Yoznak kicked off his boots, flopped down on his bunk, buried his face in the pillow, and groaned. That damn Guild. First, he and his mother had been thrown out of the Clan, then, when his mother had died, the Warrior’s Guild had picked him up. He crawled up and looked in the mirror. In the dark he could be mistaken for a handsome young fellow. Yoznak sighed and lit his lamp. In the light, his facial traits were more obvious… yellow, leathery hide, protruding tusks… the legacy of his father had been more than just the battleaxe. He thought back to the same morning.

WARRIOR’S GUILD GREAT HALL

“And as you all know, relations between the City of Ghian and Lands of Fhyllallien are of outmost importance to the Guilds. Yoznak!” Yoznak automatically stepped forward at the sound of the Commander’s voice. “Yoznak, you are the best warrior in the Guild. You are a pride for the Warrior Caste, and you have been chosen to escort the heir of Fhyllallien to Ghian for magic studies.” Yoznak stared for a moment, slackjawed. “Commander, if I may…” “Yes” “Not to seem rude, Commander, but wouldn’t another emissary from the Guild be more appropriate? Particularly considering that relations between the elves of Fhyllallien and the orcs of Chuzdek are a tad… tense?” The Commander smiled. “The Guild has made its decision. You are the best man for the assignment, and from the moment you arrive in Zheldros, the heir of Fhyllallien is under your protection. You may start packing presently. And the two other Guilds have agreed to provide one companion each for you.” “Commander, do I have no options?” The Commander grinned broadly. “Well, you do get to choose your companions. Furthermore, there’s a pouch of coin prepared for you. Pick it up at the gate when you leave. You leave the City tomorrow.” Yoznak saluted and left the hall.

THE COMMANDER’S CHAMBERS

The Commander placed his helm on the desk and sat down heavily. Someone knocked on the door. “Enter.” The Captain pushed the door open and peeked in, saluting. “Commander, with all due respect, have you lost your mind? Yoznak is no more than a mediocre warrior, far from the best we can muster. There is something going on, am I right?” The Commander sighed. “Yes… there is something going on. There have been… indications lately. I smell treason, and of all the members in the Guild, Yoznak is the only one I would rely on with such a task.” The Captain grinned knowingly. “Ah, I understand. He is too dumb to rebel against the Guild?” “Oh, no, quite the contrary. It’s just… well, he’s too gentle to willfully hurt someone just for profit. Oh, I’ve seen him training, there’s nothing really lacking in neither skill nor effort, but I have observed that he never makes the first strike. He’s uncommonly pacifistic, for an orckin, but he’s good at responding.” “So, he was chosen for being incorruptible?” “Precisely… Zogdan protect him.”

