Standing outside the northeast gate of Crossing, I pondered the dark clouds that approached. Hearing the sound of clinking metal, I turned my head and noticed a Paladin. Not taking a long look I returned back to gaze northward, the clouds creeping their way to the city, almost looking demonic. Feeling a stiff wind to my face, I felt the presence of a man that was walking towards me. Turning again to my side I realized it was Samsaren.

 

Smiling broadly, I nodded to him. As he noticed me he gave a wave back. Gazing back northward, I felt an evil presence approaching. Looking at Samsaren, I asked, "Do you feel it as well?" He stood there for a moment and spoke, "Aye, I feel it too".

 

We both knew something was coming and we didn't know how fast it was approaching. Standing there for what seemed forever, there was a faint noise... I glanced at Samsaren and he heard it as well. Slowly sliding my Long bow off from over my shoulder and nocking my bow with an arrow, I twitched my ears in different directions for any signs of noise.

 

waiting...

 

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a berry knoll peering out. With lightning agility, I turned and fired at the head gazing at us. A low growled in sued and it slumped half way out of the bushes with an arrow between the eyes. Grabbing another arrows to nock my bow, I heard a rustling in the bushes behind me and before I could react, Samsaren pointed and murmured a holy word, with a bright flash, a beam of pure light leapt from his hands, taking shape into a hammer, slammed into the knoll behind me with enough force to send it head over heels, dead. Peering at Samsaren, I smiled and he winked. Walking back towards him, I leaned and said, "Last to kill 20 buys drinks" Samsaren stared at me, with such serious look in his eyes, it frightened me. Then he bellowed a roaring laugh and said, "Your on"

 

In that instant, a pack of knolls came marching over yipping at each other like some laughing dogs. Spotting us, they growled, and charged. Firing on the middle knoll it dropped quick, but before I could load another, Samsaren dashed forward with great speed, and with a single swing slashed the other two down. Glancing back and gave a brief smile. Shaking my head, I knew that it was on. With a brief nod to Samsaren, I took to the shadows, and dashed off.

 

20 feet ahead there was another pack of Knolls but this time 5 of them yipping at each other. I took aim on the first one and released. It plunged through its chest and throwing it onto its back. The other 4 yipped with fear, and noticed me in the shadows. They charged. I quickly shot at one but missed. I draw my sword and sliced one down. As I turned to attack the next, I heard a low thumping sound from inside its body and it instantly broke apart bleeding everywhere. Blinking with bewilderment, I then noticed Samsaren not 5 feet from me, smiling. I turn and took the fourth knoll's head. With a swoosh, I felt a holy hammer fly by me to hit the fifth and it dropped...

 

Chuckling quietly to myself I marched ahead, but was stopped when I heard fighting behind me. Turning quickly I noticed Samsaren being ambushed by 7 berry knolls. Grabbing my bow, I grabbed two arrows and nocked them. Taking quick aim, I fired at a Knoll that was charging at Samsaren's back. The first arrow struck the knoll in the left knee, causing it to buckle; as it dropped the second arrow plunged into its abdomen as it fell to its death. Quickly placing my bow over my shoulder, I drew my sword and leaped. Slashing down hard on another knolls back that was flanking Samsaren from his left. Samsaren charged forward with his large tower shield and slammed into the knoll in front of him. Giving it a great stun as it flew a few feet and landed with a hard crash. Pivoting he dispatched the other knoll to his right. Turning back to the stunned knoll, he thrusted forward striking the knoll hard into its chest, killing it.

 

Hearing more yipping and growls, five more knolls entered the battle. Quickly assessing the situation, we still hadn't dispatched the last 3 from the ambush...

 

*****************************************************

 

  With a sweeping look, seeming to drink in the battlefield, Samsaren said quietly "Meld".  Moving to keep the first group from us.  As I moved, I reached out with my senses, feeling the mana, as I began to pattern it into a spell.  With an earthward gesture, I faded from sight.  As I disappeared, Samsaren sprinted off, moving as only a ranger or someone ranger trained can.  Trusting my speed to catch up, we speed through the trees moving toward the city. 

