**Narrator's Note**
Harmony begins where Warlord ends. Warlord is currently undergoing editing.
My thanks to those adventurous souls without whom this would have never happend and Robert H. for doing an excellent job of editing.

Last Updated: 6/18/99

In the morning they wake to the sound of rain pattering on the tent roof and the smell of molding leather mixed with rusting armor. Opening the tent door to get rid of the smell and let some fresh air in, reveals small streams moving across the forest floor near your collection of tents. The wind blows and a blast a fresh air clears away some of the smell in the tent, it also lets in some rain. Gwydeon lets the flap close and helps himself to some breakfast and wonder when the rain will let up. There is a splash outside and a shadow falls over the tent. The shadow moves to the front and the flap opens revealing the speaker. "Tasha wants to move on and I don't think this rain is going to let up soon. So stow your armor put on your rain gear and lets get moving."

Soon the group is again trudging through the forest, this time Zraxin and Hunter don't bother to scout ahead as very little would come out to hunt in this weather. A rather pitiful site they make three rain soaked humans and four drenched elves. As if to make matters worse, even though it has been raining, it has only cooled off a little so what seemed to be fresh air this morning now seems thick and steamy now.

That night they huddle in their tents and try and keep warm while the rain continues on. In the morning they pack up and trudge through the rain again. The rain keeps up for three more days, before letting up nearly as quickly as it began. The rain lessens slowly and the sky brightens as the sun peeks through the clouds to see if anything is left after the storm. The rays of the sun bounce off the water in the leaves creating mini sparkles of light that make the forest even brighter. In the distance there is heard a timid bird call alone at first then more birds come out and join their companion and sing. And slowly but surely as the sun warms the ground, the forest comes alive again. With the rebirth of the birdsong and the ending of the rain, the little groups spirits raise noticeably and soon Tasha begins humming a rather happy tune.

That tune is cut short by a loud growl. From the underbrush ahead, two wolves rather starved ones from the look of them appear. The brushes around them rustle and four more appear from behind. The smell of rain-soaked fur assails them as the wolves begin to circle. Upon seeing the wolves the party grows silent as several members try to slowly edge their weapons out. Zraxin however moves forward motioning for the group to stay behind him. He walks slowly and cautiously speaking soothing words. The wolves stop their circling, but their growling grows more intense. The first wolf locks eyes with Zraxin and for a moment if looks as if he is about to attack then the wolf makes a curious sound and cocks its head sideways as it notices what is in his hand. Zraxin tosses a hunk of meat he got from the elves toward the wolf.

The wolf jumps a little back when the meat lands in front of it. Curious it moves forward a little sniffing it at first. It then growls and snaps at one of its companions who gets too close and tears at the meat. The two nearest the wolf, leap in trying to get a hunk of the meat. Zraxin throws them a few more pieces and the wolves stop fighting.

Tasha stops the advance of the wolves from the rear by repeating Zraxin actions. Only she has to toss the meat over the shoulders of Gwydeon and Mordred who were bracing for the attack. As the meat sails into their midst the wolves break off their attack viciously attack the hunks of meat given to them. Even as the wolves consume their repast they keep a wary eye on the group occasionally stopping to stare at the strangers. When the wolves have finished one wolf raises his head and howls. The others join the first and they are surrounded by a chorus of howls. After a minute or two they stop and with one wolf in the lead they fade back into the forest.

With a heavy sigh Tasha exclaims, "I'm glad we got out of that one unscratched! They were just hungry, I'd hate to harm them just for that!"

"Come on", says the speaker, "With the racket they setup, every predator for miles is gonna be here soon. And if they were all as starved those wolves, we are in for some rough times." He glances with regret at his pack, where his magical shirt is hidden from the rain. Without another word he takes off again on the trail heading roughly north.

Albian says, "If we keep heading north, shouldn't we run into a village or something soon. I mean we are headed back to civilization aren't we?" Hunter nods. But no one else offers any information. Though the sun shines, the ground is still damp and muddy and the trees block out most of the sun to keep it from drying. Nearing evening, they come to a meadow. The speaker looks reluctant to cross in the evening twilight. "Perhaps we should cross in the morning, I don't like to be too exposed until we see what is out there."

Making camp near the forest edge, several members of the group use the opportunity to get out of wet clothing. Lines of clothing can be seen hanging from the trees near Tasha's tent. With a warning look at everyone, "The first one who laughs or makes a joke gets it! And don't touch my clothes!" As she enters her tent, Hunter bites off a laugh while the speaker makes no attempt to hide his smirk. Albian moves into his tent to read his stories. Gwydeon studies his spells and the night passes quietly.

In the morning the sun shines bright and the day is cool and cloudy. Though the day is cloudy, they are not rain clouds. They enter the meadow and slosh through the knee-high and in some spots waist-high wet grass. As they move pieces of the grass stick to their clothing. The birds are singing in the sky and the crickets chirping but that is quickly lost on them as the group stumbles in the 5th pool of water hidden by the grass. Though none of the pools were deep, they are just inconveniences. As they all get out of the pool, Hunter stops and gestures for everyone to be silent. He looks all around and says, "There is something hidden in the grass just ahead and to the right of us. I can't see what it is, but I can see when it moves the grass parts. It is headed in our general direction."

As Hunter makes his announcement, the group waits in tense silence. Hands on swords and poised for action they watch in the general direction. Their attention diverted, none notice that Zraxin has slipped off silently. The seconds seem to stretch onto eternity when as silently as he left, Zraxin returns. In a quiet voice, just loud enough to be heard by all he says, "Its a lioness. Apparently hunting."

The lioness gets closer to the group then stops. In the silence you can hear the animals of the forest quite clearly. There is a sudden movement in the grass as the lioness starts running toward the forest. As she nears the forest the grass is low enough that you can see her majestic form full of power and grace as she runs with incredible speed into the forest. A moment later you hear a loud animal cry and the sounds of a fight. But they only last for a few moments. Suddenly the grass is alive with movement as the rest of the pride moves from their hiding spots. The group is surprised as two of the lions were very near the group! You see the original lioness as well as another lioness dragging out the dead body of a deer from the forest. The lioness moves out the way as the largest lion eats first.

The speaker quickly gestures and they move as quietly as they can away from the feasting site. Several of the lionesses watch them, but none seem to take more than a passing interest. As they travel further along the meadow, the grass gets shorter and shorter eventual staying around knee level. The day stays cloudy but warm and soon the hordes of insects wake and begin to surround them making things slightly miserable. Tasha begins to swat at the insects worriedly.

Albian seeing her distress produces a jar of sweet smelling white paste. "It looks like you'll be needing this again?"

She looks over at Albian and with a grateful smile takes the jar and begins to rub the paste on her face and hands. "These insects just seem to love the taste of my skin. Thank you." She returns the jar to Albian who puts it away again.

Slightly after midday spirits pick up as a group of buildings appear on the meadow ahead. About an hour later spirits sink to a new low as they realize the village ahead is an ogre village. And exposed on the meadow as they are it is quite likely they have been seen.

In fact four of them are heading in their direction right this moment. As the ogres approach the speaker mutter under his breath, "Damn, I should have worn my good shirt today..." Hunter moves casually near the speaker and they turn to face each other. In a casual looking motion (at least from a distance), he loosens his sword and rests his hands on the grip. The speaker smiles and a dagger flashes momentarily in his hand before disappearing. Zraxin moves off to the side of the group looking suspiciously at the ogres as they approach. Tasha moves to the back of the group and holds her medallion.

Albian joins her there, but he holds his staff at the ready. "I hate coming up on ogre villages, you never know where they will pop up and you never know whether they want to greet you or beat you."

Looking down at his pack, the speaker says, "Get ready for trouble people, these boys aren't friendly." You look down at his pack and see the telltale glow of danger from his shirt where it lies partially exposed. With confirmation of their plight, the group prepares for a fight. Hunter, Mordred and Zraxin draw their weapons and face the ogres.

Albian begins rubbing some oil on the tip of his staff.

The ogres see you preparing for a fight and slow their forward movement. They stop for a moment and consult amongst themselves. After a second one of the four ogres continues forward, weaponless. The single ogre standing nearly eight feet tall with broad shoulders and muscles bulging from nearly every exposed part of its body is wearing what looks to be wearing the hide of some large creature, but the skin has been dyed blue. The hide was rather badly sewn into a tunic with grayish fur surrounding the ends of the short sleeves. The pants are similar to the tunic in material and color. If a decent seamstress had done the outfit it might have looked quite nice. The ogre approaches slowly with hands out.