EARLY NEXT MORROW

Yoznak was walking through the marketplace, looking for some extra equipment for the trip, when he spotted a small, cloaked shape on a rooftop out of the corner of his eye. “Oy! Gondo! Get down here for a moment!” The shape on the roof turned toward Yoznak, slipped on something, and started tumbling downward. Yoznak swore and ran to the wall, readying himself to catch the falling hobbit. A grey shadow dropped beside him and crashed into a cartfull of hay. Someone within cursed creatively. “Yoznak, you archclodpate! Haven’t I told you never to disturb me while I’m working? You’d better have a DAMN good reason to…” “You coming with me to Fhyllallien?” There was a brief pause, and a round, chummy face with big eyes peeked out from the hay. “With… you? To Fhyllallien? What fever has caught you this time? Wait… are you the one the Warrior’s Guild have chosen as escort?” Yoznak nodded, and the hobbit crawled off the cart with a roaring laugh. “The world ain’t standin’ ‘till next Spring Festival. You, escorting an elf?” Yoznak sneered. “Hey, I don’t like this one bit, particularly considering the situation between Fhyllallien and Chuzdek, but I’m the one who’s been scared out to do this job.” Gondo grinned. “Oh, I’ll wager it’s more likely this elven prince will be the scared one, the way you look.” Yoznak slapped Gondo buddy-like at the back of his head. “Old joke, Gondo. I was asked to choose a companion from each of the two other Guilds, and from the many candidates…” “Many! Hah! I’m the only thief you know, and the only one you trust. So, who from the Guild of Magic?” A moment passed in silence, and Gondo’s grin fanished, a look of fear taking its place. “Oh, no. Nonononono, you can’t be serious. Not Zam. For Thanas’ sake, not Zam. He’s a wandering disaster, with that ‘travelling alchemist’ kit of his.” “We need someone familiar with some sort of magic for this journey. Why not an alchemist?” “How about an illusionist? One of…” “No, I chose Zam. If nothing else, his elixirs of healing may come in handy.” Gondo sighed. “Oh, well, but I guess I’ll come along, anyway. You tell Zam while I pack my supplies.” Gondo started walking, but Yoznak caught his cloak in a firm grip. “Not so fast, buddy. First, my pouch.” Gondo snorted and handed over the little leather bag. “You always discover it.” “No wonder. You always try. We’ll meet at The Filled Mug when the Sun is at her highest.” Gondo grinned and started to run toward the Thieves’ Guild, while Yoznak turned toward the Guild of Magic. At a sudden thought he checced his pouch, and swore loudly. About a fourth of the coins were gone. Gondo waved to him, grinning, from a rooftop farther away. Yoznak just snorted and moved on. The Guild of Magic stood there, proud, watchful over the city. In the east wing, the illusionists lived and worked, where, more often than not, strange creatures of myth would fly out of the windows only to vanish into thin air. In the west was the wing of the sorcerers, showing obvious signs of less-than-successful elemental spells. And, of course, in the highest tower, the alchemists had their seat. Yoznak looked up, and suddenly there was a loud explosion, and thick, black smoke flowed out of a window. A pointy hat was flung out and fell to the ground. Recognizing the hat, Yoznak ran in, greeted the guard briefly, and near flew up the stairs. There, in a circle of soot, was Zam, sitting on an empty patch of floor, coughing, utterly coated in soot. “I… … was positive… … that formula would work… … Better note that this black powder must be kept away from open fire.” Yoznak looked around at the havoc. A table was tipped over, a chair broken against a wall, books were scattered everywhere, and vials containing elixirs were by some unknown miracle unbroken. “Well… I’d say you’ve done it again, Zam. What was it this time?” “ A means to ease the breaking of stone. The Master set us all to work on the task after the roadmakers asked for help.” Yoznak looked around again. “Well, I’d say, by the looks of this room, there’s going to be plenty of gravel. But to business: I want you to join me on the trip to Fhyllallien. I take it you’ve been informed?” “Uh… Fhyll… oh, yeah, I think the Master mentioned something yesterday. Me? You? Why are you going to Fhyllallien?” “I believe I’m to escort an elfprince. You coming?” “Sure, sure. I’m for it.” At that moment, the Master entered, a tall, gray-haired man, closely followed by his closest colleagues. “Zam! Had it not been that I just overheard your conversation, I would have personally kicked you out. I may be bordering on a hundred and seventeen years, but right now, I’d cheerfully strangle you before throwing you out a window. Fortunately, given this assignment from the Warriors’ Guild, I won’t have to og to such extremes. You are given leave to take what you think you might need and get out of these halls! And take your time on this journey! Since the last Sun’s Day you alone have caused more explosions and accidents than in the entire history of this Guild. Out! Oh, my head.” Yoznak nudged Zam with his elbow. “I get a feeling the relationship between you two is a little… tense.” Zam nodded quietly and started gathering his possessions. “Master, may I take this book of recipes?” The Master’s eyes were glowing. “Anything! Just GOOOOOO!!!” Zam flicked open a small cabinet that somehow had survived the explosion, gathered a small set of vials, flasks weights and powders and gently placed everything in a small case with a shoulder strap. The two companions ran down the stairs. “So when do we leave?” “When the Sun is at her highest, we gather at The Filled Mug. I must fetch the horses, and get my luggage, and…” “Gather? Who else is coming?” “Gondo, from the Guild of Thieves. Have you heard of him?” “That weasel? I know him. Great sense of humor, that chap. A little beyond me at times, but always has a sarcastic word for any situation.” “When did the two of you meet?” “Well, he tried to rob me, but the City Guard came, and he pretended that we were old drinking buddies, took me along to the Mug and bought me a glass.” “Gondo pay? That’s a new one.” “Truth to tell… he paid from my pouch.” “Figures. But, as I said, we meet at the Mug at the High Hour, you might want to buy some extra supplies before we leave?” They clasped forearms and split up for a while.

HIGH HOUR, SAME DAY

The trio had finally finished their business, and were headed out of town on their horses, dragging a shared pack donkey along. Gondo mumbled something. “Something wrong?” Gondo snorted at Yoznak. “Only that out of the lot of us, the donkey is probably the brightest one, since it doesn’t know where it’s headed. We know, and we still go.” “There, there, I’m sure it’ll be alright. If nothing else, you might plunder a squirrel or something.” Zam chuckled at this comment, and received an acorn to the head from Gondo.

