Chapter Four

Taran nudged Turbo, "Follow Bitey!!" Turbo took of with a WARK, his long strides easily keeping up with the much shorter Imp. "You wanna ride?" Taran asked. "It'd probably be quicker..."

Slyde stared back at Serena, "Listen here miss. I don't know where you come from or even what makes you think that the world owes you some huge debt, but maybe if you listened to my words more carefully, you would understand what I said more clearly. Before you comforted the wounded, I said that I wanted him to be moved CAREFULLY near the fire. I agree that he should be comforted, but I said I don't want to move him too much when MOVING him. Who knows what other internal injuries he might have. That's why I said that. Maybe if you listened more often you would understand."

Turning away in frustration, Slyde focused on Bitey. "Very well, third watch I shall take. I would protest against two at watch at once, but very well. There is wisdom in your words. Two sets of eyes are better than one. When Blaize comes back I shall partner up with him. If you happen to see him, tell him that I wish to speak with him."

Turning back to Serena, "Are you going to help me or not?" Slyde growled.

Serena glared at Slyde. Her eyes seemed to just beg him to start something...

"Very well SlyyyyyyyD! [...] We'll do things your way. Forget my suggestion.... It's not important to merit consideration...." She carefully lifts the man's head up and stands. She places her hands underneath his shoulders and prepares to lift.

"Well?"

She turned her head and muttered barely audibly under her breath.

"And I thought you were a gentleman. All I was doing was making him relax. What the Tarnak's wrong with that?"

Slyde looks at Serena once again. "Look, I'm not here to make enemies. Trust me, I want to be friends with you. And I am a gentleman to ladies, but since I've joined this caravan all you have done is shown to me that you want nothing else to have everyone who won't stand up against you to do your will and your will alone."

Grabbing the mans legs, Slyde lifts him up with Serena and moves him closer to the fire. "Easy, easy... There." Slyde says as he and Serena bring the man to the grounds slowly. "Now we can comfort him better. You may continue that if you wish."

Slyde begins to walk away towards his horse but stops and says without turning, "Now maybe tomorrow morning you and I can start off on a new start, but for now let us just rest up tonight and try to start this all off on a good foot, okay? Besides a team that works together and agrees is better than one that is against each other and backstabs, agreed?" I don't care what Bitey says, I'm staying up all night to keep watch. I don't have an once of weariness upon my bones and I most likely won't feel any of it like usual. I wonder why? Is it related to that man, what was his name again.... Marix, no... Malarix, close... hmmm... Slyde stood thinking once again while waiting for Serena's reply.

Serena's eyes softened, slightly.

"I never once demanded that everyone follow me or obey only my orders. I simply made a decision and took charge in times when the rest of you were standing around bickering amongst yourselves. Yes I fell victim to it too but let's not forget, we've been attacked by wolves and have a crazy wizard after us. If we all stand around discussing things to death then we might as well all slit our own throats as we're all as good as dead. If you have a better suggestion to ensure our survival as a whole without confrontation and without endless debate, I am more than willing to listen and agree."

Viva glanced at the others while he quietly walked casually to the cart. Kobie nodded to him in encouragement, knowing that the others were occupied in their own actions.

Once at the cart, he picked up some food and his water and snuck out the back, heading into the forest where Blaize had headed. Looking forwards, he tried to avoid making any sound and hid. Following Blaize, Viva intended to help him in guard duty.

Kobie watched Viva as he disappeared into he cart and glanced at the others. They haven't really noticed what he was doing, and she was sure that it could stay this way. She smiled and went up to everyone, distracting them once again. "So... can we eat first?"

Viva decided to hide from Blaize for the moment. He didn't want him to know that he was following the man yet and decided stealth was the key. Viva decided that he'll appear when he wants to.

Turning from [her] rush to Mille, the sounds of loud talking come[s] to [Alouen's] sensitive ears.

"Hold on Mille...someone is yelling at camp."

Listening intently, [she] pick[s] up enough to know that the situation was well in hand, if not threatening to boil over.

"Maybe we don't need to be in such a rush, they seem to be keeping everything in order."

[Alouen] had wanted to try starting anew with the group, but from the sounds of it, Serena wouldn't stand for it. Not now anyway.

Mille by this time has gathered up [their] things, and is standing next to [Alouen] hastily tucking her shirt in.

"So, what are we going to do Alouen?"

"Good question." A thought came to [her]. As much as that previous encounter with the shroud had scared [her], maybe if [she] tried again, but only much more cautiously, [she] could find out what, and maybe from where, it was.

"I'm going to talk with Planet Mille, can you watch over me please?"

Finding a short stone to sit on, [she] do[es] so, and Mille sits next to [her], and keeps an eye out for any night prowlers. Making [her]self at ease, [she] slowly release[d] [her] senses, and begin to search for the darkness that had captured [her] before.

As [she] reach[ed] for the planet [she] suddenly fe[lt] a barrier. [She] tr[ied] again, and still [she] hear[d] nothing. By now [she] should have felt the trees where the firewood was, the grass, the rock [she] [was] sitting on.

Breathing heavy [she] reach[ed] out again and it fe[lt] as if something [was] blocking [her] from speaking to the earth. The darkness is shrouded heavily in [her] vision, and nothing seems to give.

Sweating from the amount of strength [she] [was] putting into reaching for the planet.

Straining a little more, [she] realize[d] it [was] useless. The shroud is heavy. And impenetrable. [She] draw[s] back, into [her] own body.

"Mille, something...something is shielding me from touching Planet. I can't sense anything. I'm being blinded..."

A tear wells up in [Alouen's] eye, but [she] grunt[s], and shake[s] [her] head.

"No. Strength is the key to being in this crowd. I will be strong. I think I should tell the others. They should know that evil touches at least one of us this night."

Standing, [she] take[s] [her] stick, and set[s] into a forceful walk to camp. They needed to know [her] dilemma.

Los was suddenly made aware that somebody in the group was stashing weapons... The boy... Taran. How... interesting... He thought making a note to get at these the first chance he could. Los had already set off a way when the camp changed how it sounds. There was some sort of movement and the chicken was walking. Changing his intended patrol path he stealthily circled about in a much smaller area to come out beside the cart again near the fallen man.

"For thieves you people are morons." His voice was a little less than stealthy in order to alert them to his presence. Los didn[']t like this guy. The wounds had to be fake. Walking forward, ignoring whatever is being done to the man he looks for the mans weapons. Taking all he can find. "I[']ll give them back when We know what his business here in the middle of nowhere is." Los stopped dead for a moment, the hair on the back of his neck standing up (It does all the time, but this is that paranoid feeling.) He kneels and looks about. "We should have scouted about... before we cleaned." His voice was once more a gruff whisper.

