Chapter Six - Another Evening on the Plains

I learned only a little about my new companions as we walked south along the road to Barnacus. Ishudo, rather, Lord Ishudo, was a prominent figure of Barnacus, and had been for three years. Brecca was a much-traveled dwarf known among adventurers as 'one to watch'. He did seem a bit unstable to me, though we spoke very little. When he wasn't quietly plotting evil deeds with Amsden, he would switch between raucous singing and pathetic whining that he needed a drink. Amsden and Cullain were new adventurers to Barnacus, and already they had gained the reputation of being experts with whatever weapons they could put their hands on. Amsden, however, was quickly becoming known as a 'hothead' among the veterans, and Cullain was the early pick for whatever position of authority opened next.

They were all very different, yet each had one similar quality that brought them together. They knew the importance of having each other's back, as Brecca explained to me. While the soft spoken Ishudo and obnoxious Amsden might approach one situation in completely different ways, should anything present harm to one they had the absolute support of the others.

Ishudo and Cullain shared stories with me as we walked, and I found myself becoming fascinated with the life of adventuring. Cullain assured me that my encounters with two pleasant humans was quite unusual, and that everything I had heard, and more, was waiting to great me in the city. He told me that amongst adventurers, there was a tendency to lean towards arrogance. That was because many had not really been tested too strongly, and they got it in their heads that the life of an adventurer was a glamorous life to live. Ishudo added that in his experience, the quieter the person, the greater the wisdom and power. Those knew that more often than not, things said could, and did, come back to get you. Because of the ever-present danger in and about the city, from things both natural and of magical nature, it was generally best to keep any boasting to a minimum. Amsden snorted at this, but added nothing. Ishudo assured me that should I wish it, respect and friendship were easy to find, and that those with integrity rose quickly through the ranks of adventurers.

We stopped to have a simple meal as the sun continued its decent towards the horizon. Brecca and Amsden took this time to share many unusual and mostly inappropriate stories gathered from their time in the city. Most of those contained at least one reference to the worthlessness of elves, or something similar. I took their joking in stride, coming back with some dwarf jokes of my own as I grew more comfortable with the four, and even threw a couple towards Cullain and his human relatives. I didn't think that it would be proper to say such things to, or about, Ishudo and Biata. Amsden couldn't have cared less who became offended by his words.

An hour before the sun would disappear, Cullain pointed out figures on the plains to the west. They were not too close, but we could count at least ten. Ishudo suggested we keep walking, because moving or stopped there was no place to hide if the figures wanted to cause us harm, and to continue would put us that much closer to the city. It made me feel better as all save Ishudo drew their weapons. Brecca, whose hands carried a massive hammer and glowed brightly with magical energy, asked me if I had anything to drink.

"I have some simple alchemical intoxicants," I replied, much to his delight.

"Why didn't you say anything earlier, elf!" he demanded, striding up to me and holding out one of his hands. "Give me one." I juggled my gas globes, sword, and shield as I looked in a pouch for what he wanted. He was eyeing my necklaces speculatively, and my hands that glowed faintly from their magical powers. "You use alchemy, cast magic, and fight with a sword and shield?"

I nodded, and handed him first one, then a second intoxicant. The others didn't seem to mind, and I've learned that the offer of a drink or two can be the best way to breaking the ice in a new friendship. Brecca took the intoxicants, and quickly drank one after the other. After a loud belch, and smacking his lips appreciatively, he handed back the empty containers with a laugh. "Now I'm ready. And you're still a puny elf, no matter how much you can do." Amsden and Cullain shared Brecca's laughter.

I smiled, patting Brecca on the shoulder. "Any time you care to find out how much of a puny elf I am, let me know."

"Hah!" exclaimed Brecca. "You heard him, Ishudo. He just gave me his permission to kill him. I'm going to kill you, elf."

Ishudo shook his head with an exasperated sigh. "You can play later, but if anyone kills anyone else, they are subject to the laws of Barnacus, no matter who said what."

Amsden made a growling noise. "What fun is that?"

Brecca nodded in agreement, then stumbled on a large rock jutting out of the ground. I caught his arm, and as he righted himself, he said, "Good stuff, elf. I'm still going to kill you."

I was surprised when the human of the group brought our attention back to the matter at hand. Cullain pointed back to the figures moving closer to us. "Why don't you save it for them, Brecca."

Brecca, apparently having forget the figures in the grass, stopped and looked at them with blinking eyes. He smiled, and strode a short way into the grass. The others stopped, so I did as well, to see what Brecca was going to do. The large dwarf used both hands on his hammer to raise it and shake it with an enormous bellow at the black-clad figures.

"Well, that rules out much chance of a peaceful exchange," muttered Ishudo to Cullain, who nodded in agreement. Brecca let out another wordless yell at that group that would could now count as being ten. They began to spread out, a move that all of us immediately recognized as one that meant they were more likely preparing to attack us, rather than defend. A group working defensively usually stuck close together, as one attacking would try to circle if there were more of them than the number of defenders.

"Let me do the talking," said Ishudo, mostly to Brecca. "I have a Cure and two Lives around my neck," he then added, which I didn't understand at first.

"Two Cloaks versus Celestial magic, two Cures, and one magic armor on the shield," said Amsden, who moved to stand up next to the slightly wobbling Brecca.

"Two Cures on each sword," said Cullain, standing still and tall, waiting for whatever was to come.

I had figured out what they were doing. Each was reminding the others of where their magical items were and what they could do. An excellent practice, I noted to myself. "A Cure on each necklace, a Circle on each pin, a Destroy Undead on each ring."

Brecca yelled incoherently again at the figures who were now less than one hundred feet away. "That's all I need," he called out the figures. I saw Ishudo shake his head at Brecca, and I couldn't help but smile.

When the figures, men all, had come to within fifty feet, they stopped. Ishudo moved next to Amsden, with Cullain on his left. I moved to stand to Brecca's right, and slightly in front. The men did not appear to be too much of a threat, if each had been encountered in smaller groups. Their armor was shoddy, and most looked like they had been walking the plains for days without rest. One who was apparently the leader, with a silver chain hanging around his neck, and an ornate sword and large shield in his hands moved forward from the others who slowly moved out into a semi-circle formation.

"Greetings," called out Ishudo.

"Save it," replied the man in front. Brecca laughed, and Ishudo made a hushing sound. The man spared a look filled with hate at Brecca before continuing. "We are looking for some Golden Lions. Seen any around here?"

Ishudo nodded. "There are always patrols along the north road. At least two patrols should be leaving from Barnacus about now. You can wait for them here, if you'd like."

The man smiled wickedly at that. "So that gives us, what, two hours before they reach this spot?" Amsden and Cullain swore simultaneously, and Ishudo finally drew his twin, curved blades. The Biata moved a few more steps towards the men's leader, a deadly grace that anyone with half a brain in their heads would have noticed.

"You stand in the presence of a High Lord of the Hadran Empire, sir," said Cullain in a very powerful voice. "I suggest lowering your weapons, before his lordship's anger be riled."

"I'm killing you, first, bastard!" roared Brecca, and before anyone could react, the dwarf unleashed a barrage of Fire Arrows at the newcomer's leader. That ended any chance for a peaceful resolution. Brecca's move was so sudden, that the man fell in a smoking heap before any of us had moved.

