Faith: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Season 1 Chapter 4: The fae of Gorhart, Part 2, a Buffy: The Vampire Slayer + Kingdoms of Amalur Crossover fanfic

Chapter Four: The Fae of Gorhart Part 2

Things were no longer looking up.

They had been walking for about an hour when Gwyn suddenly stopped, looking around. Her grip on her spear tightened.

Faith noticed this and moved her hand to the pommel of her sword. "How many?" she asked quietly.

"Twelve," Gwyn replied just as quietly. "They're good, whoever they are. I almost didn't hear them." She cursed. "That means they're professionals."

"What bandit group is running rampant in these parts, again?"

"The Red Legion."

"Great."

Almost as if summoned by her statement, twelve people emerged from the brush, moving to encircle them. Faith, despite her lack of memories, still had a feeling that these bandits weren't just a bunch of thieves falling on hard times. For one thing, their weapons were well maintained.

For another, they each had a red band with a dagger insignia on their arms. One didn't really need to be intelligent to figure out who they represented.

Aery looked around her in confusion. "Who are these Dustlings?" she asked.

"Members of the aforementioned Red Legion," Faith replied nonchalantly, her own sword remaining where it was. "And unless I am very much mistaken, they most likely want to kill us, or worse."

One of the bandits stepped forward, smirking rather maliciously as he unsheathed his own weapon. "You seem rather confident, woman," he sneered. "Especially since we outnumber you two to one." His smirk grew more pronounced. "Though why anyone would want to travel with this… thing… is something I will never understand."

Gwyn smirked. "Perhaps because she is far better company than a bunch of cutthroats who kill only for money," she responded, shifting her stance slightly. "Let us pass, and I promise you that you will live to steal from some other passerby."

The entire cadre of them started laughing at this as if that statement was the funniest thing they had ever heard. And to them, it probably was. After all, there was a dozen of them, and only three travelers, one of them a fae with no apparent weapons.

Slowly… all so slowly, the snickering started to fade away when they noticed that the two women's expressions hadn't changed in the slightest. The elf's only movement was to bring her spear up into a defensive position. The almanian's expression seemed to have been carved into ice, but her hand hadn't moved from the hilt of her sword. She simply stood there, waiting for them to make the first move.

The leader gestured. Two of the men moved in close, with the intent of grabbing her arms. She tensed slightly.

That was the only warning they received before chaos erupted.

Faith's hands suddenly shot up, grabbing each of them by their wrists. Before they could react, she had twisted, bringing them closer. At long last, she grabbed each one by the back of their necks, slamming their heads together. "Your choice," she said quietly, as they sank to the ground, unconscious. She unsheathed her sword, adopting a defensive stance.

Ten now armed men leaped forward, intent on teaching these two upstarts a little lesson. Ten minutes later, those very men were on the ground, dead, dying, or wishing they were dead.

Aery, who hadn't moved once throughout the battle after getting out of the way, nodded once. She was absolutely impressed with the fighting skills of the two dustlings. To be able to dispatch multiple opponents without being injured was a testament to their quality.

Faith pulled a cloth out, wiping her blade clean before resheathing it. She walked over to one of the bandit's weapons to take a closer look. She wasn't sure why, but something about them seemed to be off to her. She took a look at a dagger, frown growing.

Gwyn noticed her confusion and joined her in her observations. "This sword has a Gem of Putrefication attached to it," she informed her friend. "It's not uncommon for a skilled blacksmith who knows how to use the elemental shards to enhance a weapon with its properties." She looked at the sword handle. "There is the crystal itself." She pointed at a light green gem at the point where safeguard met blade. "Looks like a pretty weak one."

"Except, it looks a little different from this one here." Faith pointed at the dagger handle. "It's almost like it was altered in some manner."

"...You know, you're right. This gem looks a little more potent. I've never seen anything like this before." Gwyn quickly pulled the sheathe off of the thief's body. "Let's take this back to Gorhart. Maybe someone can help figure out what this might means."

Aery frowned a little at the conversation. Though she knew very little about Dustlings and their ways, she did know a few things about sagecraft and blacksmithing. So if they thought they needed to see someone about that, then it probably was serious.

And perhaps there was someone there who could tell them about that.

Agarth and Herc sat near Illuvia's bed, not really speaking as they watched Nanne check the Fae over, speaking to the Healer. They were quiet because of two reasons. One: Because throwing in their two cents would only interrupt the conversation.

