The Great Book Quest (Old Story At Tibia Forum)

Intro
A couple of years ago, Somebody started a thread on the role-playing forum on Tibia.com. The thread was named The Great Book Quest (rpg for ya all)" (sadly the original thread has been lost in the depths of the forum). It was a so-called "join in", where the creator started to write about what "his character" (Red Un) did, and then anyone who wanted could write what their character did, and then the creator responded with what my character did next, and then they responded... You get the idea. The autor had some people who joined in, and the adventure began. And then it grew.

And grew.

In the end, "The Great Book Quest" had over 150 pages of roleplaying goodness, which was quite the feat. It soon achieved a status as the biggest join-in ever known in Tibia.

But now it's over. The story ended, and there's no reason to continue. The characters moved on to other join-ins, and The Great Book Quest will probably slip into the realms of myth.

Specialy thanks to the eminent Erig (The owner of Erig.net) for his help with compiling the whole thing and making it easier to edit. Thanks a lot! And now...

Enjoy reading!

Chapter 1, in which a band of Adventurers gather, and there is an ominous foreboding
Red Un Red Un was bored. He had read all the books in his library, but still hadn't found out where the Secret Sword of Ultimate Pain laid, or where the Lord of Demons rested, or if a tree made a sound when it fell in the woods and nobody was there to hear it. He did what any bored dwarf (or half-dwarf for that matter) would do. He went down to Jimbin’s pub. He took with him a very old book with unreadable text.

"Let's see now..."

Red Un sat down at a table with a large mug of beer and opened the book.

"They said that this was unreadable and useless..."

He flipped the pages. They were filled with dots, broken letters and strange paragraphs.

"Hmm...if you take this line here...and that dot..."

He took out a pen and started to translate. After a while, he read what he had translated. Then he started to translate again.

After a while, he went to the depot, packed his things and started to go towards Thais. When he finally arrived there, he took out a parchment and put it up on the wall at the crossroads. Then he walked in to Frodo’s place. On the parchment these words were written: "JOIN IN THE QUEST FOR LOST KNOWLEDGE REASONABLE PAYMENT GREAT ADVENTURE BRING YOUR MAGIC AND SWORD Ask Red Un at Frodo’s for more information."

Vodok A dwarf with a big sack over his shoulder walked into Thais. He broke off in a run (though it wasn’t too fast because of his short legs) and he finally reached the depot. He put in his sack in his depot and took out his back pack of beer. ''"Hmmmm... should I go and "acssedently" spill some beer on some people from a roof or should I go to Frodo's and get drunk? Tough question... I'll take both I think." ''So the dwarf went to the crossroads, and spilled beer all over a knight who just came from the island Rookgaard. Then he continued as planned to Frodo's. He entered the tavern where he saw a dwarf in a corner who seemed to be expecting someone. He walked over to the dwarf and yelled right in his ear ''"ARE YEH WAITIN' FOR SUMMIN' TER 'APPEN??? EH?" "What the???" ''became the answer to the dwarf’s question. The dwarf that was sitting at the table didn’t seem to happy about being yelled in the ear from two inches. He took a deep breathe and yelled back two inches from the new-come dwarf:

Red Un "FIRST OF ALL, I'M A HALF-DWARF! AND DAMN PROUD OF IT!"

Red Un calmed down.

"Secondly, yes I am waiting for a good hero (like myself) to come by. If ya see one, let me know." he added sarcastically.

Vodok ''"Wh'ver yeh say, halfy. If yeh'll get rich o' goin' there I'm comeing with yeh. 'K?"  Then before waiting for an answer he started again "Right... Lets see. If I die, what 'appens 'en? Yeh'll pay for me tomb stone an' bury me in Kazordoon, right? An' I want a certain 'mount o' gold even if we dont find no treasure, 'k?" ''Then as before without waiting for an answer he continued. ''"Good, 'en we’ve gotta deal 'ere. Oh yeah, I get 50 procent of the gol', right? Le's just wait for sum more dwarfs." ''

Red Un Red Un was looking out the window.

"Oh, did ya say anything? I'm still looking for a brave hero. If you see one, tell me."

He got an angry look from Vodok.

"Oh, ya wanna join?"

Then Red Un remembered what Vodok had said.

"First of all, you have to sign this contract."

He held out an old piece of paper. It read:

”ADVENTURING CONTRACT By signing this contract I accept that Red Un will always have first pick on any treasures (or books) that might be found during the adventure which I, by signing this contract, promises to take part in. I also know that Red Un cannot be held responsible for any injuries, deaths, or horrible fates that no sane creature should know of. I also promise to never back down, be heroic, brave, friendly and any other things that Red Un will see fit in the future.”

"Sign at the bottom please..."

Vodok ''"Not 'cause I can read or summing but I can read the word "treasure" an' it seems tar have that word in and I can' spell me name so Ill sign it with thar on'y word I can spell, Treasure." ''So the small dwarf ripped the quill from the half dwarf and wrote the word "Treasure" all over the piece of paper. "HEY!!! DON’T RUIN MY CONTRACT!!” the half-dwarf screamed. "An' I signed it di'n' I?” The short dwarf answered calmly.

Lugin Malva was passing through Thais on her way to examine the old lighthouse south of the town. The weather was very bad with rain hammering the cobbled pavement and you could hear a thunderstorm not too far away. This was a perfect day to examine the lighthouse, Malva thought, as it was bound to be someone there who could unlock the door.

As she passed by Sam's smithy she felt an awful smell, and immediately knew that Red Un was close. She stepped into Frodo's tavern and just as she thought her friend was sitting there with beer in his beard. She took of her wet robe and hung it on a chair next to Red Un (the drippings from the robe soon made the floor around the chair all wet), but she remained standing as she was looking on a paper in front of Red Un. She had not read much before another dwarf appeared and wrote some letters that she could not interpret over the entire paper, the dwarf also managed to spill a lot of ink from an inkwell that made the paper unreadable.

”A lot of short people here today I can see. ''What business do you have here in Thais my dear friend, I though you hated this town more then all Goblins in the Femur? Save me from the storm outside and tell me what brought you here''.

Red Un Red Un looked down on what was left of his contract, sighed and threw it in a nearby dustbin.

"Ah, my dear Malva Willow, if it isn't you. Yes, I dislike this city as much as anyone else, but I know that among all the scum..."

He looked over at Vodok.

"...there are a good strong adventurer or two, which I will need in my quest for...well, I will tell what it's about when I have enough heroes here. Maybe ya wanna join? We could use a good healer."

Raydude I slammed the door shut. A sudden storm made me seek shelter. I looked around and saw a Red Un. "HEY I heard you were looking around for someone daring, strong, and full of magic. well I don’t have any of that stuff but my help as an extra sword may come in handy even if it ain't so strong" I said in a very fast voice as I sat down. "So what do I do to join in this fun?"

Red Un Red Un sighed.

"Well, I guess I have to lower my expectations a little."

He looked at Raydude.

"Okay, you're in if ya want to. Just sit down and wait."

Dalafor ...see the group from a corner. A little grin in the beard. -Fun group of dwarves, and m'lady Malva, I can see. Can I join your little party? I heard something bout old knowledge and books, and if there’s a thing I love it’s knowledge (and strange tomes) -So where we need to go to?

Vodok ''"M'kay now we see tar 'ave 'nough people to go to where ever were goin' tar dont we? An' Halfy, ain’t them new guys gonna sign this contract that you just chucked in the dus'bin?" ''

Zacca -walks in- "Hey,mind takin' and elf with ya'? I’m pretty strong and I'll come in handy.

Red Un Red Un looked around at the group.

"Okay, first of all, if Vodok ever calls me 'halfy' again, the others of you will have to hold me down, or there will be violence on a scale you have never seen before."

He took a sip from his beer.

"Aye, this seems to be a good group. Perhaps I should tell you what we are going to do now. I'm just goin' outside to take down the scroll (or what's left of it). Maybe I will find some more good adventurers. You all stay here and have a drink or a meal..."

He looked over at Vodok.

"...or a haircut or something..."

He walked out in the rain to take down the scroll he had put up outside.

Roku Yarit The Sorcerer calmly lights the fireplace in his home in Carlin harbor. With a long silk cloth laid on the floor and four runes holding it down, his eyes travel to Thais. The strange speech of Vodok brings a bleak grin to his cold expression. Picking his staff up off the floor and packing up his runes and cloth, he opens the door and walks out into the fresh sea air. "Captain," he yelled over the squacking of drunks. "Tonight we sail for Thais."

The captain looked at Roku with grim amazement. "Master Yarit? Well ain’t this a surprise to see you walking about in the day. It must be rather important ain’t it?"

Roku rolled his eyes and brushed his beard lightly with his withered hand, quickly covering it up afterwards with his red robes. "Yes, It is important. Now make haste, we leave immediately. Oh and please tell Detlin to keep watch over my household while I am away."

"As you wish, Master Yarit." The Captain rushed off to rally his men from the taverns and send word to the Archer, Detlin, also known as Detlin the Dark because of his constant stern expression and thick black hair.

Roku stood on the deck of the ship and held a blank rune in the palm of his hand. Without muttering a word, it reshaped into a white colour and a insignia appeared on the smooth surface. He placed the rune on the mast and secured it gradually so it would not move out of place. "Journeys end to beggars plight..."

Lugin Malva follows Red Un out to have a little private talk with him. She is almost whispering. "-An adventure you say... is it going to be dangerous?" As Red Un have a few nails (that was holding the scroll up) in his mouth he reply only with a slight nod. "Oh, bummer!", Malva said and looked a bit scared. "I was hoping we could only raid some Goblin- or troll caves. Are you going with on this dangerous quest?" Once again Red Un answers with a slight nod. "Double bummer! Well, I guess I have to come with and make sure you do not get yourself killed again... I did not bring very many runes though, as I was only going to observe the storm from the lighthouse. Are you sure this is a good day to seek adventure on? The rain could prove to be far more dangerous then any pack of wolves ever could be." All of a sudden the clouds seem to vanish and the sun shines though and begins to dry the lands up. "Tripple bummer! I'm out of excuses. I'll be ready to depart when you are." Here Malva returned to her chair with the robe hanging on it. She looks suspicious at Vodok as she checks so that nothing is missing in the pockets. She seems satisfied with the result, puts the robe on and waits for the others to get ready.

Red Un Red Un pulled out the last nail and threw the poster in another nearby dustbin. Then he returned inside to Frodo’s.

"Let's just wait a little more. I can't tell you why, but I have a feelin' that there will be at least one more hero to join our merry group soon..."

Mystical Warrior -walks in- "Aye, you wouldn’t be going out there if I were you"

"there has been reports of the fiendest creatures out there landlubbers"

"if your looking for that ole sword thing, you might want to check at thee cavern of the behemoths or the heroes."

"thee are thee ones who will have this sword landlubbers"

Vodok ''"Yeh say heroes, do yeh? But accordin' tar Shorty, we're waitin' for some of them." ''The very thick dwarf said very thickly. Zacca pushed Vodok out of his chair and started to talk to the knight. "So... What hero or behemoth cave are we talking about? He started casually as though she didn’t really care. "Well it depends..." the knight answered slyly. Then suddenly the dwarf got up and pushed Zacca away, then he took up a platinum coin and held it in front of the knights nose then automatically the knight started to speak. "In Edron" then he snatched the coin and put it in his bag.

Red Un Red Un decided that it was time to tell his group what was actually his plan.

"Everyone, QUIET! Thank you."

He drank the last of his beer and took out the old book he had brought along.

"Ahem. We are goin' on a quest to find the Library of Legends, the great cave that stretches for miles, with shelves filled up with every written word of the past, the present..."

He made a dramatic pause.

"...and the future. But first of all, we need to find the Key to this library. My research..."

He held up the book.

"...has led me to believe that this Key is located in an (until now) unknown cave under the Jakundaf Desert. Therefore, I suggest that you bring along lots of beer, lemonade, water or any kind of drinkable fluid. Some antidotes would probably also be useful."

Red Un got on his feet and walked over to the door.

"You will have this day to prepare yourselves. When you all are ready, we will meet here again. Everyone got that?"

He opened the door. It had stopped raining now, and a new day was coming.

Raydude "man I better get a lot of gold. I’m using up 5 k on this trip" I said as I walked out in order to go buy some runes

Dalafor ...with a hard concentration showed in his face> -Library of Legends. It was just a tale for li’ll students and now seems real We have a lot to do and sure it wont be a easy task. Well, I think I’ll end the book I was reading. Seems I wont have time lately.

Red Un Red Un walked out from Frodo’s and looked at the sun rising. Then he noticed a man standing beside him. The man was very old. He wore a white robe with a rope as a belt, was slightly hunched and had a long, white beard. He opened his mouth and spoke with a thin, raspy voice.

"Aaah, ye 'r lookin' for th' ancint' library eh?"

Red Un looked surprised.

"How did ya know that, old man?"

"Hee hee, I kno' many things...I jest lisn'd at the wind'w...I tell ye one thin' ha'f-dwa'f, ye bett'r not tell 'nyone 'bout it...many ears a' lisn'...hee hee...th' dark star will rise...yes, 't will, Red Un...hee hee..."

Red Un tried to walk away from the strange man, but a bony arm flied out and gripped his shoulder tightly.

"Yeah...ye be sorry...hee hee...th' priests 'll find ye...SINNER!...Hee hee hee! SINNER!"

Red Un got out of the firm grip of the raving old man and walked away quickly. The old man kept yelling at him.

"SINNER!...Hee hee...they'll fin' ya! THEY'LL FIN' YA!"

Chapter 2, in which more Adventurers join, people gets bored, and the half-dwarf gets a warning
Vodok ''"I 'fink we have the time tar spare on yeh so ge' los' in your own robes please. An'way, Shorty, I reckon we should get goin' now since we've got like 5 heroes and a mad old man." The small dwarf said. "Right ya are" Red Un answered. '' Everyone started to back up their stuff and when everyone had packed all their stuff Red Un said "Ill meet ya all here when the sun's totaly outta sight, everyone who ain’t there will be left so get all your stuff you need." "Right." Everyone answered at the same time.'' '' Red Un Later, in a dark alley, the old hunched man walked alone, muttering.

"Damn 'em...sinners...doom of 's all th' be...curse 'em...hee hee..."

Two men in black robes emerged from the shadows. The old man stopped.

"Oh no...no please...I din't tell 'em nuthin'...no...please...I won't tell..."

One of the robed men spoke as the other moved closer to the trembling man.

"It's too late, Grumbart. You have betrayed the brotherhood of the Dark Star. Therefore, you die here."

A dagger flashed in the shadows, and the old man laid dead without a word. The two robed men disappeared into the shadows again...

Meanwhile, Red Un was still sitting in the bar, having another beer. He was mostly packed up and there was still time left before the others would show up.

Danger ''He stared with no emotion at the dead body on the ground. He only wanted to find whatever adventure he could. To take his mind off of... certain people. ''

''The young mage walked into the bar. His black hood hid most of his face.''

