Chapter 13
Mirrindale
‘Perhaps the greatest courage of all
is that of the lone individual
who speaks out against an
existing climate of hate.’
Artur Klaas (1347-1401)
‘Where are we going, Rowf?’ Malina was tired and sore, her insides an ugly, anxious knot from having to ride in the company of Elf soldiers. It was a mixed consolation riding with the big Human; though reassuring, his presence was a distracting torment to her. The feel of his strong arms against her sides, made inevitable as is was he who held the reins, made her breath short with a physical excitement she had to struggle against. And yet she was glad that there had been no room for her in the wagon; though in torment, it was not a torment she would have chosen to avoid.
She gasped as Ralph gave her a gentle squeeze that sent a maddening thrill of unfulfilled anticipation throughout her body. Oblivious to her predicament, he replied to her question.
‘Sorry! Did I hurt you?’ When she didn’t answer, he said, ‘Pran told me we’re going all the way past Narvi to some place in the mountains called Mirrindale-’
Mirrindale!
The very sound of that word was enough to strike a chilling chord of fright throughout her being!