NationStates Jolt Archive

Serlina spoke sadly, the frist time such an emotion was heard in her voice. "Cecil, I tell nothing and think nothing about my self or others, my life is inmateral, but I serve my goddess and the only purpice in life I have is to serve her will. If she wills it, I would drop dead right now. I am but a tool to serve her will like any other shadow master. I am not capable of keeping the beliefs of my order to myself, its gotten me and others in my order in trouble before with non-Voreni but that can not be helped. It is a reason I prefer not to talk to non-Voreni, because they can not understand or will not understand. It is easier to carry out ones duties without speaking if one can and know that know that matter how badly one suffers its for the greater good."

Macros collected his meal and head over to Daveon, handing him the elven wine.

"Thanks."

"So what do you think of this place?"

Daveon looked around the room whilst answering.

"I think it attracts many different kinds of people. Judging by the glares I have recieved, not many like elves."

Cecil gave an accomidating smile to Serlina, "Then we will leave it at that, I was just trying to explain that this nation has always been in the care of Kementari, to even consider building a shrine to another God would be an insult." his smile remained, obviously an attempt to keep Serlina happy and comfortable, after all she was a paying customer.

Daveon was quite correct about the Rampant Cockeral, it was full of some of the nastiest peices of work that had ever entered Mar-nu-Falmar, but that could be said for all the cities on all the Trade routes in Daegor.

There was no ill feeling to Elves in Mar-nu-Falmar, but it was a common human trait to be jealous of an Elves grace, looks and long life. The dregs of society which frequent the Rampent Cockeral where well within their rights to feel animosity towards elves and their kin.

Serlina nodded somthing that was hardly notable then she ate a little before rising and heading to the stables to care for her Voreni Battlesteed. She knew that Voreni Battlesteeds had a repatation that would make the stablehands refuse to come nearer to the stall than they had to.

Daveon paused in mid conversation to move from the path of a flying ale glass. He looked over to see a bearded man starring him down. Daveon made an offensive gesture before returning to his conversation with Macros.

"Some humans....."

Macros nodded.

"I know. It is pathetic."

After Serlina returned from tending to her steed she sat down near the group and thought of the other reason she was on this quest though she showed it not.

At that precise moment Bevan and Rhiannon burst through the door, both out of breath and trying to hold back laughter. The pair lean against the wall and start to rummage through their pockets. Occassionaly stopping to produce a shiney item. Before bursting into exhausted laughs again.

Macros raised his eyebrow.

"What have you two been up to?"

Serlina stared at Bevan and Rhiannon and spoke in a cold monotone voice that send chills up the spines of the tavern goers that heard it. "Indeed, what are two up to?"

"Upto?" Bevan replies, trying to put a saintly look on his face.

"Nothing....." he pauses for a second, "Well nothing to serious." The pair laugh again like school children.

"Lets just say we were helping the distribution of wealth!" Bevan continues.
"If they will leave trinkets out like that, what are we supposed to do?"

Serlina glared from under her hood even though her eyes couldn't be seen, the glare could felt and she spoke in a voice that that made the spine chilling voice she used before like a warm spring day. "How intresting; then we should be expecting the guards soon?"

Tal turned from his position near the bar, a frown marking his concern over what he had just heard. He didn't need this sort of trouble, especially as they hadn't even left Mar-nu-Falmar yet.

His eyes met Bevan's, the disappointment evident in them. "You could have just left them where they were." He opened his mouth to say more, but was interrupted, by a voice next to him.

"I told you, didn't I?" Jadira's voice dripped with venom, having not yet calmed down from her perceived insult to Kementari. "Trouble. And they will bring it upon the rest of us before we even make the border." Her eyes flared with hardly concealed anger, as they came to rest on Bevan and his companion, Rhiannon.

Daveon sighed as he attempted to difuse the situation.

"Why don't you two return what you 'found' and join us with a hot meal and a drink?"

"Don't fret your pretty little head" Bevan replies to Serlina,

"There aren't going to be any guards, we out ran them and thats why we are in here. There is no problem on its way, so don't you guys worry. The meals on me!" he calls as walks towards the table.

"Return that goods as once. If you want to, I can pay you for that, but don't put us in more trouble", said Atheril rising from his table, looking at Rhiannon. "How much you stole?", he asked, anger painted in his eyes.

Serlina merely continued to stare coldly at Bevan.

"Enough thankyou." Bevan replied, he had no intent of handing back the goods he had taken.

