Why Lynsey Left the Brigade. Traitor in the Town

The companions were reunited at a narrow passageway that descended to a lower part of the mountain, hours after Roxi's rescue, then continued their journey. At a narrow hallway, Ash walked up to Dorm with a piece of paper.

"What's this?" asked Dorm as they turned a corner, oblivious to the conversations going on between the others.

Ash smiled. "These are orders from Rownan, who commands the forces that patrol these parts. From what it says, he wants his men to use the tunnel to attack the cities near Eastwatch."

Dorm stared at the paper, unable to discern the ogre writing on the paper. Maybe he's right, Dorm said to himself as they spotted the mouth of the cave. Both rangers could hear Roxi whisper a prayer of thanks to Mishakal, which had been interrupted when the elf slapped her on the rump.

The elf was the first to leave the cave, followed by the cleric who was screaming at him. Lynsey and Cicily were next, followed by Ash.

Dorm watched his friends leave the cave, then he looked over and saw Melinda leaning up against the cave, breathing heavily as a cool breeze brushed the hair that fell in front her face. He walked over to her and asked," Melinda, are you…"

"I'm fine Dorm," she snapped. "My magic…I just need to…rest." She closed her eyes and was about to fall to the ground, when Dorm caught her in his arms.

With a sigh, the ranger tossed Melinda over his shoulder and walked to the mouth of the cave to join his friends.

Itwas dusk when the companions reached the base of the mountain and had taken their first steps on the grass that was covered with a thick layer of ice and tundra. After finding a spot that was surrounded by two tall leafless trees, the companions decided to rest for the day.

Night seemed to come within a blink of an eye for Dorm and his companions. With her spellbook clutched tightly in her arms, Melinda continued to rest, rejuvenating her magic that had taken a tedious toll during their time in the mountains. Roxi and Ash also slept, both weary from their encounter with the thaoni. The elf and the dwarf had left the camp, spending their time wisely by scouting ahead for enemies.

Dorm sat quietly, looking up at the sky and picking out the constellations that were made up by the many stars that lit up the world above. Despite the numbness that was going through his back, his hands, and his face, caused from the frozen ground and the cold air, Dorm felt somewhat at piece. He looked over at Lynsey, who was sitting up against one of the trees, covered in a wool blanket, a lost expression decorating her face. He smiled at her. "Warm enough over there?"

Lynsey looked over at him. "You look like you could use some warming up." Dorm laughed and moved over to where she was sitting. Ignoring the quickening pace of his heart, Dorm got under the blanket with her and put his arm around her. "Is everything all right? You look like something is eating away at you?"

The red haired woman shrugged, then shivered as some of the frost on the ranger's armor melted and seeped through her armor. She then noticed the jeweled object around his neck. Shaking her head, she answered his question. "We went to raid a fortress of dark knights…and everything just seemed to fall apart. Only five of us remained, and I ordered the Brigade to disband…we should get some rest Dorm, Timber and Cicily will be back soon. They can take the watch."

Dorm nodded and when he looked over at the elf and the dwarf, who had just returned to camp, they were staring right back. A wicked grin crossing the elf's face, causing the ranger to blush.

Dorm sat up against the tree and closed his eyes. The last thing he felt before going to sleep, was Lynsey's arm going across his stomach and her warm breath on his neck.

Despite the morning sun hanging high in the sky, the cold winds and the frozen ground continued to test the integrity and patience of the seven companions. They made their way through a small section of frozen forest before entering a small town.

"What is this place?" Dorm asked Cicily as they passed through the large town gates.

"This town is called Fartlenk."

Everyone looked at Ash, who wore a smug smile on his face.

"It's been a while since I last visited this place," the black haired ranger said in a soft voice. "But it always seems like home to me."

The others exchanged glances, but casually walk through the gates.

"I'm going to buy some supplies," Dorm said as they passed a small group of houses. "Anyone can join me, or go your own way. We'll meet back at the gates in two hours." His eyes went to Timber, Ash, and Cicily who were heading towards the tavern. "And try to stay out of trouble."

"Melinda and I are going to the temple," Roxi announced in a calm voice. The mage smiled as she and the half-kender cleric walked towards the temple.

"Looks like it's just you and me Dorm," Lynsey said in a quiet voice. She stepped next to him and hooked his arm with hers, and together they walked to the town's marketplace.

The marketplace was comprised of several small vendors, each declaring what they were selling was perhaps the greatest thing in all of Ergoth.

As they passed a small vendor who was selling fresh fish, Lynsey jabbed Dorm's arm with her finger. "So what's her name?" When she saw the confused look on Dorm's face, she added," The one who gave you that starjewel you're wearing. I told you my story, now you have to tell me yours."

Dorm smiled and looked down at the jewel around his neck. "It was given to me by Jaina Borjuseen, who like me is a fellow ranger. She gave it to me after she died, along with the short sword on my belt, and although you can't see it right now, it glows blue when goblins are coming. I'm sure Timber told you that we had to sell our weapons to keep the house. My mother moved with Roxi's mother Juniper, right after my father passed away. They're in Hylo right now." He laughed, wondering if his mother was the only human in a town full of kender.

Lynsey nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. Together, they continued to walk through the marketplace, eyeing various goods when Lynsey asked," Shouldn't we be getting supplies?"

Dorm's face flushed with embarrassment. "Right, I guess I just got lost…"

"Excuse me," interrupted a soft, but low voice from behind them. "You two wouldn't happen to be Dorm Silverfalcon and Lynsey Greensteel?"

Instead of answering the stranger's question, both Lynsey and Dorm whirled around, their hands on their weapons. They saw six ogres armed with axes. From behind the ogres appeared a tall silver haired human wearing armor that was as white as the snow in the mountains. Strapped to his back was a large war hammer, with a white colored hilt.

"It truly is an honor to meet you both," the man greeted with a smile. "I am Rownan. "

Lynsey's face shifted to a look of confustion while Dorm's hands were moving towards his weapons. "I don't understand," the ranger began in a calm voice. "We're just travelers stopping to get supplies."

Rownan shook his head, obviously seeing through Dorm's lie. The ranger sighed looked at Rownan. "How did you find us?" he asked.

Rownan smiled as a hooded figure stepped next to him. "It was easy for Rownan to track you when you had a spy among your ranks," Ash responded as he pushed back the hood, revealing his smiling face.

Dorm stepped forward, his hands reaching out to strangle Ash, but Rownan stepped in, drew his hammer, and swung it hard at the ranger's face.

Dorm felt coldness run through his teeth and jaw line as the hammer connected. The force of the blow knocked him off of his feet and when he hit the ground, the darkness quickly took him.