The Song of the Wind

Ender's Note: This story appears how it was originally written for the Neverwinter News. There were many authors and each section is credited to the original writer. The climax of the story was contributed to by many (we're all listed there at the end) and edited by Thorn Hawk. Enjoy!

Subj: The Song of the Wind (1)
Date: 96-02-25 02:29:49 EDT
From: Cerdith


The brisk cold winter's air blew relentlessly around the small carefully constructed shelter. The sole inhabitant of the camouflaged wooden lean-to sat snugly wrapped in her cloak. Bundled in such a manner, she was protected by the exceedingly fine weave of her elven cloak, which kept even this icy breeze from her skin. Knees pulled up against her chest, head bowed within the concealment of the hood, her long black hair cascaded over her legs to touch the forest floor.

With keen ears, she listened to the wind. The whistling sounds as the air forced its way through the cracks, the rustling of the branches and leaves above, even the howl as the sudden gusts changed direction . . . all had become music to her ears. A strange music indeed, yet a harmony ever changing, cyclical and yet unrestrained and uncontrolled. The shifts in tempo and pitch, the sudden silence and then the renewal of the song once more had fascinated her since she had found this small glade. She had been here a long time, listening, striving to understand the meaning of the melody.

The voices came too, singing joyously at times . . . somberly at others. The lyrics were so difficult to hear clearly, she could almost understand them now . . . almost anticipate where the song would go next. Each voice had become distinct in her mind, different from the others and no longer simply a chorus. Her thoughts gave each a face, an existence apart from its individual part in the song. They had become her friends and her comrades, though she had not dared do any more than listen and learn. The desire to raise her own voice in song was strong . . . but she could not risk the perfection of the melody by intruding with her own sounds.

And so, she listened and waited. The voices pulling at her, calling to her, tugging at her heart . . . feeling the pain when they were silent, feeling the exaltation when they began anew. Each emotion treasured and embraced. A long time she had listened, dimly she knew it had been a long time . . .

Mind wandering, soothed by the caress of the song, she remembered the other voices . . .

"Sis? Pass that flask over here" and sounds of laughter . . .

A soothing voice, "We're here, they can't harm you . . . "

"Chief, is she going to be alright? What happened, she went crazy back there . . . ?" a tone of great worry and concern.

"Well now, youngling that was most interesting. It is as I thought upon watching you with the Trolls . . . you are a berserker."... a dimly remembered voice.

"Heard it was a lot of fun . . . use up all the lime jello?", a shout followed by lots of laughter.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?", a familiar voice, very calm.

These other voices rang through her mind and pushed the song away, forced it from her mind. Weeping slowly, she reached again for the song . . . reached again for the comfort and beauty that she heard in the wind, reached again for the other voices.

Never moving from her place within the glade, never lifting her head from her knees, she slid once more into the song, hearing and striving to understand . . .

A long time, alone . . .

Subj: Songs of the Wind (2)
Date: 96-03-03 18:31:13 EDT
From: Cerdith


The swelling chorus, the rising voices blending in a harmony, so perfect and natural, that portions could be heard in the caress of the wind or the crash of the waves against a rocky beach. Small parts of a greater whole, the little pieces heard individually giving substance and shape, and more importantly . . . . order. Each minuscule piece a wonder in and of itself, each nearly understandable when that single voice alone rang out. A duet of voices, parts woven together, twisting and spinning together, moving apart and soaring separately then intertwining again . . . still within comprehension, still bearable for the listener. More voices still, more parts and pieces . . .

She had heard some of the voices before she came to this place. The beauty and the perfection had, at times, soothed and calmed. Renewing strength, healing and guiding, the melody had lingered in her mind. Being who she was, there had been no need to strive to hear the words themselves or strain to understand the message. A small portion of the song, a filtered piece of the story was enough for any mortal woman . . . and yet, here and now, she had found more. Too many voices all at once, too many parts, too much perfection . . . .

All the Singers whispering their messages, heard upon the winter's wind as clearly here as any spoken phrase. Too many . . . too many at once! The entirety of the composition, with all its sudden transitions, all the changes in tempo . . . the long keening silences . . . her mind, her heart, her soul could scarcely bear it, and yet, she could not bear to be without the voices, now either.

(continued)

Subj: Missing Sister
Date: 96-03-09 01:52:18 EDT
From: Ender Bay


Ender sat on the bank of the Neverwinter river, deep in the woods, and stared out at his friend's home. It had taken them months to finish it. Or rather it had taken months to build it up to this point. They were inside sleeping now. In fact, Ender figured they would stay inside sleeping for most of the rest of the winter. But right up until the weather turned cold they were a busy couple. Constantly making little adjustments here and there to their rather enormous house. At least it seemed enormous to Ender for just the two of them. Yet he knew these two were starting their family here . . . Ender expected to see their children running around the banks of the river by the end of spring.

Many travelers had passed near here recently and Ender had heard the complaints. His friend's new house had irreversibly altered the course of the great river. But this is what beavers do, explained Ender. It doesn't really hurt anything . . . the river simply finds its way around the dam and continues on its path through the woods. In fact, the beavers had done the travelers a favor by clearing dead branches from the paths. Of course, they had cleared out several healthy trees while they were at it. Ender felt a slight pang of guilt at this thought. He was reminded of the trees they felled for him in order for him to make a river boat.

He had meditated and prayed for days before he asked the beavers to help him. Was it wrong to take one of the healthy trees from the forest? He didn't like to do it, but he remembered the lessons his old druid mentor had taught him. The Goddess only frowns upon the abuse of the forests . . . in effect, the trees exist to serve many purposes. The woodpecker uses the tree to find bugs. The owl makes his home in the tree. The doe may nibble berries or leaves from the tree. The tiger may use the tree to mark her territory. The beaver uses the tree to build a home for its family. And Ender can use the tree to build a river boat.

Of course, Ender made sure the beavers only used uninhabited trees for his boat. In the end, he had a fine vessel. It was large enough to accommodate several passengers. Perhaps not comfortably, but it was cozy enough for Ender. He knew the boat was being used to aid him in protecting Mielikki's woods and to perform some of his duties as the Brotherhood's Recon Scout. With the recent retirement of RiverSwift, he and DragonKlaw had their hands full. Though Ender felt confident that Klaw would fill River's shoes quite well.

Ender's gaze turned toward his boat. He was really quite proud of it, yet the sight of it now saddened him. His mind wandered back to a quiet autumn night under a clear, star filled sky. He had been sitting outside the bunkhouse with his guild sister, Cerdith, and they had been discussing his boat. Ender could sense something was wrong with Cerdith . . . there was something disturbing her. He wanted to help her in some way and so he had offered to take her on a picnic on his boat. He had hoped that a relaxing day, along with some fine food and frenzy, would help his sister unwind and open up to him. Maybe a good long talk while floating down the river would let her get whatever was bothering her off her chest. Unfortunately, she was too busy to take a day off. They went over their schedules and between her Scribe duties and his Recon Scout duties they decided they'd have to put the picnic off for a while. Soon autumn turned into winter and Ender realized a picnic was out of the question. Still, he felt the river was pretty this time of year and he convinced Cerdith to take a little tour with him. Besides, winter was the safest time to travel on the river when many of the area's foulest beasts are hibernating.

Continued . . .

Subj: Missing Sister (2)
Date: 96-03-09 01:55:25 EDT
From: Ender Bay


That had been quite a while back and now Cerdith was two days late in meeting him. It wasn't like her to stand him up or to be late like this. On the first day Ender had his sea gull, out of its element as it is, search the area for her. Normally the gull is superbly reliable and Ender relies on it to scout ahead for him and track his enemy's movements when they're too far for him to track them himself. Yet the gull could find no trace of Cerdith and Ender was worried sick. He knew from the last time he had spoke with her that she was still troubled, yet he had no idea to what extent. This morning Ender had sent the gull off to the Pathfinder's Bunkhouse with a note asking about Cerdith and he was now waiting for a reply.

Later that afternoon Ender's faithful sea gull returned to him carrying a sealed note. It was as he suspected . . . no one had heard from Cerdith since around the last time he had spoken with her. Basically, she was missing and nobody really had any clue as to where she might be.

At first he didn't know where to begin to search. But eventually he came up with an idea. He picked up his gear and carried it fifty feet or so from the river bank and set it down out of sight from the river. He pulled out a healthy portion of food for the gull and commanded it to stay and guard his pack. He returned to the river bank and pulled out his amulet of health. The amulet was very valuable to Ender and he could barely make out the details of it in the setting sun's light. In fact, it was the only way he could heal himself in hostile territory. But it was about to prove even more valuable than ever. Immediately after sunset Ender began what is known to sea rangers as a Parliament of Fishes.

In the light of the full moon Ender could see his reflection in the river water. Briefly he thought to himself that his hair needed trimming. He liked to keep his wavy brown hair short and out of his eyes whenever possible . . . and his beard had grown a bit out of control in the past few days as well. He made frequent journeys to the city of Neverwinter and he didn't like to look like a wild man with twigs and berries stuck in an overgrown beard. His appearance would have to wait until later. Kneeling down on the slippery bank he concentrates for a minute or two. After a short time, a group of fish, perhaps 20 of assorted species, surface and stared expectantly at him. Ender hand feeds each fish from his rations and then hands the largest fish the amulet of health. At first it looks as if the fish will swallow the precious trinket, but Ender sees that it is merely holding it in its mouth. He knows that the fish will be more likely to grant his boon if he gives them something valuable. It doesn't have to be valuable to them, but they can sense that it is valuable to him. He also figured feeding each one wouldn't hurt either.

After Ender described Cerdith and told the fish he wanted them to help him find her, the fish responded. They began to dive and splash excitedly for a few moments and then they all submerged out of sight. Ender knew this to be the sign that the fish had accepted his offer and would grant him this service. The fish could search up and down the river and throughout the woods in every little tributary and stream. They could cover more ground in one day than Ender could cover all month. If Cerdith was near a stream, or stopped for a drink or to fill her canteen, the fish would find her and bring Ender to her.

Continued . . .

Subj: Missing Sister - The End
Date: 96-03-09 01:57:22 EDT
From: Ender Bay


Now all he had to do was wait. It could still take days for them to find her and there was no guarantee that they would. Suddenly he was aware that his gull was back by his side. "Didn't I tell you to wait and guard my pack?" It was a clever ruse, but the gull knew he was just hiding his activities while it ate. "Well, I couldn't well have you trying to eat the fish while I was communing with them, could I? We have to have patience for the next few days while the fish search out Cerdith. Think you can manage it?" With this the gull let out a loud squawk and then tucked its beak under Ender's ear. The gull did this whenever it thought it was time to sleep. I agree, thought Ender... and he carried the gull on his shoulder to his camouflaged tent where he slept and dreamt of his lost sister.

Subj: Still Looking...
Date: 96-03-20 00:40:41 EDT
From: Ender Bay


Ender sits by the river bank surveying the landscape around him. The sun is on its way down and the reflection off the water is always magnificent. Tomorrow is the first day of spring and in honor of Mielikki he will change his seasonal outfits. All of his Pathfinder brothers and sisters will. It's time to shed the white and green for the green and yellow.

Normally spring is a happy time for Ender. He has been waiting all winter for his friends, the beavers, to come out of their dam and say hello. But he is also waiting, much less patiently, for some news of his guild sister, Cerdith. He held his parliament of fishes weeks ago and he still hasn't heard any news from the multitude of fish that had so eagerly swam off to search for her.

Ender desperately wants to hear news from the bunkhouse, yet he doesn't want to leave the banks of the river for fear that the fish will bring him some news and he'll miss it. He wonders aloud to his sea gull if anyone else is worried about Cerdith, or if he's the only one.

"Are we paranoid? Is Cerdith simply off on her own . . . perhaps on a quest? Or are our brothers and sisters also worried and searching for her?"

The gull turns its head to face Ender and stares into his eyes. After a moment or two Ender realizes the gull is waiting for instructions.

"Yes . . . good idea . . . would you fly back to the bunkhouse? Hopefully someone will give us some news!"

Hastily Ender scribbles out a note and secures it to the gull's leg. The gull squawks proudly and takes off for its night time voyage to the bunkhouse. The note Ender wrote reads:

~Brothers and Sisters . . . Mielikki Bless the coming of Spring!!! I am looking for Cerdith and believe that she is missing. Has anyone seen her or heard from her recently?~

Ender Bay
Sea Ranger
Wayfarer/Chronicler
BoP Recon Scout

Subj: A messenger
Date: 96-03-21 17:03:10 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk


The sun had set long before I entered the inn to be greeted by Lani, the innkeeper's daughter. Traveling far to reach this inn, I was looking forward to having owlbear ribs before setting off again in the morning. "It's late to be traveling, Thorn." said Lani. "I was looking forward to a plate of thine owlbear ribs that thy mother fixes." I replied, kneeling down and kissing Lani's hand, causing her to blush. "I . . . will check," she mumbled, as she ran into the kitchen. I messed up her hair as she turned to leave, while moving to a nearby table. Waving to the bartender, a stout fellow I didn't know, I ordered an ale and listened to the talk around me. One conversation, in the corner, caught my attention.

"The whole place was ashes." gestured one merchant.

Shocked, "Everything . . . the house, the barn?" replied his companion.

"I said the whole place, nothing was standing."

"Didn't you see if anyone lived?"

"Of course I did. You think I wanted them sneaking up on me after I passed?"

"Well?"

"They were all died. Everything was killed . . . everything." disbelief evident in the merchant's voice.

"Orcs?"

"I didn't stay around long enough to . . ."

It was then that my food arrived along with my ale. Setting thoughts of orcs and burnt farms aside, I began devouring my food. After my meal was finished, I glanced around noting the merchant and his friend had departed. Since it was late, I decided to stay the night. After paying for my meal, I headed for the only room left, a loft above the stables. At least it was dry, I thought, as I climbed the ladder.

Lighting a candle, I studied a few spells I thought might be useful in finding those responsible for burning the farm near here. I was raised with a distrust of magic, but since coming here it has proved useful. Saying a quick prayer to watch over my old teacher, Kalean, I promptly fell asleep.

Feeling something hitting my head, I woke to find a seagull regarding me with what I can only call disappointment. "What the . . . ?" I stammered, moving abruptly away from the bird. A flapping of wings and a loud squawk answered my question. The gull began hopping around and making lots of noise while looking at me. I think it was waiting for a response. Since I had no idea what this noisy bird wanted, I casted a spell allowing me to talk with it. With sad eyes, the gull shook his head.

"I can't believe you don't speak my tongue."

"I...haven't had a call to before, friend."

"I was sent by my friend, Ender Bay, to find his brothers and sisters and ask them a question."

"Which is...?"

"He sent me to the bunkhouse to see if any one has seen Cerdith. Have You?"