MERIAN FOREST, SEVEN DAYS LATER

Zam slurped up the soup they had boiled on a freshly trapped rabbit. “Is there anyone else who is concerned?” Gondo frowned. “Concerned with what? This trip has been so uneventful, we might die from boredom.” “Exactly. It’s too quiet, too calm. I’d not be surprised if we were to be ambushed on the way back. Repeatedly, even.” Yoznak grinned. “Just like you, Zam. Eternal pessimist. I’d side with Gondo on that one, the trip has been bo…” Yoznak spun. “Wha…” Twigs snapped, and a boar came rushing through the camp, running past Yoznak, scattering the campfire and speeding on into the forest on the other side. Zam spat in the cloud of ash. “What happened? My soup is full of soot!” A shape leapt from behind a tree. “Zathor and Vendor! The boar escaped!” Yoznak picked up his axe with one hand, and the newcomer with the other. “Who are you, and why did you chase the boar through our dinner?” The stranger cringed. “Oh… I didn’t see you. My name is Khoros, and I’m a travelling bard, on my was from Zheldros in Fhyllallien after a… minor misunderstanding. That boar was the first sign of fresh dinner I’ve seen for days.” Gondo peeked up curiously. “Misunderstanding? What manner of misunderstanding?” “Oh, nothing special. I just had to leave the city quickly.” Yoznak dropped Khoros, and Gondo grinned. “With a few angry husbands at your heels, I’ll wager.” Khoros scowled up at Gondo. “What manner of bard do you consider me? Actually, they were mostly fathers.” Yoznak hefted his axe for a better grip and lifted Khoros by the throat again. “Husbands, fathers, same indifference. You ruined our meal, and now you shall pay for it.” “Glllrrrgh… will information do?” Yoznak dropped Khoros again, from a higher position this time. “We’re listening.” Khoros stroked his neck gingerly. “This is just hearsay, but there’s a rumor that someone in Fhyllallien and someone from one of the three Guilds in Ghian are conspiring to overthrow the Fhyllallian Lord by treachery and extortion. I also hear three reliable bodyguards have been sent from Ghian to escort the heir there for further magic studies.” Zam grinned and stood up, wiping the last remnants of ash from his face. “You hear that, guys? We’re reliable.” Khoros stared. “A hobbit, an orckin and what seems to be an apprentice alchemist? Not a chance on this world you’ll be able to save Fhyllallien from betrayal.” Yoznak hooked his axe back on his belt, grinning. “We can if we have to, buddy. We’re the emissaries, alright. But thank you for warning us, at least we’re aware of possible treachery.” “Hmh. But would you consider Ghian a safe place?” Zam grinned. “While Gondo is with us, out here, yes.” Gondo smiled and tossed a small leather pouch to Khoros. “Missing something?” Khoros seized his coin sack with a swift move. “How did you do that?” Gondo just smiled enigmatically while Khoros counted his funds.

