This choice: Aris wants to explore more options before deciding. • Go Back... "Nay Jaren, old ye be, and wise too, but caution was always an attribute of years too, was't not?"
Aris shook his head in doubt, choosing to ignore the ruddy rise of colour in the other's cheeks.
"Is it craven you're crying? What happened to the vaunted bravery of youth?"
It would have come to blows if Aris had not stepped back with a swift understanding, allowing Jaren's rush to end in a stumbling fall.
His outstretched helping hand was clasped with a grunt, one that said Jaren might be down but he was not out of the reckoning.
"Nay, oldster, 'twas not to deride, but to counsel. We must explore all options before we settle on one."
Jaren glowered at Aris but remained silent, and Aris took it as permission to elucidate.
"There is one way, sort of a betwixt and between path. Not yours, not mine."
"And what is that wonderful plan?"
467 words
"Give me the opportunity and I'll tell ya, let's rest on these fallen trees and talk awhile."
Jaren condescended to ensconce himself on one uprooted giant, allowing Aris to perch on a massive branch of that trunk.
"See here," the ubiquitous implement of writing in the forest, the twig was whipped out to draw lines in the dirt at their feet.
"We are here, the castle there, and just beyond is where Scramius was last headed."
"You mean Scramius Lora, the our old blacksmith?"
"Yes, the very man."
"How can he help?"
"He used to be with the mercenaries after he lost his livelihood, the castle armorers taking over all the small jobs he did."
"So, how does that help us?"
"He was like a big brother to me, we still keep in touch. He has fallen out with that lot now and has vowed revenge for the way they treated him."
"One man against an armed band of scoundrels?" the stream of spittle was expectorated with a nicety, just missing Aris' foot.
Aris did not shift his foot an inch, nor did he react, continuing, "He has banded together with 20 or so like minded men, all of whom have stolen weapons when they left merc life. There's more than enough to arm at least 20 more of us, so joining forces will be good."
"But our aims are not the same!"
"Yes, they are. We help him defeat his old band, take all the weapons, now having greater numbers and enough for each of us to be armed. Then attack the castle, then ..."
"Yes!" Another stream of spittle was aimed, this one missing Aris' foot by the same miniscule distance, on the opposite side.
A grin spread over Aris' face, "I guess I owe you that old man, for spill. Quits and Friends?"
Jaren stuck out his arm in acceptance.
Word count 469    indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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