"Oh great Sandrine, grant meh thy flame once more--" Anrak began to loudly chant, his right hand resting on the gospel; that was affixed to his hip. "That tha walls protectin' tha wicked--" the massive warrior continued as he began his charge. The dormant spark that had been dormant within Anrak's breast burned proudly once more and bled forth onto his skin; not quite as explosively as before, but in potent fashionnonetheless.

Like an increadibly muscular shooting star, Anrak pulled ahead of the other warriors as each stride became longer, and faster with each passing moment. "COME CRASHIN' DOWN!!!" the half beast bellowed as he slammed his shoulder into the massive gate. The the door lurched back with a violent shudder as the beaten hinges gave way, yet Anrak drove further-- his momentum greatly slowed, but he pressed on, pressing his head into the door, he gripped it low, and with a loud roar he sent the massive object tumbling back!

Sonia had a wry smile as Gossk pointed in the direction of where to go. "Home is actually in that direction," she corrected him, "once we reach Kalla, we can tell the others where the bandits have hidden themselves." She didn't know of the scouting party that had already started their mission to find them. A short while would pass before Tyrael would come up front the cabin. One of the other girls saw Tyrael come up as well and was the first to ask about Lynn. "Will she be alright?" the younger girl asked. Sonia then chimed in as well, "We owe our lives to you three. If there is anything we can do to help once we reach Kalla, we will be glad to do so. That girl, I've never seen one before, but she is merfolk isn't she? Kalla sits next to an oasis, so there should be plenty of water to keep her in good health. We should get there by nightfa-"

Just then there was an eerie creaking sound as the sand ship took on more weight, slowing it down considerably. "Wh-what was that!?" Sonia exclaimed. She looked down to the cabin and saw water at the step's edge. "How did we take on water!? And where did those plants sticking out of the deck come from?" Due to the spell, the growth of swap plants seemed to poke through even to the upper deck here and there. Sonia thought about the mergirl and the dracodile that went down there to help her. Did they cause this? a temporary pool of water to help the aquatic traveler, huh? Smart idea, but..."This will slow us down. Now by much mind you. But if we continue like this...," she trailed off as she took in the sights and their decreased speed due to the new weight, "it looks like we will arrive in the morning a little after sunrise. If it helps her though, I'm perfectly fine with it." she acknowledged as she checked their path.

As the water started to form around Gossk and Lynn, he would notice a large bubble of air seeming to automatically leave Lynn's mouth as her gills seemed to take over by instinct alone, flaring out ever so slightly as compared to the nearly fully sealed thin lines on her neck that they appeared to be above water. However, they seemed to act supplementary to regular breathing, as she looked to be breathing with her lungs as well. She would draw in water into her lungs as if it were air, and her multipurpose lungs acted as another set of gills, filtering the oxygen from the water. As Lynn slowly started to wake back up, she was surprised by the comforting feeling of being in water. Her vibrant red eyes slowly opened to see Gossk looming over her with a strange purple light coming from his eyes. It reflected in the water enough to seem to bathe the area around them in a dim purple light. As Lynn's head weakly tilted to look around, she noticed that they seemed to be in a strange swamp-like cave, with the sunlight peaking through a wood grated ceiling, of which had some stairs that led up to it. Lynn's horn seemed to pulse with a dim cyan light in it's core, and nearly instantaneously, Lynn's voice seemed to be projected mentally, as if she was speaking on dry land. Was this how merfolk communicated when underwater? It had to have been, since she did it so naturally, and honestly it would be a wonder how there could be any other way to speak when submerged. "Where...where are we?" Gossk would here her voice as if they were standing in a normal room. "What happened? Last I remember I was trying to heal that stranger with the cloak, and everything after is very feint."



The corpse hurdled to the first spearman, who failed his attempt at scrambling away as the fat body of his deceased comrade slammed into him. Before they could recover they were backed off by a strange display put on by the saytr, not knowing how to approach without becoming the next victim. As the man with the shield decided enough was enough, Kistal activated a minor curse, causing the dirt to kick up and blind them, almost as if the dust was purposefully going for their eyes. This caused the man to flinch, though by the time he looked up, Kistal already in the air again, spear about to come down on him. The bandit threw up his shield, but the power of Kistal's strike backed up by his own weight pinned the man down against his old worn shield. His back hit the ground and there was a loud cracking as the spear tip, broke through, moving through to impale them man in his chest. There was a quickly silenced shout as it seemed the now blinded heavily muscled man bashed his ally's skull in, swinging wildly in hopes to hit something in his blindness. It was nearly too late for Kistal to had been able to react as he brought his club up for another swing that would have surely stuck home. Before he had even begun the downswing though, his body twitched in a number of directions as he then became still. Slowly, he fell face first into the ground, revealing that the arrows that were shot in their direction had a few bury into his back, unintentionally blocking them from Kistal's path.

As for Bidzil, He picked up the body at his feet and kicked the door in to the archer's nest. Just as he thought, an archer spun around a let loose an arrow, burring itself in the corpse. Bidzil shoved the body into the closest archer and rushed the one that fired at him, running him through before he was able to draw his dagger. As the last remaining archer shoved the body away from him, he readied an arrow and drew, only to find a metal sheath flying through the air and slamming into him. It wasn't a perfect hit to the head, but BIdzil's tactic was still successful to knock the archer off target as he let loose the arrow into the wall behind him, Using a similar technique, he then rushed the other archer and drove his sword into his gut, yanking it to one side, and then turning it to yank it to the opposite side to withdraw it. The man fell to the floor immediately. Picking up his sheath in his left hand once more, he ran out of the room back out to the rafters where he could see Allanon, "This side's clear!"

It wasn't even a second after that phrase that there were multiple explosions heard at the gate. Everyone turned to the gate in shock as there was a brief moment of silence. Then suddenly, the gates were bowled over by a half minotaur warrior in a strange sand wyrm scale armor. Kalla warriors stormed around the man nearly instantly, seeing their targets and moving in to secure them, decimating the remaining bandits as they pushed them back to form a front-line in front of the kidnapped girls, allowing their back-line to free them and start moving them out of the encampment.

Hilde smiled at her handiwork, the heavy metal plates that were holding up the doors, slamming into the sands below. She could almost jump for joy at how well it worked but held her ground. Suddenly, however, Hilde could have swore she felt something slithering up her side from behind her and the thought nearly gave her goosebumps till she looked down and for a split second saw Chihiro's face as she went in for a peck on the cheek in passing. Due to Hilde's movement however, it ended up getting her right on the lips. Even as brief as it was it was enough make Hilde blush and freeze briefly. "H-hey you! No cutting in line!" she called out as Chihiro advanced forward.

As Anrak eventually bowled down the doors, Hilde stumbled forward into a run, recovering from the impromptu smooch. Some of the warriors passing by her laughed and jeered about it, all in good fun as they ran into battle. "That was perfect Anrak!" Hilde told the half minotaur as she passed him, there was a big smile on her face but she didn't stop to chat. After all, there were plenty of bandits to smash.

A little while after Dorran came up, trying to keep up with the younger warriors, and clapped Anrak on the back. "Beautiful work, lad. Now, lets see to those cages and the chains over there holding our girls to the pillars, I reckon you could break them free without a key, eh?" Dorran requested of Anrak. "Hop to it!"

Hilde went straight for the front-lines. Due to her Sylve heritage, she was much faster than her full Varuk allies, though still a bit behind Chihiro. As the other bandits rushed forward, seeing her as a smaller weaker target, they would get a surprise as the first of their front-line seemed to spontaneously combust in an a series of small fiery explosions, making the enemy's frontline nearly non existent and easy to put down as they pushed the others back and away from the prisoners. It was turning out to be the perfect raid on the camp. Hilde would easily deflect blows with her heavy bracer, grappling their weapon arm and following through with a thrust or two with her blade, the level of training being very apparent as she took on multiple foes at a time. She wouldn't overpower them like her father would, instead, she completely outmaneuvered them. As someone who studied her may realize, just because she didn't learn to dance with Madame Valia, doesn't mean she didn't learn the dance of warfare. Just like her father, she seemed to enjoy herself in combat. It was a place where she could let loose and feel like her skills mattered, using her abilities to fight to protect people instead of a dusty temple.



Sahale's head rested in Sylph's lap, as she seemed to have resized herself to a more human size. She softly cooed over him as he laid there. Despite being healed, the man was still trying to recover from the blow, his body still sore even though it had fully recovered. As Maeve moved closer to them, Sylph's gentle cooing faded and her ayes intensely glared to the isoli woman though she stayed silent and let her approach, but was still wary of the stranger. "For a guy who just had a farming too pierce all the way through him, I'd say I've been better," Sahale said with a wry grin. "Can't say I've even been so close to death's door, it's not a place I'd fancy visiting. Of all people to show up, especially to heal me, I wouldn't of thought it'd be him." He listened to her question and thought of the best way to put his answer.

"Well, he isn't just any grusk I'm afraid, and that is saying a lot since there are so few of them now. Jeevak is the lost prince of the Grandis Empire from history. Though, being the only heir after his father passed in the final battle, that would make him the King now. A king without a throne as it were. I'd assume he is here for exactly as he said, he is looking for whatever grusk he detected, my thoughts is that kid I brought back to the temple. He is in good spirits it seems." When she asked about why the two gruskan people he detected would be so important to him, he chuckled, "All gruskan people are important to him. He wants to rebuild his empire, a safe haven for his people that they can return to and live without fear. But be wary of him. Years of seeing cruelty has warped his mind. This town is safe because Varuk people value what you can do, not just what you were born as. As he sees it, his people were being taken care of and he has taken a liking to Kalla. Had it not been the case however, none of us would be left alive... I'd try to stay far away from his presence if possible..."

Sahale then waved a dismissive hand over his head. "But enough about that, I'll tell you more after we rest. I'm rather comfortable here for now if you wish to go rest at the inn," He said with a smug smile as re-situated his head on Sylph's lap. "Besides, I'm afraid I gave Sylph a bit of a fright, at this rate she won't let me out of her sight for a week," he chuckled as he reached up an stroked her cheek. She cooed softly at his touch and gently stroked her clawed fingers through his hair, petting his head, now paying Maeve no mind.

When Allanon heard Bidzil announce his side was clear he felt a bit impressed that the boy could keep up with him. Allanon's movements were clean and rehearsed. He was not sure Bidzil's were quite the same, but perhaps the young man's vigor was more than enough for him to keep pace. "Good, same here." He wondered if he was even heard over the explosions that happened at the same time he spoke. It seemed the frontal attack was on.

Allanon looked down from the archer's tower judging the distance and the chaos below. "Let's support, Kistal." He shouted over the noise so Bidzil could hear. He was still irritated that Kistal had charged ahead of them, but the beastman clearly was very well capable of fighting off quite the number of foes.

He slid down the ladder swiftly, and when he landed in the sand Allanon grabbed a handful for later. He killed a bandit that was attempting to creep up on Kistal with a dagger. He quickly moved to one of Kistal's flanks to provide proper support. Before any of the girls were to be rescued the bandits would need to be deal with first.

---

"I am honestly surprised on how you're fine after experiencing that. It was a powerful healing spell but... You seem to be ok. Most people would still be in shock." Maeve said with a tired smile as she heard Sahale's words.

"That said... It was a... strange encounter. There are undoubtedly more questions than answers and I'm afraid that they will continue like this." Maeve said shaking her head. Both Bardus, his skills and even Jeevak were a complete mystery for her. Who exactly they were, how powerful they were and how did they had such power...

When Sahale started speaking about Jeevak though, Maeve simply raised an eyebrow, silently hearing every word he said. Apparently, Jeevak wasn't just a grusk. He was the lost prince of the Grandis Empire, as of now a King. Having lost his throne and with grusk being so few and rare, he was essentially a king without something to lead. His reasons for coming to Kalla, according to Sahale were simple. He was looking for others like him, other grusk. Being the king he apparently felt like it was his responsibility to take care of them. His final goal is to create a country, a safe haven for all grusk. Somewhere they can call home.

"I see..." Maeve said, thinking for a moment about what Sahale said. In one hand, Jeevak's story was almost sad but Maeve wouldn't let that lower her guard. Sahale's warning wasn't going to be ignored. Jeevak probably went through a lot and as the saying goes... When you look at the abyss, the abyss looks back at you.

"Unstable and dangerous to all but those who are his kin... I do understand your warning. He does seem the type of person that would not hesitate in putting down anyone who stood in his way." Maeve said, with a serious expression. It wasn't hard for her to imagine that Jeevak was the type of person that would do anything to complete his goals and if Jeevak indeed cared more about grusk people than others races...

