Friday, 13 Flocktime, 582

It was early afternoon. The Seekers, with their recently met acquaintance Pirvan, were having their weekly luncheon at the INN, sitting at their usual table, eating the usual Friday special - stew. Cassandra looked up from her bowl and said, "Ah, I think an adventure this way comes."

"How, er, can you ah, possibly, -"

"Excuse me," said a male voice from behind Andremar's shoulder. All at the table looked around to see the rather weather worn man who had the humble tone in his speech. "It is you who are called these Seekers?" offering a piece of parchment as he said this. P> "Er, what the?"

"Yes," said Cassandra, "I see you have one of our flyers."

"How entrepreneurial," noted Lwcynda.

"That Artemus fellow does write nicely, doesn't he?" added Cassandra.

"Will, er, one of you, ah, tell me - " the befuddled mage went on.

Cassandra said, "I took the liberty of having the local scribe write us up a posting. Here," taking the parchment from the unknown man's hand. "See."

Andremar read, "Have a problem? A mystery. Lost something, someone? Need something, someone? The Seekers can help you. Meet us at the Inn the Shadows, Fridays early afternoon." a look of understanding crossed his face.

Andremar turned to the visitor, "Yes, er, my good follow, ah, why don't you, um tell us, er, what is wrong.?"

Cassandra offered the man a chair, which he then sat down in.

"My name is Feister. I come from the village of Rillford, which is a long day's walk to the south of here. Nearly two weeks ago our town was hit with a freak of mother nature. Hail the size of sling stones fell from the sky, beating our winter wheat crop to dust. When all was done, it looked as if an army of giants had been on maneuvers."

"We farmers knew we were in trouble. Our local miller, Werthan, collected funds from one and all, with the intention of coming here, Chatwin, and buying grain for a new planting. That was ten days ago, and he has not yet returned. The journey should have taken three to five days at most. "

Lwcynda asked, "Are you sure this Werthan is trustworthy. Perhaps he has absconded with your money."

Yes," conceded Feister, "some of our villagers voiced a similar fear. But Werthan is no thief, and he did leave behind a wife and three children, not to mention his mill business. I was sent here to inquire about Werthan. I checked with your own miller and one who signed his name `Werthan' purchased the appropriate amount of grain from him some eight days ago. I also inquired at your militia, and some there remember one fitting Werthan's description leaving Chatwin and heading out the south road about a week ago. So, I must conclude that he did come here and did do what he was supposed to. But, since I came here, I know our paths did not cross."

"I have exhausted all my ideas. I hope that you three," noticing Pirvan, "four? can help me?"

"Uh, I'm sure we'll have um, well, uh, we should be able to uh... we should uh... can... uh, oh... too much ale... *hic*.."

Andremar shook his head as if to clear his senses, and spoke slowly "Uh, Perhaps you... uh... could tell us, what um, what type of uh... wagon - if any - did Werthan um... did he travel with?"

Then he paused and added, "How many horses or other beasts pulled it?"

Feister thought for a bit, "Horses? No, no horses. Werthan is a farmer. He had an ox drawn cart with one oxen. Again, not the thing one takes on a getaway."

Lwcynda said to Feister " Perhaps you could also provide us with a description of Werthan, i.e. age, height, coloring, clothing etc."

"Werthan is a farmer, as are most of us in Rillford. He wore standard farmer's cloths, well worn and none to clean. He has always complained of lack of funds, so he never was one for lavish items. He is in his thirties, stocky of build, maybe 5 and half feet tall, 150 lbs, with dirty brown hair."

She turns to Cassandra and asks "Perhaps you know what else lies to the south of this town between here and Rillford?"

"Since you asked, there is a cobblestone road which runs the 20 or so miles to the south. And for about the middle ten, it cuts through the eastern end of a small woods."

Pirvan added, "I will help but I suggest we get some more information on this "Freak of nature" which I believe it is not. For some reason I believe this may have something to do with magic. Apart from this I am raring to go for this is what I have been waiting for quite a while."

"Feister could you tell us what is in the surrounding lands and of any thing that has happened in the past that may have angered a mage?"

Feister thought again, "Angered a mage? Doubt that. We are just simple farmers. Don't think we could have done anything to anger a mage."

He went on, "As far as the surrounding lands go, the only trouble spot is those woods your friend there," he pointed to Cassandra, "spoke of. Because within them is a little traveled forest we call the Dark Woods."

"The Dark Woods?," said the four in unison.

"Yes, the Dark Woods," repeated Feister, in somewhat reverential tone.

Cassandra thought *torches*.

Lwcynda said, "Perhaps the storm was just a freak of nature and perhaps not. We can learn little about it here. I would suggest we get our things together and head south and check out these "Dark Woods". Maybe Werthan was taken by a band of brigands or some such thing and perhaps not. Anyway, it is on the way to Rillford. We might be able to find the tracks of a heavy cart and oxen. We can question the guards at the gate on the way out. Oh and Cassandra, about those torches -- do we have flint?" Anyone else have any suggestions on where to start or what else to do?"

"Uh... Dark Woods? Well, um... sounds to me uh, well, would seem rather obvious that this would be the um, place to uh, head off for."

Andremar thought for a moment, then suggested, "Friends, um, what I propose may be dangerous... uh, to our uh, persons, but I suspect it... well, I uh, uh.... mmm... I think it should work....

"Were it known... uh, to be made known that Andremar Leetledeek and Cassandra Duske were transporting a um, a reasonable sum of gold from Chatwin... uh, and we, um... had Pirvan and Lwcynda concealed in um, in a... a... um... a wagon or something... perhaps um, we could uh... um... well provoke the... no, um, tempt the perpetuators (if any) to reveal themselves. Of course, uh, if it wasn't um, wasn't errr bandits, we would still be doing our um, task no harm should we keep an eye or eight open."

Cassandra said, "Andremar, your conniving is impressive. Since I am the one who usually seeks out rumors, I will set about starting the rumor. Shouldn't be too hard. Think I'll go have a chat with that Artemus fellow. He seems like a good starting poi nt. Course, it will take a few days to get it spread. Now, One of us should visit Lunt's to see about a horse and cart, and one get some supplies to put under cover with the two armed types. If we are not accosted, we still have to eat. "

She began to head off, then hesitated. "And, yes, I'll see to flint with those torches."

Andremar, jiggled some coins in his pocket set off to find a farmer who might have a wagon and horse.

Lwcynda said to Andremar, "Good thinking. I will go and get us some supplies. Why don't you bring the cart and horses to my place and then we can load the wagon. I will be home later this afternoon."

"Uh, okay... it will be um... I'll make sure it's there..."

"What about you Pirvan, any other ideas?"

"I say this is a good plan. It will draw the attention of many people but not many of them will be brave enough to try take it."

"Why are you so nervous?" he asked of Andremar. "You sound very nervous about some thing."

"Uh, well... I'm not actually, uh... in fact, I um, I can't wait to set out... It's just um... well, uh, I'm not very fluent with errr.... with words..."

"Anyway about the plan I am willing to take the risk. I will try find a chest so that this makes it more convincing."

Flocktime, Monday, the 16th

The sun rose slowly in the east. An old wagon, drawn by an equally old horse began its journey from the cottage of Lwcynda the Priestess, heading out the cobblestoned south road; the road which led to Rillford, some 25 miles away. At the reins was Andremar the Abjurer. Sitting tall in the buckboard he commanded the horse with a stern, "Er, Nellie?, ah, let's go, er girl. Atta, er, girl. Let's get, ah, going. Good, um, girl."

Sitting next to him, and riding shotgun, er, short sword, was Cassandra the Rogue. A flashy green cloak around her shoulders, she looked about in anxious anticipation. "Good idea you had to borrow this wagon from our old friend Lingus."

Andremar took this compliment with his normal modest savois faire. "And you um, did well to, er, spread the story of our, ah, transporting, er gold."

Cassandra smiled back. She looked at the chest which rode in the back, behind the buckboard, patted it to make sure it was secured. "Good chest. That Pirvan found a good one. Looks like the kind you'd find on a stage "

A voice murmured from beneath the canvas which covered the rest of the rear of the wagon. "It should. I got it from Lunt. He told me it was the kind used by the stage, back when money regularly when through this way."

Though they could not be seen, both Pirvan and Lwcynda were concealed beneath this canvas.

Hours passed as the wagon carrying the four and their chest of gold made their way south along the very uneven cobblestones.

"When we get back to Chatwin I think I'll buy myself a new backside," quipped Cassie.

"Er, why is that?" bit Andremar.

"Cause all this bumping has cracked my old one." She began to laugh, but her mirth was short lived. "Do you see what I see?"

Andremar said, "Yes, um, I do."

He kept the wagon steady as both looked forward. Some one hundred yards ahead stood two mounted riders, unmoving, in the center of the road. "We are approaching company," said Cassandra softly to the rear.

Gradually the two men could be better viewed. Both riders wore hooded cloaks of dark green color, well worn and mud splattered black boots covered their feet. Scabbards hung form their belts, leather vests covered their chests. Both were in need of a shave.

When the wagon reached twenty yards of the riders, one of the mounted men raised a hand, palm towards the wagon, and said, "Hold up a minute here."

Andremar reined in the horse, and did a good job of looking frightened, whilst he mentally prepared a magic missile....

"Ahhhh.... uh, uh uh uhhhhh.... how uh, mmmm.... how can be be of um, of um, of assistance???"

Lwcynda stayed very quiet under the tarp and awaited any signal from the two outside. Pirvan also waited patiently for some move to be made.

Cassandra knew full well what her companion had in mind. She had seen him cast his famed missile on numerous occasions. She turned her head slightly so Andremar could see her eyes. She moves them in a subtle manner to signal her intent to take the rider on the left.

The rider on the right spoke again. "You can assist us greatly by handing over that chest." He pointed to the large wooden box which rode in the back behind Cassandra and Andremar. "Rumor has it that it contains a reasonable amount of gold. You horse seems to be very worn down from pulling it along. We two are animal fanciers who would like to unburden your poor four legged friend."

Andremar's hands began to move, he readied his magic strike, when Cassandra's right hand came down across them. Andremar looked at her in askance. She looked not at him, but beyond, into the trees which paralleled the road way. Andremar followed her gaze. He saw trees, leaves, some plant growth, some more horsemen, each of whom had a long bow drawn, an arrow knocked. His head jerked around to the other side, where he saw more trees, more horsemen, more arrows.

Cassandra spoke to the two who were clearly visible. "It would seem you two are out of luck. You will no sooner relive us of this burden, than those riders," her head glanced to either side, "will relieve you of yours." she grinned at her little joke.

The spokesman conceded that she was at least amusing. "Nice try, my fair maiden, but as you know they are with us. Now, let's not wait any more time. Untether the chest and pass it over." He waved his left hand, and then his right. From either side of the road, four more riders came from the woods.

Andremar took it with his usual aplomb. "Er, ah, eight, plus two is ten," he said loudly enough for anyone within earshot to clearly hear.

"Uh, so can I see some uh, identification please?"

The spokesman looked at his companions, then back to Andremar. Drawing a rather nice blade he said, "This here's my identification. It says I have the right to take anything I want. And these fine fellows are willing to vouch for me. Aren't you. boys?" The nine riders nodded in the affirmative as one.

Under the tarp and still undetected, Pirvan whispered to his partner, "What are we going to do? We are under here are out of view and there are 10 horsemen out there. Did we put anything in the chest? or is it empty?"

Lwcynda whispered back, "As far as I know it's pretty empty. When they find out it's empty we may have no choice but to fight. We may surprise them as we are still hidden. However ... Maybe Andremar and Cassandra will be able to resolve it, but if not be prepared. I can handle a few, what about you? I must admit that this doesn't look very good at all."

Pirvan whispered back, "I could handle a few and I think that if we stay near the wagon we should be able to hold. I do hope that they resolve this for it may be fatal if they don't. For we couldn't escape their horses on foot if they prove to much for us. But I say we can take them."

At about this moment in time Cassandra had the same wonder. She leaned back and knocked on the side of the chest. It moved slightly, and to her trained ears, it sounded hollow. "You do know it's empty?" she whispered to Andremar, and to those under the tarp.

Andremar had had time to view the horsemen, and their spokesman. Each had a crossbow, eight of which were aimed at him. Well, four at him and the other four at Cassie. The two in front had bows, but for now were content to fondle the hilts of their long swords. He remembered his request for identification and having considered the weapons at hand said, "Uh, right... well, I'm ah, um, I'm sure that'll be sufficient... thanks..."

Cassandra could see that Andremar was contemplating something. His hands tightened on the reins, as if he were about to giddy yap the nag, the old tired nag, that was pulling their old broken down wagon. She said to the riders, "My those sure are fine horses. Fine young looking horses. Fine young fast looking horses."