FOUR DAYS LATER, IN ZELDHROS, CAPITAL OF FHYLLALLIEN

The trio passed the city gate and looked around. As was expected, Yoznak was on the receiving end of several foul looks, but none spoke to him directly. Several mothers pulled their children closer as they passed. Yoznak was looking at a booth selling fresh fruit when something hit him on the head. He spun around and received a nut to the nose. No throwers in sight. A third nut hit him, and he looked up. There, in a windowsill, sat an elfmaid of about seventy or eighty years, in other words just a little girl. And, judging by the looks of her, a real tomboy. She grinned down to the trio. What are three guys as ugly as you doing in Zeldhros? Yoznak raised a hand, waving her down. “C’mon down, and we’ll show you.” The elfmaid leapt off the windowsill, and levitated down to ground level. “I’m down. So, what are you three doing here?” Yoznak looked her over cautiously. “We came to speak with the Lord of Fhyllallien. Could you kindly tell us the way to the palace?” The elfmaid backed up a few steps. “I could… take you there, for a couple of golden coins.” Gondo tossed her two gold marks. “Lead the way.” After a short while Zam looked curiously at Gondo. “Pal, what possessed you? I’ve never seen you pay for anything like that.” “Nah, I did the same thing first time we met.” Zam cursed loudly and dug through his pouch, several bypassers scowled at him. “So, here we are at the palace… I gotta go.“ The elfmaid spun around the corner, the coins in hand. The trio stepped up the stairs to the palace door and knocked on the door. A small hatch was opened in the door, and a sentry glared at them. “What does your kind seek in the High Palace of Fhyllallien?” Yoznak handed over a piece of parchment. “We’re emissaries from Ghian, here to escort your royal heir.” The sentry scanned the parchment, and grinned wickedly. “Finally. Glad to get rid of the kid, but I never said that, right?” Zam and Gondo looked at each other and chorused, “This could be bad.” They were swiftly (too swiftly, according to Gondo, who never really appreciated running anyway) led to the throne room. Silk and velvet in all the tapestries, hammered gold on every wall ornament and jewels above every door. Gondo halted in the middle of the room, his eyes growing hazy and distant. “Emissaries from Ghian, be welcome!” The elven Lord spoke forcefully from the throne. “So, you are the chosen of the Guilds, who will escort my daughter to the Academy of Ghian?” Yoznak puffed up with pride, and bowed. “Indeed we are, your Highn... daughter?” “My daughter, Xallia, who will inherit the Throne of Fhyllallien when I step down. She is my only child, and thus there is no prince. Does this pose a problem?” The elven Lord gave them a look that clearly stated that any problems would have a severe effect on their necks. Zam smiled. “No problem at all, your highness. In fact, on the way here, we discussed how bad the trip back would be with a stuck-up elven prince, so this’ll be a piece of... OW!” Gondo was desperately kicking Zam’s leg to shut him up. The elven Lord looked upon the entire scene with an amused smile. “Ah, I know precisely what you mean. I was one of those... how did you put it... stuck-up elven princes once, too. But I would advice you to mind your tongues elsewhere in the city, some of the citisens are rather... touchy on that subject, and I cannot be held responsible for their actions upon such insult.” Yoznak cracked his knuckles. “Worry not, your Highness. If these two lads cannot control their tongues, I certainly can.” Someone walked in via a side door. “Ah, here my daughter is even now. Xallia, the personal bodyguards I hired for your journey to Ghian have arrived. Be nice.” Yoznak turned toward the princess... and lost the ability of speech. Zam and Gondo turned also, and started laughing. “Y... you?” Yoznak started stuttering. “Y... you’re the princess?” The elven girl from the market grinned back. “I told you I had to run. So, have you heard much ill gossip from my father, then?” The elven Lord sighed at his daughter. “Xallia, you know how much I think of you running around in the city with no bodyguards.” “Oh, father, think of it this way: no guards, no unnecessary attention.” “Still, I shall send an extra escort of the ten best palace guards for your journey.” Yoznak raised a hand carefully. “Your highness, your daughter does have a point. Armed guards with a coat-of-arms belonging to such a noble house as yours is bound to attract unwanted attention from everyone ranging from the worst of your enemies to the simple thugs in the forests. I would recommend equipping your daughter with light armor, and maybe a dagger. And no more luggage than one horse can carry, either. Travelling lightly will make us less interesting, and the common rogues in the forests and on the roads will consider us simple, penniless adventurers, most likely.” Xallia’s eyes shone, but the elven Lord seemed doubtful. “And how do you intend for my daughter to travel?” “Plainly, on horseback, just like the rest of us. She can ride, can she not?” “Oh, yes, father! It’s an excellent idea!” The elven Lord sighed and nodded his consent. “Very well, so be it. But be aware of this: One scratch on my daughter, and your heads will be put upon stakes at the Main Gate of this city. By mine own hand, as well!” Gondo clasped his throat, a little discomforted, but Yoznak grinned. “Done. You have my word no harm will come to your daughter.” “Good. By what route do you intend to travel?” The trio exchanged a cautious look. “Your highness, we believe it best to maintain silence on that matter.” “Why?” “We have heard rumors of treachery. If you know, the wrong ears may hear, Fhyllallien will be without an heir, and we will be without our heads. And I, for one, am particularly fond of my head.” “Quite a good reason. You will be leaving tomorrow morning, so there will be time for you to admire the city.” Gondo juggled a few coins. “Then I’ll seize the opportunity to buy us all a mug at the nearest tavern.” Yoznak and Zam started digging through their pouches, while Yoznak smiled faintly to the elven Lord. “Your highness, you might want to check your coin sack. Our friend here never buys unless he has just robbed someone.” The elven Lord dug through his pockets. “No, I have not been robbed.” Gondo snorted, obviously insulted. “Once in a while, you might consider giving me the benefit of the doubt.” Xallia looked up, red with anger. “And where went my two coins? The ones you gave me for guiding you here?” Yoznak grabbed Gondo by the feet, lifted him, and shook him roughly. “You never learn, do you? Let’s see if you don’t carry some stolen coin...” “P-p-p-l-l-l-e-e-a-a-s-e l-l-e-t m-m-e-e d-d-o-w-w-n!” Yoznak shook Gondo a little more, then sent him sliding along the floor. Before Yoznak lay a small pile of coin. “Let’s see... these two coins belong to Xallia, the rest I should guess belongs to me and Zam. Oh, and Gondo... I don’t think you should touch the walls, they are most likely warded somehow.” Gondo snorted, leaned on the wall... and was thrown into the center of the hall. “YOW! It felt like I was kicked by a mule!” The elven Lord smiled. “Ah, our most excellent theft insurance. It strikes thieves who touch the walls with the force and speed of lightning. Many who try do not survive.” Gondo shook his slightly burnt hand, blowing at it. “Good thing few people have one of those things.” The elven Lord looked toward the wall and stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Hmmm, maybe exporting these could prove profitable?” Gondo had a brief panic attack. “Fear not, little one. These things are so difficult to make, due to the powerful magics involved, there is no way they would pay off for us to sell.”

