Through the Woods pt. 3: The Undead and the Unknown

✻   ✻   ✻   ✻   ✻

As we prepared to head into the cemetery, someone called after us.

“Wait!” She cried, “Don’t go in yet!” The poor redhead was so out of breath when she go to us that it took her a moment before she could speak.  The girl, Myranda as she called herself, had heard the priests talking about how we were to try and slay the undead. With that she handed us a bag filled with potions. We thanked her for her help before divvying up the goods. As we turned, Myranda offered up a prayer for us. Whatever she said on our behalf, I felt a bit more confident, and that’s saying something considering what was to come.

We then looked to the gates of the cemetery and without waiting for Trickfoot to join us, we ventured in. Walking into the graveyard was ominous. The cold stones that marked the deceased seemed to create an icy coldness about the place. It didn’t help that soon after our entry they sun dipped under the horizon, leaving us in darkness.

There was a lone man tending the leaves ahead of us. Our attempt to communicate with him was short lived. Whatever horrors he had endured here has taken a toll on him. He babbled something at us, pointing to the sky that was becoming increasingly darker by the minute, then stumbled off to a hut. The sound of wood barring the door was heard before everything went silent. That was until Bal Vyr broke out in a panic that the sarcophagus we were standing near was potentially a dead dwarf. I say, his paranoia of Dwarves and Elves is becoming annoying.

As Cloudbreaker helped Bal Vyr lift the stone to expose what laid within, a plume of smoke spewed from the stone casket. Bal Vyr was on his knees retching. As that took place, I noticed a large fog bank creeping into the graveyard. I tried sensing anything magical about the fog, but nothing registered other than our marks, some other spell that I attributed to be from Myranda, and the potions we had just received.

“What do you sense?” Cloudbreaker asked.

“Nothing unusual,” I responded.

Soon the fog had encased us in it’s grasp. It was easy enough to make out my party. I cautiously took a few steps from my  group. That was when I caught sight of the undead. About as soon as I saw them, they were upon us.

It was a tiresome fight. I had difficulty maintaining focus to get a spell off. The zombies attacked so relentlessly that it was a miracle I was even able get some hits in with my halberd. I had to retreat at one point when my vision blurred and I could feel the warm blood running down my arms and legs. I took a long drink of one of the potions I had received.

Feeling my vitals return, I took in my surroundings. I caught sight of Lash who suddenly suddenly disappeared into the fog. I would have gone after her, to see what it was she was heading to, but suddenly Cloudbreaker was in a rage and hovering over me. As I moved away from him I saw Bal Vyr on the ground, motionless. I quickly went to the Drow’s aid and splashed a potion upon him.

Bal Vyr came about in a fitful scream. He clawed at his stomach, clearly in agony. I looked on, uncertain what more I could do. I then recalled how painful my back had hurt when I woke up from nearly dying. Bal Vyr’s mark was above his navel and could be the cause of his pain. Once Bal Vyr calmed enough, we got up and pursued after Lash while Grendel and Cloudbreaker continued to slaughter the undead.

As we walked in the direction I last saw Lash in, a faint figure could be seen. It wasn’t moving, so we drew closure. As we got there, it was clearly Lash, but she had been wounded. More scary was the ooze I saw coming from her. Suddenly a tentacle whipped up and out of the ooze. Bal Vyr shot at Lash. Another tentacle sprouted. The two flailed about wildly. What I saw looked reminiscent of the creatures we saw in the bowl four days ago.

“Perhaps if we heal her, it’ll stop the transformation,” Bal Vyr said. However, both of us were out of the potions given us. I quickly jogged back to the others.

“Cloudbreaker! Grendel! We found Lash. She’s turning into one of those beasts from the bowl! Do you have a potion I can use?”

“Kind of busy,” Cloudbreaker grunted as he grappled a skeleton. In one great squeeze, the Goliath shattered the skeleton.

“Araja!” Bal Vyr called. I turned around to find him coming toward me, “It’s too late. Oh, are all the undead... dead?”

“Yes,” Grendel said.

“Or so we think,” Cloudbreaker added.

“Great. Well, lets collect our heads so we can get the bounty and get out of here!” Bal Vyr directed.

“But what about Lash!?” I asked.

“What about it? I’m spent, you’re spent. We’ll deal with her later when we’re rested,” Bal Vyr responded.

