“I am Lady Eyden Loxton, The Countess of Thornbrook, sir. I have come to seek the protection of the Wyndhams, as my parents are now dead, slaughtered by the Horde.” Eyden tried her best to sound like an adult, even though her little heart hammered within her chest. be brave…be brave! She told herself as she sat taller in her saddle.
The gentleman reached out pushing Eydens hood from her head, ignoring the dogs deep growl. He nodded. “I knew your mother Katherine well, and you favor her,” he said.
“And who sir, are you?” Eyden demanded in a slightly imperious tone that caused the gentleman to smile, obviously amused by her bravery.
I am your uncle Richard Donahue, Earl of Friarsgate, my lady, Countess of Thornbrook,” the gentleman said. “I think it is most fortunate I have come upon you instead of someone else. Is your servant without speech, Eyden Loxton?”
“Nay, I think you have frighten her, my lord. She has been very brave these past weeks, and I owe her my life. Eyden answered him truthfully. “Her name is Claire, but I call her Nanna, and my hound is Baron.”
“Richard nodded, turning to this woman. “You need not fear me, Mistress Claire. I am the childs uncle and I shall take you to a place of safety. You can not reach Menethil today. I will send you with two of my own men to guide and protect you.”
“ Thank you, my lord. “ Claire managed to find her voice again. “The child looks ill,” The Earl said to Claire.
“I fear the conditions in which we have been forced to travel have caused it, my lord,” Claire said wearily. “We have had little to eat, and have sheltered mostly outdoors. It has not been easy for my little mistress. Only the dogs warmth kept her from worse harm.”
“No, it would not have been easy,” He agreed. Then, reaching out from his saddle, he lifted the startled child from hers, setting her before him. “You will ride with me, Eyden Loxton,” he said, and drew his fur-lined cloak around her little body. Then he looked at the great dog, who was now baring his teeth. “Come Baron!” he commanded the animal, and, recognizing the voice of authority, Baron obeyed. Eyden instinctively snuggled against the dukes chest. Her eyes grew heavy as they moved off, the even gate of the horse rocking her into slumber as they rode.
Richard looked down on the child for a long moment. He thought fondly of his sister, she had been a great beauty, although she was genuinely unconscious of it. Her blonde hair, violet eyes, and serene face had attracted her husband as far as he could recall, he was only a boy when she had left home. Now Richard was looking down at his niece, and she was the miniature of her mother, all but her ebony locks and cinnamon eyes. Those features she must have been gifted from her father. He was now interested in Eydens story. Why and how had her father and stepmother met their untimely end at the hand of the Horde.
They reached Theramore in two hours time, it was just dusk and they would make preparations for the night. “Mistress Claire, take Eyden to the inn, tell them I will be along briefly. Have the maid draw Eyden a bath and I shall have food sent to the both of you.” Claire gave a nod taking their things from the packs. Richard then made his way to the docs to make arrangements for the voyage to Menethil the following morning. After sufficient arrangements were made he returned to the inn where her had ordered food to be sent to his niece and servant.
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