Hawk Mc Claron

HAWK MCCLARON By Troy R. Clair Preface It was the year after Christ died for our sins and arose in victory over Satan and the forces of darkness. Those dark forces leaped into a state of retreat and disarray. During this time, a large multitude of humans rose up and spurned the Christ and the Blood He shed for them. This multitude summoned demons and made a pact with them. "Because we cannot stand the sound of the Name of this Christ or the righteousness he stands for, we will allow you to possess and use us as your foot soldiers." This was the spirit of the pact, or so the scholar's say. From this pact came an army of physical demons. The demons having possessed the bodies of the humans, altered them to suit their fancy, and from this came creatures of large stature, with large muscles and insect-like exo-skeletons. At the raising of these armies, the demons immediately attacked the Christians. Terror and violence was experienced by all, and a cry arose from the Christians to the Lord of Hosts, "Lord, deliver us!" The Lord heard their cry and provided them a way to defend themselves from the terrors of the demonic enemy. First of all, the Lord reminded the Christians of what the Apostle Paul said about spiritual warfare and the armor of God. With this act, the Lord gave them the means chosen to take the battle to the enemy. Certain families were chosen to become Warriors of the Lord, but they were taught theology and homiletics. These warriors were going to be in the eye of the people both as role models and at other times, servants. A large responsibility was placed upon these families, and for many years these duties were performed, and are to this day still carried out. Excerpt from Arthur Meier's journals and writings. The kingdom of Light stands surrounded on all sides by the Dark Empire. The physical demons have recently been disguising themselves in the flesh of men once again to infiltrate the kingdom of Light. The infilterations have begun to be discovered, by discerning Warriors. They refer to these disguised demons as Dark men. It is apparent that the Dark Empire wants to squeeze the kingdom of light out of existence, but the plan to do so has not been discovered. The Warrior families' Council of Light has called for all to be on guard for an attack from any quarter, to be ready for the final battle. No event has been linked to such a battle being eminent, but still the Warriors watch and wait...

Chapter 1 Bruised and exhausted from the day's sword training, young Hawk McClaron sat in his room hunched over the stringed instrument. He tried to recall how he had just managed to accurately play the melody that had come to his head in the early hours of that morning before he had been called away to breakfast and his daily studies.

Someone called his name from the bottom of the stairs, and with a frustrated grimace, he left the cittern on his bed to go down to eat the evening meal with his family. Coming to the table, he had to smile at he sight of his two youngest siblings, Justin and Crystal, already seated. Justin had just begun his training as every child in a Warrior family was required to do. Hawk knew that he would readily take to the family occupation and looked forward to the day of his sword's final forging, when the owner would speak the Words and personally strike the ceremonial hammer blows before receiving the sword's hilt presented by Mother and Father. Hawk breathed a sigh to think that even though he was a year past his own final forging, the training would go on as long as he wasn't assigned his first mission. Evidently, the enemy had been idle in the local area for about a year and a half, and even Father had no mission at present. The only queer thing in this peaceful time was there had not been a sign of the intelligent mounts that were impressed on new Warriors. There seemed to be no new foals to be brought before new Warriors for the Choosing. As a result, Hawk had no mount. Father had continued to train his sons, giving his sword master a mission to scout for a herd of mounts to see why there were none at hand, and to try and persuade foals of the proper age to come for a Choosing to become impressed on Hawk. Thaddus, Hawk's other brother, had just arrived at the table. He would be the next one to stand at the forging ceremony. "Where have you been since lunch?" asked Hawk. With a wry smile, Thaddus replied, "Demonstrating unarmed combat in the village." "More like street brawling with the rough necks." murmured Hawk. "Don't let Father or Mother smell beer on your breath or we're all in for a tougher training schedule. I was planning to visit the old minstrel in forest cottage tonight, and something like that could cancel my plans." "I have plans, too." Hawk shook his head. The only time Thad seemed to relate to him anymore was when they both were up to the same kind of mischief. There was a time when they did everything together; now Thad went one way and Hawk another. Mother called everyone to dish up their own bowls of stew, as Father appeared freshly washed from the day's training sessions. At the sight of Thaddus, Father McClaron inquired, "Did our order of sword-iron come in?" "I put it in the smithy," replied Thaddus. He had a gleam in his eye at the thought of possessing his own sword. At the end of supper, Father looked up at Hawk. "I know you're going to see old Carter at the cottage tonight, but I want you to know that I want you to be ready to spar with your brother Justin tomorrow, after I show him the forms for a while. Hawk inwardly cringed at the loss of his free time for the next day, but dutifully replied, "Yes, sir." "I'll spar with him!" said Thaddus with a grin. "This is not a license to wail on your brother, Thad. I want Hawk to spar with him." Mother looked at Hawk. "I wish you wouldn't go visit that old drunken minstrel. I'm sure he drank himself out of a job." She glanced at Father. "He could be a bad influence," she finished. "Mother, he's only teaching me some songs that everyone knows anyway. It gives me ideas to compose my own music." "You spend a lot of time with your cittern and sheet music." "I would like to see any music he gives you," declared Father. Hawk merely nodded as he met his father's eye. He wondered what they thought was so wrong about pursuing an interest in music. Hawk breathed a sigh as he passed through the gate of his home, The Keep. The evening was mild and his cittern felt pleasantly familiar under his arm. He began to daydream of being a wandering minstrel as Carter had been. Receiving the praise of lords and all who stopped to listen. Carter had told him some entertaining stories of his own life on the road, but Mother had a point about Carter's drinking.

His stories were about drinking and tavern women as much as being a minstrel. Could there be a more noble way to be a minstrel? As the cottage came dimly into view, he saw that there was no lamp lit. Hawk decided to make sure the cottage was secure while Carter was away. The cottage was dark and quiet, confirming Carter's absence. Not wanting to stay in such a gloomy place alone, Hawk decided to go into the village and sit in the Square. Maybe the mayor's daughter would happen by with some of her friends. He enjoyed seeing her--she was pretty to look at, but his being of the local Warrior family had never impressed her enough to even speak to him. Hawk sat under a tree that grew near the Mug and Trencher Inn on the west side of the village Square. He played the tune that he had barely worked out before supper, reaching for lyrics to go with it. Hearing a murmur and a small giggle, he looked up from his playing to see the mayor's daughter, Megan, with a friend, Joanna. The two were grudgingly accompanied by Megan's older brother, James. His obvious desire was to go into the inn and leave the girls to their own devices. The young ladies soon found themselves without an escort and looked to sit under the tree, only to find Hawk already there. Joanna move toward Hawk's tree, but Megan held back. "Come on. I'm sure he'd share our favorite spot with us." "I' d be happy to move, if you wish," called Hawk. "Oh," said Joanna, the self appointed spokesman, "I, for one, want to hear you play something." Joanna sat near Hawk, but Megan sat almost behind Joanna in the grass under the tree. Hawk began to play, not knowing what to say to these two who had never bothered to talk to him before. The song was one he had composed on a quiet night at The Keep just this past summer. It was one that spoke of romance and loneliness, a longing for someone to share his life with. It was the only song Hawk was proud of writing and considered it the only real song he had ever written. He put his heart into the song. When he had finished, Hawk looked to see that Joanna had closed her eyes to take in the song. When she opened them, the torches burning outside of the inn allowed him to notice they were dark in color, probably brown, but only daylight would reveal the truth. "Excuse me," uttered Megan, breaking Hawk's reverie, "I need to speak to James." She rose quietly to her feet and stepped into the Mug and Trencher. Hawk was only halfway to a standing position before she disappeared into the inn. Joanna took advantage of his move to rise to put her back against the tree where Hawk had been seated. "You're Thaddus' brother, aren't you?" "Yes," answered Hawk. "I am Hawk McClaron. And you?" "Joanna Clarke, niece to Mayor Thorn." "So you are actually Megan's cousin," concluded Hawk. She smiled and said, "Could you play something else for me? I really like what you just sang." "What would you like to hear?" asked Hawk sitting near her feet. Something like the first song you played." She drew her feet toward her to one side and smoothed down her skirt with small, delicate hands. As Hawk automatically began to play the new song he had been working on, he decided that though Joanna did not have Megan's obvious beauty, she was far from homely. Her thin brows were faintly visible above the soft glow in her eyes. Her full lips quirked easily into a smile as the corners of her mouth seemed to be drawn to a noticeable dimple in each round cheek. She possessed a wholesomeness Hawk found very appealing. He knew he could fall for her because of her warmth and openness as well as her own particular beauty. She seemed to freely offer an unspoken sense of friendship that eclipsed whatever Hawk had seen in Megan. He did not want the moment to fade. Megan soon appeared with a sullen James in tow. "Come, Jo, I'm taking you girls home. I'm to meet Thaddus McClaron pretty soon, and I'll not have you in my hair." Hawk's eyebrows rose, but he said nothing. "Thank you, Hawk," said Joanna rising. "I'm glad I met you." "It was nice to meet you, Joanna." Joanna flashed her winning smile and hurried to catch up with James and Megan.

Hawk stepped into the inn to get a small pot of jasmine tea that the innkeeper had told him was from the Far East. The innkeeper had wanted to impress Hawk with something exotic that only his inn had. It was a sweeter tea than Hawk had ever tried before, so he developed a taste for it. Seeing Carter at a table in the back, he took a seat in front of him and noticed that the old minstrel was falling asleep over a tankard of beer. "Wake up," Hawk prodded as the innkeeper's plain-looking daughter came over to take his order. "I'd like a pot of the jasmine tea, please," he said looking up at the unsmiling woman. Carter opened his eyes, and they were as red as blood. He had been drinking for most of the evening, and from what Hawk could make out from his slurred speech, he had been hired by the innkeeper to play his cittern for the customers. "This is a pupil of mine," he bellowed suddenly. "Make him sing for his drinks like his teacher!" Hoping for a replacement for Carter, the innkeepers daughter suddenly narrowed her eyes, "I'll give you the tea, but your teacher hasn't earned his money and has already drunk it all up. You can save him an appointment with the constable, if you finish his term of employment. Hawk merely nodded, and with both disappointment and disgust with his music mentor, he picked up his cittern and walked to the front of the dining hall. The young man closed his eyes and pushed aside all the emotions that could distract from the task that was thrust upon him. This was something he had secretly hoped for: a chance to be a minstrel. He began a song called "Adventure Road" which seemed to draw him in a reverie of memories that led to the next song, and then the next. An hour later, he ended with his newest song, humming the tune for lack of lyrics. "I could have put lyrics to this tonight if it weren't for Carter," he thought. Find him asleep on his arms at the table, Hawk half carried the minstrel to his horse. Just as the minstrel's head sagged in the saddle, the innkeeper's daughter came to Hawk. "You played well, tonight," she stated with a softer look in her eyes than Hawk had ever seen her have. "Too bad not many people were left to hear you. I like the thing you were humming at the end." "Thank you, ma'am." said Hawk sincerely. "You're Reed McClaron's son, and a Warrior may not need it, but I could have my father pay you a few coins if you come to play one night next week.." "I think I will," said Hawk thoughtfully. "Come and see my father tomorrow. There'll be some tea for you." she called behind her as she headed for the inn's front door. Hawk made sure Carter was in bed in his cottage before returning to The Keep. "Have you seen your brother Thaddus?" asked Mother as Hawk walked into the dining room. "Your father took Claymore out to find you both," chided Mother. Reed McClaron came into the room just then. "I found the forest cottage dark and empty. I was looking for you and Thad." he said trying to keep a level tone. "I went to the Mug and Trencher after I found that Carter wasn't home," replied the eldest son. "I haven't seen Thad." "What were you doing at the inn?" asked Mother McClaron. "I ended up taking Carter's place as the inn's entertainment tonight. I was offered another chance to play, and I'd like to." Just then Thaddus' head appeared at the dining room's doorway. Seeing him, Reed said, "We can talk about that in the morning. You go up to bed while I talk to your brother." Hawk was too tired to care what would happen to Thad. He went straight to his room. Justin sat on Hawk's bed with Hawk's sword across his knees. As Hawk came in, he said, "Be careful. It's sharp." Reed's youngest son said nothing in reply as he put Hawk's sword back into it's scabbard. "Tomorrow's going to come early for you as well as me if you don't try to go to sleep now. I walked all over today and had to play in Carter's place tonight. The only redeeming part of today was meeting the Mayor's niece, Joanna," said Hawk removing his boots. "Was Megan there?" asked Justin.

