Guild Wars: Vengeance

by Ewol Navi

Called out of exile, a lone ranger returns home to the Land of the Golden Sun and finds the continent at war. In her quest to save Elona from evil and tyranny she makes alliances, forges a guild and faces the demons of Torment. Joined by an intrepid elementalist, she must end the ambitions of a mad Warmarshal ... before Nightfall comes. (Novelization of Guild Wars: Nightfall)

16. Chapter 15: Dormant Vengeance

Ch. 15

Dormant Vengeance

As night fell over the Ward, the Sunspears silently crept northward. Far behind them the sound of their pursuers could be heard, as the Kournan soldiers fumbled clumsily through the dark. There was no moon tonight and the party moved according to Anicara's memory and Rakiv's trailblazing skills. Avoiding the river, they made their journey overland, soon finding that the sandy desert broke away to green fields. The soil was richer here, and tufts of greenery grew in neat, orderly rows… as though planted on purpose.

"Are we in a farmer's field?" Kydar questioned quietly.

"Maybe…" Anicara whispered back, "Though… I didn't really think there'd be anything left here."

"Left where?" Alendra spoke up in curiosity.

"Shh!" Rakiv hissed, raising a hand for silence.

Quiet filled the field, no sounds beyond the song of crickets and the flow of water in the distance. Instinct told the ranger something was wrong, and an approaching noise confirmed her fear. With an eye-defying sweep of one gloved palm, the ranger swatted an arrow out of mid-flight, deflecting it into the ground at her feet. A second whizzing noise reached her ears and the woman spun swiftly, knocking a second arrow aside.

"Get down!" she ordered.

The party immediately complied, diving down amongst the bushes and shrubs for cover. Another arrow came flying out of the dark and thudded into the dirt as Rakiv escaped into the greenery.

"You've no cause to be on our lands soldier!" a shout came from the distance, "Ye'll not take a mite more from us!"

"He thinks we're Kournans?" Kydar hissed in confusion.

"Sounds like it," Anicara grunted, peeking over the edge of the bush.

"We should probably tell him that we're not then!" Alendra whispered.

"Hey!" Rakiv barked at the shooter, "Cut that out!"

"Leave our village!" the archer in the dark retorted.

"My name is Anicara Nyrin!" another voice suddenly broke in, "I'm native to this village. We're just looking to pass through!"

Silence greeted her announcement, and soon a shuffling noise approached them. The party readied themselves for another attack, until the small flame of a lantern pierced the darkness to illuminate the archer. He was not a young man, but not quite an old one, and though his back bore a hunch from years of working the fields, the strength of his limbs told that he was not one to be trifled with.

"Nyrin?" he questioned, "Now there's a name I've not heard in some years…"

The man stepped closer, raising his lantern to illuminate Anicara's face, and his eyes grew wider with recognition.

"But it is you isn't it?" he realized, "The little blue-eyed girl. You used to help water my fields."

"Farmer… Gorkan, right?" she smiled , "You had the barley field didn't you?"

"That I did, and still do actually," he chuckled, "My stars, you've grown up child! How comes a sweet thing like you to be with this ragged lot?"

"Hey!" Alendra protested.

"Well we aren't exactly looking our best," Kydar chuckled, scratching a clod of dried mud from his trousers.

"These are my friends," Anicara gestured, to the others, "I'm a Sunspear now. We came here on a mission to…"

"Sunspears!" the farmer exclaimed, quickly backing away from them, "You're the ones Ossa is after!"

"Yes, but we don't mean any harm!" Anicara tried to explain.

"Tell that to the patrolmen we killed," Kydar snorted under his breath.

"We're just trying to stop the Warmarshal from doing anything worse than she's already done," Anicara continued, ignoring the other elementalist's remark, "We've heard about the terrible things she's doing to this province and somebody has to stand up to her!"

"Aye… aye that's the truth…" the man nodded slowly.

"Please, we just need to stop to rest. We'll be gone by first light," Anicara pleaded.

The farmer considered her request for a moment, hesitant to lower his guard. Finally he gave a small sigh and raised his lantern higher.

"Well I'd do anything for you little Nyrin, this village owes you much for all your help during droughts and dry seasons," Gorkan sighed, "But I'm afraid it's not up to me. You'll have to talk to Elder Isma."

With that the farmer turned away, beckoning for the others to follow him towards the village. His lantern swung back and forth on its hinge as it spread its light ahead of them to brighten their path. The Sunspears passed through fields of barley and wheat, the tall stalks waving gently in the evening breeze. As they walked Kydar took note of the large wooden structures that had been built across the fields. They were shaped like great tubes, supported on stilts. Numerous holes in the bottom of the pipes had been whittled just large enough to allow water to trickle to the soil below, yet still small enough to keep water flowing through the tube. It appeared to be a form of irrigation, the likes of which the scribe had never seen before.

"What's all this?" Kydar asked, waving a hand at the elaborate construction of pipes.

"Oh that?" Gorkan chuckled, "That's how we keep our crops growing these days. Even with the Elon so close, most of the flooding occurs downstream of us. But that soil is too loose and marshy to grow anything in. In olden times a small river branch ran just north of us towards the Oasis. The Warmarshal stopped that up when she put a dam at the Second Cataract to direct more water towards the Dejarin Estate."

"But that dam's been in place for quite some time," Kydar tilted his head curiously, "These pipes don't look nearly that old."

"Well they ain't," the farm nodded in agreement, "Built these 'bout two or three years ago. Afore then we had our own little miracle that kept our fields in business," he smiled and jerked a thumb back at Anicara.

"Wait…" Kydar blinked, turning as he tried to count the number of pipes and the distances they covered, "You mean… you provided water for all of this?" he asked the younger mage.

"Well it wasn't all water from the Elon," Anicara admitted with a small blush, "Some of it came from the well too… and I used the Oasis for some of the farther fields."

"Aye, and those were better times too," Gorkan sighed reminsciently, "We're growing maybe a third of what we used to. And still the Warmarshal demands more crops, more bread, and even takes our men away!"

"Takes your men?" Tahlkora spoke up, "What do you mean by that?"

"Mmph… it's best you hear such news from Elder Isma," Gorkan grumbled, "She will explain better than I can."

The farmer led the Sunspears past a large windmill and into the village. It was obvious that the settlement had fallen on hard times. The houses were little more than thatch huts constructed of mud and straw against the shade of a large rock outcropping. No wall protected the village, nor did any markers stand to indicate its boundries. Sandy dirt paved the way between the houses and across the village circle. The living quarters had been constructed here for no other reason than the fact that this ground was too sandy to grow anything on.

"Gods…" Anicara sighed, looking around the tiny settlement and pointing with her staff, "This used to be a grocers market. All sorts of fruits and vegetables were sold here. And over there used to be houses… real houses of brick and stone. There used to be a granary there… and a tailor's shop there…"

"Aye," Gorkan nodded, looking up at the taller girl, "After the corsairs' attack, most of the folks who survived picked up and left. Not that there was much to pick up… the fires got most of the village… devastated us almost completely. Those of us left stayed cause we ain't never been noplace else."

As the party approached the village circle the smell of roasting meat reached their nostrils. It was evident that the hunters had been lucky that day, and two men turned great spits as massive slabs of Ntouka meat sizzled over an open fire. Kydar clapped a hand to his stomach as a hungry growl churned within him, and Tahlkora gave a sympathetic chuckle as she patted his shoulder. Having had nothing to eat all day, the smell of the food was positively mouth watering.

"Elder Isma!" Gorkan called as he stepped into the fire circle.

"Farmer Gorkan?" a woman's voice responded, "Why have you left your post?"

"Found some kids knockin' about in the fields," the farmer replied, dropping his quiver off his back, "Nearly killed the lot of them in the dark."

"They do not appear as children to my eyes Gorkan," the speaker commented, striding around the circumference of the fire, "They appear to be Sunspears."

The elder was a woman, tall and elegant with a large brown shawl wrapped about her shoulders. Creases of wisdom etched her aging features, and though she strode slowly she stood more erect than any present. Her very presence seemed dominating, a woman who led her village with pride and distinction and was not one to suffer fools for long.

"Elder Isma," Anicara said, stepping forward to the front of the group, "Do… do you remember me?"

The elder studied her face for a long moment, the dark pools of her eyes staring into Anicara's vibrant blues.

"I knew a child once… a child with eyes such as yours," the elder said, a smile slowly spreading across her face, "A child who, like so many others, we had thought was lost to us forever."

With fluid grace Isma stepped to Anicara and drew the girl into a warm embrace. Anicara closed her eyes slightly, hugging the elder in return as the older woman patted her hair.

"It is good that you have returned to us, Anicara Nyrin," the elder nodded, releasing the mage and stepping away, "Though the wisdom with which you select your friends leaves something to be desired," she added, looking back at the girl's five companions.

"I'm a Sunspear now Elder," Anicara smiled slightly, "And my friends have proven to be well worth choosing."

"I would not have thought you would be one to throw in your lot with invaders and warmongers," Isma snorted lightly, "Foolish and ill prepared invaders at that."

Alendra stepped forward, anger burning in her eyes. Rakiv's hand immediately shot to the paragon's chest plate, pushing the younger woman back as the ranger stepped in front of her. Remaining enraged at the Elder's insults, Alendra attempted to side-step the ranger until a strong hand caught her shoulder. The Zaishen Acolyte shook her head at the paragon, silently bidding her to remain quiet. Alendra shrugged off the hand and folded her arms as she gave a snort of displeasure.

"Elder… there's a lot you should know," Anicara said, spreading her hands pleadingly, "I know it might look like we're in the wrong, but a lot of people don't know what's really going on… what the Warmarshal is really up to."

Isma appeared unconvinced, pursing her lips and arching an eyebrow at the young woman.

"Please," Anicara sighed, bowing her head slightly, "I'm only asking for one night. One night in the village and then we'll be gone."

"You owe her that much Isma," a man near the fire piped up, "Even if she is a Sunspear," he added with a grumble.

