A great statue stood in the market place that dominated the area before Lyndyn’s great opened gates. The figures were those of a hardened woman armed with a purplish blade and a massive man. Ravenna stared at the statue.
Erinnia spoke, “Lyana Rikmon, the heroine of the war against the demon, and her life-mate Big Jon Loxly. We all owe our lives to them.”
Ravenna nodded respectfully. The party left their ponies in the good care of Lyndyn’s farriers. Escorts led them from the bustling commercial area to the central tower and residence of King Eomore.
Ravenna noted, “Some things remain the same. The castle remains much as I remember.”
“It is kept the same to honor the memory of those who have gone before,” Knarra answered.
A stalwart chap who wore a cloak with the crest of the Aivendars and carried in its sheath a magnificent blade and a young female Ranger approached. The man beckoned, “It is good to see you, my friends. Erinnia, I was unaware that you had a sister!”
Erinnia answered, “She is my lineage, Prince Vanni. This is Ravenna Nocerre. Ravenna, this is Vanni Aivendar, Captain of the Rangers and Prince of Donothor.”
Vanni gasped, “I…you’re lost…you are dead!”
“Not quite dead!” Ravenna quipped.
“But you must be a thousand…” Vanni began.
“Years old…actually older,” Ravenna admitted.
The young female Ranger said, “You are said to be the greatest archer in Donothor’s history. Are you up for a challenge?”
Ravenna answered, “I might be a bit rusty.”
Vanni chuckled, “Please meet Natalie Hainz. She is my finest archer.”
Ravenna said, “Hainz. I was honored to fight beside a Ranger of uncommon valor named Timi Hainz in the Iron Mountains War.”
Natalie Hainz replied, “Timi was my ancestor.”
Ravenna said, “Then I’m truly honored to meet you.”
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