"I ah . . . no. I haven't seen her. I have never met her to tell the truth. How did you find me, since this is not the bunkhouse and I have not been there in some time?"

"It was the symbol you wear." tapping my chest with its' beak.

"Oh," nodding, "Will you carry a message to Ender for me?"

"yes"

Digging in my pack, I didn't find any scraps of paper. I did manage to find an old scroll. Casting the spell, one of detection, I began writing.

Dear Ender,
Alas brother for I have not seen Cerdith nor do I know what she looks like for I have never met our sister. I have been gone from the bunkhouse for many days and do not plan on being back there for many more. I have business to take care of at the moment, but will begin searching for our sister once this minor problem is solved. If I find anything of use, I will leave messages at any beaver pond I come across. Until then, I remain,

Your brother,
Thorn Hawk.


Strapping the message to the leg of the patiently waiting gull, I stroked it behind the ear and bid it fair winds. "Farewell," it cried as it climbed into the sky and headed eastward. Packing my few belongings, I headed towards the East, as well, with the newly risen sun in my face.

Subj: Songs of the Wind (4)
Date: 96-03-27 01:03:22 EDT
From: Cerdith


The swelling voice of the chorus burst through her unconscious thoughts carrying, before it, any remnant of reason. The flawless melding of the voices, the harmonies imposed upon the listening mind and soul were devastating in their perfection. Listening with her all, no longer cognizant of her material form, Cerdith felt every movement, crescendo, and transition. Her world had become this alone, her existence intertwined with the songs she had heard on the wind.

~~~~
A fortnight into the mountains Cerdith had discovered the trail. It was old and any tracks which had once given indication of the creatures that used it were long since swept away. The joy of discovery and exploration had brought a smile to her face as she marked the entrance to the ancient track carefully. The Brotherhood of Pathfinders used a very simple code to indicate to fellow members the status and condition of trails such as these. Her message indicated her passage and that the way was presently unknown. Any of her brethren who came after would recognize the message, though most other creatures would never even notice the markers.

The passage had not yielded any secrets the first several days, but on the fourth evening the ranger had discovered a barely noticeable trail marker. It was not a Pathfinder message and Cerdith had been unable to decipher the meaning -- though she could tell that it was very old. The next morning she had found an old shrine built a style unusual for this area. Stepping from the stand of trees into a small glade, Cerdith saw a circle of stone pillars. Most stood only man-height, several had toppled over from their obvious positions and all were covered with a layer of moss. Carefully walking around the holy place, she noted the smaller flat stone nearly buried in the turf. After standing silently for a moment in respect, the ranger stepped forward to clean the table top. Carefully setting her pack aside, Cerdith rummaged and then lifted a small earthenware bottle. Uncorking it gently, she began to sprinkle the holy water upon the altar. As the water trickled from the bottle and then began to run off the stone into the grass, the ranger bent her head in prayer to Mielikki. Reconsecrating the shrine in the only manner that she could without being a priestess herself, Cerdith completed the blessing. Stepping once more outside of the circle, she continued on this ancient and very cold path.

On the eve of the 9th day, after she had passed the strange markers and spent the afternoon attempting to decipher their meaning, the terrain had given way to truly treacherous footing. The trail was all but gone now, but still she pressed onward. The birds and the small animals of the forest were less commonly seen now, and the ranger began to wonder finally, where she treads that the creatures of nature seemed reticent to make their homes here.

She had heard the wind howling its fury as the storm slashed through the trees, tearing branches from trunks with fury. The leaves which tenaciously clung to the trees rustled fiercely with every blast, imitating the sounds of the steadily falling rain. Rushing air twisted and spun taking impossibly convoluted pathways and chilling the ranger to the bone as it whistled past the struggling figure. She needed to find shelter soon before the full might of the weather fell upon her. Pulling her cloak tighter around her, she pressed forward against the barrier of rain and wind that beat against her. This weather had come upon her so suddenly and unexpectedly. These mountains were known for their rapid changes of weather, but this storm felt unnatural in its fierceness. The more temperate lowlands never yielded this sort of resistance and Cerdith felt her strength ebbing as she forced her way along the small track. At last, she had discovered the small clearing and built her carefully constructed shelter of dead wood and downed branches. And not soon after that, she had noticed the first notes of the song on the wind.

Subj: Enter the Hunt part 1
Date: 96-04-03 13:52:57 EDT
From: Zeb Canon


The light in the oil lamp started to dim, giving the small room large shadows. With sleepy eyes Zeb Cannon scanned another sheet of parchment. Slowly his head lowered closer to the desk as he read the sheet again. Dimmer the light faded in the lamp as Zeb jerked his head back up and sticking a knuckle into his eyes. Stretching in the chair, he reached for the parchment and went back to reading. Eyes closing for a few seconds and then straining back open was repeated several times, with each time a little longer staying closed. Finally as the last of the light died so did Zeb's head hit the desk.

A strange glow began to seep out of Zeb's shirt. Starting to pulse with his breathing it grew stronger. Then softly hardly heard a whisper called, "Zeeebbbb Caaannnnoooonnnnn." After a moment it came again but a little louder, "Zeebb Caannnnoonnn come to me."

Head flat on the desk Zeb did not even move to the sound of the voice. To make matters worse a slight snore began. With a tone of disgust the voice shouted, "ZEB CANNON!"

With his name echoing in his head Zeb sprang back from the desk and as the chair gave way to his momentum Zeb continued to go back. As the chair fell back to the floor taking Zeb along his feet caught the edge of the desk. The crash of the chair hitting the floor was just a little quieter than the crash of the desk going the other way. Papers seeing a chance to mix themselves up and cause all kinds of mischief for poor Zeb flew up into the air and began to drift down everywhere. The ink pot not to be left out of the fun spied Zeb on the floor with his feet in the air and made a desperate jump for his lap. With the unerring accuracy of the local birds, the ink pot spun and just before it hit released its canned.

Eyes blinking, Zeb looked around the devastated room and his lap as he called a small light globe into being. Getting up off the floor he could hear the shouts out in the sleeping room of the bunkhouse begin. Reaching for the door knob Zeb started to open the door when it was yanked open by Thorn Hawk.

Still holding the door Zeb was pulled forward but the ink pot was not done with Zeb for as he went forward he stepped on the pot and went flying out the door. Crashing into Thorn Hawk, they both went into a roll.

Surprised, Thorn Hawk reflexes took over and going with the roll pulled Zeb over him and pushing with his legs threw Zeb into several of the bunk beds. With the added momentum from Thorn Hawk, Zeb hit the beds and knocked the first one over. Needless to say it crashed into the next one and a chain reaction was started. Rangers jumping out of the falling bunk beds up set other beds.

Climbing out of the rubble of the beds, Zeb faced several of his brothers and sisters standing there looking at him. Before he could say anything, Zeb's foot found some of the jello that was missed in the last jello fight. Falling forward he stuck out his arms to catch his balance and hit one of the young rangers in the chest. Turning around to apologize, Zeb saw a fist heading right at him. Dropping to the floor the fist shot over his head and connected with one of the other rangers. This lead to another poorly thrown punch which didn't connect with the intended party. Soon fists were flying, legs kicking, and heads butting. In general, a free-for-all, had started.

Just as things were getting good the bunkhouse door opened and a commanding figure watched for a minute before shouting, "Stop fighting right now!" Like a bucket of water on a small flame the fighting stopped. More like one massive hold spell was cast, for everyone froze in their spot. Hands drawn back for a punch, fists with shirts in them, arms around heads, all action stopped.

Continued



Subj: Enter the Hunt part 2
Date: 96-04-03 13:54:55 EDT
From: Zeb Canon


Into the still room walked Neerdowell, guild master of the fighting rangers, looking sternly into the eyes of everyone. With a tinge of anger in his voice he asks, "Who started this?" All eyes turned to look at Zeb. Then one by one arms move and fingers pointed to Zeb.

"Zeb, I want this placed cleaned up. NOW! And tomorrow I want to speak to you." Neerdowell said as he turns to leave.

"Zeb go get cleaned up. I will get things straight in here," said Thorn Hawk with a smile.

"Thanks Thorn. I'll explain later . . . I think."

Taking the path down to the creek, Zeb starts to go over what happened in his mind. As he reaches the creek a sudden tug on his neck makes him reach into his shirt and pull out the ancient medallion. Seeing a glow about the medallion, Zeb sees that it glows brighter as he turns it toward the west. Intrigued he starts to move further into the woods moving the medallion back and forth. Entering a clearing he sees a woman sitting on a stump petting a fawn.

Looking up from the fawn the woman says, "Well tis about time thee got here. What be that on your lap young Zeb?" she says with an impish gleam in her eyes.

Sliding a hand down to his lap, Zeb starts to turn red in the face as he answers, "Jus . . . Just some . . . Just some ink Mother."

"Aye, Thee must tell me the tale of its appearance," Mielikki says with a laugh and a grin. "But not right now. Thee and I have much to discuss and time runs past us. So pay close attention young Zeb for thy life may depend on it."

"First I be happy with the lesson you gave to the others. Thee has grown in more than just thy body. Tis good to spread my word to others. Never forget that you lead others to me by your words and actions. Now where be thy sister and my daughter?"

"Which daughter are you asking about Mother?"

"Try not to be dense young Zeb. Who is missing from thy brotherhood?"

"At last report Mother all are accounted for."

"What about thy sister whose blood boils for trolls. Where be she on your so-called report or thy brother who greets the fish?"

"Trolls? Fish? Mother what are you talking about?"

"Think young Zeb. Think!"

"You mean Cerdith and Ender. Why they were to go out on a little picnic on the river. I sent a message to Ender by his gull a few days ago saying she was not here and probably on her way to meet him. Why Mother?"

"Trollsbane never found the river young Zeb. She found something else. Something old Zeb. Something that should not have awakened. It calls to her and soon it will call to others as it grows stronger. Even now it lures the fish speaker also. You must find them young Zeb and help them. I do not command thee to go but ask. For there is danger along the way as well as the possible loss of thy life. And that I will not command thee to do. But know this my help will be small and at times not given when needed most. For I cannot interfere with what will pass but when things are darkest remember that my love goes with thee and all my children."

"Close thy eyes and listen to the wind young Zeb. Listen past the sounds of birds. Past the sounds of the crickets. Past the speech of the trees. Listen to the wind."

One by one the sounds of the forest fades and just as Zeb was about to fall asleep a faint note is heard like the beginning of a song. Straining to catch the notes, Zeb tunes out all sound even the sound of his heart beating. Just when he is about to give up again he hears the sound of music. Faint and barely heard but it is there and enticing.

"Young Zeb! Come back to me," whispers the Lady of the Forests.

Hearing that voice breaks the hold of the song on Zeb as once again he starts to blink his eyes. "What was that Mother?" asks Zeb.

Subj: Enter The Hunt part 3
Date: 96-04-03 13:56:37 EDT
From: Zeb Canon


With a smile on her lips she says, "Look to thy heart young Zeb and what thy knows of the others. And Young Zeb clean thy self up how can ye represent me looking like that."

Leaving the clearing, Zeb takes one look back over his shoulder and finds that the clearing is empty. Running back to the stream and on up to the bunkhouse Zeb sees that all the lights are out. Quietly he enters and finds that most of the room has been cleaned up with loud snores coming from several of the beds. Entering his room, he changes clothes and stuffs more into a pack. Grabbing his spell book from the floor and taking the flail off the wall, Zeb goes to the kitchen for some supplies. Scratching a quick note and putting it on the table, he heads to the back door of the bunk house and into the night.

Subj: The Lady
Date: 96-04-06 01:30:26 EDT
From: Lake Mist


The Lady of the Woods

The sky above the woods, now full of rain clouds, seemed to swirl slowly. My body shook and ached, and I thought it would be better to be dead. If I could have reached my dagger, I might have finished it.

Looking around, I saw a young woman, or what appeared to be a young woman, staring up at the sky and chanting in a flat, detached voice, "Rain, rain, rain. Wash away and soothe the pain."

Beside me, I saw my long sword and elfin chain. I didn't remember taking it off after the battle. The battle. What had happened? I didn't remember getting hit. Something had come up from behind. Had slithered through the underbrush. Yes! A punt beast had attacked just as ITB Force's dagger had slashed toward me.

The second battle. I remembered, I had felled ITB Oscar in the first battle. But what else had happened. There must have been poison on the dagger's blade. I felt terrible.

Looking at the woman again, I noticed that she wore an emerald green robe, trimmed with gold piping. There was a fire blazing nearby in the clearing. The woman's long auburn hair was loose around her face and hung down past he shoulders. She was lovely and I thought that I should know her.

Skin raw and muscles brittle, I could do no more than close my eyes and fall back to sleep. When I awoke again, the woman had moved closer to the fire and was watching me. "Feeling better?" she asked. I shook my head "No" with great effort.

"Well, you will soon. Your wounds are clean now. You just need time now." She sounded confident, but I wasn't sure. Poisoned wounds started at the point of penetration, and if they didn't kill you immediately, they often festered slowly, draining all life from you, draining your health, until....until what?

How do you actually die? I didn't know. Maybe my body would just grow tired and not go on.

Suddenly, a drop of rain hit me on the temple. My muscles tightened for the deluge I knew was going to hit. But the rain began slowly with big drops that splashed into the fire and turned to steam. They began to land on my face, cold at first, but soothing somehow, as if they were not only cleansing my body, but my soul as well. I raised my hands and smeared the rain over my face. The rain tasted wonderful. I was starting to feel refreshed.

As I looked down at the wound on my left arm, I noticed that all that was left was a black scar. This rain was somehow washing the poison from body. I looked over at the woman once again. This time she had a stern look about her.

She pointed her hand at me and said "You must go to Southwall and help your brother Calinor in his quest to save your sister, Cerdith. You may not make it in time before he leaves on his quest, but he needs your help. I charge you in this."

"But the most serious of all is happening in my beloved woods. Tolls to travel freely are being demanded by those who have no right. A war is almost at hand, and the sides are not clear. I fear for the future."

"Before you make a stand, seek the counsel of your leaders, and follow the path that best serves all free people. Remember that you are a Ranger."

With that, she rose and moved to the far side of the fire. "Remember this, my Ranger, you cannot fight alone. Seek counsel."

By the time I had gotten to my feet, she was no where to be seen. Just vanished, as if swallowed by the woods. I laid back down near the fire, and was almost instantly asleep.

When I awoke the next morning, the skies were clear, and I felt as if I had never been injured. I fixed a quick meal and ate. Then, remembering what the woman had said about Calinor, I donned my armor and strapped my long sword to my back. I would travel through Nightsedge to reach Southwall. My step was unusually brisk this bright spring morning, and as I walked, I passed some wild lilac and immediately thought of Primrose. Maybe she would be near Southwall.

Subj: Dryads Invented the Kiss
Date: 96-04-10 18:26:58 EDT
From: RiverSwift


A parchment penned amid moonglow and pipe music
Words carefully monitored by a graceful silvery-hearted feminine soul
Delivered to the Bunkhouse by a solitary spritely courier
Attached to a weatherbeaten, faintly familiar longsword:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


My brothers and sisters,

A fortnight since this writing, I witnessed Cerdith's drowning. Death took her in the marsh. It was an illusion, of course, simply a cruel illusion:
yet, too, it was a message.


[harsh scratchings rend the script unreadable]
This wispy image of our sister's death called to me as a herald, and I departed at once to rejoin you all and lend my weathered blade in quelling whatever dilemma she faces.

Many things have happened since I left the marsh, many things have happened since Cerdith died, many things have . . .

[here the ink pools, as if the writer grew distracted, or fell asleep in mid-thought]

. . . but she is not Mielikki, as I first believed. This spirit who found me. She carries a piece of Mielikki in her spirit, however; carries pieces of Our Lady in her silvery heart. But I jump ahead of myself; the mind blurs.
[the penmanship abruptly changes to a graceful, thin script in a foreign hand]

Someone left the universe open too long and the memory has gone flat.
[the script tails into an illustrated stream of interconnected leaves]

We met amid the roots of the Ardeep forest. She lives in the barrel of an oak, this woman, this soul. I peered into her eyes: worlds shifted, time stuttered, gods shuddered and cowed their heads. This is grace personified. This is grace enchanted.

She calls, I must leave off this writing; with each night my soul grows lighter, and my heavy, broken heart feels less of a burden. In my absence, I send you my blade, which I no longer need, and I hope that it will lend you aid in your defense of... your defense of . . . your . . .

[the script again shifts to the faint, flowing lines of another hand]

RiverSwift Heath'craven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Subj: Songs of the Wind (5?)
Date: 96-04-10 19:00:03 EDT
From: Cerdith


