Chronicles of Aith: History of Aith

Friday, January 14, 2011

History of Aith

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Chapter I The Nights Adventure

The weather had finally made it's last shift into the new season. All of the red and golden leaves had finely shed, leaving the trees as bare as a dog deprived of his fur. Colwyn felt this change and knew that he had a long and cold winter ahead of him, that his whole town would suffer more than they had the previous year, and that there would be much lost. The last year they had had many problems with trade, most of the time their caravans would be over run by bandits and when they shipped their goods out over the sea they would be raided by pirates. In this way the people of his town had suffered. The people of Shant had lost more than he could count. The elders say that it wasn't always this way, that before the fall of the Republic there was peace in the land and between the races, now robbers and thieves run free over the land and the great city Anzadon lays in ruin, the head of the republic crushed and shattered. These were Colwyn thoughts as he sat in the corner of his room.

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted when his cousin opened the door and walked in. He was one year older then him and had deep-set brown eyes like almonds. His fine, wavy hair flew in the air like a shredded flag in the breeze. He had a tall and slender build, but not weak. “Colwyn, I’m going down to the docks tonight, you want to come?”

“Of course I would! I always go with you on these strange night adventures.” Colwyn said dumbstruck.

“I know, but I was just going to make sure.” He said smiling.

“Your funny Morgren.” Colwyn said smiling.

“Alright then, tonight we go to the docks.”

Time swiftly went by and soon it was dusk and then night. At eleven o’clock the two boys set out. First down the stairs, then quietly down the still hallway and then through the front door and onto the streets. It was very quit tonight and the streets were empty so the two boys made it to the docks without any trouble.

The docks were dark and cold, a light wind was blowing making the icy black water swivel and twist. Colwyn's brown hair was also fluttering in the breeze, like waves in the sea. The two boys were like shadows that hovered over the water, still and silent. "We're early." Morgren said silently.

"What do we do then?" Colwyn asked curiously.

"We wait." The two boys then sat down to wait. About half an hour later, they heard the squeaking of old wood and someone immersing from a street to their right.

He was covered in shadow, almost impossible to see until he came into the ray of the moon's light that hovered over the great and majestic river. It was a boy, tall and thin, his yellow eyes shone bright like lamps beneath his thick auburn hair. He strolled calmly over to the two boys and they stood up to greet him.

"Sheridan!" Morgren said as he shook the other boys hand. "Glad you could make it tonight. Ready for some action?"

"Oh, yes." He said holding it out as if savoring it. 'I am, tonight should be especially good." He said with a curved smile."

After a moment more of exchanging greetings the three set out to the left along the docks. The pale moonlight made their shadows flash upon the ground like a fox as they moved along. They made no noise, but were silent, they knew their path well, they had made it many times before and were by now experts at night. After traveling two hundred yards along the river, they turned in to a side street and vanished into the gloom. After making a couple more turns and curves down twisted side streets and small alleys they came to the back of a old warehouse that faced the river. After looking to the left and right and then a quick glimpse behind, they opened the large wooden door and moved into the void.

After a few minutes of walking around in the dark a candle was lit and the room resounded with light. The inside of the warehouse was a sight that would make anyone nervous, the size of the room was like a forest that no moon light could enter, there were pilled of old sea equipment like, nets, hooks, spears, and all manor of other strange objects. A gloom also hung over the room, like a cloud of doom that would never end. It dimmed the candle light that the three now stood around waiting.

A moment latter from before the boys emerged another like themselves young and bold. He had flat gray hair that hung down to his shoulders like dry wheat and deep green eyes that were almost black. He was brood shouldered and was almost six feet tall. He stepped forward and entered the circle. To his right and left emerged two other boys they were the average size for their age of sixteen and were absolutely identical. They both had slitted violet eyes and thick, wavy, black hair that blended like smoke into the blackness of the warehouse. They too stepped forward into the ring of light and waited.

After a moment of silence Sheridan opened his mouth in greeting to those that had joined them. "Eynon." He said to the boy across from him with the green eyes. "Edric, Artan you are here." He said in acknowledgment to those to his sides. "Now we are ready. Where is the planes?" Sheridan said turning to face Morgren.

"Right here." He responded pulling out a roll of parchment from his pocket.

"Good," Sheridan continued. "Does everyone know what to do?" They all nodded in agreement. "Then let's set out." With that the boys dispersed, Edric and Artan going for a ladder in the far right corner of the warehouse nearest the river. Eynon and Colwyn for the back door that they had entered from. And last Morgren and Sheridan for the small door that lead strait onto the river.

The moon was now hidden behind the clouds making the world became a blur of vague shadows and faulted images. Sheridan and Morgren moved along the bank almost touching the water until they came to a small paddle boat that was hidden in a pile of weeds and sand. It was a dark brown and from it's condition anyone could tell that it had been well used. The two boys pulled it out with little trouble, quietly boarded and set sail.

During this time Edric and Artan had climbed all of the steps of the ladder and entered a small trap door that lead onto the roof. They quickly pulled themselves through and moved with great skill to the edge of the roof and sat down, their legs haggling over. Edric pulled out a small mirror of ordinary appearance, while Artan sat silently. For over five minutes they waited, never moving, waiting for the moon to come forth from behind the faded mess of misty clouds. Finally when they thought that it was hopeless, the bright moon cut throughout the clouds, escaping it's murky prison. Eynon on seeing the light jumped up and with the mirror mad a reflection which he aimed for the small boat that was now drifting like a alligator on the water.

Sheridan who was next to Morgren was rowing with great power and strength. They seemed to shoot across the river like a block on ice. But Sheridan attention was then altered as a glimmer of yellow light flashed before his eyes. He dropped his oar and looked around for a minute before he found the source, it was Edric and Artan, with the signaling mirror. Sheridan then lifted his hand up into the air in a sign of acknowledgment, which the twins returned before he picked up his oar and began the journey again.

During all of this Eynon and Colwyn had made it a mile down the bank of the river, to the left of the warehouse. There Eynon tied a strong rope to a small boat that before launching jumped into. Colwyn grabbing the other end of the rope tied it to a large crank that was bolted to the dock, it would pull the rope and the boat it was tied to in its direction. Eynon now a quarter out in the water turned his prow in the direction of Sheridan and Morgren, who were on a intercepting course with the Black Storm.

The Black Storm was a sea vessel of fine craftsmanship and a fine reputation on account of it's captain Kaydrien Omesford who had made good use of it. It was strong and fast made of fine pine and shiny silver. It's great mast was like the wings of a dragon, magnificent and beautiful in the glowing moonlight. It's head was shaped in the likeness of a sly hawk, proud and mighty with eyes that could see into the depths of the sea and sky. This was their heading, their plotted course.

Sheridan and Morgren now ten feet from the ship began to slow down, they came a long side the sea vessel like a shark to it's pray. Eynon only thirty feet behind them soon caught up and quietly pulled up along side them. Sheridan now standing pulled from the folds of his cloths a small grappling hook, small in size and made of a light metal. This he swung skillfully through the air before launching it over the railing and onto the hard wood deck. Then pulling it towards him, the hook caught onto the railing and he started up. After Sheridan had made it onto the deck. Morgren hurried up after him followed by Eynon.