Two: They were thinking about what they had learned. Agarth was trying to figure out how to tell Faith about it, as this indirectly impacted her more than most.

"We're back," the voice of the aforementioned woman stated, bringing him out of his little world. "We ran into a little trouble along the way. Some members of the Red Dagger Bandits thought it would be a good idea to attack us. And we've run into a bit of a mystery." She gestured. "By the way, this is Aery. She's the Fae that's been watching the village from that hill."

Aery bowed. "Greetings, Dustlings." She looked toward the bed. "How is Illuvia?" she asked, a hint of concern entering her voice.

The Healer sighed. "Alive, thankfully," he replied. "And she will get better. Nanne here is about to administer a far more powerful healing potion than what I have in my stores. Speaking of…"

Nanne had already uncorked the vial, tilting the Fae's head back, and helping her down the potion. "Swallow," she murmured gently, to which the Fae complied almost instinctively. Satisfied that Illuvia wouldn't choke on it, she moved to the others. "It'll be a few hours before the potion's full effects will come into play," she explained. "But hopefully, she'll make a full recovery."

"That's good." Faith sighed. Now that a life had been saved, she could focus on other problems. "We ran into some of that Red Legion group on our way back. They attacked us with weapons with putrefication gems in them. Nothing we couldn't handle."

"Putrefication gems?!"

"None of them were able to touch us, so I'm going to assume that they were new recruits." She frowned. "One odd note, though. One of the gems looked off, so Gwyn has taken it over to the blacksmith for analysis."

Agarth and Herc traded a look with Nanne, the gnome's ashen features telling them all they needed to know.

Faith caught this silent exchange, and frowned. "What is it?" she asked.

Nanne sighed as she sat down in a free chair, eyes downcast. "I had a break-in last night, with which Illuvia here was most likely a witness to it," she explained. "My stock wasn't touched, but two things were taken." She looked up. "Until two years ago, I was among the scientists assigned to Allestar Tower. My assignment was to develop a more potent poison that would be able to take out the Tuatha quickly, and hopefully, delay their resurrection by a sizable margin. I had developed such a formula, and even forged a prototype gem to test it out."

Faith's gaze grew a bit stormy upon hearing that, though whether it was because of the assignment, or the simple fact that the gnome was from the very Tower she herself was created in was up for debate. Agarth immediately held up a hand. "She never tested it," he assured her. "If anything, she began to have second thoughts about the whole thing, and refused to continue with the development."

"Why?" Faith asked, her gaze softening somewhat.

"Because it was immoral, and because of the other experiments happening within." Nanne rubbed her eyes. "Professor Hughes was running an experiment where he was hoping to duplicate the Fae's ability to return to life. I don't know how far he's come, or how far he's fallen, but I simply hope he never succeeded."

Now Agarth traded a look with Faith, both of them seeing the irony in that statement. Nanne just told the one success of the Well of Souls that she hoped it would never work. (Not that they would tell her that.)

Instead, Agarth simply picked up the narrative. "There was no way the thieves could have known about the formula or the gem without learning about it from someone else."

"Which means they may have captured one of the surviving gnomes who managed to escape from the Tower before it collapsed," Faith noted. "Now I know very little about sage crafting, but there was no way they could have crafted it into a dagger so quickly. They had to have had it for a little while." She looked at Nanne. "Did anyone else know about your work in the Tower?"

"No. I never spoke of it to anyone, not even my apprentice."

"Apprentice?"

"Yes. Karth Hilfred. I took him on a year ago after noting his proclivity with alchemical ingredients. He was a rather quick learner in the making of potions. But I never showed him any of my work from before."

"Hmm…" Faith gave it some thought... and came to one conclusion. She just hoped that she was right. She prayed that she was wrong.

Agarth leaned in. "Do you know where he is now?" he asked, having had the same thought.

"...No," the gnome finally replied with, her gaze widening. "He had gone out the night before to collect some more ingredients, but I don't think he ever came back." She looked between the two of them, seemingly putting the pieces together. "You think he found the formula and gem, giving them both over to the Red Legion?"

"It may not be that simple," Herc replied. "They could have learned about that from another source, and simply captured him as a bonus. It could any number of different scenarios, so we shouldn't just assume that he helped them willingly."

