My Turn

I hate to say I was excited when Reinys came to me after their show at the lord's castle, but that's exactly what I was. The weariness on her face as she walked close told me everything I needed to know and I was saying yes before she could even ask the question. She was tired, tired of the weight and pressure that dragged at her shoulders and her mind. Paladins were strong folks, especially those of the North, but this was different and I couldn't turn her away when she needed the help.
 
People say that barbarians are ruthless and heartless, but they've never met the Llanowars if that's all they can say. I stepped into the role of a leader, a role that a paladin with decades of experience on me, couldn't handle. But like Miz always says, fuck 'em. They didn't deserve someone that would easily give their lives to save someone's sorry ass. So now it's my turn, and the barbarian always stands in front.
 
Within a few minutes of taking over, possibly before the sorry state of our party realized it, I was walking our sorry asses to the castle for not only payment, but for Cross. From what Reinys had said, the bloodsucker had saved their asses and the party couldn't be bothered to move very fast to go see him. If nothing else, I was going to hear what he had to say so we could move on from this damned town.
 
Prep for the trip was slow. Grandfather would have asked if we were waiting for the next winter with as long as it took us to toss some things into a bag. I lightened my pockets and weighted my back, gladly taking the beautiful black sword that Reinys had been given. It felt balanced in my palm, an extension of my body that I hadn't felt since I had held the blades of the Drow in my hands in the Underdark so long ago.
 
While I did hate leaving Miz with the others, she was glad that I was taking my constant "bitching" with me. I knew that even with my sword and axe removed from the party, that the Northerners and Miz that had become like siblings over the last few weeks would be safe and well-led as Reinys regained her somewhat shattered confidence.
 
The goblins from my security mission a few weeks back were merely a footnote in our travels for the day. I didn't really care about any of it, as long as my blade met flesh and bone. I needed the stretch of lithe muscles moving heavy weapons. It was glorious! I'm excited for the rest of our travels and the chance at fighting a hydra.