[...]"Rigghhht... Nobody can possibably be as sneaky or as wise as you..." Taran said with all the sarcasm he could muster. He looked closer at Los. "Los, that's you? You actually look fairly good without five layers of blood, dirt, and bat guano on you..."

Los looked at the[...] personal effects he had taken. T[h]e knives didn[']t apear to be designed for fighting but just to be safe he tucked them away. The jerky looks mighty tempting... MIGHTY tempting but Los would rather be alive than full. He sniffs the water to make sure its actually 'water' before replacing it. He does the same with the polish, twitching slightly. Then with much less stealth and style he grabs the only apparent weapon the guy has. [...] Without checking if the guy's awake Los retreats to the relative calm of the cart's roof. He stands there for a moment scanning the clear flat level grassland that surrounds their camp.

At a glance from the top of the wagon [Los] [saw] neither nasties nor Mort. All [he] [saw] [was] the darkness surrounding [him] and a few hills off in the distance by light of the moon.

Sitting comfortably on top of the wagon, [he] start[ed] to look at the weapons, specifically the sword. Starting from the pommel [he] turn[ed] it to see it from all sides. As [he] touch[ed] it and r[a]n [his] finger down the length of the blade.

Suddenly without warning [he] [was] thrown back on the canvas and [his] body is thrown into a fit. Jerking and convulsing [he] hear[d] a voice.

"Los......Sol......" [Los] grit [his] teeth as [his] body take[s] control and has a mind of it's own.

Flashes from [his] memory start[ed] to dance in [his] head. A home, a family, a people, destruction. [He] [saw] people crying, people dying, [he] [saw] ruins and [...] a shadowed man.

"Los...." The voice whispers as if caught in the wind. And just as quickly as it started it's over. [Los] open[ed] [his] eyes and realize[d] that [he] had dropped the sword down the side of the wagon, and no one has noticed.

As Los recovers from his flashes of images and his calling for home, he looks at the blade lying on the grass. Having fallen from the top of the wagon, Los was careful not to pick up the sword again. Looking it over he only saw his reflection in the cold hard steel. There was not a single knick on the sword which told of excellent care. The handle was of intricate design, and had something written on it that he could not recognize. After looking at it from all angles, he still could not decipher what it said. Still he was careful not to touch it again.

Viva follows Blaize into the shadows able to be kept hidden in the shadows. He would tell Blaize he was there only when he wanted to, until then he figured he would just follow the big guy.

With Mille in tow, Alouen purposfully stalked towards camp, unaware of the tension brewing with the other people. When she nears the fire, she slows, and listens to the crackles and snaps of the wood. When she can start to feel the heat, she backs up one step, and sits down, cross-legged on the ground.

"Mille, who is here? Is anyone here?" In a louder voice, not a yell, but loud enough to carry, "Can anyone who can hear me please come to the fire? I have something to say. It concerns all of our well-beings!"

Mille takes her spot next to me, and waits for people that want to hear me to come to the fire.

Taran turns and looks at where Alouen had called. "Heh, something really important?"[...] Then he nudged Turbo into a walk. Once he got to the Fire he pulled up a decent size rock and sat down. Turbo looked at him for a moment then WARKed and wandered off to graze.

[Serena] continued to stand there. That is until Alouen and Mille come forth.

She turns to the woman and her companion. Her face softens some.

"Yes Alouen? I'm listening if you have something you'd like to say. By the way, You look better with your hair down." She smirked a bit.

The echo of crying children filled the man's senses, pushing out all other sounds. For days it had been this way. Every waking moment spent wishing for something else, ANYTHING else, but it never came. It was never a birdcall or a dog barking, or even the wind blowing through the trees. No...it was always that one, unmistakable horror. That terrible sound that could drive a person insane if you weren't careful. The trick was to stop caring. Push your emotions down deep and never let them up for air. The moment you let that awful sound get to you, you were as good as lost. Life was unbeaerable this way. How was he supposed to perform his sworn duty when all he could think of was that terrible bawling? Still, he carried on. The food shortage had affected them all and the city guard was no exception. For weeks now the populace of Camea had been reduced to a chaotic mixture of riots, murders, and death. Even the noble-born were forced to scavenge among the bodies of the fallen for sustenance. Perhaps the guard could have helped soothe the people's pain and suffering, but as it was they were busy enough stifling the daily uprisings and bloody riots. The people just didn't understand the need for peace and order. If they gave in to their panic the entire city would be lost. But there was no getting through to these people. They didn't care about listening to reason. All they thought about was where their next meal, if any, would come from.

A small disturbance rose to the right and the man sighed. Not again. Will these fools never learn? An old man, barely able to support himself on his rotting cane, held a crying child in his arms. A child? No, more like a scarecrow . In truth, the babe was no thicker than the elder's wooden cane. An agitated guardsman stood listening impatiently as the man begged for food: "But sir! My grand-daughter is wasting away to nothing! Please, she's all I have left! Her mother, gods rest her soul, died in the riot yesterday. I know the guards keep a small store of food in the palace. All I ask is for a little bit of bread. Please! Just a little bit for my dying grand-daughter!" His pleas were met with violent indifference: "So what? This entire city is dying. What's one more child added to the pile? Move along, old man. I'm busy enough without having to listen to your mutterings." A wrinkled arm shot out and grabbed the guard in desperation. "Please! She's DYING! You have to SAVE HER! You..." The old man's cries came to a sudden halt. A flash of steel, glinting in the afternoon sun, and then the wet thump of metal finding a home in flesh. There was barely a whimper as the elder fell into the muddy street; the baby falling alongside him. And crying. Always crying. The guard came to stand above the child. He raised his sword high above his head and grimly shoved it down.

"Noooo!!!" The man could watch the scene no longer. Rushing foward, he punched the guard on the side of his helmeted head. The guard was knocked back slightly, then looked to face his assaulter. "Kamis...What...?" "Stop this! What the hell do you think you're doing?" "He was becoming desperate. That made him a danger to me and the rest of this city. There was no telling what he might have done." "Of course he's desperate! Everyone is! We're starving! But that's no excuse for killing a helpless old man and a babe!" The guard, no longer taken by surprise, raises his sword. A group of guardsmen begins forming around the two. "You've seen the way they riot. You know how many of our fellows have been killed by roving bands of peasants. It was a mercy killing, if anything. Maybe I'll go and kill a few more, just to give the rest of us a better chance." A few of the observers mutter their agreement. "Yeah. Kill 'em all. Makes our lives easier." Kamis drew his own sword and held it in a two-handed stance. "No. We're not murderers! We must work with the people to find a solution!" "Ha! Work with them? They don't even listen to us anymore. Kill 'em all! Make the streets run red!" "I forbid it." Suddenly a blade flies out from the group and lodges itself in Kamis' leg. He grunts in pain and barely manages to dodge the incoming blow. The guards press in as one, overpowering him with their combined strength. He falls to his knees and the mob surrounds him.....

