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"We leave our provisions herein," Xcor pronounced, pointing to a thicktrunked tree that had fallen over a creek

Whilst the transfer of their ht but the sound of creaking leather and the occasional snort from the stallions When all was stowed under the flank of the downed oak, they reh-bred horses - which were the only things of value other than the weapons that they possessed Xcor did not see the usefulness in objects of beauty or coht that bore you down A strong horse and a well-balanced dagger? Those were priceless

As the seven of thee, theyof their steeds' hooves There were no war cries, however Such asted energy, as their enereet them

In manner of welcome, a human or two peeked out of doors and then quickly locked thenored them Instead, he scanned the squat stone houses and the center square and the fortified trading shops, searching for a bipedal forhost and stank like a corpse coated in treacle

His father rode up to hie "Mayhap aftere shall enjoy the fruits of the gardens herein"

"Mayhap," Xcor murmured as his stallion tossed its head Verily, he wasn'tmales to submit, but his sire was not one to be denied even in whims of leisure

Using hand signals, Xcor directed three of their band to the left, where there was a small structure with a cross atop its peaked roof He and the others would take the right His father would do what he pleased As always

Forcing the stallions to reed even the stoutest of ar-of-war and sat solidly in his saddle With grim purpose, his eyes penetrated the shadows thrown by the-

The group of slayers that stepped free from the lee of the smithy had weapons aplenty

"Five," Zypher growled "Blessed be this night"

"Three," Xcor cut in "Two are but hu that pair'twill be a pleasure as well"

"Which shall you take, m'lord?" his brother-in-arranted as part of soht

"The hu for the ave his stallion its head "If there are other lessers about, that shall draw them out further"

Spurring on his great beast andinto his saddle, he sround in their chainto reh the pair were likewise kitted for fighting, they would turn and run at the first flash of fangs, spooking like plow horses from a cannon blast

Which hy he abruptly bore off to the right no allop Behind the farrier's cottage, he hauled up on the reins and threw himself free of his steed His stallion was a wild cur, but was obedient when it came to a dismount and would await -

A huown a brilliant streak in the darkness as she scra in the mud The instant she saw him, she froze in terror

Logical response: He ice her size, if not three tie, and dressed not for sleep, as she was, but for war As her hand rose to her throat, he sniffed the air and caught her scent Marden

As the thought occurred, he let out a lol that galvanized her feet into a panicked run, and at the sight of her fleeing, the predator in hiut, he was reminded that it had been a matter of weeks since he'd fed froh this lass was but huht

Unfortunately, there was no tih his father would surely catch her afterward If Xcor needed soet it from this woman, or another

Turning his back on her escape, he planted his feet and unsheathed his weapon of choice: Although daggers had their doing, he preferred the scythe, long handled and modified for a holster that strapped upon his back He was an expert at wielding the heavy weight, and he smiled whilst he worked the vicious, curved blade in the wind, waiting to play net to the pair of fish ere sure to swim -

Ah, yes, how good it was to be right

Just after a bright light and a popping sound broke out fro around behind the s pursued by marauders