Fading Travelers

The Camp

With the whistle of a bird came the tune of a flute in the forest breeze. Among the bushes of red berries and thorns were a band of travellers enjoying an afternoon rest. The green woodland was filled with joyful music as an armoured maiden swayed with her own song.

Five horses grazed the rich grass around the camp. The chestnut mare, Rippa, belonged to a sturdy fellow named Bragg. His armour plate was thick, and his arms thicker, rightly so for he wielded a double headed axe. The bay gelding, Shade, was owned by the robed mage Ridley, whose hands often flickered with an odd flame. The next mount, a fat palomino named Dance, fitting for she answered to the singing maiden Lydia, stood closer to the camp, almost as if she was enjoying the music too. The fourth horse belonged to the group’s leader and stood armoured up and ready to go. Redger was always ready for his rider, even when she was away from camp.

The fifth and final steed was a slim, coal black stallion which took orders only from the group’s hunter, Caohmir, recently returning with a rack of dangling hares. Sweat dripped from the hunter’s brown hair and his leather cuirass was stained with dirt and blood from his kills. He found Lydia and Ridley sat beside one another while Bragg was facing another way for he found no peace in music.

“Blonde still not back then?” Caohmir asked openly, seeing that their leader had not yet returned. “Looks like I’ll have to save her dinner for later.”

As Ridley laid back on the lush forest floor, enjoying the music, a loud grumble emerged from Bragg’s stomach. He placed down his axe and let out a grunt. “I’m starvin’! When are them hares goin’ to be cooked? We’ve rid for a day an’ night without rest.”

Caohmir shook his head. Bragg was always one to moan about nothing. “Don’t be a fool Bragg,” he replied as he began to skin the game “we’ve only ridden for five hours, hardly an affair. It won’t take long, they’re only small.” He gave his friend a look that said ‘get away from the fire’, which Bragg in turn did, and continued to prepare the meal.

The high sun was hardly blocked by the trees, the early days of spring meaning few leaves had sprouted. It was welcome warmth however, for sun was a rare commodity that time of year. Any chill in the air lost its cause as it drifted through the forest making for no discomfort in the form of the elements.

As Lydia’s song came to an end Ridley rose up with a humble smile. “That was a fine tune milady, one worthy of recognition in the finest halls. Why you remain with us when your beauty could make the finest palace seem like a rotten slum, I do not know.” Bragg and Caohmir had tuned into the conversation, each holding back a laugh.

“That was a poor attempt Ridley. Why you don’t just cast a charm on me with your magic, I do not know.” The sarcasm was thick and Ridley knew it, seeing the laughter behind her eyes. The other two let out smirks louder than they wished, but it was all the same. “Oh shut up!” He yelled out of embarrassment. He then turned his back on Lydia and picked at the grass, setting each individual piece aflame as they floated to the floor.

Bragg rolled his eyes, though a grin still painted his face. “No matter how many times you try, lad, she isn’t goin’ to fall for yeh until you’re a proper good magician or whatever.” These words caught his attention, though in more ways than one.

“Its mage, and I am a good one, right? What’s your say in this Caohmir?” Caohmir had just finished placing the last hare onto a makeshift spit above the fire, though was still avidly listening in on the others.

“It’ll take more than starting fires and burning grass with your magic to win a woman’s heart, especially one like Lydia’s. She’s from up North see, like Bragg, and up there it’s the deeds you do, not the words you say, that win hearts over.” His words had hit home for Ridley and from the concentrated look on his face he was reflecting on them greatly. This, however, was short lived. “You’ll get better, and maybe someday you and Lydia will buy a nice cottage together with a waterfall and stables with three kids, and you’ll live happily ever after!”