In the flickering firelight, the unconcious Kamis' eyes flutter open for a mere moment. Unaware of anything that might be occurring around him, he looks up and sees an angel. Dark-haired and majestically beautiful, the angel is talking to someone outside of Kamis' field of vision. Struggling to speak, he tries to get her attention.

While standing there, [Serena] heard the man speak.

"Vors se nah....tekko els si me nah po." His eyes roll up into his head and he returns to the land of fitful dreams. And a child cries in the distance.

[Serena's] head darted down to him. She dropped to the ground and re-cradled his head.

"Are you ok? What did you just say? Hello?" She realized he had only spoken a few words and had fallen back unconcious. She sighed a bit and continued to do what she could to comfort him. Looking back at Alouen, she jumped a bit.

"Oh I'm sorry, I interrupted you. Go ahead, I won't interrupt again." She shot a quick evil eye at Slyde and listened carefully to what Alouen had to say.

Los can[']t make out what[']s written on the handle. No matter how much he urges himself to pick it up fear of the memory surges stops him. Was it the sword that brought it on? [T]he scenery hadn[']t... but that was before dusk fell. The armoured man may have an answer... Los was suddenly VERY glad he had taken the man[']s sword.

As Blaizes walks in the darkness with only the moonlight guiding him he finds nothing out of the ordinary. Just a few rabbit holes, which he thought might be useful if they needed some[thing] different to eat. [He] also find[s] some small field critters that scatter into the grass as you approach.

Sitting on the ground, [Alouen] listened to some minor shuffling, and assumed it was people silently coming to [her] call. Nodding to [her]self, [she] take[s] a breath, and prepare[s] to tell them about [her] shroud.

[Alouen] didn't really know how to start, because sensing wasn't all that common, as far as [her] knowledge went. How would they all react to knowing that [she] can sense the planet we live upon? Some of them already knew a little. What of the others though?

"I have a problem," [She] say[s,] addressing everyone who is there. "It's really hard to explain really. When I try to sense Planet...something is shrouding me. I can't feel anything. It's evil, and it is affecting at least one of us this night." [She] blindly look[ed] around, trying for an aura of dead seriousness. "Whatever is happening to us, it is certainly very powerful, and dark, to be able to keep me from Planet." Taking a breath, [she] continue[d], "I don't know what we should do about it, but I just thought I'd let everyone know, I am truly blinded for a time." Possibly forever. The thought rang in [her] head. No, [she] would get past this wall.

"My true concern is, if this darkness can shroud me, what can it do to everyone else?"

Slyde stood totally motionless, Sense the planet... I know what she means, but how? I have no idea what sensing the planet is but for some odd reason I know of its knowledge and what can be learned from it. This is confusing, could my memory be triggered by this event? And this darkness, what does she mean by that? Does it mean someone will betray us? Someone or something is coming to capture if not kill us? This is truly unsettling, I will definitely stay on watch tonight.

"What do you mean by Sensing the Planet? I've heard of it before, but never understood how it was done or how you could understand from it? And what of this darkness? Do you sense a great threat approaches or a more vague idea, like the tides of war?" Slyde says as he turns to face the prophetess. I hope it doesn't have anything with her being harmed or killed. She might be the key to unlocking my memory!

Those were good questions the man was asking. But, very hard to answer. [Alouen] decided to try [her] best.

"Well, by sensing the Planet, I mean when I reach out to it. It's like becoming part of it. Here, think of it this way." [She] raise[d] [her] arm to the right, and h[e]ld it in the air. "This is my arm. I can feel it hanging in the air. The weight of it, the feel of the air on it, everything. Now, when I reach out for Planet, and sense, it is much like this. I become able to feel everything around me. Grass, trees, rocks, water, everything. All the nature around me becomes as an extension of my body. No, that's wrong. More like, I become an extension of it. That is how I can find things."

[Alouen] decided to keep the fact [she] could also see spirits and magicks to [her]self. That was still something they did not need to know. It would only serve to enhance some of their thinkings that [she] was a witch of sorts. Well, they were going to think it anyway, but no point pushing them.

"The darkness I am referring to, on the other hand, is harder to explain. Let's use the analogy of my arm again. Normally, I can feel it, right? Well, now imagine your arm was numb. You cannot feel anything, nor can it be moved." [She] drop[ped] [her] arm to [her] side. "This is what the darkness is doing to my sensing. As much as I try, I can not get past the numbness. I cannot become an extension of Planet."

Taran thought about that for a moment. Wait a minute, she said something about being truly blind... Millie had refered to her as blind, but she had always moved so confidently, facing people, and such... He moved towards her, "That must be horrible... Lemee guess, it something your as used to as your arm." He flexes his arm, and wiggles his fingers. "It must be awful... Er... Umm.. Is there anything I could do to help??" He seriously doubted there was... But he did want to help...

Bitey walks back into camp from the darkness. By way of explanation, softly, "Nature called," then, "So, what have I missed?"

[Alouen] smile[d] sweetly. It was good to see he wanted to help. "Well, Taran, the only way you could relly help me, is just by keeping an eye on me. I won't be all that bad off, really I won't." Wouldn't [she]? "Of course, if you want, you could find whatever is blocking me, and help me put an end to it?" Smiling, [she] just thought, I wish it was that easy.

"You think it's related to the Evil Wizard?" Taran asks thoughtfully. "I mean that or what he wants..." An idea clicks. "YES!!" Taran exclaims. "Remember that scroll that we had? That collapsed that tunnel? Maybe IT could do something to help you!!"

Slyde steps forward into the campfire light upon hearing the mentioning of the scroll from Taran's mouth. "Scroll? What scroll?"

Slyde stares back at the group waiting for an answer all the time wondering, what have I gotten myself into this time.

Oooops. Taran thought, Maybe I said to much... Darn it, should've asked Blaize or Serena how much we were keeping under our hats... Oh well nothing to do but tell them I suppose... Taran grinned enthusiasticlly "Blaize has this really cool scroll, that like, has ancient magic or something on it. Anyway a while back it collapsed a tunnel out of nowhere. It just started glowing and the tunnel crumbled. It seems to have unspecified cool powers... Maybe it can do something."

