Red Skies - Introduction of Winter

The borders on the east side of the kingdom were wild places with few people and fewer natural animals.  With no towns or garrisons, the vigilance of the Borderholds was the first defense to any sort of invasion or problems that might come prowling about.  Every man, woman, and child was very good at some sort of defense and offense.  Winter was no exception.  She might be working with their horses, but every piece of equipment could be utilized quickly and efficiently if needed.

Thankfully there was little doubt of attack today.  The mercenary guild had advertised her family's job offer and one of the mercenary companies had responded.  The StormRiders had sent several of their mercenaries over and their presence alone would keep any human trouble away for the time being.  Winter ignored them for now though, her attention on the horses she was working with.  Her family thought she was talented with the horses, but that was not so.  She had Gifts.

Borderholds were very strict and their views of Heralds were not always the most pleasant views.  This far away from other peoples and cultures, her father's opinion was law.  And his opinion was that Gifts were nothing but trouble and Gryphons nothing but animals.  8 years of age, Winter was not about to tell him otherwise.  Animal Mindspeech was a minor gift and one she used regularly to encourage the horses to do as she wanted.  But stronger still and more harder to keep hidden was her Gift of Empathy.  Nothing fantastic like firestarting or fetching or foresight, it should not have been a problem.

"Winter!  Rest the horses and wash up!  Then come to the main hall!" Booming voice full of command, her father Bradford strolled past knowing she would do as he said quickly and efficiently.  But beneath his strong words she felt his feelings.  He was worried.  And that was why her Gifts were hard to hide.  She was impulsive enough that one day the front a person gave would not be what she responded to.  It shouldn't be a problem though.  In addition, she would never be Chosen.  They were far from the capital.  No Gryphon would choose her for a companion.

Closing the corral fence, she turned and headed inside.  The mercenaries were already inside, their voices carrying out to her.  Behind her the forest grew still in anticipation, as far on the horizon a pair of white wings beat against the wind drawing a blue eyed creature closer to the hold.