It was a bright sunny day others like her were out enjoying a new adventure but she was inside going through a ton of musty old books, journals and maps. She had looked at his makers' mark so many times that she has it memorized. A tiny E with a J kind of looped through it making it look like and odd flower. A J stopped smiling about the thirteenth time upon finding it. She had come to realize it was another adventure that had taken him away from her and her mother. She has also stopped wondering which of these stupid journals he was trying to figure out when he happened upon his death. Her mother had known when he had died. A J was home visiting. When she had come of an age that she could work and help out with the bills, she got a job on a local ship. She became a good river rat, and thusly, not a bad little thief. So when in port A J mad use of her skills helping a local group gather information and such. It was on one of these jobs that allowed her to stumble across one of her father's maps. She knew then if her father was not attached to the map then he was in some kind of trouble. She quickly mad use of her own marginal skills making a lackluster copy of said map for her unworthy friends then scampered home to find out what was going on. Tears filled her mom's eyes for the last time over a man that was long ago gone from their lives. That is how she came to be here.

Her father had passed away several months ago but it still takes AJ's breath away when people talks to her about him. Eldrin Jasperwind was a very famous man in their tiny little village. AJ had just sat down to look over a map she found stashed among some things in her dads remaining gear when some new arrivals came by looking for Eldrin. Looking over the group she guessed they had been traveling for a while and were in no mood for smart mouthed answers.

"I am sorry you came all this way to find he has passed away. If there is anything I can help you with I am his daughter AJ." She extends her hand and smiles her best smile.

Instead of taking her hand the leader of the group eyes her with a mocking smile of his own and almost laughs in her face. A short little gnome pushes from behind him and looks her almost eye to eye; then turns, walks away muttering to himself. A tall human with pale blue eyes and a large snow white tiger looks at her and smiles.

"I am glad to meet you. I am sorry to hear about your father's death. My name is Snow Nightrunner this rather gruff man is my husband Chaos. He usually is a little less rough around the edges but we are under a time limit. We lost a day and a half looking for this village."

Looking at Snow AJ smiles again.

"Please come in, have a drink, tell me what it is of my fathers that brought you here. I might not be much but I may be able to help. If nothing else I can at least give you food, water, ale. A place to rest, clean up; collect your thoughts for a new plan. I do know that you can never go wrong with a good plan."

Standing up moving her tiny makeshift table out of the door AJ makes room for the group to enter.

"Welcome, I was not expecting anyone other than the normal group. I am unsure where they are right now but I am happy to have you. I will try and be of service. You caught me before I was on my way out. I did not intend to stay here very long; I just stopped to wrap up my dad's things." Noticing the others in the group AJ decides to get to the matter at hand. "So what is it that brings you? What is this time limit?"

One of the group wearing a mask with a dark hood walks over and hands a map over to her.
"Can you read this?" his accent thick and unknown to her.

Looking up at him as she takes the map she tries to see through the mask. Looking at the map she notices the makers' mark it is the same one that has been on all the other maps her father made. Wrinkling her brow AJ looks at the one called Chaos.

"Where did you find this? I need to know now!" her voice is not calm the high pitch in it tells everyone that despite her 3 foot 2 height she was prepared to fight for the answer if it is not given freely.

Snow and Chaos look at each other than at her. Snows big tiger growls and puffs up at her. AJ stands up her full height and a glint of light flickers as she draws a dagger from somewhere behind her back.

"Careful fluffy I do not wanna anger your companion but you would make a nice fur coat. I think I can get to your belly before you get to mine. Now someone please tell me, where did this come from?" holding the map up AJ looks at the group one at a time.

One of them meets her gaze and smiles calmly. He is a sun elf. He has a calm demeanor about him.

"My name is Variel Moonglow. I will tell you, may we please have some of that ale you mentioned?"

AJ's mouth fell open a little as she noticed that he was shockingly beautiful and he glowed. Why did she not see a glowing elf outside when they were outside her home? Why is now that he is glowing? Hey, is he trying to charm me? He is he is trying to charm me. Anger makes AJ's face redden as she continues to look at this glowing elf. Suddenly she jumps at him.

"Hey, I am not the enemy! This is my home and THIS IS MY FATHERS MAP!"

The words flew out of her at a high pitched shriek as she literally flew towards Variel. AJ found herself caught around the waist by the man in the mask.

"Here now little one. Let us go get that ale."

Carrying her like someone would carry a sack of potatoes Exile walks to the kitchen and sits her on the counter. Looking around the place he starts talking to her in that accent of his.