Colwyn during all of this was sited patiently on the dock, next to the crank. He was contemplating how this mission of theirs would end, with victory or defeat. He also wondered how he, his cousins and all their friends had got involved in these crazy night adventures. It was probably out of boredom or lack of adventure, they were young men, they needed excitement, thrilling escapes and daring missions that might not succeed. This is what they lived for, what they wanted. He had always wondered what wonders lay outside the borders of their city, what great and magnificent things to discover. The more he wondered the more his heart raced to be out there, somewhere strange in the world, fighting monsters and untold beasts. He and Morgren had may times talked about what life could hold outside of Shant, and what great fame and glory was held for them out there. But this had never come to pass, they were still the son and nephew of a merchant, and had never left Shant except for a quick trip to one of the neighboring cities, Torn to the SouthWest and FarReach to the NorthEast. Their lives had never had much excitement so they started making their own. It's not that they were bad, because they weren't, its just that they needed something more in life than school, work, and sleep. They needed something that gave them life and this was their solution.

Back on The Black Storm, Morgren, Sheridan and Eynon ran swiftly and quietly across the deck like the wind on water. Sharidan after a quick glance back at Eynon moved down into the inner parts of the ship followed silently by Morgren. Eynon stayed on the deck of the ship keeping watch like a shadow in the moonlight. Sharidan and Morgren were now deep within the heart of the ship. Morgren's heart was ponding like to huge drums.

"Were they going to be caught? What was going to happen?" He thought silently to himself. They passed many rooms, some with the doors open and others with the door closed. The ones that were left open they waked past very slowly not wanting to awaken the sailer within. Other rooms they past were filled with men, either gambling or telling some death chilling story of the icy deep. These rooms they hurried by without a second glance. After a short time of moving along beneath the deck of the ship they came upon the room they had been looking for, the treasury,

"Wow, we made it." Sheridan said, his heart racing.

"Yes," Morgren replied, "And everything has gone as planed."

"Yes, Sheridan said pausing a minute to catch his breath. "That is a miracle, lets hope our luck continues." The two boys then ended talking and together opened up the large oaken door that they had learned lead into the ships treasury.

Inside they found all manner of riches, for gold neckless to polished silver chest filled to the brim with shining gold coins. Sheridan mouth almost dropped open out of amazement, Morgren's did.

"Have you ever seen so much money?" Morgren asked Sherdain, not taking his eyes off of the money for a second.

"No, never this much. It's incredible!" For the next few minutes the boys stared at the piles of gold, it in fact was not a fortune and not even that much, but the boys saw it as all the money in the world, not even the king had so much money. It was the greatest treasury in the world. After a moment of staring and wishing it was all their own, they came back into the real world.

"What are we standing here for, we need to go?" Sherdian said his heart racing again.

"Ok," Morgren said in agreement, "But what are we going to take?"

"Does it matter? Take anything; here take this ring and this bag of silver." The ring Sherdian handed Morgren was of a strange and unique craftsmanship. It was of pure gold, the purest Morgren had ever beheld. At the top inlayed into the gold was a beautifully cut ruby, like dragon's fire or the setting sun in the west.

"This will do." Morgren said in agreement. "Now lets leave."

"Yes, we've been here long enough." Sheridan said following Morgren out of the drafty treasure room and back into the open halls of the ship.

Outside they found the halls as empty and as silent as they had been before, glad at heart the two boys hurried out the way they had entered. They followed the same persevere they had coming in, sneaking quickly by the rooms full of men, and extremely slow past the rooms of sleeping sailors. It seemed to be an eternal maze, twisting and spiraling through the ship, never ending, but finally it ended. The ceiling opened up and the ladder to climb up rose before them. They scurried up, ready to leave the dark halls of the ship and the nasty filling of weights on their hearts. The sky opened up and they were free, they leaped for the railing, for the boat that would take them speedily away, but they never made it. Their way was now blocked by a great man, like a giant in the moons light. The two boys heats fell and their whole body became cold, like the sun has suddenly been swallowed up leaving no warmth, but an icy land of death.

He was strong, with brood shoulders and and a steady posture. He had no hair as far as they could see, but was as bald as a ripe melon. His eyes were of deep brown that resembled two great doors that desired to swallow them up. And his mouth was curved in a appealing smirk that the two boys disposed. He wore a par of tattered cargo pants and a loss shirt that wasn't in much better condition.

"Who goes there?" He said his voice caring on the wind. The two boys hesitated a second, before Morgren stepped forward and spoke.

"I am Morgren son of Folton and this is Sheridan son of Morven." Morgren then hesitated not knowing what else to say to the worn sailor before him. So he waited in silence for the sailor's response.

"Morgren, and Sheridan?" The sailor said questioningly.

"Umm, yes sir." Morgren said quizzically.

"Step into the moonlight so I might have a better look at you." The man said commandingly. The two boys didn't hesitate at all or even blink, but turned to look at one another before moving forward towards the sailor.

He stared down at them from where he stood, never moving, but deep in thought. He seemed to be contemplating something, but Morgren couldn’t tell what. Finally after a long second that seemed like minutes the sailor bent down, grabbed his knees with his hands and bursted out laughing. The two boys were taken aback; they looked at one another stunned at the sight before them. For five more minutes the worn sailor laughed out on the deck of the Black Storm, the black water below reflecting the moonlight. After his unexpected amusement had come to an end, he turned his attention once again to the two boys. “Morgren and Sheridan, you reckless rogues!” Morgren and Sheridan were once again taken aback,

“Did he know them?” They wondered. If not he seemed very amused by their names. “Don’t you recognize me?” The sailor continued. One of Sheridan eye brows went up as he contemplated the question. He shock his head, he could not remember him from anywhere.

“Come on lads,” He said irritated but not harsh. “How could you forget your old friend?” The two boys were now more nerves then ever. “Who was this man? Was he insane, they didn’t know him at all?”

“Come on lads, it’s me, your old friend Selmar.” The two boy’s faces then filled with surprise.

“Was this really Selmar their old sailor friend? It had been four years, could it really be him.” This they wondered silently to themselves.

“Come on lads,” Selmar said doubtfully. “Don’t you recognize me, your old friend? I am a bit thinner then I use to, and this beard is defiantly new, but it’s me.”

The two boys looked at him longingly, they wanted to believe that it was him, it had been far too long, but they couldn’t get themselves to except it. Finally Sheridan spoke up.

“If you are Selmar, then tell me what happened five years ago in Shemwood forest? If you can tell me this I will know that you are truly Selmar.” Selmar's face then turned graven as if he was remembering something he did not want to remember, something that hurt to think of.

"Five years ago, all three of use and a number of others, were travailing in Shemwood. We were looking for adventure and for the legendary book of death. we didn't get far before we found trouble, a nightrath following us. One night it charged our camp, destroying most of everything and then carried me off. But you guys didn't give up, you came after me, in the end, you Sheridan slew the nightrath." The two boys looks from Selmar to each other and then back at Selmar, Their faces were full of shook and joy.

"Selmar, it is really you." Morgren said stepping closer.

"It is lad, it is me." Selmar said with a grin on his face. Sheridan too stepped forward, with the utmost shook upon his face.

"Selmar." He said almost as if he wasn't sure he could say it.

"Yes Sheridan its me." Morgren and Sheridan then ran over to were he stood on the deck of the Black Storm and pulled him in close for a quick embrace, before again stepping back and shaking his hand. They were all by now smiling and ignorant of the cold breeze that flittered on the river and made their hair dance in the wind.

