The sun was shining bright high above the Temple of the Gods. The spring weather had brought rain and the growth of plants that were near the temple. The day was like any other day, especially for the priests that tended the temple. These priests were chosen by the gods themselves to tend the temple and keep up the faith of the gods. Whether good or evil, there was a coexistence between them that kept the scale of good and evil balanced.

The priests, about thirty, would come and go on missions to spread word of faith. The gods planned this coexistence carefully, making sure there was an even amount of good and evil. Ten priests of good, those that worshipped the All-Father, kept the balance of good. Ten priests of evil, those that worshipped Lupan, kept the balance of evil. With good and evil, there had to be a neutral coexistence. Ten priests of neutrality, those that worshipped Scathes, kept the third balance. And thus, thirty priests lived and tended the Temple of the Gods.

Chapter I

It had been years since Kalidore left his home land. The Sylvan elf wanted nothing more to do with his family, seeing that they disowned him when he was of age. But there were other reasons why he left the comfort of home. Deceit, greed, and prejudice rule his families life. He never liked the values held by his family, even when he had a mind of his own. He believed in things that went against his family values, which is why he was disowned by his family.

Packing his belongings, which wasn't much, he left on his own accord. He was glad to leave, but before he left he made sure his family knew what he thought of them. Taking the family heirloom, which he believed didn't deserve to be held by his father's dirty hands, Kalidore broke the sword in half and threw it to his father's feet. His father was outraged and his mother fainted at the act. Before anymore damage was done, Kalidore left with his head held high despite his father's cursing words.

But, that was in the past. He was young, new to the wonders of the world. Now, he knew every trick and trade the world had to offer. When he left home, he had traveled to Western Megapolis. There, he learned the ways of the ranger. He was the best student, passed with honors, graduated and went on his first assignment. From there on, he faced many foes. Along the way, he collected many items which helped him defeat his enemies. Soon, he became the best ranger who ever lived. Well, to those that he helped anyways.

The sun was high in the sky, which marked the hour of high noon. Kalidore had reached a small town west of Paradise City in Eastern Megapolis. The small town was one of many that he would pass to his destination. The town was filled with people roaming about in what seemed like the market place. Feeling his stomach beginning to growl, Kalidore decided he would stop here for a bit, or at least to get something to eat. Walking through the market place, Kalidore was looking for what looked like an inn.

The market place had many booths, most of which were farming goods. Shouts and movement within the market place showed how busy the day was. The businesses that were open were making a fortune that was a bit bigger than what they normally would get. But, in the market place, no one noticed the elf that walked among the people. Wearing a black cloak, no one gave thought to who the stranger was.

Kalidore was pleased no one had stopped him for business. Seeing a sign above a building, he found what he was looking for. Opening the door to the inn, Kalidore went inside.

*

The inn was bright. All the windows were open letting fresh air in. There was a good crowd in the inn when Kalidore walked in. Eyes had turned to stare at him for a bit, but soon the newcomer was forgotten as the people at the bar turned back to their drinks. Finding a seat at a corner of the inn, Kalidore sat down. A barmaid came up to him.

"What'll it be?" snarled the woman.

"A glass of wine and your special for today," replied Kalidore coolly.

Turning, the barmaid went to what looked like the kitchen. Across the room, Kalidore could hear jokes being made and boastering laughs would break the silence at the bar. With the hood of the cloak over his head, Kalidore could scan the inn without being noticed. Most of the drinkers were at the bar. Soon, the barmaid returned with his order. The food was mostly potatoes and very little meat, if any. The wine was red and taking a sip, it wasn't the same as that at home, but it would do. The food was fine for the quality of the inn, filling Kalidore's stomach.

Not being able to eat the rest, Kalidore pushed the plate aside and decided to drink the rest of the wine instead. The sound of a door opening, the people at the bar stopped talking for a moment. Seeing who the newcomer was, they turned back to their drinks. Looking from within his hood, Kalidore could see a person dressed in all white. The person was male, gray hair, wrinkled face, and looked as though he had been concerned for someone for days. The male was looking around the room as though he was looking for a particular person.