"This home of yours is not your original home is it little one? I can see her where you have placed things on shelves to make them more accessible and there are forgotten things on shelves that you do not use. I bet you did not know you have this bottle of elven wine here on this shelf did you" he said as he reaches and grabs it blowing dust from the bottle. "You have some bigger mugs here also I am going to fill a couple of these for the dwarf and for Chaos." He did this without waiting for an answer. Going to the storeroom he comes back with a few loaves of bread, some cheese, and a chunk of deer jerky. "You ready little one its story time. Here you can carry this. Oh allow me." Lifting her up with ease he places her on the floor and hands her two mugs of ale. Looking at her "you got any hay? Never mind we will make due." Exile leads the way back into the sitting room with the ale and food. "Here we are and Tyr there is nothing but human food so make due."

A funny smile on his face as he hands a Minotaur a glass, AJ is suddenly quite confused who are these people and why are they here. A hand on her arm shakes her from her daze.

"Are you ok little one?"

Looking into the eye holes of the mask AJ shakes her head?

"No, I am not. I am confused, and I am not getting answers. I want to know the truth who are you all and why are you all here?"

Exile smiles "Ok, sit right here." Patting the cushion of a seat near where he had picked to sit. "I will explain everything. Including where we got the map. If you promise not to interrupt."

"Deal."

Exile looks at the group takes a deep breath and begins.

Chapter 2

AJ finds herself listening with wide eyed attention to Exiles story. His accent only added to the description of events leading this odd group to her front door.

Exile began by introducing each person from his group; explain who they were; pointing firstly to the human male, which had talked to her first, the woman named Snow. Exile smiles, "they are Chaos and Snow Nightrunner. The rather large fur ball beside Snow is Azule her companion. She came across him and his mother when he was a kit. His mother was sick, injured Snow tried to save her but she died. Snow then took Azule to the Druids in West Oakwood. Chaos was traveling at the time with Tyr Fiercehart. They were investigating the unknown beasts and foul things that were bothering the people of Tangletuft Mountains more importantly Kels Rise. By the way Tyr is our friendly Minotaur that is currently smoking a pipe on your front porch." AJ and the others giggled as Exile shifted so he could point to the gnome in the corner. "The other small one in the room is Corrin Tryn Master Artificer at Large." Exile leans over so he can whisper in AJ's ear. "He is really good at making bad ale." AJ smiles trying not to laugh. "Corrin is one of our leaders. He found the map amongst some of the things he was going through in the cave we were in. The reason we were in said cave is Verial Moonglow there." Exile points to the sun elf with flair. "Verial just had to investigate the reason the Cornet and Cabbage burned down. This is the beginning of the main part of our story. Verial and our little group all agreed to meet at the Cornet and Cabbage after we gathered information and found our friends. When we got there Dragu Vonstein, he is with our wagon and horses, informs us we need to hurry. Taven Gemstone, the dwarf asleep in the chair over there, has been taken. We gather what we can. We talk to the people of the town. We find out that there is people missing from the town and it happens a lot. We go investigate. It turns out that there is a group of drow working with some demonic undead trying to resurrect a dragon. We stop the drow but in doing so we almost loose several of our small little band. We find out that these drow are the very group that attacked Verials homeland, kidnapped his fiancé; family. We also find a little knapsack, you know, the remains of a camp. In the knapsack is a book of spells, this map and several odd things that only a halfling or someone halfling like would collect. We ask around about the map well more to the point the makers mark and it led us here. The reason, dear lady we are asking is that in the corner of the map it mentioned the singing stone. We need to know where it is. The map is unreadable."

Exile looks at AJ once he finishes his story.

"What is a singing stone? What do mean the map is unreadable? I can read it just fine. Why did you leave my dad with a dragon and drow?"

Exile almost laughed at the unexpected burst of rambled questions. He did not expect her to just pop up with so many nor did he have an answer prepared for a couple of them thankfully Verial did.

"We did not leave your dad with a dragon and drow. He was not there when we found the things. It looked as if he had been gone a few days before we stumbled onto the sight. We did not see him among the prisoners of the drow or the undead. I think I would have remembered an undead halfling. I would appreciate a lesson in reading this map it apparently takes some kind of skill I do not have. A singing stone is one of the riddles we are trying to stop in order to stop the reopening of the great cursed scar. We came along way to stop this. We have about" Verial looks to Snow "What would you say six months to figure out the clues, gather the items and find the place we need to be give or take a week or two?"

AJ notices Snow places a hand on her abdomen and nods. Chaos tightens his arm around her as his jaw tightens at the same time.