"Damn, Brecca," yelled Ishudo, then the Biata ran towards the remaining, quite surprised group. Brecca roared again, and hurled a flurry of random spells. Amsden and I ran just behind Ishudo, and as we crashed into the pathetic resistance put up by the black robed men, Cullain cried out urgently. Only three black-robed men remained standing, as the five of us moved through them like we had all fought together before. I nearly dropped my sword when I saw what Cullain had seen.

Two pairs of glowing red eyes were moving towards us. Brecca stopped his stopped his wild casting, and quickly moved to stand behind Amsden and me. Ishudo pulled himself together, as the three remaining men ran fled in terror towards the city.

"This is bad," said Cullain. Despite the worry in his voice, he calmly stood his ground as the Death Knights approached. They were perhaps half a mile out on the plains, still, and our options were few.

"Search these bodies," said Ishudo quickly. "There may be some things on them that we can use. It's either run or fight, and I know I can't run all the way to Barnacus." Brecca, Amsden, and myself moved about the bodies, but we found little other than old weapons and armor, and a total of five gold. We made quick work of our search, and made sure that they were all in fact dead. It would only be a few minutes before they all dissipated.

Amsden stood facing the approaching Death Knights, worrying at his lower lip. Cullain was fixing his armor, and Brecca appeared to have lost all of the affects of the two intoxicants he had imbibed just a short time ago.

"Let's at least start moving again towards the city," suggested Ishudo, and we were all glad for someone to take the lead, as we all quickly set off along the road. "They already know we are here, and they can't sneak up on us. We are somewhat fortunate that they both appear to be only fighters. A scholar or two would be unpleasant." Cullain muttered in agreement, the dwarves and I remained quite.

The sun was close about to set, and we were still an hour from Barnacus, when it became apparent that we would not reach the city without an encounter. Ishudo called for us to stop.

"Silvermoon, you said you had two Circles on you?" asked the Biata, while the others faced the Death Knights who were only a couple hundred yards away. I nodded. "Give one to Brecca, and keep one for yourself. Cullain, take this Cure necklace, and Amsden. hand out some of your potions." This was done quickly, and again we all went over what we had on us. Brecca, much more subdued now, went over his remaining spells.

"Well be fine," said Amsden, as well all stood waiting for the Undead to approach. I certainly didn't feel fine on the inside, but I gave him a forced grin, and nodded in agreement. Death Knights were some of the most feared creatures in the land. Well, there was nothing to do but wait, with my trust in four I had only just met. "Ishudo will rush one, and the four of us will take out one. Then we'll help Ishudo, and that'll be it."

The others agreed with Ishudo. Whether this was a practiced plan of attack, or an idea off the top of his head, the others seemed perfectly content to do what the dwarf had suggested. I would go along, but I wondered if Ishudo was actually that good. I had only briefly seen him fight the robed men, but there was really no comparing them with Death Knights. And they were less than one hundred feet from us. Brecca suddenly moved to each of us, rapidly casting every spell protective he had in memory. He had plenty for us, but was muttering darkly at having forgot to do so.

"Let's take care of this," suggested Ishudo, in his ever-calm voice.

We moved as one towards the Death Knights. Their grinning skulls illuminated by the points of red light in their eyes sockets. Both were heavily armored, and armed, and I was glad to see that neither had glowing hands. That didn't mean that each had plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Their clothing was simple, and black, and their shields and swords were somehow darker than night. About twenty feet from us, they stopped, and Ishudo motioned that we do the same.

"A Lord of Hadran," began the larger of the two, its voice a dry rasp, yet plenty strong to clearly hear and understand. It didn't pass my attention that the sun had finally just set. The speaker turned to its companion, its smile growing, which I wouldn't have thought possible. The creature's bones gave off an eerie glow in the dusk light. "I was correct in my assumption; let rabble fight rabble. Power knows no bounds, and that includes a city's walls." The Undead turned its piercing gaze back to us, adding in a low voice, "Ever have the Lords of Hadran been so arrogant. A lesson must be taught, and soon, lest they remember the ways of old.."

"I'm killing you next!" Brecca suddenly screamed, causing Amsden and I to jump. Two spells of fire flashed from Brecca's hand to strike the larger Death Knight in the chest. I was nearly toppled as the first bounced off the Undead and raced back to slam into Brecca. The spell fizzled, and by then any element of surprise had been lost.

Ishudo quickly moved off to the left, attempting to draw either Death Knight to him. The smaller obliged, and those two began a dance I would have paid to be able to watch. As it was, I only caught glimpses as the larger moved at us. Its sinister smile was even more horrific combined with the fact that the creature had not even seemed to mind Brecca's attack. Cullain, Amsden, and I fought desperately, then, barely blocking the Undead's massive black blade. Brecca hit the Undead with two more spells, causing only a small amount of damage, and then Cullain suddenly fell with a cry.

"Push it back, push it back!" cried Brecca. Amsden and I attacked the creature as quickly as possible, trying to crowd it so that it had to take several steps back. This wasn't good enough, and Amsden actually lowered his shoulder and barreled into the Death Knight; I had to dart forward to keep the thing's attention divided. Behind us, I could hear Brecca sharing yells of anger between Cullain for falling, and the Death Knights for existing.

Flashes of white suddenly erupted from or left, and I glanced long enough to see Ishudo fall stagger back against the attack of his Death Knight. I took a cut across the leg, as Amsden called for Brecca to hurry with Cullain. Amsden and I were starting to get sloppy at blocking the creature's attack, and Amsden took a big cut across his sword arm. I blinked in surprise when I saw Brecca race around the Death Knight and begin smashing it in the back with his huge hammer. The thing flailed, and Amsden and I pressed our attack. It was only a matter of moments before the thing fell.

Before the thing hit the ground, we had turned to help Ishudo, and were greeted by the other Death Knight. It seemed to feed off the destruction of its companion, and all three of us were barely able to hold our own. Cullain was there, then, looking ragged, but providing what we needed to finish off the Undead for good.

Amsden collapsed as the second Undead fell. He waved us away, claiming weariness, and that he was fine. Cullain and I went to where Ishudo lay unmoving. Cullain put his hands on the Biata's chest and spoke the words that would make the Cure necklace work. Ishudo groaned, and slowly sat up. A thudding noise drew our attention to where Brecca was pounding at the ground where the remains of the Death Knights lay.

"That was almost bad," said Cullain as he helped Ishudo to his feet. Ishudo nodded, as did I.

"That was something," agreed Ishudo, brushing himself off, and looking towards Brecca and Amsden with a confused look.

"They're recovering," said Cullain with a shrug. "We should be moving, though. We can't stand up to much more out here, and Brecca has to be running low on spells.

I used another necklace to heal myself, saying, "I'm sorry I forgot to use my rings; they might have helped a lot."

Ishudo shook his head, saying, "Don't be; it happens. We handled ourselves fairly well, with nothing more than some scrapes. No doubt the tale will quickly spread from the Raven's Roost after a round or two from Brecca." A round or two sounded good to me about now. I wondered if they would have any Elven Wine.

"Come on Amsden, Brecca," called Ishudo. "Let's get to the city before more come, as I have no doubt they will. There are plenty of anxious andventurers to take part in some mindless violence."

