False Alarm

False Alarm

Was awoken for a raccoon earlier this night. Trickfoot had set an alarm spell up during his watch so he could sleep more. Part of me would like to be annoyed but then again, better to be awoken than to sleep through a possible attack.

After that mini fiasco, those sharing my tent, and as myself, were suddenly awoken a short time later by Cloudbreaker crashing into my tent. He had caught the raccoon that tripped the alarm spell earlier... so I’m awake write due to my sleep being interrupted a few too many times.

Other than that bit of excitement, it’s suffice to say we made it a safe distance from the town we happened across yesterday. The sun was rising and everyone (but me) were weary from being cramped in the boat or having swam along side it. Once everyone was off the boat, I heard the Drow make a comment about low moral and wanted to improve it by pulling an ‘Angel’ out of his bag. I climbed out, shaking my head at the thought that I’d be of any joy to these people. What good have I done for them? For what they know, I’m just a troubled girl who’s completely clueless of her where abouts.

Cloudbreaker made breakfast. He had caught some fish and whipped out a large metal pot that he fitted over a fire. It was decent food and kind of him to share. It was hard not to want to keep close to  him in the sense that I felt he provided protection. I definitely felt some security with him close by.

Grendel on the other hand continued to brood. I had no words for him and if I had, I doubt they’d brighten his sour mood. I said everything I had to say to him kast night that could possibly sway him to be compassionate toward that town. But no, he couldn’t see the good in it. No. He was too set on this Justice of his and upholding it despite reason. So I kept my distance from him.

I did take a moment to clean my face, hands and feet at the riverside with the soap I had.

We travelled all day, nothing exciting happening. Actually, now that I think about it, Cloudbreaker did disclose with us what had happened about the child he had killed. We had finished setting up camp when he began to talk to Grendel. The Crusader then demanded to know about the murdered child when Cloudbreaker asked him why he wasn’t letting go of last night’s events.

With a heavy heart I listened. How much I could relate. Luckily for the Goliath, that was his only incident... I knew he felt terrible. It was evident in his voice, posture, and eyes. Cloudbreaker then stepped back and leaned against a tree for support, folding his arms over his chest. He looked toward Lash, Trickfoot, and me before concluding, “I haven’t forgiven myself of that incident, nor do I plan to. I would hope that you won’t judge me on that, but rather on what I do now.”

Those words rang familiar in my ears. Raæin and Gemmel had told me that on separate occasions. Focus on the present and the intentions then.

“Now Grendel,” Bal Vyr said a few moments later, particularly due to the crusaders stern and unchanged demeanor, “I want to make it clear that if you make this party your enemy, I will end you!” I was impressed with Bal Vyr’s directness. It also added to my sense of security seeing that he was so willing to defend the rest of us. In fact, as brash and somewhat obnoxious Bal Vyr has been in the short time I’ve been with him, he wasn’t the evil Drow I thought he’d be.

Grendel made no remark to Bal Vyr’s declaration toward him. And so, everyone went back to doing their own things. I took that moment to walked over to Cloudbreaker. By this time the Goliath had covered himself up with a blanket.

“Cloudbreaker?” I said softly. I had almost reached out to tap his shoulder when he shifted so he could see me.

“Yes?” his deep voice asked.

“For what it’s worth, I don’t judge you. You and I share a similar burden, so I understand where you’re coming from,” I informed him. Thankfully Cloudbreaker didn’t press on about what my story was. Instead his eyes were still haunted by that memory he shared.

“Thank you,” his deep and forlorned voice began, “Thank you for your honesty Araja.”

And those were the words I first fell asleep to in my head. Now let us see if I can finish the rest of the night’s sleep without any further interruptions.

The Darkness of Justice pt. 2: Let There Be Proof

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With my thoughts muddled in joy and confusion, the party continued to discuss the issue at hand. Grendel and Cloudbreaker bickered with Bal Vyr about what should have happened when the villagers came at us. I was grateful that Bal Vyr was outnumbered against his desire to destroy all those townsfolk, though that changed later. After much debating, it finally sounded like an agreement was made; we’d steal the boats and leave the town unscathed.

Once dusk began to set in, we wandered back to the wheat field. As we approached the mouth of the canyon, little dots of light could be seen. In the dark we could make out about 6 villagers clustered together by the wheat field while more dots of light sparkled across the water. It was clear the town was being vigilant in their watch for us.

We were still quite a ways off and for a moment we agreed to sneak around, Trickfoot suggesting to distract them with some light show.

“I could just set this field on fire. That would guarantee to distract all of them,” Lash said.

“No,” I said gently, “Our goal is to just take the boats. We can hug the canyon walls and go a farther distance from the 6 folk clustered over there before cutting through the wheat field. By leaving the villagers unscathed, hopefully we’ll leave a lasting impression upon them of us marked folk.” There were some murmurs of agreement.

“I don’t know,” Trickfoot drawled, “I’m very much concerned about their Elder. That guy is going to get them all killed. Anybody with the mark that comes to this village looking for help, as we did, will be attacked because of his paranoia. Burning down the wheat field would surely doom the entire village, or worse. But sneaking in and eliminating just the Elder could help these people.”