"I thought you would like to know" he said in a careless tone. "I found an old man outside. He's been stabbed to death." he stood waiting for a response but could not wait for long. "Do you think you can add one more to your party?" He said looking at the half dwarf's packed things.

Andrune Despite her brothers warning, Andrune wanted to see how Thais looked in the night. Everything was so different from Ab'dendriel, so new, so exciting. The breezy air was filled with the stench of oil from the many light posts. As she walked through the almost empty streets of Thais, encountering only a few wanderers, most of them hooded and in a hurry to get in to their warm homes. At this time in Ab'dendriel, she would have been sitting on one of the wooden platforms above the trees, watching one of the usual ceremonies on the ground below. Suddenly she heard some strange noises from a nearby house. One voice started to sing, but was interrupted with a loud punch. Curious she headed towards the building. She suddenly bumped into a dwarf, who fell down on the cobbled road. - "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she said and tried to help the dwarf up, when she noticed he was sleeping. - "Crazy dwarfs" she muttered for herself as she entered the house, entitled "Frodo's Pub"...

Red Un Red Un looked up on Danger.

"Dead?"

He got on his feet and ran out in the morning sun. Danger pointed to the alley where the old man laid. Red Un ran over there and looked down and the dead man. He seemed to have died calmly, it almost looked like he was sleeping. Red Un got down on his knees and examined the body closer.

On one arm was a strange tattoo. It was a demon of some kind, surrounded by a black star. Right where it was there was also a fresh wound from some kind of knife. Red Un muttered.

"Black star...black star...oh dear, this is far worse than I suspected..."

Then he looked up at Danger, who hadn't heard a word of what he said.

"Yeah, I ran into this poor drunkard before. Probably one of those robbers that disgraces this city."

The two returned to the bar and sat down at a table.

"So, ya wanna join my little group eh? Well sure, I will need all the people I can get and you seem to be a good druid."

He explained to Danger what he had explained to the others. He was finished just as Andrune entered...

Danger ''The young mage grinned, taking off his hood. His green eyes seemed almost soulless.''

"Good? Not hardly..." He said. He had meant that with more that one meaning.

"What’s with the old man anyway and does it have you so rattled?" his voice cold. "Afraid to die? Heh... I'll give my life to anyone who thinks they can take it."

If he only knew how willing I am to die... The young mage thought.

Red Un Red Un laughed.

"Oh no, I would be the last to be afraid to die. That's why I usually get into trouble. Frodo! Gimmie another beer!"

Andrune The voices, the people, the very life of the pub confused Andrune. Everything went so fast, the chatter was so loud... The contrast with the quiet and peaceful elven city was so sharp. She had to take a seat. - "Want anything, milady?" asked a man behind a counter. Andrune looked up. - "What? Ah, no thank you." The man didn't answer as he was too busy conversing with a few knights who had been drinking a bit too much. Thais was not as she had imagined it...

Roku Yarit The ship cut through the waters with ease and the air was filled with the cries of gulls. The White rune on the mast of the ship glowed faintly as Roku stood on the deck, staring out onto the distant city of Thais. "We must move faster, captain. There is something that must be done with haste." The captain nodded and sighed heavily. "Are you implying we use the engine?" Roku nodded slowly. "The gift from the Dwarfs of Kazordoon should prove itself useful in this case." "But sir, it was not tested. It may blow up and kill us all." The Sorcerer turned around and walked directly in front of the captain. "I am quite aware of that but I will not let the fear of your own mortality make me late!" The Captain recoiled an yelled to the crew down below to lower the sails and prepare to fire up the engine.

Roku followed the captain down below and through a series of doors until he stood before the massive engine of the ship. "Beautiful isn’t it?" he asked, motioning to the endless maze of gears and boilers. There was no reply because he knew the men all feared this machine and what it might do to them. Massive smoke pipes pierced the deck and held high above the ship, causing it to sway a bit more violently. "Captain, fire it up." The Captain looked over at his men who all set to work, reading the instructions they had been given. They ran around quickly, watching gauges, turning wheels, releasing valves, until with a giant bang it came to life. The gears moved furiously and steam filled the room. The ship creaked and groaned as the massive blades in the water began to turn. The ship jerked around wildly put it slowly picked up speed, a great deal of speed. The Captain stumbled back and ran out of the room to the safety of the deck. Roku followed silently, grinning at the crewmen’s panic and the captains fear. "Are you alright?" he asked dryly. "I-I am fine. That thing is just so...massive. It is a tool of destruction not one that I would prefer to use again." "Then let us make this last as few moments as necessary." Out of the corner of his sharp eyes he saw the city moving closer with great speed. He was having no trouble standing firm but the Captain was tumbling all over the place and found refuge, grasping onto the mast.

Red Un Red Un muttered to himself as he kept sipping on his beer.

"The dark star? ...but it was so many years ago... Dark star..."

Then he shined up.

"Well, I really could use some more food! Frodo! Gimmie some fishes!"

There were screams outside, and suddenly, the sky was blotted out by a huge cloud of silvery fishes. Then they started to fall.

There is an old saying that fishes can recognize the sound of a dwarf steam engine from far away, and usually flees at the sound...

"Well, that was ironic..." said Red Un.

Dragon Hunter ...suddenly enters. He was big, about 1,95. But the only thing you could see under his cloak was the shoulder long silver-white hair. He spoke to Red Un with a cold voice "I heard you are seeking experienced adventurers...If it’s ok for you I wish to follow." And after ending that speech he put up a sword on the table (The blade looked like it was made of well polished silver, the handle was black and the whole sword seemed surrounded by a magical aura). Then he yelled as if he didn’t care about the screams outside "Frodo! Get me a beer!" Frodo passed him a beer and he sat quiet, waiting for an answer from the half-dwarf.

Red Un This seems good, Red Un thought for himself. Now he had lots of mysterious people in his gang.

"Aye, that blade of yours seems useful. However, I cannot take any responsibility if it is broken during our adventure."

Red Un explained once again what his plan was.

Dragon Hunter The mysterious man takes off his hood. He looked like any normal man except the hair and the black armour. "Urish Nagag Erth" he mumbles as he looked at Red Un. Red Un heard a voice in his head saying "I do not only know the art of war". After those words where spoken the connection broke. He put the sword in his belt. They could now also see that he had a bow and a quiver of 10 arrows. And he said "I have no intention of dying". With those words said he finished his beer and inspected the others. He seemed quite interested about the half-dwarf. "By the way, what is your name half-dwarf?" he said. He now awaited an answer.

Red Un "Man, the weirdest thing just happened. I had a voice in my head. Must be all this beer. I need some more to forget it. Frodo!"

Then he remembered the question.

"My name eh? Well, I guess that my real name is Redw..."

He stopped talking as two men in black robes and hoods entered the bar and sat down in a corner.

"This place is a little crowded. Let's wait for the others outside, shall we?"

Then he walked out, trying not to be noticed by the newly arrived men.

Dragon Hunter The mysterious man gives the 2 men a cold look and follows Red out. He mumbles "Urish Nagag Erth" while looking at Red. The connection re-opens "You seemed frightened by those two men, why? I’ll leave this channel open, for some reason I don't think you want to talk in the open. By the way, it’s me who is standing besides you saying this. Just keep eye contact and think and I’ll know" Red heard the voice say. Waiting for an answer, he look into Red's eyes. Red Un Oh dear, I'm going insane thought Red Un. He looked over at the Dragon Hunter.

"Wait a minute, did you...?"

The Dragon Hunter nodded.

Red Un wasn't very good at telepathy.

Don't ye dare to listen to my private thoughts he thought and looked over at the Dragon Hunter.

The message seemed to have got through...

Dragon Hunter He looks at Red and speaks through the link "I think it’s wrong to spy on other peoples thoughts. Telepathy is ok but I don't like spying on potential friends" .He nodded at Red. And through the link again "Want me taking care of them?". He was waiting for an answer.

Red Un Red Un tried to collect his thoughts.

Ahem, who? he thought. I, uhm, just thought it was a bit crowded in there...

Dalafor ...while the two dark men entered the pub and so he saw Red Un going out next to the huge fighter> -Banor can hang me from my fingers if those two are not acolytes of a dark god Seems this will be a good tale to be told And, talking bout dark gods followers, wasn’t that Danger? Danger Hi man! Last time I saw you, you got lost in the Black knight fortress, how in the hell did you got out there?

Dragon Hunter Looks at Red, thinks "No problem, I'll take care of them unless you have any objections. They didn't look like decent people anyways". Starts to walk inside with his hand on the sword and the other one inside the cloak.

Vodok ''"Why were you 'n' 'at other guy lookin' in each other eyes all the 'ime? Was it a conntest?" ''At the same time the small dwarf put his nose an inch from Red Un's and stared at him really hard. Red Un's hand seemed to be twitching in the direction of Vodok's throat but he just said "go drink a beer in Frodo's" In a half mad sort of way. ''"sure!" ''The dwarf answered and ran into Frodo's and took a beer from Frodo and put a couple of gold coins on the desk and drank like a maniac.

Red Un Before the Dragon Hunter could get inside, Red Un grabbed his shoulder and thought.

Don't! Those men are absolutely more than you can handle. We will take care of them later.

Meanwhile, he said "Excuse me, do you have a gold coin to spare?" so that no one would be suspicious.

Dragon Hunter Turns against the half-dwarf and look him into the eyes. "Thank you for informing me. As you wish, we will handle it later. What now?" he thinks. The dragon hunter loosens the grip around his sword and the same with the object he had his hand on under the cloak.

Red Un Let's just wait for the others thought Red Un while he said "Well my good sir, don't look at me like that! If you don't want to give me money, just say so!" Then he turned away while he thought don't try to draw attention, especially not from those two robed guys inside.

Danger The young mage heard his name being called by a familiar voice.

"Dalafor! long time no see." he said extending his hand for a hand shake.

"How did I get out? Heh" He chuckled softly. "With the help of my sister of course! Rhia has secret powers that even amaze me. I guess being half phoenix has its --"

The young mage stops in mid-sentence. "Those two men... I sense powerful magic from one of them." He nods toward the men in black robes.

Pheonix -Rhia was always close to her little brother. Though she could not see him just yet she knew he was near. She could hear his thoughts and the thoughts of those around her.

-"You know, it’s not nice to beg for gold." Rhia said walking to the entrance of the bar. "He's in there? Troubled as usual." She said tossing a bag of gold at Red Un walking into the bar. " And it’s not nice to talk in secret when in public." She thought to the two out side.

-She got in. She made sure not to be seen by Oriel. He would feel like she was babysitting him! Of course she was... because he was always getting into tight spots. Why can’t he be more like Valdearg? He never got in to serious trouble like Oriel did... She just would have to keep her eyes open. Something bad was going to happen. She could feel it.

Red Un Before anyone could react, Red Un grabbed the bag and put it in his backpack with a greedy smile.

Hey, I am a half-dwarf after all, he thought.

Dragon Hunter The dragon hunter looked at Red Un as if he were a pathetic little being, put his hood on and went inside the tavern again and sat down with the others. "Send another beer!" he yelled at poor old Frodo, who quickly sent the dragon hunter a beer. He looked at everyone in the room with a penetrating ice cold look. He seemed to find it amusing when he scared the shit out of Frodo, then he just sat there drinking his beer.

Dalafor ...to be heard and I need to hear the details but, before I forget, when we have some time remember me that we need to go to the King to ask for your reward, ‘cos you was there and fought bravely with us so you also deserve to ask for a prize. But tell me how your life went after we met last time? And yes, those two had a very strange aura round them, even for a Dark follower, no offence, my friend

Dragon Hunter The dragon hunter looked bored as he picked up a couple of throwing knives and throwing stars, starting to cover them with some kind of liquid. He asked the everyone at the table "Do anyone of you got some explosive arrows?". While he was awaiting someone to answer to his question he finished the knives and stars and put them away.

Lugin Malva is not taking a very active part of the discussion as she have fallen asleep on her chair.

"Zzz..."

Raydude "Hey," I mumbled as I walked into the pub. "Yah well guys I’m going to skip out, turns out I can’t get a seller for anything and I’m way too late. Guess my thieving in my past kinda wrecked my reputation. So I’m sorry, hope some thing good happens to ya all" I walked away without truly grasping the scene

Vodok ''"OI!! Red Un!! When are we goin'? We'll 'af'ta go soon 'cause I’m gettin' bored 'ere! Frodo!! Gimme a beer." ''The short dwarf yelled.

Dragon Hunter The dragon hunter falls sleeping from his chair and hits the ground with a big bang. He instantly wakes up shaking his head saying "Huh? Where am I? Oh, Frodo’s...And there are..Aha!" he got up on his legs. Then he said to Frodo "Get me a room! NOW!" Frodo quickly passed a key to him and the dragon hunter went upstairs. He yelled down "Wake me up when we leave!" and went to sleep.

Roku Yarit Explosions start coming from below the deck and giant clouds of black smoke begin to rise from the smoke stacks in the ship. Roku turned his head quickly to hear the screams of the crewmen from below deck. "What is going on?" he yelled to no one in particular. A oil and smoke covered man appeared from the hatch and began coughing uncontrollably as he choked out a response to the Sorcerer. "The engine is on fire " Roku ran to the man’s aid and laid him down on the deck then covered his mouth his the sleeve on his robe as he descended into the smoke filled interior of the ship. There were many people on the ground, apparently dead from the toxic gases that flooded through the rooms. He himself began to cough violently so he moved back out to the deck to get some fresh air. "How bad is it?" the captain asked. Roku was hesitant for a moment. "Everyone is dead. We cannot turn off the engine and unless we do I think the ship is going to collide with the harbour and explode." The Captain looked at him with horror. "You cant stop it?" "Any attempt to would most likely cause the ship to explode and kill both of us, but perhaps that would be a better fate the not stopping it and letting hundreds of people in Thais die by our hands..."

Red Un Meanwhile, Red Un was playing a psychological game with the two hooded men. He drank to his beer and shook Malva gently.

"Hey Malva, I met a very weird man before, talkin' something 'bout a library of some sort, and that I knew of it. Most Thaisans are crazy, eh?"

The hooded men shifted a little, but still didn't remove their eyes from Red Un.

"Anyway, I do of course have a big 'ol library at home. Hmm, these beers make have to do something outside...excuse me."

Red Un rose and walked outside. When he closed the door, the two hooded men rose and also went out.

Red Un led them to an old alley where the old man still laid, just as dead. Most people in Thais doesn't care about a dead body these days.

"Oh, great Durin! How horrible!"

The two men grabbed his shoulders before he could react.

"Listen half-dwarf, we won't kill you now. Would be too many eye witnesses even here. But if you go to the desert, and search for the key, we must stop you. You know why."

Red Un laughed silently.

"Hah, you foolish old priesthood has gotten it all wrong. It's just a library for crying out loud! Stop murdering people who are interested in knowledge."