"It's just the most likely result, due to the evidence found," Faith added. "And Illuvia did witness the crime occurring." She looked toward the bed. "Once she wakes up, we can some more information about what she saw."

"There is one more thing I can think of… even if I may be incriminating my apprentice even further." Nanne steeled herself. "He told me that he was originally from Klurikon, and that his family had been killed by the Tuatha during their initial push. As a result, he also has a grudge against the one who had failed to protect them. And she is currently here in the village."

Faith's eyes widened at that, even as both Agarth and Herc cursed under their breaths. It didn't take a genius (or anyone living for more than a day) to figure out who she was talking about.

Tilera sat alone.

No one ever sat down around or near her. Very few people spoke to her and even then, it wasn't for long. Shop clerks only did business with her begrudgingly, due to her experience in smithing. Her reputation ensured that she would have no friends. Even here, the furthest point away from the war, her failures were known by all.

But being alone gave her an advantage that most people did not. She could actually listen to all of the gossips that went through the village, allowing her to know about what going on in the outside world. She knew that a man who formerly was a part of the Order of Mitharu was currently attempting to get a hold of an artifact somewhere around a Kolbold stronghold. She was aware of the young woman who was trying to become a member of said Order, but was barred because of the current head of the local branch stating that females couldn't be part of it. (She scoffed at that.)

She also knew of Gwyn Awny, the WarSworn who had arrived a few weeks ago for an enforced vacation. She knew Agarth personally, having run into him quite a few times over the years.

The young woman who came in with them, on the other hand, was new. She had never seen her before… and according to the rumors, she came from the same direction of Allestar Tower. That was enough to peak everyone's interest.

Until the fae was nearly killed. The very fae that was currently resting in the back room, being guarded by that very woman.

Tilera personally had nothing against the Summer Fae or their Winter counterparts. They were just beings of magic that followed different rules from the young races. And she didn't even hate the Tuatha, only pitied them. In fact, it was safe to say that the only people she hated were members of her own species.

Sighing, she finished her supper, getting up to pay the bartender. The fact that a fae was here in Gorhart, while surprising, was also something that wasn't any of her concern. She just wanted to get through her days, and hope no one decided to put her out of her misery.

"Excuse me, General."

Sighing, the elf turned to look at the head of the Gorhart guard. "Captain Oswold," she greeted neutrally. "Is there something I can help you with?" She had been given a standard warning of staying out of trouble when she first arrived all those years ago, but had otherwise been left alone. Herc Oswold was one of the few people brave enough to say something to her, and he always remained polite about it.

Herc nodded. "There is, actually," he replied. "I don't want to dredge up ancient history, but I believe one of the people you managed to save is about to bring the war to our village."

This got her attention, and she focused completely on him. A deep sense of foreboding filled her at his words. "What do you mean?"

He didn't respond verbally, only gestured for her to follow him to the back of the inn. The feeling increasing, she did so. She needed to figure out why her past was being brought up, and how it was connected to the injured fae.

Entering the room, she took in everything with a single glance. Even after a decade of living in peace, her military training returned to her in a split second. That one glance told her a great deal… and that the situation was far worse than a near murder.

She looked at Herc, then at the mysterious woman who leaning against the wall, her gaze guarded. "Herc, if I understand you correctly, you said that one of the people I was able to save from Klurikon is about to bring war to the village. Can I assume that this person was responsible for the injuries that this fae youngling endured?"

"Yes."

She nodded at the response, turning to look at Nanne. "I'm going to assume that your research from Allestar Tower was stolen just last night, and she bore witness to it."

Nanne nodded, surprised that Tilera had known about that. But then again, perhaps it wasn't that surprising. Tilera was quite the observant one.

And her observations weren't done yet. "Your apprentice is the person you're talking about. He's one of the survivors from Klurikon." She turned to the mystery woman. "He gave the formula over to the Red Legion, and they attacked you and Gwyn while you were escorting this fae here, Miss…"

"Faith," the woman replied, not reacting. "And you're correct. They were using a prototype Gem of Putrefication that Nanne here created, but never tested." She pushed herself off the wall. "And as you already figured out, we need your help to stop them before they can attack the House of Ballads."

She sighed, shaking her head at this. "Of course they are," she muttered. "I was wondering when someone was going to try." She saw the look of surprise on her face, and was somewhat confused. "It's not really surprising. The hatred that has been accrued by the Tuatha has been steadily expanding to envelope the whole Fae race. The House of Ballads is simply the largest Fae community that isn't protected by the old magic. That would make it a prime target for anyone with an ax to grind."