This apparently harmless gesture confuses the group, especially the speaker who looks down at his shirt again to see the confirming glow escaping from the pack. Hunter unsure, but untrusting doesn't change his stance and still prepares for the attack he knows must be coming. Suddenly the ogre's eyes go wide and he yells something pointing above them as he moves back to his companions who are charging forward. Gwydeon turns around to see a *very* large snake rearing up behind the group. Now that he see it he realizes that faint rustling he heard before was not his boots moving through the grass.

The snake goes for Albian as he is closest. Albian reflexively puts up his staff and it scrapes the side of a scale and flares to life. Where the staff touches the scales of the snake begin to ignite. As the snake slams into Albian, it abandons it plan to consume him and starts to roll over in the grass attempting to put out the flames. It knocks Albian's staff away from him. Hunter, Mordred and Zraxin step forward and attack the creature. After hanging back a moment, Gwydeon joins in as well.

The four attempt to hack at the snake while its head is near the ground, but it is flailing around so much that it knocks Mordred and Hunter down, Zraxin does a flip over the head as it passes his way and regains his feet. He is promptly knocked down when the tail comes out of nowhere knocking him down. Gwydeon keeps to his feet by staying out of range of the snake. By this time the four ogres have gotten near the party. They spread out and try to stab at the failing snake. But the snake seems oblivious to them as it writhes in pain from the patch of fire that refuses to be doused.

One ogre armed with a rather heavy looking two handed sword raises it over his head and attacks in a downward slash, unfortunately the snake moves its tail away and the sword slams harmlessly into the ground. Another ogre armed with a very large and strange looking bow aims at the snake but can't seem to get a good aim. Finally in frustration she lets the arrow fly, the arrow hits the snake in a glancing blow imbeds itself sideways into a scale. The shaft breaks off as the snake thrashes yet again. Albian regains his feet and retreats away from the snake, joining Tasha who seems frustrated.

Gwydeon jabs his sword in it slips beneath a scale scoring a hit, but the thrashing of the snake, wrenches the sword from his hands and sends him sprawling. Zraxin, Mordred and Hunter manage to regain their feet just beyond the creatures thrashing, but Zraxin has lost one of his swords. As the snake thrashes away from his general area, Albian rushes back in and grabs his staff. Whenever the snake rolls over a patch of grass, the grass smokes, but does not burn. You can see patches of grass turning black. Everyone spreads out around the snake giving it a good clearance, so they won't be hit by its thrashings and wait for what looks to be a good time to attack. Occasionally the ogress with the bow attempts a shot at the snake, but more times than not the arrow strikes only a glancing blow at the snake.

Suddenly its thrashing stops. For a moment it lays still as if dead, but then slowly it starts to move. In the blink of an eye, Mordred, the speaker, and Hunter charge the beast hacking at the tough scales. As the swords slam into the creature, it lets out an angry hiss. It strikes out biting into an ogre. The ogre screams in pain as the snakes' fangs bit deeply into it. It puts its hands together and slams them into an eye. The snake quickly lets go rears up again. The ogre falls to the ground. Gwydeon, grabbing his dagger, charges in, with two of the ogres right behind him. With another shiver the snake throws its attackers to the ground again. Gwydeon jumps onto the creature, plunging his dagger in between the scales. He manages to stay on as the creature thrashes again.

The speaker moves to the head of the creature and taking his sword, he whirls it over his head shouting to get the snakes attention. The snake looks at him for a moment then in the blink of an eye it strikes and gets a mouthful of dirt and the speaker on the back of his neck for his trouble. With the weight of the speaker on his neck, the snake slowly raises his head, but it is not fast enough as Mordred taking advantage of the opening dashes in and thrusts his sword through an eye. The eye caves inward as the sword enters it. The speaker is surprised when a sword pops up out of the snakes' head just in front of him, and nearly falls off of the snake.

Now the creatures' thrashings are worse than ever before as it goes through its death throes. The speaker is catapulted from the snakes' neck and lands several dozen feet off to the side. Mordred is yanked off his feet as the snakes' head, with his sword imbedded in it, quickly moves away from him. The he gets his own sword back in the stomach as the snakes head reverses direction and slams into him. He also flies several feet landing in a small puddle of water. The snake begins to coil into itself, trapping Gwydeon and one ogre in its coils. The ogre grabs Gwydeon and tosses him bodily out of the coils as they tighten around it. Hunter begins hacking just behind the snakes' head as it passes by him. Finally the snake stops moving.

Everyone pauses a moment to catch their breath, but that moment is very short as a screech overhead is heard and looking up they see several birds and even though they are distant it is easy to tell they are very large. And the bird seem to be coming toward the scene of the battle. In one smooth motion the ogress turns and aims toward the incoming birds, but she holds off on firing until they get closer. The fourth ogre, who remained out of the battle runs toward the snake to free her companion.

Zraxin stares at the incoming birds for a long moment, before saying, "I don't like the looks of them.... I can't tell what those flying creatures are." Zraxin retrieves his dropped sword before going over to the snake to help the ogress.

Mordred drags himself out of the puddle of water, clutching his midsection. He tries in vain to stand until Gwydeon appears, after having retrieved his sword. Gwydeon helps Mordred over to where Tasha and Albian watch the approach of the birds with blank expressions. Upon his approach, Tasha turns from the birds and looks at Mordred in surprise as if she had not realized he was hurt.

She motions for Gwydeon to set him down and motions for Gwydeon to help the others. She searches in her pack for a moment pulling out a small white jar with a gold cap. "Lay down flat", she says as she gently pushes Mordred into a prone position. Lifting his torn shirt so that it reveals a rather battered and bruised stomach with a large circle of red surrounding a small hole where blood slowly leaks out. "Its really not as bad as it seems", she says. Opening the jar, she mummers a soundless prayer as she liberally smears a thick white paste with golden bits inside over Mordred's wound. The paste has an unusual, but pleasant smell to it. Within moments after applying the paste. Mordred relaxes and then, even though he appears to fight it, he falls asleep. She turns to Albian and says, "He is going to be out for a few moments, while the wound is quickly healed. We need to protect him until then."

Albian looks at the jar and at her and says, "Then we will have to put up with his new found cheerfulness as well I suppose."

By this time the birds are very close and very distinct. The largest is nearly as tall as an ogre, but its wingspan is just huge! The ogress with the bow quickly starts shooting. With a few well-placed shots she manages to discourage the initial dive.

Zraxin and the ogress manage to move the snakes' coils from around the ogre, but they can see that they are too late as the ogres' face is a sickly bright blue and at an unnatural angle. The speaker and Hunter stand near by the ogress prepared to fight, but apparently not sure what to do.

Zraxin and the other two ogres join the group as one of the three birds decides that this prey is not worth the hassle. The other two dive again, this time despite several direct hits from the arrows of the ogress they do not break off. Muttering a curse, Gwydeon waits until the birds are close before uttering a rune. The air in front of the birds' shimmers with a sparkling light and for a moment, both birds seem to wobble in the air. One bird recovers enough to change its flight angle which carries it over the body of the snake. With its claws extended, it snatches part of the body and tries to carry it off but only succeeds in grounding itself as it misjudges its speed and the weight of the snake and ogre. The bird gets a few feet with the snake in its claws, before slamming into the ground and tumbling along the grass for several feet. With loud squawks the bird quickly rights itself and flies away empty clawed. The second bird isn't so lucky as it doesn't recover and its head droops and its wings go slack. The group quickly scatters and the bird just barely misses several of them as it crashes headfirst into the ground. A loud snap is heard as the bird bounces out of the pit it created and tumbles several more feet along the meadow before stopping on its back completely still. Blood can be seen freely flowing from what remains of its head.

Everyone picks themselves off the ground and look around at the devastation caused by the crashing bird. One by one, they remember the rest of the birds and all heads eventually return to look at the flock. But the flock of birds has moved on towards the mountains. You can see that one or two of the birds seem to be having trouble keeping up with the rest of the group.

A rather cheerful voice is heard from one side, "Hey all what's going on....Wow what happened here, looks like and ogre went on a rampage."

You turn to see Mordred pulling down his shirt and looking around with wide grin on his face. Albian gives a heavy sigh. Hunter gives a pained whimper and the speaker says, "Oh no Tasha you didn't....." All the while shaking his head.

The three remaining ogres consult amongst themselves before one goes over to the snake and pulling out dry branch, he uses a tinderbox to light the branch. He tosses the branch onto the body of the dead ogre and it quickly catches flame. He watches the body of his companion burn for a moment before returning to his group.

They consult for a several moments then he turns to your group and says, "We are not hostile to your kind, and we appreciate your help in killing the snake and defeating the roc...but we cannot allow you to come any closer to our village. We respectfully ask that you change your course of travel either to the east or to the west. If you spend the time to travel a league to the west you will find a well-trod road that will lead north, stay upon that road for at least a day and my people will not challenge you further. If you leave the road sooner, I cannot guarantee you will get such a friendly warning again."

