A few hours past as Tari set about burying the remains of her fallen Paladins and burning the bones and the small remains of the tainted creatures. As Tari performed the last rights, Luna and Ana were questioning, coming close to interrogating, Adam about himself and all dragons. His common was no where near perfect but the sisters were able to understand most of what he was saying. It took a lot of pressure from them to learn much at all. What they did learn was that despite what every one said, most dragons were not evil nor did they want to rule over all humanoid creatures. However because of this belief most of his kind took to hiding. Most left the main continent but few stayed but moved far from civilisation.

Adam could not still say much about the whys or even wheres since he was young as a dragon and was still a child in the eyes of his race. This was about all the sisters could persuade him to tell them before Tari had finished and headed over to the three, who were sat in a circle to the side of the clearing. She mentioned that they were heading for Salos and if the sisters wished to travel with them they could. Luna jumped on the offer however Ana seemed a bit reluctant still. Anna was hesitant, still remembering the dragon which had flown over them in the tavern, even though she had begun to get used to Adam.

Despite Ana's reluctants the four set off on foot. All the horses had ever fled or died from the wounds inflicted on them by the tainted creatures. Tari explained that they would stop off in the closest town from where they were to resupply, and if any of her comrades had survived, regroup. The four set off at a brisk pace. Tari wanted to arrive at salos before any possible King's mage recruits arrived there to finish.

Markus and Garry were again sat on the side of the path. There was a small town off in the distance to the north and the taint barrier loomed over them in the south west. They were both staring up into the sky, watching the clouds roll by.

"She back yet?"

Garry glanced over his shoulder at the crest of the hill.

"Cant see her. She is taking her time though. At the pace she was making us travel, i'm surprised we were able to get those berries!"

"You should know Julia by now. She wants to be there first."

Markus pulled himself up and was just saying that they should probably go find Julia when she came galloping into view. To be more specific, the horse she was riding and the two she was leading, were galloping. As they came to stop in front of the two guys, she explained that she had rented them and also offered to act as couriers to Salos.

Markus swung himself up onto the closest horse with ease, as Julia told him and Garry to hurry up. Garry gingerly pulled himself up onto the horse. He looked very skahen. Julia must of forgotten the whole story about why he hated horses. Without a second thought, julia spurred her horse onwards towards salos, so back the way she had just came. As what was becoming tradition, Markus and Garry set off after her, trying to catch up.

The group traveled as fast as they could during the day, camping at night, but there was still one item they were missing. The last one. Something of great importance to Julia. As they set up camp for the last time, since Salos was only half a days ride away, the conversation fell to wondering what it was they were looking for.

"Perhaps it is something which saved your life?" Garry added to the every growing list of possible reasons for it to be important.

"Saved my life? I can't exactly present you two as my fifth item!"

Garry and Markus exchanged glances.

"Hear that Markus? We are nothing but objects to her!"

"Aye, and we arent even important she said!"

Julia rolled her eyes as the two continued on each others jokes. The conversation continued as such until they final decided to get some sleep. Julia stared up into the night sky, thinking over what she could possible use. She final decided that she would use her pendant which hung around her neck. It had been everywhere with her and was the only thing of her fathers which she owned.

To Julia's dismay, the three delivered the letters and packages and also dropping off the horses before they headed off to the centre of the town. They followed the main high street, which was a lot less crowded compared to when the quest had been started. Garry followed them, a few steps behind, staring at everything they passed. He had never been in anything larger than a small town, let alone the capital city. Julia noticed the look on his face and commented that it looked as if he had never seen a building before.

As they approached the centre and the castle, a line of people appeared. It snaked off down the street towards their destination. All sorts of people where stood there waiting, although there was a 50 50 split between those who were wearing armour to those who were wearing robes and looking far more excited. They joined the back of the line whilst Julia moaned about they were too late.

A few hours past, during which Markus had left the line to go get them some lunch, but in time they final came to the small oak desk which had been set up in front of the palace gates. There was about 20 guards standing around the table along with several large stone bins. Each full of one of the four items which had been set as the quest. A small halfling sat behind the desk. Three books open in front of her. She had a long quill in one hand and it was paused over the center book. Quills also hung over the other two but they seemed to be writing whatever they pleased, the books turning the page whenever they reached the bottom of the last one.

As they stepped towards the desk the halfling spoke.

"Name?"

They nervously glanced at each other before Garry and Markus pushed julia forward ever so slightly.

"I.. I'm Julia and these two are" But before she could say any more the halfling interrupted her.

"Only your name dear."

The book on the left's pages suddenly fluttered as pages turned rapidly and came to rest a second later. The halfling poured over the page as the quill floated just above, waiting somewhat impatiently.

"Ahh here we are. Yes Julia your name is down here. Before you apply i just need to confirm that you two are indeed the Garry and Markus noted down here. Proof of estate and clericy please."

After glancing briefly at each other, they shrugged. Garry took his quarter staff of his back and placed it on the table as Markus reached down and pulled out his family ring and placed in front of the halfling. She picked them up and squinted through a small pair of glasses which were balanced at the end of her nose. She gave the items back afterwards but Garry noticed she didn't take her eyes from the gem rings which had been attached to both.

"That all seems to be in order. Present the 5 items!"

After inspecting each ingredient closely and throwing them into the designated bins, she handed Julia's pedant back. However before she said anything else she bent of the book in front of her and started scribbling something down. A few minutes later she seemed to realise that they were still stood in front of her. She seemed baffled.

"Haven't i just signed you in?" a long pause. "Please wait over there, until you are collected!" she said jabbing the quill in a somewhat threatening manner, towards the left side of the table.

Not waiting to be told twice, they shuffled quickly towards the area indicated. They hardly waited a second before a man came striding over. He wore simple attire, which was once white but was stained with mud, grime and possible blood in some places. He could easily be mistaken for a common workman if it wasn't for the sword which rested on his hip. It's handle was of simple design but was gold and black, and on the end of the hilt, a black stone with an insignia engraved into.

"Welcome, new recruits! Of course a mage, you must be the cleric and a soon to be knight. I am Terrance and will be in charge of you and your training."

He stuck out his hand which Garry politely shook. Markus rolled his eyes before saying,

"Hello father".

Author's note:

Well hello there reader, I wish to apologize for the long delay in between this chapter and the one before and for this chapter being kinda dry and boring. I got somewhat distracted and found it half finished so i wanted to get it done quickly so i can move on. I am trying to get back into the swing of things and writing again. Hopefully more chapters to come.