The Champion *ON HOLD*

Chapter 14- Leovar

A/N: Now we get to view the world through the eyes of the white rider. I really enjoyed writing this chapter, despite not much happening. Above is a close comparison to Leovar's horse, although canonically, the horse is bigger boned. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the newest installment of The Champion!

The sounds of chirping birds woke him. He sat up in the small tavern bed and yawned. He slept like a dead man last night and he felt fresh and renewed. With a grunt, Leovar threw back the coverlet and stood, stretching himself fully, his arms reaching above his head. He felt some of his bones pop and crack as he stretched and he sighed in pleasure. Leovar loved mornings.

Quietly, he padded over to the wash basin and splashed cool water on his face to help wake him further. Wiping his damp skin with a towel, he turned and looked at the closed door adjoining his room. He could feel the steady pulse of magic flowing from beyond that door and felt concern fill him.

Nothing in the entire realm could or should spout magic the way Avery spouted magic constantly. The fact that her magic had not run out yet bothered him, and scared him. It surprised him that she wasn't showing signs of fatigue from emitting so much magic all the time. Just as well that her constant emission of magic was virgin and not any specific type.

If Avery had emitted something like compulsion magic, anything she said could be taken as a command and anything that was within her range of magic and voice would have done anything she told them to do. Virgin magic, in its original, wild form, was harmless, but could be changed if a will was strong enough. That Avery had not tried to change her magic told him she had no idea how, or that she simply wasn't aware of the magic she emitted.

It was harmless enough, but the amount she radiated attracted any magic user or magical creature within her range. Her magic was a beacon and those that were drawn to it were not always benevolent. They had learned that swiftly enough while on the East Road.

Another concern entered him and he worried about her wounds. The gargoyle had attacked her viciously and her pain had been great. She did her best to hide her pain from him, but he could feel it emitting from her in cloying waves. Leovar figured that Avery was the type of woman who did not like others to see her as weak, especially strangers. He knew she did not trust him fully yet, and therefore did her best to not show any outward signs that she was hurting.

He was glad she had received care, but she was still injured. She was even more vulnerable now and at the pace they were going, it would take at least a fortnight to reach Lake Voth. If they could all ride on Sila, it would make things easier, but Sila could hold at most two riders and some supplies. She could not hold them both as well as Avery's dogs.

He had only known the woman for about a day and he knew if he suggested she leave the dogs, she would no doubt shoot him with her strange weapons. So they had to travel by foot, which chafed him and drove Sila mad. She would have to fly sooner or later. She could not handle the constant walking. Leovar would have to buy a horse.

With a sigh, he moved to his saddlebags and dug out another pair of trousers and a clean linen shirt. For a moment, Leovar debated on whether or not he should don his armor, and decided it would be best if he did.

He would wake Avery so they could bathe, break their fast, and leave. The faster they reached Lake Voth, the better. Once he reached their destination, he could let the wise man help her and be on his way. He had to tell the High Council of Jhakkahvar's deeds. It was a terrible crime for a dragon rider to break his or her vows, and Leovar knew that his dragon brother had to be put to justice.

Leovar moved to the door and knocked on it quietly. He heard muffled growling behind the door, but no answer. Frowning, he knocked again, louder this time. Now the growling changed to barking, and was much louder.