The Medallion of Asgar

5.

Reise

The trip through the forest was quickly becoming more of a test of Reise's patience than an actual search. With the two knights under his charge, he had to keep their morale up. Morale that apparently wasn't there to begin with. Their horses cantered behind Midnight obediently, having more of a composure than the actual riders. One, Sir Rowe was silent and looked around warily, but he panicked at the slightest sound and was quick to draw his sword. The other, Sir Carson was an incessant talker who disgracefully complained about his task and having to travel through such conditions. They were a duo clearly not fit for the serious task at hand, especially since it involved moving through the dense foliage late at night.

Reise was silent, bobbing up and down on the horse slightly as he led the two knights through the forest. The two each held up wooden torches which lit the way. Midnight was intelligent enough to step over and around fallen branches and thorn bushes, so Reise did not worry too much about the debris along the forest floor. Rather, he searched for any signs that a person might have traveled through the area. Footprints, fabric...something. So far, though, he saw nothing. Either the thief hadn't passed through here, or he could cover his tracks well. As expected of someone expert enough to steal directly from the castle.

"Sir...? Did you see that? I think I saw a shadow...!" Reise had given up actually checking, as he'd done so more than ten times already and was tiring of trying to convince Sir Rowe that it was merely his mind playing tricks on him. "Yes...it was a shadow, Sir Rowe. It belongs to the dark bunyip of the forest which feeds off of fear and noise. Continue talking and quivering and it will most certainly whisk you away," Reise muttered. The knight fell silent, but as soon as he did, Sir Carson spoke up, commencing a rant. "Sir...I can barely see, even with these torches...and it's murky and damp and my steed is going to have splinters in his hooves when all of this is done...this is no route for a knight, Mi'lord..." Reise's gaze remained straight forward. "In order to find a rat, one must walk the rat's path."

Sir Carson shook his head. "We're nobles, Sir! This job should be left to the-" "Dare you question your duty to the Kingdom of Asgar?" The Charcoal Knight glanced over his shoulder at the knight, his tone sharp as he glared at him through the helm. Coupled with his renown, it had the effect of making both knights flinch. "Both of you are knights, are you not? I highly suggest you begin acting as such before we reach civilization, for you represent the Royal Guard. Disgrace His Majesty and I will remove your heads myself." Reise had lost his patience with them, but it produced results. Both men fell silent, and remained that way for the rest of the trip through the forest, with the exception of a murmured comment here and there.

It was nearing midnight by the time the knights cleared the forest and came within view of the first castle village. They'd made good time on their steeds, as a trek by foot would have taken them much longer. Sir Rowe gave an audible sigh of relief. "Thank Heavens we emerged from that place in one piece," He murmured. "...Though, we failed to procure a lead. We'll need to investigate this village down to the last detail." Reise slowed Midnight to a trot, the two knights doing the same with their horses. They blew out their torches and entered the dimly-lit village at a casual pace, hooves clattering softly against the dirt road and echoing off of the silence of the night. The Charcoal Knight swept his eyes over his surroundings. The village was peaceful, quiet, and seemingly asleep at this time of night. The few people who passed them in the streets either stared in shock, awe, fear, or respect before giving deep bows and hurrying along on their ways. It wouldn't be long before word spread through those still awake in the village that three of the Royal Guard were in town. And more specifically, that the Charcoal Knight was here. The 'King's Dog', the 'King's Sword', however one would put it. Really, it depended on which rumors one chose to believe.

Reise looked to Sir Carson. The knight was yawning and complaining about being tired. "Surely we can take a rest in the inn and continue our search in the morning?" "And allow the thief to slip under our noses? I think not." Some rest would do them all good, but sleeping on the job was not something Reise was about to be accused of. At this time, the inn was likely booked, anyway. Sir Rowe interjected, "But Sir...how can you be sure that the thief is even here?" Reise's gaze went to him as he retorted, "How can you be sure he is not?" When there was silence, the man sighed and folded his arms over his chest. "We'll need to ask around for information regarding anyone suspicious. Can I trust that you'll be fine if we split up? Sir Rowe, ask the village guards. Sir Carson, investigate the inn. I'll check the tavern." He looked to both of them, who nodded. "Remember, we are not here to sight-see. Remain task-oriented. If you have a lead that requires immediate pursuit, do what you must; I am trusting your judgment. Let us meet in the square in about an hour, and may Lady Luck be with you."

With that, the two knights bowed to Reise and trotted off on their horses in opposite directions. He nodded and directed Midnight through the town, wandering for a bit until he caught the muffled sounds of laughter and speech that normally came with a tavern. Coming to a stop in front of the structure that was the source of the noise, Reise dismounted his horse and removed his helm. He placed it on the saddle and stroked Midnight's reins absently while he looked up at the dimly-lit building. Taverns were always open, always bustling, and information could always be found in them. Hopefully, someone would have the information he needed. Taking a deep breath and running a gloved hand through his hair, he stepped forward and pushed open the wooden door to step inside.