DISCALIMER! Farren Timechaser, Theogaroth Half-Elven, Aream Silverleaf, Amethyst and Ryun Nightshade are MINE and you can't have them! So There! Dragonlace and everything else are just being…borrowed… I'll return them one day…
I'm Back! Sorry for taking so freaking long, I'm working pretty much full time these days but I thought it was unfair to leave you all hanging . I do however recommend that you reread the story or at least the last chapter so you can get your bearings for this one.
Also I have to warn you that I may not update as much as you or I would like but I'll do my best until school starts. When that happens I may have to put it on hold again (I have a rather full course load for my first year of college :P)
Without further ado here's the next chaper!
A Familiar Face, A Familiar Place.
"I think we've lost them." Said the woman clinging to my back as she shifted uncomfortably.
With a tired nod I suddenly realized my staff was entombed in a corpse of the battle we just fled. I cursed as I came to a stop.
"What is it?" Theo stopped opposite me concerned.
"I left my-" Before the word 'staff' left my lips the smooth wood appeared in my grasp. My new companions and I gave a collected, startled gasp. "That's new." I admitted quietly.
"I wonder what other surprises Greybeard left for you." Theo chuckled; I had of course told him of my encounter with Paladine and his enchantments upon the staff. I had of course depicted it as if the old wizard who saved me was a servant of the god rather than the god himself. He turned serious as I dismounted "Anyone else injured?"
"I have a few scrapes and bruises." The Elf stated as he dismounted Theo with slight disdain, I had a feeling that they would agree to disagree on future issues.
"Nothing too serious I hope." The Half-Kender frowned as she slid off Cerus "You tend to under state your injuries." I noticed she was holding her arm tightly as she spoke, catching my gaze she said "It's just a scratch."
The Elf rolled his eyes and pried her hand from the bloody wound "I under state my injuries- a few inches more and I could see your bone!"
She wobbled under his touch, her eyes rolled back into her head and she passed out in reply. "Ame!" The Elf caught her cursing in his native language.
"There's a clearing just off the path that we can treat her injuries in." I stated leading Cerus and the others to it.
"Lay her here." Theo was already getting out his supplies; he had some knowledge in medicine it seemed.
"I'll start a fire." I offered gathering fallen sticks and braches, turning the moonstone of the staff to face it I spoke a word of magic and the light lit the timbers.
"A Magi!" The elf accused it was clear he trusted neither Theo nor myself.
"No, actually I'm a seer, the staff was a gift from a wizard I know, since being a seer makes me magical in nature I can use the magic of the staff, although it is quite draining." I corrected him sitting heavily on the stump that only a few days before Goldmoon had rested upon.
He studied me closely, suspicious of my words. I took the opportunity to study him equally; he wore the garb of a ranger muted browns and greens with leather armour. A bow was hung across his shoulder along with a quiver of arrows; his only other weapons were long twin hunting knives that hung on each hip.
He had sharp angular features and deep blue eyes with long black hair tied back out of his eyes. A silver aspen leaf hung from a simple leather thong around his neck.
"What are you called traveler?" I asked after we had finished our inspections, neither revealing opinions about the other.
"Aeram Silverleaf, and my companion is Amethyst Nightshade." His tone was less harsh as he turned and watched Theo stitch her wound. Though I doubted he would admit it but he was worried for her.
"I am Farren Timechaser," Theo and I had decided the last name was fitting while on the road "that is Theogaroth Half-Elvin, my guide and companion on the road to Solace." Theo nodded in greeting without looking up from his task.
"It seems we have the same destination, how do you propose we arrive in Solace without getting captured or killed?" Aeram looked away from Amethyst and back to me inquisitively.
"The trail we're on leads to Crystalmir Lake, I think our best bet is to cross the lake in the cover of darkness, and continue into Solace from the forest." I hoped that the boat would hold Theogaroth but I remembered it held all eight of my previous companions so it wouldn't be a problem.