The one replied, "Fast enough. Now if you'd only be fast enough to hand over the chest, we'll be fast enough on our way."

Something caught Cassandra's ear. She turned her head, imperceptibly, to listen. She heard Lwcynda say, "What do you think will happen if we just give them the chest? Surely they won't fight us over an empty chest. We could tell them we were just "kidding". How do you think they'd take that? We can't solve any mysteries if we are dead and I don't think any of us brought any valuables knowing we expected brigands. Just an empty chest."

Cassie whispered back, "Anything's worth a try here."

The leader called out, "Who is it you keep talking to. Is there someone _in_ that chest?"

Cassandra pondered a response. But before she could formulate one, the blanket lifted. Some of the bow wielders sighed in shock. Lwcynda climbed out of the rear of the wagon. She walked around to the front. All the men's' eyes were upon her. Cassandra's hand when to her short blade.

Lwcynda spoke. "No, no one is _in_ that chest. In fact, there is nothing in the chest."

The lead rider smirked, unconvinced. "Don't suppose you mind if I checked for myself?"

"No, I wouldn't mind. but won't you feel foolish if you look and it is empty? In fact. I'll bet you'll be angry. So, I tell you what. I will wrestle you, or any one of your men here," waving her arm around the other riders, "for the right to look in the chest. If you win, you can look and take, though there is nothing to take. If I win, you'll have to take my word for it, that the chest is empty, and that will be it for now. What say you?"

The leader seemed hesitant. Cassandra piped, "Fraid of a woman are yee?"

One of the riders spoke, " James, er, he's afraid of no one, much less a girl."

James was not amused by the mention of his name. "OK, it is a wager. But I do not see why you are trying to delay us." He dismounted, handed his weapons over to another, and removed his upper clothing, baring a well developed chest. Cassandra surpressed a sigh.

Lwcynda removed her chain vest, her robes, and her symbol. She wore a rather tight fitting leotard. The men whistled in approval. "Take your time James, don't want to rush the match," said one. "Yes, don't pin her too fast. We'd like to watch the contest for awhile," another leered.

Cassandra wondered what her friend was up to. Then, her mind returned to the cave, where she had seen this maiden pull herself up a rope then right herself on her feet with almost no effort.

"Before you two begin," Cassie added, "how about some side bets. I got a gem says the lady pins your man."

"I'll take that," cried one of the bandits.

"Fine," she said. "Now let's make sure we understand the contest. The first one to touch the other's shoulders to the ground, just touch them there, is the winner, right?"

All agreed that this was fair. James seemed a bit disappointed, as he had been planning to keep the fair lady pinned for longer, but .....

An area was cleared in the roadway. All dismounted and formed a circle. One bandit took firm hold of the reins, lest Andremar attempt something.

The two combatants took to a crouch and began circling to the left, each looking for an opening. The men screamed for James to rush her, but he was far too wise to fall for that. For maybe a minute it looked like a hand slapping contest, as each tried to grab the other's arm, only to have the attempted grasp slapped away. Finally, it seemed as if James had made a fatal mistake. He extended his left arm a bit too far, and Lwcynda was able to grasp it. But James had set the bait, and the priestess had bitten. For just as she grasped his arm, he had turned it palm up, grabbing hers instead and pulling her towards him. But Lwcynda had fended off more suitors than had James. She relaxed and twirled herself into his body, as if dancing in a fancy ball. Her back was to his front, her buttocks were against his crotch. The men whooped in glee. Then they fell crestfallen, as Lwcynda's right heel contacted their man's right knee. He slipped back slightly, but Lwcynda's grip on both his arms kept him from falling. She raised his arms to her right shoulder, twisted her right side into him, stepped back with her left leg, and rolled James around her right hip. He landed gently on his back and shoulders.

"It was a fine dance, my good man, but I think the band has stopped playing."

James got quickly to his feet. Only his pride had been hurt. "What is in that chest that is so important anyway?"

A voice came from down the road, "Whatever it is we will never know. "

All eyes turned to the newcomer. Riding towards all on a fine war-horse came a rotund fellow, well armed and armored, a full head and face of reddish brown hair. All the men moved back to allow him to enter the circle. "James," he said, "we should try to recruit this young lady to our cause. But, I doubt she would accept."

By now, Lwcynda had dressed and her symbol to Mayaheine was prominently displayed. The bearded rider dismounted and strolled right up to her. She was so stunned that he had taken her right hand, kissed it, and returned it before she had a chance to react. Never did his deep brown eyes leave hers.

"Papazian, leader of this fine band, at your service. Sorry if we disturbed your journey. Feel free to continue on your way. You four will always have free passage of the road to Rillfin."

Cassandra caught the number. "Four, but we are only -"

But Papazian's hand waved off her blatant lie. "The other one in the rear can come out now. We mean him no harm."

A sheepish Pirvan emerged from beneath the blanket. "You knew?" he said, as he stretched his cramping legs. .

"My good young lad, I know much more than you think."

"But," smirked Cassie, "you were supposed to know."

"That's correct, but I knew that we were supposed to know. So, I wanted to know `why?' I thought that the heroes were up to something, especially after that big display at the Inn of the Shadows. But they are nowhere to be found. You four are obviously operating on you own for some reason. Care to tell me why?"

Cassandra began to speak, but then looked to her other companions, "Well?" she said to them.

"Uh, I'm sure we're agreed that... um, we all suppose that the um, the gold is alluring, but... um, well, perhaps its a sense that this is uh, this is um, well, the career I'd uh, I'll mmmm... find most um, well, most satisfying."

Andremar blushed, and scuffed the ground with his toe, a la "sheepish cartoon character".

"So, uh, what is your um, your cause? Tell me more, tell me more, tell me more if you would... Tell me more, tell me more, are you questing for Good?."

At the mention of the word `good' a roar of laughter came from all the men. Even Cassandra winced a bit at her friend's faux pas. "Good?" said Papazian, "Yes, we venture for good, don't we men?"

"That's right, Boss, our own good," yelled one in mock agreement. The men roared with laughter one more.

"Er, I was a, just, er asking."

Papazian smiled a charming smile, "That's OK. My men like to think they are so smart. Perhaps your way is the right way. Anything else you'd like to know.

Cassandra spoke, turning everyone's attention form Andremar. "You mentioned the Heroes. Do you know them?" There was a slight edge in her voice, as if she knew something.

The men's laughter ceased. All eyes turned to their leader. Papazian's smile faded, then it grew again. "Yes, I know them. In fact, they owe who they are to me. They used me to make their fame."

"Ah, you are the `group', or what is left of them, who once inhabited the hills north of Chatwin. Artemus Buttwyler mentioned something about you."

"I'm sure he would. Definitive history of the Chatwin Heroes, indeed. How about the definitive history of the Welkwood Bandits?"

"The who?"

"The Welkwood Bandits," continued Papazian, "we deserve a history, too."

Cassandra offered, "Someday, I might take that task upon myself."

Papazian contemplated the offer.

Lwcynda said, "Well Papazian, for a man in your line of work you seem to be honorable so please do tell us more. Let us exchange 'stories'. I am Lwcynda and these are my companions. I assume you keep close watch on this road. Would you perhaps have seen an old man with a wagon full of grain go by here about a week or so ago?"

Papazian looked at the men. He nodded to one. The man looked to his leaded, as if to ask, "Should I?" Papazian nodded in the affirmative. The man, rather unkempt and smelling of whiskey approached Lwcynda. She stood her ground, but put both hands in her pockets. The man took off his hat and held it in both hands. He could not quite face Lwcynda as he spoke. "Yes, Miss, I seen a grain puller go bye some days back. Didn't a seem to hav nuttin a value, jest an old cart and some sacs. They was grain sacs, sure enough. I didn't a mess with 'im at all. jest let 'im pass. I swear 'e never even seen me."

"Are you sure?" asked Papazian.

"As sure as rain, Boss, I didn't a bother the fellow. Looked dour enough not to have any thing of value."

Lwcynda asked, "Then what could have happened to him. He couldn't just disappear, could he."

Another of the bandits spoke. "Excuse me, Miss, but he could just disappear. That is if he entered the Dark Woods."

"The Dark Woods," reflected Cassandra. "That is the second time I have heard them mentioned. Where are these Dark Woods?"

Most of the Bandits attempted to answer. It was clear that they found these two young ladies captivating, and wanted to prolong the encounter. Papazian raised a hand for silence. He got it immediately. "Not wanting to spend anymore time here, a pleasant as this encounter has been." He smiled at both women, then as an after thought, nodded to both Andremar and Pirvan, "But we must be going. If it is the Dark Woods you seek, continue south for another mile or so. Mark carefully the west side, your right side. There is a little path which heads off from this road. That path will take you to the woods you seem to seek."

"And what will we find there?" Asked Lwcynda.

"From what I have heard, just about anything, from fairies to dragons, from wood to gold. They say the trees talk, they say .... , lots of things. You will find the truth for yourselves. Well met, you four. And you have freedom of travel on this road for as long as I say. To your mounts men."

As one, they clambered aboard their horses. Papazain backed to the side as the other riders headed of to the south. He turned to the four one last time. "My regards to those heroes. Tell them Papazain is not gone, just relocated. And tell that little one, the Gnome, I owe him one."

With that he reared his beautiful mount. its forelegs rising up, turned to the south, and rode off in pursuit of his band. The four watched as he departed. When he was about one hundred yards away, another rider emerged from the woods. "A woman," both Lwcynda and Cassandra noted. He and she headed on south together.

The four returned to the problem at hand, the missing Werthan. "I guess, er, we should, ah try to find that, um path, that guy told us of?"

The others agreed and all climbed aboard their well worn wagon. The road south, slowly. scanning the right side for any sign of a path.

As he drove the horse onward, Andremar asked, "So, Cassie, er, what all did, um this Artemus, er say about the Heroes and these, ah, bandits?"

Cassandra told the story as she had heard it. "I became curious about these so-called heroes the night of that show, when that little guy, Gideon made that crying fuss about whatever. Then when they made that big display with the dagger and medals and all, well I had to know more. I asked around. All roads led to Artemus. Seems he came to Chatwin to write their history, and they have not been very co-operative.

"From what he has learned, Papazian and a band of rogues took up residence in the hills north of Chatwin. They found an old abandoned underground hideout. The Heroes went north in search of the town's long lost treasure. turns out, the treasure and the Bandits were in the same place, though the Bandits did not know they were sitting on a real gold mind. Anyway, the Heroes one out, slew many and drove the others off, found the towns' treasure, and were coronated The Chatwin Heroes."

"What, er, about that mention he, um made of, er Hadrian?"

"Again, nothing definite, but Artemus said something about the illusionist using his magic to appear as a real spell. Papazian felt the full brunt of whatever it was and almost died. It was the turning point in the battle. First chance he got, Papazian fled. But, from what he said today, I guess his motto is, `He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day.'"

The ride continued in silence as they reflected on this story and the encounter with the Bandits. They had traveled a mile or two when Pirvan cried, "Hold up!"

"Oh, er, no, um not again," moaned Andremar.

"No, not a hold up, just pull in the reins." By now Pirvan had jumped from the rear of the wagon and was closely examining the ground to the west side of the road. "Tracks."

Cassandra got down and moved beside him. "He's right. Footprints, wheels, and hoofprints. Faint, but they are here."

Andremar leaves the wagon, and slips a hand between his knees, to quell the knocking. "Dark Woods? eh?"

Andremar loosened his magic missiling fingers, and looked to his companions. "Shall... uh, will we leave the wagon - it doesn't um... well, it will make us uh, more conspicuous..."

Lwcynda agreed that they should leave the wagon and found a suitable place for the horse to graze. She then said "Yes, I do think we should go on foot. I will go ahead, but if one of you is a better tracker you might want to step slightly ahead so I don't mess-up the tracks."

Cassandra being the lightest of foot, agreed to take the lead. Lwcynda followed a few feet behind, her ears alert for usual, or unusual sounds in the forest. To Cassandra she says "You have been in the forest more than I; do you hear any unusual animal or other sounds?"

"You think too highly of me. My experience is limited to the city. A footfall on a loose board, the rustle of a curtain, these are the sounds common to me." Cassandra concentrated on the ground in front of her.

Then after hearing Cassandra's answer she said, "Let us go and may Mayaheine be with us this day."

Andremar traveled third, off to the side of the path, whilst going over chill touch and magic missile in his head. He had to concentrate on his footfalls as well, however, lest his natural clumsiness eliminate any advantage.

Pirvan, bow out and ready, followed at a distance of about ten feet.