"Orjok's right Isma," Gorkan added, "She saw us through some hard droughts ya know."

"If memory serves, it is I who am elder of this village," Isma retorted to the men, "And I who shall decide to whom my debts are owed."

Neither farmer replied to her, turning to stare instead into the flames of the bon fire. The Elder turned to address the Sunspear party when the rapid patter of shoes upon dirt reached their ears.

"Elder! Elder Isma!" a woman's voice cried, "Is it true? Are they Sunspears?"

"Calm yourself Ossjo," the elder sighed, raising a hand to silence the woman, "And yes, it is true."

"Oh Dwanya's mercy is truly upon us," Ossjo turned to the Sunspears, grasping Kydar's hand and shaking it enthusiastically, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Aaah… lady what'd I do?" Kydar exclaimed amidst futile attempts to reclaim his hand.

"My son…" she said, looking up at them with joyful tears in her eyes, "You freed my son."

"We did?" Rakiv blinked, stepping forward, "Was he a prisoner at Zelbahn?"

"Zelbahn?" Isma interrupted, "You're the ones who attacked the Garrison?"

"And took down their Acolyte," Alendra snorted, "Which was tough because we were soooo 'ill prepared'," she added sarcastically.

"My son was a servant," Ossjo explained, "Taken by the Commander to wait upon him in the fort. They took him from me weeks ago… told me I could never come to the fortress and see him… I thought I'd lost him…"

The woman broke down in tears, the rush of emotions overwhelming her. A small hand grasped at her skirt and she bent down, slipping her arms around a young boy… easily no more than six or seven years of age.

"When… when the guards were all gone," Ossjo continued, wiping her eyes, "He found his way back here. He said he was saved by Sunspears."

Ever shrewd, Rakiv immediately recognized their advantage, a narrow one that they could not afford to lose. The ranger smiled lightly behind her mask as she exploited their chance.

"Well I'm glad we could help you," Rakiv nodded to the woman and turned away giving a light punch to Kydar's arm, "Let's go guys. We'd best get moving, it's a long way to the Procession."

"Wait… you're leaving?" Ossjo blinked, looking up at them.

"Yeah," Rakiv nodded with a shrug, "We were on a rescue mission at the Garrison, released all the people in their dungeon… there were a lot of children down there," she paused and gave a small sigh, "But our work here is done, so we'd best be shoving on."

"No! No, no you must stay!" Ossjo exclaimed, jumping to her feet, "There is no way I can ever repay you for what you've done for me… but I must at least attempt to return your kindness!"

"Ossjo…" Isma began.

"Oh please mother!" Ossjo pleaded, turning to the elder and clasping her hands together, "Please they must stay! If only for a little while! Look at them, so weary and ragged from their efforts. I can't just let them go… not after they gave me back Nerwa!"

"Do we really look that bad?" Anicara whispered back to the rest of them.

"Well you are still wearing my vest as a skirt," Kydar pointed out with a light chuckled.

"Ahh… you will be the death of me child," Isma sighed, pinching her nosebridge, "Very well, the Sunspears may remain… but only for tonight. At first light they must be gone from the village."

"I promise we will be," Anicara nodded earnestly.

"Oh thank you!" Ossjo exclaimed and quickly spun to face the Sunspear party, "Please, have a seat by the fire. We will prepare you a meal. Nerwa, go fetch water for our guests," she patted her son's shoulder.

"Yes ma'am," the boy nodded, picking up a wooden pail and heading off towards the great wooden pipes.

"Orjok?" Ossjo turned to find the man.

"Craaap…" the farmer sighed.

"Should have left when you had the chance," Gorkan grinned, elbowing his fellow agriculturalist.

"I wouldn't have gotten far," Orjok sighed, rising to his feet, "My wife has the eyes of a Moa."

"Orjok!" the woman insisted.

"Yes, dear?" the farmer replied with a resigned sigh.

"Take the boys and fetch us another steak," Ossjo shooed him, "Make it a big one."

"Yes dear," he nodded submissively as he walked away.

The Sunspears made themselves comfortable on the log seats around the fire. Rakiv grunted as she dropped her quivers and placed her bow on top of them, flipping her cape back as she sat down as well.

"Well child," Isma said, sitting next to Anicara, "Since you'll be staying, perhaps you would be willing to share your tale with me."

"Of course Elder," Anicara nodded, smoothing her vest/skirt and crossing her ankles as she clasped her hands in her lap, "You see… it all started when Spearmarshal Kormir…"

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Though it took the better part of an hour, the Sunspears soon found themselves eating rather well for once. Ossjo served them hearty chunks of Notuka steak, complimented by mashed sweet potatoes and well milled wheat bread. Anicara concluded her tale as Ossjo offered her a plate, which she accepted gratefully and immediately dug into the sweet potato mash.

"If your tale is to be believed," the Elder sighed, fingers twining the fringe of her shawl, "Then the Warmarshal's misdeeds have finally spread abroad. We had hoped that her leadership suffered only from a lack of widom, due to her years being so few. But it seems as though she has chosen a way from which there may be no return."

"Farmer Gorkan said your boys were being taken," Rakiv leaned forward, chewing heavily and swallowing, "What's been going on around here?"

Isma did not respond for a long moment, a heavy and sorrow laden sigh escaping her lungs. Finally she looked up at the ranger and sadly related her tale.

"Varesh has become a tyrant as of late," Elder Isma said slowly, "And her demands upon the people have far exceeded reason. After the corsair raids that devastated in land villages such as ours, the Kournan government offered us no aid. The Warmarshal focused all her efforts on making our province 'strong'. She reacted with pride, when she ought to have reacted with compassion."

"As a result," the elder continued, "She has increased her demands for support from the people. At first it was merely raises in taxes, but soon she began to set quotas for farming villages, demanding that a very precise amount of food be grown for her stores. These, like her taxes, continued to rise to the point that many were forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in places where the Warmarshal's arm does not reach. From those of us who remain, Varesh has begun taking our children. Our sons, the strong young men of our villages, are pressed into service to expand her ever growing armies. They are beaten and brutalized and forced to fight until they respond with the absolute savagery that Ossa requires. And though she takes from us all those who are strong enough to work the fields, she continues to demand that we provide her with the same amount of grain as always."

The elder turned to watch her daughter as the woman tended to the food and served the other men of the village.

"There is not a woman in all of Kourna who has not lost a son, a husband or a father to the Warmarshal's edicts," Isma said grimly, "Ossjo was lucky that her boy was not old enough to be sent to the camps. I do not truly know what Varesh does to the men she takes from us. Many leave us as caring and gentle souls… only to become the brutes that you have no doubt been fighting. She has broken them I think… stripped them of everything that they once were… and now only in death are they freed from her hold."

Isma suddenly turned back to the party, her eyes harsh and her judging stare cold.

"Do not misunderstand me," the elder stated, "It remains my opinion that your Spearmarshal forwent the proper and reasonable means of political discourse which ought to have been utilized."

"Due respects Elder," Rakiv spoke up, violet eyes locked on the flickering blaze of the camp fire, "But I'll thank you not to speak ill of the dead."

To this the elder did not respond, merely wrapping her shawl more tightly around her shoulders and rising to leave. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence and soon enough Nerwa came round to collect their empty plates. Once he had done so, Ossjo shooed the boy away to see to the dishwashing as she approached the Sunspears with a bright smile.

"Now, I'm sure you've all been working very hard these last few… well, however long it has been," the woman chuckled, "So perhaps you would enjoy our village specialty. It's very relaxing and cleansing for both mind and body."

"I dunno…" Rakiv began.

"Oh!" Anicara sat up, realizing what Ossjo was talking about, "Oh she's right, you'll love this!"

"We should probably hit the hay so we can move on tomorrow," Alendra added with a tired yawn.

"No, no, no you guys have to try this," Anicara insisted, "I promise you'll like it and feel better."

"Might as well guys," Kydar put in, "How many times you think we'll have a chance to relax?"

"You're sure it'll be no trouble?" Rakiv sighed, looking up at Ossjo.

"Please," the woman bowed, "It's the least I can do."

The ranger looked to her squad, all of whom gave acquiescing shrugs or nods. Finally Rakiv ran a hand through her hair and nodded with a resigned sigh.

"Very well," she replied, rising from her log seat, "Lead on."

"Oh good!" Ossjo smiled brightly as she turned to her husband, "Orjok?"

"Yes dear?" the man sighed, swallowing the last of his steak.

"Fetch the things for the springs please," she nodded to him, "Quickly, quickly!"

"I'm goin', I'm goin'…" the man grumbled, climbing to his feet, "Get this, fetch that… get a dog, woman…" he mumbled under his breath as he walked away.

"Now then," Ossjo smiled to her guests, oblivious to her husband's complaints, "If you'll please follow me."

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The tiny farming village turned out to contain more territory than the Sunspears had realized. Ossjo led them up a small rocky path into the bluffs behind the village, climbing higher and higher until they broke out onto sandier ground. Before them stretched the desert expanse of the Jahai Bluffs, the terrain comprised of dry earth and scrub bushes for as far as the eye could see. It was here that the village had once maintained one of the most popular vacation spots in Kourna, the Jahai Springs. As the waters of the Elon rushed over the Second Cataract, much of it found its way underground. The river descended in a rush of white foam, winding through twisting subterrenan corridors and far into the bowels of the earth. Deep beneath ancient Bluffs, powerful vents blew hot air up into the underground caverns, heating the waters that collected there. As the chambers filled the heated water bubbled up through the rock and stone, finally rising above the ground as gentle, steaming hot had once been luxury cabins built around the springs to accommodate the many visitors who came to enjoy the small resort. But as business had waned with the failing Kournan economy, the cabins were dismantled and their materials were put to use in other parts of the village. All that stood now were tall canvas teepees that had been erected in the shade of the bluffs that surrounded the bubbling craters.

"We still keep them well cleaned, for the occasional customer that comes out to see us," Ossjo explained, as they stood in front of one such heated pool, "Most of our clients come for medicinal purposes these days, and there aren't very many of them. But every little bit helps."