"Are you proposing we build a raft to cross the lake?" Aeram asked in astonishment "We would be sitting ducks!"
I shook my head with a laugh "My previous companions abandoned a large row boat at the edge of the path- there is no guarantee that it will be there still but we can look. If it's not we travel along the shoreline until the bridge and cross there."
He nodded thoughtfully "Your reasoning is sound but crossing that bridge is risky, we could be recognized. What would cause your Companions to abandon a vessel so hastily?"
I told him of my adventures with Sturm and the others, he did not seem to believe the bit about Darken Wood at first but Theogaroth confirmed it. The confirmation of coming war startled and dismayed him as I continued "I have a few scattered memories of my past but considering the situation I'm going to spread the word about this Draconian Army. Do my best to prepare them for the impending war."
Theogaroth stood and came over to me "Let me take a look at that scratch of yours." I nodded wearily as Aeram sunk into a thoughtful silence.
"You should get some rest we'll be moving on as soon as we can." I told Theo as he finished bandaging my wound. "I'm going to scout out the road ahead-"
"Because that went over so well the last time," Theo frowned, his voice filled with sarcasm as he cleaned up his healers tools.
I rolled my eyes slipping back onto the trail before Theogaroth could protest more. The trail was as far as I could tell empty but I held my staff at the ready just in case. My thoughts turned to home as I walked.
My family would be worried unless this whole experience passed in the space of one night in their world- which I doubted. My mother would have begun cleaning the whole house over and over like she always dose when she's worried or concerned about something. Her excessive cleaning would eventually annoy my dad who becomes irritable when he is worried; all the time denying that he was terrified about what could be happening so he wouldn't frighten my sister.
I closed my eyes as I remembered Kacey's bright brown eyes and her ear to ear grin she would give me when I would come home after being at school or work all day.
I stopped mid step as a cold lonely feeling swept over me, tears leaked out of my eyes as I thought about what would happen to them if I didn't make it back from this adventure.
Before I could dwell on it too much a torrent of crackling flame came hurling down the road at me. With a startled cry I leapt out of its path and into the brush on the side of the road.
Looking up I saw a very unexpected sight, Fizban the Fabulous (aka Paladine God of Good) was flailing about on the road blindly hurling spells in every direction because his hat had fallen over his eyes.
I would have laughed if he hadn't sent a web spell right at me sticking me to the brush. I knew my companions would be approaching and would probably attack him, that was however the least of my concerns.
A band of goblins was approaching from behind Fizban who was absorbed in attempting to discover why he had gone blind all of a sudden.
"Fizban behind you!" I screamed wrenching an arm free of the sticky webbing.
The elder mage started at my cry and turned in a complete circle. "Who goes there?" He cried in the befuddled voice I was expecting.
The goblins stopped and took aim, at that very moment my companions rounded a bend in the path where the forest still smouldered from the fireball.
"Farren?" Theogaroth called unable to see me from his position.
"Archers!" I screamed in warning as I ripped myself free of the webbing, tackling Fizban as arrows flew past us.
The old mage gave a cry of alarm as we fell and began to struggle with me. "Paladine!" I hissed yanking his hat off his head.
Fizban's sharp eyes met mine with a cheeky glimmer before he snatched his hat out of my hands. "Fizban the Fabulous if you please child."
I nodded as Aeram returned fire at the Goblins who once their number was reduced by half fled back down the road. Once I knew it was safe I stood and pulled Fizban up with me, he old man began dusting himself off muttering "No respect for their elders these days."
I rolled my eyes as my companions approached "You can't seem to keep yourself out of trouble." Theogaroth sighed "Are you alright?"
"Fine thanks to Aeram's cover fire," I nodded to the Elf in thanks before turning to Fizban.
The grey robed wizard snarled in frustration looking everywhere for his hat.
Plucking it off his head without his notice I handed it back to him. "You dropped it."
