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Post by Joe on Jun 19, 2011 4:22:17 GMT -5
He pointed to the peaks in front of them, "We are forced to take a perilous path through the mountains ahead, you shouldn't have trouble finding it." He turned around, facing Hotah, "But my chieftain.. I also come with ill news, I regret to tell you that your wife was crushed by debris during the earthquake, Ahote also seems to be dead or missing." As soon as Asher had left suddenly several warriors covered in white paint sprang from bushes and trees hidden along the path, wielding bows pointed at Amber and the others. One walked up to the middle of the path in front of Amber, wielding a spear and shield, his markings noted him as a leader. "You. Why are you here?"
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Post by Jenny on Jun 19, 2011 4:43:06 GMT -5
Ahote's face went pale. After a few moments he nodded a little to himself letting out a long sigh. "My wife is a sorrowful loss but it comforts me that my daughter still lives." The warriors cast down their eyes respectfully. Those that had known Ahote as friend were sorrowful that he was unaccounted for and likely had died during the earth shatter. Hotah glanced up at the mountain path. "The Sandaha, they let you pass?" He narrowed his eyes with uncertainty. The women screamed as the white warriors who had waited in ambush sprang out at them. The two warriors that were part of the Broken Fang lowered their bodies in a defensive move, their spears halted as Amber gave them a sign to stand down for the time being. Whatever the outcome it would be wise not to upset the painted ones any more than they already were at this intrusion in their territory. "We come in peace and only wish to go on our way through your mountain pass. There are few of us, many women and children. We do not come as a threat to your people." She spoke softly but with earnest, her heart beat wildly in her chest. "I am the leader of my clan. Please, you must believe that we mean you no harm. There are some of my tribe that will follow this path, led by my father and a shaman. If you would let us pass, know that they come with good intentions as well. My life is in your hands, Chieftan. But please, let my people go."
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Post by Joe on Jun 19, 2011 4:50:18 GMT -5
He nodded, "Your daughter managed to earn their respect using the power of the spirits, she has great untapped power." He bowed to him, signaling respect and that he should be proud. The tribesman walked somewhat closer, "The shaman.. do you know who it is with whom you travel?"
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Post by Jenny on Jun 19, 2011 5:02:23 GMT -5
Hotah beamed with pride. "I am pleased that you think so well of my daughter, shaman. Thank you for giving her talents guidance. I am indebted to you. Now, if you would show us the way." He motioned towards the mountain peaks. "We will follow the trail you reveal. If you wish to return to my daughter, you may do so. "His name is Asher. We are the Broken Fang and he lives among us." She lowered her eyes. "But our land was shattered when the earth shook. We seek a new home." She motioned to the distant sea.
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Post by Joe on Jun 19, 2011 5:18:19 GMT -5
"I will start you on the path, but then I pray let me return to her side." He turned and started leading them towards the mountains. He tribesman looked cautious, "Asher.. hm, our people and many others know him by another name. He is Asheroth the Black Watcher, he has stalked these mountains and the surrounding areas for as long as our people can remember, and there are legends." The chief stepped to the side, letting them pass, "He has caused our people much strife, but you do not know this. You may go, as long as you leave this place and take him with you."
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Post by Jenny on Jun 19, 2011 5:29:06 GMT -5
The tribesman followed Hotah and the shaman with renewed vigor, eager to reunite with their kin. As they were shown the path to continue to travel, Hotah released the shaman to do as he wished with thanks. Amber did not know what to say about this new development. She simply bowed her head in respect, thanking the warriors for letting her people go and let her pass with her life. Silently they moved on, the women still trembling despite their good will.
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Post by Joe on Jun 19, 2011 5:37:44 GMT -5
An hour passed and the raven was swooping above Amber again, landing next to her in an explosion of smoke. He smiled to her, "Your father and his people are well, I set them on the path." He looked around at the people behind Amber, they seemed to be looking at him oddly, "Did something happen while I was gone?"
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Post by Jenny on Jun 19, 2011 5:49:01 GMT -5
Amber nodded a little calling for a halt for rest and a passing around of the remaining rations. Amber lifted a hand to Asher's arm and led him away so that their conversation would be just between the two of him. "We ran into white painted warriors, but I convinced them that we came in peace and to let our people pass by." "When I spoke of you their Chieftan became upset. He called you Asheroth the Black Watcher. Does this title have some meaning to you?" She did not speak harshly, but soft and gentle, concern and uncertainty in her eyes.
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Post by Joe on Jun 19, 2011 6:01:54 GMT -5
When she said the name he clutched his temple, black smoke beginning to seep from the corners of his eyes, but he waved it away. "It.. no, I cannot recall." The topic seemed to make him nervous, and he pushed past her, walking back towards the group.
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Post by Jenny on Jun 19, 2011 6:07:45 GMT -5
She opened her mouth but only a squeak managed to get out as he walked away. She looked out at the path ahead, wondering what all of this could mean. She turned and doubled back after some reflection, determined to oush these thought aside. All would reveal itself in time and she couldn't stand the feeling of trepidation and doubt in her heart when thinking upon it.
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Post by Joe on Jun 19, 2011 6:44:33 GMT -5
He walked back to the head of the group and waved for them to follow him, though they didn't seem as confident as before. He hung his head glancing over his shoulder to see if Amber was there. He knew what he was, but had Amber put it together? He doubted it, it would be a ridiculous thing for a normal person to think. He genuinely did not remember most things though, only recent events. His mood sank, would she hate him for what he was?
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Post by Jenny on Jun 19, 2011 7:43:28 GMT -5
Amber walked into view, her eyes settling on Asher as he urged the tribe forward. As they approached her, she spoke up to the group. "Asher is a protector of the Broken Fang. I trust him and so should you. No more thought on the painted warriors' words, I will not have it. These are difficult times and we cannot affoard disharmony among us. Be at peace, my people." Some ducked their heads in shame, others nodded a little in agreement. Her words were sensible and ultimately true. "Hotah and our kin are following the right trail, Asher has seen to that. We would not be joined together if it wasn't for him. Remember this."
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Post by Joe on Jun 19, 2011 7:58:02 GMT -5
As they rounded the trail a splendid view was revealed to them, they could see the lands below, and the shimmering ocean that stretched out from it as far as the eye could see. The sight made Asher smile, and he started down the path that led to the foot of the mountains that would take them to the shore. He had overheard Amber, and her words made him feel warm, but he still feared for her.
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Post by Jenny on Jun 19, 2011 8:02:36 GMT -5
Amber felt a surge of joy. The ice floes were still thick and rigid, but the water sparkled between them. Bursts of water plumed into the air as whales crested beneath the sea. The seals along the shore were making quite a din. She smiled and scurried down the path in her haste to touch down on the rocky shore.
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Post by Joe on Jun 19, 2011 9:12:59 GMT -5
Asher watched as Amber and the others scurried down the path toward the shore. He peered out over the beach, ensuring no predators or enemies await, then he slowly followed. He watched Amber's figure as she descended, frowning with regret as he remembered walking away from her. He perched on the rocks above the shore, watching as the people spread out.
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