Noticing the old man look directly at him, Kalidore was alarmed. He had never seen this man before in his life. The old man began to walk towards him. Taking a sip from his wine, Kalidore eyed the old man coolly. As the old man came closer, Kalidore could see something dangling from his neck. He didn't see it the first time, but realized that the necklace was hidden from view. The necklace had a pendant, a pendant of the All-Father.

"Priest of the All-Father, please, sit," greeted Kalidore as he extended his hand towards the chair across from the table he was sitting at.

The old man took the seat and looked around for a bit before talking to Kalidore. Kalidore waited patiently. Viewing it safe to talk, the old man began to speak.

"I've traveled far in search of you ranger," said the old man in a soft voice that made Kalidore sit up more despite his elvan hearing.

"What for?" asked Kalidore, trying not to sound too curious.

"I...the priesthood of the All-Father wishes for your help. You have proven yourself time after time of your worth. I...the...the priesthood would like to know if you are willing to take this job," said the old man softly.

"Exactly what kind of job you...the priesthood wishes my help on?" asked Kalidore with curiosity now.

"The Medallion of Tears has disappeared from the Temple of the All-Father in Eastern Megapolis..."

"You mean the medallion that was made by the gods after the Age of Tears?" interrupted Kalidore in amazement.

"Y-yes. You are a ranger of good. The All-Father has picked you to find the medallion. But, heed this, the medallion can only be worn by a cleric of Scathes. We don't know who has taken the medallion, except that evil can't enter the Temple of the All-Father. If the medallion was stolen for evil purposes, then a cleric of neutrality would be needed to activate it. Do you know what the medallion does?" asked the old man.

"From what I remember from school, the medallion helped cure the people," replied Kalidore.

"But it can also contaminate. The best place to start is at the Temple of Scathes. You'll need a team and the order has picked one. You will meet up with them at the temple and one other. The leader, a female, has blue curly hair. Her name is Kamila Warsong," said the old man.

"And who's the other?" asked Kalidore.

"A cleric of course. Male or female, I do not know. Go and see the High Cleric, she will tell you," said the priest.

Before Kalidore could reply, a bright light filled the room. Kalidore closed his eyes, the light nearly blinding him. The bright light vanished, and the old man vanished with it. The people in the bar began to chatter about the light. Putting two silver pieces on the table, Kalidore got up and left.

Kamila Warsong, Kami for short, woke up from a drunken slumber. She couldn't remember the last time she had so much to drink. But she had reason for the celebration. Her party had won the Metal and Mystic race in Paradise City of Eastern Megapolis. Winning four hundred gold pieces, that was more money than she or her party members ever had. With her wizard, thief, gladiator, and fighter, her team was an ideal group. Some claimed that her party had cheated, but those that claimed that easily changed their minds after a confrontation with Kami.

Kami was a female fighter, and one of the best. She was told that she would never become a fighter because she was a female, but she went to training and proved almost everybody wrong. Those that had crossed her made sure they would never cross her again. She had the reputation of a man.

Walking down the stairs from the room she was staying at, she hoped her party would be ready to leave. Sure enough, her team members weren't up yet. It would be another hour before they would be able to leave. Cursing for having a slow moving party, Kami grabbed a seat at the bar. Looking around, very few people were at the inn she was staying at. The bartender, a fat and greasy man, grunted and put a mug in front of Kami.

"What ya want sweety?" grunted the fat man.

"Regular," said Kami, ignoring the bartender's gaze at her breast.

For being a fighter, Kami didn't wear much. She showed off her feminine side just as well as her masculine side. All she wore was a leather bra held by a leather collar, a huge leather belt with leather looking underwear, leather boots with red leather over them, one red glove, two gold bracelets, and a sword. Despite her looks, she was a tough person. With her long, wavy blue hair, Kami wasn't your ideal fighter.