"We do not have time to talk. We need to get this little map reader, some more rations, and some gear and back to our wagon. I do not want to be on this side of the mountains when winter comes. We need to be home by then." Chaos looked at his wife. It was as if all the love in the world was wrapped in one look but it still could not say what he wanted to say to her.

About that time there was a loud noise outside and someone knocked on the door. AJ looked up expecting to see another human male, the missing Dragu, but instead there was a woman dressed in black caring some odd looking daggers beside her stood a blind Halfling. AJ took a deep breath.

"Hello, the fire said we would find a white tiger with blue eyes here. As well as a map and our guides." This came from the little blind Halfling.

Snow looked around then answered "yes there is a tiger here, and a map. As far as guides who are you, where are you going and why?"

"Well we can answer that but may we come in? The trip was long and I am afraid Je'Un has hurt your friend here. He might sleep for a while. There are just the eight of us. We left four with our wagon tied next to yours. Dragu is fine we left him talking with our warriors and eating some deer that was killed last night. I am Aria Lightfinger. The fire has told me to come here to meet with you, become your friends and travel with you. We are to stop the great evil together otherwise we will both fail in our separate quests. Together we will defeat those that need to die."

Aria turns her blind gaze toward Exile and smiles.

"You have nothing to fear from us we will keep your secret." In his mind he heard her voice whisper nice to meet you young drow

"Can I have some of that wine before I start my story?"

Chapter 3: Aria Tells Our Story

After getting a glass of wine from Exile, Aria settles into a sitting position that somehow makes her smaller. Aria is a halfling also but she stands about two foot four. Her companions gather in empty spaces and settle for what appears to be a lengthy but interesting story. After a long sip and a slow breath, Aria looks right at Verial

"I was at home one day making some dinner when the flames told me to prepare for some company. I did not expect anyone to be coming by so I just shrugged and got an extra plate and cup ready. I am an Oracle of the Flame. I have tried many, many a time not to be subjected to the things I hear from the flames but when I do not listen, worse things happen."

Aria stops for a second looking as if a memory had took her back to a time she did not want to see. Taking another long sip from her glass she looks over at Verial again.

"The man that knocked on my door refused to give me his name but told me that I needed to find his friends and help them. I asked this man many questions and kept getting only two answers help my friends, find the valley. I offered him something to eat all he accepted was some water and my word that I would find them. After eating that night I readied myself for a journey. The next morning I started out for a place called the Wilds. I found a place to camp and waited. I did not have long to wait when I heard the two of them coming towards my camp; Korel, complaining about something with Amanda just listening every so patiently."

At the name Amanda there was a slight movement that happened between Verial and Aria. If you were not paying attention to it you would have missed it. Exile was sitting the closest to Verial he almost missed the slight movement.

"What is it brother?" Exile asked leaning over to Verial.

Snow who has been listening with her eyes slightly closed her head resting on Chaos's shoulder looked over at the two of them. Chaos almost jumped up but decided not to jostle his wife. At everyone's reaction to Aria her companions stood up.
"What is going on? Aria is there a problem?" Je'Un's voice is as exotic as she is.

"Ah, yes things are fine. I think the young elf just found out some rather interesting news. I am afraid kind Sir, though you might know her, she does not know you or her own self. Something happened and she has lost her way. Give her time she will find her way back to herself and you." Taking another sip she waves her hand telling her companions that all is well. "Now where was I, oh yes, Amanda and Korel just arrived. We ate dinner that night talking about the things they had been seeing and the unusual amount of undead that have been coming up. I told them about my visitor and they both agreed they knew of no such man, We all agreed to travel together, for safety and as we all seem to be looking for the same thing. Several days into our journey we were making camp one night when we were being attacked. Upon hearing the noise and seeing the fire Dalamar and Lucy came aide us. When the battle was over we gathered around the fire for dinner and another round of how dos you dos. I was barely listening when I received the vision of our friend Je'Un walking into the camp. Just as I was letting everyone know about her Je'Un came walking into camp. She told of her order and a lost book. We gather information and the other of our companions. We found some hidden information amongst some tomes in Kingsport. I know that it might upset you young miss. I do not know how it got there but I do have a map as well. It too has a makers mark from your father. Please, we need to know what you know of this place or of his journey there."

AJ stood looking at the map.

"I believe this journal might help both of your groups."

Reaching into a tattered bag AJ pulls a worn book from it. Her hand gently holds the book as if it is the most precious thing in her world. Looking firstly from Exile to Verial she then looks to Aria and Je'Un.