"What happened to you?" Morgren said questionably, "Were have you been these many years?" Selmar didn't answer immediately, but turned from the boys to looked over the smooth black Surface of the river. There seemed to have been a change of mood that had settled upon the sailor, one of longing and almost sadness, but yet joy at the same time.

He then turned back the to face them and began the tale of his journeyings.

He told of how he had gotten a job aboard the Black Storm as a sailor and then less then a week after set sail on the horizon. He then told of his long journey to Valcry the capital city of Labia far down south and how to get there they had circled almost a third of Aith. Of course before they got there they had already visited many cities along the coast, and had sold and traded many different things, but finally they made it to Valcry. Selmar then went on about how he could never do justice in describing that wondrous city and how beautiful and majestic everything was. To go back to this city and see it once more was what he wanted more then ever,but even more then that he said was to see the princess of that city. She was a flowing waterfall of beauty, a breath taking image of truth, a rare and beautiful woman. He had saw her once and that was enough to set his heart racing for her. But before he had the opportunity to see her again they set sail for home. After he had finished his story Sheridan spoke.

"I see why your heart is pained even though you are home."

"Yes." He said softly. "It will take time to heal."

"Well I don't like sharing my troubles with friends and once again it was good to see you."

"The same." Morgren said shaking the sailors hand once again."

"Now you two had better run along before I report your being on this ship."

With that the worn sailor walked away, vanishing down into the ship. Morgren and Sheridan just remembering what they were doing there in the first place jumped back into their small boat and waited. Eynon joined them a moment later saying that he had gone looking for them when they had not come back at the accorded time. Down below he had gotten lost and almost found himself in trouble, this had placed him a little behind them, but now they were together and all was good. Back on top of the warehouse Edric and Artan had seen them get into Eynon's boat and so as they had planed signaled Colwyn with the signaling mirror. Colwyn getting their sigh, hit a latch at the bottom of the crank which began pulling the rope they had tied in the begging around it and in so doing pulled the boat back to the docks. As soon as they had landed, they all split up and headed back for the warehouse.

At the warehouse they all joined in a circle around Morgren who held in his hands their glories prize, the bag of silver and the gold ring. They divided the bag of silver amongst themselves equally and then after a short conversation decided to give the ring to Sheridan because of there mutual respect for him.

"Now we must go and celebrate our victory!" Sheridan announced. At his words three of the boys faces turned sorrowful.

"Sorry guys," Started Eynon. "I can't tonight, I have to be to work at dawn and that is only a few hours away."

"We can't either," Edric and Artan said together. "We must be off, sorry." With that the three boys turned and left the warehouse. Sheridan turned to Moregren and Colwyn with a look of desperation on his face.

"Can the two of you come." He asked with a small hint of hesitation.

"We should be able to manage." Morgren said smiling.

"Yes!" Colwyn agreed. Sheridan's face then turned from a very doubtful face to a very happy face.

"Alright then, let's be off, should we say to the Silver Fox Inn?"

"Oh yes!" Colwyn said with great enthusiasm. "That would be the place." So the three boys set off for the Silver Fox Inn without even a seconds delay.

Chapter II The Nights arrival

It was lease then four hours from dawn when the three boys made it to the Silver Fox Inn. They had had some night in their opinion and it wasn't over yet. When they opened the door to the inn they we taken aback by what they found inside. If it had been ten men parting they would not have been surprised for that was a common thing, but this was not common, for it was none other then nine dwarfs. To even find two dwarfs in the city was not a common thing, the dwarfs didn't come this far north often, especially sense to get here one had to go through the forests of the elves.

But the three boys were not in the lest disappointed, but very excited, they decided that after ordering their drinks that they would go over and talk to them.

At the long bar counter they meet with the bartender who was counting some coins. His name was Kerrick and he was a good friend of the three boys. He had a round and hardy face with brown eyes like dry dirt. He had short stubby legs and arms and a round stomach "So.." He said as he turned from the pile of coins to the three boys. "What are you doing out so late? Having another of your run of the town nights?" "Yes we are." Morgren replied. "And having a good one." Kerrick turned and laughed aloud and then turned back to the boys. "So do you want the usual?" "Yes we do." Sheridan said smiling as he tossed down one of his silver coins, Morgen and Colwyn did the same. Then they turned and strolled over to a round oak table in the far corner by the fire and sat down. A few minutes later Kerrick came over with their glasses of ale and then hurried off. They then decided that after they had finished their drinks they would talk to the dwarfs. All three of the boys smiled at one another, their glasses held tight in their hands.

"To our victory!" Sheridan toasted, and the others did the same. The ale was delicious, smooth and wonderful as it streamed down their necks with a amazing warmth that brought their bodies to life. During this time of delight and merriment the three boys had not knottiest that two of the dwarfs had come over to them and now stood to the left of the blazing fire.

The first to speak was a mighty looking dwarf who appeared to be the leader of the band, but the boys could not be certain.

"Hello, my young friends." He said holding himself up to his full hight, which was a little over four feet. "My name is Galti Bronzetracker and this is my right hand man Yekrar Bladehammer." He said pointing to the dwarf beside him. Yekrar was a fierce looking dwarf with wavy black hair and a long black beard which he had tucked into his massive bronze belt. "Me and my company are trading in your town, before we head once again south to mine in our own lands." He then smiled before looking at Yekrar who nodded in agreement.

"Why do you tell us this?" Colwyn said before Morgren and Sheridan could voice the same question.

"Because," Galti began. "In my country it is costumery for one in introduction to tell his name and his business as a sign of friendship and trust. In this he is showing that he is honest and sincere and would rather be friends then enemies."

"I see," Sheridan said. "Well as a sign of friendship and trust, my name is Sheridan and these are my friends Morgen and Colwyn." Both nodded in response. "We at the moment," He continued."Are having a merry celebration in honor of our victory."

"I see, and what victory may that be?" Galti said interested.

"Our victory of finding adventure and coming through triumphant."

"Very nice, so you are adventure seekers huh?

"That we truly are!" said Colwyn

"Well I would love to talk more could me and Yakrar sit down?"

"Why of course." Sheridan said. He was begging to like the dwarf, so were Morgren and Colwyn. Once the two dwarfs were seated the conversation began once more. "So were are you dwarf from?" Morgen asked.

"Quiet some distance from here," Galti replied. "Across Storm Forest and then the desert."

"Wow that is far." Colwyn said, with a look of amazement on his face.

"It is for someone that's never travailed it, but truly its not as far as some other places in the world. Ambar and Black Roc are much further."

"Ambar?' Colwyn whispered to himself as if the name meant something to him."What's Ambar?" The dwarf hearing his question gave a response.

"Ambar is a land far to the east of here, it is also names The Land of Shadow, for that is what it is a land of darkness and great evil." As Galti spoke the boys hearts froze, and they felt the sting of the evil of which he spoke. "It is a forsaken land," He continued. "A land that is forbidden to all except those that live there." The last words came from his mouth with a dreary sadness that the boys did not like."

"Wow!" Sheridan said almost to himself. "I never knew there was such a place."

"Yes it is an awful place, unfortunately it is not the only one. There are other places like it all over Aith, but as far as I know it is the worst." As Galti's words ended a commotion erupted at the door which swayed their attention. The front door had been swung open and now standing in its entrance was a tall clocked figure which seemed to rise into the room casting a shadow upon everyone.

