A Cold Breeze

We set of steadily toward Ja' Du. About halfway there Alloriah announced that she would not set foot inside the town, after they had shunned her for her hide armour. Lim insisted that she should go in with him, but she balked. Quite impressively I might add. She said she would climb up a tree and stay there. That got a small snicker from me, aside for the healing and Demeterious she would be more than welcome to stay up a tree, for all time. I proposed that Lim go in, and I would shadow him with Alloriah, out of the towns folks' attention. I was rewarded with a interested look from her, and she readily agreed.

For the remainder of the walk to this small town I was questioned, about the flower. Knowing what type it was, even when Alloriah didn't, its climate, and finally where I was from. Having traveled for weeks with these two, I began gathering information about them from the first day. For example, Lim is from the Citadel had a...what he called girlfriend...and is deep into debt with many people. This girlfriend among them. He became a 'investigator' as a scheme in order to make gold. Alloriah, and her family, were from a small village outside the Citadel, her father worked for the clergy, and her mother stayed at home with her. Her father was attacked while Alloriah was playing in the woods, she came back during the attack, Demeterious appeared, and she blasted the attackers with sand. Her father died a few days later, her mother horrified stayed out of Alloriah's way, she died also, a short time later. Alloriah made a living cultivating flowers for the clergy, keeping her distance from the other villagers. She left after the Citadel closed its gates. She had the option to be inside.

It was almost sad to see that now, only now, after weeks, they were questioning my origins. I answered truthfully enough. It was a flower found in the Northlands, used for grievance, and I was from a small village that direction. They stopped questioning. Just like that. I did not know whether to be insulted or relieved. While I pondered it, we arrived just outside the town. I took Alloriah by the arm and led her around in the shadows, and behind buildings.

Shadowing Lim as not a difficult task, as long as I could hear. He first went inside the local inn, and after a short time of fairly unfriendliness from the people he was sent out. A chill breeze swept through the town. Lim stood in the center of the street, looking around before setting determinedly toward a porch that housed a elderly man smoking on a pipe. This first meeting seemed to be going better for Lim. The elderly man talked with out much care of 'consequences', as he put it, he was too 'old', and had seen 'more than enough in the world to know right from wrong'. Alloriah couldn't hear the conversation very well, but that was of little consequence, I could hear just fine. I must say that Lim showed more respect to this man than anyone I've seen so far. When the questioning began the elderly man raised his voice and called out to Alloriah and myself to come over, to save Lim having to repeat the story for us.

I was a bit startled at being seen, but as I walked up onto the porch with Alloriah, he told me not to worry, he knew what to look for. Calling out to what ended up being his wife we soon received hot cider and quite a tale.

The township of Ja'Du was once prosperous, with logging, and mining, the Countess had a large household of servants and pets. Exotic pets, from all over the world. She would receive shipments via wagon. Men from Ja'Du were always hired as guards. Some people though, disagreed with the Countess' demand for rare and exotic pets. There was a plan. There was a attack on a wagon pulling in a new pet. The attack occurred, but a tragedy happened as well. This new 'pet' was with child, and fought ferociously. Men died, and those whom were involved became cowards and hid behind stories of men dressed as beasts. The pet escaped, and the Countess became livid.

No longer were the mines opened, no longer were trees to be felled, nor the soil tilled for food, no beasts were to be slain for meat or fur. The town would survive on turnips, that's all that seemed to grow here with out help. Standing, sitting, and leaning we listened attentively to this elderly man. I could hardly believe what I heard from his lips. When questioned why no one else in Ja'Du would not speak to Alloriah or Lim, he answered that they still have lives to live, and no one seems to be able to leave Ja'Du and remain breathing. He on the other hand had lived his life and made his peace with himself. His point was emphasized with a hacking cough that reached down deep inside him.

 

I leaned against the porch rail listening in near disbelief eyes focused on nothing, his cough jarred my attention. His cough and footsteps across snow, that is. Some of the townsfolk, a small mob of them, mayhaps fifteen men calling out, to well...Lim mainly. Cries of not being welcome, to leave, blasphemer. Feeling very exposed I clutched the hilt of my dagger taking comfort in the cold medal, knowing that it would soon warm with blood if things became too out of hand. Lim stepped forward and an argument resulted.

