Lilith woke with a start as she heard a whinny in the distance. Hurriedly glancing back towards the camp, she noticed that Halt and Horace were gone, leaving behind on the residue of their morning fire. She had over slept, and they had slipped past her. She cursed under her breath and began to pack up her sleeping roll, picking up her water skin and her bow off the ground. Her quiver of arrows rested firmly at her hip, allowing her to snatch and draw an arrow in time that would make Rangers bet money on her. Her father had trained her well. He believed that should she ever come across a ranger, her skill should match theirs. Only in recent years had Morgarth come to realize that his petite daughter could give a ranger a run for his money. He would always beam proudly at the fact.

Lilith had no time to linger, she dove into the trees, her small form cover by the foliage as she raced about, trying to catch up with the dreaded ranger and the apprentice knight. Typically she got along with men, especially those like Foldar. These two however, were a nuisance she couldn't wait to be rid of.

Lilith did not catch up to the Ranger and the boy until later in the afternoon. She had been slightly distracted by a bandit that she had to kill, which threw her off their scent. She suddenly realized which way they were headed when she remember the road they were on was a route for the port city La Rivage. To get there however, they needed to board a skiff or anything to get them across. Considering they had three horses to take with them, Halt would most likely pay off a freighter. Mentally checking which freighters would be on the coast this evening, she remember there was to be one who would be transporting hides to Gallica. By tipping him off, Halt was sure to gain access needed to travel across the Narrow Sea to La Rivage. If she hurried, she might make the same trip. It was a close call, being that close to her prey, but she couldn't lose them.

***

It was two in the afternoon once she reached the coast of the Narrow Sea. In the distance she could see the two figures with three horses. The freighter was piled high with hides being taken to the tanners in La Ravage. Lilith had an idea, and she took off her boots and her travel pack, storing them behind a log. She then proceeded to roll herself in the dirt, messing up her hair, and tearing a bit of her tunic. Luckily enough, her bow looked like a simple hunting bow used by farmers. A toy really. However it had the power of a long bow, and could shoot the same distance. It was only weighted sixty pounds as well. Though it pained her to do so to her treasured bow, she took a rock and marked up the finely crafted wood, making it seem sloppy and not well taken care of. She continued to mark her bow, her quiver and each arrow until they looked ragged, something a simply farm girl would carry. Her plan was set.

***

The freighter was ready to take off, and Halt and Horace waited by the railing, not wanting to fill their lungs with the foul stench of the hides. Halt noticed a flicker of movement in the distance and a small girl approached, looking distraught. She was covered in dirt and disheveled. She carried a small hunting bow that look in rather bad shape.

"What do you want?" The freighter spat. Her blue eyes were filled to the brim with tears, and her wavy blonde hair was covered in dirt.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I was to travel to Gallica to meet my uncle. I missed my ship, and then bandits jumped me in the woods." She said quietly, her lip quivering in fright.

"You think I care? Get lost!" The freighter yelled. A single tear betrayed her and it slipped down her dirty cheek.

"Please sir! May I ride to Gallica with you? If that is where you are going of course. I have no money, but my uncle can pay you once I arrive. He is a wealthy man!" She said hurriedly. The freighter seemed a little moved by this notation, however he was still firm on his answer.

"If you don't have money to show me now, then get lost." He said scowling. Horace's eyes flickered towards the young girl.

"Can we help her, Halt?" He pleaded. Halt debated in his mind.

"We need our money, Horace." He said grimly. Horace glared at her. He then called out to the freighter.

"Let her aboard, good man. We will pay for her passage." Horace announced. The young girls eyes brightened and she gave Horace and Halt a grateful nod.

"Thank you! Thank you!" She said tearfully. Halt glared at Horace.

"She better be worth it, boy. I expect full compensation from that uncle of hers." He snapped. Horace ignored him and moved to help the girl aboard the ship. She gratefully took his hand and grinned.

"You are ever so kind." She said quietly. She gave Halt a small smile and a nod of the head, but his eyes were trained on her small bow.

"May I see it?" He asked gruffly. She hesitantly passed it towards the grim Ranger.

"My father gave it to me. I love to travel you see, he insisted I had some sort of protection. Though the most protection it gives me is against squirrels." She said. Halt reached out and gripped the bow, examining it carefully.

"Where did your father encounter a bow such as this?" Halt asked.

"I'm not sure. I believe he bought it off my uncle." She said.

"Enough questions Halt. Aren't you always scolding us for asking to many? Now who's talking?" Horace said. His eyes had yet to leave the young girls.

"What's young name, child?" Halt asked.

"Lily, sir." Lilith said. Halt seemed wary of her, however he returned her bow and moved to the stern of the freighter to try to get some sleep eye.

***

Sorry it's been a while! Been busy with school and family matters. I hoped you enjoyed this chapter! Please comment and vote!

~Avis