Brecca pulled Amsden to his feet, shouting to no one in particular, "I'm going to drink for a week, and then I'm killing you, elf!" He smiled with that, this time, and every one of us laughed sincerely.

It was with light, although very weary, hearts that we resumed the last leg of our trek to the waiting city of Barnacus. I could not wait to finally be inside those walls.

Chapter Five - An Offer of Kindness

My third day on the plains was the most trying of my journey to Barnacus, though it took time before my trials let themselves be known. I had taken only a short time at sunrise for sleep, once I was certain that the time when any Undead would no longer be able to walk the land. I laughed to myself when I realized that the Undead and I took our rest at the same time, with the rising of the sun, but only three hours into that spring morning, I was back on my feet and on my way. The food Elainis had given me worked wonders for my weariness, and I started my walk hoping to make it to the human city before the day ended.

The morning passed without event, with which I was perfectly content. The more I thought about it, as I had plenty of time to think in that empty land, my encounter with the skeletons was probably not the wisest thing I could have done. Sure, I escaped relatively unharmed once I had used one of the necklaces, but while destroying five more Undead, I would have done no one any good dying alone in the middle of the vast grasslands. A nagging voice in my head kept intruding on those thoughts, though. What I did was the right thing to do; who knows how many less fortunate individuals would have been harmed had I let those skeletons continue their shambling march. I found myself having a hard time trying to figure out if it was better to do right for myself, or for another faceless, nameless unknown. I didn't mind helping those in need, as some may have become had I not destroyed the skeletons. But I will admit that I don't have any desire to find myself in an Earth Circle because of some rash decision, or worse yet, not make it to an Earth Circle at all.

My thoughts continued on their darkening path towards doubt, as morning quickly passed to noon, and then on to late afternoon. I had not come across any landmarks of any sort other than grass. I didn't think that humans had anyway of distinguishing one patch of green-gold grass with any other. I, as any elf, could do so with any tree, and never really get lost in any size of forest. I saw no buildings, or water, not even a single tree, and was feeling somewhat homesick for the comforting blanket the Shimmerglen provided.

Several hours past noon I had no more time to ponder right and wrong, or the beauty of a blade of grass compared to a single leaf. To the east, perhaps a mile away, I saw a small group walking in the same direction as myself. At this distance I could not tell how many there were, or what they even were, but I knew that I had to be getting close to the North Hadran Road, which from Barnacus to its eventual end at the gates of Old Hadran. It was a common road, as it also curved east towards the Dwarven hills, then west again to brush the eastern boarder of the Shimmerglen, and then back east to the dead city. The group could have consisted of anything, and may have simply been a group of merchants. I felt something inside, like I had felt during the night, that danger was nearby, but I didn't feel it coming from those travelers on the road. Golden Lions, the military of Barnacus, often patrolled the road between the city and that of Old Hadran, but knowing that is not what made me not feel much unease towards that distant group. Danger was somewhere out here in the grass.

I stopped briefly to gather and ready my gas globes. There were not many creatures that could resist the effects of a sleep gas, those that could mainly being elves, and I didn't believe I would have anything to fear from another elf. I drew my sword, as well, and carried it the way I had the night before-resting across my chest and on my left arm, and held close between my shield and my body. I knew this to be a less threatening stance to those I would come upon, and it showed others that I would not hesitate to use my weapons should it become necessary. Knowing that there was nothing else I could do to prepare for any attack, I changed my direction, and headed directly for the group. The bells on my sash jingled lightly with my quick step.

The sound of singing voices slowly greeted me as I came closer to the group. I saw that they were four walking two by two, and all well-equipped and armored. I could also see that they each walked with a casualness and ease that spoke of confidence and power. At my approach the singing continued, but one in front wearing black and bright red pointed towards me. The group slowed, as did I, and it was apparent to me that the four now looked at me as warily as I must have been looking at them. The singing stopped, and I was now close enough to tell that the two in back that had been making the music appeared to be the largest dwarves I had ever set eyes upon. One in front, wearing the browns and pale greens usually associated with Rangers of the north, looked to be human. I could not tell what the fourth figure was, other than they were dressed in near solid black, and the red I saw was some sort of design on the front of a tapered.

I had to reassess my options for defending myself at that time. Dwarves could resist gases to a point, but those two looked to large to be able to move with any real speed, and I knew how fast I could move. As I tried to figure out what to do, the four made up my mind for me, as they turned off the path and headed towards me. The dwarves had weapons drawn, but held low and casually, almost as though they didn't really think they'd need them. The one in green and brown, who I could definitely tell was human, carried a pair of swords. I could see that each of those blades was slightly curved, and the man held them as though he had been born with them in his hands. The last, who I now saw to my surprise to be one of the rare Biata, walked with weapons still hanging from his belt, his hands at his sides. That one was their leader. If my instincts had failed me, he would be the first to go down. Or so I planned.

Twenty feet from my they stopped. The dwarves were laughing, apparently some joke no doubt directed at me. I didn't mind, however, once I caught one mutter something to the other about my visible necklaces and pins. The majority of magic items carried by adventurers had their abilities stored in such necklaces, pins, and rings like I carried. Their assessment of me suddenly changed, as did that of the leader, who also caught sight of the items.

"Hello," said the Biata simply, and softly. Despite the casualness, he seemed tense, and hesitant to want to continue, perhaps wondering whether I was something that would speak or strike. After a moment I nodded, and he added, "My name is Ishudo." He nodded to me in greeting, and stepped towards me with his right hand extended. I stepped forward as well, and took his hand in a firm grip. All four visibly relaxed at that, even the joking dwarves.