"Very well. We will just give you a warning then."

Before Red Un could react, a dagger was pushed into his back. Then the two men disappeared again.

"Po...poison...HELP!" yelled Red Un.

Chapter 3, in which the half-dwarf is saved from certain death and talks about preference in drinks
Dragon Hunter The dragon hunter woke up due a scream that sounded like Red Un. He rushed towards the scream and saw Red Un lying on the street. He picked his friend over his shoulder and carried him to the tavern. "Help for gods sake!" he screamed as he wiped the table where they all sat from everything on it and threw everyone out of his way. He shouted "Ashaki Karakh!" and a healing light fell on Red Un. The dragon hunter fainted after the extreme effort of the spell...

Vodok The short dwarf ran into the bar because of the yells and he saw someone trying to loot the half-dwarf. ''"Not to ba' 'dea aculy but I’ll probaly be 'ell paid for savein' 'em." ''He mutterd for himself while punching the looter in the face. ''"Lessee 'ere." ''He muttered for himself as he push some on lookers away. Then he started to heal Dragon Hunter so he woke up with a few ultimate healing runes. "I-I have... Healing runes in my backpack, take and heal" Dragon Hunter barely whispered to the short dwarf. The short dwarf looked in the Dragon Hunter's backpack and found a bag full with ultimate healing runes and some of them lying lose in the backpack. Then the dwarf started to heal like a maniac. First he healed the Dragon Hunter and gave him some mana-fluids, he drank and made some peculiar healing runes and started to heal Red Un too.

Red Un Red Un trembled under the healing. Suddenly, he jumped up, screamed "BEER!", jumped over the bar, opened the tap to a beer barrel and laid down under it, allowing the beer to go right into his mouth. After some seconds of gulping and coughing, he closed the tap and immediately put his hands on his pockets. Nothing was taken.

"Pheew, that was something. You better not use too many healing runes in the future, or you might get me sober. And you wouldn't like to see me sober."

Then he noticed the wound on his arm. It had dried up, and was now an outline of a demon surrounded by a star. He quickly covered it before anyone could see it.

Dragon Hunter "Thank you dwarf" the dragon hunter said as he brushed off the dust from his armour. "What is your name anyways dwarf?" he asked. "You were lucky I have good ears my friend" the dragon hunter said. "Just a shame I lost all my healing runes there, except some others. But they are ABSOLUTELY NOT to be used on a friend!". With those words said he ordered another beer that he started to drink wile everyone inside except Red and the other dwarf who helped was staring kind of surprised at him. After all, he had thrown them all away like toys just to make place.

Red Un "I'm not sure if I should feel honoured or insulted. I guess I should just drink instead. Frodo!"

Andrune After a while, Andrune got used to the noise and stress in the pub, and actually started liking it. Probably because it was so unlike everything she was used too. She noticed the stir around one of the tables, got curious and started to listen carefully to what was said.

- "Demonic... Book... Ancient Library..."

It sounded interesting. Andrune moved closer to the table. Suddenly a half dwarf jumped over half of the room and started drinking directly from a barrel. Well, that's pretty logical. Humans are strange, dwarfs are strange, so a mix would of course be even more strange. From what she heard, the group around the table seemed to be embarking on some kind of quests, and judging from their weapons, it was going to be dangerous...

Dragon Hunter "Well Red, how long will we be forced to stay here?" the dragon hunter said to Red Un. "Frodo pass me a beer!" he said and Frodo passed him a beer. After he finished his beer he picked up a crystal potion bottle filled with some red liquid, too dark for life fluid. He drank some and then quickly plugged it and put it away. In his haste he spilled some on his cape. "DAMN! I hate these stains! So hard to get rid of!" he yelled.

Andrune In her mind, Andrune agreed with the warrior. This was exciting, but what would her family say? The sooner they would leave, the lesser would she had to think about it, should she follow them or not?

Dragon Hunter The dragon hunter noticed that a girl a few tables away from himself seemed interested in the group. He stood up and went to her table, sitting down next to her. "You seem interested in our group, why don't tell me about it?" he said. "You don't seem to try hiding it, so I don't know how that would hurt you." he said now awaiting an answer...

Andrune A bit embarrassed by the fact that she had been discovered, Andrune looked at the warrior. He looked trusty, despite his weapons and armour. - "Ehm... Well, I'm just visiting Thais and... Ab'dendriel is so boring, I'm just tired of it and my boring family... I want adventures! I heard you talking, got curious and so."

Dragon Hunter "If you want you could join us for sure. If they won't let you I'll make them, I know how anoying family can be. By the way, what’s your name?" he said and once again drank from the crystal bottle. He then looked into her eyes and mumbled "Urish Nagag Erth".

Red Un Red Un’s thoughts had trailed away to that day so many years ago...

He muttered.

"I was only looking for a book...a book...just one...I didn't want to harm anybody..."

Then he got back to the real world when the Dragon Hunter spilled some red fluid on himself. Red Un got some on himself too.

"Ooh, looks like I got some of your..."

He put a finger in it and tasted it.

"...blood?"

Andrune - "How silly of me... My name is Andrune. What's yours? " she said. "I'll be happy to join, thank you!"

The warrior mumbled something and looked into her eyes.

- "What did you say?"

Vodok "Ahem. The dwarf said while poking Red Un. "Since I jus' saved yer 'ife whas 'at worth, eh?" He ask the half dwarf. "A beer." was the answer. "Frodo!! Gimme a beer!! Shorty's paying!"

Dragon Hunter "Argh! Busted!" he said to Red Un. "Yes I drink blood.. and yes, it’s human." he said predicting the questions would come. He now looked worried as he didn't know how they would react...

Dragon Hunter He sent a telepathic message to Andrune. "My name is not for your ears my potential friend. Refer to me with whatever name you like". The message seemed to have gotten through. "By the way, it was a telepathic link spell I learned of my father."

Red Un Red Un laughed.

"Heh, ya could have told me that. I have a friend that is...uhm...half-vampire, and I even got bit myself once. Don't look scared, I got cured by an elven herb. I have respect for all this world’s bloodsuckers. 'Cept for those meanies in Darama..."

Then he looked over at Vodok.

"Seeing a dwarf calling someone else 'shorty' always puts a smile to my face."

He threw some gold coins to Frodo.

"Now where are the others..."

Dragon Hunter "Good you feel that way. By the way, I’m no vampire. You couldn't even imagine..." the dragon hunter said. "By the way, who are the others?"

Roku Yarit Roku Yarit was in dire straights now. The ship sped towards the city and he could take his own life or take theirs. He chose take theirs... "Captain I will not stop the shit with my own power but give the Thais people a chance to save their own." Pulled the sleeves off his withered hands he reached into the sky with a rune in his hand. "Adori flam!" The rune turned red and shaped itself. Reaching out further, he let loose the balls of fire, spelling a single word in the skies above the city, DANGER. He was sure someone would see it and notice the pillar of smoke that rose from the ship. The Captain shook his head disobediently. "I’m going down with my ship, Master Yarit." The Sorcerer had no time for the Captains games. "So be it..." Sliding his sleeves over his hands once again, he stood at the side of the ship, held his nose closed, and dove into the water below.

It was not long until he resurfaced, gasping a breath of sweet air. The ship was far past him now, moving towards the city at a slower rate it seemed but still quick enough to reach it in 6 minutes or less. "Goodbye Captain..." he muttered as he began to swim to shore, keeping a unwavering eye on the ship.

Red Un "Well they're...dammit, what is goin' on outside?"

Red Un ran out from the bar, just in time to see huge letters of fire spell the word DANGER in the sky.

"Well thank you, for once I get a warning."

Then he saw the pillar of smoke at the horizon. Then he remembered the fish rain before. He puzzled in his brain, and then...

"HOLEY MOLEY! A DWARF STEAMSHIP ON COLLISION COURSE!"

He ran down to the harbour and yes indeed, there it was...wait a minute, wasn't that a human ship?

"No time to think, just act!"

He jumped into the rolling waves and started to swim towards the approaching ship...

Chapter 4, in which a steamship finally gets treated right, and the Adventurers depart
Dragon Hunter He saw how Red Un ran out and heard him say "HOLEY MOLEY! A DWARF STEAMSHIP ON COLLISION COURSE!" He saw him running away. The dragon hunter followed out immediately and saw a pillar of smoke from the sea and Red Un was running towards the harbour and jumped into the water. The dragon hunter said "Arath Lefeth" and he started to run at over human speed, and if anything got in his way he took a huge jump over it! As he neared the harbour he saw Red Un swimming in the ocean. Hhe quickly took a giant leap against him splashing down 9 feet in front of him. Now he saw that is was a ship, and asked Red Un wile he was swimming next to him "What the hell is a human ship doing with a steam engine?!"

Red Un "No time to for questions!"

Red Un realised that he wouldn't get to the ship in time. Then he got a mad idea. It was a Once-In-A-Million Chance (TM) but it could work.

He took out an old explosion rune while he kept swimming. Then he used it.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!"

He flew away in the distance and managed to grab the mast of the ship just as he flew by...

Dragon Hunter "Orgathar Levimed" the dragon hunter said and fired himself away towards the ship, surrounded by blue flames. As the landed he yelled "What the hell is wrong with this ship!" and ran against the lower deck.

Red Un (postid 660859) Red Un jumped down to the huge engine below deck. It was shaking and banging and groaning. As the Dragon Hunter came down, Red Un yelled "STAND BACK!" over the noise.

Then he walked calmly towards the engine. He looked around, found a small hole and laid his ear beside it.

"Yes...aha...no really? Three times? Oh...I see..."

Then he turned around and looked at the Dragon Hunter with a grim face.

"This engine is depressed. It felt like it was never used, and now, when it finally got the chance, it over-worked itself."

There was a groan from a pipe.

"There there, it can happen to anyone. Let's see now..."

He knocked the boiler. There was a whistle from another pipe.

"This hurts eh? But what if I do THIS!"

He suddenly took out a hammer and rammed it hard into a nearby piston.

A pipe exploded in a shower of hot water.

Then the engine stopped. There was a weeze somewhere.

"Oh, you don't need to thank me."

Red Un looked around.

"Now where is the captain of this ship? I've heard humans captains has the strange custom of goin' down with their vessels..."

Andrune - "I have to get some fresh air, the air is stifling in here." Andrune said.

She walked out to the open streets of Thais, and went south to the crossroads. Suddenly a knight jumped up and cut her in the leg with his sword. Unable to move, more people gathered around her and started attacking. She started to feel numb, the attack didn't hurt her anymore. It was getting darker and…

Vodok The short dwarf had followed Red Un to the harbour and he had also seen when Red Un jumped in the water then one minute later was flying through the air. He HAS to teach me that trick. The dwarf thought.

Dragon Hunter "Well looks like our job is done here, let’s move back to land." the dragon hunter said. He jumped away of sight from Red Un. When he landed on the harbour people stared at him. He guessed they had never seen a man falling down from the sky before. He went to Frodos and sat down in a shady corner and mumbled "Incario Mashith" and became one with the shadows. The people in the bar got frightened and many left as they though that such a big man couldn't just disappear... Red Un Meanwhile, Red Un was teaching a certain captain that dwarves cares for their machines.

"You heard me! Say that you're sorry!"

"But it's just...a thing!"

Red Un laid his hand firmly on the captains shoulder.

"If you were in Kazordoon right now, well, you would wish you weren't there. Now SAY IT!"

" Okay then. Mr.Machine..."

"It's name is Krudar’s Pride!"

"...Mr. Pride, I'm very sorry for not using you until now. I will now sail you back to Kazordoon after letting of this...friendly half-dwarf at Thais. Is that...um...okay?"

There was a groan from the cooling down machine.

"...I take that as a yes..."

Danger ''He noticed Dalafor looking at someone. He turned to see his sister looking back at him with some sort of innocent smile. He looked angry but did not act on it. ''

"I think I'll go see what’s going on out side." he said a bit annoyed.

'RHIA! what are you doing here! 'He thought very loudly. 'Why must you follow me to the ends of the earth?! '

''Despite his mood he seemed perplexed by the ship in the water. He would have to ask the others about it when they came back.''

"Hope no one else heard me..." He said as he realized how loud he was thinking.

Pheonix -Rhia looked at Dalafor with the same serious look. ''What is troubling you and my brother? ''She directed her thoughts only to him. Hopefully Dalafor could at least hear thoughts directed at him if he cannot read them.

-Rhia watched as her brother stormed out. "Hehe, he must have seen me." She got up and sat next to Dalafor. "What is your name? I forget... Can't expect me to remember all 3 of my brother's "friends"" She said sarcastically.

-'' You know brother.... you don't have to yell. All of Thais will be able to hear you if you think that loudly. ''She sighed. She hated having her brother mad at her. She loved him to death. Couldn't he understand that?

Red Un Finally, the ship puffed into the harbour. The steam engine was working nicely now, and Red Un jumped of the ship before it had stopped.

"Now, take this ship DIRECTLY to the underground lake that I showed ya on the map."

The captain sighed.

"Whatever you say. I never want to see that damn thing..."

One of the pistons made a sound like a thousand nails against a blackboard.

"...wonderful invention again..."

And so, the ship puffed away merrily through the sea towards its home.

(it later won the prize "Ship of the Year" by the dwarves and went to become a liner between Kazordoon and Carlin. No one knows for sure what happened to its captain, but there was later a cell in Dwarfcarta Prison Isles that had the words "Human Heretic" written on the door...)

"Right" said Red Un as the last smoke disappeared at the horizon. "I think it's time to go to the bar and get our group together..."

Danger The young mage watched as they came to shore waiting patiently for someone to tell what had happened.

Roku Yarit The Sorcerer was extremely proud of himself. Not only had he warned the inhabitants but caught a nice little show of their strength. They might actually find the Library for him so he would not have to waste his time and magic. "I should travel with them, of course, to ensure they do not find anything they should not be seeing. I am sure they will take pity on a 'old man' and allow him to follow them so he might find some adventure before he passes away." Roku began to laugh madly and quickly began making tears in his robes and throwing dirt all over him so they did not suspect him to be a Sorcerer of great cunning and power. After the necessary modifications were made to his appearance he walked off the beach and proceeded to Frodo's pub where he knew the companions resided for the time being.

He could see the travellers through the window and placed himself right outside the door, hanging his head as if he were tired from much travel and making himself look even more pitiful then he already did. "Perhaps there is hope for them yet..."

Dragon Hunter The dragon hunter saw an old man enter, so he walked out from the shadows, leaving the invisibility. He studied the man from top to toe and then took out his crystal bottle again and drank some blood. He looked how the old man would react to it...

Roku Yarit Roku had no quarrel with anyone who enjoyed drinking blood but was careful not to offend the man as he drank the blood. He showed an obvious disgust that any old person who was stuck in their ways would have. Covering his withered hands carefully with his ragged robes, he walked over to a table near the companions but far as well and carefully slumped himself down heavily. Speaking in a old, creaking voice he said, "Looks like rain..."