“I’m with Araja on this,” Cloudbreaker said, “Their Elder must have a reason for believing that those that bear the mark are a threat. This town must have been attacked in the past! Killing the Elder will merely prove to the townsfolk that all mark-bearers are evil and need to be killed. If we hurt nobody, then we show the town that mark-bearers are not all a threat. Perhaps next time the townsfolk see a mark-bearer they will think twice before being hostile because of our example,” he emphasised. The Goliath then paced a little. As he did so I could feel something inside me soften. Someone supported my idea. No one had supported my ideas since I was full heartedly Fall the Prophesied.

"This is what I suggest,” Cloudbreaker continued, “Grendel, Bal Vyr, Araja and Lash. Head down-river about a mile. Trickfoot and I will proceed across the river and get the boats. Trickfoot can distract the guards with his light trick. We’ll then float down-river with the boats and meet the rest of you,” Cloudbreaker explained.

"You do realize that we’re still stealing boats right?” Trickfoot asked. After a moment pause he elaborated, “If we steal their boats, which I still think we should do, then the Elder is going to order the attack on the next group anyways. We may not have hurt them, but now marked folks are thieves.

“Maybe the best option is to see if the Elder has them under some kind of spell. I would be able to detect that if I got a little closer to the village once you and I are on the other side of the river," the Gnome suggested. I liked the thought Trickfoot put forth. It was more hopeful in the sense of reasoning behind the villages determination to destroy us. But what if the Elder was placing the villagers under a spell? I suppose he ought to be punished for forcing his people to murder. Yet what if he was the one under a spell?

“That would be smart Trickfoot. Let’s see if the villagers, and possibly the Elder, are under a spell. Perhaps we could dispel it if that's the case or return later to help them,” I then furrowed my brow. Depending on the situation of the village, I wasn’t for or against what happened to the Elder. I was a bit miffed with his determination to kill us despite my certainty he was acting out of fear.

“However,” I cautiously continued, “if he appears to be acting according to his own will and choice, especially if he’s forcing his people to attack us via enchantment, I won't encourage nor discourage what happens to him,”

I then voiced my thoughts aloud as I really pondered the possibilities, “I can see the act of his death freeing the people to discern for themselves, which could be favorable for us. However I can also see them finding the act as a result of our presence like Cloudbreaker said," as I said those words, it became clear how unpredictable this situation was becoming, "I... this whole thing will probably end up skewing perceptions either way. In the end, we're still stealing boats, we're still the marked ones."

“Suppose we kidnapped the Elder?” Cloudbreaker suggested, “We wouldn’t have to kill him and perhaps after a few days with us, he’d change his opinions. Oh wait,” he said, “Our Drow friend probably wouldn’t be much help with that,” he added looking at Bal Vyr. Bal Vyr commented how he’d probably just murder the guy when our backs were turned.

Grendel grunted in dissatisfaction.

"I am of like mind with Trickfoot. If we leave this village untouched by the hand of Justice, they will surely strike others who are marked like us with the same vicious ferocity they attempted to strike us with,” Grendel said, “There is a distinct possibility that if we remove the Elder that it will be for the good of all. If that is not so, then the whole village is damned by injustice and must be dealt with swiftly and with extreme prejudice. I propose we send Trickfoot and Bal Vyr into the village to deal with the Elder.” Something dark overcame Grendel suddenly. His talk of Justice took a dramatic turn that even I almost got carried away into.

”Personally, I find all of these people distasteful. Even if they are afraid, they have no reason to threaten us considering our peaceful front. An unjust action punishable by my Order,” he paused a moment before punctuating his dark thoughts, “In all my capacity, I would take joy in bringing Justice to these preachers of injustice, but we must head south. I say kill the Elder and see if there is magic at work. If not, then I’m setting this field on fire.”

Anger erupted in me. The villager’s threats to us were hardly a cause for murder. I took a daring step toward Grendel. I knew what he was about to initiate and I wasn’t going to stand for him warranting a massacre. It took me a moment to get the words to form in my mouth.

"If we kill these people... I will not be the one to blame for this massacre!" I seethed. Then in a more pleading ton, hoping he’d see my sincerity, continued, "They are scared! They are doing what they believe best. They don't know us nor understand how we are perfectly in control despite the mark. I just- I just," forming the sentence I wanted to say sent a panic through me, "I just don't want us to kill innocent people just because they're naive to our plight."

“Naivety is no excuse!” Grendel growled, “No excuse for murder Angelic! Did you see that crucified man on the road? Have you been present at a crucifixion?" He paused a moment and pointed back the way we came, "That man is me. That man is Cloudbreaker. That man is Trickfoot. That man is Lash. That man is Bel Vyr. That man... is you. They crucified him for being marked.

“I do not know how long you have been on this plain or how often you have been to this world, but it is not kind Araja. It is a hard world and it will break you if you do not grow hard yourself,” Grendel concluded. I glared back at him as he reminded me how hard this life was. He didn’t know me and had no right to tell me that.

“Yes I know this world is not kind,” I began my response, my voice hard and raising, “I’ve been reminded plenty since my return to the mortal plain. Reminded from the very moment I woke up in the tiljot bowl!” I shouted. I then looked away from him and at everyone standing around watching. In a defeated voice, more to myself then to them, I muttered, “The only problem is I still care too much.”

