[Bran]
Bran made his way through the woods, watching and listening. There was no unusual noise until near the boulders he heard Raz attack something. Moving forward, he saw a form between him and the Fire. He was frozen in fear a moment, then shook it off and acted! Throwing his cloak over the Evil One's head and torso he yelled, "I have someone! Guen, Kirjath! Help me! Sand, where are you?" The Evil One struck his head as he landed on the ground and lay still. *One less enemy to fear!* The excited boy thought.
[Guen]
Guen woke-hand on the great Sword. Drawing it as she leapt to her feet,she ran for Bran's voice. once there, she saw him standing astride a still figure. *The boy has done well! * she thought. Guen looked again. Recognizing the boots, she sat down on a log, laughing. Bran looked at her with wondering eyes. "Bran, you have captured none other than Kara!" The WaReen girl said , between tears and chuckles.The poor boy, mortified, looked at the figure at his feet. He reached down to apologize , when it dawned on him that the girl wasn't moving."Lady!" he wailed! "I think she is hurt! but I didn't.. I mean I couldn't of..." His voice trailed off.
[Sand]
Sand woke instantly, at Bran's cry. Leaping to his feet, he did not hesitate to Shift . . . Where there was one, there was bound to be many. Remembering the size of the camp, and the trees he would have to navigate, Sand limited his dragonic frame to -ten- feet. Bounding through the forest, following the scent of the young boy, he came upon the scene just as Bran discovered his mistake. Jaw clenched, he tried his hardest not to laugh. It was obvious Kara was alright. Her chest still moved up and down, and from the way she was laying, the worst she would suffer would be a mild headache. Sitting upon his haunches, like a cat, tail curved about him, he told Bran as much. Even reaching out a talon to show him her steady, even breaths.
[Mal`e]
The camp at the edge of the Forest was quiet. Only the pacing and muttering of the guards and the noises made by the animals were audible. The night fogs swirled against the dark of the trees, while embers from the evening fires glowed yet. The outline of tents and bodies rolled in blankets formed strange shapes to unaccustomed eye. The outline of Mal`e's pavilion was taller than the rest, pointed roof with pennants making snakelike movements on the night breezes.
Within the confine's of the tent Mal`e sat on a campaign chair-a goblet of wine undrunk in his hand. It was time to contact Fortag. He dreaded the coming conversation. The WaReen was to have been in his hands by now. Steeling himself, he prepared. It must be done. Gathering himself he sat more upright. Turning the Bands of Service that adorned his wrists in order that the stones faced him, he Called.
Fortag's grim face formed in his thoughts. *Do not bother! I already know the outcome of your botched attempt! Let us plan now to salvage the wreck that you have made of this situation.* Mal`e could see Fortag turn to another, then the Lord's Man was back in his mind.,p> *They are near running water and cannot be seen. You have Vellen, a local ranger, in your camp. He knows the area well and can tell you where the Fellowship is most like to be. Understand this, Mal`e. Fail again to bring the Woman to me and you will replace her in the ceremonies. Am I understood?* With a grimace of disgust, he continued -*Manson, Lord Jarg's weather Mage , will send a storm of great intensity to blind them. Be you ready then to attack-killing all but The WaReen.*
With that, the Man left. Mal`e sagged. He thought that he himself was an evil man, but the Lord's Man eclipsed his capabilites simply by existing. He summoned Vellen and began to plan.
[Narrator]
Meanwhile the "situation" progressed at the camp of our Fellowship.
[Sandanamous]
Bran still seemed very flustered, so Sandanamous moved itself between the embarassed boy and Kara. Taking her uncontious form up in its talons, the dragon reared back on powerful hind legs. Though rather uncomfortable, it was fully capable of walking in the manner of humans. This it did now, traveling carefully back to the camp site, trying to keep from unfurling its wings for ballance. Once or twice it glanced back, to make sure Bran was following.
The camp fire was in sight, and Sandanamous sighed in relief. *There has -got- to be a better way of doing this!* Aching thy muscles echoed the sentiment. Gently the dragon set limp Kara near the other two humans, and edged around to the oposite end of the circular camp. Then it flopped down, stretching itsself out like a lounging cat. It brought its long neck up, regarding the trio with fiery pupil slits. From the tip of its tail to the tips of its fore paw talons, Sandanamous's form took up a goodly half of the full camp circle. Camp fire warmed the part of its belly that was exposed, and caused its scales to glitter like a mountain of golden sand. A light wind curled under its chin, and twined around spine spikes, which glowed softly white in the dark of early morning. Again like a cat, the tip of its bladed tail twitched, as it waited for Bran, Tigra, and the dogs, to come.
