[Krelosh]

A smirk came to Krelosh's dark countenance as Quonos finished off the last of his opponents. Surveying the damage the Monk unleashed on their assailants – he sheathed his twin long swords. His fangs and fiery red eyes had returned to normal. His wounds were beginning to heal as well. Looking to Quonos– the Drow said "I would have to say you were more victorious than I. Your fighting style is rather...unique for lack of a better word. If it is permitted by your order – I would very much like it if you could explain it to me."

[Quonos]

The monk gestured to the men lying on the ground of the campsite.

"That one is still alive," he said, indicating the man who had been wielding the battle axe, "Maybe we can get some information from him."

He was about to say more when he heard a soft moan from out amongst the trees, followed by the whinny of a horse.

"You see to him. I will investigate the horse."

[Krelosh]

Nodding to Quonos - Krelosh moved to the man and crouched next to him - gazing at him intently as if his pale blue eyes could see right through him. Extracting information from him would not be very difficult - especially with the skills he possessed from being a Vampire. Using his mind-speech - he spoke to the semi-conscious axe-wielder. ::You are going to tell my friend and I everything we wish to know. If you do not - your suffering shall be legendary for there are things far worse than death."

[Quonos]

Quonos followed the sound to a small birch tree to which a large packhorse had been tied. There on the horse's back was the semi-conscious form of a woman. Her mouth had been gagged and her hands had been lashed together, then tied to her feet across the horse's stomach.

The horse shied a bit at his approach, but calmed as Quonos made some soothing noises. The monk untied the woman's arms and legs and pulled her from the horse's back. He removed the gag from her mouth, then cradled her gently in his arms and carried her back to the campsite.

"She was tied to the back of a horse," he answered to the drow's raised eyebrow as he laid the girl down on his own bedroll. "I am guessing that she was an unwilling guest of our recent visitors."

Quonos had received extensive training in various healing techniques at the Temple and he made a thorough investigation of the young woman's physical condition. Aside from a few scratches and bruises, and a nasty lump on the side of the head, she seemed unharmed. The lump showed no pronounced swelling and Quonos concluded that it was just that - a nasty bump and not an indication of a more serious head wound. He did NOT check to see if she had been raped, granting the girl the privacy her body was due. Instead, he arranged her ragged clothing so that her modesty would remain intact and covered her with his blanket. He would allow her to rest for now. There would be plenty of time for questions later.

His ministrations complete, Quonos went back out into the woods. He returned just moments later with the abandoned horse. The beast had been well cared for. Its hooves had been recently shod and its coat was glossy and free of burrs or pests. The saddle was well oiled and of high quality. Given the condition of the young woman's clothing, the monk concluded that this mount had indeed belonged to one of the band of attackers.

He tied the animal to a tree surrounded by a growth of tender grass and turned to Krelosh.

"Have you been able to learn anything from our...guest?"

[Krelosh]

Krelosh shook his head. "No - I have not questioned him yet. I thought it best to wait for your return so that we can interrogate him together." Motioning to the bound axeman - the Drow grinned and said. "You will find that he is more than willing to cooperate with us. I put him under an enchantment that will last several hours. However - he may not be able to provide us with the answers we seek. Only time will tell."

[Quonos]

"Then let us find out what he has to tell us."

The monk squatted comfortably next to the bound man and patted him lightly on the cheek. His eyes fluttered open. It took a moment, but they focused on Quonos. The man smiled slightly. He looked intoxicated.

"What is your name?" Quonos asked.

"Ferdine. Markus Ferdine."

"Why did you attack us, Markus Ferdine?"

"Training exercise. After the way you handled Fitch Willam and his band this morning, Commander Braun thought you'd be good practice."

[Krelosh]

The Drow looked to Quonos with a questioning expression etched upon his dark countenance. Why had the Monk not mentioned fighting another band of mercenaries? Not that it really mattered much now. They would more than likely no longer be harassed by the remnants of either band again.

[Quonos]

At Krelosh's questioning gaze, Quonos said, "A group of bandits attacked me earlier this morning. I let their leader and one of his men go. It seems they have been talking about me."

"Tell me, Markus Ferdine," the monk continued, "Do you regret your decision to participate in such a foolish exercise?"

"No, sir."

Quonos was surprised by the answer. Five of his comrades lay dead. Was this not too high a price to pay for a simple 'training exercise'?