The voice was insistent, tugging on her mind, pulling at her concentration . . . it was irritating, annoying. How dare it interfere with the song! Her face creased with anger as she sought to shove aside that disturbing and somehow strangely familiar voice. Every time she almost grasped the words and understood the lyrics of the song, this voice intruded. Stubbornly, she fought to regain the place she had in the music ignoring once more the distraction.

Feeling the singer's voices caress her mind once more, she relaxed into the song's safety and embrace. Tentatively, having wanted to do so from the very beginning, she began to hum softly, following first one spiraling theme then another. Entranced and now a part of the song itself she felt that nagging voice slide away once more defeated again as Cerdith gave herself over to the songs of the wind.

Subj: Return to the Bunkhouse
Date: 96-04-10 20:30:23 EDT
From: Ender Bay


Ender sat on the bank of the Neverwinter river. His trusty sea gull was perched nearby, keeping a keen eye out on their camp for threatening intruders. From Ender's vantage point he could see his beaver friend's dam and he could easily scan the surrounding area for other creatures. Though this area was pretty quiet, Ender knew that the other areas of the woods were bustling with activity. There were rumors that an evil guild was charging tolls to travelers and killing those who refused to pay. Ender wanted to do something about this, but he dared not leave the banks of the river.

It had been weeks since he held his Parliament of Fishes. He had hoped to hear some news about his sister, Cerdith, by now. He took some comfort in knowing that other Pathfinders were in search of her as well. As his thoughts wandered and he daydreamed about happier times, a strange thing happened out on the water. A good sized bass was jumping out of the water repeatedly and making a large splash. He was too self-consumed to notice at first, but eventually the fish caught his attention.

He ran into the water up to his knees and bent over to get a better look at the fish. It was clear that the fish was very old, certainly older than Ender. In fact, Ender believed this fish was old enough to have seen the passing of several generations of humans. The fish seemed to be worried, and with good reason as Ender soon found out.

It seemed that a woman Pathfinder fitting Cerdith's description had been seen traveling in the mountains. Fish don't have the same awareness of time as humans do in terms of passing days, so Ender had to make a rough estimate of when Cerdith was last seen based on how often he thought this fish would need to feed. Unfortunately, she was probably last seen by any fish around a month or so back. Ender also found out the reason this old fish was so concerned. Cerdith was headed roughly in the direction of an area where no fish go. In fact, this fish seemed to think that no animals at all would go anywhere near where Cerdith was headed. He also said that no humans had passed by there in what was certainly a very long time - Ender took it to mean several human lifetimes.

The worst part was that Ender really had no clue as to how to find her. The directions the fish gave before leaving were very sketchy to Ender. The fish didn't use landmarks, they used watermarks - things you would only see from a fish's perspective underwater. He had a rough idea though and he figured he could make excellent time and at least get to where Cerdith last filled her canteen by using his raft. It may take a while of searching, but he was sure he could do it. He wanted to ask the fish to lead him to her, but before he could the fish had swum off. Apparently, the old fin wasn't too comfortable hanging around with Ender's gull, eyeing him from above.

Subj: Return... Part II
Date: 96-04-10 20:31:47 EDT
From: Ender Bay


Ender quickly packed up camp and did his best to hide his tracks. He left a little marker for his fellow Pathfinder's to see that would let them know which way he headed out. When he turned to uncover his raft from the camouflage, he had hidden it with, his gull began to cry out frantically.

"What? Calm down!" When Ender turned around he was faced with a truly awesome sight. There before his very eyes stood a unicorn! It was the most beautiful creature Ender had ever seen. Her muscles rippled beneath her pure white coat as she danced playfully near Ender's pack. Ender could do nothing more than stare in awe. Never had a unicorn approached him so closely. In fact, he had never done more than catch a brief glimpse of one from hundreds of yards before this.

While Ender stood motionless, the unicorn stopped its prancing and stared into his eyes. He went to speak, but the unicorn winked at him and before he could get anything out of his mouth she scooped up his pack with her horn and tossed it onto her back. With a swift turn of her head she galloped off into the woods.

"Hey," Ender said weakly. "That's my stuff."

"SQUAAAAWK!"

"Why didn't you tell me there was a unicorn nearby?"

"Squawk."

"Well of course they're not threatening!!!! But when have you ever seen one around here?"

"SQUAWK SQUAWK."

"What do you mean, it's not your fault?" The gull cocked its head to the side and gave Ender a sidelong view. "Okay, okay . . . I know it's not your fault . . . obviously it's some sort of sign. We'll have to try to follow her."

Ender looked for the tracks and found them easily. As he followed her trail, the tracks disappeared behind him. It wasn't long before Ender realized the tracks were leading him on the long journey back to the bunkhouse.

"I guess the Lady doesn't want me searching for Cerdith alone."

Subj: Shrine of Mielikki
Date: 96-04-18 22:42:22 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk


Urgency tugged at Thorn Hawk as darkness claimed the forest. He was three days late in meeting an old friend. He was to have met him at the shrine of Mielikki along the Eastern edge of the forest three days ago, but a burnt out farm and the following pursuit had delayed him. Less than ten miles from his goal, he stopped for the evening. It galled him to delay one more day, but the ranger knew he could not run further this day.

A small fire blazed merrily while Thorn Hawk sat quietly listening to the woods. He had grown to love the woods as much if not more than the desert in which he was raised. A slight shadow detached itself from the surrounding gloom and approached the fire.

"You're late." whispered an elf, pulling back the hood of his cloak.

"I wondered when thee would enter my camp."

"Ha....You didn't sense me. Admit it, Hawk." retorted the figure.

"I shall do no such thing, Delynn. I know I am late in meeting thee, but I was sidetracked."

"So, That was you causing the fireworks?" motioning to the West.

"Nay, twas not I, but the band I pursued. They ran into a denizen of these fair woods and died."

"You have grown since last I saw you Hawk."

"It has been a few years Delynn, and yes, I have seen much."

Noting the wisdom in Hawk's eye, "I remember when I first met you. You wandered into the temple of Tymora with a tale of an old man healing a deer. Impressed that you were so taken by that act, I listened to your tale of wanting to learn magic. It was strange seeing a human, sworn in hand, desiring to learn the clerical arts."

"I still have the desire to learn to heal, but I must make do with other means. I understand what thee tried to tell me so long ago about my spirit."

"I am glad you finally understand. You are a warrior and not a cleric. It was never in your nature to be one, but I see my training you in the arts of magic did not go to waste."

Taking a rabbit off the fire, "I have gotten better over the years. Dost thee want to share my dinner?"

"Yes, if you have enough." replied Delynn, taking a piece. "I taught you all that I knew of magic, but I was never a very good mage."

"That is not true Delynn. Thee know much of the magic arts, just not how to employ them in combat. That was why Kalean took over teaching me the arts after I left thee."

"You speak fondly of her, Hawk."

"Aye, my friend. I grew to love her as we traveled the northern realms together. We traveled to most of the cities along the sword coast trading for that was her livelihood. Along the way, she taught me much about using magic."

Yawning, "It is getting late, Delynn. Mayhaps, we can continue in the morning." commented Thorn Hawk as he rolled out his blanket. "You are right Hawk. I got caught up in seeing an old friend." Taking his own blanket, Delynn moved to the far side of the fire and promptly fell asleep.

The morning found the two friends moving towards the shrine of Mielikki. A doe stood with her fawn eating grass when she suddenly raised her head at the approaching pair. Moments later, she dashed off into the underbrush, fawn in tow.

"Thee makes a lot of noise for an elf, Delynn." remarked Thorn Hawk, shaking his head.

"I never said I was an elf, Hawk. My mother was, but my father was a human."

"Oh, I just assumed thee was an elf by thy dress and manners."

"I was raised as an elf in a village in the High Forest to the East, but back to our conversation. You were telling me how you arrived in Neverwinter."

Subj: Shrine of Mielikki, pt two
Date: 96-04-18 22:48:44 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk


"There is not much to tell thee. I heard news that this Lord Nasher needed adventurers. Since I was looking for a fight or something worth fighting for, I packed my bag and started the long trek north from Baldur's Gate. It was a hard road to travel for the snows had set in making the road almost impassable north of Waterdeep. I arrived just after the winter solstice. I still remember my first sight of Neverwinter. The place was a bee hive of armed men and women, but this Nasher seemed an honorable sort, so I stayed."

A small clearing opened as the pair moved down the trail. Morning mist still clung to the tops of a few trees, while the sun bathed the center with it's glow. A statue of a whisp of a girl stood within the sunlight looking down at a doe laying by her feet. A small shrine stood behind the statue in the shade of a nearby tree. Delynn walked into clearing unaware that his companion had stopped. "I am glad you have found a . . . ." glancing back at Thorn Hawk. "Are you coming?"

"Sorry, this place always takes my breath away." replied Thorn hawk in a whisper as he caught up to his friend.

Smiling, "I said, I am glad you have found a new home."

"As am I."

Taking a seat on a bench in the shrine, Delynn asked, "Why did you ask to see me Hawk? Your message seemed very urgent."

Pacing, "My sister, Cerdith had disappeared and as a priest of Mielikki, I was hoping you could help me find her."

"I didn't know you had a sister, Hawk."

Smiling, "She is not my real sister, Delynn. She is a pathfinder as am I."

"So, you joined with the brotherhood of pathfinders?"

"Yes. Shortly after arriving in Neverwinter, I met a man by the name of Lake Mist. It was him who introduced me to the brotherhood. I pledged with them to follow the lady's path."

Stopping to look at Delynn with pleading eyes, "Can you help me find Cerdith, Delynn?"

"I can not help you very much Hawk for the lady can not interfere. I can tell you that she is being held captive somewhere where old magic rules and few humans have traveled in many moons."

"Is that all thee knows?"

"No. You will need the help of your fellows for this. As we talk, they travel to Luskan believing she lies somewhere in the mountains to the Northeast of that port city."

"Then, I must go there as well." responded Thorn Hawk with a grim note to his voice.

"We all must follow our own paths, Hawk. Just travel safe, for you do not know what it is you fight."

With anger in his voice, "you do know more. Thee had better tell me, Delynn, for I have a need to know all there is of my enemy."

Waving his hands, "calm down, Hawk. All I can tell you is to be fearful of the wind and the song it sings. And Hawk, one more thing. What ever happened to Kalean? You did not say last night."

Staring at the statue, Thorn Hawk replied, "she died, Delynn. She died in my arms," with a sadness in his voice that caused the half elf to turn away.

Delynn stood within the shadows of the temple watching as his one time pupil and friend disappeared from sight running towards Luskan and danger. He walked towards the small statue and knelt. "Lady, please do all you can to help them in their fight, since I feel they will need your full favor to survive what faces them and free their sister." After a few moments of silent meditation, the priest of Mielikki rose and headed back towards the High Forest, and his home.

Subj: Cerdith
Date: 96-05-02 04:58:34 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk


The rising moon found Thorn Hawk many leagues to the West of Mielikki's shrine. He had traveled mostly at a run for the last week without taking much rest, and the toll was taking effect. A gaunt, fatigued figure sat before a small fire staring in the flames, while wolves howled at the full moon in the clear night sky. He picked at a roasted rabbit, killed sometime during the day, and thought of his missing sister.

He had traveled several months without a trace of Cerdith, but much lore was learned about her. In these travels, Thorn Hawk had met many people who, having not seen Cerdith in a long time, proved useless in his search, but had given him a great understanding of the woman he tracked. A wisp of a woman with an iron will to match that of any dwarf, a fiery temper that many trolls have felt, the playful nature of an innocent child, and the loveliness of the goddess he revered. Thorn Hawk had never met Cerdith, but he loved her. He had heard many stories of her adventures from other pathfinders, which brought a slight smile to his lips. Finishing his rabbit, he settled down to rest, his dreams plagued by thoughts of Cerdith, held captive and unaware of the thoughts of those who loved her.

Veering toward the Northwest, Thorn Hawk had traveled steadily closer to a large mountain in the northern reaches of the woods. He had opted for this route to save some time in reaching Luskan. Stopping to drink from a nearby brook, Thorn Hawk heard the faint echo of music or was it the wind. Something, a thought tugged at his mind. Recalling his conversation with Delynn, . . . "calm down, Hawk. All I can tell you is to be fearful of the wind and the song it sings." Laughing, Thorn Hawk quickly searched the area. Nothing was revealed to his careful search, but the mountain loomed in the background, its peak invisible behind a concealing layer of white clouds. It felt right, but he needed help for he could not attempt the climb without assistance.

Thorn Hawk had explored the rest of the day looking for something to help him in his plan. He finally found the object of his search high in the branches of a nearby spruce tree. Whispering a small prayer to Mielikki, 'my lady, I need thy help in this endeavor for I can neither do it alone nor will I leave this place to carry a message back to my brethren. If thee wishes my success, please grant me this one favor.'

Taking a small mouse from within his cloak, Thorn Hawk, looking up into the eyes of a gray hawk, continued with his plan hoping the lady smiled on him and the bird understood his words. "Well met lord of the skies. I have need of thine aid if thee is willing to give it. I have nothing to offer thee except a hunt for this small meal and my friendship. A dear friend of mine is held captive up in the reaches of this nearby mountain and I fear for her safety. I need to get a message to my fellows, but I wish not to leave this place unguarded. It is in the task of taking a message to my brothers that I beseech thee." Releasing the mouse, Thorn Hawk watched as the hawk, taking flight, dove upon the hapless mouse. Giving a fierce cry, the hawk soared into the air before returning to land on the outstretched arm of Thorn Hawk. "I am glad thee hast agreed to help, my friend."

Thorn Hawk watched as the hawk, soaring into the distance, carried his message to Ender Bay and others. Finding a place to wait for his friends, the vigilant ranger's thoughts drifted on the wind.

Subj: A Messenger
Date: 96-05-02 19:04:26 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk


The gray hawk circled over a sheltered camp while a reddish glow spread from the setting sun to cover the land. Below, five humans sat around a small fire unaware of the messenger above. The hawk, blessed with intelligence above that of it's kind, could not fathom what had brought it here. The human had seemed sincere in his desire for help and the mouse had been a delightful treat, but there was more. Unable to grasp the reason for its help, the hawk dove from the sky.

Landing silently in the branches of a nearby tree, the hawk watched the humans for some sign signaling the end of its search. "Zeb, stop watching for danger and come over here and have some of this griffon stew you're so fond of," said a man dressed as a buccaneer. Shrugging, "maybe your right Ender. There does not seem to be any danger around this night," replied Zeb Canon dressed in the cloth of a cleric of Mielikki. A sign the hawk understood. While on the other side of camp, another conversation was taking place. "Trout you're as crazy as Ender's gull," remarked a tall ranger dressed in brown leathers holding a silver tankard up to his lips.

Giggling, "no Lake, I think Troutrasta is correct. Those banshees come out whenever he goes to Vilnask. Maybe, they like the young man," replied a beautiful woman dressed in a lavender skirt and green blouse as she glanced at Troutrasta. "Maybe you are right, Primrose," answered Lake Mist, smiling. "Hey Ender, pass over some of that stew," ventured Troutrasta holding out a bowl.

With a fierce cry, the hawk broke the peaceful gathering causing the gull to emit a squawk and take flight. Troutrasta started to laugh, while Ender Bay turned from the hawk to his gull a worried look on his face when he noticed the hawk regarding the fleeing gull. Taking wing, the hawk dropped down to land on a fallen log near where Ender Bay stood. Another shrill cry brought everyone's attention to the hawk as he worked at the message tied to its leg.

"Look, it has a note attached to its leg," remarked Troutrasta.

"Well, you go get it then," replied Lake Mist, eyeing the hawk.

"It's just a bird, but it does look hungry," commented Ender Bay remembering the look the hawk gave his gull.

"Oh Mielikki," stated Zeb Canon, shaking his head, as he reached for the note which the hawk had worked loose. Unrolling the fine parchment, he began to read.

Dear Ender Bay and brothers,

I have recently departed a shrine to our lady deep within the woods we all love. It was there that I had learned information about our lost sister Cerdith. I was told to find my brothers for I could not do this alone. Making my way toward your location, I decided to venture towards The northern mountains within the Neverwinter Woods. I felt this would save me time, but I feel the lady might have guided me to this route. While passing near a tall mountain, thought I heard music, but I was not sure it could have been just the wind. It was then I remembered something the priest at the shrine told me. He warned me to beware of the wind and the song it sings. I gave it no mind at the time for it made no sense, but now as I stand watch looking up on the slopes of this giant mountain, whose peak is lost in white clouds, I feel this priest may have been right. I sense I have found the place of our sister's imprisonment for this mountain fills me with evil boding. I ask thee to come to this place so we can challenge this mountain and its dangers together. My watch will remain vigilant until thine arrival.