"Yes and no," answered Hawk cryptically. "Do you know what Thad would be doing meeting James Thorn tonight?" "No." "Hmmm. Well, excuse me if I fall asleep on you," yawned Hawk falling on the bed and bumping Justin off. "Good night, my brother," said Justin from the hallway. "Good night, Justin." Chapter 2 It was hard not to gulp down the cool water carried to The Keep from a clear running stream in the forest. The water was kept in large crocks, and Hawk was leaning over one with the dipper to his lips. Justin had already had his turn. He had dumped some water over his head to cool off, but was reminded by his brother not to let their mother see him do it. The brothers had been sparring for an hour before lunch. Now Hawk sat with a small portion of the food while Justin heaped his plate. The dining room was empty because they were eating later than the rest of the family. Between bites, Hawk juggled his cittern and a pen and parchment. "Can you play the hymns from chapel?" asked Justin. "Sure, I've figured most of them out. Father's going to let me play during the services now." replied Hawk. "I'm glad. It makes me feel more a part of things." "Maybe Mother will make you sing instead of me, now." said Justin. "You know we've all done our share of singing solos. I think, if Mother gave us more than a moment's notice, we would do a better job of it. I know I would like to be more prepared." said Hawk, writing a few words on the parchment. "What did Father say about Carter?" asked Justin. "I thought we needed him to play the music for the chapel service." "Mother doesn't want to hire him anymore because of his getting drunk at the Mug and Trencher, but Father said he only comes to chapel for the coins earned by his playing. He wouldn't come at all but for that." explained Hawk. The two ate in silence for a while. "I need to study my Scripture verses," said Justin. "Let's work on a song for chapel later," said Hawk. "Then we will have something that sounds decent." Hawk rose, gathering his dishes. "I'll be upstairs if you want to prepare a song for chapel." Hawk had been upstairs in his room, unmindful of the passing of time. He had been finishing the lyrics to his latest song, when there was a knock at his door. "Come in, Justin," he called. It was Reed McClaron who opened the door. "Hello, son." "Hello, Father. How's Thad's sword coming along?" "We'll hold the ceremony, soon. I wanted to talk to you about some concerns of mine." The young man set aside his cittern and stretched. "Yes, Father." He sat up to listen to what his father had to say. Reed sat next to his son on the bed. "I wondered, has the Lord shown you anything about how to carry out your own commission as Warrior?" "I don't think so, Father." Hawk looked down at his hands and began to frown in concentration as his father continued. "You know what God expects of a Warrior, and everyone has their own approach," said the senior Warrior. "What is your desire in this area?" Hawk hesitated searching his thoughts. "The only thing I want right now, is to write and play music." He looked into his father's eyes, not sure of what he saw there. "Music is valuable for chapel worship and adds a lot to a service. It helps to focus our hearts and minds to hear from God.

"That's another thing, you need to hear from God for yourself. The best Warriors take time alone to pray and listen for God to speak to them. And he will speak, if you take the time. They don't stop until they know they've stood in the very presence of God Himself." Father looked exultant, and his piercing gaze told Hawk his desire to have him fully experience what he spoke about. "I remember seeing you once on the floor, crying and talking to God a few times," related Hawk. "I was a little scared the first time I saw that." "Yes, what you saw, was examples of God speaking to me. All you saw was a man on the floor, because one experiences God on the spiritual level, inside." Reed put his arm around his son. "I'd like to see you seek God in this way. Once you experience God for yourself--to have your own relationship with him, the life we live becomes more real to you. It becomes more a part of you." After his father had gone back to the smithy, Hawk walked out the front gate to see about playing his cittern at the Mug and Trencher. Coming into the village proper, Hawk was tapped on his shoulder from behind. Whirling around, he found the grin of his brother, Thaddus. "Hey," he said. "What are you up to?" queried Hawk. "I'm going to try to make a deal to get one of the blacksmith's horses," answered Thaddus. "He'd work you to death if he agrees at all," returned Hawk. "Well, if you put in some time with him too, we could be half-owners," stated Thaddus. "I don't want to have to take responsibility for an animal right now. Besides, you'd ride him more than I would," declared Hawk. He arrived at the Mug and Trencher and stepped inside. Catching the eye of the innkeeper's daughter, Hawk asked for her father. "I'll get him from the kitchen," she said. The innkeeper, Henry Larson, came in and motioned Hawk to a nearby table. "I see you always carry your cittern with you," he smiled. "My daughter, Becky, tells me you played well last week. That sot, Carter, proved to be undependable. I'll not hire him again." Becky set a cup and pot of tea in front of Hawk without so much as a nod, and went to wait on another customer. "If you come this Saturday evening," Larson continued, "I will give you a handful of coppers and all the tea you want." "I like to play," said Hawk. "You'll see me here at dusk on Saturday, then." "Done," said the innkeeper holding out his hand. Hawk shook his hand, and the innkeeper excused himself while Hawk finished his tea and contemplated his new situation. At dusk, the Mug and Trencher had more people at the tables then Hawk had ever seen. They were all strangers, travelers passing through on their way to larger towns such as Brimmerton and as far away as Arcad, the capitol city of the dark Empire that creeps slowly across the land. He could sense various moods in the clientele. There were children with their parents who anxiously waited for the young minstrel standing in the front of the dining hall to begin. Other seemed indifferent or were involved in private arguments or liaisons. As before, Hawk began with "Adventure Road." He now had more songs to put in with the many that Carter had taught him. He also had a few hymns that he had developed into intricate instrumentals. These were a new source of pride for him. If someone knew the hymn, they would just be able to make out the melody if they listened carefully. The musician in him noticed that different groups of people perked up to listen as he played one song after another. He was realizing as each one enjoyed a different piece of music, how important it was for a minstrel to have a variety of songs to play. To his inner joy, an occasional coin would be tossed at his feet as if to validate his ability to at least please this crowd. When the hour grew late, and Hawk had gathered coins from the floor--a few gold, even--some people came to speak to him. A pair of young people expressed their admiration and a mother bragged of her child's musical abilities and asked for some practical advice.

From the back of the dining hall, Hawk saw Joanna gliding around the tables, coming toward him. She placed her hand on his arm just as the mother and embarrassed child turned to leave. "Hello!" Hawk almost sputtered. Then, gaining his composure said, "You look lovely, tonight." Slightly taken aback, Joanna lowered her head a little and said, "Thank you. My father came for me, and I am going home in the morning. I wanted to say I enjoyed your playing once again." "Thank you," smiled Hawk. His heart jumped a little when he saw her smile ignited by his own. He now noticed in the light from the inn's lamps, that her eyes were a shade of green that drew his own. He had heard Carter sing of such eyes, but had put that down as a minstrel's expression of infatuation. These eyes could almost draw him in on their own, but Hawk felt himself attracted to the girl herself, as well. With a sudden pang at the thought of her leaving, he asked, "Where's your home?" "I live just beyond Brimmerton in a village called Camden. I wanted to tell you also that there is a place in Brimmerton where minstrels and musicians of all kinds come and play and trade songs and stories. They have impromptu concerts that are great fun to see. The instruments come and go with the different minstrels, and I've heard the most unlikely combination of instruments sound beautiful together. I thought you would enjoy being a part of that--if you ever were to go to Brimmerton." Hawk's mind ran furiously with thoughts of new music, new ideas shared, chances to perform, and the thought of seeing Joanna again. He longed to go on the road to try a minstrel's life, and this could be his starting place. After he said goodnight to Joanna, Becky the innkeeper's daughter brought Hawk a small leather bag with drawstrings. Inside were the promised coins. She didn't stop to say anything and hurried past him to finish closing up the dining hall for the night, so he merely shrugged and put the rest of his coins into the new bag. The walk home was quiet, and Hawk thought hard of a way to convince his parents to let him go to Brimmerton. His desire was strong; he had never wanted anything so much in his life as to go off by himself to pursue his music. There was something about his playing and writing music he felt could only be from God. Nothing felt as suited to him as this, but he was being raised to be a Warrior. Soon, he expected his father would send him off to another Warrior family to be an armor bearer and serve a senior Warrior to practically apply and vary his training. Hawk had no desire to so, but how could he avoid it? The front gate to The Keep loomed ahead, and Hawk was so tired, he decided to think about it again in the morning. He would find a way to get to Brimmerton, soon. Sunday mornings were busy. Everyone rose early and prepared for the chapel service that was open to any and all who wished to attend. Reed Mc Claron was usually the one to lead the services, and he wanted everyone finished with breakfast before The Keep's courtyard was filled with people to attend chapel. Hawk enjoyed playing for the chapel service. He was please that Justin and Crystal were able to sing together on the song that Justin and Hawk had worked on earlier in the week. After the chapel service, Hawk found his father alone in the library. The young Warrior-turnedminstrel stood before his father at a loss for the words he knew would disappoint him. Reed looked up, and the son braced himself and said, "Father, I want to travel as a minstrel and go to Brimmerton and many other places. That is what I want to do. That is what I want to be, a minstrel." "Our family is dedicated to God. I don't see how such a life can serve his purposes," began Father Mc Claron. Hawk interrupted to say, "I feel God has given me a gift of music to use. I know he did it for a reason. All I know is I need to go out and be a minstrel. I know God will lead me to whatever he has for me." "I don't want you to become what Carter Williams has become. He has lived a wild and ungodly life," stated Reed. "I am afraid you have gone down that road, too. In your heart, you have already left home. Your mother and I can't force you to stay for long." Hawk stood silent again. There was a torrent of emotion with hundreds of thoughts of the undesired possibilities of his life should he stay here. No. He couldn't stay to see his dreams die in a life that didn't appeal to him anymore. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe he wanted the wrong things, but how