Hearing a grumbling sound, Kami turned to look at where the sound was coming from. Walking down the stairs was one of her team members, Rono Newgene. The male dwarf found Kami to be different from all fighters he had met in his lifetime, especially a human. He found new respect with Kami through her fighting, impressed at what she could do the first time he met her and the wizard. He joined them not because of their fighting abilities, but because of Kami's charismatic personality. Either you hated Kami or you liked her, and Rono liked her.

Taking a seat next to Kami, the dwarf almost lost his balance. Regaining his balance, Rono began to curse about cheap imitation of ale he had drunk last night. The dwarf was old, but when one asked his age, he would reply 'I can still outrun a youngin with ease!' Always carrying a battle axe, Rono took pride in his weapon seeing that it was handed to him from his father. The dwarf's graying beard and hair was long down to his chest. He took pride in his beard as well and always got angry when a portion of his beard had to get cut. For a dwarf, he wore shoulder armor and boots. The rest of his clothing was brown leather, studded in some places for his aching joints, but he would deny it.

"When are the youngins' going to get up?" asked Rono, grumpy that the stool was too high for him.

"Don't know. Wanna go up there an' wake everyone up?" asked Kami, a slight smile crossing her face.

Jumping off the stool, Rono trudged up the stairs to the rest of his companions rooms. Not long, a bump and some rustling noises could be heard overhead. The sound of a grumpy old dwarf yelling above could make anyone wake. Before long, a half-elf and a human cam running down the stairs. Behind them was Rono growling at the two.

"If you two youngins' were my kids, I a smack you before you knew it!" growled the old dwarf.

"Yeah, yeah. Last night was fun Kami," smiled the half-elf.

The half-elf was a female, a thief. Windshine was abandoned by her mother who was an elf at an early age. No where to go, no one to care for her, Windshine couldn't survive. Wandering into a town, Windshine was lured into the wonders of crime and thievery became her career. Wearing studded leather clothing, with many pouches hidden and seen, Windshine knew her skill in thievery well. She carried two daggers in her belt in case of trouble. She was very good in acrobatics, which she needed when she had to rob buildings. She was the fourth to join Kami's group, especially after being caught by Kami which never happened in Windshine's career of thievery.

"Wheresa mage?" rambled the human.

Cole Sunchade was a muscular and well toned man. He was a gladiator before he had won his freedom. Slow in speech, Cole was a good fighter. Fast and strong, Cole could bring down his opponent in matters of seconds. Considered dumb in speech, Cole didn't speak much. He met Kami and her party in a bar brawl. He saved them from going to jail when the officers recognized who he was, being a gladiator and all. The officers let them go and Kami proposed that Cole join her and her party. No where else to go and no one to care for him, he joined.

"That mage is as old as I am, now mind you ya hear!" growled Rono, responding to the remark the gladiator asked.

"S-s-s-sorry," stammered Cole as he scratched his head lost in thought.

"Lets get a move on," said Kami as she put a gold piece down on the bar and got up.

Before reaching the door, it swung open. The light that came inside was bright and the companions had to close their eyes for a bit. Adjusting to the light, Kami saw a figure stand in the doorway. The figure had a long flowing cloak on, the color purple. Recognizing the color and the staff the figure was using to walk, Kami knew who the person was.

"Evangion! We were just about ta look fer ya," smiled Kami, a crooked smile that made her look devilish.

"My apologies young Kami. Had to go and get some more...ingredients," replied the old mage as he bowed to Kami.

Shrugging, Kami went outside. The rest followed. Going to the stables where they had put their horses for the night, they were ready to ride. Rono began to curse again about how much he hated horses. Grabbing the dwarf by his collar, Cole picked the dwarf up and put him in front. Taking the reins, Cole had trapped Rono between his muscular arms making the dwarf puff in anger. Viewing the situation under control, Kami got on her horse. Looking at the wizard, Kami smiled slightly.

