded, shivered, and pulled her wet cloak tighter about her. The rain had stopped and the air seemed colder for it. "We can't wait long," she finally said. "Keb needs warmth. I suggest we head back to where we encountered the patrol and the beast and the captured officer. We'll give them another few moments and then we'll have to move. It's too dangerous to build a fire here and there's nothing I can do to shield it from sight." She grimaced at the prospect of not being able to channel.

Maer nodded and Maeslyn left to watch over Keb. After a few additional moments Althair approached Maer and sad on the wet grass.

"Maer," he said softly, still looking at the ground, his bow held across his lap. "I am sorry for my words and actions earlier. My only son has perished this night, but Fiznak was right, I was wrong to blame you."

Maer nodded and studied the man. "Death is a part of life, Althair, especially among my kind. We dance with death daily for those things you wetlanders never think of. water, shade, and shelter. We all danced with death this evening for something greater. Freedom. Your son gave died for that, so that he and others might be free."

Althair nodded and brushed tears from his face. "I know, but---" The sound of approaching hooves cut him off.

"Quickly!" Maer whispered. "The trees!" They scattered for the trees and saw a lone rider bearing an extra horse trot into view. Althair sent a warning shot into a tree next to the rider and Maer stepped out from behind his tree, his spear at the ready. "Halt!" he said.

"It's me!" Fiznak growled and dismounted.

"Apologies friend, Fiznak" Maer smiled and stepped out of darkness, his spear at the ready. Althair stepped out behind his tree, his bow at the ready his hand reaching for another arrow.

"How did it go?" Maer asked. Then he noticed the Maynard's empty saddle and his face grew serious and he studied Fiznak's face.

"And what of Maynard, the Wide One's warrior. Where is he?"

"Maynard gave his last breath for this," Fiznak said and pulled a slate tablet out of his cloak, attempting to hide his tears. "I tried to help him, their lord was too strong, and his skill too great. I should have died with him."

"The ter'angreal," Maeslyn said approaching the group. "You have it?"

"Yes. Fiznak said, handing her the slate tablet."

"Maynard is dead?" Maeslyn's face was incredulous.

Fiznak nodded. "His last words were to save Megda Sedai. I tried to save him, but I failed." He slumped against a tree and looked angrily down at Tobin's Hollow. So much blood spent. And for what?

Maeslyn appeared to be in shock as much as Fiznak was in anger. "It can't be!" she murmured. "Light help us."

"He was a great warrior." Maer said sadly. "He had bravery, skill, and honor."

Maeslyn finally seemed to shake away dark thoughts and regained her composure. "We continue with the mission to find Megda Sedai. We know she is in Falme. Nadira Sedai would not have us give up. But first, we need to find shelter for Keb's sake. We have done much this night. Let's go. Maer, lead us back to camp."