<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/54/21/19/542119af27b86b5be1e565be2cf2a8ad.jpg)<div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><strong>Asher Bray</strong></span></div></div><strong>Outskirts of Ashburne - Heading home to Amberthorne</strong><br/><br/>Asher kept his hold firm and steady as he maintained control of the ‘leader’, not bothering with a verbal response after being insulted.  He’d been called many things, often, and the frequency of which they were delivered left him with a thick hide.  Very few insults could be thrown his way that would goad him into a fight, and even those would have to be quite original and struck on a more personal level.  However, the man on the other end of his blade might notice a bit more pressure at his spine.  It was pleasing to see the sweat moving down his face as he realized the precarious situation he’d placed himself in.<br/><br/>He remained quiet as Graham performed his lordly duties by addressing the men, namely the one who threw around the insults.  Asher’s back straightened as tension pulled the muscles tight once his charge dismounted to offer a hand to the damsel, preparing to leap into action should any of the intruders make a move toward his lord.  Fortunately, she was brought to her feet without much fuss, and was left to mount his horse while the mercenaries were handled.  Graham never let the authority he still held go to his head, and his decisions always came from a sound place.  His level-headedness was admirable.  Crystalline eyes shifted briefly to the lady, watching her mount Graham’s horse despite being obviously fatigued.  How long had she been running?  Her dress was clearly soiled, and were it observed closer, would no doubt have its share of tears.  It boiled his blood to think what the men would have done to her had they not been stopped.  He’d wager they would have taken their pound of flesh before turning her in.<br/><br/>Fortune favored her, and hers was not quite a sordid tale.  Graham rendered his verdict and dismissed the trespassers.  Asher released his hold and encouraged the man to move along with a none-too-gentle shove.  They found their horses and moved out, leaving the four men in a very interesting predicament.  With no family to turn to, and nowhere to go that wouldn’t be closely monitored by her pursuers, there was only one thing they could do, which was take her home.  Graham had already said they needed evidence against her in order for a fair trial, and whether he realized it or not at the time, that put her in their custody for the time being.<br/><br/>They were introduced, and they now knew her name was Meg.  His heart ached for the girl, which was not easily discerned by his stern expression.  A nod was given to accept her thanks, and after she finished her explanation, he looked to Graham.  “Better not waste anymore time here. She is tired and the horses need rest. I’ll need to rearrange the guards as soon as we get home.”  Asher sheathed his weapons, and then claimed his mount with Roland.  He waited for Graham to situate himself with the lady seated on his horse, all while hoping the whole ordeal hadn’t taxed him too much.  He would help with whatever aches ailed him once they were home and all business concluded, but they needed to get their first. The order of guards was resumed, with Asher taking the lead, and once again they were off.<br/><br/>The ride back to Amberthorne was tense, at least for the captain; he settled in an eerie quiet as he observed their immediate surroundings.  Fortunately, the rest of the way was nowhere near as exciting; it was quite dull, actually.  He was even relieved to note the trail the mercenaries took after fleeing, which was down a road that would take them nowhere near the estate.  A place that, other than the maids, hadn’t had the presence of a woman in a long time.  A lady, judging by her attire and the way she presented herself.  He was interested to learn who her family was — had been — and knew that Graham was likely wondering the same.  They would get their answers, but that was not priority.<br/><br/>After what felt like an age, they arrived to the gates and were promptly let in by two men in house Ellery livery, who had been anticipating their arrival.  They welcomed them home, though they gave Meg curious glances.  Asher left it up to Graham to explain who she was, and headed straight to the house so he could make arrangements right away.  The stablehands were waiting to gather the horses and guide them to the stables for some much-needed pampering, and Ricard, the butler, was waiting with his usual cantankerous expression to tend to his lord.  He would not think highly of their guest and the danger housing her would pose.<br/><br/>Yes, better to let Graham deal with the explanations.  Asher had a noble derriere to protect.