[Maikadilwen]

Rhana took a few steps back, watching the two men carefully.
Suddenly she noticed the glint of a knife in Gormel's hand and she gasped from surprise. She thought they had removed all his weapons, but it appeared they had missed one.
Her own survival mattered most and she knew, that if Kane was killed now, she would probably be next, so she had to do something.
Think, Rhana, think! Think!
With a swift movement she drew her knife as she stepped forward and she grabbed Kane from behind, pressing her blade against his throat. "STOP! Both of you!"

She held her breath for a moment until she saw Gormel lower his knife and a quiet sigh of relief escaped her, not loud enough for Gormel to hear it, but Kane did and he relaxed a little, suddenly beginning to understand what it was she was trying to do.
"I believe Gormel ordered you to make sure everyone is ready to go, Kane. I can't see you doing that. Now drop the knife!" Her voice was harsh as she pressed the blade harder against his throat, causing a small streak of blood to run down his skin.
Turning her head so Gormel couldn't see her mouth, she whispered quietly to Kane. "At least let him believe I'm on his side!"
Kane slowly let his knife drop to the ground and Rhana released her grip and stood for a moment looking after him as he trotted back to the fire and began to break up camp.

"That boy is nothing but trouble."

The sound of Gormel's voice almost made her jump and she turned her head, staring at him, trying to calm herself. She had to play this part right if she wanted to survive this trip.
"How's the shoulder? Can you use your arm?"
Gormel nodded and Rhana helped him up to stand and made a quick examination of the wound. It seemed to be healing fine and it would be far to soon that he would be back as the rough leader. Hopefully she would be far away by then.

[ January 24, 2003: Message edited by: Maikadilwen ]