[Tigra]
Tigra was not sure what to do. She could feel that someone was watching her, but she could not see of smell any one or anything near her. With her clothes in hand and The Widow, in the other, she crept along the path way , looking and listening to any strange noises. She was away from the camp site, so she was not sure if it was Kara or Guen walking this way. She stopped when she heard a twig snap.
"Damn" , she said under her breath. " This ground fog is starting to lift. If I wait , it might let me see who or what is watching me". She stood very still and waited. She slowed her breathing down, so that if whoever/whatever was there would have trouble finding her. Listening, she heard soft breathing coming down the path. Soft foot steps were heard as well. Ever so slowly, she stepped back,and hid behind a small tree and waited. Bringing her sword up, she was about to strike, when she saw a young doe, strooling down the path ,looking for a nights drink. With a deep sigh, she let it pass, and leaned against the tree. "I am getting jumpy. A deer, and a young one at that". Shaking her head she places the sword back in her sheeth, and starts to get dressed. She just started to button her shirt , when she heard someone Yell "I have someone". It was a voice she did not reconize. Throwing her boots on, she ran as fast as she could, back to the camp site. There she saw Kara on the ground, and a rather large Sand Dragon poking at her with one of his talons . Before she could react, she saw Guen sit down and started laughing. Walking up to Guen , she asked "What is so funny, and why is Sand poking Kara"?
[Rolf]
After Raza hit him in the side and damn near broke a few ribs, he followed her to the stream. bending down, and taking a long drink of water,he looked around the camp. "Well its better than the ones Kara`s found. At least we have a cool stream running by the site". Walking in up to his chest, Wolf started looking for a meal. " I think fresh fish sounds good tonight". Waiting until he saw a good size one, he dove down, and grabbed one with his teeth. Bringing it back up, he threw it on the bank. " A little small, but I think I can find one better" he said . Rolf watched Raza sniff the fish he had thrown on the bank. "Don`t worry , they dont bit", and he dove for another one. After gathering up about three more fish, he started to get out of the stream, when something latched onto his tail and started pulling him back in. Rolf felt the bite, and tried to pull himself up the bank, but it was to wet and slippery. What ever had ahold of him was large and powerful.
At first, Rolf did not know what to do next. The bank was to wet to climb, Raza was just sitting on the bank and smiling, and he had something pulling him into the water. He tried to turn and try to bite it, but it would move away. He tried to swim, but it pulled him under the water. He was swollowing more water, and less air everytime he came up. Choking and trying to bite watever was holding on to him, made things only worse. He was in a panic, and he could not reach Kara. "Something is wrong back at the camp" he thought, "and I am trapped here".
Coming up for the fourth time, Rolf thought, "What ever has ahold of me wants me to stay underwater". Taking a deep breath, he relaxed and whatever it was pull him under. He could feel his tail being released ,so he slowly turned to see a monsterour looking fish looking back at him. It was about four feet long, with a mouth full of long sharp teeth. Its eyes were yellow, and its scales were multi-colored. Long sharp fins and tail made this fish look even more scary than it truely was. Rolf waited until he was touching the bottom. He waited until the fish pushed back to strike, He dug into the mud and pushed himself up and out of the stream. The mud blinded the fish long enought for Rolf to reach shore.
Coughing up water , and a few weeds, Rolf took a deep breath of air. "I will Never...never go fishing again", and he looked down to see the fish staring at him, and he could have sworn it was smiling . "Thanks for the help Raz. At least you could have went for help".
Starting back to camp, with out even eating the fish he caught, he heard someone say "I have someone! Guen, Kirjath! Help me! Sand, where are you?" It was the voice of the young boy that Guen brought with her. Looking back to see if Raza was coming, he ran to the campsite in time to see Guen sitting down on a log and laughing, and a Sand Dragon, poking Kara with one of his talons. She was very still and he could not -reach- her. She looked to be asleep, but Rolf walked up to her and sniffed her face. Taking his nose, he pushed her head to one side, but she did not open her eyes. Rolf looked up at the Dragon, and then at Guen. Both were trying not to laugh. Sniffing Kara, he found a red mark on one of her ankles, and a bump on her head. The scent from the bump was the ground, but the mark on her ankle was from the boy.
Rolf turned and looked at the boy. His hair on his back stood straight up and his lips curled back to show his long white teeth.
" You....You have hurt my Kara. For this you shall pay with your life. I will tear your heart out and feast apon it this night".
His thoughts were sent out to anyone with in range. He did not care who heard it. Stepping in between the Dragon and Kara, his tail sticking straight out, and his eyes looking at no one but the boy. Muscles tightened , and he could hear only Kara `s heart beat. Looking down at Kara, he heard the sound of laughter stop. Turning back , he saw Tigra standing between the boy. His lips flared back even more, and he said ** Walk away , Huntress. This is not your fight this fight . This boy has caused harm to my Kara. For that, He must die**......
