The Fear of Trust: pg 13 (violence, minor language)

[slinkun]

First, a little backstory. I started this story about a year and a half ago and posted it specifically on my guilds website. It's an EQ fanfic. Despite me quitting EQ, I've never stopped writing it though. Unfortunately, my old EQ guild is nearly dead, so I feel the need to spread what I've done with more people. I already have about 30 chapters down and I suppose that no one would want something that they worked so hard on to go unread. Now, I'll be flat out when I say the first bit on this thing is fairly mediocre. Since when I've started on it, my writing has improved alot though, so I hope you'll all enjoy it. Any comments can be PMd, but like i said, I realize the beginning is kinda bad. =p


Chapter 1

A cloaked figure walked across the ground as a light mist of snow began to fall upon the dreadlands. The figure stopped and looked up towards the sky. A gentle breeze began to let itself known, blowing the stranger's cape about. The hooded creature continued his walk through the snow, which was quickly getting heavy. After much walking, the figure reached a small cave entrance.

“Finally, here.“ Before he could take a step into the cave, a roar sounded in the distance.

“What the??“

“SCREEEEEEEEEE!!!!“

The stranger quickly turned around, the wind pushing back his hood to reveal his lizard-like visage. The iksar quickly crouched by a nearby hill making sure his presence was not known. In the distance, a man was seen running across the frozen plains, a large white dragon chasing him.

“Someone help! Please! Someon... gaaa! The dragon swiped the man to the ground and pinned him with it's massive talons.

“N...n...no.....please.....“

“SCREEEEEE!!!“ The dragon raised its massive claw and with a quick swipe, ended the man's life. The beast began to inspect it's kill, making sure that all signs of life were gone. Realizing it had done it's job, the beast grabbed the corpse in it's teeth and began to fly off towards the northwest.

The iksar still stayed crouched near the hill, unimpressed.

“Seems as though Gorenaire has scored another kill for the ring. Foolish softskins, they'll never learn.“

As he said this, a small white object seemed to fall out of the corpse's pocket while he was being carried off. The wind blew the object about for awhile, before having it land at the iksar's feet. Reluctant at first, the iksar picked up the object. It was a letter. On it was the seal of The League of Antonican Bards.

“And let's find out what you died for shall we?“

The iksar broke the seal with his claw and entered the cave. Outside, the snow continued to fall upon the bloodstained ground.

[slinkun]

The lizard commenced reading the letter as he walked through the cave, the darkness posing no problem for his sharp eyes.
“And let's just see why you died shall we?”

TO THE ELDERS OF THE LEAGUE OF ANTONICAN BARDS.
On this day I bring you all important news from Kunark. I have entrusted two bards with the delivery of this letter. I pray to Tunare for their safety, but if you do not intercept one of the letters, it will mean that that bard is dead, for the Ring, as of recent, have increased their security, sending out large numbers of scouts to destroy any that oppose them.

I have been gathering information at Veeshan's Peak as you have requested, and I'm afraid to have discovered some dire news. The Ring of Scale have recently come across a series of documents which contain the knowledge of the location of an ancient scroll which contains the power to coerce the sleeper. They are currently reviewing the documents to determine the exact location, and when they do they intend to use it to unite all dragons and destroy all those not of the first generation. They're disdain for the other creatures of Norrath is great, and they will stop at nothing to obtain the scroll and wipe us from the planet. Also of note, the document tells of an old and powerfull sword, which contains the power to destroy Kerafyrm. When they find the location of this weapon, they will find it, and destroy it.

So I plea with you, although it is not my place, to find the sword and destroy this scroll. We may be able to put an end to that monstrosity with the sword. As soon as i discover more information I will send another bard. Untill then, take my advice, please. Untill we meat again. Farewell.
Sincerely --- Remnarai

The iksar stopped walking. He had reached the end of the cave.

“This.... is..... hm......”

He reached up and touched a large scar on his arm. The lizard sneered.

“The masters must know of this.”

The iksar began to mumble an incantation. Bolts of blue lightning began to strek across the sky. He looked out at the fertile green plains as the lightning began to concentrate on a point in front of him.