 

Drawing into an area with plenty of cover for us to work around, I glanced skyward, noting the setting sun.  I positioned myself in the shadows, removing my bow, and setting an arrow on the string.  As I waited, the light fading fast, I used my night vision to look down the path we'd just come.  To my concern, I noted the numbers moving in at us.  With a quick steadying breath, I reached back out to the mana steams, preparing another spell.  Feeling my casting, Samsaren lowered his head in prayer.  Once readied, I casted my spell, which brought the air currents into my vision, moving like ghostly lines, as the breeze flittered between the few trees.  With a final faith-filled word, Samsaren gestured, and a warm feeling suffused me, a burst of vigor and strength, overwhelming in power, energy of a paladin’s faith.

 

With a howl of delight, the knolls entered the clearing, not the pack we expected, but dozens of the beasts.  I paused, suddenly doubting our ability to walk out of this one unscathed, when Samsaren began to advance.  His hands moving in a complex pattern, globes of light formed around him, bringing a shining pure glow to the room, bringing the monstrous forms into clearer focus.  His shield raised, Samsaren quickly advanced into the pack, suddenly seeming taller, and glowing with belief and power.  As the light spread from him, my feelings of doubt and worry faded, spilling from me like water from a glass.

 

With a knowing grin, I turned and quickly aimed at the largest beast, firing a hurried shot.  My arrow flew from the bow, its aim and path far more true than my own considerable skill could account for, blasted into the knolls face, nearly removing the head from the shoulders.  Raising a battle cry that carried about the howls, Samsaren slammed into the first knolls, trusting my bow to keep the fiends from his back. 

 

The knolls, seemingly released from whatever held them, by the rapid demise of their leader, swept into an avalanche of hate, focused on my outnumbered friend.  My hands a blur, firing arrow after arrow, my quiver emptied rapidly, with a snarled curse, I ripped my sword from its sheath, leaping to my friends’ side.

 

With the numbers thinned from arrows, and the press of bodies lightened, Samsaren began to dance.  With forms as precise as they were deadly, he moved around the knolls, blade finding critical points, his shield keeping their blades from him.  With a graceful movement, I slid to his side, moving in a fury of motion, using speed and reflexes from my feline muscles, to match Samsaren's battle tried movements.

 

Back and forth, movements held together by some unseen power, we held the knolls at bay, slowly bringing down the numbers.  As the ranks thinned, and the tide of battle became apparent, the knolls became fearful, and attempted to flee.  With a feral curse, I moved to intercept them, but Samsaren, with a simple hand, stopped me cold.  His grip, strong as a vice, but without applying more pressure than a feather to my shoulder, held me back.  I turned, my hackles raises to demand an explanation, and my eyes met his.  Blazing silver, burning in the light of the orbs floating around him, he eyes stopped my words, and he regarded me with an understanding look.  With a simple smile he said "Let them go" and turned to clean his blade.

 

I paused, considering, trying to figure out of my friend had lost his mind, when I remembered, as a paladin, and warrior of Truffenyi, he'd always show mercy, even when I didn't believe it merited.  With a rueful chuckle, I cleaned off my blade, and retrieved my arrows.

 

 

 

  Looking at Samsaren sitting on a large rock cleaning his sword, I quietly asked, "So uh.... Who killed the first 20?" With a slight pause, I could tell Samsaren was thinking hard. With a soft Chortle I knew I had just made him think hard over something so little. "Its ok, we could have died, I will buy the drinks." Samsaren smiled at me and gave a slight nod, but still focused to clean his blade from the blood spilled by the beasts. Having found half my arrows I muttered a few cursing words, knowing it would take forever to find all my arrows. Wiping my blade quickly, not determined to see its gleam from when it was first forged I sheathed it. Stuffing my arrows into my quiver, I shot a quick glance at Samsaren. Still intent on cleaning his blade, I began to scout the surrounding area. Noticing we were about a quarter-mile from town, I took a second look at Samsaren. "Are you done cleaning that blasted thing?" I asked. "Its not going to glow like the sun you know..." Samsaren gave me a quickly look and grinned. Knowing it would be a while until we would set back to town, I began to gather wood. Figuring with his time taking on cleaning his blade and checking his equipment, I decided to set camp.