After the explanation, Sahale mentioned that she could go rest at the inn if she wanted. His contracted spirit seemed to be indeed very... attached to him and when Sahale mentioned that she wouldn't let him go after what happened and how worried she was, Maeve couldn't help but chuckle.

"You are lucky to have someone like her by your side. She really does care about you." Maeve said with a smile as she waved Sahale and the Sylph a tired goodbye before heading to the inn.

Shortly after Tyrael went onto the deck, one of the younger prisoners asked him if Lynn was okay. He honestly wasn't certain. "I did what I could for her. She's severely dehydrated." While he doubts she'll die after what he could do to help her, Tyrael wasn't certain how soon Lynn would recover. He treated her fairly quickly but for all he knew she might've been in this desert longer than him, suffering from these conditions all the while. He has no clue what her short term recovery would take, or what long term damage it might've done to her. Regardless, Tyrael looked to the women as they gave him his thanks. He just waved them off. "I'm simply a traveler. Reaching the city will be enough to satisfy me." At her comment about the merfolk, Tyrael shrugged. "I thought she was just a Sylve. Perhaps from the ocean."

Soon there was a crack, and Tyrael received a telepathic message from Zastriel. Apparently Gossk manifested a localized swamp inside of that tiny cabin. This genuinely surprised Tyrael: he had learned about certain types of transmutation magic that can alter the terrain, and even specialized in it for a short while. His Shape Earth spell is an introductory spell for such a school. But to actually be able to cast a spell which manifested the terrain? That was beyond terraforming, itself an already advance level of transmutation magic. Or perhaps what Gossk did was closer to conjuration? Either way, Tyrael was suitably impressed and concerned. He had simply written the lizardman off as a brute, but that level of magic wasn't something that one would expect a novice to be able to pick up. Surely Gossk was a shaman or something to be able to use a spell like that. But hearing the women mention how it'll slow down their travel also concerned Tyrael. While he wasn't in a rush per say, the sooner they reach Kalla the better. "I will check on them."

Tyrael went over to the cabin door and knocked loudly, almost as if he's trying to break in. "Lynn, Gossk, what's going on? How did you flood the skiff in the middle of the desert?" His tone was harsh, almost authoritative, but it was weighed heavily by concerned. It even confused the orc; did he care about these people? Perhaps he at least feel somewhat grateful for how they aided him, so it was only natural that he ensure they did not perish shortly after assisting him. Or perhaps he was simply concerned about this water slower them down. Surely, Tyrael had practical reasons to be concerned. "This water will slow the skiff. We may not arrive until early morning at this rate. How is Lynn?"

"Let's see... smoked meat... leftover grain... some cheese, perfect!" Sev clapped cheerfully as he inspected the kitchen. He'd been hoping for some eggs but, if the inn ever had any, they were likely delivered daily by whatever farmer managed to keep chickens alive out in this desert hell. Or maybe the old innkeep went to purchase them before serving breakfast. Whatever the case it wouldn't be happening after the events of last night, much less the battle that had taken place just outside the inn this morning.

With his spear Sev started a fire in the stone oven with his magic, stocking it well with firewood laid out nearby, before pulling out a hand grain mill. Rapidly grinding down several handfuls of grain to flour he whistled tunelessly to himself as he began to make bread. When he was a kid, before his power over light manifested, he was always stuck at home while his parents worked. This lead to him making food for them once he was old enough to be trusted with the oven. They weren't well off, even after Sev became able to hide his eyes with an illusion and was able to start working, so they were always forced to make their own bread.

"I'll leave some bread for you!" Sev half sung as he first heard, then saw Maeve walk through the tavern towards her room, unsure if she even heard him. She needed her beauty sleep, not that she was bad looking as she was but the exhausted expression she struggled to hide did steal some of her beauty.

As the bread began to rise he sliced up some of the smoked meat, pork if he had to guess, laying out thick slices in a pan he also placed in the oven. He considered summoning some ice to cool the water he poured into a jar but the chill of night lingered, and the desert was quite cold at night. Besides his control over ice still wasn't to the point where he trusted himself not to shatter he jar.

Two rolls, the thick slabs of bacon and a hunk of cheese went on a wooden plate with the other two rolls going on another he left near the oven to stay warm, a small illusion floating above the plate stating it was "For Maeve" in letters that seemed to be carved from ice.

Placing his breakfast on the tavern bar and sitting down he dug in, his mind returning to the aftermath of the fight earlier. This man, whoever he was, wanted to speak to Grusk. More over he knew Sev was one. He was clearly a leader of some kind, probably a king, or at least a self proclaimed king. Kings meant politics, politics were bad.

The warrior mage thought about his initial decision to speak with the man later on in disguise, arguing back and forth in his mind while he outwardly seemed to be happily enjoying his meal. Sev didn't want to be involved in politics, they never ended well, he just wanted to explore the world, meet pretty ladies, get in exciting fights and have fun. He had no higher goal or motivation, only freedom. Nobles had goals they pushed onto others. Did Sev really want to speak with a man who clearly had some goal simply because he was able to see through Sev's illusions, both magical and mundane?

He might as well hear the man out, it would likely be several hours before the pretty lady woke and with little else of interest to pursue it might be worth the risk. On the other hand, if the man demanded that Sev be involved in whatever goals had crowded his kingly skull would he be able to escape? Perhaps it was safer to grab what water, food and money he can now and flee town. He wasn't a master of navigation but he could head east till he got out of the desert.

As he finished up his meal he leaned back in the bar stool, resting his back against the bar itself.

If the man came to a town this far out of the way it was likely he would follow Sev anywhere he went, the warrior mage eventually decided. Therefore the best option was to confront him now and see if he can be reasoned with. If he couldn't this would also be the best opportunity Sev had to win any fight, the warrior mage was almost full on mana, having used very little in the previous battle that had regenerated as he ate. The king-man, on the other hand, had to have used a substantial amount simply healing that man with the wind spirit, Sahale? Whatever the case now was the best time.

Returning his plates to the kitchen, retrieving his spear he grabbed a cloth from a closet in the back of the tavern, likely a spare sheet for the rooms upstairs, hid it under an arm and made his way outside. The man said he had business at the temple to Sev walked off the other way, giving Sylph and her boy toy plenty of room. Once out of sight he quickly fashioned a crude cloak out of the sheet using a length of rope from his pack. A quick illusion turned his spear into a gnarled old staff, throwing the cloak over his pack and covering his face he doubled back the other way, avoiding the town square so he wouldn't be spotted by anyone there and taking on the appearance of a twisted hunchback, his face cloaked in darkness seemingly from the cloak but actually from another illusion. A simple air spell distorted his voice so likely only the man who was there to find Grusk would recognize him, anyone else would see a hunched old hermit with a magic staff, the picture of a Grusk no one knew about.

If there was one thing he learned from the fight with Bardus it was to not rely on magic overmuch. People knew he was an illusionist, and why would an illusionist use a cloak to disguise himself when he could simply use magic? He learned that when he was younger to hide his powers, and he was both relearning it now and grateful for having 'borrowed' some alchemical items to supplement the disguise.

Now there was simply the matter of finding this man. Sev moved at a slow but steady limp towards the town temple. He'd prefer to stay away from people, the cloak did a good job hiding him but it wasn't perfect. Perhaps the man could be summoned, so to speak.

Coming to a stop in the plaza, if it could be called that, before the temple. Playing the role of an old man his wrinkled hand lifted the gnarled staff and tapped it on the ground. Light and power poured forth, a grand illusion of fire, ice, wind, rock and a dozen other elements rippled skyward. Surely none but a Grusk could summon such a display of magical proficiency. The mana was directed skyward to make it difficult to pick out particulars and a gust of wind sweeping through the buildings drowning out everything with wind mana.

As soon as it started the display vanished, fire, ice, stone, everything vanished as fast as it had been summoned leaving the in disguise Sev waiting for a response. After the battles of the past few days no villager would approach someone seemingly so powerful, only the man looking for him would dare.

As Allanon drew closer, Kistal drew the spear out of the shielded warrior with a sickening crack, flicking the blood off with a small flourish. He let out a haunting, rumbling laugh as he closed in on the few surviving bandits. "The bell tolls as the die rolls. Each speaks to your plight. Neither flight nor fright will preserve your life. I am here to fill the world with strife." He fell silent as he stalked off to the side of one more bandit. He opted not to give the blinded man any pause and casually impaled him on the spear, leaving it there as he suddenly darted behind the group to attack from a new angle. The next target experienced a worse fate as Kistal kicked him into the air, letting him fall onto his horns with a sickening crack before being flung off to the side.

The satyr saw Allanon arrive right after the gruesome display. "Ah yes, the cavalry has arrived. Welcome to the killing floor, my friend. Let's make some bloody fine art!" He pulled the spear out of the nearby bandit with a twisting dance before literally skipping over to be beside his ally.

Hilde and the others took the frontline, but Chihiro made magic course through her body, enhancing her speed, strength, and endurance far beyond that of her companions. She used this to dart behind some nearby tents and practically appear out of thin air on the flank of the back lines. The first bandit had no time to react before the naga was upon him. "None of you deserve my redemption." To any who knew what that meant, it would surprise them. Her order normally offered redemption before attacking. For them to forgo that meant that the inquisitor deemed them unable to be redeemed and only worth destruction.

Chihiro's next move was to begin her dance of death. With ample twists, turns, graceful lopes between foes, and swift slashes, she flitted across the back line, cutting a bloody swath with her bladed fans. Her targets fell one by one, some seeming to almost be stuck standing for a second before their bodies seemed to catch up with the fatal strikes. The deaths were swift, mostly throats cut or hearts pierced, the blood flying freely and coating the sands in intricate swirling patterns. Surprisingly, given she just destroyed the backline in a few seconds, Chihiro did not have a speck of blood on her or her weapons as she came out on the opposite flank, looking over to her allies and giving a wink. "Back line is clear, my darlings!"

Eduard had been tending to Aerex' wounds as best he could. Neev had done a good job at mending the most grievous injuries and brought him back from certain death. However, the damage to his arms and the blue streaks across his skin was another matter entirely. He knew what it was. Mana Sickness. Whatever power he used, his body certainly wasn't able to handle it. He was lucky to be even breathing. As he got around to figuring out how to help his most recent patient, Eduard was approached by a taller man. Wearing odd clothes, the newest arrival stood out with his pair of glowing blue eyes. Another Grusk. There was something about him that made Eduard want to step away from the table. But he held fast. He wouldn't abandon a patient. Even if the odds were stacked against him. When the Grusk asked his question, Eduard wasn't any more reassured than he was before. He didn't know him and whoever it was, he was clearly very powerful. This 'Jeevak' may have claims to royalty to the crown of the Grandis Empire. But he wouldn't hesitate to defend this hospital if he needed to.

"Be gentle." He said, noting Jeevak's rather large size. "...And brief. He needs rest." Glancing down at Aerex, Eduard turned to his female companion behind them and walked over to her. Leaving Jeevak and Aerex alone. Though, he still kept an eye on them just in case.

Jeevak nodded. "I appreciate the care these people have shown. I shall return this favor. However, I am afraid that removing mana sickness, even in the form of healing, is not a painless process." Jeevak stepped to look over the young grusk, seeing were the mana sickness had spread. "Your healer is a talented one, despite the fact that I don't see any traces of Isoli magic on this one, commend them." Jeevak said no more as he lifted both hands over Aerex, concentrating balls of mana in the palms of is hands. The concentration was so great, the was a loud low pitched humming that started to reverberate through the air around them.

Without so much as an incantation, a small blue sphere of light formed at his left palm, the side Aerex's head was resting. Jeevak's hand then crushed the ball of light in his hand, and as he seemed to crumble it into dust over Aerex. As the dust settled as a mist over Aerex, everywhere that was effected by the mana sickness started to glow blue, and in particular parts, red. The mana orb that formed in his right hand was green, and when he crushed it, bolts of green electricity arced around his own body, but then regathered to arc around his right arm.
Jeevak pointed to each red spot in the mist. "Here... This shows where the mana paths in this boy's spirit have broken. In an attempt to seal off the part of the body that craves mana after it has ran itself ragged to the point it cant hold it anymore, the soul will block it off, so that the mana will not continue to bleed away.... Few can fix this. We think with our minds doctor, but our heart... is the center of the soul," he slowly explained as he held Aerex down with his left arm. From his right fist he extended his index and middle finger, and then stabbed them into Aerex's heart through sheer force. The Green electricity pulsed through Aerex's body enough to lift himoff the bed if Jeevak wasn't holding him down. The pain would be unthinkable, however, the mana sickness could be seen to slowly fade the longer he the green lightning to him. The red mist faded, and then the blue soon washed away with it.

