A Strange, Unfamalir Day(Roy and Jacob)

[Roy Atalo]

Roy bit his lip as he left his father's home behind to hunt. He is wearing a white tunic, leather sandals, tan pants and a small sack over his shoulder. Roy's home stood about a two hour walk from the forest of Spine. He has always hated the forest, but it is the only place he can go to hunt for his father and him. The young man groaned loudly as he trudged onward.

About an hour later, he stopped to take a long drink of water from a stream. He also took a few bites of bread before hurrying onward through the path and wilderness. After another hour passed, he stopped at the edge of the Spine. (Well, here it goes.) he thought as he started to walk into the dangerous land.

Stopping here and there, he listened to his surroundings for anything that sounded like a Urgal. He murmured prayers and said courageous poems as he hefted his quiver. He quickly stopped when he heard hooves against leaves and saw a stag about 30 feet away. Smiling at his luck, Roy fitted an arrow and sent it at the animal.

The animal stopped and stared at Roy before darting off before the arrow hit its mark. Roy snorted as his bad luck and quickened his pace as eh searched onward for food. The young man paused as a color popped at his eye. He went closer and gasped as he stumbled upon a red, round object. Picking it up, he gazed upon its surface. He then felt it rumbled as if something is living in it. It also started to crack, making Roy gasp in interest and shock. "Whoa, a dragon's egg." he whispered as he watched cracks develop along the red egg's surface.

[Jacob Carter Blade]

Gah. How the heck did that thief manage to steal that egg, hmm? I’ll Tell you Jacob…we don’t have nearly as much protection for dragon eggs as we do for a dragons Eldunari. Vervada was furious over the missing egg. It had been stolen for its currier two or three days before, which is around the time that the currier was found slain on the road between Ilirea and Gil’ead. I know Vervada. I know, and I plan on bringing that up sometime soon. It is a legitimate concern since this is third on stolen in the last six months.

Currently they were flying over the spine as they had tracked the robber or robbers into it a few days before, though they had lost valuable time when they had followed a false trail whoever it was had laid and lost it soon thereafter. They had had to backtrack and find the trail again before they went on. Jacob spent much of his time casting wards around himself and his dragon, after all this was Urgal territory, and they weren’t exactly known for their hospitality to riders, or any other race.

He was wearing his handcrafted lightweight plate armor. It was given to him by a master blacksmith of the Elves, and was much stronger that human plate armor and much, much lighter. He had long since altered it to where its base color was a very dark red. He had done this so that during night missions he could be outside and wear it with light dancing off of bright polished steel and so that he was still representing his dragon in color. Another special feature of this armor was the twenty-eight diamonds forged into the breastplate and shoulder plates, none of them visible on either the outside or inside of the armor, as they had been encased in the metal that was used to make the armor. That egg has to be around here somewhere, I can already sense the minds of the Urgals in the village twenty miles ahead of us.

It was about that time that he looked down into a clearing below them that he saw a boy let loose an arrow at a stag, which missed its mark, and that was when he noticed a glint of red in the bushes off to one side of the clearing. He was too late though, because the boy had apparently also noticed the egg, for it was undoubtedly what they were looking for as he could feel the mind of the dragon inside it. Vervade! Below us in that clearing! Now!

Vervada immediately folded her wings and dove, letting loose a deafening roar and a blistering pillar a fire from her maw. She also saw the boy holding the egg, and projected her thoughts straight at him, invading the privacy of his mind. That is our egg boy, and you would do well to back off and let it go! She landed soon thereafter with a massive crash. A second later Jabob leaped down to the ground below, drawing his iridescent red sword, Wyrda, as he fell. Even with their haste he could see they were too late, though he didn’t think that this was a bad thing. Even as he watched the red dragon egg started rocking back and forth, emitting loud squeaks. A couple minutes later cracks appeared and then the egg broke open, revealing the baby red dragon.

Jake sheathed his sword and told Vervada to calm herself down, then walked over to the boy. Hello young man, my name is Jacob. He gestured at Vervada. This is the dragon I am bonded to Vervada. He then pointed at the baby dragon. That is the egg, or rather the dragon, we’ve been looking for for the last three days. The very dragon that has chosen you to be its rider. His eyes acquired a sparkle in them as he finished talking, fore never before had he been present when a new dragon hatched and bonded to its rider. He was anxious to see this.