Evangion Stat was her oldest companion. The first to accompany her in her adventures. The wizard was old, but intelligent and wise. His hair was gray and his beard was just as long as Rono's. He always carried a staff with him, his walking cane he would say. He considered himself neutral in magic, not good nor evil. His cloak was purple and his robes were red. Inside his cloak, he had various pockets. All hidden, Kami was curious as to how he could fit everything he owned into them. Wary of magic-users, Evangion was the first Kami ever trusted. They worked well together, combining magic and steel. He was like a father to her.

"We're all set Kami," said Windshine, interrupting Kami's thoughts.

"Good. We need some work. The money won wont last long, so..."

"Excuse me miss," interrupted an old voice.

Turning to face who had interrupted her, Kami saw an old man dressed in white. On his neck she could see a pendant of the All-Father. Curious to see a priest comfront her, Kami found this unusual. Clerics and priests always stayed away from her, no matter where she went. It was almost expected.

"Priest, may I be of some assistance?" asked Kami, unsure as to how to respond to an old looking man.

"Why, yes. I have a job for you, if you choose to accept it," smiled the old man in response.

"Depends, what kinda job you expect up ta do?" asked Kami, curious about this visitation.

"Well, to be honest, it is a matter of importance. An important artifact was stolen from the Temple of the All-Father, the Medallion of Tears," said the priest.

"Medallion of what?" asked Kami, never hearing about a Medallion of Tears before.

"The Medallion of Tears was created by the gods after the Age of Tears, or so it says in the texts. It was used by a cleric of true healing who used the medallion to cure those that were sick," explained Evangion.

"Quit right wizard. The medallion was given to the Temple of the All-Father for safe keeping. As you know, evil can't enter the temple. So, it is a mystery as to how it may of been stolen. The priesthood does fear, however, that it was stolen for evil purposes. A team of willing adventurers is needed to take on this...quest," explained the priest.

"Why us? There are plenty of adventurers..."

"The priesthood has picked you Kamila Warsong. Go to the Temple of Scathes, there you will meet two more members of your party. Besides Kamila, it's not everyday a female warrior can prove her worth to the gods," smiled the priest.

Before Kami could protest, a bright light filled the air and nearly blinded the party. Closing their eyes, the light vanished. Opening their eyes, the old priest was gone. Looking at the rest of her party members, Evangion tapped his horse and began riding to the west.

"What the priest also failed to mention was that the medallion can only be activated by a cleric of neutrality. Kami, the gods have chosen this party for a reason," replied Evangion to Kami's dumbfounded expression.

*

Seeing the companions riding off to the west, two riders began to follow. One was big and muscular. The other was a bit smaller, but the muscles were apparent. Both wearing black armor with gold trimmings, they were spies sent from the Temple of Lupan. Lupan was the god of phantoms and demons, evil magic, and evild doings. Why they were sent to spy on that particular group, one could only guess.

Nothing much passed between the two riders. Nothing needed to be said. They had one thing in mind, and that was to finish the job they were sent to do. Whether it was to kill or kidnap, only one knew the true importance of this mission. Sent by the head priest of the Temple of Lupan, Panz was once an honorable knight of Eastern Megapolis. He did everything his order of the knighthood had done. But, it got him no where. Viewing the life of a knight was weak, the head priest of the Temple of Lupan came to him and a deal was struck between the two.

Dedicated to the god Lupan, Panz found that the way of evil was the strongest and most appealing. He found the All-Father to be a weak god, the knighthood nothing more than a socialist gathering, and the world to be a playing field. With this attitude, it was no surprise that this once honorable knight turned his ways to evil.

The head priest of the Temple of Lupan knew more about Panz than even himself. From knowledge of the knighthood, he was a vital asset to the head priest, Panz knew. With huge rippling muscles, he was strong and a tough opponent even against the best gladiator. His long raven-blue hair accented his build, a scar from his left cheek all the way down to his chest was visible, and his skin was a tan color. His armor, specially made for his build, covered his shoulders, chest and legs. Everything else he wore was studded leather with chain mail over them. And a black cloak to accent his apparal.

