The groups competing in the hunt woke up early in the morning and gathered in groups outside of the Sour Vintage. Duris and Thella let Leira sleep in with the hope that she would be in a good mood. Having the siren fly to track down the boar would be a great advantage to have in the hunt. In the meantime, the two took their time to look over the four groups, who may be potential heroes. In particular, Duris was drawn towards the dwarf who was forming the Dragonlords with a nymph and half-orc and to Mantes, who had managed to recruit a halfling, a centaur, and a marble construct. None of the teams interacted with each other with a hint of hostility between some of the groups.

"There's more than ten here," Thella commented. "Just like Leira said."

"Let's not get our hopes up yet," Duris said, crossing his arms. "We don't even know how we're supposed to find these heroes."

"Do you think we should talk to them?"

"Not yet," Duris shook his head. "It's too early and they're focused enough on the hunt as is."

Several minutes later, the four groups traveled off to search the Heartlands for the boar. Duris and Thella remained behind, giving the other groups a chance of a head start. As much as it would be good to be the one to hunt down the boar and end its terror to the people of Thylea, they couldn't leave behind Leira. She was the closest Duris and Thella had to a guide to begin with given their unusual circumstances. If her sleeping in was enough for her to be happy enough to be able to fly, then waiting would have been worth it.

When the door to the Sour Vintage, Duris looked at it, hoping that Leira was awake. Instead, he was met with the poet who issued the hunting challenge last night. Although he didn't think much of her at first, it was her reaction to seeing him that surprised him. She looked shocked with her mouth slightly open, as if she recognized him. Duris raised an eyebrow at her.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

"No, no, not at all," the poet regained her composure slowly. "I'm sorry. I thought you were someone I knew for a moment."

"I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken."

Thella turned in to join the conversation. "Actually, you may recognize us from last night. We were at the bar."

"You were, yes," the poet nodded. "You didn't speak up about joining the hunt."

"When we talked about it, the moment had already passed," Duris quickly said. "It won't be a problem if we do, is it?"

"Not at all," the poet shook her head. "It'll be a relief once this boar is killed."

"I find it hard to believe that a boar could be the cause of so much destruction," Duris commented. "How come no one has been able to stop it?"

"As you may have realized by now, this boar is no ordinary beast," the poet explained. "I believe that this boar was cursed by Sydon himself to wreak havoc on the mortals."

"Of course the Lord of Storms would be responsible," Thella frowned. "His wickedness and hatred know no bounds."

"But what of the Oath of Peace?" Duris asked. "I've been told that the Twin Titans are bound to do no harm to the mortals of Thylea."

"They are but they are still able to have others act in their name as long as they do not give the order themselves," the poet answered. "As funny as it is to imagine Sydon ordering a boar around, the oath doesn't stop him from delivering a monster to the Heartlands and letting it do what it does best."

Duris clenched his hands into fists briefly. It was Sydon and Lutheria who directed the enemy forces five hundred years ago and they were still up to no good. Although his martial skills have grown dull while with Versi, Duris hoped that the spells he would pick up would make up for that. At least he was confident enough that he, his companions, and the other groups would be more than enough to bring down the boar, even if a titan had empowered it.

The door opened and Leira stepped outside with a yawn. She blinked in confusion to see the poet and turned to Duris and Thella.

"Good morning, Leira," Thella greeted. "How are you feeling today?"

Leira shrugged. "I don't know. I just had a bad dream and I couldn't stop thinking about everyone that's been killed by this boar…"

"And we caught her in a bad mood today," Duris sighed. "So much for having you fly and try to find the boar from above."

"It sure is nice to see that I'm valued for just my wings," Leira sighed.

Duris shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. It's not like that at all."

"You haven't been able to fly since we've started traveling together, yet we still keep you around," Thella agreed with a smile. "You're a friend."

"If I may," the poet interrupted. "I think I may have an idea as to where the boar's been resting."

"You do?" Duris asked. "Yet you didn't say that last night."

"It wouldn't have been much of a challenge if I told them where to go, would it?" the poet laughed.

"Is it much of a challenge for us then?" Thella pointed out.

The poet shrugged. "I feel like helping you. Maybe it has something to do with your friend reminding me of someone I once knew. Also, I have a feeling this will make for a good story."

"Thank you," Duris bowed his head. "My name is Duris, and with me are Thella and Leira."

If the poet knew his name, she didn't show any indication. "You may call me Kyrah."

"Kyrah?" Leira blinked. "The Goddess of Music?"