Dragon Hunter As he was done the dragon hunter put away the bottle and sat down by the others. "Does anyone of you know who we are waiting for?" he asked the others. "I'm getting really bored of just sitting here and letting my ass grow fat..."

Vodok "Red Un!! The short dwarf yelled from outside the bar. "RED UN!!!! The short dwarf yelled again as he walked in the bar. ''"Say... how did yer do 'at flyin' trick?" ''The dwarf said very in a I-don’t-care-voice. Too much in a I-don’t-care-voice, so Red Un got suspicious. ''"Waved my arms and yelled: IM A BIRD!!!" ''Was the answer. ''"Oh yeah, when are we gettin' goin'? I 'ate it 'ere." ''the short dwarf said to Red Un. "When we want to" became the answer to that question.

Red Un "Ahem, I guess that everyone who wants to go is here now."

He looked over with disgust at the smelly, dirty old man tat had entered.

"Well, there sure won't be rain where we are goin', old man..."

He looked at the rest of the group.

"So, if everyone are ready, we'll be goin'! To the desert!"

And with those words he led the group to the northern gate of Thais. Meanwhile, a group of four hooded men spied on them from the shadows.

"The desert will be hot. Very hot. When they are tired and dry, we will strike" said one of them. Then he threw up a yellow rune-stone in the sky. It dissolved into dust...

Dragon Hunter "So its finally time to depart" the dragon hunter said, "It will be nice with some adventure. How many years was it since the last real adventure? 20-30 maybe?" he thought.

Red Un As the group went for the north gates, Red Un took the lead and started to sing a merry dwarven song.

"Hey ho, hey ho to the desert we go a key we will find and leave no one behind Hey ho, hey ho!  Come on everyone, join in!"

Danger ''The young mage stared at Red Un with horror. ''

"Uh... I think not."

'Rhia, I don't know why you are hiding. I know you are following us. Just join the group. ' He thought waiting from his sister to show her self.

Dragon Hunter The dark warrior quickly put his hand over Red Un's mouth and said "Spare the torture for our enemies!"

Chapter 5, in which the Adventurers fight some cylopses
Roku Yarit The "Smelly, Dirty, Old man" was careful to follow beyond the boundaries of their normal vision, skulking in shadows and alleys as the travellers walked on ahead. People regarded him with disgust and prejudice but he paid no mind to their petty banter and pointing fingers. "Maybe the ship should have crushed this city after all..."

Vodok “'''Ey 'o, 'ey 'o to a dessert we go a key we will fin' an' leave no 'un behin'!!" The dwarf half sang, half yelled. The short dwarf stopped suddenly causing the person behind to nearly bump into him. He stuck his hand in the backpack and took out a beer. He held it in front of himself. "'is is strong stuff yeh know." he said to the group who didn’t seem to give a damn about a beer bottle. Red Un seemed a little interested though. The short dwarf took the bottle and drained it all in one go. Expecting some clapping he said "It aint 'at 'ard if yeh know a trick." he said while swaying around on his feet. "Evar noteiced 'at pigs seems 'o flyin' in a sky tarday." ''he said drunkly while still swaying on his feet.

Red Un Red Un had started to wonder if the group he had gathered was really the best. These thoughts didn't go on for very long when he saw something on the bridge that was the border of the Thaian Kingdom. A large group of cyclopses had gathered. Some of them had picked up large stones, some were holding huge swords in their hands, and others were wearing large armours of steel. One of them yelled out something.

"Hoomans! Y not pass 'ere withoot payink tooll!"

Red Un looked back at the group.

"Alright people, looks like we have a fight on our hands. Since it would be hard even for our...amazing...team to defeat them, we need a strategy before we go any further. Any ideas?"

Dragon Hunter Before anyone could react the dragon hunter had drawn his bow and fired an arrow that penetrated 2 cyc's and landed somewhere behind them. Both cyc's started to burn and where turned to ashes in a few seconds. The dragon hunter put his bow away and drew his sword "Let's teach them not to mess with our group..." the dragon hunter said...

Vodok The short dwarf put down his backpack and took up three great fire ball runes. ''"BURN!!! BURN I SAY!!" ''He yelled as he shot great fire balls at the whole group. Then an arrow bashed into the short dwarf, through his armour. "Ex- Exura vit- Exura vita" he got through his mouth. ''"Exura Vita Exura Vita." ''The dwarf was healed enough to keep on fighting. He took up some heavy magic missiles and threw to some members of the group. ''"FIRE!!" ''He yelled and everyone started to shoot heavy magic missiles. Some of the cyclopses dropped but there where still more left. Red Un Red Un shrugged his shoulders.

"So much for strategy..."

He drew his firesword and ran towards the enemy.

"Hey Vodok! Don't ya dare to take 'em on up close and personal?" he yelled as the cyclopses charged towards the group.

Vodok ''"'ANNA BET???" ''He yelled. He took up about 10 mana fluids from his backpack that seemed to be more like an endless pit since it got all those stuff in it. He drank the mana fluids. "Utamo Vita" He said slowly and clearly. Then he put down his two handed sword and put two sudden death runes in his hands. ''"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!!" ''He yelled as he ran forward sudden deathing like a manaiac. He drew up two new runes while constantly losing mana for the mana shield. He was totally surrounded at the moment. He figured that the only way to survive would be to: Fire bomb himself. He fire bombed himself. The cyclopses around him ran out of the fire while the short dwarf used a destroy field where he was standing. The again he started to sudden death like a maniac. "GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!! YOU FIENDS!! ''DIE!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA DIE DIE DIE!!!" ''He yelled while some cyclopses was shooting arrows against him, but he still had the mana shield on. He didn’t have too much mana left but most of the cyclopses would be dead when the mana was gone.  Dragon Hunter''' The dragon hunter though he would join the fun and drew his sword and charged. As he reached the cyclopses he made a devastating whirlwind attack that killed several cyc's...

Red Un Meanwhile, Red Un wondered how he always got into these kinds of situations. He swung his sword in a deadly arc, cutting two cyclopses in half by sheer force. Another one started burning when it was hit by the magic flame that was Red Un’s blade. Then he saw that Vodok was in trouble.

"Hang in there Vodok!"

Red Un saw a bunch of cyclopses that fired arrows at the dwarven magician. He ran towards them...

The cyclopses fired...

Red Un was in the arrows path...

He swung his sword in precise arcs, cutting each arrow out of the air before they reached Vodok. Except for one...

Roku Yarit Roku Yarit watched the group do battle with little to no interest at all. This was but a distraction to the quest at hand. "Utana Vid" he muttered, keeping his voice from raising anymore then a whisper. He moved swiftly and silently and made his way around the cyclopses. He pulled a gray rune from his pocket and held it in his right hand. "Adori Vita Vis" the rune changed into the familiar form of the Sudden Death rune. Pointing it towards the closest cyc, It immediately died in a sort of gurgling pain. The last few became confused and made them huddle together. "Exevo mort hur." Energy sped across the ground and stuck the cyclopes dead with little effort. He had wasted too much time already, the invisibility would wear off soon. He began to run back behind Red Un and his companions, not paying attention to the noise he made as he ran.

Dragon Hunter "AARRGGGHH!" and the dark warrior fell top the ground in pain. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!!!" he screamed right after.

Vodok The arrow that kept on going that Red Un didn’t slice caught the short dwarf in his neck. The mana drained away fast but he had time to pick up his healing runes and heal like a lunatic. ''"OUCH!!!" ''He yelled out. The cyclopses where closing in on the short dwarf. He took out two fire wall runes and made sure no one could enter without being burnt. As you know the cyclopses would prefer to be trapped in fire than walk through it. The short dwarf was healed enough to stay on his hands and knees but no more. Now all of the cyclopses were dead. The short dwarf still felt as though he was losing more life. "Exana pox" He muttered and no one else heard it. Someone seemed to be chucking food at him so he ate it though he didn’t have that much energy left. "Exura" he said and it hardly worked since he had so low mana.

Dragon Hunter As he stood up and saw Roku turn visible he stared at his surprised face. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR YOU INCOMPETENT OLD FOOL!!" he burst out assuming Roku where the one who fired the energy wave. "CAN’T YOU AIM! AND A LITTLE TIP! DON’T BARBECUE THE GOOD GUYS!!!!!! AARRGGHHH!!!" he fell to the ground in pain again. He rose up once again and this time he didn’t scream, he mumbled "Ashaki Karakh self" and a healing light fell on him. And he immediately fell asleep...

Red Un Red Un looked at what was left of the group of cyclopses.

"Great. We haven't even gotten outside Thais Kingdom, and already there is trouble..."

He heard a gurgle. One of the cyclopses was still (barely) alive. Red Un walked over to it. The cyclops had a large cut in the chest, and its eye was a pulpy mess.

"Yoo littul oones..."

Red Un bowed over the cyclops as it coughed up blood.

"Lisn' here, one-eye. Cyclopses doesn't gather like this unless someone threatens their mountain with a big army. And even though I have found out that my lill' group is indeed strong, there was no reason for ya to emerge from the mountain in the first place. So, my question is, who made you do it?"

The large beast spit blood in Red Uns face. Red Un stood calmly over him still.

"Tell me, or I will let you suffer some more before you die."

"Noo...'twas......a littul hooman...gave oos aul kinda...stoof to joose..."

"What human?!"

Silence.

"TELL ME!"

Still silence. The cyclops was dead. Damn, thought Red Un. Then he got another thought in his head. He walked over to the cyclops right arm. He removed the armour pieces from it. There was a tattoo that was all too familiar to him now. He quickly covered over the arm with the armour pieces again. Then he returned to where the rest of his group rested.

Chapter 6, in which the Adventurers rest, and almost fight among themselves
Dragon Hunter As he woke up he quickly got up on his feet. He went over to Red Un and said "Why did we have bring that damn ma ge anyways? Look what he did to me!" and he started coughing extremely violently. He put up his crystal bottle and drank some. After he was finished he was in a better mood and said "But his magic sure is strong. It was almost as powerful as the breath of a dragon"

Red Un "Well, we sure are going to need it" muttered Red Un. Then he looked at the rest of the group.

"LISTEN UP! We need to get to the desert before nightfall, so let's get goin'!"

Vodok The short dwarf lying limp on the floor seemed to have been forgotten of everyone. "Exura Gran" He said. "'Very'un 'ere is 'urt some 'ow. Mos' me 'ough... anyway I 'as 'onderin' if summone 'ad 'ass 'ealin' 'ere? The dwarf said from his place in the fire walls. He took up a grey rune, shot it at a place on the fire wall and the fire there dissolved. "Exura" He said.

Red Un It had been so long ago...a memory lingered in Red Uns head. He had just wanted that book...they murdered...

He got back from those old days, and looked at the group.

"Right 'vreyone, we still have a bit to walk, so let's get on our feet!"

Roku Yarit He assumed his crippled stance of a old man once again but paid no attention to the damage he caused to the human. He was the only one who noticed his reappearance so Roku was not very worried. He had drawn too much attention to himself as it was. "Wut ya talking bout son? I’m just looking for a bit ta eat on my way to Thais." Turning around, he walked back to Thais like he was headed there all along. If needed, he could easily catch up with them if they got to far.

Danger ''The Young mage was quite surprised. He had not even need to join the battle. Something seemed odd about the old man though. He ingored it. ''

"That looked like fun..." He said coolly. "Did not want to waste my magic on such weak creature though. Sorry I did not help" ''He grinned looking at the others. Wonder what they were thinking? Rhia would know but would not read them unless she had to... Where was she anyways? Probably not far... ''

"Here" He tossed a backpack at the others "It's full of Healing runes if you need them." He opened it for them. There was a brown bag in it he had forgotten to take it out. "That’s nothing!" He said quickly snatching it up and putting it in his pocket.

Pheonix -Rhia followed closely. She was getting nervous. What was in that bag Oriel had? Could it be the amulet? no he always wore that... she had to figure out what it was.

- "Keep your eye on him." She thought to Dalafor. ''"He may be your friend, but he always has his own reasons for joining journeys." ''She warned. "And watch the others. He does not know them. Therefore he does not care what happens to them. He will only help as he sees fit." Hopefully Dalafor would heed her warning.

Roku Yarit The Sorcerer waited until he was out of their eyes and then crouched over behind a tree, peering at the group through the branches. A slight tingle at the back of his neck had irritated him for only a moment until he realized what it was. "Telepaths..." he muttered to himself. This was a unseen obstacle in his plan. Reaching into his tattered robes he removed a piece of amethyst rock welded to a silver chain. He quickly placed it around his neck, feeling the magic reach its protective shell around his mind, keeping others out of it. If he was taken unto any more consideration by the group the telepath, whoever it was, might find it strange he could not read his mind. At first they may blame it on my age or a shift of the cosmos but suspicions would soon arise. The only person he would worry about right now would be the Mage. Something was strange about him. Could he be seeking the library as well? It made no difference. None posed a present threat to Roku and he doubted they ever would...

Vodok The short dwarf saw a mage throwing a backpack over to the group of people. The short dwarf limbed up to the group of people who were taking out some ultimate healing runes. He snatched a rune from someone, he didn’t really care who and healed himself. ''"That was my rune!!" ''the someone said and took a new one. As last time the dwarf snatched the rune from him healed himself. "'Anks 'or the 'unes. The short dwarf said to the figure he stole runes from all the time. "Exura Gran." The short dwarf said and felt fully refreshed.

Red Un Red Un was getting worried.

"Listen, we REALLY have to get a move on! Let's go!"

He walked towards the bridge, hoping that the others would follow.

Danger ''The young mage followed Red Un. ''He seems to be very proud of his race despite being half human. He thought to him self. '''And that old man... What was he doing in an area like this? he seems a bit senile... The old fool... oh well. '''

"It's getting dark..." He said out loud.

Pheonix - "That is to be expected Oriel. He is after all Half Dwarf. All dwarves are proud of their race. As to the old man... I felt his aura... He has been following us... Though I shall not invade his mind. Would be rude. You on the other hand..." Rhia explained. "Tell me what’s in that in the bag."

- I guess I will join the group... she thought to her self. Waiting for her brother's answer.

-"Shhhh crack shcrack" she said in a swishing language. A tree suddenly grabbed Rhia pulling her up in to its branches, throwing her towards the group. She landed on top of the dwarf.

-"Oh my... I am so sorry!" she said getting up off the dwarf. "I guess my friend cannot aim to good..." Or maybe it was right on target she thought glaring at the tree.

Danger "STAY OUT OF MY MIND!" ''He yelled just as Rhia landed on top of the dwarf. ''"What is in my bag is of no concern to you!"

"Aesh Ye Tal!" He swore in Fincayran.

"I will not be treated like a little child." He pulled out a rune ready to fight his sister.

He had not noticed what she said about the old man. "If you wish to keep following me you must beat me in a duel."