"Its enough to buy a new horse. You know the one that I lost in that forest back there. I think its only fair that i get compensation." He walks to the bar and throws a coin to the maid, who in turn passes him a tankard of ale.

Rhiannon sits down at the table, "I don't know what you are complaining about. Its what we do best." she smiles, pulling a silver necklace from her pocket and showing it to the party.

"Who says its right for some fat merchant to have this sat on his stall when it would look so much better around someones neck. How about you Serlina, would you like it?"

"I wanted it", interrumpted the dark elf. "How much is it?", he asked with the icy glance still in his eyes.

"You want to buy it off me?" Rhiannon asked, a smile followed shortly afterwards.

"Well, I've looked it over once or twice and its obviously been made by a fine silversmith." she weighs it in her hand for a while, "It has a lovely set of stones set into it. But i have to tell you i think its more for a woman." she pauses deep in thought.

"I'll tell you what. As i like you so much you can buy it for 75 gold coins. Its a steal!" she then laughs a gain, just in time for Bevan to return to the table with his tankard of ale.

Daveon and Macros halted their attempt to stop the thiefs. The elf smiled.

"Do you really think it is a good idea teaching her magic?"

Macros shook his head.

"No, but hopefully she will learn some responsibility from my lessons as wel. I gave my word I would teach her."

"Ah, I see. Good luck then."

"Seventy five gold pieces?, well, I can pay that, barely, but I can. And I just want to know...Did you slit the throat of the owner of that thing as the good thieves do, or just let him go like amateurs?" Atheril asked as he began to pull out the coins from his purse.

Tal stepped forward, placing himself between Atheril and Rhiannon in a bid to stop the transaction taking place, placing his hand on the elf's arm.

"There is no need to pay for anything." He looked his fellow companion in the eyes, shaking his head. "Keep your money, you may have more need for it further on the journey."

He waited for Atheril's reaction as he turned to look at Rhiannon, his face devoid of emotion, his voice level and calm, as he gestured the group to join Macros and Daveon at their table.

"I think we need to get a few things straigthened out before we continue."

Behind him, still standing near the bar, Jadira could be seen glaring at her travelling companions, her eyes blazing with her anger.

Atheril retired his hand and nodded at Tal, stepping back. "I just wanted to buy it so I could return it to the right owner. I don't want any troubles thanks to this little robbery. I don't need to steal in order to maintain myself. Thieves deserve to be hanged", he said, staring at Rhiannon and Bevan.

Daveon shook his head.

"I think we may have a little confrontation about to arise here."

Macros nodded.

"So it seems."

"Hanged?" Bevan interupted, "Where you come from life might be easy with all your money and wealth, but where we come from its difficult." Garem had stood up from his seat by the bar and walked over to the table.

"I guess you have no comprehension of a hard life, where you have to strive to keep yourselves alive on food you can barely afford." Bevan watched Atheril carefully, "Always putting your hand in that purse to solve your problems, well it doesn't work like that down in the gutter."

Rhiannon stepped into the brewing confrontation. "SWhat do you mean a good thief would slit a throat? A good thief wouldn't harm anyone, a great thief wouldn't be seen, and we wouldn't have been if it hadn't have been a busy market place. But it doesn't change the fact that we have this stuff."

"You all knew who and what we where before we came, and now you have a problem. Strange that. You couldn't care less when I was lying underneath my dead horse. Then you were all concerned patting each other on the back. Well I have to live, I have to get a horse. So I did what I always do. I took what I needed to make things right." Bevan fumed.

"Then a good thief is going to be caught and hanged. You will need to sell those jewels if you want the money, and then you could be tracked and caught. I have see it many times, too many times", said the dark elf looking at Bevan.

"And maybe you're right. I never had the need to steal, because I was born rich, and I always had enough money inside my purse to sustain myself. But sometimes people have other troubles than just find their food and lodging, and from where I came, the world was a worst place than where you grew up", he paused for a moment, trying to regain his breath as well as calming down.

Then he continued "And this time, you're just falling into the use of your old customs. This time, if you wanted a new horse, Bevan, you could asked me, or asked Tal. I'm sure we would have helped you, and bought you a horse. Allright, you stole something this time because you need something. And what then?. Later in this adventure, if you need something more, Will you cut my purse?".

Bevan smiled, "I could already have done that, you are quick to tell people how wealthy you are. Remember Tal has already told you to keep your purse hidden in such a place as this. But I see that you want to play a game of one up manship. You want to talk about hard lives. I can't comment about where you came from, but I make my own luck, I know who to sell these trinkets too, why do you think I'm in this inn?"