Jeevak pulled his fingers out from Aerex's heart, his hand covered in his blood. Using said blood, he drew an 'X over the puncture wound, Aerexs body would still be twitching from the shock, an occasional green arc would pop up as he did. Jeevak would then place his right palm over the wound, and the blood would start to glow white hot with a slight crimson sheen and then it would fade away into oblivion. The wound began to heal itself rapidly, and save for the excitement the moment may have caused, would get Aerex's heartbeat back to normal. At the end of the treatment, the doctor would find not a single trace of an injury, not even a blemish. "You are safe once more... we will find each other again, when you are ready." Jeevak said in a low tone to the Grusk.

Aerex was barely aware of Jeevak until he began to cast his spell. The Grusk tailor slowly opened his eyes, though his vision was still blurry. His arms still burned and he could barely move. It was as if he was stuck in a bad dream. He heard voices but couldn't make sense of them. Colors started to pop up over him. They were bright red and green. In his state of mind, he thought he was seeing the stars in the sky. What followed wasn't too pleasant...

Aerex felt a deep piercing pain in his chest. It made him scream and struggle. Whatever pain he had before simply didn't compare to whatever this was. Tears flowed from his eyes as Jeevak healed him with the spell. The screaming made Eduard run back to the table, but stopped once he saw what was happening. Earlier, he had been idly listening to Jeevak's explanation, but... he didn't think it would be this bad. But, in just a few seconds it was over. When Jeevak finished, Eduard walked over to Aerex to check on him. He was a panting and still concious. Somehow... He looked him over to check for any other injuries the spell might caused. But there was nothing he could see. Eduard looked at Jeevak with a mix of curiosity and fear. What was he? Were Grusk truly this powerful...? He didn't say anything aloud however...

After the ordeal, Aerex laid there. His vision had gotten slightly better and the pulsing pain in his arms was gone. However, he was beyond exhausted. He looked up and to the side, seeing a large man with white hair and piercing blue eyes. Not anyone he recognized. However, whoever it was, they were emanating some strange force that Aerex could feel. He couldn't explain it. The man leaned in and spoke to him. Aerex couldn't help but focus on his eyes. It was something he would never forget. Had this been the man who stopped the pain?

"Wait..." Aerex managed to speak, his voice low and shaky. "W-who are you...?"

Jeevak was about to walk off when he heard the young man barely speak. "King Jeevak, of the Grandis Empire. I look forward to our next encounter, young gruskan mage. Rest, recover, and stand proud, young one. You are no longer alone in this world," he told Aerex.

Impossible. At first, Aerex refused to believe it. There was no way this "Jeevak" was the King of the Grandis Empire. If anything, he was a pretender. Aerex' mother always taught him stories about the fall of the Empire. It was gone. Period. However, whoever that stranger was. Jeevak. He was definitely Grusk. A powerful one at that. It reminded him of the stories his mother used to tell him. About powerful healers and warriors who served the Empire in the days of old. Those thoughts lingered in his head as his body slowly lost its battle with exhaustion. The last thing he remembered were Jeevak's eyes. A piercing blue. They were the first thing he saw before the pain went away. If this was all true. He needed to seek Jeevak out. He wanted to know more...

Bidzil looked to Allanon, but he couldn't hear him due to the blasts. However, he did see him gesture down to Kistal before sliding down a ladder, which made it obvious to what he was doing. Bidzil didn't have a ladder on his end, so instead he hopped off the platform to hang off the edge and use the supports as a quick way to climb down. When they got there, most of the front and back line had been decimated by the Kalla warriors and the other volunteers that had accompanied them. Even though the bandits were strong Varuk as well, they were nothing compared to the Varuk warriors of Kalla. Compared to them, they lacked formal training, proper nutrition, decent equipment, and the coordination that the opposing Varuk warriors had, putting them at an immediate physical, mental, and skill disadvantage. Aside from that, were the outlander volunteers that had joined them, bringing in fighting styles and abilities never seen by the bandits before. Unlike the horde of mercenaries that attacked Kalla, these men were largely untrained for combat, and relied on surprise to catch opponents off guard before retreating. Here, they weren't afforded that luxary, finding themselves on the receiving end of a surprise raid that swept through their numbers in an instant.

"ENOUGH!" boomed a large voice that seemed to shake the very cave walls around them. It was enough to make the remaining bandits back down and disengage if they were able, and demand attention of both friend and foe. Two figures started walking out of one of the caves followed by another who seem to be dragged behind. One older varuk man, in little clothing save for arm and leg bracers, a waistpiece, and a sand wolf head dress that had its armored plates removed. The other, robed figure with a metal breastplate, a hood, and a number of masks. Allanon, and maybe Kistal if he spent enough time studying Calibris operations, would immediately recognize this as a Calibris ambassador. Though the title 'ambassador' was a little misleading. While they handled deals for the Calibris family, they were known to be so of his most merciless cut-throats he had at his own personal disposal. It had been rumored that the loyalty of these ambassadors ran so deep, they would gladly slit their own throats at his command.

"My, my, Cheif Malkhad. It would seem your business proposition will soon be unable to make its quota," the ambassador said, the smiling mask and tone mocking the bandit chief. "I would hate to have to inform my master of your failure, especially after all he has done for you already~" it continued to tease.



"SHUT UP!" Malkhad roared back at him. "I'll show you who is still in charge here. Kalla will be under my thumb, even if I have to rebuild it brick by brick after crushing these bastards, and you will have your payment in whores," he spat, "but first, I think I'll make an example." From behind himself he drug out a young woman by the hair. Her body was nearly limp and barely clothed in rags, tattered and blood stained. He tossed her on to the ground before him and she barely let out a whimper. She seemed defeated and broken, and while her eyes were open and seeing ones she even knew on a battlefield here to rescue her, shear gaze was that of a void. Still, as an extra precaution Malkhad had placed a foot on one of her ankles so she wouldn't move. "DORRAN! This will be the first of many deaths in your name, I'll be sure to let everyone know who failed them!"

Dorran and a number of others were already trying to rush to stop Malkhad as he raised a great hammer into the air, preparing to execute the girl in front of him by brutally crushing her skull. "Don't do it, you bastard!" Dorran screamed at the top of his lungs as he ran for all his might, using his fire to propel him forward, but it wasn't enough. Just then Malkhad hesitated as another idea crossed his mind.

"No, you are right, let me start with you, and let you witness the strength I have found.... Krogan's soul races through my very being!" Just then, a strange light seemed to grow in is chest. Dorran paid it no attention, trying to get the the girl before anything. Malkhad raised his hammer once more to bring it down upon Dorran, but something was different about his presence.... he was too confident. Dorran raised his shield to block the blow, aiming to break the man at his knees and then finish him off, but he never got the chance. When the hammer came down, it brought with it the power told in the stories of old, breaking through his shield, and crushing Dorran into the earth below with a sickening crunch. "You were never worthy to lead...," Malkhad spat. Before the dust even settled everyone knew what had just happened. Dorran.... was dead.

There was screamin from the other girls, the few living bandits rejoicing, and the Kalla warriors shouting curses as they rushed in, fully enraged, but Malkhad simply struck the ground, causing enough force to cast them away and break up the ground at their feet. "Now, where was I, ah yes...," Malkhad realigned himself to execute the girl now, wanting to drive his point of their worthlessness into the ground. He lifted the bloody hammer once more...

"I WON'T LET YOU!" Was all he head before a young human looking boy blasted like a bullet through the dust cloud. It took a second for others that the boy had a single wing, slightly stained of blood shot by. Bidzl was not sure what took hold of him. All of the mana that seeped from his body out to the others seemed to stop, and filled him over his own limits as his rage took over. Still, by the time he got to Malkhad, the man's hammer was already on its way down. Everything seemed like it was in slow motion, even his own movements, as he changed his plan of attack to one of defense. If he could shield the girl, the other warriors would be upon them before he could bring any more harm.

With that in mind, he dove over the girl, his wing folding over him as best it could as the hammer made contact with his back. There was the sound of a magical explosion, which the shockwave seemed to clear the area of dust, letting everyone see again. Bidzil yelled out in pain as ethreal pure white feathers were scattered about, his wing dissipating and vanishing back inside him. He was on his hands and knees over the girl before he blacked out and fell on top of her. The shockwave affected all those around Bidzil, knocking everyone, even the Kalla warriors, back.

"What the hell was that!?" Malkhad grumbled as he got up. He shook his head, "no matter, by the end of this you will all be dead." He then charged in as the clash with the Bandit leader finally began. The ambassador watched with sadistic glee at the events unfolding, keeping a keen amount of awareness however for any trouble that may direct itself it's way.



Gossk answered Lynn's questions, but she seemed to drift back to sleep just as fast as she had barely awoken. He seemed to let out a sigh before hearing Tyrael knock, wondering what was going on. As best as he could, he tried to explain that he had the idea to recreate a compatible environment to stabilize the ocean girl. Once she felt better and if it got cooler, they may be able to dispel it and move at a better pace. Progress was slow for a while, but smooth. When it was just about sunset, however, their sand boat seemed to attract some unwanted attention. There was a bulge beneath the sands that had started to follow them for some time. Sonia tried to keep to the shallows of the sands, but it was no use in some areas. She kept a firm grasp on the wheel, but she was nervous still. "Its a sand wyrm... she said lowly. The other girl exchanged worried glances and spoke among themselves. Gossk had soon left the cabin in time to hear about some wyrm creature, at first thinking of the earthworms he had seen, but upon turning around, realizing that this was no small wrigly dirt creature they were speaking of. As the monster slowly raised itself from the sands and pursued it on the surface Gossk yelled to Tyreal to go to Lynn. He dispelled the oasis he had created and prepared himself to fight. The craft instantly picked up speed, and the wyrm started its chase in earnest.

The 'crew' tried their best at everything they could to outrun the monster, but they didn't seem to be gaining any ground. In fact, the monster was closing in, and if it chose to dive, it would destroy their ship in an instant, stranding them in the desert against the beast. Gossk looked between them and the monster, trying to decided what to do, and thinking of how Lynn selflessly saved his life. He promised he would return the favor twofold, and as he thought about her down below deck, he know what he must to if he wanted to make sure she remained safe. He moved to the back railing of the boat and stood at the very edge. He declared his intentions and instructed them not to look back, and with a roar from the beast and himself, he threw himself at the beast. Nobody was able to see what transpired in that cloud of dust as it disappeared behind the dunes.



"Funny, I don't remember hiring another cook," a feminine voice spoke close to Sev. As he turned he would sylve woman who was slightly more curvaceous than the average sylve. Whether it was due to living in Varuk culture or having been mother to Allard's children, one could only speculate, but it wasn't a bad look compared to the mostly smaller women in The Scar. She wore simple and modest clothes though they still seemed to fit her quite well, and despite being close in age to Allard, she was still plenty attractive due to sylves having a bit of a longer lifespan. From the joking smile, she seemed not to mind him milling about after everything had happened. In fact, once he had left, she had made her way to the temple to check on her husband, leaving their son to look after the tavern for a bit. Sev would see her walk by when he returned to the square in front of the temple in his new disguise. Sahale and Sylph already seemed to be gone.

Sev and Maeve would have felt the magic surge from Jeevak when he healed the younger grusk of his mana sickness, but there didn't seem to be any reactions to hostility. Jeevak even stepped aside from the temple doorway to let Allard's wife through first before showing himself out. She was quite put off by the sight of the man, not knowing who he was made her nervous after everything that had transpired, but she was more focused on checking on her husband than anything, and slipped by with a slight bow of gratitude for his manners.

Jeevak nodded in return and the strode out to the square. He looked to Sev in his altered form and from and raised an eyebrow. "If you wish to to speak without being recognized, we could move our conversation elsewhere, maybe?" He then started to lead the way till they were just outside of town.

Allanon's eyes locked onto the mask of the Calabris Ambassador. He had worn a mask just like it in his times as their agent. He pointed his blade towards the Ambassador with a cold glare. It was difficult to restrain himself from charging the foe in front of him. He had no idea the capabilities of this Ambassador, but he knew each and every one of them were deadly.

Malkhad was despicable to threaten to execute a harmless child. He was a powerhouse that couldn’t be underestimated though as he and Dorran clashed with him handily slaying Dorran. Suddenly, he was caught off guard by Bidzil when he sprouted a wing and moved almost faster than he could see to intercept Malkhad’s second attempt on the child’s life. The child’s life was saved for now.