After the ogres' pronouncement, the group goes silent. Shock, disbelief, anger, irritation, and suspicion, play across their faces. "Well then", says Albian in a surprisingly haughty voice. "If we are not welcome, let no one say that we forced ourselves upon you." Turning west he takes off without waiting for the others. Hunter visibly calms himself and silently turns to join Albian. Tasha and Gwydeon turn and follow the group. The speaker gives the ogres a long thoughtful look, before slowly moving over to pick up his things and join the rest. Mordred, however goes up to the ogres and says, "Well, it was great meeting you nice kind folks!" He holds his hand out to shake and the ogres look first at him, then at each other puzzled. After a moment he takes each of the ogres hands and shakes it vigorously. In and overly cheerful voice he says, "Well we've got to be going now! If you ever need our help you know where to find us! Goodbye now!" As he runs to join the group he waves back to the ogres who hesitantly raise their hands and wave back.

As the group moves west though the meadow, you see several hunters looking for food, though none spare the group more than a glance. Mordred hums a cheerful five-note tune, over and over and over and over and over.

"God, how long are we going to have to put up with this insipid cheerfulness, Tasha, how much did you give him?", growls Hunter.

"Don't blame me!", Tasha shouts, "He was badly wounded, it could have become infected and killed him. Besides, it shouldn't be long now."

"Children please!", says Albian in a suffering town, "We know why she did it and we know what happens when she uses that healing lotion. We just have to deal with its side effects as a small price to pay for the service."

Before too long the 'road' is found. Though trail would be a better term for it. The ground has been packed by generations of animals as they travel along this path. With little hesitation, Albian turns upon this path and follows it as it heads in a roughly northeastern direction. As they travel along the path, Hunter and Zraxin move to take the sides, while the speaker takes the front, with Gwydeon and the incredibly cheerful Mordred in the back. The road it seems doesn't move as straight as normal roads in fact quite often it seems to curve to the point where it is heading south west, before curving back to its original direction. Towards the end of the day buildings can bee seen in the distance to the west of the path. They are at a loss as to how to check to see if these are ogre dwellings. More than once they observe ogre hunting parties watching them. On these occasion the ogres dressed in rather outlandish outfits. Multicolored long skirts and strangely shaped headgear as well as unusual variations on the weapons tend to be the norm for these parties.

That night camp is made on the east side of the road, sounds can be heard coming from an ogre village. They seem to be shouts, and you also hear loud thudding sounds, which could be drums. There is also a strange sound that you can't describe coming from the direction of the village. The sounds don't seem to die down until well into the night.

After and uneventful night and a cold breakfast, the journey continues. The only change is that now Mordred is no longer so cheerful.

"We're all gonna die! I'm telling you the ogres are evil! They're gonna kill us and dump us in a cooking pot and eat us! And the bugs, oh they are carrying evil as well, but they're worse than the ogres are...Oh yea we can kill all the ogres, but there are just too many bugs. Even if we could stop the bugs, the plants would get us. I've heard about some strange types of plants in my wanderings..." He continues for hours along the same line.

"I can never figure out which is worse", Hunter says, "The stupid cheerfulness or the inevitable depression that follows after." Turning to Tasha, "If I ever get that wounded...do me a favor...just finish me off and burn the body. Don't ever subject me that particular horror again."

Sometime after noon you hear a great cry of anguish from the path ahead. "I can't take it anymore!" An ogre appears where once there was none. He moves purposely toward the group. He stops several feet away and pointing at Mordred he says, "Would one of you shut him UP! He is driving me mad!!! If you won't do it I WILL! I will not listen to one more moment of his silly, depressing, paranoid prattlings!!!! Listen you, we aren't going to harm you, but if you don't SHUT UP this instant I'm going to close that mouth of yours and make sure you can't EVER open it up AGAIN!"

The speaker quickly moves to interpose himself between the ogre and Mordred. "Now, now we are just friendly travelers. There is no need to get hostile friend."

"You SEE!", Mordred begins, "muhph...." Mordred stops and glares at Gwydeon who had the sense to quickly gag his friend.

Gwydeon looks to the ogre and says, "Sir, no need to harm him.... he is not sane at the moment. He took at herb with some strong side effects, he can't control it."

Hunter states drearily, "As much as I love for you to do just that, I have to point out its not entirely his fault. Besides which I think you just made things worse. Now were going to hear about the evil ogre who wanted him for lunch, all day until this stuff wears off!"

The ogre, still angry, manages to visibly control himself. After a moment he says, "It figures, elves always did have a weak constitution. They can't stomach much of anything. I'll let it go this time, but keep him quiet. He is starting to scare the children! Word of his prattlings have gotten back to the village, and I've just spent an hour convincing my daughter that there is no place in the meadow where the plants feed on children!" With a long angry look at Mordred the ogre continues, "Next time stay away from strange plants elf! If you don't know what it is ask someone who does know. If no ones around, then there is a reason for it!" He shakes his head and turns to the speaker, "Just keep him quiet!" As he turns and heads back off the path you hear him muttering, "Stupid elves." After few seconds he makes a motion with his hands and disappears. Straining their eyes they can see where his footprints lead, but other than that there is no trace left of the ogre.

"Well, somehow I'm not surprised that we were being watched", says Albian

Zraxin scans the surrounding area looking somewhat disgruntled.

"No one told me that the ogres had magic?", Hunter says to no one in particular. "I always thought that they were too…" He stops looking around suddenly, but seeing nothing, but empty fields around the path.

Tasha sighs, "Well what's done is done. If I had some fresh rose buds, I could make a healing salve without those side effects, but seeing as how its nearly the withering season, I doubt we will be seeing many roses."

The speaker turns to Mordred, who is still being gagged by Gwydeon, "You heard what the ogre said. Can we trust you to stop this depressing speech or do we have to gag you for your own good?" Mordred looks around sullenly and nods. As you continue along the path, he moves quietly watching the ground before him, dragging his feet all the while. Gwydeon in turn keeps watch over Mordred as well as Tasha.

At the end of the day, the path takes a decidedly northwesterly direction. As camp is set up , Albian quickly dumps his stuff and starts tearing through his pack piling up scrolls next to it. "There must be something here about ogres and magic." After amassing a pile much larger than any of his packs, he settles down with a hunk of bread and begins reading."

Mordred just stops and sits staring sullenly at the ground. "Aren't you going to even eat or pull out your bedroll?", Tasha asks. In response, Mordred just lays back on his pack and stares at the sky. After a quick dinner, Gwydeon pulls out his spell book and begins to read.

The morning finds Albian, quite out of sorts. As he stuffs the last of the scrolls into his pack he gives a great yawn. "Not a single bit of information on any ogre ever having magic, other than a weapon. I suppose it could be a ring, but then it would have to be an ogre size ring, in which case who made it? And presuming there is more than one I think that such a secret could not have been kept quiet for so long..."

As everyone picks up their things and prepares to leave, Mordred faces his companions and says, "Look guys I'm really sorry about my behavior the last couple of days. I really don't remember too much of it, but the little that I do remember...well it just wasn't like me. I'm not sure what came over me."

Hunter smiles at Mordred and says, "Don't worry about it, you were just under the spell of an evil witch that's all." He ducks a rock thrown by Tasha and moves quickly away from her general vicinity. Towards the end of an uneventful day of traveling the last of the ogre villages have fallen behind and the road starts to get rougher and become more of a path as it turns sharply eastward. After a moment of hesitation, the group head due North again as per Tasha's wishes. Several days go by as the scenery refuses to change and nothing appears to as a distraction. Until one day around noon...

Hunter and Zraxin perk up almost instantly, both looking around. A moment later Gwydeon and Mordred do the same. The others alarmed by their companions sudden activity look around puzzled. "There", Mordred points off to the east as a gigantic cloud preceded by waves of thunder appear on the horizon and heading in their general direction. After a moment they realize these clouds are just off the ground.

"Can't tell what kind of animals they are but they are big and moving fast.

I suggest we get out of their way now!" says Zraxin.

Taking his advice to heart, the group moves quickly across the meadow in hopes of getting out of the path of the oncoming wave of creatures. The reason for the creatures' panic as the sun is temporarily blotted out. The creature dives from the sky. Its wingspan enormous, much larger than the birds seen before. Only this is no bird. Even from the great distance that separates them it can be seen that the sunlight glistening off the creatures hide. It seems as if the creature is made of jade stones. With a long neck, an even longer tail, two large wings, the creature dives down from the sky and levels out over the stampeding herd. It has four legs ending in claws, either that or a pair of arms and legs ending in claws. The herd changes direction moving away as the beast flies over them. The jade creature with incredible speed, dips each of his four claws into the herd. Each claw pulls up what appears now to be a rather large shaggy animal with horns on it head. After filling each claw, it the flying creature flaps it wings even harder and climbs into the sky. It moves towards the mountains disappearing quickly into the sky.