“All this.....” with a large crack, a blue portal appeared in front of him. “It's time.”

The iksar stepped into the portal. With another crack, the portal disappeared into the air.

[slinkun]

A dense fog rolled in within the forest of the Greater Fay. This grand forest was home to many, including the wood elves. These elves resided in a large tree-city known as Kelethin. On this day, a bright light, comming from the city, shown itself through the fog. It came from the base of Faydark's Champions, a guild composed of steadfast rangers, druids, and warriors. From the ground, faint clamor could be heard from the hut. A meeting was in session.

About a round table inside, there was much concern as to why the meeting was called. At the head of the table sat three aged elves, all grey with time. The center elder called for silence. No sooner than he asked, the room became dead-still with quiet.

“I have called this meeting, to discuss an important matter at hand. Our spy at Veeshan's Peak has come across some information that can aide in our cause.”

The elder waved an unfolded piece of paper about.

“This, my fellow feir'dal, is the letter from our spy. It appears as though the dragons are attempting something that they have not yet done before. They are going to attempt to wipe all not of the first generation from the face of Norrath.”

The crowd began to whisper to each other. A ranger stood.

“And how will they do this? No amount of dragons could conquer the whole of Faydwer, much less Antonica and Odus!”

The face of the elder grew grim. “They, the dragons, have learned of the location of a certain.... incantation.... that will wake, and control the power of Kerafyrm.”

A druid snapped up. “There is no such incantation!”

The elder faced the druid. “Did I ask you to talk, Kinlaen?”

He sat back down.

“Now, as soon as our spy knows the exact location of the scroll, he will send again. Untill then, is important to plan our course of action.” The elder's figure lightened. “This.... poses a great opportunity for all of elven kind. If we could obtain this incantation before those wretched beasts do, we could finally be able to rid this world from the taint of Innoruuk, Cazic, and, Bertoxxulous!”

A murmer began to spread about the room.

“To think, a world free of teir'dal, ogres, orcs....... we could finally live our days in peace!”

The murmer began to get louder, but was soon hushed by another's voice.

“Umm, sir elder.” The bard that delivered the letter stepped out from the corner in which he stood. “Did Remnarai not suggest that we, destroy this scroll before it can cause any harm?”

The elder turned to the bard.

“This decision does not concern neither you nor Remnarai. You have done your job, you may leave now.”

“B-but sir, and what of th..”

The elder gazed at him. The gaze however, was not at him, but through him.

“You may leave now.”

The bard looked at the elder.

“B-”
“GO!”

The bard stumbled as he exited from the room. After he stood thinking for some time, he headed towards the elevator, taking it to the ground. He walked a bit, then stopped, staring at the hut. He began to run towards the direction of the spires. And from the ground, applause and the clangs of wine glasses could be heard eminating from the hut.

[slinkun]

The sun beat down upon the bones of the Jaled 'dar inside the field of bone, a reminder of the old days, during the war that was waged between the iksar and the dragons. A small scorpion skittered across the barren ground as the sky started to become overcast. The wind began to pick up, and with a loud crack, a blue portal opened outside the gates of New Sebilis. The iksar stepped out.

“Hail Cabilis....” The iksar kneeled before the entrance and commenced walking in.

“Not a thing has changed.”

The iksar walked through the dirty city streets, stepping over the rotting corpses of yound scaled wolves and other refuse. After some time he reached the Tower of Death, home to the iksarian necromancers of Cabilis. At the entrance he was greeted by one of the masters of the tower, Master Rixiz. The iksar kneeled before him.

“You have returned Slinkun.” The master spoke with the ancient accent of Old Sebilis. “What bringss you back here?”

He rose from the ground.

“I have found something master.” He took the letter from his pouch and held it out for Rixiz. He took it and began to read.

“Come inside, we must disscuss this with the other massters.”

Slinkun walked inside the tower with Master Rixiz. The master pointed to a chair in the corner.

“Pleasse sit, I will bring the otherss shortly.”