could God give him something that his father couldn't approve of? He knew that even if it meant an eternity in Hell, he had to pursue this desire the only way he know how. "I love God," Hawk declared, "but I can't stay. I have to do this." "I had no one in mind to for you serve as an armor bearer, and this is not what I wanted for you, but I can't hold you here." Reed had tears in his eyes. "I will prepare your mother for your departure. I have more to say to you, but it will wait. I will speak to your mother now." Reed rose from his chair. The two men left the library going toward their own rooms. *** Hawk walked the forest path to the cottage to tell Carter that he would be leaving The Keep soon. The cottage was dark, and the door stood open as he approached. Stepping inside, he found most of Carter's belongings gone except for a small chest lying spilled on the floor. The chest was broken, probably from falling to the floor. There was a pile of sheet music, a wooden object rolled when Hawk move the chest. It was a hollowed out piece of wood with several holes. A fife, Carter had shown him once. The musician had blown across the larger hole at the top of the instrument to play sweet high notes. Once Carter had wanted to play a duet with Hawk, but having had no patience with his beginner's skill, dismissed the whole idea never to be tried again even when Hawk had improved on his cittern. Something told the young musician that Carter wasn't coming back. He searched through the sheet music and found a chart that told how to finger the specific notes for the fife. At least Carter had taught him to read music, so he took the fife and chart and all the music he didn't already have a copy of from the pile on the floor. Carter had unintentionally equipped him now in his desertion with an instrument that he would never have given him otherwise. Hawk had to work for the cittern he owned. Carter had not felt inclined to give a rich Warrior's son anything for free. Something was strange that such a prized possession would be left behind. The following morning was a silent one until it was time to say good-bye. Hawk hugged each of his siblings and his tearful mother. Reed Mc Claron looked at his oldest son and said, "If you belong to God, your music won't be accepted by the people who serve the Empire of Darkness. We have raised you to serve the Lord of Light, seek him and you will fulfill your true destiny." He then hugged the young man as if that were all he knew to do. Hawk started out the front gate carrying a sling bag of all we thought he would need including the new fife and music. His leather bag of coins was tied to his belt. Down the main path a little ways, he turned for a final wave and then didn't look back again. Chapter 3 It was a small fire. Night had fallen after a beautiful summer day on the road, so Hawk didn't actually need the fire for warmth or for cooking. The dried food in his sling bag had been enough. The light of the fire was a comfort. After lighting a candle to help him see better, he pulled out the fife and fingering chart to practice one of the pieces of music for it. It seemed easy enough to start out. There were a couple of fingerings that were awkward to change to, but Hawk was determined to have a working knowledge of the fife to have as a back up instrument. He had loved the sound when he had heard Carter play it those very few times last winter. The carols he had played sounded lovely and somewhat magical. Hawk couldn't imagine himself going to sleep yet. He was too excited to be out on the road and wondered how long it would take to get to Brimmerton. He finally was feeling sleepy after he had switched to playing his cittern for a while. It was still dark when he sat up. He knew he couldn't sleep much more than the couple of hours he had with his head on his sling bag. It was strange to sleep on the ground after his own bed. He had

gone on patrols with his father sleeping the same way at night, but it had been some time since he had even done that. Sleeping alone out in the woods was a little different. He briefly regretted not taking one of the horses that Father had gotten after he had found out about Thaddus' scheme to get one from the local blacksmith. That had been quite a confrontation. Reed had wanted his boys to hold out for one of the special mounts that the hired master swordsman had gone looking for. Thad had made a good case about needing to train on horseback, and possibly selling or giving the horses to faithful men of the village once Hawk and Thad were chosen by one of the special foals. Hawk mulled these things over as he brewed and drank some of his jasmine tea in his small tin cup. His sword and armor came to mind as he thought about patrolling with his father. It was nice not to have such encumbrances even though his armor was designed to grow with him as he grew and stay relatively comfortable. In a way he missed them, but they were another symbol of the life he really didn't want anymore. He had learned to handle his sword pretty well, but since he discovered his love for music, the training held less appeal by the day. His youngest brother, Justin, seemed to have the same love for the Warrior life as his father. It seemed that he tried to make up for Hawk's lack of drive. He chuckled, remembering the day he had let Justin challenge Thad to a sparring match. Thad had thrashed him unmercifully using every dirty trick Hawk had ever seen. After the match, Justin pulled wood splinters out of his clothes that corresponded with the bruises inflicted underneath. Hawk put out his meager fire and walked back out to the road. The aspiring minstrel came into the town of Brimmerton three days later, road weary and half starving. He had passed the final village between The Keep and Brimmerton before his food ran out. He had no bow and arrows to hunt for game, so he had pushed on stopping only to sleep the few hours he could manage between exhausted hikes. Stumbling down the middle of the main street, Hawk spied a small inn called Traveler's Inn. He stepped inside and had to let his eyes adjust to the dimness before he could see where he walked. A matronly woman looked up from a table with parchments spread on it. The parchments resembled account sheets and hinted at this woman having something to do with running the inn. "Are you looking for a room, young man?" she asked. "Nothing much, just a place to sleep," answered Hawk. "I have a small room upstairs in the back with a cot. Not much else." she raised her eyebrows inquiringly. "That sounds just right," smiled Hawk. The lady introduced herself as Mrs. Hill. She was a recent widow and had inherited full ownership of the inn from her late husband. She led him up the stairs and down the hall to the back. The room had a cot and an old crate in it. There was no dust, but a broom had stood outside the door to testify of someone's recent labors. After paying for two nights and buying a few candles, Hawk found his money almost gone. He was glad that a meal was included with each night's stay. He found a tub for bathing outside in the back of the inn, and made full use of it with the cold water from the inn's well. In his new room, Hawk laid himself out on the cot and fell immediately to sleep despite the rumbling in his stomach. It was afternoon when Hawk opened his eyes. His hunger pangs were sharper now. He walked downstairs and asked Mrs. Hill if he could get his day's meal yet. He was given a chunk of roast beef inside a small loaf of bread, and before he could finish it, was given another. This time along with a dark brown, steaming beverage. Mrs. Hill called the hot drink caffe. It was bitter tasting, but the widowed innkeeper suggested he try a spoonful of sugar in it. Then it tasted better. She refilled his cup when he finished it. Hawk asked the lady about a place where minstrels and musicians gathered. "Oh," she replied, "they usually come here. I give them free drinks when they play, because it attracts the University students from across town. I do a good business, then."

Hawk, a little startled but glad of his good fortune to have found his destination, took another look around the cramped dining room. The Mug And Trencher back home had a bigger dining area. After his meal, Hawk brought down both of his instruments and all of his sheet music including his own compositions. He had been able to learn the fife's C major scale on the road when he had camped, and found that he could work out the fife music written in that key. He was still looking over the fife's fingering chart, when a young man and a young woman wearing bangle bracelets and small hoop earrings came into the inn. They sat right on Hawk's table by the fireplace and looked to be about Hawk's age. Flowing notes came from a cittern the young man produced and the girl began to sing a haunting song of loneliness and a lost love. As the mood of the song filled him, Hawk began to softly play long notes to accompany the pair, quickly getting a feel for the song and watching the young man's placement of his fingers for chord reference. The girl looked at Hawk in surprise as she sang, and then closed her eyes with a small smile as she began to sense the enhancement he lent to the song. Hawk was quick to jump off any wrong note and was glad he managed to make very few mistakes. When the song was finished, the couple laughed with delight, congratulating Hawk on his contribution to the music. They introduced themselves as Gail and Henry, and Hawk briefly introduced himself. They spent the whole evening taking turns playing songs with the other two joining in when the song was known. Hawk played his cittern to teach Henry his standard "Adventure Road." Hawk felt a sense of pride when they expressed their appreciation of his own compositions. Unnoticed by the musicians, people came and went throughout the evening. They didn't realize they had an audience until there was enough people to applaud them quite loudly. Now, Hawk felt a sense of belonging he hadn't ever felt before, even with his own family. Before they left for the night, Henry and Gail had invited Hawk to visit the university and meet more of their friends at the university library. Happy to have made friends so quickly, Hawk gladly accepted. Hawk walked into the university after walking across town and asking directions when he found the school grounds larger than he had anticipated. The library was a large room with lamps placed at each table and the books arranged along the walls. Pulling an interesting volume off the shelf, Hawk began scanning through it occasionally finding a passage that caught his eye. He began to read steadily, finding other references to search for. Several hours and many volumes later, Hawk was interrupted by a surprisingly familiar touch of hands on his shoulders. He looked up to see Gail standing close behind him smiling into his face. Hawk felt his heart rate rise as he absently closed the book he had been intent on. Henry came around in front of him and said, "Let's go to the Brown Shield and meet Robert." "I have no money right now," Hawk started to protest. "Don't worry about that. We'll cover you. Besides, once we buy Robert a drink or two and engage him in conversation about something he's interested in, he usually becomes very generous." "Do you get him drunk?" asked Hawk. "No," laughed Henry, "he just enjoys discussing history and religion among other things." "Well, maybe I could contribute come topics," said Hawk. "That's what we're counting on," said Henry. When they stepped outside, Hawk was surprised to see that it was late afternoon. The three walked to the edge of the campus and turned down a street that was lined with a few businesses on both sides. The Brown Shield was a run down looking tavern that served food from a large pot in the fireplace. In addition to the usual lamps in such a establishment there were lamps placed at each end of the long tables much like the library. Many were reading by these lamps, and others were in conversations with friends over what was either beer or the hot drink caffe that Mrs. Hill had given to Hawk. The trio found Robert reading by one of the lamps. Introductions were made and Henry bought Robert a beer and a pot of caffe for the rest of them. Gail asked Robert what he had been reading.

