A Warrior through and through

Clementine

It is a sickness to feel numb from loss. I realized that as I rode down the path towards the plains. For the first time in a long while, I could feel my surroundings. I could feel the wind in my face and hair. I could feel the rising sun gingerly touch my skin. I could feel the power of Auster below me as I guided him smoothly to a gallop.

For the first time in a very long while, I genuinely laughed. It was not a laugh of crazed rage or unbelievable grief. It was just a simple laugh, yet so pure in joy. I urged Auster to go faster.

She was a marvellous horse. And it seemed that she hadn't had a run for a while because she seemed just as ecstatic as I was. I could feel the contours of her great muscles move ever so gracefully as we powered towards the plains.

The forest path opened up to a huge flat field sooner than I expected. I knew the plains were close, but this close? It seemed that I had underestimated Auster's speed. I guided her to a stop and got off. The raven, which was gliding above me landed on my shoulder. It was well trained, for it was careful not to dig its talons into my flesh.

In the distance, I could see The tips of the towers of the great library. If she was heading to the deadlands, she must have passed through the library to gather information. I estimated that it would be about a day's journey on horseback to reach the library.

Auster beside me was panting heavily. Sweat glistened off her body, giving and she was frothing a little in the mouth. It had seemed that I had pushed her a little too hard. I placed my hand on her neck and focused. whisps of green energy formed around her. I focused the energy into her to rejuvenate her strength. I grinned. It had been a long time since I did that.

"What I would give to see that smile on your face," A voice came suddenly. I quickly spun around, removing her sword from its scabbard. I watched as the shadows gave way to a female figure with pale skin. My grip tightened around the hilt of the blade.

"Clementine," I said, my voice rasping a little.

"Hello, Walter. Strange, meeting you all the way here," She responded, coming closer. Her skin was as pale as I remembered, contrasting with her green eyes. She sill wore back travellers garb under her cloak which was also black.

"Give me just one reason why I shouldn't kill you," I told her while focusing my magick.

She smiled, "Because Adira sent me,"

I wavered. How did she know her name? Clementine was all kinds of things, but she was not a liar. I lowered my sword.

"Where is she?" I asked.

"I have no idea. Somewhere in the deadlands. That's was why she sent me. She wanted you to know that Tor is back." She responded.

"That's impossible," I said immediately. There was simply no way that Tor was back.

"That's what I thought too, but he's back whether we like it or not,"

"And she's alone? In the deadlands?"

"No, she's not alone. She has a couple of war mages and soldiers," She said.

That was what she meant in the letter. At least I knew she might be still alive.

"Explain everything," I said.

This was more complicated than I thought it would be.