Cynraede spoke quietly as he studied the parchments that lay sprawled across the table. He was trying to do the assignment Sybri had given him quickly, so that hey may move on. He was afraid his time in Arrowhaven would be short, he felt in his heart that his journey was beginning, and it was going to take him far, far from Arrowhaven.
"Ba..Ae...Er... Bear... Ba.. Ae.. Er.."
"Cat.. Caht.."
He smiled as he read the words, looking to Sybri's rather entertaining drawings of the creatures.
"So, you're learning to read? That is good my friend, that is a valuable skill indeed."
Adunabel leaned up on the door post, looking to the hunter who sat near the fire place. Cynraede stood and set the paper down, tucking the necklace back under his shirt as he turned to Adunabel.
"Adunabel, I did not expect you this early, not for many days.. What has happened?"
"A group of rangers have taken up arms and moved southward, towards the lands of Enedwaith and Dunland. I go to ride with them, and have come to see if you would ride with me. The horns of our people have sounded, our brothers call for our arms. You have been the son for far to long my brother. The time has come for the son to put up the fathers ring, Duramarth adopted you, my brother but now it is time for you to rise and take your own path."
Cynraede looked to Adunabel as thoughts and questions raced in his mind, he stood firm and nodded. The young hunter rubbed the ring with his thumb as he looked down to it. He took it off and placed it upon the desk, looking back to Adunabel.
"I will ride with you and our brothers. Only if you swear to do two things for me."
"Speak it brother, and it shall be done."
Cynraede looked to Adunabel for a moment as he took a deep breath.
"If I leave, you must send one of your own, to keep watch over my people. I will not leave them unattended."
"And the second?"
"If I should fall, I am not to be buried behind the walls of the white city. I am to be buried here. In Arrowhaven."
Adunabels eyes widened as he stared at Cynraede slack jawed.
"Brother, you have surely gone mad! Do you not at least wish to gaze upon her beauty?"
"No, Adunabel I do not. Her king had me cast out, made outcast from her people. I am from the west by birthright and by blood, but no more am I a child of Gondor. My people, this order. They have taken me in and welcomed me with open arms. They love me as no other has. I am accepted here, I am wanted here. I've shed blood for them, my own. If it comes to it, I will lay down my life."
Adunabel stared quietly at Cynraede, who stood tall and confident. His eyes peering directly at Adunabel's. The ranger nodded and lowered his head, his voice sounded with defeat and wrought with sadness.
"If you wish it, brother than it will be so. Come now, and hurry. Our brothers will be eager to see you once more."
Cynraede smiled widely as he pulled his hair back into a tight pony tail and walked to the room he was using as his own. He opened the chest as he slid his shirt off, looking down to the black markings that tainted his white skin. He slid his shirt on, placing his light leather chest piece over it, cinching the straps down tightly.
Tears rolled down his cheeks as he tucked his shirt in, tightening the belt around his waist as he stood tall. Cynraede looked down and sat down in a chair, pulling his boots on and lacing them tightly. Taking up his gauntlets and strapping them down tightly to his wrists. He walked into the main room as he adjusted the short sword upon his back and quiver that held several crimson feathered bolts. He raised his head to the man, and smiled widely.
Adunabel walked outside towards two horses that had been saddled and readied, mounting one quickly the nodded as Cynraede mounted the other. The two rode off, heading for the gates of Arrowhaven. The young hunter stopped and looked from the top of the hill, peering out over the village. The sun was setting just over the hills, sending its beautiful ruby red light down atop the waters and windows. He turned and kissed to his horse, riding away from home.
