Blood quickly stained the sleeve of his tunic as he leaped back out of range for the follow-up strike. All the while, watching a cold and wicked grin spread across Tobias’s face.
“I’m not one of your students anymore, Decker.”
Decker responded by feigning a low blow that caused Tobias to drop the tip of his sword to block it.
It was just enough for the swordmaster to sweep his blade high again and catch Tobias across the cheek. Leaving a nasty gash across the leader’s face and forcing him to withdraw a few steps.
“Maybe you should be,” Decker responded, smiling as well. His chiding remark only served to anger Tobias, who lunged forward, extending his sword in a full-on strike. Decker saw this coming with ease and moved to the side only to notice the smile on Tobias’s face broadened.
By the time Decker realized he had played into Tobias’s hands, it was too late. Tobias dropped his sword and flicked his hand to match the sharpness of the whistle he set loose.
In an instant, a massive thorn spike shot from the ground in front of Decker, catching him square in the chest. The swordmaster stood there for a moment with the thorn protruding from his back as his body twitched and finally sank down, only being held up now by the barb itself.
Tobias waved his hand and dismissed the magic that had called the barb forth, allowing it to sink back down into the soil quickly. Causing Decker's body to drop onto the ground with a hard thud.
The other Rangers stood watching the horrible scene without saying a word.
Tobias turned to face them and retrieved his sword from the dirt, wiped it off on Deckers back, then sheathed it and started towards the main house again.
After a few steps, he stopped and turned back to the other rangers.
“Bury Sagina with honors, burn that traitor and spread his ashes into the wind. He doesn’t deserve to be among our brothers in the graveyard.
And know this all of you. My orders still stand. Prepare to meet the Orcs in combat or get out of Briarthorn before nightfall.” With that, Tobias walked away towards the main house, not even looking back as the others whispered among themselves.
From inside a darkened doorway Kelenvor, the cleric whispered a prayer for those who had fallen and began packing to leave the village. The Arch-Mage would be most interested in this turn of events. He thought as he rolled up his blanket and tucked it into his pack.
As Tobias opened the door to the main house and stepped inside, he was greeted by the shade of Maximillian Forestwhisper.
“You did good Tobias, that was a hard choice to make, but you chose the right one. Decker should never have questioned you.”
“I did not mean to kill Sagina,” Tobias said, dropping his head to look at the floor and showing for the first time that he indeed felt some remorse for her death.
“Of course, you didn’t. It’s not your fault Tobias. Now prepare yourself, soon you will lead our brothers into battle. They will need you at your best if you hope to achieve your goal.”
“Don’t worry, I have no intentions of failing, even if I have to do it alone,” Tobias replied as he poured some whiskey into his mug and stared out the window.
Watching in disgust as many of his fellow rangers were preparing to leave the village of Briarthorn for places unknown. Many of them believing even exile was preferable to following the whims of a madman.
26
Rone and his friends ended up having to spend the night in the city of Dusk Haven. When they had returned to the Library of History, they discovered Lunarie was not finished with her preparations.
Wishing to avoid more confrontations with the city watch or Traijens family, they found an inn close to the library then spent the night in the privacy of their rooms. Only coming down to eat and share a drink.
When morning at last arrived, they were all anxious to find out what aid Lunarie would offer and to be on their way from the city. So, they quickly eat their morning meal left for the library
When they arrived this time, they were greeted at the door by a young Moon elf dressed in the traditional robes of a scholar and looking tired,
“I am Tolf, Lunarie’s assistant. I will guide you to the inner hall where she is waiting for you.”
“Thank you,” Trisha replied. Understanding what it’s like and the strain of being some one’s assistant.
“What is this about, Tolf? Lunarie said she might be able to help us in our journey. You have any idea what she meant?” Rone asked the young elf curiously.
“I’m sorry that’s for the mistress to explain,” Tolf answered as he hurriedly led them down a series of hallways.
They came to a stop just outside a large pair of ivory doors that were so well crafted, Rone decided they must have been formed with magic. Finding it hard to believe anyone could have that much skill in carving.
They were white as a pearl with gold inlaid handles, set against a turquoise frame. Every cycle of the moon was etched into their facing, and some were of phases Rone had never seen. The companions were staring at them in awe, as Tolf opened one and stuck his head just inside the room.
After a moment, he motioned for the others to follow and stepped inside. Leading them into a massive chamber that was so tall, the ceiling could not even be seen. Instead, it appeared like a night’s sky with small orbs of mage light that represented the constellations of stars.
Katrina grabbed Rone by the arm and leaned in close to his ear,
“I’ve heard about the LunaFae star chambers before. This is where they read people's fates.” She whispered as she let go of his arm and stared up at the ceiling again.
As they made their way to the center of the room, Rone could see Lunarie laying out crystals in a circle around her. Each one flaring to life with a soft white light as they touched the floor. When she had placed them all, she greeted the companions with a smile.
“Wonderful timing Tolf, I have just finished my preparations,” Lunarie said, looking back towards the crystals.
“Preparations for what?” Rone asked calmly, not wanting to sound too anxious.
“The aid I mentioned before is this. I intend to open a portal that will take you to the edge of the DokalFae’s lands. I’m sorry I cannot get you closer than that, but the enchantments they use to ward themselves from the other races prevents it.
Still, this should save you weeks’ worth of travel. And this will aid in your return as well.” Lunarie said, holding out her hand to offer a small plain leather pouch to Trisha.
Inside was a milky white crystal that emitted a very soft glow when touched.
I assume girl with you arriving on horseback, that you have not yet learned the spells of travel?”
“No mistress, not yet. The Arch-Mage prefers us to finish our apprenticeship first.” Trisha replied quickly.
“That old fox probably just wants to make sure you don’t run away before your training is paid for,” Lunarie replied with a smile.
“Then take this as well,” she said, producing a small folded up piece of paper from the pouch on her waistband.
“These are the words that will activate the crystal I gave you. Place it on the ground, then call them out. Doing so will open a portal that will bring you back here.
It’s the most help I can offer besides a little advice.” Lunarie said, looking directly at Rone as if to say her words were meant more for him than the others.
“If you succeed in your quest, you will be carrying one of the most powerful relics in all of Earthera. Guard it well from those who would use it to sow chaos.”
“I will,” Rone replied with a determined tone.