“No!” I retorted, “We cannot leave her as a monster here to do whatever harm her new form will compel her to do,” I stated. Cloudbreaker agreed with me. Grendel and Bal Vyr shrugged it off. Baffled by their indifference to the threat still at hand, I went back to Lash. If anything, I could try and kill her.

As I rounded the stone grave marker, I could see the tentacle monster Lash had become, withering. I gripped my halberd ready to start attacking when the monster elongated. Two red dots that I could only assume to be it’s eyes, locked with mine. My breath caught as my vulnerability became evident. The creature then grew large, bat like wings before taking to the sky.

Instinctively I ducked down, uncertain if it would attack suddenly. My arms and legs shook as fear and adrenaline took hold. When I stood, I realized the creature had taken off away from the town. Infact, I’m most certain it took off toward the wasteland we had come from...

I rushed back to the party, still shaken at what I saw. Bal Vyr was muttering something about burning the necks of the Zombie when I approached.

“You’re not looking too good Araja,” Bal Vyr said as I approached.

“That’s not very kind to say Drow,” Cloudbreaker growled, “Araja is very lovely.” All of us cocked our head’s at Cloudbreaker. Never had anyone said I was attractive, let alone how did he mistake what Bal Vyr said? I imagine my whole demeanor was grim looking. Yet, I suppose what I felt at him saying I was lovely, was flattering. However I pushed passed the comment and gave the bad news.

“Lash is gone.”

“What?" the three of them in unison asked.

“I went back to fight her, but she turned into some other kind of monster, grew some wings, and took off!” I sputtered out.

“Wait, it grew wings and flew off? What’s holding you back?” Bal Vry asked.

“That doesn’t matter!” I snapped, “the thing is, Lash is... dead. Some monster has taken her form and flew off.”

“You know, those other beings that were in the bowl with us, they were marked and some of them turned into monsters,” Cloudbreaker mused.

“Oh great. We’re all ticking time bombs if we die then,” Bal Vyr exclaimed.

“I suppose more incentive to stay alive,” I added.

“Well, there’s nothing much we can do about Lash now. Best we go get our bounty and some rest for the night,” Grendel suggested.

“Right, let us make way to the Guard House then,” Cloudbreaker instructed.

“Actually, I have to show these heads as proof to those at St. Cuthbert first. It shouldn’t take too terribly long. I’ll meet the rest of you at the Guard House,” Grendel said.

“You’re going to need some help carrying all those heads. Plus, I kind of want to pay the St. Cuthbert folk a visit too,” Bal Vyr responded.

“Fine then. Araja and I will go see if we can find some Inn to accommodate ourselves with in the mean time,” Cloudbreaker announced. Grunts of approval were made and the party split.

As we walked, I mentioned to Cloudbreaker some of the Inns that I noted when I had briefly searched for a map earlier. Cloudbreaker liked the sound of the Larland’s Chalice Inn, it being an Inn that attracted guards and knights and the like. I felt somewhat embarrassed when entering. Cloudbreaker and I were already a sight to see, but we were at the time covered in blood. No one seemed to care much about it. In fact we were warmly welcomed by the Inn owner, Dale Sungaze. He had a wicked scar over his left eye and his head was bald and shiney. He definitely had the build of a fighter. Part of me wondered why he settled down for the Inn kind of life.

Cloudbreaker and him got into conversation right quick. He checked with Dale about the rooms and informed him that we we cashing in a bounty. Dale’s eyes lit up at the notion.

“Oh, cashing in a bounty? Might I ask what contract you’ve taken up?” Dale asked.

“Killing some undead,” I mentioned nonchalantly.

“Yes, we cleared the graveyard of the undead there,” Cloudbreaker added.

“My, that is quite fortunate on your part. I’ve lost many patrons to that graveyard.”

“Well, we lost one to the graveyard too,” I said defeated like.

“We, nearly lost one of our party members,” Cloudbreaker corrected. I looked at him confused.

“Cloudbreaker,” I began slowly, “we lost Lash.”

At the mention of her name, Cloudbreaker gave me a stern look.

“We don’t know what happened to her. Perhaps we’ll be able to fix it,” Cloudbreaker said with a slight menacing tone. I ducked my head, determined not to speak any more about Lash.

“Well, if she was had by one of the vampires... I wouldn’t get your hopes up there big fellow. They unfortunately begin to do mite awful things once they’ve turned,” Dale said remorsefully. I mentally shook my head. I was most certain that was not what Lash’s fate was.