Aery sighed, looking up from her place. "I did not realize that it had become so bad with the Dustlings. I had heard the stories, but I had always thought that they were just that."

"Well, I have seen the Tuatha in action, so I can understand where the people's hatred comes from," Faith replied. "I just don't think that that hatred should be unleashed on innocents." She rubbed her eyes fretfully. "Well, you've figured out the bulk of the problem that we're facing. Now, can you help us stop them?"

"...You want me to help you fight."

"Investigate. Fight when necessary. I understand that you were once a soldier, and I can only assume that you learned how to gather information."

Tilera looked at Faith skeptically, thinking that she was being subtly sarcastic. After all, the fact that she is a disgraced General was well known, so she went looking for the insult that had invariably found its way from everyone she had ever met.

But when she looked into the eyes of Faith, this strange woman who she had never seen before, she saw no judgement, not even hint of anger in her gaze. It was almost as if what happened was something she only heard about recently. She was nonjudgemental, only bringing it up as a simple fact. This brought an interesting thought to the Dokkalfar; that perhaps Faith hadn't even known until being told… which was impossible.

Who was she?

Shaking her head, she turned away. Whether or not Faith had known before hand was irrelevant. "I'm afraid that I can't help you in this matter," she said after a moment. She could almost feel their moods drop at her statement. "I do possess the skills, but no one would want to speak to me. As it turns out, being a failure is even more of a stigma than being a traitor during these times. Also, I doubt you want a washed up General helping you." She didn't wince when the words left her mouth, though they did sting. It was the truth, after all.

Aery sighed. "Dustling, I know not what you have experienced in the war with the Tuatha, but I do know that you do not simply give up."

Nanne nodded, her gaze darkening. "I should have seen it," she grumbled, focusing everyone's attention back on the more important topic. "Karth always seemed a little too interested in my stories, always asking questions about some of the formulae I had worked on. I was so proud when he was able to duplicate some of the more difficult ones. I thought I had found a true apprentice." She rubbed her face. "He must have been searching through my room and found the formula and gem. But where could he go with it, and then return without rousing suspicion? That's the one thing that I can't figure out."

Herc nodded at that. "There are plenty of ruins in this area, as well as various caves where they could easily hide in."

Tilera actually turned back. There was something she could do for them, even if it was only a hint. "What about Agnur Farhal to the north?" she asked. "If I recall correctly, it's in an area full of alchemical ingredients."

"Aye." The gnome nodded thoughtfully. "I go there whenever I start to run out, and I know that's where he goes as well to forage. There are rumors that the ghosts of the Erathi haunt the place, slaying any who dare to trespass."

Faith pushed off the wall. "It may be a lie," she said. "The Red Legion is most likely letting the story grow so no one thinks to investigate there." She grinned."And if there are ghosts there, then they'll find me to be a tough nut to scare."

Tilera frowned at those words. "Don't be cocky," she warned the other woman. "You may have a victory against a few of their number, but you can assume that the Red Dagger are far more numerous."

"Does this mean you'll help us?"

"...Did you not hear me before?"

"Oh, we all did. I just don't think you're the kind of person to let any kind of threat continue on."

"No, I'm just the one who couldn't stop them." Her shoulders slumped a little. "You have a location to go to. I would suggest that you deal with this now, before they disappear into the forest, or fortify themselves within that fort." She had to get out of the room before young Faith decided to either attack her, or something else.

Faith surprised her by taking an entirely different approach, though. "They'll come for Illuvia, once they find out she's alive," she informed her. "I don't think you'll allow an innocent to be killed if you can stop it. If you won't come with us, can you at least protect the Fae from attack until we return?"

She wanted to say no, she really did… but Faith seemed to figure her out with just a look. She sighed, turning around to look at the unconscious fae girl. She looked at Faith, and nodded once. "Very well. I will stay and protect them."

"I'll stick around, too," Nanne added. "I feel personally responsible for her injuries."

Aery looked up, smiling a little at this. It was clear that she hadn't been expecting this. "I wish that Hallum was here to see this," she said. "He doesn't really have an opinion on you Dustlings, but I think he would start to have a positive one upon seeing you protect us."

