The Trail to the Peak

[The Smith]

A thin narrow pathway climbs the mountain to the Wild Eye atop.

[Deleted]

Aranya and Selwyn rode to the beginning of the trail, Aranya's black courser snorting and tossing his head in unease. They dismounted, unsaddled their horses and set up a two-man tent. As they got a fire going, Aranya asked, "Do you think the others will be coming? I hope Yohn told his father, somehow."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

A small group of men come up the winding trail. The lead man is dressed in plain steel plate, and bears no ornamentation. He has a sword at his side and carries a teardrop shield. Beside him is a man in a simple black cloak carrying a well oiled lute.

A third man rides behind the pair.

[Deleted]

"Lord Crow," Aranya said coolly. "Which raven convinced you to come? Or was it something else?"

When she saw Beaumarin, Aranya gazed in sudden surprise, and then smiled at him.

[sethgreyjoy]

From sides of the trail, five men emerge, their leader wearing leather so deeply brown it appears black. His white face is of noteworthy contrast to his attire. They climb uncomfortably up to the trail, and seeing the others, head straight for them.

The lead man holds a hand out, a passive sign that they do not come to harm.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Beaumarin sings a simple ditty about a beautiful maid on top of a mountain.

Rhodri snaps open his visor and nods at Selwyn. After he dismounts, the brothers embrace. It had once again been a long time since they'd seen each other.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

Turning to the new men, Rhodri and Selwyn both grip their sword hilts, but hesitate before drawing.

[sethgreyjoy]

"Aye. No swords beared here, fellas!" The albino calls to them. "Just doin' a bit o' rock climbin' is all."

[Deleted]

"Don't worry, that's the Crow," Aranya said. She clapped Rhodri on the shoulder. "Good to have you back home. How long has it been?" She grimaced. "Although, these are less than peaceful circumstances."

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Nine years or more since I left the Vale. I forgot how much of it was in my soul," Rhodri says to Aranya.

Turning to the new men, he takes a quick count. "Who are you?"

[Horas]

"Master Fryse," Horas calls out, looking at the albino man. "Come join us."

Horas turns to Selwyn and Rhodri, and bids them to sheathe their swords.

[Deleted]

Aranya took in the albino warily, and then looked back at Rhodri. "You must know your son is also coming." A mere glance at his face told her that he did.

[sethgreyjoy]

"Men on a mission." Speaks the Albino, his hand resting on the head of the axe hanging from his belt. "And you?" The four others exchange worried looks, but their leader seems relaxed.

[sethgreyjoy]

Fryse nods to Horas and he and his men walk towards the group.

[Lord Rhodri Arryn]

"Why did you not tell me about these extra men, mi'lord?" Rhod asks Horas Blackwood in a quiet, private tone.