The forest was dark and clearly very old, but in no way as sinister as its name would suggest. Well-spaced trees-huge oaks, maples, and a scattering of small pines and birch- and scant undergrowth allowed sight to thirty yards. Dead leaves and twigs crackled under their feet, making silent movement difficult. Only mushrooms and the occasional lady's slipper grew in the shadows. The four had traveled about a mile. All could hear and increasingly louder cawing when Cassandra called a halt. "The cart path continues to there," she pointed.

The cawing was louder now and the stench of carrion was present. A shoulder of stone jutted out of the earth, creating a clearing, some twenty yards ahead, where only moss and raspberry brambles grew. A dozen ravens flapped about, apparently fighting over something.

As the four pondered their options, the ravens stopped their squabbling. A particularly large bird, with a wing span of about 4', hopped toward the party cawing loudly, " Beee-gawwwn."

Andremar jumped backwards with a slight squeak... but regained his composure, and stepped shakily forward.

"Uh, what's that? um... on the ground?" he asked aloud... The closer he got, the more `that' looks like the remains of a four legged creature, an oxen perhaps. Then he noticed a wheel.

Andremar suggested to Pirvan, "F...fire an, er, arrow to disperse the, um, ravens. Or, er, maybe someone should, um, charge wildly at them whooping."

As Pirvan took aim with his bow, Lwcynda said loudly, " All right bird, I've had enough of this nonsense. Either we go ahead or we get rid of you, you ... you pesky creature. I will not go back now. So Bird, what do you have to say or do about that?"

Some of the other birds took flight. They began saying, "Gleee- tors. Gleee-tors. Gleee-tors." They swooped closer to Andremar and Lwcynda.

Andremar stepped back, close to a tree, in an attempt to reduce the aerial advantage the birds had. Rather than initiate combat, he used `cantrip' to create terrifying small balls of light in each hand, and made as if to hurl them...

"Be off... um, be um, out of here oh, oh, uh, foul um... things..."

At the sight of these small balls, some of the flock actually started to hover near Andremar, seemingly fascinated by the light. These birds became more rhythmic in their chant of "Gleee-tors, Gleee-tors." Others were coming out from the branches, making a flock of a dozen or so.

Pirvan fired an arrow off near the birds, deliberately missing. He yelled, "Be off or the next one will strike." Then he grabbed another arrow quickly and drew his bow in earnest this time.

The birds nearest Andremar continued to hover in fascination. The largest bird made its way towards Pirvan. The others swooped, still chanting, "Glee-tors, glee-tors."

Lwcynda said "Wait a minute Pirvan. Andremar, can you keep these birds mesmerized long enough for us to get by them?"

Pirvan kept his arrow at the ready. He called out to the birds, "Why are you trying to stop us from going any farther?"

The birds answered, "Glee-tors, glee-tors."

Lwcynda began to look around for a path or trail which might lead away from the birds and asked Cassandra to do the same. This jogged Cassandra's mind, "Wait. They are saying `glitters.' That's why they like Andremar's balls. Here, let's try this." She reached into a pocket and pulled out a handful of `glee-tors' as she called them, shiny copper pieces.

"Here, birdie, birdie. Get your Glee-tors." She tossed the handful back down the path from whence the four had come. The birds flew after them, and began picking at them, bleating "Glee-tors, glee-tors."

The flock had lost interest, at least for the time being, in whatever it had been pecking at before these four had arrived.

Cassandra said to the others, "Why don't you move on to check whatever that is up there. I'll keep watch on our feathery friends, in case they realize all that Glee-tors is not gold."

Andremar nodded in agreement, and headed off down the path, his eyes open, and ears... um... peeled, he wondered what might befall him next... . Lwcynda took the lead, moving towards whatever had held the birds attention before these four had arrived. Pirvan kept his bow at the ready, guarding the rear. Cassandra divided her attention between the birds and what the other were examining.

Lwcynda and Andremar reached the clearing where they found the half eaten body of an ox. As they examined the body, they realized that more than birds had pecked at it.

"Those look to me like canine teeth marks," said Lwcynda.

Andremar examined the over turned cart which lay in a depression on the far side of the clearing. "One of the, um, wheels is broken," he said. He also noted a few sacks which had been torn or pecked open, some grain strewn along the ground, most of it rotting. "The sack reads, er, `Chatwin.' "

Cassandra entered the clearing. To the north and to the south she noted a deer path. She bent to examine the ground. "No tracks in either depression," she declared, "Where to now?" She looked due west into solid woods.

"We best be moving," said Pirvan, "Those birds are getting anxious."

Andremar said, "Uh, well, it appears that uh, mmmm, the path yonder is uh, er... the only option. I think, um, I mean, perhaps Pirvan should be up uh, up the front, as we're um, uh, well unlikely to get a shot at a grounded beast.. um, given the dense foliage..."

Pirvan stepped forward. "I will go to the front of the group. "Pirvan headed to the front of the group. He asked, "Does anyone know how much farther we have to go? If we have to I will go ahead 25-50' and make sure the path is clear."

Andremar fell in behind him, fiddling with magic missile again...

Lwcynda said, "I have no idea how far we have to go. You lead and I will follow Andremar."

"Let's go."

Cassandra still wondered which way, north of south? She took a coin from her pocket, flipped it in the air, caught it and slapped it on her wrist. "Tails. South. Pirvan, take the path to the south."

Pirvan headed south and the others fell in line. After about half a mile the path began to curve to the east and a spur broke of it to the south. There were no tracks, no hints, as to which way they should go. All eyes fell on Cassandra. "OK, here goes." She flipped her coin once more. And, once more it came up tails. "I guess we take the south spur. Lead on, Pirvan."

And the line of The Four continued southward. Another two miles went by. Forest sounds filled the air, though little sign of life could actually be seen. The woods seemed dark and dour, indeed.

Finally Pirvan called a halt. "Look, up ahead," he said, pointing further along the path. All could see that coarse webbing stretched across the path, anchored to the trees and the forest floor, covering about 30 square feet. Birds and squirrels clung to the web, some partially wrapped in sticky silk, some shriveled and decomposed.

"Some one light a torch or some kind of fire, and get ready for a fight for there may still be spiders here. All the animals in the web are already dead."

"Uh, anyone got a match?" whispered Andremar. "This stuff burns I believe."

Lwcynda said, "I think Cassandra brought torches and flint & steel. Well, let's get to it then and watch what comes out."

Cassandra produced a torch. "Yes, I said I would get them. This time I remembered."

Lwcynda spoke again. "Just had another thought. I have some rags. Perhaps we could wrap some around Pirvan's arrows, then light them and Pirvan can shoot some into that web rather than having to get too close to it. Might be worth a try."

Cassandra suggested using the rags to fix a torch to an arrow. Kill all the birds with one stone, so to speak."

Pirvan found this doable, "Yes let us try that one first for I don't want to suffer the same fate as those animals."

Pirvan got his bow ready, as the others set about firing the torch to the arrow and setting the front alight. Pirvan tossed the flaming arrow into the web. As the arrow hit the webbing, a smoldering began, then bits of flame. Mostly however, it became a cloudy ball of foul smelling smoke.

Pirvan cautioned all, "Everyone keep watch in the bush and make sure nothing is trying to sneak up on us for spiders are wilderness animals and they may be good at staying quiet."

As the smoke began to clear, and much of the webbing could be seen now as melted strands, a rather large, spider-like creature did indeed become visible in the branches above what was left of the webbing. "What have you done to my home?" it demanded.

Pirvan replied, " We did not wish to suffer the same fate as the small helpless animals."

"Anyway why can you talk.?"

Lwcynda said to Pirvan, "That's what I would say also, so go ahead, it's fine with me if you do the talking."

The spider surveyed the four humans. The bow wielding fighter, the lips moving mage, the dagger ready thief, and the seemingly calm cleric.

"I owe you no answers," it spouted, and ......, dashed of into the woods.

"No sense trying to track it," said Cassandra, "Doubt it makes footprints."

A quick search of the area revealed a small silver pendant hanging from a branch.

"Best head on," noted Pirvan, "We do not have many hours of daylight left, and we will need to find a spot to make camp for the night."

"Good idea," agreed Cassandra, "don't feel much like sleeping here if out multi-legged friend returns."

Pirvan re took the lead, and they headed along the path. Another half mile brought them to yet another split.

Cassandra's coin was again tossed, "Finally, to the right. I think we are heading north now, though I cannot be sure."

"Let's hope we find a suitable clearing soon," said Lwcynda.

Depending on one's definition of `soon', two miles brought them into a pleasant glade roughly 30 yards across. The rolling earth was concealed by a light green wave of wild grasses and colored by clumps of pussy willows, dogtooth violets, yellow wood sorrel, and dark green sprouts of fiddle head fern. The sunlight, though fading , was strong here, especially compared to the shaded woods.

"Well, I suppose this seems a um, uh, good place to rest... has anyone a tent? Or, um, sheet of oilskin to string on a tree? I mean, uh, I'm not sure if it will rain or not... but well, um... better safe than wet. Uh, anyhow, shall we post guards?"

Cassandra unrolled her two wool blankets. "Bought these when Andremar and I were in Nyssia. That Maximillian fellow drove the storekeeper down so I was able to get two for one! You fellows can share one, Lwcynda and I the other. " She set about making up two bed sets in the middle of the clearing.

Andremar looked about for material for a campfire, keeping an eye open for eight legged homeless creatures. He quite successfully found the former, and was delighted to not sight the latter.

Pirvan said, "We should scout the edges of the clearing and set a guard up while we rest just in case the spider comes back." He took a tour of the perimeter, and found nothing amiss. "No sign of any footprints. No webs either, for that matter."

"Fine with me," said Cassandra, "Now, what about supper. Who brought the food?"

All were feeling hungry and tired.

"Uh, Pirvan, perhaps you could um, could you get us a rabbit or two? I'll have a quick, uh, a look around for um, some seasoning... I'm not a bad cook actually..." Andremar blushed...

"I have some rations if any one is in to them." Pirvan answered.

Lwcynda rummaged through her pack. "I think I may have some iron rations somewhere in this thing if anyone is interested."

Cassandra curled her nose at the suggestion of a double dose of iron rations. "I know Andremar can cook, but there is not much he can do with those things. How about some game?"

At this suggestion, a light bulb went off over Pirvan. "I could set a snare or two. Perhaps we could get a squirrel or rabbit." At the sounds of this, all mouths began to water, all heads shook in agreement, and the brave one set about making a few small traps. It took a bit longer, but the wait was worth it. By nightfall, two fat little squirrels were roasting over a moderate fire. Andremar fussed with his prizes, a pinch of this here, a dab of something else there. After a hearty repast, the four prepared for the night.

Lwcynda said, "I will gladly watch during the night. Shall we have 2 or 3 watches?"

The decision for three watches, Lwcynda, followed by Pirvan, followed by Cassandra, was made. After the dinner dishes, stones, were washed, the fire stoked, all set in for the night, except for the ever watchful Lwcynda. The early night was calm and quiet; the only disturbance being mosquitoes.

Tuesday, 17 Flocktime, 582

All awoke from sleep feeling anything but refreshed. Necks were stiff and numerous body points felt the burning of insect stings. As the party gained awareness, they heard an "Ouch!" coming from Cassandra. All tried to react, but the realization of restriction hit each of them.

"I can't move," exclaimed Lwcynda.

" Neither can I," said Andremar.

" Hey, I'm tied to the ground," called Pirvan.

"Consider yourselves lucky," groaned Cassandra.

All strained to turn their heads in the direction of her voice. She, too was flat on the ground, fine webbing had her tied firmly to it, as were they all. But she had an added bonus; a 2' tall person with butterfly wings stood on her chest. He had a small tiny sword stuck under her chin. His look seemed very stern. "All right," he piped, " what brings you all to the Dark Forest?"

Andremar remained silent, perhaps thinking his somewhat awkward delivery wouldn't be the most convincing... Inwardly, he hoped the usually fluid speaking Cassandra would be able to explain their our genuinely well intentioned reasons for being here...

Lwcynda strained to see what is going on. She said, "Oops. I don't suppose you would believe that we were just catching-up on our sleep?"

This little creature did not seem to accept the explanation. Nor did its friends who were busy flitting about, looking into the packs of the four trussed up adventurers. "Hey, look at this neat stuff!"

"Oh, yeah, well this one has neater stuff."

"Neater than these?" asked the first, holding aloft a pair a very colorful silk undergarments. Cassandra did not know whether to blush or scream.

"Yeah, well check out these. " He held an equally spiffy pair of male undies. Andremar remained speechless.

The one still sitting on Cassandra said, "It's a tie. Now you were trying to tell me what you're doing in our clearing?"

Lwcynda continued. "But we were trying to catch-up on our rest as we had been traveling through the Woods for awhile and just got a bit tired. In truth we are looking for someone. Perhaps you can be of some help."