Tilera nodded, walking over to the spare bed and sitting down, even as Faith and her group headed out. Herc looked at her for a moment, then grabbed a book and started reading. Aery and Nanne simply watched Illuvia, waiting for her to wake up.

"I don't think she was expecting that," Agarth stated as they left the inn. "No one has ever tried to get her to help since she was drummed from the service."

Faith shrugged. "She was up against impossible odds. I doubt anyone could have done any better against them." She frowned. "That's probably the one thing I don't understand, though. She was up against impossible odds, and her superiors had to have known that. Why did they discharge her from the army? Why not simply transfer her to another position?"

Agarth shrugged. "No one knows for certain," he replied. "Why they didn't transfer her, I mean. In terms of why they just booted her… that I have a bit of an idea. Tilera, being who she is, was really popular among the people. She also crossed someone. Someone in the government didn't want what they perceived as a threat to their power, and they used Klurikon as an excuse to remove her. Pretty simple story."

"A little too simple, if you ask me. There's got to be another reason." She sighed. "Though honestly, it's really none of my business, and isn't important to what is going on right now." She focused back on that. "So, what do you know about Agnur Farhal?" she asked. "Is it another one of these Erathi ruins?"

"Yes, it is. It's over six thousand years old. The Gnomes were using it while Allestar Tower was being constructed." Agarth grinned. "Most Erathi structures can withstand a great deal of wear and tear, aging like mountains. They have to be, as they had to withstand a lot of punishment from attacking armies. The upside to this is that they can become a piece of history. The downside: bandits tend to use them as bases because of their durability."

"Strong enough to withstand an all-out assault. Which means we'll have to sneak in."

"Exactly."

"Exactly what?" Gwyn asked, finally joining them. "And where are we going?"

"Agnur Farhal."

"Ah. Well, the sage took a look at the gem, and it is definitely a more potent version of a putrefication gem. If either of us had been cut by that-"

"We would have been dead," Faith supplied. "It's a prototype gem, created by a former scientist from the Tower. It was stolen by her apprentice and given to the Red Legion."

Gwyn's eyes had widened at hearing that. She hadn't been expecting to hear that Allestar Tower had had an indirect role in this current problem. More to the point, it was a recent part of Faith's own life as well. "Well… this sucks."

"On so many levels."

"Thankfully, Tilera knew about Agnur Farhal," Agarth added. "She's going to defend Illuvia if anyone comes to try and finish the job. Perhaps this current situation will be what she needs to get back into the fight."

"Well, I hope so, too." Faith grinned. "Still waiting for your contact to get back?" she asked.

"Yes." The dokkalfar shouldered her spear. "And yes, I will be joining you."

"Perfect, let's go." There really wasn't any reason to discuss it any further.

"Why do you hide here?"

Tilera looked over at Aery, a little surprised by the seemingly innocent question. She hadn't been expecting any conversation from any of her fellow guards while here, especially since it had been a few hours. Nanne had gone to get some food for all of them. Herc was currently on patrol, perhaps hoping to catch at least one of the perpetrators. And, until now, the young Fae had shown no interest in talking to anyone. So, to hear her ask that so bluntly, without any sort of windup, was a bit startling.

However, a question was asked, and it would be rude of her if she stayed silent. "You have no idea who I am, do you?" she asked in return.

Aery shook her head. "You Dustlings all look the same to me."

"I'm not surprised. We have a similar feeling when trying to tell your people apart." She leaned forward. "I'm here because there is literally nowhere else I can go. I was literally tossed from my own home after I was discharged from the army. I was forced to leave my husband and children, or they would have shared my fate." Her eyes narrowed. "Unfortunately, everywhere I went, I was harrassed and threatened. I finally arrived here a few years ago, and was allowed to stay." Short and concise. It didn't cover everything, of course. It didn't cover the humiliation she endured, the attacks she faced just trying to survive for those first few years wandering. The emotional pain she still felt, the betrayal from her own people.

Forcibly pushing them into the back of her mind, she focused her attention back on to the here and now. "Anyway, I gave some thought of going on a quest to redeem myself… but what's the point? Nothing short of an actual victory over Gadflow would do. And at this point… that's impossible."

Aery frowned at that. This one was confusing to her. She was saying one thing, but it didn't seem to be what she was thinking. So she decided to delve a little deeper. "Tilera… if you had a chance to kill Gadflow… would you take it?"