His companion, a young man, was new to the ways of evil. This mission was to be a test for the young one. Panz had orders that if the young man failed, he would have to kill him. Shaking his head of these thoughts, Panz directed his attention to the party that went west. Already they were behind, which was fine. The party wouldn't get far anyways.

*

Kami, being a fighter, sensed someone else or something may be following her party. Taking a quick look around, all she could see were few trees and faming lands. Taking a look behind, in the distance, Kami could see at least two figures heading in the direciton her party was going. Squinting her eyes, she couldn't tell if they were travelers or guards. Seeing the two figures turn off from the road, Kami turned back to the front thinking nothing more about the two figures.

"Farmers," mummered Kami

Kami and Evangion had mostly adventured Eastern and Western Megapolis. They hadn't traveled anywhere else, but Kami knew about the temples of the land. She tried her best to stay away from those temples. As a young child, she was told stories about the gods and their powers along with other such fairytales. Now, as mucha as she tried, she was going to a temple. Shaking her head, Kami knew there was a reason for her to go on what the old priest said was a 'quest.'

"You look troubled child," said Evangion as he rode up next to Kami's horse.

"Troubled? Tell me Evangion, how important is this medallion anyways?" asked Kami, looking straight ahead.

"Not only can the medallion cure, but it can also contaminate. I fear, my dear Kami, that there is more to this stolen artifact than meets the eye," replied Evangion as he pulled his horse away from Kami signaling that the conversation on the matter was over.

Knowing by that action, Kami didn't pursue the matter more. Lost in thought, until they reached the next town, Kami was curious as to what the gods had in store for her and her party.

Leaving the comfort of the inn, Kalidore wasn't sure how he was going to solve the mystery of the stolen medallion. Something like this required a team. Kalidore had no such team. He was a loner. As a ranger, he had no one he loved or to care for, so what was the point to have a team? And the visitation from the priest was not by accident, there was something more to this mission than meets the eye.

The town was still busy with business. Mostly humans roaming and buying, selling whatever they had. Kalidore knew all to well about market places. Thieves stalked any who weren't careful and businesses swindled customers of their hard earned money with outrageous prices. But still, people bought and bought without thought as to what may happen.

Walking to the nearest stables, Kalidore needed a horse if he was to get to the Temple of Scathes before the Spring Equinox Festival began. In three weeks, all the temples would be filled with various people of all races praying and celebrating the beginning of spring. During that time, it would be hard for Kalidore to find anyone who knew of the medallion. Entering the stables, a young stable boy greeted him.

After much bargaining, Kalidore finally got a good, sturdy horse. Leaving the stable with the horse, Kalidore talked quietly to it in elvan. As if the horse understood, it nodded to Kalidore's words. Satisfied, he put the saddle on the horse and packed the hay and his belongings which wasn't much with it. Climbing on the horse, he gestured it to walk, and it did so as if his master was with him for years. Heading soutwest, Kalidore wanted to reach the Megapolis River in three days.

*

It wasn't long before Kami and her crew reached a small town west of Paradise City. The town was filled with many people, but the market place was beginning to slow down on business. Half the people in the market either began to pack up or still shopped until the sun began to set. It would be at least two hours before the sun would set, long enough for the party to find an inn and rest till early next morning.

Finding the nearest inn, the party took their horses to the nearest stable in the town. There was only one stable in the small town. A young stable boy greeted them and took their horses to an empty stall. The party went back to the inn and decided they would crash for the night. Rono and Cole ordered drinks while the wizard and the theif went to bed. Kami stayed with the dwarf and the gladiator.

"Beer wasn't like it used ta be," grumbled the old dwarf as he drank his mug full of ale.

