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Post by ivory on Oct 31, 2009 19:37:57 GMT -5
Badger gave a nod of appreciation at the pouch of coins; heaven knows he could use it. He wondered if he should tell Crowley or not, but it wasn't a hard decision. The ranger was too honest to let it stay burried. He did though, give himself a few minutes to gather his thoughts before speaking.
"These last two years..." Oh who was he kidding, he wasn't one to beat around bush. Looking Crowley straight in the eye, he said. "I've broken a few laws. Thievery being the major."
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Post by Firehead on Nov 23, 2009 10:22:36 GMT -5
"Help yourself." Crowley said, as he took his mug back. Rab relinquished it, and reached for the bacon. The well-blackened bacon.
"Maybe you should come into town and get outfitted. You both could use some medical attention--" Rab glanced in Crowley's direction. "I thought you'd already given us that." "--and from the looks of things, some basic gear."
Rab tilted his head to one side and thought that over. "Well, I can't argue with your logic there."
Crowley tossed Rab a small pouch of coins, and Badger a slightly bigger one. "That isn't all your back pay, but since you considered yourself unemployed, lets just call it even, shall we?"
Rab caught the pouch, studied it a second, then gave a shrug and added it to his pack. Hearing Badger's reply, he couldn't help suggesting, "Well, unless you stole some nation's treasury dry, I'm sure if you agreed to rejoin the Rangers your back-pay could cover it."
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 22, 2009 19:04:37 GMT -5
Corwley stood up, chuckling quietly to himself at Rab's remark. "Or you could always do community service if it is a matter of conscience." Crowley suggested. He started to break camp. "Either way if you two feel able to travel, we should probably get out of here. No telling if any of those men will return with reinforcements."
He looked back and forth between the two of them, "So, since we need to leave, let's go in the direction of the nearest town. My poor old bones are not used to this sleeping on the ground anymore." That wasn't exactly true, but Crowley realized he had been going a bit soft the last couple years, sticking to the castle and letting the younger rangers carry on the daily tasks of the Ranger Corps while he dealt with the major issues around the kingdom.
Although he didn't begrudge the need to step in to assist individual rangers occasionally, or help a fellow ranger through a tough time, he was rather anxious to get back to the King in Araluen to find out what other emergencies had cropped up around the Kingdom during his absence. If he could get Badger to go back with him, so much the better, but something told him it wasn't going to be that easy.
"Perhaps while we are riding, you can tell me all about this nemesis of yours, Badger, and why he is so intent on killing you and you him." Crowley hoped he could get the ranger talking. If he talked about it, maybe he would be able to face it and deal with the loss he was obviously feeling.
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Mri
Apprentice Scribe
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Posts: 207
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Post by Mri on Dec 28, 2009 11:52:17 GMT -5
"So, since we need to leave, let's go in the direction of the nearest town. My poor old bones are not used to this sleeping on the ground anymore."
Badger gave a slight nod of the head before packing up his stuff and climbing upon his horse. He waited for the others before nudging Mikilana toward the general direction of the nearest town. Though he hadn't originally planned on making any stops lest word of his location got back to Hatchet, it was pretty much a moot point all and considering.
And then his thoughts turned to Stella, or rather, that woman who had her face. His wife was dead, no matter how much he wished it wasn't so. Whoever this lady was, was just a giant coincedence, a calculated planning on Hatchet's part, and it'd worked. He wouldn't let it again, but how could he kill her, his own wife? He gave a sad shake of his head, trying to remind himself that it was not, indeed, Stella, but the features had been so clear...
"I arrested Hatchet a few years back," he began, desperate to turn his recent thoughts aside. "He'd been wanted for numerous crimes - kidnapping, thievery, bulgary, human trafficking, and murder. But he saw himself as a businessman, murdering only when one was too broken to rake in a profit. His 'business' grew across seas and for years I'd tracked him to many of those until I finally caught him." Still sore over what happened next, he quickly brought it to an end. "He was taken into custody, but there was a few problems in where he'd be hung. By the time it was settled, a year had gone by. Three days before the date, he escaped. He popped up again three years ago and is keeping to the shadows extremely well."