The shockwave that came from Malkhad's strike against caused him to slide back, and he was rather amazed he managed to avoid getting thrown off his feet completely. He was unsure of what caused the young man to get such a power boost, and he wasn't even sure if Bidzil was still alive after that. Likely not, considering Dorran's death to the same foe, however, he took advantage of the silence from the aftermath of the strike and called out to Malkhad and the Ambassador.

”You’re so strong that you must slaughter defenceless children to assert your dominance?” Allanon’s voice was cold and hateful as he pointed his sword at Malkhad. ”Pathetic. I expect as much from a Calabris Ambassador.” He nudged his head toward the Ambassador. ”However, you fancy yourself a warrior that has inherited Krogan’s soul? I doubt that it’s at all satisfying for you to defeat the helpless and weak. Come, I, Allanon Valentis, founder of the Valentis Sword Style, ‘retired’ Ironblade of the Calabris will take you both on.”

He looked at Kistal with a fierce expression that only slightly softened with a wink only Kistal could see. ”Do what you do, friend.” He stated calmly. He took measured steps forward carefully watching his opponents’ movements. He whispered to himself a quick prayer to himself. ”Marrisa Faye, my beloved, guide my hand as I protect the defenseless and innocent.”

Sure enough, Gossk confirmed that the ship taking water was his doing. Suppose it makes sense that he'd need to do this if Lynn was part fish. If it weren't for the fact he owes her for healing him, Tyrael would've demanded that he release the spell. Instead he simply agreed that this wasn't too big of an issue, but asks that the water is dismissed once Lynn is sufficiently well enough to survive without it. With nothing else left to do but wait, Tyrael scavenged for some materials on the ship in order to make a few more great arrows. Most of the arrows he had right now were not what he'd call high quality; normally properly made great arrows could not only be reused but also used as short spears, but Tyrael had been making his most recent arrows somewhat flimsy. Still sturdy enough to withstand the strength of an Ironbow, but highly likely to shatter or snap after being shot. He was lucky that the arrow he had fired the first time was still usable. He also needed to fix up his shield but Tyrael was honestly considering just replacing it wholesale. It wasn't a particularly fancy shield anyways.

Soon however there was a warning. A beast was stalking them. Tyrael guessed it wasn't merely wolves or some such; but more a monster of the sands. Sand Wyrms to be specific; Tyrael has only heard of these monsters. Subterranean creatures who burrow through the sand like a fish swims through water. It always made Tyrael wonder how such a creature possibly functions and how anyone can defend themselves against such beast. Unfortunately Tyrael would now have to figure something out. Gossk left the cabin, dismissing the spell he had cast and commanded Tyrael to go see to Lynn. "Are you a fool? What good will I be hiding within the boat, when the beast is beneath us?" Tyrael took his bow and what arrows he had readied and would try and get a good vantage point to strike the wyrm, but he had no idea what a sand wyrm's weak point would be. Presumably the head, like any snake, but Tyrael could not simply waste arrows trying to pepper it's head with his arrows. He needed one decisive shot, or at least a few if the monster proved to be agile. But between the beast's own surprising speeed, it's cover with the sand, and the ship's own efforts at evasive maneuvers, Tyrael was not going to have an easy shot.

It was then that Gossk made his intentions clear. He indeed to sacrifice himself to stop the beast. Where Tyrael a normal man he would protest, however something clicked between him and Gossk. Perhaps the lizardman too felt a strange sense of need to repay Lynn for her assistance. No doubt Gossk, much like Tyrael, was saved thanks to her. And this was the only way Gossk could repay such a debt. "Ang Gijak-Ishi! You are truly a fool... But there's no doubt to your strength. Rujatum Madum, Ognir Rarob. Feast." Tyrael would allow Gossk to leap off the boat, but cast his Enlarge spell once Gossk was midair, shifting him into a giant so that he may have a better chance at slaying and stalling the sand wyrm. With Gossk's sacrifice, Tyrael would go find Lynn to ensure she was okay and didn't do anything foolish like trying to go after Gossk or something. "Lynn, were are you?"

Kistal's face broke out into a sickening grin as Allanon gave him the green light to mess with the Ambassador. "Gladly. These cowards hide behind masks and try to act like they are superior. They are simply murderous dogs baying to their bloody master." He began to step forward, a dangerous glint in his eye. His free hand came up in a claw, a draw of alcohol coming forth into it. "I guess twice in one day will not hurt anyone...well anyone I want to keep safe." He pointed his spear at the Ambassador, the orb of alcohol beginning to undulate and roil like a disturbed ocean wave.

"Cowards, sinners, murderers, bastards must one day look inwards. You bring pain, hate, love lost, and blood spilled. May your blackened heart and tainted soul with my ire be filled." His hand flicked forward, the orb dissipating as he once again cast his strongest curse upon the Ambassador. He had no intention of letting him live, but misery and agony were not out of the question.

The naga wanted to stop Dorran, but his pride and honor as well as the threat to an innocent gave her pause. It was her mistake. His death led her to brandish her fans and begin to stalk towards Malkhad. "No, the self-obsessed 'chief' is mine. Krogan was my friend and companion. He would see this pathetic excuse of a bandit and bemoan what his blood beget. Malkhad, I challenge you to a duel. I shall remove your life as payment for the lives you ruined and for the good of Krogan's memory." As she got closer, her form seemed to almost shimmer. "You seek to show your full power, so I shall show mine. Your men fell for a despot. I rise to protect the good and innocent. My power against yours shall personify the odds we sit upon."

Her movements stayed smooth but she seemed to grow, her legs lengthening within a bright golden light. Her form shifted, losing its human appearance. Her blue hair flowed down along her back as her legs disappeared, giving way to a quickly growing snake tail. Her approach stopped a few dozen feet from her intended duel partner, the tail coiling under her as she reached her full thirty foot length. She raised part of her tail up, taking on the appearance of a snake readying to strike. An ophidian hiss issued forth, her teeth changing some as her canines lengthened to fully reveal her fangs. She drew her fans to her mouth, biting into the feathers and releasing her potent neurotoxins into them, letting them coat the blades. "You witness the true form of Inquisitor Chihiro Aozaki of the Flores Sororibus Serpentis." Her orange eyes glared at Malkhad, full of unconcealed disdain. "And I shall end you today for the sake of Kalla."

"Hate tah break et to ya lass-" Anrak chuckled at Hilde as she complimented his gatecrashing, "Eye'm jus getting stahrted."

Drawing his sword and shield, the giant warrior fearlessly threw himself into the fray, carving his way through the masses of bandits. However, before he could get too far into the tide of bodies, Dorran had caught up to him; asking that he go free the girls trapped in cages in the middle of the camp.

"Ayem on et." Anrak nodded to the Chief as he fought his way toward the kidnapped girls. This was the first time he'd fought actual people since he'd sworn himself to this new life-- and hacked off his horns. He used to lose himself in the bloodshed he wreaked in his old life, any regret, mercy, or restraint washed away in the warm splash crimson, and the haze of euphoria that accompanied such brutality; the memories of battle blurring into something of a waking dream. The feeling was addictive, like an itch that wouldn't leave, and only got stronger.

But something was different this time.

There was no red haze. No head-tingling euphoria. Even the tug of bloodlust struggled to manifest. The towering warrior shuddered as he marched towards the cages, his sobered eyes scanning the battlefield. The Varuk warriors from Kalla, Hilde included seemed to revel in battle. It wasn't the addictive bloodlust that he'd fallen prey to-- but he found it slightly unsettling nonetheless. Even worse was Chihiro, how she danced her foes to the grave. To deny that the dance was indeed beautiful would be a lie; in fact, such beauty only served to make it all the more disturbing in Anrak's mind.

Everyone around him seemed to be enjoying themselves in one way or another... Except Anrak. As he tore away the door to the last cage, he began to wonder-- was this what he had looked like? To the people he killed? The people who witnessed him kill?

Maybe he was just unused to being so aware.

But he didn't have much time to dwell on this newfound perspective. A massive noise called him to attention-- Dorran the Chief of Kalla was on the ground. Dead at the feet of another large Varuk. The wild look in the bandit chief's eyes stirred a hatred in Anrak's heart. Seeing him stand over the broken body of the honorable man that had died reminded the half-beast of himself. Of who he used to be. The man he wanted to forget.

Anrak charged forward as the bandit chief raised his hammer a second time. Explosive energy tore through the air, causing the massive warrior to be thrown several steps back. The stumps of his horns burned. His skull tingled with excitement. A haze filled his vision. And a familiar sensation returned with a vengence.

The whites of Anrak's eyes turned crimson as blood vessels burst from strain. Saliva foamed at the edges of his mouth like that of a rabid beast-- and no less than five Varuk fought to restrain their ally that had suddenly lost all sense of reason....

As Tyrael went into the cabin area, he would notice most the vegetation had faded and the water had drained, but there was still residue from the spell. some mud and plant matter scattered about as well ad the wood being damp and holding water in some places. Lynn could be seen in the middle of the floor laying on her side and her eyes closed, her breathing seeming to have stabilized.

Tyrael looks to Lynn, uncertain how to approach her. Somehow, she had been asleep this entire time. Suppose it's fair: Gossk did take some immediate action to stop the sand wyrm. But how would the little sylve react knowing that her protector was now gone?
"Lynn. Are you awake?"

The sounds of Gossks struggle had nearly faded as the small ship sped away. Soon, either the growth spell would fade or they would be out of range of it's upkeep...

Lynn's finned ears seemed to twich slightly to the sound of her name and her eyes seemed to crack open. Once again, they drearily scanned what was i front of her as she tried to make sense of what was going on, but it was too strange. One moment, she was trying to heal Tyreal, the next, she was in a swamp with Gossk, and now she was in some sort of cargo hold... was it the ship from earlier?

"Tyrael? I... where are we? I remember a swamp.... where...," she stammered as she tried sitting up a little. "Where is Gossk?" She asked rubbing her face with her sleeved hand.

Tyrael's face harden underneath his wrappings. He supposed it was time to let her know the truth. He wasn't going to bother lying. "We were being chased by a sand wyrm. Gossk jump the ship and to fight it. I gave him magic to make him bigger but... We didn't stay to see what happened next. But we're not being chased by a sand wyrm anymore. Because of him." He said coldly. "He wanted to do this. Wasn't going to stay and talk about it."

"A wyrm!? N-no! What was he thinking? I could-" and then she stopped as she seemed to realize something. "I failed him...," she said as tears started to form, though she tried not to show it. "If I had looked after myself better, i wouldn't have passed out... I could have tamed the wyrm!" She exclaimed as she sat against a crate and curled up, drawing her legs in and crossing her arms so that she could bury her face.

Tyrael was quiet. He wasn't sure how to talk to Lynn. He didn't know her, and he certainly wasn't the type to be sympathetic to others. Frankly, he wasn't sure why he even cared about how she felt. He should just leave and let Lynn grieve but... In truth, he owed it to Lynn to at least console her. She did save his life after all. The least he could do is try and help her feel better about the situation. So Tyrael approached Lynn, kneeling before her to raise her face.

"You are kind to cry for Gossk. He did what he did because he wanted to protect you. I am certain that like me, you had saved his life before, and for it he owed you a great debt. And when you were wound like you were before, he did what any warrior would've done and returned the favor. Do not let regrets weigh you down, Lynn. If you had conserved your strength, I surely would've perished from my own wounds. You had saved both our lives."

"I tried to tell him he didn't owe me for anything...," Lynn started, "but he insisted on coming with me despite it being this desert.... I hope he makes it..." she finished. She reached out and embraced Tyrael as she tried to regain her composure.

"Thank you," she said as she started to let go. "I will do my best to make sure no harm comes your way as we make it to the town."

Kneeling absolutely still, Tyrael really had no idea how to process these emotions. He was... Sad? Somehow? But also not really. It was a warm, sad feeling. It confused him. Scared him even. He just stayed quiet until Lynn was finished hugging him. "I cannot say that I understand what you're going through, or what exactly Gossk felt about his debt to you. But I can tell that you are much stronger than you appear, and that I am willing to accompany you. You saved my life, and I need someone with your strength for my own quest. Just as well I'll make sure to prove my worth to you as well."

"You don't have to accompany me. I'm not even completely sure I can accomplish what I set out to do...," She started, thinking of how she has been struggling through this desert so far. "But if my efforts have brought help to anyone, I believe thats more than I could have asked for."

She stretched, unaware of how alluring she could look while doing it, and then laid back on her left side, allowing her right sleeve to somewhat cover her. She was still tired, but awake enough for conversation as they traveled. It was comforting to have someone to talk to after all that has happened. "I.... sound sort of childish don't I?" she pondered, "as if I am quoting a character from some old tale told to starry eyed children."