Slyde let out a grunt that seemed more like a snarl. Great more crazy magic, ancient magic at that. And in the hands of a group most likely not as adept in the ways of that awe striking power. But what would they do with a scroll like that. If it was in there possession from the beginning they would know how to use it, yet from the quiver in his voice and the pause it took for him to gather his thoughts, it would appear that its the scroll that they have in there possessions is making them be chased by this 'mad magician' as Serena put it.

Slyde stepped closer to Taran and made sure that the fire case an intimidating glow on him. "I'm going to go out on a limb here. Where did you find that scroll? It[']s simple that it is not yours due to that fact that it was never brought up till now, you guys are being chased by a 'mad magician' as Serena mentioned, and just now you paused and quivered a bit in your speech as if you were trying to cover something up. So where did you get it? Did you steal it from that magician? Is that who it belongs to? And just who is this magician that we are running from? Well?" Slyde begins to get impatient and sweat begins to appear across his brow due to the close proximity of the fire. If his armor was on, he would be cooked by now.

Oh Shoot!!! Taran thought, He is SERIOUSLY upset about this!! His knees quaked as Slyde loomed tall before him... Taran leaned down from where he was sitting... "Uhhh... Like I said, Blaize has it! He got it off some boat..." Oh Great he's sweatin['] mad!! "I dunno! It just collapsed this tunnel after we went through it... and I thought it could have other powers..." He stutters off into silence as he sees Slyde glare at him.

Bitey smiles vacantly as the group discusses scrolls and various other things that he'd heard vague things about before. There seems to be some sort of altercation brewing. "Excuse me, Sir Slyde, but there's no need to badger the lad. It's well past the time that the two of you should be asleep. That Blaize man knows more about the scroll, and he's not telling. It involves ancient wars and international magics, as I recall. All in good time. No need to scare the lad over it. You can grill the man tomorrow. Off to bed with the two of you. I'll need you both at full strength in the morning, and you both have watches."

Blaize returned from his scouting mission without finding anything, other than the usual little woodland creatures one finds in a forest. "Well, looks like we really are alone out here now, Thank God[,]" he mutters the last part under his breath. He walks over to the fire to find Slyde glaring at Taran, he cocks his head sideways and says to them, "What's going on fellas, something I should be made aware of." The last part of that he directs to Slyde whilst moving protectively behind Taran.

Slyde moves away from the fire and reveals a smirk that Taran could not see from the fire backlight on Slyde. "Ahh, you won't be very good in interrogations if you cave in like that boy. And I do humbly apologize if I scared the wits of you." Noticing Blaize returning and preparing to protect the boy, "Calm yourself Blaize, I meant no harm. Its just recently my mind... its been, well I would rather talk about it privately if you are so concerned. It is my problem not yours. Anyways, Bitey is right, you should get to sleep lad. However, I wish to speak to Blaize." Slyde seeing Bitey's questioning eye already on the way, "For a few minutes. Privately. That is if Blaize would care to do so?"

"Of course, there's a few things I'd like to ask you." He motioned to Slyde to follow him a few yards away from the fire, so that the light just barely hits them. "Well, now that we're alone, what do you want to know?"

Taran Grumbles a bit about being sent off to bed... "But it's not that late..." Taran lets out a huge yawn[,] "and I usually am up nights..." Another large yawn, "Alright, alright... Sent to be like a little kid..." Taran's grumbles faded off into inaudability as he went to the cart and grabbed a bedroll. He noticed Bitey's nephews asleep and grinned. Naah, he'd save the tricks for in the morning. laid down on the bedroll, and was soon sound asleep.

Bitey watches the knight leave with the hobo. He makes his way to Alouen. "Come now, Prophetess, it's late, and you no doubt need your rest." He extends his hand to her, tapping her hand and allowing her to take hold. "Come along Mille, I have assigned you a watch as well. And I have been meaning to talk to you." He leads Alouen[...]. "Guardian Mille, I was wondering if you've ever handled a sword..."

What [Alouen] had told them w[as] lost in discussion over the scroll. It reminded [her] of an old woman that had come to [their] town when [she] was very young. People ignored her, and she started screaming for them to listen to her. [Alouen] wanted to do that now as well.

Bitey's voice addresses [her], and a hand touches [hers], to aid [her] in rising. "Thank you," [she] say[s], holding on, and standing up. "Lead on, as I suppose you are right, and I should get some rest."

Mille gives Bitey a quizzical look. "Why would I have ever handled a sword?" What Bitey is proposing suddenly sinks in. "Oh Oh! Well, I'd like to learn, if you could teach me. Then I could really protect Alouen.

Had [Alouen] known where she was, [she] would have given her a sideways glance, and given Bitey a frown to cower stones. As it was, [she] saw merit in giving Mille a way to protect herself. One never knows when [they] may be separated.

"Well Mille, if he wants to teach you, be my guest. It couldn't hurt. And if it does hurt, Sir Bitey," [she] turn[ed], and give the air next to [her] an evil glare, "You will have a very angry blind woman after you."

Serena continued to hum and gently stroke the man's face. She had heard everything that was said thus far, but made no response.

'I knew she was a witch. She thought But I had no idea it was of this scale. Yet if she is able to become an extension of the earth, why was she attacked by the wolves? And if this darkness is affecting her, then she may be an ally after all.

Her thoughts trailed off and her mind wandered for a moment. The tunnel flashed to mind, the bats. The heat of the fires of the house and Killjoy's dying words. Gundaga's words echoed in her mind. Serena's body shivered with a mortal fear. I had better rethink my strategy. Especially now that Taran let the cat out of the bag about the scroll. Better set things right...

"Slyde, when you've finished your conversation, I would like to have a word or two with you if I may." She spoke loud enough for the Slyde to hear but never turned her head in his direction. Her attention seemed to be focused on the unconcious man before her."

Why does he look familiar? Do I know him? Her mind raced....

Slyde headed towards Blaize and began to sort through what he wanted to ask the mysterious man that he knew so little of. "Well, I guess I should get right to the point. You have the scroll and it seems that the boy, Taran, says that you are the one in charge of it. So what can you tell me of it? And what of this Magician that Serena spoke of?"