Vodok While Red Un walked hoping for someone to follow the short dwarf followed him ''"GETTA MOVE ON!!" ''He yelled to the rest of the group. The short dwarf went up to Red Un and started to talk with him. "Whats your fave'ot beer?" ''He asked to Red Un. '' Red Un Red Un got on his feet and was about to answer Vodok when he saw that a fight was about to start in the group. Even though he realised that the two fighters were probably quite powerful, he decided to step between them.

"You will have to do that after the adventure. As Danger said, it is getting dark, and we need to get to the end of the Northern Jakundaf River before nightfall."

Roku Yarit Things were going as smoothly as they could under the circumstances and the Dwarf was showing an incredible sense of leadership considering he barely knew his companions. They were rather far ahead of them but he could see them fine. Cracking his knuckles and neck out of stiffness, he began to follow the travellers at a steady pace that would not allow them to see him for some time. They were approaching the bridge now. Dwarfs would most likely be roaming the lands but with two of their own kind with them, they would not endanger the people who would do all the work he had once considered doing himself.

Pheonix -Rhia was not surprised her brother had acted that way... He is short tempered most the time. "It is alright... Um what is you name?" she jestered to the half-dwarf.

-"Anyway please kindly move. I will handle this." she said calmly. She began speaking in a splashing language. Water shot out of the river knocking the rune out of her brother's hand. "Surely brother, you do remember that a fight against me is also a fight against nature?" She smiled at her brother's frustration.

- Rhia turned her back, not accepting the challenge. "I will not fight my blood Oriel." She said walking away. "I will leave." ''"You may not see me but I will always be near." ''she thought to the half-dwarf. "Just tell the trees if you need my help. They will tell you my name."

-as she left into the woods the trees began to sway. Their clicking and swishing began to form words. "Rrrrrhhhiiiiaaaaa, Rrrrhhiiaaaaa"

Vodok The group was walking slowly but steadily up to the Jakundaf River and nothing special happened. "So whas your fave'rate beer 'en? I 'ike the Flamin' Demon, Jimbin says 'e 'imself invented it." Now it was really getting dark and you couldn’t see that far "Utevo Gran Lux" ''the short dwarf muttered and then the scene got light again. They were very close the northern Jakundaf River. "Im s'eepy now. Can we s'eep now? I 'af'ta sleep. ''the short dwarf asked very sleepily.

Red Un Red Un was still thinking about talking to trees. He had done that when he was a child. I hope that girl wasn't around when I was young, he thought. Then he realised that he was very tired. To the south he could see the River, so they were at least on the right way.

"Alright people, we set camp here for the night."

He picked up the small stone he used as a pillow.

Yeah! He used a rock as a pillow! How hard isn't that?

Well, okay he had a soft cover around it...

Roku Yarit Sleep... He hadn’t had that in alone time. There was no need. He never felt tired and had only felt it necessary to rest himself under extreme circumstances. A rather unwelcome delay by his perspective. He would move ahead to the bridge and clear out any more delays. When he returned, they would be awaking and the journey would continue as planned.

Vodok ''"Yeah!! Sleep!!" ''The short dwarf half yelled and fell asleep before he hit the ground. The short dwarf had slept in about half an hour when a wolf licked his foot. "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!! He screamed in a very scared sort of way and woke everyone up. The short dwarf ran around the camp like a maniac. ''"Take 'em!! Take 'em!! No' me!! 'Ake 'em just let me live" He yelled as he ran around the camp "Utevo Lux" a sleepy voice muttered and the short dwarf saw it was a wolf. "Heh heh... ''The short dwarf said and thought: Right I need to lie myself outta this, I can’t stand have running three times 'round the camp yelling to spare my life and kill everyone else instead. Then he started to talk "Um... Well... You see... Ummm.. You know that... Um... I was joking! Yes that’s what I was doing, I was joking Ahahaha dont ya all geddit? the short dwarf said nervously. A small stone hit the short dwarf in the face and someone yelled " PIPE DOWN WILL YOU?!?!"

Danger ''The young mage could not sleep that night... He never slept good a night. He stared at the small dwarf in annoyance. He really wanted to cut that beard off his face! Could he be any louder? He smiled. Not an evil smile you usually saw on his face. But a sad one. " I'm sorry Rhia... please come back " He thought hoping his sister was listening. He waited... No answer. " At least sing me a song like you did when I was little. "''

The trees began to wave violently. "There's something wrong..." He said staring off in to the forest. "Wake up!" He said sharply. "Something is coming."

Pheonix -Rhia listened to the trees. Something troubled them. She placed her hand on a trunk of one of them. ''"A ho'r'ble mon'ter i. co'ing! R.n! RUN!" ''Rhia's hand recoiled. "Never have the trees been so scared! what could it be? I have to let the others know!" she said, taken back.

-Rhia let her thoughts wonder over the land. ''"You must leave. My friend say there is a monster coming. One they have never seen in these lands. Leave quickly before it reaches you!" '' She hoped at least someone in the group would hear her thoughts.

Roku Yarit Roku lost his footing and stumbled to the ground claudishly. The ground was shaking rather violently that he found it difficult to even sit still without being thrown all over the place. "No monster that inhabits this area could possibly be doing this," he mumbled to himself. Dwarves lay all around him, a possible delay in the travellers quest. He gathered his tattered robes and stood up, keeping low to the ground so he would not fall again. Birds were vacant, as were any other form of life. Roku was scared, but not of the monster. He was afraid that the battle he would wage to spare the lives of the adventurers might cause irreversible damage to the land itself. He materialized runes with a mere flick of his wrist and began to arm himself. "Adori vita vis, Adori vita vis, Adori vita vis..."

Dragon Hunter As he didn't sleep and usually just looked at the stars all night he noticed something was wrong, and there was something coming from the forest. He drew his sword and stood ready to fight...

Red Un Red Un stood in the old cave, griping a book firmly in his hand.

"NO! You can't! He's just an old man!"

The hooded men laughed. Red Un drew his sword and ran screaming towards them.

"It's just a book! Just a book!"

Then he dropped the book, and a huge flame erupted from its pages...the ceiling came crashing down...

...and he woke up. It had been that dream again. Then he noticed that the ground was shaking violently. Was he still dreaming? He looked around. The others had gotten on their feet and seemed to prepare for battle. Then he saw the forest.

Thousands of red eyes glowed in there, and a sound from thousands of growling mouths reached his ears.

"Lions. Thousands of 'em."

He drew his fire sword. Then he heard another sound. Then one of thousands of muttering and humming creatures. And then the clicking of a thousand small feet.

"Trolls. Bugs. Millions of bugs."

Chapter 7, in which something terribly evil reveals itself
Vodok The short dwarf took up new backpack that seemed to be full of great fire ball runes. ''"'Ese things aint dangouros. Bu' 'ike everything, get too much o' it an' yeh die." ''the short dwarf said so everyone could her him. ''"CHARGE!!" ''the short dwarf yelled and threw a fire bomb mostly to make things light as it was about 3 in the morning. Then he took up two great fire ball runes and just started to fire like a maniac. Then he trapped himself in a fire wall.'' "'Ese weak creature 'ill die tryin' tar get through that." ''he muttered grimly. Now he emptied his backpack of great fire balls. They all lay in the fire barrier ready to get fired. A mixture of runes were lying on the floor. He shot a couple of great fire balls in the group of trolls. He also set fire to a lion with a fire field witch was more effective than he hoped. It ran into the main group of lions and some of them also took fire. For some extremely odd reason all the fire suddenly went out and all the bugs swarmed around him. Very suddenly he felt very weak. Time to disappear a while the dwarf thought. "Utana vid" the dwarf said and most of the bugs probably thought that the victim had died. God knows what the rest of the group thought... anyway the dwarf ran while great fire balling his way forward. "Exura Vita" he said and healed fully. The dwarf reached the rest of the group and swiftly pushed himself forward to the middle and kept great fire balling. He had managed to save nearly all the runes when he ran against the group. ''"Adori gran flam, Adori gran flam, Adori gran flam Adori gran flam." ''the short dwarf said after drinking the last of his mana fluids. He kept on firing.

Danger "Stop you fool!" He yelled at the short dwarf. "They are running just as we should be! They are not here for a fight!"

''Danger tackled the dwarf just as the scared animals began to charge. They ran right past them. ''

"See?! he yelled, annoyed. "Do you think that they are big enough to make the ground shake so violently? whatever it is it is huge! even the trees are scared!"

''Though the young mage worshiped the God Zathroth he was still a man of nature. He was a druid after all. ''

'Rhia where are you?! '

Pheonix -Rhia fell to her knees. The animals were so scared... she could feel it. It was so overwhelming. "someone help me..."she called out through her mind. She could barely move. So many animals... so many feelings she was sensing. "I... c-can't block them out." She said holding her head.

-Then Rhia felt a new feeling. Something out there was bloodthirsty... all it wished to do is kill and destroy. She had felt this before.

Vodok ''"Ahhhh..." ''the dwarf said after the druid had tackled the dwarf. Once again trying to think of a good and logical answer to this the dwarf started "Ummm... well yeh see.. yeh see us dwarfs don 'eally 'ike 'em bugs, trolls 'n' lions, 'ight Red Un?" he said while holding a small bottle of beer in front of the dwarfs nose with out anyone else noticing and hoping Red Un was realising the short dwarf was bribing him with beer... "'is is my fave'ot, Flamin' demon.” the dwarf whispered to Red Un out of corner of his mouth so no one else would hear.  Danger "Adori" The young mage said as he pointed a green rune at the dwarf. A magic missile shot towards him and hit him knocking him back a little. "Will you quit that?" he said annoyed. "I know the nature of dwarves and dwarves aren't afraid of bugs or lions or trolls for that matter. I lived in a dwarven city for 2 years! You maybe afraid but I know most are not."

''"Someone help me..." He had heard in his mind. He looked at the others. They had heard it too!'' "That was Rhia! where is she?!"

Red Un Well, everyone except for Red Un. His mind was very foggy at the moment. There was something else wanting to have the attention of his thoughts. He had felt this before...

...no, not even they could call up...well, theoretically they could. But if they did, they would be in big trouble...he had to get a plan...stop invading my mind...a plan...to fight...that thing...Oh, yes, of course.

Not noticing that the others had turned their attention to Rhia’s cry for help, Red Un yelled out:

"Everyone! We need to get to Kazordoon!"

Roku Yarit The Sorcerer, Roku Yarit, lay dazed and confused from the roof of a cave, his things scattered below his head. What had happened? He could not recall. He remembered the thundering of the ground and reciting the spell but after that was a haze of confusion. At first he thought to call out into the cave to see if he was alone but all was dark and no friendly being would have brought him here in the first place. "So, you are awake old man," a demonic voice that shook the cave called from the shadows. "What business does a beggar have here?" "P-Please, sir, I was jus travelin’ ta da Elven city for a bit ‘o wine and such. I-I didn’t mean to cause any harm." he pleaded, trying to sound as elderly and pathetic as possible. "Well, you didn’t cause any harm. I found you in the fields, yelling some words with strange stones in your hand. So I brought you here to inform me about how the world has changed." "Changed?" "Since I last walked this place. The Dwarves now have a city and the humans are no longer enslaved. Elves have lost their castle to the orcs and dragons, and you disgusting creatures make up the majority of he population!" The voice became angry and large chunks of rock began to fall from the cave roof, barely missing Roku's head. "P-P-Please, sir, I dun know what you are talking about. W-Who are you? W-What are you going to do to me?" The voice laughed, a loud horrible laugh. "Poor beggar, I am going to skin you alive and eat your flesh while you remain conscious to watch it!"

Vodok "WHEEEE!! KAZORDOON!! Is 'bout time summun ´thinks o' goo' ol' Kazordoon. Les get goin' 'en. 'Ight! Everyun' pack up! re goin' tar Kazordoon!" ''As though the short dwarf was in charge. The short dwarf didn’t know how everyone would react (especially Red Un). He had a feeling, but just a feeling that no one wouldn’t move a finger before Red Un told them to. '' Red Un "Ahem...yes, we need to get to Kazordoon before whatever it is that is coming finds us."

Stop...invading...my...mind...damn...you...

Roku Yarit Roku Yarit's head was in a great deal of pain from the constant flow of blood that made his face swell. This was growing tiresome. The cave was filled with the horrible sound of a stone sliding against a jagged cleaver. Whatever this thing was it was definitely sadistic to a sickening extent. He had not yet even seen the creature for it stayed in the shadows and out of sight but his mind wandered to what it looked like. A big, brooding beast, with razor claws and piercing yellow eyes, he imagined. "Are you comfortable old man?" Roku did not answer and suddenly he heard the beast sniffing around in the air. It stopped sharpening his blade and the Sorcerer could hear it coming closer. "I smell manflesh. No wait...Dwarves as well. Ah what a feast. What a feast indeed." Without another word, pounding footsteps that shook the cave trailed off as it moved through what Roku thought must have been the entrance. Now was his chance. "Exori vis" the blast hit the roof, releasing the hold on his feet and dropping him heavily to the ground. After a moment of rubbing sore muscles and waiting for his face to return to its normal dull grey colour he gathered his things and concealed them in his tattered robes. "He must have smelt Un and his companions. I must make haste if I am to warn them before the beast catches up." Making sure his runes were all intact, he stumbled around in the darkness, not thinking to use Uevo lux, trying to find the entrance.

Pheonix -Rhia woke. She was in the arms of a tree. What had happened? where were all the animals and bugs?

-"Thank you my friend" She whispered to the tree "You may set me down now."

-The tree obeyed. "I have to check on the others."

-She ran swiftly to the others tracing their tracks.

-"Oriel! You’re alive! She said running in to hug him."

Danger ''The young mage was relieved to see his sister alive. ''"What happened to make you use your telepathy over the land?" He asked concerned. "That... what ever it was. Where is it?"

Red Un Damn...you...out...of...my...head...

"I fear that I know" said Red Un.

"We can't take it on by ourselves. We will need to get to Kazordoon and warn the Emperor. For I fear that after that thing is done with us, it will go there...again."

I...will...warn...them...stop...out...of...my...mind...

Vodok "Yeah! Les ge' off tar Kazordoon. Follow now or I'll ge' angry!" ''the dwarf said and walked. He turned around and saw smoke. ''"Ooo!! Look over 'ere! S'oke!" ''the dwarf said as though he was pointing out a piece of rare armour. "Anyway les ge' going we don 'ave time for some stupid 'ires do we, 'Ed Un? the dwarf asked while nudging Red Un on the ribs. ''"C'mon 'en! ''The dwarf said happily. '' Hezasah Dwarf...

wait...

Please he...

Pheonix -"Something troubles you half dwarf. What is wrong?" Rhia reached out to Red Un's mind.

-There was indeed something wrong with the hafling, His mind seemed elsewhere. She did not want to pry in his mind with out permission... She just couldn't see others so troubled.

-Rhia sapling. They were always ready for conversation. She bent down touching the tree.

-"Hi there little one." She said in the tree's language.