He seemed to slide around and his feet did not make a single sound as he moved across the floor. The three boys froze and all sound that had emanated in the room moments before stopped. Galti and Yekrar made a quick glance at the boys and then back at the new arrival. The boys pretended to pay attention to their ales, but secretly they too were watching the new comer with great intent. He was now over at the bar counter talking to Kerrick. The stranger never took down his hood, but continued on his business.

"Who is that?" Sheridan whispered over to Galti.

"Im not quiet sure, I've never seen it's like before. Remain quit and watch." The cloaked being appearing to have finished his business with Kerrick turned from the bar table and drifted towards the place that they were now all sitting. He came towards them a giant form above, he seemed to chill the air and dim the once bright fire light. Finally he stopped before the table at which they were all sited, they could fill the air leave his mouth as he began to speak.

"May I join you, my young friends?" It was apparent to all seated that he was deliberately ignoring the dwarf. For a moment no one got up the courage to speak. but finally Sheridan decide to respond.

"Sorry, but were full. There's a table over there were you may sit. Sheridan already hated the new comer, just by looking at him, he had been over come by awful feelings. Despite Sheridan's quick rejection the cloaked being continued to speak.

"Why are you so ready to send me away before we have even spoken. When I entered you caught my attention. That's why I've come over to meet with you."

"Alright," Sheridan said with hesitation. "You start, who are you and what are you doing here?"

"There is no need to sound accusing, I come in peace. My name Ophion I am a scholar, but a monk or priest also in your terms."

" Have you have travel to our land to learn of our ways and our culture?" Colwyn said trying to become part of the conversation.

"Yes you could say that, but that is not all, but enough of me, tell me of you ." For a moment nothing was said, none of the boys were sure that he could be trusted. Galti and Yekrar sat in silence listening, waiting for their response,finally Sheridan gave it.

"My name is Sheridan and these are my friends Morgren and Colwyn, we all live here in Shant." as Sheridan ended Ophion raised his hand out to Sheridan, but he did not take it. He was disgusted by him, he wasn't exactly sure why, but he was.

"Well," Started Ophion quickly. "If you will not except my hand of friendship then I will not give it." With that he turned to face Morgren. "Morgren as I was examining you I couldn't help but noticing the strange chain that hangs from your neck, were did you get it." It was a rather random question Morgan thought so he did not answer quickly, besides he wasn't sure he should. He gave a quick glance over at Gati who gave him a slight shrug, then over at sheridan who was evidently against him responding. But after a moment more of contemplating he decided that it wouldn't hurt to tell, it wasn't like it was a great secret.

"I got it from my father." he said.

"I see and were did your father get such a fine thing?" Morgren was now confused. What was so interesting about the silver chain that he wore around his neck? It wasn't like it was very valuable, just a few silver coins. But he didn't think that it would hurt to answer this question either. "My fathers a merchant, so he travails all over the land buying and selling things."

"Ah that's nice, very nice." At that moment Sheridan stood up, he had had enough.

"Listen here Ophion! I don't know why your here and I don't know what you want, but until were friends, which won't happen, leave us alone. Morgren we shouldn't have to answer any of his lame questions, he could be up to something. We don't know if he can be trusted!" Sheridan was now very mad, he stared at Ophion with a uncontrollable hatred, that he himself could not understand. Ophion gave no response to his words, but stared at him. The rest of the room must have knottiest what was going on, for everything had gone dead silent. Finally Ophion decided to respond.

"Was I talking to you, I don't think so. I was talking to Morgren and none of my questions have been threatening you, so leave me alone!" It had been some time sence Galti had spoken, now he felt was a good moment.

"Did you hear the boy? He said go, and leave us in peace!" His voice was full of rage now too!

"I don't take orders from you!" Ophion screamed as he jumped back from the table. He was now in a rage too.

At this moment all three of the boys and the dwarfs jumped to their feet. Yekrar seeing the possibility of a fight preparing himself by pulled out his double bladed axe and then standing ready for battle. Galti was about to join Yekrar with his own weapon, but never could. For at that same second Ophion brought out from the folds of his cloak a long curved blade of dark purple and gray which he smote across Galti's cheats sending him hurling across the room and into one of the many tables of the inn. At this the other seven dwarf flung out their weapons ready to fight, but their was no need to fight, for seeing that he was surrounded. Opion had launched himself into the air and out the front window.

Chapter III Silences Stikes

It was sometime before the commotion of the evening came to an end. Galti had been injured but not severely and soon he was standing and close to his usual self. The three boys since the event had been with Galti, making sure he was to recover and be okay. But after they had turned themselves to another glass of ale by the fire and some intense talking.

"What do you think Ophion wanted?" Colwyn asked the others. "Why was he here?"

"I don't know for sure." Started Sheridan. "But I tell you, he was up to no good, I could fill it."

"Yeah! Yeah!" Came Morgen sarcastically. "No good at all, he was going to take us and kill us or something." Morgren laughed, but nether Colwyn or Sheridan where amused. "Ok!" Morgren said seriously this time. "Let's say he was up to something, what could it have been."

"As I told you before, I'm not sure what he wanted, but I tell you, it was nothing good." Just as Sheridan ended Yekrar appeared before them.

"I have come to tell you that Galti is better, but will be retiring now. He has asked me to tell you that he is very fascinated by you three and would like to get to know you better. Could you possibly come back to the inn tomorrow to talk some more?"

"Sure!" Morgren said as the other two nodded. "That should be fine." After they ended speaking the three boys left the inn.

Outside they said good bye to Sheridan who after promising to meet them the next day at the inn turned his own way. The streets were dark and silent as Morgren and Colwyn hurried down them in the attention to get home. By the place of the moon in the sky and the little light radiating from the stars Morgren guessed it was close to five o'cloak and that in a couple hours it would be dawn. They moved at a good pace and were covering ground quick, but after reaching the last quarter of their trip when they came to a sudden stop as the town bells rang, which was a warning of danger in the town.

"What's going on?" Colwyn said more to himself then too Morgren.

"I don't know? Lets move." The two boys then set out at a greater pace and soon reached and made the last turn onto their street . Morgren almost stumbled and fell at the sight before him. Colwyn had his hand on his forehead and acting as if he were in a trance. Before them huddled together in the early dawn was a crowd, but they weren't just standing around, they were in a circle around their house. The two boys bolted foreword and pushing their way through the small crowd, making their way to the front not slowing down, not even breathing. Finally they broke free from the tension of the people, but were then stopped at the sight that lay before them.

On the ground beside the door strewn out covered in her own blood was their aunt and mother. Colwyn feel to his knees with the sudden shock of a thousand storms stunned to the point that nothing else mattered, but it could only get worse, to the far left of the door hanging a foot over the ground was their father and uncle with a sword embedded in his stomach and then through the wood wall behind him. At this point even Morgren fell to the ground overcome with uncontrollable emotion. For the next few minutes the two boys lay on the ground over come with grief and sorrow at the loss of their family. This was the second time for Colwyn to loss his parents for his aunt and uncle were like his mother and father, they had raised him all of his life and he had known no others. His parents had died right after his birth, he had been left on his Uncles door step and had aways lived with them, for sixteen years he had lived with them.

