The Sword Maiden

Leaving Ladris

The Sheriff and Valeria came out the building just as Redwar and I pulled apart.

"This woman said you had a traitor-" the Sheriff broke off when he saw the Elected One tied up. "What! What's going on here! Jordan what are you doing-"

The Elected One, otherwise known as Jordan, cut him off with a sneer. "It's Dissol to you." He slid off his horse.

The Sheriff stepped back, surprise etched on his face. Then the surprise hardened into anger. "I'll take you in myself," he growled.

And just like that, friends became enemies.

Redwar held up his hand. "Wait. Where's the stable?"

The Sheriff pointed to the building in front of us. "Back behind there."

Redwar grabbed both of the horses reins. "Take us there."

"Sure, just let me take this filthy-"

"No, before you take him away," Redwar cut him off.

At this we looked at him in surprise. What was he up too?

The Sheriff looked reluctant, but he respected Redwar. "Alright, follow me."

He led us around back to small but comfy stable.

Redwar turned to Dissol. "I know what your horse means to you," he said quietly. "Your horse fought valiantly for you. Therefore, I'll untie you so you can tend to him. But do not try anything."

Something changed in Dissol's expression. "You have given me this honor. You have my word: I will not try anything."

Redwar eyed him for a moment, then nodded. He untied the rope from Dissol's wrist. "You are free to move about the stable and use whatever you believe your horse needs."

"Sir, he might-" Redwar cut the Sheriff off with a glare.

"He gave his word Sheriff."

"But he's a Ravager!"

Dissol and Redwar glared at him.

"So? A Ravager's word binds him more closely than yours does. If he breaks it, his honor is stripped from him. Many will think him worthy of death. He will not try anything." Redwar's tone silenced any more protests.

With that he untied Dissol. I walked over to the end of the stable and leaned on one of the posts. I trusted Redwar, and left my sword in its sheath.

Slowly and with care, Redwar led Ladine into one of the stalls and took her whole bridle off. The horse lowered her head and sighed deeply. "There you go girl," Redwar murmured.

He hung the bridle outside the stall, then went to the well and drew water. He offered it to her and she drank deeply. Redwar pulled the bucket away before she was finished. "Not so fast dear one. You'll get sick," he cautioned.

He grabbed a stiff brush and with firm strokes straightened her matted sweaty hair. Ladine seemed to enjoy this.

Redwar obviously loved Ladine very much. He honored her loyalty to him. It inspired me to treat Axe the same way.

Dissol took care of his horse with all the love and tender care that Redwar did Ladine. I narrowed my eyes and thought how strange a culture must be that cared more for their animals than their people.

Redwar went immediately went off to find a bed, exhausted from the night's ordeal. Dissol was taken to the cells. By the time his trial commenced, we would have left Ladris.