[Kara]
Walking up to the camp site, she saw the fire and then something grabbing her ankle. Then every thing went black.
She awoke back near her home. Everything was the way it looked. Her house, the old shed out back , everything. She started to walk up to the door when a young woman stepped out and yelled "Kara..Kara , where are you this time. It`s time to eat". She watched as the young woman stepped back into the house, like she didnt even see her standing there. Kara turned back and heard barking and laughter in the back yard. Stepping off the porch, she walked in back to see a little girl playing with a wolf Pup. "Come on rolf"the little girl said. "Get the stick. Come on, Rolf, go get it". The wolf pup would just sit there and tilt his head and stuck his tounge out . " Silly Rolf" the girl said and ran and grabbed the stick from where she threw it. "See, this is a stick. When I throw it, you are supose to run and get it and bring it back. Now watch where I throw it".
Kara could not understand what was going on. The little girl was her. But why was she seeing this. She remembered that she was at the camp site and then fell. " Am I dead", she said. The wolf pup stood up and barked in her direction. " What is it rolf"? little Kara asked. "Silly Rolf , there is nothing there. Your such a silly rolf" and she bent down and brought him up and hugged him. "Kara, I am not going to tell you again. Its time to clean up and get ready for dinner. Your father will be home soon, and he told you about the Puppy". Little Kara looked up from being licked by Rolf. " We better put you back in the shed. If daddy finds you, he will put you back in the forest". Kara watched as he little girl placed Rolf in the old shed and closed and locked the door. She could see Rolfs nose sticking out between a crack in the door. "No..no Rolf, go and lay down now. I will bring you out something to eat later. Kara watched as the little Kara went back into the house. Reaching down, she tried to touch Rolfs nose, but her hand passed right threw. She pulled her hand back and looked around. Rolf went back and layed down, but he kept whining.
"Little kara, did you wash your hands? Her mother said. " Yes mommy.See", and she held up her hands . They were clean, but her arms and face was dirty." Kara, what am I going to do with you", Her mother said and reached for a rag. Wiping all the dirt and wolf licks off of her face , she placed her on her chair. "Now wait until daddy gets home and we wil eat". Kara watched the both of them and wondered why she was here. "Did I miss something in my life, and I am forever forced to watch this over and over"she said. No one answered her, so she stood by and waited.
Her father came home and they all ate. "Kara , what have you been doing all day while your mothers been working"? He asked her. "I have been out back, daddy, Playing..... "Playing in that old shed of yours" her mother said . "She has been very helpful today. She helped me pull the vegies for our meal". Turning, Kara saw her mother give little Kara a wink. Little Kara winked back with both eyes, and then went back to eating. "Thats good that you are helping your mother and not crying over that wolf pup you found in the forest", her father said and winked at her Mother. " He knew about Rolf" Kara said." All this time, and he knew about him". Kara smiled and looked at her father.
Everything went black and she found herself standing near the shed with her mother and her farther standing over Rolf. They looked a bit older and so did Rolf. " She is asleep. She still does not know that you know about him", Her mother said. Kara saw Rolf nussle her farthers hand. He petted his head and scratched his ears. " I know, I will wait until she is older. She just would not understand". Her mother pulled him close. "It was not your fault that you killed his mother, but she was in that trap. Her legs were broken. There was nothing you could have done". Tears fell down her fathers face, "I know, and I think Rolfs mother knew too. She just stood there, with her eyes watching my every move. I tried to let her lose, but she would not let me. The look in her eyes when she showed my her pup. I knew she wanted me to care for it. She knew she couldnt. She stood straight and turned to me. I had a clear shot to her heart. I drew my bow and killed her. She did not even make a sound. I am the protector of this forest. I had too".....
Her father pulled Karas mother close and said, "I had to bring him home. He would have died out there. I knew Kara would love him, as much as his mother, even more. They have a strong bond between them. It was if the gods made sure I saw his mother. Now, are you going to cast your spell, or do you think you should wait"? Kara looked surprized . "Spell? What spell is he talking about"? Kara asked, and she reached for her father. Her hand and body passed right threw them both. "Did you catch a chill"? Her mother asked. "Yes, I did. Its getting close to fall, so I guess we should expect an early winter".