Finally the scene was changed when the crowed was forced to leave by the town guards. Once the way was cleared the town governor Hywel and Aethgwyn the woodsmen of the town came forward to see them. Hywel help Morgren to his feet while Aethgwyn did the same for Colwyn. Aethgwyn was a worn man, in his mid forties, but he didn't look a day over thirty-five. He had a strong build, rugged but handsome with light grey eyes like river pebbles. His hair like sprays of dust moved around in gentle waves of dirty yellow. He carries a sword, very fine, but plane in appearance. After he had helped Colwyn he steeped closer to house and started to examine the sword imbedded in their father and uncles cheats. Aethgwyn then signaled to Hywel to turn Morgren and Colwyn away. Morgren was in a mode of complete shook, but he could still hear what was going on around him. Finally Hywel allowed them to turn back to the scene, but now their uncle and father was on the ground, close by was Aethgwyn examining the curved sword the had killed their family. After a few minutes of watching Aethgwyn look at the sword, he finally came back over to them with a sad look on his face.

"What's going on?" Morgen started wanting to know who had committed this crime.

"It was a Umbra Drakonen." Aethgwyn said slowly.

"A what?" Colwyn said very confused.

"It was a Umbra Drakonen, a Shadow serpent."

"A Shadow serpent?" Colwny said still confused.

"Yes, the Shadow Serpents are a Cult of dark priests that are assassins and thieves, they are not human, but Nachash. The Nachash are a race that are half human and half Serpent, they are rare to these lands but they can be found. This sword is their most commonly used weapon, it is called Exitialis Contingo or Deadly touch because of it's poisoned blade."

Aethgwyn then carefully turned the blade in his hands showing its every side. Morgren and Colwyn stood in silence watching. as they did this Hywel orders over some of the guards and ordered them to cover the bodies and take them away to the Church. In Shant all the people were united in worship to their three gods, one being the High lord of the sky and King of gods, Utum, the second Undum, Utum's brother and Lord of the sea, and last Gwemna the goddess of life and prosperity. Utum's temple was locates on a island on the river that flowed through their town and was the the masterpiece of the town.

"Morgren, Colwyn…" Started Hywel. "It is early and I have other work that I must do, but two days from now we will commence the burial of your parents and the process of their journey to Kamara." Kamara was the Hall of the gods were those that had lives a righteous life in the sight of the gods would go after death.

"We will be there,' Morgren said in a chocked up voice. Hywel was about to turn and leave, but Aethgwyn grabbed his shoulder.

"Hywel wait! This monster couldn't have gotten to far, we should try and find it. As long as its around the boys aren't safe."

"I agree," Started Hywel, "But it could take hours to find it."

"Yes it could, but we have to. I have some questions I need answered. Like why it was here!"

"Ok I'll send out parties." Hywel then turned to his general, whose name was Talruin. "General! Put together some patrols and begin a search for this creature."

"Yes sir!" It didn't take long before the patrols were ready and searching the area. Each patrol consisted of fifteen men, which included the patrol captain. The leaders were men who had trained hard and proved that they were capable to lead. They wore chain mail and carried on their heads light helms, which had blue feathers which came out at the top. This signified that they were in charge and not any normal solider. Colwyn and Morgren admired their dedication to there town. Getting ready and going to work so early. They knew that they weren't doing it just for them however, it was for the safety of the whole town and their own families.

"Morgren! Colwyn! I know you must both be in a lot of pain, but I need you to answer some questions for me. Could you do that?" Aethgwyn asked questionably.

"Yes I suppose." Came Morgren almost in a whisper. "What do you want to know?" Aethgwyn moved closer and then began to speak.

"Do you have any idea why this might of happened? Any explanation?" Nether of the boys answered immediately, but after a moment Colwyn spoke."

"Last night, or I guess it would have been early this morning we were at the Silver Fox Inn. There we meet a strange person who seemed to be up to something. Sheridan, who was with us immediately loathed the new comer. He said that he made him uncomfortable, Me and Morgren weren't sure about anything. After talking to Kerrick he came over to us and tried to make friends or something, But Sheraidan wouldn't have it so he tried talking to Morgren."

"I see, this is very strange" Came Aethgwyn.

"Yes it was." Broke in Morgren. "He asked me about the chain I wore around my neck. I told him that my father had given it for me and that he was a merchant. Then Sheridan had seen enough and he told the stranger to go. He didn't, there was then some commotion and he left."As they finished their story Aethgwyn face changed to one deep in thought and for many minutes he stood thinking and pondering.

"Did you ever see his face?"

"No, he kept it covered under his cloak the whole time. we didn't see any of his main features." Colwyn then nodded in agreement.

"This could very much be the same monster that killed your family. It all seems to match up, but I still do't understand one thing."

"What is that?" Colwyn asked questionably.

"How did he know were you lived? You didn't tell him, did you?"

"No! Never!!" Morgren said shaking. "That one thing I don't get either." They all stood in since a moment, staring into void.

"wait a minuet!" Colwyn said as if coming upon a great discovery. "Before coming over to us he talked to Kerrick! We have no clue what words past between them!" Colwyn was now full do energy as if he was on the edge of discovering treasure. "Kerrick knows where we live, maybe he was tricked into telling!" As Colwyn ended Morgren's out dropped.

"You might be right, and if that's true then…" Morgren trailed off and then suddenly became full of rage. "If that is true, then it was Ophion who did this! It was Ophion who killed our father and our mother!" Morgren was now in a complete rage, his fists were curled tight and his mind was set. "And now!" He declared. "I will kill him!" The sudden change of mood threw both Colwyn and Aethgwyn off guard leaving them unprepared for Morgren's sudden dash down one of the side streets.

"Morgren? What are you doing?" Came Colwyn as he speed after his cousin. Aethgwyn trying not to loss either of them did the same.

Morgren was now in full rage, he was running somewhere, but he didn't care where. It didn't matter, that devil was somewhere and he was going to find him. Colwyn was falling far behind of Morgren's trail, he could not keep up. He had never been much of a good runner and Morgren was. Soon Colwyn had to give up the chase, as he came to a stop Aethgwyn caught up.

"where is he?" Aethgwyn asked questioningly.

"I'm not sure." Colwyn answered panting. "I lost him, he's to fast."

"I wonder what has come over him, he's not going to get anywhere by running blindly."

"I know, but I don't think its possible to stop him. Unless we find Ophion first." Aethgwyn nodded in agreement. "Have the soldiers found anything yet?" Colwyn asked hopefully.

"Not to my attention, we had better go back to your home. If any news comes it will come there."

"But what about Morgren?" Colwyn said insistently.

"We can run blindly after him, we'll wast time. We must go back." The two of them turned and hurried with all effort to retrace their tracks. But not being as familiar with that side of town, got a little turned around. It was now a few minuets to sunrise and they had still not made it back. Aethgwyn was frustrated with himself by now.

"I've lived in this city for over fifteen years and I still don't know it as well as the forest. This town isn't even that big!" Colwyn remained silent during this time. Aethgwyn had now sat down to think, while he did this Collwyn stood quietly. But his attention was suddenly turned by what he saw in the ally to his right. He advanced into it and was soon gone from Aethgwyn sight. Once noticing that he had gone Aethgwyn jumped to his feet to look for him and finding him in the next ally became relaxed once more. But upon finding what Colwyn was looking at he became very carful and very still.