Blaize suppressed a grin when he heard Slyde's question, I forgot that he didn't know about the prophecy. Well, since Fate has decided we should travel together, he should at least know as much as I do about what we're doing. "Well, it all started when a man called Killjoy and I were both working on this ship..." Blaize continued to tell the story of the scroll up until he met Serena and the others. "Shortly after everyone arrived at Killjoy's house, a powerful mage known as Gundaga appeared and set fire to it. As a matter of fact, Killjoy died trying to save Alouen from the flaming arrows that were being fired at the house." As he spoke of Killjoy's death a tear formed in his eye as he remembered the death of the only friend he had ever had. "We just barely were able to escape through a secret tunnel that Killjoy and I made in case of that very circumstance. Gundaga, that would probably be the 'Mad Magician that Serena spoke of. He is extremely powerful and will stop at nothing to get this scoll" Blaize pulled out the scoll as he said this. "Well, after we escaped Camea, we made camp on the outskirts of it. We should've gone further away before we made camp, but everyone was rather fatigued so I stopped sooner than I should have. And we nearly paid for my softness, you see, sometime during that night the scroll started to glow brightly and the opening of the cave suddenly collapsed. I know that that was Gundaga, or his men at least trying to find us. Everything after that, our fight with the wolves, meeting Bitey, finding the carriage, and running into you party you should know. Anything else you wish to know?"

Slyde is stunned by the past that Blaize has had to carry with him. "So Gundaga is after you guys... Then that means that I can find him no problem. You see, it appears that Gundaga killed my employer, General Mealan." Slyde pauses and catches his breath. "You see, I may not have been a soldier or follower to him, but [he] was a campanion, a great ally in battle, and my only friend as well. And I plan to extract revenge on Gundaga for what he did." Slyde now having full knowledge of what is going on feels assured that there is no more dark secrets floating around that will get him killed, for now. "I suppose we should get to sleep. But I have one last question. When I blanked out and came to, you said that if I rest and not worry about it, that I would feel better in the morning. How did you know that? Do you have some sort of memory loss?"

Well, that saves me the trouble of having to ask him about that. Blaize thought with a smile. "Actually that was just some advice I would have given for anything, you know, get some rest and you'll feel better, it works on many different levels. But you're right, I have very little memories of my past, just a few images of me, as a boy, and my father, or at least I hope he's my father, he's wearing this." As Blaize says this, he pulls out a dark green amulet from under his cloak. "We were training, I was learning to use my sword. The next thing I remember, I was on the Naruni Islands, I was wearing very much the same things I am now, with my sword and my father's amulet. [S]ometimes though, when I'm asleep, my dreams are memories, I think. I can't remember what they were when I wake, but I know that they were there. It's difficult to explain." Blaize looks down at the ground as he finishes

"I see, I'm sorry if I caused any bad feelings to arise in you." Slyde lets out with a sigh, "I have no memory whatsoever. In fact the first memory that I have is awakening up in a Temple. An ancient stone temple. It had what seemed to be a coffin on a dias with steps all around it. I was in exactly as you see now," Slyde gestures to his garments and his armor lying on the ground near his mount, "And I had this sword across my chest." Slyde lifts the blade up and then returns it to its sheathe. "I was surrounded by countless bodies of warriors that seemed to be my enemies. At the time I was sure they weren't after me. I left the temple and entered a massive forest. I wandered aimlessly for days, with no food, no water, horrible living conditions, and very little safety. I was sure I was going to die, but then I stumbled upon a village. They took me in and nursed me to health. They said that I had amnesia. After a few years, memories came back, skills that I had no idea on how I knew, and images of what I believe is my father. I can recall countless battles that I have fought, but I bear no scars of there proof. I've seen thousands die, yet know not one of them. The Elder said that it was part of the healing process, later he told me of a legend that went with the temple. It said that, 'The son of the great diety will awaken when the world is in dire need. This son will go out and bring peace back to the lands.[']The Elder even dared to suggest that I was that hero. I hardly think that at all. I was just there. Guarding the temple from robbers. But then when I went to see this temple again years later, I felt a strange danger around the place. Entering I found men, just like those that were around me when I awoke in the temple searching. I immediately encountered them and fought to get info out of them. They were sent to capture me for some reason. But when I questioned the commander, he fled and his last worlds were: 'We simply want to use you to better our own purposes, there is no reason to tell you why. We will meet again.' I went back to the Elder and told him of this and he said that I should leave and find out of my past myself. So I did that, and I've been trying to find those Soldiers since then."

"It appears as though you and I are very much alike. It's getting late why don't we get some sleep. Who knows, maybe one day, aftert the Prophesy is fulfilled, we'll be able to learn of our pasts. But let's leave that for another day. Oh, I nearly forgot, shouldn't we have some sort of guard up during the night?"

"We do have guards set up for night watches. But I'm not tired at all, I'm going to stay up tonight to watch either way. When you say prophecy you are referring to that scroll, am I correct?" Sldye says as he looks over his shoulder to see that everyone is getting settled into sleep.

"Yes, the scroll. Well, I'm not that tired either, but I've learned that one should take any sleep he can, because you never know when the next time you're be able to safely get some sleep will be. Well, goodnight, wake me when it's my turn to take watch."

"I'll be sure to do so. Goodnight, Blaize. Oh, and please don't mention this to the others, I don't want my own quest interferring with theirs. And I don't want them to get in the way if a confrontation with these soldiers should come looking for me. I don't want anyone else getting involved. Just make sure that they get away from the soldiers, then if you are still concerned. You and you alone, come and get me, whether I'm dead or not. Okay?" Slyde replies just as Blaize is about to leave.

"I will Slyde, I will." Blaize shakes Slyde[']s hand as he says this. "I think I heard Serena say she wanted to talk to you, perhaps you check that out. Goodnight." Blaize goes back to the carraige, looks for an empty spot and settles down to go to sleep.

Serena wants to talk to me, but this late, hmm. I guess I could do it now, but Bitey will get pretty mad. Maybe I'll do it tommorrow morning. Unless she is awake now. Slyde wonders as he stares up to the sky towards the moon. Well I hope I made at least one solid ally today. Who knows what the next day will bring. I'm through walking this path alone! I need answers. Why are they hunting me!? Who are these Soldiers!? What are these visions trying to tell me!? Was the Elder right!? No, he couldn't be. A son of a diety would have unique powers and skills that surpass any mortal. And I would have been given a sign by my diety father if I was this 'son'. Unless, he is dead.... Wait, why would I think that. Ugh, maybe Blaize is right, I just need some sleep.

Los continued to puzzle over the sword and the armoured man. He still couldnt bring himself to touch the weapon but he couldn[']t leave it here... [W]hat if the man awoke with hostile intent? [W]hat if Bitey's children found it. It didnt take him long to formulate a plan. Taking out the bag he grabbed the two torches he had... borrowed earlier from the cave. [H]e put the open bag on the ground and held one torch in each hand. Using them like something between scooping pincers and chopsticks he lifts the sword up and puts it in the bag. Holding the bag by the handle he climbs back up onto the cart.