“Yeah, we’ve seen some mite awful things lately. At least we’ve bagged ourselves a few heads.” Cloudbreaker replied.

“Ah yes. There are quite a bit of awful things to see around these days. But that’s besides the point. First round of drinks are on the house for you my friends and your victory over the undead!” Dale announced, changing the mood drastically. He promptly placed before us two tankards of ale and everyone holds up their drinks saying, “To the brave heroes!”

Everyone drank deeply while I just held my tankard, not letting it to my lips. I never cared for alcohol partly because hated how it made me feel. However I must say the merriment around me was something to be desired. When I noticed Cloudbreaker’s tankard of ale empty, I passed him mine. He gave a quizzical look, but didn’t really think twice about it before picking the mug up and downing it’s contents.

Once Dale had finished filling a few more orders, he returned to me and Cloudbreaker. It was evident that we were intriguing to him.

“So. You mind telling me of the things you saw in the graveyard?” he asked.

“Undead,” I said, somewhat confused by why he’d ask us such a question.

“Skeletons too,” Cloudbreaker added.

“Yes, but... were you able to get a look at any of the vampires that live there?”

“I saw nothing. Araja?” Cloudbreaker said.

“Nope. Nothing.”

“Hmm,” Dale grunted, “Well, I suppose they’re just rumors, but I’ve heard that the vampires dwell in that graveyard.”

“Well, we weren’t there for the vampires. No, our weapons are not quite suited for that yet,” Cloudbreaker went on.

“Well, I suppose it’s mighty fortunate still that you and your friend made it out safely. With the rumors of vampires there, I’ve heard that they lure the unsuspecting in with their mind powers,” Dale said. A chill ran up my spine. I recalled a moment in the fighting that I wanted to wander, but I brushed it aside. However with Dale’s comments I suspected that that was what became of Lash when she had disappeared.

Cloudbreaker was overly confident that no vampire would get him. Dale smirked at the Goliath and shook his head.

“What brings you two down to these parts anyways?” Dale inquired. I still wanted to know what these parts were in relation to the world and the continents I knew.

“We’re headed south,” Cloudbreaker answered.

“To the Barronies?” Dale almost laughed out.

“Yes.”

“By chance to do you have a map? I’m unfamiliar with this land,” I added in.

“Are you a stranger to these parts ma’am?” Dale asked while giving me an appraising look, “In fact, what are you? Some sky elf? I’ve never seen a winged woman before”

The naivety was equally welcomed and baffling. One, he didn’t have any pretence assumptions of my once holy ranks, yet how was it he knew nothing of the Angelic?

“I’m an Angelic,” I started. Dale cocked his head slightly to which I continued, “I once served for Heironious.”

“The dead God?”

“Yes, I know. Hence why I’m in the mortal realm,” I said, lying about my reason for being in this realm.

“So why is it you’re in our lands?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” I half truthfully said, “By the way, do you have a map?” I asked again.

“Nah, I don’t have any, nor have I seen much around here. Perhaps there are some of the Barronies, but you might find better luck at a shop or some merchant that caters to adventurers like yourselves,” Dale answered. I gave a nod, disappointed that the Innkeeper couldn’t give me what I wanted.

“That’s actually a pretty good idea Araja. I haven’t traveled these parts either. This is my first time being out of the mountains,” Cloudbreaker commented.

“Yeah, well, I’ve never been to Athvala, or at least this part of the world,” I muttered. Dale chuckled.

“Never been to Athvala,” he said to himself. I looked at him confused by his mockery.

“No need to make fun,” I retorted.

“So you really are a servant of the Gods?” Dale asked.

“Was.”

Cloudbreaker leaned in toward Dale, giving him a stern look, that he shot my way for a moment, when he said, ”Aren’t we all servants of the Gods?”

Dale scratched at his side, smiling widely. He was not deterred by the Goliath. No, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the conversation.

“Ay, some of us more than others. in varying respects,” Dale simply said.

Cloudbreaker and Dale then continue on about who Dale worshipped. Some dead God named Larland. I didn’t care much to listen, but my ears perked when Cloudbreaker asked about food. I had forgotten I hadn’t eaten since that morning.

“So what do you have in the ways of food?” Cloudbreaker asked.

“Just about anything that scampers around in the woods,” Dale replied.