 One particularly brave man stepped forward and threatened Lim directly. The elder stood from his rocker and shamed down the mob, all but this one, who seemed to have it in his head that a fight would solve everything. By this time the elders wife had come out of the house and joined us. Lim stepped forward toward the man and moved his hands. This man stepped forward fists raised, and landed flat on his back. Murmurs went around the group of 'magic and sorcery'. The man tried to get up again still full of steam, and was rewarded for his effort with another resounding thud. Jeers from the mob seemed to diffuse the man's fire, and he crawled away for a foot or two before he tried to stand again. The crowed dispersed with calls for us to leave. Oddly enough I felt that the calls were more directed toward Lim and Alloriah than to myself. It may have helped that I tried to stay out of sight. 

It may have helped a lot.

I was wary of drawing attention to myself, especially after the incident in the Citadel. The elderly man put his hand on my arm and offered me a few comforting words. A few more questions about where exactingly on the road this attack happened, fifteen years ago, and we decided to examine the area. Not expecting to find any physical clues but for more of a understanding. I assisted the elderly man back into his rocker after Lim and Alloriah said their thanks and farewell's. While they began walking I lingered on the porch going through my sidebag to a smaller set of bags and pouches, finding the correct one I handed it to his wife with instructions to make a tea. They started to ask a few questions but stopped and nodded to me. I took off catching up to the others. Lim questioned what I gave them, and I replied, "Something to keep the man alive a bit longer, we might need him." He nodded. 

We might just need him indeed. 

 ~~~ 

I felt much more relaxed leaving the village and stepping back into the woods. The people of Ja'Du are unhappy and looking for a focus that they could lash out at. For a time I thought that Lim would become that focus. The silence and relative peace of the woods was as a salve to me. Looking around I noticed how deep the snow still was. This time of year in the Homelands spring is beginning and the snow is starting to melt. But here...on this continent it still seems as if winter is just starting, but it has been going on for more months than it should be now. I, it seems was not the only one. Alloriah began speaking of the snows, and a storm that she felt rolling in. I looked up through the trees into the sky. It was clear and blue, not a cloud, and besides an occasional breeze a very calm day. Trepidation filled my stomach, and wrapped around me like a cloak. I have learned druids are often not incorrect in dealing with the weather. Still, I questioned her, by this time we were nearly at the attack site, my questions were pushed aside by Lim for the moment. 

Whatever clues there might be from fifteen years ago had to be found before the snow storm.We found a few deep claw marks in a tree, made by something huge. I shuddered to think again on the beast-bones that arose. Fanning out we searched for clues. Hours went by, nothing was found, nothing of much worth. The claw mark on a tree, healed from the past years...a paw print on the snow. Alloriah examined the paw print and said it was from a wolf. 

The sun had begun setting to the east. We, in turn, began to head back toward the town when the storm unleashed. It started off as just strong wind but literally twisted to a snowstorm within moments. The howls of wolves echoed through the trees. If we didn't reach shelter soon we would freeze and become food. We followed Alloriah's lead through the forest. The sound of paws on snow followed us, accompanied with the occasional howl. We ran for minutes, Lim slipping on the snow once or twice, looking behind our shoulders. Seeing nothing, but hearing much. Then she stopped, a cave loomed before us. Shelter a place to harbor warmth, and mayhaps a standing point against hungry wolves. I slowly turned around to look behind us. Nothing, not a sound of paws not a howl, not panting breath. 

"I think we lost them." Alloriah's voice put me on edge. More so. 

Lim agreed, and after I looked about for a moment, I agreed as well but I couldn't shake a feeling that we had been herded here though. We entered the cave and lit a fire. It turned out to be a old mining shaft that had seen better years of use. After we warmed up, I went off to explore a tunnel, to see if there was another way out, I explained to the others. But really it was to see if something could find another way in.