[Roy Atalo]

Roy heard wing beats in the distance and practically screamed his lungs out as a very large dragon came crashing down from the treetops at him. He held the newly born dragon against his chest as he back peddled away from the rider and the dragon. His mind was defenseless against the dragon's voice that intruded his mind.

He started to cry and shiver in fright as he held the hatched egg. The red dragonlet was nosing Roy who was too scared about Jacob his dragon. When Roy saw the rider talk about the egg being thieved and that the dragon is choosing him. Roy tried to talk back, but...instead he let the dragonlet go. The small red dragon shook itself before turning to Roy.

Roy knelt there and as the dragon nosed him. Roy easily wiped a tear away with a soft sniffle. The small dragon nosed the hand that was reaching to pet him. The bond is now complete.

The human boy felt the searing pain and held his hand that holds the design that all Dragon Riders have. Roy blinked as he turned to the baby, red dragon, ignoring the other rider and his dragon for now, and reached out. The hatchling nosed Roy's hand politely. A soft, male voice said in Roy's mind My name is Soreth. Roy, I chose you as my rider.. Roy nodded, "Soreth, nice to meet you." he said softly.

Turning to the others, he sighed. "You know that you gave me fright. I...I didn't steal the egg. I was hunting a stag, which ran away from me, for my father and my dinner. When the stag ran off, it showed the red dragon egg." he said to the older rider and his dragon with a calm and soft voice. Roy patted Soreth who rumbled before eying the pack. Roy smiled as he took out dried meat from the pack and easily fed it to Soreth. Soreth ate it seemed to sigh with calmness. Roy, thanks. Need it. the small, red dragon said to Roy's mind before turning to Jacob with slightly narrowed eyes. Roy saw the anger in the dragon's eyes and patted scaly hide. "There is no need for anger to our allies." he said to Soreth who snorted softly.

[Jacob Carter Blade]

Vervada heard Jacob tell her to calm down, but she still narrowed her eyes at the boy. Jacob, however, walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder, seeing that they had obviously scared the daylights out of him and chuckled softly. I know you didn’t. I saw you hunting the stag, that’s part of the reason you are still standing here. I could have easily either killed you or made you sleep, but I have always been loath to attack anyone your age. Welcome to the Riders. Vervada, can you go catch us some deer? Say four or five?

Okay Jacob, but you stay on guard…we are within hearing distance of that Urgal village, and they would have heard that roar I let loose. The mighty red dragon lifted her wings and took flight, heading in the same direction that the deer had run off. Jacob watched as she flew, shaking his head in awe, as he had done ever since she had hatched for him. Come on….I didn’t catch your name. We need to get moving. I asked Vervada to hunt for us, and she’ll soon be back, but we’re within twenty miles of an Urgal village, one that I think is the home to many Kull. You don’t want to meet them. Vervada will soon be back and when she is back we can fly out of here, but right now we should run.

He took out his sword again and set off in a direction that led away from the village. He was staying keen on their surroundings, not familiar with the territory, and not knowing if there were any of the Urgals around. He also quickly murmured twelve spells that each wove a different ward around both Roy and Soreth. He kept track of Vervada with his mind, sensing her make her first two kills. We’re moving Vervada….As soon as you’re done track us down and get out of here. Now it was just a matter of waiting….waiting for either an Urgal ambush, or a wait for Vervada to get back.

[Roy Atalo]

Roy blinked at the older rider who talked to him. "Yeah, I guess I agree with you. I also should thank you for welcoming me." he said calmly, even though his nerves are buzzing. He then thought and added. "If you and your dragon need a place to stay...there is a cottage where my dad I live in. There is also a barn that houses our cows in the winter and our horses. It is about two hours walk from here, but I don't know how far the flight is." he told Jacob.

He then paused before adding, "My name is Roy Atalo and my dragon is Soreth. My dad is Marcus Atalo." he told Jacob softly. Roy also watched Jacob's dragon take off before turning back to the other rider.

"I know about the Urgals, but this area is the only place my dad and I can find deer." Roy sighed as he patted Soreth who rumbled a little. Roy also heard that Jacob's dragon went out to hunt and paused before nodding politely his thanks.

Roy saw Jacob take out his sword and said, "I can fight. I have great aim with my arrows. I am also carrying a short sword, but I really don't have a shield." Roy said to his ally before walking 10 feet behind Jacob and paid mind where he stepped. He made sure his feet didn't make a single noise. Soreth kept to his partner's side and also knew that this is important. Soreth softly and quietly walked beside Roy.

