Ghosts of the Past

The mention of the name caused Orn's stomach to tighten and he could feel his face growing pale.  He remembered the last time Velentham had taken his mother. He was so young yet he had instinctively called upon the creatures of the forest for aid.  A brave squirrel had answered his young call, and paid with it's life. The snap of the small creatures neck and the terrible man who did it had haunted Orn's nightmares for years after the fact.

'No... Velentham?'

'Yes, but I'm going to find her, and I'm going to get her back,' Gilean said  with as much conviction as the weary man could muster.  'But I know I can't do it alone.  I came for another reason Orn.  I came to ask for your help.  My cousin is much stronger than I, and on top of that, I have led the life of a pacifist.  I fully intend to fight for your mother but I fear I lack the ability to do that very effectively.'

Orn's stomach tightened some more.  'Oh... I...'

Gilean spoke calmly, still not quite looking at Orn.  'I know I shouldn't have to ask this of you and I wouldn't if I didn't feel it necessary.  But I understand you have grown into quite the capable fighter and have even been honored with leadership in your clan.  Overseeing the sect of the fighters at that.'

Orn sat there for a moment.  This was his mother they were talking about.  He should be jumping at the chance to intervene against the crazed man that had taken her yet he found himself hesitating.  Yes, he had fought before, but it had always been with Reggie at his side.  He felt like he could take on anything with his bear, but Reggie was gone and Orn had not yet faced the vulnerability that it left within him. 

Orn finally forced himself to nod his head.  'Yes... yes, of course.  I'll help you Gilean.'

An Unexpected Visit

Orn sat in his chair, reading a book titled "The Qualities of a Great Leader" which he had found in the library of the castle.  He found it to be rather dry reading, yet he forced himself to continue with it and try to absorb as much as he could from the tome.  He was somewhat startled by a rapid knock at the door and rose to answer it.

He opened the door to discover a worn and disheveled Gilean standing there. 'Oh, hello Gilean.  Is... everything alright?'

Gilean merely sighed and shook his head.  'May I come in?'

'Yes, of course, of course.  Please.'  Orn steped back and gestured to an empty chair.  Gilean took the offered seat as Orn closed the door and returned to his own.

Gilean spoke in a worn tone, his eyes not quite meeting Orn's, 'I was hoping to speak to Mirin.  Is she home?'

'Yes she is, but she's taking a nap right now.  You know, those growing twins really sap her energy.'

Gilean closed his eyes and nodded, giving Orn the distinct impression he had, at least for the moment, completely forgotten his daughter was even pregnant. 'Yes, of course.  I had just hoped to ask her to look in on Matinus and Nioma for me.'

Orn eyed his father-in-law/stepfather with concern.  'Gilean, what's happened? Is Mom ok?'

Gilean sat silently for a moment, his eyes cast down, before shaking his head. 'No, she's not.  Velentham took her.'