She looked to the creatures trying to note any reaction. There did seem to be a glimmer of recognition.

"Perhaps Cassandra might continue, or Pirvan? What did that man look like again?"

Pirvan said, "Well I don't know what he looked like but I would like to know why you have us like this we mean no harm. We are trying to get somewhere and are trying not to disturb anything on our way."

"Please let me and my companions up I promise we will not harm you."

"I know you will not harm us. You are fixed to the ground."

Cassandra held her temper. "Werthen," she exhaled, "his name was Werthan. A farmer type. Came in here bout a week ago? Had a wagon with grain? Weathered face? Not too well dressed."

"You mean he did not have soft clothes like these?"

"Those are mine you know," Cassandra admonished. "No, not like those. Now did you see him?"

The three like creatures flew about conferring in some high speed gibberish that was completely foreign to the four. After minutes of this, they steadied in flight.

"Yes, we saw him."

"That's right."

"We sure did."

Cassandra restrained the urge to scream. "Well," calmly, " what happened to him?"

"We saw him pass through, about back when you said."

"Yes, yesterday."

"NO, it wasn't yesterday, it was longer."

"Was it really?"

"Yes, I think it was."

"Are you sure?"

"Of Course I'm-"

Cassandra had had enough. "OK. Whenever. But where did he go?"

"He went with that way with them."

"Yup, that's the way all right."

"He sure did."

"With who?" Cassandra continued.

"The light ones."

"The elves."

"The Liosalfar."

The rogue looked to her companions, her eyes pleaded with them to pursue this line. It was obvious that she was at her wits' end.

"Can you let me up now small person.?" asked Pirvan. Try as he might, he could not break the bonds.

Realizing strength was not going to get them anywhere, Lwcynda said, "Well little people, perhaps you can let us up and we can talk about this a little more. We can all sit back and have something to eat and talk about these Liosalfar. We have some leftovers from our supper which I am sure we can share with you. What do you say? We mean you no harm and it is quite uncomfortable down here. This is not the way I would treat you if you were guests in my home. Surely you have heard of hospitality?"

The three fluttered up into the air, gibbering in their own tongue once more. One word that did come through loud and clear was `leftovers.'

Moments later the four friends found themselves unbound, and not much the worse for wear. Lwcynda set about warming up the leftover stew from the night before. AS she did so she asked, "Who are these Liosalfar and where do they live? Did it look like the man was with them of his own free will or was he bound in some way?"

"Boy, you sure ask a lot of questions."

"You sure do."

"I'll say she does."

"That is because it is important that we know the answers, just as it is important that you eat this stew, " Lwcynda countered.

At the mention of the stew, the four fairies dived right in. slurping, licking, and frolicking in the remains. "Boy, was that good."

"I'll say it was."

"Certainly was."

"That was the best stew!"

"Now, don't exaggerate."

"It was the best stew"

"Says who?"

"Says me."

Lwcynda interrupted. "Boys. boys, at least I think you are boys, it does not matter if it was the best stew or not. How about the man and the Liosalfar?"

"Who?"

"Oh, yes, well,"

The one who had sat on Cassandra spoke. "The Liosalfar are light Fairy Elves. They inhabit the Fairy Realm. There was once a war in the Realm, and the Lioaslfar threw the evil ones out, banished them to the mortal world. These not-so nice elves are known as Dockalfar, the dark ones."

The other two little ones shivered at the mention of the dark ones.

Cassandra asked, "Are these Dockalfar Dark Elves, Drow?"

"Drow? Don't know what that means. In Faerie, dark means bad and light means good. True color or shades don't matter."

Lwcynda went on, "When you saw the man with them, was he their prisoner?"

"The Lioaslfar are good elves. The would not take a prisoner. They do have away with people, however. They visit this world on occasion to check on things, and sometimes mortals find them amusing."

Cassandra asked, "Which way did they go?"

The three conferred. "If we tell you will you be leaving?"

"Yes, we will get out of your way."

"Will you take the stew??"

Cassandra was about to speak when Lwcynda said, "No you can keep all that's left."

"Well in that case," the three pointed, "they were heading that way." All three indicated a path of f to the east.

"We came in the other way," noted Pirvan, pointing to what must be the south.

"Well, east it is," said Cassandra.

The four gathered up their belongings, stuffing clothing back into sacs, rolling up blankets.

Lwcynda thanked the three, "You have been very hospitable Faeries."

"We're Sprites, actually."

"Well, you have been very hospitable Sprites. If you are ever in Chatwin, come and visit me."

"Do you make stew in Chatwin?"

"Yes, yes I do."

"Then we'll come for sure."

"Yes, we will."

"I'll say."

The four began their trek following the path to the east. It continued for about three miles, gradually bending southeast. Then, they found a spur off to the north, while the path continued curving to the south.

"Best stay on the main path, no need to flip a coin this time," Pirvan said, as he led the way in the more southerly direction.

Another two miles brought a halt to the proceedings as the party came upon a building of sorts. Gnarled trees and brambles overran what was once a beautiful marble tower. With its walls battered by centuries and covered by moss, it was difficult to judge what it might have been like in its heyday. A 20' wide moat, flooded with black stagnant water surrounded it. Across the water, the tower's only visible gate was closed, and the drawbridge was up.

"Uh, friends, perhaps someone has rope? Uh, well, if no one has a grapple, then, um... perhaps we could find a uh, mmm a suitably twisted bit of, uh, tree, and use that. How high would you say the tower is friends?"

Cassandra rummaged though her pack and removed and old cloth. She carefully opened the cloth revealing an shinny three pronged metal `hand'. "My grapple. First time for everything." She set about tying her rope to the grapple, noting as she did so. "I make the Tower maybe 60` high."

Andremar noted, "Don't seem to, um see any windows. Er, there's a, nope, that's a er arrow slit." All agreed that none of them could fit through it, though. Cassandra muttered, "There's never a halfling around when you need one."

By now her rope was firmly knotted to the grapple. She sprung the shinny piece around her head once, twice, thrice, then sailed it across the moat. Clank! The claws bit into the chain which held the drawbridge, the rope being just long enough to reach. She gave it a tug to fix it in place. "The way it stands, one of you can hold it, and I'll pull myself across. But unless someone else has some rope, so we can fix it to a tree and get it higher, sooner or later one or more of us is gonna get wet. Unless, of course, one of us goes it alone?"

She looked to the others.

"Uh,. well, perhaps we could stake something into the ground here?" suggested Andremar.

Pirvan offered to hold the rope while the other's crossed, then remembered he, too, had a rope and grapple.

Lwcynda reasoned that enough rope was now at hand. The two were fixed together firmly, then to a nearby sturdy tree. "I can go first or follow Cassandra, whatever you like. Are we ready?"

Pirvan voiced a concern. "I say that we are ready I don't mind when I go but I don't like the looks of those arrow slits. We may be being watched."

"As the only true bowman in the group, Pirvan should watch those slits while Lwcynda, then Andremar, then I go across." Cassandra declared.

And so it came to pass that the three shimmied their way across, under the watchful protection of Pirvan's bow. Once the three had firm purchase on the 5' of earth which surrounded the tower, Pirvan made his way over to them.

They faced a new problem. The only entrance, the drawbridge, was up, held in place by a rusty chain, which obviously operated from the inside. A metal gate, barred from the inside, closed easy access to the drawbridge. No other openings, save those too narrow arrow slits, could be found. No noise, no movement, emanated from within.

"Perhaps, Cassandra, you have um, skills in uh, climbing? Is 60' beyond you? Anyhow, if not, uh, Pirvan, have you uh, have you the strength to hurl our um, our grapple over the top of the tower?"

Andremar explained that he wished to know what was within the arrow slits.

Cassandra surveyed the rough outer surface. "Should not be too much problem." She began to scale the outer surface of the tower.

Meanwhile, Lwcynda looked around. "Well as I see it we have only a few options here: either we find a way to get the drawbridge down...." As she said this she looked in through the gates. "You know, the wood bar holding them does not seem to be in good condition. It seems rather rotted, almost as if, ..., " giving the gates a yank, the wood creaked a gave visibly. "Pirvan, give it a shot."

The muscular bold one firmly grasped one of the bars. With a mighty pull, the gate flew open, the rotted wood almost crumbling to dust. So sudden was the opening, so little was it's resistance, that he almost took an unintentional bath. They now faced a drawbridge with was secured by a rusty chain.

Lwcynda continued. "See if you guys can get it down in some way? while I make a tour of the outside of this tower. There may be a hidden entrance. After all who in his right mind would build a tower with only one means of escape or entrance?"

BY now Cassandra was halfway up the tower.

Andremar examined the chain, "That, um, that chain does look rusty - Pirvan, is it uh beyond your strength to uh heroic, uh, uh, heroically lift the uh, actual gate? Just enough, to um let us roll under. Then we can operate the winch, and get you through..."

Pirvan contemplated throwing his grapple to attempt to yank down the drawbridge. "Wait a minute," his voice trailed off. "Stand clear, Andremar." With a might pull he snapped the rusted chain at one of its weakest links. The drawbridge made a rather quick decent to the ground.

"Well, at least we, er, will not, ah, have to rope our, er, way back across," noted Andremar.

At the sound of the clatter, Lwcynda rushed quickly around the side of the tower. "What the? Oh, good show!"

Daylight streamed in to the round ground floor area. The interior seemed very dusty, dank and chilly, with some collections of rotted cloth and grasses, as if some small animals had taken up living within. Across from the doorway, maybe 50' from where they stood, a portion of the ceiling, which in most places was maybe 15' above, had collapsed into a pile of rubble. A stone spiral staircase, off to the right, rose into the floor above. As the three took in the scene, sounds could be heard from the levels above them.

Pirvan drew his sword and moved cautiously in about 20'. He said in a tone slightly louder than a wiser, "Come on people lets get going. But keep your eyes open. we don't know what awaits us."

After looking around and seeing no one Lwcynda said, "Well, isn't this a lovely sight! Cassandra perhaps you would care to check around this floor before we enter." At this moment she realized two things. Cassandra was nowhere to be seen, and Pirvan had already entered the tower. Andremar still remained in the entryway. The sounds from above grew louder, louder. Pirvan waved the others down. He took cover near the stairway. The sounds got closer. All eyes fell upon the stair case. Two feet could be seen coming down it. A voice from above said, "So, you got that darned gate down?" Cassandra continued her descent.

"Got up on the roof and found a trap door. Guess you were right about there being more than one entrance," she said to Lwcynda.

"So what else was up there?" asked the Priestess.

"Dust, dust, and more dust. The roof is in good shape, though old. Nesting for some birds, not much else. The top floor must have housed some people at one time, but now all the tattered remains of bedding house are mice. The floor just above us seemed to have been a main hall, but the furniture's long since given itself up to termites. Have you looked around down here yet, for sure as I'm a rogue there's nothing worth finding upstairs."

Andremar suggested that Cassie look about for any evil mechanical devices. The young rogue lit a torch and quickly declared the floor safe for their weight. Pirvan, who had already entered breathed a sigh of relief. She then scanned the area for and wires, odd blocks, and other such potential nasties, but failed to find any.

So, the others had a look about the first floor, with particular interest in the hope of finding any stairs going down, or concealed entrances...

Lwcynda carefully looked around also looking for trap doors in the floor. As she did so she noted, "Sure doesn't look like anyone or anything has been around here for a long time ........."

"Er, that's right. Ah, not for, er, a long time. I think, ah, this was, um, once their kitchen." The remains of a fire place was found to the left.

It was apparent that no one had approached the rubble on the far side, perhaps remembering what had happened in that cave in their last venture. Eventually, all four arrived at the rubble on the far side. The floor tiles had been cracked by the collapse of some of the upper floor. "Er, ah, there seems to be an outline, um, there," pointed Andremar. Sure enough, as Cassandra brought the torch light closer, all could see the tell-tale outline of a trap door in the floor. She and Pirvan began moving the rubble away off of it. Then, the warrior lifted the door. The torch light showed a narrow staircase leading down into a cellar.

Each looked at the other with the unspoken question of who should go first. "Er, Cassie, those stairs, um, are the safe to, er walk on? Maybe you had, um, better check them, er, out?" he said meekly.

A few deep breaths later Cassandra made her way carefully downwards, the torch extended in front of her. lest some webs envelop her. The torch came to a halt. It was obvious to those above that she had reached a floor. "You had better come down here," she called without looking up. "you really must see this." The torch moved away from the base of the stairs.

The others gradually made their way down, each ducking and trying to peek before getting too far down.

The room below was perhaps 10' square. In the center, a block of white marble supported a dust covered coffin. As they reached the bottom, they saw Cassandra wiping the grime away from the top of it. "See through, " she noted.