"Colwyn step back!" He commanded, but when the boy did not respond or obey he stepped forward. On the ground before them dead was the fowl being that had killed Morgren and Colwyn's family, the monster itself. Aethgwyn pulled Colwyn back before advancing towards the creature. Colwyn was in a form of shook, he wasn't sure what he was filling, hate, joy, peace, satisfaction, or all of them at once. But whatever it was, it held him fast. Aethgwyn was now knelling at the beings side examining it, finally he stood up and turned to Colwyn.

"Well, he is most certainly dead. He hasn't escaped but was killed, the question though is how?"

"Was it the soldiers?" Colwyn asked trying to come up with something. Aethgwyn shook his head.

"I don't think it was the soilders, he's wasn't killed by a sword of bow. He has not even been pierced and yet he is dead. Aethgwyn thought a second before turning back to Colwyn. "We should go and quick!"

"what is it?" Colwyn asked beginning to worry.

"It's not safe here, we must get as far as we can from here."

"What has happened? How did he die!"

"I still don't know for certain, but it is not human. He was killed by magic. Dark magic, very dangerous and powerful!"

"Magic?" Colwyn said gasping. "What being could have such magic?"

"Only a few and I will not speak of them now. We must hurry!" Aethgwyn and Colwyn were now running with all of their might, racing from something that could be far or close behind them. Upon finding a road Aethgwyn knew they made it back to Colwyns house without difficulty, but to a most horrifying sight.

Along with Colwyn's house, half of the street was ablaze with flickering green fire, like liquid waves of death. On the roof above the street could be made out three figures of the most terrifying appearance. They wore long

shredded cloaks of dark grey and had two great horns that cut through the cloak at the forehead and then twist up into a crown of eternal doom. They wore gantlets of hard steal and boots of black leather and carried long terrible blades of black metal. They were throwing green balls of fire down upon the helpless soldiers below and when one got to close he was cut down without he ferries blows of the beings swords. There was much commotion and much fear. Colwyn along with Aethgwyn ran up to get a closer look, but were stopped by a sudden burst of flame before them. The snow which had once covers the ground was gone because of the extreme heat that radiated from the unnatural green fire. Colwyn was now caught in the extreme commotion of the street. A few times he had been nocked over onto the hard cold stone of the street. Now he was completely cut off from Aethgwyn. Colwyn was about to find a way around the flames that blocked his path and the soldiers in his way when he caught a sudden glimpse of Morgren helping to try and put the fire out. Colwyn the abandoned his previous plan and speed of towards Morgren. Morgren upon seeing Colwyn dropped the pail of water he was caring.

"Colwyn? What are you doing here, you must go, quick! Run!"

"Whats going on Morgren? Why must I go?"

"Their after you Colwyn, I don't know why, but there here to kill you." Morgren was now beginning to cry, he loved his cousin and with all of his heart wanted him safe. "Please go! We'll hold them off, get out of town!" Colwyn was now in the act of going and staying. He wished to follow his cousins advise, but something held him still. Instantly Aethgwyn came out of nowhere and stood before the two boys.

"Both of you run! Get out of here quick!

"Whats going on now?" Morgen asked.

"There asking for you, the Abrak are asking for you."

"You know these creatures?" Colwyn asked abruptly.

"I do, they are the servants of a most terrible and dark lord. I though they were killed long ago, but I was wrong. Their calling for you Colwyn and they won't leave until they get you! You must both leave now! Quick go! Get out of town and to safety, anywhere but here!" The two boys without even questioning the man made a brake for as soon as they could and upon finding a way through the green flames and the soldiers made their way off as fast as they could. Both of them were sweating now and their hears wanted to give way, but they could not stop. They were now only a few blocks from the main gate to the city and all they could see of the scene behind them was green flames and gray smoke. But their rapid progress was stopped when abruptly they ran into a group of dwarfs. For a second they thought they might have to fight, but suddenly recognizing Galti relaxed and approached the dwarf.

"Boys?" came his deep and friendly voice. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"We need to get out of town!" Morgren said panting. "We need to get somewhere safe!"

"Whats going on back there?" Galti said starting to get concerned.

"There are some creatures destroying the town called Abrak. They've come to kill my cousin Colwyn!" Morgren replied shaking from head to foot.

"This is bad news. Where will you go?" Galti was now worried too, he was fond of the boys even though they had only known each other for a very short while.

"We don't know yet, somewhere though." Cowyn said speaking for the first time since he had ran from the battle.

"Your going to get lost very fast if you don't know where your going, come with us. Well leave right now. We're all packed and can offer our protection if needed."

"Thank you Galti," Morgren said taken his hand. "We would be honored, but we must leave quickly."

'Of course, Dwarfs move out!"

Chapter IV A New Adventure

The sun was now just coming up from behind the eastern mountains when the new formed company of dwarfs and boys made it into the snow covered branches of Shemwood. The boys had there years before, but not since. It wasn't a forest that many liked to take a stroll in or unless needed travel through. It was a very ancient forest with trees that looked as if they had serviced many winters. Colwyn was extremely glad that it was no longer night. He had travel in this forest once during night and it was not of his favorite memories.

In fact it was on of the worst. Growing up both Morgre and Colwyn had been told stories of the ancient forest of the mysteries and dark things that lay beneath its twisted branches. Most of it had most likely been made up to keep the young from entering it and becoming lost, but as the stories became older and had ben past on for many generations, many came to believe that they might be true. The forest was a very terrifying place and now sunny hill with flowers. Nasty creatures did live in its dark places and were no friend to man or anyone for that matter. Both of the boys were just glade that they were not traveling through it alone. They had nine dwarfs with them and as most people no dwarfs when need be are fierce warriors. With these thing and the past events of the day circling through there heads they made there way in silence for most of the day. It was ruff at first since the boys had never marched like this before. The dwarfs unlike humans did not need to stop as much to rest, this was hard on the boys at first so the dwarfs slowed down, but soon it became natural and they assumed a faster pace.

That night they camped under a great oak tree that looked as if it had stood there since the beginning of time. It was very dark so the dwarfs built a fire and then dragged over some logs which they formed a circle around the fire. As soon as this had been finished they all sat around to rest and sleep.

The next morning the two boy awoke to a most pleasant smell permeating the air.

"What is that?" Colwyn asked Morgren, who was laying beside him.

"It is venison." Came a voice that the boys were not familiar with. "We caught it this morning, would you care for some?"

"We would." Colwyn said coming over to the dwarf cooking the food. Morgren followed him in silence. The dwarf then handed them each a clay plate with a peace of roosted venison.

"Thank you." They both said and then began to eat. Half way through Colwyn turned back to the dwarf and said.

"I don't believe I know your name. What is it?"

"Oh, I am sorry for not introducing myself. My name is Seg Lowhammer and you could say that I'm the cook in the company." He then laughed and smiled at the boy. "And I am guessing that you are one of those boys that we saw at the inn talking to that strange cloaked monster."

"Yes I was one of them. That reminds me, Galti got hurt. How is it that he is making a journey like this?"

"He wasn't severely hurt the other night, just bruised. If he is still in pain he would never show it. He's stubborn."

"I can tell he is." Colwyn agreed.

"Well excuse me, I have the rest of the company to feed." The dwarf then left Colwyn to return to his duties.