Her gaze broke away as she said the last part, as if remembering a specific memory tied to that statement. If only she could go back to those times, but even thinking of the good memories only seemed to bring up the bad, and the reason she started her adventure. She sighed, as if the reoccurring memories frustrated her that they kept coming back to haunt her. "Sorry," she apologized for the long pause she had and the sighed, "Just my mind wandering a bit." She looked up to Tyrael and wanted to ask something, but then remembered that she never got a name. "I don't believe I ever got your name," she recalled.

Tyrael has no comment as Lynn spoke about herself and her doubts. Frankly he believed her: she was being childish. Which was dangerous, considering how she looked. No doubt if she was alone she would’ve been a target for slavers and scumbags.

When she asked for his name, he spoke quietly. “Tyrael. And I do not mind. You have done much in the last few hours.” Tyrael tightened his clothes a bit before standing up. “Are you hungry? There was some food here I can prepare for you.”

When Tyrael mentioned food, it dawned on Lynn that she hadn't eaten anything since they came to the desert. She had a little food with her as well, some died seaweed and squid for travel and sealed in a small waxy bundle, but if there was food here, that would allow the preserved food to be kept just in case an emergency. "That sounds wonderful, thank you, but I wouldn't mind if you and the others were fed first. You need your strength even after you are healed, and I doubt that those girls have been fed properly any time recently," she explained, putting the other's needs before her own. "If there isn't enough for me, I have some dried food I can eat if I get too hungry," she smiled reassuringly.

Tyrael looked at Lynn incredulously. Just what sort of creature was she that she would continue to sacrifice her own well being for others? It concerned Tyrael greatly. Such a person was often a zealot with morals that could not be understood by even the most insightful of sages. He hoped Lynn was not ill still, or perhaps she is just still grieving due to Gossk?

Tyrael extended his hand to pat Lynn’s head. He was trying to get a feel for if she was still feverish, but she seemed stable. Without another word he would leave the cabin to fetch the rations. He had already eaten so he wasn’t hungry. The ration was mostly lentil and bread, but he also found a glass jar of Marmalade as well. So taking a long loaf, Tyrael would prepare a meal with a spread of lentil paste under a layer of sweet orange marmalade, betwixt two half’s of a toasted loaf, and finally a large mug of cool water, which he brought back to Lynn.

When Tyrael patted her head she simply smiled, though she wasn't sure why the woman did it. She was left in a bit of confusion as Tyrael left without another word.

If Tyrael were to ask any of the girls they saved, they would have insisted that Lynn eat first, and to just pretend they accepted. After all, they could make it to Kalla fine, but were worried of the sea born girl that rescued them.

Upon Tyrael's return, Lynn sat up, her eyes lighting up at the food. "Oh, this is interesting! What is it?" She asked. Having lived in the water only to walk land rarely, most of her diet consisted of fruits, a few vegitables and plants, and fish. While the orange color was familiar, she honestly didn't have much of a grasp on baked things like bread. She took a bite and savored the flavor for a moment, enjoying it. The bread itself was hard on the outside, but the interior was nice and soft, and was complimented well with the lentil and orange marmalade mix. "Mm! It tastes of oranges!" she stated happily, never seeing anything that tasted like an orange in this shape.

"It is bread, with bean paste and jam. The humans call it... Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches." Tyrael says plainly. He made two, but only one was for her. He lifted his sandwich up and Zastriel appeared on his shoulder in crow form. But suddenly, Zastriel would shift, her body twisting and molding into a whole new shape: an imp. "Thanks boss, I've been starving." The imp takes the sandwich and eats it on top of a table. Tyrael continued to focus on Lynn. "We will arrive in Kalla by tomorrow morning. I'll be taking a few supplies on this boat, but otherwise I'll leave it in the hands of the women we saved. Is there anything you think you may need?"

"Bread? Peanut butter and Jelly...," strange, it wasn't much like any jellyfish she knew of. Either way, it tasted delicious, so Lynn tried to take her time with it to savor it. The one downside is that it made her thirsty as it seemed to try to stick in her throat, to which she used brought some water from the jug, to drink. A bubble about a cup in size lifted itself out of the water pitcher that was next to Tyrael and floated to her. She sipped a little from it and continued to eat, letting the bubble float next to her.

When Zastriel appeared out of nowhere, it started Lynn a little, much more so when it changed into an imp. It seemed to call Tyrael 'boss' so it wasn't a hostile creature but it still left Lynn shocked. Was this creature tamed or her companion? She wondered about the creature, watching it eat before she realized she was staring and blushed as she looked away.

She looked back up to Tyrael when she asked her a question. "What I may need?" she repeated in thought, "Anything that could help me get through this desert. It was the last clue I had to where the Tidal Trident may have went. My village was attacked and it was stolen from us, and legend tells of terrible things that could happen if it is taken. There wasn't anyone adapted enough to travel on land to go find them. Everyone is all merfolk except for me, who is also half siren, making me able to traverse land.... so I volunteered to go. I'm not even sure where to begin looking, I just know the ones that attacked carried these strangely shaped bladeless spears that spat all sorts of magic from them without a word or casting process. Have you ever heard of such a thing?" she asked. It was a bizarre sounding item, especially the thought of casting without a ritual or incantation.

"Hmm. Magic staves?" Tyrael would guess. Though he had more questions about what exactly Lynn was. he had simply thought her a sea Sylve. But some sort of half-merfolk, half-siren? He didn't even know what those were. Aside from being ocean based creatures, but that was obvious. Still now they had a goal to work towards, which was better than Tyrael's aimless wandering. "If you're looking for an artifact, than we need to find thieves. We'll need money... Perhaps there is something on this ship that is worth money that we can take and sell. Coins to pay for bribes. If you're going to be in this environment, we'll also need to get clothing for you. Your current attire is terrible; were it not for magic, you skin would've burned under the desert sun. You need to wear something that covers, like me, but breaths easily. We will also need water. Lots of water. But I can handle that."

Lynn nodded as Tyrael spoke of her attire. She didn't see anything wrong with it as it was her native clothing, but after seeing Tyrael, maybe it was the best. Though, it would make things a bit difficult for her. For her merfolk half, it would be fine, but for the Siren half, which basked in the sun and shallow waters quite regularly to draw power from it, it could be problem if over extended periods of time. "I would still need to balance some sunlight," she started to explain to Tyrael, "It helps supply me with the mana to use my magic, as well as if I am not in the sun, I can start to become sick after a while. But, I should be able to go most the day with more covering as long as I'm not using too much magic. A-and don't worry!" she said, interrupting herself, "I'll be fine till next morning, I think I may have gotten a little too much sun today already," she said with a joking smile.

"Though, as for water... I really do hope there is some here somewhere. If I am not using my magic, I can't summon any water either. But there has to be some sort of water source out here, or else nobody would be here," Lynn theorized. "If we are going t a town, maybe its by a body of water?"

“I do not know. But I am certain there may be an oasis or reserve we could have access. I do not believe it will be free though; hence the need for coin.” Tyrael pondered some more thoughts. What else they could do to ease their journey. He had an idea but... He would need Lynn’s help. “We should speak to the women who were captured. I do not care to have them indebted to me, but travel in these lands will be far easier if we could rely on them to transport us. Perhaps we can convince them out of good will, or even teach them skills so that they cannot become slaves again. If you wish to obtain your peoples artifacts, we must gather allies where we can. From the highest to lowest. Do you think you can I could convince them to continue aiding us?”

"I-I am not sure. Maybe, but I don't want to burden more people than I have to," She replied with her sleeved arm crossed and her other hand twirling her hair between her fingers as she thought. "As it is, they probably just want to be home with their families as well more than anything.... We will have to just play it by ear when we get to their town."

“Fair enough.” Tyrael says as he stands up. “Rest up. I’ll keep watch. If you need anything simply speak to Zastriel.”

The little Imp finished eating her meal and looked at Lynn. “Nice to meetcha.”

"Thank you," Lynn said with a little bow of the head. She then looked up to the imp as it finished its meal. "Likewise," she said with a smile as she layed back down, her eyes heavy, "I don't think I will trouble either of you for much else, I'll try not to anyway. I still feel awfully drained. Let me know I am need for anything though."

“No problem miss. Just don’t croak in your sleep, otherwise the boss will be mighty annoyed. Heh heh heh.” The imp says as she vanishes from sight.

-----

A few hours pass and Tyrael would be able to see the faint glow of sunlight start to lighten the darkness on the horizon. However, on that same horizon was a large cloud of dust kicked into the air from something approaching VERY fast. He may even be able to make out a small point in the cloud, like an arrow pointed directly towards them coming right for the ship. It wpuld be just a few seconds before whatever it was that was kicking up the sands would be upon them.

“Shrakh. Prepare for impact!” Tyrael shouts to the women as he braces himself for whatever was about to come upon them. This time he had his iron bow, as he had spent his free time crafting arrows to replace the ones he used up. “Zastriel, to the skies! See what approaches!” Zastriel would transform into her faster Raven form and fly into the air whilst invisible, keeping an eye on the scene below.

The girls did as they were told. Getting low and holding on to something. There was a big blast of sand that ended the steady arrow of dust as whatever it was jumped into the air. It would fly by Zastriel nearly instantly, and something strange could be heard from the red and white blur.



"HI HIIIIIIIII~," Kitchi greeted as she was landing onto the deck of the ship. Her momentum caused her to stumble forward and faceplant onto the deck with a muffled yipping sound. Nearly as soon as she fell, however, she was back on her feet and hopping up and down.

"I'm Kitchi! Smell sweets! Smells orange! Please have?" She asked bouncing constantly.

Tyrael had his bow still out, and to his surprise what hit the ship didn't cause it to explode or grind to a halt. Worse though, it ended up on the deck of the sandskiff and hardly seemed harmed by the speed or height it had jumped. If Tyrael had done the same without any enchantments, he would have broken bones at least, if not killed. He had his bow and arrow in hand, but did not draw on the stranger yet. Still... There was no guarantee that whoever this person was, wasn't hostile.

"We've some jam on the ship... Who are you?" Telepathically Tyrael had Zastriel go fetch the jam. Maybe he could use it to lure this creature away.

"Name Kitchi! Already say! No listen?" She said, a little annoyed, and continually hopping to burn off her energy. "I like! Jam good. Really good!"

Tyrael was still at the ready. He looked to the women to see if they were still operating the boat. “Okay. You can have some jam. I was going to make sandwiches anyways. You... Want breakfast?”

The girls seemed to relax a little but were still wary of the odd child that just boarded the ship, one of them murmuring about how it was kinda cute, though the sword on its back and the restraints had them a bit on edge. "Break fast? No no. Just jam! Is sweet! So good! Yay jam~!" she cheered, humming happily when he said she could have some.

It was a good thing Tyrael was still fully covered in his desert robes, because he was starting to sweat. This girl... Not just her physical abilities, he could sense something inherently off about her magical aura. It was like an unstable magical ritual that would summon a violent explosion. He needed to deal with this delicately, less he catch himself at the epicenter of a major disaster. This person was childish, but by no means weak. He cannot underestimate her. "Just jam? You don't want... Pancakes?"

"Aaaaaooooo~! Pancakes! I love pancakes!" she said hopping from toe to toe back and forth. "B-but, I really have to go! I can't be late! I must be fast!" she explained. "Maybe just jam?"

Tyrael put his bow and arrow away. Soon a bottle of jam floated to his hand, along with some other supplies. "Fret not, Katala, I am a skilled practitioner of Shapitjani. Witness!" With Zastriel's help, Tyrael took out a wooden bowl. Using supplies he found from the ship, he poured a milky-white powder into the bowl, along with a cup of milk. He also added a few smooth round stones into the bowl, and using his earth shaping magic, manipulated the stones to begin to rotate, mixing the mixture together. "Observe... MY MIGHT!" Whilst still invisible, Zastriel took two eggs and cracked them over the bowl, adding them to the mixture that was quickly beginning to combine into a singular batter.
Holding the bowl in one hand, a small green flame erupted from Tyrael's other hand as Zastriel put down an iron fry pan. She also drizzled a little bit of oil onto the pan, spreading it with her hands despite the heat coming from the pan. Being an Imp, she has a natural immunity towards flames. It was here that Tyrael showed his true prowess, grace, and agility despite being an orc as he poured the perfect amount of batter into the pan that would ensure for a full but thin pancake. The flames from his hand grew hotter by the second, quickly toasting the batter as it formed it's full round shape in the circular pan.

A process that normally would take at least a minute, but with Tyrael's skills and magic, allowed him to have a fully cooked pancake in ten seconds. Both sides had a golden brown crispiness to it. When the pancake was done, he would simply toss it aside to a conveniently floating plate, were there was another application of oil onto the pan that would allow Tyrael to make another pancake. He was essentially juggling pancake batter onto a roaring fry pan, cooking a pancake in ten seconds, and skillfully tossing it back onto another plate. In a whole minute, he had created ten extra thin pancakes.

