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Post by Horas on Jun 11, 2009 13:55:59 GMT -5
Having astutely noticed that the boy was pointing with his index finger, not his middle finger, and that the gate was open rather than closed, Rask brilliantly comprehends the boy's meaning.
He follows the boy to the gates of Moat Cailin.
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Post by The Smith on Jun 11, 2009 13:59:21 GMT -5
The gates slam shut behind him, and just as a warning to the men watching another flight of arrows land in the no man's land.
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Post by Horas on Jun 11, 2009 14:05:36 GMT -5
Rask grunts as the gate closes behind him. He never liked castles much. Too much a feeling of being trapped, caged. The wildling shrugs it off.
"I want to speak with the Reeds," Rask says to the boy.
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Post by The Smith on Jun 11, 2009 14:08:41 GMT -5
The boy leads Rask across the grassy courtyard to where a circle of men watch three men dance. Several in the circle play flutes or drum. The boy pointed.
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Post by Horas on Jun 11, 2009 14:12:26 GMT -5
Rask walks over to the circle and watches quietly. He will not say anything until the dance is over.
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Post by The Smith on Jun 11, 2009 14:16:28 GMT -5
An older man stepped out of the circle. His head is shaved bald, and he has a weathered look about him. "You have word of my brother?"
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Post by Horas on Jun 11, 2009 14:28:28 GMT -5
Rask nods once. "Olivan was a good friend and a good man. He is dead." The old wildling grimaces, calling back the memories. "His foster brother, Lucas, too. They died surrounded by the corpses of the white walkers."
"I wish I could bring happier news, but every man has a right to know what has become of his kin."
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Post by The Smith on Jun 11, 2009 14:35:51 GMT -5
Hewlin nodded and scratched his chin. "And you have come to return his effects to their rightful heirs."
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Post by Horas on Jun 11, 2009 14:47:01 GMT -5
"Yes," Rask says. "Olivan left few possessions behind him. But what I have carried is the trident Gods' Sight."
"Olivan had no children of his own, but he would want his weapon returned to the hands of a Reed. But he would also want its wielder to prove their merit. And so I ask a boon of you, Hewlan Reed. I ask for a young man of your house to travel with my band, as Olivan once did. And once I know him, I will pass Gods' Sight to the youth."
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Post by The Smith on Jun 11, 2009 14:50:43 GMT -5
Hewlin nodded, "We have lost our way since my brother left." He thought for a long moment, "Are you the man who killed for a bear vengeance?"
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Post by Horas on Jun 11, 2009 14:56:04 GMT -5
Rask almost laughs. "Word spreads fast," he says. "I do not know if you would understand. You are not a skinchanger. But you should know that I take care of my own. From the greenest warrior in my band to aye, a bear."
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Post by The Smith on Jun 11, 2009 15:02:41 GMT -5
"I had not idea what those words meant. Still do not." Hewlin replied, "You may take Ulrich. He is a cousin." He motioned toward the mute boy. "The Old Man said he would follow you."
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Post by Horas on Jun 11, 2009 15:11:07 GMT -5
Rask nods. "Then I ask only one other thing. Passage through the Neck for me and my people. I do not know why you have blocked the path, but I care little for politics. And I do not think the dragon queen would have me as an ally any longer. Will you let us pass?"
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Post by The Smith on Jun 11, 2009 15:14:54 GMT -5
The Reed nodded, "But be swift. We must be prepared for when the queen arrives."
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Post by Horas on Jun 11, 2009 15:20:10 GMT -5
Rask nods. "Thank you," he says. "Should you ever require my aid, brother of Olivan, you need but ask. I will prepare my people to cross now."
He turns to leave, making sure that Ulrich is following.
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Hope you all are well and happy.