Shadows of Wychering

Chapter Two - The Ride

Her mother met them outside. "And what of my daughter's safety, Sir Morgan?" Erwenna Harsent asked as Ameline mounted her mare. A fine horse she called Etty.

"Mother? I am old enough to hold my own. I do not need anyone to look out for my safety. I am in the Order after all and it is my duty."

"And one you are all too happy to oblige," she gave Ameline a guarded look.

"I will be fine." Ameline glanced towards Morgan, "May we go?"

"Yes, and Lady Harsent, you have my assurance." Morgan gave a gracious bow.

They passed through the east gate kicking up dust as the horses cantered along and hit the small trail that wound its way around Hawkryng Lake and down towards the river. The mountain range from which the lake and river drew their names loomed in the distance, its peaks mist-covered and mysterious. Tall firs lined the far shoreline closest to the mountains, evergreen hinted on the northeast wind.

Morgan Lasair rode up beside her.

"Let us ride together, I will take lead. We will follow the Hawkryng down to Cordonva and from there take the east road to Wychering."

Ameline nodded and followed him to the front, she glanced at Jame as she passed, smiled then cantered up to Morgan.

"Are you going to tell me why we are headed to Wychering, and not an emissary from the King?" she asked.

"Simple enough, Lady. We investigate first, send an emissary if our investigation bears fruit."

Jame came riding up, a frown on his face.

"Aye, what are ya going on about? If ya is discussing the mission I think we all should know."

"I had a question, Jame, not that it is any of your business."

"This mission concerns all of us, Ames."

She knew that look, knew that Jame did not like her talking to Morgan. She slowed Etty and leaned close to Jame.

"Are you jealous, Jame Dunrick?" she whispered.

"No, I just—I need to talk to Sergeant Bollard." Jame slowed and let the Sergeant catch up to him.

Her spirits lifted as the day brightened and early morning mist gave way to the warm sun.

Being a mage was all that she ever dreamed about, since her abilities first revealed themselves and that small puff of smoke left her hand.

Now she was going out in the field.

She glanced at Jame. She loved him, but at times he acted as if she did not matter, other times he exuded a jealousy that lovers would find astonishing. He did not mention their promise much, and when he did, it was as if it was a pleasant memory. It seemed the realization that they would never be together had dawned on Jame long before it had her.

Water churned and gurgled as they reached the river, riding ever southward. The Furst Guards chatting created a distant din behind her. They wore the livery of Havenfurst, red with black finishing and a fierce gray wolf emblazoned across the front of their tabards.

Morgan held up his fist.

"Hold, we water the horses and break here."

She led Etty across the sandbar to the water's edge and let her drink.

Jame came walking over.

"Nice day, eh?"

"It is lovely," Ameline replied gazing up at the sky.