Hey you guys! Thanks so much for all your reviews! They were dearly welcomed! :) Anyways, hope you've been looking forward to chapter 20 cause here it is! Happy Reading!

Ch. 20

"...And then I was flying down to catch some food and I heard the strange legged creature say he was so hungry he could eat a whole "couwa" and..."

"What is he saying?" Numair asked in a hushed tone, watching as the small, red bird continued to chirp away.

"Nothing worthwhile, all he's seen are our people," the wild mage whispered back still maintaining an interested look on her face, though she was far from it.

"Well," she communicated to the bird after a moment longer, "thank you for your help. It was most useful."

"Chirp chirp!" And with that the red-breasted bird took flight and soared away into the skies early rays.

"I don't think the animals will be of any help now. The enemy must still be distant," Philip spoke a slight edge of boredom in his voice.

Daine nodded slightly at Philip's direction, but continued to walk slowly east towards a clear, streaming river. "Well, we can at least take a break. Mithros knows I'm exhausted!"

As the two former Silent Stormers moved towards the water, the tall, black haired mage stayed behind. He looked first towards the glistening sun, then back at Daine. "I have business to attend. Report to me when you have completed your task." His face was emotionless, but his dark eyes were hard.

Daine whipped around quickly, studying the mage's tense face. "Alright Numair," she spoke slowly. "Thank you for your help."

She watched him walk away, his tan tunic pressing into his back muscles and his feet composing a rhythmic resonance. She shook her head in wonder. "I've never seen him act this way before. I wonder what's wrong."

Philip merely shrugged his shoulder and continued to head towards the river, kneeling beside it. His hands were cupped in a half circle as he dipped it into the glossy river filling it with water. He brought it to pursed lips and sipped. He sighed in contentment. "Who knew water could taste so good!"

Daine let out a laugh and knelt beside her love placing her hands in the water in the same suit. She drank some herself enjoying the sensation of cool liquid descending down her parched throat, moisturizing it.

"Here, let me help you," Philip said, dipping his own cupped hands once again in the river.

He steadily brought them up to Daine's face hinting for her to take a drink. She smiled brilliantly at him first and leaned down to receive the offered liquid. Before she knew it, she got a face full of water going up her nose and into her blue-gray eyes. She sputtered at first and let out an outraged squeal.

"Philip, you are going to pay for that! You fiend!" she screamed lunging towards him.

However, the young woman was too sluggish and Philip darted swiftly out of her reach, laughing with childish enthusiasm. Daine giggled herself feeling carefree and happy. They dodged trees and ran in circles enjoying the light wind and sunshine the day had to offer. When they got tired of the spontaneous rampage, they sunk down to the ground, out of breath and tired.

"Philip," Daine spoke drained. "You are "

He laughed and pulled her into his arms and together they stared up at the jade leaves, misshapen clouds, and bright sun. "I knew you couldn't catch me. I guess it's not your fault you have short legs though."

She playfully slapped him on the arm. "Thanks mister. Some compliment."

"You are entirely welcome my animal talking companion. I do in fact prefer short women you know."

Daine reached over to hit him again when he caught her wrist and brought her hand slowly to his lips, kissing them softly. He slowly moved his hand up to cup her chin in his hands.

The sound of someone clearing their throat behind them made the couple jump apart slightly embarrassed at being discovered. They looked curiously at the stranger that stood behind them. He looked to be a strong man with auburn hair and surprisingly green eyes.

"I...um...we..." Daine stammered unsure of what to say.

"I'm sorry to have startled you," he spoke almost amused, "I am currently on guard duty and happened to hear commotion coming from this direction."

Daine blushed as Philip smiled sheepishly. "We were just...taking a break." Philip muttered.

"As I could tell," the stranger replied, now smiling widely. "My name's Remulus of Vandamere."

"I'm Philip and this is Daine," he spoke, gesturing towards his companion.

"Ah, the new recruits," Remulus responded his eyes lit with curiosity. "I certainly wasn't expecting to meet you in this sort of way."

Daine laughed nervously, still slightly embarrassed at being caught.

In an instant, the kind, amused expression on Remulus' face vanished. Instead, etched in its place was fear; fear and fury. "Get down," he whispered through clenched teeth, shoving the two of them to the ground behind the shelter of a bush.

"Remulus?" questioned Daine.

"Shh, one is in our midst."

With wide eyes, Daine and Philip watched as a dark figure on the opposite end of the river emerged from the woods, heading towards the raging water. The evil emitting from its hidden form was shocking. It filled their bodies with wild thoughts and unquenchable fear. It reeked of death and decay. A pure black cloak shielded its body. They watched, wide eyed, as the creature sunk down beside the water and placed its death-like hand above the river causing it to hiss and steam sharply. It lifted its cloaked head and seemed to look straight at them, piercing their minds, paralyzing them. Philip's eyes rolled to the back of his head as he slumped over in a dead faint. Daine reached for him alarmed, cradling his head in her hands. When she looked fearfully back up again, the creature was gone.

"He is marked," whispered the man beside her.

Philip began to stir again, his eyes fluttering open. He looked half-crazed as he searched around. Seeing the creature was gone, he slumped forward in obvious relief.

"What in the name of Mithros was that?" he whispered in disbelief.

Remulus of Vandamere stared straight ahead where the creature once stood, not taking his eyes off the poisoned spot. "They are the most feared creatures," he whispered intensely, "If you are lost to them, you are lost forever. They thirst for the lives of humans. They suck the very souls into the depths of them, trapping them for all of time. It is ones living nightmare, greatest fear. After the soul is sucked in, the body of their victim is then taken over, free to use as will. These creatures wander the depths of the Earth looking for humans to prey upon. They will never end their brutal search, it is their way of survival and pleasure. Many have been lost to them."

He paused, a troubled look crossing his face before continuing.

"They...They are the Schatten Wanderers."

A/N: Alrighty!! Please be kind and please rewind! Or you could just comment instead! : P

Till Next Time,

SportzGurl

PS: I wrote this at 2 in the morning so its not that good. Sorry about that!!