Now out of batter, Tyrael put the pan away onto something that won't catch fire, since it was still hot, and set the bowl down. Finally he took out the jar of marmalade. "I know this is what you seek. But you have already come so far. Why not wait a few minutes more, for an even greater reward?"

Kitchi was fascinated by the specticle, not able to take her eyes off of the orc while the meal was prepared. "Mmmmmm," she hummed in anxiety over Tyrael asking to wait just a moment more. "I will try, it smells good!" She fidgeted around inside her jacket, the restraints keeping her from moving her arms too much. For a moment the sword glowed dark purple on her back. "No, its fine, its just pancakes and jam!" she seemed to respond to a wordles question.

Tyrael eyed the other women, hoping that they were still keeping the skiff on course. Taking out his blade, he dipped the tip into the marmalade. With a single swipe of his blade, he spreads the citrus fruit preserve onto a pancake. But this was not the end! Taking out a second, smaller knife actually meant for eating, he also took out the nut butter he had used with yesterday's meal, spreading that onto the pancake as well. When the pancake had an equal layer of jam and nut butter, he rolled it up into an easily held little snack. He did this for all ten, until there was a stack of rolled pancakes, still warm and crispy, filled with jam and nut butter.

"And so it is done." Looking at Kitchi, Tyrael approached her. He would likely tower over her, but being this closed made him extremely nervous. "So... Do you need help eating them?"

"Please!" she said in response to him helping her eat. Now that Tyrael was closer, he could see through the holes of Kitchi's mask at the eyes and mouth. She had white hair and fur paired with pinkish red eyes, an albino kobold. She nearly whined with anticipation as Tyrael walked up. She simply looked up to him and opened her mouth, as if it were obvious what her usual method of eating was. Someone must have regularly fed her by dropping or placing food in her mouth.

Tyrael looked at this strange creature who seemed to be bound. Did someone else try to contain her before she arrived here? They certainly failed. Kneeling before her, Tyrael took one of the pancakes and moved it towards the mouth hole in her mask. "Satisfied?"

Kitchi's mouth snapped closed as she began eating. "MMMMM~," she hummed in pure delight. She hopped twice before butting her head against Tyrael's hand like a pet dog. She quickly broke away and started running in circles on the deck. She then ran back up to Tyrael, bouncing up and down slightly higher and faster paced than before. "So tasty! Is sticky! Roof mouth! Need drink!" she cheered happily with more energy than she arrived with.

"Hmm. I am aware. You must eat more slowly. However I have the cure." Setting the plate down, Tyrael poured water into a tin cup. However he looked at Kitchi with a slight glint in his eye. "Here is some water... But wouldn't you rather have something sweeter?"

Kitchi whined a bit, looking in the direction that she needed to go and back to Tyrael. "Is fast?" she said worriedly.

"I can finish it as soon as you say yes." Tyrael says, continuing to gauge Kitchi and trying to get an idea of her exact powers and abilities beyond super speed and vaguely canine features.

"YES YES! YES YES!" She chanted happily.

As soon as she said yes, Tyrael quickly poured a white powder into the cup, and sealed it with a lid. Flames burst from his hands again to boil the liquid as he shook it rapidly, mixing the powder and water together. As soon as he took the lid off her showed it to Kitchi. "Warm milk."

Kitchi tried to sit still s much as possible to let Tyrael pour the cup to her mouth so she could drink it, though her body still seemed to shake wit energy. She would drank the milk, slowly at first, using it to clean her palette, but after that it was quickly sucked down. "MMmmMMmmMM!" she hummed, nearly squeaking in delight as her tongue hung out the side of her mouth.

"Thank youuuuu!" She said happily. "You nice! Help a lot! Must go! Get gem!" she said as she hopped towards the edge of the boat, preparing to leave.

"Hold there a moment." Tyrael calls out to Kitchi. "I do not know where you are heading. But perhaps you would like one more pancake to go? If so, there is a magic ritual I can preform. It is quick, and requires your participation. Doing so will... Strength your will."

"Me want! But no! Must go! Go now! Krogan Soul! Must geeeet!" She insisted.

Krogan Soul? Tyrael had no idea what that was. Something important no doubt... He needed more info. “You still need more sweet, do you not? I have something which may help.” Tyrael reaches into his robes and took out a small box with a small flap. He opened it and with her no doubt keen senses, she could smell what it is before he would even show her.

Chocolate.

“What is a Krogan Soul? If you let me know, I shall coat a little bit of the pancake with this sweet dark sugar.”

Her foot seemed to tap rappidly on the deck. "N-NO! Uwah, muh- MUST GO!" she said, struggling against her desire for sweets and her duty. She whined pitifully for a moment until the ears under her hood perked up when the sword glowed once again. "St-stalling? Why stall? ... B-but chocolate!" she exclaimed, turning over her shoulder to look at the sword hilt. She then scurried over to Tyrael in an instant, the pads of her feet tapping on the deck as if it were a woodpecker. "Its treasure! For oracle. Shiny gem! Jeevak need. Chocolate chocolate!" she said, hopping up and down once more.

Tyrael gritted his teeth. That was hardly an explanation. But he could also tell some other force was driving her to move. Perhaps it was the source of eldritch power that was putting him on edge? No matter. He couldn't risk provoking it into action. She at least told Tyrael that this Krogan Soul was a treasure for an oracle. A gemstone that a person named Jeevak needs. This information could be useful later. So he sprinkled the chocolate onto a pancake roll, holding it out to Kitchi. "For you."

"Hehe-yay!!" she leaped up triumphantly, "Chocolate amazing!" She nearly drooled as she actually took the time to savor it, but then Tyrael would notice an immediate difference in her. Before when she stood still, she was shaking a bit, now she was practically vibrating and and would hop around at a bit of a faster rate. The eyes behind the mask seemed to glow a bit red from beneath the hood. "ME GO," she said abruptly and she nearly bulleted off the deck, much faster tan she arrived, actually breaking a couple boards beneath her. There was a fluctuation in the air around her and a large clapping of sound as she rapidly blasted off, kicking up a large cloud of sand immediately around her, making her instantly disappear into the desert.

Tyrael barely was able to save the remaining pancakes as Kitchi suddenly vanished into the desert. He didn't even get a chance to see her leave as the dust cloud that was her vanished into the horizon. "... What a strange one." He'd have to fix up these boards later. For now, he had breakfast to serve. Taking a pancake into his mouth he would walk up to the other women and offer them the pastries.





"DORRAN!" Hilde screamed as she saw the man who had been like an uncle to her crushed under Malkhad's hammer. There were tears in her eyes as the wind just around her started to pick up, small bursts of flame popping up here and there. She was ready to charge in until Chihiro moved in front of her, declaring that she alone wanted to fight brute. Such a claim in Varuk culture could not be contested. When a duel was declared, it was accepted, and only a coward would intervene or break the duel.

When Chihiro started to change, a look of horror overtook Hilde for a moment, but it was more of surprise. The person she had known all this time ended up actually being a member of the naga tribe!? The townsfolk had simply thought she was a powerful sage, but this was completely different! Oddly, though, it made more sense given how long she has lived. Life sustaining magic was quite uncommon, though they never questioned if Chihiro didn't know it given her power. "Chihiro..." Hilde called looking up to her true form. Her eyes had the same fire her father had when he was defending the town, "make him suffer...," she said as she looked to Malkhad.

She then turned to Kistal and Allanon, "I'll help with this 'ambassador' person," she said trying to gauge him. It was odd, it didn't look like much of a threat compared t Malkhad, and if its an ambassador, that job title wasn't particularly known for being able to fight.

Malkhad laughed at Allanon's attempt to insult him, "I care little for your judgement you worm, I do as please, and crushing the feeble beneath my hammer is quite soothing." He started to laugh once more before he was caught off gaurd by the reveal of Chihiro's power and true form, "Well, this will be interesting. Just try to keep that animal over there chained so I won't have to humiliate you further," he growled as he noticed Anrak. He then slammed his hammer into the ground causing a rippling in the earth. It was time t begin, "Come! face your death!"

The curse Kistal cast seemed to at least get the ambassador's immediate attention, however, it didn't seem to change. Instead, the masked face turned toward's Kistal from afar, and he could instantly hear a voice in his head, that sounded all too familiar.

"That won't work on the dead, I'm afraid,"

The ambassador seemed to shamble a bit awkwardly as if to accentuate the point to make fun of Kistal as it drew it's weapons. A sai in one hand and a bastard sword in the other. It made a flourish and a bow before launching itself towards Kistal first.

Kistal's curse not working was answered soon enough. The dead were simply puppets to Calabris. "You defile the dead and disgrace the living, yet you ignore the pain and suffering I shall be giving." The ambassador launching itself at him was almost comical. The lack of tactics and experience was evident. "Pathetic you charge a pike line, giving my pointed blades a reason to dine." He waited until the last moment before thrusting his spear forward and planting the butt into the ground. Any tactician or seasoned warrior knew that charging a polearm was at best risky and at worst suicidal. With it planted and set, the charge would simply provide momentum into hitting the head of the bident.

Chihiro's eyes narrowed at the overconfident warrior. "You forget that Krogan was my darling friend. His soul rejects your dishonor and malice. If you dare try to use it against me in this duel, it will be considered a rule break and any and all can join in on my side. So says the honor of the Varuk." She had no intention of letting him use and defile Krogan's power, especially as it was not bound to him by proper ritual. As such, any attempts by him to use that power meant that not only could Allanon and the others join in to gang up on him, but it would simply further enhance the naga's power as her confidence surged.

She hissed audibly and began to glow a myriad of colors. She used every bit of her innate magical power to enhance every aspect of her body and abilities. A magical barrier, thick and thrumming with power enveloped her. "A duel cannot use stolen power. You stole that which is rightfully mine to hold and love. My power comes from within. You face my wrath."

Allanon gave Malkhad a wolfish grin as if the man had fallen into his trap. "I see. You are truly as pathetic as I thought." His grin grew even further as Chihiro stated the rules for their duel. Her transformation earlier had amazed him. He had never seen a naga before and only had heard rumors about their existence. He put his awe aside quickly as he focused on the charging Ambassador.

He was in a position to intercept when it launched itself towards Kistal, however he was aware the beastman was a spear-user. At the very last moment, he swung his sword at the lower legs of the Ambassador to cause it to lose balance and fall into Kistal's weapon.

Malkhad ignored Allanon's comment with a huff through his nostrils as he returned to Chihiro. "Tell yourself anything you want to make yourself feel safer. I found this power so it is mine to hold, regardless of the hapless fool who left it behind. You want this power, then come take it from me. I'll crush that defiance of yours and teach you where you stand! But first, behold my own power!" He kicked Dorran's body out of the way before he punched into the ground. Fire poured forth into the earth, hotter than even seasoned firekin could bare being near. Parts of the earth cracked around him as parts of the ground seemed to break away into a shallow molten lake with some platforms of solid ground, taking even some of his own remaining men with it as they tried to scurry to safety only to be met by a wall of unsympathetic Kalla warriors. "I have adapted to the hottest fires this world has ever known, this terrain will not scathe me, but i wonder how well adapted you are to it?" he said as he started walking towards Chihiro hammer at the ready. "Now die!" he yelled as he slammed into a solid part of the ground that Chihiro was on, causing it to start shattering. True this was his own firekin power, but it was only able to stride through it so casually due to Krogan's own ability to do the same without being burned alive.

As for the ambassador, the molten earth didn't reach where their fight was taking place. The ambassador ran forward full force, knowing that the spear would be deadly to just run into, but that wasn't the plan. As Allanon swung his blade, it was parried by the sai, and right as one would think it was about to be impaled on the spear, the ambassador's chest glowed through its clothes as it phased out fo existence for a split moment reapprearing in the same position it left in just behind Kistal. It then held up a hand, palm out but holding on to the sai with it's thumb as another light shone through its glove. it summoned an explosive ball of mana and shot it towards Kistal, even sliding itself back in recoil. "Kistal behind you!" there was a counter directional explosion that intercepted it it just before it made contact, negating the shot completely. It was Hilde as she rushed to join them to help deal with him first as she wasn't able to approach Malkhad.

