In the ramparts, above the closed portcullis, the sisters stood like the regal beings they were. If it weren't for the moon's brilliant light that night, one might suppose that their eyes were playing tricks. For the sisters wore dark cloaks and their hair billowed like black banners in the wind. In turn, their expressions were shadowed and their eyes were ever-watchful orbs. They easily could have been mistaken for passing banshees – shadowed and
Snow had begun to fall, the small flakes catching the hair and eyelashes of the sisters. The air whirled, sending gusts of flurries at the band. Eir had positioned herself to stand slightly behind Seren, where her frame stood frozen in anticipation. Upon her hip sat a battleaxe, a weapon that she highly favored, and her fingers curled tightly around its butt.
When her ears began to hear the soft, muffled stomps of the company, she tilted her head, so her darkening gaze could see into the night. Intrigue and unanswered questions had grown heavy like molasses upon her tongue. Why now? Eir asked herself, what has happened to cause such men to seek us out?
When the Verndari arrived at the gates their horses were blowing white air and their hooded faces were hidden in shadow. For a quiet, still moment, no one spoke. The sisters stared in wonder at these brave – or were they simply foolish? – men. The company, in turn, stared at the sisters of myth and legend.
When the wind atop the mountaintop settled, one man came forth and pushed his hood from his face, looking up at the somber trio. Eir shifted her weight uncomfortably, seeing that the man was undoubtedly not a man. Instead, he was but a boy on the cusp of manhood; his jaw was not yet defined and his eyes bright with youth.
Seren stepped forward before he could speak, holding her hand up to halt his oncoming speech. "Hold your tongue, boy. Do understand that my sisters and I do not take kindly to strangers. If anything, we do all we can to avoid them. If your company means to do us harm in any way, I will say that it would be a very poor mistake and foolish, really. If, however, you and your company wish no ill intent, then you are welcome here." Then, she stepped back into the safety of her sisters.
The boy nodded, indicating he understood. After a quick glance towards the men, he tugged at the cloak clasp at his throat before speaking, "Milady, I assure you we are no strangers. You'll know that we are the Verndari - sons of the men who fought with you half a century ago. Truth be told, we seek only to recruit your aid. We have come at the utmost haste to speak with you and your sisters of an urgent matter concerning the Eastern regions."
Branwen spoke, her voice cracking after being silent for so long, "What is this urgent matter you speak of? Do speak up, child."
"Mistress, with all due respect, I deem it unwise to continue this conversation in such an open environment. Perhaps we should move this discussion inside, where no ears can hear us." He paused, his eyes suspiciously grazing the land surrounding the castle. "These men are cold and tired, as well. We seek shelter and food only for a night."
Seren furrowed her brow but before she could reply, Eir interrupted to whisper to her sister, "They haven't shown their true leader, yet. The boy is but a messenger and how are we expected to trust them if they won't even entrust us with the face of their captain?"
"Eir is right, Seren." Branwen murmured, her eyes flickering back and forth between her sisters and the men. "They must first bring forth their leader."
Seren nodded before turning once more to the company, "Beds and food are available to all on the condition that we speak with your captain first, messenger."
Eir's eyes narrowed slowly when the boy lifted his chin defiantly. "My captain will only speak with you once we have been promised safety in your house."
