The Winter Queen of Havenshire

Chapter 16: A PLACE OF PEACE, WARMTH, AND REST

"How is he?" Corban asked.

"We need to get him somewhere safe and warm, quickly," Crow answered. "Or he will die."

"Does anyone know of a place nearby?" Corban asked. "We're losing daylight fast. I'll take a cave."

"I know of a place," General Thrushbeard said. "So do you, Crow?"

"That place is gone," Crow said. "It was burned to the ground long ago by your by your Lord Fonce."

"Something else has taken its place. Something good. Trust me. Lead the way."

Crow nodded. "Follow me."

He spurred his horse east. They rode for several hours. The temperatures lowered with each passing minute as the sun slowly disappeared in the west. Soon they call could see their breaths.

The closer they got to their destination, the more familiar the woods became to Crow and Thrushbeard. Memories of deeds long forgotten flashed through both men as they came closer. None of them were good.

They reached a large clearing. A valley had been made by men. In the center was long, log cabin with an almost as long stable built beside it.

The warriors rode to what they hoped would be a safe haven. Most of them were wary, but not Thrushbeard. He knew who lived here. They were good people.

One sole man carrying a torch exited the cabin. He was dressed in light furs. His face was covered by the hood he wore and the short black beard on his face.

"Can I be of some help?" the man said.

"Our friend is wounded," Corban said. "We need a place to stay for the night."

"We have what you need," the man said. "And plenty of room for all as long as those who can work."

"That won't be a problem," Corban said.

"Elise, come out and show these fine people where they could put their horses," the man called back into the cabin. "My eldest will be out shortly to guide you to the stables. Can the injured man come on his own?"

"No," Corban said. "Hammer will help you carry our friend inside. We'll take care of all the horses."

True to his word Elise came out to lead them through the stables. She was slightly shorter than her average height father but had the same black hair and brown eyes. She motioned for the others to follow.

Hammer took a different path as he carried Rojier inside the cabin.

The rest entered the stables. There were enough stalls to house an army. Things that did not add up to Corban. This was supposed to be place of safety. They unburdened the horses and made sure each was fed.

"How do you know this man, Thrushbeard?" Corban asked.

"I don't know him per say, but I know of him," General Thrushbeard said. "We met long ago, but I doubt he remembers me."

He scratched his chin. His beard was growing back. He looked to Corban.

"His name is Jeffrey. He is very good at what he does."

"So he's a deadly man."

"My father is a man of peace," Elise interrupted. "He is a healer and friend to those who seek shelter and peace."

"How does he stay alive and keep you safe?" Ferine asked. Her interest pique. The girl was not much older than her yet she knew no fear."

"Our God protects us, all eight of us," Eliza answered. "I'll go help Mama prepare a place for you now. The door is always open."