“Bears scamper around,” the Goliath stated. Dale and I let out a hearty laugh. It was the first really laugh I had since Isaac had sent off that message to Cortanna. It felt good.

“Perhaps to you they scamper,” Dale chuckled out.

“Then how about deer?”

“Ah yes, we have venison,” Dale said before calling back for the cook.

“Cloudbreaker, we don’t have any money on us,” I whispered.

“But we will,” the Goliath responded.

‘No worries you two. I’ll put it on your tab,” Dale said. I felt nervous. I didn’t like the idea of using credit, especially in a land that I was unfamiliar with.

The cook appeared in the door behind Dale and was quite a sight. She was stocky and had a stern look on her face. Her eyes were squinty and her lips were pursed. It didn’t help she was wearing an apron that was covered in blood.

“Wha’cha need Dale?” she asked.

“Cook up a plate of venison for our guests,” Dale informed her. She gave a short nod before disappearing behind the door.

“You seem like an adventurer yourself, why have you opened shop as an Innkeeper?” Cloudbreaker asked Dale. Dale smiled and informed us that he use to be a soldier who worked for the Shield, whatever that may be. Pretty soon they began sharing stories about their battle scars. Dale had acquired the scar above his left eye from some devil, a barbazoo demon(?) (though one of the patrons joked about it being from his ex-wife). Cloudbreaker mentioned the scars on his body were from wrestling a manticore down the side of a mountain.

As they finished up with their stories, we were presented with a plate of venison, potatoes, and a loaf of bread. It was a simple meal, but considering the time I’ve been only eating rations and whatever Cloudbreaker could catch, it was divine. The salty meat and potatoes lit up my mouth. I used the bread to wipe up all the gravy left on my plate.

Once finished eating, Cloudbreaker realized our stay may have been over extended considering we had to meet up with our party. However with the tab we created, I knew it would be inconsiderate of us to try and leave on the promise we’d return. So I offered to wait.

✻   ✻   ✻   ✻   ✻

Through the Woods pt. 2: Lake Town and My Worthless Gear

✻   ✻   ✻   ✻   ✻

A few hours go by and we come to a town called Lake Town. Cloudbreaker was friendly and called out to some of the guards, introducing himself. He inquired about any jobs that we could do (considering that we were in need of money) and if we could speak with someone in charge. The guards told us that we could inquire in town from the Captain of the Guard. They did note that they were impressed that we weren’t  destroyed by the Wood Elves considering we came from the North. Cloudbreaker reminded them of his size.

I noticed the guards were beginning to hold back some laughter. They bid us farewell and pointed us in the direction of the Captain of the Guard. As they walked away one of them bursted into laughter, saying, “Did you see the markings on his chest!?” Laughter was all around. Immediately I did not like them. Cloudbreaker had disclosed with the group the first day that the dark blue markings on his pale blue body were the markings of his God. At first I thought them odd, but after seeing how he revered his God, it seemed more endearing. I found it rude and pretty much discriminating when the guards made fun of them.

Cloudbreaker silenced them as he boldly informed the men what his markings represented, though they still had that look of amusement in their eyes. Grendel and Bal Vyr tried calming Cloudbreaker down since it looked he was on the verge of doing harm to the guards for making fun of his markings. As the guards scampered off, Cloudbreaker mentioned to Grendel that he wasn’t going to hurt them. Grendel and Bal Vyr were convinced otherwise. Bal Vyr mentioned how Cloudbreaker threw him up against a wall shortly after he made his introduction that first day. Grendel also noted that his kind are prone to rage and violence. I gently said to Cloudbreaker that he did come off fairly intimidating at times. The Goliath’s eyes grew deep with thought.

“You think  little of me, Grendel,” he said, Bal Vyr commenting on how was it anyone could think little of him.

“I do.” Grendel said firmly.

“Is there anyway I could change that?”

“I doubt it.”

It was strange seeing these two strong men suddenly pitted against each other. That first day, they looked to have a strong friendship developing. However, that town we spared seemed to have brought out everyone’s true character. Grendel, whom I suspect is good still, is a hard and stubborn man. Worse yet, Cloudbreaker was trying to get validation from him? Why would Grendel’s opinion of him mean anything? Grendel is the one who needs to change else he might end up getting himself killed.

We  continued on through town, the mood dampered after our run in with the guards.  Cloudbreaker and I continued to draw some stares with our appearances, the Goliath waving and being friendly with the townsfolk. I tugged at my frayed hood, hoping to keep a low profile.