 

Having found enough wood to set up a small fire, I quickly lit it, allowing it to light up the surrounding area. Sitting down with my bow in my lap, I ran my hand over the wood. Feeling certain it wasn't damaged, I stood up, nocked an arrow. Closing my eyes, and allowing my mind to clear, I felt nature wrap around my spirit, as if I was floating ten feet from the ground, seeing the surrounding area. Spinning around fast I shot an arrow at a near by tree and struck it in the center of the trunk. Smiling with my accuracy I sat back down and laid my bow next to me. Samsaren had finally finished cleaning his equipment, having stowed it, he walked over to the fire to warm a bit. He sat down and gave me a strong smile, then bowed his head and began to pray. Knowing to myself he would pray and meditate for the next hour or so, I laid down to listen to the woods around me. Hearing a hoot from an owl that was near by lent me some comfort of nature. Smiling to myself I dozed off peacefully.

 

Waking up after what felt like a week had gone by in just a few hours of napping, I noticed Samsaren fast asleep on the other side of the dieing fire. With a big yawn and a stretch, I glanced up to the sky and gave a guess that it would be another few hours before the sun would rise. Taking a big breath, I laid back down, staring at the stars. Feeling the weight of my eyelids sink in, I slowly dozed off again...

 

*************************************************************

 

I awoke to find Samsaren had moved, at first unconcerned, I slowly woke.  As I became more aware of my surroundings, I caught the hint of voices.  Narrowing my eyes, I silently drew my sword, and crept over to investigate.  As I draw closer to the source of the sound, I saw my companion was speaking with what seemed like the air.  I inched closer, hoping to hear more, and a voice from near Samsaren, one that I recognized echoed "Morning Geuno, sleep well?"

 

I smiled, stepping into the open, "I slept well Garelith, how've you been?"

Another ranger stepped into the open, a younger man, wearing faded and patched clothing, but a brightly polished bow over his shoulder, and a scimitar and sabre sheathed on his side.  Garelith smiled at me saying "I was in the area, figured I'd tell Samsaren here what I saw.  I'm heading back out, if ye need me, I'm in the area” He moved back to the shadows, when Samsaren spoke up.

 

Speaking in a language I barely recognize as the Gamgweth tongue, Samsaren said a few words that had a formal haunting quality to them.  Garelith paused, turning back to Samsaren, and replied in the same language, and faded into the underbrush.  With a sigh, Samsaren began to stride to the campsite.  As we drew back to the fire, he stoked it for the morning breakfast, and regarded me with an appraising eye. 

 

"Garelith brought news", he said, focused on cooking, "The wilds are stirring, the knolls were just the first to move.  He's seen all kinds of things where they shouldn't, and rangers are dying."  With a slight pause, as though considering something, he forestalled my words.  "I know, it won't go on, I plan to stop it. Are you in?"

 

 

 

  Pausing for what seemed forever, I couldn't get the thoughts out of my head from what I had been told. Starring at Samsaren in disbelief from the news, I slowly placed my hand on the earth and felt the pain rocket through my body. Nature was in great pain of some kind, as though it was being slowly tortured. A tear escaped my eyes and I felt the pain as though it was my own. Grabbing my bow, I slowly stood up. With a loud shriek, a hawk soaring high above us perched on my extended arm. With a silent communion, I shared my thoughts with the bird. With a small chirp, the hawk took off towards town. I could only hope that the other rangers would hear the warning as well. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to focus on nature, trying to intertwine with it. I could feel that something was blocking my abilities. "Samsaren, you got to head back to town and see if you can talk to the leader and guildmates in Crossing." Samsaren gave me a slight nod and began to jog towards town.

 

Loading my bow with an arrow, I took off further away from the city to see what was going on. Running what felt like only a few minutes I came to a small camp. From the looks of it, it was a small camp of knolls. "Probably the last of the ones that Samsaren got away." I muttered to myself. Quietly, I began speaking in arcane tongue, as I got towards the ending of the spell, I bellowed out "BREAK!" Slamming my fist against my chest, I pointed quickly towards a small tent that had been made. What felt like a small quake, a large pine tree snapped and fell over the tent; it came crashing over with extreme force, shaking the ground. Keeping my balance, I noticed it was empty. Cursing at myself, I began to walk towards the other tent that had been made. Placing my bow over my shoulder and putting my arrow back into its quiver, I drew my sword and sliced at the tent. Still nothing. Sheathing my sword and drawing my bow, I stood there in wonderment. Then I heard the faint click of an arrow being nocked, squinting hard I took stance. Listening intently on where it came from. Then I heard the twang of the bow, quickly pivoting, I grabbed the arrow that had been shot at me, quickly loading it, I fired in the same direction that I had come. Not hearing it hit anything, I growled low.

