Kierran reaches down for his weapon. His hands clutch air, and he suddenly remembers he's unarmed. "Damn it," he swears under his breath. Weaponless, he can only watch the ensuing battle from the safety of the shadows.
*****
In the blink of an eye the thieves rush in. A sinking feeling wells in Virdel's stomach. These were trained assassins. The guard hadn't a chance, and Virdel couldn't do a damn thing about it. The battle would be over in seconds...
Suddenly, a great flash erupts from the center of the circle. The guard's rusted halberd comes to life with a bright blue glow, shedding rust like old skin. Blinded by the flash, the thieves's attacks miss their mark. Two hooded figures fall as they nick each other with their poisoned daggers. The rest quickly recover their wits, but the guard's prowess is too much. Each assassin's cut is met either with an adept block with the halberd shaft, or screeches uselessly on rusted plate. One knife does finds its mark, carving a deep cut where gauntlets meet suit. The guard's hardly seems to notice. One by one the assassins fall to powerful, measured attacks. With the last attacker down, the guard cleans the magical blade of his halberd on a corpse's shirt.
"That'll teach those stinkin thieves to steer clear of us," he mutters with a grim smile, his timid manner vanished. "No one messes with Calahan."
With that, the one named Calahan starts to head down a nearby alley.
Even Virdel barely detects a shadow on the roof slipping away silently...
Kierran sees neither cloaked figure, only Calahan's retreating form.
*****
Arriving in Athkatla, Thryn heads into the Copper Coronet to ponder his next move. Obviously, the message was important. Nicros must have been an agent of the Shadow Thieves, the powerful underworld organization within the city, and influential throughout Amn. The message was a letter written by Nicros to Renal, nicknamed the Bloodscalp for good reason. It was a list of every member of importance in the mercenary guild called the Black Helm. Definitely valuable information. What should he do with it?
Like it or not, Thryn knows he's already been drawn into the layers of intrigue surrounding troubled Athkatla. Even if he keeps the message to himself, someone is bound to come looking for it...
Sitting down at the bar for a glass of wine, he notices two others talking nearby. One is decked in full plate, and looks to be quite the experienced warrior. The other looks a bit pale, and radiates youth, along with the inexperience and foolishness that inevitably accompanies it. Bored, Thryn begins listening to their conversation.
*****
"Sarak, do you know what you have done? You have just shattered any hope we had of gaining Magus's support!" Corellan fumed.
Sarak remained silent. Best not to anger Corellan further.
"I assure you, Sarak, that such a mistake better not happen again. Or would you rather Lazal had your position? He's proved far more competent than you, it seems to me."
Sarak's face boiled with anger. But one look from Corellan was enough to silence any protest.
"Get out, Sarak. I tire of dealing with you."
"Yes sir," Sarak managed to say, controlling his temper until he was a safe distance away from Corellan's office.
*****
Meanwhile...Magus sleeps peacefully until dawn.
*****

Head pounding from the sudden blood rush, Faisal stumbles down the stairs, but catches whims on the railing before he reaches the bottom. He scans the room and sees a young man though older than him walking towards him with something in a plat and a mug.
Faisal too tired to run or do anything, lets the man lead him to a chair
"How do you feel? - You really should get some more rest before getting up"
"My name is Xandax by the way"
Faisal, extremely suspicious of the stranger refuses the food and drink and stares directly at Xandax and demands:
"Why are you providing me with food and ale?"
But before Xandax could answer, Faisal unable to resist the temptation of the food, attacks the items and devoirs them in a matter of minutes.
Pausing for a couple of minutes Faisal decides to think. He has provided me with food, and since i am not dead, it was not poisoned and thus safe.
"Now that i am not dead, thank you for the non-poisoned food. I guess you must be the one who saved me from the attackers For that i thank you. And you must also have healed me for that i am indebted to you."
Putting his hand out; "I am Faisal Zulfikar from Calimshite well met Xandax.
Though i must warn you, in saving me you have made dangerous enemies in Athkatla.
It was rumored in Calimshite that the Shadow Thieves had something to do with the murder of a Prince.
This proves the rumor.
They thought i was the assassin they had acquired.
I noticed that they were thieves from their attire, and only the shadow thieves will so freely attack someone in this city, from what i have heard.
Again i thank you.
And what are you doing in the city of coin?"