Bal Vyr joked about how by the time we left town, two buildings would be on fire. I joked back and said, “Just two buildings? Why not the whole town?” I then added, “Preferably I’d like hope this town will go unscathed by our hands.” The Drow gave a full hearted laugh at that notion. I chuckled a little myself considering my track record. Podunk destroyed, Sardick and Hommlet in some sort of disarray, and Lake Town could very well follow suite.

We came to a gate that had a set of guards stopping us.

“Who might you be?” one of them asked, particularly toward me and Cloudbreaker.

“I am A’aluke Cloudbreaker. I’m here looking for work.”

“And I’m with him,” I quickly stated. I didn’t want to give my name to the guards. If they knew who I was, then that could be a complication.

I think Cloudbreaker was a little heated still from the previous guards, for a few sentences in he began to make some threats. Bal Vyr did little to cool the situation down and so Grendel quickly stepped forward stating that no one in our party would be of trouble. The guards cooled down at that before one of them went and got someone.

Once more the discussion of work came up. The man, that one of the guards had fetched, had a finer set of armor on. He looked at us appraisingly and noted a few tasks that they were in need of assistance. The first was their graveyard. He pointed toward it. It was on the raised hillside on the east side of the lake. Large head stones and mausoleums were easy to spot from our side of the lake.

“Tell me more!” Lash demanded, her eyes wide with excitement. The guard suspected that the Elves had used some dark magic and cursed their dead to rise again. People have stopped going to the graveyard due to the undead that was now roaming about.

He then went on to the other task. Apparently they have some vampires roaming about too. They paid by the head and asked if we had anything else we needed to know.

“Where’s the Captain of the Guards?” Bal Vyr asked.

“You’ll find him at the southeast entrance,” the guard commented.

As we walked through the busier section of the city, Cloudbreaker brought up something important that lead to me realizing the kind of gear I actually had.

“We’ll need better equipment if we’re going to fight a bunch of undead. Lash, what would you suspect we’ll need?”

“If we could obtain silvered weapons, that’ll be most helpful against the undead,” Lash explained. For a moment I felt somewhat smug. That was one thing I noticed among these folk I traveled with; they weren’t nearly as well equipped as I was, or so I thought.

“My halberd’s silvered, so I’m good,” I announced. There was some looks of surprise as everyone quickly looked to my halberd in hand.

“If you say so,” Lash mentioned.

“No way that that is a silvered weapon,” Bal Vyr responded, Trickfoot murmuring in agreement.

“This halberd,” I said bringing my weapon up between me and Bal Vyr, “has slain a couple werewolves,” I said matter of factly.

“Then that is quite impressive. I still stand by what I said,” the Drow stated. It wasn’t so much that I doubted my weapon, but I quickly looked at it anyways. What? I thought. I pulled my halberd to my face and examined it closely. It looked different. I searched for it’s magical aura and saw nothing. Even more disturbing was there was no auras about me except that of my haversack and the mark on my back. Anger boiled under my skin as I realized I had been tricked.

“No! Where are my things?” I ended up blurting aloud.

“Okay Araja. You do realize your skin’s white and you have black wings too?” Bal Vyr added. I could feel myself begin to shake ever so slightly as rage filled me.

“Might I add that you’re a woman too,” Cloudbreaker said.

“Yes I know!” I responded curtly, “It’s just... nevermind. None of you would understand,” I said defeated like. My anger hardened me toward my party members. I had no reason to try and make them understand. We were forced to be together. I would have gone off on my own, but seeing how I shared the mark with them, I knew the greater our numbers the better chance we’d have fairing this world. If only I was able to figure out where I was.

I needed a moment to slip away. My escape wasn’t as difficult as I thought it’d be. Grendel, Trickfoot, and Lash each wanted to go scout around while Bal Vyr and Cloudbreaker went and talk to the Captain of the Guard about our jobs. We agreed to meet at the cemetery gates by sunset, a good 3 hours out.

As I wandered the streets, I couldn’t help but wonder how much time had elapsed before I woke up in the bowl. If my party was right about Heironious being dead, then I’ve been out of existence for 40 or more years. I took some comfort in knowing at least during that time I wasn’t tortured, or if I was, that I had no recollection of it. Memories from Hell still haunt my dreams.