It wasn't long before the company was packed and ready to set out again and they set out at a good pace. The sun could be seen periodically gleaming through the branches of the trees above, but most of the time their way was guided by a dime glow. This day much more interaction took place, the events of two days back were no longer freash in there minds and completely dimming their moods. Of course it was not forgot, but the boys could now except that their lives from now on would be different. During their journeying that day they were able to meet the rest of the company, First they meet Tyukh Bronzehunter who was the son of the company's leader Galti Bronzetracker, then Fili and Eire Bolthelm who were twins and Morgren and Colwyn agreed were the funniest and crazies all in one. Next was Nril MarbleBolt, he was the son of Eire Bolthelm and in the way he acted was much different. After him they meet the last two of the dwarfs that they did not know, Hadre Beamsmasher and Talad Bladecutter. Talad was Yekrar's father and cousin to Seg the cook. After meeting the whole company Colwyn began to compare them to one big family travailing around, working the same trade. It really was what they were, they were all related somehow or other. Cousins, fathers, brothers, uncles and such. They were also all miners and blacksmiths. Morgren found it interesting and cool, it was a new concept to him. Where he lived the son might do what the father did, but it wasn't like a big family company doing it together. Morgren sort of liked the idea and thought it might be fun to do someday if he ever had children.

That day they covered much ground and by the next day were almost out of the forest. The wind was softly blowing and all of silent, but the silence was broken when upon the wind the sound of wolfs howling hit their ears. Both Morgren's and Colwyns hearts stopped and the company stopped in its tracks.

"Form a circle!" Yelled Galti. "Both of you get in the center." He was referring to the boys. The boys did exactly what he said without question. The howls were growing closer and both Morgren and Colwyn weren't sure what was going to happen. For almost five minuets they heard the wolves moving closer mad then suddenly they stopped. At lest they thought they had stopped, but suddenly a sound of movement could be heard from a near by bush. Colwyn's heart began to race, and he was sure the end was near.All was still for a long moment and then five wolves emerged from the bushes. They ran strait for the company, but they did not look mean. Mogren and Colwyn were surprised, but even more surprised when Galti said to put down their weapons.

"Galti? What are you doing?" Morgren started. "There going to attack!" Galti just looked at him and laughed.

"Their not going to attack us Mogren, their ours." Morgren's face along with Colwyn's then turned from one of shook to one of disbelief.

"Yours?" Colwyn said not believing his ears.

"Yes their ours. We left them out here before entering your town and now they are just getting back to us." Galti then smiled.

Morgren and Colwyn couldn't believe it. wolves as pets! How was that even possible, but it was. Several of the dwarfs were now petting and talking to the wolves. They then turned back to Galti, he was with one of the wolves too.

"Is this one yours Galti?" Colwyn asked.

"It is," Galti said smiling even bigger. "His name is Lycaon, and he is one of my closes friends." Morgren and Colwyn marveled at the beautiful creature, this was a new experience for them both. They had only ever seen wolves as dangerous monsters, but now they could see that they were strong and noble creatures and not just killers. It took them both some time, but before long they were petting the wolves as if they had know them their whole lives, and the company moved on merrily.

By night fall they had left the forest and were camped outside the city of Torn; which was one of three cities in the area. It didn't take long before all of the company was fast asleep and dreaming. It was a few hours from sunrise when Colwyn was awaken by a sound from the forest. He sat up and looked around, but finding nothing out of the usual laid down once more. He was almost asleep again when he heard the same noise coming from the forest. This time he woke up his cousin.

"Morgren. Theres something in the woods!"

"What?" Morgren said pulling himself up.

"Theres something in the woods." He repeated.

"Colwyn it was probable a squirrel or something. Go back to sleep." Morgren then laid back down, leaving Colwyn alone sitting up. He was sure that it hadn't been a squirrel and it wasn't one of the wolves. They were all there with them. He looked off into the forest but nothing happened, after a while he decided that his cousin might have been right and that it was just a squirrel. So he laid back down, but at that very moment a horrific roar bust through the air, waking up the whole company. Everyone sat up and looked around. Towards the forest standing on a hill, were three great beasts covered in hard scales of Maroon. They had two spikes that stuck out on either side of their mouths and six large raiser claws on each of their four feet. They stood on all fours and had a being of death upon them. Colwyn after gaining himself recognized the riders of the monsters creatures, they were the same beings that had caused them to leave, the Abrak. All of Colwyn's fears jumped back at him and left him stunned and immovable. Mogren's mouth dropped open and then he spoke.

"How did they find us?" His question was never answered however, for at that very moment the beasts before them charged. All of the dwarfs jumped up and grabbing their weapons charged as well. Morgren and Colwyn dumbfounded by the commotion we're left behind. Upon gaining their senses they released that they didn't even have weapons to fight with. The dwarfs meanwhile were holding the Abrak off as best they could, but after a moment they broke through and charged Colwyn. Colwyn knowing not what to to do, made a run for it. He ran hard and fast, even until his legs almost gave way beneath him. Upon reaching the gates of the town he tripped and fell. The Abrak was almost upon him, he felt the jaws of death pulling him in, but he was never touched. For at that very moment a person jumped in front of him, blocking the path of the Abrak. He was cloaked in black and impossible to make out, Was it a man? Colwyn wasn't sure, but whatever it was, it had stopped the Abrak. Colwyn watch in silence as the Abrak and the new comer fought and then realizing that this was his moment to escape, ran blindly into the city. After running a good distance, he turned into an alleyway and stopped. He planed to wait a little and then return to his company, but finding himself extremely tired, dropped into a deep sleep.

The next morning Colwyn found himself cold and starving. The streets were full of people and nothing was clear.

"Oh great!" He muttered to himself. "How am I going to get back?" He slowly pulled himself up and stretched, then a thought hit him. What happened to the rest of his friends? They might have died or thinking he was taking, left without him. Sweat began so drench his forehead and he started to run. Maybe he could get to the gate before they left, if they hadn't already. It took him sometime, but he finally made it to the gate and outside the city, his company was gone. His head dropped in disappear.

"Great! What am I going to do now?" While he pondered his next plan of action, something in the tree above him was moving. It descended slowly, making no more sound then a cool breeze. Colwyn did not know, but one of the Abrak had stayed to await his return. It would have taken him and finished its business, had a soldier on patrol not seen him first.

'You down there! Look out!" Colwyn look up just in time to see the Abrak descending on him. He quickly moved out of the way dogging the attack. This can't be happening! He thought to himself. What do they want? Colwyn realizing the danger he was in turned and ran back into the city, the Abrak close behind.

The streets we packed and hard to maneuver through, but by pushing and squeezing he was able to make his way. The Abrak on the other hand, had no trouble getting through, on seeing him, all of the people ran out of the way and when they didn't he pushed them away. Colwyn then realized that he would never make it going like this, so he started to think hard. Nothing seemed of use or help so he ran by, when finally he saw a glimpse of a stable coming up. In front, of all his luck, was a horse already saddled and ready to journey. Colwyn rationalizing that this was no time to be nice, leaped onto the horse. As he did this a young girl with a mass of long brow hair ran out after him yelling.

"What are you doing?! Thats my horse! Come back!" She seemed desperate and Colwyn felt bad, but this was no time to be nice, at lest thats what he kept telling himself. His life was in danger! He needed the horse, but deciding to give the girl a little hope, called back.

"I'll bring it back some day!" And then he vanished around the corner.

