《Korgan's Tale》


 Prologue

    Korgan walked back to camp. He took in the green of the trees and grasses, and the blue and white of a cloud-spotted sky. A fresh wind blew and he breathed deeply in. He was close to the borderlands where he had lived as a child, and scents of the earth turned his thoughts to that time.


    For years he had grown up in relative happiness and peace. An idyllic existence, cut short by a war that captivated the hearts and minds of a large part of the earth. He had lived in a village hidden in the wooded hills of the borderlands. At one time there were many villages like his, where orc and human had lived side by side. In these times there were none known that remained. A warlord had arisen among the orcs, and declared war on all humankind. The humans had responded in kind, and pogroms began where peoples mixed.


    The hidden settlements of the borderlands where he had grown up, were among the first victims of this purge.


    His parents were both of mixed bloodlines, and lived the only place they could, in an outcast settlement. Korgan would not have traded his childhood for another, his parents and community were loving and kind. He only wished it could have lasted a bit longer. The love he had known there had given him the strength to live after what had happened. For all he knew, he was the only one from his childhood village left alive.


    It was sheer dumb luck that he looked human enough to be mistaken for one fully blooded. His adoptive father Heiram Grachan, and a few others knew his true heritage. And out of respect and love for him they kept it close. It would be dangerous to reveal the truth while engaged in a full-scale war against the orcs.


    War.


    The first part of his life had been harmonious and loving, The latter had been caught up in the world of war. He had grown tall and strong. He had learned to fight. He had made friends and enemies. He fought humans in training and orcs on the battlefield. He had killed, it was a part of him now. The first time he had imagined he was killing those who razed his village to the ground, who killed his friends and family. But in the aftermath, he knew that was a lie. He did not relish killing, it was simply a part of his life... this life that he had known since he had lived as a human. On days like this, a part of him yearned for a better way. He remembered that there was a better way, the smells of the earth reminded him.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    All too soon the tents of his encampment rose before him, shaking Korgan from his reverie. The watchmen recognized him and saluted his approach, He smiled and waved casually.


    "Ho, Peter! Krabos! how fares the watch today?"


    "Nothing new today Sir, the woods have been quiet lately"


    "Very good Peter, lets hope they stay that way"


    "Captain wishes to see you Sir!"


    "Thank you Krabos."


    Korgan walked into the encampment and sought out Captain Grachan. As usual he found the older man in his tent poring over a map. Grachan smiled as Korgan stepped in through the open flap of the tent.


    "Greetings Captain Grachan."


    "Well met Korgan, what news this day?"


    "No signs of any Orc activity in this area since the skirmish we had a month ago, it¡¯s like they''ve disappeared."


    "Indeed. It''s just as well, MacRauri is here, he stopped by the camp earlier and asked after you. He told me to tell you he would be at the library of Grayhafen, and to meet him there as soon as you returned here."


    "MacRauri. Did he say anything else?"


    "No, he came and left in a hurry. Not sure what this business is about, it¡¯s always been hard to tell with him."


    "I guess I had better be off then, I''ll take Strider too."


    "She''s a good horse... It¡¯s good to see you wearing blue Korgan, command suits you."


    Grachan smiled again.


    "Thank you Grachan, I appreciate everything."


    They clasped shoulders and touched foreheads, then Grachan hugged Korgan.


    "You are the son I never had."


    Grachan pulled back with tears in his eyes and looked at Korgan, who felt his own throat welling up.


    "Thank you Grachan. All that I am today, you gave to me."


    They stood a moment, neither one saying anything.


    "I must go, MacRauri will be waiting."


    ~~~


    Korgan did not delay, and set out for Grayhafen at once. MacRauri was a friend, mentor, and magician of no small power - and he knew Korgan''s true heritage. He was never one to visit simply for the pleasure of seeing old friends. No, MacRauri would be here for some kind of reason. What business might cause him to seek out Korgan? These thoughts carried him along the trail to town.


    The ride was quick and clear, just some five leagues from the war camp, and Korgan arrived in Grayhafen just after high sun.

 Dorsten

    In the village of Dorsten.


