ARRIVAL



Written by Gangorn Atramion, Gaidin

A road surrounded by a lush forest.

Gangorn had been traveling for weeks since he had left Andor. Finally he was nearing his destination. Looking around Gangorn saw what appeared to be a good campsite. He wanted to appear well-rested and clean. Dismounting Caba'doon he began to set up camp. After finishing the camp preparations he went and  set a few traps, to see if he could get some dinner. Gangorn luckily caught himself a rabbit. Setting a fire, which he was sure would bring tower guards upon him in the morning, he cooked the rabbit, ate and then went to rest.
 

He awoke before dawn, startled that he had not woken during the night. Thinking to himself he decided that either it meant the land around him was the quietest that he had ever traveled or he was being watched. Watched by the guards of the tower surely. Gangorn had not expected them to find him so quickly, but they seemed willing to let him sleep the night.

Gangorn rose quietly and went to the stream that flowed next to his campsite. He washed and then went to the his bags and looked for the right thing to wear. Looking at his uniform from the Queen's guard he once more felt a small twinge of pain. Pain from the fact that he could no longer wear it honestly.

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Flashback: Inside the Queen's palace in Caemlyn.

   Gangorn saw a guardsman throw a fearful glance in his direction and was going to ask what was wrong when he saw his friend Lieutenant-Guardsman Tallanvor approach him, flanked by two guards.
 

"Greetings Tallanvor"
 

"Gangorn I have bad news. John Sameson and 3 other guards were killed last night. The treasury was also robbed. A witness said you were leaving the area as he was going in."
 

The shock was evident on Gangorn's face. His legs gave out beneath him and he was falling....to be caught in the arms of the 2 guardsmen. "Gangorn I am sorry that I do this...you are under arrest." Tallanvor said sadly. "Guards you can let him go...I will escort him to the dungeons myself."

Tallanvor and Gangorn walked towards the dungeon in silence. Finally Tallanvor said to Gangorn, "Neither the Queen nor Gareth Bryne believe you did this crime. They wish it were not so, but your arrest has been made public...by the very man who accuses you of this crime..."
 

Gangorn interrupted him, "I know who accuses me...it was Kenit. The man has been looking to get me from the day I punished him for taking leave without permission."

  They reached a cell and Gangorn went in quietly. "Tallanvor..Do me a favor? Call Merian Ficaron and tell him what happened."

"I will my friend."

*************************************************

A few days later: In the Queen's private audience chamber. Queen Morgase and Gareth Bryne were talking privately with Sergeant Gangorn.

"Gangorn as much as we wish we could clear you we cannot. The law prohibits us. You haven't been proven guilty and you have not proved your innocence. We believe you are innocent though and we will reward your fine services with a recommendation to anywhere you would like to go. You can no longer remain a member of the Queen's Guard."

Gangorn's face lost all color and he gulped and said, "I understand my Queen." Bowing stiffly, he turned and left the room.

Gangorn headed right to his room and stared at his white uniform and sword wrapped in red ribbon with white string. He didn't realize how long he had been there when a knock interrupted his reverie.
 

"Gangorn?" It was Tallanvor.

     "Come in Tall." The door opened. "You know?"

"The Queen announced that you were discharged from the guard. I am here to say good-bye on behalf of the guard. Bye my friend."  With that Tallanvor walked out.

Gangorn traveled quickly to the house of Merian Ficaron, the man who was working to get his name cleared. Gangorn left him with a bag of gold, so that he would continue to fight for his name.

*************************************************

The Queen's audience hall a few hours later

Gareth Bryne handed him the letter. "Here you are. The Queen would like to give it to you herself, but it wouldn't be proper."

"Goodbye my lord" He took the letter and turned and left.

****************************************************

Back to Present

Gangorn dressed in a green shirt and black pants he had bought for an audience with the Queen a year ago. He strapped his sword onto his saddle and slipped his pack on his back. Mounting Caba'doon fluidly, he rode back onto the road. Shortly thereafter a group of guardsmen met him and escorted him before the Tamyrlin.

****************************************************

The Tamyrlin's study

The Tamyrlin was a big man as big as Gangorn. About 6 foot and built well. Gangorn was impressed.  This man radiated strength and surety. Good traits in the world of today. The Tamyrlin finished reading the letter from Morgase and looked up at Gangorn.  "Do you know what is in this letter?"

   "No I do not my lord. The queen had it prepared for me. I imagine it explains the circumstances of my discharge."

   "It does. That and more. It says here you have been a member of the Queen's personal guard and have been instrumental in several important missions for her. You were scheduled for a promotion shortly as well."

   "I did several services for my Queen. Services that I have been honored to perform."

"Well...Welcome to the Tower Gangorn Gaidin."

Tales The Glen Visit to the Stables


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