Lyrena Stomfort
Western Barcea
The sun was at its peak when they saw it, Smoke, in the distance.
Lyrena feared that something was amiss, the villages were prone to small bonfires every now and then but this was the product of something on a much grander scale, couldn't shake the feeling that this was the start of something, something big. They pressed on quickly yet anxiously.
Oluma had simply stopped dead in her tracks when they were close enough to the village to see what the source of the smoke was. The silhouette of houses, collapsed and intact were visible from their current position, she noticed the lack of movement coming from the village, it seemed the only movement was the dancing of the flames.
Oluma couldn't bear the sight and turned away, feebly fighting back the pain that was easily spreading over her face, she had never witnessed a horror as such before and it was all too much for her, she fell to her knees as the collapsed from under her and tried again to hold it together, the thoughts were overwhelming her, an innocent village massacred in such a way, the young children she knew would have been there, the fear in their eyes as their oppressors bear down on them raining death.
She couldn't shake these visions from her mind. She burst into tears.
Lyrena looked on, the sight was one she both never wxpected and never wanted to see, she wiped a tear from her face and turned to face her companion noticing her on the floor she moved over to her to comfort her, she didn't know her very well, but she did know that she had some kind gift, she sometimes saw what others couldn't, she could see through the eyes of of others sometimes, she remembered her saying, and it was never good. Lyrena wondered if maybe she had seen what had happened to the villagers but didn't dare ask, she crouched down beside her and rubbed her back for comfort.
Lyrena told her to head back, there was no way she could walk into that village now, this was something she would have to do alone now.
She bid her farewell and slowly began to walk toward the fallen village. She had only one thought in her head now.
"I wish Arvis were here..."---------------
Arvis Rann
Western Province - Outer Rim, Barcea
The Inn had begun to fill nicely as the afternoon sun arrived, he was flicking through the adverts and posters that were pinned to the job boardbut nothing on there was of his field, the odd maid beeded herw and a srable hand needed there.
Stable hand? He geabbed the advert and checked for an address or at least a name, thankfully both were present. He pinned the advert back and committed the details he needed to memory, he then turned and left.
The stable was a small journey across the city, luckily Arvis had time on his hands, it was a well maintained and nicely decorated two storey building faced with timbers on its frontside. It looked like something from Medieval times, and to be honest it most likely was, it was surrounded by large and sturdy wooden fencing which ws united at the front of the stable by an even bigger gate, he approached the gate and was met by a stocky man who appeared to be in his mid 50's, he waddled over and outstretched his large hairy hand.
"Good day good day, the names Bryce and this here is my stable. Is it work or custom you're after boy?"Arvis grabbed his hand and gave it a firm shake, he looked over Bryces' shoulder and saw a strong looking Steed, it was saddled up and ready to go by the looks of it.
Arvis turned his attention back to Bryce and smiled.
"Good afternoon, I am here as a customer. I'm looking for a horse, a good one.... strong, reliable, I was hoping you could help me?"Bryce caught him looking at the steed a short way behind himself and smirked.
He waved for Arvis to follow him as he turned.
"As it happens boy, this very horse right here is for sale..... If you be looking for somethin' a little more permanent... Otherwise i got them one's in there which you can rent"The large man still wore his smirky smile, he seemed as though the end of world could strike and it wouldn't move that smile an inch.
Arvis mulled over his options, he had more than enough money to buy a horse and he wouldn't have to worry about returning the horse after a few days, he could continue on his journey unimpeded.
Arvis inspected the horse and its equipment, all of which from what he could see was in great condition, this man clearly cared alot about his animals and treated them, and the equipment they would be using, very well.
Arvis made his decision and he and Bryce headed to the office to finalise the payment.
Rhe hoese had cost him a littke more than he expected but he still had enough to get him by until the next job. He walked the horse out if the srabke and mounted him, he decided to continue with his plan to head West towards Western Barcea, he hoped that the next job would grab the attention of Cyril and the sentinels, and he heard rumour that they would be in the area. He trotted gently at first, getting to know his new mount, he would break him in gently, gain the trust and friendship of this horse, after all he was going to be around a while.
The hustle and bustle of the city was still evident even beyond the gates, merchants and travellers alike were flocking to and from the city seeking pastures new, now Arvis was one of them, moving further afield and into the beauty of the Barcea countryside, stopping only to purchase a few wares for his journey before he set off into the glee of tree's and sunshine.
He had began to ride the horse properly now, moving at a good canter. He had been travelling for around four hours when he could see in the distance a faint movement rising into the air, it was too far away and too dark in the day at this point to make out exactly what it was, he decided to set up camp for the evening and if it was still evident come morning, he would investigate.