Author's Note: Celer (and anyone else I've borrowed) belong to elecktrum. She has graciously allowed to borrow them, on condition that they return none the permanently worse for wear.
The Peridanson Family belong to Thalion King's Daughter.
Nightslayer
Chapter One
How had the forest 'round Lantern Waste turned into this nearly light-less maze? There was barely enough light to see by. I listened carefully, but there was not a sound. Not a bird chirping, nor a rustling of wind in the leaves. The forest seemed dead. Totally, utterly dead, despite the full green foliage on the trees. I patted my mount's neck.
"We'd best camp here tonight old girl. I'll get a fire going."
After some tribulation with my flint, I got a good but small fire going. Then I unsaddled my horse (I had forbidden Philip to come) and gave her a light rubdown. The field rations were at their usual best, and my horse seemed pleased enough with her oats.
I walked a few yards away, Shafelm at the ready. It seemed safe enough. I was just about to relieve myself when I felt a hand clasp tight over my mouth.