"I will help you all find this thing you are looking for. I am going though. He left clues. I will be able to see them, make them out and I can read the map. I am able to read the journal. I am going. We leave in the morning. I have food for a week I can get more. I have my own mount if I need it. I have my own gear. I am no trouble. I have my own strengths. I am not giving this to any of you without me going with it."

When she was finished tears were running down her face. Snow stood up walked over to her.

"We will take you. You can ride in the wagon. All we ask is you help read the map. I do not think any of us would make you give that book up."

Snow looked at Je'Un and Aria.

"She is right. If we are leaving in the morning I will go tell the rest to make the wagons ready. We will need preparations for how long do you think?" Je'Un asked looking at everyone.

"If we are going to the valley in this book, we will need things for at least two weeks and rope. At least four 100 foot ropes. We are going to have to put the wagons into a valley."

The smile on AJ's face made everyone wonder what was in that valley.

"Well, I am going to need some more wine. I will walk with you."

Exile, Je'Un, Chaos and Snow all head to the wagons to make ready to travel. Aria and Verial are left with AJ.

"I'll leave you two to talk while I go get a few things. Exile left you a few sips. Please just do not leave the door open if you leave the house."

Verial looks at Aria the sadness in his eyes betrayed by the brightness in his voice.

"I guess I should tell you my story. My name is Verial Moonglow. I was employed by a Halfling named Sten when Exile and his companions found our caravan being overran by some bandits. They saved my life as well as Stens. Sten told me it was time to make things right with my family and find out what truly happened these people would help me do so. She knew the story of my lost love and my forgotten home. I agreed and started traveling with my new friends. We have traveled many years together. We went back to my homeland. I saw the destruction that time could not erase. I am still not wanted people do not believe I am not the reason she was lost that day. I even started believing it was my fault. When we found the drow that were taking people from Kingsholm I knew that I did not have anything to blame myself for. I found her bow there. I saw remains and the remains of other elven women and children. We buried them and I thought I was done mourning her. Now she is down there with the wagons and she does not know me. Do I rebury her or do I do as you say and let time go by?"

Aria simply pats Verial on the hand and smiles.

"Time."

Chapter 4: Travel Begins.

Morning comes finding the two wagons prepared and ready to go. The companions are gathered around two small cook fires finishing morning coffee and the large breakfast AJ and some of her friends surprised them with. As the horses are watered, harnesses are double checked AJ and several of the other fighters check swords, shields, and their armor.

"Well, I am ready, I left a note for the next person; brought everything I think and know I'll need. I placed a few extra blankets in the wagon. I know it is going to get cold; I know Snow will rest more often." AJ smiles at Snow but Snow looks at her with a frown with her hands on her hips.

"I keep telling everyone I am not fragile now I have to convince you as well."
AJ just giggles at her and shrugs.

"I know if it was me (not that that is ever going to happen) I would be making the most of this time. I would be at home with my feet up making tiny clothes, little pieces of armor, and humming all the time. I do not think I would be in a wagon riding down a bumpy road trying to save the world."

Verial and Chaos look at AJ smiling Verial looks at Snow

"See sister dear, even the little people have plans for this time. I do not begrudge you being here. I am glad to have your curing as well as your other powers. I just think we need to be more careful with the mother of my nephew."

Chaos nods agreement placing a hand on his shoulder. Snow looks at the three of them

"You know this baby could very well be a girl."

About that time Aria smiles in their direction

"You have no idea how special a child it is that you carry; one to be born under an omen that is meant to be terrible but will become a time of joy."

Je'Un looks at Snow smiling.

"Well, in that case we need to get this wagon train moving so we can get this little mamma home to her land and our missions over in time for this wonderful occasion."

With creaking grumbling groans the wagons begin to move. Azule travels beside Snow as she walks for a while not wanting to become so large she cannot fit into the inn. Chaos, Exile and the twins talk of great battles as they walk the paths they came down heading in the direction planned by AJ on her map. Verial was driving one wagon as Dalamar drove the other. AJ tried to keep up with the group as she walked but soon ended up riding in the front with Dalamar. After about two hours of trees and trudging AJ gets bored of listening to Dalamar talk to the horses as the dwarves compare notes on the beauty and skills of different architecture. Unnoticed to anyone, including Dalamar, AJ crawled into the back of the wagon; looking at all the interesting things in the back AJ looked for something fun to do. She loves to read so decides to look for a book. Opening the nearest backpack she finds what she is looking for. It was weather worn leather but waterproof. The pages were treated parchment that would hold their ink and any secrets held on the page against heat and water. Making a little nest for herself she got comfy so she could read but if needed she could quickly nip it back in place. Carefully opening the soft cover she found to her surprise the book was not only hand written it was neat for the person that it belonged to…Dalamar. Picking through the tiny opening AJ checked to see if it was clear to read. As it was she began