"Why yes, I was named after her," Kyrah said with a wink. "Just as your friend was named after one of the Dragonlords."

Duris gasped quietly. "You know that?"

"As a poet, I am quite familiar with the stories of the Dragonlords, even the ones forgotten about."

"What stories do you have to share about the Dragonlord Duris?" Thella quickly asked.

"I'm sorry, but I think I heard enough of those stories," Duris said, hating that he had to lie. "We should get going."

"Yes, of course," Kyrah agreed. "But to satisfy Thella's curiosity, I will say this. The Duris of the past may not have many stories to him but those few show that he was a man of good heart."

"Thank you," Thella said with a small smile.

Thella gave Duris an apologetic look, realizing that she should have asked Duris first. The truth of the matter is, although he didn't remember much of his past, he'd rather wait to remember than to have someone tell him more details. He didn't feel comfortable hearing about who he was when he couldn't remember, and there could be doubt on how truthful the stories were. Duris only hoped that he would remember more before the Oath of Peace came to an end.

With Kyrah's guidance, the group began the hunt to bring an end to the corrupted boar.

Although Halius hated to admit it, he may have led his group in the wrong direction.

Halius was excited when Korax and Cyrene thought he would be best at tracking down the boar. Although Cyrene was a more experienced huntress, she and Korax both thought that since Halius was born and raised in the Heartlands that he would know the area to track down the boar. He gave it his best effort, not wanting to disappoint the two that had trained him so well. Yet, there were parts of tracking that he had no knowledge on, and even with the boar's rampage being apparent, there was no area it hadn't attacked. Halius ended up picking the wrong trail and following it.

Yet, there was a part of him that didn't want to admit that he had gotten the group lost. Halius didn't want to disappoint Korax or Cyrene, who had placed so much trust in him to track down the boar. He thought that it was still possible to keep tracking without them finding out of his error. It was just a matter of circling around slowly so that the two wouldn't realize that they were going back to where they started.

On the long circle back, Halius took note of Zyfon and Phoebe walking in the same direction he originally started. At least he wasn't the only one who had gotten lost, although he gulped when he saw that they were heading to meet up.

Phoebe grunted when the groups met. "So you're lost as well."

"I insist that we're not lost," Zyfon defended. "Although if we were, surely it would be because you trusted a minstrel to track a boar.."

Phoebe shrugged and looked at Korax. "You haven't encountered the boar yet."

"That's right," Korax nodded and glanced at Halius. "I take it there's a good reason you turned us around."

Halius chuckled quietly and rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh, maybe the boar went this way but turned around."

"That… that's definitely what happened," Zyfon quickly nodded. "I was following the boar's tracks before it turned around."

"Cyrene, you can take over for tracking," Korax said.

"We'll be back on the boar's trail in no time," Cyrene said with a nod.

"We're still going to find that boar before you," Phoebe declared. "Or would you rather settle our conflict now?"

Korax sighed. "I was not in a good mood last night. I'm sorry for nearly picking a fight with you."

"Be sorry for not actually fighting," Phoebe chuckled. "It would have been more exciting than this hunt."

"You're not much of a hunter, are you?" Cyrene asked. "Why else would you have your bard lead you?"

"Hey!" Zyfon crossed his arms.

"You're right," Phoebe admitted. "Truth of the matter is that we rarely leave large cities. We're out of our element."

"In that case, I offer you a chance to join us," Korax said.

"What?!" both Halius and Zyfon gasped.

"By now, we should all realize that this boar is no ordinary boar," Korax explained. "I'd rather have extra help for when we do find it."

"While I think I can best it on my own, I'll accept your offer," Phoebe grinned. "You can witness me beating it myself."

"We'll see," Korax shrugged. "Cyrene, you take the lead."

Cyrene nodded and led the way, trying to find a recent trail to follow the boar. Korax and Phoebe followed behind her with Halius reluctantly joining Zyfon towards the rear of the group. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea to work with Phoebe and Zyfon after last night but he wasn't going to question Korax. The lokhagos has shown himself to be a capable leader at times.

"So," Zyfon started, glancing towards Halius. "You got your group lost."

"So did you," Halius pointed out.

"Would you agree that if any of us write a poem about this day to leave the part of getting lost out?" Zyfon asked.

Halius, despite believing he wouldn't write about this day at all, nodded. "It would be embarrassing if people did find out."

"That it would," Zyfon agreed with a smile.

"Although you better make it a good poem," Halius said in a demanding tone.

"I only write good poems," Zyfon insisted.