"I've been reading about the cave-dwelling people that used the cliffs by the river," replied Robert. "Really? That's not too far from here. Is it, Henry?" cooed Gail. "That's right," stated Henry. Not wanting the pair too sound patronizing, Hawk asked Robert a genuine question. I read in the library today that the Warriors of a hundred years ago would seclude themselves in such caves for a time of meditation and communion with God. Would the caves by the river be a likely sight of one of these temporary hermitages?" Robert seemed to perk up and warm to this subject, and Henry and Gail had a hopeful gleam in their eyes. "Yes. I'm sure you would have to explore deep into the caves to find one. I've even read that as recent as fifty to seventy-five years ago, Warriors would do this. Clan leaders would seclude themselves for a week before taking up newly inherited duties." Something inside made Hawk decided to veer away from more talk of Warrior families. As far as he knew, no one had ever heard of a Warrior's son not wanting to be a Warrior. Hawk was certain no one would take his music seriously if they knew he was Warrior-raised. Robert himself changed to a lighter topic, and they were soon laughing and teasing each other in high spirits. "I want to buy you a beer, Hawk. Will you drink with me?" Hawk hesitated. Although he occasionally drank with Carter, he never liked the way he would ridicule the slightest sign of his inebriation. His father did not want his children to drink beer, wine or other strong drinks for the sake of discipline. He also was convinced that a life of drinking led to physical and spiritual ruin. In the last six months, Carter had been his prime example. Shutting these thoughts out, Hawk accepted. "Let's all have one," returned Robert. Several beers later, while Henry had engaged Robert on another of his pet topics, Gail slid up next to Hawk putting her arms around his shoulders. Immediately, he felt as if the effects of the beer had left his body to replaced with a startled giddy feeling. His thoughts burned clear. Looking into Gail's eyes, he murmured, "Aren't you and Henry..." Henry's my brother," giggled Gail draping Hawks arms around her middle. The warmth and softness of her form along with the new revelation flooded Hawk with such desire, he never knew which of them had initiated the kiss. Then she rose and led him by the hand out into the summer night. She pulled him down into the grass away from the tavern. With his head propped on his hand and elbow, he watched her looking at him. He searched for something to say to her, but was at a loss. He laid back and began to watch the stars in the sky. She cuddled up next to him and joined him in his star gazing, saying nothing. When he started to get sleepy, she ran her hand along the side of his face and asked, "What brings you here, Hawk?" "I thought I would try to earn some more coins before continuing on to travel as a minstrel." "Would you leave us, soon?" she asked. "Is there a reason for me to stay?" he countered hopefully. After she said nothing he said, "I could take you with me, if you wanted to leave school." "Henry is attending university. I'm staying with him because he is all the family I have, and I am all he has," she whispered. "I need to earn some coins, even if I stay," said Hawk, trying not to think of how torn he felt between staying with her and pursuing his dream. He had never been very popular with the girls. It was easier to try to keep this small chance alive, but his dreams called strongly to him. Hawk was awakened a little while later. His eyes opened to see the obscured face of Gail close to his. He noticed that Robert and Henry were standing close by, also. "We need to be getting home," smiled Gail. "I'll walk with you to your house," said Hawk. After seeing Gail home with her brother, Robert and Hawk wished each other a good night and separated. The next morning, Hawk was ravenous from not having dinner the night before. Mrs. Hill had some fried corn cakes and caffe ready for him when he came downstairs.

"Good morning, young man," she said. "Thank you for the breakfast, Mrs. Hill," smiled Hawk. "I was wondering if you would like to pay your next night's stay by being my house minstrel, tonight," she proposed. "I had hoped to stay here another night. This works out well," said Hawk. "This night is not a night when the students come from the university, but I will put a sign in the window this morning." She busied herself with wiping the table with a wet cloth. The young man was visibly relieved. He had no desire to leave Brimmerton just when his hopes of a closer relationship with Gail remained promising. Hawk planned his night of music over another mug of caffe. That afternoon, Hawk found his way back to the university and by retracing his steps from last night, he found the house where Henry and Gail were staying. The brother and sister were not there, but a middle aged woman with several children stood in the yard. The woman was the siblings' land lady, and she was unable to tell him where the two could be. The young minstrel spent the time before he had to be back at Traveler's Inn at the university library. The night had gone well. There seemed to be a wave of travelers as there had been at the Mug And Trencher back home. The sprinkling of coins were a welcome sight to Hawk as well. Most of the guests had gone to bed, and Hawk was playing with a fife tune he was composing as he nursed a mug of caffe. Mrs. Hill had walked outside with the last of the customers to bid them a good night, when Gail hurried in. She came close to Hawk talking quickly and softly. "Hawk, hide me in your room for a few hours!" She was pale with fright. "Just for a few hours until I can steal back home unobserved. "What is going on?" asked Hawk startled. "I have to hide from someone. He's probably already on this street," she said. The young minstrel went to the door of the inn. No one was in sight at first, but then Hawk was shoved back inside by a tall, dark haired man in a brown, hooded cloak. "Hawk! It's him!" cried Gail. The Warrior-raised young man felt a strange, slight, tremor inside him as he faced the dark man once again. "What do you want here?" "I've come to take what is mine," said the dark man. "She is mine, and I intend to have her." "I think not," began Hawk, but was struck in the face. He was sent sprawling against the counter where Mrs. Hill had left some cooking utensils. A peculiar, undefinable, knowledge seemed to well up in Hawk's mind. Grabbing up the butcher knife near to hand, Hawk suddenly knew he was dealing with more than a normal man. Hawk lunged at the man before he could catch Gail, slashing him on the arm just enough to draw blood and his full attention. The man appeared so full of rage, he glared at Hawk with a livid face. Then, to his astonishment, the facial features were torn aside, and the bloody skull spoke with a deep and hellish voice, "You will die, worm!" A brown sword was produced from his cloak. It glowed with a dull red sheen, as if with blood. The defaced man held it at the ready and advanced. "You have no business here," declared Hawk. He felt a detached part of himself observe as he executed each combat form using the butcher knife as he would a sword, as he closed with this demon unveiled. They were locked in a close clinch, but Hawk struck his elbow and forearm across the red skull when there was an opening, knocking the demon to the floor. Hawk's foot was on his chest and the knife to his bloodied throat. "In the name of God, I declare you without power here!" Hawk's voice was hoarse with emotion. "No!" cried the demon, "She is mine by right!" He pushed against the foot on his chest hard enough for Hawk to have to step back to keep his balance. All in a moment as the demon began to rise, Hawk, holding the butcher knife with both hands, swung the blade with all his strength. Against the laws of nature, the head was severed from the body, and all was still.

By this time, Henry, Robert, and Mrs. Hill were staring at the scene with disbelief. Gail trembled and stared fixedly at the corpse. Hawk took the corpse by the legs to drag it outside. "Let me help you," offered Robert. "Take his legs then. I'll take the messier end," Hawk responded. He twisted the edges of the cloak together after placing the gory head on the chest, and hoisted his end of the body. The two buried the body in a wooded area behind the inn. Robert looked Hawk in the eye and asked, "Who are you?" "I am Hawk McClaron of one of the Warrior Clans," said Hawk woodenly. "Has the war come to Brimmerton, now?" he pursued. "In a way, it's always been here," said Hawk cryptically. Chapter 4 Hawk opened his eyes and saw that Henry and Robert were still sleeping on the floor in his room. It was very early in the morning. Mrs. Hill had insisted that Gail stay in one of the inn's empty rooms and not go home last night, so Hawk had the two stay with him. There hadn't been but one empty room last night. Again, Mrs. Hill had corn cakes and caffe on the counter waiting for Hawk when he came downstairs. She motioned for him to sit nearby as she finished cleaning the last evidence of last night's encounter. "Where do you come from?" she turned her dull green eyes to Hawk. "I am Hawk Mc Claron from Reed Mc Claron's Keep, three days south on foot," stated Hawk, waiting for a denunciation. The woman mopped the bloodied spot some more, and then stopped to push back a strand of what used to be a handsome shade of auburn hair. It was faded to almost brown, but Hawk could see that when she was younger, she would have turned a few heads. She stopped with the mop in the bucket. Leaning on the handle, she said, "My husband was killed by a group of men. That man...demon," she swallowed to keep her voice from cracking, "was with them." "They questioned my husband persistently, and he told me he suspected them of stealing Warriorhorses. I never found out what they wanted him for, but he had to go with them somewhere. His body was brought back into town by a traveling tinker." Hawk led her to the bench where he had been seated. She sat next to him and said, "That ghastly demon likely murdered my George, and you have avenged me. I can't keep you here. I can't let you stay." "I know," said Hawk. "More will come sooner or later to ask more questions. I'm sure some of your guests may have even witnessed last night." She nodded, and Hawk asked, "How's Gail?" "She's still sleeping. Something's wrong with that girl. She's relieved at the death of the demon, but something's still wrong." "I can't doubt anymore that God has had his hand in bringing me here," said Hawk with a sigh. After a moment, Mrs. Hill sighed. "Oh, my George loved the Warrior Clans and worshipped God like no other man I've known. He fought side by side with a clan chief before Arcad was taken. The Council of Light rewarded him with a sum of money that bought him this inn," she said with some pride. Hawk began to think. His eyes stared into nothing. After a space of time, he said, "I need to leave right away, but I need a piece of parchment and pen and ink to leave Robert a letter. It's best you know nothing of what we decide to do, now." At this sign of decision, Mrs. Hill went to fetch the needed articles. After placing them in front of him, she disappeared into her own room located behind the counter. Hawk stepped over the two still sleeping in his room and gathered all his things quietly. He slipped downstairs to find a few guests up and stirring. Mrs. Hill motioned him to follow her into her room.

The curtained doorway behind the counter hid a bedroom with a fireplace, two chairs, and a double bed. From a corner of the room, Mrs. Hill picked up a scabbarded sword and a small bag of what turned out to be cleaning accessories for the sword. "Take these," she said. "You need a sword and know how to use it, so keep this for me." Hawk was too surprised to protest. He took the sword and pulled it partly from the scabbard. The weapon had been well cared for. From a small chest, she took out what looked like a leather bound version of the Scriptures and placed it in his free hand. "He said all Warriors have one of these, but you didn't even have a sword. My husband used to tell his army companions 'Go with God' whenever they departed our company. I say go with God, young Hawk." On impulse, Hawk embraced her, and she returned it hard enough to make him gasp for a breath of air. "I will be back to see how you fare soon, Mrs. Hill," he said with tears starting in his eyes. Robert awoke to find Hawk's things gone. Downstairs, Mrs. Hill gave him breakfast and a small sealed letter. "He's gone," said Mrs. Hill. "Just before full dawn, he was on the road." "Where did he go?" asked Robert. "He didn't tell me where he was going. Hawk left that letter for you and said I shouldn't know what you all decided to do. For my protection," she explained. Robert nodded. He opened the letter when Mrs. Hill turned to busy herself with the day's business. It read: Robert, I ask that you find a place for Henry and Gail to stay for a while to see if their daily lives have been disrupted. If they cannot safely assume their normal routine, please bring them to me in the caves we discussed. I place all my trust in you. Please burn this letter immediately. Hawk Mc Claron Robert, the scholar, took a sip of his caffe thoughtfully. He realized he had many new decisions to make. Hawk felt a growing excitement as he approached the first of the caves. He looked down at the river shimmering in the sun and briefly studied the surrounding area. He was about a hundred feet above the river at the mouth of the cave. Turning, he entered the cool, dark cave. He lit a candle and began to explore. The third cave seemed to go deeper into the cliff. After turning from two dead ends, he found a passage that was significantly longer. It was so dark that his candle wasn't enough to find his way. He returned to the mouth of the cave. The sun was still shining, shimmering on the surface of the river. Trees came right up to the riverbank on the far side. Directly below him, scrub trees started from the sand of the riverbank on his side. Hawk had reached this cave by simply lowering himself down feet first from the cliff top. There was just enough of a foothold that he could use to step back up and swing his other foot onto the edge of the cliff to pull himself up. He needed a torch or two, but had no materials to make any. He decided to slip back into Brimmerton to buy some lamp oil. He found a place to buy the lamp oil on the edge of Brimmerton and found some rags to use outside an abandoned barn. Back near the cliff, he found some branches that would suit his purpose and wrapped one end of each one with the rags. He then soaked them in the lamp oil. At the cave mouth, he built a small fire and tried to light one of his home made torches. It seemed to work.