From the size of the city, I was certain I could find some Court of the Gods at which I could try to find out about the God Wars. I also wanted to locate a map to find my location. First I found the Court, which wasn’t difficult to find. Pelor’s temple was a glowing beacon around the lake. As I walked up the steps the glorious temple, a Cleric walked out to greet me. He was warm and friendly at first, but once I began to ask him about the God wars, my words failed me. Soon familiar words fell out of my mouth as I tried to explain why I was Fallen (yes, the conversation quickly went there). After that and pointing out the mark I bore, the Cleric very curtly said I’d best leave the Court and get out of town.

Shame overtook me. I knew I was marked, but it hurt to be hated. I walked to the docks on the lake and sat down on a lone pier to deal with my emotions. I also examined my weapons again. How feeble my halberd looked. The blade was dull and worn, the handle looking warped with age. How rough it was to hold. And the dagger. I gripped it with my right hand, my face contorting with anger. The plain dagger and old halberd that managed to fool me for the past few days. Breaking something was desirable. Instead I tossed the dagger with all my might into the lake. I then squeezed the rock in my hand. Actually, it was nothing more than a stupid dot. There wasn’t anything magical about it. I bit my lip as a small cry escaped me. How was it Gemmel was taken from me? How would I find him?

I pondered about how Erythnul and Heironeous had won. Here I was, marked, lost, and weak. I had to hand it to them, their choice in not killing me had really added to my torment. What was I to do about it? I couldn’t remove it. When I was checking the magical auras about myself earlier, the magic that came from the mark was so strong yet so unfamiliar. How do I even describe it. I sensed every type of magic in it, but it still rang unfamiliar. Truly a mark of the Gods.

It was going to take me some time to acquire enough gold to get the strong items I once had. The only thing I could do at the moment was search for a map. With a heavy heart, I got up. I was still impressed with how I was fooled by the chain shirt I wore. It was much heavier than my mithril. I had to wonder why the person who kidnapped me decided to replace my items and give me back some of the things I once had. Whom ever it was clearly knew me well enough- Isaac!

No, not him, surely... but perhaps, I thought to myself. It was quite the accusation... but his time as a ghost hadn’t always been predictable. The times he would use Erythnul’s cry to terrify me and when he attacked me as an owl bear. As those thoughts rushed into my head, I knew it had to be him behind this. He was out to get me all along!

Yet on top of that thought, Gemmel was the one who gave Isaac to me. Gemmel saved my life twice! So had Isaac... I kicked at the ground as I realized the circle my thoughts had made. I wish I knew who had placed me in Athvala. Already my whole being was committed to end the person who had set me in this new land. Hopefully by then I’ll be strong enough to do such a task.

I looked around for a map for a short amount of time before realizing it was getting late and I needed to meet up with everyone at the graveyard. My map search was postponed for another day.

Everyone, except Trickfoot, was waiting at the gates of the cemetery. Lash looked wide eyed and greatly excited. With the sun setting, I could only hope the task at hand with the undead would go smoothly enough. I figured as long as they aren’t the soul trapped beings, like Billy was, we’d fare just fine. Yet part of me couldn’t help but dread what was to come.

✻   ✻   ✻   ✻   ✻

Through the Woods pt. 1

Cloudbreaker made breakfast out of the raccoon he caught during the night. It wasn’t quite as good as the fish stew. I also need to make sure I get myself a bowl or something I can easily eat from.

I followed the group, Bal Vyr and Grendel taking turns leading us. The wood was active with animals chittering about. I still hadn’t a clue where we were. The woods looked similar to that of the Gnomish Kingdom, then again the wasteland that we left behind... that seemed for suited for the Man Kingdom. Way too close to each other to be either of those places.

We had traveled for a couple hours when wood striking ground was heard.

“Elves! We’re being attacked!” Bal Vyr cried. Immediately I pulled my halberd up defensively.

“Silence!” Grendel thundered over us. He paused a moment before continuing, “We are but simple travelers, we mean you no harm,” Grendel spoke. I eyed him for a moment curious if he was lying or if that was a hint to him letting go of the town debacle. I then looked to where his head was pointed and could see high in the trees silhouettes of folk standing about.

“Drop your weapons and back away!” someone called out to us. Trickfoot and Lash immediately dropped their weapons.

“Give me reason and I will,” Grendel retorted. Cloudbreaker stepped forward, offering up his sword.