Kara saw her mother smile, and then she reached for something in her apron. It was and old scroll. " It has been a long time since I used this spell. Remember the last time"? and she laughed. "Yes I do, and that damn bird would never shut up" Her father said . Will Rolf be able to speak as well as the bird"? Her mother looked up from the scroll and said "No, he is not...Built... for speech , but he has a strong mind, and should be able to speak to Kara useing his mind. she will hear it in her head. At first she might think it funny, until Rolf is able to make words out of his speech".,p> Kara stood close, to be able to hear her mother say the words, but she didn`t say a word. She placed her hand on the scroll and one on Rolfs head. The scroll started to glow a bright white, as did Rolf. After she took her hand away, the glow stopped, and she fell, fainting away. Her farther took her back into the house and layed her in their bed. "Rest, and things will be better".,p> Her farther walked back out to the shed and dropped down beside Rolf. " Rolf, you are to protect Kara with your life. Be sure that no harn will come to her, ok boy"? Rolf just sat their with his head tilted to one side. "Its ok boy, it will take time". Her father turned and started to go, when he -heard- "I...I promise". Turning, he saw Rolf looking right into his eyes. "I..I promise..that n..no..har..harm will be..befall her....." Tears swelled up in her fathers eyes and she saw him run back and grab Rolfs head. "Good boy. I am happy to hear that. She will always be my little girl, but she will be your friend forever. "Forever" Kara said and things went black again. She called out "Rolf...Rolf.. and the light came to her eyes once more. Her head was hurting and she could see Sand and Guen standing close to her.
Rolf was standing over her and the hair on his back was standing on end. He was saying something to Tigra. ** Walk away , Huntress. This is not your fight this night . This boy has caused harm to my Kara. For that, He must die**. Kara screamed "Rolf.. Rolf stand down" , and her head hurt even worse. She saw the fear in the young boys eyes and the danger in Tigra`s. *Kara? Are you alright? This youth has harmed you. He must die.* "No..no Rolf, it was a mistake. He could not see me and took me for someone else. Do not harm him". Rolf stood there with his hair still up, but the look in his eyes cooled a little. She did not see the look of death in his eyes as before. She had never seen that look before, but she knew that he would die for her. It was his promise to her father , and to her. * If you are alright then* Rolf said and turned away from the group. Before he walked away, she heard him tell the boy, * You were lucky this time . But remember this, harm my Kara, and you will die*. The last part she knew was sent to the whole group, and not just the boy.
Tigra took a deep breath and looked at Kara and then at the boy. "Well.. That was fun. Lets do it again sometime", and she walked over to one of the mules and made her self a sandwich. Kara could see that the boy was almost in shock. "It will be ok. I am sure as soon as Rolf calms down, he will be ok". Pulling the young boy close, she asks "Do you have anything for a headace? I seem to have a big one, and my ankle hurts too. Your strong for your age" and she kissed him on the cheek..............
[Occ]
Well.. was the gods playing with Kara mind? Will she see more of the story? Tune in next week when you hear Tigra say " Damn, I forgot to button my shirt up and no one noticed".........
[Guen],p> After checking to be sure that Kara was not truly injured, Guen gave vent to her laughter as she went back to the fire. *I should have KNOWN better! Setting a 17 year old on Watch. But oh, the look on his face! It was priceless!* Convulsed with laughter, she ran straight into Kirjath.
"You! Don't think you are getting away that easily! It was just Bran, deciding to catch an Enemy. No-no, it was only Kara. " At that, she was off and laughing again, to the point of tears running down her cheeks.
After catching her breath a moment, she calmed. Drawing the Warrior to the fire, she indicated that he take a seat. "Kirjath, we each have a story to add to the reason for our Quest. I can see the depth of your pain. Will you share your story with me? I do not pry from idle curiosity, but we must know each other well, in order to be a strong group. You have fought , before, I can tell and know this to be true. We are in a most deadly Battle here, and must know each others strengths and weakness. It will make us strong as a force against evil, binding us together more tightly. I would be most honored if Thee would share with me. " The young WaReen slipped into formal Blood mode. Once his story was told, he would be Blood. Bound to the Hold , with all the charges inherent on him and the duties from his Lord or Lady to him in place as well.
Guen hoped that the others would join in as the quiet man told his story. The bonds needed to hold a group together through something as grievious as their Quest would be were great. They needed to trust and respect one another. Much of that would build with time, but it began, Here, tonight.
[Kirjath]
He found Guen's frankness very comforting to his heart. Taking her lead, he sat down cross-legged near the fire. He considered each of the companions and his gaze lingered on the golden skinned woman. Her face shone in the light of the fire as she returned his steady gaze.