Bevan scans the room, "Just look around this drinking hall, how many do you think would want to buy this on the cheap. How many Merchants would want this on their stall. How many farmers would want to give their humble wife some fine jewelry that they couldn't originally afford. Well from me they can!"

"Don't presume to think that you know where I came from or what my motivations are, I come from a different lifestyle from you. I'm not going to beg for your money nor Tal's I'll make my own money. Do you understand? To you there may be more trouble to life than food and a place to lay your head. But not with me, not with us three." he motions to Rhiannon and Garem.

"We are always going to slip to our "old ways" becaus ethose are our ways! I have not stolen from one single member of this group, I have not asked one little thing from any of you. I do my thing and allow you to do yours, don't you dare try to preach to me about the hardships of life. I couldn't give a damn!" Bevan stood up from the table and stormed over to Cecil, who by now was by a number of ale filled barrells.

Rhiannon and Garem looked a little embarressed, but silently watched the rest of the party.

"So be it", said Atheril, "All I want is stay away from trouble, I've committed enough crimes in my life to be prosecuted by the crimes of others. But let me be clear. If someone ask me about those jewels, I'll turn you to the authorities, I'll return to my old ways too, after all, I'm just a Dark Elf", the bitterness in his voice was mixed with sadness, walking away from Bevan and picking the bottle of wine, drinking a long sip of it.

Serlina spoke. "Did you at least not steal them from some poor honest merchant trying to feed his family. I would hope so at least."

Macros and Daveon continued to watch the argument, not willing to intervene.

Rhiannon looked at Serlina, "What do you think an ordinary Merchant is? How many peddlers of trinkets do you know. I would hazzard a guess at very few! Most people in that market place are selling bread and smallcarvings, not silverware." Garem placed a hand on her shoulder.

"We're not likely to steal from the poor are we?" he interupted, "Where is the sense in that? they don't have anything worth stealing. Now if you wait for Bevan to come back I'm sure you'll see that he has already sold off half the goods to Cecil." he finished the sentence with a smile.

Meanwhile Bevan was in deep conversation with Cecil, who looked over a few of the items carefully for a while.

Macros attempted to lighten up the mood a little.

"Rhiannon, why don't you come over here and update me on your development."

Macros said this with a pleasant smile.

Rhiannon moved over to Macros, "There hasn't been much development. Occasionally my fingers tingle and sometimes I give Garem an electric shock, but apart from that very little has actually occured. Maybe its because I've spent all our time here, running through the streets."

"Sit down and I'll see what can be done about speeding things up a little."

Macros pulled up a chair.

Rhiannon sat down on the chair, waggled her fingers a few times and then looking up into Macros' face, smiled. "So what are you going to teach me huh?" she enquired.

Meanwhile Bevan seemed to continuing quite well with his transactions and Garem had sat down at the table with the party .

Macros nodded.

"Ok. Rest your hands on the table, palms facing upwards. I want you to concentrate on the energy flowing through your hands. The tingling you can feel. Concentrate on that. Think about it leaving the inside of your hands and forming a small sphere in your palm. Concentrate on doing that, and see how you go."

OOC: I'm sorry to leave like this, but my family and I are going on a holiday, so I won't be able to get on NS. I'll be back on the 10th of January.

Tal sighed with relief as the discussion died down, and people split off into their own little groups. He wasn't a fool, he knew that this happened every day, he'd been desperate enough in the past to have to remove items himself, but he was concerned. This situation had driven a wedge between members of the group, caused a rift in a hardly close bunch of people.

He reached for his tankard, catching sight of Jadira, her anger carved into her face. Smiling warily, he moved over to where she took, feeling her temper as he drew near. He turned, facing the others, as she continued to watch.

He went to speak, but Jadira beat him to it. "I told you they'd be trouble." She moved so she had her back to the group, her eyes flicking up to his. "From the moment they entered the inn, I warned you."

Tal cast his eyes over their companions, as they interacted with each other. His gaze holding Bevan for a moment longer than the others, looking into her eyes. "What happened to the forgiving Jad I used to know? What made her so untrusting? So judgemental of others?"

She looked at him, anger and confusion etched onto her face. "Have you forgotten why we are here? What we are trying to do?" She shook her head sadly. "We don't have the time to deal with trouble, Tal. The last thing we need is to be looking over our shoulders." Her voice lowered by lost none of its edge. "We're going to have enough trouble with what's in front of us."

Tal placed his hand on her arm, looking her in the eye. "I trust them, Jad. I think they are a good bunch of people." A smile crept over his mouth. "And they're all we have."