To say that Chihiro was surprised by the immediate breach of honor was a massive overstatement. She knew it would happen, but she had planned for it. He fell into her trap of breaking what little honor he tried to portray as well as allow her to have more people enter the fray. "I am not a firewalker by nature, but you forget that Krogan and I traveled together. We sparred often." Her barrier was prepared for this fight as Varuk were known for brawn and fire, so it was tuned for heat and kinetic force. The naga accentuated this point by leaping into the lava to his flank and taking advantage of his terrible footwork. His thigh was a juicy target and led her to do four quick cuts on it as she sinuously slithered behind him. The cuts were superficial, but they served the purpose of dosing him four time with neurotoxin.

She then stayed in a defensive stance, knowing he would be overly confident and aggressive. "Your honor is broken, the duel breached. You have, in front of the people you seek to rule, proven to be nothing but an honorless thug. To walk within this lava, you must have used Krogan's power. As such, now you are nothing but a pack of evil muscles waiting to crumble."

Kistal heard the ambassador behind him, ready to jump, but he saw Hilde counter for him. "Thanks, Hilde." He then turned on his hoof to face the ambassador, seeming to let his spear simply stay in place. "Allanon, Hilde and I can handle this. The duel already broke, so feel free to go help Chihiro take him down. That man deserves to die for his enslaving ways." With the grace afforded by long years of dancing and his innate sense of balance, Kistal advanced on the puppet, hands balled into fists and steps light and almost mesmerizingly springy. For a moderately bulky athletic man, he moved like a Sylve on a stage. His first strike was disguised under him advancing, his forward hoof sweeping up in an attack at the ambassador's knee at the absolute last moment. "A puppet has no will, but the feeling of pain it has still."

Allanon glowered at the Ambassador when it blocked the strike at its legs. Such a movement from the angle he struck at was normally impossible leading Allanon to believe it was some creation of alchemy and thaumaturgy. When Kistal suggested he assist Chihiro he had a minor urge to stay regardless, but the odds were great that Chihiro could not handle Malkhad alone with Krogan's power flowing through him.

He had to protect the young girl and Bidzil as well. Trusting that Kistal and Hilde would cover his back, Allanon dashed to rescue and move the two away from the fight between Malkhad and Chihiro before joining into the fight himself. He sheathed his sword as he closed distance so he could pick each of them up starting with Bidzil to sling the young man over his shoulder and then the girl.

He dashed to the still clear archer's tower and placed them there. "Bidzil, I'm not sure what that power you have is, but you have it in you to be a true hero. If we survive this... I'll do whatever I can to help you achieve that."

He turned back preparing to charge at Malkhad and defeat this evil. His past was too stained with evil for him to be a hero, but there was still plenty of good left for him to do and create.

Malkhad played a dangerous game, and he knew it. But making the lava pit only meant that the others, even if allowed to join now their useless honor system has been breached, they couldn't. The naga, unfortunately with whatever magic she knew, was able to slither towards him rapidly, unaffected by the heat. When Chihiro came in close, he took that moment to strike, knowing he couldn't chase her down, but instead holding his ground. If he could kill her, the other small fry should give up.

What he didn't expect was the sped in which she closed in. Taking him by surprise, she was able to get a cut on him before his hammer came crashing down. Luckily for him, Chihiro's true naga form was a large target, like a snake, having to follow a bit of a trail. With her moving away from him, however, and with her movement faster than he was able to predict, the Chihiro took only a glancing low to part of her snake-like lower body as she was moving past him. Despite moving away from him, decreasing the overall impact, and the barrier, Chihiro could still feel a great amount of force from the hit when it made contact. The misaligned strike still had enough power make the barrier crackle in that spot before repairing itself. A good solid blow may be quite dangerous, but it looked like it may at least hold enough to keep it from being fatal, possibly even after one or two good hits against it.

"Their thoughts of me will mean nothing as I make them bow under my power. That barrier won't save you forever, you viperous witch," Malkhad spat. He prepared himself for her once more, noting a strange new tingling sensation in his left thigh that he didn't remember before.
When Allanon arrived to Bidzil, he would see something remarkable. Bidzil had begun get up on his hands and knees and started trying to drag the girl to safety as best he could. Luckily, Allanon was there to carry them both back before the area was turned to lava by Malkhad. He would notice there was an open wound on his back where he once saw the scar, as if it had reopened perfectly. It didn't seem deep however, as if it were a superficial wound if anything.

Bidzil felt Allanon set him and the girl down, the girl looking like she had passed out. Having heard what Allanon told him, he chuckled lowly as he stained to sit up. It felt like all the energy in the world had left his body, making it incredibly difficult to move. He hadn't lost a large amount of blood or received much for physical damage, but unkown to him, the mana outburst that his transcendent form used to protect him from the blow nearly expended his mana reserves, knocking him out of the form and leaving him depleted and his soul in a weakened state. "I'll take that as a compliment, though I gotta admit," he grunted as he planted a sword sheath in the ground to help himself back up, only to fall back down to one knee. "I'm not entirely sure myself," he told Allanon, though he smirked when he heard a hint of uncertainty in Allanon's words. "If? Alright old man, tomorrow it is," he said with a confident grin. He looked over to where Malkhad was fighting and just now realized there was a rather familiar looking naga fighting him. "Say, when did we get a snake lady?" he openly asked as Allanon ran off to help fight the brute.

Kistal's flourish seemed to work for him, distracting the ambassador enough that it didn't know where the attack would come from until it was too late, one of it's legs being swept out from under it. The ambassador fell on their back into the sand, and Hilde was quick to fill the gap with a piercing lunge with he sword, but it only met sand as the foe disappeared again, this time to the side of Hilde. The ambassador's left arm seemed to crumble away as it lunged at her with the bastard sword in the other hand. Hilde redirected the lunge safely to the side and then grappled the ambassador's arm under her own as she did a move that would remind Chihiro very much of Allard. She headbutt the ambassador, which dazed it, cracking its mask even, though it seemed to leave a scratch on Hilde's forehead. She then drove her sword into its side to try to finish it off. It shrieked in pain, its voice rather feminine. Normally an enemy would go down after such a wound, but instead the doll's hand briefly glowed as it released an explosion that sent Hilde reeling, hitting the sand and rolling a few feet. With this though, the other arm seemed to crumble away, the ambassador stood there eerily waiting for another attack. Part of the mask that was cracked fell away to reveal one of the eyes. There was a pale face behind it, the eye lazily open and tears visable, but it didn't speak a word.

"You wished to speak with me?" Sev asked, his voice still distorted from the air spell cast upon his throat.

"That is right," Jeevak started as he looked out to the stretching sea of sand. "I came when I sensed the power awaken in that young man. I was quite surprised to find that there was another person here born of gruskan blood.

Jeevak turned to Sev, "My name is Jeevak, King of the Grandis Empire. I wish to return to Death's Pass and rebuild our country. Return it to the once vivid and rich land it used to be, and re-establish a home where my people will no longer suffer the ignorance and violence this world has subjected them to. What is a King without a country and people for him to serve? My request, though simple in word yet not in action, is that you would join me in turning this dream into a reality. The gruskan people have been trampled on for far too long. They deserve to have a place where they don't have to hide behind masks and trickery just to eek out a meager existence. That is what I want, even if I have to find the Oracle herself to make it come true."[/color]

He crossed his arms and looked back out to the sands, "Places like this are rare. We both know it. So many are unnaccepting of us merely by birth.... If you wish to aid me, I can provide you with anything you may require. If not, well then, I can't say it wouldn't be dissapointing, but it would be understandable to stay with what you know vs the ramblings of what one could think is a strange traveler. Though the invitation will always be open."

"So you've come to recruit me for your little project?" Sev asked skeptically, "and, more importantly, you expect to be able to just carve out a place for 'our' people without any pushback or loss of life? Or are those just sacrifices you are willing to make?"

"If you speak true about being willing to let me go my own way, then that is my preference. I've no interest in fighting a war for a people I don't consider myself one of, nor a king I've never met," Sev said in a serious tone, his body tensing as he prepared for a violent reaction, ready to summon magic in an instant if needed.

"Stay your hand, young one, I said I have come here peacefully, these sands have seen enough blood today," he said calmly, not even worried about what Sev could do. He moved on to Sev's statement. "No, not quite. The land we will return to is the land of our forefathers. A blighted land that no man dares to tread and that I will make rich and vibrant once again. If someone were to take up arms against me wanting the lives of my people secured, then so be it, I will meet them on the battlefield. I tire of being witness to the lamentations and deaths of gruskan people based on superstition and hate alone. I will defend those who I have been given the power to defend, and I judge the heartless who see only with the eyes of loathing, fear, and violence," Jeevak replied passionately. There wasn't a waver in his voice or a second to spare for thinking, every word he spoke he spoke honestly. "If you wish to walk your own path, I can not force you down a path you wish not to tread. If you do take your own path, know that the gates of Grandis will be open for you should you change your mind.

"All nobles claim to fight for 'their people,' and every time they really mean they'll make their people fight for a cause the noble thinks is important. Anyone can speak of a greater good, an end to suffering, but none can deliver, not even the gods," Sev was seething at this point, slightly concerned by his own anger at what the man was saying, "you're righteous path will end not with the chosen land for 'our kind' but another kingdom built upon exploiting those weaker than you. All you'll have changed is who is weak and who is strong.

"By the end of this you'll become exactly what you claim to fight. No man, no syphie, grusk, or any creature, be they mortal or divine can resist the temptation of power. And I'll not have anything to do with it," Sev finished summoning a wave of magical power to form a massive illusion augmented with wind magic. Gale winds ripped up great clouds of sand that rapidly formed to create the head and body of a massive dragon. Great claws made of swirling sand dug into the dunes as the beast lowered it's head to roar, emitting a torrent of sand that engulfed Sev and Jeevak. Flesh tearing sands carried on a magical wind ripped through the two for a few long seconds, hiding both parties in an all encompassing torrent of dust.

Moments later the winds grew still, sand that had earlier been blown with the strength to scour the flesh of any in their path grew still, gently settling to the ground to reveal Sev had used spell to flee. No matter how good Jeevak's senses, magical or mundane, he was certain the miniature dust storm would have hidden him as he made his way back into town, cloaked in a veil of invisibility.

Jeevak sighs and shakes his head as the partial grusk lost his temper and comparitavely threw a magical tantrum. He didn't seem phased at all by it and instead let him go his own way as he said he could. He looked down at hs tw hands and clenched them into fists for a moment before relaxing them. Picking up the mask from his side, he placed it on. "I only ever desired the power I needed to accomplish my own goals, nothing more," he said to himself, "Hmm, one for two isn't all that bad... Kitchi, I know you are there. What have I told you about stalking me? If you want to ask me something you should feel free to ask."

Just then what seemed to be a small girl in a red cloak and mask popped up from one of the rooftops and hopped down. oddly, she seemed to have a sword strapped to her back and was wrapped up in a restraint jacket as well, and the look of her legs hinted to something that wasn't quite human in overall shape. "Found it! Found it! Me get? Pretty please!?" she hopped up and down excitedly.

"Ah, the treasure of the desert... You may go, Kitchi, but be careful. I sense an old friend there..." Jeevak warned.

"Will do! See later!" the girl seemed to chirp happily before dashing off blinding speed, kicking up sand in her wake.

Jeevak looked down at the ground where she was standing and saw that there was a candy wrapper on the ground, which for him, explained a lot. He sighed, knowing exactly who ay have supplied the half pint with the sweet treat.

As Sev reappeared from his illusion within town, having ditched the disguise when unseen, he scowled at himself. Why had what that man said made him so angry? Sure he didn't care for kingdoms or nations or laws, but he hadn't been threatened with anything. Perhaps it was how arrogant Jeevak was in simply claiming Sev as one of 'his people' without asking? As a wandering Battle Mage Sev had spent his life being his own person and for someone to come up and declare 'you are mine' was arrogant and insulting, but worthy of this level of anger? Sev didn't know.

With a quiet sigh Sev took a meandering path through town trying to find his way back to the tavern by a scenic route as to not be linked to the events that had happened at the temple then outside of town.

Allanon considered Bidzil's explanation of how he did not understand his own power himself. If he was going to take the role of a teacher then it would be important to help Bidzil understand the limits of his own abilities, but if neither of them knew then he would have to be creative with his education. Experimentation was something he was quite familiar with after all it was how he built his own sword form. He then looked back to Chihiro when Bidzil questioned the "snake lady", and he chuckled at how he said it. "That is Chihiro. You'll have to save your questions for later though."

The field of lava around Chihiro and Malkhad was intimidating to cross, but if he was going to assist in this fight he would have to be creative. He took a hard look at his options and his attention turned to the ladder of the archer’s tower. It was lashed to the structure. He drew one of his knives and began slicing into the lashings to free the ladder from the archer’s tower. When was the last time he did something like polevault?

