Kaite's question took Sadron off guard. He jolted back as if struck, composed himself, and replied, "As soldiers, you will be paid a soldier's salary. Unlike soldiers, you may loot your enemies and keep anything you acquire. But your participation is not optional." [i]Since you are not a Free Elf, but a half-elven bastard.[/i]

To Zenovia, Sadron took a softer tone. He put his hand on her shoulder and said quietly, "I know you are capable. You will succeed where others cannot. Don't count yourself out just yet."

Then the Storyteller stood up. "I too shall join this quest!" he declared. "It will make a most entertaining addition to my book. But as I was also invited here for my 'bold council' I will say this: I know this story all to well. It comes in forms that are as varying and diverse as the races of this world. Some I know are true. Others I know to be simply works of fiction. But in all its forms, this story has many different twists and turns. Some favourable, others not so much. So should an unfavourable turn come to pass. Should we fail in this quest. Should the darkness claim us and reach out to all corners of this land. Hide. Hide and keep yourselves alive for as long as you can. For when the true heroes arise to succeed wherever we may fail and bring an end to this story, they will benefit greatly from your guidance."

Sadron closed his eyes and nodded. "History does oft repeat itself. It is true that villains like the Warlock have risen up in the past, and they shall undoubtedly rise up again in the future. Whether the day's heroes succeed or fail, it is up to those who survive to pass the torch to those who come after them."

Ivan pounded his fist on the table. "Sadron, you can count on me and my blade. We will bring justice to this Warlock and his armies!"
The high elf offered him an enthusiastic nod. "Excellent! I believe in you. Destroy the Warlock and bring your friends home safely. I'm counting on you."

He gestured to a number of chests sitting off to the side. "I suppose now is an excellent time to provide you the supplies you'll need on your journey. Each chest contains food and survival gear. It is all yours, so you may take what you want before departing. I trust Xen will let you know when to depart."

The items in each chest were the usual - elf rations, rope, knives, cloak, matches, lantern, canteen, and iodine. But as they dug through the chests, they each found a curious silver ring tucked away in the front corner, hidden as if someone didn't want them to be found. Three letters were inscribed on the inside of the rings:

[i]Eru.[/i]