[Jacob Carter Blade]

Jacob heard Roy offer them a place to stay, and considering the fact that they were probably about to be on the run from a village of Urgals, that was perfectly acceptable to him. He also heard him tell him that he could fight. Okay then, do like you are doing and stay behind me, watch our back and shoot anyone who gets too close to you. If you have to use your sword, block what you can because the wards I just placed around you won’t last forever. As for a shield, here, use mine.

After that he led them farther into the forest, keeping tabs on Vervada as he went, and used every scrap of knowledge he had to stay silent as he went. He felt Vervada make her third kill, and then heard a war horn not far behind. Crap…Make your last kill and hurry and get back here Vervada….they’re onto us. A few seconds later he heard a loud roar far off in the distance. Come on Roy, Soreth….we’re going to have to run for it. Keep running, I’ll catch up in a minute.

He stopped running and turned around muttering the spell that turns him invisible and standing in the middle of their path. When he saw a column of Urgals running toward him he muttered one of the twelve words of death, watching them all fall. He then turned around and ran, seeing that more Urgals were marching over the comrades. He caught up with Roy a few minutes later.

A few steps later he felt Vervada make her final kill and told he to come get them. Keep running Roy…Vervada is on her way, we just have to outrun them.

[Roy Atalo]

Roy nodded as he heard Jacob. The young man then fitted the shield to his right arm and nodded to Jacob as he heard the older rider's commands on what to do. His eyes turned to Soreth who seemed to show determination and smiled softly. The young rider then turned to Jacob, "Okay, I will be watching my surroundings." he said politely.

Roy followed Jacob closely and paused as he heard a horn blow. (Whoopee, here comes trouble.) he thought as he knew that they have been spotted. After a few seconds, Jacob commanded him to run. And yes, run he did. First, he let Soreth sit on his shoulder, which will ultimately slow him down...but they will stay together, before heading the opposite direction of where the horn was sounded. As he started running, Roy took out his quiver and fitted an arrow to it. This was in case an Urgal is standing in their way.

Roy kept running to the direction of his home. After about ten minutes of running, Soreth made him stop. I can hear someone coming from ahead of us. So, be careful of noise and be ready for an ambush or danger, Roy. Be wary of your surroundings. the small, red dragon rumbled a warning. The young man turned to his partner and patted the dragon softly. "Thanks for sensing that, Soreth." he said before lifting his arrow and aiming ahead of him and slowly crept forward. After two steps, Roy spotted movement as two Urgals came to his view. Roy muttered angrily before releasing his arrow that hit its mark on the Urgal's head. Its ally sent a loud scream in anger before dashing at Roy. The young rider quickly shrugged his quiver to his right shoulder before putting Jacob's shield in front of him. This was just in time, since a spear bounced off the surface.
Roy smiled before seeing the Urgal scream again as it neared the young rider who ducked to the right before thrashing his short sword, which left a wound in the enemy's chest. The enemy sent a louder roar, but this was time it was of pain and defeat. Roy stood up again before checking to make sure Soreth is alright. The red dragon nosed his partner to show that he is alright. Roy nodded before keeping up on the path the he memorized over the years he has been hunting in the Spine.

Soon later, Roy smiled as Jacob caught up to him. He heard the news and sighed before nodding. "Okay. Also, thanks for the shield. It just saved my life." he said politely. Roy then went into a jog that headed away from the Urgals' village, but it headed toward his cottage and home.

[Jacob Carter Blade]

Jacob chuckled at the thanks for the shield. Sure, no problem there. He heard a noise off to his left and ducked just in time, hearing the whistle of a blade passing through the space his neck had occupied a moment before. Jacob! Pay more attention, you nearly just got killed! He sent his acknowledgement to Vervada and then lashed out with Wryda, feeling the ever sharp blade sink into flesh but knew it wasn’t a fatal blow. He had acted on instinct, but now he looked up at his enemy. Up and up and eyes went, until he eventually he saw the face of the Kull looming in front of him.

He took in two things at once. One, the giant Urgal was holding what he always referred to as a bone-cleaver. Two, the Urgal had it raised high over his head and was about to start a huge downward stroke that would probably smash through his defense. Jeirda! His spell took instant effect, his Gedwey Ignasia glowing a deep red. The Urgals neck snapped backwards, instantly killing him. He jumped up, swinging his sword in front of him while he did, and was just in time to catch another sword on his.

