The dawn of a new day broke through the crisp, chilly night air as the five rescuers, plus their new addition Barthum, wearily trudged on the abandoned road. Tiny clusters of weeds sprouted up on the old dirt highway since not many travelers used it now days. The night had been cold and lonely and the group continued their march without stop. They had stayed a day in Surefall Glade to recover their strength and to rest their extremely tired legs.
The six were heading to Halas to find Papsworth's next clue and to let Barthum rejoin his race. The barbarian, since they had started walking again, did not say much. He held a stern face and looked around scouting for any dangers. The other five were grateful for the extra pair of eyes to look out for them; since misfortune found them too easily.
The rhythmic flapping of Kel's wings was heard as the griffin flew lazily up above. As the red-orange sun rose, its sunrays beamed on Kel's feathers making them gleam a dull red color. The griffin's sharp beak opened in a wide yawn as he began to circle, preparing himself or his landing. No one paid any heed to the griffin though, they were just too tired to care in Kel flew above or not.
"We have to stop for a while." Brand held out his arm to slow the others.
"I agree." Slith heaved a sign and crossed to a lone tree some yards away from the road.
"The younger ones aren't what they used to be. They can't handle journeys like these anymore." Aubrey laughed and said to Mirk.
Chuckling, Mirk sat cross-legged on he deserted road and rested his head in his hands. Aubrey joined him and groaned about his aching muscles. Brand flopped down on the grass as Kel touched the ground next to him. The griffin collapsed next to the bard and put his majestic head on Brand's outstretched legs. The creature's amber colored eyes fluttered for a few moments before closing and falling into a light slumber.
"I think we all should do what the griffin is doing." Barthum laughed and he too sat down.
Sleep overpowered the six and soon enough, they all were snoring both loudly and softly. Also, they were all scattered about: Slith lay by a tree a few yards off the road, Brand and Kel just beside the road on the darkened grass, Mirk and Aubrey on the highway, and Barthum stationed opposite from the half-elf and griffin.
A low ominous growl broke the silence. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed from behind the tree Slith was sleeping against. Another growl escaped the rabid bear's mouth as it stomped around the tree and stared and the snoozing iksar before him. Kel's eyes snapped open and he lay there from fear that if he moved, the diseased animal would attack Slith. Kel nudged Brand awake, who took a few moments to process that there was a deadly intruder in their camp.
"We have to do something quick." Brand whispered and slowly pushed himself to his knees and hands.
The rabid bear was sniffing Slith's face now as Brand stood up and gently pulled out Albain's sword. The thin, strong metal caught the sunlight and sparkled. Kel, as quietly as he could, got up and stepped towards the while beast and his sleeping friend. The bear turned its mangled head in the half-elf and griffin's direction and let out a monstrous roar. Slith awoke with a start and gasped in surprise at the animal before him.
"Climb the trrree!" Kel slurred as he charged forward.
The three others, by now, were awake and taking out various weapons. Brand ran after the griffin to help dispose of the beast. Slith jumped for a branch overhead, but was pulled back down to the ground by the bear. The griffin rammed into the bear's side and the two creatures fell to the ground. Slith leaped into the tree and scaled it until he reached the top.
"Kel!" Brand shouted as the bear got up and began tearing away at the griffin.
Kel rolled over and snapped his beak wildly. He dug his sharp talons into the bear's chest and throat. The rabid animal grabbed Kel's right wing in its mouth and jerked its head back quickly. A sickening snap and Kel's screams filled the air. Brand dove onto the bear and plunged his blade through its neck.
Mirk, Aubrey, and Barthum pulled Kel away from the tree and spread out his damaged wing carefully. Slith descended the tree and raced over to his injured friend. Brand cleaned his word off on the dead bear's fur before crossing to Kel and examining his wing. Kel faintly smiled to them all and said that the base of his wing, by the shoulder blade, hurt the most.
"We need to find a healer as soon as possible." Brand said as he started to bandage Kel's wing.
"Isss it that bad?" Slith said while stepping closer.
"Yesss. Didn't you sssee the bone sssticking out?!" Mirk slapped his son's head and hissed.
"That'sss the lassst time I sssave yourrr life." Kel laughed aloud and was helped to his feet.