Your brother,
Thorn hawk.

P.S. Please release the hawk from my service for he has done me a great service and I wish not to hinder him any further.

Subj: Songs of the Wind (again)
Date: 96-05-03 11:54:07 EDT
From: Cerdith


Humming softly with the song, following the melody and swaying in time with the rhythm, she remained entranced. Wrapped tightly in her cloak, protected by her lean-to from the climate she was virtually invisible to the casual observer. Another might notice the structure she had built when first she arrived here, or they might notice the many other hastily constructed shelters which Cerdith had never noticed when she found the clearing in the midst of the storm.

Glancing within those other shelters, someone who was not immediately entrapped by the wind's song, would see the cold white glimmer of bone as well. Wasting away slowly, unknowingly each who had come before had died here. They had never noticed, never awakened from the magic of the Wind which fiercely claimed its prey. Their bones lay scattered in piles here and there, bits of cloth and metal mixed within.

The old ones, who had lived here for so long before the hasty humans came had known of this place, had respected its power and the dreadful sweetness of its trap. They had posted warnings and symbols that any who wandered near would avoid the clearing and its snare. But, the warnings had fallen away, disappeared as time and the natural way of things took their toll. The Wind grew stronger with every soul it claimed, its song could be heard further and further from the clearing and already with the Pathfinder entrapped within the wisps of its power, the song could be heard at the base of the mountain. Her life claimed and it would be heard in the small villages in the foothills . . . those lives claimed and it would be heard yet further . . . .

Wasting away, face gaunt, Cerdith rocked slowly in time with the music. Her eyes, if she raised them from the forest floor were as brightly green as ever, yet unseeing. Her body had become merely a frame and soon even movement would be beyond her abilities. The music was glorious. . . .

Subj: Message Received
Date: 96-05-03 22:19:46 EDT
From: Ender Bay


Ender regarded the hawk curiously. It seemed that it was hungry.

"Thank-you for your services. Thorn Hawk has released you from your duties. Would you like some griffon stew before you leave?"

The hawk screeched loudly at Ender, as if insulted, before flying off in a most indignant manner.

"Did you forget what the main ingredient of griffon stew is? I doubt many hawks relish that dish" Lake Mist had a bemused look while he chided Ender somewhat. The seriousness of the moment was broken momentarily by a few

Seeing the coast was clear, Ender's gull flew down and perched nearby and let out a subdued squawk.

"Okay people, play time is over. It's time to get some rest. Tomorrow at first light we're packing camp and heading out to catch up with Thorn Hawk. Since you're so eager to look out for the baddies, Zeb, you take the first watch. After that it's Trout, Rose, and then Lake. I'll take the last watch and make sure you're all up bright and early."

Zeb regarded Ender intuitively. It was Ender's job to take command of the group . . . he had been Recon Scout since before either Zeb or Lake had been elected into the combined guild leadership. However, it was very rare for Ender to take such a strong leadership role. He generally seemed more at ease on land when someone else lead the group. He was capable of leading groups anywhere, but he obviously preferred to leave the land expeditions in someone else's hands.

When everyone else was retiring for the night, Zeb approached Ender in private. "You're worried about Cerdith, aren't you?"

"Yes," Ender replied, "and I'm worried about Thorn Hawk too. We've all gotten the point from Mielikki one way or another . . . we're not to go after Cerdith alone. We need to stick in groups. I am still hopeful that Cerdith is alive, but I don't know how long that will last . . . and I'm pretty sure that Thorn will be in trouble if he proceeds too far without us."

"Well, get some sleep, bro. We're going to all need plenty of rest."

With those words from Zeb, Ender went to bed. He slept restlessly until Lake woke him up for his turn at watch. Ender said a quick thanks to Mielikki for allowing them to make it through the night without incident.

Two days had passed since the hawk left with a message for Ender Bay. During that time, Thorn Hawk had searched the area around the mountain for some sign of Cerdith. It was not until late this afternoon that he came upon a small track hidden from view by overgrowth. Following this nearly invisible trail, he found his first sign of Cerdith, a pathfinder's trail marker marking the trail as unexplored. With determined steps, Thorn Hawk returned to his camp.

As he sat near his banked fire, Thorn Hawk wrestled with his emotions. He had promised to wait for help, but Cerdith might be close to death . . . His brothers might not make it in time to save her . . . The priest had told him not to brave the enemy alone . . . What if the hawk never reached Ender . . . ? He had made a promise . . . , a promise to save Cerdith taken months ago just before he left the bunkhouse. With a fiery luster in his eyes, Thorn Hawk started checking his gear.

The predawn shadows found Thorn Hawk, on the slopes of the mountain, moving cautiously up the hidden trail. A faint breeze tickled his face bringing with it the subtle notes of a song. He continued to follow the trail looking for signs of Cerdith's passage when, two days later, he came across a stone tablet. Bending over the stone, he was unable to make out the weathered markings on its worn surface, but there was a presence of old magic. He had felt magic like this in the desert when a young man. With renewed apprehension for his adversary, he continued.

He was not sure when the music had become the center of his awareness, but the song filled his mind with its sweetness. A faint discordant note could be heard in the background, but if he concentrated, the song seemed to swell, drowning out that one note. Suddenly, something hit his head causing the music to falter, but its power returned to capture his heart. Again, something hit his head, but this time causing Thorn Hawk to cry out in pain breaking the song's spell. An enraged cry moved Thorn Hawk to turn his head to the sky. Above, soared a gray hawk. Shaking his head to clear the last vestiges of the song, he quickly made his way toward the valley floor far below.

Hearing the deep breathing from Lake Mist, Zeb knew that he was sound asleep. Looking over the edge of the blanket Zeb saw Ender Bay looking over the sleeping rangers as a father looks over his sleeping children. Proud of each in there own way.

Standing up, Zeb nods to Ender and moves off to the shelter of the woods but staying in sight of the camp. Ender silently moves over to where Zeb is and asks, "Okay Zeb what's wrong? The others said that you have been tossing and turning all night."

"Ender, my friend, remember the night that I was brought into the Brotherhood?"

"Aye Zeb I remember. Neerdowell stating your case. Cerdith presiding as the representative of Mielikki and conducting the ritual. The party afterwards I am still not to clear on but aye I remember. So what is this about?"

"Ender, I am no longer a ranger."

"What are you talking about of course you're a ranger."

"No! I am one no longer. I have lost the ability to make the plants grow and move at my command. No longer can I make the fairy fire light up around living things. I have lost the touch with the animals. It was only that I knew that the hawk was Thorn's and it would not attack that gave me the strength to fetch the note."

"But Zeb you still track as well as ever and I have seen you guide others on adventures as well. This is just in y . . ."

"No! It is much more," Zeb says with a hiss of anger. "I guide only where I have already been. Look at how many of the new brothers and sisters are receiving the Title of Wayfarer as well as the new scouts and guides. What comes naturally to them I have to work very hard at. As for tracking I rely on others to see and then pose as I already knew and was waiting for them to find it."

"Remember the class I gave on being a ranger to the young ones. Wonder why it was so powerful. It was because when you lose something dear to you and it leaves you hollow inside. Then you appreciate it the more and it always hurts to see others take it for granted. Also I can barely touch a sword anymore and a bow is out of the question. All sharp pointed objects bring a strong feeling of unease to me. Look I carry a fail now or mace. And I have the young ones bring me scrolls that they cannot read but I have no problem in understanding."

A small smile begins to work its way to the corners of Ender's mouth. Seeing a faint glow beneath the shirt of Zeb, Ender pokes the hidden medallion with a finger. "And what of the path Zeb. The path that is here deep in your heart. Is it gone also?"

"No Ender, it is not. If anything it is stronger and clearer. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious Zeb. You are the only one I know of that has seen the goddess more than once. We all hear her and see her in the things of the forest but only a few have ever seen her. You on the other hand have seen her several times and will probably see her many times in the future. So go pray to her and she will guide you. Just remember that as long as the path is in your heart you are still a ranger. Now get some rest there is not much left of the night and we travel hard at dawn."

"Okay Ender but promise me that you will not tell the others of what I have lost. I don't think I could bear them knowing. Not yet anyway."

"I promise Zeb. I will tell no one till you give me leave."

With that Zeb turns and moves back to the camp but does not hear the final whispered words of Ender Bay, "I bow to you, new Cleric of Mielikki."

As the false dawn lightens the sky Ender wakes the others with a new smell in the camp. Primrose asks, "What is that delicious smell in the air?"

"Tis something a sailor friend of mine gave me. It came from Waterdeep but he said that it was brought from over the sea. I think he called it coffee."

"Everyone come over here please," calls Zeb.

"What is it Zeb?" asks Lake Mist.

"Aye Zeb what has you so excited?" asks Trout.

As they gather around Zeb, he takes out his medallion and pours water into a bowel. "Now watch the water." Closing his eyes, Zeb begins to chant and slowly the reflection of trees and sky fades to white. As everyone looks closer the white scene clears some to show several very crude lean-tos and huts. Snow whipped by the wind flies past them. Half-covered bodies lay buried in the snow. Then the vision focus on one hut and a blast of wind slams the door open for a second and just as fast closes the door. But all see Cerdith sitting and rocking back and forth as if listening to a favorite song. In that brief glimpse there was no doubt that Cerdith was close to death. Her skin was pale and there were signs of frostbite on her face. Gaunt and very thin she was as if she had not eaten for weeks.

A gasp was heard from Primrose as well as a whispered "No" from Ender. But the vision did not end it changed to the scene of woods with a mountain in the background. Then Thorn Hawk entered the image and was moving toward the mountain but he looked as if he were asleep. With that the vision ended.

"That is what our goddess has shown me in my dreams. We must hurry before it is too late."

With that Ender Bay commands but two words, "Break Camp!"

Subj: A hidden trail
Date: 96-05-07 00:46:52 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk


Two days had passed since the hawk left with a message for Ender Bay. During that time, Thorn Hawk had searched the area around the mountain for some sign of Cerdith. It was not until late this afternoon that he came upon a small track hidden from view by overgrowth. Following this nearly invisible trail, he found his first sign of Cerdith, a pathfinder's trail marker marking the trail as unexplored. With determined steps, Thorn Hawk returned back to his camp.

As he sat near his banked fire, Thorn Hawk wrestled with his emotions. He had promised to wait for help, but Cerdith might be close to death . . . . His brothers might not make it in time to save her . . . . The priest had told him not to brave the enemy alone . . . . What if the hawk never reached Ender. . . ? He had made a promise . . . , a promise to save Cerdith taken months ago just before he left the bunkhouse. With a fiery luster in his eyes, Thorn Hawk started checking his gear.

The predawn shadows found Thorn Hawk, on the slopes of the mountain, moving cautiously up the hidden trail. A faint breeze tickled his face bringing with it the subtle notes of a song. He continued to follow the trail looking for signs of Cerdith's passage when, two days later, he came across a stone tablet. Bending over the stone, he was unable to make out the weathered markings on it's worn surface, but there was a presence of old magic. He had felt magic like this in the desert when a young man. With renewed apprehension for his adversary, he continued on.

He was not sure when the music had become the center of his awareness, but the song filled his mind with its sweetness. A faint discordant note could be heard in the background, but if he concentrated, the song seemed to swell, drowning out that one note. Suddenly, something hit his head causing the music to falter, but it's power returned to capture his heart. Again, something hit his head, but this time causing Thorn Hawk to cry out in pain breaking the song's spell. An enraged cry moved Thorn Hawk to turn his head to the sky. Above, soared a gray hawk. Shaking his head to clear the last vestiges of the song, he quickly made his way towards the valley floor far below.

Subj: Cerdith: Dragon's Flight
Date: 96-05-11 15:29:14 EDT
From: QuadSF


It was one of those frustrating days where nothing seemed to go his way. Steelflight was coasting on the air thermals, looking for possible places where Cerdith might be. As usual, there were too many. Sighing, he looked further in the mountains and felt a nostalgic feeling. Down below was a group of mountains, one of them shrouded in mist. His mind felt back to when he was home, in the palace near Mist.

Shaking his head, he coasted down toward that mountain. The mountain had an odd tone around it, which got stronger when he got closer. When he was a league away, he could hear faint music. His intuition told him that this wasn't ordinary vapor, yet he felt tired after his flight. Perhaps he could land on a ledge somewhere . . .

As he went into the mist, Steel's mind felt like a gut tie loosening. His mind drifted to his happier days, when his father and mother were alive. He missed them terribly, but his instincts told him to get out. With a desperate change in course, he managed to get out of the mind-fogging fog and hover in clearer skies.

He pondered a bit. It was a mystery, having to know why such a thing existed. Perhaps for safekeeping of an artifact? Or security? Or, and Steel shivered at this, was it alive? Whatever it was, it wasn't safe to have it lying around. He would have to find out how to remove it.

And that meant help. Spell-casters were spell-casters, and they would know how. The Brotherhood harbored such dual-classed people, and he'd hoped that some were around here. Carefully scanning the grounds, he noticed a ranger in a small clearing below.

As he thought, the ranger was Thorn Hawk. He was pacing the forest floor, waiting for someone. Most likely his friends, thought Steel. So, he slowly hovered over the area and changed. Thanks to magical influence on the world, he slipped into human form without a hitch. As Thorn was facing the other way, Steel landed nimbly on his feet from the great height . . .

Subj: Cerdith: Dragon's Flight
Date: 96-05-11 15:29:56 EDT
From: QuadSF

Thorn wasn't easily surprised, as the ranger suddenly had a sword to Steelflight's throat. "Calm down, my friend-in-arms. I, too, am seeking Cerdith. Who are you waiting for?" Thorn sheathed his sword and replied, "Not anyone that I know of. Perhaps Ender or some of the more experienced ones. I'll tell my story once they get here."

It wasn't long before a group of dirty (mostly) travelers came along.

"Hail, Ender. Did the hawk bring you here today?" asked Thorn Hawk.

Ender replied, "Yep. You said that you knew where Cerdith might be, and let me guess. That mountain?" He pointed at the misty peak.

Thorn said yes, and he proceeded to tell his short tale of his travels. At the end, Steel put in: "Now that we are here, does anyone here know how to pierce this fog? It seems to be there for some purpose. And if Cerdith is up on the mountain . . . " He left the sentence hang, for everyone knew what the answer was . . .

Subj: A gathering
Date: 96-05-12 02:42:54 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk

Two days passed as the band shared stories of their travels to arrive at this lonely mountain deep within the woods of Neverwinter. They prepared for the journey to come each in their own way. The rangers looked over their armor and weapons while the clerics meditated and communed with higher powers. In the trees above, two birds eyed each other along with keeping a keen lookout for trouble.

As the moon rose full in the sky, the small band numbering seven were joined by three others, Barthonis, Thralos, and Riverswift. Many somber welcomes were passed as the group sat discussing the following morning's assault. "I think I have something that might help," ventured Primrose holding forth a lump of bee wax. "If we put this in our ears, maybe it will help keep the song from affecting our minds."

Zeb Canon, sitting on the edge of the fire, nodded his head in agreement, "I think that would be wise and Rose and myself both have spells to block out the song."

"Is that truly a wise thing to do Zeb? Won't the spell keep us from hearing danger approaching?" asked Ender Bay, our leader on this quest.

"I think we must take the chance Ender for Cerdith's sake."

"One thing we must do is stay in a close group during the climb. It is easy to succumb to the effects of the song, but it can be countered by sharp pain. A quick slap should suffice in causing the person to regain control of their thought," suggested Thorn Hawk moving into the firelight.

"That settles it then. We need to get some sleep if we are the scale that mountain tomorrow," replied Troutrasta.

"Not yet Brother. There remains one last thing. We must send a note back to the others in case we don't make it back," remarked Lake Mist casting a forbidding silence on the group.

After writing the note, Lake Mist gave the note to Ender Bay who gave the note to his gull. The gull looked back at his friend and let out a faint squawk. Rising into the air, the gull headed toward the coast. "Fair travels, my friend."

The small band of rangers woke up one morning to a cold and cloudy morning. Everyone ate breakfast and tried to keep up a light banter to improve their moods. It didn't work. Eventually camp was broken, and they all looked up the trail. "Well, everybody, let's stop up our ears," replied Ender. Most of the group did so, save Rose, Zeb, and Steel.

"Steel, why aren't you using the earwax?" asked Zeb. "I can create a force field to stop any magic from reaching me. Just something I learned," said Steel. And a shimmering white field surrounded him.

"Let's hurry up the trail. The faster we can get to her, the better."