Having watched the amazing spectacle put on by the surround guard, Virdel's interest had been perked. As he did not have to report back to his employer immediately, he decided to follow the Man as he took off down the street. As he made his way down to the street, his keen Drow eyes caught, even if barely, the cloaked figure on a nearby roof. This struck him as odd. If it were a Shadow Thief up there, then why had he not interfered. His interest quickly shifted. Virdel knew how to find the guard later, this thief was now his target. Even though he would lose precious time, Virdel made his way back to the roof tops, to better follow the figure. By the time he made it back up, he needed a moment to get a bead on the swift moving figure in the distance. It took all but a thought, and Virdel was off sprinting, and jumping along the many roofs of the city. This was how it went for several minutes. The way the figure was moving tipped Virdel off that his pursuit was known, and that he was trying to be lost. He was not so eager to lose his target.
When Virdel saw the figure jump to the ground, he quickly followed suit, leaping to the cobblestone road. As he landed, he drew both scimitars, and stalked towards where he saw the figure land. He was met by nothing but emptiness, and a dead end. Virdel cursed himself for his foolishness, and quickly spun on his heel, kicking up some cobblestones in the process, bringing his scimitars up in an X form, barely parrying the incoming short sword from the cloaked figure. He listened to metal reverberate in the alleyway, and realized of the skill of his opponent. He had lured him into a dead end, and an area which sound was no one's ally. Virdel kicked back from his assailant, and held his dual blades defensively, not wanting to strike first. He saw the man smile, but was unable to make out his features. Any thought of identifying the man faded when he made another attempt to strike Virdel. Another attack that was easily blocked with Virdel's left Scimitar. In reprisal, he slashed towards the man's gullet with his right scimitar. The man slid to the left, narrowly avoiding the blade. In his dodge, though, a small dagger protruded from his sleeve. Virdel's eyes widened as he saw the glint of metal. Too late. The man tossed the dagger through the air, towards Virdel's moving body. If only virdel had caught it a few moments earlier. He felt the cold steel cut through his left arm, not enough to incapacitate him, but enough to draw his attention away, and allow the man to get away.
Virdel looked up, and attempted to find the man, but he had already made his way out of the alley, and back to roofs, and his original destination. Virdel cursed himself again, and placed his scimitars back in their scabbards. He slowly made his way out of the alley, and down the cobblestone road, back to his employer.

*****

"Why are you providing me with food and ale?" the man had asked, but without waiting for an answer he had all but devoured it.
"Stupid" Xandax thought - of course he would be vary of people he didn't know after what just had happen to him.
Xandax placed both hands on top of the table to show his good intentions.
"Now that i am not dead, thank you for the non-poisoned food. I guess you must be the one who saved me from the attackers For that i thank you. And you must also have healed me for that i am indebted to you."
"I am Faisal Zulfikar from Calimshite well met Xandax. Though i must warn you, in saving me you have made dangerous enemies in Athkatla. It was rumored in Calimshite that the Shadow Thieves had something to do with the murder of a Prince.
This proves the rumor.
They thought i was the assassin they had acquired.
I noticed that they were thieves from their attire, and only the shadow thieves will so freely attack someone in this city, from what i have heard.
Again i thank you.
And what are you doing in the city of coin?"
"Shadow thieves?" Xandax thought - "One would suspect they have their own assassins, why would they need an outsider - even for such a profiled murder, there was more to this than meets the eye."
"Oh were are my manners" Xandax said "forgive me, it has been some time since I've been in civilized company. My name is Xandax, that I've already said, my home is...was in Daggerdale, far to the east.
My business in this city - well, my business is adventure, and through out my travels I've heard that this city would be a good place to find some fun. I didn't expect, though, to just fall into such acts as what happened to you.
As for me making more enemies, don't worry about that - I've never like thieves in the first place - always sneaking around trying to hit you in the back - they lack the honour that separate the men from the thieves." Xandax smiled.
"So what brings you to this city - well except for making enemies with the thieves? Are you here to investigate the murder plans of this Prince of yours or some other grave matter, or are you also just looking for fun and adventure."
"Wait" Xandax said quietly while turning his head and looking towards a cloaked man (Thryn) "our words are not private"

Faisal, turns his head to follow Xandax gaze.
Which falls on a older, who appears to be staring at this mug, but Faisal agrees that his listening to their conversation.
"So what do we do?, if we stop talking he will become suspicious and leave, and i for one want to know what is he so interested in"
whispers Faisal.
So taking the initiative Faisal starts on his basic history.
"I for one have come for a job, i need coins. Back home, my mother owns a farm which is not doing so well, and i have a couple of younger brothers and sisters, not to mention other family relatives.
It is common in Calimshite to have huge families living together, in our case it helps with the chores of the farm.
Me being the oldest, i decided to get a job or find some band i could join to earn coins, fame and glory if possible.
And where better to find extra coins than in the City of coins?
I have only been on the road for 2 years, presently i am 20 winters."
Thryn hearing this news thanks his lucky stars and stares at his mug in deep thought.