"My name is Silvermoon," I said, also relieved that this was going well. I was going to be first to share any more details than that, until they had done so.
"It is good to come across one willing to speak rather than attack, here on the plains," Ishudo said, as the others, knowing that their leader had things under control, half listened to us as they scanned the land about us. "Even so close to Barnacus, those creatures from Old Hadran that don't mind the light are making a lot of trouble for us."
"I'm on my way to Barnacus, actually," I said, ever careful to not let my guard down. Just because we spoke civilly, didn't mean that they didn't have mischief on their minds. "I ran into some Undead last night, a group of five skeletons, but other than that I haven't seen a thing." The taller dwarf, also in red and black and a heavy shirt of chain mail, nodded at this. "I have heard that there are creatures moving from the north." The human snorted.
"You could say that," he remarked with a shake of his head. He then approached me and extended my hand, which I took. "I'm Cullain. You're lucky you only encountered a group of skeletons. Three Death Knights decided to pay a visit at the gates of Barnacus. Of course, they had timed it with a small invasion of skeletons which entered from the south only minutes before, so most of our attention was on them." He barked a short laugh, and said more to the others, "Dougal wasn't very happy about the mess they caused at the Raven's Roost." The two dwarves bursted out in laughter, and the Biata smiled.
The dwarf in chain, the other was in a simple black robe, said roughly, "I'll make a mess of Dougal the next time I hear him complain about his damn Inn."
"Hey!" exclaimed the dwarf in the robe, with a punch on the arm of the other. "Don't be making a mess of Dougal or his Inn. Where else would I hold my card games, and get roaring drunk?" The dwarf in red laughed, and shrugged as though he couldn't have cared less.
Ishudo smiled at the exchange, and appeared perfectly comfortable allowing the others to speak as freely as they did. I noted this as a mark of a strong leader, one with respect for those who followed him, and their respect for him was mutual as they silenced as he turned to speak to me.
"You said you were on your way to Barnacus?" I nodded. "We are of the city, part of an adventuring group, as well as part of a household which I lead. Would you mind the company? We are on our way back after patrolling the area. I never realized that there were so many farmers out here, until they all started running into town claiming that death was coming from every direction." He shook his head, as the dwarves apparently grew bored with the conversation and moved apart to plot whatever mischief dwarves enjoy. Ishudo continued, "Cullain and I have been out here since dawn, after a group of four newer adventurers appeared in the Healer's Guild Earth Circle to resurrect." If anything his voice was even softer at the end.
Cullain nodded sadly at that, saying, "It's getting bad out here. I know that we just met, but whatever brings you to Barnacus, I hope that you don't mind helping us out down there."
It wasn't exactly what I had expected, to be asked to help by a human, and him with two dwarves and a biata. But I knew that my skills, though still limited with lack of any training other than that to become a Ranger, would be welcome. "I will help," I said. "I don't not know anyone in the city, however, and have nowhere to stay." I hated admitted being alone, especially to the human, but if it mattered to him or Ishudo, neither showed it. If fact, they appeared happy to have me.
"You know four of us, now, of Barnacus," said Ishudo, "though Amsden and Brecca keep to themselves and the trouble they create more often than not." Cullain laughed at that. "And, should you desire, you have a place to stay in our group's building. We are always open and welcome to newcomers, and there are other elves who will be overjoyed at your presence."
Cullain was nodding as Ishudo spoke, and actually smiling warmly. "Khai'a and Darius could definitely use another elf to commiserate with." He paused as something seemed to come to his mind. "Perhaps we are getting too far ahead of ourselves." He must have caught the look on my face as I was somewhat overcome by the unexpected offers and kindness.
"I thank you for your offer," I said sincerely, even to Cullain. Despite my thanks, I was disturbed by the fact that after my second encounter with a human on the outside had happened like nothing I could have imagined, with all of the stories I've heard. It would be good to meet other elves, especially ones staying with humans, and get their perspective on all of this. "I would be happy to walk with you four to the city, and see what sort of hospitality you have to offer."
"Excellent," said Ishudo, and Cullain nodded. "If you don't mind, we do need to get back to the Healer's Guild as soon as possible. At my nod, he and Cullain turned and once they had collected Amsden and Brecca, who both were still deep into plotting something, the five of us began to walk back to the road and then south towards Barnacus.

The feeling of unease had not gone away once we were all on our way. If anything, once we had reached the road it became more present. It was as though someone stood behind me in a dark room; I knew they were there, I could almost point them out, but could not tell for certain where the danger lay. At least I was not alone anymore, and was with a group that seemed able to handle any trouble we might come across before the city.

Chapter Four - The Second Test

The day continued bright, and the soft breeze from the west carried my feet faster than my elven heritage ever had before. Perhaps it was the sun and warmth, or perhaps the pleasant breakfast and safe sleep. It didn't escape my thoughts that each step, no matter how lightened by the day, brought me that much closer to Barnacus. And to the oncoming night. I knew, deep down inside, that I wanted to be doing this. But good intentions were not always a sure thing. I was out here because of good intentions. It was past time to begin to heal. I was not letting my light step fool my mind into forgetting what Elainis had told me. Several times since I had left I caught myself running a stray finger over one of the rings, or my hand would fuss absently with one of the flower pins stuck in my silver vest. I knew with leaving the Shimmerglen that I might face danger; it was guaranteed with my destination being the human city to the south. As I trekked further from what I knew, I began to think more and more that those good intentions would wind me up in trouble I might not be able to handle.

I was grateful that the rest of that day passed without incident. That isn't to say that I didn't wish that something had happened. Even an elf grows tired of seeing the same thing for hours on end. I did enjoy the perfect day as far as weather goes, and there was not a flaw to mar the landscape. But I wouldn't have minded an encounter with a bandit or two. I wasn't exactly certain how human bandits operated, as that is what I figured I would encounter, if anything. I couldn't imagine too many just lurking in the wide open plains, as I didn't think that too many travelers traipsed through the plains, despite what Elainis had claimed. Perhaps they did; who knew with humans?

The sun had begun its descent to the western horizon, painting the sky a lighter shade of blue, when I began to consider my options for my first night outdoors. I hadn't expected the village, and was ready to set up a camp. Any place would serve as well as another out here, but that wasn't my main concern. There was no defensible place, anyway, and I had plenty of water so I wasn't concerned whether or not I was by a source of more. If what Elainis had said was true, I had only a couple of hours at the most before Undead began to roam the countryside. I knew what I could handle, but more importantly I knew what I could not. If a Death Knight caught me by surprise out here, I'd probably be visiting Elainis and Alaer much sooner than I intended. I could run, though, but not all night. I hadn't heard of a Death Knight, or any Undead that could run, growing tired. I get five hundred years of life, a Death Knight can run forever. I suppose I could live with the hand I'd been dealt.

Setting a camp would have been too risky, I finally decided. Less than an hour of daylight remained. If I slept, I wouldn't even have the chance to run, let alone even fight very well. It was unfortunate that the circles created by the flower pins only lasted an hour each. Despite my unease at sleeping in one, I would have that night if I had been able to. So, having made up my mind, I picked up my pace a bit, and let my feet take my where they would.

Darkness covered the plains a day north of Barnacus. I was not worried about becoming lost out there, but I could have been anywhere on Tyrra if I didn't know better. Small bells that hung from my sash had been put away. Four gas globes fit snugly into my left hand, which also held surely my black shield. I carried my sword, now, as well. It rested across my chest and over my left arm at an angle, with my shield holding it close to my body. It had become a very comfortable way to carry my blade; I had picked up the trick while training in the forest. This way it was already drawn, and I wouldn't have to worry about making any sound if it hadn't been. The gifts given by Elainis were still there-I had checked many times as the sun had been setting-and I was ready to use them. There was no more for me to do other than continue to walk.

I moved effortlessly and silently. There was no sound, no wind or breath of air, no moon with its usual light. There were stars, though. A brilliant tapestry painted a map to my destination, and while they were beautiful to behold and led me on my way, they could have at least tried to put out a little more light. As I relied less on my sight to prepare for danger, my sense of hearing and of something inside me that I couldn't name worked to keep me safe. Having never been anything but an elf, I couldn't say for certain if it was my elvish blood or not that gave me a heightened awareness of the plains around me. Whatever it was, I knew what was out there, and I was not overly concerned at first. I knew that the Undead were out there. I didn't know where, but I knew that they were not close, yet.

Several hours after what I would have guessed to be midnight, they were close. I had gone over in my head countless times what I would do if I, or I should say, when I eventually encountered any Undead. Before I could put into action what I had been planning, I saw them. A small group, maybe five, they were to my left and moving south. They moved slowly, almost as though it was a struggle for each to pick up one skeletal leg and place it ahead of the other. I weighed my options as I moved at a slower pace which almost matched that of the Undead. If they were simple skeletons, I would be able to handle them. If not, or if there were more of them or something else close by, I probably wouldn't find out until I was too close to them when by then it might be too late to get away.

