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Windhammer, Copyright Wayne Densley 2008 All Rights Reserved
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290
From the battlements you have a clear view to what remains of the northern horizon. In that direction the plains have disappeared beneath a solid wall of black cloud, its enormous threatening presence moving directly towards you, marking its progress across the grasslands with bright flashes of lightning that strike at the earth like spear thrusts. As you watch its approach you have no doubt that the storm will be a violent tempest, though one that can be weathered here safely. Leaning against the battlement you can feel the sure strength in the stone about you, and know that the toll bridge will provide a warm, dry haven from anything the weather may throw at you.
It is the twelve Riders galloping directly towards you however, that give you reason to pause and move quickly away from the battlements. Although they are still a good twenty minutes from your position you can see that two orderly rows of mounted Kalborean soldiery have the same idea as yourself. They wish to make the toll bridge their sanctuary from the storm, and you know that if the soldiers find you here there will be no chance that they will let you finish your quest unchallenged.
For a moment you consider whether it might be possible to hide from the advancing troops and weather the tempest unseen. The toll bridge is certainly large enough, each level a conglomeration of storerooms and annexes that could provide adequate hiding places for a Dwarvendim who might wish to remain unnoticed; but Pallenten is altogether too large to simply conceal away. Her size and fine breeding would surely bring her to the soldiers' attention, and then ultimately that attention would focus upon finding her rider. If you were to be discovered it would be an unhappy meeting that could only lead to violence and death. Although you do not like it, you know that by strength of numbers these Kalboreans will have the toll bridge as their shelter, and that you will have to find another.
Quickly you take to the stairs and make your way back to the courtyard where you have tethered Pallenten. Through the eastern gate you can see the Riders hastening towards your position, the storm hard upon their heels. Mounting the great horse you urge her to the gallop, setting her course towards the western gate, then across the span of the old stone bridge and out onto the plains beyond.
Without looking back you set Pallenten on a course directly for the Devkraager Tor, your hope that the Kalboreans are just as focused upon the approaching storm as you are.
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This book, and its associated books and other documents in the Chronicles of Arborell series are the intellectual property of the author, Wayne F Densley, and all rights are reserved by him. Windhammer is best viewed at 1024 x 768 resolution. Any questions regarding the Chronicles of Arborell can be answered by emailing the author at densleyw@shoal.net.au
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Windhammer, Copyright Wayne Densley 2008 All Rights Reserved
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