Between the Veil and Crown

Kylin 6

The village was illuminated by lanterns hanging outside of the houses when Kylin entered. There were only a few living things wandering the streets at that time, and the noise of the crickets was the loudest thing.

Kylin was fairly certain Jarven had fallen asleep, or fallen unconscious, as he had not made any noise for a while. He had checked to make sure he was still alive, so he did not concern himself much with it.

He made his way to where the soldiers were keeping their horses. One of the soldiers, too low of a rank to go and enjoy the tavern at this time of night, caught sight of him and immediately called out, "Oi! Don't come any closer, Ranger!"

Kylin stopped respectfully, waiting for the young soldier to approach.

"State your business!" He had to be in his teenage years. He still had the face of the child, with only hints of muscle elsewhere. He had an expression with a weak attempt at intimidation, which faltered at seeing Kylin's unconcerned look.

"I'm here to return to you one of your own and his horse," he answered. He handed the soldier the reins of the exhausted horse. "You'll want help getting him." He gestured to Jarven.

The soldier's eyes widened. "What did you do to him?" he demanded to know.

"I did nothing. He and a couple of his men met a couple of dobharchus. He's lucky that he's still living." Kylin began untying Jarven. "Another Ranger and I did what we could to help him, but if he doesn't get the necessary treatment soon, it may not matter." He turned to see the young soldier still standing there. "What are you doing? Go and get someone else. I have to get going."

It looked as though the soldier had a lot more to say. He opened his mouth, looking from Jarven to Kylin, his expression somewhere between bafflement and a scowl. Kylin shooed him with his hand, and the soldier closed his mouth, glaring as he led the horse away.

While he was gone, Kylin finished untying Jarven, holding him in place until the soldier arrived with a superior. The superior looked very much annoyed at being dragged over to talk to a Ranger, but his demeanor changed upon seeing Jarven."What did you do to this man?" he thundered. Admittedly, he was a lot more intimidating than the young soldier when he asked, but that wasn't saying anything.

"Nothing," Kylin said in a hard tone. He crossed his arms. "He was attacked by a pair of dobharchus. We did what he could, but if you stand here and argue with me about it, it won't matter.

"The superior gave him a glare, but helped the younger get Jarven off the horse. As they were helping Jarven off, the superior barked over his shoulder, "You stay right there, Ranger!"

Kylin ignored him. He gathered up the reins of his own horse, and walked off. The superior could make whatever threat he liked. Kylin's only focus was to find a place to sleep and head out in the morning.