Shrugging at the comment, Cole drank his ale in one gulp. No conversation was started, there was no need for one. The three just sat at the bar and drank to their hearts content. Meanwhile, upstairs in the inn, the wizard was sitting in a chair reading his spells. The half-elf thief, in the other room had other plans. Opening the window, and crawling out, Windshine landed on the ground with ease. The half-elf smiled slightly and hoped none of her companions noticed she was missing. She figured she would shop a little before the market closed.

Sure enough, there were still a lot of people about. Apparently the market was still open. Walking through the crowds of people, Windshine made it look like she was browsing. Picking here and there, no one felt a hand grab their purses. If one felt a touch, Windshine played it off as an accidental bump. Putting about four purses into her hidden pockets, the half-elf was content with what she pulled. Thieves, like herself knew when to stop or keep going. Figuring her pickings were good that night, as since the sun finally was settting and the market began to close, she tried for one more.

Her next victim, a rich looking noble, was talking to another man. Not noticing who the noble was talking to, she made her way to the rich man with ease. The noble wore a richly designed clothing that may of possibly been made out of silk. The belt, with which the purse was fastened to, was well hidden from any purse-snatchers view. But Windshine spotted it with ease, chuckling to herself how dumb the noble was. With a slight brush up against the noble, the man didn't notice the half-elf remove the purse with ease from his belt. But her mistake came when the man the noble was talking to noticed a hand grab the noble's purse. Before Windshine knew it, she dropped the purse and ran into the crowd that was still milling about.

"Thief! Stop!" yelled the man, who happened to be the constable.

Hearing shouts of thief and the word stop, Windshine knew that a thief never stops but keeps going. Lost within the crowd, no one reacted to the shouts. The only reaction they did was check their own purses. While they checked, Windshine was able to get pass with ease. Running to the stables, Windshine went to the stall where her companions horses were. Hiding under a pile of hay, she could hear some shouts and some men passing the stables. Holding her breathe, the thief knew she couldn't get back to the inn until morning.

Back at the inn, Rono fell asleep at the bar. With one hand around the mug, the dwarf's head laid upon the mug as if it were his pillow. Snoring loudly and drool dripping down onto the bar, Cole gently removed the mug from Rono's grip. Picking the old dwarf up, Cole carried Rono up to their room. Kami followed behind. As the party went to bed to sleep, no one noticed the window in the room open and the half-elf thief missing.

*

Panz and the young man reached the small town where the party they were following had entered. They watched as the party went into an inn. No one, not even the party members, noticed these newcomers. The shadows and the darkness covered their images with ease. Like phantoms in a ghost town, their shadows scared even the drunks that wandered the town.

Seeing movement within the crowd as the markets began to close up for the night, they heard shouts of thief. Seeing a female half-elf run through the crowd and dart into the stables, Panz knew who the thief was. The constable that apparently had been shouting was with five other men and ran past the stables obviously looking for the thief.

After some time, the town began to sleep. The constable and his men had stopped looking for the thief. As they returned to their building, Panz began to make his move in the night.

"This is going to be easier than I had originally thought. Radly, here is your chance to prove your worth to Lupan. Kill the half-elf thief who is apparently hiding in the stables. After her, the other four would fall under the blade with ease," commanded Panz.

The young man, Radly, muscular but smaller than Panz nodded to the order given. Radly knew that Panz was not the type to go easy on newcomers like himself. Gulping, he took out his dagger. In the light of the moon, the flash of steel could be seen only for a second. Crossing the street in the shadows, the young man reached the stables. Not far, Panz was watching. Panz watched the young man closely without Radly knowing it. As Radly entered the stables, Panz drew his own dagger from his belt and followed Radly from the shadows.

The stable was filled with horsed of various kinds. Smell of an animal house, Radly began to breathe through his mouth. Cautiously, he walked to each stall, one by one. The horses, detecting the intent of the young man's action, began to stir a little. Reaching the end of the stables, Radly could see, through the light of the moon, a young female half-elf asleep on the hay next to the horses. Entering the stall, Radly held his breathe as he inched closer and closer to the half-elf. Seeing her stir in her sleep, he froze in his steps.