"Oooooo…" Tahlkora purred, staring wided eyed into the bubbling water, "It's beautiful!"

There were four large pools in total. Two of them sat on one side of a very large boulder, which had obviously been placed there to separate them from the other pair. Thick wax candles had been melted to the rock edges of the springs, where their joyful flames cast flickering illumination over the grotto.

"Anything you'd like," Ossjo said, pointing to the teepees, "Like robes, incense, towels and so forth, will be found in the tents. Girls on the left, boys on the right."

"This is… impressive," Rakiv blinked, staring at the display of water and lights.

Butter too gave an approving croak as he waddled to one of the stone basins and scrambled up onto the edge. Upon testing the pool with one claw, the crocodile found the water to be quite satisfactory and silently slipped into the water.

"C'mon!" Anicara insisted, tugging Alendra towards their teepee, "Let's gooo!"

"Alright, alright!" the paragon laughed, trotting after the elementalist, "Wait up!"

"Hmm… might as well eh?" Rakiv chuckled, looking up at their dervish companion.

"I… do not see why not," Anorah consented with a small nod.

"Have fun Kydar!" Tahlkora waved as she headed for the teepee.

"I will," the elementalist chuckled in response as he strode towards his own tent.

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In only a few minutes Kydar lay relaxing in the pool, enjoying the touch of hot water to naked flesh. Cold showers had been the way of things in the Sanctuary, but bathing in holy water simply couldn't compare to the warm bubbles that roiled out of the depths of the pool. Across from him the waters stirred slightly as Butter rose to the surface, his spines raising into the cool air above the water. Kydar stared down at the crocodile, who eventually lifted his snout just above the water and stared back at him.

"Do you have to… lurk, like that?" the elementalist asked the reptile, "It's a little unnerving."

The crocodile responded with a small, wet snort, arching his scaly brow in an oddly human like expression. It was clear he cared little for the scribe's peace of mind as he gave an apathetic flick of his tail and slowly sunk beneath the surface again. Kydar sighed, and tilted his head back against the stone in an effort to ignore the crocodile on the other side of the pool. It was a full thirty minutes later before he heard the combined laughter and giggles of the women, though he assumed Anicara and Alendra were making most of the noise.

"Ooo…ooo it's hot!" Tahlkora's complaints drifted from the other side of the dividing boulder.

"Oh gods… it is!" Alendra squealed, a splash accompanying her discovery, "We'll be boiled alive!"

"Well you don't just jump in silly," Anicara laughed, soft swishing of water following her speech, "You got to do it… aah… n-nice… and… oo..ooo… sloooooow."

A chorus of coos, complaints and squeals followed, obviously indicating the women's attempts to enter the pool without burning themselves. Several splashes came with Alendra's various exclaimations while Tahlkora offered the paragon helpful words of encouragement. Soon enough the noise died down and only soft sighs of contentment rose with the steam from the pool. Kydar shook his head, chuckling lightly as he closed his eyes and shifted to relax yet further into the waters.

Idle chatter drifted from the girls' side of the rock. Much of it seemed to focus on Alendra's hair, and inquiries as to how she managed to keep her curls intact amidst their daily rigors. Kydar too frowned at this question, realizing it was actually something of a mystery as to how the paragon maintained her looks at all times. Tahlkora confessed that her bun was meant for practicality and Anicara added that she kept her hair short for similar reasons. Upon the young mage's claims to practicality, the conversation immediately turned once more to Anicara's choice of clothing. Amidst splashes, squeals and laughter the water caster maintained that her robes were the attire that best suited her profession. From his side of the rock Kydar laughed and shook his head once more, amused at the other women's accusations.

He ceased to listen to their talk and drifted into his own thoughts, mulling over his position. Dubbed an honorary Sunspear and stranded in the Kournan desert, his situation was not at all what he'd thought it would be when he arrived in Istan almost three months ago. For the moment the orders seemed to be hit, run and hide, over and over again. They were gaining strength… but very slowly. With an underground fortress at their disposal, it was likely the stranded Sunspears could mount a considerable resistance force, especially if latent Kournan displeasure with the Warmarshal could be exploited. But it was all moving too slow… and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was running out of time.

A swish of the waters disturbed his thoughts, and a soft sigh from the other side of the pool caused him to open his eyes. Brow furrowed in curiosity, he lifted his head to peer through the candle light… and jumped with surprise.

"R-Rakiv!" he exclaimed, "What… what the hell are you doing?"

"Ahhhh…" the ranger sighed, sliding deeper into the pool to allow the bubbling waters to rise over her chest, "Mnnn… Ossjo was right. This is relaxing."

"Hey!" Kydar cried, "Answer me!"

"Oh, sorry," the red-head laughed, "It was awful chatty over there, and this side sounded quieter. I'm not used to a lot of noise when trying to unwind."

The ranger leaned back, spreading her arms across the stone ledge as she closed her eyes with contentment. She sat just low enough in the water that the combination of rippling waves and the candle-lit gloom reduced her body to a quivering silhouette. Crimson locks lay slicked back over her head, save for a few stray bangs that clung to her cheek. Violet eyes opened slowly to lock on the scribe at the other end of the pool, who was obviously rather disturbed by her presence.

"You alright?" she asked, her voice laden with amusement.

"You could have at least given me some kind of warning," he grumbled, settling back down as he decided to find the rock wall to his left very interesting.

"Sorry," she grinned slightly, closing her eyes once more and leaning back, "Mmmm… I haven't been in one of these since… gods, I can't even remember," she chuckled.

"They are nice…" he admitted, and then gave a small laugh, "My dad tried to buy an enchanted one for the house once, but mom said it was no comparison to the real thing."

"Hmhm, I'm inclined to believe her," she smiled back, and then blinked as she raised her head, "I thought your mother… passed away?"

"Oh, yes she did," Kydar nodded, and gave a small chuckle, "I meant my step-mother. Dad remarried about… two or three years after we moved back to Vabbi. He took over my grand-father's work as a merchant, and ended up doing a lot of business with a Canthan trader, Mitsuru Yamamoto."

Rakiv said nothing, merely nodding to him and maintaining eye-contact as a gesture to show she was listening.

"A very nice lady, and she was always traveling back and forth between Vabbi and her home in Cantha. She'd come back with shipments for dad, but she would always bring me back some trinket or toy from her homeland," Kydar paused and then laughed lightly, "Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure she was intentionally trying to win me over."

"Hmhm, sounds like she knew what she was doing," Rakiv chuckled lightly in response.

"Hehe, yeah," the scribe nodded, "But anyway… that went on for a little over a year or so, then my father began officially courting her… though as I hear it he was pretty reluctant about it."

"Your mother?" Rakiv asked softly.

"Yeah… we were both still pretty conflicted," Kydar nodded slowly, "He tried not to show it, but I'll never forget the night I found him crying over a portrait of her…"

"Mmm…" Rakiv murmured sympathetically.

"But…" Kydar sighed and shrugged, "Mitsuru was patient, persistant and extremely understanding. She did a lot for our family and really helped boost my dad's business. But I remember one night I got impatient with one of their long good-byes and said something to the effect of, 'Why doesn't Ms. Mitsu just live here? Then she wouldn't have to go home all the time.'"

At this Rakiv couldn't help but laugh, imagining the highly awkward moment such a question must have generated. Kydar chuckled as well and shook his head.

"I guess they found my logic pretty undeniable," he nodded, "A week or two later he proposed, and within a month they were married."

"Mmm, sounds like a happy day," Rakiv commented.

"It was," he nodded in agreement, "It was."

Silence settled over the pool, as the weary adventurers rested their aching muscles. Rakiv rotated her neck and gave a small grunt of satisfaction as she felt a joint pop, before arching her back to slowly stretch in the warm water. Kydar blinked as he watched her body curve, her head tilt back and her chest threaten to lift from the bubbling waters. In a tremendous display of will power, the scribe averted his eyes from the flame-haired huntress and stared once more in the other direction. What he had seen made him realize that despite her armor being form fitting, the fatigues actually did quite a bit to hide the ranger's… rather exquisite physique. A small laugh came from the other side of the pool as Rakiv caught the scribe staring intently at the rock wall next to the spring. With a somewhat embarrassed grumble, Kydar slipped further into the water until the tip of his nose touched the surface.

"You ever been with a woman Kydar?" the ranger asked suddenly.

The scribe's only response was to cough and sputter, as in his surprise he managed to suck in a lungful of hot water. Again Rakiv laughed as Kydar choked, and beat his chest to dislodge the liquid from his airways. Finally he looked up at her with a displeased glare.

"The hell does that have to do with anything?" he asked with a growl.

"I dunno," she shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm just… surprised is all. You're a man traveling with an entirely female party, and we aren't a bad-looking group if I do say so myself," she laughed.

Kydar arched a brow at her, curious as to what her point would be.

"You never hit on anyone, have never made a pass at any of us," Rakiv chuckled, "Most men I've met would do anything for a peek at one of us. But you always look away. It makes me wonder."

"I'm not into guys, if that's what you mean," he responded quickly.

"Didn't say you were," she grinned back at him.

"Some of us were taught to have shame!" he laughed lightly, splashing water lightly in her direction, "We didn't all grow up in the wild, free to do as we pleased."

"Mmmhmhm," the ranger smirked as the wave he'd created washed against her chest, "I suppose that does have something to do with it."

"I don't know…" Kydar chuckled lightly, "I guess I just know better. I've known too many women who could… and sometimes did, kick my ass. So I like to think I've learned to have a healthy respect for the gender."

The scribe gave a chuckle and leaned back with a somewhat smug snort.

"I'm not some meat-headed brawler looking for his next lay," Kydar smirked, "Nor a bespectacled book-worm who's never been in a real fight."

The ranger laughed lightly in response, shifting against the stone bench and laying back further into the water. A scaley head surfaced in front of her and she smiled as she lifted a hand to pet Butter's scales. The corocodile murred contentedly as his mistress stroked his spines.