 

 

 

 

Carefully loading another arrow, I began to swear to myself in my native tongue.  I scanned the trees, waiting to catch some hint of movement.  As I searched, to my horror, the very shadows themselves coalesced into a vaguely humanoid form.  With a gasp, I removed the loaded arrow, and reached into my quiver, going for the arrows I had blessed for a nightmare like the one before me.  As I gave ground, starting to take aim, several more shadows rose up in front of me.  Noting the numbers were growing beyond my arrow count, I continued to give ground, looking for some cover to dive into.

 

As the spirits closed, I braced to dodge, and a feeling of utter calm flowed over me.  Glancing up, I noticed a ghostly white banner take shape.  Before I could react, Samsaren stepped into the area, rapidly striding up to me.  With a smirk, I glanced at the banner, and glanced at Samsaren.  As I began to mention something about timing, I saw the tightness in his eyes.  I nodded to him, saying simply "What is it?"

 

Samsaren strode up, "I can't get into the city, some force is holding the gates closed, and extends over the wall.  I'm guessing moon magic of some sort...” Glancing at the spirits hovering just a few feet away he gave me a quick grin.  "These aren't your enemy, find your wild brothers, the paladins are locked in the city, as with most of the warriors in the area.  This was timed for the festival, I have a feeling it’s the scions again.  Find your brothers and sisters, and for the love of the gods, be careful."  Drawing a blade that glowed with a blinding holy power, he grinned again, "I'll take these, and you go on.  “Geuno, adan'f are moving north, we don't have much time."

 

I paused, not wanting to leave my friend with the spirits, clearly outnumbered.  As I opened my mouth to protest he gave me a look with his haunted eyes.  "Take this, and keep in touch" he said, tossing me a gleaming silver albridine ring.  I caught it, grinning, knowing I'd drive him nuts with it.  Without a backwards glance, I took off, hearing his battle cry behind me, feeling the power of his blade, clashing with the evil of the spirits, and winning.

 

********************

 

Briars snagged at my cloths, making me pause every few steps to free myself from their grasp. I cast an irritated glance around me and held up my arms, using my vambraces to ward off the thorns. A scratch marred my cheek, a red line running from my jaw to my ear. I was in a foul mood at my own carelessness. At least it hadn't been my eye. Another bramble vine whipped around past my guard and caught me in the neck. I cringed as it ripped the soft skin there. My hands could take it, but my neck wasn't oft touched, and obviously lacked the calluses that scored my fingertips and palms.

 

Darkness clouded my vision and I stumbled on. This was unlike me, unlike the smooth grace that I navigated with regularly, or the agility that my race possessed. I brushed sweat-sticky hair from my face and pushed on. There was no room for pleasantries in these tight confines. Turning back hadn't even come to my mind until I was too thick into the thorns to be anything but angry. My lips set firm, I put my head down, and held my arms over them, shoving onwards, crying out when the stray thorns sent lancing pains up my spine. They felt almost poisonous in their grasp, but the scent was flat and harmless but for the blood they spilt.

 

Growling, I emerged from the brush with a final shove, ripping the sleeve of my shirt in my carelessness. I cursed under my breath and glared balefully back at the thick brambles. They loomed in dark arches like the fingers of the dead, twisted and snarling, bared like the fangs of a wild beast ready to rip at the throats of any passersby. I put a hand to my throat and swallowed hard, my eyes closing with a soft panting sigh of claustrophobic relief. 

 

A soft rustle in the underbrush caught my attention. I perked up with delight, thinking that it might be Twitch coming back from his feeding rounds. I expected to see his fat rump waddling out to greet me at any moment, to spot me with his squinty old eyes, and then make a mad dash for my leg. I readied a cube of sugar. The fuzz ball would demand a treat, of course, after searching for me for so long. I poised, waiting.

 

He didn't come.

 

I froze, one eyelid twitching nervously at the eerie wail that rose up somewhere to the left of me, raising the hairs on the back of my neck. My lips curled back in fear, letting me taste the air like a snake might. My eyes caught the trampled brush I'd so carelessly overlooked and a low growl rose in my throat. Lifting my hand slowly to my harness, I drew my scimitar. Metal rang and the blade glinted sharply in the low light, filtered by the trees.

