Chapter 14

Narn finished adjusting the cinch on the saddle before turning to Tel’mar. The younger man had just finished explaining, in patient detail, why Riulan couldn’t accompany the scouts as the healer. “I don’t care if she’s a woman Tel’mar. She’s the best healer we’ve got, and from what Erimbril tell’s me she’s learned more of the rest of the magics he knows than any other student. And she’s not any louder than the rest of you are going to be moving through the forests. And probably quieter than the others we could take. She comes.”

Tel’mar frowned and continued, patiently, trying to explain,“The Archmage Erimbril may indeed be right that she is the best student of his. But she’s a woman! We all respect her skills at healing Lord Narn, but how can we protect her if we are fighting superior forces?”

Narn sighed as he thought to himself, She’ll probably need our protection less than we’ll need hers if we really get into it. She’s the only one who’s likely to be able to stop Terimak’s spells if it comes down to that. Or Erimbril, but they need him here.

“I can protect myself Tel’mar. Or would you care to try me?” came the furious response, not from Narn, but from Riulan herself. A faint glow of power surrounded her as she spoke, and the fury in her voice was enough to cause even Narn to step back.

Tel’mar’s eyes widened and his stuttered response was drowned out by Riulan’s words, “And don’t you, or any other of the scouts even think about saying another word. I am coming, and you will accept it. We don’t have time to put up with your stupidity. Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I can’t fight in this war.” She glared at all of the scouts as she spoke, ending her sentence looking at Narn, challenging him to contradict her.

Narn’s response was patient, but easily audible in the silence after that challenge. “Why don’t you stop terrorizing the men who you will have to heal later Master Healer. I don’t think any here will further question your right to ride with us.” With that he turned to lead his horse out of the courtyard towards the road, “Everybody form up outside the gate. We will be leaving in shortly.”