A half hour of searching turned up naught, and I headed back. In my time away Alloriah had done some exploring herself. With the weather. Mildly impressed that she actually remembered on her own, my spirits dipped when she told us that the weather was being magically controlled. She couldn't tell from where but she knew someone was controlling it, someone to the north.We settled down for the night after Alloriah found enough wood to keep up the fire. Sleeping in our accustomed shifts. I settled against the stone and went in to meditation. Howls ran through my blood and jolted me back into full consciousness. Sitting up I watched Alloriah run to Lim and shake him awake, she then looked at me. Seeing that I was awake already she went back to her watching position. 

"They found us. They are right outside!" 

"Well, can't you do something to block the entrance?" 

She gave me a sidelong look of disgust. I couldn't care less, she's a magic user, she has things she can do to help protect us, she has Demeterious, she has a staff. I have a dagger, and a short bow. You do the mathematics. If I had even a quarter of the magical abilities that she does at least I'd use those powers to there utmost instead of being frugal and worried about 'saving magic'. Please. What good is 'saved magic' when your corpse lies prostate on the floor? Chanting came from Alloriah, when she threw up her arms vines and plant life came to life creeping and twisting itself as a barrier covering the entrance. Well, that's something. Demeterious appeared a moment later as well. I was actually beginning to feel better about this. Until five sets of eyes reflected at us by the firelight, that is. Alloriah tried to speak with them. At least I hope that's what the yipping and growling coming out of her was. But to no avail. 

The wolves threw themselves at the vine covered entrance, three were caught fast, the other two remained outside. The plants turned and twisted and caught the wolves in mid-leap. Pulling a arrow into my short bow I moved back until stone brushed against my legs. Alloriah sent Demeterious against one of the wolves. Lim had taken out his half-spear and engaged with another. Alloriah picked up her staff and began swinging at yet another one. Within mere moments Demeterious made short work of two of the wolves. The other two leaped in to take their places. Another few moments and five wolves lie dead tangled in the vines.

Alloriah put her hand atop Demeterious's shoulder and murmured something along the words of 'Good job.' She then went outside with him and examined the area for signs of more wolves. Lim went to work upon a corpse and began slicing out strips of meat and setting them on the fire to cook. I crouched back against the wall, observing. Allroiah came back in and announced there we should be safe for the rest of the night at least. She said nothing to what Lim was doing and only said "No.", when he offered her some of the meat. No disgust, no remorse, she seemed...proud of herself.

 

We settled back down and prepared to sleep again. I volunteered to take watch this time. The others readily complied. As they lay sleeping I put my hand once again into my sidebag. Wondering whether or not I should be worried about Alloriah's reaction to what just happened. Everything I knew about Druids seems to hold most untrue with Allroiah. Yet she is still graced by the Guardians with their magic. My own morals be damned. My hands run warm with the flow of human blood, though it has never been with out reason, yet. Yet...should not this human who's very existence cries out for life with all things, should she not have been bothered at what just happened? Just a small amount? 

I let my hand once again grasp the smooth ivory fang. Confusion filled my mind. Trepidation seems a better description. I was brought up with the belief, 'All Life is Sacred.' I know this to be true, when I kill, it does not please me, but it is something that must be done. I do it. But where am I when one who's existence to uphold the very life I will inevitably take, cares not for the death she has caused? 

The ivory felt very cold under my fingertips.

Dead bones elude to tales untold...

Crossing my arms I, rather gingerly, leaned against the wall, and let out a breath that I didn't know I had been holding. My attention turned to Lim. He was babbling, again, about the bell. Motioning to me, he asked me to come over and help. I lowered my arms and walked over to it. Massive. I looked at him, lifted both hands up to it and pushed. It didn't move. Although he did half flinch as my skin touched medal. It was the first time any of us had touched it.

"There, I helped. It didn't work. Now what?"


"Now we try to tip it over!" 