As the creature leaves, the herd calms down, they slow down and begin grazing. The speaker stares off in the direction of the creature. "What kind of creature was that, Albian?" Hunter wipes his forehead clear with a sleeve and says, "I'm just glad it was going after the herd beasts and not us. We wouldn't have even been able to annoy that thing. Did you see how its skin seem to be made of jade..." Albian stares in the direction of the disappearing creature. His face is slack, but his eyes burn with an inner fire. Seeming of their own will his feet start to carry him in the direction of the creature.

Tasha also stares in the direction of the creature, but the look on her face is one of stark terror. As the creature first appears she give a small scream that goes unheard by all but Gwydeon. As the creature takes the herd beasts and flies away, she falls to her knees and starts to shiver. Within a moment Gwydeon has shaken off his awe of the creature and moves quickly to comfort the stricken priestess.

Zraxin notices that Albian has quickly put some distance between himself and the group. He moves to intercept his companion, "Hey wait a minute where are you going?" Placing his hand upon the Albian shoulder, he gets no response, except that of Albian trying to pull away. Noticing that his face is still slack, Zraxin shakes him, trying to rouse him. After finally having to resort to a slap across the face, Albian shakes his head and for the first time notices where he is. He looks around then again looks in the direction the creature took. With a heavy sigh, he wordlessly turns around and rejoins the party. By now nearly everyone has recovered and clustered around a terrified Tasha. Every time someone gets near her she gives a scream and looks in their direction. After seeing who it is she calms down again, but only slightly.

Hunter and the speaker look at each other with very puzzled looks upon their faces. "I admit we have never seen a creature before like that, but surely we have face many other horrifying creatures who have been intent upon our death. Never have I ever seen her react like this before." Turning to Albian, "Do you know what kind of creature that was? You've known Tasha longest, any clue as to why she is reacting like this."

With a distracted look on his face, Albian takes one look at Tasha and moves toward her pack. As he gets near, Tasha screams and looks at him before calming down. She clutches tightly to Gwydeon's arm seeming terrified of everything. The soothing words he whispers to her have seemingly no effect. Albian opens her pack and takes out a small sack. Opening the sack he pulls out a single dried black leaf. He moves the leaf under her nose and crushes it making very sure she gets a very good smell of its scent.

After a few moments she calms down and goes almost limp against Gwydeon. She is still conscious, however. After she calms down Albian cleans his hands and replaces the small sack. He performs this entire operation soundlessly. When he is done he sits down next to Tasha and stares off in direction of the creature. When Albian gives no sign of trying to answering Hunters question, again he and the speaker exchange puzzled looks. Gwydeon shifts his position taking a firmer hold on Tasha. Looking to Albian he asks, "What kind of creature was it? Obviously you two didn't have a very good experience with it, wherever you saw it before..." As before his queries also go unanswered. As Albian stares off into the distance and Tasha lies limply against Gwydeon staring off into the distance.

Apparently having had enough of the silence the speaker, moves over to Albian and roughly picks him up and shakes him. "C'mon man, what is going on here!" For a moment all is silent as Albian's mouth moves but no sound comes out. He stops for a moment and tries again, his eyes still focused far away. "Power...", he croaks almost inaudibly, "The creatures promised powers like I never dreamed...like those of the legendary mages, if they were to still exist." He sighs heavily. "I would go to them", he says loudly, "to see if they would keep their promise of power!"

At this Tasha stirs, "POWER!" she yells, "CHAOS is more likely! They are the others that came and caused all this trouble to begin with. It is because of them that we fight here instead of being at one with our Goddess!" Standing on her own and pushing Gwydeon away, she turns on Albian, her face a mask of fury. In a high screeching voice she yells, "Do not EVER believe their promises! They will destroy all who do so. They believe we are their playthings to manipulate or consume as they see fit! They are responsible for the shattering of our peaceful existence. It is because of them, that the scrolls of harmony are gone and because of them, there is war and hatred! You should be dedicating yourself to their destruction, not being one of their playthings!"

Mordred and Hunter move to place themselves between the raging Tasha and the oblivious Albian. Gwydeon gets a firmer grip upon Tasha restraining her. Albian continues almost as if Tasha had never spoken, "It was sometime ago that we first ran into a creature like that one. Long before we met any of you. We were near the mountains just bordering what was then Ogre/Orc territory. The Ogres were noticeably friendlier then... I was following up a story I had learned from their village elders, a waste of time it was. We saw one of those creatures then. Perched upon a mountaintop like a bird on a branch. It was huge, larger than even the one we saw today. It was a deep blue like lake water... As I looked upon it, a voice in my head promised me power unlike any I might have dreamed before. The only thing I had to do would be to come to it and do as he said. He had what he said was a simple task. I never knew what that task was. For some reason Tasha became irrational at the sight of the creature. I thought she was going insane at first. She took the enchanted mace, entrusted to her and tried to attack the creature. The mace glowed like nothing I had ever seen before. It left her hand and streaked off toward the creature knocking it off its perch. It did not kill the creature, but it definitely hurt it. With only a single glance toward us, the creature flew off over our heads. As it passed over us I felt its power coming from it almost as if an invisible hand was pushing down upon me. And I never saw it again. Tasha never recovered her mace, she never even went to look for it. We left the mountains then, and never returned. I had almost forgotten about the creatures until now."

With a heavy sigh he says woodenly, "Let's go we can't stay around here all day." He turns north and heads out. Never once looking at Tasha.

By the time he finishes his story Tasha has also calmed down. She shrugs off the restraining hands and though obviously still upset she calmly rearranges her pack and starts off slowly behind Albian. Leaving the remainder of a puzzled group behind. After a moment of silence, the speaker shrugs hopelessly and moves to catch up with the pair. Though its obvious that there are many more questions he wishes to ask, he refrains from doing so.

The group makes relatively good progress the rest of the day and the next day, well after midday, they find a small farm in the distance, just to the north and west of their current heading. A quick scouting by Zraxin, shows the farm is being maintained by a human family, and no ogres or other hostile predators are in evidence.

After Zraxin returns from his scouting, the group continues onward toward the farm. Upon closer inspection the farm consists of three buildings, the main building, a building where the animals are kept and a third building. The third is different from the other two in that it seems to be made of all stone where as the others are constructed of wood. Where the first two are well made, whereas the third looks old, worn and made by someone with little skill in creating rock buildings. On one side of the trio of buildings is an empty field on the other seems to be a field that holds a large variety of vegetables. Upon seeing this Tasha frowns, but says nothing. A man comes out of the main building holding a pitchfork, as the group nears the farm. He moves slowly toward them, as if there was no hurry in the world. Somewhere in the area dogs are barking.

When he gets close enough the Speaker cries out, "Hello kind sir, we are weary travelers who have far to go. The day is quickly fading and we were wondering if we might be able to spend the night under your roof. We would of course pay." He smiles at the man his entire manner projecting friendliness.

The farmer smiles and even from several feet off his teeth seem to shine. "Welcome strangers. I see no reason to turn away any poor soul who travels the meadows. Hey aren't we all for the same reason. Be at peace and know that your long journey, at least for today, is over."

As they enter the boundaries of the farm, there seems to be a feeling of peace that seems to be everywhere. One by one they begin to feel relaxed and the weight of responsibility and the cares of the past just seem to roll off of them as they walk to the main building. Even Tasha and Albian seem to be in better spirits. The smell of dinner cooking and several embarrassed faces appear to the tune of several rumbling stomachs. Whistling a near silent tune the farmer leads the group into the main building. Inside he says, "You can just set your things down in that room over there", he points to a room off to the left. "When you're done, I think suppers just about ready."

No sooner does he say that than two rather large, well-fed dogs bound in from outside and pounce on him knocking him down. The farmer laughs and wrestles with the dogs. A glad cry is heard coming from one of the other rooms and two little boys charge out and join the fray, each pretending to attack the dogs. Each giving laughs and squeals of delight as the dogs turn from the farmer and start licking them. Soon the boys are bowled over a laughing all the while. The farmer gets up and looks at the two boys with fondness.

A motherly voice from your right says, "Well, it looks like we have visitors, on your way to see the sage, no doubt. Don't just stand there! Put your things away come to the table supper will be served in just a moment."

After a hearty dinner and pleasant conversation, the group retires to their room. Tasha stays behind to talk with the wife and doesn't return until Hunter and the Speaker are asleep. Once again she has that strange look in her eye, like the one she had the last night in Harvest Moon. "We are on the right track!" she croons. She sits down and stares at the wall with her hands wrapped around her knees staring into space.

Mordred sits up and asks, "Exactly, what did you find out?"

