Kirima sat huddled next to the fire. She drew her tattered cloak closer, attempting to drive off the chill brought on by the rain. There was a dreary feeling throughout the campsite, both from the cold, wet weather and from the violent shouting between Lotar and the chicken thief. Rudgar was now speaking, his voice loaded with contempt.
"Trust? How can I trust you and your pack of thieves? Did I give you and your thugs permission to steal a smoked chicken from my bag? I go out and find food for everyone, and this is how I'm rewarded!" He glanced accusingly at those seated by the fire. Kirima quickly looked away, feeling guilty.
The shouting continued for a moment, before Rudgar sat down angrily by the fire and Lotar stormed off to his tent. Kirima moved over to where Rudgar was sitting, speaking quietly before she lost her nerve. "I'm sorry, Rudgar. I was the one as stole the food. You won't find it. I sent it with the messenger from the Weather Hill. Please don't be mad at Lotar, he really didn't know what was going on."
She glanced at Rudgar, expecting him to be angry with her. There was no time for her to hear his response, however, for at that moment two strangers burst into the clearing. All of those seated at the fire looked up in surprise. The older man pushed forward and spoke to them. "I'm here from the Weather Hills with a dire message for Lothar," He said. "There's been a change in plans and I need to speak with him immediately."
Kirima stood up, relieved to have an excuse not to look at Rudgar. "Lotar will be in his tent. It is at the end of the path there," she added, pointing. "But I fear you may find him in an ill mood."
[ November 02, 2003: Message edited by: Arestevana ]
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