Once Forgotten 1.97

Brint groaned and opened his eyes. The fire crackled with fuel, a pot hanging from a tripod. Aland approached. "Kadrin had us set it up for you and the girl." He said gently. Brint glanced at Rya's sleeping form.

"Has she woke up at all?" Brint asked.

Aland shook his head. "No. She stirred a few times, but nothing more."

Brint said no more and inspected the contents of the cauldron. A thick stew simmered, its aroma spreading through out the area. Some distance away, the rest of his soldiers sat about their own fire. Aland nodded to them. "They've kept their distance. More out of fear than because of your orders."

Brint glanced up at him then took in his surroundings. The trees roots had healed completely thanks to their care. He carefully observed the trees: no movement was a good sign. A moving tree meant death. The roots next to him shifted beside him, digging deeper into the soil. He scooped up a bowl of stew and took the bread Aland handed him. Setting it before him, he tore off a chunk and dipped it into the bowl. "Do you know where Kadrin went?"

Aland shook his head and leaned on a root. "We haven't got a clue. Trying to figure out his motives is like trying to track a daric."

Brint nodded and continued with his meal. His attention shifted when Rya began to stir. "Kadrin?" She asked weakly, her eyes barely opening.

Brint knelt beside her, shaking his head. "No, he took off a while ago."

Rya's eyes widened, and she struggled to sit up. Brint grabbed her shoulders and gently pushed her back down. "Don't try to get up; you took a nasty beating from that demon. You're lucky we got here when we did. He was about to devour you."

She let herself be shoved back down. She teared up at the sight of her scythe and turned away. "I was a fool to think I was strong. I was but a leaf on the wind compared to him."

Brint shook his head. "Don't be so hard on yourself. You managed to land a hit on him. That's something only one other can make a claim to."

She looked up at him, frowning. "Who?"

Brint smiled down at her. "Kadrin of course. Did you know that he had hunted the Mauler for a century?" He nodded at her look of confusion. "The Mauler is the demon that attacked you. He was intensely loyal to Maldis. Now that his Lord is gone, he's nothing more than a rogue. I imagine Kadrin went after him."

Rya looked away, ashamed. Brint turned her face back to look at him. "You learned a hard lesson, but don't go moping." He smiled. "It's unbecoming of a princess."

Her eyes widened with recognition and joy. "Brint! It is you, isn't it!" He laughed.

"What's left of me at any rate." He said. Aland laughed.

"What's left of you? You haven't even lost a single limb yet! And to think that you fight demons on a daily basis!" He faltered under the young man's glare. "Ah, sorry. I forgot...the girl doesn't know."

Brint helped her to sit up, ignoring her firm look. "Are you hungry?" She nodded.

"What does he mean, Brint? You fight things like the Mauler every day?" She asked.

Brint got out a bowl and poured stew into it. He took more bread and sat next to her. Breaking it into chunks, he dipped the first piece and held it before her mouth. She took it, still waiting for him to explain. "To answer your question, I need to tell you everything that I have been up to since I left you and Kurel.

"I did not intend to be gone for so long. I had planned to make a simple visit to Calrin and then return to you. It didn't quite turn out that way. I was attacked by demons, taking a couple out. Maldis appeared. "Before I even knew what was going on, Kadrin showed up, wielding that sword of his. He saved my life that day. Sometimes, I feel as though he even brought me back to life.
"Regardless, I fell in step with him, traveling with him for a time. I learned much from him, just through observation. He told me much. So much that I could not simply ignore the truth. "

Rya was silent after his tale. She looked at him. "So, you formed the Freedomists." He nodded. "I knew it. In order for some random group to gain such a reputation, I knew that you were involved."

Kadrin suddenly landed a few feet from them. Brint looked at him. "Any luck?"

Kadrin shook his head. "None, which is what I expected. He's vanished into the shadows for now, but he will be back. Next time, Rya will be more prepared." He knelt by her, taking her face in his hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Weak." She replied.

"Look at me." Kadrin said. When she didn't, he used a more forceful tone. "Rya, look at me." She raised her eyes. "It wasn't your fault; it was mine."

"How could it be your fault? You're so powerful, so strong. And I'm nothing but a weakling." She said, ashamed of herself.

"No, Rya, you're not. You are strong, and all of this, was my fault. I thought you would be safe here. That the Mauler wouldn't dare attack you here. I was wrong. I was foolish to think that I could shelter you for so long. But that no longer matters. I will not be so ignorant and stupid from now on. As soon as you are well enough, your true training will begin. You have some skill with the scythe, but when I'm through with you, the nations will tremble with fear of it. Your name will spread as mine has. You will be a legend, a myth. Sariel will be forgotten, lost in time. But you will be remembered forever." He turned to Brint. "As for you, I need you to promise me something."

Brint bowed his head. "Anything."

"There will come a day when I will not be there for her. Swear to me here and now that you will be. Never leave her side when that day comes." Kadrin said.

"I swear." Brint said.

Kadrin nodded then turned back to Rya. "Now rest, young one. You will need your strength soon." He stood and left. Brint helped her settle back down. In moments, she was asleep.