Still listening to Faisal's story, Xandax tried to size the cloaked man up.
"Hmmm" Xandax thought while his hand slowly moving down to the hilt of his sword, as to just reassure himself that it still was there - he felt the warmth in his hand.
"i decided to get a job or find some band i could join to earn coins, fame and glory if possible.
And where better to find extra coins than in the City of coins?" Faisal had said.
"Well, tying to feed ones family is a worthy cause" Xandax told Faisal.
"If you'd like I could accompany you, at least for some time.
Have you any idea where to go or whom to see?" Xandax asked Faisal.
Turning his eyes towards the cloaked man.
"Maybe we should confront him - it is important not to be caught of guard, and it is better to take actions in to ones own hands than waiting for them to take place on their own" Xandax whispered to Faisal.
"Or maybe this stranger is in need of help, this seems like the city where people come for solving their problems."

"After saving my life, i will be honored to travel with you.
It would also be safer, you know safety in numbers and all that." says Faisal.
"Hmmm i have no idea who to meet, this is my first day in Athkatla so your guess is as good as mine.
But i have heard there is this group the Black Helm which are hiring and paying well.
There are other small groups.
But the shadow thieves and Cowled Wizards are the real players in the city"
Confused at the knowledge the youngster has about a city he has just entered, Xandax asks:
"How do you know so much?"
"well like i said the shadow thieves were rumored to have killed the prince, so there was a wealth of information about the city and region on everybody's mouths especially if you get them drunk" replied Faisal smiling.
"Also i thought it would be safer to know about the city and region in which i will be working.
So i did a bit of research, cost me a lot but it was worth it i think."
Following Xandax's gaze and taking his words, Faisal thinks, that may not be a bad idea at all.
Xandax is an experienced fighter, he knows what he is doing, thinks Faisal.
"I agree yes, lets go confront him but with mugs and not with swords as i am in no position to provide you with any help whatsoever if this turns ugly!" replies Faisal.
Faisal smirks and says "Plus i would like a bit of rest before the next attack if you don't mind "

"I agree yes, lets go confront him but with mugs and not with swords as i am in no position to provide you with any help whatsoever if this turns ugly!" replies Faisal.
Faisal smirks and says "Plus i would like a bit of rest before the next attack if you don't mind"
"Hmm - good idea" Xandax said acknowledging. "No need in causing excessive problems already."
"Barkeep" Xandax called to the barkeeper "Bring us 3 mugs of your finest ale"
The barkeep came down with the mugs of ale - Xandax paid the barkeeper.
"By the way, my good man, have you seen this person before?" Xandax asked the barkeeper while discreetly pointing towards the cloaked stranger
"No, Sir, I have not." He replied.
"Thanks" Xandax gave the barkeep an extra gold piece.
"So he is not a familiar face around these parts - that favors us a little more" Xandax mumbled.
Turning his eyes to Faisal "Okay - lets go talk to this stranger, and see if we can get information from him" Xandax said while getting out of his chair.

Thryn checks out the two men, one old one young, father and son, no guards? Yes,
Standing up Thryn speaks "Hello"

*****
Virdel walked quietly into the Copper Coronet, not drawing much, if any, attention to himself. He had his cloak drawn up, and had his face covered quite well, and unless someone really took notice, then his race would remain hidden, and all the better. Upon his shoulder, over his cloak, he had white band of cloth, stained red with his blood, a common sight in this bar, so he had no worry of that. He made his way the bar nimbly, avoiding contact with all of the patrons, and avoiding the tables whenever possible. He sat on one of the creaking stools, his face still down, and ordered a glass of wine. Off to the side he saw two man approach a solitary man drinking (Faisal+Xandax). He kept one eye on them, just out of rudimentary curiosity, especially seeing that both had been in a recent battle, obvious because of the marks upon the one man.
His thoughts were interrupted as the husky bartender tapped him on the shoulder. Virdel turned to the bartender, but kept his face hidden still. The man placed the glass of wine on the counter, and coughed gruffly. Virdel cough the idea, and reached into his pouch, and withdrew two coppers, and threw them onto the counter. He lifted his wine glass, and taking a sip, he turned back to the room. He watched, and listened with casual interest, not wanting to start trouble right now. He casually sipped his wine, unknowing of what the bartender was currently doing...
*****
"I'telling, ye! That's a damned Drow in there!" The bartender spoke panicked, and obviously quite confused. "We should call the guards! And da'.... Da'Black Helm! We can't have a bloody Drow running around da' place!"