 

I breathed deeply, cupping my palm, eyelids lowering in confidence. I gestured and in a shimmer of light, a protective sphere formed around me. The air was calm inside, and the light breeze that had been blowing did naught to penetrate it and relieve the sticky heat. It was a small price to pay for the protection. Two fiery eyes revealed themselves, and I felt a chill go down my spine. A death spirit so far away from their usual haunts and so close to the city walls? My hands went icy and I hurriedly fumbled to tie my hair out of my eyes. Were they in the city? What of the children, I thought with a sinking horror. What of those carousing at the festival?

 

Leaves crunched below me as I surveyed the writhing thing, moving in a circle about it. It hung back, hissing threats in its soft language. It was a thing of magic, and of death, the form that might have been a Human or even Elven, but was distorted badly that it might have been gnome stretched beyond bodily limits. Blood stained the rags hanging from its wrist like shackles. I shuddered inwardly.

 

It lunged for me, and I dodged out of the way, twisting around in a tight circle and striking it in the back. My scimitar flashed brightly as it contacted, ripping into what might be the spinal cord of the creature. It shrieked horribly and shot forward, spinning to face me. I gave a feral snarl and drew back my hand and released my spell. The echo of a bear's massive paw slammed into its ghostly skull, collapsing it. It hissed and sunk to the ground, whispering my name. I stepped back, appalled. The blood drained from my cheeks. 

 

Worry stirred. If spirits had come this far out something governing their behavior was changed. Dread filled me, sending shivers to my toes. If they were controlled by someone...? I wouldn't let myself think that, though. I knelt down and cupped my hand around a young growth, sending tendrils of my spirit out to spread through its tiny fibers. It was all I needed to affirm that even the very vines of life mana were contorted to the same dark taint that I'd scented on the spirit. I cried out and pain and jerked my hands away from the tiny plant, tears aching to slide from my eyes.

 

The ring on my finger hummed softly with magic. I glanced down at it. The smooth silver shone with a pale luminescence. I traced a nail over it, concentrating my thoughts on it. "Samsaren, are you there? What's going on? I just found a death spirit skulking its creepy arse out here in the brambles, I'm worried about Crossing, especially with the fest going on and all."

 

I held my breath once I realized I had been nearly wheezing with fear, panting. My pale eyes darted back and forth across the area. Once more I noticed the trampling, and the fading spirit. The spirit didn't look substantial enough to make the mess that this small clearing was. I glanced at the city walls and broke into a full run, afraid to look back. Samsaren hadn't answered yet, and that sent yet another pang of fear, this to my heart, that made my palms sweat. Something was wrong, indeed.

           

 

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************************

 

With a blinding flash, and the roaring cry of justice, I slammed my blade into the spirit, cleaving it in half.  Quickly assessing the area, I finally turned my attention to the throbbing ring on my finger.  Tapping it with a knuckle, I thought out my location to those tuned to it.  Sheathing my sword at my hip, I examined the dissipating remains of my foes.  Scowling at the filth the fading spirits left on the ground, I inhaled deeply, pulling the silver locks back from my eyes.  I focused again on the ring 'Geuno, get back to me, I need to know what’s going on, Siduire, catch up, heading for Arthe now'.

 

With a quiet sigh, I slung my shield on my back, trotting for the road.  Moving with the grace taught to me by my ranger mentors, as I rushed though the wilds, closing on the road, I kept my eyes out for signs left by the rangers.  As I reached the road, I glanced northward, checking the path ahead of me.  With a curse of rage I noted the smoke coming from the direction of Arthe Dale.

 

Preparing a spell as I forged ahead, I reached out through the gwethdesuan I wore, broadcasting my thoughts to all around, hoping for a reply.  I paused in confusion, as I realized my gweth had gone inert.  Muttering to myself about the vagrancies of magic, I charged though the gates of Arthe, the destruction in front of me robbing the breath from my body.

 

Looking over the burning rubble, I invoked my spell, calling on the peace of Truffenyi to bless this area.  As my spell took shape in a glowing banner, I began to search for bodies.  Spending the better part of an hour, I took notice of the lack of both bodies, and personal effects in the ruins.  Snarling, I cursed my stupidity, and checked the outskirts for tracks, almost tripping on the wagon ruts leading out of the town. 