She turned to face the others, bringing her own drink to her lips, wetting her parched mouth. She sighed deeply. "Beggars can't be choosers, I guess."

Serlina sat quietly sipping a glass of water oddly enough and the only thing before her was some bread, a bean soup and some cooked vegtables.

OOC: I'm back.

Within the next few hours the party slowly began to turn in, a mix of the ale and the exertion of the journey finally taking its toll. The night still in youth when the last one made their way to their bed, an early morning set off planned.

While the moon was still in the sky, Tal entered the bar not at all surprised to see Jadira up already. Sometimes he wondered if she actually slept at all. She was standing in the courtyard of the Inn, speaking to some stranger, passing him something then turning back to the door.

Entering the warm room, the fire already blazing in the hearth, as an old woman added a couple of logs, before turning and smiling toothlessly at the younger woman. “Food will be with you shortly, and the stuff you asked for will be taken to the stables ready for your journey.”

“Thank you. Your assistance is much appreciated.” Jadira smiled and turned to Tal, noting his questioning look she walked over to him. “The supplies are organised. As soon as the others are ready, we will be ready to ride.”

Tal nodded his head, and moved over to the table that was being covered with a selection of bread and cold meats. Grabbing a slab of cheese from the platter that the old woman was bringing in, he began to chew hungrily on the food. Surprised at how much in need of food he was.

It wasn’t much longer before the bar was full of the rest of the group, each taking their fill of food, quietly chatting or sitting in silence as they readied themselves for the next leg of their journey. An air of tension still hanging over them following the events of the previous day made Tal pray that it would soon be forgotten.

A couple of hours later, some way down the road, the inn a distant memory, the town no longer visible from their path. On the horizon, a mountainous range could be seen, their destination the gap through the middle. The Vale of Death. A path that tended to live up to its name, as it claimed more than its share of travellers.

Macros and Daveon approached Tal. Macros was in a rather cheery mood.

"So, where are we off to today? Any nasty monsters waiting to kill us? Perhaps a dragon? Or a demon? Maybe even both?"

Daveon was his normal self.

"Where do we head now?"

Tal smiles at Daveon and Macros, pleased to see some cheerfulness in the group. A stark contrast to the atmosphere that had followed them out of the Inn. He points up ahead to the mountains, a dark outline against the slowly brightening sky, as the sun began to poke out its weary head.

"That's our goal. A two day ride, over flat land with little chance of running into either of the creatures you mention." He chuckles softly before lowering his voice. "Although, there are a few in our party that may be kin to a demon or two." He teasingly looked at Jadira, who was in her usual position up ahead.

Macros smirked.

"You are correct. I have been studying such cases... and have come to one conclusion. Woman are a species of lower demon."

He continued to laugh. Even Daveon gave a slight smile to the joke.

Daveon looked out at the mountains, his elvish vision allowing him to see slightly further than the others.

"Is there anything likely to hinder our passage?"

Serlina spoke Calmly. "The Vale of Death. There used to be a Goblin stronghold near there, I don't know if there is still one however. If my memery serves me and it hasn't changed isn't there a small outpost in the center of the gap?"

Tal laughed along with Macros, nodding his head, as he imagined Jadira's retort if she had been near enough to hear their conversation. "A very worthwhile study." He let his laughter fade as he turned his attention to Daveon's more serious question.

Before he could reply, Serlina's voice broke into the conversation, answering the question for him. He looked at her and smiled. "It's true there is a Goblin stronghold near the foot of the mountains, which had been causing a lot of trouble in recent months." He turned back to Daveon. "There is a chance that the journey may be a little troublesome."

He went silent for a moment, as he thought over the last news he had heard from concerning the outpost. Not that much came out from the Vale, weary travellers tended to avoid the mountains for several reasons, be it Goblins or rock fall, another problem that faced the group.

"There is indeed an outpost, as long as it hasn't been attacked and destroyed." He shook his head. If the settlement was gone, this would mean they would not be able to break their journey half way, and it would be extra three days before they could refresh their supplies.

Serlina spoke. "The outpost was destroyed. However its been rebuilt if I recall and they doubled the garrison, doubled the height and thickness of the walls, put in a moat and boodytrapped the area around the outpost. Even the Priests and Priestesses attending the church there and the shrines to the various gods and goddesses are from miltitent orders. That is what I heard from one of my sisters when she went to attend the shrine there. But yes if the outpost is destoryed we be in for some difficultly, theres rumors of not just golbins but Orcs have been sighted commanding the goblins or so the rumors among the shadowguardans have stated."