Slinkun sat in the old chair as instructed while Master Rixiz began to walk up the stairs. From his seat, Slinkun could hear the masters discussing the matters at hand. From above, a spell was cast, soon after, a skeleton ran down the steps and out of the door. It was followed by three of the tower's masters. They approached Slinkun.

“You, are about to go upon a quesst, Slinkun. It will be your ressponsibility to put an end to this dragon menacce. You musst seek out the scroll and the ssword. What you do with them is entirely up to you, for ssuch a decision should be yours and only yourss. We.... unfortuantely can not help you with this journey, for we are bound to this tower. But, we have sent for someone to aide you in your journey.”

“Sirs, I believe that I am quite capable of doing this alone.”

“Do not argue thiss, Slinkun, one can not do thiss alone, no matter how strong of intelligent one may be.”

“But sir, I tell you that I do not need the help from..”

“SILENCE! You will do as I instruct! Is that clear?!”

Slinkun stood starring into the master.

“Yes, master.”

“Good.” Master Rixiz regained his composure. “He should be here shortly. He is the prize of the swifttail monks and should be a great asset to you on your journey. Let us head down and wait for him now.”

When the group reached the bottom a yellow-robed iksar sat in wait for them.

“Ah, here he is, Slinkun, meet Glash.”

Slinkun observed his new companion. Glash stood at the same height as Slinkun and carried a large staff upon his back.

“Nice to meet ya.” The monk extended his hand. Slinkun stared at the hand.

“Hail Glash.”

Master Rixiz broke in. “Now Glash, I assume my pet told you of this quesst yes?”

“Yes it did sir! It's about time I've gotten a worthy assignment. Things were starting to get borin' around here.”

“In that case, you must go now, and hurry, time is of the essence. I bid you both the best of luck. May fear guide you both.“

The two iksar kneeled before the masters and took their leave, heading towards the Lake of Ill Omen. As soon as they were out of sight the masters began to speak amongst each other.

“Rixiz, are you positive that having them go alone makes for such a wise plan?“

“There will be others.“

“Who will help them?! The elves? Surely you jest.“

“Do not test me, friend, I know it may seem unlikely, but indeed, there will be others.“

“And suppose they must be put up against Kerafyrm itself! No amount of force can destroy such a beast!“

Rixiz raised his hand, silencing the complaining master. They both stood for a moment, saying nothing.

“Where ever a challenge awaits, there will always be those whom wish to challenge it. Such desire for accomplishment has been known since the gods populated this planet, and will remain as such for ages to come. Yes, they will have help.”

The other stood blinking at master Rixiz.

He bowed.

“As you say, Rixiz...”

As the other master began to walk away, Rixiz gave his atention to the exit of the building, as though still watching Glash and Slinkun depart.

“May cazic guide you better than your predecessors Slinkun....” He closed his eyes. “Do not fail.”

[slinkun]

Slinkun sighed at Glash. “Things were starting to get boring hm?”

The two had just exited Cabilis and now stood in the area known as the Lake of Ill Omen.

“Huh?”

“Pfft, what you said back there.”

Glash turned to Slinkun optimistically.

“Ya! Heck, what else is there to do around Cabilis other than hang about the tink n' babble nowadays?”

“Hmph! Personal advancement perhaps? Some prize of the swiftails you must be.“

Glash butted in to Slinkun's rant. “Ya know what you need? Some cabilis pale ale, calms you right down.”

Slinkun grunted, and began to walk towards the lake. Glash took a swig from a bottle he was carrying and commenced to follow him. On this day, the sky was clear of clouds and the sun gave a comfortable warmth to the plains and the lake. However, the Lake was not all beauty, for it was infested with many beasts, including undead iksar and the sarnak. These foes, however, stood no match for the forces of the necromancer and the monk. After the longs day walk, the sun was setting and the two had reached the area widely known as Firiona Vie. Slinkun turned to Glash.

“Let's set camp for now, it's getting too dark to go on for today.”

Glash smiled. “Sounds like a plan.”

Night had fallen, and the two had started a camp fire by a small stream. It was a fairly quiet night, the silence broken only by the sound of crickets and the occaisional crack of a piece of wood snapping in the fire. Glash sat leaning against a log, smoking from his pipe and staring at the stars as Slinkun stood near the stream, cleaning his robe in the water.

