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Windhammer, Copyright Wayne Densley 2008 All Rights Reserved
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433
 The morning brings with it a clearing sky and lighter winds. Deep reds and orange colour the horizon as you look out to the east, and for a time you stand in the knee-high grass watching the first of the rising suns as it heralds the new day. To the west you can hear ground birds running through the tall grass in search of insects but you take little notice. The stiffness in your cold joints takes up your full attention as you try to stretch your muscles after a restless sleep. Deciding to now risk a small fire you find a few pieces of wood and make yourself a hot meal. As you eat you can hear Pallenten grazing on the plains beyond the entrance to the outcrop. After clearing away your eating utensils you walk out into the field and call her. At first you cannot see her, and in those few seconds a small measure of anxiety creeps into your voice as you call again. Almost immediately an answering whinny comes from behind a pile of large boulders. After a moment the big horse trots out from behind the rocks and breaks out into a gallop before coming to a halt before you.
As the horse stands there you can sense that something is wrong. She is motionless, a look of unease in her eyes. Suddenly, as if by some distant command, she rears on her hind legs and turns and races for the far off forest road.
For a moment you do not understand what has happened, but then you remember Tak Lovar's words. Pallenten was only to take you as far as the foothills. Now the horse was gone, and the rest of your trek must continue on foot. For some time you watch the great horse disappear into the haze of the morning and the forests beyond. Your task will be all the more difficult now without her strength to aid you. It is easy to admit to yourself that you had come to depend upon that horse a lot.
Collecting your belongings you strap your sword to your waist, shoulder your pack and begin the last leg of your journey to Stoneholme.
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The fitful sleep does not return much of your strength but the hot food makes you feel much better. Restore four points to your endurance rating and then turn to section 107.
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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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