He put the knife back into its sheath and he lifted the ladder over his head as he charged at the lava field. If Chihiro was as old as she implied she was then she was certainly a powerhouse, however, she was a powerhouse fighting someone that had taken the power of another powerhouse and anything that could tip the balance in her favor might mean the difference between victory or defeat. As soon as he reached the lava field he planted the ladder right into it and began to ascend it quickly as it pivoted over toward the fight. The instant he reached the peak he leaped towards Malkhad drawing a dagger and aiming right for his eyes.

The hit on Chihiro's tail brought a smile to her face. "Oh my, the pup has teeth. Too bad Krogan hit harder in sparring." A few relatively quiet snaps caught her attention for a moment. In her peripheral vision, she caught movement. A split second glance told her it was Allanon coming to join and trying to get the drop on her opponent. Figuring some help would be in order, the naga used her superior speed to slip between Malkhad's legs, giving him a few more slashes on the inner thighs along the way, and coil herself around them and squeeze to hold him in place as best she could.

She then did something most warriors would find unusual. She bit down on her opponent's thigh. She knew a major blood vessel was there, so her fangs sank in close as possible to it and then unloaded every drop of neurotxin she had left. As she did so, she gave two more slashes to the thigh she was biting, exhausting the last of her venom on the weapons. Malkhad could feel the sheer power of her muscles from the bite, easily noting it would have crushed a lesser man's bones given the proper placement. What he did not know was that he was now dosed with enough venom to paralyze sixty healthy adult warriors, including all her slashes.

"GAAAAHHH!" Malkhad roared in pain as Chihiro clamped down on his thigh. "Y-you irritating bitch!" he cursed as he brought the hammer head down on Chihiro like a pile driver. Her barrier would suffer, causing multiple cracks along its surface but it still held. He tried to bring the hammer down once more but something strange happened. The amount of adrenaline coursing through him could no longer overcome the amount of venom in him body as his muscles grinded to a halt. He felt like he couldn't even breath or speak as he turned into what was essentially a statue. This was just in time for Allanon to close in, Malkhad seeing the dagger on its approach. The eye would strain to move to see him as there was an airy grunting sound from his throat that took the place of his usual yelling and cursing.

Allanon would have no trouble sinking his dagger into the man's skull through his eye socket. and almost immediately, the energy sustaining the lava around them with constant heat stopped and the lava was allowed to start cooling. Supported by the molten rock and Chihiro wrapped around him, the would-be tyrant died where he stood before he would even be allowed to hit the ground.

Kistal was well aware of Calabris operatives being intensely loyal, but this was another extreme. He suspected something more than just good indoctrination. His suspicions were confirmed as the ambassador lost both arms after using power and had its mask partially destroyed. Tears were not for the Calabris. They did not cry in a fight. Kistal's heart ached, signalling him to suspect she was a slave or at least not in complete control. His next strike was meant to end the fight completely. He did not wish to risk Hilde any more than he had and needed to do something to this ambassador. He went in for what seemed like another kick, but as he went for a roundhouse, he used his dancing prowess to feint and bring the hoof back down, converting the strike into a headbutt to the chest, intending to gore the heart and disable the attacker. "Oh child, used and abused, let my strike ring. To end this tyranny of the accused, I shall destroy this suffering."



The ambassador started to scream as she was impaled, but the impact of it cut her off. She coughed a few times, blood coming from the mouth of the mask, the single showing eye from the mask twisting in pain. He had punctured her heart and lungs, though Kistal may have felt him hit something hard in her body, harder than bones and near her heart. With no current arms, she simply writhed on the end of his horns. At some point she was able to push off with one of her feet, kicking him in the shoulder to do so as she fell to the ground on her back. The mask fell away to reveal her face. She looked to be a half mouse beastman, though there were strange scars cut onto one side of her face. Not randomly either, as if they were intricately and purposely crafted. There was fear in her eyes as she tried to run, kicked a the sand to back away from her assailant. She was already a corpse it seemed, an undead, but yet she feared death.

"S-tay away!" she tried pleading. "I-I.. have t-to... warn...," she stammered as she could feel herself slipping away. "Pl...ease. . . no," her movements got weaker as a pool of black blood started to surround her in the sand. "M-Mysh...a...."



The next day, Jeevak had already vanished, and there was no trace of any of his companions either. Even Sahale was nowhere to be found. However, it was anything but a quiet morning. "SHIP TO THE NORTHWEST!" Someone called around mid morning. The bell was rung, much like the last attack, and word was passed around the remaining guard. Everyone had prepared for another fight, just in case, but it seemed that it wasn't necessary. "W-wait, it's some of our girls!" the guard cried out, looking to the ship with a telescope. That quickly got everyone's attention as they dropped what they were doing to come out and see. Sure enough, there was a small trading ship headed their way, the three freed girls, Tyrael, and Lynn aboard, finally making it to Kalla.

"We're here!" Sonia called out to Tyrael and Lynn, "and it seems they brought the whole town to see us... wait..." she stopped as she saw something unusual. A mass of bodies that were outside of town. "We were attacked?" she questioned quietly. When they arrived, they were met with open arms, family members and friends tearing up thinking they ad lost the three girls for good, and others worried that theyhaven't seent he scout group that had left the other day. Even Allard was out there, weapon hin hand and all bandaged up, refusing to had been standing by should the town had been in danger once again, though this was only possible due to the healing he had received. He stood waiting to see what manner of people the girls were with, who to thank for helping them make it back.

When Valia had arrived and saw some of her students she couldn't keep herself from crying as she ran up to them and embraced them, relieved that she knew at least some of her girls had made it back to her. Most of these girls spent so much time with Valia in and out of their schooling that she had seen them as her own daughters, and the thought of losing them was more than she could bare.

As for Sev and Maeve, they may have been woken or alerted by the commotion, though would find that it didn't sound frantic like there was any trouble, instead it had sounded happy and joyous.

Allanon panted as he cleaned off his dagger. As his adrenaline petered off he felt fatigue wearing on him. How long had he been fighting? Even for someone used to marathon battles now that he was past his prime, Allanon could tell his endurance was beginning to fall. He knew the time would come eventually. There was a reason many assassins and warriors were retired by his age. At least those that did not use magic to enhance their abilities. Still, for someone his age he still had far more endurance than the average warrior.

He took a deep breath and exhaled as he waited for the lava to cool down. After steadying his breath he smiled as he looked at Chihiro. "Well fought, Inquisitor. He went down easier than expected. I imagine that was thanks to you." He had never seen a naga before, and so he had no idea what she was capable of.

Allanon turned his head for long enough to assess the situation around him. He noticed Kistal had defeated the puppet, and Bidzil and the girl were still safe. "Looks like all is clear. Let's rescue the prisoners." He paused as he looked at the cooling ground. "Well... it looks like I may have to wait a little bit first." He chuckled. Crossing over the still hot ground would prove to be a lot more dangerous now that he was beginning to experience his drop in adrenaline.

He looked at the ladder as fire scorched up it. Even if it were still in any condition to be used he likely would not be able to pole vault back. Now that the battle had wound down and the bandit leader was slain any surviving bandits would likely have no will to fight the overpowering force that ripped through them and killed their leader. He wanted to go a bit quicker, but at this point slowing down would be okay. He was not alone, and the others were more than capable of freeing the prisoners of the bandits. Hopefully, the girl he came to rescue and bring back to her father in Portea was alive and well.

Upon Malkhad's death, Chihiro released the body from her coils, letting it drop unceremoniously to the ground. "I did use all of my venom to paralyze him. I can naturally hold enough to paralyze sixty men. That should show what Krogan's soul being forced to help can do. Allanon, do you have any idea how to get my friend's soul and return it to rest?" She looked at her fighting companion. Tears were welled up at the corners of her eyes, signalling to her worry for her friend and the purity of his soul. "I cannot bear to see his memory and soul twisted and tainted for these purposes. He was a beautifully bright warrior, not some despot!"

She flicked the blood off her fans, returning them to her kimono top. She folded her arms under her bust, coiling up on her tail, almost defensively as she worked to bring her emotion back into check. Even almost crying and with her size, she was still exotically regal and beautiful in everything she did. Even when most worried, she still looked like the warrior to look for and draw morale from.

Kistal, meanwhile, let the half-beastman settle down as she began to fade before kneeling by her and holding his bracelet above her. "Come to me, child. I shall purify your soul and help you fin your lost purpose. Your body was not your own, but my mind shall protect and nurture you. Your redemption is nigh." He wove the last of his mana reserves into his fondest spell. The mana became visible, the strands swooping underneath the body and forming a protective shroud as it drew out the puppet's soul. The soul was carefully, almost tenderly, drawn into the bracelet, bound to it as the magic coursed through and drew out any tainted magic or evil influence. The sheets turned black as they cleaned the soul before flitting away on a spectral breeze and fading into the air.

To the soul, it would simply seem to be a second of work, though the process took nearly a minute. Once inside the bracelet, the soul could perceive through Kistal. It would see him turn his head to watch the tainted magic flit away, a sign of the purification and redemption. It would then realize it could communicate if so desired as Kistal himself mentally informed it of the spell's effects. "Child, you may experience the world through me and speak with me. You were worried about someone, speaking of a warning. Who was it that did this to you? Was it Calabris and his callous hubris? Was it a curse?"

---

After sleeping for a good amount of time, Maeve was feeling completely rested. In fact, she didn't even remember the last time she had exhausted herself like she did the other day. Not even when she spent the entire day sparring against others in her hometown. Maybe it was because she had used a lot of healing magic, which was something she definitely wasn't accustomed in using, especially in such large amounts.

While Maeve was far too tired and exhausted to notice things such as the surge of magic coming from Jeevak's healing she did notice after she wake up that Jeevak had simply vanished together with his companions, along with any traces of his presence. Apparently, he indeed came to the city with a specific goal in mind and after talking with those whom he was interested in, he simply left. Strangely enough, Sahale was also nowhere to be found, which was a shame since he seemed to be an... intriguing person.

Fortunately, with Jeevak's departure, the city of Kalla was definitely calmer. Fortunately for Maeve, more interesting and potentially entertaining events were about to happen. Around the mid of the morning, while Maeve was eating her breakfast on Allard's inn, a loud voice called her attention coming from somewhere. Along with the familiar noise of the bells ringing, much like how they rang in the attack, the words 'Ship to the northwest' were yelled from person to person, notifying the entire town.

"Not again..." Maeve said, sighing with a clearly annoyed expression as she calmly finished eating her breakfast before going outside with her rapier on hand.

Luckily, that time it wasn't an attack, but in fact the complete opposite. Some of the girls who were kidnapped were on board of said ship and after being freed, they were finally coming back home.

Maeve who had already left the inn preparing for a battle, ended up simply staying nearby to watch the girls reuniting with their families and friends. She couldn't help but let out a smile as she saw Valia running towards the girls, crying, happy to see them. Most of the town was there, seeing such heartwarming scene. Some were still with their weapons in hand, which probably also thought it was a mistake. Allard too was among them, carrying his weapon despite being almost covered in bandages.

"I suppose not even such grave injuries were enough to keep you in bed, were them?" Maeve said with a chuckle, teasing Allard as she saw him.

"I almost thought it was another attack, just after I finally was able to clean my rapier, clothes and get myself in a presentable state after everything that happened." Maeve commented in a slightly annoyed tone, despite her discreet smile, denouncing that she was in fact a bit happy that the girls had returned.

Allanon looked upon Chihiro with sympathy. He knew all too well the burden of honoring the soul of loved ones. As far as working with literal souls he had no clue where to start. "I am afraid I know little of the ways of magic or souls. I am simply a swordmaster past his prime looking to fulfill the last wish of my dead wife." He scanned the ruins looking for a clue into how to perhaps return the soul to its proper place. "I believe the answer may be hidden somewhere within this ruin. It may simply be as simple as returning this... vessel to the location the soul rested."

He then un-clipped his wife's sword from his belt and showed it to Chihiro. The peace-bound sword was in a white sheath mirroring the black of his own sword. The twin sword built by the best weaponsmith Allanon knew, and enchanted with simple enhancement and repair magic. "When it comes to honoring and protecting the memory of a loved one I know all too well the burden. It is a constant battle. There will be those out there that would work to corrupt your vision either on purpose or by accident. Ultimately, it is up to you and your own efforts." He looked at Malkhad's body. "I know not if the power that is 'Krogan's Soul' is actually his soul, or simply the essence of his power. I know not how one can protect this essence when there are many powers out there that would be willing to seize it and control it for their own ends. It is entirely up to you how you remember your friend, but you know he is no despot."

Allanon returned his wife's sword to its location on his belt. "I suppose we should get started."