"I wish that I knew the faces of my enemy as clearly as you know the face of Jarg. My village was destroyed and my kinsmen killed during my absence. I was away from my home seeking help against a gathering storm of an army that far outnumbered my people." He gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Word had reached the elders of our village of a dark army that was sweeping up and destroying all who did not fled from it. Our mountain neighbors and trade partners had already been swallowed and destroyed by this cruel army that left no survivors and fought without honor. In their wisdom the elders knew that we could not stand against this army, but at the same time we could not forsake our ancestral home and territory. To abandon the land which had received and absorbed our ancestors' blood and spirit would be unthinkable. Therefore, four men were chosen to journey in the directions of the winds to find and bring help. I was one of the chosen, so I left behind my brethren, my father and mother. I left with their blessings not knowing that it would be the last time that I would see them again." Kirjath's brown eyes glittered with the recollection of his family, but the light in his eyes didn't last long.
"I arrived in this land and found people willing to return with me and help, but after many days of travel we arrived to find the blackened and charred remains of my village. The corpses of my kinsmen lay where they had fallen and all the homes had been burned to the ground. I found footprints leading away from the village in every direction, but there were also the footprints of heavy horses following these. The adventurers that I came with me soon returned from where they came for there was nothing left for them to do. I buried as many of my kinsmen as I could but exhaustion and despair soon overwhelmed my spirit. I'm not sure how it happened but I found myself on the path back to Montfort. With no home and no family and with no clue to follow the destroyers, there was nothing left for me at the remains of my village."
Kirjath's shoulders sagged at the retelling of his failure to save his people. He felt that at the least he should have been there to die along with his kinsmen, bringing down as many of the enemy as he could, yet he lived. He sat there with his spears across his lap and his gaze focused on the dancing flames of the fire.
[Guen]
Her first impulse was to reach out and hold the Warrior.
Instead she laid soft hands on his. Blue eyes glowed as the woman spoke- "Kirjath, you risked much of yourself in sharing with us. " Glancing across the fire at the dragon and Kara, she realized , *With me, really.* Moving her speech pattern into Wa 'th, the formal mode of her people, the girl continued."I call on Thee, Sandanamous, to Witness."
Placing herself squarely in front of the Warrior , she began, firelight striking bronze fram her black clan braid.
"Kirjath, I sense that Thee hath need of Bloodkin and Place. Thee hath given much of thyself, Oh Warrior, this night. In turn I say to Thee, that so long as I draw breath, Thee hast my Word, of Honor, Duty and Succor. I say these things this night as Lady of the House of Wareen. Thy Responsibilities in return are to Honor, Protect and Obey any righteous command placed on Thee by Myself. These are the Bonds of House Blood. Doth Thee accept them?" ,p> Guen waited with bated breath. Somehow this was the most important moment in her young life.
[Sandanamous]
Sensing the importance of this moment, it too waited anxiously. It was quite aware what an honor Guen had bestowed upon itself. And it was ready to call, 'I hear and witness, all that take place within this circle,' as soon as Kirjath spoke.
[Tigra]
After the square off with Rolf over the boy, Tigra walked over and grabbed something to eat from one of the mules pack. The bath made her hungry, and she found sweetbread and fresh meat and cheeses in the pack. Taking a bit and watching Kara and Brian walking away, she walked over by the fire. Sand was still there, as was Guen and Kirjath. She heard Guen asking him to be a part of her family, and she started thinking about her family, or what use to be a family. Sitting down by Sand she picked up a stick, and started to draw.
The picture was that of tall mountains and a valley. The sun rose up from the east, and a large lake reflected the sun light across the waves. She drew trees, flowers and strange creatures. Some were long and skinny and would hang from trees, in search of a meal. Other creatures had eight legs and were small and hairy. They had large bodies, and spun threads that caught their pray.Small birds and butterflies with strange colored wings flew everywhere. It was a beautiful picture. Like the one she left back at the inn. But she never finished it. There was something missing in every picture she drew. The picture was missing her and her Pride.
The Valley between the mountains was hidden away. No one had ever made it across the rough, stone faced mountains , Some had tried and never returned to tell what was on the other side. The land below the mountains was made up of a jungle. All type of exotic creatures called it home. Beautiful birds would sing and it made the jungle alive with all types of songs. Tigra and her pride grew up there. There were dangers, as with anyplace, but she grew up to be able to out wit anything or any one. She became the best warrior of the pride. She could outrun, out hunt anyone. She was given the name Swift, because of her ability to move like the winds. With the Pride, one does not get a last name until a deed or prize was taken. Tigra was proud to have the last name. It meant that she was now recognized as being a huntress. She was now able to care for the less fortunate of her pride. The ones that were to young, or to old to hunt. Tigra was not like the other. Once a person, received a last name, they thought that they had became better than the ones that did not. The last named ones, as the nameless called they would hunt, but only for themselves and not the pride. What was left would be thrown to the less fortunate. Sometimes only the skin of a kill would be all that was left. She use to watch children fight over a skin, or even kill for a bit to eat. It was that way for as long as she had known. Even she had to go without, sometimes for days. She made a vow to herself that no one would ever go hungry again.