Soon the four of them had gather around it. The coffin held a figure in fine chain mail, a closed visor covering the face. The figure was slim and seemingly over 6' tall. A sword and a bundle of javelins flanked the figure. A shield bore the device of a silver sickle-moon on a blue field.

Andremar wondered aloud, "So, uh, does anyone recognize the symbol?

When no one could identify the symbol, Andremar set about a magical scan of the room.

Pirvan mused, "Now here is a mystery if I ever did see one. Who is he and what is the importance of what he did to be here?"

Pirvan looked around but found nothing that would help identify the body in the coffin. "I cannot find anything at all. Think I'll head to the top of the stairs and keep look out for anything or any one." So saying he went back up the stairs.

Cassandra made a careful study of the crystal coffin. "Hmm, neither locked nor trapped."

By now Andremar announced that he had found no radiation of magic, either.

Cassandra asked, "Shall we try and open it?"

*Gulp* "yup... " , and so saying Andremar performed his usual magic missile warm ups...

Lwcynda took out her holy symbol, looked at Cassandra and, saying , "Ready when you are."

Pirvan waited at the top of the stairs, listening for any bad sounds from below, which would bring him racing down to the aid of his companions.

Cassandra looked at both Andremar and Lwcynda, "It's as if you think I know what's gonna happen," she muttered. With that she grasp the crystal cover and pulled upwards. To everyone's surprise she lifted it, pushed it open, though it was still attached by crystal hinges on the other side.

The three watched the figure in the crystal coffin. They watched as its hands open the visor, the eyes opened, as his hands began to rub them, as he brought himself to a sitting position, looked at each of the three and said, "What light from yon torch does shine? It is these two fair ones here, and their male counterpart. Pray, what is it that bringith you to rouse me from slumber so sound?"

"Aaarrrrrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh!" Cried Andremar, and raced away up the stairs, and climbed up the nearest moderately tall object...

Lwcynda was a little taken aback, but despite that decided to speak. Her voice was somewhat shaky, ."Oh Sir Knight, it was not really our intention to disturb your sleep. But since we have I would offer you some water or wine since you must be thirsty. Perhaps we can then tell you our tale."

At this, the `knight' removed his helm, revealing lengthy pointed ears. His somewhat slanted eyes could now be clearly seen.

"Ah, knighthood is a fair an pleasant favor you bestow on me. Galahorn I be, by any other name I am still but an elf."

Seeing as he was not too upset by their presence, Lwcynda continued. "We have come from Chatwin into these Deep Woods and we actually are not really sure where we are. We are searching for a man that has disappeared and we happened upon this tower. Perhaps you can tell us where we are and who put you here in this glass coffin. We also recently heard about the light ones or the Liosalfar, but we know little about them. Can you, or should I say, will you enlighten us, Sir Knight?"

Lwcynda waited patiently for a response. Cassandra hid slightly behind her.

"Fair ladies, I am your adoring servant. For I serve the ways of the light. And if that qualifies me in your eyes, you may call me Knight. Years ago many such as I were set upon and slain For the foul dark Dockalfar ground us like the grain. I vowed then to sleep the sleep, and perchance to dream. Until those I could trust would put an end to their dark scheme. And now you say that one you seek has vanished from this land. I surmise from this news that the Dockalfar have had a heavy hand."

Cassandra came out from behind Lwcynda's robes. "You speak well for someone who has been asleep for many years. But from what you say, these Dockalfar may have taken this man?"

"Yes, curs that they were, and still are, they seek to capture those of human kind and subvert their spirits to the dark ways."

"Well then, where would they take him?" Cassandra asked.

"Those who follow the dark ways must avoid the light. They use the fairy ring to escape into the night. Should you wish I could show you the whereabouts of the ring Though it will take you to the dark and very scary thing."

Meanwhile Andremar had runs up the stairs, only to be grabbed by Pirvan, who asked him what had transpired. Being Andremar, he could only emit a series of `ums,' `ahs,' and `ers.' Making little sense of this, but seeing the upset with which his companion had be absorbed, Pirvan told him to `wait here,' while he made his way down the stairs, sword drawn.

Lwcynda was in the midst of saying , "Yes Galahorn, I think that is where we must go. I will consult with my comrades and see what they think." when she became aware of Pirvan's arrival. She introduced him to Galahorn and told him of what the elf has said.

Lwcynda continued, "Pray Galahorn, can you tell us more about these Dockalfar? Also, how long have you been here? Do you wish to rejoin your kin? If the others do not object, I think it would be fine if you showed us the way to this ring."

She looked to Cassandra and said, "I think you should go and get Andremar and explain to him about Galahorn. Then we can go upstairs and not frighten him any more."

Cassandra made her way upstairs and found her boon companion, Andremar, slightly calmer now, telling no one in particular, "The, er, dead, er, rose, ah, um, the dead, er, rose."

"He is not dead. He was only sleeping, though I do not know by what means." She proceeded to relate the story as Galahorn had told it. Once she felt Andremar had calmed sufficiently, she called down to the others that it was OK to come up, "And bring the ex-stiff with you," winking at Andremar. He could only shudder.

Shortly afterwards, the four, led by this rather tall elf, made their way out of the tower, across the drawbridge, and back along the path till they reached the spur to the west which they had passed on the way in. Galahorn turned in this new direction.

"It is about three miles to the ring."

"Galahorn," Lwcynda asked, "perhaps you could tell us more about the Dockalfar?"

"If you wish," he replied. "Many years before this time, fairies rules this land `round. Life was good, all were happy. Then some felt to need to subvert others to their will. These Dockalfar, driven by the darkness of their souls, tried to rule over all of us.

From this came the Fairy Wars, a war within the bosom of our race. Woe betide, they drove us from our realm. We sought refuge in this world in this, our sacred place. We hid wherever we could.

Some such as myself found safer haven than others. And now you've woken me, like a glowing ember of hope in the darkness. An omen of good, to refute the evil."

Eventually, his talk and his walk led to a series of low hills. One hill distinguished itself from the rest by its greater size and unnaturally domed shape. No trees grew on it, though the surrounding woods provided shade. Galahorn led the way to the top. There all could see a ring of large red mushrooms, perhaps 20' in diameter.

"Here lies the beginning, the entry to your quest, Patience, care and caution would serve you best. If he you seek has been taken to the other side, Then this is where you'd best enter to turn the tide."

He stood to the side to allow the others to enter the ring.

Andremar, hand between knocking knees to prevent dislocation, spoke. "Uh, well... this is it... um," standing straighter he continued, "let's uh, lets go - the usual uh, usual order, Pirvan at the front with Cassie, uh, Lwcynda and I behind. Uh, Galahorn, uh, do you intend to come with us?"

"Yes Galahorn, you who are defender of the light. Will you not accompany us into this den of darkness for your goodness may indeed protect us all from evil Dockalfar? You have waited a long time for this day." Lwcynda added.

Galahorn's shoulders sagged, and his expression saddened. "If only I could ..... For you see those who bring the dark have entranced the spot with magics designed to keep those of the light out. Whilst you speak the truth, I have waited a long time for this day, my joy must be vicarious. It is you, the four of you, who can carry the banner of brightness and virtue into the dark world. None of you are fairies, all of you may enter. Heroes by any other name would be as brave." His voice trailed off. It was obvious that he was disappointed by his inability to act.

"Well," Pirvan said, "We had better be on our way we would have been glad if you could have come with us but I think I have some understanding of why you can't."

"Well we had better say our good byes then head off."

Lwcynda turned to her companions "Does anyone else have any more questions for Galahorn? If not I too suggest we go now."

Seeing that no one else had a query, she turned towards the ring. Following Andremar's suggestion, Pirvan led the way. He stepped into the ring of red mushroom, and, ...., disappeared!

The other three looked at Galahorn. "He thinks it is you who have vanished. You'll see him on the other side." Reassured, Cassandra followed the bold one, then Lwcynda. Andremar stood alone. "Guess it's, er, my, ah, turn?" Galahorn did nothing to dispute this, so the mighty mage stepped into the ring.

The four found themselves standing in the ring of red mushrooms with Galahorn nowhere to be found. The sky was dark now. "Did nightfall suddenly pass?" Cassandra wondered. A new moon glided across the heavens, shining brightly through the tree tops. It seemed much larger than normal, the thin crescent illuminating the scene surprisingly well.

"Is this the same forest," wondered Lwcynda?

Pirvan said that he thought there was something a bit different about the trees. "They seem taller, more symmetrical, brighter colors."

"Well, er, we'd best be, um, off."

The other three agreed, but where to? since there was no obvious path to follow.

"Well, I for one, am use to wandering about in dark places," said Cassandra. "Let's just go where the ground takes us." And with that, she began to head in some direction; no one was able to determine which it might be.

The four wandered through the moonlit woods wherever it was somewhat clear to walk. The rogue `led' if that term had meaning under these circumstances. Suddenly her hand came up to signal a stop. Then. she crouched down. The others followed her example. All heard a shout and the sounds of twigs snapping. A tawny blur bound from the dense foliage and crashed into their midst. The stag's eyes were wide with fear, and an arrow protruded from its left flank. The twang of bowstrings and the whistle of arrows came from the edge of the forest. One arrow flew high over the heads of all concerned. The second one `wrapped' into the flank of the stag, close to where one had already been planted. The antlered creature's head bucked up in pain, the tip of the antlers grazing Cassandra's right arm. The creature emitted a bleat of pain, keeled sidewards and collapsed at the knees of the crouching four. Lwcynda said, "He's dead. "

With little time to react to these events, the sounds of more hoof beats could be heard getting very close, indeed.

Andremar did his best to scramble up into a nearby tree, across from whence the stag had come. There, he twiddled with those magic missile muscles

The others remained in their crouched positions. In a few moments, two riders on horseback broke through the tangles. Both were tall and fair, obviously elven, extremely handsome even in their dull-colored riding attire.

Seeing the stag quivering on the ground, they both dismounted. One handed his reins to the other. The first then approached the animal. With a sharp blade he slit its throat. The other had tied the reins to a nearby tree. By this time he noticed the three crouched humans. He called to his companion. "Galen, we have visitors."

The other rose up from his kill, "That we do, Gavriel. Not poachers I take it," he said staring at Lwcynda, Cassandra, and Pirvan.

Pirvan waited for the others to react, perfectly willing to get into a row if necessary, but hoping for a more peaceful outcome. Andremar kept careful, but unseen, watch from his tree branch.

Cassandra broke the silence. "No, not poachers, just lost that's all. Where the heck are we anyway?"

The two elves exchanged glances, then grinned. Galen set about dealing with his prize catch. Gaviel spoke. "Yes, you are lost. This is the Faerie Realm, and from the look of you three, you are not faeries. What brings you three to our side of existence?"

"I am Lwcynda, Priestess of Mayaheine and respectful of Pelor. I am a defender of the poor and downtrodden and a seeker of truth. We are all seekers of the Truth. We are looking for someone and we are here because we passed through a fairy ring, but we are not sure where 'here' is. Would you be so kind as to tell us and perhaps aid us in our quest?"

Pirvan stepped out into the open, "Hello good fellows. My friend here tells the truth. We came here through a fairy ring. I am wondering if you could tell us and show us some of this realm and maybe help us find who we are looking for."

Andremar carefully climbed down the tree, somewhat embarrassed, and dusted himself off. He carefully straightened his RSPCA badge...

The one standing, Gavriel, seemed surprised, and somewhat amused, by Andremar's sudden appearance. "Well hidden young man, you should have been an elf."

Andremar blushed some more.

Pirvan went over to Galen, who was busy dressing his prize kill. They talked about hunting and bow craft, both completely enthralled with the knowledge of the other.

Gavriel spoke with the others. "Looking for someone? An elf or a human like yourselves?"

Cassandra answered, "A human, not too well dressed, farmer type. Might have come in here a week or so ago with some, er, `other,' elves."

Gavriel asked, "What do you mean by `other' elves. We are all the same here." At this point he noticed the slight wound on her arm, the one made by the antlers. "Here let me see to that." He produced what Lwcynda recognized as a poultice and applied it to the wound. "Feel better?"

"Yes," admitted the thief.

"Now you were saying about `other' elves?"

Cassandra hesitated, then said, "Just some other elves, you know, like not you guys. Some others. Unless you've seen him? Were you the ones he came in with?"

Both Gavriel and Galen shook their heads in the negative.

"You know where you might look. There is a fairy hall not far from here. Just head to the west north west, a couple of hours ought to do it. If he's around here, they should know about. No one wanders the Faerie Realm without being noticed, at least no one human, that is."

