The sun came up slowly over the distant horizon with the promise of another fine day.

H'aanit and Therion had drawn the last shift of the night's watch, so the Hunter and Linde were on one side of the slumbering camp facing out to the South where they would head later that morning and Therion had found an obliging tree with a comfortable secure bough that afforded him a good view to the North from where they had come the previous evening.

The going had been really slow again - it seemed even a short distance was enough to bring a new challenge to the group, monsters mainly seemed to litter the coastal roads - far more Therion reflected, than he had experienced when he'd travelled alone - but maybe it was simply the size of the party that flushed so many out and into their path. Olberic seemed mightily pleased with it though - said it gave them a good workout so that they could perfect their formations and fighting techniques. Or some such crap.

Therion had also been eagerly awaiting the sun's rise so that he could properly examine his newest ill-gotten gain in more detail. Ah, joyful anticipation, a buzz of pleasure ran over him as he turned the little notebook over in his hands, trying to gauge if there was enough light yet to read it's treasures by.

His sudden obsession with obtaining the notebook had begun yesterday evening when they had set up camp after their third day of travel out of Rippletide. For the first time he'd seen on their journey Ophilia had reached for the little book that Therion now held. She had simply slipped it from her pack and had begun to write furiously. Every so often she would stop, look up and gaze at Therion, then quickly look away when he caught her eye and begin writing again. Her serious, earnest face illuminated by the light of her holy lantern got him absolutely fired to know what the hell she was writing about.

Obviously, Therion had already sneaked away Tressa's journal many times for some light entertainment - he particularly enjoyed the Merchant's detailed and wide-eyed descriptions of what the ladies talked about when they got together for 'girl time'. Heh.

Therion had also had a nose through Cyrus's writings once. He probably wasn't going to bother with that again unless he came down with a severe bout of insomnia and required a good sleeping aid.

Now, Therion smirked to himself - surely here he was holding the golden goose. There just had to be something incriminating or embarrassing he could use against the good Sister when he needed it. He just hoped her writing wasn't going to be a load of religious whining instead.

With a contented little sigh, he opened the soft leather-bound cover and peered closely at the neat concise handwriting within.

'Dearest Therion.' He jolted in shock almost dropping the book. What the hell?

'I knew I could rely on you - you miserable thief. Ha ha.

(Seriously T, we need to talk about you taking Tressa's diary - yes, I saw you do it - did you actually mean me to? I'm getting off topic but don't think I'll forget - consider it a pending lecture!)

Anyway, to the point. We are being followed (or stalked or something).

You know the whole healing thing where I can 'feel' you all?' Well, today I have been 'feeling' an extra person. I thought I was mistaken at first, it can be challenging keeping track of seven plus Linde - but since the camp settled down I am sure.. So that means this person must have been close enough to us to be in healing range when we battled at least a few times over the last few days.

It's worrying no? I can feel them right now as I write, just on the outskirts of the camp and moving around as if they are circling us.

I am keeping awake - making sure no-one goes near them alone - just in case, you know. Or if this person get too close I will obviously raise the alarm. I'm so glad Olberic has banned going off on our own! I don't want to risk another 'Tressa in the sack' scenario.

I'm not sure what to do T, I don't know whether I should just tell everyone outright - but I figure it's got to be better that they don't know that we know about them, right? So I'm trying to be covert about it all. I snuck a note into Cyrus's book, and one into Primrose's slipper and obviously this one to you - I know if I write what looks like any kind of diary you will just have to have a nose! I hope it's sooner rather than later!

Honestly, I'm not very good at this sneaky stuff so I'm praying that you have an idea or two about what to do and how to let the others know so we can catch this person rather than just scare them off.

Is this making sense?'

'Not really..' Therion thought scanning the camp and the surrounding area. He saw nothing so he returned to the letter.

'Hope you can help T, if not I will try and get news to the other somehow myself.

By the way - did my staring at you annoy you as much as I hoped it would? Ha Ha. I knew that would tip your curiosity over the edge! If I wasn't so worried this would be really funny. Caught you!