NEXT MORNING

They left Zeldhros at dawn, to avoin unnecessary attention. The elven Lord waved his daughter farewell as they vanished into the misty horizon. When they had been within the Merian Forest a while, Xallia started complaining. “Why is this saddle so uncomfortable?” Gondo grinned at her. “What, your tender body can’t handle a little motion?” Xallia sent him a scathing glare. “It’s not that, the saddle seems to be a little loose.” Yoznak halted his horse, leaping off. “Okay, time for a break. I’ll check the saddle; it’s probably just a loose strap.” They all crawled down and started picking out provisions for a quick snack. Yoznak started examining Xallia’s saddle. “Uh-oh... what’s this? Two of the buckles are almost off... Good thing you complained. This saddle cannot be used until repaired or replaced, and we have no spares. Either we proceed with one of us riding without saddle, or we turn.” Zam headed over to the saddle and examined it. “I say we proceed. This is sabotage. We should check all our saddles at once.” Xallia leaned over the saddle. “How can you tell?” Zam smiled at her, ruefully. “I recognize the smell of a leather-consumig substance. Once you’ve spilled it in your pants, you never forget...” Yoznak interrupted before Zam could reveal too much. “Okay, then, Xallia, you get my saddle. I was raised by orcs, who never use saddles, anyway. I just checked the other saddles, they’re in perfect order.” About half an hour later, the group was again moving, making good speed away from Zeldhros. As the day neared its end, Zam cast a glance at the sun. “We’re moving a lot further north than we did when we arrived. The trip might be a little bit shorter this time.” Yoznak was about to reply when a loud crash was heard from a little distance to the west. They dismounted and sneaked in the direction of the sound. There, in a glade, was an aging dwarf standing, chopping branches off of a freshly cut down tree. While he was yanking loose twigs and leaves he straightened himself and started speaking, still with his back turned to the group. “Good evening. May I suggest the four of you spend the night in my cabin? This part of the forest is unsafe at night.” They stepped forth. “What do you mean, unsafe?” The dwarf turned, revealing a pair of badly scarred folds of skin where his eyes should have been. “This area is populated by the galorim, the evil forest spirits. They were the ones who took my eyes fifteen years ago.” Xallia gasped. “Galorim... I thought they were just stories used by mothers to scare their children...” The dwarf shook his head. “No, the galorim are real enough. But follow me, and let your horses spend the night in my stable, visitors are few around here, so I rarely get news about the outside world. By the way, my name is Feron. Feron Hillclover. I am of the Temple of Vendor, should you wonder.”After a quick discussion the four travellers agreed. Yoznak reached out his hand out of habit. “We accept. I am called Yoznak, formerly of the Ironfist Clan, now a member of the Warrior Guild of Ghian.” Feron smiled, accepting the handshake. Gondo was the next to step forward. “And I am Gondo Swiftfinger, of the Giuld of Thieves in Ghian.” Zam just nodded. “I am Zam Reskin, sent on a longer vacation by the Alchemist wing of the Magicians‘ Guild in Ghian.” Xallia curtseyed politely. “And I am Xallia Elwedher, of the Fhyllallien Royal Court.” Feron picked up a large armful of firewood. “A genuine pleasure to meet you. But now, come along, the darkness is growing stronger, and there will be more time for introductions once we’re in the cabin.” Feron’s cabin was just a hundred steps or so away, and the horses were just in the stable when some inhuman shrieks were heard outside. “Pay them no mind, the cabin is warded against any hostile creatures. Galorim cannot possibly get in here. Just don’t go outside in the dark of night.” The cabin was a small one; functional yet cozy. No extravaganza of any kind, neither expensive furniture nor stuffed animal heads on the walls. Feron moved about with the elegance and speed of a large cat, which seemed unusual for a dwarf, and impossible for a blind person. After setting forth a simple meal consisting of dark bread, sliced meat and some cheese apparently made from horse milk, Feron showed everyone to some small stools by the table. After the quick, pleasant meal, Feron carried the dishes away and placed them in a large bucket. “So, dear guests, let me have a closer look at you.” Yoznak, Gondo and Xallia looked at each other blankly. Zam, having known other blind people, knew what Feron meant, and knelt before him. “Well, what do you know? A rather handsome young man... but scarred... by the feel of these old, little nicks, I gather you are the alchemist, right? One of my brothers dabbled with the art of alchemy, but grew weary of it and settled in with the mining work instead. Still, alchemy is a fine profession.” Zam just smiled and nudged Gondo forth. “A hobbit! Indeed, this is a merry meeting! A hobbit is always a welcome guest in the home of a dwarf, since the Great Conflict seventeen hundred years ago. Your help was treasured then, your friendship is treasured now. Your features are fine, had your time been better, I might wish to make a wood carving.” Yoznak interrupted. “A tempting offer, I’m sure, but we must get back to Ghian, and soon. Maybe if we find ourselves in the area again.” Feron smiled. “Naturally. Now, Yoznak, let me have a look at you, as well. Hmmm... Orc, but something is odd about your features...” Yoznak sighed. “I know. The human features are from my mother’s side. After my father died, mother and I were thrown out of the clan, since we were ‘not pure orc’, as the Elders said.” Feron nodded. “An orckin, then. I should have guessed at once. And now, for the lady.” Xallia knelt before Feron, muttering something about being just seventyfive years old, and no lady. “There, there, pretty one, no need for foul mood, is there? Verily, I haven’t met anyone as fair as you for a long time... But enough about this for now, I’m sure you wish for some rest, right? On the west wall you can find some loose panels, they’re really beds, a pull-down mechanism that one of my temple brethren devised. Bright lad, that acolyte. Just grab the hook up on the wall and attach it to the little metal ring in the floor. I myself sleep best in this old chair. Anyway, before the galorim invaded this area of the forest, travellers would pop in on an almost daily basis.” A loud scream echoed from outside, followed by what sounded like the death rattle of a large animal. Then it sounded like flesh was being torn to shreds. Xallia started to look a little queasy, but Feron obviously sensed this. “Now, worry not. The galorim do this all the time, mimicking the sounds of their prey to lure people into their claws. The galorim are evil... just evil... anyway, I take it you wish to get moving early in the morning?" ”Yoznak nodded. "We wish to be out of galorim-territory by sundown tomorrow, and far away, if possible.” Feron waved them toward the west wall. “Then I bid you pleasant dreams for the night.” They pulled down the beds as directed, and prepared themselves for sleep. Within minutes, the four were sleeping soundly. Feron walked to the fireplace and pushed one of the hearthstones, revealing a small hollow. From there he took a cubic crystal and returned to his chair. The crystal started glowing with a pale light. Feron wrinkled his brows with a concerned frown before returning the crystal to the hollow and sealing it off again. Then, he, too went to sleep.