"Alright, I'll admit it. I underestimated you," she chuckled and shrugged, "Of course, finding you under an avalanche of books didn't really give me much confidence."

"I have my clumsy moments, but I come through when it counts," he responded with a grin, "Stick around and you might see some of my better moves."

The ranger gave a small chuckle and nodded slowly, scratching lightly at her companion's snout. Finally she gave a sigh, raising both arms to stretch and then relaxed once more as she looked across the pool.

"Well, I think that's enough soaking for one night," she said, firelight twinkling in her eyes, "Pool's all yours."

With that the ranger stood, lifting her feet to the stone bench as she rose up out of the spring. Water streamed from her body, snaking down her curves in luminescent rivulets to splash back into the pool around her ankles. The woman arched slightly, throwing back her hair as she paused to enjoy the cool night breeze on her steaming skin. She reached down to splash the water, calling Butter to follow her and as she did her gaze wandered to the elementalist. Partly to make a point, and partly because he didn't want to, this time Kydar had not looked away. With an indifferent shrug, the ranger stepped out of the pool and turned to walk off into the night, her crocodile crawling out and shaking himself before he waddled after his mistress.

"And what was that for?" the scribe called after her with a chuckle.

Rakiv did not look back, and though a small smile tugged at her lips, her only reply was a small wave of her hand as she sauntered off into the dark. Kydar leaned back, arching a brow as he chuckled to himself. He was beginning to learn that Rakiv never did things the conventional way. If her last story had been a 'thank you', perhaps this was meant to be an apology? A shake of his head cleared his thoughts, and he decided not to dwell on it too much. Still, it was easily the oddest encounter of their journey, and he could only wonder how things would proceed from here.

"Still," Kydar said, looking up to whichever god might be watching, "I gotta say… good job."

A light breeze blew across the dry landscape, rustling the leaves of the ancient acacia trees that dotted the village. Fallen leaves rose and swirled with the wind, dancing through the air past his pool. With a contented sigh, Kydar leaned his head back, shifting to relax one more time before finally closing his eyes.

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The next morning, the members of Rakiv's party assembled at the north end of the town. As they had promised the Elder, the Sunspear party stood clothed, packed and armed, ready to leave the village at first light. Ossjo, remaining overjoyed at her son's return, had brought her family to see the Sunspear's off. It was a very sleepy Orjok that offered them supplies, which came in the form of large sacks filled with wheat and barley to be made into bread. Though Rakiv refused them, Ossjo was so insistant that the ranger eventually was forced to give in.

"Look…" Rakiv sighed, as she accepted one of the enormous sacks from the farmer, "Thanks for everything you guys. If you're ever in trouble, if the soldier's come back and start bothering… anything you need, just send a runner out to Ronjok and we'll get your message."

"Oh we will," Ossjo promised, "And once again, thank you so much."

"It's what we do, Miss," Alendra beamed, "It's what Sunspears do."

"I don't care what anyone says," Ossjo shook her head, "You Sunspears are exactly what this land needs. Varesh has bullied us for too long. Maybe you can be the voice we have so desperately needed."

"If not the voice, we'll definitely be the sword," Kydar whispered to Anicara, who elbowed him in the ribs.

"We'll do our best," Rakiv said with a nod and turned to face her team, "Alright everyone, let's get moving."

"Arra!" Anicara and Alendra shouted.

"Arra!" Tahlkora cried a split second later, and immediately blushed, "Oh… I didn't know you were only doing it once…"

"How about all together," Kydar chuckled, patting the young monk's shoulder, "One, two, three."

"Arra!!" all six called enthusiastically.

"Move out!" Rakiv ordered.

As Ossjo and her family called their good-byes, the Sunspears headed northward, trekking into the flat, dusty expanse of the Jahai Bluffs. The rolling highlands of the Bluffs had gained their name for the capital city of Kourna that stood at the north eastern end of the region. The Fortress City of Jahai had been built over the waters of the Grand Cataract, and it served as the center for the administration of the Kournan government. The city had been built on a most auspicious spot, the place where the undead king Palawa Joko, the self-proclaimed Ruler of Elona, had finally met his end.

"It really is a fascinating story," Kydar continued, as they marched across the bluffs, "You see…"

"I think we've all heard that story Kydar," Rakiv chuckled.

"But…" the scribe began, before Alendra cut him off.

"The undead king, Palawa Joko was some kind of mummy, zombie guy that ruled the Desolation. But he wanted to rule all of Elona," the paragon interrupted, recalling the story that all Elonian children were taught in primary school, "So he figured out some way to sneak his armies out of the Desolation and attacked Vabbi in… 1050 or 1060 right?"

"1060 D.R.," Kydar confirmed grudgingly.

"Right, 1060. He conquered the princes and was given the name, the Scourge of Vabbi," Alendra smiled back at him.

"He didn't stop there though," Tahlkora spoke up, continuing the tale, "He pressed most of our soldiers into his service to build his armies. Then he invaded Kourna too. But wasn't he stopped at Jahai?"

"No, he pretty much conquered Kourna first," Anicara corrected, chiming in as well, "By the time the Battle of Jahai took place, Kourna's army was more like a rebel resistance hiding in the desert."

"Hey, just like us!" Alendra remarked, earning a small chuckle from the group.

"Anyway," Anicara shook her head, "That was how Turai Ossa got famous, he was the Warmarshal at the time and leader of the resistance. Joko managed to corner the remainder of Turai's forces at the Cataract and the fighting there lasted for days."

"How…" Anorah spoke up abruptly, "How could a rebel force hold off an undead army…?"

"You haven't heard this one?" Anicara blinked, turning to look up at the dervish.

"It… it is not a story that is told in full in Cantha," the Zaishen admitted.

"Hah! You haven't all heard about it!" Kydar cried gleefully.

"Oh boy, here we go," Rakiv chuckled as she continued to lead their march forward.

"Well you see, Turai had been hounding Joko's forces for over a year," Kydar gushed before anyone could stop him, "Basic guerilla tactics and such, and Palawa had spread his forces pretty thin trying to catch the Warmarshal. So by the time he caught up to Turai at the Cataract, Ossa's forces were actually behind Palawa's armies. This put Joko at two disadvantages. The first was that his army was spread too thin, so he couldn't focus the bulk of his force on Turai's defenders. The second was that Palawa had long since outrun his supply lines, and so the mortal members of his army were suffering from exhaustion, dehydration and starvation. For good measure, Turai destroyed the Great Bridge of Jahai to prevent Palawa from being able to call any more of his undead forces out of Vabbi. The Kournan's then put the Elon to their backs, dug in and prepared to fight."

"It was basically a blood bath," Alendra chuckled, and then gave a small giggle as Kydar glared at her, "Oops, sorry. Go on."

"Thank you," the scribe sighed and turned back to Anorah, "Anyway, even with good strategy on his side, Turai was still fighting a losing battle. So on the final day of the battle, he forced his way into the undead king's camp and challenged Palawa Joko to single combat. They fought, Turai won and Joko was defeated. The city of Jahai was built over the place where the Turai Ossa saved Elona and there is a monument to mark the exact spot where Palawa Joko fell."

Anorah nodded silently to this, as the others walked on, tromping across the dry dusty earth. A moment later the dervish looked up, her golden eyes bearing a hint of curiosity.

"This… Turai Ossa," she said slowly, "Is he perhaps… an ancestor of Varesh Ossa?"

"Yup, same family," Rakiv confirmed, "After Turai saved the nation, he was actually named King of Elona. But he left the throne to go on a crazy quest into the desert and put his son in charge as Warmarshal of Kourna. Turai was the last king we ever had, but since then the Warmarshal title has always been passed down through the Ossa line."

"This quest…" Anorah inquired, widening her steps to catch up with the ranger, "In the desert… what was he looking for?"

Rakiv did not speak for a moment, her jaw tightening slightly as she adjusted the strap of the sack over her back. One gloved hand reached up to tuck loose bangs back beneath her circlet and she finally gave a sigh.

"He was leading a pilgrimage of Elonians, hundreds of people, who followed him into the Crystal Desert," Rakiv explained carefully, "They went seeking something known as Ascension… the ultimate way for humans to commune with the gods."

"Oh…" Anorah nodded, and looked down at the ranger again, "Did he find it…?"

Again Rakiv hesitated, her thoughts reflecting elsewhere. She'd been taught the story of the Ascension pilgrimage… and she knew exactly how that journey had ended. Only now did it occur to her that Varesh was searching for the same thing that her ancestor had sought… the means by which to commune with the gods. Or at least… a god.

"No…" the ranger answered finally, "No he didn't."

There was no more talk among them, something in Rakiv's tone brushed away all thoughts of conversation. Each of them turned their thoughts inward, contemplating their position and what their next move might be. It was in this introspective manner that the small party continued their march across the bluffs, following the ranger north as she led them towards home. Were it not for the rolling hills and abrupt cliff drops, one might be able to see for miles in all directions. The small peaks offered wonderful vantages of the landscape, though these heights were tempered with deep valleys and precarious drop-offs. However, the path they walked remained easy enough to follow and they tromped onward until Rakiv abruptly raised a fist and called them to a halt.

"Listen…" the ranger murmured.

No one spoke, or dared to move as they listened over the sounds of the wind. Butter gave a hiss, and waddled eastward towards the edge of the cliff. Rakiv tilted her head, eyes closing as she focused on the distant noise. It was a sort of clunking sound, sometimes rhythmic, sometimes dichotomous, but never stopping or slowing. It was heavy, somewhat metallic… and it was slowly growing louder.

"Soldiers!" she exclaimed quietly, opening her eyes, "Quick, everybody down!"