“May I offer my weapon to your chief?” he asked. There was a prolonged pause as no response came. I was surprised to see Grendel take off his belt that carried his sword and let it fall to the ground. Even Cloudbreaker lowered his sword. Bal Vyr and I kept our weapons held tight. I had lowered my weapon to show I had no intention of being aggressive. At the time there was no way I was going to wilfully give up my weapons, especially my dagger! I would have rathered being rendered helpless before giving it up. Yet in that same moment I didn’t want to endanger those I was traveling with because of my unwillingness.

“Can you guarantee that our weapons will be returned once we’ve left your realm?” I called out. I was willing to trust them, if it felt like they were being honest, but no word came. Instead rustling in the bushes came from all around us and soon a dozen archers were seen with their bows drawn. My grip tightened on my halberd.

Then someone quite interesting walked out. A woman, dressed in leaves and wearing a mask, approached our group. She strided, filled with ease, through the archers and I suspected that she was their leader. Cloudbreaker had the same notion for he went to her and offered his weapon. She pursed her lips at him.

“Pray tell me, what is it that you and your companions are doing in my realm? My archers have been watching you since last night,” the Elf asked.

“We’re headed south,” Cloudbreaker said.

“South?” the Elf asked when no further explanation was given. Bal Vyr quickly interjected that we were headed for the Baronies, stating that the woods were the safest way to go. The Elf narrowed her eyes on each of us. I felt somewhat uncomfortable under her scrutiny.

“So, you bare the marking,” the Elf finally said.

“We don’t know what they are?” and “Do you know about them?” Bal Vyr and Cloudbreaker quickly jumped in.

“Hmm, as with all those who bare it. They never seem to know what it is ”

“So you’ve encountered folk like us before?” Bal Vyr asked.

“Once”

“Could you tell us of them and their fate?”

“It was gruesome,” the Elf casually said. My eyes widened with fear. We were in a bad situation at that moment.

“By your hands?” Bal Vyr continued

“No.”

“Then whose?” Cloudbreaker demanded.

“There’s little I can do to help with your... predicament.” the Elf pressed on with little concern for answering our questions. We all passed each other a few glances.

“All we ask is to pass through your woods,” Cloudbreaker told the Elf. It was hard to figure out what the Elf was thinking through her mask. Her eyes were hidden to us. However a smile etched across her face as we waited for permission to continue on.

“There is a town south that you could assist us with,” the Elf drawled.

“What kind of assistance do you need?” Cloudbreaker interrupted. Like I said, I couldn’t see her eyes, but her smile brightened in a way that seemed devilish. There was something about her that was beginning to make me second guess us engaging her into divulging whatever scheme she had.

“I assume you have no knowledge of this place. The humans down river from here for a time lived in peace with us, but since have waged war against us and the forest.”

“Why have they done that?” Grendel interrupted.

“Yeah, what prompted this change?” Bal Vyr added. The Elf’s unnerving smile continued. I was then distracted as a couple archers approached me, looking ready to harm or disarm me.

“If we’re to help you, we very much will need our weapons,” I snarled. I could care less about helping her, but it was tactful for me to have said that since I didn’t want to part with my equipment.

“Of course,” the Elf said, waving a hand toward her archers. Her smile faltered for a moment, but she brought it back as she continued on, “Greed has brought this war between us. They’ve set up a logging mill and dammed the river. Both constructs have destroyed large parts of these woods. What they’re doing can’t be allowed and that is why conflict has risen.”

Cloudbreaker mentioned how the woods are sacred to the Wood Elves as the mountains are to him. He then inquired how long they had been experiencing this conflict. The Elf said it had been going on for 3 years. All of us are baffled that they’ve allowed it for so long and asked why they hadn’t done anything about it. The Elf informed us that her archers are very good, but the humans too have weapons and greater numbers.

“So what do you want us to do?” Trickfoot interjected.

“A group of outsiders, like yourself, could easily travel in and ‘deal’ with some difficulties there. If you can do this, then we’ll allow you to pass through our woods.”

Grendel, Bal Vyr and Cloudbreaker quickly jumped on the vagueness of the Elf’s demands. She was toying with us and we were all getting impatient. She finally confessed that she had three folk she wanted dead and that was the price for safe passage through the woods. Bal Vyr inquired about what would stop us from just skipping the town and heading on through the woods. The Elf informed us that the woods south of the town were also part of her realm, hence how they’ve kept in the fight with the Humans. Our main concern then was if we fulfilled this, would our passage through the woods be in safety?