-"h.i N.me Ce.de.n ..u?" It responded.

-"Rhiannon of the druma wood. Where is you mother? there is no older tree near you." Rhia asked conerned.

-".he W.lk.n.g Tr.."

"A walking tree?!" Rhia said out loud in the standard language. "I Thought those only lived in Fincayra!"

Danger "A what!" the young mage spun around. "Are you sure that’s with the sapling said Rhia?" he asked surprised. "Can't be... Those creatures nearly died out! it was thought to only be 5 left! and they all live in my home country... Fincayra." He explained to the others.

Roku Yarit Roku was getting frustrated. He could not find the entrance even with light. The cave was barren with only stones littering the floor. He was taking too long. The creature would find Red Un and his adventuring band if he did not get out of here quickly. "Adori gran." The rather basic spell seemed to be the only one that could help him. Taking careful aim at what he had thought to be the thinnest cave wall. He let loose the charges, spraying gravel and dust back at the Sorcerer but this did not stop him. He kept firing, digging deeper and deeper into the wall until he saw a beam of sunlight go through a crack. The rune was gone and he began to pry at the hole with his staff, making it large enough to fit his arm through. Try as he might, it would not grow any larger. He got an idea, one he had used before. Pulling another blank rune from his robes he put it in his left hand and reached it through the wall, aiming into the sky, he could not see so he did not know for sure. "Adori flam" Closing his eyes and guiding his hand carefully, he attempted to spell the words "Help" and "Danger."

Red Un Head...out...not...again...

"Aye, we sure could use one of 'em talkin' trees right now" Red Un muttered.

Oh...power...will...not...succumb...

"Now...hey wait a minute, what's that in the sky?"

There was words of fire written in the sky.

"Well, I haven't seen something like that since...oh well, we haven't go the time. We MUST hurry to Kazordoon!"

They had arrived at the bridge.

Vodok "Emmm... Why's 'ere someone who seems tar be asleep on me feet? the short dwarf said. He picked up a stick from the ground and poked him in the tummy, once, twice, three times... "hmmmm..." the dwarf muttered. The short dwarf kicked the limp figure on the ground. "I think 'is fella 'as fainted." the short dwarf said wisely. "Alas I don’t have any healing runes on me" the dwarf said as even if he did have some he wouldn’t use them. He stood there thinking. I could loot his body. I could nick a ultimate healing rune from some druid and make sure I get a reward for saving him. Hmmmm... the dwarf said in deep thinking. He came around to that nicking a rune off a druid would be best since if he was caught find looting a body he would probably be kicked out of the group. The dwarf went up to Danger the druid. ''"LOOK!! A DRAGON!!” ''the dwarf yelled in his ear. But would the druid fall for the trick?

Red Un Must...focus.

It looked like Vodok was doing something stupid (again). Meanwhile, small blue sparks was coming from Red Uns arms.

Use...its...powers...against...it...

He picked Hezasah like he was a bag of air.

Focus...do...not...succumb...

When he spoke, Red Uns voice sounded like it came from far away.

"Ah...soldiers."

Two dwarven soldiers stood with their crossbows ready.

"Well, if it ain't Red Un, that 'ol outcast."

"Have not...time."

Red Un threw down the two dwarves from the bridge with no difficulty at all.

Use...power...

"To Kazordoon! Now!"

Danger ''The mage followed. There was something seriously wrong about the half dwarf. Though he was not willing to ask, he would find out.''

Pheonix - Rhia had happen to look up at the sky, There were words!? She would have to investigate. She slipped past the other heading toward the source.

-"Huh? that aura... it’s familiar." she said noticing it was the old man. "Was he the one writing in the sky?"

- "Who are you" She thought her mind trying to reach the old man. "Strange... His mind is completely blocked form me!" She suddenly felt a new presence. IT was the same bloodthirstynes she had felt in the woods... IT was almost overwhelming. "It can't be... He's banned... Dadga he banned him... how could he be here?!"

Roku Yarit Roku was quick to get into his role as the old man. "Words in the sky ya say?" he yelled through the hole. "I’ve never heard of such a thing but I’ll be sure to thank whoever made them, but ya must be quick. There’s strange things abroad. It might be back quick and by that time I’d like ta be on my way." Concealing his runes and other tools in his tattered robes, he reached a hand through the hole and waved at the young woman.

Vodok ''Hmmmm... this didnt work. But! I know what I can do! ''the short dwarf thought. He took up one of his fire bombs and shot it right in front of the druids feet. He seemed distracted a moment so the short dwarf snatched a healing rune and ran back to the limp figure. He used the rune on the figure. The figure seemed to be waking up a little bit but the short dwarf wasn’t sure.

Red Un "Don't...heal...yet..."

Oh no...must...focus...

They were over the bridge. Then they all heard it. Especially Red Un. He dropped the unconscious man and screamed out in pain while holding his head.

"NO! YOU CAN'T BE! DAMN YOU! DAMN..."

In his pain, he remembered the effects of a dramatic pause.

"P'FAARD, THE DEMON OF THE SCROLLS!"

A thundering laughter echoed over the mountains. Then a huge shape came crashing out of the forest. It was a blood-red creature, with enormous, twisted horns on its head. Its eyes glowed yellow and when it spoke, it sounded like a voice from a thousand hells.

"YES LITTLE HALF-DWARF! I, P'FAARD, CALLED UPON BY THE FOLLOWERS OF THE DARK STAR, SHALL END YOUR LIFE HERE!"

Red Un suddenly collapsed into a pile.

"Damn you...that power...was too...much..."

Then, he screamed out.

"QUICKLY! Run to Kazordoon and warn the emperor! I'll hold that thing back here...now, RUN!"

Then he started muttering ancient spells directed towards the towering beast.

"Y'GAHH, F'TAGHN FOOR'T!"

Chapter 8, in which a demon causes some trouble, and dwarves chants ancient spells
Vodok ''"Will be done. An'y las' wishes?" ''the dwarf yelled as he ran against the entrance to Kazordoon. "YOU SCUM COWARD!! He heard someone screaming at the dwarf who hadn’t gotten that far because of his short legs. He turned around and grabbed a random rune and shot against the beast. It didn’t hurt him that much, it just annoyed him that someone had the guts to shoot something at him. So he directed a great fire ball at the short dwarf and the short dwarf flew several feet away from the blast. "Don 'ave time for 'is" he yelled and took up another rune and shot at the beast and ate a fish and made an intense healing rune at the same time. What happened was that a sudden death hit the beast, he choked at the fish and didnt get intense healed. "Gak. Ak. Ick" the dwarf got from his stuffed up mouth. Finally he managed to shoot up the piece of fish before it killed him. Killed by a fish... wouldn’t be able to stand that shame if I choked on it. He intense-healed, even though he hardly had the strength to short after he healed another great fire ball hit him so with his last effort he dived down into a nearby hole.  Pheonix - She reached the hole seeing the old man. "Stand back!" She yelled pulling out her fire sword. She used it to make the hole big enough for the old man to get out. "How did you get in there?" She said grasping his hand and picking him up nearly with one arm. "You are indeed a strange old man. She said trying to read his mind and failing.

Danger ''The young mage never ran from anything. and he was not going to start now! ''

"If you think I am going to leave all the glory to you, you have nothing coming!" He said trying to sound like he did not care what happened to Red Un.

"Here, this will help. Utamo Vita!" he yelled shielding him and Red Un.

Roku Yarit "I don’t really know. I woke up here." Roku looked around quickly. "Wait...were is the half-dwarf? Did he make it to Kazordoon? What about Oriel?" The Sorcerer was confused. This was not how he had foreseen it...well how Detlin had foreseen it...

Red Un "No...you don't...understand...this is no ordinary demon. Only the spells from ages past can stop it. I need someone to warn the Emperor! He knows what to do!"

Red Un got up on his knees and kept mumbling the mysterious words.

"G'NYAH R'TAFH ZOOKUTH R'LYEH!"

Vodok After the short dwarf had dived down he saw a figure. He couldn’t really see what he looked like. ''"What brings you here short one?" ''the figure asked in a misty voice. "I... I... Ummmm... Look... Ummmm... I'm sort'a wounded 'ere" the short dwarf said to change the subject. "So I see. I know what evil haunts this land. You must go to the Emperor and warn him at any cost.” the figure said, then ultimate-healed the dwarf two times and threw two backpacks to him. "Thanks" the dwarf said. "I have saved these runes for important... YOU SHALL DIE!" the misty figure said and drew a dagger from somewhere. The dwarf was stunned and scared and didn’t dare move. He closed his eyes waiting for the blade to fall, but it didn’t. "Demon... taking over me... run... YOU SHALL DIE NOW!!!” the figure yelled. The dwarf opened his eyes and saw the figure holding a dagger in his hands a few inches from the dwarfs neck. His hand seemed to be trembling to stab him but he wouldn’t do it. ''"Beast... full control of me... take my runes and warn the dwarf lord. Old man’s last wishes." ''He seemed very sane when he said this but the short dwarf wondered what he meant with "last wishes". "I... kill... self... for you... warn emperor now. Run... take my runes... YOU SHALL DIE NOW!!” the figure yelled. The blade was one inch from the dwarf’s neck when the man said his last sane words: “Remember... my wish will be done... fates of many... in your hands... bye... take my runes.” The dwarf didn’t understand a thing at the moment. ''"YOU SHALL DIE NOW DWARF!! YOU WONT STOP ME FROM TAKING OVER!!” ''the demon said through the man. The man took a swift swing at his own neck making sure he wouldn’t stop the dwarf saving Kazordoon. He seemed to have been in the Demons power and killed himself so he couldn’t act for the Demon. Right... this seems to make a lot of sense... the dwarf thought sarcastically. He found a candle and lit it. The candle made so that the whole room was light. He could see everything. He took all the backpacks and bags that he could carry. He threw out all his meat and fish to some more backpacks. He roped himself out of the hole with magic rope and ran towards Kazordoon.

Danger ''The mage merely stared at the demon. ''

"Look you cannot take him alone! And I will not let you." he said coldly. "Besides if I have to I will invoke the spirit in my amulet..." His face seemed to show a little fear. Was it because of the demon or the amulet?

Pheonix -"Who are you?!" she yelled at the "Old Man" "How do you know my brother's name?"

-She could not read his mind and he knew more than an old man should! He was not normal...

-"Tell me, why have we been running into each other over and over again?"

Roku Yarit "Well...uh...I read it somewhere. Yes, that’s it. I just guessed his name was Oriel and maybe you’re the one who keeps running into me?" He couldn’t keep people guessing forever and right now there wasn’t time. He would have to change the subject. "We must make haste, child. The Dwarf needs out help."

Red Un "Alright...you...crazy...people...I said in the contract...that I wouldn't pay...for burials..."

Red Un was thinking hard of more ancient spells to hold back the horrible demon.

"V'GANH! FOROTH! B'TAH!"

Vodok The short dwarf was running, now he came to some wolfs who attacked him. The dwarf simply sliced all the wolfs with his two handed sword and was still running. He remembered he could use haste on himself to go faster. The dwarf used great haste and reached the roping place to Kazordoon. He fumbled in his backpack for his rope and found it. He climbed up the rope with some difficulty. Rope climbing has never been my strong side the short dwarf thought as he finally reached the edge. He slaughtered a spider and ran on. He jumped down the hole and ran as before. His haste ended and he ran pretty slowly now. He finally reached the staircase into Kazordoon and went down it. There he saw someone running from a murderer. Since he couldn’t think clearly after all that running and he was pretty dizzy he said "'Eep 'e good 'ork goin' on" He ran on and got a little lost on purpose and "happened" to come into Jimbin’s bar. "Gimme a Flamin' demon. NOW!! Jimbin slid a beer over and the dwarf cut it open with a knife he always had. "Ahhhh... Gimme another 'un of 'em... Ahhhh... Another 'un... Ahhhhhh..." The dwarf was brick red in his face when he started to sing a little song that didn’t exist. "What're you doing here, Vodok?" Jimbin asked, he knew the short dwarf’s name since he came here and drank a lot of beer as a child (yes, as a child.) ''"'As 'un o' 'ings yah know anyway 'ere 'as 'is weird 'ing I 'pposed tar say to some stupid emperor. Summing 'bout some legendary demon comin' tar life or summin'" Jimbin yawned since he didn’t believe a word of what Vodok was saying. He just said "Take this ring on" as he gave Vodok a ring, a dwarven ring. Vodok put it on and remembered everything. "Oh dear... 'Otta run 'ow" and the dwarf ran away with out paying for the beer. "COME BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!! ''Jimbin yelled after the short dwarf.

Danger ''Crazy? him crazy? hah that wasn't the half of it. ''

"Fine. Here, let me show you." The young mage closed his eyes. his amulet began to glow. Then the three gems of destruction began to move. First the brown one. Then the black one, then the grey one. They began to swirl on the amulet faster and faster slowly getting closer to one another. Then they combined into a single white gem. "Salshme maralat toa" the young mage chanted. But... The voice was not his?

''A green light came from the amulet. It focused into a ball and shot toward them demon hitting him, only knocking him back a step. ''

"My my, he is powerful..." the other voice said. "Who exactly is this demon?"

Red Un As the demon laughed, Red Un tried to explain.

"P'faard is the Demon of The Scrolls. He usually guards books of great evil, but this time...someone...has summoned him to destroy us. Your magic won't work against him. Do as Vodok does and get the Emperor! I will hold the beast back!"

Then he yelled the old spells again.

"YME-LOG! YOG-SOTHOT! F'TAGHN!"

Vodok The short dwarf had come to the emperor. "Look... 'Is demon is comin' tar Kazordoon. Some'un said... you could 'ill it... with some weir' kind'a magic. So c'mon.” the dwarf said through all the spaces of his sentence he panted since running around was hard business for a short dwarf. "Errrmmm... How do I know you’re not bothering me." the emperor asked the short dwarf. The short dwarf answered: ''"'Cuz if there ain’t no demon 'ere I'll give ya 500 gold. So get 'ere now! 'Ope yeh 'ave 'aste..." "I'll come since I could use 500 gold." The short dwarf and the emperor both did haste with their dwarf guards trying to keep up but couldn’t. At last they reached the plains and they heard someone yelling "ARNOR HUR-STOR ANKOR TRORKOR!" It sounded like the demon. It was the demon. "EEEEEKKKK!!" The short dwarf screamed in fear. The emperor looked at him almost saying "You coward!" "Errmmmm... you see... that’s the ummm... it’s... it’s our family war cry! Yeah! Family war cry.” "Wha ever you say..." ''the emperor answered.

Red Un "Oh, our most benevolent...ungh...Emperor...It's P'Faard, the Demon of the Scrolls."

The Emperor of Kazordoon looked up at the towering beast. Then he looked at Red Un who kept mumbling formulas.

"We'll talk about where you found those top-secret formulas later. First of all, we will need more magic power."

He took a deep breath and yelled out over the plains.

