<strong>Outskirts of Ashburne - Heading home to Amberthorne</strong><br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DWfDQpvCyNk/UxgdK5AECwI/AAAAAAAAHHM/o_psgNRbCiU/w800-h800/13%2B-%2B1)</div>There were certain things Graham could hide from others, but not from Asher. He knew his lord was uncomfortable from his stiff movements, subtle as they were, and even though he felt guilty at pushing his charge to the point of pain, it was easily dismissed knowing that a hot bath and thorough massage would make up for it. That particular stretch of road was not safe; that it eventually led to the King did not help matters. Cutthroats and robbers always waited for the next easy prey and he was damned if they would be. That brief glance had been caught and cherished for the time it was bestowed upon him. He’d give a silver for each of Graham’s thoughts, which by the look of it, were plentiful.<br/><br/>When Graham addressed the three of them, Asher’s expression went immediately from playful to grave, his full mouth slightly turned downward in a more pensive expression. Grimsby was the one to try and speak out against his lord, wanting to inject a bit of optimism to abate the tension. He was silenced before anything came of his argument, and Graham reclaimed his seat on the saddle. They fell into formation and continued toward their destination in silence for the time being. Asher looked over at his charge every few minutes, wishing he could say something to lighten his spirits. But then, what could he possibly say? It was better to let him simmer until they could speak freely behind closed doors.<br/><br/>The haze was getting thicker, making the air sticky and nigh unbearable for Asher, though being used to the humidity helped him cope. It was more an annoyance than anything, especially since his blood seemed to run hotter than most. The small breezes that passed through every once in awhile were small blessings, and he willed the cooling sensation on his skin to last for as long as it could.<br/><br/>They were at the point in the road where it curved to the right, offering more fog with a longer stretch ahead of them. It seemed like it would be ages before they returned home, but he knew it was just his impatience getting the best of him. The scenery had much to offer; that much he was grateful for. The low-hanging fog covered much of the ground, but the trees were still untouched. The monotony of vibrant green was broken up by the occasional bright yellow and burnt orange, heralding the coming of autumn. Asher looked off to the side as he embraced the peace only the forest could offer, watching as small animals chased each other around a tree, how their presence caused a large bird of prey to seek refuge higher up in the canopy, even the flash of skirts passing from tree to tree as they followed the route of the river…<br/><br/>Asher blinked and did a double-take, then narrowed his eyes as he waited to see if it was a figment of his imagination or if he—- over there!<br/><br/>“Hoooo,” he exclaimed as he tugged on the reigns to his horse. The beast jerked his head, but complied, and the others followed suit. “There,” he pointed with an outstretched digit toward the area he saw the woman, “I saw a flash of skirts in the distance.”<br/><br/>That was when an awful baying echoed from a ways off, followed by the heavy glide of hooves and angry shouts of men.<br/><br/>“Who the fuck are<em>they</em>?” Roland grumbled, saying what they were all likely thinking. Asher couldn’t quite tell who they were by their clothing due to the fog, but he could see the glint of unsheathed steel ready for blood. At first it appeared the men — three and counting — were heading straight toward them, and perhaps would have if the hounds had not suddenly veered off the path in the direction of where he’d seen that mysterious flutter of skirts.<br/><br/>There were very few reasons why hounds would lead an entourage, and the realization caused his stomach to suddenly sink. He was not one to play the hero very often, especially if it would endanger his charge, but he could not, in good conscience, turn the other way. It would be different if the other party had authority, but at first glance he did not see any recognizable uniform that would indicate otherwise, and they were now on Ellery territory.<br/><br/>“We have ourselves some foul play, gentlemen. Lord Graham, Grimsby, try to get a good vantage point through the trees. Roland and I are going in and we’ll need the backup.” Another collective round of howls, more excited this time, carried through the woods back to the group. It meant the target was in sight and they were zeroing in fast. They watched as the horses failed to keep up their speed after following the dogs off the road, and the men had no choice but to continue their pursuit on foot.<br/><br/>“Gods damn this day,” he cursed and jumped off his own horse with Roland doing the same. “Spook their horses while you’re at it, I don't want them to have a quick escape,” he nodded to the awaiting guard and then they, too, were on the scent.