Love

Ophilia

P.S - I should give you a stern scolding for taking my things but instead I'm going to give you a full and open invitation to have, take or examine ANY of my belongings at any time you want without having to ask. What is mine is yours. Guess what Therion! .. that means you can't ever steal anything from me again, because it's already yours! Gotcha!

P.P.S - the above does NOT include the lantern. That's off limits obviously.. Technically it's not mine and you seriously don't want to risk a smiting from a God do you?'

Cursing himself for being so predictable - again - Therion tore the note from the book, carefully folded it and slipped it into one of his many pockets hiding the movement with an exaggerated yawn and stretching his arms.

He scanned the campsite. He noted that Ophilia's eyes were half opened and looking directly at him although it was probably only noticeable because he was expecting it.

He suddenly felt a crushing sense of very uncomfortable responsibility. Why was she reaching out to him of all people. 'It's your own fault for believing that maybe you could deal with being part of a group.' Therion chided himself bitterly.

It would be best to just to go tell Olberic and have done, let the big dumb hero sort it out. Except Olberic had a default mindset of rush in, hit stuff then deal with the fallout after and Therion could see Ophilia's logic. Catch this stalker and they might get some answers and not have to watch their arses everywhere they went. He sat and pondered the predicament as the sun rose higher and the camp began to stir.

Therion thought Primrose may give the game away after finding a note in her shoe of all places but turns out he had underestimated the girl. Perhaps she had history of secret assignations and clandestine encounters because if he hadn't already known what was lurking in her little scarlet slipper he would never have actually spotted her remove and read the note.

Therion was amused by the fierce look that swept the dancer's face at the words she read and he wondered if her note had included the kind of 'personal' remarks that his had. He would have to steal it and find out. No, strike that. Better not.

Cyrus had picked up his book and opened it even before he had fully sat up from his sleeping position. The scholar maintained a completely nonchalant expression even while the knitting of his handsome brow clearly told Therion that he'd read the words that Ophilia had left for him.

Intrigued, the Thief decided to keep to his place in the tree and observe how his companions handled the situation before he made up his mind how to act himself.

Primrose wandered over to Tressa who was engaged in emptying and restoring her pack for about the hundredth time. Primrose giggled merrily and with very exaggerated movements pulled the girl to her and started whispering to her, all the while continuing to giggle. Tressa looked startled but caught on pretty quick and started to giggle too. Primrose picked up Tressa's journal which had been on the ground next to her pack and waved it around playfully lifting it out of reach, making the Merchant fight to get it back. Obviously Primrose had somehow slipped her note into its pages although Therion didn't see it happen. He was seriously impressed. Tressa reclaimed her journal in a pretend sulk and opened it up. The two women sat together, chatting quietly after that.

Cyrus had also been watching the exchange between Primrose and Tressa, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. After a few minutes of quiet contemplation he stood, book in hand, and went over to where Ophilia was sat. He crouched down beside her and reached out to stroke the hair back from her face and behind her ear. He leaned in closer and brushed his lips lightly against her cheek then resting his head against hers he muttered quiet words to her. Ophilia blushed redder than the risen sun, but her eyes were serious and thoughtful. After a moment listening to whatever Cyrus had been murmuring, she reached out to him hesitantly and caressed his neck with her fingertips whilst whispering back. With a final lingering kiss to her cheek, Cyrus stood and turned to Olberic who was watching the exchange with a fiercely protective scowl while Alfyn who was sprawled next to the warrior had his mouth hanging open.

'Ah, Sir Olberic.' Cyrus said 'Ophilia and I discovered something rather perplexing in this book last night, but alas you were already asleep. I wonder, could you take a glance and give us your thoughts? The Sister believes that the written account is flawed based on your memory of the battle that you shared with her.'

Olberic still looked annoyed but he grabbed proffered book a little roughly from Cyrus's hands. He opened it and slowly read what was inside. Alfyn had sat up curiously and was reading over the warriors shoulder. Olberic's craggy brow creased as his frown deepened at what he read.