Thorn was the first to start up the hill, with the other following suit. The trail was hard to see, and soon only one person could go on it without falling off the ledge. It became treacherous at several points, where someone would lose their footing. Fortunately, no one lost a life, though three had to pull up Thralos before his handhold was gone.

The mists continually tried to coerce them into staying right where he was, but many an ear-waxed one would sport bruises for a day or two. Often the fog would make them lose their path, forcing them to backtrack. Along the way they saw the bones of humans, demi-humans, and the occasional troll or ogre. Trout once nearly stumbled upon a pile of dragon ribs.

Constantly, Steel had this nagging suspicion that something wasn't right. But, then again, the mist wasn't vapor. Sooner or later, they would find the truth . . .

Subj: Ice Peak (1)
Date: 96-05-12 12:22:39 EDT
From: Lake Mist

As I leave the tavern in Luskan on a bright and brisk spring morning, about to start my long journey back south, I overhear two gentlemen in a conversation. "I heard someone speaking of Ice Peak the other day. Seems there is a renewed interest in finding the ancient gem that is said to be hidden there." "Aye," said the other, "but it is only legend. And besides, they say it is protected by an ancient dragon, more fierce than any we have down here."

As I start off west, I catch a glimpse of a far off twinkle as the morning sun catches the ice and snow on the top of Ice Peak. How far away is that mountain, I wonder.

A few steps further and I suddenly stop dead in my tracks. Looking north again, I wonder if Cerdith has been drawn to this ancient and mysterious mountain. No one has seen her anywhere within Neverwinter for months.

With a renewed energy, I again stepped off. I must get back to the bunkhouse and check the ancient tomes and maps for any clues to Ice Peak and it's mysteries. Maybe some of the older rangers know something about it. Urgrue is back, I'll ask him when I get there.

At any rate, I must find Ender Bay and the other Pathfinders. Only together can we hope to find Cerdith.

Subj: A little sleep
Date: 96-05-13 12:48:21 EDT
From: Cerdith

The music had filled her mind and her soul . . . the harmonies were inescapable. She had struggled, something deep inside had moved and fought, had screamed of danger, had pleaded with her to remember her brethren, to remember her Goddess. She had tried so very hard . . . but the song was so perfect, so precise . . . it knew her and welcomed her.

The Lady had been in her mind again, breaking through her blindness . . . but it was so hard to see anything but the beauty of the song. She just wanted to sleep a little, to rest . . . but the Lady wanted her to do something too. It was so hard . . . so confusing. Maybe a little nap, a little rest and then she could do the task that the Lady had asked of her.

Struggling unknowingly against the enchantment, Cerdith's strength was nearly done. The song altered in that moment, changed to a soft gentle lullaby . . .

Just a little nap . . .

Subj: Re:A gathering
Date: 96-05-13 22:24:13 EDT
From: QuadSF

The small band of rangers woke up one morning to a cold and cloudy morning. Everyone ate breakfast and tried to keep up a light banter to improve their moods. It didn't work. Eventually camp was broken, and they all looked up the trail. "Well, everybody, let's stop up our ears," replied Ender. Most of the group did so, save Rose, Zeb, and Steel.

"Steel, why aren't you using the earwax?" asked Zeb. "I can create a force field to stop any magic from reaching me. Just something I learned." said Steel. And a shimmering white field surrounded him.

"Let's hurry up the trail. The faster we can get to her, the better." Thorn was the first to start up the hill, with the other following suit. The trail was hard to see, and soon only one person could go on it without falling off the ledge. It became treacherous at several points, where someone would lose their footing. Fortunately, no one lost a life, though three had to pull up Thralos before his handhold was gone.

The mists continually tried to coerce them into staying right where he was, but many an earwaxed one would sport bruises for a day or two. Often the fog would make them lose their path, forcing them to backtrack. Along the way they saw the bones of humans, demi-humans, and the occasional troll or ogre. Trout once nearly stumbled upon a pile of dragon ribs.

Constantly, Steel had this nagging suspicion that something wasn't right. But, then again, the mist wasn't vapor. Sooner or later, they would find the truth . . .
Subj: A night on the trail
Date: 96-05-19 01:36:16 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk

I sat next to the fire watching the others relax. We had traveled far today and hopefully with Mielikki's blessing we shall overtake our enemy. We had tracked him to this solitary mountain. His identity, strengths and weaknesses were unknown to us, but we were able to pursue him because we followed our sister, whom he held captive somewhere above us. He attacked our minds continually with a song born on the wind. It robbed us of thought and the desire to live. Reaching up to feel the wax in my ear, I smiled slightly remembering the looks the others had given Primrose when she mentioned the idea of bees wax. Everyone appeared to be holding up well and their spirits were still high which was a good sign. Reaching into my pack, I pulled out a small whetstone and took hold of my sword.

Sliding the stone along the length of the blade, I was greeted by a sound that brought back memories of my life. There was something about the sound a whetstone made when stroked along the edge of a fine steel blade that soothed the mind and relaxed the body. I remember the first time I heard the sound. I was sneaking in the shadows listening to the warriors talk around the fire about fights they had won and battles they had fought while a soft undertone could be heard. The sound of a whetstone being scrapped across a blade. I remember other times not so happy. The night sat with Kalean before she died. Again, I am the one sitting next to the fire, sharpening my sword, thinking of battles to come. I am not sure why I do this thing. My sword has never had a nick or a burr, but still I drag the stone across it. I spend hours doing this thing and all I accomplish is to slowly wear the stone away. Glancing up, I see Primrose fall into a meditative trance as she prays to Mielikki for spells. Maybe, this is why I do this thing. It is my meditation, my way of focusing, cleansing my spirit of all but the task at hand.

Something on this mountain is holding Cerdith captive. I know a battle will come and I will be ready. In the still silence of the night, I put my whetstone away.

The sun had just risen when Neerdowell opened the door to the bunkhouse and saw a small rolled note laying on the threshold next to a gray feather. Puzzled, he reached down and began to read the elegant script.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear brothers and sisters,

We feel we have found the place our lost sister Cerdith is being held. We have assembled us few to try and save her. All fear her time is short so we could not ask for assistance. We are not sure if we will succeed or not, but we must try for her life hangs in the balance. If you do not hear from us after a week's time, assume the worst. Wish us luck and pray for our safe return.

Your brothers and sister, Barthonis, Thralos,
Ender Bay, TroutRasta,
Lake Mist, Thorn Hawk,
Primrose, Steelflight,
RiverSwift, Zeb Canon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Barthonis silently walked among his sleeping companions waking them. Their camp, nestled between two twisted trees, was shrouded in mist. A wind blew through the camp that all could feel, but none heard its mournful cry. Zeb Canon and Primrose promptly restored their silence spells, while others made sure their more mundane methods of blocking sound were in place. A haggard, weary array of rangers and clerics resumed their trek each looking into the eyes of their fellows searching for solace and reassurance. Their journey had taken nine days and they had seen many markers of ancient nature. The markers, there meaning unclear even to the most learned and traveled of the group, had instilled a foreboding fear in their hearts. They knew they were on the right track after seeing the small temple, newly concentrated, only four days ago. They had to find her soon before their wills gave out and they too became ensnared by the song on the wind. Slipping, Thralos struggled up the narrow path following the dimly seen figure of Zeb Canon. Troutrasta quickly reached the kneeling form of Thralos and helped him up. Smiling his thanks, Thralos continued shuffling up the trail. Each member watched the back of the person in front because without sound sight became more important to their survival. It was their worst enemy, the silence. It robbed them of sense and orientation. Each fought a personal battle against depression and feelings of isolation. Zeb Canon and Primrose handled it better than the rest. Their training in the clerical arts allowed them to withstand the rigors of losing their hearing. Ender Bay, their leader, moved with staunch determination. Near Ender Bay, Thorn Hawk traveled with grim purpose. Last was Lake Mist, his face a mask of stoic resolution. Each had their own strengths and desires to sustain them.

The company had traveled most of the day when they entered a sheltered clearing dominated by twisted trees and clusters of bushes. Something was wrong. Each pathfinder felt it in the center of his being, a disturbance in the natural order of things. Without directions, each member began moving through the clearing looking for the origin of this wrongness. Steelflight, walking next to a bush, noticed a glimmer within its confines. Kneeling down, he saw bits of armor and white bones. Saying a small prayer to the deceased, he frantically motioned the others over. After the others gathered around the refuge and looked inside, they began inspecting all the shelters.

Thorn Hawk dropped to his knees next to a well-crafted shelter. Inside sat the swaying figure of Cerdith, her serene face starring off into the distance. She was wrapped within the confines of her elfin cloak making her body hard to define, but her hollow cheeks a testament to her condition after weeks without food or sleep. Thorn Hawk slowly reached out to her. His hand stopping mere inches from her face unable to touch her. His heart broke. Anguish at seeing Cerdith in this state for the first time, the ranger was helpless. He had not expected this and as tears fell from his face, none heard the cry of pain that escaped his lips.

Mists float by the party of rangers as they each try to look in the door of the hut to see Cerdith. The wind making the mists seem like phantoms moving through the pass. Riverswift rushed over, sliding to a stop, before the still form of Cerdith his face a mask of rage and frustration. Primrose stood silently by, tears streaming down her face, while Lake Mist moved to her side. Barthonis and Troutrasta, kneeling down next to Cerdith, wrapped their cloaks around her. Off to the side, stood Zeb a look of worry on his face. There was something wrong here. He could feel the evil of this place. Looking at his brothers and sisters, Zeb could see that the bees wax no longer stopped the music of the song. Each starts to get a glazed look on their face then snaps out of it, but each time the blankness lasts just a little longer.

At that same time, Steel rushed over and touched his hand to Cerdith's forehead. It was cool, a dangerous sign. He concentrated, feeling her mind and looking at her mental state. As he removed his hand, he projected his thoughts: *She is not doing well. There is very little energy in her, and moving her would kill her. We must remove the mist, then let her heal long enough for us to take her back to the bunkhouse. After that, well . . . who knows?*

Moving away from the group, I start to look for the cause of the song. Then with a strong gust of wind the mists part and I begin to see the mountain walls around us. Shacks and lean-tos line the pass on both sides except near one point that looks like a cave entrance. Now as I watch the mists leave, I begin to see features above the cave. Other holes and outcroppings start to make the figure of a giant face set into the mountain wall. As the features become clearer, it takes on the form of a giant skull.

Ender heard a voice in his head . . . he paused momentarily to sort out the noise. The songs they had heard earlier were very intense here. In fact, he could hear them through the beeswax in his ear quite easily now. The music was beautiful . . . The songs were so intense now that he could barely hear the voice in his head . . . at first he thought it was Quad. He had been amazed at the young ranger's ability to speak in his mind.

Running over to Ender Bay, I shake his arm to get his attention. Seeing that he is slowly being overcome by the song, I move in front of him. Seeing that he is staring down at Cerdith and that tears are running down his face. He nearly became entranced with the music . . . But this voice was the voice of a woman and although he hadn't heard it before, he recognized it soon enough. The Lady was instructing him to destroy the evil here and restore this mountain to her wilderness domain! In that instant Ender suddenly recognized the music as not beautiful at all. He heard the lyrics and was horrified! Knowing that I must break his concentration I reach back and give him a resounding slap across his face. Thanks to Cerdith having reconsecrated the nearby shrine in Mielikki's name, the goddess had more control here than before. It wasn't much, but it was enough to snap the spell and stop the effect the music was having on Ender. Suddenly the near blank expression turns into a murderous rage as his eyes leave Cerdith and focus on me. Ender's hand moves slowly toward his belt knife but recognition also works its way into his eyes and he begins to relax. Ender nodded, pointed at the others and then pointed outside toward the mountain pass. Everyone removed their packs and readied their weapons. Zeb and Primrose put a second silence spell around Cerdith, then everyone exited and entered the pass. Ender was worried about Cerdith and he could tell by the look on Riverswift's face that he was worried too. He knew the two were old friends, so he gestured to River to go be with Cerdith.

With Cerdith as safe as they could keep her, Ender's thoughts turned toward the other tiny shelters gathered around the clearing. Wondering if someone else might be alive here, Ender gestured to Thralos, Bart and Quad to split up and the four of them would search the rest of the clearing.

With Thralos, Bart, Steel, and Ender searching the other huts, Lake Mist, Primrose, Thorn Hawk, Troutrasta and Zeb went over to the mouth of the giant skull and entered. It was not a cave but a passage that led down into darkness. Lake Mist, lighting a torch, took a few steps down the passage. The walls of the passage were smooth and untouched by age. Scattered along the walls were runes of a language that was long dead.

As we moved down the passage, the light from the cave entrance grew smaller and smaller. Then the passage leveled out and after a short walk we entered a vast cavern. Mighty pillars that reached up into the darkness were set in rows that moved deeper into the chamber. Standing in the entrance of the chamber, we could all feel the unearthly cold of the place. A cold that went deep into the bones. The smell of death and rot clung to everything. Soon all the others joined us and we all knew that this was a temple devoted to an old and terrible evil. Inside the temple, the air seemed to be still. It was dark and moist, and at the far end sat an altar. It was a large stone block, with a statue of a long-forgotten god standing behind it.

Ancient blood stains covered the statue in strange lines, like writhing snakes. Troutrasta was the first to approach the altar, and bent down. He put his hand on a series of carvings inscribed there, and waved the others over.

Everyone ran over, and looked at the inscriptions. It was written in a form like no other, with the glyphs still sharp. Zeb and Primrose both shook their heads, indicating no understanding. Lake Mist walked over to the statue and looked at it. He shook his head, and, as he walked back to the others, he noticed a tiny point of light near the bottom of the altar. A small wisp of smoke seemed to flow out of the light. Suddenly being curious, he reached over and touched the light. Primrose looked up frustrated, unable to decipher the glyphs only to see Lake reach toward the altar. As she opens her month to yell out for him to stop, she suddenly realizes that she and Zeb are silenced and can't use their spells. The instant Lake's finger tips touch the source of the light a shock passes through his body. The others see him recoil in pain, obviously unprepared for the attack by the evil magic that lurks here. He appeared relatively unharmed, but he looked dismayed.

Troutrasta looked up at Zeb Canon. The Pathfinder's War Captain, a proud and able cleric of Mielikki, was staring back at Troutrasta with a determined look. Troutrasta simply pointed to the Altar and Zeb knew exactly what to do. He had heard the Lady's voice too . . . as had Primrose. While the two clerics prepared to perform the ceremony to reconsecrate this temple in Mielikki's name, Thorn Hawk silently slipped back outside to guard the entrance. Moving silently to the altar, Zeb and Primrose take out vials of holy water and different herbs to begin the ceremony. As Primrose begins to pour the holy water on the altar, Troutrasta shouts, "Zeb there is someone or something out in the middle of the temple floor."

Then a voice echoes in the temple cavern. Words just barely understandable, echoing in their minds, come from a cloaked figure. "So you have come to pray to my god have you!" says the gravelly voice. Laughter fills the cavern as the figure moves closer to the altar. With each step it gets bigger and bigger. Twice the height of a man the figure stands. Pulling the hood of the cloak back, the Cloud Giant Shaman speaks. "I knew that you would come to save Trollsbane. My god requires fresh blood now that he is stronger. Do you like his singing? Enchanting is it not? But then you humans always were easily distracted."

"Why? Why are you doing this?" thought Primrose.

"Why! Because female long before you humans came to the Forgotten Realms, we giants ruled this land. Our gods were strong and they made us strong. Then from across the Trackless Sea and the Great Desert you came. Raising great cities on the coast like Waterdeep, Neverwinter, Port Llast and others. While from the east Longsaddle and Triboar grew. More and more we were pushed further into the wilderness. Ogres, Hill Giants, Trolls, Ettins and Dragons were hunted and killed."

"But no more! We have awakened the old ones and they make us strong again. Look at Berrun. The town is no more than a ghost town and we run free. As more of you weak humans enter the woods to feed our god, his power will be heard even in the cities and before long we will rule again."

With a mighty stamp on the temple floor the cavern starts to shake. Unable to keep our footing, we fall to the floor and roll away from the altar. Putting a giant gnarled hand on the altar, the Cloud Giant Shaman raises his eyes to the idol behind the altar and starts to chant in a strange and eerie language. As the quaking of the chamber subsided, the Cloud Giant gives one last tremendous scream that echoes throughout the mountains.

