![]() Intense darkened eyes emerged from beneath the steel, with colorless hair cut short over them. Instead, a hand reached up, undid catches, and pulled the helm from her head. “Perhaps you would settle for streamwater or air?” Only when I had withdrawn and poured my own did she reach forward and grasp it in gauntleted hands. ![]() Hard was the battle I waged to keep my features from twitching as I set a glass before her and poured the creamy liquid within. Crackling and cold all at once, with a hint of corruption mixed in. Humanstench sporadically overlaid something else I didn’t recognize, something unnatural. The draconic head of her black helm fluidly turned to stare at me as I approached, discomfort in every step of my body. Her attention seemed focused on Gol’s retreating form as I returned, and for a moment I thought she had turned her attention away from me. With a sigh and rolled eyes, I trudged towards the storage shed and fetched a small jug, as well as two glasses. “The guest is finally offered refreshments?” She clicked her tongue but didn’t answer my question. If she realized that, the woman was content to let me fumble along. “Could I offer you a drink?” I spoke with forced pleasantness. Something to keep my hands distracted instead of sitting there quietly. I stood abruptly and dusted off my pants. Yet I had learned that in this world, there was much more to a person than would meet the eye. Physically, she was perhaps half my size. I could not explain why she unsettled me. Someone who was used to strolling right into a place and owning it. There was an awkward silence as she looked around, her posture relaxed. Everything seemed eerily quiet as the woman sat herself in the shade across from me. “Grateful am I, then, that I hold little value in your approval.” I tossed back and sat myself on the largest stump. “You tamed one of these for a pet?” Came the laugh, almost scornful. Gol growled warily as the armored figure approached, slowly backing up as she drew near. ![]() Much as I considered her a lass, she was a capable, grown woman experienced in her own ways. The young woman had seen the situation, put the factors together and bounded away into the woods. Those words I chose to ignore and instead led her towards the tree where I entertained my guests. Vengeance’s hand will close round their throats, one day.” “But they cannot outrun my liege’s wrath forever. “Your friends will not be harmed today,” The Adjudicator sneered. Cold eyes followed my gaze and a derisive laugh broke escaped the confines of her throat. They were marching up the mountain, I realized. “You are not incompetent enough to not carry on without me.” She snapped at that the soldier. Another rider drew close behind her, and she simply waved him on. Pained was the smile that came through my gritted teeth, but I cordially stepped to the side and invited her to share my shade. Taunts meant to get rises out of better people. She expected me to invite her into my home, well. “Is the supposed hospitality of farmers simply a fable?” Came the sneering voice. But there mere sight of this figure brought uneasiness into my heart. I was a giant before her, the imposing one here. Irrational emotions that reigned over my mind. A sense of dead and malice that entered my mind whenever I looked at her. There was something wrong about the figure. Instinct screamed and I took a step back before realizing what I had done. Armor clanked as she struck the ground and strode towards me. But, as you have seen fit to bring up the subject,” She swung one leg over and slid from her horse. You being here is merely a distraction on the route. The baron’s business lies elsewhere today. I could almost hear the sharp smile behind that blackened armor. Had the baron decided to come in force, to attempt and make an example of me? The sheer amount of soldiers that marched along the road behind the adjudicator could flood my farm in bodies, drag me down through sheer attrition. ![]() “You sought me out, not the other way around.” I returned slowly, trying to stay expressionless. Put me on edge as I glanced at the figures that continued to march on. Cold was the malice I discerned in her tone. A moment passed as I carefully considered my words. ![]() “Again you stand before me.” Came the imperious statement, delivered from on high. The dark figure pulled to a halt before me, her horse viciously jerked to the side. Eyes narrowed, fist clenched around the hilt of my blade, and sweat upon my back, I chose to follow the quiet voice. Instinct screamed for action as the frenzied mass of flesh and steel galloped toward me. ![]()
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