The party quickly dove to the dirt, though there was little cover to be found in the sprawling dirt fields. With a silence borne of years of practice, Rakiv elbow crawled her way to the cliff edge where Butter lay carefully peeking over the edge. Following her companion's lead she too lifted her head ever so slightly to gaze into the valley below. At the base of the cliff beneath them, a small outpost had been built in the shade of the bluffs. It was a tiny trading post for local farmers and grocers, and only a handful of civilians milled about its stalls and storehouses. Looking further out from the cliff side, the ranger spotted the source of the noise. A full contingent of soldiers, some twenty armed men, marched across the darker sands of the Bluff's valley. Many bore spears, though she spotted a handful of casters amongst them. Their commander was quite clearly marked by the large crest that rose up out of his bronze helm. Rakiv thought it quite foolish of him to wear such a distinguishing armor piece, as she now knew who to aim for first. Still, the Kournan's seemed to enjoy such trappings, and she could only thank them for making her life easier.

As the Kournan soldiers drew nearer she took notice of others amongst them, persons who wore no armor and carried no weapons. In fact, some of them were not even human at all. Two soldiers carried a large length of chain, the links of which ran behind them to the shackles that bound the eight prisoners that the brigade was transporting. She counted four human prisoners and two appeared to be wearing the ragged remnants of Sunspear armor. The other four were non-humans, tall blue furred Centaurs who all bore marks of heavy abuse. Heavy iron shackles were locked around their legs, the chains just long enough to allow the Centaurs to walk, but would prevent them from being able to gallop or run. The contingent strode into the outpost, causing the civilians in their path to scatter and quickly shut their stalls and doors. The commander called a halt and the company stopped to rest. As Rakiv watched, the rest of her party crawled up beside her, peering over the edge of the cliff and down into the valley below. The voices of the soldiers drifted up the cliffside to their ears, and the Sunspears listened intently to the Kournans' conversation.

"Gods… are we even half way there yet?" one soldier asked another as the armed men crowded around the outpost's well.

"We're takin' this lot all the way to the Estate," the other replied to him, "We only left the Procession an hour ago. So no, we ain' half way there yet."

"I thought we were going to stop at the garrison," someone complained, "We can't keep marching in this heat."

"It's all this damn armor," another spoke up, "Who ever heard of an all day march in full garb and armor?"

"You'll want that armor if those wretched Sunspears attack us," someone else said, "Word is they're crawling all over these regions. Heard they hit the Zelbahn Garrison just yesterday."

"Way I heard it, they killed one of those guys that were Kahyet's favorites…" yet another soldier spoke, "Whaddaya call 'em… Acolytes? Yeah, one of those guys. If'n I was you, I'd hope we never see them Sunspears at all."

"Stow the chatter!" the commander shouted, "Ohmed, Gatun, step forward!"

"Yes sir, Corporal Argon!" the two soldiers shouted.

"Move the prisoners to that stall there," the corporal ordered, pointing with his spear, "Get them watered and ready to march."

"Sir, yes sir!" the soliders responded.

Both Kournan gaurds rushed to do their commanders bidding. Ohmed took up the heavy chains that bound their living cargo while Gatun threatened the prisoners with the edge of his sword. The weary prisoners moved across the outpost as bidden, and at the soldier's orders all of them sat down in front of the empty stall. All of them, save one.

"Sit down Mizra," Gatun demanded, "I won't tell you again!"

"I take no orders from you two-legs," Mizra snorted, deigning to even look the Kournan in the eye.

"I said sit down you dumb beast!" Gatun snarled, brandishing his sword.

"I believe that is the second time you have told me, human," Mizra said, some amusement showing on his equine features, "You're new to this enslavement thing aren't you?"

"Sit! Down!" Gatun roared, raising his sword angrily.

Though the soldier meant to strike the Centaur, Mizra moved much faster. In a blur of blue the centaur reared back onto his hind legs, and then charged forward, slamming his horned forehead into the Kournan's face. Even through the helmet Gatun wore, the headbutt was bone jarring and the force of the blow actually knocked him backwards several feet. The soldier tumbled head over heels, rolling to the dirt where he finally came to a stop, knocked out cold by the Centaur's strike. Mizra gave a victorious whinny, and the other Centaurs cheered as well.

"Damnation!" Corporal Argon cried wrathfully, "I swear to the gods Mizra, if you incapacitate another one of my soldiers I will slay you myself!"

"You wouldn't dare, two-legs," the Centaur smirked smugly, "General Bayel wants me alive. I imagine killing me would only earn you the same fate."

"You will rot in my jail, blue-back," the Corporal snorted derisively, "I'll toss you in the deepest hole I can find and you'll never see daylight again!"

"Your prisons won't hold me Corporal," Mizra responded casually, tinkering with the chains of his shackles, "I will be free, and I will take my bretheren with me."

"So proud Veldrunner," Argon grumbled, "But we'll soon break you of that."

The Corporal slowly turned away, and then suddenly whirled upon the Centaur, striking the tall equine with the broad side of his shield. Mizra stumbled from the blow though he gave no noise of pain. The Corporal struck the Centaur again, this time ramming the butt of his spear into Mizra's flank. Again the Centaur stumbled, but proudly remained standing. Finally the Corporal gave an angry roar as he threw his weight into a hard thrust of the edge of his shield. The attack caught Mizra in the chest and he stumbled once more, though this time his chains got the best of his legs. Unable to widen his stance due to his shackles, the Centaur staggered for a moment, fighting to keep his balance even as he teetered off kilter. With a heavy crash and a grunt of pain Mizra toppled to the ground, a cloud of dust rising from his impact. The Corporal was on him in an instant, beating the Centaur mercilessly with the haft of his spear. After raining a multitude of blows upon the Centaur, Argon ceased his torment, gazing with satisfaction at his handiwork. Mizra spat a wad of blood from his burst lip and squinted through the crimson fluid that flowed from a gash over one eye.

"I may not be allowed to kill you Mizra," Corporal Argon grinned, raising his shield menacingly "But lets see how close I can get!"

"Take them," Rakiv ordered coldly.

Alendra was on her feet in an instant as she twirled her full-sized spear above her head and threw it straight down with all her might. The heavy weapon whistled downward, speeding towards the overconfident Kournan who raised his shield yet higher to deal a punishing blow to the beaten Centaur. With a sickening, meaty thunk the Sunspear's weapon struck him, and Argon released a bloodcurdling shriek of shock and agony. His shield spun in the air as blood spurted from the severed nub that had once been his shield arm. Alendra's spear stood point down and quivering in the earth behind him as his lost limb crashed to the ground.

Stunned silence filled the camp, and the only noises to be heard was the spattering of blood on the ground and the incoherent gurgles of the Corporal as he slipped into shock. A moment later Anicara jumped up as well, murmuring quickly under her breath and extending her staff towards the troops below. A cloud of frost sped down the cliffside and rolled into the Kournan ranks, erupting in sharp lances of crystal ice. As Kydar began to cast Alendra drew a javelin from her quiver and turned to Anorah.

"Anorah, with me! Tahlkora, protect us!" Alendra shouted.

"Be blessed by fate and favored by destiny," Tahlkora swiftly incanted, "Reversal of Fortune!"

No sooner than the words had left her lips, Alendra and Anorah jumped from the clifftop. Blue light swirled around their bodies as they hurtled down, and Alendra gave a shout as she sang the Anthem of Envy. Both women hit the ground running, the paragon plunging her javelin deep into a soldier's chest as Anorah swept her opponents' feet out from under them. On the clifftop Rakiv stood as well, reaching back to her quiver and grabbing a full handful of six shafts. Slipping them between her fingers she notched all six to her string and pointed her bow towards the sky.

"What are you doing?" Anicara blinked, watching the ranger's movements.

"Something I noticed that commander in Arkjok trying to do," Rakiv explained, grunting with effort as she drew back her string, "Give 'em another freeze, I need them to stay in place!"

The hydromancer quickly turned to do as she was bidden, her voice joining Kydar's as both mages called forth new spells to rain upon their enemies. Tahlkora stepped up next to them, calling out her own incantations to keep their paragon and dervish companions safe. Anorah moved with whirlwind speed, spinning into the men and striking viciously with her scythe. Alendra raised her shield to ward off several spikes of stone that a Kournan caster flung at her, and returned the attack with one of her javelins. The paragaon dove forward, rolling across the dirt to retrieve her spear, yanking it out of the dirt and giving it a shake to rid the blade of excess blood. As an odd sound drifted to her ears Alendra looked up and her eyes immediately widened.

"Incoming!" she shouted, crouching down beneath her shield.

Anorah dove for cover as a whistling noise descended upon them. With deadly accuracy a rain of grey fletched arrows pelted the Kournan soldiers, earning agonized screams from those struck by the ranger's Barrage. In moments it was over, and the Kournan troops lay bleeding, broken or dead across the ground… except for one. A spotter, having noticed that his side was losing the battle, had deserted the company and dashed away from the outpost. Once he reached what he thought was a safe distance, the man raised a brass horn to his lips and blew on it for all he was worth. The belling call echoed over the bluffs and blared across the hills as the man sounded his alarm. The spotter drew back, taking in breath for a second blast when a terrible whistling noise approached him. As he turned around the spotter had just enough time to shriek in terror as six of Rakiv's arrows embedded themselves in his chest.

"You're gonna run out of arrows pretty fast that way," Kydar commented, shading his eyes from the sun as he peered out at her kill, "Still… nice shot."

"Thank you," she smiled in return, "Let's get down there and free those prisoners. I'm gonna need that chaincutter thing you do," she said, mimicking his magical blowtorch with her hand.

The Sunspears trotted down the slope, making their way around the bluffs and down into the desert outpost. Anorah had already salvaged what few valuable possessions the Kournans' had carried on them and was busily stuffing the pilfered goods into her sack. At the other end of the outpost square, Alendra stood over the bleeding form of Corporal Argon. The Kournan commander sat on his knees, his entire body trembling uncontrollably as he shuddered with shock and pain. The Sunspear paragon held her spear at the ready, her face a mixture of determination and pity as she tried to force herself to do what was necessary.

"Well?" Rakiv asked, breaking the paragon's thoughts, "Are you going to finish him or not?"

