The two men were sitting at the short table in the old man's room, Erenkhad was sitting upright with his hands on his knees, in an angle. The older man was grinning wickedly as he was pouring some of the red liquid for both, the scarce light makes it seem darker in the glass when they lift the glasses and drink. They remain silent for some moments, having been talking for most of the time so far, they just drink, one enjoys what he sees as victory, and the other, Erenkhad, waits patiently to be sent to ride out and bring glory. The silence didn't last long, two pounds on the door made the older man nod and the guards flung it open, a messenger came, bearing small sealed piece of parchment. He walked to the older man and gave it to him, he opened it and read, then turned to Erenkhad, showing his white teeth behind the most malicious smile.
-It is time. At dawn you will ride out. She is ready to be summoned.
Erenkhad raised a brow not hiding his curiosity, yet he didn't ask, he knew that the man would go on, and he did.
-Fornost awaits for you, she... awaits. All preparations have been made by the priests and they will summon her in three days from tomorrow.
-Who is she?
-Oh, her name you have to discover yourself, I will only say that she is the answer to our prayers, the first answer, for we have to see more still. We have just started.
Erenkhad nodded once sternly.
-What of the Rangers and the others who crossed our paths?
-Do not even think about them, the Rangers know nothing and the others were just townsfolk who were lucky just because we showed mercy. If they try to stop us again we'll kill them!
Erenkhad nodded again, making the man look at him up and down and smile, proud of him.
-Rest now, her summoning may test your skills and thoughts, you need to be prepared and rested if you are to survive it.
-I will do so.
Erenkhad stood up and walked out of the room, he gave orders to prepare his horse and chose four more men and went to his room to meditate and sleep.
Hours Earlier
The man spurred his horse to go as fast as it could, two horses were behind him but he did not dare stop, if he'd stop he would die for certain, despite his heritage he was tired and they were sent to kill him. He rode fast and at the first trees that he saw he galloped even faster, the horse was exhausted and the Ranger jumped off its back and hid among them. The two men approached the location and saw his exhausted horse on the ground, one of them jumped down and drew his sword.
-Let's put this beast out of its misery, it stinks, just like its master after all...
He approached with his sword raised and brought it down at the horse, but before managing the blow an arrow pierced him and he fell dead. The other man turned the horse to the direction that the bow came from and charged with his sword in hand. But the Ranger was faster, he nocked a second arrow and dug it deep into the man's chest.
He turned around and looked ahead, Esteldin was not farl he'd be there soon and would rest..