Part 1

the beginning I am Dalamar Drakkur my order has studied and perused the ancient tomes of lorefor as long as man has ruled. We have failed though to discover the text that would have warned us of this evil that now threatens our existence, so now many of my order has taken it upon themselves to hunt down and end this threat of evil. And this is my journal...I have met many people on my journey, some have traveled with me some have gonedown other paths. My companion and friend for the longest time is Lucy Hellscream a half-Orc Inquisitor who is dedicated hunter of the occult. As we traveled my curiosity got the better of me and I asked her about her background and this is her story...I was born to a woman who was raped by a Orc and upon my birth I was abandoned to the wilds to die. But I guess fate had more in store for me 'cause a farmer found me and he and his wife raised me for the purpose of a slave. When I was about 8 a man wearing dark clothes came to the farm and asked a lot of questions. He came back later that night with several people from town and all I heard was clashing of swords then he came into the barn where my cage was. He looked in on me opened the cage and started to leave when he got to the door he turned and looked at me and said " well are you coming or not" I quickly grabbed what little I had and chased after him. Several days passed and he took me and cleaned me and in that time he discovered that I was a dumb slave. I remember that he said we'll have to fix that and from that time on he trained me and treated me has if I was his daughter. Years later we returned to the same area and he asked a lot of questions and he found out that my mother died shortly after my birth and that my father was not just an Orc but he was the chieftain and his name was Hellscream. So I took up the last name and then jokingly (which she never has done) said it's better than smith. When I asked about the man who raised her she told me that he was killed by a host of daemonic slug like creatures. Well Lucy and I have been traveling for a few years now and after several close calls and near deaths we decided that we needed to find others who is willing to fight this evil. It was as we were traveling through the mountains that we came across three individuals that quickly became some of our most trusted companions. It was near time to set up camp when we see a flash of flames and thinking that it was some sort of evil we prepared ourselves for battle and moved closer. As we moved into view we heard the twang of a bow and cussing that had to come from a dwarf and then we see a female elf shooting a bow and slowly backing in our direction and a dwarf surrounded by demonic goblins called fallen-ones. As we charged passed the elf, there was a sudden explosion of fire and all I could make out was a halfling moving to hide behind a large rock. After all was quiet the dwarf brandishing his weapon moved straight towards the elf declaring that that was his kill and she couldn't count it? The elf jus tlooked at him and said "you need a bath, and that was 12 for me" and she smiled. Without missing a beat the smile was gone and I was looking at the threatening end of an arrow and she asked you are? I introduced Lucy and myself. After a short rest and introductions from the elf whose name is Amanda Bowbender and the dwarf whose name is Korel Stonemantle we found their other companion is a halfling oracle whose name is Aria Lightfingers. Who after starring into the flames announced that they would join Lucy and me in our fight against this evil? I asked why and all she said was the flames say so. So now there are five of us and according to the oracle we're half way. She says there will be 10. A few months later the five of us was traveling through an area of dark and for bodding forest. As we were camping for the night the oracle was once again looking into the flames, when suddenly she looked up and told us to beware the darkness she comes as the wind. Not understanding we drew our weapons and that was when we heard a voice ask how do you know I was here? Well the oracle answered the same as when I asked the flames say so. So we put up our weapons and as we did a female human walked out of the darkness like a great hunting cat of the jungle and I knew she was dangerous. So what is your business I asked and she startled me with her reply I am Je Un Kari and I belong to an order who are the guardians of an ancient tome that was stolen and used to awaken diablo she and twelve others was sent out to get the book and re-imprison the demon. The six of us decided to travel to Kingsport a large and prosperous city so that I could check with the college of magic and see if they have found any information for our quest. While at the college we had the seventh member of our party join us a acolyte wizard, Orivon Grimheart, who has a strong faith in his religion. Welcoming him to the party we set out for an outpost. Because the wizards said that we should first look into the town of Tristram which I have heard from reliable sources is that the town is corrupted and overran by evil. Well we have started traveling to this outpost of sorts by my figuring its hould take about month or more of travel to get there and then we shall see. Maybe we will all come together before we get there, I sure hope the oracle was right about us being ten. We have traveled about half the distance when we ran upon a lone figure standing in the road as we approached I had to take a double take cause I was trying to figure out how Orivon changed clothes and got ahead of us because theperson before me looked almost identical. Orivon seeing the person called Zirul what brings you here. He said I am Zirul Trueshot a ranger of the open coast and I am here to join you. I asked him why and he answered me just as cryptic as Aria, he said the wind and waves told me to find my blood. Well we have reached the outpost and thinking Aria was wrong about our number, decided we'll have to make do when a man walks up introducing himself as Vistana Bratu and I'm a summoner from the desert city of Caldcum of Kehjistan. I and my companion have come to your aid. Well if I count him and his companion I guess we are at ten. We're here so let's see what fate has in store for us "the quest begins"...