The paragon opened her mouth to speak, but found that nothing would come. Despite the cruelty the man had shown towards these prisoners, she couldn't bring herself to kill a wounded and unarmed man. Swallowing hard the young women lifted her spear higher, her brow furrowing as she steeled herself for the task before her… and suddenly her courage failed her. Alendra's spear clattered to the ground as she turned away in shame. A soldier was supposed to be tougher than this. All her team mates had shown that when the time came, they could do what needed to be done, they could kill without hesitation or pause. Despite being the youngest Sunspear officer of her rank, the paragon felt she was still too weak to face the challenges before them. A comforting hand slipped to her shoulder and Alendra looked back, to find Anicara giving her a nod of respect and understanding. Alendra smiled slightly in response, and lifted her hand to give Anicaras a light squeeze.

"Very well," Rakiv said turning away to deal with the prisoners, "Kydar, deal with him."

The scribe gave a nod and stepped forward, kneeling down in front of the incoherent Corporal and gripping him firmly by one shoulder. His right hand grabbed the bleeding nub where the man's arm had once been and the elementalist focused on the Corporal's eyes.

"Remember us, friend," Kydar said, channeling energy to his right palm, "You get to keep your life today. But if I were you, I would do everything in my power to ensure that you never see us again."

The Corporal's eyes widened as an all new kind of pain filled his world. The Kournan gave a hoarse wail as smoke rose from Kydar's palm and the smell of searing human flesh lifted into the air. Finally Kydar released him. The glow in his right hand ebbed away as he relinquished his grip on the now cauterized stump of the man's arm.

"Tahlk, heal him up," Kydar said, rising to his feet.

Willing her stomach to cease its churning, the young monk knelt beside the Corporal and began slowly chanting her incantations. Kydar left the girl to her work and followed Rakiv towards the stall where the prisoner's sat.

"So we've traded one set of human oppressors for another," one Centaur snorted, "I suppose you'll be wanting us to carry your bags? Pull your plows? Or perhaps you'd like to ride us hmm?" the man-beast spat angrily in the dirt.

"Kydar will you cut their chains?" Rakiv sighed with exasperation, busily working at the lock that held the human's chained together, "That one won't shut up."

"No! I will not shut up! You humans are all the same! You…" the Centaur ranted.

"Peace! Firemane," Mizra spoke from the ground, raising his head to glare at his fellow man-beast out of his good eye, "You've obviously no idea who these human are."

"You know them, Chieftan?" the one called Firemane responded with surprise.

"They are Sunspears," Mizra responded with a nod, "No doubt come to rescue their captured friends over there."

"And that makes them our friends?" Firemane questioned.

"No, Haroj," Mizra shook his head and slowly turned his gaze to Rakiv, "But I remember that one. If not by her scent then by her hair alone."

"Hehe, I wasn't sure if you'd remember me Mizra," Rakiv chuckled, giving a triumphant cry as the chains locks finally snapped open, "It's been almost ten years."

"How could I forget one of the greatest hunters I ever had the pleasure of running with?" Mizra chuckled, "It is good to see you again, Rakiv Maelstrom."

"Oh good grief," Kydar groaned, igniting a small blue flame at his finger tip, "Is there anyone in Elona that you don't know?"

"What can I say? I got around," Rakiv chuckled and turned to wave her hand at her party, "Tahlkora! I need some healing over here!"

"You hunted… with a human?" Haroj asked in disbelief.

"Not just any human," Mizra chuckled, "The Red Huntress. Before you joined our pride Firemane, our people were being attacked by the heket clans and their great warlord, Tundoss the Destroyer. It was this human, Rakiv Maelstrom that helped me to hunt down Tundoss' camp. It was her arrow that slew the heket lord."

"I see…" Haroj nodded slowly, looking over at Rakiv, "I had heard such stories… but I never believed that a human could be a Centaur's equal on the plains."

"And she was Haroj, that she was. But now I must ask," Mizra said, looking up and drawing the ranger's attention again, "What brings you back to Kourna? And in the company of Sunspears no less?"

"Varesh Ossa," Rakiv said simply.

"Ahh, I see…" Mizra nodded with understanding, turning his head as Kydar began cutting through his chains, "Then it seems we share a common goal once more."

"What's going on here Mizra?" Rakiv asked, kneeling next to the Centaur, "Why are you being taken prisoner?"

"We Centaurs are proud people, but I fear we are equally foolish," Mizra sighed and shook his head, "In the midst of our tribal wars, Varesh Ossa began her own campaign to conquer and enslave us. It began one tribe at a time, and by the time we understood what was happening it was too late. It began with the Sunstrider clan in the Sunward Marches, then the Redhoofs that guarded the Marga Ancestor Tree. Now Varesh has set her war dog, General Bayel, upon us. Every day more of my people are captured by the humans and taken to the work camps southeast of here."

"Southeast… the Dejarin Estate?" Rakiv asked with surprise.

"The same," Mizra confirmed, as a clink of metal signaled the release of his bonds.

The centaur pushed himself up, grunting as he rose to his full height and stomped his hooves to stretch his legs. Kydar immediately set to cutting the other Centaurs' chains as well, and Rakiv stood up to face the Centaur leader.

"But I don't get it," Rakiv frowned, "How did they catch you? I mean, I really can't believe you were that careless."

"Oh I was not red-one," Mizra chuckled, folding his arms proudly, "I allowed myself to be caught."

"Well that was stupid," Kydar snorted from the ground.

"Do not speak ill of our chieftan!" Haroj Firemane shouted, "His wisdom is unquestionable!"

"Hey, hey! Trying to cut you loose here!" Kydar snapped at the Centaur, pointing the blue flame at him, "Stop moving or I might miss the chain."

"I agree that it is hardly the best plan," Mizra admitted with a grumble, "But I will not let my brothers suffer under the Kournan yoke. I mean to be taken to their camp, rally our pridesmen and free them from the oppressors."

"If you don't get the snot beat out of you first!" Rakiv exclaimed, "If I hadn't intervened, that commander might have killed you!"

"I doubt he would have risked that," Mizra shrugged, "I'm worth far more to Bayel alive than dead."

"Even so," Rakiv grumbled, folding her arms.

"I thank you for your concern Maelstrom," Mizra laughed lightly, wiping a trickle of blood from over his eye, "But I must do this. For my people."

"There we go," Kydar spoke up, rising from the ground and extinguishing his cutting flame, "You're all free to go."

"And not a moment too soon," Mizra said, raising his head and perking his ears, "Unless my hearing deceives me, you must be quickly on your way. I hear many boots headed towards us."

"Reinforcements?" Kydar blinked in confusion, "From where?"

"The garrison," Rakiv smacked her forehead as the realization hit her, "The horn blast… it was a call for help."

"What are we going to do?" Alendra asked, striding up to them with her spear over one shoulder, "Stand and fight?"

"We can't afford to keep drawing attention to ourselves like this," Rakiv shook her head, "No, we run. And we run fast. Mizra we can escort you to the Procession and from there…"

"No," the Centaur said, "I am going to the work camps, and the soldiers will take me there."

"But…" Rakiv began.

"However," Mizra raised a hand to silence her, "We are allies now, and we will require one another's aid," he turned his head and stamped his hoof towards the other two Centaurs, "Swordshanks, Ebonmane, go with these Sunspears. Aid them in any way you can."

"But Chieftan…" Swordshanks protested.

"I have Haroj with me," Mizra nodded to them, "He has been to the camps and that Argon fellow trusts him. I am sure the Corporal will agree with whatever story Firemane tells him… when he comes to that is."

The Centaur glanced down at the unconscious form of Corporal Argon, and Tahlkora gave a sheepish giggle.

"Sorry… he was in a lot of pain, so I kind of knocked him out," the young monk smiled.

"Never fear, it means that he has heard nothing of our plans," Mizra replied with a chuckle of his own, "Quickly, you must escape. Haroj and I will remain here and throw the Kournans off your trail."

"Thank you Mizra," Rakiv said, "Stay safe and make your jail break quick. I won't leave you in that camp for too long."

"I will do my best," the Centaur chieftan chuckled, "Ebonmane. When you have the chance, return to the pride. Tell Shadowhoof all that has happened here and instruct him that under no circumstances is he to come after me."

"Yes Chieftan," Ebonmane said with a nod and a salute.

"And don't be a mule," Mizra reprimanded his pridesmen, "Carry those wounded humans."

"Yes Chieftan…" they both responded, though with obvious displeasure.

"Anorah, help me," Alendra called as she slid an arm under one of the Sunspear prisoners and lifted him up onto Ebonmane's back.

"Alright, everyone move out! Quickly now, quickly!" Rakiv shouted, rallying her crew.

"Wait!" one of the prisoners cried out, "Take me with you!"

Rakiv turned to regard the prisoner who had spoken. It was a woman, obviously of Canthan descent and wearing dirty robes of brown and gold. In fact, she looked very much like…

"Are you… a Xunlai agent?" the ranger blinked curiously.

"Yes, yes I am," the woman nodded, "My name is Hua Li. I was arrested by the Kournans for using my guild's services to transport Sunspears."

"Well that's all I needed to know," Rakiv chuckled, "C'mon. And try to keep up."

"Go!" Mizra urged, "They are getting closer!"

"Move it everyone! Move it!" Rakiv shouted.

The Sunspears and their new found allies broke into a run, pounding the sandy earth and making their way north away from the outpost. Rakiv led the way, taking them away from the rocky bluffs and out onto the dry flats that sprawled across the northern end of the region. Behind them Mizra hunkered down on the ground, taking a moment to smudge some sand and dirt across himself before turning to look up at Haroj.

"Now I'll need you to restrain me," he said to his pridesman, "You're to tell the soldiers that the others escaped, but you managed to keep a hold of me. That should boost their confidence in you."

"Hmph, I doubt it will be difficult to deceive them," Haroj said, placing a hoof on his chieftan's back, "They're only two-legs."

"Even so, you should make this look good," Mizra said, "Here, take hold of my horn. We want them to believe this."

"Understood," Haroj said, shifting his stance to make the hold more convincing.

