The quiet decent from the snowy mountains passed without incident until they rounded the last bend. Horse and rider came upon a farmer sitting atop his hay wagon frozen in fear. An Okolo was blocking the old man's path. Baring his teeth the snarling Okolo assumed a low crouch preparing to spring upon his intended victim.

The well-trained KoRT war-horse hearing the familiar chant coming from the rider lowered his head. As Valeana raised her arm to cast, the horse locked into position steeling them against the force of the spell as it left her opened hand. With lightening speed the snare caught the Okolo about the haunches as he sprung toward the frighten farmer.

The huge beast feeling the hold fall upon him howled with rage as it lunged fighting the trap.  Quickly knocking back two arrows she took careful aim and sent forth instant death to the menacing Okolo. As the magnificent beast dropped mid-flight Valeana threw a leg over the saddle horn and dismounted heading toward the old man.

Climbing up on the wagon wheel she noted that the farmer was unharmed but badly shaken.  Refusing her offer to help him down they both left the wagon and went over to look at the still form of the Okolo. To ease the strain of the situation , Valeana chuckled breaking the tension. "'Tis a fine beast but not one to take home to the missus for a house pet my good man." The farmer swallowing nodded and weakly smiled at her as tears started to roll down his face. Wrapping her in a clumsy hug he thanked her for saving his life. Hugging him back Valeana offered him the Okolo to provide meat for his family. The grateful farmer accepted the gift then smiled and said.  "M'lady twould be an honour for me to skin this beast and present the hide to thee to place before yer fire place."

Feeling the heartfelt warmth from the old man brought her to tears.  Wiping at the tears she turned to him and introduced herself and asked, "If I may impose upon thee a bit, "I left home rather suddenly and did not leave me family word of where I was going. If you would be so kind to deliver a message to them when you deliver the skin I would be in thy debt." Reassuring her he wold be more than happy to help her out Valeana headed back to her horse and drew a sheet of parchment from her saddle bag. Sitting down she wrote:

My Dear Giant,
Please forgive my unannounced departure from Camelot. There are many things I feel at this time I must handle and can only do on my own. As you know before the demise of Neverwinter my Champion Sir Beiruit and his squire Halin were seeking my book of spells. I feel now I must find that portal in which we passed through to this land and cross back over to find that book. I do not know what the future holds but I do swear that I will return soon.
Please take good care of the family in my absence.

Your loving Sister
~Valeana~

@--->--->-----

PS:  I have locked up all the BQ sauce and take care with those prayer meetings ::smiles::

Rolling the parchment up she took a piece of leather from her pocket and tied it securely. Handing the scroll to the farmer with instructions to deliver it to Lord Consul Giantklr at Camelot home of the Knights of the Round Table. The old farmer looking at the paper in awe looked back at her and nodded. To himself he thought what a fine story he would have to tell this eve down at the pub he'd been saved by a lady knight from the Round Table no less. Watching as the lady left he shook his head returning to his wagon he wondered if anyone would believe him.
 

Valeana - 03:04pm Sep 29, 1998 MST
Lady Chancellor to the Knights of The Round Table

The long shadows of the day fell across the road as Valeana left the mountains and headed south toward Vernon Castle. Horse and rider were exhausted. The pre-dawn ride from Camelot, along with the trek into the mountains and then the encounter with the Okolo was taking its toll. Hoping to reach the castle before dusk where she planned to seek shelter for the night, Valeana realized she had one more obstacle to face. The Cavemen lurked just off the road north of the castle and at this time of day thy would still be about.

With a deep breath she closed her eyes and lowered her head to her chest.   Silently she prayed to her Paladin God, Tyr, asking for the strength to finish this days task with victory and honor in his holy name. Gathering herself back to the present Valeana gently urged the fatigued war horse onward with soft words and a promise of extra oats for his dinner.

Topping the last hill of their journey Valeana could see Vernon Castle off to the east, and ahead of her laid the heavily tree lined road. Caveman's run as she jokingly referred to this part of the road to her friends. Pursing her lips together she drew her great sword Patience from its scabbard,  then wrapped the reins around the horn of the saddle, and spurred the horse into a gallop guiding him with her legs. Suddenly Valeana reached forward grabbing the reigns and pulled the horse up short. Snorting and tossing his head up and down the confused horse danced beneath her.
Looking about Valeana was astonished to find the Cavemen were rigid as statues in various stance of battle. Breathing a sigh of relief she promptly gave up heartfelt thanks to Tyr. As they were weaving between the Cavemen Valeana had the distinct feeling that she was being watched. Glancing into the shadows along the trees she didn't see anyone but a slight shiver ran along the length of her spine. Shaking it off she guided the horse through the last of the Cavemen till they were clearly out of harms way. Laying low she gave the horse his head till they reached the grassy knoll surrounding Vernon Castle.

Reigning the horse to a slow gait they approached the moat and stopped. "Hail and Greetings, I am Valeana Savoie, lady knight of the round table from Camelot. I am seeking shelter for the night." Then holding up her shield displaying the crest she waited. Ten minutes passed till she heard the creaking sounds of the drawbridge being lowered. Receiving a salute from a guard on the wall Valeana crossed over into the safety of the castle.

The room was sparse in its furnishings but comfortable. What did it matter she was only here for the night. Unbuckling her breast plate and leggings Valeana quickly slipped out of her leather armor. Removing the soft undergarments of the finest silk she headed toward the hip tub that had been placed in her room. Bathed and hair washed Valeana set about to combing out the long tangled tresses. The fatigue she had felt earlier threaten to overtake her that she had to fight to stay awake. Finished brushing her hair she gathering it at the nape of her neck and securing it with a long ribbon. Slipping on the dress she had laid out earlier Valeana left the room headed for supper.

Once again during dinner Valeana had that odd sensation that someone was watching her. A casual look about the room revealed nothing more than the usual travelers. Telling herself  that her imagination was playing tricks on her,  Valeana finished her dinner then returned to her room for the evening.