It was on one of her hunts that she noticed the jungle was to quite. No birds sang, nothing flew over head. It was like her world had stood still. Tigra stood there. She had killed a might boar, that had carried away one of the elders. She found the boar, after a few came back, injured , or bleeding from the boars might tusks. One hunter, Kravik Horn , came back boosting over how he killed the boar, but Tigra questioned him. She knew he was lying . "Kravik, How do we know you have killed the beast. Where is your trophy? Why have you not brought back the elder? You show no injuries, or any weapons, yet you say you have killed this beast that has been troubling us these so meny years". Kravik Horn looked down at her and said, "Tigra Swift, are you calling me a liar? Was it not I, who killed the mighty creature that flew over the mountain and had called himself Dragon. Have I not showed you the horn from the mighty beast"? Tigra heard a few whisper about the horn from the Dragon. "Yes, I remember the beasts horn, but to this date I have yet to see the Dragons bones. A horn can be taken without Killing the beast as everyone knows. I am saying, only you have came back without a trophy, and nothing more". Kravik gave Tigra a deep look and he growled " I did not have time to gather my trophy, because" .....and he paused. "Because"? Tigra yelled back. "Because, the beast fell over the cliff, after I stabbed him with my spear. It was a waste of my time to try and gather a trophy for you to see, let alone these nameless priders", and he stomped off. "Cliff, you say. now why would a boar be stupid enough to climb a cliff andget killed. This I must see for myself.
After tracking Kravik`s path, she came upon the Boar, still very much alive. His spear was stuck in a log that was laying beside the elder. Tigra could see that the elder was still alive, but would not be for long. With her only weapon she carried, a small sharp dagger, she jumped on the back of the large boar and kept stabbing it until it died. The boar tried to throw her off and kill her, but Tigra held on with all her strength. Her legs were wrapped around the boars waist so tight, the boar had trouble breathing. After Tigra killed the boar, she cut the tusks out and bent down to the elder. "Can you walk"? she asked. The Elder shook his head no. She smiled and picked him up and carried him back home. Everyone saw her, and they cheered. Along with the elder and the tusks, she carried Kravik`s spear as well. " Here is your trophy Kravik! I had a little trouble getting it away from the boar though. It seems that the boar was still alive and no where near the cliffs". Tigra laid the elder in his hut, and walked back out. Taking the spear, She threw it at Kravik, and just missed his shoulder. A thin red line appeared across his shoulder. "Here is the spear that you say killed the beast, but all I saw on the tip was old tree bark from the log you hit. The Pride went wild, and branded Kravik from ever coming back.
Tigra was still drawing , the picture was getting larger. She showed the boar, and her riding it. She showed the Pride throwing Kravik out. It was being played in her picture and she did not even know she was doing it. The fire light showed her green eyes, and they were wide open, but not seeing. She drew on.
After Kravik was branded, and chased away, things started to change in the pride. no longer was there a need for trophies . Everyone was given a name. The pride became strong and fearless. Everyone was given a part of the kill. All was good in the forest.,p> That when she noticed that the forest was quiet. To quiet. Sniffing the air, she could smell smoke, and death. Racing back to the pride, she had found that Kravik had came back, and he brought warriors from a distant land back with him. They had killed everyone there, before she was able to return. One of the dead, had his spear stuck in the chest. She cried for two full days , while burying all of her Pride. The forest grew silent once more when she let out a cry in anger. She followed all of the warriors back to there land and killed them all. She left Kravik alive, but with out his tail. The worse thing she could have done to him, except for a slow death. From there she wandered from place to place, selling her self to any warlord who could meet her price. She became tired of doing that, and started wondering around. She found Monfort by mistake and has called it home ever since she meet Doug.
She drew a city, that looked alot like Monfort. The fire cracked and she woke up from her trance. With out looking down, she threw the stick into the fire, and curled up, and closed her eyes. Before anyone knew it, she was asleep by Sand, with her tail curled up tightly around his foot..........
[Sandanamous]
Sandanamous feels the magical mesh of the ground beneath it quiver, someone disrupting it with their own magic. Peering down curiously, it sees Tigra begin to draw. Reaching out a careful tendril of thought, Sandanamous discovers the tale behind the drawings that are expanding from her idle stick. Eye ridges raised with interest, it makes a quick decision, and relays what its mind hears and sees to the others of their small fellowship. As the story peters off, Tigra still not aware of his intrusion, he carefully closes their mind link. A slight smile plays at the corners of his long mouth, when her tail deigns to curl about his foot. A most interesting creature, to be sure, Sandanamous thinks idly. Sensing eyes on itself, it looks up to see the other's expectant faces. Suddenly it realizes, everyone has told their story (wither consciously or not), except itself.