*

Not knowing why, Windshine had a feeling that someone was watching her. And it was a bad feeling. It was the feeling of great fear that began to creep over her that she began to stir in her sleep. As a thief, she was a lite sleeper. Opening one eye slightly, sure enough, she could see a figure stand over her. Turning in her pretended sleep, the half-elf grabbed one of her daggers and held it tight. Having the dagger close to her body, she would be able to swing the weapon at the figure when the figure came closer. Letting her breathing become regular, she wanted the figure to realize that she was asleep.

Hearing footsteps come closer to her, her heart began to beat fast. She kept her breathing regular, but her hands began to tremble slightly. Opening her eyes slightly, she saw a flash of steel from the shadows of the figure. Not knowing when, she quickly turned and swung her dagger in an arch towards the figure. Hearing something rip and a small gasp, Windshine knew she had caught the figure off guard. With quick reflexes, the half-elf was up on her feet. Seeing the figure beginning to regain balance, she darted for the door. Feeling a rush of air go past her ear and the sound of ripped clothing, Windshine tumbled out of the stables. Quickly getting up on her feet, she ran to the inn. Not looking back, not daring to look back, she climbed back up to the window where she had crawled out of. Closing the window with ease, the half-elf took a deep breath to calm her nerves. Soon, she realized she was tired and found an empty bed.

*

The half-elf caught Radly by surprise. As he inched closer, he raised his dagger. Before he knew it, his victim whirled around with a surprising quickness that he had barely enough time to dodge the weapon the thief had swung at him. From the swing, the thief was able to rip his clothing and cut his leg. The half-elf got up quickly and Radly was at a disadvantage. Trying to regain his balance, the thief made a dodge for the door. Taking a swipe at the thief, he realized he had missed her by an inch and she was out the door.

Running out to go after her, the thief was already on her feet and was running towards an inn. Not wanting to let the girl escape, he began to run after her. But before he could really go after the half-elf, he felt a big hand wrap around his stomach and was pulled to a stop.

"You failed! This was suppose to be easy! Our God is not kind to those who fail!" growled Panz, anger apparent in his voice.

Taking a gulp, Radly was afraid. Afraid for his life. But, before Radly could take another breath, his neck was snapped and his body went limp in Panz's arm. Dropping the dead young man on the ground, Panz shrugged at the boy's weakness. Weakness was looked down upon by Lupan. Panz knew that if one sign of weakness was shown, then you were dead. Dragging the body to a shadowed area of the stables, Panz propped the motionless body up against a wall. Turning to where his horse was, he let the other one go. Climbing his horse, Panz trotted out of town.

*

Waking at dawn, the companions went down to the bar for a quick breakfast. Windshine remembered what had happened last night. Recounting what had happened and the close call of her flesh being cut, the half-elf looked at her shoulder sleeve. Sure enough, it was torn by the dagger the mysterious figure had attacked her with. Not saying a word about what happened last night, Windshine felt it wasn't necessary.

"Whatsa happen to ya shirt?" asked Cole as he looked up from his plate of grits to see Windshine's right shoulder sleeve torn.

"Nothing. It's been there before. I haven't had time to sew it up yet, tis all," shrugged Windshine, pulling a fast one on the gladiator.

Hearing hte question and remark, Kami looked up as well. Windshine's sleeve was torn and Kami knew that it wasn't there before. As everyoned finished, they left a tip and went to the stables. The morning was crisp and cool. With each breathe, like a dragon's smoke, the air was visible in small puffs of cloud. Pulling the half-elf thief aside, Kami wanted answers.

"What really happened? You got it last night, didn't you?" asked Kami with sharp eyes that seemed to penetrate right through Windshine.

"N-n-nothing," stammered Windshine, shrinking from Kami's gaze.

"Liar!" snarled Kami through clinched teeth.

"So I was shopping. Almost got caught and tore the sleeve," shrugged Windshine.