When she doesn't answer the first time, he repeats his question. This time she turns her shining eyes upon him and says, "Don't you feel it? The peace, the love, the utter uncaring. Here we have no need to worry about trouble even if we were in the midst of a dozen orcs or ogres or whatever. You heard the good wife mention the sage. Certain members of my church have the power and the wisdom granted to them to be able to create around their homes an area where there are no enemies or hatred. This area can be several miles long and this farm we are in happens to be on the edge of one!"

She pauses to take a deep breath, "According to the good wife this has been here for as long as they can remember! The process for creating such an area can have only come from one who has read the Harmony Scrolls! If we find this sage perhaps he can tell us something. I know we are getting close, I know it!" With that she suddenly relaxes and slumps over her pack falling asleep.

Albian checks to see if she is all right then puts his scrolls away and goes to sleep. In the morning, they bid the family goodbye and even though they refuse any money, the speaker leaves a few coins in the room he slept in. Tasha heads out on a more westerly track than before. In the distance there are herd beasts grazing complacently.

A few hours after leaving the farmhouse, there is a loud hissing sound. Reminded immediately of the giant snake they fought earlier, many turn to see another snake bearing down upon them. But try as they might no one can't seem to get alarmed about it. After a momentary pause they turn and continue on as before, even though the hissing gets louder. Several moments later the sound of the oncoming snake changes course and they see it slither quickly past them on the left. They watch in momentary fascination at the snakes gigantic form, before shrugging shoulders and continuing on the present course. Just before midday they find what they are looking for as a hut appears in the distance.

As soon as the hut is in sight, Tasha speeds up. All too soon they are near the their destination. The hut seems to be small and round, it looks from the outside to contain only one room at most. Nearing the hut, Tasha motions for everyone to stop and she moves forward alone. She stops just before the edge of the hut and kneels, holding her amulet in her hands she begins to pray silently. After a few moments she calls out, "Revered one. There is one here who would seek your wisdom."

Several minutes pass before something stirs in the hut. From the shadows of the hut appears and old man. He seems rather short and stout for a human and he has a rather long beard that nearly drags to the ground, but for his advanced age his muscles show no sign of weakness. The sun has tanned his skin and his features slightly wrinkled, but his gray eyes shine as if he is smiling. Of course with his mouth hidden beneath the beard it is nearly impossible to tell if he is smiling. Wearing a white robe with his church symbol, a single red rose, embroidered on it, he walks up to the kneeling Tasha. In a surprisingly hearty voice he bows and says, "Peace was in the beginning and Peace will come in the end."

Tasha, still kneeling bows and says, "Peace is natural state of all living creatures. Peace is what I seek for myself and others."

The small man says, "Welcome child of peace to my humble home."

With a wave of his hand he gestures for everyone to enter. One by one they walk into the hut. Mordred stops for a moment to look again at the small man. Inside the small rude hut there is merely a table and two chairs.

On the walls is a pattern in red that stretches all the way around the hut. There is a much smaller door leading into another room. Enough light enters so that it can be seen that it only contains a pallet and there is just barely room for that.

As the last person enters the group finds that all of the furniture is a bit too small to be entirely comfortable, so most end up on the floor as a matter of choice. Tasha stands in the center of the room and with wide eyes she stares in awe at her surroundings. Judging from her reaction one would think she was in some grand hall rather than in a rude hut of a short man. A study of the faces in the room would have made any Zen teacher proud. Earthly worries seem not to touch any of the faces.

As the short man finally enters he sits in a chair and bids Tasha to sit as well. "Shhhh...listen." And everyone is quiet. There is heard the sounds of the birds outside and the insects. A flicker of emotion passes Zraxin's across face, gone in an instant. They sit in total silence and the minutes drag on, but that doesn't bother anyone at all.

"Nothing." Gwydeon thinks. "I hear noth..." It is then he hears it or is it that he feels it...or taste or smell... He can't quite pin down which one of his senses has detected it or even what it really is. But it's there and in an instant he knows it's always been there. He cannot be afraid of it...No it is nothing to fear. Perhaps he can find it? But try as he might he can't pin the direction down and after a second he doesn't want to try.

The man looks from face to face and smiles, "Ah, now you begin to understand my children. You see." He turns to Tasha, "Child, this is a small touch of God. When our work here is done, we will be rewarded with true peace! I see your friends follow a different path, but it does not matter there can be only one end."

Tasha finally finds her voice and says, "Umm... Honored Sage...I come on a quest." As she gathers her confidence her voice strengthens. "My friends and I are on a quest to find the lost Harmony scrolls. I have been search for quite some time and all the rumors and clues and stories have led me in this direction. And here I find you, oh powerful one, can you help me?" The last note said plaintively.

The man smiles, at least his eyes do, and says, "The Harmony Scrolls? You seek a high honor for one so young. It is true they are around, but they are in the hands of the forces of chaos. When I was younger I held one of them in these very hands. Alas, at the time I was not strong enough to handle such power and it was easily taken away from me, before I could do aught." He sighs heavily, his eyes take on a strange light. "You too have fought an agent of chaos haven't you, my child. I can see its marks upon you as plain as day."

This remark takes Tasha off-guard she stares in open-mouthed wonder at man.

"I also see that you were no more successful than I am. Remember this, they can be beaten. I've done so a bit late in the game but I have beaten them once or twice. And always remember our sayings, "Peace is the natural state of all living creatures. When you are sleep, for a short time you are at peace and all living creatures must sleep. As for finding the Harmony scrolls, you might do well to talk to a wizard friend of mine. A man by the name of Torana. I'm sure he will be more than willing to point you in the right direction." He closes his eyes for a moment and takes several deep breaths. For a moment there is something else felt in the air, but just as quickly it is gone.

He opens his eyes and says, "Torana will be in Meadows End." He frowns for a moment, "There seems to be a lot of wizards there for some reason. I could give you a description, but it wouldn't be accurate. Torana has a flair for the unusual and likes to change his appearance to suit his mood." He gives a rough laugh, "I hear he even took on an apprentice...poor fellow must be near out of his wits by now. Anyway, when you get there just keep asking for him, he'll find you sooner than you'll find him. I'd love to join you, but my calling has led me to this spot for whatever reason and here I will spend the rest of my days."

Albian, with a greedy look in his eyes says, "Oh, you must have led an interesting life. I'm sure you have many interesting stories you could tell share with us poor travelers...." He is interrupted by the speaker who says, "Yes, I'm sure he could." Looking pointedly at Albian, "But it is only just past midday and we have far to travel. And we have imposed ourselves upon our host already." Practically dragging a reluctant Albian behind him, the speaker bows to his host saying, "Peace be with you until the end of your days friend." He then hustles Albian outside, as they leave Albian says, "Just one little story."

Everyone follows his lead each saying goodbye in their own ways. Tasha being the last to leave kneels in front of the man and bows, "It seems Peace is denied me this day, but seek it I ever shall."

"Peace will one day find you, "he replies, " and it will be your greatest reward." He places a hand on her shoulder for a moment then turns back into his hut. As he disappears there is a surprisingly loud yawn coming from the hut.

Hunter stares at the sun for a moment and says, "Best guess is…that way, won't know for sure until night." He looks around for a moment and no one says a word so he leads of in an easterly direction.

As you walk, the speaker says, "Did you see the pattern in the hut?"

"A rose", replies Mordred, "They seem to have a thing for roses."

"It seem to be an overly complicated way to draw a rose, but that's what it was."

During the day, more of the huge birds that they fought once before appear, but they glide over the group not even slowing down. Nearly an hour later they see a very strange sight. What appears to be a lion cub, playing with a baby herd beast. The herd seems not to care that there is a pride of lions nearby, nor that a cub seems to be playing with their own.

Long before night falls the feeling of eternal peace wears off and as they prepare for sleep, Gwydeon says, "Friends... this is kind of boring all the time just reading my book." Dreamily he says, "It was so cheerful with the ogre and poor Voruth... They played music for us. I wonder if any of you can tell us a story, from earlier adventures or any ballad or anything, so our journey wouldn't be monotonous.." He looks around in anticipation.

Albian grins.... the Speaker moans, "Oh god, here we go!"

Hearing the speaker, Albian gives him a sharp look then his face slowly changes expression. As he looks at the speaker, his expression turns decidedly mischievous. "You remind me of a man in one story, you know that.... yes." Albian leans back lying against his pack, he raises his face to the stars and his eyes seem to focus on something a million miles away, "I know just the story." For several moments everything is silent in anticipation.

"This one is about a knight and his lady. The lady once had a name of her own, but now it is lost to history. Back then the war with the orcs only consisted of a few border skirmishes now and again, but trade occurred more often than not between border villages.