'I see.' The Warrior glanced up at Ophilia 'What exactly do you think is wrong in this account child?'

'I thought, from the way you told it that the enemy were much closer that you had originally anticipated Sir Olberic.' Ophilia replied.

'Indeed.' He said darkly.

At Ophilia's warning that their unwanted guest was close, Therion dangled himself down from his tree branch and made his way over to where H'aanit was still sat with Linde at her watch-post, unaware of the situation.

'H'aanit! Therion greeted her 'Did you just see Cyrus and Ophilia?'

H'aanit turned to look back at her camp-mates, then at Therion in confusion. 'I see'eth nothing Master Therion, aside the road ahead. Doth thou have something to share?' she asked eagerly.

'You betcha!' Therion leaned down to share his confidence with her, cupping his hand round his mouth and moving close to her ear. 'Ophilia senses a stranger stalking the camp very close by.' He told her quickly, then added a bit louder. 'The Professor woke up this morning with a bit of a flirt on and got all smoochy with her holiness. I thought Olberic was gonna bust a blood-vessel!'

'Oh, how lovely!' H'aanit exclaimed.

'Lovely?' Therion queried 'I was sure you were gonna go and punch him.'

'Why wouldst I do that?' H'aanit asked 'Ist sweet to see'eth their tender feelings.'

'You disappoint me huntress.' Therion groaned. H'aanit just smirked at his pained expression and stood up fluidly from her sitting position, walking back to the others and starting to get their supplies ready for breakfast.

'Hey guys!' Tressa jumped up and twirled into the centre of them all brandishing paper and a pencil. 'I've started a list for the supplies we need from the next town. You losers always go off and buy your stuff individually when it is so much cheaper to get everything together.' The Merchant rolled her eyes comically at them. 'You can thank me in beer from all the leaf you'll save.' She added hopefully, placing the paper down in front of Alfyn.

'Great idea squirt!' Alfyn said then nearly choked on his tongue when he read 'Our secret plans to catch the bad guy' as the header at the top of the page.

After a lot of jockeying back and forth, the 'list' being passed around and some general teasing at the supposed items that were being added, a plan was hatched. Ophilia was up first. She went to her bag and hunted through it and then looked up, distressed.

'Hey, has anyone seen my notebook?' she asked, 'I was sure I put it away last night but I must have dropped it somewhere.' She started to walk a little way away from the group to the west. 'I really don't want to lose it.' She was saying, 'It was a parting gift from Lianna.' She made a show of seeming to search the ground and undergrowth where she had walked to.

Therion silently approached her. 'Err, is this the one Sister?' He asked meekly. 'I found when I took over watch. Forgot about it completely.' He handed her the book.

'Oh thank-you Therion!' she smiled warmly at him. 'I was worried I might have dropped it further out.'

'Hmm. Olberic said. 'My water-bottle is almost empty. I better get a refill before we set out. Anyone else need topping up?' most of the group replied they did.

'I'll help then.' Alfyn said, gathering the bottles and following Olberic out of the clearing towards the river to the south.'

'If we hast some time, I wouldst like to go'eth gather some more of the berries we picked yesterday.' H'aanit said thoughtfully 'They went very well with our breakfast oats.'

'They did indeed!' Cyrus said enthusiastically. 'I would be happy to accompany you Mistress H'aanit, if you would be good enough to lead the way.' They left together along the northern path.

'Ophilia,' Primrose called to her after a few minutes had passed 'Did you borrow my mirror?'

'Yes Prim, but I put it back.' Ophilia called back in reply 'It is exactly where I found it.'

It didn't take long for the scouting teams to circle behind their quarry in a pincer movement following the hints given by the conversation between Ophilia and Primrose. In the end it didn't even come to a fight. H'aanit took their prisoner with ridiculous ease and a big net that she said she kept for beast taming.

The man was marched back to the camp between H'aanit and Olberic. He made no resistance whatsoever and said nothing at all. Once back he was forced to his knees.