"Thank you dear." He placed the drooping pointed hat on his head with undue dignity. He looked up at the others "I am Fizban the Fabulous!"
Biting my lip to conceal a smile I began to introduce the others but Aeram cut me off "Introduce us later," Aeram grasped my arm pulling me along "The Draconian's have found our trail, we have to get moving."
Fizban looked up from under the brim of his hat almost mildly as the Elf began to lead us down the road. "Can't go that way."
"Why not Old One?" Amethyst asked stopping short and glancing at him searchingly.
"The goblin patrols of course!" he shook his head at her stupidity.
"We're trapped between two evils." Aeram swore readying his bow.
"I'd take goblins over Draconian's any day." I stated pulling Cerus over to Fizban "Hop on Old One," I turned to Amethyst before he could reply "You too."
Ame looked about to protest when the twang of Aeram's bow cut her off. The Draconian's had caught up with us.
Both figures leapt on Cerus, Amethyst pulling a cross bow and bolts out of the small pouch on her hip. She grinned at my startled expression "Bag of holding." She aimed, fired and reloaded in one smooth motion.
Theo indicated I should leap on and I didn't hesitate "Into the brush!" I cried as around thirty goblin guards came roaring towards us from the opposite direction.
Holding my staff high I instinctively shouted "Shirak!" a brilliant white light flashed startling our pursuers. Giving us just enough time to escape into the thick brush, as we did so I could swear Fizban was yelling at the trees to get out of the way.
About two hours of flight into the dangerous brush we came upon a clearing, Aeram (who had been on foot seemingly making no effort to keep pace with us) collapsed in exhaustion.
"Let's rest here." I sighed dismounting Theogaroth and crouching beside Aeram I asked "You alright?"
"I'm fine, no thanks to you and your wizard." The elf spat flinching away from my outstretched hand.
Fizban gave an indignant snort "Now listen here young man," The old wizard began waggling a finger at the elf.
"Save your breath Fizban, he's not worth it." I stated earning a glare from Amethyst as I placed a hand on the old wizards arm.
I pulled a jerky like substance out of my bag and began munching on it as I settled near Theogaroth.
"We're being followed." The Half-Elf stated in low tones.
"Draconian's?" I knew if the goblin parties had been following then their whistling calls of their search parties would have been heard from the beginning.
"No, there is only one of them out there." He munched on a slice of cheese as he spoke, Theo's eyes darted to Ame and Aeram "I don't think it's interested in us."
My eyes narrowed "Do you think they know?" I too glanced at our two new companions before turning my gaze to Fizban who dosed beneath a tree.
"If the Elf dose he hasn't told the Cutpurse." Theogaroth stated shifting slightly; I frowned at his choice of words and decided to change the subject.
Raising my head I addressed the others "We have spoken of our business here but what are a Half-Kender and an Elf doing traveling to Solace?"
Both of their heads shot up at my words the Elf's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to tell me it was none of my business but Amethyst gave him a reproachful glance. "Aeram is on a quest of the heart, to impress a lady friend. He is looking for the brother of his love who had left the Elven kingdom on a great quest but has failed to return."
I knew immediately who he was looking for, Gilthanas prince of the Elves. I also knew he was in love with the Elven princess Laurana- too bad she marries Tanis in the end. Apparently it was written all over my face that I knew.
Aeram leapt forward "What do you know of my mission?" he demanded grasping my shoulders "What do you know of Gilthanas Kanan?"
"I am a Seer remember?" I lied hesitantly in the presence of the god but knew it was the best way to cover up my knowledge of the future. At the edge of my vision I saw Fizban's head dart up and a disconcerting glint flash briefly in his befuddled eyes.
Aeram released me with a scowl while Amethyst looked at me in total shock "Impossible."