Grendel remained unmoved. His whole posture suggested that I wasn’t going to win this argument. In that moment of no one else speaking I hung my head. They were going to go off and murder a village. They were going to make our lot that much harder in fulfilling Grendel’s ‘Justice’. I let a few tears escape as I let the despair take hold of me.

“Do what you must, I’ll say no more,” I condoned. I was angry at them all for being silent, for not caring.

But I was wrong.

“Araja!” Cloudbreaker interjected suddenly, “Do not set aside your convictions! He calls himself a man of Justice, but he advocates Injustice here! You hear me Grendel?” the Goliath shouted at him, before softly saying, "Do you not see Araja? This man will lead us all astray in the name of false truths. Grendel is no better than the Elder."

“You dare say I’m advocating injustice?” Grendel snarled.

“Yes!” Cloudbreaker thundered, “Perhaps some of the villagers crucified that man, but it would not have been all of them. What about the women and children? You would kill children because of the sins of their parents? That makes you a monster no worse than the creatures we fought in the bowl!”

Cloudbreaker began to shake as though he was about to lose control.

“Attacking these people, burning down their village, burning down their crops... Those are the actions of a coward! I defy you to explain to me Grendel. How are you a crusader of Justice?!"

Grendel removed his helmet. Underneath was a hard face that had seen years of troubles, or so it seemed. Scars marred the once flawless skin.

"Cloudbreaker, you are of strong arm and I respect you for that. But if we wish to protect innocent life, we must remove the factors taking it. What happens to the next group of wanderers who stumble from these hills? Are these villagers going to believe another similar group, who may not be as armed as we are?

“Your idealism is admired Goliath, but unfortunately in a world such as this it has no place. If you wish to call me weak, cowardly, and a servant of injustice you must do so in much more direct terms! Prove to me that these people will not continue to kill! Only then I will do nothing.”

Grendel then returned his helmet to his head, hiding the stern look he bore. I did not like his reasoning. I saw a little of my past in him, except I was merciful while he punished those for crimes that others committed.

Cloudbreaker was still shaking next to me. I didn’t want him to be so angry. It wasn’t becoming of the gentle person he displayed to me that day. So I cautiously placed my hand on his arm. I could feel him look at me.

“Thank you hajarikn Cloudbreaker,” I said softly. I looked him in the eyes before looking away. A smile stole across my face before I let go of his arm. I was grateful for his support, I was also embarrassed for being so bold as to reach out and lay my hand on him. Perhaps it’s my imagination, but I’m certain it helped some. He seemed to calm and not shake much.

I walked away not lingering on what just happened between us. You can’t allow yourself to get attached! I reminded myself as I walked to Lash. I wanted to ask her if she could receive guidance from her deity. I also wanted to keep my word and say no more.

As I approached her I could hear the men continue, Trickfoot jumping in.

“Grendel, you speak as if you have no free will and no emotion,” the old Gnome condoned, “I've heard horror stories of your order. Stories that parents tell children to make them behave. Justice is not black and white. Every situation differs from the next.

“I too agree with Araja. They are making assumptions about us just as you are about them. They see these marks and they assume we are here to rain death upon them. Guess what? If we burn down this field, they are right. The worst crime they have committed is being ignorant, which is far less of a crime than what your order has done in the past,” Trickfoot clipped out. I became enthralled with their continued debate that I forgot what I was going to ask Lash for a moment.

Cloudbreaker looked to Trickfoot.

“That is curious, Trickfoot,” he muttered almost to himself, “And from what I’ve seen and heard tonight, I don’t disbelieve what you’ve said either.

“Now Grendel, you want proof?” Cloudbreaker said menacingly to the crusader, “I will go get it for you. I will go unarmed and without my armor and prove to you these folk are just scared and not the threat you make them out to be.”

“No!” I hoarsely shouted. Eyes focused on me once more, ”I mean, I'll go with. Having had a past with the mark, I might be able to help convince these folk. Perhaps we could start with the few over there. They might listen better seeing they are small in numbers.”

“Heavens! Are you all insane?” Grendel finally snapped, “Do none of you follow or listen to the law? Absolute law demands Justice from these people. They have violated absolute law by killing innocence. Will you absolve them of their crimes because they are afraid? You may call me a monster, you may call my order monsters, but at least we are willing to keep the balance of life and have Justice reign!”

"The law? What law Grendel!?” the Goliath roared. I looked toward the canyon mouth to see if the folk there noticed. We hadn’t been particularly quiet, but Cloudbreaker’s outburst was very loud and was certain to have been heard.

“These people have not hurt us yet! And how do you know that the crucified man was innocent? He could have been a thief, a rapist, a murderer. He might have actually attacked the village! By your reasoning, his crucifixion could have been Just!”

The shaking returned to Cloudbreaker. I knew he was moments from losing control especially as he made his last statement, “I will not stand by and watch a weak man, a coward, condemn children! Never again will I allow an innocent child to die by my hand or any other's!"