"Explain, please."

"Gregor Braun was a self-serving son of a lich who only cared about himself. Dent and the others were hardly any better. I compromised my principles by joining up with them. It was the worst mistake of my life. Once I was in, there was no way out. Now I have that way. Thank you for freeing me."

Quonos was at a loss. This was not the answer he had been expecting. He turned to Krelosh.

"What do you think of this?"

[Krelosh]

Krelosh shifted his gaze from Quonos to Markus - staring long and hard at the man as if he could see into his soul. "I think his words are genuine and that he has learned a valuable lesson. I say let him go on his way. If he returns – which I highly doubt – his life is forfeit." Turning to regard the girl he asked, "Mr. Ferdine – what can you tell us of the girl?" He walked over next to her before continuing. "I trust none of you associates harmed her in any way." Turning to face Markus – the Drow folded his arms over his chest and awaited the answer to his question.

[Ferdine/Quonos]

"I have no idea who the girl is," Ferdine said. "We found her sprawled out next to a dead horse on the way here. Braun took her to have a little fun later on during our victory celebration. As far as I know, no one touched her save to tie her onto Braun's horse."

"Her injuries are consistent with a tumble from a horse," Quonos said.

"If your interrogation is concluded, I would appreciate you untying me so I could leave."

Quonos untied the man's bonds. Ferdine got to his feet. "I thank you for your hospitality and the humbling workout. I will take my leave."

The man turned and walked calmly into the forest.

Quonos faced Krelosh and asked, "Should we wake her? If she was riding a horse through these woods in the dark she might be in trouble."

[Krelosh]

The Drow watched Markus until he was lost from his sight. Hearing Quonos' question – he turned to face him and nodded his reply. "I think it best if you woke her. Seeing a Drow standing over her would most likely frighten her. I will gather more firewood while you wake her." He turned from the Monk and moved into the woods not far from the campsite.

[Quonos]

The monk waited until Krelosh disappeared into the trees then moved to the girl's side and gently shook her. She stirred slightly, but failed to awaken.

Quonos frowned. Perhaps her wounds were more serious than he had first thought. He went to his pack and retrieved a small vial then returned to the girl. He uncorked the vial and waved it gently under her nose. The pungent odor of the vial's contents did what a gentle shake could not. The girl's eyes fluttered open and she coughed sharply.

[Girl]

The young woman was confused. Her hand went to her head and she winced as she touched the large goose egg she found there. She started to rise and then noticed the monk squatting next to her. Her eyes widened in alarm.

[Quonos]

He smiled warmly and held up his hands in a gesture of peace. When he spoke, his voice was calm, but loud enough to carry to Krelosh's sensitive ears.

"Do not be afraid. I mean you no harm. You are sure to be a little disoriented. Rest easy for a moment."

[Moena/Quonos]

The man's tone was soothing and, truth be told, she did feel a little woozy, not to mention her monster of a headache. She laid back on the bedroll and observed the man. He had all the appearance of a monk: simple clothing, servile manner, and shaved head - save for the long braid growing from the nape of his neck. His smile seemed genuine. She was inclined to trust him.

"What happened?"

"You have taken a nasty fall from a horse. Aside from a few scrapes and bruises - and the rather nasty bump on the head - you appear to be fine."

"What about the horse? Where's Sentinal?"

The monk shook his had sadly. "Alas, your horse did not make it."

"I see." Her eyes filled with tears. Sentinal had been a present on her tenth birthday. She had ridden him every day since then, without fail. "Did he suffer?"

"That I do not know. I must admit to not seeing him myself. Your coming to us was a bit ... roundabout. A mercenary group discovered you and brought you to us." It was the truth, whether Braun had intended as much or not.

Moena looked around the campsite for the first time. Her eyes stopped on the dead bodies. They looked fresh. She realized suddenly that the monk's words might carry more meaning than appeared on the surface. She looked in his eyes and saw it was so. She was suddenly grateful that she had come to in his care, rather than the mercenaries'.

"I am Quonos. Do you have a name?"

Moena blinked and realized her lack of manners. "Oh! Moena. My name is Moena." She pronounced it 'Mo-EE-nuh.'

"What of your companions?" she continued. "Where are they?"

