(BEST VIEWED FULL SIZE!) "I-I'm at a disadvantage sir - you know my name but I do not know yours," she stammered, more thoroughly unsettled than she could remember. He smiled, "Galen Terue - Galen, please. It seems nearly everyone in the Aeritan knows about you." She stood in stunned silence at that. He invited her to sit awhile, explaining he was new to the region, and asked her about the Aeritan and the Disputed Lands. Comfortable with this idea, she found it quite easy to talk to him - he was a surprisingly good listener. She touched on a wide range of topics, including the lack of a regional ruler, the isolation of the towns and villages that dotted the road, and the endless stream of evil men who preyed on the people. Periodically nodding, he urged her to continue, at times asking for clarification. After a bit he stood up, "Time for a break." He offered her cool water from a babbling brook and a crisp apple from his pack. Only then did she notice the advancing shadows - they had been talking without interruption for nearly two hours! After a moment she said, "You still have not answered my question: Why did you challenge the Greeners in Melius?" Looking at the ground and pursing his lips, he settled into a more comfortable position and looked into her eyes. Determined to maintain control, she suppressed the urge to squirm as butterflies jumped about inside her again. "I am here at the behest of my Lord Jobil, to root out Greeners and anyone like them." Misinterpreting her uneasy expression, he hurried on, "Lord Jobil's lands lie to the west of here, adjacent to the Aeritan and the Disputed Lands. He has tired of them raiding his border towns with impunity. Since they do not live in his lands, and there is no ruler here..." He paused then shrugged. "He has decided to bring Jobil law into the Aeritan. Call me an 'itinerant sheriff.'" Aranée was shocked. "This is - legal?" she said incredulously. He chuckled dryly and said, "I only wish there were someone in this lawless land who could legitimately complain. But there is no law here - except me." She considered this then looked at him again, "There are no others then?" He smiled grimly and said, "Only me. Lord Jobil believes that any more will be perceived as an occupying force. He wants no one to think he is laying false claim to the Disputed Lands." Now Aranée listened as Galen spoke of Lord Jobil, his kingdom, his policies and Jobil lands. Once again, he interrupted the discussion: "It is near twilight, it will be getting dark soon." Aranée looked about her with a start - another two hours had passed! Galen arose and began unfastening the pack and saddle from his horse. "This is a good place to camp, running water, plenty of firewood..." Looking down at her with a warm smile he said, "Aranée D'Mere, I would be honored if you would share my camp with me this evening." When her face betrayed suspicious thoughts, he smiled and added, "I did say 'camp' - only my camp, nothing more." Her features relaxed into a relieved smile. But unnoticed midst the rustling butterflies, a small disappointed part of her sulked and pouted. --- TO BE CONTINUED! View the series in numbered sequence to get the entire story. PLEASE leave a comment, it means SO much to me! Image and story © 2008 Larry Hodge