My heart went out to the Goliath. I knew exactly how he felt. Part of me wanted to know who the child was he killed... but at the time, it was irrelevant and too personal for me to pry.

I then watched Cloudbreaker slowly reach behind his back to grab his sword. Everything in my being wanted to stop him. Not that I disagreed with his desire to take Grendel out for his skewed sense of Justice, but because it didn’t seem right. Let alone I didn’t want what was happening escalate into a fight. Weren’t we suppose to be working together? Was this going to turn into that day in Rehm?

Part of me wonders why I felt so strongly to stop them. They weren’t my family or friends. I had no connection to them. Cloudbreaker had been the only one to support me. It must have been that. I wasn’t intervening out of the interest of them both, it was out of my determination to protect Cloudbreaker for validating my stand.

“Stop it! Both of you!” I shouted at them. I moved back toward them, positioning near them, but not between them, “This contention cannot happen! Remember, first and foremost we are all marked! We all were placed in that bowl for a reason!

“Cloudbreaker,” I spoke gently. I thought about reaching out to him again, but I stayed my hand, feeling I would be overstepping personal boundaries that time, “Don't taint your good just because we don't see eye to eye him. Don't let your anger consume you either.

“Grendel,” I said, turning my body toward him. I was about to disclose some ugly, but this was my last effort to convincing him. If I made it personal, perhaps he’d see some reason to give the villagers a chance, “Like I said, I was once like them. I killed marked beings!” I slowly said. Then with trembling lips and frustration for still feeling guilty about what I had done to Meryth, I continued, “I nearly killed my sister because I saw she was marked and feared for her salvation. I thought killing her would save her from a life of darkness. Am I to be slain for my past sins? It wasn't until 7 months ago that I learned marked beings are in control. Even better, they aren't all evil. Granted most who bear this mark are evil for it is their way of showing their alliance with Erythnul. But others, like us, are marked so the good will slaughter them!” I then stilled my tongue for a moment. That was the thing that angered me most; Heironious letting us kill those who were innocent just because they bore the mark.

After a few deep breathes I finished my plea, “I'm taking steps to understand people and their intentions before condemning someone. Think of them like Bal Vyr, Grendel. We need to educate them! Yes there's more of them than us, but they deserve a chance."

“Once more Araja’s right. They are mistaken, not evil. I will not allow you to hurt those people,” Cloudbreaker reiterated. Grendel made no comment. “Fine then!” the GOliath spat,”How about this. I will be the Champion for these people. Will you be the Champion for Justice?”

“Of course,” Grendel clipped out.

“If I win, we take only the boats and leave the villagers unharmed and leave the wheat field alone. If you win, then we’ll do it your way,” Cloudbreaker suggested. My heart sank. What if Grendel slayed the Goliath? No. I knew if Grendel so much as harmed Cloudbreaker, I was going to fight back with all my might.

The two didn’t even get a chance to act when a bolt struck the ground between them.

“Enough you two! You’ll weaken our party if we lose either of you,” Bal Vyr interjected, “Grendel, let us go get your proof. I’ll sneak into the village with a few others. We’ll investigate and go from there,” the Drow said. It seemed odd of him to volunteer himself. Part of me wondered if he had ulterior motives. He had been wanting to kill the villagers earlier... I chose not to care. If he murdered the Elder or the villagers (or all of them) hopefully I’d be none the wiser.

“I’ll give you one hour to do this,” Grendel said, “One hour to convince me or I’m lighting the field on fire.”

“Fine, who’s coming with me?”

“I could,” I suggested though the idea of sneaking into town was unappealing.

“No, you chose to run from a fight. How can I expect you to protect me if a fight came about in the village?” Bal Vyr asked. I held my tongue. Had he already forgotten that I attacked the very creature that was pursuing him in the bowl? The creature I killed by myself?

Cloudbreaker and Trickfoot ended up volunteering to go with him. Bal Vyr then decided to go sneak up on the guards to create a disguise. We all watched. At a distance I couldn’t see Bal Vyr any more, but I did see the guards with their torches. After a minute, one of the torches started to walk in the direction Bal Vyr had wandered off in. Not wanting Bal Vyr to be discovered I whipped out my bag of tricks and chucked a fluff ball.

A boar appeared in front of me. I instructed it to go distract the villagers and pointed in the direction of the torches. Immediately the boar took off. Another minute later Bal Vyr returned. He then put on his disguise and we made our way through the wheat field. A squeal rent the air to which I assumed the villagers killed the boar.

Rustling could be heard over our movements in the wheat field. We froze and waited to see what it was. A few yards away from us we saw the guards carrying someone back to the village. Once they passed we continued toward the river.

After going down river a ways, we tied my rope with Bal Vyr’s and had Cloudbreaker swim across. He then anchored it to a tree in which Trickfoot and Bal Vyr used it to help them get a across. They then took off toward the village leaving Lash, Grendel and myself waiting.

Lash hung onto the rope as we waited. I maintained an eye on Grendel. The wheat field was still behind us. It seemed only 10 minutes had passed since he gave his conditions for proof. Even if they were late, if Grendel so much as made a move to light the wheat field, I was going to stop him.