    Torval sat in the tavern, nursing his mug of ale. He was low on coin, and would have to find work soon. He had seen a message board outside, but he hadn''t been able to read it... These were strange lands to him, it would be fine to take stock of this place for a moment. He had come south from his tribe in the Steppes for one reason - to kill Orcs! He had to avenge his family, and his village. He had heard recently that the human General - Marcus Victorious - was leading an army that fought the Orcs and their Warlord. Perhaps he could get in good with the army, and they would give him his chance. And if not, he would take his chances on his own, he was good in battle, and he had little left to lose. He would find a way to kill the orcs, to make them pay for what they done... to make certain they never could do it again.


    Laughter accompanied by groans arose from a corner in the room and caught Torval''s attention. Gambling, that same man had won quite a bit since he had been here. It was morning, the game must have been going all night. The winner noticed Torval looking in his direction.


    "Ah! my friend has arrived." He said to the men whose money he had just taken. "Unfortunately I must leave you now. Better luck next time."


    "C''mon Finn thas not fair! Give us a chance to win it back!" one of the men cried out. Finn simply gathered his coin off the table and got up to leave.


    Another man at the table started to move, and then stopped when he saw Torval looking at them. Torval smiled, few men sought trouble with a Barbarian from the North. The other man sat back down and looked back at his fellow gamblers. Finn sauntered over and sat down across from Torval as he signalled to the barkeep.


    Neither said a word. Soon two mugs of ale sat before them. Torval took a drink. Finally Finn spoke, "what brings you down from the hills northlander? I haven''t seen any of your people here in a long time."


    "I have come to kill Orcs." spoke Torval as he looked at Finn, memorizing his face. "I suppose you are here taking coin, I have need of some myself, though I have no skill at gambling."


    Torval finished his mug and reached for Finn''s but before he could take hold of it a dagger appeared point down in the table where mug''s handle had been a moment before. Finn took his drink and then spoke with a hint of danger, "Don''t presume I couldn''t have handled that myself earlier... you just provided a convienence to me, for which the debt is now paid."


    "... The debt is paid." Casually Torval rested his hand on the rough wooden table. "but what of work, do you know of any to be had here?"


    "I saw a sign for caravan escorts outside, and I happen to have an interest in leaving town soon." Taking his dagger from the tabletop Finn glanced back to the remaining gamblers, the five men glared at them. "I can introduce us to the caravan master now, he''s not far."


    "Let''s go then." Torval hefted his great axe like a feather, and walked out the door. Finn left copper on the table and followed him out.


    He found Torval waiting outside facing him. "It''s this way." Finn led them to a part of town where the buildings had less windows, and people either looked away and quickened their step, or openly sized them up - and then looked away. Torval smiled again to himself as he walked a few paces behind Finn, being strong had carried him through life in the tribes - it would be no different here. They came to a fenced off wagonfield next to a large warehouse with no entrance to be seen from the street. A large man stood relaxing against the fence, guarding the closed gate to the wagonfield. Finn walked right up to him. "We''re here to see TJ Blightbottom."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Wait here." The guard slipped inside and locked the gate. A few minutes later the guard returned with an oily looking man who looked them up and down.


    "I''m TJ Blightbottom, what brings you here? Perhaps you are interested in some caravan work? We''re short a few guards for this shipment."


    Finn scratched his nose. "What''s the pay?"


    "Oh, say 50 gold each, half now, half when you deliver." Behind him, horses began pulling covered wagons from the warehouse into the field. "In fact, we''re leaving presently, but I suppose we could wait up to an hour if you need to take care of anything before leaving."


    "That''s not enough."


    TJ laughed along with the guard, "What are you on about fool?! That''s more than fair for caravan work, especially as we''re only going to Fishenhiem." At that point a gust of wind blew the canvas that had been covering the wagon back enough to reveal iron bars, and green limbs.


    "Orcs." Torval strode forward. The guard immediately blocked his path. "Out of my way man, I saw an orc there!"


    TJ grimaced. turned and yelled, "Jason, Jackson, get that canvas secured you idiots!" And a man wearing a sword ran to tie down the canvas cover that was flapping in the breeze. It had been meant to cover a cage full of orcs, who were now moving. One or two voices cried out in their language, until another large man appeared and cracked a whip towards the cage, yelling at them to be quiet, while the other two secured the canvas covering.


    Torval stood frozen, gripping the handle of his great axe. "Out of my way!" He growled.