I know my eyebrow raised. He wasn't even fazed. Truly, I have no grasp of human sarcasm. This human man, is still hell bent on the bell. Leveraging it to tip. He scuttled outside to find a board long enough to use.While the others followed him I stood there for a moment amazed, and a bit annoyed, before I moved outside to follow them. I glanced toward the monument stone, and nearly stopped dead in my tracks. The flower that had been sitting there for the past two days was gone and another replaced it. I tried called out to the others, but other than Vernin, who just looked up at me, no heed was paid.

Within ten minutes a board and a stone had been found, and brought inside. With some of Alloriah's magic and Lim's determination a more thought out plan was set into motion. Giving into the unbending I assisted as well. For, the sooner we looked under the bell the sooner, I could examine the monument stone and new flower uninterrupted. Pieces in place We stood two on opposite sides of the bell, and began to push or pull. It went on for a few minutes not getting very far, then suddenly we heard a loud crack. Stopping quickly we examined the ground, and found a crack in the stone floor. After a moment of discussion we decided to continue on, the floor should be solid, it was the stone itself that cracked. Continue we did, at times looking back on this incident I can see how naive we were.

CRACK! CRASH!

The stone floor was not as solid as we had thought. The floor opened, the bell fell through, and I tumbled down with it. Taking a moment to look around, I realized that I had fallen nearly six feet, and the space was not a random hole. It was a room. Squarish in shape, other than rubble lying all over, and now a bell there was not much else of note, save a sarcophagus. Lim called down asking if I was alright, I answered an affirmative, then called up and told them about the sarcophagus. Lim said he was coming down. I waited a moment, enjoying watching Lim and Alloriah clamber around trying to figure out how to get down safely. As they started arguing I took out my grappling hook and tied my rope to it. With a well placed throw, it was set ready to assist Lim's decent. Vernin had to stop the building argument and point out that I set a rope. 

After Lim made his way down, he and I went to the sarcophagus, and began to clear off the lesser rubble on top of it. It was elaborate. Carvings on the side, and on top was a raised rendition of a knight holding a sword down his chest. Part of the sarcophagus was cracked open by the flooring that had fallen on it. Lettering was chiseled at the head. Lim and I shared a look, then simultaneously, we worked to move the remaining rubble. Stone clattered on the floor where we tossed them, a few moments and I stopped moving. Cocking my head to the left to listen behind me, stone was still falling to the floor, and Lim was only in mid throw. I reached out put my hand on his wrist, then he heard it also. We turned around just in time to see the bell, which had been lying in the rubble on its side, tip over with a resounding GONG, and a huge set of bones rise up from under it. 

I admit, I let out a yelp, and cried for the other to help us. Lim began his chanting and withdrew his half spear. I unsheathed my dagger and backed up. As the bones rose I noticed something shaped like a crescent moon on the floor near my feet. I scooped it up. By that time the bones had fully risen. Ten feet tall easily it had claws, tail, and a feline face with one large fang. Looking at the crescent in my hand I realized that it was the other fang. Lovely. 

Letting out a unearthly howl it swiped at me. Jumping backwards I slammed into the sarcophagus. By this time Alloriah and Vernin had run back to the ledge and was looking down at us. It started attacking me, mainly, and I fought back defensively, Lim took shots with a few spells, but mainly his half spear. Alloriah though, Alloriah called out repeatedly; 'I don't know what to do, what can I do?'. I had a few choice thoughts to what she could do. We called out, and told her to hit it, cast spells, do something a Druid would do. After taking a few hits I shouted out, frantically for her to bring out Demeterious. She did not. Lim Dul took a few hits then, and he screamed for her to call him out. After a few moments of ludicrous argument, and us dodging claws, she finally relented. 

Then the oddest thing happened. This beast skeleton reached down to me and took a hold of the fang I was still holding. The tug of war that ensued was, looking back on it, comical. Though while it was happening, it was terrifying. Oddly enough I won that tug of war. Another unearthly howl sent a shiver down my spine. Then Demeterious was upon it. Vernin and Alloriah attacked it with poles. Working together one leg was taken out and puffed into dust, literally. After a few more moments of battle the skeleton collapsed with a groan. 