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Post by Firehead on Dec 29, 2009 10:30:14 GMT -5
Rab finished his bacon as the others stowed their gear, and was ready to go, when they were. His side was still a little stiff--well, maybe that was an understatement-- but he figured that it would loosen up once they got moving. All the same, Rab was glad the the other two walked their horses-- it made it that much easier to keep up. As they moved, Rab inclined his ear to Badger's voice--you could never know too much about an enemy...especially when you're going after him.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 29, 2009 18:57:01 GMT -5
Crowley walked his horse in a lesiurly pace, knowing the other two were injured and they weren't under any deadlines, even though he was ansy to get back to Araluen. The well-being of Badger and Rab came first though.
He noted that Rab was moving stiffly and imagined he was in some pain. He was more than a bit worried about the ranger's injury, but Rab seemed to want to downplay it, so Crowley didn't say anything more. He just kept his eyes peeled on the surrounding country-side and both rangers.
As Badger talked about Hatchet, Crowley recalled some of the reports Badger had sent early on, but the reports had stopped when he had "resigned" and Crowley thought there was a major piece of this story missing. He sensed, though, that he shouldn't press Badger on it right now.
"So, this Hatchet sent those men after you? You think he might be in town? Has he come after you in person, or only send henchmen?" Crowley wasn't an expert in a cat and mouse game like this, but it seemed to him that a good offense was the better defense most of the time. Maybe the three of them should go after this guy and resolve the matter once and for all. Maybe then Badger could get on with his life and over whatever it was that had him so heartsore. The rode in silence for quite some time and Crowley thought it a companionable one, though each of them seemed to be musing on their own thoughts. Toward nightfall they came upon a village and rode up to a small in called The Water Bucket.
"So, what do you think? Shall we get a room here for the night?" Crowley asked before dismounting. The Inn was tiny, but seemed to be well-kept from the outside. There was a stable around back that looked snug and warm for the horses.
The village was a fairly large village, but quiet at this time of night, just at suppertime when the sun was starting to go down. Very few people were on the streets and those that were seemed to be moving with specific destinations in mind.
Crowley scanned the windows and roofs of the nearby buildings out of old habit. The didn't seem to be attracting any special attention. All-in-all it seemed to be a nice quiet town and a safe place to hole up for the night, get some warm food, a mug of ale and a soft bed.
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Mri
Apprentice Scribe
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Posts: 207
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Post by Mri on Dec 30, 2009 14:14:58 GMT -5
"So, this Hatchet sent those men after you?
Badger nodded.
"You think he might be in town?"
A shake of the head.
Has he come after you in person, or only send henchmen?"
Another shake of the head. "He's holed up somewhere." With that last word, he looked around him, wondering if he was somewhere closer than he thought. The thought sent shivers down his spine, but he was resolved to find him. He wouldn't run any longer. The guilt would no longer press down on him, keep him from getting his life back.
But he'd always carry that boy on his shoulders. That, he knew for sure. He just wouldn't let it stop him from hunting his father, not any more.
"So, what do you think? Shall we get a room here for the night?"
Badger scanned the inn and its surroundings as soon as the words left Crowley's mouth, looking for any signs of possible danger and memorizing the paths of escape and entry point. He'd avoided inns for a long time, but things were changing. Still though...did he want to put the other two in danger just for a comfortable bed and hot meal tonight? No doubt Hatchet would hear of their stayings for the night, but there didn't seem to be a lot of people here...Still though...
He'd wait for Rab's answer before giving his own and if they agreed to stay, he'd offer a warning.
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Post by Firehead on Dec 30, 2009 17:45:06 GMT -5
"So, what do you think? Shall we get a room here for the night?"
"I don't really care, as long as nobody pokes me in the ribs tomorrow morning." Rab refrained from scowling in Crowley's direction. "And even if we don't stay here, I can still get a horse." Rab headed toward the stables. He was met by the hostler, who said that, yes, he did sell horses. He showed Rab several, Rab chose one that suited him, and the two fell to the honorable custom of haggling over the price. After several minutes, they came to an agreement, and shook hands--sealing the deal.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 30, 2009 18:02:17 GMT -5
Crowley looked at Badger qustioningly at Rab's answer and smiled to himself at Rab's quip about his ribs. He undoubtedly would be poking them in the morning. Then he watched as the ranger bought a horse.
He noticed Badger's hesitation and scanning of the surrounding area. "If we are going stay, we better get off the street, or we better get moving. Sitting out here on our horses is going to attract attention."
