Chapter 2

As they follow the trail, Flare stopped and looked toward the East.

"Hey, Thalron… Do you see that?"

Thalron looked the direction Flare was pointing. He was clearly straining to see what Flare was talking about but noticed a small blur out in the distance.

"I think I see something. I can't tell what it is though. Can you?"

"Of course I can, when you've been in the woods as long as I have you learn how to look long distances through all the shrubs and branches. In an open field, my eyesight can't be beaten."

"I suppose that makes sense. What is it then?"

"It appears to be a camp. Although I can't tell who or what is occupying it."

Thalron was clearly impressed by both Flare's eyesight. He seemed to actually be pretty competent when he wasn't wasted.

Thalron turned back toward the trail, "Oh. Well, then I suppose we should just be on-"

"We should see if they have any booze." Flare interrupted.

Thalron just stood there both in confusion and in amazement. He knew that Flare could be a drunk but this was just a whole other level.

"Are you kidding? We just had drinks like two hours ago."

"Exactly! That's two hours too many without ale!"

And with that, Flare began walking in the direction of the camp. Thalron stood where he was for a moment not quite knowing what he should do.

"Goddammit Flare!" He shouted and ran after Flare mumbling many insults and swears under his breath

They were about 50 feet out from the camp when Thalron stopped Flare in his tracks.

"What the hell is it?" Flare said really irritated that his friend was stopping him from getting his drink.

"Have you even considered the possibility that these people don't want visitors? What if they're bounty hunters or something? What if they shoot you on sight? Let's just go. There is more booze back at the inn."

Flare stopped and thought for a moment. After about a minute or so of thinking, he finally came up with an idea.

"Look," he said hoping to convince Thalron to let him have more booze. "If you don't want to go with me that's fine. At least hide somewhere nearby and have your crossbow ready in case things go wrong. Are you okay with that?"

Thalron was obviously still uneasy about the whole thing but was willing to go along with the whole thing. Thalron got into position and put his crossbow at the ready. Flare approached the camp with nothing but booze on his mind. Once he was closer, he was able to see who was in the camp. There were two humans, and one half-elf dressed in more armor than the two humans. There was also motion coming from the tent in the back, but Flare wasn't able to tell who or what was inside.

"Hey there!" Flare shouted trying to get the attention of the campers. "I was wondering if you guys had any spare b-"

All of a sudden one the humans jumped up with their sword drawn.

"INTRUDERS!"

The rest of the campers jumped and drew their weapons as well. Flare was caught somewhat off guard but immediately calmed down knowing what was in store for these bastards. Flare drew his scimitar and began to rush in. As he did, he was shocked as an arrow suddenly came out of nowhere and hit one of the bandits. Flare looked up and saw that Thalron was in the bushes just south of the camp loading his next bolt. Flare noticed that the human took considerable damage from the shot, but still managed to get up and fight. He pulled the arrow out and looked directly in the direction of Thalron. The man ran straight for Thalron with nothing but anger in his eyes.

The bandits were no problem for either Flare or Thalron. After all, Thalron was an ex-bounty hunter and Flare is a Druid who learned some amazing skills from his time in the forest. The armored half-elf put up a bit of a challenge but with the two of them working together they were able to defeat him. All was calm until Thalron noticed something coming from the tent. Not long after the half-elf fell, out came an adult elf wearing a long earthen colored robe. Thalron quickly turned and took a shot at this robed elf, but as the bolt flew towards the elf, he made a swift motion with his hands, and suddenly, a large chunk of earth appeared in front of him. The bolt did nothing but bounce off the hovering rock. After the bolt had ricocheted, the boulder went straight toward Flare and Thalron. They both jumped out of the way, but because of they weren't prepared, they both landed on their face. Both Flare and Thalron had a look of fear on their face. Flare suddenly had a moment of realization as he remembered something from his studies in the forest. He jumped to his feet and lunged at the elf with scimitar in hand. The elf tried to dodge, but Flare was prepared. He adjusted his swing and was able to make a considerable gash in the elves side. Suddenly, Thalron shot up and took a shot at the elf, hitting him in the arm. There was now blood all over the elf's left side. Just as Flare and Thalron were preparing for another attack, the elf made another gesture with his hands. A giant worm, about 20 feet tall and made of rock appeared from underneath the ground. It picked up the elf and placed him on its back. The elf looked at them, "You got lucky this time." The monster turned and ran away. Flare and Thalron put their weapons down. They were both hurt and tired from the fight.

"Damn, that was close. Are you alright?"Thalron said trying to help his hurt friend.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Flare seemed laser-focused on something but Thalron had no idea what it was.

"Are you sure you're alright? You seem… I don't know, out of it."

"I'm fine!" There was a very defensive tone in Flare's voice. Thalron decided not to say anything else. "We need to head back to Red Larch now."

"Wait, what? Why? Lance Rock is only another half-mile up the trail." Thalron was confused why his friend would want to turn back. It couldn't be for alcohol… could it?

"There's something that I need to tell everyone. Let's go." Flare immediately got up and headed toward Red Larch. Thalron was still confused but realized that something serious was going on so he began following Flare.