Ben's NaNoWriMo Log

Chapter 29 added Sep 23, 2005
The festive atmosphere in Sienda lasted through St. Hamrick's Day, as the townsfolk celebrated their independence. Wine flowed freely, and Sarah came to understand why Disanne had been so keen to keep control of the town and its vineyards. Her birthday party was a chance for the company to cut loose and celebrate their victory. It also doubled as a farewell party. News of her leaving had spread quickly, and several people tried to convince her to stay. She was tempted, but she knew that she was doing the right thing. If she remained with the company, she would constantly be wondering if there was something else she could be doing to more directly accomplish her goals. What those goals were was still something of a mystery. Molly said as much as they were preparing to leave Sienda the morning after the celebrations finally came to a close. "I really don't know," said Sarah as she closed the last of the saddlebags. The bonuses Ethan had given them had been generous enough that they could afford fine new horses and ample supplies to get them wherever they needed to go. "Fighting battles in Ahandria isn't going to do anything about the traitor on the throne back home. I may have to go back there before I can get in a position where I can make any difference." She looked up at Molly. "You know, you don't have to come with me." Molly shook her head. "You won't get rid of me that easily. I've come this far with you; I'm not going to let you run off and get yourself killed now." Sarah smiled. She wondered what she had done to deserve such a loyal friend. She had lost count of how many times Molly had risked her life for her since they had met, and yet she was still willing to go riding off into the unknown. "Thank you, Molly." The dark haired fencer grunted as she swung herself up into her saddle. "Let's get this little show on the road, eh?" Unless they wanted to go out into the Wild Lands, their only real choice was to go back through Disanne -- or around, more likely -- from which they would have several options. For now they simply pointed themselves westward. As they reached the new gate that straddled the main road, they saw two more riders waiting there. Sarah recognized them right away; they were both members of Yellow Squad. Alec Taylor was a younger copy of his cousin Jack -- though still a couple years older than Sarah -- and now wore the fallen lieutenant's broadsword and dagger. The other was a bearded, barrel chested man Sarah only knew as Lars. Though he would have fit well into one of the greatsword units, he preferred using his axe in the more mobile skirmish regiment. Though she had gotten to know Alec fairly well over the weeks she had spent with the company, she couldn't remember ever having spoken to Lars. "Good morning," said Sarah as they paused at the gate. "What brings you lads out this early in the morning?" Alec grinned sheepishly and glanced over at Lars before replying. "We were hoping to catch you before you left. Actually, we were hoping we might be able to go with you." Sarah blinked in astonishment. "What? Why would you want to do that?" He shrugged. "I joined the company with Jack, but he was the only one of us who really wanted to make a career of it. With him gone..." He shrugged. "I just thought you might want some more company." "I don't even know where I'm going yet, or what I'll be doing." Thoughts of Syphar came rushing back to her. "I don't want to put you in any danger." "Danger?" Alec laughed. "I already followed you through an army to chase down a fireball tossing wizard. I think I know what I'm getting myself into." It was hard to fault that logic. She turned to Lars. "What about you?" He had joined that charge as well, but Sarah really didn't know a thing about him, let alone why he would want to throw his lot in with her. Lars shrugged. "I like you." Molly grinned. "How can you say no to that?" "I guess I can't." Defeated, Sarah led her little band out onto the road to Disanne.
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