"Of companions, I have but one. His name is Krelosh and he is currently gathering firewood." Quonos paused momentarily as if to weigh something in his mind. "He is a bit ... eccentric. I shall let him introduce himself in his own time."

He looked at her squarely once more, then continued. "Well, Moena. I feel I must ask you: What brings a young woman to gallop about in a dark wood at night?"

Moena's heart leapt into her throat. Her mission! How could she have forgotten? The bump on her head must be worse than she thought. The terror that had spurred her into riding an unknown path in the dark was suddenly back in full force. She lunged from her prone position and grasped the monk by the shirt front. Her vision swam and vertigo seized her, but she managed a pleading statement.

"My family! My home! Destroyed! Please, you have to help us."

Then darkness claimed her once more.

[Krelosh]

Stepping back into the camp without a sound – Krelosh set the firewood down next to the crackling fire. He looked from Moena to Quonos. "That would certainly explain why she was riding so recklessly through a unfamiliar forest." Tossing a branch into the fire - the Drow continued. "Let her rest for the night. We can question her further in the morning. We could also use some rest ourselves." With that – Krelosh got down on the ground next to the fire and closed his eyes. "Sleep well – Quonos."

[Quonos]

The monk nodded his agreement to let Moena sleep. The ease with which unconsciousness had taken her again made him think that his estimates of the extent of her injuries had been wrong. If her head wound were more than just a bump her life could be at risk. She certainly needed the rest.

Quonos surveyed his campsite. What had started as a simple fire and light fare had turned into a battleground. Observing his Order's traditional ways, he buried each of the fallen mercenaries and pronounced blessing upon them before he sought his own rest for the night.

In spite of his late night, Quonos was up before first light to meet the dawn in quiet meditation. Such a period was essential to the monk, allowing him time for thought, true, but also as a way to replenish his Chokata reserve for future use. When he ended his meditation, he felt refreshed and renewed.

[Krelosh]

As dawn fell upon the wild countryside - Krelosh woke to see Quonos in a meditative state. Silently he climbed to his feet and walked silently about the campsite to work the stiffness from his muscles. Not wishing to disturb the Monk – the Drow decided to check on the girl Moena. She was sound asleep and it appeared to him that she would not be waking anytime soon. Krelosh sighed with impatience as he was eager to hear what happened to her home and family.

Quonos had done a good job tending to the girl – but she needed magic healing to be certain that she was not suffering from a concussion. Krelosh knelt at her side and gingerly placed a hand upon Moena's forehead. He closed his eyes and concentrated on channeling his magic to heal. A soft golden glow began to emanate from his dusky hand and spread over her body. After a moment or two – the glow faded and Krelosh opened his eyes. The only thing left to do – was to wait for her to wake.

[Quonos]

The monk noticed that Krelosh was up and about and smiled in quiet appreciation that he had not heard the dark elf's movements.

"Good morning to you, Krelosh. Would you like some breakfast?"

[Krelosh]

Krelosh had just finished adding kindling and wood to the fire when Quonos wished him a good morning and offered some breakfast. The Monk had been one of the most kindest people that the Drow had known in some time and he hoped that a true friendship would develop in time. For the time being the friendship was a matter of convenience. Krelosh turned towards Quonos with a slight smile. "Yes – breakfast would be most welcomed.

[Quonos]

He reached for his travel satchel and pulled out a few apples and some more of the hard traveling bread.

"There is plenty for all, even our young friend should she awaken."

Quonos laid the food out on a clean cloth then went to check on Moena. He was quick to notice the improved pallor to her cheeks and the tender brush of his fingers failed to find the bump on her head. The scratches on her face and arms were also conspicuously absent.

He eyed Krelosh askance and a small smiled pulled at the corner of his mouth. "Either my memory is very poor, or Moena has an unparalleled propensity for healing."

[Krelosh]

He took an apple and some of the traveling bread and took a seat on the opposite side of the fire from Quonos and grinned wryly. He took a bite of the hard bread followed by a bite of the apple. After chewing and swallowing – he looked at the Monk. "I used a bit of healing magic on her to hasten her recovery. We need to know what happened to family and home – Quonos." He took another bit of the apple and fell silent.

[Quonos]

The monk nodded his acquiescence. "Since she is so far recovered, it should not hurt to waken her. Though I cannot say how she will react when she sees you, my friend. Let us hope it was not some of your less reputable brethren whom she flees."

