Handing Pedrel my battle Axe was lucid. In Prince Jeron hands would understanding be birthed.

I had explained to the Prince once, that the piece was a sheer signatory in Gezon tradition, of warrior leadership. As long as the weapon remained in my hand, I was still seen as the warrior chief.

I hoped to return to the Plains someday...that piece would be my sheer entry in. And if I ever I had to get it, I must return to Kedrone.
So by fortune, I was fated to return to Kedrone someday...

This was what I needed them believe, merely to buy my freedom that day. With the forces my once comrade commanded, even though I appeared in many of the men's eyes a legend, they would still follow command and bind me back to Kedrone.
I could only hope now that my treacherous quest come to an end sooner.

Meanwhile, stories of Dakor and his terrors were slowly fading to obscurity. The rest of his militias were haunted by Kedrones army, purging the lands of the once growing insurgence.
As it were even, Dakor had gone completely silent once again. Though I had lost Dakor once again, this very time I felt comforted haven aided in breaking his forces.
The reptile had withdrawn, and their was no true telling when he would stick out his head again. For me...this was back to the start - waiting, stalking and attacking.

For months and end, no one heard anything on Dakor. I had strived even many times - too many times...but their was only slim assurance that I would ever find him...that is if he still remained alive even.

My struggles were vein - it was obvious nothing would be fruited from my cursed endeavors. The temptation to return back to Kedrone did in fact torment me once in a while. But vengeance urging had deeper claws in me now.

I couldn't stop this mindless endeavour now...too many things were involved. My anger was a vice, and it had sure ambushed me.
I couldn't return to either of my homes. If I went back to Kedrone, I would be the man - the fool, that couldn't save his wife and went chasing the wind.
If I went back to Gezon, I would be considered an maniacal warrior and an outcast. The only thing that could really buy me grounds on Gezon soil, was a great glory won - the kind that would overwhelm even the Elders.
I knew I hadn't seized such glory.

My ego would only be bruised if I dared stop this chase. In so I had to press on in my struggles. Though things seemed very well passive, I knew I had to wait...it wouldn't be long now!

I journeyed from Hamdire, further South to Kermdern at the borders of Kedrone and Amlyxone. My guess was Dakor had returned a defeated dog with tail between legs back to Amlyxone. Their still remained faithful allies of his father there, who were yet ready to risk their heads for his sake.
I would have to cross the Majeeter Trails to cross into the new land. But this endeavour offered fresh challenges.
The Trails was one of the most ruthless path to sojourn by. Highway robbers and bandits were most active at these point, to halt traveling caravans, bands and merchant convoys.
Sometimes desperation would leave them seizing the slimmest opportunity, robbing whomever, even lone travellers.

I had to be well rested and strong to overcome this challenge, and the night was no favourite traveling hour.

As I approached the old cabin, I wondered in heart if this was fate's good deeds. It was the only sign of life I had stumbled upon for several miles. Their was no telling truly if I would be so fortunate to encounter another habitation.

I moved nearer unto the cabin, the vast tilled land and several barns spoke of this farmers richness.
I would have to stop by for refreshment and hope they have a room to spare for a single night for few coins.
My beast groaned beneath my weight as it moved us falteringly...it needed the refreshment more.

From a distance I picked the bald man with pitch fork in hand. His lips were grim. His countenance blank. He had seen me approach him and seized his work.

"Greetings," I hailed.

"Greetings," He responded. "You need me to point you on the right path."

"Far be it so," I told with a smile. "The night would alas catch me on the road if I decide to press on. I plead to pass the night with you. Promise to pay in full."
His demeanor changed sourly at my words. I sensed clearly his reluctance to buy in my proposal.

"How we would love to stranger. But the thing is our rooms are occupied..."

"Roders!" A feminine voice halted the man, as a new being drew into scene.
The woman was on a simple blue dress. Her gray braids ran in either side of her shoulders. She looked serene. Her eyes were bright with amusement. She had smile hung to lips.

"Roders, the beast looks weary. The man even is troubled. At least a meal and supply for his travel, would be the least we can offer now."

"You are right, Darah." He signed and then turned to me. "Forgive me stranger. I shall take your house and provide for its needs, while my wife would lead you on for a meal." He smiled

"Come now." Darah said to me...and with a nod and smile I acknowledged.

In a moment, I was in the cabin and sited patiently at the table, waiting the rich savory meal arrive already.
Darah returned a moment later carrying a steaming tray. I sat up straighter, eyeing selfishly the little feast; a loaf of bread, a plate of broth, and a mutton cut.
I didn't hesitate. I plunged into the task afront me.

"We have little meat or milk these days." She apologized as she served me a jar of fresh water.
"The soldier and his wife take everything we have, and pay nothing for them, and have even refused to go, and when we complain, he threatens to shoot us." She continued to lament.

"Kill you? You have a soldier staying with you?" I paused with a frown.

"Yes," She answered. "He is from the wars."

"What war do you speak of?" I furrowed my brows.

"The battle on the White Valley." She told, dabbing the table with a brown kerchief.