By this time, Pirvan and Galen had prepared the kill for transport, and were loading the catch unto one of the horses.

Cassandra looked to her comrades, "Unless anyone has anything else to ask, I guess we'll be off. Thanks for the bandage."

Lwcynda looks at the two elves carefully to try and note any differences between them and Galahorn. She notes that while they are all about the same height, Galahorn had olive skin and chestnut hair. These two are fair of skin, with gold hair and green eyes.

Having noted this difference, she then said. "Wait, I have a question. Would you be the famed 'Liosalfar', of whom some sprites made mention a while back?" The two exchange a smile. Gavriel says, "Why, yes. Yes, we are. But then all elves of the Faerie Realm are Liosalfar. Only good elves can enter here. That's why I was intrigued by her mention of `other' elves." He pointed to Cassandra. "There are no `other' elves here, just those of our kind. The fairy ring prevents anyone of evil from entering."

"So that's why you were not afraid of us," said Cassandra.

"That's right, "said Galen, "You could be poachers, but you posed no threat to us. You couldn't get in here if you did."

The two prepared to leave.

"Thanks for the hunting tips," said Pirvan.

"Same to you young man." And with that, the two elves rode off.

The Four began to walk in the general direction set out by those two. As they walked, Lwcynda said, " Well, I seem to be a bit confused now with all this talk about Liosalfar and Dockalfar. I am also confused on why Galahorn said he couldn't come here as I think he said something prevented 'good or light' from entering. If these are the good guys, then he lied. I remember that he looked somewhat different from these elves. So who is telling the truth? Why would Galahorn lie? These elves certainly seem nice, but then again so did Galahorn. Am I the only one a little confused here? Will someone try to clear things up for me if you can?"

Cassandra responded, "Yes, you are making sense, though the situation does not seem to make any, does it? I hope we'll be able to get to the bottom of it. I am sure my intelligent friend, Andremar, will come up with something."

While Andremar pondered the situation, Pirvan led four in a west north west direction. The terrain was rolling, semi-wooded. Typical woodland creatures scurried about in the distance, birds occasionally passed overhead. Day gradually turned to night, a moon appeared overhead.

"Uh, well, actually, I'm as confused as Lwcynda - I uh, well... mmm... perhaps we should remain... uh, on our guard. Trust no one um, I mean, perhaps this is, uh, this is the same mmm... trap our quarry slipped into? I vote for caution, uh, as I'm inclined to believe um, well, Galahorn..."

"Seemed like a very short day," noted Cassandra.

"Shouldn't we have reached this fairy hall by now?" wondered Pirvan.

The others agreed. "Funny, though, I do not feel tired," said Lwcynda.

As they continued their trek, the angle of the moon light gradually changed. Finally it angled such as to form a clear beam, illuminating an area ahead. There in the distance some 100 feet ahead, a beautiful woman danced in the moonlight. She had smooth pale skin, green hair, and yellow eyes. She appeared to be singing, but only the whispering of the wind through the trees was audible. One of the trees, a shimmering birch, actually appeared to sway in rhythm with her

"Do we look upon a, a um... mmm, a dryad or similar? Oh, well.. I don't know... I've never seen one, uh, before now... Anyone got a detect good/alignment?"

Lwcynda whispered, "Well I don't think that I can detect alignment yet, but I can try and detect evil on our new friends and that 'woman' over there if you think I should. I don't want to upset anyone here if I don't have too. Perhaps if you stand in front of me while I work the spell it will be less obvious what I am doing. This might be a good time to try this so at least we will know in how much danger we are or aren't in. What do you think?"

Pirvan said to the others, "I will walk up there and take a look see and talk to her while you get ready if I get in trouble I will yell out and come back here. She doesn't look too evil and the only real weird thing is the dancing trees. I have heard of them before, trees that can move but I have never seen one. Plus the people that we have met so far have been nice and courteous. Why not let me go up and talk while you do the spell it will distract her while you check. If you find she is evil I will back away."

Pirvan had arrived at a position maybe ten feet from the creature when he heard Lwcynda's declaration, "No evil do I find."

Apparently the dancing woman heard this as well, as she broke from her reverie and stared, slightly startled, at the fighter who stood before her, a mere ten feet away. Since Pirvan had walked up with the intention of talking, he said, "Hello."

The woman smiled and waved, her right hand, palm open and facing Pirvan, moving side to side.

Andremar approached warily, and whispered in Pirvan's ear "Ask of um, the tree, uh, the fairy hall, and the hunters we met before. Perhaps even our um, uh, the one we seek..."

Lwcynda, seeing that there was no evil about was greatly relieved and said a quick prayer to her goddess. She approached the woman and listen to her response to Pirvan.

The three stood before the very beautiful woman; they knew that Cassandra was off in the shadows somewhere, in case they needed her. Pirvan spoke up. "That is a very fine tree," he said, pointing to the birch. She nodded in agreement. She pointed to her eyes, then her bosom, then to the tree.

"Have you seen anyone resembling us, only not as well dressed? Like a farmer?"

She shrugged her shoulders.

"How about two elven hunters?"

She nodded in an affirmative manner, then waved her arms open wide.

Lwcynda wondered, "Why doesn't she speak? What's with these hand gestures?"

"Er, um, I remember, as a small, um, child, we played a game, ah, called, er, charades. I do not, er, think, she can, um, speak."

Pirvan asked, "Have you any knowledge of the fairy hall?'

At this she smiled widely and began swaying with her tree once more. She pointed off into the distance. Then she made the wide motions with her arms, swayed some more. Then with her right hand she jabbed down at an imaginary object, then raised it to her mouth. She repeated this gesture a few times. She held nothing in her left hand, bent this hand over her right one, then raised the right one to her lips and swallowed. Then she dabbed nothing to her lips. Then she pointed into the same distance once more and smiled.

"Okay, uh, so she wants us to uh, well, eat the grass. Or perhaps they're feasting or, uh... well, I don't know... any other um, other ideas?"

At Andremar's mention of `feasting,' the lovely lady nodded in approval, then she continued to point off into the distance, the same direction she had before.

Cassandra came out of the shadows to stand by her good friend's side and to beam in his astuteness, "I told you he could figure things out."

"I guess she may be trying to tell us that the fairy hall is that way," said Lwcynda, as she pointed in the direction the woman has pointed. "And perhaps that is where the 'heads and elves of this place stay." She looked to the woman and asked her "Is that it? To get to the fairy hall we must go that way?"

Lwcynda waited to see if there was any response from the woman.

Again there was an up and down movement of her head.

"I guess that's it, then. She's trying to tell us the way to Faerie Hall, and that there is some sort of feast going on there." Cassandra summed up. "We had best be moving along, and leave her to her dance.

With that, Pirvan resumed the lead and the others followed. They marched on for untold hours. With no clear landmarks to set their sights on, and with what appeared to be an ever changing landscape and a blurring of night and day, the sense of being lost crept into their minds again.

They came to a point where a burbling stream meandered through the woods. "Perhaps this would be a good place to take a break and try to figure out where we are again," said Cassandra.

"That might, er, be a good, um idea. Wait, er, what's that?" Andremar began to look around and above himself. "I think, er, that we, ah, are not, um, alone."

The others had the same suspicious feeling, though there was no single signal to suggest this fact. Then they began to hear mumbling from above. Cassandra looked up, but Andremar was already staring at ... a face hanging from a tree, the nose just inches from the mage's face. Oddly, the face seemed equally startled. It plummeted past Andremar, followed closely by a small body. With a crash, a little man had landed in the leaves at the feet of the four companions.

The small man with the oversized nose, apparently a gnome, brushed himself off, and stood before the four. Offering his hand all around, he said, "Lumkin" to each as a way of introduction.

"Well Good Day to you Lumkin. I am Lwcynda and these are my companions. We were just about to stop for some refreshments. Would you care to join us?"

Lumkin agreed that a snack would be in order. "I have been working very hard, you know."

Lwcynda began looking for something to eat from her pack. She said to Lumkin, "What were you looking at from up there? Perhaps you can help us. We come from far and seek the Fairy Hall. Would you perchance be able to direct us?"

Pirvan will go up to the gnome and ask "What are you doing here and do you have knowledge of these parts to help us find where we are going."

It was obvious that he meant the gnome no harm.

Cassandra and Andremar sat with the others and enjoyed a snack.

Lumkin ate whatever he was offered. "Looking? No I was not looking. I was thinking. You see, I am a great riddlemaster. I was thinking up my greatest riddle." He said this with a great sense of pride. "Now you are looking for Faerie Hall? Hmmm, well I could tell you where it is, but I have a better idea. My new riddle will be just the thing. Here is the first part. Se if you can guess what I'm riddling about."

Lumkin stood up to his full height, took full breath into his chest, and began:

"I am one of four, equal we are. My face ever changes, as does my mood. Both are out of my hands, yet regular And predictable to even the crude. My nature makes me both worshipped and cursed, Though those wishing to live put worship first."

At this he paused to allow each of the four to hazard a guess.

Andremar spoke first, "John Lennon!"

At this the other three looked at him in askance.

"Er, you know. All you need, is er, love?" he said meekly. They merely shook their heads.

Lwcynda said, "The four I think of is the sun, moon, stars and earth. Now the moon has a face, and some tell futures by it. Could it be the moon?"

Lumkin shook his head, "No."

"Fire?" tried Andremar, "Hmmmm.... weather?" he added.

Lumkin said, "No."

"The ocean?" Tried the mage

"Now that is very close," declared the gnome brightly. "Here let me give you the second clue. Maybe one of you can get it exactly!" He seemed very excited as he said:

Once, clad in armor of reflective blue, I battled my ancient enemy's host. At length, Mulciber's sword ran me through. Quenched of life, my essence rose like a ghost, But since immortals can never be slain, I fell from the heavens, whole once again.

"Uh... its got to be... hmm.... water! uh, right ...?"

Cassandra gave a very prideful look in Andremar's direction.

Lwcynda looked at Andremar and said, "I think I have to agree, water of some kind. If I remember rightly, Mulciber was the god of fire. Water and fire mixed may rise as steam and return as rain. Well Lumkin what say you to that?"

Cassandra seemed equally impressed with this reasoning

Pirvan added, "Yes water does seem to be the answer, it falls from the heavens worshipped for the crops and cursed for the floods, the enemy fire, made steam that went to the air, like a ghost by its partial transparency, never slain because it will rain again and send it back to earth. the 4 parts are earth, air, fire, water. Which water is the only one that seems right out of them."

Cassandra was truly overwhelmed by her companions' powers of reasoning.

"I think they got you, Lumkin. What do you say?"

Lumkin sagged a bit. "Guess I thought it was harder than it was. Yes, yes you are correct. Water it is. And just for the record, the rest of the riddle goes as follows:

At times, I am the bane of mortal folk When with a cold cruel heart I cannot weep. A pale rogue, I hide goods with my cloak Or bury you in a grave as you sleep. My cruelty is finite; in any case Spring love melts my heart and cracks my grim face.

Most often I am a friend to mankind, Carrying mercantile goods on my back, Or helping a miller with flour to grind. I even guide travelers lacking a track. Bringer of life or deadly afflictions, I am a creature of contradictions.

"So, you can see how water fits all these clues."

Cassandra was again impressed. Then it hit her. "This is all well and fine, but what does water have to do with the man we are seeking?"

Lumkin looked about the glade. All eyes followed his, until they came upon the stream.

"You mean..."

"That's right. If you follow the stream that way," Lumkin said pointing, "you will come to a Faeroe Hall!"

Lwcynda spoke to Lumkin. "Well, that's good to know. So we follow the stream. But before we go may I ask a few questions as you seem to be most knowledgeable?"

"Feel free," answered the gnome.

"We have heard of the Liosalfar and the Dockalfar. Can you tell us what you know of them and of the war that occurred between them?"

"The Faerie War, to which you are referring, occurred centuries ago, back when fairies were much more present and influential in your own mortal realm. Certain fairies fell to evil and tried to gain power over their brethren. Ultimately, the Liosalfar, or good elves, triumphed over the Dockalfar, dark or evil elves. The Dark Ones were banished to the mortal realm. The Liosalfar live in this realm, though they do occasionally cross over into your realm. The Dockalfar cannot ever enter this realm however."

"Also have you seen any other people like us around here in the last few weeks?"

"No. You are the first mortals I have seen here in quite sometime."

"Okay, uh, well, thank you Mr. Gnome, um... lets go folks. Uh, shall I um, well, I suggest that Cassie lead, followed by myself and um, Lwcynda with Pirvan, uh, bringing up the rear... mmm... perhaps uh, Pirvan, you could, well... just um, have an arrow ready..."

Pirvan started on the lead down the stream and began talking to the others. "So how long do you think it will take to get to the hall?"