Letting out a string of grumbling curses Lim set about pounding every bone into dust. He seemed frantic, panicked even. I considered for a moment to let him have the fang in my hand also. Something in my soul told me not to, and I slipped it into my sidebag inside the folds of a extra shirt. I climbed up the rope at Alloriah's request and she caste a healing spell on me. With a nod of thanks, and a pat on Demeterious' head I slid back down. Lim had finished with the remains of the beast skeleton, and we resumed examining the sarcophagus. 

Twenty minutes of clearing away stone floor, new rubble from the battle, and now bone dust, we were rewarded: 

Captian Darcrow 

Loyal to the end, father and friend, may your soul always be at peace.
 

I reached into the sarcophagus and gingerly felt around the bones and cloth, for parchment, a signet ring, something of value that could be identified, and more importantly a amulet. Nothing was found. Nothing but a name, and proof to our eyes that these men dressed as beasts might actually be beastmen. We discussed what had happened, and I again brought up the fact that a new flower had been placed on the memorial stone. This time they listened. We had no other options but to return to the Countess, and speak to the people of Ja Du. Master Ron Dangledongledot returned, as promised in the afternoon, and he agreed that we should return to the town, and Countess as well. With one exception, Vernin would stay here with him and hold our position, the men were two days out. 

We set out right away, this time I took the flower and tucked it into a carry bag. To the sad little town of Ja Du we walked toward first. Lim Dul is assured of himself that the townsfolk will speak to him. Lim Dul is assured of himself of many things. Many many things.

Reaching into my sidebag I felt the smooth ivory of the fang. 

I am not so sure.

Behind every story...

The next morning. All of us, including Vernin, made sure our traps were set, then left down the hill. Through to the road that we looked upon only a two day ago. We made our way on the road, and with sidelong looks at each other began our trek up it, away from the town. I moved away from the others into the shadows, after twenty minutes of hearing Alloriah and Lim moan about me, I was seriously considering how much trouble I would get in if I removed their tongues. Vernin kept quiet listening and watching them, I knew he was remembering what they were saying. Twenty-thirty minutes up the road I came upon two towers set on either side of the road with a large gate, that lay open. A quick check reveled nothing living inside either tower, so I headed back down the road where the others were. Quickly I let them know what we were coming up upon.

As we reached that point a momentary reprieve took place. Lim and Alloriah explored both towers, as I examined the gate. Massive in size but open. There were no walls on either side of the guard towers. Inside was cleaned, if a little dusty. No sign of use in any recent time. It was unnerving. The road showed no recent use, the Monastery abandoned, and now this guard tower. I began to wonder if the Countess' abode woulds be similarly vacant.

Another fifteen minutes journey brought us into the shadow of a large manor. Large may be a understatement. I shall just say that the structure was set back with a ravine between the road and her gate. Which was in the upward position. The walls of the manor are tall, three mayhaps four stories with windows flittering along. What I could see of the portcullis was large ten feet tall, I'd guess about ten feet wide as well. All seeming in good condition. The sound of wildlife was a symphony that had steadily increased as we had approached. Looking down over the edge of the ravine I could not even begin to guess how deep it ran.

As we stood there Lim hissed to me something along the lines of 'Here's your chance, get someone to finally listen to you.' Amused I was not. This Human man whom incessantly goes on and on about himself and how great he is, how he is our self proclaimed leader, wants me to announce whom we are and try to get someones attention. I pointed out if not a bit sarcastically, that he is more than eloquent in this situation. My sarcasm fell short, and was taken as a complement. I must work on that it seems.

I squared my shoulders and called out what I hoped would translate to a non threatening greeting. Whom I was, that we wanted to seek a audience with the Countess, that we mean no harm. It is odd hearing my voice echo out into the common human language along the rock and stone. A few minutes and the drawbridge began to lower, and we backed up a few paces to give it room. When it settled we started forward. The portcullis was still closed. Halfway across something literally lifted the portcullis up with a single hand.

