After a long conversation that also became loud at times, Jared relented, and he and Aris set off to meet the Fireguard. Jared still grumbled a bit about orders. The journey started out though.
The silence of the woods lengthened as they rode on. The clacking of their horses' hooves was the only thing that broke the oppressive stillness during the long days and nights. They kept south making camp along the trail that would lead them to the Fireguard. They longed for real shelter, but the prospect of steady wage kept then moving.
On a particularly dark night Jared and Aris were awakened by a blood curdling shriek that ripped through the dark. They jumped to their feet and grabbed the swords that hung from their saddles. The horses were snorting nervously and the men hung tightly to the reins in case the animals bolted in fright.
A large, dark shape flew over head. The moon was blotted out as it swept past. Both Jared and Aris screamed. The shape took another pass. The horses screamed and both men lost hold of the reins. The horses bolted and ran into the woods. The men barely noticed as they watched the sky for the figures. The trees swayed as an unnaturally strong wind blew through the forest. The men could not see the shapes. The night was empty. The wind was the only noise.
"Owl. That is all it was. Come. We have to find the horses,"Jared said.
"That was no owl," said Aris hysterically.
Jared snorted and turned in the direction the horses ran. The color drained from his face. Aris turned to look.
Three Others stood looking at the men. Their deep blue eyes stared at them eagerly.
They blocked any escape.
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