Cassandra who was near him said, "Your guess is good as mine. Though time doesn't seem to mater in this realm.

Pirvan wondered aloud about what they might do once they reach this fairy hall..

As all consider this issue, its importance grew. The distant sound of revelry floated through the quiet of the, now, night. As the four followed the noise, the came to a large marble tower. Warm light fanned through the windows and the open gate. A wonderful aroma of cooking wafted to their noses. The closer they got, the sounds of laughter, music, and singing could be clearly discerned from within. The four found themselves ten yards from the open gate. Beyond the gate the tower's front door stood open, inviting, maybe another thirty yards away. Nothing could be seen inside the tower because of the brightness of the light from within.

A quick confab as to how best to approach the hall was held.

Lwcynda thought they should go ahead and walk in. "Surely someone will see us and notice we aren't elves and invite us to sit down and eat & rest. I think we have been at it quite a long while even though time passes in a different way here. Let's go."

Andremar suggested striding boldly in, perhaps singing some folky kinda adventurer song, crapping on about good over evil and all that.

Pirvan suggested, "I still say that we proceed with caution but do not draw our weapons unless we are forced to."

"Well it sounds like it is a nice place in there and, well the faster we go in the faster we can catch up to the guy we are after. even though I have no idea how long it has been I still think that we may be falling behind. either that or we are in the wrong place."

"I still think that caution is advised even though everyone we have run in to is nice to us sooner or later we will not or shouldn't run into nice people. Unless it isn't possible on this plane/World."

So Lwcynda and Andremar strode boldly towards to open doorway. As they marched they sang.

"This is the story of the brave bold Seekers Who ride Chatwin of its Nine year creeper They boldly went into the dark cold cave And in the they face of evil, they were quite brave."

Meanwhile, Pirvan and Cassandra followed behind, moving cautiously and keeping aside the light to try and gain the aid of darkness.

As the singers crossed the threshold, the revelry from within suddenly stopped, so they took a break from their melodious duet. They were quickly joined by Pirvan and Cassandra. The first floor of this tower was a great hall with three long tables surrounding a central firepit. The tables were covered with a great feast: roast venison, fowl, and mutton, loaves of honeyed bread, exotic fruits, and great flagons of wine. The eating utensils were silver, the plates gold. Colorful tapestries covered the walls. The sole occupant of the room was a slightly drunken human, looking around with bewilderment on his red face. "Where'd everybody go?" he asked. Then he burped, appeared shocked at his own rudeness, and began to laugh uncontrollably.

"Guess that wonderful ballad of yours, and those voices, must have done the trick," said Cassandra to Andremar and Lwcynda.

Pirvan wondered aloud. "Well now what happened where did all the music and singing go? It couldn't have been this guy. Wait a minute this is supposed to be the fairy tower or something like that right? Maybe the fairies if it was them all ran and hid when we came in?"

Still seeing no one but the lone figure, Pirvan started looking around and checking the door through which the Four had entered. He kept one hand on the hilt of his sword. Still noting nothing and no one he exclaimed, "I find this baffling and too weird for me."

Andremar, Lwcynda, and eventually Pirvan approached the human. Cassandra stood warily by the doorway, eyeing the silver and gold items on the tables. Andremar asked the man's name.

"Huh? Me? Me names, er, ah , Werthan, yeah that's it Werthan." He was a stout, thick skinned fellow, seemingly rather young.

Andremar knew from the smell of his breath that a fire spell would not be in order.

Lwcynda looked around somewhat baffled. "Well Good Day Sir, I am Lwcynda and my companions and I have come from far. We heard the revelry and decided to join in. But where has everyone gone? Surely our song was not so awful as to scare away all those 'people'? Or perhaps you just conjured all that for our benefit? Well, I would like to sit down. May I?" she say to the drunk.

"Sit? Er, yeah, sure. Others? Well, they, er, they, ah, well they were here, and now. Hey, where did they all go?" He pushed out a stool so the cleric could sit down. He took a long drink from his mug. He did not seem to be very quick on the uptake. He seemed to doze off a bit.

Pirvan startled him awake with "Hey you where are we? And where was the music and sound coming from."

"Where? Oh, this is the, ah, er, faerie world. Yeah, that's it, the faerie world. And the music was being played by, er, ah, fairies! Yeah, that's it fairies. "

Andremar added that he and his friends were good people, just in case some elvish persons may be listening...

Werthan drank this all in, along with some more wine. "Good people. Er, ah, I likes good people. Yeah, that's is, I like good people. It's good to like good people, because they'll treat you good, ya know?"

"Werthan, you are the man we have been seeking. It seems your friends got a little worried when you did not return to your village with the grain you bought. So how did you end up here?"

"Here?", Werthan looks around. "Oh, here! Er, ah, I followed the parade. That's it, I followed them, the fairies, and I got here. Always wanted to meet some fairies. Nice bunch of people, er, beings, er, whatever they are. Nice bunch."

Pirvan whispered to Cassandra "I think that we should take away his liquor and sober him up. Perhaps that will make him talk sense."

Cassandra answered, "Maybe, though for him, I think this does make sense." The nimble thief did her best to slip around the swarthy man, and switch his mug with one that contained fruit juice instead of wine.

Pirvan distracted Werthan by saying out loud. "Where did all the fairies go then if they were here! Make them come back because we have something important to ask them."

"Go?" Werthan looked around again. "Go? Oh, er, ah, don't know where they went." He pondered this awhile, then reached for his, new, mug. He sipped from it. "Yuck, think the wine's turned." But that did not stop him from draining the mug. Cassandra was quick to refill it with more juice.

Werthan looked to Lwcynda, "Did you say something about a village? I used to live in a village, er, ah, ...., what the heck was its name anyway?"

Lwcynda looked at Werthan. "Rillford was the name of your village. You left with some grain from Chatwin and you were headed back when you disappeared. Seems you went into the woods or else someone brought you there. And now you are here. What do you remember?"

"Now I am lost, you know this drunken slob?" Pirvan said to Lwcynda

Lwcynda said to Pirvan, "Why Pirvan, have you forgotten that this is the man we went looking for all this time ago. He came to buy grain in Chatwin or something and never showed up in Rillford so we went out looking for him. I don't know for sure that this is him, but the man we are looking for was called Werthan."

*Well sooner or later he will be sober,* she thought as Werthan mused, "I do hope the fairies come back."

Pirvan said to Lwcynda "Now wait a second here this seems a little to easy, how can we be sure this is the guy, and if he says he is him then how do we know he is not disguised? I still think it is too easy, well I say we sober him up and find out for sure, and if it is him I say we grab him and go soon so we do not get in any more trouble."

"Yes Pirvan, this does seem easy but as Andremar points out we are not yet back to our own realm. I would still like to know how and why Werthan is here."

Andremar suggested trying to coerce Werthan into leaving, and asked of the air about him, "Oh, uh, friendly elves, we um... we admire your... your... mmm... creativity and uh, everything about you... um, but uh, we have a task to... um... a task to complete, and so, uh, we'd ah, well, could you perhaps reappear and um, show us the door???"

Lwcynda also spoke to the air. "Oh fairy elves we have come in peace and we do not wish to intrude on your revelry. We mean no harm and we have been told that no one with evil intent can cross over into your realm, so that if we were evil we could not be here. We do need your help to get back home. Won't you show yourselves and see for yourselves that we are peaceful."

All was calm, very calm. The silence and tension could be cut with a knife. Then, `appearing' as if walking out of thin air, was a female elf, beautiful by elven standards, green eyes and hair, flowing golden robes. She almost glided before the four. As she did so, another 40 or so elves seemed to appeared out of thin air, located at various points around the room. They all eyed the female, then listened as she spoke. "I am Cystambula, the Queen of this realm. Please tell us of this `task' which you have to complete, and what role our friend Werthan plays in it?"

At first Pirvan reacted with some exasperation. "Finally you show up I have been asking for you for a while but you never showed up, I'm sorry if I wasn't very polite but that is just the way I am."

Cystambula showed a sympathetic side, "Yes, we do understand. But we had to take care as well. Surely one as bold as you can understand that sometimes caution is a stronger approach?"

Pirvan nodded at the wisdom of this. Then he took a seat at the table and listened to what the elves had to say, polishing his sword all the while. Cassandra joined him.

Andremar spoke. "Well, uh, Werthan here, uh the um... gentleman at your table... he um, went missing with uh, with his wagon. He had a load of um, grain I think, which uh, which never got to the destination village, Chatwin... So um, we were asked to find the man. uh, no problems here I um, sincerely hope?"

Cystambula smiled, "Yes, your friend told us about his village and their problem. But only after he had left his load to follow some of my people over to the fairy realm. I doubt that his grain is still around somewhere?"

The four nodded in the negative. The Queen took this in. Then she said, "Well, you four have proven yourselves valorous in managing to find him, considering how far he has wandered. And once you entered here, you do no damage to our possessions, nor did you try to liberate any of them. It is obvious to me that you four have good intentions. I have here a sac of grain, a very special grain, which when sowed in the fields of Werthan's village, will yield immense crops for many years to come. Now, let us feast to the success of your journey."

The elves began to prepare to celebrate, but Pirvan asked, "So how do we get home and well first of all why is he here?" Pointing at Werthan. "I would like an explanation."

The Queen seemed a bit perplexed, but she responded, "He followed some of us on our way back from the other side."

Werthan added, "Always knew there were fairies, always knew it. Now here I am among them! This calls for a celebration," and he reached for another pitcher of wine, one that was not watered down.

"Now as to leaving here, once we have properly celebrated, some of my men will take you back to the faeire circle through which you must pass to return to your world. Now, let the party recommence!"

And with this command, the music returned to the great hall, singing filled the air, and continued food and drink were brought out.

"I think I shall go for a walk anyone interested in coming?" Pirvan's request fell upon deaf ears for now.

Pirvan grabbed a large mug of ale and headed out for his walk. He explored the surrounding area of the tower. He took time to relax and reflect on all the strange things he had seen since coming to this realm. Once he ran out of ale, he returned to the gathering. Grabbing another large mug of ale he sat in a corner and enjoyed the party. He got just tipsy enough to finally relax and get some sleep.

Meanwhile, the ever inquisitive Lwcynda tried to satisfy he curiosity "Um, Your Majesty, if you will indulge me I have a few questions too."

Seeing that the party was once again in full swing, Cystambula allowed her questions.

"My name is Lwcynda and we are from Chatwin. I mean no disrespect but if no one evil can pass into this realm, then why is it that you must be so cautious? When we were above we met an elf who called himself Galahorn, or something like that, and he said he could not come here. Now why is that? Do you know of him? He was an elf after all. Why were you up-above as you call it?"

The queen explained. "There is a difference between mortals and fairies. Any mortal who is lucky enough to find the way can enter the fairy realm because mortals are neither good nor evil. They might behave one way or the other, but it is not an inherent quality. Now with Faerie types, this is not the same. Only good fairies can enter this realm. This Galahorn of whom you speak could be one of the Dockalfar, the dark elven fairies. That could be why he did not accompany you. Then again, he could have been a normal elf who was just afraid."

Still not satisfied, Lwcynda continued. "And why would Werthan leave his wagon and grain and just come all this way to follow you? I realize that it is quite lovely here but he had a duty to his friends. "

"You answer your own question, my child. The temptation of the fairy realm is great. It can tempt even the most well-meaning mortals. Look at your friends there," pointing to the napping Pirvan, and the wildly dancing Cassandra. "They find our realm very inviting, they could well stay here if they allowed themselves to be swayed. Now, Werthan appears to be a mere farmer. Imagine how tempting this realm appears to one as naive as he?"

Lwcynda turned to the object of their quest, " Well Werthan, what about that?"

"Huh? Werthan? Oh, you mean me. Forgot who I was again. Yeah, what she said." Thereby making the Queen's case.

"Oh I know I do ramble on, but I am a little confused at this point." bemoaned the cleric.

The Queen said that that was understandable. She stood ready to answer any other questions, and added, "When you are ready to leave, I will have some of my riders take you to the exit. You would never find it on your own. Just say the word."

Andremar, previously somewhat intimidated by the noise around him, got up, a little intoxicated, and joined the party. Soon, sloshed beyond any previous memory, he flopped over on the dance floor, moaning and tapping one hand...

Lwcynda continued. "Thank you for your answers. Now we have also heard of a 'disagreement' between the Dockalfar and the Liosalfar. I can well understand a disagreement between good and evil. Do you know where these Dockalfar live? Do they still 'harass' you? Is there any way a mortal such as I can be sure which is which?"