“Damn sarnaks. Why is their blood so hard to get out?”

Glash took his attention away from the stars and looked towards Slinkun.

“Ya, pretty hard to get out.” Glash, looking closer, noticed a scar on Slinkun's arm.

“Oooo, that's a nice scar ya got there. How'd that end up happening? I thought you necros weren't supposed to get hit.”

Slinkun halted in his washing momentarily. “I believe that that is none of your concern. Monk.”

“Looks like dragon to me.”

Slinkun looked back. “Yes.... dragon.” He commenced his washing.

“Looks kinda nasty, how'd it happen?“

Slinkun paused. “Again, that is none of your business.“

Glash began to chuckle. “Hehe, what's the matter Slinky? Afraid I'll think less of you? Har!“

“DO NOT....“ Slinkun raged then quickly regained his composure. “Call me slinky.“

Glash took a puff from his pipe, unphased by the sudden outburst.

The necromancer took a breath. “But if it means not hearing your voice nag for any longer, I'll let you know.“

The monk sat listening.

“To speak frankly... I have no idea what lead into that encounter.“

“What do ya mean by that?”

“Well.... I truly have no memory of anything before waking in Cabilis and being told that I was lucky to be alive.”

Glash removed the pipe from his mouth.

“Supposedly some Cabilis troopers found me pinned by a great green dragon outside Warslik's, of all places. They managed to kill the dragon and save me. I truly remember nothing before waking in Cabilis... No one in the town knew who I was, and neither did I. The tower of death adopted me, showing me the ways of the necromancer. Perhaps one day I'll figure things out, but untill it comes to me, I'm not worrying about such an untrivial matter.”

“How is knowing who you are not trivial?!”

Slinkun began to wash his robe again.

“The past is none of my concern, dwelling on things that have happened before only wastes time. At this point, there are much greater things to think about.”

The monk lookd confusedly at Slinkun for a bit then shrugged, sticking his pipe back in his mouth.

Behind Glash, a shrub began to shake. With a quick motion, the monk thrusted his hand into the bush.

*snatch*
“Gotcha.”
Slinkun gazed over at Glash.

“It appears as though someone has been watching us Slinkun.“ Glash's hand remained in the bush. “And such spying can only be punishable by death!“

Glash withdrew his hand from the bush and in it, squirmed a small rodent.

“Hungry?”

Slinkun casted a spell on his robe and placed it on a tree branch.

“I'll be fine.”

Glash shrugged as he snapped the small being's neck.

“Suit yourself.“

The moon was hung high on the cloudless night, and the light gave much brightness to the surrounding area. There was a normal, cool breeze that came from the east that made the night all the more comfortable. Slinkun approached the fire and sat on a nearby log, across from Glash.

The monk began to speak, as he began to roast the rat in the fire.

“So Kerafyrm....“

Slinkun raised his head and looked Glash.

“You sure we could actually kill that thing if we were to fight it?“

“Nope.“ Slinkun lowered his eyes back into the fire.

Glash repositioned himself on the log. “Oh.... well, um, so why don't we just get the rest of the legion of cabilis to help us?“
“We can't let this knowledge become widespread. Amassing an army would draw too much attention to all of Norrath. There would be an outright war, and the fact remains that the dragon armies have grown extremely powerfull. No single force could destroy those armies, it's best to do this in stealth. If it was up to me, I would do this alone, and I'd do it just fine.“ He casted an angry stare at Glash, but he didn't take notice and continued cooking his rat.

“Ok then, so how will we be doing this all stealth-like then?“

“Well, my guess is that the elves have been meddling with dragon affairs for some time now, so it is probable that they are making constant letter deliveries. Tomarow, we should start heading towards the spires in the Dreadlands. Any messengers will most likely take the quickest route back to Greater Faydark, which would be through the nexus. Once we know the locations of the scroll and sword we should be able to prevent this whole ordeal from happening. Although to my personal knowledge, no such things should exist.”

“What makes ya say that?”