"Orcs?. We shouldn't fear that greenskinned scum, even if they detect us, they have no means to follow us, our horses would outrun them. As long as we don't fall into a trap, let's try to pass as if that outpost doesn't exist", said Atheril, placing his hand over his horse's neck. "My only worries are the flying creatures like the demons or the dragons, that can catch us easily".

Daveon flinched at the mention of demons. The word bringing back memories of his past. He quickly regained control and continued to listen to the conversation.

Macros was still in a cheery mood.

"Dragons? No problem. I know plenty of dragons back in Khadrim. I'll strike a deal with any dragons that puruse us. They don't eat us and I'll introduce them to a potential mate. All will be good."

Serlina stared at Daveon from under the hood and said. "You can't bargain with an evil dragon. But the Great wrym that lived hear was slain by the legendary hero, Sir Xern 5 years ago and his hoard scattered to the 7 winds. As for the Orcs and the Goblins don't under estimate them, We can't out run Worg riders even with our horses, not in vale, Fairy riders couldn't ride full speed though that vale without breaking their necks and the mountains are honey combed with Goblin Tunnels."

OOC: It's Macros that is being so optimistic, not Daveon.

IC: Daveon nodded.

"He knows that. He's just in a good mood. The man can hold his own when trouble presents itself."

Serlina spoke. "Ah. Well then shall we go onward into the breach then. We may reach a defendable location before nightfall."

Bevan, who was seated on his new horse, galloped up closer to the party. He was nervous about the chances of an attack, but he wasn't going to tell anybody.

"Why would it even matter that we could find a place to make a stand. If these Goblins are as good as you say they are then we are already dead." He looked at the rest of the party.

"Now everyone knows that a goblin on there own is not a problem" he paused "if you can handle a blade yourself. The problem occurs when there are a number of the vile creatures. And if there is a whole cave network full of them then i can safely say that i don't want to be going anywhere near them."

Macros turned to face Bevan, a sarcastic smile on his face, displaying his good mood.

"Don't you worry young warrior. We can handle the little people. Remember they easily scare..... and I can pull some pretty ugly faces...."

Daveon remained silent. He had finally realised what has caused Macros' good mood. A good amount of ale.

Serlina spoke. "Indeed and Goblins are at heart cowards, Kill the orc leaders, or kill enough of them and they will run away and they don't come out during the day unless their driven to. We just have to be careful and make sure we don't set up camp near any caves no matter how shallow."

Macros looked back at Rhianon.

"Don't forget you have a master and apprentice mage. We speacialize in making party tricks that scare little people away."

Macros indicated his glowing staff. Then it dawned on him.

"That's strange. It usually doesn't glow for no reason."

Suddenly a shrill scream filled the air, echoing of the rockfaces. Daveon immediately drew his bow and searched the area for a target.

Serlina readed her spear and spoke looking around. "Its to early for goblins, they hate the daylight and will appear during the day if driven by great need or threatened by someone they truely fear.

Daveon continued to search.

"I am unfamiliar with that sound. Any ideas?"

Macros' mood had just taken a plunge. That shrill scream could only be one thing.

"This isn't good. Not at all. I suggest you all find something to cover your ears when need be. It is still far off, but you don't want to risk hearing it close up."

The staff continued to glow, the light illuminating Macros in a sheet of pulsing blue power.

Serlina paled even though it couldn't be seen under her hood as she tried to plug her ears. "Please tell me that isn't what I think it is." She spoke slightly shakened as the sound came closer.

Serlina paled even though it couldn't be seen under her hood as she tried to plug her ears. "Please tell me that isn't what I think it is." She spoke slightly shakened as the sound came closer.

Macros nodded.

"There is no mistaking that sound. It is a Banshee. Make sure you block your ears well, this thing can shatter your skull with it's screams."

Daveon was already effected by because of his elven senses. He lay upon his horse, ears covered by his hands and a face scrunched up in pain.

Macros quickly scribbled several identical runes within the air and placed them upon the other members of the party.

"They should protect you from death if you do manage to hear it."

Serlina spoke. "And for what ever god you belive in don't look at it unless you like to die of fear. I though they usually haunted abandaned castles where horrific events have taken place and other such ruins."

"A Banshee, the wraith of a dead elven Princess. So, I suppose you're maybe in trouble. I think I can stand her wail, since I'm accustomed to such company, yet it could be deadly for most of you", said Atheril, a wry grin in his face.