The Queen answered. "As long as we stay within this realm, there is little the Dockalfar can do to us. Besides, there are few, if any, of them remaining. We were the victors, after all. There is little visibly to distinguish us from them from us. Actions do speak louder than descriptions might. If there is evil afoot, you can be sure that the Dockalfar are behind it."

Lwcynda went on, "I notice that you have everything you want or need here, so what need have you in the realm 'above'? Have there been other men or women like us who have come to stay or live here? Why would you want them here? Do any Liosalfar live in our realm?"

"My child, you are the curious one, aren't you?" But the Queen exhibited the patience of Job, and Ruth for that matter. "We visit the mortal realm from time to time for various reasons. We know many elves who live on Oerth, and check on their well being. And there other fairy creatures, such as pixies and unicorns, which live in your realm with whom we associate. Yes, other mortals have stumbled into this realm, and as long as they behave, we have no problem with their presence. Now, if they get out of line, we have sufficient magics to remove them. NO, we Liosalfar do not live in the mortal realm for any length of time."

The Queen willingly answered any other questions.

The party continued on. A good time was had by all. Finally, after no set time had passed, it seemed time to go. The Queen handed Werthan the bag of magic seeds. "Plant these in your village and you will never want for food."

Werthan took the small sack and stuffed it inside his shirt. "Food? Yes, that's right, food. My village? Yes, my village, I must return at once.

When the time is come to depart, and Andremar found himself strangely recovered from his episode of happy feet. He thanked the hosts profusely, and stumbled off with his companions.

Cassandra, who had eaten three times her fill, "I run it off when we get back to Chatwin," she muttered, and offered thanks. Pirvan, too, had had his fill. The four prepared to relieve.

As they were leaving, Andremar posed one last question, "Er, have you, ah, elves perfected a, er, hangover cure???" The elves just smiled. One said, "Breathe deeply of our robust air."

No sooner had they walked outside the tower, than their heads did, indeed, clear. The four, with Werthan in tow, were led by two Liosalfar riders in no seeming direction until they reached a circle of mushrooms. Though they had walked uncounted miles, they felt no fatigue. Cassandra said, "Great place to spend a vacation." The four knew that their chances of finding this ring on their own would have been nil. The two riders bid them adieu.

With a shout, the four, and Werthan, leapt into the circle. The group passed back into the mortal world, and descended the mushroom hill. As they reached the bottom, they heard a familiar voice behind them, shouting, "Wait ... help...don't leave me." A bruised and ragged man stumbled down the hill. Only when he neared the group did Cassandra say, "Werthan?" Then, looking to the man who stood among them, she changed her tune to, "Two Werthans????"

Andremar whispered "Uh, Pirvan, um... perhaps you should tactfully, uh... well... mmm... restrain these two... before um, one does a... um, does a runner..."

Andremar scrutinized the Werthan whom they had found in the fairy realm, presuming that he had recovered from his drinking, to gage his reaction . This Pirvan stood, slightly bemused, and scratched his head at the arrival of his `twin.' "Sure looks like me. Wonder if it is?" he mumbled.

Pirvan quickly grabbed the `Werthan' in the group straight away before anything else could happen. Holding him with one hand, he tried to draw his sword with the other. While he could accomplish this, he could not quite negotiate the rubber arm technique to press it into his captive's stomach. He settled for waving it about.

He called to Lwcynda "Grab the other one. We need both of them. Any ideas how to find the real one?"

The other Werthan said, "That's it. Grab the impostor! Those damned Dockalfar made a switch."

Cassandra used this opportunity to slink out of the line of vision.

Lwcynda approached the other `Werthan,' who was urging Pirvan on. "Run him through, I say." The cleric attempted to detect evil on the both of them. Her facial expression remained steady as she probed the Werthan that Pirvan had a grip on. However, it grimaced when she scanned the other one. The new `Werthan' began some sort of gesticulations.

Andremar fumbled within his mind, hoping that he did indeed have a magic missile remaining. Finding what he was looking for, he fired it off, hoping to strike before Werthan mark II could do anything evilish. The bolt flew from Andrmar's finger with devilish precision, striking the other Werthan in the chest. The farmer grimaced in pain. "Curse you, you do-gooders," he cried.

Lwcynda called, "Pirvan, hold him and mark him with something so we can tell these two apart should something happen. I have detected EVIL on this one!" pointing to the new Werthan.

Pirvan, who had been temporarily enthralled by the newcomer in some way, snapped out of it.

As Lwcynda looked at the new Werthan now, however, he no longer looked like Werthan at all. Before them now stood a six foot elf, battle ready, with chain armor, shield, and a gleaming long sword. "So, you no magic, sonny? Let's see how well you all fight." He moved towards Pirvan, as Lwcynda prepared a Command spell to cast on the evil Werthan. The cleric yells out the word, "Faint!" at the menacing elf, whom she now remembers as Galahorn. He merely shrugs the idea off and heads forward.

Pirvan let go of the Werthan he had been holding and brought up his shield and sword. Living up to his name, he bravely stepped forward, stating, "I accept your challenge to fight." Their swords clattered in the stillness of the forest. The elf's slashes bounced off the Brave One's shield. Pirvan managed to get his bastard sword through the elf's defenses, running through the evil one's left side. The fighter knew it was a solid blow.

Andremar cried "drat! I can't uh, can't wait until that um, uh, spell actually does some... mmm... some significant damage..."

He then began a second spell, and moved in from the elf's shield side, trying a chill touch, "for, er, variation's sake..." He reached out, but failed to negotiate contact in this motion. This served a purpose, however, as it totally distracted Galahorn from any notice of the slinking thief, the one who had slowly, silently crept up behind him. Just as quietly, she slipped her glowing dagger into his back! The Dark One screamed in pain, as the thief twisted the blade, for good measure, and maximum damage.

Lwcynda advanced from the right side, and stabbed forward with her sword, "Not obey my command, will you?" The blade sliced through the elf's right side, arm pit alley, and drove through deep into his chest. A limp Galahorn toppled to the ground. The cleric put a foot on the prostrate body; she pulled her blade out.

The four stood silent for moments. Cassandra broke the silence, saying softly, "We do make a good team, don't we?"

Before anyone could answer, the sound of distant hoof beats emanated from the top of the hill.

Andremar asked, "Uh, did we leave enough um, change in the meters, uh, when um, we parked the horses? Uh, everyone, look um, look heroic, noble and generally... mmmm... generally good I suppose... I'll uh, just supervise from up this uh, this here tree..." He looked somehow right at home in his perch.

Lwcynda checked the elf Galahorn, "Dead," she declared, "and so many unanswered questions." She turned to her friends, "Great job everyone. Yes we do indeed make a very good team!" Then she turned to see who was coming. By now the real Werthan was standing beside her looking towards the top of the hill.

Four riders, on small white horses, burst from the fairy ring and gallop down the hill, pulling their horses to a stop before the group. One looked up into the branches, "AH, our old friend again." he smiled at the mage in the tree.

"Guess we were a bit late to be of any help. Our compliments; you four acquitted yourselves well ." The four riders resembled 5' tall wrinkled men. They wore tall helms and green surcoats over golden chain mail. Each is armed with a short sword and a short bow.

"Queen Cystambula sent us. But it does not seem we can be of much service."

Andremar sheepishly climbed down ~again~, before greeting the new arrivals. "Nope, uh, we um, handled it ourselves, thanks. Mmmm... So um, who exactly was uh, the um, now dead Galahorn?"

"Why yes it is a little bit too late. If you had come any sooner you would have been some help, but you didn't, ohh well we did O.K., By the way my name is Pirvan and these are my companions Andremar, Cassandra, and Lwcynda." Pirvan raised his hand to shake the man's then introduced all of the others.

"Who may you be?"

"We are Liosalfar, from the fairy realm. Our names are not really important. " They did shake Pirvan's hand. Their skin was exceptionally soft. Then one addressed Andremar. "The one who lies before you is Galahorn, known as The Deceiver. He is, or was, a Dockalfar of some repute. He was thought to be lost during the Elf Wars. I wonder how he survived."

Cassandra related the tale of how the Seekers had found him in the tower.

"Ah, so he must have learned a way to preserve himself. Then you happened along and released him."

"We sure didn't mean to do any harm," the rogue said defensively.

"No, Queen Crystambula knows you four to be good hearted. She would not have aided you otherwise. It was just an unfortunate act on your part. It could have been done by anyone."

"But," the ever inquisitive Lwcynda piped up, "what was this Galahorn up to with us and Werthan here?"

"We will never know for sure, but we can surmise that he had some evil end. Let us say that he convinced you that he was indeed good. That would mean that the Queen and the grain she gave you was evil. You might have destroyed it and this poor innocent fellow," pointing to Werthan who still seemed amazed by all that had occurred, "and where might that have left the village, Rillford, which you had set out to help? Dockalfar do not care who they hurt, as long as they hurt someone. This Deceiver here used lying and deceit to do his evil ways. Fortunately, you were able to see through it."

The riders said that they would see to the final and permanent disposition of the body. They offered the useful items to the group. "This is a suit of the finest elven chain. It should go to whoever dealt the killing blow."

"It was the cleric," Casssandra offered.

"Then it should be hers." He handed the armor to Lwcynda.

"His blade is a long sword of fine quality. While not exactly magical, its cut adds a certain extra damage. Perhaps your fighter should take it."

Pirvan said that he would be honored. "I can always master another blade."

"Among his clothing we found this." He held out a small tome, it looked like a diary.

"Looks, er, like a, ah, spell book." said Andremar.

"I guess that goes to you, my friend. It was your magic missile that got him off guard." Cassandra said. She took it and gave it a cursory examination. "I find nothing unusual about it." She handed it to her friend.

Andremar examined the tome. "Armor, change self, er, charm person, read magic; these others are, er, a bit above me, um, but I get a sense of blur, ESP, forget, stinking cloud; delude, dispel magic. Some day I will be able to use most, er, of these. But, er, I will have to, um practice."

Cassandra's eyes rolled up into her head, as she recalled practice sessions of the past. "Don't know if the trees out back can take it."

The four wrinkled men carries off the body of the fallen Dark One. The Seekers stood alone in the Dark Woods.

"Ahhhh! Time to, uh, to settle down in front of a um, log fire and toast some toastables... what um, what do my companions say?"

Andremar advocated returning to Chatwin, delivering the grain, then having a nice long sleep in front of a nice big fire.

He had high hopes of soon beginning the arduous task of interpreting and copying the spells he had been granted.

Lwcynda turned to Andremar and the others, " I agree with you that a long sleep is in order. But first I think a nice hot bath to help me sleep. So let us be off to Rillford to deliver Werthan and his grain safely and then back to Chatwin. How long have we been gone anyway?"

"Seems like only a few days," answered Cassandra, "but in that realm, who knows?"

"Why yes a good rest after this would be nice." Pirvan agreed. "But I think I will have to do some practicing with this new sword, any of guys know anyone who is really good with a long sword?"

Cassandra said, "Probably the best swordsman in Chatwin is Hawke, head of the militia. Another expert is Quintos, one of the Chatwin Heroes, but I believe he is in Greyhawk City."

"Well lets be on our way to go and deliver Werthan and the grain." Pirvan will pull out his new prize and study it. He could tell it was extra sharp.

The Seekers began to make their way out of the Dark Woods, following the path as best they remembered. Two days travel brought them to a remembered landmark. Much the worse for wear, they found Werthan's original wagon, totally broken apart and weathered.

"Why is it in such bad shape?" wondered Lwcynda.

"What happened to ours?" asked Cassandra. "Grimes is gonna be upset."

Seeing no other option the four continued walking, now along the old wagon trail which headed due east, and eventually arrived at the main road, the one which ran north to south from Chatwin to Rillford. There they saw Feister, the young man who had originally approached them in Chatwin.

He seemed truly surprised, and obviously relieved, to see them.

"Most had given you up for dead, you've been gone so long."

"It wasn't much more than a week or so," offered Cassandra in defense. "We did have many obstacles to overcome."

"A week?!. You've been gone more than a month! You left on the

16th of Flocktime

15th of Wealsun

"Well, we are quite alive, as you can see," said Lwcynda. "If you thought we were dead, why were you waiting here?"

"I was trying to get up the courage to go into the woods, someone had to find out what happened to Werthan, and try to save our village."

"I _have_ saved our village," piped Werthan, "I have brought the greatest grain ever known to man, fairy grain." The youth's eyes opened wide in amazement.

"You have saved the village!" exclaimed the youth.

"Hey, wait a min-" Pirvan began. But Lwcynda stopped him from telling the whole story.

"Let Werthan have his moment. I am certain that there will be many more in our future."

The other two nodded in agreement.

After some final farewells, Werthan and the youth headed south towards Rillford, while the Seekers began the long walk north, back to Chatwin and their homes.

Who knows what the future has in store for them?

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