Beinn 5.5

They had not ridden far when Massoud paused looking at a goat track, recalling in his mind the landmarks Roy had given him.  Elspeth pulled up beside him, the mountain road still wide enough at this point for two horses abreast, at the moment he realized this was not the track he wanted but the next one should be.

“I believe I know the track you are looking for.  It leads to an excellent ambush site–undoubtedly the one that Llyr’s man chose.”

Massoud looked at her impassively.  She knew the terrain better than he and it undoubtedly served his interests for her to underestimate him.  “Undoubtedly.  Please lead the way.”

They turned at the next goat track, Massoud allowing himself the faintest smile.  As they meandered up the hillside Massoud prepared his Bo-kri and Purple Lichen powder again.  Soon they wandered into a clearing, startling several hard looking men.

“What are you doing here!?” Demanded a young man dressed in the colors of the Kaldonian King.

“Checking on our errand boy,” replied Massoud laconically.

Andrew’s incoherent attempts at a rebuttal were interrupted by Massoud, “In the future you would be wise to post a rear watch to help avoid the ambushers from being ambushed.”

“You are not supposed to be here, sir,” Andrew finally managed.

Massoud ignored the young man.  “You two,” Massoud said, pointing the two who seemed least enthused about their current venture, “rear guard, about 50 spans down the track.  You two with the bows and you, spearman, stay by my side,” he commanded, dismounting from his horse as smoothly as he could in his current state.  “The rest of you down the hillside to that outcropping of rocks.  And don’t move until you here the missiles let fly or so help me we will be aiming at your backs.”

As the men moved into position, Andrew cried out, “You can’t just ride up and take command.  I had an entirely different plan in mind!”

“Well, unfortunately we have no choice.  I see dust from their hooves over the ridgeline there.  El, by my side,” Massoud commanded as they moved forward for a better vantage point.

~ by beinnsgriob on September 14, 2008.