    The guard unsheathed his sword and TJ stepped between them. "Look you great dumb Ox of a northerner! That is my cargo! I can''t have you killing them now can I? Look I can see you are strong and ready to fight with that axe of yours, I''ll pay you double if you come with us and guard my cargo."


    Torval blinked, and he slung his axe over his shoulder. "You''re a fool, you should be killing those orcs. I''ll have no part of guarding the life of some Orc!" He spat for emphasis, and turned to walk away. Finn bumped into him.


    "So, you''ll pay him double will you?!! Well now he''s gone and I''m all you can get on such short notice, and I want double." TJ opened his mouth to object, when he heard a wis-thunk. His eyes followed Finn''s suddenly outstretched hands and saw two daggers embedded in the fenceposts on either side of the gate. His mouth snapped shut. "Not to worry, I''m worth the extra coin." Finn smiled twirling a third dagger in his fingers.


    ~~~


    Torval strode away, Finn was clumsy and stupid - bumping into him like that and dealing with slavers. That had been a waste of time, frustrating too. But he didn''t want to go out of his way to kill humans, even if they didn''t know better, just orcs. That was why he had come south after all. To avenge his family, his tribe, and to rid the world of their evil as much as one man with an axe was able. He had no time for fools, as certainly that lot had been. The Gambler had shown some teeth, but he was completely motivated by coin. A man like that had already lost sight of what was important. Money was just a means to an end, not an end in itself. The tribes knew this. He had enough coin to last another one or two weeks, and a man like him could find work easily in that time, especially during a war.


    He walked around Dorsten for a couple of hours just to get a sense of the layout of town, and also to warm his legs. When he arrived back at the same tavern he had been in that morning, he was ready for some lunch. He ate a delicious meal of roast pheasant and potatoes with rosemary and butter, and a mug of ale to wash it down. Yes, this would be a fine place to rest while he waited for work, though it seemed they always overcooked the meat here in the south. He would get information about the army, and seek them out as well. Automatically he reached for silver to pay for the food and drink. His hand felt nothing, his coin pouch was gone!


    Sipping his ale, Torval tried to remember... when did he last have his pouch? He had walked all over town, but not bought anything. He had it this morning, when he had had his ale, right before he had met that fool Finn.. Finn... Finn had bumped into him when he had turned and left the caravan. "That fucking weasel!" He roared.

 Greyhafen

    Ceili made her way down the trail to Greyhafen, the sound of birds, and the slight rustle of leaves in the breeze carried her spirit - she loved the sounds and beauty of natural things. Of course a made thing could be beautiful as well she thought, remembering the finely crafted lute which lay in her saddle bags. Inspired, she sang for joy with the birds. The melody refreshed her, and she and her horse moved faster and with less effort. The bird calls did not diminish, but accompanied her, granting more power to her passage. There was something magical about Ceili, but she did not see it that way - the world responded to her more than others, that was just how it had always been.


    She knew a few spells of course, she could heal small wounds with magic, and also cast a flame spell. But her studies with Archibald had been cut short, and now she sought another tutor from the order of the silver sages. Certainly she might find one or more in the library at Greyhafen. Libraries were uncommon even in large cities, and Greyhafen''s was known and protected by the order - those mages were always seeking knowledge in dusty tomes.


    Ceili preferred a more active lifestyle than one cloistered away in books and shadows. Her whole life people had been fussing over her; men, elves, mages. Child of prophecy, they said, born of man and elf they said, learn magic they said - when it was already in her bones! She had one foot in the woods of the elves, one foot in the cities of men, but she felt at home in neither. She was ready to do her own thing for once - she laughed aloud at this thought - even with the fussing, she had always found some way to do as she pleased. It was her heart, her heart had been her home, ever since she had found it as a child. Her way was the way. Archibald being sick had been a good excuse to get some fresh air!


    Still, she thought, those of the order did know some things - many of them grasped magical power she did not understand. No matter, her life would be long, plenty of time to learn what pleased her. The forest gave way to countryside, and the occasional farm, until the settlements grew closer together, and she soon found herself before the palisaded city of Greyhafen. The wide road passed through an opening in the spiked wooden barricade, with three guards monitoring traffic. She registered at the gatehouse and entered the city. Farmers, merchants, soldiers, and townsfolk went about their business, but the street was not crowded as she made her way towards the library - the same where she had met Archibald years before.