Since Badger couldn't seem to make up his mind, Crowley swung down from his saddle and led his horse over to the stable, and began to untack him. He glanced back to see if Badger was going to follow, ready to tighten the cinch back up if the ranger decided to run.
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Mri
Apprentice Scribe
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Posts: 207
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Post by Mri on Dec 30, 2009 18:14:39 GMT -5
He grimaced at Rab's answer, but when Crowley swung down from his saddle, Badger made to follow. He watched his surroundings as he bedded Mikilana down, wondering if Hatchet would indeed, get word of them here and send another group after him. True, they'd just been attacked that morning, but he'd once sent three consecutive teams after him, trying to tire him out before bringing him in. Hatchet didn't want him dead, he wanted him alive and captured. And not to make a business deal, though no doubt, Badger (or any ranger for that matter) would rake in a hefty amount.
He finished bedding Mikilana down and left a few pats on her neck before leaving the stall to talk to Crowley. He hesitated a second before whispering, "He may have a man inside." He didn't bother telling Crowley to watch his back or set up precautions, figuring the man was head of the rangers for a reason. He wouldn't need to hear the extra words to know what Badger was getting at.
His warning given, he turned toward the inn, wanting to see the place from the inside. He'd leave the booking a room to Crowley or Rab.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 30, 2009 18:44:26 GMT -5
Crowley nodded at Badger's words and followed him into the Inn. The inside was clean and only one table was currently occupied by what appeared to be four local farmers enjoying their evening meal. They looked at the newcomers and nodded in a friendly manner and resumed their talk.
Crowley noted that one of the four seemed interested in what the rangers were doing, but was trying to conceal his interest. Crowley caught Badger's eye and looked at the farmer, then turned to the bar where the Inn Keeper had just finished deposting a large keg of ale on the deck below the bar.
He spoke briefly with the Inn Keeper, asking for an upstairs room that had a window over the stables in the back. It might be another way for someone to get at them if attacked, but it also afforded them an avenue of escape.
"Stay here. I am going to see if the room is adequate." Crowley said and followed the Inn Keeper up the stairs. The back stairs were just to the right of their door to their room, Crowley noted as he unlocked the door and handed Crowley the key. Crowley followed him into the room and looked around. There were four bunks, a dresser, a small table with four chairs and a couch. The door had two deadbolts and there were shutters on the window that locked from the inside.
Crowley nodded in satisfaction as the room looked clean and the beds inviting. He handed over some coins, giving a generous tip and the Inn Keeper promised to bring their meal up to the room, even going so far as to have hot baths prepared in the bathroom down the hall.
Crowley followed him downstairs and made his way over to Badger and Rab, "It'll do." He told them. "They are going to bring our meals up."
He noted the 'farmer' had turned his head to hear. As Crowley turned to lead the other two up to their room, he saw the farmer get up to leave.
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Post by Firehead on Dec 31, 2009 18:15:31 GMT -5
Rab followed Badger and Crowley into the inn, where Crowley solicited a room for the three of them.
"Stay here. I am going to see if the room is adequate." Crowley said and followed the Inn Keeper up the stairs.
Rab gave a shrug and dropped into an empty chair to wait. He scanned the room out of habit, noting the other inhabitants in the room. While largely ignoring them, he did notice that one appeared to be more curious about him and Badger then seemed necessary. Rab became so preoccupied with studying the man out of the corner of his eye, that he almost didn't see Crowley re-enter the room, or hear what he said.
"It'll do." He told them. "They are going to bring our meals up."
Rab gave a nod and rose to follow, but paused to watch that interesting gent, who was paying more attention to them than he was to his own compatriots. The man rose to leave, and Rab didn't bother to hide the fact that the man now had the entirety of his attention.
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Mri
Apprentice Scribe
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Posts: 207
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Post by Mri on Jan 14, 2010 11:52:43 GMT -5
Badger didn't like it the moment he stepped into the inn, but they'd out-voted him so to speak and so he stayed. He'd simply keep an eye-out; he was probably just being paranoid. But he didn't like it, not one bit. There was something...his eyes narrowed as he scanned the room and though he caught sight of the farmer watching them, he skipped right over him. He'd noticed something else, but what?
Shaking it off to nerves, he rotated his shoulders once backwards to relieve some of the tension and turned his eye to the farmer. He tried to compare him to anyone he knew, but after coming up empty, he turned his attention elsewhere. Besides, Rab didn't look like he was letting the guy out of his sight anyways; he'd be doing better keeping an eye on the rest of the place.