“It wouldn't make sense. If there were such things they would have already been found and uncovered. That and the very idea of a sword to kill Kerafyrm and a scroll to ensalve it is simply madness.”

“How so?”

Slinkun sighed at Glash. “Your as foolish as everyone else. Things are made for a reason. When the dragons sealed kerafyrm away it took all of their forces to simply imprison him. Dragon's have been on Norrath since the beginning of time and I would hope that they would be wiser than to toy with such an omnipotent being. And as for the sword, who would or could have forged such a weapon? No one. Something is awry, and we...” Slinkun cringed at the remider that he was working with a partner. “need to get to the bottom of it.“

Glash sat in silence, pondering all that was said.

“And you,” slinkun glared at glash. “Should be less naive. It will get you in trouble.”

Slinkun stared at the fire.

“It's dying down, I'm going to grab some more sticks.”

Slinkun took his robe off the tree branch and put it on.

“I'll be back.”

Before he began to walk away a loud voice echoed from behind him. “Your not going anywhere lizard!”

Slinkun turned, and there, stood 4 well armed footsoldiers from the firiona vie outpost.

“Foul creatures of Cazic....”

Another two appeared behind the necromancer, each with spears pointing at the iksars. They were surrounded. The leader of the elven patrols stepped forward.

“And what are you vermin doing so close to our outpost?”

Glash stood up, strangely calm. He began to speak in perfect elvish.

“Sirs, we wish you not any trouble, for we are merely passersby heading to the..”

“Do you mistake me for a fool?! Don't you even try to talk yourself out of this. MEN! ATTACK THEM!”

Slinkun faced glash.

“Time to go.”

Glash quickly jumped to a nearby tree.
“Behind you!”

A spear took a jab at slinkun. All that it hit, however, was smoke.

“MEN! AFTER THEM!!”

The patrols began to chase after the iksar, Glash bounding from tree to tree, while Slinkun translocating. Glash stopped on a tree branch.

“We're going the wrong way! The dreadlands cave is the other way.”

Slinkun halted as well. He cracked a smile.

“Then I guess we'll just have to go through them, hm?”

Before Glash could answer, a patrol had already reached the two. Glash swung from his branch, kicking the elf on the way down.

“I guess so...”

Two more patrollmen came charging. Slinkun held out his hands as he began to mumble an incantation. His hands glowed green, and two sets of roots jutted from the ground and attatched themselves to the elves' feet.

“Now DIE fools!!”

Slinkun placed his hands the rooted elves' heads. White sparks began to radiate from his hands as the flesh began to burn off the elves' faces.

Glash spun as he finished an elf with a roundhouse kick. and turned to the fenzied necromancer. “What are you doing?!?!”

Glash was interrupted by yet another charging. Glash took the staff from his back and began to defend against his attacker. The elf swung with his sword at the iksar, but was blocked with ease by the staff. A high kick to the head knocked the elf unconsious.

“Slinkun! Look out.”

The leader jabbed at Slinkun with the spear, sticking the sharp point in his shoulder.

“Gaaaa!”

“MOVE!”

In an instant, he translocated and through the smoke of his spell came Glash. The monk placed himself atop the elves' helmet, latching his claws to it. After some time of balancing, he quickly spun and jumped off the leader, snapping his neck. Glash got off the ground and, after looking about for any more troops, inspected him.”

“...I killed him.”

Slinkun walked towards Glash, a tight grip on his shoulder. One of the elves regained consiousness and ran off towards the outpost, unnoticed.

“Indeed," Slinkun spoke apathetically to his new partner, still gripping his wound. "I'm quite surprised that your skill in fighting exceeds your skill in drinking. The swiftails have indeed trained you well.”

“Not well enough... I didn't want to kill him.”

Slinkun gazed confusedly at Glash. “They attacked and we defended, serves those foolish softskins right for attempting such an action. Let them die.” Slinkun looked about. “Weren't there six of these idiots?”

“Do not call them idiots. They were merely doing their jobs--”

“What are you talking about? Don't tell me that your in league with these fools!” Slinkun looked around again. “There WERE six... here there are only five.... see what your allegiance has bought you? We must be off now before more reinforcements come.”