Jacob then quickly took in his surroundings. Roy and Soreth were all to one side of a small clearing, surrounded by high and thick shrubbery, really it was the perfect ambush place. Plenty of place to hide tall creatures such as the Kull. He counted three more Kull in the clearing, all closing on him, and he heard more lumbering toward the clearing, though still some distance from it. He closed on the Kull in front of him, swinging his sword in a complicated pattern that he knew would break through nearly anyone’s defense. He’d successfully used it against Elves and Shades. This time though, he was blocked and thrown slightly off balance. Run Roy! Run!

He tried to use one of the words of death, Deyja, but it didn’t work. Shoot….a little help would be nice Vervada! The only problem with that though was that the clearing was much, much too small for her to land in. So he resorted to fighting, with a slight bit of magic. Brisingr. The word for fire. Less than a second after he spoke the word the clearing was encircled in flames, trapping him and the three Kull inside. He lunged at one on his right, his sword slipping through that ones guard and stabbing him through the chest. Jacob pulled his sword free and slashed at the other one, not the one who had originally attacked him, and cut him on the thigh above the Urgals knee. A moment later the Urgals head hit the ground, followed closely by his body.

He turned toward the last urgal, and smiled a bloody grin. Then he attacked, though again he was blocked. After trying to attack four or five times he quickly found out that this was going to be a contest to see who would make the first mistake, but he didn’t have time for that. In desperation he eventually tried one more spell. Slytha. The word for sleep, and surprisingly it worked. The Urgal passed out and fell at his feet, impaling himself on his on sword while he fell.

He ended his fire and looked around for Roy, and then heard Vervada flying around above them. Jake…..you scared me there. There’s a clearing large enough for me to land and take off in about three hundred yards in front of you. I’ll meet you two there. Then he shouted: Come on Roy, Vervada’s got a place to meet us! We have to get there now! He took off in the direction Vervada had went, hoping that Roy and Soreth were following him since he had yet to see them.

[Roy Atalo]

Roy knew that something will happen in the area Jake and him are standing in. His blue eyes looked at one direction and to the other. Soreth also seemed to be restless as he feels his partner's uncertainty of their surroundings as he stopped from letting himself run away. (I am no coward.) he thought as he turned around to head back and fight like a hero.

Suddenly Roy heard a noise and turned to see a Kull lunging at the older rider. (No. This cannot be happening.) he thought as he turned to help Jacob, if it is needed. His eyes blinked in shock as he was faced by a set of Urgals. (Dang!t. I am blocked from my ally.) he thought as he hefted up his shield. His then swung his sword to be ready. After a peaceful few seconds, the Urgals started to press toward Roy. Roy held his ground as one Urgal leaped at him and swung a wild blow. Roy ducked before lashing into an opening of his enemy's armor. The enemy screamed as it did another blow at Roy as it fell to the leaf covered ground.
The rider then saw the other Urgal retreat and smiled with relief.

Roy turned to Jacob again and watched him fight. (Holy Marconi. He is good.) he thought as he stared around his surroundings again. He heard the shout and shook his head. "I am not running. I am no coward. If you stand to fight, I stand to fight." he said firmly before seeing more urgals coming at him and Jacob.
He turned around to face the 4 urgals that drew in and surrounding him. Roy blinked as he went low, ready to spring at them or to shield himself. "Soreth, maybe you can help me a little?" he whispered to his red dragon partner.

Soreth nodded, I know to fight, Roy. I am have a set of teeth and claws. I will do my best to help you. the red dragon hissed before leaping off Roy's shoulder at an enemy. Roy smiled before turning to the three others. Roy and Soreth quickly abolished the four urgals in about 10 minutes. Roy sighed as the last Urgal fell to the ground. The young rider let Soreth sit on his shoulder again before turning to Jacob. He also felt a few bruises and scratches he took during his combat with the Urgals.

Roy heard Jacob, "We are right here. I will follow." he nodded before keeping pace with the older rider. "I was a bit amazed at how fast you dispatched your enemy, Jacob." Roy said politely as he patted Soreth's head nicely.