    The sweet smell of strawberries baking made her pause at the stall of a merchant selling pastries. She bought one for a snack and ate it with satisfaction, the flaky crust crumbling on her lips. A lovely human creation! Washing it down with elven mead, she felt a moment of deep gratitude for enjoying the best of both worlds. Leisurely, she stabled her horse and made her way to the library. Upon arriving she saw a man sitting on the steps to the entrance. He was well built, with a large jaw that perhaps indicated.. Orcish blood? Hard to be certain. He wore the blue tabard of a commander in the King''s army over scale mail that glinted in the sunlight. A great sword in its sheath lay on the step in front of him. So, a soldier, and a commander, clearly not on duty, what was he doing there? she wondered aloud. He looked up at her and his eyes were a piercing blue.


    ~~~


    Korgan sat on the steps of the library and waited for MacRauri. Apparently he was on some errand in town and would be back shortly. He tried to find a comfortable position, but he just couldn''t get there. He could have waited inside, but that would have meant surrendering his sword, a thing he was not in the habit of doing. It gave him a small comfort that mages feared steel - realizing this, he did not feel as helpless around them as he might have otherwise. Perhaps it was a warrior''s way of thinking to dwell on these things. He had never fought a mage before, light send he never would.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "What are you doing here?" a musical voice addressed him. He looked up and saw that it belonged to a beautiful woman, garbed in a light hooded cape of green and brown, light leather armor and traveling clothes, a short sword on one hip, wineskin on the other. It was subtle, but he could tell that everything she wore was of fine quality craftsmanship. She looked youthful, but he couldn''t tell her age as he looked into her face. Blonde hair. Green eyes.


    He realized he had been staring and stood to acknowledge her as he recalled her question. "I''m waiting for a friend, a magician named MacRauri, he''s supposed to be here any minute. And you? What brings you to the library at Greyhafen, my lady?"


    Ceili smiled, "you may call me Ceili. As for me, I need to make contact with the Silver Sages. I know MacRauri as well and should speak with him since he is here in Greyhafen. It is good to meet a friend of MacRauri... Sir..?"


    "Korgan." He smiled "Call me Korgan my lady, I mean, Ceili." Her musical laughter followed - she was enjoying this surprise.


    "Ah! Korgan, Ceili, I''m glad you two have met." their heads swiveled towards MacRauri''s familiar voice, as if speaking his name had summoned him. They saw the man there in the road, wearing a traveling cloak that covered the silver trimmed finery he wore underneath. "Come, let¡¯s go the tavern and speak, I know how you feel about giving up your sword Korgan."


    Korgan smiled thoughtfully as they walked "A soldier''s habit I suppose - I feel less naked around magic with my blade in arm''s reach. No offense."


    "None taken old friend, it seems you''ve been growing up while I''ve been out and about wizarding" MacRauri smiled "blue looks right on you Korgan." Ceili gave a start, she had just been thinking the same thing!


    The tavern was close to the library, and when they arrived the innkeeper saw them to a private room in the back. It was well furnished with chairs, a round table, a hearth with a mantle, a wall of books, and small high windows that let in the sun. The three sat round and MacRauri looked at each of them, it was a calculating gaze. After a few long moments he reached into a pouch and muttered a few words that Korgan did not understand, and made quickly various signs and patterns in the air with his fingers. For a second the air was cool, and everything appeared vivid, and was silent. And then it passed. "A spell to ward against eavesdropping. How fortunate for me to find both of you here at once! Korgan, I know I summoned you, I hate to call in a favor, but I am in need of some discreet help from you. Ceili, I know that Archibald has taken ill, but I did not expect to find you here - if you are willing to forgo your studies with the order for a bit, I could make use of your extra hands as well. - before you answer though, I must know that until the mission is complete I can count on your discretion. This is a matter that concerns the Order of Silver Sages, but it is too early to involve any beyond myself in it, and I have need of some muscle to guard me while I deal with the magical aspects of my mission. I could hire someone, but if opportunity affords, I would deal with those I know and trust. Korgan I cannot force you to accompany me, but I dearly wish your assistance in this matter. If you agree I have already made the arrangements with Captain Grachan. Ceili, the same goes for you. I can pay you from the same coin I would have used on sell-swords."


    Korgan smiled inwardly as the waves of MacRauri''s words washed over him. How typical of MacRauri, to have arranged everything in advance, and to have said so much, and yet so little about what they would actually be doing.