 

Feeling a presence, I turned around, my blade ripping out of its sheath, only to see the tear filled face of my companion.  'Siduire, come here, look at this' I said quietly, hoping to distract her from the shattered town.  As she drew closer, I noticed the nicks and scratches, and grew concerned, she was usually very light on her feet.  Noticing my glance, her chin came up as though on a string, her eyes hardening.  With a single look, she confirmed my worst suspicions, quickly pointing out the footprints spacing, and the drag marks of chains.

 

Growling low in my throat, I nodded to her, acknowledging her words.  I took a few deep breaths, and spoke softly, 'Geuno reported that our guild leaders missing, and the city empty.  He's heading back here.'  I turned, saw a building that looked strange, not burned like the others, but flattened just the Samsarene.   I motioned the ranger over, and together we started picking though it, looking for clues to its destruction.

 

As we worked though the pile, Siduire tapped me, and nodded to a figure approaching.  Tensing, reaching for the mana for a nasty spell, I relaxed, as I recognized Geuno's sliding gait.  As he approached, I pointed out the tracked, mentioning the chain marks, then gathered them over.

 

'The way I see it, is we need help.  If we have to, I'll travel to Theren, and gather fighters, but I'm worried most of the lands is attending the fest.  We need a plan, and we need one fast.'  The look on my face must have been serious, as for once, the rangers before me set aside the joking we usually had amongst us.  'We're going to need to gather both information, and the few warriors still free.  Suggestions?'

 

Her head tilted to the side Siduire looked at me, 'I can go into the city, try to warn the people there.'

With a grunt, I shake my head, 'Not risking you getting trapped.'

With a scowl, she growls at me ' well if we can't warn them, what do you want me to do? Scrape pelts?'

I chuckle to myself, 'Find the rangers then, goodness knows I'd never find them.'  To which she just arches an eyebrow at me.  With a sigh I suggest she scout the area, try to track the adan'fs movement, grumbling, she agrees.

 

I turn back to Geuno, 'Care to help me run the hunting grounds, finding you guildmates?'

He flashes me a big grin, rubbing his bow, 'Of course, as long as you promise to keep up.'

I roll my eyes, nodding to Sid, 'Keep in touch' tapping the rings, as I follow Geuno into the wilds.

 

*************************************************************

 

Giving Samsaren a dangerous smile, I dash north moving as if a tiger is chasing its prey. Glancing back I noticed Samsaren keeping decent pace with me, but I knew if I pushed myself, he wouldn't keep up. Yelling "Samsaren lets head to Leucro area, a lot of rangers hunt there for their hides!"

Kaerna village came into view; closing fast I noticed that some how some rock trolls that lived around that area had escaped their barricade. Not wanting to stay and fight, I drew my longsword. Dashing forward faster then what Samsaren could keep up, I gained ground quickly, striding fast, I held out my sword. Two trolls faced me, and lets out a loud growl, but before they could raise their large branches, I slammed my sword into the rib cage of the first troll, clean through and out the other side of its body, pivoting to not waste time, I turned my blade, pulled out and swung hard. Trying to parry my blow, the troll held up its weapon. Coming full round, I swung hard, slicing through the branch and through the trolls abdomen, cutting both arms and body in half. Not able to even make a sound, it slid in half and fell to the ground. Turning slightly, I dashed off northward again, keeping a slow pace for Samsaren to keep up.

 

Finally reaching our destination, I glanced around the brush, and noticed a faint path leading inward. Smiling at Samsaren, I implied, "After you."

Grinning at me, Samsaren walked down the path, moving further into the dense forest. Each step we took, pushed us further, with me pointing small trails for Samsaren. Coming to a clearing, I scouted the area, taking note of many trails and tracks. Finally finding a bare spot, I took Samsaren's arm and shoved through.

 

Pushing through the heavily brushed area, we made our way to small clearing that had been made by someone. Taking a hard look on the ground; I noticed some fresh tracks that headed south further into the grassy area. Holding Samsaren's arm firmly, I began to drag him in the directions of the tracks, hearing a battle near by; I quickened my pace towards the noise. But was halted by a pack of black leucros, catching eyes of Samsaren and I they all turned on us and slowly slinked in our direction. Growling viciously, drooling all the way as they slowly advanced on us. Squinting at the leader of the pack of three leucros, I let out a loud growl, and began to advance.