[Jacob Carter Blade]

Jacob was glad to hear Roy say that he would stay to fight, and that he wasn’t a coward. The boy will make a good rider Vervada…..courage is a good thing for a rider to have. He finished off his last few opponents and then walked toward Roy, nodding his head in acknowledgement to his fighting abilities. [coilor=003399]You didn’t do such a bad job yourself. How old do I look to you? Cause whatever you might think I am im not… Have you been trained in sword fighting before?[/color]

He continued to walk toward the clearing where Vervada was waiting for them, keeping extra vigilant to their surroundings this time, not wanting to be ambushed by a group of Kull again. Vervada may have told them the clearing was close by, butthey still hadn’t found it after ten minutes of walking. Vervada…are we going the right way? I can’t believe we haven’t gotten there yet…. In truth, he wasn’t so worried by their having not gotten to the clearing yet, what worried him was the possibility of them getting jumped without her help again, because he could hear a large number of Urgals closing in on them quickly.

He heard a low rumbling chuckle….the sound of his dragon’s laughter, just before she stuck her head through the foliage in front of them. I’m right here and the clearing is right here…have you closed yourself to me that much in the last few minutes that you couldn’t feel that I was close to you? He merely nodded, knowing that an explanation wasn’t going to be needed. Come on Roy! Climb on behind me and strap yourself in. He climbed up to Vervada’s saddle and strapped his legs to the saddle, and considered himself fortunate that he usually used a saddle that had room for another rider to sit and strap their legs in as well. Come on come on….they’re getting closer He nervously sat and waited..hearing the Urgals get closer by the second.

[Roy Atalo]

Roy paused as Jacob come up and easily slid his sword up into its hilt. Roy heard the question and answered truthfully, "You look to be around forty years old. I know I can be mistaken. If I am, can you please tell me how old you are?" he asked politely before going to the next question. "Yes, my Dad taught me to fight to protect myself and others. I have been learning since I was... about 6 years old." he said with a nice head nod to Jacob. "I also thank you for your complement on my fighting skills." Roy smiled softly.


The newly made dragon rider followed Jacob who is leading him to Vervada. He also patted Soreth here and there to make sure the small, red male dragon is still on his shoulder. At each pat, Soreth touched Roy with his mind to comfort Roy who is a bit uneasy with the danger nearby.

Roy then heard heard a chuckle from a dragon and was little surprised to see Vervada's head peeking out at them. Roy sighed in relief that they can escape from danger's grasp in a few minutes of time.

The young rider watched Jacob mount and buckle himself into a dragon's saddle. Roy blinked and gulped as he knew that this will be his first flight. (I wish that this was a better time to ride a dragon for the first time. But, I have to get on before I die.) Roy waited before climbing onto Vervada's back. He looked behind him and gasped as he saw the figures of Urgals approaching.

Common, Roy. Get on and mount on Vervada. Hurry! Roy heard Soreth who leaped off his shoulder and started to yank on Roy's sleeve with his teeth. Roy scrambled a bit more and found a spot behind Jacob. Fumbling and slightly paniced as he strapped his self to the Vervada's back.

"Okay, I am ready." he said to Jacob before turning to see the Urgals starting to circle around them. Trying to trap them to the ground.



Soreth's mind

[Jacob Carter Blade]

If I were a normal human, you would be right. But I’m not, and now neither are you. I’m two hundred and five years, at least I think I am…you lose count after a while. Jacob watched the Urgals slowly circle Vervada, growing worried. They know how to trap Dragons Vervada….be ready the instant I say now.

She growled at the Urgals, occasionally lashing out with a massive claw, but trying not to do anything to overly provoke them. When Roy finally said that he was ready he shouted ‘now’, and then drew on his and Vervada’s strength, as well as that of the couple Eldunari he carried with him. Jeirda! He heard several snaps as many of the Urgals legs broke, toppling most of them. Vervada let out a massive pillar of fire at the others and then took off, quickly clearing the tops of the trees and heading out of the Spine toward Roy’s farm.

Once they were out of immediate danger Jake turned around to face Roy. So, you know how to fight. That’s about the best I’ve ever seen without any proper training. You will be a good student. I suppose you’ve already guessed what you now are, and now you are going to have to either go to Ilirea or Ellesmera or Doru Araeba to train as a Rider. However, Doru Araeba is inaccessible to you until Soreth is large enough that you can ride him for any amount of distance. We’ll have to talk to your Father, see where he would like you to go. Ultimately it’s your choice, but we the Riders still prefer to honor the parents wishes.

Ten minutes later he felt Vervada start to shed height, preparing to land. He looked in front of them and saw the farm quickly approaching, and sighed. This was going to be the first time he ever had to talk to a new riders parents. Far more importantly though, they would have to stay here for at least a week, to make sure there would be no attacks on Roy’s family.