'Nothing on him.' Olberic stated after a very thorough search. The man just stared out in front of him - his eyes vacant. 'No food, no weapons. Literally just the clothes he's stood in.' The man wasn't particularly old and his body-tone and posture spoke of a person used to fighting, so his compliance and his lack of weapon seemed very at odds to his appearance.

'Drugged?' Primrose asked as Alfyn and Ophilia moved carefully forward to examine him.

'Not that I can tell.' Alfyn said. 'His pulse and breathing seem normal, can't see any swelling anywhere.'

'Interesting.' Cyrus had moved forwards 'I feel - a tingle.' He went in a step closer reaching out a hand and placing it lightly on the man's brow.'

'Careful Prof.' Alfyn said. 'Don't want you catching something.' The Scholar waved away the boy's concerns.

'Definitely a magic based malady..' he said thoughtfully 'Centred around the head if my calculations are correct. A mind spell or compulsion? As far as I know all such spells are alchemical in construct but they can be set to trigger by certain events.'

'Can it be broken?' Olberic asked.

'Only the caster would know, there's no clear signature to the magic but whoever it was has to be strong in his field.' Cyrus replied with grudging admiration.

'So what we're saying is we have nothing. Yet again.' Therion pushed his way forward to peer at their prisoner. Suddenly the man's eyes went wide. A hand shot out breaking the bond that had secured it as if it was paper. He grabbed onto Therion's wrist hard.

'Thief.' The man intoned in a deep voice. Therion struggled against the hand gripping him but failed to break free. Olberic had also made a lunge at the man but was shrugged off. The man dropped Therion's wrist as suddenly as he had taken it and his own hand fell back down to his side. He closed his eyes.

'Well okay.' Therion looked shaken. 'I wasn't expecting that.'

Everyone started speaking at once.

'Who are you?' Therion asked eventually poking at the prisoner. The man remained silent. 'Hey! What's the deal?' Still nothing. 'This is crazy.' Therion muttered.

'Um.' Ophilia suddenly spoke up 'I think he might be dead. I can't feel him anymore.'

They confirmed that yes, the man was dead.

'Must be the compulsion, triggered when he was caught I'd deduce.' Cyrus reasoned.

'We shoulde searcheth the area.' H'aanit said. 'He cannot have had nothing for succour, he may'st have stashed his belongings somewhere close by.'

The companions split into pairs but were commanded not to move too far away from each other by Olberic. Linde got a sniff of the dead guy and ran off enthusiastically followed by H'aanit and Therion. It wasn't long before they shouted that they had found something.

Something turned out to be a cache of weapons and a pack stuffed with a substantial amount of coin and some food.

'Nice, but not really helpful for identification.' Olberic grumbled. 'I guess we just make our way to Stonegard and get on with H'aanit's hunt and keep our eyes and ears open.'

'Frustrating.' Primrose agreed.

'Never fear,' Cyrus said with rather fierce determination. 'With each encounter we gather more of the picture. We know magic was used now and that fact is a relevant starting point for query. We will work it out friends!'

Still, it was with a rather dejected air that everyone made their way back to camp and started to pack up to resume their journey.

As soon as they were out of general earshot of the rest of the group Cyrus reached to take hold of Ophilia's hand and drew her back a little way.

'I wanted to apologise most profoundly for my behaviour earlier my dear.' He said earnestly 'It was terribly forward of me and I hope you do not think ill of me for it. I simply could not deduce another way in which to speak with you that would not have potentially aroused the suspicion of our watcher.'

'It was a clever ploy, Professor, and not at all unpleasant.' Ophilia smiled at him brightly. 'Although next time I would appreciate a more private setting than the middle of our camp with everyone watching.'

'Yes of course..' Cyrus began, then stopped dead. 'N..n..next time?' he stuttered. Comprehension slowly washed over his face and he smiled tentatively back at Ophilia. 'Ah, I believe you are teasing me again.' He chuckled.

She squeezed his hand. 'Probably.' She agreed.