"WE NEED ALL THE MAGICIANS WE CAN FIND AT THE BRIDGE NOW!"

Pheonix - Rhia stared at the old man for a second. "I have no time for this!" she said frustrated. “Hurry up, we must go... oh for christ’s sake... "She picked up the slow moving man and began to run into the forest. She made a swishing noise and a tree leaned over to pick her up. She made another command and the trees tossed her from tree to tree.

Danger "Now who do you think I am halfling?" The voice said to Red Un. "I believe you have mistaken me for the body I inhabit. My magic comes from the earth itself. I need not worry about the demon. But I will tell Pheonix to tell your king."

'''" Good evening lady Pheonix. You must not worry about your brother, he is safe at the moment." '''the voice said. Te seemed to be extremely wise. "you must find the small dwarf that was in the group and help him.“

Roku Yarit Roku Yarit, The Great Sorcerer of Carlin, was being carried around like a child. He felt ridiculous. "Alright, that’s it! I’ve had enough," he yelled, motioning for the woman to stop. He dropped out of her grasp and onto the ground below as the tree's threw her forward.

Not taking the time to see if she was out of sight, his body burst to life with a blue flame. His once tattered and dirty robes were now blue and red without a spot on them. His beard and hair lost its grey and uncombed look and became smooth and black. His eyes went a deep grey and the flames faded. He looked and felt as he rightfully should. "Ahh, much better." Throwing away his walking stick, he took off at great speed, moving faster than his legs should carry him. In the distance he could see the demon. One he could not remember from his books. And Oriel was at his side, actually fighting along side what looked to be the half dwarf. "Well I’ll be damned..."

Red Un Meanwhile, the Demon had had enough of amusement, and decided to end it all.

"TAKE THIS LITTLE MORTALS!"

He held out his clawed hand and started to materialize a fireball in them. It kept growing. Meanwhile, some dwarven sorcerers from Kazordoon had gathered among the defenders. The Emperor sighed.

"We need more magicians!"

Vodok ''"GAAAAAR!!" ''The short dwarf yelled as he took up a rune and shot at the demon witch happened to be a sudden death.

Another elven mage seemed to have heard the plea for help from someone. He ran towards where he heard the yelling. When he reached the plain he was awestruck at the sight of the demon standing with a growing fire ball in its hand. The elven mage drew a heavy magic missile in each hand and started to fire at the Demon. The demon hardly seemed to notice.

Danger "...Waltti Vitso Lamarta" The voice came from the amulet this time? A black orb surrounded them, quickly getting smaller until it disappeared. It reappeared behind the demon. "Quickly... hit him from behind. It may catch him with his defences down!"

Pheonix -Rhia had to get to the dwarf fast! That voice said he was in danger. She was fixing on his aura...

"Ah found him!" she said taking off in that direction. "Good, he is not far... should be able to get to him in only a few seconds!"

Red Un The Emperor sighed.

"Alright lads, get some soldiers back there while we prepare the frontal magic assault."

The fireball in P'faards hands was steadily growing...

Vodok The short dwarf put his backpack down and the elven mage seemed to be throwing some magic walls in order to trap the demon a little while. Vodok found a backpack totally full with sudden deaths. ''"'Is beauty 'ill kill the demon!!" ''the short dwarf said even though he knew it would take much much much more to take down a demon. The short dwarf started to fire his sudden death runes. Soon the fireball seemed big enough to blast off the whole dwarven bridge. Was the demon just going to stop the dwarf troops from coming or simply blow the small troop to smithereens?

Roku Yarit Roku was no surprised to see a giant ball of fire ahead of him and would be even less surprised if it suddenly came hurling towards him. In all the battles Roku had been in he was surprised he still had his eyebrows.

The Sorcerer was getting close now, his legs moved swiftly and silently. The grass did not make a noise from his steps until he was already gone. His blue and red robes flailed about in the wind but he kept his arms straight and his back arched.

Red Un The Emperor spied Roku at the distance.

"Ah, another magician it seems. I think that we have all we need when he gets 'ere."

The fireball in P'Faards hands was taking on huge dimensions, and some of the dwarves covered their eyes so that they wouldn't be blinded.

Vodok The short dwarf yelled ''"'Urry up!! 'Our our 'ast 'ope!! C'mere!! 'Urry!!" ''The elf was out of sudden deaths and they needed to buy some time.

Red Un The dwarf soldiers had gotten behind the demon and started to fire crossbow bolts in its back. Red Un sighed.

"That is never goin' to work."

It did. The demon roared in pain, the fireball shrunk a bit and he turned to face the brave dwarves.

"Now he's distracted. Quickly!" yelled the Emperor. "'Vrey magician 'ere get each others hand!"

Roku was almost there.

"Hurry up, Mr. Magican!" yelled the Emperor.

Roku Yarit Roku hear the yelling of the dwarf but had other matters to attend to first. Fire was an element easily tamed by water but the Sorcerer had no experience with natural magic such as that. "Woman?" he called, looking around for Rhia. "God damnit, Where are you?" If she was quick to listen he would neutralize the beast’s temporarily and have enough time to join the mages on the bridge but where was she?

Danger The spirit in the young mage's amulet watched from afar.

"I really should help them..." He said teleporting over by them.

"May I be of some use?"

Pheonix -Rhia followed the so called old man... "He has the same Aura... Who is this guy?"

Roku Yarit "You, woman" he said, pointing to Rhia. "Can you control the rivers and lakes?"

Vodok The short dwarf connected his hands with the emperor, dragging him around to hold hands with everyone else. Some of the people were a little doubtful to this idea but the dwarf got their enthusiasm back by yelling ''"'OLD 'AND 'ITH EACH OTHER OR ILL GO 'EALLY GRUMPY!!" ''And most people didn’t need telling twice after that. ''"We still need one more powerful mage to perform this magic." ''the emperor said and sighed. ''"'URRY UP!! C'MERE!!!" ''the short dwarf yelled across to Roku. Then suddenly the Demon turned around against the mages holding hands. He preformed one powerful spell on the elven figure who had just come. He was sent flying away and crashed against the mountain and fell from 20-30 foot up. He landed, then the demon did a not too powerful spell, but it still killed the elven figure. The emperor started cursing in a high voice and then said "We need a really powerful mage now to take this thing down.”

Red Un Red Un stood up.

"I guess I'll have to be the heroic guy again" he muttered. Then he ran towards the towering demon with its growing fireball.

"Hey P'Faard! Over 'ere!"

"WHAT IS IT, PUNY MORTAL?"

"I have something 'ere that ya might be interested in..."

"HAH! I HAVE NO INTERESTS IN MORTAL THINGS!"

"Well, how about..."

Damn, I am good at dramatic pauses thought Red Un.

"...The Key to the Ancient Library?"

"THE LIBRARY?"

Red Un smiled. He tried to buy time so that the Emperor could prepare the spell... Pheonix "I do not control them... They are my friends. They do what I ask because they care for me."

-Rhia stared at her brother... "That is not my brother..."

Roku Yarit "Quiet Dwarf!" he yelled at Vodok, turning to Rhia. The Sorcerer took hold of her hand firmly. "Call them here then, Woman. Leech what magic you need from my body and I will take care of the rest."

Red Un The Emperor sighed.

"Alright me lads, let's get over to those two and start the spell."

The whole group started to run for Roku and the woman. Meanwhile, Red Un was playing a dangerous game with P'Faard.

"LITTLE MORTAL, GIVE ME THE KEY, AND I MIGHT SPARE YOU!"

"Can you promise me that?"

"I PROMISE YOU!"

"What do you promise on?"

"I PROMISE ON THE SCROLLS!"

Dammit, get into place thought Red Un.

Roku Yarit "Bah, forget it. We have no time now and it seems the Dwarfs aren’t going to give us much choice in the matter. Dragging the women behind him, Roku joined the Dwarfs and Mages alike. "Alright, what do you want me to do?"

Red Un "Just get into the circle and hold hands."

The group of magicians stood in a circle, each holding hands.

"Alright people, let's see now."

The Emperor took out an old dusty book and opened the page. He squinted with his eyes.

"Oh, right!"

He took out his small looking glasses and pinched them on his nose. Then he read.

"Right, just say after me:

OGTHROD AI'F GEB'L-EE'H YOGGOE-SOTOTHE 'NGAH'NG AI'Y ZHRO!"

Pheonix -"It takes no magic!" Rhia said.. She began making a splashing noise. The wind picked up... dark clouds circled over head. The rivers, lakes and streams began to flood over making their way over to Rhia. They surrounded her and engulfed her, making a giant creature around her. it was a creature purely made of water.

-"Now we shall see how the demon deals with something that cannot be killed."

Danger ''The young mage joined the circle.. well perhaps it was the spirit that has now taken over him... He began muttering the chant with Red Un. ''

"OGTHROD AI'F GEB'L-EE'H YOGGOE-SOTOTHE 'NGAH'NG AI'Y ZHRO!"

Red Un Red Un was looking up at the demon as the spell took effect. There came a great shiver through P'Faard.

"NOOO! NOT THAT SPELL!"

His red skin changed into black.

"DAMN YOU, MORTALS! I SHALL CRUSH YOU NOW!"

The Emperor looked up at the demon.

"He's weak to physical attacks now! GET 'IM!"

Red Un wasted to time and drew his sword. the demon swung out with its claw and threw Red Un away like he was a puppet. He hit the ground hard...

"Ow...this seems familiar..."

Roku Yarit Roku broke the circle and took up a position on the other side of the water giant, who was doing battle with the demon, however futile its swings were. "I am not one to use my fists but I can call upon someone who can." He drew up his sleeves quickly, exposing his bony but muscled arms. "Utevo res Palin!" Whistling softly, in a gleeful tune that echoed across the hills, a great shadow formed in front of the sun.

The great green dragon, Palinthalasa, barrelled down upon then, casting his shadow over the dwarfs and mages. Palin came down with a rumbling crash that almost knocked Roku to his knees. The dragon stood as tall as the water giant and both stood around the demon. "Prepare for fiery death, demon!" the dragon bellowed, drawing his head back and exposing his razor teeth, stained with blood.

Red Un Red Un got on his feet. Then he saw the dragon. Not understanding what was happening, he muttered "damn, now there's a big fire-breathing lizard to take care of too. But first, the demon."

He picked up his firesword and ran towards the battle.

Meanwhile, the dwarf guards had taken position and fired bolt after bolt from their crossbows. P'Faard roared with each it and swung out with his huge claws, sending dwarves flying all over the place...

Vodok A crossbow went flying 30 feet above then dwarf then landed on his helmet. Lucky I had this trusty helmet or I'd be dead the dwarf thought as he took it up. The dwarf bent down to a dead dwarf soldier and looked in his bag. ''Ooooo!! Bolts. I'm not the bolty type but I think I’ll fire some bolts. I never got to do this in Kazordoon, most dwarfs there said I was a danger to me and everyone else with in 100 feet. ''The dwarf started to fire and he got the demon in his toe. The demon didn’t seem to notice the small dwarf that couldn’t hit him even if the demon would be one foot from the dwarf. The short dwarf dropped the crossbow on his toe. ''"YAOW!!" ''the dwarf yelled since his boots only were of leather. ''"'UPID 'ING's TRYIN' TAR KILL ME!!" ''the dwarf yelled. He took the crossbow and threw it with all his might against the demon’s face, not on purpose though. The demon let out a yell of pain. ''"A FEW MORE BOLTS SHOULD TAKE THIS DOWN!!" ''The dwarf guards threw down their crossbows and drew the hammers and charged the Demon. The demon was dying.

Red Un Red Un saw that P'Faard was soon to return the realm where demons live. He quickened his pace.

"Don't wanna miss out on the figthin'."

Roku Yarit Palinthalasa's jaws clamped down on the demon’s arm, tasting its bitter and foul blood. The demon was livid in pain and was quick to strike the Dragon across the side, causing him to loose his balance and topple over. Palin quickly drew his head up and let loose a blazing inferno on the demon.

Roku tore off the necklace he wore to keep the telepaths out of his head and put on a dragon necklace to protect him from the flames. Amplified a thousand fold, the fire sizzled and burnt the ground but not him.

Red Un Red Un finally arrived at the fight. P'Faard was groaning, and as he saw the half-dwarf that had caused all this (in a way), he swung out with his claw again. Red Un made another beautiful arc in the sky and landed far away again.

"Aaaw dammit!"

Vodok The short dwarf took up a rune. It was a fire bomb. Since he saw the demon was made mainly out of fire he assume it was immune to it. The short dwarf took up a heavy magic missile and shot at the demon. The demon seemed to be in pain mainly from the dragon and a little bit from the dwarf guards. Everyone who stood around could see how fireblood flowed out of the demon. ''I've heard these things use very powerful items. It's probably only Demon's who use them. I've also heard how very valuable those things can be ''the short dwarf thought. Hellloooooo... The dwarf was hatching a plan that almost anyone at this point would have come up with. Or at least every greedy person like Vodok. Vodok went closer the Demon from behind in order to jump onto the demon and take everything worth something, then blame it on anyone near by. The short dwarf noticed other dwarfs who seemed ready to pounce onto the demon once it died. If I do an energy wall in front of them... The short dwarf thought. Then he heard somebody. ''"Hey!! Look!! It's Vodok the Bad-shot!!" "Well I'll be darned!! It is!! Hey!! Bad shot!! Going to take a crossbow and shoot your own dad in the leg by mistake again?" ''another dwarf yelled and those who heard this burst out laughing. The demon didn’t care about this since he was having a problem with a dragon in his arm. Suddenly one of the dwarfs that had been teasing Vodok threw a crossbow and 5 bolts to the short dwarf. ''"Here's your chance to kill me! I'll step out with no armour from 70 foot range, you have my permission to shoot a bolt at me! Everyone watch out!! Vodok the Bad-shot's got a crossbow!" ''The short dwarf took a bolt and loaded his crossbow with some difficulty. I was good at axe throwing, but I'm NOT good at crossbow shooting the dwarf thought. Suddenly the dwarf got another plan. The short dwarf raised the crossbow over his head and threw with all his might towards the teasing dwarf. It hit him right in the nose and he started to bleed violently. ''"YOU UGLY LITTLE... LITTLE... LITTLE... LITTLE BIG FATTY!! WE ALL HATE YOU!! AFTER THIS DEMON’S DEAD WE DUEL TO DEATH!! THE WINNER GETS ALL THE LOSERS STUFF!!" ''The dwarf did some quick thinking now. ''"SURE!!" ''Vodok yelled back.

Red Un Red Un got on his feet once again and started running for the almost dead demon.

Meanwhile, on a hill further away, two persons in black robes looked down at the scene below.

"We failed. This time."

"Yes. But they will go into the desert soon. And they won't leave it."