"...In half a heartbeat."

Just as she thought. This Dustling didn't want to be here. She just thought that she had no choice but to be here. "Well… why don't you find a way to do that?"

"Because he never leaves his crystal palace of Amithyn. It would require an army that, quite frankly, we no longer have."

"Then perhaps this new Dustling will be able to achieve that."

"...Faith?" Tilera was intrigued by this statement. "You think that she will be able to get to Gadflow?"

Aery shrugged. "Possibly." She said nothing more, only focussed her attention back on Illuvia's body. But it was clear to her that she had given Tilera something to think about. At least, she hoped she had. Hope was really all any of them had left, regardless of what species they were apart of.

But right now, she would hope for Illuvia to wake up.

"Nice place," Faith noted quietly, mock impressed by the structure. "It looks so homey. I just want to move in right this second."

Gwyn smirked at that. Faith could do sarcasm. This was good, as this meant she did indeed have a personality.

She had seen Agnur Farhal when she was on her way to Gorhart, of course. It was kind of difficult not to, as it had been literally carved into the cliff rock. It showed off the Earthi's technical and engineering skills, as well as their understanding of geology. A place like this would be able to stand for thousands of years before erosion took its toll. She would love nothing more than to pick around the place, just to see a piece of Erathi history.

However, as Agarth had stated, that very durability also made it ideal for bandits to take up residence. If they managed to do that, and were not dealt with immediately, they would have plenty of time to recruit, going from a local to a regional threat.

Considering the current state of affairs, that was starting to become a reality, if the the large number of people entering and exiting the structure was anything to go by.

"Well, it looks like they have some degree of organization," Gwyn noted quietly from their hiding spot. "They even have guards at the doors."

"And anti fae runes nearby to keep the local wildlife away," Agarth added, watching a few boggarts suddenly turn away, going in the opposite direction. "At least they're utilizing the standard type. I've heard that there are some runes developed that can vaporize a Summer Fae in an instant."

Faith shuddered at the image that little statement brought up. That was something that she never wanted to see happen. "So, anyone have any idea as to how we're going to get in?" she asked. "Is there another way in?"

"There is another door… but it's carved into another side of the mountain… and needs a ladder to access it. Which we don't have."

"We could go back to Gorhart, and see if someone would be willing to part with theirs," Gwyn suggested.

"I don't think any of their ladders could reach high enough," Agarth replied. "Which means we'll have to fight our way in."

"Except we probably won't have to." Faith pointed to a covered wagon. "I'm willing to bet that these bandits are a tad bit overworked. I doubt they're going to notice a few stowaways hiding among the barrels."

"And if they do?" Gwyn asked.

"There's going to be a degree of risk no matter what we decide to do. So, let's at least try to sneak in before we start killing them. That way, we won't actually have to fight our way in… just out."

Agarth grinned at that. "Good point." He rose to a crouching position. "Well, let's give it a shot."

The bandit in charge of the reinforcement of Agnur Farhal was asking himself one very important question; How did he get shackled with trying to keep his fellows on this task? Cutthroats were good at many things as a unit, so long as it involved killing and stealing. But moving supplies into a near impregnable fortress? They sure grumbled and procrastinated a whole lot. And speaking of procrastinating…

"Hey, you lot!" he bellowed at a group that was in the middle of a card game when they should have been hauling a covered wagon inside. "Get this wagon into the fort, or the next thing you'll be betting on is who will have their throat slit first!" Ah, there was the grumbling he hated a great deal, but they were getting up and moving toward the wagon. Nothing like the threat of murder to get someone moving! He turned away, yelling at another group to pick up the pace with their crates.

Later on, after everything was done, he would note that he really should have kept a closer eye on that wagon.

The bandits finally pulled the wagon all the way in, and set it next to the others. They quickly left, wanting to finish their card game before one of their fellows took their money. No honor among thieves, even among their own faction.

As such, due to the fact that there was a brief moment where no one was there, the cover shifted.

Gwyn, Agarth, and Faith quickly moved out from under the cover, and ran quietly through the entry way. They quickly slid into an alcove, managing to get out of sight before they were spotted.

"Well, that was easy, if not harrowing," Gwyn noted quietly. "I can't help but wonder how they managed to become such a threat if this is their kind of 'discipline.'

