Town Of Milford

Shades of pink, reds, and oranges graced the sky as the sun rose over the horizon. The dark shadows of the trees, turned into dark browns with light and dark green tops. The lusious canopy that laced over our heads, did little to hide the beautiful morning sun rise. With the rise of the sun, came the stirring of critters big and large. The forest was now coming to life. Small creatures scampered across the forest floor looking for food. Large herbivores moved slow and casual as they stamped their hooves looking for food. The three of us, slumped forward in our saddles, restless and tired.

Despite the glorious morning, and the energy that it gave off, we where utterly and hopelessly drained. The night had been long. The lingering possible threat of an ambush had kept us alert and on edge. The mere thought that our comrades where in danger was another issue looming over our heads like a nasty storm. I couldn't find peace as we continued to fast travel through the forest. The heavy breathing from our steads where too, a sign that we had spent a long night out. Their paces had even started to slow, more like a staggering trot than at a full speed gallop.

Slumped forward and warily hanging on, we pushed forward. No one uttered a single word, to tired to make small talk. My eyes had started to grow heavy and my body ached like crazy. Sitting stiff for so long, made my body tighten into that position. No amount of stretching detered my muscles from untightening. My lower back and hips hurt from sitting uncomfortably in the saddle for gods knows how long. I felt miserable, I was tired, and I was getting anxious.

"Look, there is smoke up ahead!" Marquise pointed a weary finger oout out in front of us. Just as he said, a small cloud of billowing smoke rose from the tree line ahead of us. A little bit of hope rose up inside me, mostly because I would love to get out of this saddle and into a bed. Maybe even freshen up a bit. The way my sweat made my clothes stick to my body was severely uncomfortable.

"Oh good, I was about to start knawing at my own hand." Micheal replied, his tone dead and almost whiny. I couldn't help but smile, because I know that he wasn't use to long distance travel like this, and because everything was so unexpected yesterday, we didn't have a chance to prepare.

"Strange to think that we where so close to a village. I would have sworn Milford was at least another half a days travel." I mumbled under my breath. I pulled on the reigns lightly, urging my horse into a walk as to not continue to push him. With a long huff and a shake of it's head, he slowed down. I could feel him trembling underneath me, exhausted from traveling all night long. If we had to, we would need to buy some fresh horses in the morning. I don't think they could do another long distance trip on such short notice.

"We can ask the locals too if they seen anything suspicious. We aren't quite out of the Nothern Woods yet, but being so close to the border I don't think its a bad idea to ask." Marquise opted. It wasn't a bad idea. We can even gather up new clothes as to not stand out when we travel. Obviously our military uniforms would be seen immediately even to the untrained eye.

"We will stock up on supplies and change our clothes as well. The less we stand out, the more of a chance we have at gathering information. We will switch out of horses as well. Another long distance trip on poorly rested horses will slow us down." I added. Marquise and Micheal also agreed, silently nodding their heads together.

"The enemy has seen us ride off on the horses. If they sent word of what we looked like, then there is no doubt that they wouldn't be able to spot us. I think it would be best to change first before we find a place to lay. We'll freshen up before we start asking around." The ride turned silent as we slowly made our way through the congested forest. Only the crunching of twigs, branches, and dead leaves filled the air around us.

It wasn't until we where about to break the tree line, that I picked up on a set of horse tracks. I tugged my horse to a stop, a fist displayed in the air. Marquise and Micheal duitfuly stopped, their faces looking far away as they also listened quietly to our surroundings. There wasn't a specific point where it was coming from, in fact, it sounded like it was coming from everywhere.

"Steady, it seems we are being surrounded." Marquise nodded once, eyes continuing to graze the forest. It seemed like forever before they finally came into view. A group roughed up men came into view. They weren't exactly what I would call shabby, but they weren't exactly well dressed either. Their white, worn, and weathered shirts stuck out the most. Dusted in dirt, and some spots incased in mud, was a sign of the hardwork they commited themselves to every day. The leather had worn marks from items and objects scraping against the same spot on their thighs.

Their faces where all calm. Each one carried the same tight lipped sign of displeasure. We where obviously treaspassing and it didn't seem like we where welcomed. Looking wary and tired, on of the men came forward, spitting to the side. He acted more like the leader of the pack. Eyes narrowed, lips furled back in disgust, and his posture was a straight as an arrow. They where all watching, hands casually resting against the swords attached at the hips. Michael and Marquise stood at a rigid attention, waiting for the fight to break out.

Unfortunately I wasn't here to fight. I just wanted a place to sleep and rest. I dismounted my horse, being careful not to show how weak I was by bracing myself against the horse. If we showed any signs that we were anything but well off, they might try and pick us off. I didn't want to cause another war on the border of our land, especially when there was already a possible rise of one to the west.

"Greetings, we don't mean to cause a strife. We are just passing through and are hoping to replenish some of our stock." The man that advanced forward towards us, stopped in the middle, arms now crossed over his chest. He seemed unimpressed, as I strolled forward. One eye patch sat over his right eyes, a nasty and deep scar forever imparting his sight. Long dark black hair dangled unkept and oily in front of his face. He has seen many battles, there was no question about it. Even more so, I highly doubt he has seen a bath too.

"Yer that Princess from the Celestia Kingdom ain't ya? I heard about you? What brings you here to Stratheom?" Ah, Stratheom was not a well known village just on the border between the North and West. They normally kept to themselves so it was impossible to trade with. Having no guards, they would always seem tense.

"You have a keen eye, sir. I am indeed Princess Alliah of Celestia. As I said before we are just here to replenish." The crowd murmured a little, seeming unswayed by my words. In fact they seemed a little more tense.

"You wouldn't happen to be with those folks that came through here before. A set of Blonde twins perhaps?" The man leaned forward, eye narrowed and gleaming with a dangerous hint. I cast a side glance with Marquise. What had happened with our scouts for them to be so weary?

"There was an encounter? Can you tell me what happened?" It wasn't like Nathanial and Jeremiah to cause a ruckus while traveling. For what ever reason it must have been important. I wonder if it was because they where found out by the prisoner.

"I'll tell you on one condition," His eye remained narrowed and the dangerous glint only seemed to grow. "You will stay out of our pub, ya hear me?" He asked pointing a gnarled finger in my direction. I nodded once, relieved but confused. If Nathaniel and Jeremiah soiled the reputation of the Celestia Kingdom, I was going to kill the both of them.

"Very good, follow us."