 

Rippling all the muscles I could, I leaped at the middle leucro and clawed at its eyes, knocking it back stunned. Dashing ahead quickly, with my teeth bared and claws fully extended, I leaped at the stunned beast, but was soon tackled by one of its companions. It bit down hard on my shoulder and I let out a growl of pain, but noticed it left its neck open. Thrusting up hard, I leaned in, and bit down hard on its throat, whipping my head in a slight maneuver, a loud snap, and it slumped to the ground with a broken neck.

 

************************************************************

 

Rolling my eyes at my companion's feral side that seems to have surfaced, I grabbed the final leucro by the back of the neck, and with a mighty heave, sent it skidding across the clearing.  With a quick gesture, I threw a snapped bit of magical energy, shattering the leucro.  Hauling Geuno to his feet, I muttered to myself for a moment, waiting for him to point the trail.  As we drew closer to the sounds of battle, I recognized the fierce roar of a friend of mine.  Letting out a powerful roar of my own, I pushed Geuno ahead into the next clearing. 

 

'Orbak!' I cried, 'knock these down, we need to talk.'  Pushing through the thick undergrowth, I strode into what was obviously a barbarians hunting area.  As I wandered in, I watched as the fighter lunged his sabre to the hilt in the chest of the leucro.  'Wasteful' I muttered, grinning.

 

Raising his blade in a quick salute to me, Orbak returned my grin.  "I wondered when I'd see you again tin can, seems whenever there's trouble I get found."  He then turned serious, 'I noticed critters like Death spirits running around, just much stronger.  And I can't get into the damned city to sell my furs.'

 

I nodded, 'Yup, magic around the city, the rangers found a back way in, guild leaders missing, general mayhem, and adan'f are moving north.'

 

With a grimace, Orbak nodded.  'What’s the plan?'

 

I nodded to my rangerly companion; 'Geuno and I are gathering fighters, putting together a force to slow the adan'f, cleanup the spirits, and find me some mages to handle that damnable magic issue.'  I took a quick look around, and then looked Orbak in the eyes.  'I know we have had our differences, but I need the help this time, can you assemble the old crowd, work guerilla tactics?'

 

Orbak grunted, a particularly uncouth sound, 'For this, yeah.  Give me one of those annoying rings, and I'll keep you informed.'

 

I grunted, fishing another ring from my cloak.  Tossing it to him, I nodded to the ranger to lead us out.  'Hey Orbak, do what got to do this time, no holding back.  Leave the spirits for us holy types, focus on the mundane things.'  Nodding to me, he turned back to his bundle of hides, as Geuno lead me away.

 

As soon as we hit the main northern trade road, I turned to Geuno.  'We're going to need the moon mages this time.'  My comment was met with a flinch, and I watched the hair on his hackles.  'Your not going to want to hear this, but I need you to head there.  Find the oldest mage, and have him Mirror me, and I'll do the talking.'  He bared his fangs at me, muttering.  Knowing how he felt I locked his gaze with mine.  We stared at each other for a moment, as he slowly seemed to wilt against my forceful gaze, I nodded.  'Trust me, its worth the effort, use the rings to keep in touch.'

 

With a simple sigh he nodded, gestured, and faded from sight.  I turned away, angry I had forced him.  With a sigh of my own I turned southward, determined to track down the source of the spirits infesting the area.

 

Muttering to myself, I reached back into my cloak, pulling out yet another ring.  This plain band set with a small crystal pulsed softly with magic.  Slipping it on with a sigh, I focused my thoughts for a moment, reaching through the ring to another similar to it.  'Cousin, if you’re in range, hit me back.'  After projecting my thoughts, I reached into my weapon harness and carefully examined my weapons, checking for damage or signs of weakness.  After a few moments the distant thoughts of a cleric reached me though the ring I had just donned.

 

'I'm in range Samsaren, need my assistance again?'  I could almost feel the sardonic grin he was wearing though the ring.  I smiled softly to myself, faintly reassured at the mental touch of my only blood family left.