Taking a breath, it modulates its booming voice so that it doesn't carry past their small circle. "I suppose you want to hear my tale now." Afirmative nods meet its statement. "Well, I came into being aproxamately eighteen hundred years ago. As you can imagine, that is a lot of life to live." It sifts its memories, trying to decide what to tell its new friends. "The only problem with that thought is, I am still only the equivalent of eighteen, in two-legger years. This is evident when I transform to Sand. I still have a lot of life to live, and a lot to learn. I guess it would be apropriate to tell you how I came into being?" Again they nod, so Sandanamous continues, its eyes going slightly out of focus, as it remembers its creation. "About eighteen hundred years ago a small island in the middle of a lake, in the center of a huge forest, was dying. A earthquake had caused a crack to open directly under it, and it was sinking more and more each day. Now . . . there was a water sprite that lived in the lake that held this island, and she was sad to see it dying, for she had known it her whole life. Day after day she watched it get smaller and smaller, until one day she hit upon an idea. Why not make the island mobile, free it? Now, this was rather difficult, considering the mass of sand and stone that this island still was. The quick witted sprite figured out the solution soon enough, though. Only mobilize -part- of the island. She began lifting a large funnel of sand and stone from the island with her magic, eventually digging up so much of it that she hit upon the skeleton of a dragon that had been buried there centuries before.
"She really didn't know what to do with it, so just left it to spin around with the rest of the sand from the island. For the breifest moment, the skeleton seemed alive, as the sand twisted around its bleached white bones. The sprites rapid imagination kicked in, and soon the island had been personified in this large brown and gold creature. The part of the island that was not rescued eventually dropped back into the molten center of this world. However, the Sand Dragon the sprite had created was still connected to every grain of sand, and every chunk of rock that had made up the rest of its body. When they melted into the rest of Iffrean, its . . .my . . . awareness shot out to encompass this world as well. This is why my magical focus -is- the stuff of Iffrean, the rocks and sand and creatures. I guess you could say my parents -are- Iffrean and the water sprite."
It gets a sad look in its eye, "I stayed with her until she died, when the lake dried up. Eventually it funneled down the same crack that ate me. . the island . . . and when the water went, she went. There was nothing I could do." Its voice trails off, and it turns away from the staring faces. Obviously, they two had been very close indeed. It adds only one more thing to its monologue, "I can change into any creature of Iffrean with a mass as large as or larger than a human. Anything, up to my own true mass." This was obviously added purely for Guen's benifite, incase its tallents were needed in battle. Lowering its great head to the ground, it slides its neck around until its snout tip touches Tigra's back. Closing fiery orbs, it sinks back into dreams, leaving the humans to talk amongst themselves.
[Guen]
The golden girl *heard * in amazement Tigra�s story, through the projection from the Sand dragon. Then, as he courteously shut down, the dragon confounded her even more, telling of his creation. In her world the telling of The Begetting was a major Trust, to be deeply honored. She bowed in acknowledgement.
As she waited for Kirjath to either accept or deny The Blooding, she sent ot Sandanamous. My Great Friend, I have need of your help. We go blind into this confrontation. I need information desperately. I learned that Arrowwind Abbey had a recorder who was a retainer of Lord Jarg�s at one point. It would be a great service if thee could leave soon and learn all that can be found of the Enemy.* The girl sent warm thoughts toward the mighty dragon, as Sand aquiesed. Walk with care, oh great friend.*
[Raza]
Her new friend Rolf came near drowning , but she was ashamed to admit to him how terrified she was of water. Jarg�s men had tried to drown her, when she attacked the foul one hurting her lady. Just as Raz got ready to jump in after him Rolf came out-sounding just a little miffed at her. But she couldn�t explain-Sight Hounds feared nothing!
The silky haired hound was silent as she followed the lean wolf back toward the camp, until he caught wind of what happened to Kara. He was so loyal! In spite of his wolfish attitude, the hound was truly beginning to like and respect this one.
[Bran]
When the half elf was so nice to him , he blushed like a child.* But she is such a pretty lady! *Considering that he had tried to kill her, she had been VERY nice, he thought.
After eating ,again, Bran settled down, listening to the elders talk. It was as if he was in a waking dream. He kept thinking he heard noises in the woods, but Raz and Rolf were perfectly calm. The weary boy couldn�t keep his eyes open. The last thing he remembered was Sand�s rumbling voice.
[Kirjath]
He pondered Guen�s words for a long moment. He had kept his eyes fixed on this golden skinned woman of the steppes. She seemed to come from a people not to different from his, with very similar ideas about duty and friends. However they were her people, not his. He got up to stand eye-to-eye with Guen.
