Chapter 4: Hunters & Hunted
Vriss watched as the two magi plummeted from the sky, striking numerous blade of grass on the way down as the giant plants strove to brake their fall, while others swatted at the Grim Shryque circling above.
The dream creature slashed at the grass and dove in pursuit, the Kybarite hoped that it remembered its orders.
As they descended closer to the earth, Leoric and Nadeshiko found that they could breathe freely once again. They landed upon a trio of grass blades that had stretched themselves out beneath them, and then leapt to the ground, seeking shelter amongst the undergrowth.
'I didn't think that the guild would learn of my fate so soon,' he mused.
Nadeshiko punched him on the arm.
'We never contacted them,' she hissed.
'Figured that much out for myself.' he replied as the dream creature flew overhead, 'I have an idea, but we are going to have to work together.'
Nadeshiko glanced up as the dream creature made another pass.
'I'm game,' she said.
Vriss swore vehemently, through the link created by the animite ring he could sense the Grim Shryque's frustration, and then spotted the dream creature as it soared above the Weave.
In the dawn light he could see the Grim Shryque being circled by two more dream creatures, one being a Herbadan, the other ; a Yarothis.
As he watched, the Herbadan dove from above and collided with the Grim Shryque, slamming the dream creature against the stone hard shell of the Yarothis, and vanished with a burst of light.
Falling for the hammer and anvil routine, what a waste of animite, he thought ruefully as he watched Leoric and Nadeshiko take to the air,' they got lucky this time, but next time I shall win.'
Leoric and Nadeshiko arrived in Russet Frond just as the sun cleared the horizon. They went to the nearest inn which was situated nearby. It was woven from autumn red blades of grass, into the shape of a large tower.
Once in their room, Leoric sat on the edge of his bed and tried to think of what to do next. Using guild contacts was not an option, but he was certain that the few he had forged on his own still dwelt within the region, he would contact the after a brief respite.
The morning sun beat down upon Vriss as he wandered Russet Fronds back alleys. Three of the guilds chapters had safe houses here, and he had to avoid detection by their sentries; both magi and dream creature.
The reason for this being the despite the old adage, honor amongst thieves did not include those outside their immediate circle, and especially not to individuals like himself.
Vriss maneuvered himself behind a stack of barrels as a small group of Dreshi magi wandered past, and then made a dash for the relative safety of a single story building which had stone walls and a thatched roof, indistinguishable from the rows of buildings around it.
The door opened at his touch and once inside it closed and self locked, with lamps along the walls bursting into flame and wreathing the room in a ruddy light.
The interior of the chamber resembled an armory that would have put even the store houses of the Core to shame.
The walls were lined with strong boxes containing rings of every dream creature that existed, and many more that were designed and shaped by the guilds own Ring smiths and Dream weavers.
Vriss approach one and trailed his finger across the labels until he found the rings he wanted, removing them from their settings, and leaving a pouch of infused animite in their place, reflecting that a wise man always pays his debts before they're even noticed. He also hoped that his contacts would recall that too, for debt collecting could be so tiresome sometimes.
Nadeshiko gazed down at the pile of clothing that Leoric had brought her.
'A disguise?' she asked.
'After the attack in Weave we can't be too careful, and besides remember what I said about blending in?' the Arderial replied, 'get changed and after breakfast we will go talk with a friend of mine.'
It was only mid morning and the sun was blazing ball of fire in the sky, but clad in the garments of green Dreshi silk Nadeshiko found that she could enjoy the warmth. Leoric still wore his leather armor, but hardly seemed out of place amongst the dozens of sell swords and wanders that prowled the bustling streets.
He led her to an outdoor café sheltering under a large pale brown pavilion.
Taking their seats were the shade was best , it was not after that they were approached by a Dreshi male clad in garments that seemed to be made from the same material as the pavilion and sported some impressive scars upon his muscular chest.. He wore turbine of the same material and upon both sides of his head he had a row of scales that started behind his ears and swept up to frame his eyes.
Upon seeing Leoric, the imposing magi swept him up in a powerful bear hug that left him gasping for air.
'It is good to see you again, Jahari,' he wheezed, and nodded toward the Weaver magi, 'this is Nadeshiko.'
'A pleasure to meet you,' he said stooping down to kiss the back of her hand, 'I see that the garments Leoric acquired from my stores weren't wasted, for you wear them well.'
The Arderian smirked as Nadeshiko's cheeks turned bright red.
'Well, I am glad you're getting along, but how about we get down to business?' He said.
Jahari gestured for them to be seated.
'I am always ready for business,' He replied with an eager glean in his eye, 'now what do you want of me?