I don't exactly know what made me start running at them, my sword held up and close, my shield loose to allow for quick movement. I vaguely remembered as I ran at them that I was out here to find myself. My family had fought the Ebon Brotherhood since that dark group's inception, and the Brotherhood was tightly bound with any Necromantic practice. It was in my blood to destroy the skeletons, as I saw them to all be just before I crashed into them.

No one can understand what it is like to kill until they've actually done it. Not that killing an Undead is actually killing in the sense that most see it. But to destroy something with a sword, and a shield to protect, is like nothing I can ever completely convey to one who has never done it. The battle was quick, and fairly painless. Quiet, too, for which I was very grateful; no need to draw the attention of anything else. Two got their claws in close, giving me small scratches, and I quickly shattered their arms with hard, practiced swings of my sword. A third stabbed at me with a short, rusty blade that somehow found its way past my shield and into my left side. I felt blood drip down my side, which caused a fire in my heart that drove my sword with a quickness that I had never displayed. In the span of ten quick breaths, the creatures were crumpled piles of bone. I paused for a moment as I looked down on what used to be five humanoid creatures, before death, and then undeath. It should have bothered me to utterly end the existence of these creatures, but it did not. As far as I knew, the remains could not be reused in any sort of Necromantic ritual after already having been used. Perhaps it was that fact, the fact that whoever these bones had been in life were now truly at rest.

A sharp sting in my side brought me out of my deepening thoughts. I quickly checked first about me for any sight of more undead, but there was nothing. I didn't feel anything out there in the darkness, either, which I was begining to trust more, now. I set down my shield and sword, and my gas globes, and checked my side where the skeleton's weapon had struck. A cut nearly a hand's length ran along my left side ending just above my hip. I was not a very proficient Healer, but I did know that this was not good. I quickly tore a small strip of cloth from a larger piece in my pack that I had brought for this very reason, and firmly pressed it against my side. The pain of the pressure made me nearly choak, but I held it tight, as I tried to remember which of the necklaces Elainis had given me would be best for the wound. The red was for serious wounds, she had said, so quickly grabbing it, I said the words that would release the spell. An instant after uttering the last of those magic words, the pain in my side was gone. I carefully pulled away the cloth in case any cut remained. There was none.

I took a moment to catch my breath, then quickly put myself back together as I needed to be moving again. The necklace had healed my wound, as well as the smaller cuts I had received. It did not, however, lessen my fatigue. All I could do was place one foot in front of the other. Shield and sword were back at the ready, and my eyes scanned the plains from west to east continually throughout the night. It was only seldom that I needed to consult the stars and their guiding light. I was being pulled to Barnacus and all that that entailed. I had survived my second test on the outside, the first being the village. I walked uncontested through the rest of that night with a slowly growing confidence that I had not felt since leaving the forest.

Chapter Three - Unexpected Help

At least you woke up this morning.

I once heard one human say that to another. They were a pair of merchants in the north woods trying to peddle random odds and ends. I didn't really understand what it was they were talking about, but I think that the one was trying to impress upon the other that things could be worse. Humans are so...excitable.

Waking up inside that Earth Circle was not a pleasant thing, to say the least. A much-liked phrase of adventurers always contains part of 'wake up in a Circle', usually in reference to their killing someone or thing, thus sending it to an Earth Circle where it might resurrect. Earth Circles are at once a thing to be grateful for, as well as to be feared. Those spirits sent to one don't always heed the stories of the Guildmistress, fail to resurrect, and are no more. Scholars with the power and the desire can obliterate a person in an Earth Circle. Necromancers raise their undead from Earth Circles.

With a groan for the bright sunlight falling through a small window and onto my face, and for the way my day was starting filled with such dreary thoughts, I rose and dressed quickly. I could hear voices in another room, Alaer and Elainis, and wondered once more what the real story of this village was. An Earth Circle always meant power, and while Elainis had spoke briefly about the village's connection with the Silver Falcons, my instinct told me that there was more to it than just that.

I shrugged, and gathered my pack, shield, and sword. Smells of breakfast quickened my movements, and with a call Elainis appeared and recognized me out of the circle. She smiled at me brightly, and led me to the kitchen where a place had been set for me. Alaer mumbled something around a mouthful of food, quickly restoring my belief that humans were hardly ever polite. As I made myself comfortable, Elainis busied herself over a collection of pots on a small stone table. The scents coming from those pots caught my interest, as I was quite familiar with them. She was combining various herbal components to be used in the creation of gas globes like those in the pouch hanging from my sash. My supply was limited to those that would cause sleep, but perhaps she had others she would be interested in parting with. More importantly, at least in my mind, was the fact that not only was she a user of magic, as I could tell by her glowing hands, but she could read magical scrolls, as I had seen last night, and she could create alchemies. While I did not have much outside experience, I did know that such abilities together was quite rare, indeed. A little more to add to my thinking that there was definitely more to this village than Elainis or Alaer would let on to me.

As though she heard my thoughts, Elainis turned to me with another smile. "I told you last night that I would tell you of the rumors coming this way from Barnacus."
I nodded, trying not to appear too eager. I had seen plenty human merchants eyes glow with greed once they realized how much even their words were worth. As though at an unspoken command, Alaer rose and after clearing his place, he left the kitchen and the house, the door shutting softly behind him.

"Many adventurers have been pulled to Barnacus, lately," Elainis started, all of her attention save her voice focused on whatever she was creating in the pots. "I know this from the number of them crossing the plains, rather than use the main roads. The others of this village gather word from about, and have seen the same." She chuckled to herself then. "Those adventurers, always out to save something - the world, the lady, themselves - but they step on so many toes in doing so, that a whole other batch has to form to save the first group. It's an unending cycle, as far as I'm concerned." She began to hum softly, and appeared to have forgotten that I was there. I resisted the urge to call her attention back to what she had been speaking about, but then I would have known for certain that the human trait of impatience had already rubbed off onto me.
"Now, I haven't been to Barnacus in some time," she began again suddenly, "and as the saying goes 'Where gathers the help, gathers the trouble', creatures have been spotted across the plains." She stopped her stirring of one of the pots, and looked keenly at me. "What do you know of the Undead?"
I shrugged, trying to appear like whether I knew something or not, Undead really didn't matter. I had to bite back what would have been the second groan of the morning. Undead, those creatures that had been raised or created by Earth Scholars, or were those scholars themselves transformed through formal rituals, ranged from skeletons and ghouls, to vampires and liches. While I did not know much about them as far as creation was concerned, I had spent my fair share fighting most of them on the borders of the Shimmerglen.
"I've fought Undead plenty of times, over the course of many years," I said to Elainis.
"Had much practice fighting Red Eyes?" she asked. The groan did escape this time. Red Eyes, or Death Knights, were not something that I could fight on my own yet, if it came to that. As skilled as I currently was, it would take perhaps eight or ten of me to take on one.
"I'll take that as a yes," Elainis said. She put down her wooden spoon, joined me at the table. I tried to let the scent of the herbs calm me. "Those are easy to track across the plains, as they make their way from the north and east." She said that last bit with emphasis, which I did not miss; they were coming from Old Hadran. The former center of power, no a desolate region of, well, death. "Over the past several months, we here of the village have counted at least five pairs of red lights making their way to Barnacus each night. Those, with all the other Undead we've seen about, and I can tell you that those adventurers in Barnacus are causing quite a ruckus."