With that sword safely out of reach Los returns to the top of the wagon and looks about again, stopping for a while to take a good long look at the armoured man. He also starts paying closer attention to the conversations in the camp.

Serena looked up at Slyde who was still engrossed with his conversation with Blaize. It was getting late. The fire had already begun to die down a bit. Carefully, she placed the man's head down and got up. She grabbed some more wood from their stash and placed a bit more in the pit to keep it going.

That should keep the night, I hope She thought. She walked over to the cart and removed a couple of blankets and a sack of grain. Dragging the grain over, she began to make a bed for herself and the man. She propped the sack up and carefully placed his head back in her lap. Leaning back she drifted off to sleep with her hands placed gently on his head, one on top and one on his cheek.

I hope he wakes soon. It'll be hard to travel with him.

Soon, she is fast asleep.

Bitey led Alouen to the cart, trailing Mille. "Excellent! We shall begin in the morning." He listens to Alouen's threat with curiosity. "Yes, yes, now it is time to sleep. Guardian Mille, I have assigned you a watch." He helps Alouen into the cart. "If you are not comfortable with this, I can inform Sir Slyde that we will reassign." He looks over at the sleeping Serena while waiting for Mille's answer.

As Taran closes his eyes to sleep, four more eyes open. The boys grin maliciously, advancing on their unwary prey. As they stand before his sleeping form, something stirs at the back and the ninja is upon them. Both children fall limp at Taran's feet. One snores loudly, while both watch Los with one eye partially open. Then the second starts to giggle. Unable to control themselves, they both shake with slightly restrained laughter. When they realize that Los has already gone, they both get up and eye Taran with sadistic glee. A commotion at the front of the cart alerts them, and after a quick look at each other, they both collapse like rag dolls once again.

It did not take long for sleep to set in. After the days events, and the nights occurances it was time to sleep, and Serena welcomed it with open arms, and closed eyes. She did not look forward to the long trek across the plains to the Inventor's city, but anything was better then sleeping on the grass. A part of her wished there was stuff to steal, she did not want her skills to atrophy, still, she would have her chance when it came. Maybe she could get her hands on some cool inventions.

Soon [she] [is] enveloped in darkness. Everything is quiet, everything is...black. Suddenly out of the blackness a light starts to approach. With a rumbling the light explodes into a thousands tiny lights, and [she] find[s] [her]self standing on a platform surrounded by the tiny fire fly lights.

"Speak!!" Said a rumbling voice from the darkness. [She] look[s] around but see[s] nothing. "What have you seen...REPORT!!!" [She] do[es] not know what to say or what to do.

"Who...what are you?" [She] say[s] out loud. At first it sounds like [her] first assignment. [She] remember[s] [her] boss. Scar, that was his name, [she] remember[s] how [she] laughed because of how unoriginal it was. Still he was a fierce employer and [she] remember[ed] how he cannibalized the children he kidnapped. [She] found it and threatened to report him, but nothing, he only laughed and told [her] that [she] would be just as guilty. His laugh was harsh and [she] remember[s] as he ate a cooked finger.

"Stay away..." [She] scream[s] out as [she] cower[s].

"Enough!" The dark voice says. Suddenly the darkness melts away and there is scenery that takes [her] breath away. [She] [is] standing on a cliff on a land [she] do[es] not recognize. Below [her] is a battlefield, bodies are all over the ground. On the other side of the cliff is a castle, made from the mountain. The two suns in the sky are just reaching their peak, and then [she] hear[d] the voice again. "You are mine, I own you, never forget that."

The sounds of the carrion birds on the battlefield as they pick the bodies clean is the only sound next to the wind. "Go out and get what I want, you have your orders. Help will arrive soon, until then go, my slave and do my bidding." The voice is dark and evil.

Suddenly the two suns start to fall out of the sky and crash into the land sending earth flying into the air, splitting the land, and tossing [her] off the cliff.

[She] scream[s] as [she] fall[s] and notice[s] that the void [she] [is] falling into is not a hole, but a black gloved hand. Right as [she] hit[s] [she] see[s] the large fingers close in around [her].

[Serena] awaken[ed] covered in a sheen of sweat and breathing rapidly. The dream was over.

Slyde approached Serena and knelt beside her. She seemed to be troubled by something. Her body twitched violently. As Slyde leaned over and whispered in her ear, the dream broke.

"AAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!! !!!! GET AWAY FROM ME!!! LET ME GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She lashed out at Slyde pushing him away. She did not even recognize him.

Jumping to her feet, she nearly fell in the fire pit as she scrambled away from something. Her body was covered in a sheen of sweat, her eyes open wide with terror. She was gasping for air.

Suddenly, she slammed into the cart with her back rocking the cart to the side and disturbing the occupants. Her eyes darted around, her hands flat against its walls. Her breathing was quick and heavy. She seemed as if she was about to cry.

Jumping to his feet, Slyde is startled due to the fact that he was caught off guard and now is most likely to be accused of something he didn't do. " Calm down Serena, its me, Slyde. Its all of us, we are your friends. Not enemies." Slyde looks around to see if anyone else is nearby to assist him in calmind down the girl. "I was just seeing if you were awake, you said you wanted to talk to me before I left with Blaize. Calm down, you'll let everyone withen a couple miles range know where we are, so just calm down." Slyde reassures as he very slowly approaches her. "It was just a bad dream, shhh, quiet down there."

"SLYDE!!! Oh thank god!!" She lept forward and wrapped her arms around him cradling him. She felt safer now. Somewhat.

"Alouen was right, something terrible IS happening.. I had this dream. There was this man there, and a battlefield full of dead bodies and this castle and a black gloved hand!!"

She starts to shiver a bit and clutches Slyde tightly.

"What is going on?"

She looks up. Her eyes have started to swell and turn red. Tears begin to form.

"I'm sorry Slyde. I'll stop bossing you around, just don't let the glove get me..."

When Serena screamed, Taran's eyes popped open. Something was happening!!! He shook his head and rose to his hands and knees, one hand going for a dagger when the whole cart shook! Dang, What was that?? He quickly crawled to the front of the cart, to see what was going on, noticing as he did that the Imp kids seemed to be sleeping alot closer to him than he rembered... As he crawled out, knife at the ready, he noticed a sobbing Serena in Slyde's arms. He heard:

Slyde held Serena and stroked her hair. "Its alright, no one's going to harm you. Maybe we should just talk about everything you wanted to talk about with me tonight in the morning. Then if you want, we could discuss this. Just go to sleep. I'll watch over you. Make sure your safe."