I began to feel somewhat restless. It didn’t seem like an hour had passed, but surely it was getting close. I wasn’t too concerned about how well they were doing, it was Grendel that made me nervous. I figured if the others were gone another hour, I’d go search for them... but I’d have to subdue Grendel first...

Finally someone came running toward us.

“Grendel!” Cloudbreaker’s voice called out in a loud whisper, “We have you proof!” He stopped in front of the crusader, panting for some breathe, “The villagers, they have been attacked on 2 separate occasions! Marked beings like us have come from the hills and each time have burned their village and wheat down. This is fear they are acting upon. They have a right to be wary of us,” the Goliath informed Grendel.

“You speak words Cloudbreaker, but my clock still stands. I want proof!” Grendel snapped. Cloudbreaker clenched his fists and looked away.

Thankfully Bal Vyr and Trickfoot were shortly behind him in the boats. However as they approached one could hear the commotion taking place behind them. I’d say they barely managed to get out of the village. They grabbed onto the rope Lash was hanging on to and pulled themselves to shore. It turned out to be just one boat and we all had to quickly hop in.

As I made way into the boat I caught sight of Grendel reaching into his pack. Cloudbreaker saw it too and gave the crusader a bear hug. I had summoned a wolverine from my bag of tricks just incase Grendel broke free. If anything, I could have the creature attack Grendel as an added deterrent to his attempt at lighting the field.

Bal Vyr took the flint and steel that Grendel dropped in his struggle with Cloudbreaker. He then chucked the objects into the river. As he did so, we could see the villagers pursuing us. Quickly we all loaded into the boat, I saving some space by getting into Bal Vyr’s bag of holding. I still don’t know if that was wise of me, but since I couldn’t fly, I figured having some alone time would be nice than being crammed onto the boat. Cloudbreaker and Trickfoot were being towed behind. Still, a fully armored man and two average sized beings... we’ll see how long this boat lasts us.

Today really has been one of those long days, but mostly due to the exhaustive debate! I’m livid with Grendel. Why was he so intent? I commend him upholding Justice, but how was it he couldn’t comprehend the variables that played into those villager’s innocence? I don’t know what the others will do with him. I take some solace in knowing he’s not my problem. I say that meaning the others are more likely to deal with him and therefore I can keep my hands clean of murder. Part of me still feels he’s a good man... he just needs to learn how gray everything is. That’s what I had to do... If I hadn’t, I’m sure I’d be dead by now... or highly revered like I once was with my ‘at all costs’ mindset when I first was battling this blasted mark.

I am already weary again of the constant struggle of what is right and wrong. I long for home, for Dijon where my time was most peaceful... but with the mark upon me, I doubt I’ll ever find rest again.

The Darkness of Justice pt. 1

The morning came with nothing eventful taking place during the night. Once those I shared the tent with were out, I began to pack up the tent. As I did, I noticed the female had gone off a ways to pray. Something about how devout she looked made me miss how faithful I once was to Heironious... I also felt like she was foolish to be so devout.

As I tucked the last of the tent back into my haversack, a shadow loomed over me suddenly.

“Yesterday you said you were an Angel,” Cloudbreaker’s voice echoed. I bit my lip. I had hoped that would have been forgotten...

“Well, I still am an Angelic,” I corrected.

“How did you offend your God that you would be cast from Heaven?”

I pursed my lip and slowly turned around. It bothered me how obvious my fall was.

“A good question,” Grendel said moving closer to hear. I bit my tongue, nervous about the answer I was about to give.

“I caught my God in a lie. He threw me out to prevent me from doing anything about it,” I simply said. I didn’t want to go into the depths of what had happened, not yet. Cloudbreaker and Grendel looked at each other seeming to discern between themselves if I spoke truth.

“You say you caught your God lying. How do I know you’re not a liar yourself?” Cloudbreaker asked.

I scoffed. I wasn’t about to vy for my honesty. If they wanted proof of my integrity, they’d have to witness it for themselves.

“I have a solution,” the female said suddenly. She was standing right behind me.

“And what would that be?” Grendel asked.

“I’m a Cleric. I can enchant an area in which no one can lie,” she explained.

“I like this idea. If we are to work together, we need to trust each other and make sure our motives are pure,” Cloudbreaker said.

“We should all share our story too,” Trickfoot suggested. Nods were all around, except by me and Bal Vyr (who had since rejoined the group). I was unenthusiastic. What story could I possibly say that wouldn’t end up with them hating me? The most good I had done was with Raæin before getting kidnapped and doing an honest days work for a month. Everything else was just chaos, murder, and lies.

Trickfoot went first. He told us that he was an adventuring bard. He desired to become a renowned bard through his heroic deeds. Something other bards would sing about.

Surprisingly, Bal Vyr chose to go next. He basically said that his story was sad, painful and something he’d rather not share. If any of us wanted to know, then we had to ask him personally. The cleric then pointed out a different mark that was upon Bal Vyr’s chest. It was the mark of a dark God named, Loth? She wanted to know if he worshipped her. He said it wasn’t like he had a choice though that was debated heavily between him, the female and Grendel.

After Bal Vyr sat down, the female stood, introducing herself as Lash. She’s a servant of her God, the Raven Queen. I felt like I knew who the God was, but even now I can’t recall clearly who she is. It seemed quite foreign. But we were in an enchanted area of Truth.