THE NEXT MORNING

Feron awoke the four at dawn. “Up, up, the lot of you. I recommend you get some breakfast now, and be on your way, if you seek to avoid the galorim and be out of the area before sundown. Come along, the breakfast is ready; tea, bread, honey, cheese, sliced meat, all you need for the day. I also took the liberty of preparing some rations for you, three days’ worth.” Yoznak blinked and sat up. “Uh… mmm… Morning already? Odd… I feel more refreshed than I have for years, yet I cannot have slept for more than five hours…” Feron smiled. “Of course. The beds are blessed by Vendor… speaking of which, I take it you are familiar with the small price the temple demands?” Gondo scratched his neck. “Sure. We perform a service for the temple when and if needed, according to our own skills and abilities. You need anything stolen, I’m your hobbit.” Feron smiled. “Precisely. By magical communication, the temple knows who you are, and where and when they may find you. It’s a good system, albeit a tad exploiting.” Yoznak grinned. “Exploiting? Nah, you just saved our hides from the galorim. We owe you.” Zam chimed in. “Yeah, anyone may at one time or another need the services of a skilled thief, or a crafty warrior, so why not pay him or her in advance, just in case?” Feron smiled “And that, my dear alchemist, is our precise philosophy.” Xallia smiled. “And I take it it is a gift of Vendor that lets you move around like that, despite your being blind?” Feron moved the hair away from his forehead, revealing a small amethyst. “As any Vendorian priest, I have the Third Eye attached to my forehead. At the time when the galorim tore my eyes out, they were no longer a necessity to navigate. I only used them, if I may jest about such things, to add color to my existence. Granted, I can no longer see shapes clearly, nor can I sit down and read, but I am unlikely to ever just give up life for that. Now, the meal is growing older by the minute, let us eat.” The group ate like a pack of wolves, then hurried to the door, with Feron waving them off. “And don’t you forget, Vendor is watching over you! And head as far and fast eastward as you can, that’s the shortest route away from this territory.”