    Ceili didn''t hold back. "What exactly is this mission you propose MacRauri?"


    "I had hoped not to reveal that until we had left the city. Can you wait until then?"


    Korgan shifted in his seat, "I will help you MacRauri - you''ve been there for me when I needed it."


    "Thank you Korgan. Ceili? What do you think?"


    "I think it sounds like adventure! and I''ve been cooped up in Archibald''s tower studying for too long - yes MacRauri, I will travel with you and Korgan for now."


    "Great! that''s settled then. We will need provisions for a week or two. I can shop for us this afternoon, and we can leave on the morrow before dawn. You can rest here at the Eagle''s Nest Inn if you wish, The order will pay for your lodging. I''ll be taking my leave now, until later." and with that MacRauri left them sitting there, as abruptly as he had arrived.

 Pursuit

    Torval loped steadily along the trail to Fishenheim, if he kept his pace he could catch Finn and the caravan before they made it to town. It was a two or three day journey, and they had half a day''s head start. They also had mounts, though the cart would slow them a bit. There had almost been some trouble leaving the tavern behind - but his axe kept everyone civil about it. In the end the town guard told him not to come back without payment. He felt for them, a little. Had it been more than a meal - or had he not needed to leave immediately to catch the thief, he would have stayed and worked it off, or whatever they did around here to make good. No matter now - soon he would confront Finn. Through his anger, he realized he liked the rogue a little... Maybe he wouldn''t kill him if it could be helped. He would give him a chance to make good. As he saw it that was more than thieves often got. He could see the shod hoof prints of horse and mule, and the earth of the road fresh cut by a wagon wheel. He felt he was closing on them. "Soon." he thought "Soon." and he ran.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

 Bard

    Korgan and Ceili had spent an enjoyable afternoon getting acquainted after MacRauri had left. In the evening MacRauri returned and the tavern filled up. They had a meal and enjoyed the music of the bards, and Ceili even took a turn singing for the bar. It was very well received and she made a bit of coin besides. As Korgan watched Ceili sing and play, he couldn''t help but think that this sure beat life in the war camp.


    "She''s special you know." MacRauri broke into Korgan''s musings, and Korgan looked at him askance. "She''s half-elven, and the elves have a prophecy about her - though like most prophecies, it¡¯s too vague to really do much good to anyone. All it really says is that she''s important somehow, and so the Order of the Silver Sages have kept a close eye on her from a young age."


    Ceili''s wordless melody filled the silence that followed, and Korgan spoke, "She seems quite talented for one so young."


    MacRauri chuckled to himself, "For one with elven blood she is young yes, but I happen to know she is older than you and I combined. She was born about 70 years ago now, when the Order learned of her and the prophecy surrounding her. She has had many years to hone her talents, and the elves prize artistry and refinement - I suppose that makes sense, given their long lives..." MacRauri trailed off as he and Korgan drank in the rest of Ceili''s performance. She was caught up in the performance now, and her fingers worked the finely crafted elven lute she played, and she swayed in rhythm as her voice sprang forth. Some words in Elvish, some words in common, sometimes a wordless song. the patrons became still and even the bards halted to listen and watch.


    Sometime later, the spell was broken, and the room was quiet for several seconds after her hands stopped strumming and the last words of the song left her lips. Ceili set down her lute and began to pack it into its case, and finally the packed tavern erupted with applause. Ceili smiled and rose, bowing with a graceful gesture as she lifted her lute and stepped off the small stage. Raised glasses and words of admiration followed her to the table where she rejoined Korgan and MacRauri, beaming. "That was fun!" she exclaimed, her face lightly flushed from the mild exertion.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    In that moment Korgan was struck by her beauty, and was at a loss for words. MacRauri saw this, and applauded her. "A fine performance Ceili, I think the whole tavern here was under your spell."


    Ceili blushed then, "I didn''t mean to use magic MacRauri, it just happens sometimes when I sing. I mean, I can control it when I want to most times, but it also can just happen on its own, of its own accord, like it did tonight."


    "You mean it really was a magic?!" Korgan blurted out.


    "Yes, I mean, magic has a life of its own... sometimes, when I sing - it visits and plays alongside, or even takes the lead... I can feel when it does, but I don''t know how else to explain it."