The knight and his lady were traveling through orcish territory with an orcish couple known only as Ke' Thera Du, the double demon. One day this strange foursome came upon a small hidden valley. So small and well hidden was this valley that if they had traveled several hundred feet to one side, they would have missed it completely. The plush valley, with its little stream meandering through lush fields of grass and spring flowers was a beautiful sight to behold to the travelers who had lately been traveling through near barren lands.

The Lord smiled and winked his orcish companions. Turning to the lady he said, "What a beautiful sight to behold, perhaps we should rest here for a while. It is unlikely we should see another suitable resting place for quite sometime."

The Lady favored her husband with a long-suffering look. "I suppose you'd like to go in there without checking it out first." Without another word she beings speaking certain runes. In moments the plush valley is filled with little red glowing patches of light. "A trap, why am I not surprised?", she says dryly. Touching her husbands beard she says in a warmer tone, "My dear you are brave and smart, but just a tad too romantic and trusting. When will you learn not to trust at first sight."

The knight gives her a broad smiles and says, "You're right as usual, my lady. Lets us clean out this nest of vermin so that we can rest for a few days uninterrupted." With that he raises his hand over his head and gives a prearranged signal. A loud blaring war horn is heard from the other side of the small valley.

The lady looks over in surprise to see one of her orcish companions using playing his horn over the valley. Whomever lay in wait in the valley below must have had a moment or two of confusion from this tactic, but in truth we shall never know. As the orc blew the horn, waves of yellow light could be seen coming out from the end. These waves expanded rapidly slamming into the floor of the valley. The earth cried out in protest from the hammering of these waves. The rocks on the sides of the valley shifted and rose higher above the valley floor. The ground all around the valley shook and split and jagged peaks suddenly appeared thrusting from out beneath the ground forced out by some titanic force. The Lord and his Lady waited and watched looking around them at the terrifying forces of the earth being unleashed as if they were watching flowers bloom, seemingly uncaring for their own personal safety. At length the orc stopped playing the horn and the light disappeared. But it was several moments before the earth reacted to this change. For a moment, everything was quiet, then the walls of the valley shifted once more and collapsed. As the ground beneath their feet gave way, the Lady touched her husbands hand and spoke, nay sang, a rune. I say sang, because it sounded as if it were birdsong coming from the beaks of a dozen birds during early springtime. And the ground ceased to hold them up, but they did not plummet to their deaths. Instead, they glided down toward the new bottom of the valley.

From across the valley they heard a glad cry the male half of the Ke' Thera Du came down the rocky slope tumbling head over heels. His female counterpart coming behind him only a little slower, jumping down the slope. Each jump taking her much father than one of her size should have been able to go. As he reached the bottom of the valley and ceased tumbling the male orc jumped to his feet and gave a hoarse laugh, "Ah, the pleasure of a springing a well thought out trap. It was an excellent suggestion my friend! There shouldn't be any of them left, if there are then they have a ton of luck, but then they have used it all up."

The Lord grunted and touched his side where the Lady had just elbowed him, "Don't get smug, darling." Looking around she frowns and says, "I don't believe it! There is someone still here."

No sooner does she say that than a small avalanche occurs reveals a creature from children horror tales. Hovering two feet above the ground, this creature about 3 feet around, turns emerges from the rock. Above its head are several little round tubes that lie limply upon it. On the end of each of these tubes lies a single eye. Most of the eyes upon the creatures head are injured or obviously missing, but one works and it orients on the companions. The creature turns around showing a single large eye, undamaged in the center of the creature. Just below the eye is a huge maw filled with teeth.

As the creature turns toward the companions, the Lady gives a startled cry. "I can't feel the magic." The Lord whose face also registered some worry, "It must have some kind of magic nulling power. Lets see how it stands up to this." He quickly draws out his huge two-handed sword. The sword nearly as long as he is tall would seem to be heavy, but he wields the weapon as if its weight was no more than a long sword.

The male orc, speaks his companion in his native tongue and brandishes a pair of wicked looking chained maces. His companion draws a pair of short swords and gives her companion a smile. But before anyone can react tiny swarms of light shoot outward from the cave created by the creature. These lights swarm, seeming to attack the creature. The creatures lets out a chilling howl of frustration and turns back and forth wildly chomping at the little lights. Whatever direction the creature looks in, all the lights in that direction simply disappear or are swallowed by the creature.

The creature, distracted by the little dots of light, doesn't realize its mistake until too late. A war cry sounds just to one side of it. And under the double impact of a pair of chained maces, the creature is thrown to one side spinning out of control. As it spins past the female orc she slashes several times in succession and a yellow ichor begins to spew out in several directions at once. The spinning of the creature making it arc out into the air and land a great distance from its origin.

Finally the creature gains control of itself and turns to see its attackers. At close range it sees a tall bearded human in truly resplendent armor with a magnificent sword in his hand. And that's the last thing it sees as the Lord thrusts his might sword point first into the great eye of the creature. The blade passes all the way through the creature and comes out the other side. For a moment the creature hangs there before it comes crashing down upon the ground dragging the sword down with it.

The Lord was only mildly surprised as the hundreds of lights surrounded him. A frown creased his wise visage as for a moment he listened intently.

"What do the sprites have to say, Gray?", the female orc asked.

He looked to the female orc, briefly rolling his eyes, and for a moment he gave the impression of a man trying to hold his temper. He muttered under his breath, "Grayson, not Gray, not Grayone, or Graybeard, or....oh what's the use." Favoring the female with a smile he says, "Ah, nice of you to join us o lady of the Cat ran in glue, it seems the sprites are thanking us."

The female orc giving no sign of being offended at the slight responded in a bored voice, "Oh all in a day's work!" She ended it with a big yawn.

"Its not quite over just yet." said the lady from the distance. Turning the pair get a shock as they see the lady fussing over a small female child. The child with a shock of blonde hair and gray eyes, couldn't be more than 6 or 7 years of age. It was barely clothed in rags and those were covered in mud and dust. The lady was trying to soothe the child who now seemed on the edge of crying. "Look at this poor girl. We'll need to take her to a place where she can find a good home."

At this the sprites swarmed around the child with such a vehemence that the Lady was forced back. Not one to let mere sprites push her around she prepared to force her way to the child when the lights surrounding the child merged and formed a solid wall in a moment the wall faded out completely taking the child with it. This took all the heroes by surprise.

Albian stops as movement is heard somewhere nearby. Everyone waits armed for several minutes looking for the source of the movement. Hunter and Zraxin glide silently out of the camp to search around. The minutes drag on and finally first Hunter then Zraxin returns to the camp to report finding nothing.

Albian looks to begin his tale again, but the speaker cuts him off saying "I think I have had enough stories for tonight." He seems slightly angry about something. "I'll take first watch tonight. Get some sleep we have a long day of hiking before us tomorrow." Albian looks crushed as the speaker talks.

The speaker had no sooner stopped speaking before he started his watch. Tasha look puzzled as she said, "What's wrong with him, I thought it was a rather good story."

Mordred smiles at him and says, "Don't worry good friend you can finish your grand tale tomorrow." With that he gives Albian a firm clap on his back.

The night passed quietly and in the morning they continue on the path to Meadows End having based their location on last nights star positions.

This day is windy and traveling is hard, as the wind seems fiercely trying to prevent their travel. Still early in the morning a strange odor drifts on the wind. At first, the smell is unrecognizable. Before too long it is realized that it is a mixture of smells. One is fire, the other....hair.

With a single glance the party arms themselves ready for anything. Within moments they come upon a massive ball of burnt hair. As they approach, the ball shifts and whines. Soon it is discovered that actually it is a wolf, though much larger than any wolf in recent memory have ever seen before. The creature sees them and whines, then bares its teeth in moves into a defensive crouch. It puts up a rather pitiful looking display of trying to look ferocious.

Despite its size, the creature burnt severely as it is seems more an object of pity than fear. Before anyone can decide what to do there is a howl to one side and see three more of the huge beasts come charging at them. Another wolf stands ahead of the three howling. The back of the speakers shirt flashes and he turns around to see several orcs stepping out of some sort of circular portal. Beyond the portal are the woods from where the orcs are coming. The orcs seem surprised to see them and quickly move into a battle formation. All told three orcs wielding swords, one wielding scythe, one wearing a bright blue robe and another wearing very loose clothing appear.

The orcs all seem surprised to see anyone and at once begin edging around the group. Oddly enough, they don't seem to be trying to encompass them. As a group they are edging around. Meanwhile the large wolves are closing in from the opposite side.

The speaker turns his attention toward the charging wolves. His hands flash briefly in and out of his tunic and the lead charging wolf lets out a whine as it stumbles and falls.

Gwydeon begins to chant a rune.

Mordred takes a defensive stand facing the orcs.

Upon seeing Gwydeon start to chant the orc in loose clothing starts running in the direction of the wolves, leaving his companions behind.