Dousing the fire, he used the newly lit torch to light his way back to the darkest part of the cave. This passage seemed to wind around a little until he saw daylight shining from another opening. Sticking his head out, he saw that there was a narrow ledge along the cliff. He stepped out, crouching to allow his head to clear the top of the opening. He was about twelve feet lower on the cliff and more to the left of the entrance he had first lit his torch. Walking carefully along the narrow ledge, he came to some scrub brush growing out of the cliff side. Gripping the brush to steady himself, he slipped on some loose stones and fell against the brush only to find himself falling into a concealed cave entrance. This new cave entrance didn't have a very wide entrance, but it opened into a spacious room. Still holding his torch, Hawk saw there was a framework to some sort of cot or bunk. Haphazardly, at the foot of the cot was a small chest similar to the chest belonging to Mrs. Hill's late husband. Looking further, he saw some ashes from a fire on the floor at the back of the cave. Wondering where the smoke could have gone under such circumstances, he saw that there was a natural vent above the spot. It looked like a crack in the ceiling at first, but after looking closer, he saw there was a passage for the fire's smoke to go up and out to the daylight barely visible. There was a small draft that ran from the entrance to the natural vent, to give air for such a fire. "A natural fireplace," thought Hawk aloud. He wondered at the residence that seemed waiting for him. This had to be an old hermitage of a Warrior. He wondered who it could have been. With a blanket he had taken from the inn, he wrapped the cot frame as if he were making a field stretcher. That was something his father had taught him, he reflected. He went to the gather firewood just in case the cave would be cold that night. After he was settled, he planned to look in the small chest. If anything, he could find use for an empty chest. Hawk was fatigued from gathering firewood and preparing a small meal. He knew he needed to be able to hunt game in the local area to avoid taking a risky trip into Brimmerton. He didn't have any bow or arrows, but he thought he might think of how to rig a snare. His meal prepared, he ate as he looked into the chest at the foot of his appropriated cot. The chest contained a journal from the looks of it, a broken candle, and a dried up ink bottle with an old pen. The journal's presence fascinated Hawk. The ink was brown with age, but was easy to read: Arthur Meier Day 1 I am grateful to have a time to rest and pray away from all that has happened. Arcad was taken after a long fierce battle. My loyal companion, George Hill, stayed by my side and guarded my back as we fought the hordes of the enemy flood that finally pushed us back south from whence we came. Men such as my friend George, are becoming rare in these times. Many are compelled by their own desires to compromise with the Dark Empire if only to live in uncertain peace. I have written a recommendation to honor George with a form of citation that would carry some monetary reward with it. I have put up a sum of money that I hope the Council will find in their hearts to add to. Hawk put down the leather bound journal to exclaim to himself how Mrs. Hill would treasure this reference to her husband. He flipped through the journal and found many blank pages in the back. A folded page fell out. It read: I have left this journal here for the use and safe keeping of any Warrior clansman who finds this secret haven. This should remain in the hands of a Warrior family or go to the family of George Hill who proved himself a Warrior in spirit and deed.

Arthur Meier There was more to the journal than Hawk could read in one night. He would use whatever spare time he could find to read this historical document. He thought he would give it to Mrs. Hill after he made a few entries of his own. Hawk slept fitfully, getting up between sleeps to throw wood on the fire. It was better to have the fire at night, he thought, than to have the smoke visible during the day. He was able to boil water for some of his jasmine tea and put out the fire before daylight. When the sun had been up for a few hours, Hawk heard laughter and voices down by the river. He could see that it was Henry, Robert, and Gail swimming in the river below. The young Warrior took the passage that brought him to the clifftop, where he found the winding trail that would take him down a gentler slope to the river. He surprised them when he jumped into the water with them. After a joyful reunion, Hawk suggested they come to his secret lair to discuss their current situation. Robert began the conversation by telling Hawk that the night before there were two men questioning Mrs. Hill and Henry and Gail's landlady about them. At first light, Robert had taken a roundabout way to bring the siblings to the caves. Henry had been unable to sit still on Hawk's cot during Robert's account and took the next pause he made to interrupt. "We haven't told you that those men including the one you killed, Hawk, were paying for my schooling in return for Gail and I to work for them and bring them information. We never told them about you, though. We were to watch for fighting men that were not from Arcad." Gail watched Henry with a look of horror, but was speechless. Henry continued, "Gail was asked to do quite a lot for them. She was mostly cooking and washing their clothes at their camp north of Brimmerton. It is in fact not far up the river. But two of them paid too much attention to Gail." He looked at her to urge her to say something. Gail looked pale, almost sick. "One told me he wanted me for his own. He would describe the degrading things he wanted to do to me. The other, only told me of how he wanted to sell me to some high official or other in Arcad. I was so afraid, but how could we escape them? The defaced man...but this was before...wouldn't let them touch me because he had plans for me should I have no more use for them here. I knew he was with the Dark Empire. I could feel evil from him." "They probably had plans for Henry's future as well," added Hawk. "Why else would they put money into him?" Hawk thought for a moment. "Robert, do these men who were asking questions know about your association with us?" "I don't think so," he replied. "Good," said Hawk. "I am so ill-equipped here. I need you to bring some supplies. I plan to make my home here for a little longer. Here's all my money. I need things like soap, some things to make snares, and food for those two and myself." He handed Robert his coins. "I can get you anything I have at my room near the university," offered Robert. Hawk sighed impatiently. "There's so many things I have to consider. Do you know of a bow and arrows I could borrow for a time?" "I have one," said Robert. "Could you lend them to me and bring the supplies I asked for?" "You can count on me," said Robert. "I'll go down and get the two horses we've hobbled by the river and be back as soon as I can." "I appreciate this," said Hawk holding Robert's gaze. "If you're up to what I think you are, I want in," replied Robert. Late that night, Robert had brought back blankets and the bow from his rooms in Brimmerton and had purchased everything Hawk had asked for and more. Hawk took him aside and said, "I think we'll be in a fight sooner or later. Are you sure you want to continue to throw in with me?"

Robert smiled. "I've liked you from the start, and I've thought you would be doing what any Warrior would: fighting the Dark men. You intrigue me, Hawk. A Warrior is said to be close to God, and I want to know about this." "As I learn, I'll share it with you," said Hawk reaching up to clasp Robert's shoulder. The young Warrior had to look up to meet Robert's eyes. He seemed to tower over him. "Let's eat a little of this bread you brought. I 'm a bit hungry. Then we sleep." The four sat on the cot because there was no where else to sit. After they had eaten, Gail was given the cot to sleep on, and the men spread blankets on the cave floor. It was comforting to be with friends, thought Hawk as he drifted off to sleep in the light of the fire. Chapter 5 Mrs. Hill was cleaning up now that the inn was bedded down for the night. She looked up suddenly when she heard a soft knock at the front door. She went to the door and pushed aside a small piece of wood to peer out through the small peep hole. After a moment, she unbolted and unbarred the door to let Hawk, Robert, Henry and Gail into the inn's main room, the dining room. After she had secured the door again, Hawk said, "I need to ask you a favor, Mrs. Hill." The young Warrior looked unshaved but clean, as if he had been out on an extended hunting trip and had taken every opportunity to bathe. He looked a little older even though it was only days since Mrs. Hill had seen him. She hugged him. It hadn't taken her long to become attached to this young man. "Just name it, Hawk." "Robert and I are going to move against the camp of Dark men that have crossed our path," stated Hawk, his voice low. "Can you keep Henry and Gail here until we get back? I plan to take them to my father's keep." "Yes, but..." Mrs. Hill began. "If I don't come back, they carry a letter to my father from me. He will know how to take care of them," cut in Hawk gently. "You be sure and come back!" she shot back. "I have a present for you," said Hawk presenting her with the leather bound journal from the Warrior's hermitage. "Your husband is mentioned in the first entry." Mrs. Hill opened the journal and read the first page. "This means so much to me," she said tearfully. Hawk and Robert soon departed leaving Mrs. Hill to put up her charged for the night. Henry was given his own room to sleep in, but she decided to keep Gail in her room with her so she speak at length with her. As the women lay in bed with a single candle burning, Mrs. Hill began her gentle probing for information. "Hawk seems to have changed somewhat," she sighed. "He's more like a soldier, now," said Gail, "and when he found out about those two men asking questions, he stopped eating. He began going off by himself during meal times. He would read his Scripture book in his free time." "My husband told me about such things. Warriors would sometimes go on a fast. They would pray to get a specific answer from God. George said God would give them specific knowledge or special empowerment to face a hard mission. Our boy is heading for a fight," said Mrs. Hill. "I was thinking that his not eating would weaken him," worried Gail. "No dear," Mrs. Hill consoled her. "I believe God wouldn't let such devoted actions be a hindrance. I now believe that God is really with him." Gail turned onto her side facing the wall and began to breath deeply. Mrs. Hill blew out the candle.