"That was months ago!" I interjected.

"Yes, he has been with us ever since. It seems like he is taking to refuge or hiding. He hardly comes out from the barn." She seized her duty now with a wince. But unlike her worry, I was a bit confused this time by her words.
Why would a soldier from the battle on the White Valley be in hiding after winning the wars. He should be back at his home to enjoy the heroes treatment.

The statement wasn't correlating, which even made me eager to know more.

"Its why your husband contemplated taking me in." I rubbed my fingers against my beards.

"We have seen all sort of men pass through here. But no one has defiled our privacy and comfort as this soldier."

"What is he like?" I asked again.

"O! A very big man. He had come terribly wounded, and we showed him mercy out of ignorance. But his wife, a very beautiful and caring woman." She replied.
The more she spoke, my inquisitiveness boiled, as much as my detest for whoever the soldier was.

"I am a soldier too, and I fought in that battle myself. I want to see this man." I demanded firmly. But at this the woman grew panicky.

"He doesn't want to see anybody. His temper is very bad." She warned. But I ignored her. I stood away from my unfinished meal, and broke out from the cabin, tending now for the barn.
From behind, I heard the farmer who had come now, and his wife talk silently. I paid less concerns for their drama, and pressed on my resolve.

As a man who knew the kingdom well at that time, it was natural that I be cautious. I had my rifle in my hands, and eyes and ears missed nothing that might be dangerous.

The door of the barn was unbolted when I had come, and so I walked in slowly, but well audacious.
The room was almost darkened, save the lit torch. A wince followed my intrusion, but I paid less concern as my eyes fought for vision.

Mingled with the shadows and partial darkness, I was almost lost to the man I had come for, though his unease was unmasked. I picked his frame, but his facial features remained unrevealed.

My strive was twice harder, and in that limited lightening, the ugly scar running from cheekbone down to jaw, drew strange familiarity. I considered the huge man - big jawed, with dark eyes that spelt terror.

"You?" He cried. But it was enough to affirm my suspicion.
DAKOR!
How could fate even be this generous?

The man gulped with fear. His eyes flickered with uncertainty. He was growing with anxiety, but my wielded weapon was curtailing him. Any rash move and I was sure to fire.

Beside him sat quietly and in terror the glorious creature. She was beautiful; too beautiful to think she would end up with such a man as Dakor to be his wife.

I was truly injured by my sight. This woman was a beauty as my own Keiya. Dakor had deprieved me my damsel, only to find one for himself. What right had he to be happy with a beautiful wife?
The fire in me grew stronger, rage boiling earnestly, as I spat to the ground, glaring brutally at him.

Even Dakor now had grown considerably thinner and more unkempt, compared to what I last saw him to be. His eyes glowered at me from the dimly illuminated house, while I stood gallant and ready for any action.

"We've met again Dakor." I addressed coldly. "Come out and let us settle this like men." I added.

From where I stood, I could have made him clean with my rifle. But that would have been a cowardly blow. It wasn't like me to take advantage of a weak enemy.

I could see him looking with anxiety at his rifle which lay few inches from he and the woman. But Dakor said nothing, and again I invited him, keen this time to his rifle and whatever trick he was scheming.

"Did you hear me Dakor? Come out, least I change my mind and shoot you." I growled darkly.

Their was a brief pause - the silence as a gentle sweeping stream. The absurdity prevailed yet - cold silence, except unspoken words and un-taken actions, gestures and wild thoughts. Amid the preposterous serenity of the atmosphere, suddenly, the rival moved quickly, and instantly, a firearm cracked, and a bullet whistled past my ear, and by impulse, I shot as well.

I heard a thick voice roar in pain, and then the door of the hut flung open, and Dakor had his way. A moment later, a deep neigh preceded and then strong gallops

I was too ignorant to assume this to be an easy confrontation. The barn alas was built with two entrance at either sides - a strategic layout any thief as Dakor would appreciate. In his quick move, I had seen him deep his hand into his undergarment and drawn out a weapon - a pistol!

It had all happened within a moment, and when the silence had died down, I saw the woman sitting at an edge terrified extremely. I ran up to her and touched her. She shook terribly with fear, and continued gazing at me.

She was more captivating once nearer her. This creature was a thing of beauty. Her gentle green eyes, staring innocently at me...and what was I doing, staring at my enemies woman, when I should be chasing him.

I broke free at once from what seemed like madness, and then rushed out. But Dakor had long ridden away. He couldn't go far though, for I was sure I had wounded him...but how terrible, I couldn't tell.
The trail of blood as I followed it, ran up right to the stable. But I faced the greatest amusement of my life...my beast was gone.
The maniac had taken my horse!

I rushed furiously out the barn. The first person my sight picked was the horrified woman who had as well come out the barn.
My eyes were dark with fury. I began the stride - strong and ominous. I drew out my blade, revealing to the woman my intent.

"Dakors wife..." I approached her. She gulped with fear.

"Where is he headed?" Furiously I reached for her arm, I yanked her to myself.
Deep cold resolute unmasked...her end was undebatable.