[Roy Atalo]

Roy blinked as he heard that Jacob is really 205 years of age. Roy's blue eyes grew round as his ears heard about it. (Dang, that is old.) he thought and started to wonder if he will live that long as well. He found a spot where he can grab on with his hands and held onto the spot tightly.

Once Roy said that he is ready, the young rider felt the muscles tighten in Vervada's body. In a quick leap, Roy felt the rushing wind and winced a little as he heard on tightly. The young, brown-haired rider knew that his hands will have an ache for a while after this flight. His ears also heard the fatal snaps of legs being broken. Roy then mistakenly thought it was his own bones snapping, before he peered to see the Urgals tottering around with broken legs. The young man felt relieved that he is safe with an experienced rider and his dragon.

Roy saw Jacob turn to them as they leveled out over the treetops. The young rider then felt happy that the wind against his face has quietened down for a bit of time. His ears heard Jacob and nodded. He then politely thanked Jacob for his complements about his sword fighting skill. He then heard the about what will happen to him, where he will be training and etc. All this made Roy excited before he heard Jacob say that they will need to talk to Marcus. Roy then looked down, (What will happen to my father when I leave to train as a dragon rider? How will he feel about me leaving him?) he wondered to himself as he looked down on Vervada's back with uncertainty written upon his blue eyes and young face.

Roy then felt a nose touch him and sighed as Soreth said, Please don't disapprove about this. Your dad will be proud of you, I bet is already proud of you. So, hold yourself together and be strong, Roy. Be strong. I will be always there through harsh times to come. I will also be there to talk to you, Roy. I promise to be a worthy partner to you. . Roy nodded as he heard the statement and encouragement from his dragon partner. Patting the scaly head of his partner, Roy looked up and saw his cottage and farm coming into view.

The young rider sighed as he knew that he will have to face his Dad. He also wondered if his Dad will approve of this and hoped that it will end pretty good and not horribly.





Soreth's mind

[Jacob Carter Blade]

Vervada started to let them come closer to the ground as they came closer to the farm, preparing to land. Jacob looked back at the young rider and smiled. Cheer up Roy, for you have much to be happy about. As for your father he will likely be proud, for having a rider in the family bring much prestige on the entire family. Also, I cannot ever remember a family where the father was upset about their son or daughter becoming a rider.

As soon as Vervada landed and they had all gotten off, Jacob turned to her and patted her cheek before asking her to do something. Vervada, I want you to fly around behind us and make sure we weren’t followed. I’m worried that the Urgals know where this farm is and will send a war party here: if they do we are going to have to defend it. I won’t let Roy’s father and family and home be destroyed and killed because of what happened. We were the reason they sent out those first parties anyways.

[/color]

Vervada simply nodded and then took off, quickly fading to a speck in the distance. I asked her to go see if we were being followed, because if we were It will give us some time to be prepared for an attack. If there is an attack I will do my best to protect your family and home, because it was Vervada and my fault that the urgals came after us in the forest anyways. In the meantime, let’s go visit with your father.[/blockquote]

[Roy Atalo]

Roy heard Jacob and nodded, "I guess you have a point. Anyway, my family is only my father and I. Yes, I know he will be happy to hear that I am a rider." the young man said with a soft nod. He then dismounted off Vervada, after she has landed, before patting Soreth's head. The small, red, male dragon nosed his rider back before staring at the house.

Roy then watched as Jacob patted his dragon before Vervada headed away into the sky again. He felt slightly puzzled on what is going to happen. The young rider knew that his Dad and his farm is in danger. Roy felt calmness come from Soreth who easily touched Roy's mind slightly to pull calmness into Roy's mind.

Roy heard Jacob and nodded in reply. "I understand and thank you." he said politely. He then went up to the house and did three taps. After a minute, his father answered it. Roy whispered to his about his adventure and the man patted Soreth politely and greeted Soreth as another person.

Roy's father, Marcus, walked out and smiled. "Roy told me everything." he smiled friendly at Jacob. " I am Marcus, Roy's father. Well, this has been our farm for years and years... Maybe about 70 years our lineage had it." he sighed. "I have taught Roy to fight, hunt and defend himself once his mother died...when he was about 5 years old during a fire that took out out crops and house." Marcus said as he blinked at Roy who seemed to be talking to Soreth. "I feel really proud that he is a rider." he told Jacob with another soft nod of his head. "Anyway, I will miss him." Roy father sighed.






Soreth's mind