Walking away, Kami accepted the half-elf's explanation. Sighing in relief, Windshine was glad Kami didn't probe further. Getting on her horse, the party began to travel southwest to Megapolis river.

*

Walking from a deep slumber, Panz felt a shift in the morning air. Squinting his eyes, he saw at least four figures leaving town on horseback. Two looked female while the other two looked male. Noticing that one of the males seemed a bit larger than the other, Panz guessed that the dwarf was riding with that man. As the party began to go further from his sight, Panz began to follow.

After killing the young man, Panz had to do the mission on his own. It was better that way. He knew he wasn't weak and he knew that Lupan was watching him. Dreaming of having his own arm and own city to rule, Panz had a greater need to complete his mission.

"Keep traveling adventurers. Your days of living are soon coming to an end," whispered Panz as a gold tooth shown from his smile.

Kalidore had an innate ability, something that came good with being a ranger. He was able to communicate with animals of different species that were good or neutral in nature. The animals liked him and no problems arised.

The forest was peaceful, something Kalidore loved. He loved being in the woods with nature. As a young elf, Kalidore always spent most of his time in the wilderness. Though his parents were Sylvan, partial to the wilderness, they didn't spend much time in the wilderness like Kalidore. Thinking about the forest brought little memories of his parents now. Shaking his head to rid himself of the thoughts, he didn't notice that his horse wasn't moving forward like he should be.

"Why aren't you moving?" asked Kalidore in elvan, realizing he was still in the same spot when they came to the forest.

Once calm, now jumpy, the horse snorted and began to back away from the entrance of the forest. Looking straight ahead, Kalidore could see nothing. Before he could react, the horse began to buck and acted skiddish. Throwing Kalidore off its saddle, the horse bolted away from the forest. Landing hard on the ground, Kalidore was bewildered.

*

It was high noon, maybe a little past, and the companions reached a forest. Within the forest, they could see a path that had been traveled many a times leading to the heart of the forest where the river flowed. The path was wide enough for two horses to walk side by side on.

Kami knew forests all to well. Motioning Windshine to walk beside her, the half-elf took her spot. The wizard moved to the back behind Kami and Cole with the dwarf was next to the wizard. Kami wanted at least one strong force in the rear in case of an ambush. Viewing the setup to be to her liking, Kami walked on and the rest followed, each staggering a little from one another.

The forest was bright in some areas while the other portions were dark. Seeing this as light and shadow, the party didn't see anything they should fear. The forest was quiet and peaceful. Everyone relaxed, even the dwarf who was always wary of peaceful and quiet forests. But, why shouldn't they relax?

As the night neared, the party found an open space within the forest. The space had a fire outlined already showing that many who traveled through the forest had used this spot many times before. They weren't in the comfort of an inn, so they had to put up watch. Evangion needed rest, so he was on the last watch. Windshine took the third watch and the dwarf took the second watch.

"I'll take first watch," replied Kami as if someone had asked her.

Knowing they were in good hands, the party could rest comfortably. The first watch went by without a problem. Waking Rono up, the dwarf took his watch. The night went by and Windshine was on the third watch. The fire was beginning to go out and the half-elf was getting cold. Grabbing some twigs nearby, she put the wood into the fire. While she was tending the fire, Windshine didn't notice the six pair of eyes watching her from a distance. Hearing a rustling sound, the half-elf stopped what she was doing.

Grabbing one of her daggers, Windshine slowly turned around towards the noise of the rustling. About twelve feet from where she stood, a bush was shaking now and then. Inching towards the bush cautiously, Windshine began to raise her dagger as if to warn whatever it was to stop and go away. Before she could react, a rabbit shot out from hiding and scampered across to the other side of the campsite. Startled by the action of the rabbit, the half-elf dropped her dagger. Cursing herself for being silly, she bent down and picked up her dagger from the ground. Turning to face the fire again, she stopped in her tracks. Not far from where the gladiator slept, Windshine could see two heads of goblins pop up into view.

*