"We'll see about that after today then."

"That we will."

The sun was starting to set when the first group found where the boar rested. With Kyrah's guidance, Duris, Thella, and Leira stood before the cave with the poet standing behind them. The devastation of the farmland and the freshly buried graves were still fresh on Duris' mind as he took in the stench of rot from the cave. Slowly, he unholstered his shield and mace, figuring he was going to take the lead. He took a step forward and looked over his shoulder.

"This is it," Duris said with a grim tone. "Are we ready?"

"Should we not wait for the others?" Thella questioned. "It does seem kind of dangerous to hunt a boar in its lair alone."

"We really should have grouped up back at the Sour Vintage," Duris sighed. "Maybe we can make some traps."

"It's coming," Leira gasped, her voice more fearful than before. "Get out of the way!"

Leira was able to hear the boar before it was coming, allowing for her and the others to get out of the way. The group scattered as the boar charged out of the tunnel passing by the group. Duris caught a quick glance at it as it turned around. It was easily bigger than any of them with white fur and sharp tusks stained with blood. Its back was impaled with arrows and spears, although it didn't look like its injuries were going to hamper it in battle. The boar's yellow eyes glared at the hunters that recovered, with Duris standing in front of the spellcasters while Kyrah dashed to the side to not get in their way.

Duris held his ground as the boar charged him and blocked its tusk with his shield. The force of the blow nearly knocked him off his feet but his companions were able to circle around it. Leira shot its side with her crossbow while Thella blasted a blue-white bolt of ice on its other side. The boar grunted and dashed towards Leira. Duris tried to strike the boar as it ran but its size betrayed what its speed truly was. The boars tusk pierced through Leira's armor and the siren screamed out in pain. The boar then turned to Thella and charged into her as well. It was a more powerful attack, drawing blood and knocking her onto her back.

"Thella!" Duris exclaimed.

Much to his horror, Thella did not get back onto her feet. The boar turned to face the other two just in time for Duris to slam his mace on its snout. The crazed beast wasn't even phased by the hit. He followed the attack with a shield shove but the boar stood its ground. He took rapid breaths, trying his best to think of a way to get past the boar to Thella. Duris was convinced that he could heal Thella if he could get to her past the boar. Yet, the beast was far too strong and fast for him to overcome, and he wasn't going to risk having it attack Leira.

"The hunt is on!" a familiar voice called out from the treeline

Mantes, the half-elf who sat next to Duris at the Sour Vintage, jumped out from the bushes. He was followed by his companions that were with him this morning, although the halfling and centaur both looked hesitant to join in the fight. Regardless of what his party thought, Mantes charged forward with a grin on his face and an xiphos in hand. Unfortunately, his blade failed to draw blood and he was forced to run away from the boar. Yet, the boar was angered by the ambush, and turned to chase after Mantes. Duris didn't attack the boar and quickly moved forward to kneel down next to Thella.

Kyrah quickly stepped behind Duris. "I think I can keep her from dying."

"So can I," Duris declared.

Duris grabbed Thella's wrist and focused, muttering to himself as he did so. The wound on her chest slowly vanished. Thella gasped when she opened her eyes, taking deep breaths.

"That boar almost killed me," Thella whispered to herself.

"I wasn't expecting that," Kyrah noted, tapping her chin. "You really should rejoin the battle."

Duris helped Thella back on her feet and the group turned back to see how the battle against the boar was. The centaur fumbled a shot with his crossbow but reached into the pouches he carried, pulling out vials of liquid to pour together. Although Leira missed with a blast of purple energy, the halfling summoned three tiny blue darts to fire at the boar, all three hitting. The boar squealed in pain and charged at the halfling. Thanks to his size, he was able to back away from one tusk strike, and when the boar struck with its other tusk, the halfling was able to block it by forming a translucent barrier around himself. The construct stepped in, and although its mace did little to damage the boar, it now stood between the beast and the wizard.

While the construct held its ground against the boar's charge and Mantes stabbed the boar in its back leg, Duris and Thella were quick to take notice of new arrivals. It was the group trying to reform the Dragonlords, drawn in by the sounds of battle. It was at that moment the boar drove one of its tusks through the construct completely, although it held off the boar long enough for the halfling to run and shoot a bolt of fire at it. Duris locked eyes with the dwarf and the two nodded, coming to a silent agreement. After Thella blasted the boar with a wave of fire from her hands, the dwarf charged forward, makhaira in hand, and struck it on the head. It drew blood but the boar's curse gave it resilience to keep fighting on.