A man? Larger than any man I had ever laid eyes upon, armoured fully, its shape was a solid block with legs, arms, and a relatively small helm covering its head. As a group we faltered in our steps for a moment, but continued on. I leading, Lim and Alloriah in the middle, and Vernin taking up the rear. When we reached the portcullis it took one step sideways and allowed us to pass. I did with a 'Thank you.' and a inclination of my head. the others took my lead and repeated my action. After we all passed inside it lowered the portcullis, and took up a position in front of it.

Inside the courtyard was a fountain decorated by creatures some would call fantastical, a unicorn, mermaid, griffin, many others all intertwined. the courtyard itself was fairly simply elegant, cobble stone, plants hugging the walls and walkways. Cats along with a few litters of kittens slept, hunted, and played in the courtyard as well. A man stood impassively in front of one of the door. Tall, of thin build, not much else could be discerned form looks alone. He was dressed...well exotic, if not simply cotton clothing doing well to hide anything, and his face from the nose down was covered by a cloth. Approaching I introduced myself, and the others asking for a audience with the countess. He simply raised one hand in a waiting motion and walked through the door behind him, nearly silently.

Taking the momentary rest I went over to the fountain and studied it intently, it looked almost as if the carvings could come alive. It was done so well. a kitten playing along the fountain's edge caught my attention. I spent some time playing with it, and the few others that came out, while studying the courtyard. Nothing that I could make use of, at the moment. After perhaps twenty minutes the man returned, with not a sound he motioned for us to follow him. We did, and were lead into a entry room I can not aptly describe it, simply elegant, a few paintings of landscapes, a sitting couch, a few potted plants, white marble floor cracked with black, and a staircase winding upward.

The man led us to the foot of the staircase and stopped. A sight rustling caught my attention, looking up a woman descending the stairs. Dressed in a low cut gown that covered her feet, she nearly floated. She was dark haired and light completion, her face composed in a impassive look that lingered on boredom. Behind her padded the largest tiger I had ever laid eyes upon, pure white, with a intelligent gleam in his eyes. She stopped three stairs up from where we waited at the bottom, and looked down upon us.

"Yes?", her cultured voice spoke out.

I looked her in the eye and opened my mouth to speak, when Lim Dul pushed forward and started to speak. I looked over at him and witnessed a dumbfounded expression on his face. It was similar to the expression he had on his face the first time he saw Alloriah. I cringed as his words flowed out. He was the sorcerer Lim Dul Karavack, he had heard rumors of beast men in the area, heard tale of the monastery, and is seeking out more information of these beast men. As he spoke the Countess' expression grew clouded but she expertly pushed it away after a moment, as if it had never been. She said it had been quite some time since she had received visitors, then asked with a edge of disgust on her voice if we were adventurers. Lim continued on, when he was done, she took a moment before informing us, venomously that these stories of beast men were just that, stories. The attack on her delivery came from men dressed in the skins of beasts, a mockery of her passions. That these men were still free. Anger marred her voice only sightly. Lim then took it upon himself to tell her that we would be more than happy to investigate these men dressed like beasts on her behalf.

She calmly replied that if we found anything to come back and bring it to her attention, her servant, Garlic would inform her when we returned. As she turned to ascend the stairs again I spoke up and asked her if there was anywhere in this area that could support the White Tear flower. She turned and looked me straight in the face and said 'No.', then started up again. We watched her until she disappeared around a corner. Garlic then motioned for us to follow him. As we stepped back outside to the courtyard I quietly pointed out that the flower came from somewhere, that I feel as if we weren't getting the whole story. Alloriah and Lim nodded, Vernin, as was becoming the norm, stayed quiet, but caught my eye. We thanked Garlic, who responded with a bow, and headed to the portcullis. The giant man again lifted it with one hand and stepped to the side to allow us to pass. We thanked him as well, then crossed the drawbridge.

Once outside, we discussed how we could possibly find out more information on these men dressed as beasts. The only viable option we could think of was going to the town of Ja' Du. Mayhaps the towns folk would know something of the attack as well. Vernin wanted to return to the monastery, he said he's wait for us there. We agreed and walked with him down the road to a parting point. We would meet back with him before sunset. He threw a grin over his shoulder and started running. Impressive. He quite flew over the ground.

