Torn Sky

Capture

We rode for about

two hours at a fast pace until we were sure no one had followed us. We slowed to a walk and moved into the woods just out of sight but we kept an eye on the road just in case. We rode for about five hours before stopping to set up a camp. Artin disappeared into the forest to get firewood while Gwenn started to make a rabbit stew that we caught on the way. Cardew set up the tents, Iris unpacked what we needed from the bags, and I took care of the horses. When Artin returned with the wood everything was ready and Gwenn finished up the stew. We sat eating and laughing despite the danger we were in. Iris took first watch and I went into my tent and fell asleep very quickly until Cardrew came to wake me. We left at dawn and left no trace at the clearing were we slept. After about an hour we stopped to let the horses rest and I heard something in the woods.
"We are being followed," I whispered but before I could move we were surrounded by a large group of men. They were on horses and were armed with bow, swords, staffs, and anything they could carry.
"What are you doing in our territory," one said I assumed he was the leader.
"We are traveling through. We mean no harm," Cardrew said stepping in front of me while Iris pushed me behind her. Gwenn gripped Artin's hand while he put hand on my shoulder.
"We will be the judge of that. You will come before our leader," the man said nodding to his companions. We mounted our horses and each man came and tied a lead to each of their saddles. Allena was not happy about it she was rearing and the leader was trying to calm her down. I walked over and murmured to her calming her down.
"I am Aidan," he said holding out his hand.
"Iridessa," I responded but did not shake his hand. He retracted his hand and we took off into the woods.