Aranée 54: Refuge by NetWorthy
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Galen quietly held her. A weak movement and near-inaudible moan startled him. Alive? "Aranée! Aranée!" He shouted. "Help me... HELP ME!"
They bound her wounds and put her, the surviving warrior and the big cat on hastily constructed horse litters.
As the others readied their mounts, Galen pulled Mubela aside. "First the castle, now this... this is no coincidence. She cannot go to Jobil City. These men were on their way to the lodge, neither place is safe now."
Mubela stroked Aranée's matted hair. "Galen, she needs a healer or she will die."
Galen nodded. "Take her to the healer woman Katesh across the Lonesh - she is a few hours from here." He turned and began tightening his cinch. "Find a safe place to hide. Let Lord Jobil know where you are and I will join you later."
She placed a hand on his arm. "Doing something foolish will not help her. She will need you when she awakens..."
He looked at her grimly, steel in his voice. "All that has happened is by design. I mean to discover who is responsible."
She gripped his arm, "At least take someone with you."
He shook his head, addressing them all. "We have no idea how many are waiting to finish the job. You must protect her and get her to safety. Only a few of them left this clearing alive, all were wounded." He resumed his adjustments, his mouth a grim line. "I will handle them - and I will get what I need from them."
Daylight made travel easier and Mubela pushed hard east to the river, moving as fast as possible with their unconscious charges. At last they arrived at Katesh's hut and she and her new assistant worked on them for hours. Finally, she washed hands in a basin and sat heavily in a chair.
Mubela brought her a mug of hot tea and the healer gratefully accepted it. "How are they?"
She brushed fingers across her weary brow. "Stable for now, but... but they are Elves." She sipped the warm liquid. "I have no experience healing them, especially injuries so severe." Concerned eyes fixed Mubela. "They need someone who better knows Elf ways. Also, it is not safe here - Greeners have been moving through here in very large groups lately." She paused. "You must go soon and go somewhere they will never think to go."
A soldier cleared his throat. "Sorry for eavesdropping, but I was with Aranée on the trip to the eastern pass." He paused. "Healer Amikas at Melius can help them - he treated Aranée once before."
Mubela exchanged glances with Katesh. Brow furrowed, she traced a finger on her map, dragging it through the western pass to a point in the mountains. She looked up with sharp, intent eyes. "Take two others with you then. Go get him, and go quickly. Travel at night if you must... just get him here..." She tapped the map.
"Take him to the abandoned fortress."
--- TO BE CONTINUED!
View episodes in sequence for the entire story.
The last episode this year - the series continues (and will conclude) in 2011!
PLEASE leave a comment or suggestions, your words mean so much to me...
Image and story © 2010 by Larry Hodge
Comments (23)
mininessie
nice work my friend!
Minda
Great scene and story larry.amzing work as always//
Faemike55
OOoooh wow!
magnus073
Wonderful job on this one Larry, the lighting here really makes it outstanding.
restif
Great looking render and nice story progression!! Make me want to jump back into the next chapter in Adrea's story!
jandunne
Can't wait for the next installment. This has turned into a real nail-biter!
Cimaira
Stunning image and wonderful chapter, at least now there is hope.
momof4rugrats
your lighting and writing is superb!!
2Loose2Trek
The tension builds. Superb render that lends well to the story.
anitalee
Excellent
brewgirlca
Excellent work on both the story and the scene. A fine job on the natural point lighting. Story flows nicely with excellent well paced substance along a few threads.
lyron
Splendid lighting and scene!!!
sim3344
Great scene and story, excellent scene!!!!
RJS
A really nice image, Larry. The lighting and posing are especially impressive. You really have done an outstanding job of mastering Carrara in a short time. The story, as always, is gripping. Can't wait for the next installment!
psyoshida
Superb scene and very impressive Carrara render. I love the naturalness of the character's and their poses as well as the lighting which really sets the mood.
tennesseecowgirl
Terrific work!
LBJ2
Wonderful writing and story, Larry. Great work with the light in this scene. Many fine details in this fantasy piece.
PhilW
Another great chapter, lovely light in the scene. Your story-telling goes from strength to strength!
1010
The posing, lighting and story are most excellent Larry!
rbowen
Excellent work and story!!
drifterlee
Wondrful lighting!
cjoe
nicely done setting and subtle lighting great Job!
myrrhluz
Superb image! I love the expressions and the light! Mubela's expression is just as described in the narrative, sharp and intent. Katesh looks bone weary. Beautiful lighting! I love the light and shadow on the soldier's arm. Excellent lighting on the two ladies too. Exciting narrative with a great ending. The abandoned fortress! I look forward to the continuation next year! Happy New Year to You and Yours!