The rain outside was making a splat sound on the wood boards of the old porch. That sound could be heard more than the distance rumbles of thunder, or the fait cracks of lightning descending from the clouds. Masin had his eyes closed, but he was not sleeping, too many thoughts for him to hush his mind. A loud slap from the storm outside finally made his eyes open. He pushed his hair back as he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. His feet stepped down on the old woven rug beneath him and a long breath was released from his tired chest. From the look of it he thought, 3 am, maybe 4, with the overcast sky it would be hard to see the dawn, might as well get up now. He rose from the bed and pulled his shirt over his head. Out from under it circled a little brow fox, distributed from his sleep. The fox jumped down and began to circle between Masin’s legs as the sky let out a loud boom. Masin leaned down and picked the fox up as he said to him, “Easy there Rowen, the storm is just getting closer. We are better to getting moving before it is on top of us.”
His journey to this point had been long. Family gone, loved ones and friends split up to achieve separate tasks. He still felt a connection to those he loved and cared for, but he felt he must carry on where his father could not. He had last seen his companions when he left in a vain effort to try and hunt out who had killed his family in Rohan. Along that path he longed for the company of his wife, and the torment of past deeds reminded him of how easy his love for her could be used against him. He thought of Addie and how he had not been there for her when she had to confront life in Rohan. He had seen the wanted posters and new she must have fled by now, but to where? Gondor perhaps. He wanted to follow and once again stand by her side and Xanderian’s, being the protector. But he had to follow his own path and find the Rangers in North, it was time for him to fulfill what his father had to leave behind.
His bag was packed, and a little brown fox face was looking out at him, “Maybe she will get our letter Rowen, and one day….” He words trailed off and the fox ducked inside, his fox tail was still sticking out. Masin heaved the pack on his back then covered it with his cloak and hood as he headed out to try and get in front of the storm.