There were three tents visible in the camp's firelight. Robert and Hawk could just make out the layout of the camp from in the darkness of the trees. No one seemed to be on watch, nor was anyone walking the perimeter of the camp. As the two in the shadows watched, a figure crawled out of one of the tents and sat by the fire. He swayed back and forth slowly to a tune he hummed. This man was obviously drunk, thought Hawk. Just then, another figure appeared and grabbed the man by the fire. He began hold the drunken man's hand in the fire as he questioned him. He was screaming in pain barely able to utter an understandable word. It was now plain to Hawk that the tortured man was his long lost mentor, Carter the minstrel of questionable character. His tormentor found an arrow had sprouted from his back and fell forward into the fire taking Carter with him. Now both made enough noise to bring out the final pair from within the tents. Hawk faced the new pair with drawn sword, and Robert dragged Carter from under the wounded man and out of the fire. His bow was awkward at such close range, so Robert picked up a big piece of firewood to use as a club to aid Hawk. Robert managed to knock one of the men unconscious as Hawk held his sword to the throat of the other after he tripped over a guide rope of his own tent. The two tied their captives with ropes from the tents. The one who had fallen in the fire appeared to be dead with Robert's arrow in his back. Carter was huddled over his burned hand on the edge of the firelight. Hawk pulled out a small jar of salve and handed it to Carter for his hand. "What are you doing here?" he asked. Carter began medicating his hand and said, "I showed up to chapel one day, and your father told me I wasn't suppose to come there drunk. I was drunk. He told me he would have you play the chapel music, and when I quit drinking, I could play for chapel again. I was so angry, I left before chapel began and decided to sell a piece of information that had suddenly become valuable." "What do you mean?" Hawk's voice became darker. "I found your precious mounts grazing far west of the Keep one day when I was looking for a friend's private brewery out that way. I was hoping to borrow a keg of his beer with no one being the wiser." Carter's voice was beginning to whine. "I came to Brimmerton to find the men I had heard were looking for those animals. I found them, too, after keeping my eyes and ears open. Just yesterday in fact. They gave me a bottle of wine and told me they would pay me when I led them to the mounts. "Their leader turned up dead, and I realized they didn't know what to do with the mounts because they were never told. They decided to capture the mounts and try to sell them near Arcad. That's when I knew they were working for Dark men. "I told them to pay me half now and half when I led them to the animals. There was no way I wanted to go to Arcad. The dead one wanted to squeeze it out of me and cut me out completely." Carter was whining now. Hawk looked at Carter with disgust at the thought of his intended betrayal. Those horses had more than a century of bonding with Warriors. They had a heightened instinct of protecting them in battle and on patrols. The Warrior clans and the herds of these mounts in a real sense, were allied nations. The individual Warrior and his mount were more than that. They were family. Robert had listened to the two from the Keep in silence. Now, he spoke, "What will we do with the captives? Do we kill them?" "No, Robert," replied Hawk gently, "we don't battle against mere men, but those demons in human form, the Dark men. We'll cut them loose just before we leave." "We should bury this one," said Robert pointing to the arrow pierced man. "Then we leave. Our captives don't quite know where the herd is located because I'm sure Carter wouldn't have told them without being paid first," said Hawk glaring at Carter. The dead man was buried, and Carter was allowed to ride his horse with his hands tied in front of him. The trio headed back to Brimmerton. Hawk sat in front of the banked fire lost in thought. It had been a full day of travel without a long stop until they had made camp a several hundred yards into the trees on the east side of the road this

evening. They had made good time after picking up Henry and Gail in Brimmerton, considering Robert's two horses were used to spell the ones who grew weary of walking. Being short of horse, two had taken a turn on horseback while the other two walked. Carter of course rode his own horse as a captive, and had offered little in the way of conversation. The young Warrior judged they would be at the Keep sometime the next afternoon. This was the second night on the road. The first night everyone had said little and had fell into an exhausted sleep leaving Hawk and Robert to divide the watch between them. But, tonight, they had felt so relieved to find that no one was following them, they had played music and sang as if they were in Mrs. Hill's inn. Carter hadn't participated but seemed to enjoy Gail's voice when Henry and Hawk had insisted she sing. Robert had surprised them with his melodic baritone voice. Now, everyone was asleep with Hawk taking first watch. The coals were glowing a dull red as they cooled. He knew he would have no night vision if he allowed the fire to burn brightly, and it's warmth wasn't necessary on a summer night. There may not be anyone following them, but it always paid to be ready for anything. Ruefully, Hawk smiled at the thought that this too had been part of the training his father had given him. His thoughts turned to his homecoming. Would his parents insist that he stay, now that he had come home without fully seeking out his dreams of being a minstrel? He had been distracted by his own concern for his friends to have to face the Dark Empire. After all, he had been trained from a young age to be able to face the servants of the Dark Empire; how could he not help them? When he saw this threat to the mounts concluded, he knew he would leave the Keep again. Thinking back on his time in Meier's Haven, as he had come to calling the hermitage, he had felt God affirming his desire to fight the Dark Empire's influence in Brimmerton. Now he felt just as strongly about seeing to the safety of Henry and Gail and to get them away from there. All these thoughts of God's direction brought the words of a new song Hawk was working on to his mind: Lord, you are my heart My Lord, my life I give to you And you're all I have now I know you'll see me through This life, you said you'd never leave When I'm on my knees to pray I meet you in the secret place Tell my I'm your child now My Lord, how I long to see your face What joy, to know I'm in your grace I'll wait For your coming again Be it early or late It doesn't matter when I say, "Come Lord Jesus," Any day, just come Lord Jesus Lord, you are my heart My Lord, my life I give to you And you're all I need now My Lord, I know you love me too Tears came to Hawk's eyes as he realized this was the most sincere song he had ever written for God. He began to pray in a whisper. Robert touched him on the shoulder from behind. He was ready to relieve him from being on watch. Hawk smiled and said nothing as he headed for his blanket.

The next afternoon found them approaching the Keep as Hawk had calculated. Henry and Gail seemed a little awed by the sight of the Keep which looked to them more like a fortress than somebody's house. Robert gazed at the walls and gate taking in all the details of the structure. A honey blond haired girl ran out of the gate and gave Hawk a hug. It was his sister Crystal. "You've grown a bit, baby sister," Hawk noted. "Father and Mother should know you've come home," she said looking at Hawk's companions and Carter without further comment. Hawk introduced the three newcomers to Crystal and led them into the courtyard. Crystal ran ahead to announce them. She kept looking back at Hawk as she went. Justin, Hawk's younger brother appeared first and ran toward Hawk. Hawk's eyes grew round and he cried, "A bear is charging me!" In the spirit of this jest, Justin actually picked Hawk up off the ground. "I thought Crystal had grown, but you, Justin, make her look like a toddler!" Reed and Annalynne Mc Claron came out to the courtyard to greet their son and his guests. After the affectionate hugs and introductions, Hawk's mother told them they should feel free to bathe and rest in the rooms she would make ready for them. She then called for Justin and Crystal. Hawk urged his guests to heed his mother's offer. As he helped Carter off of his horse, he spoke to his father. "Father, Carter here, needs to be watched until we deal with an urgent matter." "Bring him," said Reed shortly. Taking Carter with him, Hawk followed his father into the library where he had first been told he would be allowed to go to Brimmerton. There was something different in Reed Mc Claron's manner towards his son. Hawk couldn't think of what it could be, but began to tell him of the news of the mounts and the plot that was uncovered. Reed took Hawk's pause as an opportunity to speak to Carter. "You're welcome to stay in the Keep or the forest cottage. I'll not keep you as a prisoner. You are free to go." Carter left the library saying nothing to anyone as he made his way out of the keep. "He'll disappear again," said Hawk. Reed smiled and said, "Let him. We'll have things in hand." Hawk looked surprised as his father began to praise him for the way he had handled all that had happened since he had gone to Brimmerton. "I'm proud of you, son," Reed told him. A load seemed to be lifted off Hawk's shoulders. It felt to Hawk that all the blame and the disappointment in his actions in the past were now forgotten. His father said he was proud of him. That meant a lot to Hawk. Reed McClaron broke into Hawk's thoughts, saying, "Let me know what you are going to do about this. He stood up and left his son to stare after him speechless with surprise. Hawk sat alone in his own room polishing his own sword which he planned to take with him when he left. He knew he had to go to the herd of mounts somewhere west of the Keep. Maybe he could keep them from the intended harm. He thought of Henry and Gail and went to find his father. He found him in the smithy with the village blacksmith who was one of the many Reed Mc Claron was a benefactor to. The Senior Warrior had been a kind of savior to what seemed half of the village. He had found homes or employment for some or provided the means to start a farm or small business for others. Reed Mc Claron had found the middle ground between being a soft touch and a ruthless business man. He wasn't even among the richest of the Warrior families, but always managed a small gain or favor by never over-speculating or hesitating to do what he knew he could and should do. This blacksmith had skill making swords, and Hawk found his father watching over the final process for readying Thadus' sword for the forging ceremony. "Father, may I ask you something?" Hawk made sure his voice could be heard just above all the other noises near the forge. Reed stepped outside and Hawk began, "Is there some place we could settle Henry and Gail? They have been force to leave a way of life they were used to, and I thought it would be safest for them near the Keep somewhere."

"Maybe you should see what they want to do, first," replied his father. "Have a talk with them. Find out what plans they have or what they want to do in the future." "I haven't thought to ask them. I've felt like a guardian to them, but I realize that is not really my place." Hawk didn't admit his feelings for Gail to his father, but he also knew he wanted to have a future with her and keep her close. He knew he had to let them decide what they would do for themselves, but he dreaded their decision. The evening was drawing near, and it would be supper time soon. Hawk left his father at the smithy and went to find Henry and Gail. Gail had just woke from a nap after Annalynne and Crystal had showed her to a room. Now she and Henry were together when Hawk had knocked on her door. He asked them what their possible plans were for the future and offered his idea of settling them in the area. Gail still looked tired when she took Hawk's hands and said, "Henry and I want to get away from the memory of the Dark man and his henchmen. They made our lives such a hell. We are going to travel the road south and get as far from Brimmerton as we can." Hawk protested, "My family will protect you. I will protect you. I want you with me. I thought we could be together." "Hawk, you are not who I thought you were. You are a Warrior. I can't live with the threat of the Dark Empire so close," she said. "I'm a musician, Gail. That's why I went to Brimmerton," cried Hawk. "Can't you see you were meant to be a Warrior? When the Dark man broke down the door, you changed into this fierce protector right before my eyes, and I can't think of you any other way now," returned Gail. Her eyes were sad, but contained no tears. "I could go with you and Henry," said Hawk starting to sound desperate. "Hawk," said Gail softly, "You told me when we were at the cave that God brought you to Brimmerton. It seems to me, God will take you to battle wherever you go because He meant you to be a Warrior. You couldn't just run or stand by when your enemies were near, but you stood against them." Something inside Hawk told him she was right, but he wanted her to stay with him so much. He couldn't think of anything to convince her, and suddenly realized there was nothing to do but let her go. As Hawk stood there silent, Gail had taken a step back from him and watched him expectantly. He nodded as if he had made up his mind and said, "I'm sure supper is being put on the table now. Why don't you two come on downstairs." In the dining room, Robert soon appeared with Justin. Robert had obviously been taken on a tour of the Keep. He happily told Hawk how pleased he was to see a warrior's house up close. Everyone looked clean and a little better rested. Hawk was suddenly hungry when he saw the roast, potatoes and gravy, with homemade bread and vegetables on the table. The guests looked a little surprised when everyone came to the table and linking hands, began to sing the blessing over the meal: We thank Thee O Lord For the food that we eat For the clothes we are wearing And the shoes on our feet Hallelujah, Thine the glory Hallelujah Amen Hallelujah, Thine the glory We thank Thee again The meal time felt like a party with a lot of banter between all the siblings and the pleasant conversation that was struck up with each guest. Robert seemed to be having the best time of all. When asked, Henry and Gail told Reed and Annelynne of their plans to travel south on the Great Trade Road. "We plan to play the inns and market places and see how we fare," said Henry lightly. He glanced at Hawk across the table.