Agarth chuckled. "They're bandits, not soldiers. Thorough checking is not something they teach." He looked out from the alcove, taking in what he could see. "Well, this is a pretty large group. They must have been here for a while, already."

"I don't think so," Faith replied. "Judging by how much they're bringing in, I think they just moved in over the last few weeks." She frowned. "We'll need to see more, but I think they're getting ready for an attack, and are mobilizing for that." She looked around the corner. "Didn't you say that the Red Legion hated the Fae?"

"They do."

"Well… there are far too many supplies here. At least, too many for a bandit group to use, no matter how large they become. I'm hoping I'm wrong, but I don't think this is a group of cutthroats anymore." She slid out into the hallway. "Come on. We're not going to find out anything just staying here."

Gwyn and Agarth shared a look, before following Faith out of hiding. She was right. They wouldn't get any information just by standing around.

Slowly, oh so slowly, tired eyes opened. A moan made its way out of a mouth, as a person finally awoke.

Aery was at the bed instantly, helping Illuvia sit up, even as Tilera stood, making for the door. "It worked!" she exclaimed happily. "It seems as though the Great Cycle is not ready to let you go, Illuvia!"

"So it would seem." Illuvia looked at her, blinking in surprise. She had no idea where she was in Gorhart, but she was eternally grateful that she was still alive. "I know of you. You're Aery," she stated. "I didn't think you would actually come into Gorhart, even to help another Fae." Aery's own interest in the Dustlings was well known to the House of Ballads.

Aery smiled at that. "Well, there were a few Dustlings who were trying to help you, and thought that you might need some emotional support." She rose. "Tilera will fetch their Healer. If you are strong enough, we can make for the House of Ballads-"

"The House!" Suddenly, Illuvia remembered what she had overheard, why she had been attacked. "The House of Ballads is in danger!"

Aery nodded, her smile fading as she remembered that. "We suspected that. The people that attacked you are part of a bandit group known as the Red Legion."

"No, you don't understand. They are going to attack during the first part of the Ballad of Sir Sagrell and the Maid of Windmere!"

That was definitely not what Aery was expecting to hear, and definitely not what she wanted to hear. "Did they mention that specifically?" she asked.

Illuvia nodded, even as Nanne reentered the room, two bowls of soup in hand. "They did! They said that they were going to use some sort of new gems to do that!"

The soup dropped from the gnome's hands, hitting the ground as she heard what Illuvia had just said. A small part of her was happy to see the Fae was awake, but the fear she felt overrode that. "How?!" she got out. "It would take time to forge those gems! At least a full day! The theft occurred just last night, and there was only one gem!"

"One of the men said that since the Bandits now had access to their own gem forging benches, they can create the gems themselves. And he had been using an alchemy bench to create the liquid version!"

Now the gnome looked angry. "He's been using my bench to create the poison! I should have destroyed that research when I had the chance!" she snarled. "Now it's out there in the world, and no chance of putting it back!"

"Maybe not… but you could be wrong." A dokkalfar, who had been quiet up until that point, caught everyone by surprise when she spoke up. "The Red Legion are many things, but they aren't foolish enough to simply sell this type of item, as it would give them a tactical advantage over any other group that would try to challenge them. But attacking the beginning part of one of the Fae stories…" She thought about it for a second. "If they succeed in that, it could very well throw the House of Ballads out of balance. The Ballad of Sir Sagrell and the Maid of Windmere is one of their greatest tales."

Illuvia nodded, surprised that this Dustling knew of the tale, and understood its importance to her people. But then again, she did notice that this one was older than the rest, and seemed to have a wisdom to her.

The gnome went over to her bed, eyes wide. "Did they say anything else?" she asked. "Did they say anything about the number of gems they created?"

Illuvia shook her head. "No. I think they noticed me before they got to that point."

The dokkalfar looked to the gnome. "Nanne, how long was Karth your apprentice, again?" she asked.

Nanne sighed. "About six months." She looked up. "Do you think…?"

Somehow, Illuvia didn't think any of them wanted to know the answer to that unfinished question.

Aery promptly rose and headed for the door.

"Well…" Agarth noted, "this is definitely not good at all."

Faith was forced to agree with that observation. This was definitely not looking good at all.

They had explored as much of the fortress as they could without being spotted, which proved to rather difficult. The Red Legion was much larger than any of them had expected, as they had to avoid the patrols that seemed to be everywhere they went. They found enough supplies to feed a small army, as well as enough weapons to equip said army.