"Interesting reading isn't it? I did not know anyone was keeping track of all this. I am glad they are though. Many of us on this trip won't make it back to where we started from. I hope I do but the flames will never tell me."

AJ about squealed when the blanketed head poked up beside her. Aria she had forgotten all about Aria.

"Next time you read will you read it so the both of us can enjoy?"

"Um, sure."

About the time she was going to start the wagon stops outside draw nearer. Peeking out the tiny whole AJ finds that they are just breaking for water, and a place to walk around for a few minutes.

"I am going to go find Snow and walk around."

AJ places the book back where it belong just in time, Dalamar looks in and grabs his bag, a smile on his face.

"You two getting along? It is nice to have someone to chat with isn't it little one's?"

The big man walked off leaving AJ following him with her eyes.

"Don't worry about him AJ his bark is worse than your bite. He only hurts those that needs it. I think I will get out and stretch as well. Until our next meeting."

AJ just gets out and looks around lost to thoughts and the feeling that this is going to be an adventure she will never forget.

Chapter 5: Unexpected Guests

Enjoying the time to stretch, eat a quick lunch, and check on the horses the companions let the guard down a little. Therefore they were all caught unarmed when a small high pitched squeal came from behind the cluster of bushes and trees the halflings had declared safe for restroom use for the females.

"Unhand me! At least allow me the privilege to put my pants up."

Two bandits came from around the cluster holding a struggling half-dressed Halfling. It was hard not to giggle at the comical sight. Dalamar slowly backed towards the seat where his sword lay. Chaos, Kriger, Tyr and Ragnar were sitting near each other, as they slowly stood Kriger Ragnar stayed in a half squat. Chaos looked at Snow; she is standing at the back of their wagon. She and Je'Un had just cleaned up each putting their gear away. Je'Un has one of her odd looking swords in her hand but no one could see, it as she was half in half out of the wagon. Lucy, Korel and Taven have gone to get water from the stream; Amanda is with them gathering herbs and some wood. Azule was crouched near Snows feet half under the wagon. Vistana and Exile are with the horses and Verial is leaning near a tree with his eyes shut. The only one not accounted for is AJ. Aria was still squirming undignified between the two burley men. Looking around there was movement on the outskirts of their makeshift camp. The group new there was more than the two men holding Aria.

"We want your wagons, horses, weapons, and gold. We will take any healing supplies you have as well. Do as we say or this tiny little thing gets ripped apart." The dark headed bandit looked at the men in the camp waiting for their reply.

"Those two women can just stay in the wagon as well." Mocked the other one holding Aria.

His laugh was cut short when a dagger hit him in the throat. The loud roar that erupted from the area the dagger flew from belied the actual size of the person throwing the dagger.

"You unhand my friend you rabid beast."

With amazing agility and quick reflexes AJ seemed to fly as she ran up, then flipped under the bandits' legs cutting his hamstring as she went. With a loud yelp he let Aria fall to the ground landing with a thump on his dead friend.

"You little… get over here I am going to make you pay! Kill them! Kill them all and get the gear!" limping towards AJ he tried to grab at her while drawing an ill repaired short sword.

The flare that lit his behind caused him to stop and reconsider. Screaming he fell to the ground rolling and trying to make the flames go out. This caused his group to pause allowing the companions to get their weapons drawn and react. Je'Un and Snow saw the three closest to their position not wanting to be captives Snow cast a spell calling a stone giant to help them. Je'Un cast a spell of her own creating 5 images of herself. All five of them then climbed down and drew their weapons getting between Snow and the closest bandit. Snow took this time to cast one more spell that she had quickened, casting stone skin on Je'Un, herself, and Azule. She now felt that they, herself and her baby, were ready for battle. Picking her staff up from the wagons bumper she readied herself for the oncoming attackers. The three bandits running towards the two women were ultimately startled by the sudden appearance of a stone giant; but when Azule stepped into sight one of them almost turned to run away. Seeing his way blocked he thought he had no choice but to fight or die. Unfortunately his thinking was wrong. If he had lain down his weapon the giant would have let him keep his head. Snow would have told to him to let him go. It took two strong hits for the man to die. His screams echoed in the clear air. The other two continued running towards the girls. Their thoughts were simpler, girls were not very strong fighters. Azule and Je'Un stopped one Azule tripped him and Je'Un disarmed him. He curled up in a ball and surrendered begging that the cat not eat him. The third found himself facing Snow. She was a good fighter He got two good swings in one cut her badly but her ended up killing him. When he cut her she got angry and her blows got stronger. She cast shillelagh on her staff her blows becoming harder. When he fell Snow leaned against the wagon looking at her wound. Her abdomen was cut badly using the stored spell she healed herself. Then looked at Je'Un.