Serlina shook her head. "Many Banshees aren't the wraiths of elven princesses however,. In Vorena they are evil corrupted spirits of Fairies. Not even the most powerful neomacers can control such an banshee and only holy water can harm such Banshees. Pray such an Banshee is not coming."

Macros nodded.

"In Khadrim, they are tormented spirits released from the netherworld, similar to the ones in Vorena. Either way, we need to either get the hell out of here, or take our chances fighting it."

"Which is not good, like I said, holy water, also blessed rock salt and other holy Items, but holy water works best. Unforenately I don't have any of that. My spear while blessed isn't an powerful enough holy item, it would just annoy it."

"I know of some basic spells, perhaps enough to hold it off slightly."

Macros moved over towards Tal.

"So what do you think?"

Tal, who had been listening intently to the conversation happening before him, shook his head grimly. They didn’t really have any choice but to continue on the path they were already committed to, although the prospect of running into orcs after facing a banshee was not pleasant.

“I’m not saying this is going to be easy, banshees were possibly the one thing I did not want to run into, but things are not as bleak as they may seem.” Looking over at Jadira, Tal nodded his head. “It is quite an eye opener what she packs into her belongings. I would not be surprised if she hasn’t prepared for such an outcome. Although, seeing Jad with a holy artefact is not really that unusual. She is a member of the Holy Order of Kementari, its kind of the reason she is here.”

Leaving the topic in the air, he returned his gaze back to Macros. “I have every faith in your ability. I believe we will reach the other side of the pass without too much trouble.”

Macros nodded, slightly reassured by Tal's confidence.

"In that case, we should continue."

Macros began at a slow trot whilst sound wards provided enough protection for Daveon to resume riding.

"Well if Kementari is going to protect us then we have nothing to fear" Bevan interupted.

"And if that doesn't work then Macros will protect us." Rhiannon replied, the thought that here where two chances of protection seemed to ease her mind.

"Lets just hope those things aren't calling out for us. The last thing i want to do is see if Kemetari is feeling generous to us today. Considering we destroyed that path." Garem said, a faint smile crossing his lips.

Serlina shrugged slightly. " Then let us get going, I'd rather not test fate and I am not an Knight of the Lightlord. I don't fight insanely powerful and supernatural monsters, just the mortal variety."

The party continued along the path, uninterrupted, save for a distant shriek or two. Macros' mood was returning to a humourous one as the shrieks were further away than the initial one.

"It looks like it has gone. I guess we are lucky."

Daveon kept a vigilant watch for any movement. He still had the sound wards enacted in case the creature were to return, he did not wish to risk being crippled because of his sensetive hearing.

"We'll be safe when we get a long distance from those shrieks." Bevan replied.

"Lets face it when we can't hear them anymore then we'll be safe." Garem quickly interupted.

Bevan kept looking around on the horizon, though he knew deep down that even if he saw a banshee it would be too late to warn anybody in the party.

Entering the main passage through the mountains, Jadira heightened her guard, having felt her companions do the same. The Orc threat was well known in this region, the terrain ideal for concealment and ambush, the rock formation leaving plenty of hiding places on either side of the path.

Riding her horse slowly along, her eyes began to watch ahead, the banshee threat never far from her mind, but the distant sound of their cries made them the lesser of the two potential problems that lay before them, and although their number was the greater, Jadira was certain the group could put up a reasonable fight.

She had been listening to the conversations as they went, and for once, she did not mock the lack of courage from any of the group. Many of the bravest had ventured along this course, and had been changed by the end of their journey; some had not even made it that far. She had heard many tales, all told with respect and revere, not one traveller had ever boasted about their survival, most just said a prayer to whichever god was watching their back.

Slowing her horse down, she moved alongside Bevan and Garem, whose conversation she had been eavesdropping in on. Knowing that she had been, perhaps, a little harsh on the smaller of the two men, she smiled. “Have you ever witnessed a banshee attack?” Her face remained serious, and there was no trace of mockery in her eyes or tone. “Only the very lucky or the very cautious survive. I believe…” She looked at the others following behind. “That we will fair better than most who have taken this route. We have a strong group.” She sat looking at him, anticipating his reply, she had not been too kind when voicing her opinions of her companions up until now.

Serlina several times stopped at several spots along the path as they traveled and seemed to study something in at the spots as she muttered in an low shadowly tongue, those paying attention would notice when she did this shadowly lettering appeared on the spots forming words before dispearing. Finally she rode up to where Tal was. If her face could have seen an slight frown would have seen.