Cloudbreaker stood up once Lash sat down. Apparently he was exiled because his tribe couldn’t care for him when he got severely injured. Bal Vyr interjected asking incredulously why his tribe had exiled him for being injured. Apparently his kind, only the strong survive. Bal Vyr suggests that the Drows aren’t so different from the Goliaths. I was sure Cloudbreaker was about ready to kill Bal Vyr, but he simply mentioned that his kind don’t enslave folk and that he was chosen by his God. That was why he lived after being badly hurt.

Something about his words made me wonder if that’s why I’ve survived so much since my return. Was there a deity watching over me? If so, I owed them my allegiance...

Grendel then stood. He was a crusader for some order, the name escapes me now. His focus is to bring about Justice, for that is what his order does. To uphold Justice to all. Bal Vyr questioned whose laws he abides by if he’s in foreign lands. Grendel mentioned he would abide by the law of Justice.

It was then my turn to speak again. I stated that I was like Bal Vyr in which my past was full of pain and things I’d rather not share unless asked. I then reiterated that I was a fallen Angelic of Heironious and that I had caught him in a lie. No one questioned me further and so I sat down.

Before heading out, Cloudbreaker made it known those who had shared the most had earn most of his trust. Part of me felt those words were directed toward me. Then again as the day progressed, it would seem Cloudbreaker wasn’t as menacing as he appeared to be.

The party decided it’d be best to follow a canyon path to a river that could take us south to the Baronies of Goldtide.The land sounded peaceful, which easily swayed me to head in that direction. It was also preferable over the vision Lash received if we went along the Kutur’s pass. There were mixed feelings about walking the sheer cliffs in the pass, so much that Lash prayed and apparently the Raven Queen gave her a vision of our death.

As we traveled the canyon path, Cloudbreaker fell back to walk with me. I felt nervous in his presence. I was use to being one of the tallest. With Cloudbreaker by my side, he easily towered a foot above me.

“Can you fly with those wings?” he asked. I looked at him, thinking it was an odd question, “I have never flown... My father used to tell me that generations ago, before the Giants took the mountains, the Goliaths used to ride great eagles high above the mountain valleys,” he looked to the sky, “I would love to fly one day.”

There was a softness then that I hadn’t seen the first day. It was almost like looking at a completely new person. I was certain he was stern and hard, incapable of the softness he now displayed.

I flexed my wings some, feeling fairly certain they weren’t strong enough yet.

“I use to fly. Before waking up in that bowl, I was rather good at it,” I replied. I then flapped my wings and lept off the ground. Sure enough I landed a moment later. I shrugged. "Yeah, my strength isn't what it use to be. Knowing the mark is upon me, I wonder if that's what's zapped all the strength I had. I suppose it could be worse. At least this time when I woke up I'm still walking on two legs and very much myself.

"As for flying, I use to have a circlet that could let you alter self. Whoever put me in that bowl back there took it unfortunately. Perhaps if we can find our way back to France- er, I mean the Wetland Jungles, my friend Raæin could give you a ride,” I responded. I was a bit curious if anyone would have noticed my mention of the Wetland Jungles, but no one seemed to flinch.

“What do you mean by 'this time' - you seem to know much about this mark. I’m guessing this happened to you before?” Cloudbreaker continued to pry. I wasn’t annoyed by his inquisitiveness, I had answered him in a way that would lead to more questions if he listened carefully. Still, my eyes hooded over at the thought of my past kidnappings.

“Unfortunately for me, since my return to the mortal realm, I have been kidnapped more times than I can care for. This is the third time I’ve been taken, though the second time to be completely lost. The first time I was poisoned and was slowly turning into a lizard. The man who did it to me nearly succeeded. The mark being placed upon me is very much new though," I ended it there for I didn’t want to go into details of the mark.

“That is indeed unfortunate, fallen one...” there was a mixture of hurt hearing him acknowledge me as fallen, yet there was reverence to it that it seemed he wasn’t judging me, “I cannot confess to having been kidnapped myself, but I know what it feels like to be away from home... It has been five years since I last set foot in the mountains... Five years of selling my sword from town to town, trying to find meaning in a life I wasn't born into..." Cloudbreaker became silent as he pondered.

“Okay. Now what is a Raæin?” the Goliath asked.

A small chuckle escaped me.

"Sorry," I apologized, I didn’t want Cloudbreaker confusing my laugh to be at him, "Raæin isn't a what, but rather a who. He's a Celestial Charger. He's been my friend and mentor from my youth,” Wow that sounded old... “A gift, if I remember correctly, from Heironious himself... or perhaps it was my people. Anyways, he's able to fly.”

We walked on a little further in silence. I was curious if he, or anyone in the party for that matter, had heard of my name.

"Cloudbreaker, this may sound presumptuous, but what have you heard of me, Araja Eloirakn?"

"I do not believe that I have ever heard your name before Araja. The same way I expect that you never heard mine. Why?"

Part of me felt disappointed that he hadn’t heard my name, but that was a good sign. No pretence expectations or hate toward me. He could truly judge me as I was then.

