Lions of Men

Chapter 31

"Rakurih, will you not listen to reason?" Ardaymian called out after his longtime friend.

"I heard you all three times, Ardaymian," Rakurih said as she tied her hair in a bun. "But I must do this." She placed her sword in its sheath and slipped on a black cloak over a white cotton bodice and leather chausses.

"Wherefore will you go?"

"I'm headed to Gauz and try once more to talk some sense into Rowen."

"You've done all you can, Rakurih. He will not hearken to you."

"I didn't ask for your opinion, Ardaymian. I saw the look in his eyes when we were at my father's tent this morning. He's breaking" She saddled her horse. "Just make sure no one's coming?"

"Think of what you're doing. You're going to wend forth stumbling around in the middle of the night. You don't even know where Gauz is."

"I know where the Fellowship broke camp. I'll tarry there till dawn and follow the trail. I'll only be a day's journey behind."

She mounted her horse and prepared to leave, but Ardaymian blocked her way.

"Rakurih, it is way too dangerous. I will not let ye get yourself killed."

"Says he whose about to be trampled by my horse lest he moves!"

"So be it! If ye wish to perish in thy ignorance, go ahead! But think of this. The chances of your brother's survival just increased drastically compared to yours. There is only one way to Gauz, and trust me. The way is fraught with wild beasts, thieves, and murderers."

"You're right Ardaymian. Just one thing. I'm following a nine hundred thousand-man army."

"And you'll be a full day's march behind and alone. Eudarius would never forgive me if something were to happen to you. And I'd never forgive myself."

The former princess of Levanorah seemed to soften at his last comment. "Come with me," she whispered.

Ardaymian's jaw dropped. "What? You wish me to go with you? To Gauz?"

"Aye. Come with me, and I won't be alone."

"So want me to die as well?"

"I've seen you with a sword, Ardaymian. You're a decent warrior. And you are just in your saying. I can't do this alone. I abandoned Rowen once before. I won't do so again. Does his life mean nothing to you? Help me."

The son of Eudarius peered at Rakurih, astounded by her proposal.

"Please," Rakurih begged.

Ardaymian paced for a moment and then peered up at her again. "Give me an hour. We'll need proper materials for the road."

***

Kiherah was amazed at the amount of food left over, even with over forty people gathered in Allista's home. The matriarch instructed her friends to go out and share the leftovers to less fortunate locals in the town before sunset. Beshlem and his brothers made plans with Shamarah and Kiherah to escort them to tour the rest of the city in the morning and then departed.

Allista dismissed her family so that she could talk with her new friends alone. Tesyonah sat just outside, reading a book. Once the women were alone, Allista sat across the table and smiled at them. Kiherah felt conspicuous as if Allista was looking right through to her soul.

"Might I offer thee some more wine?" she asked.

"Please," Shamarah replied enthusiastically.

"Aye, thank you," Kiherah added.