Continuing down the road another twenty minutes, we discussed that Alloriah would enter the town while Lim and myself followed. Apparently the villagers whom saw Alloriah in her hide armour went into quite a little frenzy. From what she could gather they were not allowed to kill animals for their meat or hides. By this time eventide was fast approaching, and Alloriah, upset and a bit angry left the village. She was unable to gain any real information about anyone, or thing. We agreed that it was time for us to return to the Monastery for the day, and to come back here in a day or so, with someone else doing the talking.

We made it back in time to see Vernin preparing dinner. I quickly looked around the Monastery to assure that we were the only ones here. When I rejoined the others they were preparing to eat, Alloriah had called out Demetrious, whom was lying next to her. With a quick pat on his head, I again launched into ghost stories. The firelight cast a glow upon the huge bell, which in turn cast a amber haze upon the decrepit Monastery. Taking pleasure from the uneasiness of Lim and Alloriah, and slightly regretting the apprehension Vernin's face beheld. I reminded myself to talk to Vernin privately when we shared watch tonight. After the meal was done and cleaned up, we climbed up into the bell tower again. I spoke up for first watch, knowing Vernin would get no rest any time soon, and I need no truly long sleep. As the other two bundled in the blankets and their breathing relaxed into a slow steady rhythm, I put my hand onto Vernin's shoulder, the moon was out enough to see his face, not wanting to wake the others I knelt next to him, and whispered to him.


"I am only telling stories, it was not my intention to fill you with fear. These are stories..."

Movement caught my attention and pulled the words from my mouth. My had griped his shoulder tightly for a moment, as I pulled it away I drew my bow forth, an arrow notched. Vernin knowing his job, woke the other silently as he could. Lim started to speak when drum beats drowned out his words, we were surrounded, if the sounds were correct. I told them as much. Demetrious was once again brought to Allriah's side, growling lowly. Lim and Alloriah descended to the ground floor, as was our plan of attack. Then I saw them. In the moonlight, men, mayhaps men, no normal arms they had. Bear, boar, wolf...

Yelling down to the others of their approach, I fired an arrow. One went down, but the others surged forward. Calling to the others of our attackers progress, and shooting, I looked on in growing apprehension. Vernin stayed at my side, switching out my empty quiver for a new one. I told him to grab one of my daggers and be ready. BANG! They ascended onto the Monastery, claws scratched the wood boards. TWANG! One of my rope traps outside went off. I heard blasts from downstairs, Lim's magic, I assumed. We stood no chance against this number. It was clear to me our planning, our traps, our fortifications, failed.

"Hold the line men! Don't let them escape!"

A man appeared before us. Literally appeared out of nothing, and stood before us. I yelped and fell backwards, hard, onto my rear, joining Vernin who started whimpering. Truly, I do have to be more cautious about whom I share stories with. Although at this moment, I can not fault his fear. The ghost turned to us.

"I apologize, but come now, we fight!"

He offered his hand to me, which I reached out and took, it seemed solid enough, even though he himself was slightly opaque, and helped me back up. He did the same for Vernin. The Monastery seemed to explode in a menagerie of sounds. Alloriah's and Lim Dul's cries among them. Steel upon steel, claws scraping, howls, shouts from men, many men, screams. I sent Vernin downstairs to aid the others, which he did almost out of relief, while I kept shooting those climbing upon the roof now. The fight went on for several minutes. Cries from downstairs, and the man, err, ghost beside me revealed that they had fought or were preparing to fight this battle. I soon descended the stairs as well, my targets unreachable.



I was greeted by the sight of Alloriah, Lim, Vernin, and Demtrious fighting along side of a militia of ghosts. Cries in the form of questions were unleashed to a Captain Darcrow. Where the enemy was, getting the women and children downstairs, it went on and on. As the battle went on I came to realize the Captain Darcrow was the ghost that appeared in front of me. whom was now fighting along side us. 

"Those ain't mine!" 