“One can't be too careful, though if that were true, I keep asking myself why I didn't use an alias. My name is had for good and evil,” I answered openly. I had thought about saying my name was Amy, but like I said, it was a way for me to see what kind of people I was among. “And no, I haven't heard of you or anyone in this party. You're the first Goliath I've met and Bal Vyr, over there, is the first Drow I've met.”

Cloudbreaker gave a nod of his head. He then moved on to the others. He was the only one among us interested in chatting. No questions came to mind other than wanting to know where we were and if they knew me. I chose to remain silent.

I then overheard Cloudbreaker speaking to Grendel.

“My people have always tried to be fair, Grendel. Fair in their dealings with all others and what not, but that can be hard sometimes. Hard to work out what is fair. Do you always know whether something is Just or Unjust or is that decision sometimes difficult for you?”

Before I could stop myself, my tongue spoke my mind, “When is anyone ever sure?” I could see Grendel turn his head my way before looking at Cloudbreaker.

“For the most part Justice is not easy, good Goliath and Angelic. That is why I studied it's ways ever since I was a young boy. There are many situations where Justice sits, waiting for someone to bring it to it's rightful place at the forefront of life. I must say I do not always know when anything is Just or unjust, but we can work to figure that out. That is a large part of my Order, trying to find out whether things were Just or not.“

I was glad Grendel didn’t make it out that Justice was black and white. Even for him, a crusader, and his order had difficulty. Once more it was a reminder how disappointing it was that there wasn’t a direct formula for discerning what was right and wrong; just and unjust. Sometimes I wish life was black and white like myself.

Cloudbreaker and Bal Vyr scouted ahead for us. The Drow had put a disguise on to look like a wood Elf. I envied him somewhat.

Only Cloudbreaker returned after a time. He saw wheat fields ahead and just beyond it a river.

Another hour later, we happened across a tragic scene. A man had been crucified on the side of the road. Something about it was foreboding. We soon saw the black mark upon it’s twisted and mutated body. It was quite revolting.

Lash’s breath became shallow. Her eyes were set on something beyond the crucified man. There was a black raven, dead, near by.

“I don’t know who this man was and we don’t have the time to bury him,” Cloudbreaker said. He knelt down and struck some steel with his flint. The crucifix caught fire easily. Thick smoke billowed into the sky as Lash muttered some parting words and Grendel muttered how Justly Cloudbreaker acted.

Suddenly a loud horn sounded. I looked to see where it came from, but all I noticed was how the smoke was clearly signalling to someone. I suggested we move on in case trouble was on its way. Cloudbreaker went to climb one of the cliffs to get a better look of where we were and if he could see the cause of the horn. As he did that, we heard something stumble behind us.

“Who the hell gave away our position!?” Bal Vyr demanded.

“It matters not, it is done,” Grendel responded.

“You were gone an hour and a half and you’re upset that we lit a fire? Seems like this is what helped you find us,” Lash added. The Drow sputtered a little before pursing his lips when no one seemed to care about his concerns.

Cloudbreaker returned mentioning that we were roughly a mile from the river. Bal Vyr also encouraged that we get a move on before whoever blew the horn found us.

The canyon soon opened up to an enormous wheat field. It looked to go on for a mile along the river. Just beyond the river was a town. Everyone was eager to get to it. They elaborated about the possible lodging and food we could get there. I dampered their excitement by asking if any had money. I knew my pack carried no currency, hence my uninterest in storming the town.

The wheat field was golden and days from harvest. We walked through the fields, making sure not to trample the wheat. We got fairly close to the river and could see it had a steady pace to it. We located a ford and were making way to it when the horn we had heard earlier sounded again.

There was a tower at the head of the village. In the tower were guards. Cloudbreaker tried waving to them but the guards didn’t mimic his gesture. Grendel suggested that he would speak with the locals since his order was well respected across the land. I was perfectly happy with Grendel doing the talking. He was charismatic and had a way with words that I didn’t.

Grendel lead us closer to the river edge. The folk in the tower however found that offensive.

“That’s far enough demons! Leave these lands or we’ll destroy the lot of you!” one of them cried out. Immediately I knew we were in trouble.

“Good sir! We are no demons. My name is Grendel from the Order of (Athvala?). The Order of Justice. We mean you no harm. If anything, we can help you.”

There was silence in which I could see the man call down to someone.

“I’ve never heard of your order. Stay out of our lands! We know where you’ve come from!”

Grendel expressed how we primarily needed passage down the river and reminded them that we meant no harm.

I looked toward the village, trying to see what it looked like. Behind their meager walls, I could see the villagers all armed and ready. They looked ready to fight and capable at that.

Bal Vyr stepped forward only for an arrow zip by him.

“War is another form of diplomacy!” the Drow shouted.

“Wait stop! We mean you no harm!” Cloudbreaker shouted too. Grendel repeated himself once more on top of the Goliath’s cry. The man in the tower ordered someone behind him to go get the town Elder. He then shouted at us to remain put. We all complied.