"Sounds like I've picked a perfect time to try my hand at something new," I said with a shake of my head. Her news ruled out any travel at night; it was good that I had come across this village. This meant I would have to figure out what to do about the remaining two nights of travel between here and Barnacus.

"Perhaps I can help you with that," Elainis said. She rose and produced a small box from a cupboard, and set it before me on the table. "Undead is the rumor, these days," she said, sitting down again. "And I think that there is not much more to talk about, when it comes to Barnacus. I can't understand why anyone would want to actually go to the city, now." She sighed, and then motioned for me to open the box.

My wariness had lessened around these humans, but I had heard stories that traps might be put on boxes. She caught my hesitation, and smiled at me. Taking the box to sit directly in front of her, she lifted the lid, and turned it back to me.

"As I said last night, you have nothing to fear here. At least not from those of us living in the village." She finished, still smiling at me.

I took the box, and looked inside to see several necklaces, two small flower-shaped pins, and two rings. I looked up at her questioningly.

"Those are things that will get you to Barnacus alive," the old woman said. "They are part of a collection that was gathered to help Silver Falcons when their tasks took them across the plains. Take them out," she urged, looking on excitedly as I pulled out the various pieces, and she described them each as I put them on. The necklaces would each heal me to various degrees one time each day. Each flower would cast for me an Earth Circle that would last for one hour. The rings each cast a spell that would destroy any lesser undead at once. As I put the items on, I wondered at the worth of what she was giving me. I knew from experiences dealing with merchants that magical items of any sort were extremely valuable, and here I was being given seven. I think that Elainis was on to the way of my thoughts.

"These items will protect you," she said, "but they will only work for a few days, when they will become simple necklaces, pins, and rings. At that time, you can do with them what you will. Their worth, then, will be minimal."

I nodded, and found myself unable to find adequate words to express my thanks. That a human would give me shelter had been one thing, that this woman would give me things needed that would raise the chances for my survival on a journey that had taken an unexpected, dangerous turn was something that I would never had imagined possible while in the Shimmerglen. "Thank you, Elainis." She nodded in response, busy stirring her pots. "Not only for the shelter and these things to aid me, but for helping the Silver Falcons as well." My family had close, tight ties with the group, and I did not doubt that she had helped one or more of them over the years.

"Of course, of course," she muttered, peering into pot with a look of extreme concentration. "I am guessing that you want to be on your way now?" A puff of blue smoke rose from the largest pot as she carefully sifted in what looked like flour.

"I should be," I replied. I knew that I should have left just after first light, but I was thinking someone must have been looking out for me to delay my departure until now.

As I rose and gathered my pack, Elainis turned from her alchemy. "Let me get you one more thing." She pulled a small bag out, and inside placed several small loaves of bread, a few wrapped packages that she said were dried meat and cheese, and two apples. She also found me another container which she filled with water. She somehow managed to find room in my already full pack, and in moments, everything was securely stored. I was ready to go.

"I'm sure that you can find you way out on the plains," Elainis said as she led me to the front door. "But just in case, continue south without any change, and you will come to Barnacus in less than three days." She opened the door, and a wave of fresh spring air drifted in, and eagerly pulled at my feet to get me out and on my journey again. "I know the Elves, though," she added. "I wouldn't doubt that you could make it in two days."

I settled my shield snugly against my left arm, and made sure the things she had given me were still there. At that, Elainis said, "A word of advice. Don't save what those items can do for you until it is too late to use them. Too many times have I heard of those who have been laden with items of magic, only to fall because they thought that something more deadly might show up later." She smiled then, a bright smile to match the brightness of the morning, and I realized that she had a very pretty smile, despite being a human.

"Thank you, again," I said sincerely. "When I have become more settled in Barnacus, and have made some friends there, I will return to visit you. I promise." And I meant it.

"That would be fine," she said. "Now, off you go; find your adventure."

I left her on the doorstep, waving back at her as she waved at me. I felt wonderful, it felt wonderful to be on my way again. I took the path past the other houses, and turned south to enter the grasses of the plains again. The village quickly left my sight, as the spring morning was intent on carrying me along at a brisk pace. I found my thoughts lingering on the village as the morning grew into day, and it had been several hours after I had departed that I realized that I had not even told Elainis my name.

Chapter Two - Across The Plains

I had expected a chorus of horns at my emergence from the woods. To my disappointment, however, there was nothing. Birds still in the safety of the Shimmerglen continued with their chatter, hardly noticing me. Other than that, silence. And not just from a complete lack of any sound once I had moved south far enough from the woods that the bird song had faded, but an unnatural silence that I had never before experienced. It was so empty. Looking south, the direction I headed for lack of any better way to go, all that my gaze beheld was soft, green grass, and deep blue sky. A straight line marked the horizon, and that sight alone was nearly enough to make me turn around and return to the safety of the tall trees. But there was something that kept pulling one foot to move in front of the other. A small spark of wonder at all that emptiness, and of the unknown.

During my years of training to become a Ranger of the Forest, I had many opportunities to learn about the outside. As relations with our neighbor to the south, the city of Barnacus, were good those merchants and travelers who felt the need to mingle with those of the outside had brought tales and books of many things that had always sounded quite odd to me. I was never one to spend much time pouring over manuscripts detailing the mundane way of life lived by those outside, but maps I did enjoy. I had developed a knack for tracking very early in my training, and in my spare time I hunted down any map I could find. Many of the Hadran Empire were available, as rumors of so many troubles outside found their way into the forest, and merchants and city folk had plenty to share. I guess they all needed to know where they might run to should things get too out of hand. The outside troubles rarely troubled us in the forest, and the Shimmerglen was never open to taking in refugees from any sort of crisis.

Drawing from the memories of those maps that I had studied, as my memory of them was such that I didn't need to copy any, I felt that going south would be the best way to start. To the north and east was no good, as there lay the ruins of Old Hadran, the once-powerful center of the Hadran Empire. To enter there simply meant death. I was not so confident in my own skills as a Ranger and part-time alchemist to even think about heading in that direction. More north, and west, lay the lands of the Barbarians. While good people in limited doses, to go to the land of their clans would entail more ceremony and superstition than I was ready to handle. I needed to go somewhere I could loose myself in the ways of strangers. But strangers not so strange as to be any sort of real bother. Already I had ruled out the Barbarians, and the Dwarfs were certainly no good, as I had no desire whatsoever to venture into the mountains; it was hard enough leaving the woods for the plains. The Dark Elves were never an option, nor were the Gypsies. The former would not welcome me, and the latter would not appreciate the sort of attention I would bring. So it was south to Barnacus. South to the lands of the humans. Where kings and peasants, knights and merchants, adventurers and villains lived their short, drama-filled lives. To Barnacus, with its mighty guilds and simple farmers, and rumors of things that lurked in the night. A perfect place to forget the past.