~~~~~
Back outside the cave...

The rangers hurriedly searched the clearing for other survivors . . . but their search was abruptly halted! The ground underneath them shook violently for several moments and there was a great rumbling sound coming from within the temple. The rangers outside all looked at the temple with worried eyes. Before they could act, there was a great bellowing by what sounded like a horrible beast coming from inside the temple. It was speaking in a language that none of them knew . . . but it definitely sounded like magical commands of some sort.

Thorn Hawk had just reached the entrance to the temple when the ground shook terribly knocking him to his knees. Rising, he gazed back toward the temple and his companions, but his duty was to guard the entrance so the ranger pressed on. In that instant, Ender realized that the music had stopped and though they still had wax in their ears, they'd be able to hear each other if they shouted. "River," he yelled, "Stay put! Steel and Thralos, follow me into the temple! Bart, don't move without us!" As Ender drew his long sword and started for the temple, he heard a crackling sound behind him. He turned to see Quad hadn't moved . . . his bastard sword was drawn and he looked as if he was ready for combat. Looking the other way he saw Thralos with his two-handed sword in the ready position and Bart was holding his trident in a white knuckled grip. River was now standing over Cerdith, weapon drawn, and a look of horror was on his face. Cerdith had collapsed from fatigue . . . apparently unable to even sit up without the songs there to hold her.

Then he saw what the others saw . . . skeletons of the deceased, some in varying states of decay, were rising out of their shelters. At first it just seemed like there were a few of them . . . but right in front of his very eyes Ender witnessed the few quickly multiply into what looked like dozens! The sight made his stomach turn. These were the corpses of innocent travelers who stumbled upon this evil place by accident. Now the evil that held this place and sucked the life force from these good people was using their corpses to defend its temple! Still, there was little other choice . . . "Defend yourselves!!!!"

With that, Ender charged the nearest skeletons . . . Raising his two-handed sword above his head, a look of fire burns into his eyes as Thralos strides forward resolutely. With powerful blows borne of a desperation and the strength of a faith borne of Mielikki, they began to shatter the skeletons.

Thorn Hawk entered the clearing to see total chaos. Skeletons were everywhere, walking out of the various huts and shelters that dotted the clearing. He watched as Ender Bay and Thralos battled skeletons back to back both swinging their swords in great cleaving arcs. Barthonis stood alone surrounded by skeletons sweeping his trident like a staff. Knowing he must guard the temple, but wanting to help his companions, the ranger took out his ebony bow and drew a white fletched arrow.

Just then, a crashing noise was heard coming from the trees behind Cerdith's shelter. Drawing his bow and taking aim, Thorn Hawk saw the head of a mountain troll as it entered the clearing ahead of its brethren.

~~~~~
Back inside the cave...

Grabbing Zeb's robes Primrose pulls him away from the others, while with her other hand races into her skirt pocket searching for the right scroll. Zeb tries to brush her away as he readies himself for battle, but seeing the frantic look on her face as she silently mouths one word, throws down a scroll and pulls out another, it dawns on him what they must do. Lake goes to follow Zeb and Primrose, only to have her push him away, frantically shaking her head at him. Suddenly, Lake Mist realizes the dismay that is showing on Primrose's face. Shifting his long sword to his left hand, he readies himself to cast dispel. Watching Primrose try to grab Zeb Canon and drag him aside, Lake Mist is readied.

~~~~
Back outside...

As Ender and Thralos raced toward the skeletons, Steel looked behind his shoulder. He wasn't surprised to hear a loud, clanking noise echoing up the path. Looking around, Steel noted the size of the clearing and the position of Cerdith's hut. Before long, the bony head of a dracolich peered behind the rocks. It gave a roar and charged toward the lone ranger. Steel knew that fighting it would be deadly, as he had noted a few times before. He recalled an old adage from a past master: "Always look for a way to neutralize the enemy's and your differences."

The harmonies intertwined, cascading in a ever changing woven melody, soothing Cerdith's mind and soul. The Lady's voice murmuring urgently faded away, slipped into her unconscious mind. It was so hard to concentrate, to hear the words. She wasn't even sure she wanted to risk losing the music, but there was something important.... A shifting, something had changed, the harmony was different now. Angry, fierce, protective... and there was another presence. Confusion filled her, the Lady's voice was clearer but the words were still indistinguishable.

Struggling to understand, suddenly filled with a need to hear the words Cerdith was completely unaware that her brothers of the Path had entered the clearing and found her wasted body. She had no idea that it was their presence here, their strong unified faith in Mielikki which had opened this tiny little hole in the wall that had isolated her from the Goddess' voice.

Though fighting raged about her and she was moved and jostled, Cerdith's battle was internal. If she could not win her own fight, her body would be nothing but a shell for a damaged and mangled soul. The music sensed her withdrawal and her efforts to resist and think. The song changed yet again, tearing, whipping and slicing... the sounds were agonizing and terribly painful. Crying out soundlessly, eyes blind to all around her she fought this enemy that had so deceptively woven itself about her heart and soul. Twisting and turning, the pain giving her a certain clarity, Cerdith was on the brink of victory, when all fell silent.

Everything was happening so quickly that Ender didn't have time to think. He had given loose orders to the others as to where to stand, but they had no real battle plan. A quick glance around revealed that this fight was quickly becoming a free-for-all. The Pathfinders were unable to work together in this type of a fight. Still, his earlier deployment of the group was probably the wisest thing. Ender had been worried about a trap and clearly one had been sprung on them. Proudly he noticed that everyone seemed to be well prepared for it. And everyone knows that rangers, even a close knit group like this, love to fight independently.

Thralos hammered the skeletons down with his two handed sword fighting back to back with Ender. Soon the skeletons were crushed and Thralos moved to the side of Cerdith to protect her with his might. Sorrow and anger mix on his face at the sight of her breathing form. Relief and triumph flash across his face and he raises his voice in the BOP battle cry, "AAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

Long sword held high, Ender recklessly charges into a group of humanoid skeletons. These undead minions were merely a distraction, he thought. The skeletons lacked the skills necessary to harm an experienced fighter. One by one, he dispatches them with relative ease, using the flat side of his sword to smash their bones. He pauses briefly hearing a loud roar. What undead creature makes a noise like that, he thought.

"Twang," the elvish bow sang in Thorn Hawks' hand. Arrow after arrow raced to find a mark in the mountain trolls' body staggering it. Firing one last arrow, Thorn Hawk watched the troll fall with an arrow in its head.