"I am going to get in the wagon. I have some tricks I can use from in there if I need. Go help them. I still have him." Pointing to the giant that was now fighting with the men that were trying to get the horses from Exile and Vistana. "Azule will be here to guard the wagon as well. Don't worry go on and help them."

Je'Un went to help Exile and Vistana. She saw that there were two bandits already on the ground. They were fighting back to back. Vistana has summoned his companion a glowing lion. It freaked Azule out the first night he did that. Je'Un stepped behind the bandit fighting Exile and hit him for a good shot. Exile then stepped to the left taking on another one slowly they took out the little group. When they were done Exile looked to where Verial had been standing his companion was now trying to hold off three of these bandits. Je'Un and Exile both ran to help him Vistana and his companion stayed with the horses.

Chaos, Kriger, Ragnar, and Tyr had the rest taken care of by the time Je'Un, Exile and Verial finished their three. Snows giant had helped her husband then disappeared carrying the arm of the last person he fought with him. Looking around they gathered the ones that were just wounded and secured them. They gathered the weapons and any that might still be on the fighters. Exile, Verial, Ragnar and Taven searched a short radius to make sure they were safe.

"Chaos I think you should know that your wife took a wound to her abdomen during the fight. She healed it but it frightened her. She got in the wagon and is there now." Je'Un looked at Chaos before he left. "I don't think she wanted you to know. While you were doing the check of the area I decided I needed to tell you."

Chaos looked over at the wagon a look of worry and age on his face.

"Thank you for letting me know. I am going to check on her now. I hope that she does not get to mad she made me bring her telling me she would not get hurt and she needed to be here."

Aria walked up to Chaos laying a hand on his arm.

"Don't worry about her too much. She is stronger than she looks you and your child. She does need to be here. She will be safe and we will get back to the inn. Just let her sleep. Right now why don't we just get a move on before the group riding this way gets here and decides they want to free their friends and finish what they started If we hurry we can be to the pass before they regroup and decide to come after us. Therefore insuring we will get away, as it will snow in the morning."

"Agreed, gang lets go if you are all ready and don't need anything more lets mount up; Aria said there's a group headed this way that is friend of this group. We need to ride now and ride fast. If we do we will be safe. As there is snow in the forecast and a getaway for us as the pass is just around the bend."

Everyone got their gear and got in their places. Taven did not even grumble this time when they offered to lift him up near Chaos on the wagon so they could ride faster. Korel, wanting to continue talking to Taven, talked them into putting him on the bench with Taven. The ride to the pass went just as Aria said it would as dawn was cold and frosty white. Snow woke the next morning to the first snowfall of the year and a small twinge of fear as she had not felt the baby move since the fight.

Chapter 6: You Can Not Fight Your Fate

Time passes slowly for Luna after the fight. She is worried about their baby. She knows she should tell her husband, but how can she face him. He is trying so hard to be such a good husband. He asked her not to come. He told her the night she told him she is carrying their first child that he did not want her to come. She said she did not want to be away from him for so long and that he would miss so much. Like the baby moving the first kick and everything husbands and wives like to share. Now she wished she had listened. Even with all the healing she had she does not know the extent of the damage the cut has actually done. Finally getting the nerve Luna decides when they stop for the night she will ask Verial. It is not shortly after this that the wagons stop to make camp. Luna walks over to Verial who is helping Chaos with the horses.

"Verial may I talk to you for a minute? I need some advice."

Chaos look at his wife. "Is everything ok?"

"Yes, I think so. I might be worrying over nothing."

Chaos drops the rope in hand, walks over to Luna puts his hand on her abdomen, and looks her in the eye. The very second his hand makes contact there is the biggest kick from the baby, it makes Luna bend over but she smiles and tears fall freely from her eyes as she cries out

"Oh thank Dwayna!"