“Certainly,” the Elf said. The vile smile of hers continued to play across her face. I was most certain she was lying and did not trust her one bit. What was the Human’s story to this? I wanted to tell the others, but I feared speaking allowed my concerns would only tip them off that I was unwilling to help. That alone could potentially have fatal consequences.

The Elf listed off three names. The Drow’s cool with the idea of doing the assassinations. Cloudbreaker, like me, disliked it. He stated that it was too heavy a price for passage through the woods. The Elf disagreed.

“What if we could come to a peaceful,” Bal Vyr said optimistically, surprisingly.

“I assure you that that is not a possibility.”

“There has to be,” Cloudbreaker said out of frustration, “you’re asking 3 lives for passage through your woods. That does not sound like a fair trade to me.”

The sound of bows going taunt surrounded me.

“Their lives for yours,” the Elf said to Cloudbreaker, “It’s a fair trade don’t you think?” Her eyes were narrowed on the Goliath.

“I don’t think you’d kill us!” Bal Vyr shouted boldly, “We’re your only option. You’re desperate. Wood Elves are swift and effective and seeing this has been a problem for you for 3 years? You need us!” he stated, punctuating his remarks with gestures.

“Yes, and if you think you’re safe here standing before me just because I’ve offered my sword, wood elf, how do you-” Cloudbreaker began,

“Do not insult them, we are in their realm, Cloudbreaker!” Grendel scolded.

“I”m not insulting them. I am merely informing her of the truth.” Cloudbreaker defended.

“You are threatening to kill her and that is an insult no matter where you are.” Grendel responded.

“Anyways, Elf,” Bal Vyr continued on, “you need us far more than what you’re leading on. Who’s to say the Humans won’t burn your woods down?”

A small, lilting laugh escaped the Elf’s mouth.

“Oh brother Elf, I thought you of all people would understand.”

“Brother?” I scoffed under my breathe at the sarcasm in her voice.

“I’m not your brother,” Bal Vyr flatly said.

“I believe part of our arrangement doesn’t involve killing you all here and now,” the Elf said, clearly bored with our inquisitiveness.  However the Drow and her banter on a little more, He even suggested the possibility of the Humans giving us a better offer.

“Enough Bal Vyr, stop antagonizing her.” Cloudbreaker interrupted. He then tried to convince her to equip us with rations and weapons. The Elf said we’d find plenty of supplies in the village for our needs. She then left us to consider her offer, pointing out the trail that would lead us to the town. As the Wood Elves left, a satchel fell to the ground. Bal Vyr picked it up.

“So Grendel? I’m surprised you’re okay with all of this,” the Drow began as he dusted the leaves off the satchel, “We’ll be breaking numerous laws if we follow through with the Druidess’s request.”

“I never said I was okay with this,” Grendel’s deep voice boomed, You may think I’m brash and barbaric, but I assure you I’m not.”

“You were about to burn down a field the other day,” Trickfoot added.

Lash, Trickfoot, and I then observed as Cloudbreaker, Bal Vyr, and Grendel bickered. I barely caught hold of what they said as I wrote a note in my journal for them to read. They were asking Grendel about why it was he didn’t attack the Elves when the day before he was willing to fight 40 villagers. Grendel tried defending himself by saying it was because they were unarmed and that it was tactical. Cloudbreaker then reminded him that they were armed. Grendel, in a huff, turned on his heels and began walking in the direction of the town.

I waved the Drow and Goliath back to me, Trickfoot, and Lash. I then presented the page with my note written upon it:

I don’t like what she’s suggesting. I say if anything, let’s go to the village, inquire of the humans what’s been going on, and see if there’s another side to this story. Something about that woman seems very off and I don’t trust her.

“Nor I. I don’t like being blackmailed.” Cloudbreaker muttered. No one else had anything to add, so we quickly took after Grendel. We asked Trickfoot, as we walked, if he might have heard of the town. Unfortunately it was unfamiliar to him.

As we continued to pursue after Grendel, I overheard Bal Vyr mention to Cloudbreaker his concerns about Grendel. Cloudbreaker agreed, he not liking Grendel’s view of justice. Bal Vyr gave him some credit noting how each of us have a skewed view to some degree. I cocked an eyebrow at the notion. It wasn’t too impossible to agree with. Cloudbreaker continued to be optimistic that he might be able to reason with the crusader.

✻   ✻   ✻   ✻   ✻