"Patience, Intid. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will apprise the appropriate authorities of this. Go back to work." Intid's employer turned, and casually his made out of the back of the Copper Coronet.

That put some confidence back in the husky Bartender, but he then realized he would have to deal with the Drow for at least another twenty minutes. He sighed, and wiped the sweat of his greasy brow. He took a second to regain his composure, and stepped back into the main room...

*****

Virdel remained sitting at the counter, completely unaware that the bartender had managed to get a look at his face, either way, he was concerned at what he didn't know. His coming had been that of a dual purpose. Not only was he here to try and relax from his encounter with the thief, he was here to find potential clients for his employer. That is why he continually found his gaze drawn but to the two men he had seen when he first entered the bar.
Again his thoughts were interrupted by the bartender. Virdel turned to meet him, cloak down.
Virdel: "What now...." Somewhat annoyed by this interruption, Virdel was in no mood to be trifled with, or to be even remotely pleasant.

"Ye be wanting another drink?" As the bartender spoke, Virdel caught the slight quiver in his voice, and realized what had happen.
He swore to himself, and stood up from the stool. That was twice today he had let himself slip! He dropped the half full glass of wine, letting it crash to the floor, and drawing undue attention. His hand's dropped to his scimitar blades, and loosing them from their scabbards, he turn quickly on his heel, and made his way to the door. As he swung the door open, he was met with the fine armour of a guard of the Black Helm!

"Damming!" Virdel swore to himself silently

He, luckily, he surprised the man, which gave Virdel the advantage. He slashed his left scimitar at the man's exposed kidney, as it was only a half-plate being employed in these three particular men. He felt the blade connect, but wasted no time to see what damage it had down. He jumped back again, and took off through the crowded bar, no alive with cheering and provocation. These men were riled up at the current prospect of a fight, and bets could be heard being placed. Virdel ran his way through the bar, and to the kitchen, and back door, were he was met by two more guards. Bad idea, he thought to himself, and turned as quickly as he came. His only other option was upstairs.
Virdel bounded his way through the room again, and up the stairs, where at least if a fight was forced, he could something of an advantage. Behind him, two guards pursued. Virdel, knowing this, took advantage of it, and stopped dead at the top of the stairs. With his two scimitars, he swung them high, and brought them down on the unsuspecting guards shoulders, stunning him. Virdel then kicked the stunned guard down the stairs, effectively breaking his next.
If he had known the layout of the Copper Coronet, he would have know of the second set of stairs. Again he made his way off from the conflict, but ran right into another guard. Virdel's face thudded into the hard steel. He stumbled back, stunned at his stupidity. He felt the blood rush to his head, and his hood fall back from his face. He blinked for a second, but that was all it took. The man approached him, his large battle-worn axe raised high above him. Virdel, even dazed as he was, saw the attack, and kicked back. The axe made contact with the wooden floor, and sent splinters through the air, but it was also lodged in the floor. Virdel smiled at his twist of luck, and saw his opportunity. He used his right scimitar, and in a streak of metal and light, he brought it across the throat of the man. He then took off again, crawling out one of the windows of the top floor, and off into the slums, where he could effectively hide, and make his way back to him employer...

*****

Thryn, no longer interested in the two men speed after the guards. checking the body of the guard, and again it had the same key Then he saw a flash of lighting out of the window,
"Wait" Creed Thryn

*****

As the drow gets away, a band of stout-looking adventurers rises from their table.
"How about we's go teach that darkling a lesson, me boys? I'm sure the Black Helm would be paying mighty well for that one's head on a stick!" a well-armored dwarf boasts, grinning. The rest grin back, restless after days of dull inactivity. The veteran group includes the dwarven fighter, a human swashbuckler, a darkly clad assassin, a black priest of Cyric, and a mysterious mage, whose face is concealed by the large hood of his blood-red robe. When he stands, a look of fear crosses several nearby mage's faces, and they quietly move away from him. The group throws down a couple of gold and leaves to track down the escaped drow.