FOUR DAYS LATER, STILL IN THE MERIAN FOREST

They rode on, making good speed, as they had done for the past days. Yoznak pulled up a rough map. “Hey, if we keep this speed, we’ll be in Ghian in five days, maybe less!” The next moment he sat there with empty hands, and the map had been nailed to a tree by a crossbow bolt. “AMBUSH!” Three men dove from the trees, clad in completely nondescript armor. Gondo and Yoznak were on the ground, weapons drawn, before the others realized what had happened. Zam leapt down and started digging through his saddlebags, picking up a few small pouches and a one-hand tinderbox. Sticking some small rope ends into the pouches, Zam lit them, and threw the pouches at the assailants as they were about to overcome Yoznak and Gondo. One of the three men picked up a pouch, looked at it strangely… and there was a loud series of explosions, catching the soldiers off guard. Everyone was thrown aside, but Gondo and Yoznak were faster back on their feet, kicking the soldiers’ swords out of reach. Yoznak growled at the toppled warriors. “We might let you live if you tell us why you attack us.” The attackers glowered, saying nothing. “Well, speak up, or are your tongues cut out?” One of the soldiers nodded and gaped. “Brilliant. Then I guess we’ll have to settle for stringing this lot up in the nearest tree.” Xallia handed over a long rope. “Heads up or down?” Gondo looked around, grinning wickedly. “Heads up, I think. Make them suffer longer.” After the less pleasant job of stringing up the soldiers, the gang looked around for traces of hounds, horses or any other beasts of burden. Nothing. Just a lot of footprints from three armored men. “So then we know. Mercenaries, of the toughest sort. Most likely from the Balkian Order.” Gondo looked at Yoznak. “So, we keep better lookout then?” “Yes. And Zam, keep more of those pouches, whatever they were, ready at hand, will you?”

TWO DAYS LATER, THREE DAYS NORTH OF GHIAN

They were making good speed southward when Xallia spotted a gleam of metal in some bushes off the path. “What was that?” Gondo looked warily around. “Where?” “I thought I saw metal in those bushes.” “I’ll check.” Before anyone could stop him, Gondo headed off the road. Three seconds later, he returned with a howl. “They’re chewed-up suits of armor! Let’s get out of here!” The horses were pushed onward at best pace, but suddenly halted, throwing the riders. There, in the middle of the road, was a little baby dragon., sitting with its hind leg in a snare, in obvious pain. Yoznak looked up and drew his knife slowly. Getting to his feet, he tried to soothe the creature. “There, there, I won’t hurt you. Let me just remove this…” Swiftly slicing the snare, Yoznak jumped back when the dragon cooed and sniffed at him. It then looked at its foot, cooed again, and flew away. “Then that’s taken care of.” Xallia looked at Yoznak. “That was really sweet of you.” Yoznak grinned, slightly bashful. “Yeah, well, it was blocking the road… Now let’s get out of here before its mother arrives!” They had been riding for about ten minutes when a loud roar covered the sky, scaring the horses. “Oh, crud, here’s mama!” Yoznak leaned over to slap Gondo lightly, but leaned too far and fell off his horse. That is, he would have fallen, had he not been fished up by a huge, silvery claw, and gently placed standing. “Be greeted, courageous travelers. I am called Grawria Silverhide. It was my son that you freed from his captivity, and for that I am grateful. I knew of his plight, but I was forbidden to act myself; the Great Wheel clearly states that a parent shall never intercede on the child’s behalf, not even when life is at stake. That decree is for our children to learn to survive without their mother or father watching, but I am nonetheless glad. Allow me to provide swift journey home in return.” Gondo, Zam, Xallia and Yoznak looked thoughtfully at each other. “Dragonrider for a day…” “We’d be home in hours…” “No more ambushes on the way…” They looked up at the sleek, shining dragon. “Done. We’re headed straight southward, to the city-state of Ghian.” Grawria smiled. “Very well, I am familiar with the way there. Climb onto my back, and I shall get the horses.” Moments later, Zam was clutching his stomach, looking rather pale. “Oooh, If I never do this again, it will be too soon…”