Hawk met his father's gaze and said nothing, carefully keeping his expression neutral to hide any feelings that might show on his face. After supper everyone was gathered around the fireplace where Reed Mc Claron read aloud from the Scriptures and then sang a duet with his wife at Hawk's urging. Hawk was hoping to turn the evening into a night of music, but Reed Mc Claron had asked him to tell the whole tale of his adventures in Brimmerton. He began the telling of it, but allowed Henry to take it up where he and his sister came into the picture. He felt uncomfortable about Robert's version of his meeting Hawk because he left nothing out of the story, such as drinking beer and leaving with Gail though nothing improper had happened between them. Gail had glibly talked about their time together in the grass. There were no condemning looks or comments. In fact, everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the story. Everyone seemed to start yawning at the same time, so Annelynne suggested it was time for bed. Mother and Father Mc Claron bid each one a personal good night, and the family gathering was finished. Chapter 6 Dawn wasn't revealing so much as a glimmer in the sky when Hawk was out of bed, dressed and going down the stairs into the dining room the next morning. He tended to the fire in the fireplace and heated water to brew some of the caffe Mrs. Hill had sent with him as a present for his mother. He knew his mother would be downstairs soon and was amazed he had gotten up before her. The caffe would be a surprise for her, and it's pleasant aroma was already wafting across the room. Annalynne laughed softly behind Hawk and asked, "Is that java-caffe? I haven't had any since I lived in my mother's house!" "Complements of Mrs. Hill in Brimmerton," replied Hawk. "She wanted you to have it. There's five pounds of it in the larder now." "I would really like to meet her," mused Mother Mc Claron. "Today, Robert and I ride west to find the mounts," said Hawk unintentionally changing the subject. "He told me not to leave without him." Robert's name was no more mentioned when he quietly entered the room. "Come get some caffe," offered Hawk. "Yes, and I'll start breakfast," said Annelynne. After breakfast and when all the guests had packed for their journeys, everyone stood in the courtyard. Reed Mc Claron said a prayer over those who would leave the Keep. There were many good-byes said, and Hawk found Gail's the hardest to receive. The two siblings were the first to leave, and Hawk watched them, silently distracted. He mounted his own horse from the Keep and adjusted the bow and arrows on his back that were from his father's armory. Then seeing Robert bidding his brother Justin good-bye, he climbed down again and pulled off something strapped to his saddlebags. "Robert," called Hawk, "this is something I wanted to give you earlier." He held out the sword and scabbard that Mrs. Hill had given to him. Robert was a little taken aback, but managed to thank him. "Since you insist on accompanying me as a loyal friend, you deserve a loyal friend's sword," Hawk was almost ceremonial in tone and manner. There was no road to take Hawk and Robert west from the Keep. The pair thought that if they had to ride all the way to the mountains that jutted from the Kingdom's center, it would take several weeks to get to the herd. These mountains also marked the farthest domestic border of the territory assigned to the Mc Clarons.

Most of their food was hunted along the way. They managed to smoke small amounts of meat at their campsites each night to save for a day when a campfire would possibly give away their presence as stealth became more necessary the closer they came to the location of the mounts. Hawk used sticks to show Robert some sword skill and began to train him in the rudiments of defending himself with a sword. In turn, Hawk learned to improve his archery skills from Robert. These things occupied their attention during their stops as they traveled. Robert's extra horse was used to carry what the pair had brought with them. There was even some supplementary grain for the animals if the forage became lean. Hawk rode his single horse and thought about the possibility of bonding with one of the special mounts that waited still further west. That would be more than a mere horse, but would become a friend, an animal with the natural instincts of a war horse to fight with and take care of a Warrior. Hawk's father had told him the mounts were a special gift from God, and once bonded to a Warrior, would allow no other to ride except in a dire emergency. After almost two weeks of travel, it began to rain. The two kept their horses to the rocky or hard packed areas to avoid getting bogged down in mud. It grew steadily more miserable to travel in spite of their efforts. The smoked meat had to be eaten now that a fire was impossible to maintain. They packed enough tinder on the packhorse to build a fire more than once, so they kept what they had packed and dry. They made cold camps for the next two nights. Within sight of the foothills near the center of the Kingdom of Light, the rain finally stopped. They had entered a large plain as they approached these foothills, and the mountains made an impressive skyline. A breeze picked up and brought a chill to the riders wet clothing, but the sun came out to warm them as their clothing began to dry. Hawk felt a lift in his spirits with the improved weather and the beautiful sight before his eyes. The two began to cross the plain. There was no sign of a herd anywhere. Hawk wanted to get in the shade of the trees among the foothills ahead, because the day was beginning to heat up. When they had found a relatively flat, shady spot, Hawk suggested they make their main camp there. After the horses were tended and the tent was put up, Robert went off into the trees. When he came back, he had the water skins and a couple of spare bottles filled with water from a spring. "There's a cold running spring about five hundred yards uphill from here," said Robert. "I plan to take a bath in it even if it's cold. I need to wash." "Take me with you," replied Hawk. "I can't stand the smell of myself now that my clothes are dry." After their baths, Robert began to build a small fire to brew some tea. Hawk arranged the rest of the supplies in camp and then sat down to his book of Scriptures when the tea was ready. The friends remained silent as the sun began to go down. After he had checked the condition of his sword, Hawk began to quietly play his cittern. When Robert began to nod with sleep, he went into the tent. Hawk soon followed his example, and they were both asleep almost immediately. When Hawk woke up the next morning, he walked out onto the plain. There, before his eyes was what looked like a herd of magnificent horses in the middle distance. He had found them at last, the missing mounts! But the wonder of it was, they might have found him. It was the hand of God, again, he thought. It took the young Warrior several moments before he noticed a few of the mounts were approaching him. A pale mount seemed to be leading a pair of younger ones in the manner of a parent or a mentor. Hawk stood motionless and waited. He thought of the story his father had told him of his own choosing by his mount Claymore. Oh! He hadn't thought about Claymore back home in such a long time. He had always stayed away from him because he was another reminder of the life he had been running from. Now, not only

wasn't Hawk running, but he had created his own first mission! It was an achievement just to have found the herd, but he knew they needed protection. He needed to watch over them and try to get a message back to his father. The young mounts were a chestnut brown; almost twins by the look of them. The two were urged forward by the elder. They each sniffed at Hawk in their own turn. The one on Hawk's right backed away, but the other moved closer almost nuzzling Hawk. Hawk put an open hand up to stroke the horse's neck. After several moments, he turned to go back to the campsite, and the mount followed him. At the campsite, the mount went of his own accord to stand with the rest of the horses. Hawk didn't bother to secure him. Robert studied the new chestnut brown mount for a moment, and asked, "What will you name him?" "I haven't decided," answered Hawk. "I think I should give him a name to fit his personality, so I need time to get to know him. And he me." Robert merely nodded, and then said, "I take it you've found the herd, then?" "With my new friend as my witness," replied Hawk. "They came to us and stand on the open plain just beyond the trees. "We are likely to need help to guard this herd from the Dark men. We'll need to send one of the carrier pigeons to tell Dad we need more men." "Your father sent these two carrier pigeons with me for that purpose," said Robert going into the tent and coming out with a small cage. "I've kind of grown attached to them and treated them like my own pets. Especially during all that rain on the trip. It wasn't easy to keep something for them to eat." "You've been such a help to me, Robert. You seem to think of many things that have slipped my mind, such as the delicate health of the birds while we traveled. I probably would have an empty cage by the time we'd have come this far if it were just up to me," complimented Hawk sincerely. "Humility keeps you listening to God," said Robert staring up at the clear blue sky. "You must have had quite a talk with my dad to know that saying of his." "That was from the journal of Arthur Meier you allowed me to read," laughed Robert. "I wouldn't be surprised if Dad knew Arthur Meier at one time," said Hawk. "He never even hinted at such a thing, though." Hawk managed to fit a precise and informative message on a small slip of paper and sent it with one of the pigeons. When he had released the bird, the pigeon circled above the herd on the plain and then flew off in the direction of The Keep. That afternoon, the pale mount appeared walking into the campsite. When he saw Hawk, he stopped and gazed at him for several minutes. When no one moved at the sight of him, the pale horse went over to the chestnut mount and seemed to murmur or something to that effect. Immediately, the chestnut horse walked over to Hawk and nudged him to his feet. As the pale horse began to leave, the brown nudged Hawk toward the elder's direction. Hawk grasped the idea that he was to follow the pale mount. He then, saddled the chestnut mount with one of the saddles and carefully mounted him. Hawk's new friend blew a couple of times and began to follow the pale elder at a canter. The man and the mounts came upon the river that eventually reached Brimmerton. The pale mount stopped by a fly covered form in the grass about thirty yards from the riverbank. Hawk had no idea how long the body had been there, except to be the source of a terrible odor. By examining the possessions scattered around him, he determined that the person had been his father's master swordsman. As he held a handkerchief over his mouth, the young Warrior looked at the body and saw signs that the master swordsman had been violently attacked and killed before he could even draw his sword. The weapon was still in the scabbard even now. After taking the time to bury the body and gather anything that the man's family would want, Hawk urged his mount away from the sight. The chestnut brown showed no hesitation in leaving. Robert listened to the tale Hawk told him of being led by the elder mount and finding the body as he prepared the evening meal.

"From what I could tell from the obvious signs," explained Hawk, "it could only have been Dark men or other evil men. But knowing about the plan to capture the herd, suggests that the master swordsman was killed by the scouts in search of the herd. I know there are Dark men behind this." "What do we do, now?" asked Robert quietly. "We'll have to patrol the area and hope we can communicate to the herd that we wish them to stay where we can keep an eye on them to protect them." "How do we talk to horses?" asked Robert incredulously. "The mounts are known to be very perceptive," said Hawk looking thoughtful. "They may already know what we wish to do." "It seems to me as I think about it, that they led you to that conclusion," smiled Robert. "So it would seem," sighed Hawk. Hawk found it difficult to eat the rabbit that Robert had prepared for supper as he thought about the dead man's family and what possible course of action could be taken to keep a watch on the herd of mounts. That night, after a short patrol of the area, Hawk began a letter to the family of the master swordsman to notify them of their loved one's death and to tell them what he could piece together of the circumstances of his demise. "I wish we either had more than one pigeon left, or I had found the body before I sent the first message. I think we should wait for word from The Keep or a more urgent reason to use our last pigeon." "I'd like to follow the stream up into the rocks and hills tomorrow. I'm sure we could find some mint to mix with our tea to make it last longer. A few berries and some medicinal herbs could come in handy too," stated Robert. "I'd prefer to keep the mint out of the jasmine tea. It should make a fine tea by itself. "I would like to take first watch if that is fine with you?" "Wake me at your convenience," smiled Robert. Hawk walked over to the mount that seemed to stand with the other horses only to observe Hawk from a distance. He patted the mount's shoulder never realizing that in the morning he would return to his herd before first light. Chapter 7 Despite the morning growing hot, it felt considerably cooler near the swift running water that was easily ten feet across in places. Now that they were at an elevation higher than their camp, the trees grew closer to the stream providing shade to the pair as they climbed still higher upstream. Robert stopped from time to time to pick plants that Hawk couldn't identify. "Let me see those plants," said Hawk. Robert pulled another from the ground and gave it to Hawk. Hawk sniffed the plant. It had a light odor that was half grassy and half musky. "You mentioned wanting to find some peppermint or something, but this isn't peppermint." "No, I said mint, but that is horsemint. It makes a tea as well. I haven't seen any peppermint which I would mix with any regular tea. "You were right about the jasmine. After I thought about it, I knew it would be better to just add another kind of tea to our supplies," replied Robert. "This will surely be different," mused Hawk. "It's not a new idea to make a tea of that plant, but imported tea has always been preferred," said Robert. As they progressed further the incline became steeper, but when they came to a place that seemed to level out, the water roared over several large rocks in the middle of the stream. At this place there was a tributary that was smaller and to the right. To the left, they could see and hear a roaring waterfall. There seemed no place to go further except to follow the smaller tributary.