With this new advantage, he lost the Abrak within seconds and made it out of the city unharmed. At first he was very lost as to where to go, but then remembered that Galti had said something about Huntan. So he set out at once south. That night a storm ross up, lightning struck the earth and the ground seemed to shake madly. In the commotion, Colwyn hit his head on a low hanging branch, making him fall of the horse and onto the cold wet ground. For a fragment of a second he saw the sky above him and then nothing.

Chapter V New Problems

The next morning, he awoke to a sword blade pressed against his neck. He tried to move, but the sword just poked him down. Colwyn tried to think of something, but could not, he was stuck. The young girl above him had captured him.

"Give it back!" She said, in a most determined voice.

"Give what back? Colwyn wasn't sure what she was talking about.

"Don't lie to me! Give me back the horse!" Everything then came back to Colwny.

"Oh yeah, the horse." Colwyn then recognized the girl from the stable and pause for a moment to look around, the horse was no where in sight. "Well you see, I can't give you back the horse." He continued. At this her face became puzzled.

"Why not?"

"Because I lost it last night in the storm." At this the girl broke down, as if all of her hopes had just been destroyed. She fell to her knees leaving Colwyn free to move. He slowly got to his feet and then looked down at the girl. The girl then looked back up at him and then brushing herself off, stood up.

"Please give me back the horse." This time her voice was soft and sweet and Colwyn could tell was full of need. Colwyn wanted to help the girl, but he couldn't so he said pliantly.

"I'm sorry but I can't! The horse it gone." The girl then realizing that she was not going to get the horse back, began to yell.

"I need that horse! You have no idea! Please!"

"I can't!" Colwyn said staring her in the face.

"Then you will have to buy me a new one!" As she said this she crossed her arms and turned her head away from Colwyn. What was he to do? He couldn't afford a horse and he knew it. The choice was simple, he was going to continue on his journey and forget all about the horse.

"I'm sorry about your horse, I really am, but I can't do anything about it, so good bye." He then turned and began to head west. Meanwhile the girl's face had turned to one of shook. He really wasn't going to make restitution she though to herself. She then became mad, she had thought that her plan was going to work, but it had only put her in worse circumstances. Now she was far from town and had no horse to take back. So in a stubborn way she took off after Colwyn. Upon catching up she said.

"It seems that we are stuck together." Colwyn then turned to the girl in surprise.

"What do you mean?"

"I simply mean this, that I will not go until you find or buy me a new horse!" By the end of her words she was almost yelling, but that did not scare him, just made him mad. He was sure that by refusing to get her a new horse, she would have run back to Torn, but now he was stuck with her.

It was a very unhappy group that moved on that day. The girl was mad about not getting her horse and Colwyn was mad about having her follow him. Because of this anger towards one another, neither of them spoke that whole day. The next day began somewhat different from the previous. They still didn't like the idea of talking to each other, but having spent the whole lasts day traveling in silence, they were willing to talk a little. Colwyn found out that the girls name was Elora and that she had lived in Torn most of her life.

It was easy to see that she wasn't going to be as friendly as him. He could understand why, but he wasn't going to worry about it. Because of this he did most of the talking. She would occasionally answer his questions, but most of the time remained silent. This is how their days were spent.

They kept alive by hunting, having lived in a hunting town, Colwyn had learned at a early age how to hunt. He would catch young rabbits and other small animals with a makeshift net that he had made. This wouldn't work in the long term, but it would suffice until he made it back with the company. During the first two days of their journey they traveled in county lands, flat and open. There wasn't much snow left now, most of it had melted away, leaving small segment of grass to poke through. After the end of the second day they entered Shemwood.

Their progress slowed immensely on entering, for Elora was not use to the terrain of the forest and the hardships of such a journey. Colwyn offered to help her back out of the forest and then on her way back to Torn, but stubbornly she refused. In the act of making her turn back, he exclaimed that if she did not keep up, then she would be left behind. This did not change her decision however, she just pushed on harder. Colwyn did not like the predicament that he was putting the girl in, but it was her choice to follow and he had to keep moving.

Most of their journey was uneventful, nothing other then what one might expect on a journey through the forest. Small critters that might jump out in front of you, murky darkness at night, and bugs. The howling of the wolves was the worst, Colwyn even though finding that they could be nice, was still extremely frightened by them. He tried to imagine that they were the wolves of the dwarfs, but it didn't help much. He tried to conceal his agitation from Elora, but it was not easy. This lasted for five days, on the morning of the sixth they came out beside a bright cool stream. Elora didn't show it, but Colwyn could tell that she was extremely happy, like himself to be out of that horrible forest.

Elora was beginning to talk more, almost to much for Clowyn's liking. She would make a lot of negative comments like,

"How do you know your going the right way?" or "Were lost and its a ll your fault."

Sometime Colwyn respond, but most of the time he ignore her. After a while Colwyn wished that she would go back to not talking and give him some peace but she didn't.

"Will you please stop with the comments?!" Colwyn said having had enough of it. "It isn't necessary."

"Oh it isn't! Is it!" She said sarcastically. "Well its all within your power to stop it. Just get me a new horse!"

"Forget it! I've already told you. I'm sorry about your horse, but I'm not going to get you another one!"

"Then you might as well get use to my voice, because thats all you'll hear for a long time!" Cowyn's head dropped in dismay, what was he to do? He couldn't get her a horse at the moment and wasn't sure if he would ever be able to get one.

"So what is a boy like you doing out in the wild anyways? She said smugly. "Probable lost, because you have no since of direction, or abandoned because your were an annoyance." She looked pleased with herself, "That must be it! Isn't it?" Colwyn did not answer but left the girls question hanging in the air. "Are you listening?" The girl said irritated. "No your not! Your completely ignoring me." Colwyn turned around and looked at the girl, to his surprise she was crying. "You know," she started trying to hold back the tears. "It was you that dragged me out here into the wilderness, you with you stealthy ways. If you hasn't taken the horse I wouldn't be here, but at home safe and sound." Colwyn starred, unmovable and then spoke. "Why can't you just go home though, you the one that brought you out here, not me. Its just a horse!" The girl looked at him in shook.

"You really think that losing a horse is that little of a concern? They are expensive!"

"I know, but there is something more keeping you here then the loss of a horse." At his words the girl turned her face away. She seemed to be hiding something, but Colwyn couldn't guess what. Elora was now shaking, she was scared, depressed and in need of hope. Finally becoming to much to bear she turned and spoke. "Its not my horse….but my masters." Colwyn was shocked, it was just now starting to make since. He looked down at the girl, her face was bared in her arms and she was crying even harder then before. "He will kill me if I don;t have it…." Cowyn felt really bad, he had pretty much ruined this girls life and it hurt him inside. At that moment he decided that he was going to make retribution, no matter what it took. After coming to this decision he knelt down along side the girl and spoke gently, "Listen to me. I know that it was wrong of me to take the horse and I now regret it dearly. But on my word, somehow and someway I will make amends even if it costs me my life." Elora looked up as he ended and smiled.

"I will hold you to that." Colwyn smiled back.

"Can we now be friends?

"We can try, but you still owe me a horse and until you given me on, it will be somewhat of a roadblock."

"I understand. Now are you ready to move on?"

"I am." She said smiling once again. Colwyn then helped her to her feet and the two of them moved on a lot happier then before.

To Be Continued...