The Group

The Group

by TJ Greaton

The Group walked into the deserted town. Windows were broken; shutters hung on single hinges. Occasional doors were smashed in. The only sounds that they heard were the echoes of their own steps, and the wind rattling doors and shutters. The town had been empty for a long time.

Eric, the group leader, took stock of their situation. He glanced at Ckris. Her bow was ready with an arrow, notched but not yet drawn. Walking beside the elf was Mage, their wizard. His mouth moved silently; he was prepared to deliver his paralysis bolt. Behind Mage walked Garrick, surprisingly silent for his size. His broadsword was in his hand. The weapon was meant to be used two-handed; Garrick could use it adequately with one, devastatingly with two. The last person in the party was the cleric Eltara. She walked quietly beside Garrick. She went with now outward signs of aggression, but Eric knew that if attacked she would use her healing powers in reverse. Satisfied with his group's preparedness, Eric gripped his short-sword tighter and continued his walk through the town.

Most of the outlying houses were residential; only a few were (had been) broken into. Eric didn't feel it necessary to search any of them. They continued through the twisting, narrow streets. When they reached the business district the vandalism stopped. Not one of the buildings was damaged. They all looked as if the owners had just closed for the night and had not reopened.

This perplexed Eric. Why hadn't the more valuable buildings been broken into? His thoughts jumped backward to two days ago when he talked to the messenger looking for help for the small town of Smia. The town had been the victim of orc raids. Their defenses were two small so the town officials had sent a messenger to find help. The messenger said that Smia could last for four or five more weeks, but just barely. Now, a mere two days later the town was deserted, apparently for more than two days.

In the Town Square the group found a raised platform made of rough wood. It was rickety, as though it had been built hastily. After several minutes of silence, "I wonder what happened," Eric said. "It looks as though the whole population just moved out."

"I haven't seen any bodies," Eltara said quietly. "If the orcs took over I'm sure there would be bodies."

After a moment of quietly discussing their next move Mage suddenly said, "Shhh! I thought I heard something move."

Instantly the group was silent. Weapons were brought up into position. Nothing moved; nothing made a sound. The wind even seemed to stop. The Silence hung in the air.

From behind them, the sound of a sword being drawn rang sharp and clear through the square.

Mage spun around ready to cast his spell. The words died on his lips. Standing before the group was their old friend Silk. His dress was similar to that of a pirate. He was leaning on his sword, a large smile on his face.

"Silk," Eric cried. "It is good to see you! My god, you gave us a scare!" He continued as he sheathed his sword. Silk did likewise.

"My good friends," Silk's voice boomed, "I wanted to see you, but I didn't think we'd meet like this..."

The whole group started talking and sharing stories. They found out that Silk had received word that Smia needed help a few days earlier. He came and found the same thing that they had, a long deserted town.

"...I decided to sleep here last night and went into one of the houses on the outskirts. When I saw you coming I decided to have a little fun."

"So you don't know what happened?" Garrick asked in his to-the-point manner.

"I have not a clue."

Eric decided to look into one of the business buildings. They went to the nearest shop in the square, a silversmith. The door was locked.

"I'll do it," Garrick said with a slight gleam in his eyes.

The group backed away. Garrick got a good running start and threw his massive shoulder at the door. A resounding thud was the door's only response.

"It should have opened," Garrick grumbled. He backed away to try again, but Mage stopped him.

"Something is not quite right..." Mage placed his hands and forehead on the door. He was motionless for a few minutes. Then his face became strained in his trance. Eric moved to pull him away but at that moment Mage slowly moved from the door, his gaze unfocused. After a minute his sight returned.

"What did you feel, my friend?" Silk asked as he put his arm around Mage. It was meant as a friendly gesture, but was actually a strong support to steady the wizard.

"Very powerful magic was used to protect these buildings," Mage said slowly. "I felt it all around, in all of these buildings. It... It tried to trap me. I just barely got away..." he trailed off. Finally he shook his head and, more strongly than before, "It wasn't against us, but something, or someone, more barbaric, more violent. I saw that much."

"Orcs!" Ckris said with disgust.

"Maybe," Eric said, "but I'd still like to know what happened."

