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The Lost Stars ChronicleChapter 50: Home Again
The sun shone through the thick trees in pale shafts of light as the Fellowship entered Forestman territory. Their journey had been fairly uneventful, but each new day brought warmer and sunnier weather; and that was an adventure to them in itself. The gray trees were speckled with new red buds, every here and there a tiny green leaf poking from the branches.
“Spring is here at last,” said Bjarn, looking fondly at the thick trees, “Winter has ended in Forestman land.”
They barely took ten steps into Forestmen territory before the entire Fellowship was surrounded by grim-faced Forestmen.
“HOLD!” shouted one, “Drop your weapons!”
“What is the meaning of this?” bellowed Bjarn angrily, “Do you not recognize your king when you see him?!”
The four dozen Forestmen wavered and bowstrings loosened.
“STAND READY, MEN!” shouted the leader Forestmen, and stepped forward slowly, his eyebrows drawn together in a scowl. Suddenly his eyes widened as he simultaneously recognized two persons in the group.
“Milord!” he cried, then: “Anardan?!”
“Elacil!” Anardan grinned with delight and bounded forward to his friend. Elacil, however, shook off Anardan and bowed humbly before Bjarn.
“Forgive me, milord.”
“Of course, Captain.” Bjarn nodded, “But what is the meaning of this? Why the tight security?”
“Gonderin has ordered the Forestmen borders be sealed, milord.”
“Whatever for?”
“To prevent the Wolfpack civil war from spilling onto Forestmen land.”
Bjarn gaped, and Reno and Aros crowded closer to hear.
“Civil war?”
“Yes, milord. Willem Blackcloak has been ousted, and his whereabouts are unknown. At least a dozen Wolfpack clans are now squabbling for the throne.”
“This is sad news indeed.” murmured Bjarn, “I see I have much to catch up to.”
Bjarn muttered some obscure swear word and fell back to let Anardan and Elacil talk. The Fellowship and the perimeter guard camped and shared a meal together. And then the Fellowship set out to Drullen Bell, leaving Elacil and his troupe to guard the Forestmen borders. Their journey after that was fairly uneventful; but each new day brought warmer and sunnier weather; and that was an adventure to them in itself. The gray trees were speckled with new red buds, every here and there a tiny green leaf poking from the branches.
They arrived at the great Forestmen capital when the sun was at it’s zenith, and the remaining members of the Fellowship of the Pendants were welcomed grandly, and soon they went their separate ways. Anardan was off after a brief rest and returned to his friend on the border to exchange many tales. Voolmark soon vanished too to search for his young friend Fraun Jerlock. Reno, Aros, Luxus and Shainya all went to bed and slept long and dreamless sleeps, recharging their spent bodies. As for Bjarn, a council with Gonderin awaited.
The Forestmen King and his second-in-command had spent the last two hours discussing matters of the Forestdwellers and the Fellowship Of The Pendants. Now, at last, the talking was over, and they both rested their sore throats by sipping at some wine.
“It seems much has happened since I left.” sighed Bjarn, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his eyes vigorously.
“Indeed, sir.” agreed Gonderin.
“Tyco, I hope Willem’s alright.” Bjarn stated after a pause.
“As far as we know...Lord Blackcloak is still on the run. We have all the spies searching for him, of course, so that he could be taken into protection.”
“Very good.” nodded Bjarn, “Gonderin, I can’t thank you enough. No other person could have kept the Forestmen running this smoothly like you.”
Gonderin allowed himself a slight smile. “Thank you sir. What are your plans now?”
“Me?” Bjarn chuckled slightly, “I don’t see there is anything I need to do, at least at this moment. I think just continuing as before will suffice, unless something else turns up.”
“Very good, my lord.”
Gonderin rose, and bowed.
“I have kept you too long as it is, my lord. I’ll send up maids with a basin and warm water for you to wash in.”
“Thank you, Gonderin, nothing sounds more enticing.”
Gonderin nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind him. Bjarn stood and looked at himself in the mirror. Megablocks, he looked haggard. A bath would just the ticket...and a shave. He had become quite scruffy.
Soon the door opened and maids brought in a large metal basin, filled it with steaming water, and left quietly. Bjarn slowly undressed, letting his worn and dirty clothes crumble to the floor, and eased himself into the tub with a sigh. Yes...he had had enough of adventures for the time being. Now it was time for some rest and relaxation.
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