After a few minutes, an old man emerges from the crowd. He looked livid. He asked us if we bore the mark to which we affirmed we did. The Elder then ordered the town to slay us. The town began to advance toward us. The river was deep, Bal Vyr and Grendel began to give out orders to which we could kill the villagers that would give us the best advantage at survival. I shook my head. That was not the way I wanted to start the first few days in this new land. I wasn’t going to repeat what I had done with the Goblins...

“No. We shouldn’t kill them. I think these people are scared,” I began.

“We’ve just told them we meant no harm, many times,” Grendel reminded.

“Yes, but I don’t think they understand. You and I, we know we’re in control despite the mark marring our body. They however do not,” I persisted. Bal Vyr made no mind to my counsel. He warned the villagers if they crossed the river that we’d retaliate. I gripped at my forehead, frustrated.

Archers appeared on the bank of the river, taking aim. Grendel stood at his full height and bellowed to the citizens of the town how we had purpose. It was quite moving actually. His words reminded me much of Gemmel. Without the light there could be no dark....

Unfortunately the Elder was equally charismatic and reminded his people how we were the heretics. The villagers continued to advance. Part of me was now ready to fight. I wasn’t about to let them destroy us, but part of me pitied that they didn’t trust us.

Half of the citizens suddenly stopped in the waist deep river ford. I heard Lash speak out to them and seemed to have caught their attention.

“Seriously, we can’t be considering actually killing these people?” Cloudbreaker questioned. His words snapped me from my determination to destroy them for their ignorance and continued aggressiveness toward us.

“I’d say now would be a good time to leave,” Lash added.

“I agree, let’s go,” I urged. Bal Vyr jabbed at me for my unwillingness to fight. I would have been more annoyed by it considering I wasn’t the one who suggested retreat, but I honestly could care less of the Drow’s opinion.

Grendel was obviously disgruntled, “Justice needs to be served!” he demanded.

“No Grendel. Like Araja said, these folk are scared. They’re not trying to be unjust. They’re trying to protect themselves,” Cloudbreaker responded.

“True, but their leader...” Grendel said menacingly.

Cloudbreaker rebuked the crusader. Grendel clearly not thrilled cried out to the people once more, asking them why they marched against us. Bal Vyr added to it, coming across more aggressive than persuasive. The folk who weren’t stunned in the ford by Lash’s words pressed forward while the Elder answered.

“The mark is a blasphemy against the Gods of this world. It must be cleansed as soon as it appears in this world,” he spat. I shook my head again. There was no use to trying to convince him that the mark wasn’t as bad as it was made out to be. He was like me; convinced that the only right thing to do was to kill the bearer of the mark.

“Look,” I caught Trickfoot saying. He was pointing south of the folk in the river. Tied up were four boats at a dock on the river.

“Ah, our escape plan,” Bal Vyr said.

“Except all the folk between us and the boats,” Cloudbreaker mentioned, “Here, let us retreat and devise a plan. Perhaps we could come back at night and take the boats then?”

The majority of us agreed to retreat and plan. I took no further prompting and ran back through the wheat field, Lash and Trickfoot close behind me.

Once safe in the canyon, with others gathered around, the debate of what to do about the people ensued. Everyone wanted to steal the boats, but what we couldn’t settle on for a while was whether to leave the village unharmed or not.

“Like I said, I’m pretty sure they’re just scared,” I repeated myself.

“Why?” Bal Vyr asked.

“Because I use to be like them. I thought the mark possessed the being and made the bearer evil and helpless to the mark’s power. The only way to stop them was by killing them,” I elaborated.

“Wait, you know about the mark?” Grendel asked.

“Yeah and why haven’t you brought this to our attention sooner?” Bal Vyr added.

“Last time I mentioned my knowledge of the mark, past folk I use to travel with thought I was crazy. In my first life it was instilled in me that the mark was bad and one had to be killed to prevent the mark bearer from committing heinous crimes. When I was cast from the Kingdom, it became known to me what a lie the mark was. It was just a symbol of loyalty to Heironious and Erythnul!” I vented.

“You’re talking about the mark we’re all wearing right?” Bal Vyr questioned.

“Yes.”

“How is Heironeous even involved in this?” Bal Vyr continued, “Why is it a dead God cursing us?”

I cocked my head at the last question.

“He’s... dead?”

“Yes,” Grendel answered, “He died in the God Wars a few generations ago.”

I eyed them both closely. Something didn’t seem right. In fact, I knew they were lying. I hadn’t been back in the mortal plain long enough for generations to have passed. I may be in a new land, but I still had Gemmel’s stone in my hand and my hair hadn’t grown long enough to suggest I was out for decades. I had seen Heironeous in his new form months ago.

My eyes glared back. Clearly they thought I was crazy and were trying to fool me. That was until Lash pulled out a book, and placed a black feather upon it.

“Araja, I can assure you that Heironeous is dead,” she solemnly said. Her words pierced something in my mind. She spoke truth and I could feel my head reel. There was a God’s War? Was Heironeous stopped then? Had I been out a couple generations?

I barely caught word of Bal Vyr re-asking his question about a dead God marking us. I studdard, too distracted by my thoughts. A thrill ran through me at the notion of Heironeous dead. How I wished I was there. However, the mark was still around. Perhaps Erythnul was still reigning strong... I dropped out of the discussion as I worked through my thoughts.

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