Looking into her eyes, Sldye hopes that he can comfort her, even though he has no experience in the past, he feels that he has at least suceeded a little. Whoa, that was a least defused fast. I thought for sure she was going to go crazy on us for a minute. A sigh of relief escapes Slyde's lips.

[Taran] swung down from the cart and walked conceredly over to Serena. "Is she alright??" He asked Slyde. Then he looked Serena in the eyes, "Are you OK?" he said distinctly. After looking at her for a second he stepped back to the front of the cart and grabbed his waterskin and offered it to Serena. "Here... have some..."

Viva stayed around the camp area and kept an eye on Blaze. He wanted to help with the nightwatch, and knew that Kobie would cover for him if they found out he was missing. He continued to hide, and having slept during the ride there, he wasn't feeling sleepy.

Kobie, on the other hand, has already entered the cart and took the large blanket to cover herself and a largish sack beside so that others would think Viva is there. She didn't think that it was nessary, as nobody was really paying much attention to them, but it's better to be safe than sorry...

Bitey looks through the cart while listening for Mille's answer. He thought he saw chocobo carrots in there.

Kobie watched the interactions with a slight interest. She huddled closer to the bundle beside her, and grasped on. After Taran woke, she decided that the situation was under control, and took the blanket and covered herself and the bundle, from head to toe, and closed her eyes.

Sleep would come in time. If the others kept quiet.

Bitey looks around to see if anyone is watching and sticks a chocobo carrot under his hat since no one is around. He takes another and puts the rest into one of the sacks. No sense in spoiling him. He'll be on bread and water soon enough anyway. Thinking again, he grabs the bag anyway. He slides the boys over to their previous resting place with his foot. They start giggling again. {Better, but you're still not fooling anyone. I don't want to catch you awake again.}

Outside the cart, he warks: "Carrots!" to Turbo. He sees Taran, Serena, and Slyde apparently milling around and remembers the commotion he heard while searching for carrots. Upon closer inspection, it looks like Sir Slyde is hugging Serena. Bitey rubs his eyes, then walks up to them. He shuffles his feet awkwardly. Finally, brightening, "I see Serena has awakened for our watch. Sir Slyde, you and Taran have your own watches and you are interfering with mine. Please get some rest."

In the distance a flash of lightning and crack of thunder broke the immediate silence of the camp. After Serena's outburst everyone in the camp seemed awake and aware. The coming storm would soon be on them. A breeze began to blow a little causing a slight chill to run down your spine. It seemed odd how all of a sudden this storm came, without a single sign.

"Hm, fast-moving storm." Bitey seemed unconcerned as the storm quickly rolled in while he tried to get Slyde and Taran out of the elements. "Perhaps we will need more cover." He looks under the cart, trying to determine if it would be a suitable place to lay bedrolls. "Does anyone object to taking cover under the cart?" I've kept watch through the rain before... and I'm still wet anyway. But something tells me this will not be pleasant. "Come, mercenary, if you keep watch from inside the front of the cart, like so, you may be shielded mostly shielded from the rain." He demonstrates the area just inside the cart. As the rain begins he remembers the food... He runs to grab the meat and get it to the cart.

Alouen would have surely felt the prescence of the storm, but with her recent blindness from her powers, there was no chance of forwarning. It does not take long before large droplets of water begin to fall from the sky. Falling to the ground it sounds like a thousand little footprints pounding on the earth.

With another flash of lightning it seemed as if this storm was going to be strong one.

Slyde let go of Serena's sobbing body and held her shoulders so that he could look her in the eyes, "You should get some sleep. You will need it. We'll talk about this in the morning, okay." Walking towards his armor, Slyde began to notice the rain. And yet, still smells the roasting aroma of meat. Argh, already they are wasting food. Walking over to the meat, Slyde takes it and pulls away from the fire. Heading to the cart, Slyde finds a bag that is clean and begins to place the meat on top of it, so the ran won't ruin it. It won't be the best meat, but we can use to it at least get some stamina on the road. I must make a note to express myself against the wasting of food on this trek. We are limited already. With that, Slyde grabs a big hunk of it and heads towards Bitey. "I'll sleep out in the rain. I'm used to it."

Bitey dashes out from under Slyde's feet as the knight clumps his way over to the formerly roasting meat. Assessing the situation, it is clear that everyone is once again awake. The boy is the most disciplined of the lot. Perhaps madness is related to age for humans. If Imp Elders are bad, human elders must be... He chuckles to himself softly, imagining what elder humans must be like. Seeing Serena's panic, he assured her, "It is only a storm. I believe the word is rain. It is generally harmless."

Walking towards his horse, Slyde felt the droplets increasing. Putting on his armor and wrapping his cloak around him, Slyde leaned up against the cart's main wheel and drew his bandana over his eyebrows just enough to conceal his eyes, so that they appeared to be closed. This way it appears that I'm sleeping, but really I'll be up all night on watch. If this darkness is what I think it is, then tonight is most definitely a safe night to rest.

Bitey approaches Blaize and peers at him with obvious confusion. The man was just sitting there in the rain. He leans in very close to find out if the man had died. Satisfied that there were still some signs of life, he turns and regards Slyde. He holds up three fingers for the soldier. He inwardly debates whether or not he needed to explain that he was referring to the watch following the next, but it seems that the message was clear and the knight did not intend to follow through. Bitey shakes his head disprovingly at him.

Viva looked up at the sound of thunder. It might rain soon...

Deciding that he wanted to be dry, or at least, moderatly dry, he looks around for some place that he could hide in. Looking up, he can see the branches giving some protection against the rain, but he's not sure if it is enough...

Blaize was awakened by Serena's screams. He looks out to see what was wrong, and finds Slyde holding a very distressed Serena, I wonder what he said to make her do that. It's none of my concern, better get back to sleep As Blaize begins to go back into the cart, a quick pang of hunger reminds him that he hasn't eaten today, Great, how am I supposed to fulfill the Prophesy when I can't even remember to keep myself fed. If I keep this up, I'll starve before Gundaga has a chance to kill me. Looks like Slyde's messing with the meat now. I'll go get some from him. Blaize hops out of the cart, goes over to where Slyde is putting the meat up, gets a little and then sits down and begins to eat. About halfway through his meal, he feels a drop of rain, then another, and another, and another. Pefect, it's raining too. Looks like another day without sleep for me, maybe I'll be able to catch a quick nap on the cart tomarrow. Well, at least I'll be able to help keep watch tonight.

