to let Cero be the first to open up and resolved not to push.
Aleest was the next to appear. Despite Urake’s warnings about the uselessness of a horse in the Garoche, Aleest was seated bareback on the imposing black warhorse. He was greeted by the two already assembled. He then turned around on the motionless horse and stretched out leaning against Elmet’s neck. He feigned sleep as the next two arrived.
“I was going to come. Don’t push. I can walk on my own.”
“Shut up. You talk too much.”
“I was only saying…”
“Shut up.”
“I was saying that he said first light. As you can see, or more accurately not see, there is no light out here to call first. Ouch! That was uncalled for. Your mother would be ashamed of you for… Ouch!”
“Shut up!”
“To think that I thanked you for helping me out yesterday with that… situation.”
“You mean saving your scrawny hide from those guys that you ratted out?”
“I wouldn’t exactly say it that way, but I suppose that is a succinct way of saying it.”
“What does that word mean?”
“You don’t know what succinct means?!”
“I can still go get those guys. I think the bigger one can still beat the tar out of you.”
“No need to threaten. I was just saying that you said it very well. That is what succinct means. Now you have learned something new today.”
“I have learned that you can’t shut up. One of you have a spare sock?”
“What might you need a sock for?”
“So I can stuff it in your mouth and tie it on. It will be quiet then.”
“Now that just doesn’t make sense. Stuff it in then tie it on. It should go something like… Okay, okay, I will be quiet. Don’t…! See they are laughing. It’s sort of funny if you step back and look at it. Just step back over there please.”
“Just be quiet like that kid or I will hit you with this.”
“He is a showoff. I do wish that I had a horse like that.”
“I said…”
“Okay, Okay. See? Silent.”
Urake had trouble remaining hidden as he suppressed an urge to laugh at the spectacle of a mortally offended Niman struggling to remain silent for Arken’s benefit. The humorous mood was dampened when the last two individuals arrived. Both Torroth and Inadar had agreed to come of their own free will, but neither of them wanted to be here. They chose what they considered to be the lesser of two evils. Even if they did make good on an escape attempt in the future, he wouldn’t hold it against them. One of the reasons that he had requested their presence was because he wanted to learn more about Inadar. After watching the seven interact for a couple minute Urake stepped into the circle of light.
“I trust that neither of you will try cutting my throat in the middle of the night.” Urake tossed the weapons that had been taken from Torroth and Inadar at their capture at their feet. The black metal knives that Inadar carried had given him pause when he recognized the distinctive metal carried by the hunters. He also noticed that Inadar was eyeing Cero oddly for some reason.
“I hope that you are just showing off with that horse.” Urake marveled at the usually energetic horse that hadn’t more than twitched in the last few minutes.
“You don’t want me to come with you.” Aleest sat up and looked down at Urake before he turned around and on the horse.
“Don’t tell me that Elmet told you.”
“Okay… I won’t.” Urake shook his head as he turned back to the two busy arming themselves.
“Who is Elmet?” Inadar questioned as she slipped a knife in her boot.
“Don’t get him started.” Urake rolled his eyes.
“It’s Okay. He will be coming back here when we reach the snow.” Aleest spoke softly as he hugged the horse’s muscled neck. Everyone seemed to detect the emotion in his comment so they didn’t speak again as they picked up the packs that Urake had set out for them. He noticed that Cero shouldered his effortlessly, but also that he lagged to the rear of the column as they set out. Their path led directly up the slope behind the cave. A trail was soon found that began climbing the hill in a slow switchback pattern.
“So what is your name?” Inadar tried to strike up a conversation with the quiet lad plodding next to her.