Gunpowder, Magic, and Lead

Chapter 5 The Stranger

Oren and Cain waited for the man to meander across the clearing toward the cabin. The stranger, dressed all in black including his dirt covered duster, reined in his horse a few steps before Oren. His face was trail-worn but not unpleasant, "Forgive me, but I didn't realize the node was occupied." He said in a low, slightly raspy, voice.

"It is, state your business, Stranger." Oren said. He knew that since the man knew about the node he must be a wizard or some other person sensitive to magic, not a good person to have around a Diabolist.

"I need to get cleaned up and my horse needs feeding and we both need a good night's rest. We have been traveling for quite some time." He gazed around, "This is still a free zone, isn't it? I have just as much right to it as you."

"The grounds of his Earth Node are neutral, that hasn't changed," Oren said, "but we claimed this night already. You will have to move on until we leave."

The stranger leaned forward on his saddle horn, "Surly you're joking. Have you been outside lately? A storm is blowing in from the west. I would be much obliged if you would let me have a quiet corner to bed down at least."

"That depends on what business brings you this way, friend." Cain said.

The stranger eyed both Knox and Cain while stroking his day old beard. After he finished evaluating them, he took a breath to speak, "I have been following a Diabolist. Do you boys know what a Diabolist is?"

Cain acted offended, "We're standing in an Earth Node. What do you think, Stranger?"

"What does she look like?" Oren asked.

"Blonde hair, average build, blue eyes and a dimpled smile. She is very attractive to boot, which I suspect makes her a particularly effective Diabolist. She goes by the name Loril."

"Why are you after her?" Oren asked.

"That's my business, friend." The stranger said.

"Well, the way I figure it, if you want your quiet corner tonight, it's my business too." Oren said.

"Knox, I just realized you didn't get my clothes from..." She trailed off when she laid eyes upon the stranger.

"Actually. I have taken care of the loss." Cain said, "There is a new trunk in the cabin. I guessed at your size but there should be something there you can wear." Cain's voice trailed off as he cut his eyes at the stranger.

The stranger rested his hand on his sidearm, "I think you have some explaining to do." He said to Oren.

Oren began to mumble a disarm spell. He was careful not to provoke a fight by putting his hand anywhere near his gun.

Loril, clasping her white dress close to her stepped up, "Stop it, the both of you." She moved toward the stranger, "Isiah, I told you to stop following me. I will be fine. I can take care of myself. I don't need a protector."

Oren's thoughts went to a jilted lover or jealous patron, "The girl has spoken stranger, she doesn't want you here. I guess you won't get that corner after all."

Loril spun to face Oren, "Of course he can stay if he wants to. I don't want him to follow me but he is welcome to stay."

"I don't get it." Cain said, "Who is he?"

"He is Isiah Ravencroft," Loril said, "My big brother."

"Flesh and blood?" Cain asked.

"We had the same mother and father so yes, flesh and blood."

Oren let the spell he was preparing drop, "You could have led with that information, stranger."

Isiah shrugged off the comment.