Barthonis, swinging his trident at the ring of skeletons, smiled when he heard the war cry of his brother. Lifting his head, his voice rusty from long disuse, Barthonis began to sing. His song one of hope and honor and love helped to inspire his brothers and drive the fear that had gripped them away. As the last skeleton fell beneath his trident, he beheld a new threat entering the clearing, the skeletal form of a giant. Kicking the bones of the skeleton from his trident, Barthonis Giantslayer went to meet his ancient enemy, a song of valor and justice on his lips . . .

~~~~
Meanwhile, back inside the cave...

"It has begun humans!" says the Cloud Giant. "I have sent a call to those that will stop the ones above. Now I will introduce you to some of my friends." With a giant clap of his hands, one of the pillars begins to take the form of a stone golem. From two other pillars, rock reptiles move toward the entrance of the cavern. From the shadows, come the hideous forms of three driders.

The Driders move to a position behind the Cloud Giant Shaman. The stone golem swivels its head toward the altar as the rock lizards swing their granite tails. A mighty roar is heard echoing down the passage. "Ahhhh that should be the bone dragon and it seems he has found something to play with in the pass," comments the cloud giant. "Now I think our god would like to meet you so we will start with the female."

Primrose grabs Zeb by the arm and tries to get him to his feet. Troutrasta slowly slides his sword out of its sheath as he moves to the side of the group. Lake Mist begins the words that will cast a dispel magic, knowing that the silence spell is still active on Primrose and Zeb.

"Massster!", cried one of the driders pointing to Lake Mist. "Magic. Massster. It casssstssss magic."

"Then take him!" commands the cloud giant, "I will attend to these two myself."

As he is about to cast, a drider reaches him and knocks him to one side. Caught off balance, Lake Mist falls and lands against a stone wall. Gathering himself, he rises just in time to send his long sword ripping through the side of the drider just before it reaches Primrose. Blood running from a cut on the side of his head, he turns to fend off the other two driders as Primrose and Zeb Canon turn their attention toward the Cloud Giant Shaman.

"I smell magic around you priest, but it will do you no good," and with that, words of magic come from his throat. A small globe of pure magic floats from the cloud giant and strikes Zeb and Primrose . . .

~~~~
Back outside...

Tossing away his sword and reaching down inside him, Steel tapped the power of his bloodline, his legacy. With a white flash, a full-grown steel-dragon stood on his hind legs. The dracolich struck his shoulder with its head, and both of them fell to the ground. Steel opened his jaws and bit down on the neck bones, trying to rip it away from the rest of the undead body. The dracolich also tried to bite his neck, but the bone scratched the metal plates, drawing some blood. Giving up on the neck, Steel tried pulling some of the ribs out. They too, were held fast.

A bony claw lashed out, and it scored a deep furrow in his head. Blood started running down into Steel's eyes, partially blinding him. That does it, he thought, as he tried to punch the lich's head. It went wide, cracking the left shoulder bone instead. In response, the dracolich closed its teeth on Steel's left arm. He went for another swing, and this time it connected where he wanted it, on the head.

The dracolich screamed, released its living prize, and stepped back. Steel took the opportunity and scrambled off the ground. The bit arm hurt like spider poison, but he had to keep on fighting. Thinking quickly, Steel reached down, grabbed some bushes, and tossed it at the lich. It caught it neatly, and was surprised when it got pinned to the ground by a two-ton dragon. The force by Steel's landing was too much for the decayed bones, and it shattered into a million pieces.

Ender turns to look for the others and sees a dracolich! In his reckless haste to destroy the skeletons quickly he didn't notice that there even was a dracolich. Yet that wasn't what he heard. Dracolich's don't roar like that. As that thought was entering his mind, a large steel dragon was entering his sight. He caught a glimpse of sun light reflecting off its shiny hide as it tosses a few bushy branches at the dracolich. As the dracolich cleanly catches the decoy in its mouth, Ender feels a hand on his shoulder. Assuming it's Thralos he spins to face his brother.

Riverswift stood over Cerdith's body his long sword held before him as the first mountain troll emerged from the trees. Suddenly, an arrow pierces its hide. Glancing back, Riverswift sees Thorn Hawk firing another of his deadly arrows at the troll. Knowing his brothers deadly aim, he turns his attention to the crashing noise behind the first troll. A leering face appears from around a tree only to meet the sharp edge of Riverswift's sword. Swinging its clawed hand, the mountain troll bats aside the follow-up swing and claws Riverswift's body. Ducking under the next lumbering swing, he cleaves the troll in two with the keen edge of his sword. Looking back, he sees Cerdith still laying under her shelter and in the distance, a dracolich falling to pieces under the weight of another dragon. Shaking his head at the gifts of the lady, Riverswift moves back to guard the still form of Cerdith . . .

~~~~
Back inside the cave...

Calling on the power of the earth, the stone golem casts the equivalent of a slow spell at Troutrasta. As the tingle of the spell grips Trout, he sees the huge fist of the golem come toward him. Normally, Trout would have just ducked under the swing, but his reactions are no longer as quick as they once were. Caught in the middle of the dive, the golem fist connects with the body of Troutrasta and he flies through the air with its force.

Half blind by the dripping blood in his face, Lake Mist tries to rise and find his longsword as an arrow sinks into his left shoulder. Just as a second arrow ricochets off the wall behind him, he sees the drider fumble with his arrows, as if not sure what he is doing. Not sure what is wrong with the drider, half in and out of consciousness, he only knows that he must find his longsword. Or a spell, but what spell, he can't remember which one to cast. A third arrow buries itself in his left thigh. Pain starting to coarse through every fibre of his body, he starts to move.

Crawling across the floor, he finds the longsword, and fumbles with its hilt. Why won't his left arm work, he can't remember. As he stands and tries to finish the drider, he is caught by a spell that seems to make his body move quicker. Some of his agility has returned and the pain no longer seems to matter.

Sounds of battle and screams of pain reach the ears of Zeb Canon. Raising his head to stare at the cloud giant Zeb says, "Thanks fool!" With that Zeb pushes Primrose away and toward Lake Mist and Troutrasta and shouts, "Help them Rose. I have some unfinished business with this giant."

~~~~
Back outside...

As Ender turns, he is greeted not with his brother's familiar face, but with the half rotten face of what looks to be a dead troll. The troll's other hand is reaching up for Ender's neck. Momentarily disgusted and revolted, Ender drops his sword in an attempt to back out of the foul creature's grasp. Years of traveling on seafaring vessels have given Ender great balance, yet in his haste to escape he trips over parts of the last skeleton he dismantled. With the zombie nearly on top of him and slowly closing in, Ender quickly mutters the incantations to the spell Shocking Grasp. Just as the zombie is about to put its hands around Ender's throat, Ender grabs the foul troll's head and sends a wave electricity through it. The zombie's entire body shakes and then falls limp to the ground.

The sudden silence was devastating. The harmonies and images they wrought in her mind were ripped away, the pain of that parting excruciating as the strands of the song which had woven through her soul were wrenched and jerked away. Her scream was silent too, though it resounded throughout her being. Agonized and horribly maimed, she tried to hear something, anything in the featureless void which surrounded her.

Over Cerdith's prone and terribly wasted body, unaware of the internal struggle and terrible pain his sister was enduring, RiverSwift stood watchfully. The skeletons which had sought to break through the companions had been destroyed rapidly, the bones that were all that remained of others who had listened too long and too deeply lay crushed upon the ground. Straightening carefully, he risked a glance downward with troubled eyes.

The pain surrounded her, numbed her as she fought to find something to hold, something real in the blackness. She couldn't hear anything, she couldn't see or smell . . . all her senses were gone except the burning sensation that permeated her being, seared her soul. Struggling stubbornly, forcing herself to seek a way through this to find a path . . .

Cerdith's face was almost blank in its bizarre expressionless state. It hurt RiverSwift just to see that lack of emotion in the features of a sister known for her humor and playfulness. Crouching for a moment, he brushed her hair back gently from her face and brushed his finger along her cheek. How could this have happened, what had happened to transform Cerdith into this? Troubled and disturbed by the lack of reaction, RiverSwift looked away, just in time to see the huge fist, which when it impacted slammed him to the ground at his sister's side.

Was that a light? Maybe not a light perhaps but less of a darkness, something in the void . . . something NOT the void? Straining, she reached through the pain toward something . . . that tantalizing something . . .

Rolling sideways, Riverswift dodged the next fist as it swung viciously through the air above his face. Talons glittered as they swept past raking the ranger as he struggled to rise and face this new and sudden threat. Staggering, RiverSwift managed to stand and lift his two-handed sword. A tremendous mountain troll towered above him, drooling and howling in hunger. Two more were closing rapidly, shuffling toward the wounded ranger with impossible speed. Knowing that he could not concentrate to summon magic to aid him, RiverSwift feinted to his right as though he would flee and then darted back to the left as the troll lunged to capture him. His sword took the huge creature squarely in the back of the head, knocking it sideways and eliciting a howl of fury. Then the others were upon him. Dancing sideways, spinning and twisting with all the skill and knowledge that his ranger training had given him, RiverSwift dealt terrible wounds to the trolls. But, his efforts to keep the creatures from Cerdith were costing him tactically, and he was struck several more times by fists and gleaming talons. Already the first troll was rising. Again, its unnatural healing powers restoring it rapidly to full strength. Blood ran from a cut above his eye, blinding him, even as his muscles began to scream in protest at the efforts he demanded of them. A duck under one swing and his sword sliced the second troll's hamstring. It fell, gibbering in anger and clutching its wounded leg. RiverSwift knew it would return though, if he could not stop the regeneration. The third troll moved sluggishly, cut in several places and near incapacitated. If only he could gain a moment, he could cast and destroy these creatures' ability to heal.

Almost there, she could almost see . . . the pain was receding or she no longer noticed it. There was something there! She knew it . . . she just had to push a little farther, just try a little harder and she could grasp it. Forcing herself forward, in this featureless and direction less place, she reached with trembling fingers toward the lightness, toward the path . . .

Jumping back, another swipe of talons narrowly missed eviscerating him. RiverSwift gave up on fighting cleanly and resorted to every trick he knew. Stabbing with the tip of his sword he impaled the trolls' foot and twisted, using the length of the two-hander for leverage slicing tendons. Screaming now, the third troll fell into his downstroke, beheaded immediately by the magical sharpness of the blade. Smiling grimly in satisfaction, RiverSwift turned to deal with the first troll which was advancing once more.

Suddenly, everything was very clear. Her feet rested firmly upon a road, a dirt track surrounded by towering pine and lofty cedar. Wildflowers nestled here and there amidst the ferns, purple, white and pink flowers hidden in the foliage. She took a deep breath, inhaling the sweetness of the forest's scents. Her body felt strange, not pained nor even hurt, just odd. Stepping forward tentatively, Cerdith was surprised to realize that still she could hear nothing. Though she could see the birds and she could imagine their chirping songs, she could not hear them. She could feel the breeze upon her face, could see the pine needles rustling in the wind, but could not hear . . .

Stepping forward, RiverSwift brushed his sleeve over his face to clear his eyes of the stinging sweat and blood. The troll, frustrated with this creature's defiance and getting hungrier by the moment charged with a blood curdling howl of rage. RiverSwift crouched then spun sideways intending to let the creature rush past and then slipped on the blood-soaked bones which littered the ground. His knee twisted at an unpleasant angle and a jab of pain filled his leg. Struggling to rise before the charging troll, he found he could not stand at all and watched helplessly as the creature closed. Murmuring a prayer, he set the pommel of his sword against the ground, braced tightly and held on, with the point aimed straight for the mountain troll's belly. Furious and too stupid to notice the danger, the creature impaled itself upon the blade, driving itself forward with its own momentum until the cross pieces of the sword stopped it. The hilt of the sword was wrenched from his grasp as the monstrous creature's full weight fell upon it and then upon RiverSwift's wounded leg, knocking him down beneath its bulk.

Following the road, Cerdith traveled as quickly as she could. The lack of hearing was very strange, accustomed as she was to the sounds of the forest and its creatures. Still, she knew that she needed to hurry . . . that something needed her to hurry. Stepping around a curve in the road, she saw movement ahead. A man and a young female stood on the road too. They walked hand in hand, the girl chattering excitedly pointing here and there. She couldn't hear the words but she could tell that the man answered patiently. Smiling, Cerdith thought how much this reminded her of . . . of something, something strangely elusive.

The two travelers walked right past her, never noticing her at all. Strange though that was, Cerdith was still puzzled by an unusual prickly feeling. Just as they turned to round the corner, huge towering forms stepped out of the underbrush. The man turned suddenly, a hammer coming to his hand as he pushed the girl behind him protectively. The ugly creatures advanced, one, two . . . ten . . . more than ten of them closing around the travelers. The man backed away, always keeping the child behind him. Suddenly, the monsters charged! The man fought, doing terrible damage with his little hammer, dodging the creature's attacks gracefully. The girl stood horror-struck, then turned to heft a stone. The man was struck over and over by the creatures claws . . . he yelled over his shoulder to the child, gesturing wildly for her to flee.

Frozen, watching this terrible scene unfold Cerdith couldn't move. The child stepped back for a moment clearly torn between what she was told to do and what she believed was right. Then, a sudden fury blazing in her eyes, she pulled a small knife from her belt and charged the nearest monster. It batted her aside without even looking and then rejoined its companions who had knocked the man to the ground and were pulling his joints from his body. She couldn't move! She had to move . . . she had to do something!

Crawling forward, the last of the trolls which could move, closed on the nearly unconscious RiverSwift. It couldn't move quickly yet, but it was healing. This creature had hurt it and it wanted to rend and tear the flesh. Cerdith lay motionless still, RiverSwift's body barely three feet from hers and buried under the bulk of a mountain troll.

The child staggered to her feet, eyes glittering strangely. Screaming in fury, she charged again. This had to stop now! This couldn't happen . . . not again . . . again? Cerdith found the words of a spell upon her lips and chanted them swiftly. The girl fell slowly to the ground, even as the world erupted in flames around her. Fire tore through the creatures, the vicious towering . . . the . . . trolls? TROLLS? TROLLLLSSSSSS!!!!!

~~~~~
Back inside the cave...

Catching herself before she stumbled into the corner of the altar, Primrose turned to help Lake and Trout. Seeing Trout slowed and a drider closing on Lake, she casts haste between her Bro's to counter the golem's spell and to give Lake all the advantage she can.

With a determination forged in steel and blessed by Mielikki, Lake Mist charges the drider holding the long bow and reaches him before he can ready a spell. As the long sword rips through the driders' armor, slowing him, Lake Mist is hit by a magic missile cast by the other drider. The fresh wounds burn and sting as he directs his attention toward the offender.

The fresh wounds only seem to strengthen his will to stop these misshapen freaks of the realms. His long sword rips into the driders' chest, and protrudes through his back, just as another fire storm rips the long sword from his hand and sends him flying yet again. Half blind by the dripping blood in his face, Lake Mist tries to rise and find his sword as an arrow sinks into his leg.

Seeing the blood steeping around the arrow in Lake's leg, she starts to rush to him. Calling forth a lighting bolt, Primrose nearly loses the spell as her head is yanked back. Trying to focus as she feels the driders' teeth sink into her neck, Primrose turns and cast the spell. As the poison starts to paralyze Primrose, she prays that her lighting bolt hits its target. No longer able to move, Primrose watches Lake finish the drider. Not able to feel his arms as he catches her, Primrose tries to say one word as she falls.

"Love," she whispers . . .

~~~~
Back outside...