GHIAN, JUST BEFORE SUNSET

The guardsman heard the sound of wings. He looked up. He stood like that for a long time… Then, when the huge, silvery dragon was near the city walls, he started panicking. “ALERT! Dragon headed for town!” The bells were chiming, and defenses were rolled into place, but, alas, it was too late. Grawria was already above the city walls when the ballistas were rolled into place, and she landed safely in the middle of town. The horses were put down, shivering, and the travelers climbed down, Zam looking like he wanted to vomit. Grawria smiled. “Dragonfriends, this is but the start of repaying. I will owe you as long as I live, and a dragon has a long life, indeed, as well as memory. Fare well, wherever you may wander, and never forget your friend, Grawria Silverhide.” The cityfolk started to approach, so Grawria took to wing, while Xallia and Gondo waved goodbye. Yoznak and Zam looked around, cautiously. “Come along, princess. While people are staring after the dragon, we run to the Magicians’ Guild.” Xallia followed, slightly reluctant. At the door to the Guild, Yoznak laid his arm along Xallia’s back and proclaimed loudly “The heir of Fhyllallien has arrived!” Then he winced loudly. “What happened, Yoznak?” Paling slightly, Yoznak moved his arm over Xallia, revealing a dagger stuck hilt-deep in his forearm. “I think there may be some assassins here, too…” Jerking the dagger out, Gondo examined it carefully. “I recognize this insignia. And I believe you do too, Yoznak.” Zam fished up a small pouch of healing herbs to apply to the wound, while Yoznak grabbed the dagger. “This is not just familiar, this is aggravating. This dagger belongs to the Captain of the Guild!” A shadow moved in an alley across the street, noticed by Gondo alone. “Yoznak, that alley…” “I’m going, buddy. You two safeguard the princess, I shall take care of the traitor!” Yoznak hefted his battleaxe and ran toward the alley. There, he tripped over something leaned against the wall. “Yoznak? Quick… listen to me…” Yoznak looked at the pile, doing his first and only triple-take. The Captain lay there, mortally wounded, a broken spear sticking out of his stomach. “You must guard… the heir… I was to investigate… conspiracy… learned… too much… the traitor …” Yoznak stared down at the dead warrior. “Who’s the traitor, blast it? Who? Oh, damn. He’s dead… Xallia!” Yoznak leapt out of the alley, only to collide with a cloaked figure. “Yoznak of the Warrior Guild?” “Yeah? That’s me.” The figure handed out a scroll. “The Temple of Vendor asks for your assistance. Time is short, and travelers are in danger.” Yoznak opened the scroll and skimmed through the text. “The Commander has been hiring mercenaries? Attack innocent people in the woods? But…” Yoznak looked up. The person who had given him the scroll was nowhere in sight. Yoznak elbowed his way across the street again. “Has anybody seen the Commander?” Zam looked at him, puzzled. “The Commander? No. Did you find the Captain?” “The Captain is dead, by the Commander’s hand, no doubt. It is the Commander who is the guilty party here, he must be stopped!” They backed toward the wall when Xallia screamed. She slumped to the ground, a bloody streak along her back. “Commander!” Yoznak pulled Xallia away from the deathblow, lifting her into the arms of the others. “Yoznak! So, you learned the truth after all? It seems I underestimated you.” Yoznak sneered. “So it seems. Why? What could you profit from a war between Fhyllallien and Ghian?” The two warriors prepared for fight. “That… is something you won’t learn as long as I live.” The Commander swung his sword at Yoznak, who swiftly parried with the axe. Gondo and Zam examined Xallia’s wound, and came to the conclusion it was merely a scratch. The two warriors fought with a rare ferocity, but the Commander was the better of the two. Yoznak was wearing out, when a brief burst of fire struck the Commander, causing him to lose his balance for a moment. That moment was enough for Yoznak, who seized the opportunity to deal the Commander the mortal blow. As the Commander fell, a dark, spectral shape emanated from his body. He coughed a few times, then lay still. “Y… Yoznak? I was possessed… I had no control of my actions… left drawer… desk… plan… farewell…” The Commander exhaled, and was no more. Zam stepped closer. “That ring… I know its design. It contains a demonic entity, who takes control of the wearer’s body! No wonder he turned on you like that.” “That sounds… reasonable. By the way…” Yoznak turned and looked up at the sky. There, Grawria waved to the four, smiling. “Thanks for saving me there, Grawria!” Despite the distance, Gondo could have sworn Grawria winked at them.

LATER

With the plans hidden in the Commander’s desk drawer, the conspiracy was quickly exposed and taken care of. Several nobles in both Fhyllallien and Ghian, not to mention the surrounding lands, were put on trial and sentenced to death. Yoznak was offered the position as Commander of the Warrior guild, but declined, disliking the thought of being stuck behind a desk for the next years. Zam was accepted into the Alchemists’ Tower again, though by a marginal majority vote. Gondo kept on living the good life for other people’s money, and Xallia? Well, let us just say that her free spirit brought on many adventures for the now inseparable companions. Not to mention all the extra wrinkles her teachers gained…

But those are other stories, best saved for another time…

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