Chaos and Verial look at each other but Chaos does not remove his hand. They help Luna sit down on a stump near where they are working with the horses. Verial places his hand on her shoulder and asks what is going on. By this time Je'Un, Exile and AJ have made their way over to them. Je'Un looks at Chaos

"I can tell you. Luna I know I said I would not tell but if there is a problem I feel I must tell. She was cut pretty deeply in the fight with the bandits across the abdomen. She healed it but she had to wait till after the ones we were fighting were taken care of. I do not know if they had anything on their blades but I am sure it cannot be good if she is this grateful."

Luna smiled at Je'Un "I am not upset, I never should have kept it from them. I am happy because until just now I have not felt her move. I was beginning to fear she was gone. I know now why you asked me to stay home. I should have stayed. Oh, Chaos. I am so.." Luna started crying uncontrollably.

Verial looked at the rest of the group "Exile can you help me finish with the horses. Chaos why don't you take her to the wagon and when I am done here I'll bring her something to make her feel better and I will check one the little one as well."

Chaos nodded to Verial then to Exile to say thank you. Helping Luna up, he helped her back to the wagon. When they got there the wagon had been set up comfortably there was Aria also. She was standing just near the wagon.

"I have some tea made it should help her. I can tell you both that you cannot out run or escape your fate. Luna your baby is strong no matter what you will have a very special child. And both of you will live to see just how special. I will wait till Verial comes and checks her out but a couple sips will not make her sleep it will, however calm her so she will breath more slowly for herself and for little one." Aria hands Chaos the mug, Luna sips from it not only smelling the rose, chamomile and lavender but tasting them. She smiles at them the tears slowly stopping. Luna rests her head against Chaos as they sit in the back of the wagon waiting for Verial and watching the fire. Somewhere the night birds start serenading the night making the darkness seem less scary. It was only about five minutes before Verial came to the wagon. He is relieved to find Luna calmer and resting. Chaos looked at her he did not realize she had almost fallen asleep with her head on his shoulder.

"I just need a few minutes to look at the cut, I want to check the scar. I need to make sure Je'Un is right that the bandits did not put anything on the blades. When I am done she will sleep long into tomorrow. By the time she awakens we will be halfway to the valley."

Chaos nods helps and leaves them alone for a few minutes. He walks over to Exile and the others. Taking the time to finally react he lets out the anger he feels. The tree behind Exile taking the brunt of this. By the time Chaos is done his knuckles are bleeding and one of his hands might be sprain. Exile looks at him holding out a bottle.

"Feel better? I mean I know that tree deserves every bit of that. It just standing there and all."

Chaos looks at the bottle, Exiles looks at this hands Chaos understands accepts the bottle and drinks. The liquid burns and tingles at the same time his hands slowly start healing. He clenches his teeth as the one that is sprain turns out to be broken. It almost makes his knees buckle. When it's down there is a tiny scar on a few knuckle but nothing that will overly tell on him. Well except the marks on the tree. Verial comes from the wagon. He walks over to the two of them, seeing the marks on the tree and then the empty bottle in Chaos's hand. With an arched eyebrow he looks at Chaos. Chaos simply holds out his hands. Verial takes them looks at them, Chaos makes a fist with both, the one that was broken still pains him a little. Shaking his head Verial looks at Exile "you got another one of those?"

Exile hands him a smaller bottle. Chaos drinks it then smiles guiltily at Verial.

"I was angry."

Verial shakes his head. "I do not understand humans. You all have these emotional out bursts. If you are going to hit things every time you feel anger you are going to need to build yourself a place to let out steam when you get home. Because I hear that a child makes parents angry quit often."

"I may just do that. I will need one for when their uncles come visit also." Chaos said with a smile.

Verial stood there not knowing what to say. Exile just starts laughing. Then puts an arm around each one "come on let's get some food before the two brother eats it all. We have a long day's journey ahead of us."

After everyone had dinner and the watch was set the night passed without nothing more than a raccoon sneaking into camp to make AJ squeal and giggle. Chaos slept fitfully but not from bad dreams but because he kept waking to check one Luna and place a hand on her abdomen. When he would feel a little movement he would relax and go back to sleep. He finally relaxed and slept comfortably when Luna turned on her side and the baby was against his back. When it moved or kicked he would feel it whether he was asleep or not.

Morning woke bright and cool. A low cloud bank hung over the little mountain they were one. Everyone ate, stretched and got their chores done. Morning prayers, spells, and exercises complete the group started their journey. They did not have much of a plan as of yet but they had an idea. The two groups were going to go to the Inn and once there they were going to compare the notes they have. The map leads them to a valley two days away from the Inn. So the Inn is going to become home base. Which is good for Chaos. Now we just need to get there.