Tue Jun 24, 2003 8:28 am
Two riders arrive at the Broken Dagger late in the night. Thick traveling cloaks obscure both figures, as the stable boy runs to take the horses in. The taller of the two figures waves him away, as he dismounts, and helps the other rider from the saddle.
"I am not comfortable with this arrangement, Tressa. The Church needs you. I can not understand why you would wish to come here. The Lord and Lady High Inquisitors have everything under control."
Franklin assisted the woman from the saddle, bringing down the two bags she had brought with her, in almost the same motion.
"I am no longer a sister in the Church, Franklin. I may return, but until that time, this is an arrangement you will have to become accustomed too. God has spoken to me, brother. He has told me that I am needed here. I go where God bids me. You, of all people, should understand that. "
Tressa took the bags from him, one in either hand, as she turned to face the inn.
"This seems as good a place to start as any. I doubt that he will be happy to see me. Perhaps I should become more aquainted with this place before I pay my dear brother a visit."
Turning to face her comapnion, a shake of her head drops the cowl of her cloak back. Shimmering red coils slip free of the confines of the heavy wool, framing a tawny face. Honey brown eyes light with the smile that touches her lips.
"I will be fine, Franklin. You should not worry so. God is with me. God's speed to you, my friend. It is time you returned home. They will be worried."
Franklin nodded. He knew she was right, he felt shamed to doubt the will of God.
"Be safe, Tressa. God be with you."
Quickly he was back in the saddle, leading the second horse along with him. The church could not spare a horse, Tressa would have to find her way on her own, as was God's will. Quickly, they turned and rode away from the inn.
"The Mother and Father bless and keep you, Franklin. "
The words spoken as a whisper to the wind, as the young woman made her way into the inn to secure a room until such a time as she was ready to visit her brother, Altias.