Duris took the opportunity of reinforcements to run over to Leira. "I can heal you!"

"Good," Leira held the scratch the boar delivered. "I almost thought I was going to end up like Thella."

The centaur ran in front of Duris, handing Leira a vial of liquid. "Drink this!"

Leira blinked in confusion. "Huh?"

"It'll heal you," the centaur explained rapidly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have repairs to make on the field!"

Duris and Leira both looked in confusion as the centaur dashed off towards the construct. Yet, from what he can tell, the alchemist meant to help them, so he gave an approving nod to the siren. Leira gulped down the vial's contents and sighed in relief, her wound showing signs of closing. The two turned back to the battle to see the dwarf's companions in action: the half-orc grasping the boar with electricity from his hands while the nymph blasted it with fire. Duris, figuring that ranged attacks would work best, chanted briefly, then threw a bolt of golden energy at the boar, burning it.

The boar squealed and grunted as it endured many attacks. Mantes struck it with his blade once again while Thella and the halfling attacked the boar with magical fire. Leira fired another bolt of purple energy at the boar only for it to miss. The centaur pulled the construct away from the fight, tending to it with a variety of tools. While Duris thought of how to proceed, he took note of two more arrivals: the red-headed woman and a stygian who also volunteered to hunt. While he didn't think too much of them, he was glad to see that they were running to join in.

Then, the boar's eyes started to glow bright yellow. Duris held his head as he felt an unwarranted presence briefly in his mind.

"What was that?" Duris asked, turning to Leira.

Yet, the siren did not respond. She looked at the boar blankly, motionless. Fearing that it was magically affecting the others, he quickly looked over to see. The dwarf and arriving woman were also caught in a similar trance. The boar took advantage of the dwarf's lack of action and turned on other foes, although Mantes narrowly avoided its tusks once again. Duris charged at the boar, realizing someone needed to occupy its attention. He struck his mace upon one of the injuries it sustained and it squealed in pain.

As the battle progressed, Duris could tell that the boar was becoming more lethargic. Even with its divine nature, the toll it took from its injuries was great. When the arrival of the two groups whose conflict started the challenge to begin with, that he knew the hunt was almost over. Although they once stood against each other, the two groups now charged into battle together.

It was at this moment that Duris knew that he had found the heroes he was looking for.

The boar put up a mighty fight in face of death. It thrashed out at Duris one last time who was able to back away and dodge it. It was overwhelmed by the magical attacks of the spellcasters and the blades of the reinforcements. Eventually, the half-orc companion of the dwarf grabbed onto its head and sent a jolt of electricity through its skull. The boar collapsed, heaving heavily as the group proceeded onto it to finally end its life. Leira and the others who were caught in a trance finally snapped out of it. As it took its final breath, the boar gazed into the eyes of its killers.

Duris was shocked to hear it speak into his head.

"Your sins cannot be atoned, mortals. An ancient power sleeps in the heart of this land, and when it awakens, the age of mortals will come to an end. Just as I have fallen here, so too will you fall to the Twin Titans. No prophecy can save you, fools."

The boar's eyes rolled back into its head and it was deceased.

The gathered warriors look on in surprise at the boar, unsure of what to take in from its message. Duris was aware of the Twin Titans' threat but this was the first he was hearing of an ancient threat. Yet, the boar also spoke of prophecy. He looked over those who stood with him now, settlers and natives alike, all joined by a single purpose. These were the heroes who had the chance to save Thylea.

Kyrah stepped forward, standing behind the boar's corpse. "Congratulations, heroes! You've done well today but this is just the start."

"Is that so?" the satyr bard asked.

Duris chuckled and nodded. "That it is. Now, I believe introductions are in order…"

A/N: A shorter chapter but there's much to be discussed.

I know there are always some worries about a big cast, and boy, this story has one of the biggest casts in anything I've written. Yet, I decided to go through with this large of the group. The interactions between characters alone will be a lot to write, which does contribute to NaNoWriMo. Additionally, it allows me to focus on what's important in a battle. There were a lot of specific hits in the notes for the fight against the boar, but as more fighters showed up, I decided that it wasn't important who scored what blow, but rather, it was important to see the heroes come together, which was why I glossed over combat as it went on. Finally, having a large cast allows to show different scenes during different adventures, which is going to be interesting to see in effect.

This chapter is about 3,700 words, and combined with last chapter, gets me to 10,000 words. I am a little bit behind on NaNoWriMo but remain confident that I can catch up, and as of now, will continue to write.

Until next time.