Rise of the Warrior of Everfen

Chapter 65: Gryphons

Erinne was less than happy in her attempt to mount up on Lothar, already dreading the aches and pains this journey would leave her with. Her back hurt constantly, and she was exhausted day in and day out. She couldn't imagine how this journey was going to sap her strength. If she were a lesser woman she would've cried tears of frustration when she tried and failed to hoist her foot up to the stirrup. It was impossible. One try and she knew she wasn't making it up on Lothar's back so she turned to Cold Hammer. He didn't say a word, he walked to her and gently lifted her up onto the horse. Once she was settled, he spoke, "Are you comfortable? We can still write Wren back and tell him you aren't fit for travel."

"And start a war?" She shook her head. "I can do this. It'll be hard...but I can do this." Her words didn't say what she felt on the inside. That she wasn't comfortable, that she wanted to stay home and forsake this journey, but doing so would place everything she loved in danger, possibly herself included. She would not be the cause of the next war.

She stared down into his eyes, and she knew he could see everything she wasn't say. A mixture of rage and defeat settled in his eyes before he patted her leg in a show of support. He captured her hand, smoothing his thumb across her knuckles and kissed them before he turned and walked to Willow.

Bukoo moved to block his path and he sighed, "No, my friend, we discussed this. You are too old for this long journey." He scruffed his neck and lifted upwards in a playful manner and Bukoo snapped back, wrapping his massive jaws around Cold Hammer's entire forearm and tugging without breaking the skin at all. It was strange to be leaving without him. When they'd brought home the pups, Andol had still been quite young, but it'd been nearly five years since she first met Cold Hammer and his mighty war wolf.

Bukoo's muzzle was tinged with gray now, dispersed through his fur. He was no longer as dark as the night, but he was ever fierce. He'd helped them teach the younger wolves well. A resolute, faithful warrior. Cold Hammer wished him well, solemnly, and then climbed onto Willow's back. Bukoo watched with his ears back, unhappy with the circumstances, but he didn't protest farther.

"We'll try to be back soon, Bukoo." She told him. He swished his tail in acknowledgement.

She sighed and faced forward. Larkin was near Willow, with her back strapped down with the belongings they were taking with them, while Andol was perched between Willow's shoulder blades, just in front of Cold Hammer.

"Ready?" The kingsmen asked.

"Yes." It'd taken an hour for her to pack and be fully prepared for the trip...or as fully as she could be. She couldn't help feeling a sense of dread that she suspected was because of how hard this trip would be on her. Still, she had an odd sensation of not wanting to leave, like she wouldn't come back if she left now. Considering her last pregnancy had nearly killed her...maybe she wouldn't come back. She prayed to the Ancestors that was not the truth of it. She'd haunt Wren for the rest of his life if she died in childbirth, away from the comfort of the home she desperately wanted to stay in.

"We are as well." Lohke nodded. He'd left while she packed to gather a few warriors from the clan for an escort to the border, but he hadn't come back with just a few. A large number of the clan had come with him to wish her and her family well, confusion in their eyes at what was happening. "I will return in a week's time." He told them and they struck their fists to their chests.

Erinne readjusted her position in her saddle, already feeling the strain of balancing on her horse. The kingsmen turned their mounts and she guided him after them as they left the cabin behind and within the first few steps, her hips were aching. She was more than a little uncomfortable and she glanced back at the cabin once more, surrounded by the orcs she dearly loved. She couldn't change her mind, though, she wouldn't quit and turn back. She would, however, give Wren a big piece of her mind when she got to Thunderfall, and he wouldn't like what she had to say when she arrived.