Araluen's Peril

Chapter 5 The Gathering

Chapter 5 Gathering

Halt walks on the ramparts, watching Will, Maddie, Horace, Cassandra and Jack leave. His wife, walks up beside him and said "They are going to be fine, from what Gilan told me, the Herons are more than capable helping them out in any sea trouble."

Halt looks at his wife and replied with some contemptuous tone "It's not the sea I was worried about"

Pauline gives him a stare and then looks back out. Gilan and Baron Arald climbed up and watched the morning sun rising behind the hills. Baron Arald sighs, "Such a nice view, soon to be ruined with a battle, the last time we had a war was several years ago"

Gilan nods slowly. "They did well, especially when I left them alone in order for me to get to the king for an important message, instead they went back and infiltrated the plans for a major Skandian flanking attack."

Halt nods, "That would have been a disaster, Couldn't have ended well."

Baron Arald teases "So Halt, I hear your going on a fishing trip now huh?"

Halt gives him an icy glare, Baron Arald and Gilan tried their best, to presume a straight face, but broke into gales of laughter. Halt shakes his head, "I'll be on my way too, getting some Arridan and Skandian warrior won't be that easy."

Pauline also includes, "I'll head to Castle Macindaw, and send for Malcolm. We need him to help heal some injured people when the battle begins. That is if he is willing"

Baron Arald headed off, gathering and sending messengers to begin assembling the Kings army, while Gilan sent one of the Ranger's apprentices to spread the word to the Rangers, discreetly. Soon, Halt was along on the castle walls. He gestured one of the sergeants patrolling, "Is the Skandian duty ship here?"

The Sergeant nodded, "Yes, sir Ranger Halt over there in the river waiting for you."

"Thanks"

Halt packed his things at the stable with Abelard. Counted his arrows, and checked his weapons. Then rode out through the castle gates. In a short while, he saw the standard Skandian wolfship beached there. He saw Gundar waving to him calling in greeting. "Good pastnoon! Good ol' Halt!"

Halt laughs "What are you doing Gundar? Trying to get me on my good side before I go on that tub?"

Gundar looked genuinely offended "WolfWind isn't a tub! May I remind you, she is a prized ship to me and my crew."

Halt said disdainfully "Every skirl thinks that"

Gundar laughs "Never change Halt, never change"

"Alright, whatever you say, let's head for Arrida"

Ooo

The voyage to the Arrida wasn't that terrible. Halt felt queasy here and there, but from previous rides, it has certainly improved. They beached on the shores of Arrida. A messenger came up, with a dozen or so soldiers, possible for some protection. Halt knowingly that 12 trained men won't stand a chance against 27 Skandians.

"Hi, welcome to Arrida"

Halt nods and does the Arridan gesture of salutations. The messenger looked surprised at the gesture and quickly replied to it.

Halt looks around "I am here to meet Wakir, Seley El'then." From practice, with perfect pronunciation.

Again, the messenger was surprised at the foreigner's perfect pronunciation of the name, before the messenger can agree or disagree, "Tell him, a man with Skandians, named Halt would like to meet him soon as possible"