Before long, but long after the Shimmerglen had faded from sight, I found myself in a sea of grass. Greens and yellows and tans, bright and crisp in the rising spring sun, were not much different from what one saw in the forest. The smell was strange to me, though. It smelled like nothing I could have imagined, and I didn't know exactly what to call it. And of course there was still the emptiness. And as I continued my trek south, not slowing the brisk pace I had set myself, I only felt more alone with each step.

I had only experienced a small taste of battle up to this point in my life. An encounter with a band of Ebon Brotherhood, which was over as quickly as it had started, was an incredible rush of noise and heat and blurred weapons. It was not something any of us there were proud of, despite disposing of eight of the black brotherhood, and it was not something I was too excited about reliving. All Rangers of the Shimmerglen used weapons of some sort, but I was one of the few who carried a sword and shield. It was the way of my parents and siblings, however, and it was only natural for me to follow suit. I had never spent much time honing my skill with them, though. As my thoughts drifted to vivid images of battle and conflict, something that I had heard was in large supply wherever humans lived, I slowed my march slightly to reach into a well-worn pouch at my side. Inside were many vials, of which I grabbed five. I picked up my pace, as I transferred four to my shield hand. The fifth I inspected, mostly for lack of anything better to look at.

The vial itself was a simple thing, a small glass container with a simple top. I handled it gently, as they were susceptible to breaking, but I was not overly concerned if the contents should come out. Of course, I would have been upset at the loss of one of my gas globes, but the contents would not affect me. Two small markings on the glass done in white paint were that of one open, and one closed eye. A sleep gas would serve me perfectly should any wild beast or bandit think this lone traveler easy prey.

I continued my trek south all through the warm day, and was begining to think about setting up a camp for the evening, when the faint scent of woodsmoke caught my attention. I immediately became more alert, there was no telling who or what might be out there, and continued with my eyes searching for any visible sign of the smoke. I quickly found it, in the direction I headed, and within moments small buildings came into my view. I slowed to a stop to assess what lay before me. There were five buildings that I could see, with three running next to one another, and the other two a bit beyond and set next to each other as well. The smoke rose from chimnies of three of the five, but other than the slowly rising, grey tendrils, there was no sign of life. The buildings themselves were very simple, and of wood on both sides and roofs. Small windows looked out onto the plains, but I could not see anything inside from where I stood. I changed direction slightly to approach the buildings from one end rather than towards the middle as I had been heading. I saw no doors on the three, but on the facing two buildings, each had a simple door.

With gas globes ready to fly, I came upon the first building and reached what was a well-worn path running between the three an two. At the path, which stood empty save for myself, I figured that this must be a simple, human farming community. I would be the first to admit that I didn't know all that much about humans, other than their irrrational ways and short lives, the latter being a result of the former. I did know that they liked to drink their ales, and could be rather boisterous about it. I also knew that those who farmed relied greatly on the farming being taken care of, and that nothing was ever accomplished when drinking. So, it was the lack of sound that made me guess a farming village. But I hadn't seen any actual farms before reaching the buildings. I thought that perhaps those were further south along the path.

"That's a nice looking shield you got there."

The sound startled me from my puzzlement over the reason for the buildings, and I nearly dropped my gas globes. I looked for the sound of the voice, and saw a young human man sticking his head out of a window of the middle of the three buildings. I was not too good at guessing human's ages, but I knew that he was not a child. He also looked extremely curious at the sight of me. Whether it was what I was that brought about that curiousity, or the fine clothing and weapons, I would have to guess it had been the weapons. Humans enjoyed bloodshed, and all the drama that came with it, and he had mentioned my shield before anything else.

"Are you gonna just stand there all day?" the human said then, and added, "Elainis says you can come it, but if you try anything funny, she'll throw you in a circle." The man looked extremely impressed with himself for some reason.

Not exactly certain what the man was talking about, but having some idea and not liking what came to mind, I bounced the gas globe in my black gloved hand. "What is this place?" I asked perfectly in the man's own language. His eyes widened at that. No doubt he felt he had been dealing with some witless forest creature that had gotten lost.

"This is the village, no more," he replied, sounding less sure of himself. He glanced quickly behind him then, then turned back to me. "Elainis says that a Ranger has nothing to fear here." He paused, then added hesitently, "There is at least one hear that remembers those of the Silver Falcons."

My face betrayed my desire to hide the surprise I felt at the mention of the Silver Falcons. The silver of my vest, and the red and gold of the sash around my waist was plenty of warning for those who knew. I never expected to find one in this place. Confidence returned to the man's face at my look of surprise.

"I would be glad to come in," I said carefully. I certainly did not trust the man, and I did not want him, or any waiting inside, to think my guard was lowered in any way. I made it to the front door of the building without seeing sign of any other inhabitants. The door opened for me, and again I readied my globes as I remembered that I had seen no other way out of the building, save the windows.

The man waited for me inside, holding the door open for me. He was young, I could tell that much, knowing that older humans were marked by not only grey or white hair, but with wrinkles as well and this man had neither. I smiled at him, and nodded my head in thanks, and entered.

As I stepped inside, and the man gently shut the door behind me, I found myself staring. This place, this home as I found it had to be, was incredibly warm and inviting. A room to the left was the source of one of the fires that had led me here, as a small fire burned in a simple, red brick fireplace. Despite the late afternoon sun outside, inside was oddly dim, but not disturbingly so. Amongst deep cushioned chairs were ornate tables covered with flowing green plants of every sort. A small room faced the front door, where stood a small table surrounded by cabinets and boxes, and a faint scent of good things being cooked. To the right was a partially opened doorway which led into a darkened room. A thing that caught my eye, and filled my head with wonder, was the soft blue glow of an Earth Circle.

"Come into my home, Silver Falcon," came the soft but firm voice of a woman from the first room with the fireplace. The man at the door nodded to me, then left my side for the table where he sat and began to eat. I was left on my own to find the source of the voice.

In the room with the plants and fire and couches I saw the woman. She was human, as I expected, and quite old, as far as I could tell. She had wrinkles and very long white hair, which was braided into one thick strand that hung over one shoulder. She sat deeply in a red cushioned chair, a small stack of what appeared to be scrolls on her lap. Her hands glowed red and blue and white, not strongly, but at a motion from her, I took the chair closest to the doorway. Whether her hands glowed with magic for protection, or in connection with the scrolls, I did not know. Despite magic being used by the majority of my family, I was not magically inclined.

"What brings you out of the Shimmerglen?" she asked without looking up from her scrolls. She sounded as though it wasn't particularly interested.

Despite my wariness in a new place, I felt oddly at ease near this woman, and found myself gladly opening up to her. "It was time for a change," I said with a small shrug of my shoulders, and frowned at snort of disbelief from her.

"An Elf looking for change?" She looked up from her scrolls, then.

"Things happen to us, too, despite what we like for other to believe. Despite our aloofness, and hesitance to partake in anything trouble anyone outside of the forest, we have our problems." I had felt comfortable in her presence, but she caught my unspoken words, and quickly flashed my a bright smile.

"I haven't seen many elves lately," she said, politely changing the subject. "Any merchant from the Shimmerglen passes west of us, and on to Barnacus. And all others know that we don't have need of much." She trailed off, resuming her study of the scrolls.