It wasn't long before it ended at another waterfall, but this one was not so high or so fast flowing. The small cliff the water poured over looked to be made of sandstone. There was almost a path that led right up to the falls. Hawk walked ahead of Robert and stepped behind the falls. He had an idea that there may be space behind the falls to walk. He found himself getting wet at first, but as he push further, found there was definitely a space behind the falls. As he called Robert to come behind the falls, he saw that there was more than just a space. There was a cave entrance. "Look. It appears that this cave was widened by someone," commented Hawk when Robert had finished wiping the water from his hair and face. "I didn't bring any kind of light because I didn't expect to need it," apologized Robert. "Maybe we can make out something anyway. It's possible this is only a shallow indentation compared to a cave," mused Hawk hopefully. Without another word they walked into the chamber. The walls had a scraped look to them, as if someone had worked long hours to make a room behind the falls. This was no living quarters as the hermitage had been along the river near Brimmerton. The walls and floor were damp at best. It grew gradually drier as well as darker as they made their way further into the chamber. Hawk ran his hand along the wall now that it was harder to see. He felt scratches in the surface under his fingertips. Then as he struggled to see in the gloom, he barked his shins against something like a box and let out an exclamation. He felt down in front of himself to investigate. The box felt like a chest of some kind, but almost greasy to the touch. "Robert, help me and see if we can get this into the light at the entrance," said Hawk. The two had to push the chest because they couldn't keep their grip on the slippery surface. In the uncertain light through the water of the falls, the chest seemed to be about half the length and just as wide as the cedar chest Hawk had seen his mother keep winter clothing in. It was covered with a thick coating as if someone had burned countless candles and allowed the tallow or wax to run down on all sides. It was thoroughly coated and could only have been done deliberately and methodically. Robert lifted the lock that was securing the lid shut and found it to be so rusted that he twisted it and the hasp right off of the chest. They scraped around the edges of the lid with their knives and easily pried the chest open. "Books," said Robert. "You'll have something to read, again, other than your scripture book." Hawk gazed at the books in the chest. They looked very old. "We need to keep them in this chest to keep them from getting wet when we take them out of here. How are we going to carry this whole thing back to camp?" After a pause, he said, "If we had some rope, we could lash some makeshift handles and carry it between us. "I did bring a rope," said Robert. "Since we were going uphill to follow the stream, I wanted to be ready for some climbing if the situation presented itself." "I really admire how you always seem to think of most everything," complimented Hawk with sincerity. Between the both men's skills they managed to lash the rope around the chest in such a manner as to make carrying it back to camp as easy as could be managed. The scholar in both of them were anxious to discover what they could learn from such a find. Hawk and Robert found it tempting to just let the chest of books drop after carrying it back to camp. They gently set it down and sat on the lid back to back. "I would like to bring some candles back to see what else may be back behind those falls," said Hawk after he had caught his breath. "Well, do we go back now, or sort through this chest first?" asked Robert. Blowing a stream of breath out between his lips. Hawk replied, "I'm not about to turn right around without a rest. Let's have some lunch and look at some of these books." As they ate, the young men each began paging through a book. They were careful to keep the pages intact, because of their apparent age. When Hawk looked up later from his book, he noticed that the mount that he been chosen by was still not around. He had been gone before the dawn. He assumed that the beast was with the herd.

He knew it would be time to patrol the plain and any entrance to it that could conceal an invading scouting party. He had hope to take the mount with him. The book in his hands talked about many of the great battles between the Kingdom of Light and the Dark empire. It seemed interesting enough, but he had read similar accounts in his father's library as part of his studies. Hawk stood up suddenly as he read a new passage: The border fortresses had been completely overrun by the Dark empire's army. The Kingdom's Warrior families were scattered toward the City of Light, and the Warriors themselves greatly disheartened. Several days after the Warriors' retreat from their original borders, there appeared a minstrel traveling from camp to camp. There are many different accounts of the man, but all reports agree on these few factors: The minstrel's name is lost in antiquity, but was told to be an encouragement, and his music seemed to heal the spirits of the Warriors. The initially defeated soldiers were rallied and rose up to take the battle back to the army of the Dark empire. All Warrior fortresses were recovered within a week. Hawk read the passage to Robert who listened quietly. Robert then seemed to lose interest in his book and began tidying up the camp. When Hawk looked up again, the mount he had bonded with was standing at the edge of the camp. Almost instinctively, Hawk stood and walked toward the creature. As he drew closer, the animal turned and began to leave, fully expecting Hawk to follow. When the two reached the plain, the mount stopped and nudged Hawk until he mounted the animal. Then, they were off at a swift canter, and Hawk let the mount go where he may. The two had crossed part of the plain toward the north to the edge of forest where the mount stopped again and did not move. In the treetops, Hawk could just barely make out the haziness of wood smoke. Someone had made camp in this part of the forest. "Looks like you earned the name 'Scout' for now," Hawk told the mount in a murmur. "I'm sure you'll wait here until I come back, won't you?" Using all the woodcraft he possessed, Hawk stealthily made his way toward the camp. He soon heard the light occasional drone of voices in the camp. There were three men that Hawk could see. After seeing that there were no more in the camp, Hawk returned to Robert with Scout. "Looks like we have some scouts for the enemy nearby. Tonight, I'd like for us to clean them out of here. Try to take them by surprise," stated Hawk. "I want to take a nap right now, but we'll make our move to hit their camp when it gets dark." As Robert and Hawk walked quietly across the plain toward the enemy camp, Hawk murmured, "Lord God, go before us." "Amen," whispered Robert. Hawk had come up with a plan that he shared with Robert after leaving their own campsite. Just before they entered the woods near the enemy scouts' camp, Hawk turned to Robert. "I will make the first move to draw their attention, then come and strike the next blow after they are distracted. Only strike if they can be caught off guard. "I pray I don't falter," muttered Robert feeling unsure.

"Just remember the basics I taught you," hissed Hawk as they started to move again. "It should all fall into place." The camp was only lit by the campfire. One man with an unkempt beard sat with his head in his hands on a log near the fire. Another man came out from the single tattered tent and said, "They should arrive with the captain and the rest some time tomorrow night, I would say." The seated scout idly wave an arm and said, "Give me a drink, and then it's bed for me." The standing figure shook his head and turned back toward the tent. He saw a man leap out of the trees and knew no more the instant he was almost decapitated by Hawk sword stroke. The man with the unkempt beard caught a glimpse of Hawk disappearing into the trees in front of him and stood. He turned in time to see Robert come at him with sword raised. He reached for his own blade and drew it in time to lose it and the arm with it at Robert's first blow. "Stop!" called Hawk coming back into the camp. Robert lowered his sword. He was shaking and almost unwilling to stop himself from finishing the man. "Let's tied off his arm and see what he will tell us," reasoned Hawk in a soothing voice. Robert drew a breath and blew it out loudly. He leaned on his sword hilt. Hawk used some cloths from the tent and the guide wires to tie off the stump of the bearded man's arm. The man had passed out. "Let's get a blanket on him." The Warriors stayed at the camp with the wounded man, but he developed a fever and died in the night before they could question him. They buried the bodies the next morning. "I heard them say they were expecting more men by tomorrow night," said Robert rifling through the camp for food. He paused. "They must have eaten the last of their rations." Hawk had been thinking about the wounded man and didn't listen to what Robert was saying. He began to deeply regret the unfortunate death. Reed Mc Claron's words ran through his thoughts of seeking to win a normal man to being loyal to the Lord and the City of Light. Had the poor man even had a chance of repentance before he died? This was a failure! He had shown no compassion for the condemned soul of the man he had crippled. His own soul couldn't be where God wanted it, if he didn't at least try to win men back from the enemy. Hawk remained silent as they returned their own camp down the plain. Night came, but Hawk remained in silent prayer keeping himself in a form of isolation from his companion. Robert tended the camp and was prepared for the moment when Hawk would bare his heart and thoughts to him. He was sure of it to come sooner or later, because they had grown closer these many weeks together. The early morning brought two on horseback in the distance coming from the direction of the Keep. They quickly became recognizable: Reed Mc Claron and one of his men from the Keep. Hawk quickly went to them and greeted them on the plain. He reported all he had found out about the herd of mounts. Over a modest breakfast, Reed Mc Claron gazed at his son thoughtfully before he spoke, "You've done a great service in finding the herd of mounts. The responsibility of keeping track of them has weighed heavily upon me since they had seemed to disappear. Now, with this plot to capture them, I feel even more responsible to keep the herd safe. I have a small troop of men not too far behind me coming to make preparations to face those that would come to take them. "I need to ask you something. Do you now wish to become the Warrior you were born to be?" Hawk looked his father in the eyes and said, "Father, I do want to be a Warrior. My music can be a part of that. I know in my heart God put the music there for a reason. I've read in these books Robert and I have found of an old battle in which a musician turned the hearts of discouraged Warriors to once again take the battle to the enemy and win a mighty victory. I know I can be used in such a manner." Pausing for a moment again, before speaking, Reed Mc Claron replied, "As you listen to the voice of God, I know that it is true. I am proud of you. You've found your way with the help of the Lord through a very foggy path. Now is the time to continue your Warrior training by leaving your father's

house and finding another clan leader to squire under. It would round out everything I've taught you, and it is part of the Warrior's path. "I want you to leave for the Keep as soon as you can and prepare for your next phase of training: to go out and work under another Warrior family leader. It is customary to go to the border and throw in with a family there, but you must choose for yourself." "Shouldn't I see this assault on the herd through with you?" asked Hawk. "No, I believe I should have taken a greater hand in this mission, but I felt that you needed to experience the sense of responsibility of a clan leader. Now I must do what has always been required of me, and you should meet the things that are required of you." Hawk looked out toward the plain and the herd that contentedly grazed there. He felt a chapter had been concluded in his life and something new, unknown and exciting waited for him in the not too far future.