"Very good," Mizra nodded, "Now, here they come…"

In the distance behind them, Rakiv could hear the commotion as the soldiers reached the outpost and saw the remains of the Sunspear attack. She couldn't deny the rather satisfying feeling of becoming a terror to these ignorant brutes. Striking from out of nowhere and then vanishing into the sands. It was like something out of the stories from the 1001 Vabbian Nights. The ranger ran onward, leading her party to a large edifice of stone that rose up out of the desert. Moss and shrubs grew all around it, feeding on the water sources below the desert floor. Rakiv reached the rock formation and struck it with her hands, feeling across its surface and brushing her way through the tall bushes that grew around it.

"C'mon… c'mon where is it…" she grumbled under her breath.

"What is the two-legs doing?" Swordshanks asked his fellow Centaur.

"Perhaps it is some human ritual," Ebonmane shrugged, "Or perhaps she has gone daft with the heat, and is only wasting our…"

The Centaur paused in midsentance as Rakiv brushed her way through a bush and suddenly vanished into the foliage. The party blinked in confusion, and Kydar stepped forward, pushing aside the leaves to see where the ranger had gone.

"Rakiv…?" he called hesitantly.

"Get inside!" she hissed from beyond the bush, "Quickly, before someone spots us!"

The elementalist glanced back at the group behind him, gave a slow shrug and then pushed his way into the greenery. Through the bustle of leaves and stems, the scribe found himself standing in a small passage way, the dirt here carpeted with sparse grass that led to the mouth of a cave that opened up in the rock. Rakiv stood at the cave mouth, waving for him to follow before she ducked down and disappeared into the darkness. Kydar glanced back to make sure the others were following him before chasing after the ranger and hopping down into the cave. A fireball ignited in his palm and he lit the way downwards, following the steep slope that led deepr and deeper into the cave. Soon enough light began to trickle up to him from the cave depths and he extinguished his fireball as he stepped out of the tunnel. As he looked up he immediately recognized where they were. They were beneath the badlands once more, inside one of the caverns that led towards the main Sanctuary. Due to the irregular rock formations above, holes in the roof above allowed sunlight to spill in and illuminate the chamber.

"By Melandru…" Ebonmane exclaimed as he exited the tunnel behind them, "I never knew this was here?"

"Welcome to the Sunspear Sanctuary friends," Rakiv chuckled, brushing back her hair and giving a tired sigh, "C'mon. We've still got a ways before we make it to the main chamber."

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Upon entering the central Sanctuary cavern, Rakiv came to an abrupt stop to take in the change that had come over the place. Once sparsely populated by their meager and weary troops, the Sanctuary was now in an uproar. Men and women bustled to and fro under the directions of Lonai, setting up new tents and clearing out new areas to be used for new purposes. Near the tents, women sat shushing crying babys and keeping an eye on unruly children who found all sorts of mischive to be made amongst the caves. An infirmary had been established at the southern side of the cave, and those who were able tended to the sick and wounded that lay upon the cots. For all intents and purposes, the Sanctuary had turned into a small village, populated by escaped prisoners and refugees.

"Dwanya be praised!" Dunkoro's voice broke through the ranger's thoughts, "You're alive!"

Rakiv turned her attention to the approaching healer. It was evident that Dunkoro had been a busy man, the dark rings around his eyes betraying a lack of sleep the last couple of days.

"I don't die easy general," Rakiv nodded and waved a hand across the busy chamber, "What happened here?"

"We need to hold a meeting," Dunkoro nodded, "I'll call all officers to the mess hall."

"I just got back Dunkoro," Rakiv whined tiredly.

"This can't wait!" the general insisted, "Something has to be done about this mess! Meet me in the mess hall!"

"Very well…" Rakiv sighed, shaking her head, "C'mon guys. You civilians go talk to Lonai," she said, pointing across the cavern towards the necromancer, "She'll get you sorted out."

The group of former prisoners made their way in the direction she had indicated, while Rakiv and her team headed for the mess hall. Upon reaching the makeshift stone tables, the ranger plopped down, crossed her arms on the table, and buried her face in her arms. The others followed suit, carelessly shucking their weapons to the floor as they settled around the table. Soon enough, Dunkoro arrived as well with Koss, Melonni and Nerashi in tow. The officers seated themselves and Dunkoro launched into an explaination.

"We've been very busy the last two days," the general sighed, "When Koss was bringing back all those people you released from the Zelbahn Garrison, they ran into a convoy of soldiers."

"They were taking young men to the Lannur Garrison," Koss spoke up, "Turns out, these men were civilians who were being pressed into service. Some weren't even old enough to hold a sword and shield."

"Naturally we uh… liberated them," Melonni nodded, "And brought the men back with us to the Sanctuary."

"Yes," Dunkoro said, folding his arms over his chest, "So now we have a lot of civilians filling up our chamber."

"I don't see how this is a problem," Rakiv groaned, raising her head just enough to let her chin rest on her forearm, "That's a few soldiers that will never end up in Varesh's army. Good for us."

"It's bad for us because none of them will leave!" Dunkoro exclaimed.

"To be fair, we can't let them leave anyway," Nerashi put in, "If they go back to their homes, Varesh will only arrest them again. They also know the location of our hideout, so letting them go is bad for us."

"And there's nothing we can do with them," Dunkoro grumbled with displeasure, "There's no way we can hunt enough food to feed this many people. Water is alright, but we hardly have enough tents for everyone, and what few medical supplies we had ran out yesterday. Jonah has given us what he could spare but… we're scraping the bottom of our supply barrel now. If this keeps up, we'll start loosing more men to starvation than to Kournans."

"To make matters worse, there's been some pretty bad unrest in the caves," Melonni added, "Many of the Kournans here are resentful towards the Sunspears for the Gandara invasion and all the Kournan troops we killed there."

"And in turn, our soldiers aren't too pleased with the Kournans either," Koss sighed, scratching through his dense afro, "I had to break up a fight just yesterday because one of our men accused one of the Kournans of supporting the Warmarshal's tyranny."

"This whole thing is unraveling very quickly," Dunkoro added, "And there seems to be nothing we can do to stop it. On top of this many of our men are wounded beyond our ability to heal. Some may never fight again. But there's nothing we can do with them beyond letting them rest in these noisy caves."

The report continued, problem after problem spilling from the officer's lips. Rakiv's team remained silent, listening and nodding when appropriate. The ranger herself closed her eyes and rubbed at her temples in an effort to soothe her growing headache. When she opened her eyes again she found herself looking at Kydar, who was already returning her gaze. There was something meaningful in his eyes, as though he were conveying a message through his stare alone. And in a flash of inspiration an idea formed in her mind. It was wild, and far fetched… but perhaps it could work.

"Alright," Rakiv said, thumping a fist on the table for silence, "Here's what we're going to do. Nerashi, gather a hunting party and head out to your hunting grounds. Bring back as much meat as you can. We need something to feed these people with tonight. Some friends of ours gave us several pounds of wheat and barely. Can anyone here bake?"

"I burn things," Kydar admitted with a chuckle.

"I can roast field rations pretty well," Alendra smiled brightly.

"That doesn't count," Anicara shook her head, "That's about all I can do too."

"I…" Anorah spoke up, raising her hand slightly, "I have some experience with baking."

Rakiv blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected the Zaishen to be capable of much more than killing and introspecting. With a shrug she gave a nod and pointed to the bags of grain.

"Alright, take that to the stoves and bake all of that into bread," she said, "Hopefully it'll last us for at least a day. Melonni, I want you to talk to Jonah first thing in the morning. See what's going on with the land around here and if there's anything that grows wild in the area. Fruits, vegetables, stuff like that. We can't keep living on skales and drakes alone."

"I will," the dervish nodded.

"Koss, Dunkoro," she said turning to the two commanders, "Did we gain any more men fit for fighting?"

"A handful, yes," Koss confirmed.

"Then get them on their feet and armed with whatever you can find," she ordered, "Even if it's just sticks and slings. I basically waltzed into our Jahai entrance without seeing a single guard. Things are getting busy around here, and we're going to need tighter security. I don't want some one of these kids slipping out and getting hurt or captured."

"Hmm, very well," Dunkoro nodded, "But… what about you?"

"Me?" Rakiv chuckled, pushing herself up from the table, "I'm going to make use of these people."

The officers watched her curiously as she strode away and made her way to the center of the Sanctuary cavern. The ranger stood at the edge of the central water shrine, shading her eyes as she looked up at the opening in the cavern ceiling. The sun had begun its late noon descent towards the horizon, casting its golden light diagonally through the skylight. It framed her rather majestically, which was perfect for what she was about to attempt. The orange blaze made her think of Kormir, who had always loved sunrise and sunset. Rakiv could only hope that the Spearmarshal was watching over her now.

"Hey!" she shouted, attempting to elevate her voice above the general noise of the chamber, "Can I get everyone's attention?"

The chatter went on unabated, her call unheard and so she frowned and tried again.

"Hellooo? Can I get everyone's attention?" she cried at the top of her lungs.

Still no attention was given, and the ranger sighed, pinching her nosebridge in exasperation. With a small giggle Alendra stepped up next to her and took in a deep breath.

"ATTEEEEN-SHUN!!" she yelled, her voice reverberating through the caves.

Sunspears, used to the order, immediately turned to face the shrine. The civilians in the cave slowly ceased their chatter and turned as well, curious as to why the order had been given.

"Floor's yours," Alendra smiled to the ranger.

"Thanks," Rakiv smiled in return as she stepped forward and took a deep breath, "Alright… so… I hear there's a lot of problems around here now. I mean… we don't have a lot of food, not many supplies… almost no weapons. But there's really nowhere else go… and a lot of you can't go home so…"

The ranger stopped and bit her lip. She was never good at this public speaking stuff. Kormir had always been the inspirational one. Even during their days of schooling, Kormir was always the one who lifted their spirits, encouraged them when things seemed bleak, and always seemed to have a prepared speech up her sleeve. Rakiv sighed and closed her eyes, thinking desperately. What would Kormir do…?