In the distance, shouts were heard.

“Grr... we'll talk about this later. I have my doubts about you Glash Rakenclaw. Now hurry! Come on!”

Glash took one final look around at their work then dashed off towards the cave with Slinkun. Behind them, the elvish rangers, and in front, the dawn of the new day.

[slinkun]

Here be my first attempt at revising one of my older chapters. I always hated how some of the story didn't really flow and it's always nice to go back for revisions =)


Chapter 6

The essence of Solusek Ro filled the air with an intense heat within the mountains of Skyfire. The mountain range's name paid homage to this fact, as whenever the sun showed, even within the earlier hours of the morning, the land felt much like a stove.

It was early morning over the range, and the heat had already reached a near unbearable temperature. During the summer times, Skyfire is practically abandoned of adventurers as a result of the obvious. It seems as though even the hardiest warriors, capable of slaying the mightiest creatures, generally finds wearing plate armor in 120 degree temperatures a bit uncomfortable. However, within the heat of the summer morning, a lone elf stood, waiting, in the shade of a large stone.

“I can't take this heat much longer.... where is he?”
The man wiped his forehead with a cloth as he squinted his eyes over the rocky plains. The heat rose from the ground in waves, blurring his vision further. After a bit of time, the man saw a a bright-blue object speeding towards him.

“Ahh, finally.”

The approaching man, apparently some sort of messenger, arived at the mans feet, greeting him.

“Remnarai.....” the messenger was out of breath, exausted from both the heat and his run. “I came as fast as I could, this is a very dangerous area and one can't be too safe.”

“Don't worry about it.” Remnarai handed the messenger an envelope. “Take this to the elders immediately. The dragons finally deciphered the tomes... we have the locations.”

“Great to hear sir!” The messenger gave a half-hearted smile, still a touch fatigued. “I will deliver it promptly. Should you not be heading back as well?”

Behing a large rock, a black outline observed the two elves.

“Not, yet... I will stay a bit longer and see if I can't uncover anything more.”

“Are you sure it is wise to stay much longer? The elders are awaiting your return.”

“Tell them that I will be running late. Now go, may Tunare guide you.”

At that, Remnarai placed his hand on the messenger's shoulder and sent him off towards the nexus. The unseen outline disappeared behind the rock.

Remnarai began to head back to Veeshan's Peak, making sure he was camoflauged. As he began to walk, he noticed that there were not many members of the ring patrolling the area.

“This is odd, usually there are many patrolls wandering the area...” He looked about “Something is not right.....”

“RAWWWRRR!!” From the air, a giant red dragon swooped down at Remanrai. The druid managed to just barely roll out of the way. The dragon perched himself on a large rock in front of Remnarai. In his own tongue, the beast spoke.

“and where might you be going?”

He quickly turned and ran but was stopped by another dragon, who had quietly flew in behind him. The other dragon swiped at the elf with his tail. The blow struck the druid in the head, knocking him unconsious. The first dragon hovered over Remnarai and grabbed him in his claws.

“Welcome to Veeshan's Peak.”

The two dragons nodded to each other, then flew off towards the mountain. Meanwhile, amongst the rocks, another figure, unlike the long gone messenger, stood and watched in awe. It quickly dashed off towards the Burning Wood with the hot sun at it's back.

[slinkun]

Chapter 7


“Huff, huff, huff....” an arrow whizzed by Glash. “They're gaining! Hurry!”

“Look! The cave!”

Arrows continued to fly past the iksars as they ran towards the Dreadland cave.

“We're almost there! We can lose them once we get inside!”

Just as they had reached the entrance, two rangers stepped out from behind one of the statues that stood guard over the cave entrance. The rangers pulled back their bows and fired. Time seemed to slow as the arrows flew towards the startled iksars. Too surprised to dodge, the arrows struck their targets in their torsos.

*gasp*

A barage of arrows continued comming from behind, piercing the iksars in the back. They fell on the grass, the life disapearing from their eyes. The elves approached, and began to inspect their kill.

