<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 align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><strong>Asher Bray</strong></span></div></div>They crossed into Ashburne territory not too long prior — the small town of their residence, and were approximately an hour out from Amberthorne; so close, in fact, he could almost detect the cloying aroma of the fruit trees scattered across the estate. Of course, it was the anticipation of home and its familiar comforts that played tricks on his senses, as it would be a while yet before he could savor the real thing. Which is why when they were asked, then, a little more desperately,<em>urged</em>, to stop so one of the two guards accompanying them could have some relief, Asher shot him a look that suggested the man hurry up with his business or be separated from the anatomy that was so cumbersome. The guard, named Roland, grumbled as he dismounted and stalked to the trees. He knew that look all too well, and also knew that Asher’s bluff appeared just as earnest as his sincerity.<br/><br/>Asher’s irritation softened into something more neutral as he looked to his charge, Graham. The heat that accommodated late summer was beginning to ease, especially at night, but Asher had pulled his black curls to the base of his skull and secured them with a cord. Days-old stubble was beginning to turn into a beard, emphasizing his strong jaw and square chin. The contrast made the intensity of his eyes that much more shocking and overall more expressive. Broad shoulders and a tapered waist were dressed in a lightweight tunic that would breathe as he moved, and was covered by a leather vest for added protection. Dark breeches were tucked into sturdy boots, and he donned a swordbelt with twin daggers — the Wicked Sisters, he called them — strapped at each hip. They were his main source of security and had served him well over the years. Of course, they were not his<em>only</em>means of protection; other weapons and devices were strategically placed both on his person and his mount. Better to be prepared than surprised.<br/><br/>It was just the four of them in the woods, riding on horseback straight from the port town of Eastburne. Located conveniently on the coast, it was one of the major driving forces of the local economy. Many goods were traded there, and the recent arrival of new merchants sparked the curiosity of many. It also attracted the more unsavory characters and it wasn’t uncommon for the bastards to chose a target, often of the wealthy variety, and follow them home to rob them blind. That is why Asher preferred to take an entourage when accompanying Graham; not only was it his duty to protect him, over time it had become a necessity. The man had his complete devotion, and as long as he drew breath, no harm would come to his Lord.<br/><br/>“Next time I’m leaving this one,” Asher pointed a thumb at Roland’s back, “at home where he can nurse his weak bladder.” His remark earned a low chuckle from the other guard, Brisby. The two were brothers, with Roland being the younger by ten years. They had a similar look, though Brisby was sporting a receding hairline while Roland still had his full head of hair.<br/><br/>Asher was antsy, and aside from his mild irritability he hid the signs fairly well. He already halted himself from twisting his horse’s reins several times while Roland took what seemed like the piss of a lifetime. He was in-tune with their surroundings and was ready to detect anything even remotely out of the ordinary. They all knew the dangers, but it was easy to argue that they made quite the intimidating little group and any ambitious thieves would wait until the next potential victim that came along. That type of arrogance was dangerous.<br/><br/>The road ahead was wide enough to fit a carriage and a half width-wise, though as the afternoon gradually turned into evening, a thin fog started to settle and obscure what awaited them in the distance. The road would curve up ahead, and branch off to become smaller paths that led to various properties and thoroughfares. It was easy to get lost without a map or the know-how to get home. Luckily they'd traveled that way many times, and had long since needed the former.<br/><br/>Something buzzed by his ear, a parasite on a hungry quest for blood, and was promptly swatted away by a large hand. His sweat always managed to attract the blood-suckers, and he swiped that same hand across his brow as a trickle started to descend as if on cue. One of the maids always teased that it was because he was sweet on the inside, and in turn he’d passed on that question to Graham, who would know by experience.<br/><br/>Finally, Roland stalked back to his horse, claimed his mount and smirked at Asher, who in turn reached over and smacked the back of his head. “There was a fly,” he said with a shrug of a shoulder and glint of humor in his eyes as the guard rubbed his stinging scalp, and while his hurt pride wanted to get his revenge, they both knew it was not the time nor the place to settle scores with his superior, especially petty ones.<br/><br/>Without wasting any more time they were off, with Roland taking the lead and Brisby bringing up the rear.