Vacation: Part I

The minute the big grey horse raced out through the gates of Camelot, Blackthorn felt as if a great weight had been taken off his back. Ian loved and respected nearly all within the fabled halls, but sometimes he felt the urge to get away. Perhaps this was why Blackhawke took his own little jaunts, he thought; there was no one to ask for decisions, no one telling him what mistake he had made now. It felt great, except for the absence of Huney and the children.

He gave the grey its head, letting the horse eat up the miles in a rush of freedom. Dawn found them on the far side of the valley that the castles and town nestled in. He reined up, looked back, and then heard Tien's Gabriel Bells once more. They were still ringing and he had told Xan he would check with some of his old friends in the mercenary guild. He had not sent any messages out as yet... he frowned. He could not let Xan down. There were some merc companies in the port cities to the south of Camelot, and if he turned that way. He could be there in half a day's time, and back by Saturday, perhaps Friday if he rode through the night. That way he could be back to his wife and children, and compete in the Spring Tourney. Perfect!

A few hours later, Ian was leading his horse down a winding country road. Nothing was wrong with his mount, but he had ridden it most of the day. He felt the urge to stretch his legs a wee bit, and Horse probably appreciated the rest as well.

As he approached a bend in the road, a flight of birds exploded from the bushes right at the bend. Blackthorn frowned then quickly tied his horses reins to a nearby tree. He loosened his sword in its sheathe, then stepped out into the middle of the road and stared up ahead. For a few heartbeats, all was still... then with whoops and loud war cries a group of three horsemen suddenly charged around the corner of the road, bearing straight at him with swords drawn.