*****

Kierran is amazed by the guard's single-handed disposal of the band of skilled assassins. This Calahan would make a fine ally indeed in this foreign place...
"Ye rascal, ye're going to get yerself killed wandering 'round here like that!" Shocked, Kierran spins around to see none other than Old Fitz.
"Er...sorry about that. Do you know anything about what just happened here?" Kierran asks, motioning to the fresh corpses of the fallen assassins.
"Ye better not be getting fool notions in your head, young 'un. Best for us all that ye stay clear of this poor city's troubles. But if ye really have to be know, that there's the handiwork of one damn good fighter. Goes by the name of Calahan. He be one of the higher 'ups of the Black Helm I told you 'bout. One of the lieutenants he is. And looks like some fool Shadow Thieves paid the price for crossin that one."
"I thank you for your information, Old Fitz."
"Bah! Ye don't need to be thanking this old man. Just keep yer young arse out of trouble, and I'll be happy. Now let's get a move on. Dawn's a'coming soon, I'd wager."

*****

Magus stands in his study as dawn arrives in Athkatla.
"I think it's about time I checked out the situation in Athkatla for myself," he mutters to himself, quickly gathering the necessary items for a brief trip.
-Then I shall accompany you.- comes a whisper in his mind.
Magus smirks, turning to face Void, his hakeashar familiar. Slanted red eyes peer back at him, shining with a ruby-red light from a mass of writhing shadowy vapors. A creature of powerful magic, Void has served Magus loyally for a time now. Though "served" may not exactly be the right word. For Void most definitely has a mind of his own, and is no mere lackey for Magus to order around. His skill in psionics nearly rivals Magus's, a fact made ruefully apparent to many of the Rift's guests. His favorite hobby seems to be harassing its infrequent visitors, though a few of Magus's close friends have penetrated Void's formidable unfriendliness in the past.
Even Magus cannot budge Void when he's made up his mind, and this time he doesn't even try. He nods, and they teleport away, arriving in the Copper Coronet just after the group in pursuit of Virdel has left. The hero of Athkatla draws many a stare as he calmly walks to the bar and orders a glass of wine. For now, Void remains undetected, floating nearby in the shadows.

*****

Xandax and Faisal walked towards the cloaked man. Xandax could feel the eyes of the man examining him.
"Hello" the cloaked man said.
"God day, Sir" Xandax said "Seeing as my friend and I, are new to this area, and somehow has ended up with an extra mug of ale, we were thinking if we might join your table?"
The quest for information from this character was all but a failer. All he said was his name "Thryn".
Asked what he was doing in Athkatla, Thryn replied. "I'm here to sell something".
What this something was Faisal and Xandax didn't get to know because suddenly there was commotion in the Copper Coronet.
Another cloaked man ran through the bar with a couple of armoured men following him and in the doorway another armoured man lay dying.
Instinctly Xandax drew his sword and readied his shield - then remembering Faisal state he yelled out.
"Faisal get in the corner behind me"
The area was falling apart, all around all the other patrons in the bar was fighting each other, and one of them came menacing towards Xandax and Faisal.
"Don't kill him" Faisal cried out as he saw Xandax about to charge the man.
Hearing Faisals words, they made perfectly sense to Xandax.
"Of course they would be blamed for the death of this man and properly some of the others if they were to charge." Xandax though - "Wise kid."
Using his shield Xandax incapacitated the attacking patron.
The area was starting to calm down a bit, as Xandax examined the body of the dead guard in the doorway. The dead guard had an insignia on his uniform. "Hmm - a black helm, this was the group, Faisal had mentioned" Xandax noticed a dagger on the dead man which he took "Can never get to many weapons" He smiled to himself.
Suddenly another band of adventures were working their way out of the Coronet.
"How about we's go teach that darkling a lesson, me boys? I'm sure the Black Helm would be paying mighty well for that one's head on a stick!" One of them said.
"Darkling?" Xandax thought. "A Drow, here?"
"Wait" Xandax called out to the band of adventures. Waiting to see their response.
Xandax lowered his sword, but still wielding it in his hand, just in case of trouble.