Awareness slammed through her and then was swept away again as the battle fury overtook her. Blinking she looked about her. She lay upon the ground signs of battle everywhere. A creature moved, another . . . a TROLL! The familiar rage of the berserker filled her, lending her strength and vitality where she had none. Staggering to her feet, her gaze narrowed with hatred, Cerdith hefted her trident and screamed her war cry.

"AAAAAIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!".

The troll had time to glance upward as the trident impaled it over and over, driving its body into the ground. She struck till it moved no longer . . . then collapsed into the heap of bodies as the rage left her.

A thought, a sense, an instinct caused Thorn Hawk to dive away from the door as a pack of rock lizards burst from the temple. Rolling up to face the lizards, he swung his bow at the nearest lizard only to have it shatter on its tough hide. Hissing, the lizard charged only to stop as its body glowed a violet hue. Smiling, Thorn Hawk drew his sword and met the lizard with steel. Cleaving the lizard in two, he moved to block the others from entering the clearing. The lizards, used to hunting in a pack, moved to surround the ranger sensing he could not attack them all. Thorn Hawk rushed into the pack of lizards startling them for the briefest moment, but that was enough for to wreck destruction in their midst. His sword, flashing in the bright sunlight, sliced through the hides of the rock lizards while the milled in confusion. He stood alone, bleeding from many small cuts and nicks, near the entrance of the temple when he heard the call. Looking around, he saw Cerdith collapse after killing a troll the body of Riverswift lying underneath her.

"Hmm . . . that wasn't what I expected. Oh well," remarked Steel.

With a mental notice, Steel changed back to human form, with teeth punctures through the left arm guard and into the flesh. He wiped blood out of his eyes, and ran to Cerdith's hut, picking up his bastard sword along the way . . .
~~~~
Back inside the cave...

Feeling his lethargic muscles suddenly quicken, Trout pulls his sword out and with a lighting sweep connects with the golem's knee. Holding his side, Trout moves behind the golem and hits the other knee. The golem losing sight of the human turns around and feels his knees give way and falls to the floor. Reaching out the golem grabs Trouts free arm and yanks him on top.

Lake Mist caught Primrose just as her attacker moved away, with fresh blood dripping from it's lips and an evil grin, as it begins to conjure a spell. Laying her gently on the ground, he stands to face his enemy. Anger and rage fills his mind and soul, Lake Mist charges the new drider and scores a glancing blow from his longsword to the drider's right arm causing it to lose its concentration and spell. Casting a quick cloud kill over the drider, he watches it begin to choke on the poisonous gases as he cast a hold and watches it stop moving entirely. Slowing moving into the cloud, he buries his long sword into the heart of the drider and watches it fall to the floor, lifeless.

Moving back to Primrose, he kneels beside her motionless body and pulls a small vial from his pouch. He can't help her yet, but he will need as much strength as he can muster. Drinking the potion of healing, he can feel some improvement in his left side. His arm can move a little again and his leg doesn't feel as bad.

Four magic missiles leave the finger tips of the cloud giant and strike Zeb in the chest flinging him over and behind the altar. "That should take care of you priest," laughs the giant. Turning to see how his minions fair, the cloud giant sees that the stone golem has his arms around Troutrasta and crushing the life out of him. Two driders are dead but the female is down and the other ranger is bent over her with his back ready to receive the arrow of the last drider. Sounds of battle from up above reach his ears and he smiles.

Behind the altar, smoke drifts off of Zeb's clothes as he shakes his head to clear his thoughts. Blood oozes from the corner of his mouth as he whispers the words to several spells. With the shimmer of the globe of invulnerability around him, Zeb pulls himself up to stand on the altar. "Giant! We are not done yet!" Shouts Zeb.

"Then die human!" roars the cloud giant as he casts a slay spell at Zeb.

Passing through the globe, the slay spell begins to take hold of Zeb making his heart beat faster. Pain crosses Zeb's face as the spell attacks his heart but with years of mediation and learning to control his heart beat Zeb slows his heart back to normal.

"Now it's my turn," says Zeb. Pointing his hand at the cloud giant, a lighting bolt lights up the temple as it passes through the giant and hits a column behind reflecting back again into the giant. Crashing against the column, great cracks appear in the stone. Chips and chunks fall around the giant as the great pillar crumbles to the temple floor.

With the breath being crushed from his chest, Trout works his blade down and into the crook of one of the arms of the golem. Working it back and forth the blade begins to cut into the elbow. Black spots form in front of his eyes as the stone arms close tighter. All other thoughts flee his mind except the one thought of moving the blade back and forth. Then the crushing weight is gone as the severed arm rolls to the ground. Air, life giving air, rushes into his lungs as Trout slides his blade into the golem's mouth and starts to push.

The sound of moving air past his ear makes Lake turn to face the last drider. Red tinges the edges of his vision as he lunges toward it. Bringing his sword up to the basic attack position Lake closes with the drider. Blade strikes blade as the two fighters dance a dance of death. Faster and faster they exchange blows, looking for the slightest mistake. Then as Lake plants his wounded leg down it gives under the strain. A smile lights up the driders face as he brings his sword over his head for the kill stroke. Down the blade comes only to meet the magic hardened steel of Lake Mist's sword. Sparks fly as the blade of Lake Mist breaks the drider's sword and on into the chest. Cold numbing pain shoots up his sword arm as the fire shield spell doubles the damage to the drider and sends it back to Lake.

One arm now useless Lake Mist kneels before the drider and watches as it slowly pulls the sword out of its chest. A small ball of fire forms in the palm of Lake's hand as the drider drops the sword. With a desperate throw the fire ball strikes the drider where the sword once was. With a look of surprise, the drider sees the fire ball enter the wound and disappear. Then flames shoot out of the wound as well as out of the mouth, eyes and ears of the drider. Fire engulfs it as it expands out into the temple.

The remaining arm of the stone golem strikes one of the columns near it as Troutrasta begins to work the blade back and forth in its mouth. With each movement the blade sinks a little deeper. Dirt and grit fall on the back of Trout's head causing him to stop and look up. With a final blow the column shifts and begins to fall toward Trout and the golem. Yanking the sword out of its mouth Trout jumps away from the descending column. Unable to move the golem watches the column as it smashes and turns both into rubble.

Stone blocks from the temple roof begin to crash into the floor as the cloud giant starts to stand. "Trout! Lake! Get Rose and get out of here. The whole mountain is going to fall down on us in a minute," shouts Zeb to the others.

"What about you Zeb?" calls Trout.

"He is not going anywhere and neither are you," screams the cloud giant as he swings a massive fist toward Zeb.

Placing his long sword back into the scabbard strapped to his back, Lake kneels and picks up Primrose's motionless body. Turning toward what was once the entrance, he knows that he must get Primrose to safety before he can help anyone else. "Love," what had she meant? A great rumble is heard and felt throughout the temple as suddenly the floor is ripped open.

They were friends, best friends. He was a loner tho, had always been so. Had never taken the time to be anything else. Love? Yes, he loves her. He loves her as a friend, a companion, a sister, and a confidant, and much more he thought. She means more to him than life itself. But no time for that now. He must get her to safety and help the others if he can. The smell of lilacs drifts through the air as he moves.

"Shouldn't we go and help Zeb?" shouts Troutrasta over the noise.

"We got to get Rose out of here fast Trout and we would never make it across that rift in the floor now," says Lake Mist returning to the present.

"But what about Zeb?"

"Trout we don't have time to debate this. Zeb knew what he was doing when he told us to flee. We can't get to him and he still has to destroy the altar. Now help me get her to the surface."

"LOOK!" shouts Troutrasta pointing at Zeb and the cloud giant.

With a double handed blow the cloud giant misses Zeb as he jumps off the altar and with all the might of the cloud giant, he smashes the altar. A giant crack splits the altar in half as the floor heaves once more. As the floor shift and rocks, the cloud giant backs to the edge of the chasm now running across the floor. The idol behind the altar falls as the temple walls start to crash inward. Seeing the cloud giant teetering on the edge of the chasm, Zeb runs and jumps into the cloud giant. For a split second everything seems to move in slow motion. The idol falls across the destroyed altar as tons of dirt and rock bury it. The cloud giant falls back into the chasm as Zeb also falls into the rift.

Then time speeds up and the whole room fills with tons of rock. Carrying Primrose gently in his arms and with Troutrasta staggering at his side, Lake Mist stubbles from the cavern into the light of day . . .

At this point Ender has a second to look around to assess the situation. He sees that the battle is definitely swinging their way. Thralos and Thorn Hawk have their situations under control. The steel dragon is gone, but Ender sees Steel standing near where it had been, blood trickling from several wounds. Hearing her battle cry, he looks in Cerdith and Riverswift's direction just in time to see Cerdith stabbing a mountain troll repeatedly before collapsing. Before he has time to speak, the ground beneath them begins to quake as the sound of shattering stone echoes from the temple's cave entrance. As stones fall and the ground continues to shake, two forms appear rushing out of the cave entrance. One is Troutrasta, half dragging the second form, which is Lake Mist carrying Primrose out.

"Where is Zeb?" Ender shouts.

Lake was obviously too distraught over Primrose's condition to answer and Trout too winded to form words. He simply pointed back down into the cavernous entrance. Ender turned to shout instructions at Steel, Thralos and Thorn Hawk. The mountain trolls by Cerdith and Riverswift would regenerate and continue to attack . . . they had to be burned.

As Steel and Thralos rushed off toward the trolls, flasks of oil in their hands, Ender rushed into the temple entrance. Stones were falling down around him, but he felt he had to reach Zeb Canon. Trout tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen. "Ender, you can't help him! He sacrificed himself to save the three of us . . . it's too late to help him now!"

Three steps into the cave, an enormous boulder crashed down in front of Ender, throwing him back and blocking the entrance from the cave completely. Trout reached under his shoulders and pulled him out of the way of any further crashing stones, before collapsing behind Ender. They sat motionlessly for a moment, staring sadly at the huge boulder, which sealed Zeb Canon off from the rest of them.

"Lake, put Primrose here," remarked Thorn Hawk gently setting the unconscious form of Cerdith down in the center of the clearing away from the destruction around them. Moving to retrieve Riverswift while Steel and Thralos worked on burning the trolls, Thorn Hawk heard the sound of approaching feet. Looking up from setting Riverswift next to Primrose, he saw Barthonis returning from the trees.

"Well met brother. I see thy battle with the skeletons went in your favor," noted Thorn Hawk as Barthonis leaned on his trident near the others.

"Aye bro, it did. And your battles are over I see," said Barthonis looking around at the others.

"Where is Zeb?"

"He did not make it out of the cave," whispered Lake Mist kneeling over the still form of Primrose.

"Ah, tis sad news. And the lady?"

"She was poisoned by a drider."

"Cerdith hast collapsed from fatigue, it seems," supplied Thorn Hawk watching Trout and Ender return from the cave-in.

"The trolls are done for," said Thralos coming to join the group.

The clearing grew quiet. As the rangers shared a look of resignation, they rose to their feet and prepared for another fight. As they stood silently around their injured companions, a sense of peace and calm overcame their worries and fears. Unsure, they glanced around searching for the cause of this calm.

Calmly, the noblest of natures' children entered the clearing. Its glossy white coat reflecting the brilliance of the afternoon sun. The pathfinders turned as one to stare at the unicorn as it walked slowly toward them. Humbly, one by one, the rangers knelt to pay homage to this majestic animal whose likeness each wore over their hearts as a symbol to the goddess they revered. Each ranger knelt in awe as they gazed at the unicorn noting the twisting curls of the single horn that stood on its brow and the long snowy mane reaching near the ground. The unicorn stopped to gaze at each ranger with large, serene black eyes before bending its head toward the still form of Primrose. In the waning afternoon sun, a brief glow seemed to surround the creatures' horn as it touched Primrose with its tip. She stirred for the briefest moments before relaxing back into a deep sleep. The unicorns' eyes gazed at the gaunt figure of Cerdith for the briefest moment before it nuzzled her face bringing a hint of color to her ghostly pale skin.

Before it entered the trees, the unicorn turned to regard the pathfinders looking deep within the hearts of each with its piercing gaze. As the rangers knelt, watching the unicorn disappear, a thought gently, briefly touched their minds, "be well my children, ye have done good."

First to shake off the effects of the unicorns' visit, Ender Bay looked around at his companions. "We need to set up a camp before the sun sets. Thorn, Thralos and Barthonis the three of you can handle guard duty while the others rest."

"Steel, help me set up camp."

It was a somber camp as the sun set. Each member sat around the small fire thinking about their triumph and their loss. They mourned the loss of their war captain, Zeb while hoping their sisters, Cerdith and Primrose would be fine. As the fire died and each ranger sought the comfort of his bedroll, Thorn Hawk, standing watch, stared off into the night thinking about all they had been through.

The group broke camp early and prepared to depart. They wished to get Cerdith and Primrose off the mountain and to the temple of Mielikki where they could recover. Riverswift and Lake Mist both moved slowly each recovering from his wounds. Primrose was awake, but still not strong enough to walk unaided. Cerdith still slept soundly. Thorn Hawk knelt down to gently kiss Cerdith's forehead and hug Primrose before wishing the others a safe journey. Ender did the same before coming to stand by Thorn.

Watching the retreating figures, Thorn Hawk turned to his companion, "well brother?"

Looking at the rubble of the temple entrance, Ender replied, "Lake wanted to stay and look for Zeb also."
"Aye, I know he did, but did ye not see his eyes when he gazed at Primrose?"

"Yes. The thought of leaving her tore at his heart."

"Shall we get started then?"

"Come let us start looking before the day wears on," replied Ender Bay as he began walking toward the pile of stones blocking the entrance to a forgotten temple to a lost god.

Written by,
Cerdith, Ender Bay,
Lake Mist, Primrose,
Steelflight, Thralos,
Thorn Hawk, Zeb Canon.


Subj: Re:Companions~song of the wind
Date: 96-06-22 23:40:31 EDT
From: Thorn Hawk

Slowly, the old man closed the book.
"Grandpa it's not finished."
"Tis the end, lad."
Sighs, "but, grandpa, what happened next?"
"Well grandpa, did they make it off the mountain?" "Did those two fall in love?" replied his sister.
"Well little one..."
"Yes, did they?" "Did Zeb kill the monster?" "Did he, huh?
"Now lads, it's past your bed time."
"No . . ."
"Yes, ye know I have let the two of you stay up until I finished the story."
"Now off with the two of you."
"But grandpa, ye didn't answer us." "Did they make it off the mountain?"
"Well, that's another tale for another night."
"Oh, then you will tell us tomorrow?"
"I don't know about tomorrow, but I will tell it to you." "Now come and give your grandpa a kiss goodnight."
"Ok," as the two rush into his arms before heading off to bed.
As the old man sets the book down and gazes into the fire, the title can be seen.

"Annals of the Brotherhood of Pathfinders"
"~Cer~"