"They are going to bring our meals up."
Badger gave an instinctive nod of his head, not really paying attention to the actual words, just enough to where he got the gist of the conversation. He watched out of the corner of his eye as the farmer got up to leave and before the man was even out the door, Badger was making his way up the stairs.
The guy was a novice, easy seen as a 'threat.' Hatchet didn't work like that. He didn't employ those who were liabilities. He was smart; a pity that they weren't on the same side. Badger'd learned to respect his adversaries and did so now. If Hatchet had an eye on this place, it'd come from someone they'd least expect it. Come to think of it, they'd probably never know which person in here was the informer. The only thing he was certain of, was that the 'twitchy farmer' wasn't the immediate threat. Hatchet preferred the shadows; his men would too.
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Mri
Apprentice Scribe
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Posts: 207
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Post by Mri on Apr 30, 2010 21:43:29 GMT -5
After eating Badger stretched out on one of the bed's and closed his eyes, taking care not to jar his wound. Despite the day's happenings and the current situation having him on edge, he'd learned to fall asleep in mere seconds, knowing that one never knew when he'd catch his next dose of shut eye and sleep was vital to one's performance. He dreamed of her again - his wife...or was she? She came to him like she always did, but there was something different about her. There was evil in her eyes, wicked intention. Stella never had such a look. She was always the happy, innocent, one. He tainted her - maybe too much this time. He started to sweat with each step she took closer to him in the darkness, wanting to flee but being unable to. She reached out to him, hatred in her eyes. Accusing, so accusing. He jolted awake with startled cry he quickly muffled and swung his leg off the side of the bed to rise into a standing position. He walked to the window, keeping on the side and out of immediate range, breathing heavily as he struggled to control himself. Within moments, he had his body back underwrap, but instead of heading back to bed, he stayed standing at the window, watching as the sun peeked across the trees. Any sounds that he heard, he simply ignored. ~ * ~ Redford watched the trio head upstairs and as the farmer started at their precense, he simply sipped from his cup and paid them unseen attention. It was only after they retired for the night did he place his tab on the table and follow the farmer's departure. With the coming of morning, a soul had been extinguished - its lifeless corpse sunk to the bottom of the lake - and its taker was riding off on a red roan. Communication was to be immediate and without error; nothing else was ever permitted.
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Post by Firehead on May 26, 2010 14:22:43 GMT -5
It wasn't that Rab didn't need the rest-- which he did get: all five minutes of it--it just so happened that he...couldn't get to sleep. Something was keeping him awake. He didn't know what, and that made it even more annoying. Finally, after lying on his back staring at the ceiling and listening to the gentle breathing of his two soundly sleeping companions for what seemed like an eternity, Rab could stand it no longer. He flung the blanket back and sat up, swinging his feet to the floor.
It was a simple matter to get dressed; he always slept with his clothes on-- he claimed less hassle getting dressed in the morning. he tugged on his boots and belted on his knives.
Rising to his feet, he gritted his teeth as his side protested and reminded him to go easy on the shenanigans. He paused a moment at the door, cloak in hand, debating weather or not to wake Crowley and tell him he was leaving, then decided against it and shut the door gently behind him. He should be back before either of them woke up.
He had gone about half-way down the stairs before he wondered if he shouldn't have gone out the window instead. Oh well. Once committed to a course of action, Rab rarely went back on it. Usually because there wasn't time to think about going back.
He left the inn and, staying close to the shadows, crept through the sleeping village toward the outskirts. After circumventing the whole of the village, he stole back in and went to the stables. Might as well get acquainted with the horse he'd bought. The sooner the two of them had an understanding, the better.
Rab returned to the Inn room a few hours after he left it, and found that Badger was up and standing beside the window, staring out it. Rab gave a noncommittal grunt of acknowledgment and promptly ignored him, lying back on his bunk and slowly dropping off to sleep. Very slowly. Come on already, the suspense is killing me.
No sooner had he almost dropped off to sleep, then he felt a sharp prod in the ribs. Biting back the word of protest, Rab opened his eyes and stared up at the bottom of the bunk above him. The wrong side again. Crowley was going to catch it from someone, one of these days. Of course, for some reason, Rab had always thought that it would be from Halt.
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