    MacRauri was frowning then, but said nothing. Ceili caught his glance "MacRauri, it¡¯s good, you know that, and it¡¯s always mild when it does happen, don''t look at me like that, it¡¯s not uncontrolled or dangerous like you are thinking it might be."


    MacRauri''s face lost some of its severity, "I suppose we can overlook this matter for now Ceili, The Order has more pressing business that you will assist me with. If it seems appropriate, I may even put in a good word for you. For now though I suggest that we all get some rest, we have to start out early tomorrow, I don''t wish to delay our mission any longer than absolutely necessary."


    Ceili looked a little chastened and defiant, Korgan was at a loss once more, this time because he did not understand, did the Order control all use of magic, even of the elves? There was much he still did not know of mages and their ways. He did like the magic of the performance though, he felt¡­ rested somehow, even though it felt right that he go to sleep soon. Korgan spoke his feelings then, "Thank you Milady Ceili for that lovely performance."


    It came out a little awkwardly, and MacRauri rolled his eyes and turned to leave for his room. "I''ll meet you both here tomorrow before sun-up."


    Ceili smiled again, "Why thank you Korgan, I''m glad you appreciated it at least. The Order is afraid of any magic they can''t control or understand. Hopefully MacRauri won¡¯t make a big deal out of this, I think if any of the Order would understand it would be him." Korgan smiled back and finished his drink as Ceili went to her room, and soon after Korgan went to his, thinking of Ceili.

 Underway

    The next day they met in the common room before dawn and had an early meal of fresh bread with butter and oats with milk, and a few fresh picked berries. It was a fine meal, and they all had woken refreshed - a boon from the magic of Ceili''s singing last night. They spoke little as they ate, and afterwards they made their way to the stables where their mounts and provisions were being kept. MacRauri checked everyone''s saddlebags which were now full of provisions, and Korgan and Ceili saw to their mounts while he did. Everything was in order, and on the way out MacRauri passed the stable hand a silver coin.


    They mounted and rode out into the morning fog of Greyhafen. Soon they reached the South gate. MacRauri wore his travelers cloak pinned back to reveal the silver livery that marked his station. The gatehouse guards took one look at them and moved aside. One of them broke into a smile and doffed his cap as Ceili rode past. Ceili''s gaze did not change, but a slight smile curved her lips. "That was the girl I was telling you about, the one who sang last night at the Eagle''s Nest..." The guards¡¯ voices trailed off. The walled city of Greyhafen disappeared into the fog behind them and they made their way past farmland and into the forest. By midmorning the fog had cleared, and the sun broke through the trees in patches.


    After about 10 minutes past the gate Korgan broke the silence, "Can you tell us now MacRauri, what errand we are about?"


    "Yes I suppose I can. We are to meet with O''Brien and Donegal of the Order in Fishenheim, from there we will seek out the renegade sorcerer Irrenheart whom the Order has tasked us with apprehending and returning to the camp of Marcus Victorious."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Ceili bit her lip, "so the magic is controlled, but the man is not."


    Korgan was diplomatic, "I can understand the need for secrecy then." MacRauri inclined his head, and no more was said for a time. Talking here and there, Ceili humming occasionally, the light and sounds of the forest filled their senses for a few hours. The road was well traveled and there were wagon ruts new and old, but they had seen no one since leaving Greyhafen.


    In the afternoon their road was joined by the road from Dorsten. Suddenly MacRauri slumped in his saddle, clutching his chest. "We must stop - I need to look into the eye." Korgan and Ceili stopped and found a small clearing a small ways off the road. Ceili tied the horses while MacRauri laid a small rug onto the ground upon which he sat cross-legged. "Keep an eye on the road Korgan." MacRauri then closed his eyes and Korgan and Ceili began to scout the area, was danger near? Minutes passed with Korgan and Ceili taking turns to scout. Steam began to rise off of MacRauri, his eyes were closed and he was swaying slightly, holding an object the size of a small apple in his hand, turning it over and over in a trance. He was muttering when Ceili returned from scouting.


    "Archers up ahead, they did not see me. I believe they are setting up for an ambush." The creak of a wagon axle needing grease interrupted her.


    Korgan gripped his greatsword "A merchant?!" he hissed. Ceili saw conflict flicker across his features. "We must protect MacRauri, and hope that their guards are skilled enough to see them through." Ceili nodded. They could do nothing but wait.