Not wanting to intrude, I tried to make pleasant conversation with the woman. She only twice looked up from her scrolls, but otherwise nodded absently as I told her what I thought about my travel south from the Shimmerglen. I told her some of the forest, but it was not a habit of us from inside to share so much with those on the outside.

I apparently had lost track of time, for when I finally looked out the small window, I realized that it had grown dark. Smells coming from the middle room, no doubt the kitchen, made me, and my stomach remember that I had barely eaten all day. The woman, Elainis, heard my obvious hunger as well, and put her scrolls into a pouch. She rose, and told me to follow her into the kitchen.

The man, Alaer, had prepared a solid meal while Elainis and I spoke, and the three of us enjoyed a pleasant, warm meal. I found myself wondering, while we spoke of things we've seen, that perhaps not all rumors of human behavior were true. While Elainis' hands had been glowing, and there was the Earth Circle, I had not seen any other sign of weaponry. These humans actually appeared quite peaceful, even happy to live out their simple lives in this quiet village.

After the meal, as Alaer cleaned up the kitchen, Elainis beckoned for me to follow her into the room with the Circle. She shut the door behind me, and with a few words, a magical light appeared in her hands. This she placed on a small table outside of the circle, then turned to me. "While we did not speak much of it, I know well of the Silver Falcons, of which you belong judging from the vest and sash." I nodded, waiting for her to continue. "We here of the village sheltered some of the Falcons during the times of trouble with the Brotherhood. I cannot reveal our ways despite your affiliation, but I can offer you the shelter of my home and my circle. These are troubled times, as well, as you Elves no doubt know." What she thought of our inactivity to assist the outside, I could not tell. I did know some of what was happening, but not enough.

"Perhaps you could share with me what is going on, out here," I asked. It would be best if I knew what I was walking into the closer I got to Barnacus, where I was certain to find those humans I had heard so much about.

Elainis shook her head, however. "Night time is not when I would be telling the tales of what has been unfolding in the lands of Hadran. Adventurers relish the idea of a wild tale and a mug by a fire late at night; I do not. If you would stay here, I will tell you what you wish to know before you leave in the morning." She finished in such a tone that said she would not stand for any argument.

I nodded, realizing that it would be best to wait. I felt quite tired as it was, after a warm meal and thoughts of warm bed. Elainis recognized me into the glowing blue circle, and told me that if I needed anything to call for her as she was a light sleeper and would hear him despite being in the far room.

I dropped my gear into a corner or the room, as the circle encompassed the entire back half of the room. I set out a pile of gas globes on a table next to where my head would lay. After undressing and getting into bed, I found myself feeling very comfortable. Even with my shield set up next to the bed, and my sword and dagger lying next to me, this home had been an unexpected and welcome surprise. But as I began to drift to sleep, I couldn't help wondering if perhaps Elainis and Alaer were outcasts from Barnacus. They went against everything that I thought I had known about humans. Not that I wanted to wade into a city of bloodshed, but I was on the outside looking for adventure, as well as trying to find myself. And while sharing stories and warm meals was pleasant, there was hardly any adventure there. Only two more days of walking, as I figured, and I was certain I would find all the adventure I could handle. I would never have imagined how much adventure I was about to find.

Chapter One - The Last Night

Twenty-five years is a long time to mourn. And not long enough.

Has there ever been a time in your life when everything was so perfect, everthing had finally come to that one point, that life-defining moment, that, even though you smiled so brightly on the outside, you knew deep down inside that moment was lurking. It was there, waiting to snatch away all that you had worked for in its tight, merciless grip, all the stronger for the trouble you went through to get to that point of perfection. I was there. For three years, seven months, and twelve days I was there. Some might criticize my needing the perfect detail, but those have never been where I've been. From the moment my life became all that I thought it could be, to the point when everything stopped.

Twenty-five years of my life were spent agonizing over that moment, that instant when all was changed, including myself. Of course, I didn't know it at the time. I lost my friends and family, save a daughter who was too young to shun me. I lost myself in the moment that I failed. My self-pity was such that none could stand to be around me, not that I wanted them. No, I did want them. I wanted them as they had been before. In my infinite wisdom, I knew that I was doing right by hiding myself from all who would serve as a constant reminder.

I laugh as I write that. My parents, my sisters, my friends, I could shut them all out. My daughter I kept near my side for those years. It's a wonder I didn't wholly lose myself, with her there. More than anyone she reminded my most of my loss. And at the same time, she reminded me most of my gain. Her eyes looked upon me with those of her mother. Her completion of me, and mine of her, was no less than that shared by myself and the mother she had lost. She knew. Some take children for granted, and their capacity to comprehend what is occuring around them. I never took for granted what thoughts lay behind those eyes. No less than her mother could I lie to the daughter. I needed her as she needed me. Perhaps my reasons were more selfish. Perhaps not. Self preservation is any creatures priority, and although our basic needs were different, we each would have died without the other.

There came a day when an unspoken agreement, a silent contract, had been fulfilled. We both knew it. There was less saddness that day than I would have expected. We were both ready to take the next test, and while I had thought that I, like any father, would not be able to let her go, my daughter had actually been packed and ready before I woke that morning. Once we were both ready to part ways, we took some time outside to laugh and cry about the silly little things that can fill up the days over twenty-five years. It was our special place, it had been since before she had been born. A little clearing in a circle of vibrant green oak, with comfortable, but simple, wooden chairs, it had marked the place for a new begining for my daughter's birth, and it marked to place for another begining as we prepared to set out and see what we might make of ourselves. Sometimes, a gathering like this might seem to pass too quickly, but time actually seemed to slow for us in that sun-warmed glade. We were able to say everything we needed to say. That was more than I think either of us could have asked for, as what we were about to do would have been too much had anything been left unspoken.

It took me three days to get to the edge of the forest. Any Ranger of the Shimmerglen would have done it in one. I wasn't concerned with upholding appearances; that I made it was enough for me. I had arrived at the edge early, and not exactly certain how far I would have to travel before coming upon any outside civilization, I decided to make camp under the protection of the green canopy, and wait until morning before I faced what was on the Outside.

That night, the last one I would spend in the Shimmerglen without ever having been outside, passed uneventfully. Which was unfortunate. I had been hoping for something, anything, to take my mind off what I had put off for so long. Just like the knowing that something is going to take all that is right, was the knowing that that next day was going to arrive. I was at the southern edge of the forest, so at least the morning wouldn't seem quite so sudden with the sunrise. And arrive the next day did. Perfect, in fact. It was mid-spring, and everything Outside wanted me to know it. Of course, having never been out there, I could not say that there could be anything more beautiful than a sunny day in the depths of the Shimmerglen. The edge, and what lay beyond, weren't helping me any that morning. The quiet night, followed by a perfect blue and green and yellow morning, and the plains leading to the unknown calling to me.

I suppose one could say that everything had lined itself up to help me with that first, or last, step. I had taken down my camp, and had a quick breakfast, and then spent perhaps an hour standing there on the edge. Everything was perfect. Behind me, my daughter and I had made things as perfect as possible. Ahead, there was no hurt or loss, no failure or sad eyes. Ahead was only what I might make of it. And why wouldn't I make whatever it was to be, perfect? Knowing that, I silently wished my daughter the best for her travels. And after a silent goodbye to my wife, I took that last, and first step.

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