As Blaize finished the last of his meat, a strange thought entered his mind, Where the is that Mort guy, he was half-dead when we got here and now he's just gone. I don't get it. God I'm ready for this day to be over, it's just been one big confusing mess. With a sigh of frustration, Blaize ducks his head into his arms and tries to clear his mind. He'll stay awake for the rest of the night and will help keep watch.

All [Serena] could do was blankly stare into Slyde's eyes when he spoke. She nodded once in agreement to his words.

Serena stopped sobbing and began to wipe her eyes. She smiled at Taran when he handed her the water skin.

"Thanks Taran. I'm ok, just a bad dream." She took the flask and drank a bit. Smelling the meat she too took a piece and ate some.

After she had finished her meal, she too felt the first drops of rain. The first drop hit her sending shock waves through her. She jumped and gasped at the sudden cold spash on her skin. When the rain started to fall even harder, she looked up. Panic began to set in again.

Oh GOD!!! It's him isn't it?!?!??! Calm down Serena, you don't know that for sure. Just relax.

She closed her eyes for a moment. Opening them she went over to Bitey.

"Let's start our watch. Where do you want to stand and where would you like me to go? You're probably more used to this than me and know what to do so you're the boss."

With all the commotion, Serena nearly forgot about the man she was trying to comfort. She had done it again, put herself before others.

Bitey: "Well, by all means, let's sta--"

"Shouldn't we try and move that guy into the cart or something first? We can't let him drown out here..."

Sighing, Bitey turns his attention to the stricken man. The only calm human. Not for long. The human was awfully large and the cart was not a small distance. "Perhaps we should slide him under the cart. I think if we use some of this firewood for rollers, it would be easier." He begins to enact his plan rather than sit and watch the humans mill around any longer.

Viva sighed. It can't be helped. he thought, as he silently moved back towards the cart for shelter during the storm.

Deciding to do something pretty much pointless, he picked a blade of grass from where he was moving through and stuffed it into his pocket. I wonder if I can still do that... He wondered.

Deciding to try not to alert those that are awake and not to wake those that aren't, he snuck quietly back to the cart[...]

I could always say I needed to pee. he mused.

Los was still on top of the cart with that sword when the rain started. There hadn[']t been a call for food yet but he wasn[']t going to let food pass under his radar without getting a full stomach. Without touching the sword with his hands he nudges it under his ninja garb. "It hasnt dried any, the rain should do it no harm." He scans the horizon again for any sign of people. Taking note of the lack of anything in the vicinity he hops down from the cart's roof. He quickly grabs a portion of the cooked food (Considering how skinny he is it would look like double portion) and began munching it down as if he hadn[']t eaten in a while. Noticing Bitey trying to move the unconsious armored man he moves over there.

"Want a hand?" Los says the food still handing from his mouth. He watched for a moment as Bitey devised some intelligent but impractical scheme to move the man. Walking over he finished the bit of food and puts a hand on Bitey's shoulder. "Before you move this man... Listen to what I[']ve got to say." Los' voice dropped to near silence and took on the serious tone that he normally only uses when fighting in his garb. "I disarmed him... I believe his weapon had magical properties. This man managed to walk from a battle that is nowhere near this place to hear while wounded." Los darted a look at the armoured man. "For him to stumble into this camp so easily cant be luck. Its either fate... or darker 'magiks'." Los's voice conveyed some sort of loathing near the end. "The weather" Los's split second sense tells him not to call the blind witch a witch around the oh too noble imp. "prophetess's powers have been cut short, by something dark. There is nothing to be seen for miles around thats new... apart from this man." Thunder washes over them from a distance ominously.

"If you still think its wise to be moving him to where we plan to sleep then I[']ll help you carry him. But think it over." Los finishes his little infomation sharing marathon and prepares to help the Imp.

Hm... For being so big, they sure act helpless. Air must be thinner up there, gives them difficulty thinking. Bitey started when that Los popped up from his hiding place offering help. Bitey raised his eyebrows. "Yes, more hands. Or perhaps wings..." He turned and warked to Turbo, "Turbo, little help!" Los began to ramble on about dark magics and fates. It was clear he was trying to get at something. "Indeed, evil forces are always plotting. The Prophetess will be fine. Yes, we will move him under the cart. Whether Destined or Plotted, he will explain himself when he is able." Bitey takes Los measure; he seemed to be the most frail of the group. He frowns, saying "You say you 'disarmed' the man? Of a magical weapon? A point in his favor, is it not? Evil does not part with its advantages easily. Let me see this weapon..."

WARK!! Turbo heard Bitey yell to him and he calmly wandered over to see what was going on. After surveying the group[,] Turbo Warks again, happily[,] and butts Bitey to see if he gets a carrot.

Los wondered how Bitey could be defending this evil armored creature of stealth. Had he missed the gist of what he was saying? It mattered little however as Los wanted to question the man before he told anyone where the sword was. "I[']m sure he will show you his weapon once he has awoken and proven that he won[']t use it to slay us all." Los moved to pick up the man with Serena. How could the chicken help? He wondered to himself. Los was defin[i]tely a whole lot stronger than he looked. Between the three of them it should be a piece of cake. "Fate is crueler than any evil wizard." Los muttered to himself as he grasped part of the man[']s armor.

Slyde remains moving as little as he can and continues to 'sleep'. I hope they remember to come to wake me up, otherwise if I get up and come to do my watch without any other way of knowing that it is my turn, it may look bad towards me. Better keep my eyes and ears open though while I'm 'sleeping'

After 'helping' Serena with her nightmare, Taran began to head back for the cart. Then his stoumach rumbled. Hmmmm... Taran thought, I wonder if there's any of that hunk of meat left. Can't believe I got so worked up I forgot to eat... Then Taran headed over to where everyone was eating. "Any of that meat left? Oh[,] [t]here it is, never mind..." Taran cuts himself off a chunk and starts to eat.

Serena walked over and began to help Bitey with moving the man. She turned his head sideways to prevent the rain from entering his nostrals or mouth and potentially drown him. She reached down and carefully picked up the man's head and shoulders as best she could.

"If someone can help me here and someone else get his legs, we can move him to the cart much faster."

Bitey shrugged. Los was definitely a lot more unstable than he sounded. And he sounded extremely unstable. "I'm sure that you can explain your reluctance to part with the weapon tomorrow when you have one angry soldier at your throat and a party of people who would probably as soon help him, rather than now with one irritated knight who hasn't laid a hand on you." Yet... Bitey puts his hands on his hips and regards the stubborn madman. "It's your choice, simple common sense. Do humans have any?" Bitey directs Turbo to push the fallen man along the rollers towards the cart, enacting his plan as he intended to from the start before all these helpful humans intervened.