Quonos reached over and shook the girl gently.

[Moena]

She rolled over smartly.

"Just one more minute, Ma, okay?"

[Quonos]

"I have trouble seeing how 'one more minute' will do anything but prolong the moment of your arising," Quonos said with a smile.

[Moena]

Moena heard the male voice and shot straight up, her arms going out wide. The blanket flew towards Quonos' face.

[Quonos]

He caught it deftly.

"Peace, child," he said in a reassuring tone. "You are safe here."

He began to calmly fold the blanket to reinforce his words.

[Moena]

She recognized the man before her as the monk she had met the night before and her fear lessened considerably. What was more, she realized with a start that her headache was gone, as well as the stinging on her arms and face. A quick inspection showed a lack of scratches where she was sure there had been some.

"You...you healed me. Thank you."

[Quonos]

"No. You are healed, that much is true, but they were not my hands that performed the miracle. You have my companion to thank for that. Moena, this is Krelosh, your benefactor in this matter."

He moved back to allow the girl to see the elf seated across the fire.

[Moena]

She followed the monk's movement until her eyes rested upon her named savior. Her expression changed in an instant from wonder and awe to stark terror.

"Dark elf! He's a drow!"

She scrambled backwards until her back came upon the trunk of a large oak, stopping her flight.

"Gods save us all, my family is doomed!"

[Krelosh]

A slight frown came to Krelosh's face at the girl's response to him. He was of course accustomed to such reactions and could hardly blame her for her ignorance. The reputation of his race was well-deserved for its atrocities and savagery. But to judge an entire race like that was offensive to him regardless if it were true or not.

He sighed softly and his frown faded into a neutral expression. He took a few slow steps steps toward her and locked his eyes on hers. "Yes – I am a Dark Elf. But I am not like most of my brethren." He looked to Quonos briefly then back to Moena. "My clan turned from the worship of Lloth the Spider Queen and lived in a more peaceful manner until its destruction at the hands of Humans and others that despise my race."

A smirk came to his face and he continued. "Despite what happened to my clan – I do not loathe the race of Humans as many would expect. I do not judge you Humans based on the acts of a few. Quonos and I have fought side by side as allies and saved you from harm. You must put aside your fear of my kind and accept that some Drow are not evil."

He chuckled softly. "Would I have healed you if I wished you harm - Moena? I think not. I leave it up to you how you will judge me – but think hard about what I have said to you." With that said – Krelosh returned to the fire to sit and finish his breakfast.

[Moena]

The girl was shocked by the accusation in the drow's words. She had never thought of herself as racist, or even judgemental, but his words had the sting of truth and effectively slapped her across the face. She struggled to find words to speak. When they finally came, her tone was soft.

"I'm - I'm sorry. I spoke before I thought. You are right. I beg forgiveness"

[Krelosh]

He did not respond for a moment or two then shook his head. "You need not beg for forgiveness - Moena. However I do accept your apology." He climbed to his feet as he finished off his bread and faced her. "You are still young and have much to learn of the world."

[Quonos]

Quonos laid a gentle hand on her arm. "You have said your family is in trouble. What kind of trouble?"

[Moena]

Her eyes widened slightly. "Our village is under attack. I don't know all of the details; Pa just said to ride out and find help. He was barricading the rest of the family in the farmhouse as I left last night. When I saw you here, Mr. Krelosh, I just assumed that a band of drow must have been the cause."

[Krelosh]

Krelosh nodded at Moena's words. "If we are to be of any help – it would be to our advantage to know everything that you know. It would be foolish to go to your village not being aware of what we may face. Tell us whatever you can."

[Moena]

"Well, strange things HAVE been happening around the village lately. People have gone missing for days - even weeks - and then shown up later with no explanation, acting as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. Cord Lawfen says sorcerors have been stealing people out of their homes and experimenting on them, though I don't much credit anything that layabout says. Those folks that have gone missing and returned do act a bit funny though, as if they forget sometimes exactly where they are or what business they should be about. Maybe that has something to do with the attack, maybe not. All I know is that I need to get back there soon with help."

[Krelosh]

"Interesting. I cannot say that I have heard of anything like this before." He looked to Quonos. "I do not like the sound of this. If whatever this is spreads beyond her village it could be a major problem. I think we should do what we can to help."

(to be continued...)