I followed uncle into the great hall and stood near him at the table; seated were the captains, and some lieutenants, and their men stood behind them. All silently waited for my uncle to begin the meeting.

“Let me begin by saying that response to the attack was as good as it was going to get, and everyone’s efforts did not go without notice. Before we all get ahead of ourselves and inflate our egos, we are not out of the woods yet. We may have had a small victory, but this I fear is just the first of many attacks that are yet to come.” Some of the captains didn’t look a bit surprised. They knew something like this would happen. What do they know that the rest of us don’t?

“We have never known wildmen, in our history, to ever attack a settlement in such a systematic way. I believe someone is behind this attack. We need to send word to the capital of what has just taken place. At the same time, I would like to send a group of volunteers to track the wildmen back to their base and observe. We need to see who is behind this and gather as much information as possible.” He paused and waited for someone to speak up.

Captain Rayros stood, “I will send my fastest rider to the capital to deliver the news.”

“Make that two riders, Rayros, I want to make sure the news makes it to the capital.” Rayros nodded and sat back down. To my surprise, Rodyk moved from the corner from which he stood, “Sir, if I may, I would like to volunteer to track the wildmen.”

Therest took a moment before he replied, “very well.” I wanted to protest, but I knew it wasn’t the time or place. What is he thinking? He has barely completed his training. After Rodyk volunteered, 14 other men volunteered as well. The plan was simple enough; track the wildmen. Find out who and why they attacked us.

But most importantly, don’t get caught. To me, 15 seemed to be too many, but to uncle, it seemed just enough. He’s afraid of what they might find.

The rest of the meeting was spent discussing the timeline for repairs for the south gate. As well as a plan in case an evacuation was necessary. Those that volunteered were dismissed early to prepare and get rest. I wanted to follow them out, but I knew uncle would have disapproved. I was already getting looks as to why I was even present in the first place. To them, I was just a girl. It was almost dawn when the meeting adjourned. I didn’t waste time; I had to stop Rodyk from leaving.

I started with the armory only he wasn’t there. Next, I went to the barracks, but I stopped before I reached the door. What am I doing? I know where Rodyk is. At that instant, I ran for the stables. I passed the sleeping old stable hand Aoro to the exact stall he would be. I slowed my approach to not spook the sleeping horses. As if he knew I was the one coming, a big red bay stallion poked his head out over his stall door and nickered softly to me. I reached for his nose and scratched it tenderly. I looked over the door to find that I was right; Rodyk was asleep on the straw. Bing was Rodyk’s horse he found as a foal lost in the woods. Bing was orphaned, and Rodyk took him in and raised him. At first, when Rodyk brought Bing to the stables, the foal was restless and would make so much noise it would stir up the other horses in the stables. So Rodyk would stay with him; it’s the one place I could always find him. Glad to see some things haven’t changed. I debated waking him as I stroked Bing. I still wonder though who saved who that day? “You know, it's a bit creepy with you standing there watching me sleep,” Rodyk stirred and stretched.

“I thought you were asleep? Did I wake you?” I was a bit surprised.

“No, I was still awake. With everything that has happened tonight, I can’t help but feel a little paranoid that we might receive another attack in the night.” He sat up then rubbing his eyes.

“Don’t go Rodyk,” I said, I didn’t want to risk losing my best friend, especially since he just got home.

“You know I can’t do that Draia.” He looked up at me with concern. There’s that look again. He smiled then, “Well, why shouldn’t I go then? Is this not what I trained for in the capital all this time?”

“Yes, but you just got home.” In truth, I couldn’t come up with a better excuse. Because I’m selfish and I want to keep my best friend close.

“Draia can you promise me something?” I looked at him a bit confused, had we not discussed this earlier? I promised to stay safe, but I’m going to do what I feel is right at the moment.

When I didn’t give him a response, “wait for me?” I was a bit confused about this, “Of course I will, haven’t I always?” He chuckled then, “It’s not what I mean. I mean, wait for me.” At that, I nodded still not sure what he had meant by it. Rodyk was my closest friend.

I helped him pack up his things. Neither of us spoke a word, then again neither of us knew what to say. Once his horse was packed and ready, we walked out of the stables in silence. The south gate was still open as the builders were still working on repairs and reinforcements. His troop was gathering just outside the gates when he paused and turned to face me. He had that loving look in his face. “Don’t look so worried Draia; this is what we do. Before you know it, we will be back with answers.”

He mounted Bing and met the rest of the rangers outside the gates. I waited and watched as each one disappeared into the trees. “They will come back to us soon, Draia. This is what they are trained to do.” I didn’t realize my uncle was standing beside me. How did he sneak up on me? I sighed, “yes, it is, but I still worry for my best friend’s safety.” “I know, but for now go get some sleep we have all had a long night, and we will need to stay even more vigilant.” “Yes uncle, I will be in my room. Please wake me up if anything happens.” “Sleep well, Draia.”

I headed for my room. I was starting to feel heavy; the adrenaline was beginning to fade. How could anyone sleep with everything that just transpired?

I opened the door to my room and dropped my bow and dagger by my bed as I fell over onto the familiar sheets. No sooner had I curled up, not even bothering to change out of my dirty clothes, sleep took me.