The only visibly armed orc takes a defensive posture facing off Mordred, but still slowly edging his way around.

Gwydeon completes his rune and a small shower of falling white sparks surround the two orcs. The armed orc goes down to one knee before his eyes droop closed.

Oddly he doesn't fall over, he just stays in that one position, on one knee weapon ready.

Zraxin faces the wolves in a defensive posture.

The orc in robes in the process of drawing a wand from his bag looks up and is angered by the white sparks. Drawing the wand out he points it at the group and speaks a rune and a grayish flash comes from its tip. Almost immediately there is a high pitched whistling as several large brownish flaming objects streak out from the tip of the wand and slam into the group.

Tasha manages to duck as one of the objects flies over her head. The speaker, Gwydeon, Hunter, & Mordred all are hit by the objects, which explode as they slam into them. Gwydeon and Hunter cry out alike as Gwydeon's armor and Hunters shirt burst into flames.

Albian however stands calmly facing halfway between the orcs and the wolves who had slowed down before but are now once again charging.

Seeing an opening Zraxin charges the orc in robes. The orc seeing him charge points the wand at him, but it is too late as Zraxin makes a dive knocking the orc on his back and the wand flies from his hand. Their collision knocks the armed orc down on his side. His sword falls from his limp hands.

Both Gwydeon and Hunter drop to the ground and immediately start to try to roll out the flames. Mordred jumps to Gwydeon's side immediately trying to help get the fire out.

The speaker has his hands full as he draws his sword and swings it wildly to keep the three wolves at bay, but they begin to circle and try to out flank him.

Tasha moves toward Hunters side and begins to kick dirt on him to douse the flames. Zraxin's fight with the orc is short and fierce, when it is over he stumbles up and stands over the corpse of the orc. His face a mass of scratches and his armor badly slashed.

Albian looking around begins to swing his staff around and chants in a deep voice. After swinging the staff around his head three times he points it at the nearest wolf. A slight whining sound is heard and the wolf gives a loud yelp as it jumps several feet straight up! It moves away from the battle, still yelping occasionally trying to bend in half to bite at a section of its hide for a second, before yelping again and running off.

The orc in loose clothing reappears and jumps upon the back of the wolf. Feeling the added weight, the wolf attempts to snap at the orc, but as soon as it opens it's mouth the orc places something resembling an animal halter. A short fight for dominance ends as the orc turns the wolf and heads for Zraxin.

Still stunned Zraxin hears much too late the returning orc as he slams his sword into Zraxin's side. Both stumble to the ground.

After several moments, Hunters shirt stops burning and he lays breathing heavily on the ground. An ugly red mark shows on his chest through the tattered remains of his shirt. Several burn marks also appear on his chest as well.

With Mordred and Gwydeon working together his hide has stopped burning, but not in time to save it as it is singed in many places and burned in others and torn in still others. The result is only slightly less tattered than Hunters shirt. When it is finally cut off it is apparent that the hide will be useless as armor. But on the whole Gwydeon seems to have escaped the damage that befell Hunter.

The orc on the wolf slows down only long enough to pick up his sword-wielding companion. As he gets off to help him up. The wolf snaps at him, but a quick kick in the jaw, stops any rebellion on the beasts part. Within moments he retrieved all three packs and the overloaded wolf makes is way toward the northwest.

The final wolf seeing the others fleeing decides to beat a hasty retreat following the wolf injured by Albian. Tasha starts looking through her pack for something. Albian turns toward the group with a wide smile and says, "I don't think that they will be bothering us anymore."

Gwydeon moves past the body of the dead orc and begins searching, within moments he finds what he is looking for as he picks up the wand. Zraxin smiles faintly and says, "That felt more like I was wrestling a tiger than an orc."

Mordred looks worriedly at Gwydeon, "You took a nasty hit, plus that thing nearly cooked you good! How are you holding up?"

Gwydeon's answer comes as a surprise to everyone as his uncertainty and anger come rushing out, "Should we follow them? I think we should. I am anyway. Take care of Zraxin and Hunter" With a quick motion for Mordred to follow he takes off in the direction of the fleeing wolf.

As he runs he yells back, "They cannot get far the wolf cannot handle a double load and it is not used to it. Gonna chase it for about a little bit, if not we'll turn back.

With Mordred falling behind him, Gwydeon tries in vain to catch the fleeing beast but even overloaded as it is the wolf manages to stay well ahead of them for several minutes before stopping.

Seeing this Gwydeon charges once again furious. As he comes upon them he gives a loud yell and attacks. But the armed orc was apparently waiting for him as the swords clash. The other orc disappears quickly and the wolf slowly slinks away favoring one of it's legs.

As Gwydeon takes off, the speaker says, "What does that fool think he is doing?"

Tasha pulls out a small metal container which she gently sets down. After saying a small prayer over the container, she opens the complicated locks and pulls out a single red rose. Despite the fact that it is just into fall the rose is still fresh as if it were just picked.

She takes the rose and holds it just over the Hunters charred chest. She beings a prayer that sounds much like quiet singing. The wind stops the creatures of the plains quiet down and even though she speaks at a whisper, all with 50 ft can hear her clearly. The words are strange and unintelligible, but their meaning is unmistakable. One petal from the rose falls onto Hunter chest. As it hits it grows covering his entire body. Soon he is covered in a giant rose petal. A moment later the petal seems to be absorbed into his body, which is now almost fully healed. The only traces of the burns he took were the charred edges of his clothing. His face is peaceful and tranquil, as he sleeps. Tasha stands up and returns the rose to its hiding place, giving a small prayer before closing it completely.

Tired she stands up and says, "He will be sleeping until tomorrow morning when he will be fully healed and rested. If we interrupt him now it will disturb the healing process and might cause harm. I suggest we wait until Gwydeon and Mordred gets back and setup camp for the night.

In a clash of steel the orc and Gwydeon meet. After a few fruitless attacks, which the orc easily parries, Gwydeon manages to score a hit upon the orc, but it bounces harmlessly off his armor.

The orc frowns then smirks and with grim purpose advances forcing the unprotected elf to move back slowly. Though the elf is unencumbered by heavy armor he can only occasionally get past the orcs parries and those are deflected by the heavy armor.

Suddenly a scream sounds just behind Gwydeon. Just as suddenly, a huffing Mordred appears next to Gwydeon. "The other orc was trying to sneak up on you, but I took care of him." He flashes Gwydeon a quick smile. "Time to make short work of this one", he says.

Mordred draws the orcs attacks giving Gwydeon time to get his shield from his back. Gwydeon grins at the orc and growls "You gonna pay for Hunter and Zraxin."

With the two of them attacking, the orc is easily overmatched. Not knowing how to defend against two opponents, the orcs attacks become less frequent and wilder. His parries quickly become insufficient as time and again a sword pierces his defense and hits his armor either to bounce off or cut a link at slip through. Inside a few moments he is bleeding freely from multiple wounds before Gwydeon's sword thrusts through his neck, killing him.

They both take a moment to rest and search the corpses of their opponents.

Gwydeons' search of the armored orc turns up rather curious pieces of silver jewelry. The items seem to be two rather long armbands, like bracers only instead of being solid they have many holes in it. After examining it appears that the whole thing is an artist's abstract vision of a hydra creature that they once fought back in the caves. Instead of carving the design into a solid metal piece or even dying the scene on it, the artist decided to make the entire thing one long thin metal strand bent all around to look like the hydra. Other than those, the only thing left of value (his armor being now useless) is his sword but its handle grip is slightly too small for the elf, even though the blade is well made.

Mordred's search turns up a couple of gems and a pair of rather fine knives.

A few feet away, they find the orcs bags. But the only thing inside is food rations.

Gwydeon examines the armbands for a moment longer, judging their size. He then tries them on for size and they fit perfectly! Almost as if they were made for him!

After collecting their booty, Gwydeon and Mordred return to the others.

As they walk Mordred says, "I'm glad that was over. I thought for sure that we were in trouble when the wizard hit us with that wand of his! But we came out on top as always. Let us hope we continue do so!" With a wide grin and chest puffed out Mordred walks into camp.

When they enter camp Gwydeon with a grin, shows off his armbands saying "We got 'em good!" The design instantly attracts Albian and Tasha. For a moment as Tasha looks upon the design, anger flashes upon her face and she squints closer. Just as suddenly the anger disappears and she breathes a sigh of relief. Without another word she returns to watching Hunter.

Albian examines the armbands in minute detail, asking Gwydeon to hold them up in many different ways. Seemingly fascinated with the design. The Speaker looks at Gwydeon and Mordred and says, "According to Tasha, it would be unwise to move him." He gestures toward Hunter, "At least until morning."

Zraxin begins to setup camp for the evening. Albian begins making many notes and drawings. Gwydeon moves over near the speaker and begins talking to him. Soon the smell of cooking meat brings everyone out of their various activities.