"Not likely but not impossible." I stated backing away from him and placing my staff back against a tree, it had unconsciously been summoned to my hand when Aeram rushed forward. I continued "I have dreams that show me snippets of the future, too detailed and structured to be normal dreams I traveled to a sect of monks who study such things. Near Kendermore if I remember correctly, anyway they taught me to use the 'gift' as they called it for good."
"It seems you remember more of you past." Theogaroth commented slyly in the back ground, before I could send him a swift glare Aeram spoke.
"What of Gilthanas? What have you seen?"
"He was joined in his mission by a band of humans and they were all betrayed, I saw your Elf prince escape the betrayal when only one other did." I clamped my mouth shut "I can say no more."
Aeram almost went livid "Tell me what you know!" The fair haired elf darted forward ready to wring the truth out of me.
Fizban stood more swiftly than he should have been able to and grasped the young Elf's arm hissing "Listen!" Shrill whistles could be heard in the distance.
"Goblin search parties," Theogaroth was grim "their close."
I leapt aboard Cerus "Quickly Old One." I held out a hand, Fizban grasped it silently and with some effort I hauled him aboard.
Aeram cast me another swift glare before leaping on Theogaroth's broad back where Ame soon joined him, just as we began to move a shrill voice screamed "Wait don't leave me!"
I watched Amethyst freeze in terror and whirl around with an explosive oath "Ryun, you- you hare brained idiot! You-you lame brained fool of a Kender!"
Looking past her I saw only a blond topknot bobbing though the brush at an alarming speed. There was a shrill shriek like whistle and a goblin arrow thunked into the tree beside me.
Suddenly a small figure no more than two and a half feet tall tumbled out of the brush; the little figure had a bright magenta shirt and a green vest covered in pouches. He wore sunny yellow leggings that clashed horribly with everything and brown boots that appeared to be a size to big.
His bright green eyes that where as large as dinner plates were mostly covered by his straw coloured messy topknot that hung over his face. The smile on his face was almost ear to ear when he saw Theogaroth.
"Wow a real centaur! I can't believe I almost missed a real centaur! Where did you meet him Ame? Oh how rude my names Ryun Nightshade I'm Ame's half-brother! Oh wow a wizard too, how could you leave me behind Ame! Are you a real wizard? Are you evil like Ame's dad was? No I suppose not your robes are the wrong color-"
Arrows landed all around the tiny figure, "Theo!" I shrieked as I spurred Cerus into the brush behind us.
Recovering from his initial shock the centaur leapt forward and grabbed the Kender child in his arms (the little child gave a whoop of excitement) and bounded after us.
All the while Amethyst was shrieking at him like a mad woman. "You great blundering buffoon! You're going to get us all killed! This is exactly why I left you in Kendermore!"
I pulled Cerus back so I could look directly into Amethyst's eyes "If you don't stop yelling you're the one who is going to get us killed!"
We raced forward; Theo and Cerus's stride carried us away from our pursuers. It was already well into the evening before we stopped at the cave near the lake. We ate a cold meal while Amethyst questioned Ryun in hushed angry tones at the back of the cave.
Fizban snoozed casually near the cave entrance though I doubt he was actually sleeping, rather than absorbing the information around us.
Aream paced at the cave entrance, clearly high strung from the battle and race to escape.
I looked at Theo seriously; he was winded and covered in a fair amount of small cuts from the brush. "I don't trust the elf." He spoke in low hushed tones.
I frowned at him "He saved my life that's trust enough for me." I sighed "Besides it's not like we have much choice in the matter. What I'm more worried about is how we're going to get to Solace at this rate." Theo arched an eyebrow at me. "Sure we're making good time but the moment we get there we'll be recognized, arrested and killed."
The others had joined us hearing my concerns, a silence settled over the group. We began settling down for the night each brooding on the problem. Aream kept first watch despite Theogaroth's mistrust and the centaur insisted taking the second watch covering the rest of the night due to mine and Amethyst's injuries.
The night passed without incident.