�Guen� he paused, �I am honored and warmed by your offer of a place and kin, but, � again he paused. �but I can�t soon forget and put behind me my family and kinsmen, thought they be dead. You understand this. I�ve already given you my word of honor and commitment to your quest, but I can�t give you my identity, who I am. Not now�� the last was an inaudible whisper. Kirjath hoped the desert woman understood. He sat down.
[Guen]
The woman in her wept for him, yet she recognized his stance-she had spent many years there.
�Kirjath, thou hast spoken from thy heart. We are honored to have a true man with us. I give thee all respect foe thy choice and do understand thy reasoning , with thanks for a true answer.�
[Kara]
Kara saw Tigra� s tale and could not believe what she saw. �I cannot believe that she lost her loved one�s as well. It seems that Rolf and I are no longer alone in our little group�. Rolf looked up and said, *Well, you almost lost one a bit ago. It was a good thing you woke when you did. The boy they call Bran? Was about to die. Tigra would have found out what I was really made of. Do you think she knows?* Reaching down and scratching his ears, Kara said, �no, or she would have said something by now. You hide it well. Now let�s stop talking about it, and get down to that pool Tigra was talking about. My ankle is in need of a good soaking.� Rolf followed Kara down the trail and to the waterfall. It was still dark, but they managed to find the pool.
This is not too bad Rolf. You should try this. The heated water would be good for your sore ribs, after that hit you took from Raza. You need to tell her you are not as young as you used to be�. The hot springs bubbled and boiled while Kara lay in the pool. She had shed her clothes and folded them by the rocks with her staff, near the edge and within easy reach. She turned to see Rolf looking at a rather large fish that was in the cool side of the stream. She had no idea that the fish had almost drowned Rolf when he was fishing. �Rolf , leave that poor fish alone. He is not hurting you. Now get over here and watch for anyone coming down the trail. We cannot hear them coming and I need your sharp eyes to be a look out.� She turned in time to see the fish splash Rolf with it�s tail. The wave it brought up almost knocked Rolf down. �ROLF! Get over here. That fish can control water, and he can drown you where you stand. � Rolf looked up after the wave hit and shook what water he could off of him. Giving the fish a hard look, he ran over to Kara , just missing another wave. �I told you, did I not? Now stay over here and leave the fish alone. I do not know what you are thinking sometimes.� She started scratching his head and he turned so that she would get his ears. �My father spoiled you with the ear scratching, didn�t he?� and she scratched even harder.� I am surprised any hair grows up there. Now wouldn�t that be a sight to see? A bald timber wolf-now that would be a sight worth seeing.� And she started to laugh. Rolf didn�t think it was funny and pulled his head away and turning his back to her, he sat and looked away.
�Oh, you big baby, comeher. I was only kidding�, and she reached up and pulled him into the pool.* Bald wolf indeed. Hey..watch what�glurb�hey, this is hot* Kara pulled Rolf under once more until she knew he was going to give up. �hold still. I am trying ot see if you have anything broken. Raz hit you pretty good. Ok, get up. What did you think , that I was going to drwon you?� *Well, it felt like it. You could have at least tell me these things before you try and drown me. I bet you would not even miss me if I was gone. * Kara pulled his head around and looked at him eye to eye.� You are wrong , Rolf , and I never want you to say that ever again, do you hear me ?� Rolf could see the tears starting to forming her eyes, so he started licking her face. �Quit .. Rolf.. Quit that. You know it makes me laugh.� She pushed him away and started laughing. �Thanks Rolf, you always know how to make me happy�, and she pulled him closer.. �you big lug, I don�t know what I�d do without you.� I would. You�d be wandering around the forest being lost* and he pulled back before Kara had the catch to dunk him under the water, �you are getting faster. Now come here and let me check those ribs.�
After checking to be sure Rolf did not have any ribs broken , Kara dressed and headed back to the camp. She was in time to hear Guen telling Kirjath something. She did not catch all that he said, but the look in his eyes showed that he was upset about something. �Let�s get some sleep Rolf, it will not be long until morning light, and we still have a ways to go�. Reaching in her pack, she brings out a sleeping bag. Placing the staff close, she crawls in and lays close to the fire. She starts to dose off, but tells Rolf �You are in charge of watching over us. Tel Raza no more games tonight.� Rolf bent down and licked her cheek.*Get some rest , Little One. I will protect you and your friends tonight?� Rolf stood and watched the fog starting to rise up from the ground. There was a stir in the fog, but Rolf did not see it�
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Chapter One: The Gathering
Chapter Two: Seeking Revenge
Chapter Four : The Fog
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