 

'Svidran, catch the ferry south, and track me down, we have a situation down here.'  I stretched for a moment, preparing my thoughts for the upcoming argument with my cousin.  Pulling a pipe from my pouch, I stoked and lit it, enjoying a moment’s peace before the chaos to come.

 

An hour or so later a plate-clad elf strode down the road towards where I was leaning.  Moving with the natural grace of his race, and a knowing look to his eyes, he stepped up and shook my hand.  He raised his eyebrow to me with a questioning stance to his shoulders.  I nodded and spoke slowly, 'We've got a mess of problems.  For starters, the city is blocked off with magic, the wilds are unsettled, far stronger then normal pale grays are wandering the area.  To add insult to injury, the adan'f tribes are moving north, spotted in the areas near Leth already.  I'll be damned if I know how they got over the gondola chasm, and I mean to find out.  I'm suspecting the dragon priests have a hand in this.  We snuck a ranger into the city, Guild leaders are gone, as are the folks in the city.'

 

Taken aback a moment, the elf regarded me carefully.  “Looks like someone banked on the fest for trapping people.  As for the undead, I see why you called.  Lead Paladin, I shall follow.”  He gave me a careful look, and a nod.  I returned the nod, my thoughts wandering.

 

'Our first move is the spirits, Geuno's finding me moon mages for the city problem, Siduire is tracking the adan'f, and Orbak is gathering my old group together.  I figure we have some time to handle the spirits while they work.  To add to the fun, the gweths are out, so I don't trust the albridine rings either.  I'll trust you to sense the spirits from afar, and we'll handle this issue fast.'  Svidran nodded to me, and took on a look of concentration.  As he began to gesture, quietly at first, but with growing strength, the wailing of lost souls gathered around him culminating in a shard gesture.  As I watched, his eyes flared a brilliant white, burning with energy.  He turned slowly, pointing northeast.  I nodded, checked my harnesses, and took off at a jog.

 

After a few breathless hours to rapid movement the elf drew to a halt.  I raised my eyebrow to him in a questioning stance, curious to the sudden stop.  As he took on a look on concentrating, I nodded, reaching out to the mana streams.  I suddenly grinned, noting the great strength of the holy power.  As I began chanting a few spells, I heard the wailing of spirits again.  I raised my head from my prayers just in time to see Svidran gesture at me.  A beam of light streaked from his hands, engulfing me, and an intense tingling, not unlike that of a limb fallen asleep, rippled through my very spirit.  I nodded quickly, understanding the possibility of trouble.  I finished my prayers, feeling my faith suffuse my body invigorating me.  Another quick gesture, my armor grew robust, and a final gesture, calling to Chadatrue for his blessing, englobed me in a warm light, leaving me the feeling of more adept at defense.  As I finished, Svidran gave me a nod, and his eyes flared again.  We turned, moving down the path.

 

            As we strode into a large clearing, the first thing to catch my eye was a larger then normal spirit.  Eyes glowing with a reddish light, and a blade of pure darkness, I could feel its power from where I stood.  As I readied my shield, I felt a strange shock ripple through my spirit.  Focusing for a moment, I then realized, much to my horror, I was feeling Siduire's death, through the spirit of her elven husband.  I stood, transfixed, as the feeling of the death grew stronger.  Glancing at the elf in concern, I saw his mouth agape, before I could speak; I felt the spirit of his wife, walking the Starry Road.

 

As I let loose a mournful howl, I felt a powerful surge of holy magics.  My grief struck cousin, chanting through tears, clenched his fist, raising it to his chest; he then extended it towards the spirits unleashing a wordless cry of pain.  I watched, awed, as the heavens themselves opened, gigantic fists of flame smashing down, obliterating everything in the clearing.  As the bolts fell with perfect synchronized precision, I felt a pull at my very spirit, the energy of my life being drawn into those blasts of shear holy power.

 

As the thundering assault to my sense faded, I slowly turned to my only living relative; worried he would follow his lost love to the road.  Slowly, he met my gaze, eyes red with tears of grief and agony.  He raised a hand, resting it on my mailed shoulder, “You have my thanks for the spirit Cousin, but I must ask one final favor.  Leave me to my mourning, I shall handle the spirits as I find them, just make this worth the cost.”  I sighed, nodding.  As I strode away I had to ask myself, “What else would be have to pay…”