"We have most of the pieces," Silk said. "We only have to put them together."

Eric collected his thoughts. "The orcs came," he began. "The town didn't have the man power to defend itself, but it did have magic, strong magic." Mage nodded. "They cast a spell of protection, and still it lingers. But where are the people?"

"My friend, it is simple," Silk replied. "Have you noticed all of the footprints leading toward the town square..."

"So all the people are asleep in these buildings," Eltara said awed.

"Or dead," Ckris said.

"Not dead, just asleep," a new voice said, an ageless voice, "and I can't seem to wake them up." The voice was filled with sorrow.

Eric turned and saw an old man standing on the platform. His hair was white as snow, his face clean-shaven, and his robes of the deepest blue. Obviously, he was a magic user.

The man sat down on the edge of the platform and, like a small child began to swing his legs. Slowly the group walked up to him. Eric spoke first. "Grandfather, did you cast this spell of sleep on the people?"

"Yes, but not alone. My five apprentices helped me. We stood on this platform only two days ago. Our men-at-arms had fled after a devastating attack by the orcs. Our defenses still held but much weakened. The men just left, leaving our city open to the orcs. We had to do something. I alone could not cast the two spells so my apprentices helped me. Now I can not break the spell of sleep."

"What of the protection spell?" Mage spoke up. "I felt it still at work, fighting my own magic just moments ago."

"Ah, yes. My youngest pupil did that. He is quite cleaver, that boy. It is harmless now. I've just dispelled it."

"If you don't mind my asking, who are you?" Ckris asked.

"Solinari, my child. And you?"

"Ckris. And these are my friends; Eric, Garrick, Mage, Eltara, and Silk," she said, indicating each in turn.

"Good. Now, if I could offer you some lunch I have a proposition to make." Solinari waved his hand and a table appeared in front of him. On it sat a full meal, enough for them all. They all started eating as Garrick helped the wizard off the platform.

After they had finished, the group sat around on the ground. For a few minutes no one spoke. Finally Solinari said, "I need to ask for your help. I know that only one of you is familiar in the arts but all of you can help. I have to dispel this sleep or all of the town's people will die."

Eric looked at all of his companions in turn. They each gave a short nod. He turned to Solinari. "Yes we will help."

"Good, now here's what I need..."

The next few hours were very busy. Mage sat listening to Solinari's instructions. Eric, Silk, and Garrick strengthened the platform. Ckris and Eltara went in search of spell components for Solinari. Finally all was ready.

Solinari opened all of the doors to the buildings in the square and got up on the platform. Mage took his place beside him. Solinari started to chant softly. Mage joined in supporting Solinari with his magic. The magic built up. At first it wasn't noticeable, but soon Eric could feel it, like the air before a thunderstorm. The sky seemed to darken, even though it was only three hours after noon and the sun shone in a cloudless sky. The magic continued to build. Soon there was a blue glow all around the platform. Mage's forehead was glistened with sweat. His eyes were shut, his forehead furrowed with concentration. The whole group could feel the tension in him. They shared it fully. When Eric felt he could take no more - when the whole group felt the hair on the backs of their necks rise - the cloud of magic slowly started to spread. It looked like a cloud billowing out from the platform. As it passed over them, they all felt more awake. They watched it engulf the buildings, and the whole town.

After a few minutes the cloud dissipated. A few wisps of it still lingered around the buildings. Mage and Solinari stood breathless, waiting to see if it would work. Five minutes later they both sank to their knees, thinking the spell had failed - all this in silence.

Garrick gave a shout. Mage looked up to see people coming out of the shops. First it was just a few; then more and more came out. Soon the square was filled with people. Solinari was delighted! He went around talking to everyone at once. The whole group was swept up in the crowd. People hugged and kissed them all.

After a lot of this, Solinari finally came back to them. "I've talked to the mayor," he shouted. "He said that you are more than welcome to stay for as long as you like!" His words were almost lost in the noise of the crowd. "He said to make arrangements with him tomorrow or the day after!" He was swept into the crowd.

Eric looked at his companions and grinned. "Well, I guess we have a place to stay for awhile!" They all grinned back. Seconds later they were in the crowd, joining the festivities.

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