They also found several nondescript crates sitting in corners around the base. They were empty, though they had a pretty good idea what was going to go into those crates.

And now… this.

Several Sage Crafting stations had been set up, currently being utilized by an equal number of bandits. And, considering what had been taken from Nanne's shop, it was obvious to them what they were creating.

"They must have started this the moment Karth returned here with the formula," Gwyn noted quietly, looking sick at the green glow emanating from each bench. "Judging from the looks of it, they're almost finished with the first batch."

This definitely confirmed it. The Red Legion was definitely preparing for war. And they all had a good idea as to who their target was going to be.

"We're going to have to work our way out of here," Agarth whispered. "Leaving is going to be much harder than getting in." He looked around. "That door you mentioned. Any idea where to find it in here?"

Gwyn shook her head. "Not a chance. They've actually blocked it off with a massive slab of stone. We're going to have to go out the same way we came in." She sighed. "I wish I hadn't left my spear in a tree… or my armor."

Faith shrugged. "It would make it difficult for us to sneak around." She looked around. "But the time for sneaking is approaching its end." She looked around. "We need to get out of here and get more help… if it's possible."

Karth grinned as he finished the last batch of poison, gently pouring it into a small bottle and corking it. If all went according to plan, they would have enough of the toxin to sell to the highest bidder.

The Gems on the other hand… there was no way they were going to sell those. They were going to be put to better use during their attack on those Summer Fae. After they finally destroyed their little House of Ballads, then they could move through Dalentarth to finish the eradication of those abominations, not to mention those too weak to live. Red Idward would most definitely be pleased with this.

It had been a pure stroke of luck when he showed up in Gorhart, learning that there was an experienced alchemist from the nearby Tower operating an alchemy shop. He had immediately ingratiated himself to her, impressing her with his knowledge of alchemical ingredients. After a few weeks, she had agreed to take him on as her apprentice.

He was eternally grateful for this, as he learned so much from her. Her knowledge was extensive, and her experience was just as vast. She taught him the bare basics of potion-making, then helped him develop his skills even further. She eventually started leaving him in charge of the shop whenever she had to get supplies.

It was at that point that he had begun searching the rest of the building, eventually stumbling across the little gnome's potion formula as well as th gem she had created after several weeks of searching. His mission was completed. He could now return to the Red Legion, and the war could begin.

"Karth, how is the manufacturing going?" the Bandiit leader asked as he entered the potion's lab.

"Just finished the last batch," Karth replied, grinning. "The first shipment is ready. Now all we need to do is find a buyer, and we'll be set." His grin faded as he took note of the expression on his face. "What is it?"

"The fae that saw you survived. And there is now another one in the village."

"...How did the Fae survive? I'm pretty certain that a knife to the gut can kill them just as easily as any mortal."

The leader grimaced. "As it turns out she got lucky. A newcomer has arrived in Gorhart and saved her. She even managed to acquire Tilera's assistance in protecting her."

Now, to say that Karth was angry would have been a bit of an understatement. Not only was the Fae not dead, but the one who basically ran in Klurikon was now involved! If the fae woke up and told them what she had overheard, then the ramifications would be disastrous to them.

"We'll need to move the product to another location, in case the governments decide to send a detachment of troops to Gorhart," he stated, setting the bottle down. "If we don't sell this, we don't get paid."

"Indeed. Though I think we'll need to deal with this Fae girl, and Tilera as well. The latter, those fools in Rathir should have killed her." The Leader suddenly grinned maliciously. "Perhaps we can rectify that mistake right now."

Karth returned the grin. Hopefully, by the end of the day, they would three nuisances dealt with. Perhaps four, if this stranger came a calling. After all, only the strong could survive.

Here is Chapter Four. I'm sorry it took so long, but trying to put my thoughts down into words can be very difficult some days.

Okay, time for some notes concerning what is going on, and an error that I made. The Red Legion is in fact the bandit group in the area around Gorhart, and in the game, they don't really care about the Fae in any capacity. They simply follow Darwinism. I inadvertently called them the Red Bandits in the last chapter.

In the game, Karth Hilfred is Nanne's apprentice in Gorhart. He joined the Red Legion by giving them a debilitating disease formula that she had created. (Nanne did use to work in Allestar Tower, though she was expelled for unknown reasons.)