One of the first stories I did for the guild and also one of my favorite. As time changes so does the guild. These were some of my original friends in the Ring of Destiny. Our adventure is also taking place in my favorite continent, Veilous.

Chap1: Gathering

In the cold dark ice corridors of Kael Drakkal two intruders crept passed the giants sentries. Clinging to shadows and dark corners the interlopers managed avoid being caught by the frost giant's guards. Both wore heavy cloaks with large hoods that were meant not only to keep Veilous's chill from them but also to conceal their identity. Finally they made it to a large stairway that lead to the heart of the giants citadel. Throwing back the hood of his thick cloak, one of the intruders peered down the oversized stairs to large gathering of giants making preparations.

"I was afraid that was what they were up to," he whispered to his companion.

"I didn't think they had the numbers to do it," his companion replied. "Any chance you can get a little closer Chie? It would help if we knew how many were coming." Chielings peered over the edge again before drawing back and throwing his hood on again.

"Not with out being spotted I'm afraid," said Chielings. "At least we have what we came for. No more rumors or stories. It is a fact, the giants intend to wipe Thurgadin from the map." Chielings companion spat on the ground in anger.

"Lets get the officers, I bet the Ring can find away to stop the giants," he said.

"That's one of the reasons I wanted you with me when we did this Arclight," pointed out Chielings as they crept back through the halls of ice.

Raising an eyebrow in confusion Arclight asked, "What do you mean by that Chie?"

"Well you were nearby anyways when I decided to do this but also I need your help convincing the others," explained Chielings. "The giants have given us a unique opportunity. We have the chance to hit so hard they'll never stand against us again. For that I want the whole guild here. Every last member.

The great keep that the Ring of Destiny called home was something of mystery for those weren't part of the guild. Secluded and hidden from others only the Ring knew of its location. Chielings and Arclight had managed to sneak out of the Frost Giants city and return to the keep. It was strange Arclight thought, to call this place home. Usually adventure and emergencies kept most of the Ring away. Often only officers were present and then only briefly to discuss guild business.

Walking quickly through the hallways of the guild, Arclight's eyes turned to glance at the many paintings hanging in the hallway. All were massive portraits of guild members, former and new. Each had a plaque with a personal inscription on it from the guild member. These portraits held many memories for the older members. With quick nod towards the portraits of his friends, Arclight turned his attention back to Chielings as the monk threw open the doors to the great hall. The guild hall was massive, larger then any room in the keep. In its center stood a gigantic aspen table carved with wood from the Faydark forest. Each member of the guild had their own chair at this table. Arclight quickly repressed the urge to chuckle as he saw Berit sitting at his. In an effort to put himself at eye level with everyone else the dwarf had ordered his chair be made extra tall. Yaman had taken to calling it a booster seat for kids.

Berit must have seen Arclight holding down a laugh because he scowled and impatiently asked, "Well what's the emergency monk? The officers and I have things to do."

"You can go back to making indecent proposals to Aenau after I'm done talking to ya!" countered Chielings.

"Bite me monk, last time I checked even the gnomes were turning you both down," snarled the dark elf Aenau. Arclight waited patiently while the monk and the other officers exchanged a few insults before Chielings got to the heart of the matter.

"The Frost Giants of Kael are gathering some forces to march on Thurgadin," explained Chielings. "They intend to crush the dwarves once and for all."

"And thisss matters to us how?" hissed Ckorik the iksar.

"Most of us here in the Ring have killed a giant or two in our time. Some of us have killed dozens," Chielings pointed out. "The giants see us as enemies. Not only will we be able to seize equipment and funds from them, but we will also be crippling them. After this I doubt they will be a serious threat to the Ring ever again.

"Then there is Thurgadin," said Arclight. "It's the only major city open to any of our members in Veilous. If the giants crushed that we would have little sanctuary on that continent. Many of us have friends there as well."

"I think your more worried about the bar being destroyed there then the city," chuckled Maecbeth the dwarven paladin.

"That would be tragic, but the city as well as the people there are important too," Arclight replied dryly.

"How many guild members will we need?" Berit asked Chielings. Chielings thought about it for a moment.

"I think we should start sending peeps to Thurgadin now. We'll need as many as we can get. If we start gathering them now we'll probably have everyone in the guild assembled when the giants get there," concluded Chielings.

"You are sure the giants are marching?" asked Aenau. "I'd hate to think what's left of your brain froze while you were in Kael."

"I only hope one of them steps on you in the upcoming fight Aenau." Chielings shot back.

"ENOUGH!" shouted Berit. "Put out the call, I want see every member of the Ring in Thurgadin by tonight!"