A small, accented, Gnomish voice called out from behind me. The beast creatures disappeared. I spun around on my heel, dagger out, to see a Gnome standing in the middle of the main hall. Two and a half, mayhaps three feet in height, looking honestly bewildered. It took him a moment to realize that there were four people and one large panther poised to attack him. 

"The Crow sent me! This was a test, just a test! Dun attack!"

"Prove it." I growled out. Magic user or no, its better to be safe than not living. 

"Yer ordered to secure this Monistary, until backup arrives. I'm a'part o' the backup." 

Lim opened his mouth about to speak when Captain Darcrow rushed forward forward outside the great dilapidated doors calling out. We followed him to see what was the cause.

"Donivan, where is Donivan!? They took him..they took my son..."

He fell to the ground, ghosts, his men filtered around him, and inside the building.

"You must bring him back to me, my son, you must! I have to see him again, please! Find him, find Donivan."

I knelt down beside him, and swore that I would find his son, Lim and Alloriah did the same, standing though. With a anguished sight he disappeared, the other ghosts along with him. I looked up at the others, who were giving me questioning looks. I told them that it probably wasn't a good idea denying a ghost's last wish, and hadn't they paid any mind to the stories I had been reciting? Vernin gave a strangled laugh. 

"Well now, that was a'bit strange, wasn't it?" 

As a whole we turned and looked upon the Gnome, he backed up a half step, before breaking into a merry smile. We decided to go inside, and over some hot tea we learned a bit more about or new visitor. His name is Master Ron Dangledongledot. I smiled upon hearing it, knowing that most humans were too lazy to actually recite a whole Gnomish name, or that the name often times proved quite a challenge, resulting in failure. He was a fairly attractive, as Gnomes go, with eyes that seemed to twinkle on their own, and a hearty smile. He was dressed fairly nondescriptly, and the only thing of note was a pouch hanging off his belt. Master Crow sent him to test us in our defense of this Monastery, so logically for Master Ron Dangledongledot, he conjured up illusions of the famed beastmen attack that happened here. When the ghosts appeared and fought along our side he was shaken and taken quite aback not knowing that he would disturb the rest of so many spirits. 

We relaid the little information that we had gathered about the beastmen and their attack. What we had done to secure the Monastery. Our plans to go back into the township of Ja'Du and learn what the locals might know. Master Ron Dangledongledot nodded at that and agreed that it might be best, no trace of the amulet yet? We shook our heads, then Lim, ever thoughtful Lim, said that we would look under the bell, the next morning no less. Master Ron Dangledongledot seemed pleased at that, and pointed out what a irony it would be if the amulet was just lying under the bell. He would stay with us for the night, in the morning check on the progress men Master Crow was sent, and he would rejoin us later the next night. Tea was finished and cleaned up, Master Ron Dangledongledot reached into his pouch and pulled out something which he tossed in front of him. It expanded into a door. Now he had our undivided attention, and I do mean all of us. 

"Tonight we will all be safe and be able to rest easy. No keeping watch I've set up a'alarm. Now, pick yerself a room and sleep!" 

He opened the door and had us file in, it went into a hall with more doors. Alloriah opened one and a bedroom was reveled. Master Ron Dangledongledot's merry smile grew wider. We thanked him and each took a door, in turn taking a room. I settled sitting on the bed in the room, meditating. It would be a relief to be able to meditate for more than four hours at one time. Morning came inevitably, and I left the room, walking down the hall another door was opened, looking in revealed a table laden out with food enough for ten. Not surprisingly Lim was sitting at the table alongside Master Ron Dangledongledot, stuffing food into his face. As if he hadn't eaten in weeks. I joined then and after being invited to, helped myself to some fruit, waiting for Alloriah and Vernin, whom of which joined us shortly. After they ate we were ushered out, back into the Monastery. Master Ron Dangledongledot said his farewell to us and he was off. 

We were left facing a huge bell, softly glowing with the morning light. Kolos protect us, I have a great feeling of trepidation, I should learn to silence Lim Dul and his rather large mouth.