“Great job cadets!” The two rangers stepped from behind the statue.

“Thank you sir.”

The leader glared at the corpses, the eyes were now void of all signs of life.

“Well, what do they have?”

“Nothing but some platinum sir.”

“Bah, only a few platinum to compensate for the death of my men?! Damn iksar!!”

In his rage the leader pulled a dagger from his side and threw it into Slinkun's back. The body twitched in response.

One of the rangers stepped forward.

“Shall we take them to the outpost sir?”

“No..... leave their corpses here.... leave them as a warning to all foul creatures not to oppose the elves of the Firiona Vie Outpost!”

The elves raised their blades in glory.

“Huzah!”

“You” the leader pointed to a lesser guardsman. “Slice a toe from each, as proof as our victory to those at the outpost.”

The guardsman looked at the corpses disgustingly.

“Urk.... umm”

“You weak-stomached fools.” the leader looked about his men, all staring digustingly at the corpses. “Fine! the blood on this dagger is proof enough I suppose.”

The leader pulled the dagger from Slinkun's back, his corpse this time, giving no twitch.

“Come on now, let's head back.” The squadron followed close behind their leader as he headed back to the outpost.

A trickle of blood slowly travelled down the hill and stained the water in the basin red. A crow flew overhead, and after circling for some time landed near Glash's body. The crow hopped towards the corpse cautiously and then began to peck at it. A claw quickly rose a snatched the bird. The life returned to the monk's eyes.

“Friggin birds.“

Glash threw the bird at a tree, getting it's beak stuck in the bark. After some struggling the bird pryed itself off and flew away.

“Unng...“ Glash stood up, slightly weak from the loss of blood.

“It seems as though your getting in trouble as usual Glash.“ A small wood elven woman girl stepped out from under the shade of a nearby tree.

“Miisty! I have not seen you in ages!“ The iksar began to walk towards the wood elf, but fell to his knees. Another elf, this one of koada'dal backround, also stepped from under the shade.

“Tsk, tsk, you should really be more carefull there bud.“

“Oh, just heal him already, Lald.“

“Alright, alright, I'm healing.“

A blue light swirled around the healer's hands as he began to cast a spell. The light soon engulfed Glash. The multiple arrows stuck in him began to disintigrate, and his wounds began to heal. Glash got up off the ground.

“And Laldyar! I have not seen you either in so long!“ Glash ran over and shook the cleric's hand quite rapidly, shaking his entire body. He grabbed his own arm to stabilize himself.

“Ack! Nice to see you too old friend.“

Glash turned his attention now to Miisty, who stood smiling at him. He walked over to her and held her hand.

“It's nice to see you after such a long time apart, Miisty.“

“You too Glash.“

They stared into each other eyes, entranced by each other. Laldyar rolled his eyes and averted his attention towards Slinkun. Who still lay dorment on the ground.

“Hate to interupt you two, but who be your friend?“

Glash looked down at Slinkun.

“Oh....“ Glash remembered his mission at hand. “We're just traveling together.... running some errands for Cabilis.“ Glash kicked Slinkun. “C'mon, the guards are gone, you can break your feign.“

The iksar didn't reply.

“C'mon! Wake up sleepy!“

Glash kicked Slinkun again, this time rolling him over onto his back. Slinkun layed stiff, his eyes rolled back into his head and blood seaping from his wounds.

“Oh crap... Slinkun! Slinkun!“ Glash looked about in a panic. “Quick! Heal him!“

“On it.“ The elf began to wind the same blue strands of magic in his hands. As the blue engulfed Slinkun, the arrows disintegrated, and his wounds closed. The iksar, however, still lay on the ground, motionless. Glash began to inspect Slinkun closer. On his back, the knife wound remained. Glash dipped his finger inside the wound and tasted the blood, spitting it out soon after.

“Poison...“

Laldyar repeated Glash's actions.

“I've encountered this poison before. Extremely lethal.“

“Well do something!“

“I'm not sure if i can at this point, but I'll try....“

The wind began to blow the leaves about the trees, and a cloud covered the sun. And within the head of the fallen iksar, a dream began to take hold.