Around the campfire, Zraxin says, "We should be in Telor in a day or two and after that it is only another week's walk to Meadows End. I wonder what makes this guy so special to this quest?"

Gwydeon, who has been, rather disgruntled since talking with speaker mumbles something about being tired and needing time alone. After dinner he finds a spot away from the others opens his spell book to study.

The next morning, Hunter is the first to wake up. He is surprisingly full of energy, but has a rather placid look on his face. Mordred casts a wary glance at Gwydeon as they begin without a word.

By noon they come upon the first signs of civilization, farmhouses and poor dirt track roads. The roads make traveling easier and progress becomes more rapid.

Across a particularly lonely stretch of road, Zraxin and Hunter stop and stare off into the distance at one side, staring at nothing.

Moments later the speakers shirt lights up on both of his arms. Immediately the group goes on alert, drawing weapons and preparing for battle. But they see nothing all around or in the sky. Just mere seconds after his shirt lights up, it dies as well. Just as quickly, the area surrounding you is no longer empty.

Where there once stood empty road now stand a dozen armed men with swords. They stand in a semicircle in front of the group. Wearing matching uniforms of a strange design, nearly all black with a diamond and a glowing red gem in the center of each.

As they appear, a strange look passes over Gwydeon's face.

The speaker smiles and waves to the men ahead, "Ho travelers! Is this the road to Telor? We've been traveling for quite some time and sometimes it's hard to tell if we've taken a wrong turn somewhere.

One of the men steps forward, his head upright, with an arrogant sneer, replies," Yea, this be the road to Telor." His strange accent is like none any of them have ever heard before. "You not be lost, but you be in exactly the right spot. Now since you look like prosperous and wise folk, you'll be dropping those weapons of yours and handing over all of your money."

At this proclamation Tasha gasps in surprise, "This isn't possible...Is it?"

Hunter with a placid look on his face smiles at the man and says, "Ah, do not worry friend, we cannot possibly harm you, we are only seekers of peace and joy. Please give up this strange and unhealthy pass time and join us on the road to Telor. I'll even buy you all a round of drinks."

At this comment the men all laugh and draw their swords. Zraxin, the speaker, and Mordred each draw their swords and form a rough line. Albian holds his staff in front of him muttering, "Something is wrong. Something is seriously wrong." Gwydeon moves back shaking his arms for a second then drawing his sword, slipping something into his left hand.

The armed men move purposely toward the group. They pause for a second when Albian starts chanting loudly and waving his staff. After a moment, they all laugh and one of them poses for Albian saying, "Hit me clueless."

He is rewarded when Albian points his staff at the man and a sound like an arrow in flight is heard. A large pool of blood appears in the mans' chest and he falls over. At that all the men stop and stare. You hear one mutter, "That shouldn't happen."

The group takes advantage of their hesitation as Zraxin leaps to one man and cuts him down before he can bring his blade up. Mordred, Hunter and the Speaker also manage to cut one down before them.

Gwydeon points a wand at a group of men and they cringe, but nothing happens. The men charge him and Tasha. He quickly raises his sword deflecting the first attack.

Tasha begins to pray fiercely. All the while her face showing extreme confusion.

With a grace, not seen before Gwydeon slips through the men's defenses and cuts two down in the space of as many seconds. The act seems to surprise even him. Seeing that they are losing the battle the others place both hands over their gems and disappear almost instantly.

The instant they disappear, a bright light shines from the Speakers' shirt as the sides and the front of his shirt suddenly light up. But the light quickly fades away, as if the danger was retreating.

Tasha is in tears, "What have I done wrong? What have I done wrong?"

As the light from the Speaker's shirt fades completely he relaxes.

"Would someone please tell me what that was all about?" asks Zraxin.

"Chaos is getting stronger...All is failing!!! I have been neglectful!!!", wails Tasha. Almost immediately she begins rather fervent prayers asking for forgiveness and absolution, promising never to be neglectful again.

"I want to know what happened to my shirt! What kind of magic could turn it off right when danger was upon us!" shouts the Speaker in an unusual display of anger.

Albian stands holding his staff in front of him, staring off into the distance. "By all the stories this should have been impossible. No human could ever kill another human, yet here is the proof. They have attacked us and we have killed them. The first died by my very own hand. I felt strangely free for a few moments as if all constraints had been removed from me. We are still free, have you noticed that?"

Hunter moves over to comfort Tasha.

Gwydeon moves over to Albian and they begin to discuss his wand. Albian takes the wand and points in various directions before returning it to Gwydeon. Mordred begins searching the bodies of the men. The only valuables he can come up with are the gems that seem to be sewn into the shirts and some rings on their fingers. Upon examination of the rings he gives a shout and says, "Watch this." Touching the rings he smiles, then frowns at the ring examining it closer. "It doesn't seem to work."

Gathering up the strange gems and rings Gwydeon and Albian examine both, neither understands the runes inscribed on it or the single rune discovered implanted in each of the gems.

After a time Hunter manages to get Tasha off the ground and walking. Zraxin, Mordred and the speaker push the bodies off the road and bury them in shallow graves.

Shortly after midday they pass by a farmer returning home. He tells them that Telor is a full days walk away. He also warns that there have been tales of wolves in the area and that almost a dozen orcs were caught nearby the city recently.

After an uneventful night hearing only a few howls, they reach Telor around midday, exactly as the farmer predicted. Coming in from the south gates, their noses are assaulted by the familiar stench of so many people living in a semi-clean environment. Both Zraxin and Hunter look extremely reluctant to enter the city. At the gate the guards only glance at the party at first then as the group gets closer, they both shake their heads as if coming out of a dream. One of the guards snarls, "What business do you have hear!" He signals and a few of the city guard step out from the shadows. Upon seeing you they relax and look puzzled. "Hoy what's up these don't look like no orcs!" As he nears you his face changes and the guards blink and shake their heads like their companions before. As they look at the party, Gwydeon sees a glint of mistrust appear. The front of the Speakers shirt begins to glow. "So what business does an armed party like yours have in Telor?"

The Speaker smiles and in a calming voice he speaks, "Come now gentlemen, there is no need for worry, we just come from down south. Harvest Moon if you must know and we ran into a few problems along the way…you know the standard stuff. Wolves, giant snakes, orcs and even an ogre or two, you understand how experienced travelers keep themselves alive. Honestly men, we just seek a respite from the many hordes of monsters who want us for breakfast and to drink safely amongst our kind." His voice smooth as silk, his hands well away from sides. He seems the very epitome of harmless.

Behind the guards a man in a costume similar to the armed men they ran into earlier stares out at them then turns and makes his way into the back streets.

First the guards at then gate shake their heads, then their reinforcements do as well. The gate guard looks up and says, "Ah, of course, I don't know what came over me. Must be the stress getting to me. It's not like you're a band of murdering orcs. Heck you may have just done us a favor killing them slimeballs for us. We caught a whole bunch of them a couple of days ago. They were trying to sneak into the city. Hung 'em all on the east wall. May they rott in hell!"

The other guardsmen look sheepish and return to their posts. Zraxin exchanges looks with Hunter and the two relax. "I think I will be checking around town, there is something I saw in the crowd. I think perhaps the men who we came across before may be here", says Zraxin.

Albian looks worriedly at Tasha.

Before entering the crowd, Tasha announces, "I think my goddess may be angry with me I must go to the temple here and find out what I must do to be forgiven by her. For now my quest for the Scrolls of Harmony must be placed on hold while I perform my penance." Tears form in her eyes and she looks at the rest of them. "I will miss you all. It maybe sometime before I see the outside of a temple again."

Albian looks at Tasha and says, "Well, I can wait. You know where to find me when you're done." He gives a mischievous smile and says, "Just check all the taverns, halls, tearooms and libraries. If not there, I'll be down at the blacksmith, silversmith, fletcher....you know the usual locations."

She smiles and gives each of them a hug and a kiss. "You've all been so good to me and I must thank you for trying to help me on my quest. But it seems that I have offended the Goddess in some way, so I must atone for it, before I can go on." You see the tears begin to well up in her eyes and she quickly turns and plunges into the crowd disappearing within moments.

Zraxin and Hunter look uncomfortable and look around, for a moment before Hunter says, "I think we should go check those guys out and meet later. Anyone know of a good inn here."

"We'll meet up at the Ogre's Eye Inn. It's in one of the better portions of town.", says the Speaker he looks morose, "I think, Mordred that we shall find that item that you were talking about here." With that the group splits up each heading in its own directions with their own thoughts.

Fin

**Authors Note** For those of you who are reading this in Chronological order:
Outsiders happens next and crosses with Tempest at the end.
Tempest begins after Outsiders and runs parallel until the end where it crosses into Outsiders.