"You there!" Rakiv shouted, flinging an arm out to point in a random direction before opening her eyes, "What do you do for a living?"

"Me?" the Kournan man to whom she had pointed blinked, "Uhm, I'm a carpenter."

"And why were you put in Varesh's jail?" she asked him.

"Well, the Warmarshal was demanding my lumber and services," he said, "But she was paying me so little I couldn't take care of my family," he looked down at the woman and child that sat at his feet, "I stood up to one of her officers, and demanded better pay. When he refused and I said I would quit working for him, he had me and my family thrown in prison."

"And you," Rakiv turned, pointing to a woman, "What is your profession?"

"I'm a weaver," the woman said, "And a tent maker."

"And your crime was…?" the ranger queried.

"My mother became very ill," the woman said sadly, "I wanted to go see her… but the commander I was working for demanded that I stay and continue to work. I decided to leave anyway, just for a day to see if she was okay. The commander's men caught me… and I was clapped in irons."

"You there, Sunspear," Rakiv called, "What do you do for work?"

"Back in Istan I was a tailor ma'am," the soldier responded.

"And you?" she asked, pointing to another Sunspear.

"A vendor by trade ma'am," he called back, "I sell dyes."

"You, uhm… Swordshanks!" she called, pointing to the Centaur, "What do you do?"

"I'm a blacksmith!" he called back, "Hence the name, Swordshanks."

"Of course," Rakiv chuckled and raised her hand up, "Now by show of hands. Who here agrees that Warmarshal Varesh has committed unforgivable crimes against the people of Elona?"

Hands rose all across the cave.

"And who here wants to join Varesh's campaign?" she asked, lowering her hand.

Immediately every hand dropped.

"Sunspears look around you. Kornans, look at these soldiers," she said, putting her hands on her hips, "These are not your enemies. These are not the ones whose misdeeds called you away from your homes and familes. These are not the ones who made you suffer in sickness and darkness. We share a common adversary, a woman whose ruthless ambition has touched us all and torn us away from everything we love and hold dear."

She paused for thought. That wasn't a bad start, but she needed something more, something else to say.

"Don't stop now," Kydar whispered to her from where he leaned against a shrine post, "They're listening to you."

Rakiv swallowed and nodded, bolstering her determination as she looked back out at the crowd.

"We've all lost a lot to this war," Rakiv said, "And Varesh just keeps taking more from us, from all of us. If we are going to survive, if we are ever going to have a chance to set things right… we're going to have to work together. I see many of you need clothes," she waved a hand around, "And here we have a tailor. Those with skill with a needle and thread ought to join him to clothe us all. To defend ourselves we need weapons! Anyone here who can swing a hammer and pump a bellows should find Swordshanks and start pounding iron! We need tents and food and medicine, and I'm sure that in this crowd there are all kinds of skills that can help us to not just survive, but to thrive!"

The audience listened now with rapt attention. The ranger had a plan, one that meant they could be more than just refugees hiding in the sand. One that would give them purpose, and most of all… it could give them a chance.

"People with skills, working together for a common goal is a concept older than the stones beneath our feet," she stomped the ground, "In the old days, when things got tough and people couldn't make it on their own, they banded together to make their lives better. They combined their knowledge, their abilities and their skills to become stronger than the adversities that they faced. Some were strong of arm, others skilled with their hands. Some could play all sorts of instruments, and others spoke with power and conviction in their words."

Rakiv looked around the chamber, and could see hope mingled with anticipation written on the faces of the crowd. They were beginning to see her point, and she hoped they would continue to agree with what she had to say.

"These alliances, these coalitions of people helping people were called Guilds," Rakiv called, her voice echoing through the chamber with greater confidence, "And guilds are some of the strongest institutions in the world today. They span continents and nations, calling those with skills to share to come and join their efforts. And so I propose this; That we join together, not as Istani and Kournan, not as soldier and civilian, but as men and women bound to a single cause. Let us be brothers and sisters… let us be guildsmen!"

The ranger reached for the emblem at her throat where she unclipped it and whipped the cape off of her shoulders, raising it high in the air.

"Is anyone here a Guild Emblemer?" she asked, looking across the crowd.

"I am!" a Sunspear called out, "Or at least… my father is. But he taught me stuff!"

"That's good enough," Rakiv smiled, and waved the cape in the air, "Then let this be our banner! Much blood has been spilled because of Varesh, the blood of Kournans and Sunspears alike. Varesh has not only attacked the people of Istan, but she has turned on her own people, the people she swore an oath to protect from all danger and harm. May we wear these colors in memory of the fallen, of the blood that they shed as they stood between us and the darkness. May we remember the sacrifice and carry on in their name! But may we also remember those taken from us. Those who were ripped from this world before their time. May these colors commemorate the ones who are gone…"

She stopped, a lump rising in her throat. Kormir's face flashed before her eyes… and for a moment she was certain that her sister had given her an encouraging smile. Swallowing hard Rakiv went on, willing her voice to remain strong.

"So join us, brothers… sisters!" she called out, her voice swelling with strength and conviction, "Let us band together as one voice, the cry in the desert for those who cannot speak! Let us work together to rebuild all that we have lost. To become strong once more. But let us never forget what we strive for… what we fight for! We fight for a world on the brink of darkness. We fight for the lands and the homes taken from us. We fight to bring peace and justice to a land that has lost all semblance of order and righteousness!"

Alendra stepped up, offering the ranger her spear. Rakiv took it and blinked curiously at the paragon. It was Kydar who lifted the ranger's confusion as he took the bloodstained cape and tied it around one end of the spear. Realizing what they had made, Rakiv slowly raised the union of weapon and garment above her head, watching as the crimson cloth furled out. It was a flag, a symbol to rally the hearts and minds of everyone who bore witness to it. Rakiv gave it a shake, causing the flag to ripple as she continued.

"And so I ask," she called out, "Who will join us!?"

"Me!" Alendra exclaimed, hopping up and down excitedly.

"And me," Kydar smiled from where he leaned against the post.

"You have my sword!!" Koss shouted out.

"And my bow!!" Nerashi called enthusiastically.

"And my axe!!!" a Sunspear cried, hefting his weapon above his head.

The cavern erupted in calls of affirmation, each man and woman calling out their allegiance to the flag that Rakiv held up. The calls continued until Rakiv raised her other hand to gain silence from the crowd once more.

"Then let us become as one!" she shouted, "Let us be a guild! May our labors multiply and may our strength be compounded! We will make these caverns our guild hall, our fortress, our sanctuary! And when the time is right, when our spears are sharp and our shields are strong; Then let us rise from beneath the feet of our oppressors! Let us take back the land we love so dear! May our name be known from the Great Sea to the Gate of Desolation! Let all who hear it know that those who do evil will be cast down, and that darkness will not prevail. For though we lie dormant beneath these sands… We will have our Vengeance!!"

An explosion of cheers filled the cavern hall, hands waving and voices lifting to the ceiling. Rakiv waved the flag high and Kydar applauded from where he leaned. To further spur the spirit of union that drew them together, Alendra hopped forward and began chanting.

"Dormant! Vengeance!" she shouted loudly, pumping her fist into the air, "Dormant! Vengeance!"

The crowd took up the chant as well, their fists joining Alendra as they punched skywards and called out the words.

"Dormant! Vengeance! Dormant! Vengeance!" the chant went on.

The cry continued to thunder through the subterenean halls until Alendra threw both hands up to calm the crowd.

"We are a guild!" the paragon shouted, obviously in her element now, "But who will we follow? Who will lead us from here? Who will be our guildmaster?"

There was silence for a moment as everyone looked from one to another. It was a huge responsibility, being the master of a guild that sought to achieve so much. Even the most ambitious among them quailed at the thought. Rakiv lowered her flag slowly, contemplating Alendra's question, when Kydar suddenly grabed her hand and lifted her arm up.

"She will!" he called, pointing at Rakiv.

"What!?" the ranger shrieked in outrage.

"Yeah!" someone called out, though it was obviously Anicara trying to deepen her voice to sound like a man, "Let's pick the red one! She can be our guild leader!"

It didn't take long for the crowd to agree, and soon there were calls of encouragement and fingers pointing to Rakiv. The ranger struggled against the elementalist's grip, but Kydar only held her arm tighter to keep it raised up. Alendra giggled and gestured to Rakiv with a hand.

"Will you follow her?" Alendra shouted.

"Aye!" the cry came back.

"Will you heed her?" Alendra called.

"Aye!" the crowd repeated.

"Will you have her for your Guildmistress?" the paragon screamed.

"Aye! Aye!" they shouted.

Alendra turned and smiled at Rakiv, giving the ranger an innocent shrug. Rakiv glared daggers at both Kydar and Alendra, but realized that the choice was no longer hers. With a grumble she tore her hand from Kydar's grip and gave a sigh, tilting her flag over her shoulder.

"Do you really want me to be the Guildmaster?" she asked with a sigh.

"Aye! Aye!" they called again.

Rakiv winced. She had hoped that in the last five seconds, they might have changed their minds.

"Oh very well," she groaned, "I accept."

A wild whoop rose to the cavern ceiling as the newborn guild cheered their Guildmistress' inauguration. Rakiv chuckled lightly and turned to the officers behind her.

"Nerashi, bring all the meat you can find," the ranger said, "Anorah, get those ovens smoking. The rest of you, out to the fields and scavenge whatever the land has to offer us. We're going to feed these people tonight."

"Yes, Guildmistress," Kydar grinned, bowing to the ranger.

"Yes, Guildmistress!" the others immediately responded, thumping their fists to their chests in salute.

With a satisfied nod, Rakiv turned back to the crowd and hefted her flag high in the air.

"What are we now!?" she called.

"Dormant!" the crowd shouted back.

"What do we want!?" she cried.

"Vengeance!" they responded.

"Whats our name!?" she exclaimed, and grinned broadly at the exuberant answer.

"Dormant Vengeance!!!"