*****

Virdel made his way down the twisting streets of Athkatla with little trouble. He had long lost his pursuers, and was making his way back to his employer, and report the incident with the lone gaurd and Shadow Theives. As he weaved through the streets, not so much running, but almost in a jog, he rubbed the side of his face. He was careless enough to let himself run into a full plate of steel. Not the brightest move. His entire body was aching, not only from the two fights he had, almost consecutivly, but from his carelessness. He would take along time cursing himself over this one.
He came a large, well maintained, building on the corner of the Gate district. He casually aproached the building, and took the brass knocker in hand, and slammed it upon the wooden door. He only waited a few seconds before he heard a response.
"Who're ye?" came the response, somewhat muffled, but audible, even if barely. A grizzled old man poped his head to a slit in the door. Virdel hated dealing with Sadem. Always so uncouth, and vulgur, much different then what this Drow had become.
"Let me in, Sadem." Virdel replied coolly. "I am back from Ferchens's mission."
Sadem looked him over, and his eyes went wide when he saw the bandage on Virdel's arm, and the large bruise over his left eye.
Virdel heard a chuckle, Sadem obviously finding it funny that the dark Elf had been hit. With the chuckling, he heard the wooden door creak open, and the light from inside filled the street. Virdel made his way in, past Sadem, and to a room in the back. In but a few moments time, he was standing before Ferchen, and awaiting to report his mission.
Ferchen looked up from her chair. Her appearance cought Virdel off every time. She looked to much like a debutaunt, and she just didn't look as if she had been an adventurer, and warrior since her early years. Those thoughts quickly faded when he remembered her killing an agent who betrayed her, and the rest of the orgainization. She stood from her chair, and made her way over to Virdel, and stopped just in front of him. The top of her head only reached the tall Elf's chest, but this didn't stop her from being an imposing figure. She stood far enough back, that neither party had to tilt their head to make a eye contact. A pleased smile overcame her face after studying Virdel's grim one.
"So the mission was a success?" Ferchen asked, a question that was always never necessary when it came to the Dark Elf. Not once in his three years of service to her, and her cause had he failed her, in anyway. She turned her head from Virdel's grim expression, and towards his wounded arm. Her smile quickly faded when she saw the bandage. "Your hurt, someone catch you off gaurd?" If anyone either then herself had asked that question, Virdel would've slit their throught. But Fercen was different, more then just an employer to him. She was also the first human to accept him, even though he was Drow. His thoughts were interupted as he felt her soft hands untie the field dressing, and examine the wound.
"It's nothing to be concerned about" Virdel mentioned. He felt Ferchen rub the wound, playing a small game she always did when he came back wounded. She enjoyed this game, and even though Virdel wound never admit it, he did too. "The man you sent me to follow, the one from the Black Helm" Virdel said this with all intention of getting back to buisness. Ferchen got the hint, and released his arm, and took a step back, brushing a bit of her auburn hair out of the way in process. "The Shadow Theives did attack him." Virdel's look then turned to one of confusion. "But the man was not killed. Instead there about eight dead Shadow Theives this night, all killed by one man. I have seen a feat like since I saw the Ranger, Drizzt Do'Urden, in combat."
Ferchen nodded, and turned to a ledger on her desk. She quickly jotted down a few comments, and turned back to Virdel. "Anything else to report?" Virdel nodded, and went into accounts of the cloaked figure he pursued afterwards. Again he earned more nodding, then a smile from Ferchen. "Thank you Virdel. As always, you have been a good agent. You serve the Ranger well." She smiled again, and realized how close this man held on to Drizzt. His obvious hero in life, and his cause for fleeing the Under Dark, and Drow society.
"Okay, Virdel. You may go now. You have Melikki's love. Again, we are sorry to keep you in Athkatla, butwe feel their is some unnatural force in here." Virdel turned, and began to walk out of the room. Ferchen stpped him one last time. "Perhaps one day you'll drop your fighters spirit, and join me... er, us in the Rangers." She smiled, and Virdel left.

*****

Distracted by the cloaked figure Xandax didn't notice Thryn running after him and was surprised not to see Thryn. He not see the figure leave but he had gone, to where he did no know, but he couldn't give chase, the suspicions would grow and that would not be good.
He returned and spoke to The man"You and your friend?Do you know that man I may need to speak to him, by the way what is your name?as I have told I am Thryn i come from reaching wood.I have lied i am not here to sell anything I have some busines with the black helm, i was hunting a mage of theirs he had cursed my forest and held the town near it at ransom he did in the end dispell his foul magic but,"
"Yes"asked fasial
"Many of my fellow elves have been permently cursed and have come for revenge.