Roku Yarit "Palin, stop playing around and get up!" Roku shouted over the bellows of dwarfs, apparently teasing the funny little Vodok. But that did not concern Roku. Taking out his broken and withered hands from his robes, he began to weave blue strands into a sort of net in front of him. Chanting and weaving, the net grew in size, much size. This was the delicate part. Roku crept up behind the demon slowly and silently, suspending the net of magic in the air. He got close enough that he could smell the seething flesh and the rope sped forth from his fingertips, wrapping around the demon several times, causing it to topple over with a thundering bang. "A creature such as this should not go to waste. Palin, take this thing to my castle. Tell Detlin to take care of the beast with utmost care. I do not want such a delicate prize damaged anymore then it already is," he said aloud, casting a angry glance to the dwarves. Palinthalasa was reluctant to move towards the demon at first but he had faith in the Sorcerer’s magic and the net that bound it. "As you wish," the dragon muttered, if a dragon could mutter. Motioning for the rest to stay back he yelled over the hills, "Your battle is won. I will dispose of this thing."

Red Un P'Faard struggled in the net, and laughed mockingly at the mortals below.

"IT'S NOT OVER YET!"

There was an amazing flash that made everyone shut their eyes, and when they dared open them again, the net was empty. A faint echo of a voice could be heard.

"I SHALL RETURN!"

Finally, Red Un got back.

"Hey 'vreyone, did I miss something?"

Chapter 9, in which a lack of alcohol causes some minor trouble, and some dragons causes some major trouble
Rhiannon Datwood -Rhia woke... What on earth had happen? Had she been knocked out?

Danger ''The spirit laughed... ''

"I must leave now..." He said his voice fading.

"I... remember every thing." The young mage said surprised.

Roku Yarit "Damnit!" he cursed out loud. "I revealed myself to these people and I lose the one thing of interest in this damned place!" Kicking a large rock across the ground out of anger. He heard a loud, but stifled. snicker from behind him and he span around to glare at Palin. "Oh be quiet, Dragon! Or you’ll be the next one to disappear!" Palin was not one to be yelled at by anyone, especially not the broken handed sorcerer. "Listen, human", he practically spat the words. "Do not blame me for your misfortune or you will find your beat in between my teeth!" The ground shook underneath his feet from the dragon’s raised tone and he knew it was not smart to continue the argument. Turning to face the others and fumbling around for that damned amulet to protect his mind from these telepaths, he scratched his head casually and straightened his robes. "Well, uh, hello there..."

Rhiannon Datwood - Rhia looked around... "That Aura..." she said surprised... "I remember now. He has the same aura as the old man!"

-Rhia walked up to him slowly at first seeing the dragon... He had looked so familiar, that dragon...

Red Un The Emperor gave Red Un an angry look.

"RED UN! You have used illegal spells, dragged a demon over here and almost destroyed Kazordoon!"

Red Un swallowed nervously.

"Yeah...but on the bright side, I held it back for quite a while."

The Emperor laughed.

"Very well, I'll make it even this time. No reward, no punishment. Just get goin'!"

"Right. HEY GROUP! We're goin' to the desert!"

Vodok "I 'ot 'ome business 'ere at 'e momen'. I'm jus' gonna kill some'un then we can get going" the short dwarf said to Red Un since he happened to be beside him. The other dwarf that challenged Vodok to a duel was walking against Vodok. ''"PREPARE FOR YOUR LAST MINUTE IN THIS WORLD!!" ''The taller dwarf yelled against Vodok. ''"ERRR... OH YEAH...??" ''The short dwarf yelled back since he couldn’t think of a snappy comeback. The taller dwarf drew his war hammer. "Beat yeh up now, Vodivir!!" The taller dwarf apparently called Vodivir started to charge at Vodok. Vodok took up a sudden death rune and fired it. Vodivir though was only stopped by the blow and some blood flowed. Then he charged at Vodok. Vodivir got a nice clean swing at Vodok, luckily he got his two handed sword in the way by mistake. Vodok took another rune and tried to fire. Alas it was a blank rune so it didn’t effect Vodivir too much... Vodivir though got a chance to swing his sword at Vodok and this time his hit came through. It pierced Vodok's armour and lots of blood came out from the wound. Vodok quickly got down and got his hands on two sudden death runes. That old guy must have spent all day long making these things Vodok thought but didn’t think about it too much since he had to kill Vodivir. Vodok fired the rune and quickly bent down for another one. Vodok felt a war hammer go past his ear an inch from him. Vodok fire the other rune he had in his hand. It held him up a second or two. But after that time Vodivir got a fairly good hit at Vodoks helmet. Since the helmet already was broken by flying crossbows the helmet split and Vodok was dying. Vodok lay down on the floor. "I'm going to stand here and watch you bleed to death" the dwarven knight said as a matter of factly. But since the dwarf was a knight he had forgotten certain healing methods... "Exura Vita... Exura vita... Exura Vita" The dwarf said. Before Vodivir got to know what spell Vodok had used, Vodok took a dagger and stabbed Vodivir right in the armour’s weak spot. Vodok couldn’t handle daggers that good but he did know that he was in the lead of this duel. Vodok pushed Vodivir to the floor and got some runes. They seemed to be one explosion and one energy bomb. The short dwarf shot the energy bomb and the explosion and the dwarven knight was in deep pain. Vodok now had time to look for the useful runes. He lay another energy bomb on the floor in case the dwarf got the strength to move then he took out a few sudden deaths. Vodok shot them until he had no sudden deaths left and Vodivir’s life was hanging on a very weak thread. ''"Spare my life and you will have my service and all of my things I own." Vodok had forgotten he would get all his stuff if he died so he healed him with one of his last healing runes and then said "If yeh break yar promise I 'are say 'at 'e emperor 'ill kill yeh with 'is men. Gimme my 'ings now.”  Red Un' Red Un sneered.

"Pah, magicians. There's nothin' like a good sword in the hands of a good dwarf."

Roku Yarit It was about to fall apart. The woman recognized him. She would ask who he was and what he was doing there. He would lie of course but until he found the amulet she could pry into his head. See the truth for herself. She would see that he was only there so they could open the door to the library that Roku could not lay his hands upon. She would hear what Detlin had told him about the books inside. She would know that he cared nothing for them and would sacrifice their lives to save his own. And Roku could not let that happen. He searched his robes but it was not there. He looked up. It was lying across the grassy field, a few feet from Red Un’s stubby feet...

Red Un Red Un saw Rokus eyes move to a spot at his feet. He looked down.

"Hey, 'tis looks like a neat li'll trinket."

He picked it up and looked at it with critical eyes.

"Hmph. Barely worth bendin' down for."

He threw it into the river...

Pheonix - Rhia looked at the amulet that that red un had picked up. Ahh so that’s it... now's my chance!" she thought, quickly looking through the Unknown Sorcerer's mind...

Danger ''The young mage saw the amulet as it was thrown in the water... ''

"What manners... that could have belonged to someone..." he said in his cold voice.

''Even though he seemed to be himself he felt a presence in his amulet... Not the evil one he usually felt... but a new one. One of hope and wisdom. Could it be? Had he really combined the gems?''

Roku Yarit Roku went livid. "YOU STUPID, BEER-SWILLING, MIDGET!!!" He tore past Red Un, nearly knocking him down in the process. He stopped at the river, getting on his knees to search around in the faint hope he could catch it in between his twisted fingers. He could feel nothing. Standing quickly, he drew up his sleeves. "Bend the River! Scorch the Air! Raise the Water! Before my Stare!" There was a brief flash of light and the ground shook terribly. Slowly but surely, the water before him was cut off from the rest of the flow and raised off the ground. He felt its weight deep within his bony frame but held it high, staring through it for the amulet. And there it was. The Amethyst stone was burning brightly in the translucent waters. Twisting a broken hand, the water dropped slowly, leaving the amulet dangling in the air and drifting towards Roku, almost in his grasp. Almost, almost, closer, that’s it, got it! His bent fingers wrapped around the amethyst stone but something was wrong. The stone was fading, its magic drifting up into the air and disappearing, never to return. It was now useless...

Pheonix -Rhia looked in alarm... The river!

-"Stop!! Your hurting it!" She yelled. She charged at the sorcerer knocking him down. The river fell back into place. "You... How could you be so selfish! May Dadga have pity on you!"

Danger ''The young mage drew his staff as he watched his sister tackle a unknown sorcerer. ''

"What’s going on Rhia!" He said in alarm. "What did he do?"

Roku Yarit Roku rose to his feet quickly, still clutching the useless amulet. "I am not so in tune with the spirits as you. Do not take my actions for selfishness if I cannot hear their cries." He was lying and he knew she knew that now. He smoothed out his robes gracefully and turned on his heel, walking towards Palin. "May Dadga place her pity on those who care..." he muttered under his breath.

Palin was eyeing the woman suspiciously, ready to defend the Sorcerer if necessary. He knew all too well what Roku was capable of but also knew that in a battle of physical strength he could lose. His hands were a testament to that...

Red Un "...raise the water...before my...stare...heh, that's a classic. I gotta write it down."

Red Un took out another piece of old paper and scribbled down Roku’s spell. Then he noticed that perhaps a fight was about to start in his party.

"Hey people! We need to get to the desert now, before there is another hot day."

Nobody except Red Un had noticed that the sun was settling again.

"So, let's get movin'!"

Vodok ''"'Ait a 'econ' Reddy, I gotta get some stuff. 'Odivir! You owe me 'uff! What d'yeh 'ave??" ''the short dwarf yelled. Vodivir walked up a little closer Vodok with a sly smile on his face. "I just gave all my stuff away to a friend.” Then he thought but only untill you're gone... Then he started to speak again. "So you won’t get any gold or anything" Vodivir said. "Bad shot goes stuffless into the desert!!" some nearby dwarfs yelled. "'ONT 'ALL ME BA' SHO'!!!" Vodok yelled. "Or what?" a dwarf answered calmly. "Or, Vodark, Ill b'ow yer 'ead of with an explosion!!" Vodok said back in a threatening voice. "Bad... Shot” Vodark said. ''"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!" ''Vodok practically dived into his backpack in order to find an explosion rune to blow Vodark's head off but he didn’t find a single rune in his backpack. Vodok did some fast thinking. "I'll let yeh off 'is 'ime. Red Un, Les ge' goin'."

Red Un "Aye lad. EVERYONE LET'S GET GOIN'!"

He started to walk once again, hoping the rest would follow...

Roku Yarit Roku heard the dwarfs instructions but ignored them for the time being. His eyes looked ahead but his mind looked over his shoulder, watching the young mage as he walked towards his dragon. "Put your weapon down, Oriel."

Rhiannon Datwood - Rhia stared at the Sorcerer then to the dragon... Wait a dragon? In this part of Thais? This was interesting.

-"Why do you pretend, you know I already know the truth?" Danger "Rhia... What are y--" The young mage paused in mid sentence. "How do you know my name?!" He demanded from the Unknown Sorcerer.

Roku Yarit Roku did not answer Rhia. Anything she wished to know she could just take from his mind. "As for you name, Oriel." He paused to lay a calming hand on the Dragons head as it laid on the ground to receive it. "He told me..." ''You listening to my thoughts yet, Follower of Dadga? You know why I’m here and that I meant that Dadga can take yer pity to someone who gives a damn! Don’t get in my way. You or your brother. Understand?''

Vodok The short dwarf set off to follow Red Un. ''"C'MON 'VERY'UN!! WE'RE GOIN' TAR THAR DESERT!! 'URRY UP!!" ''The short dwarf yelled while trying to catch up with Red Un.

Red Un Red Un stopped as he saw that some kind of argument was going on. He decided to wait for them to finish, and sat down. Then he looked up at the sky...

...was the sun growing larger?

Pheonix - "You have no idea who you are up against sorcerer! Would you dare take on the wrath of a half phoenix?" she directed in to his mind

-Rhia considered the odds... The sorcerer and dragon could easily be overpowered by everyone in the group, but where was the honour in that?

-"We will not fight now but I am going to keep my eyes on you."

Danger ''The young mage was still baffled by what happened. He decided to drop the subject and join the others. ''

'''Rhia... What are you doing? The man's magic... It rivals mine! are you trying to get yourself killed? '''

Red Un "Right people, if that's the end of that, let's get goin'!"

Red Un started walking and looked up at the sky again.

Nah, he had just imagined...

Roku Yarit You have no idea... Roku quickly hid the smirk that had appeared on his face and turned his back to Rhiannon. "I suppose you want to know my name then?" he said to Red Un. "I am Roku Yarit of the Seventh House of Chelestra." A light shove from behind made the Sorcerer continue. "And this," motioning to the Dragon, "Is Palinthalasa. He belongs to...a friend of mine." With a wide grin, if you could call it a grin, the Dragon bowed and stood straight and tall over all who gazed on his green scales.

Red Un "Great, 'nother magician..."

They were almost at the end of the Northern river. There was a gleam far to the south as the last rays of the descending sun hit the billions of sand corns in the desert and reflected back the light.

Vodok Vodokn who hadn’t had a beer in at least one and a half days, was starting to get a little bit grumpy. The more drunk he is, the happier he is and the drunkness had passed by now. Now Vodok was getting very desperate. ''"I'm 'irsty... 'ust 'ave beer..." ''the short dwarf went around saying to everyone in the group of people, even if he had lots of water, but he needed beer. The short dwarf was getting big time grumpy. When the dwarf tripped over a heap of sand he stood still yelling at the sand for at least 15 minutes and he could barely talk since all his voice went to yelling at the sand. When he had gathered some strength he yelled with all his might ''"GIMME BEER!!!" ''

Sooner on Vodok could have sworn he saw people in black capes in the desert. But he thought he was only seeing things.

"We strike soon. They are a threat to the secrets. They know too much" said a figure in a black cape to another person.

Roku Yarit "Damnit Vodok!" Roku walked over the river and filled a empty flask with it. Holding it in one hand he let it fall but quickly cause it with his magic and held it in the air. Positioning one hand on either side and saying not a word, the blue liquid turned dark and then lighter, then green, then blue, then brown. "There, you happy now?" he asked, throwing the flask over to Vodok as he followed Red Un with the Dragon trotting loudly behind him.

Pheonix -"What’s the matter brother, do you not trust my judgement? Did you forget I can now read his mind?” she thought calmly to her brother. "I know what he is going to do as he thinks it."

-''...I fear that you may follow his way's my dear brother. You heart has be blackened with so much hatred... ''she thought to herself.

-She frowned at the thought of her brother caring only for him self... He already pretends not to care.

-Rhia was so busy reading all of Roku's next moves she did not notice the new aura's in the area at first..

-"Strange..." she said quietly, people could only hear if the were listening closely.

-Who else could be in this desert? she thought to her self Red Un "Hey Roku, you gotta learn me that beer-creating spell some day."

Finally, they reached the desert. The last rays of the sun made it glow like a ghostly landscape.

"Great, we're just in time."

Red Un had walked this place before, and knew that the best time to move through it was in the cold night, not in the burning heat of the day. He took out the old book that had started their whole adventure and looked up a map on one of the pages.

"Kinda hard reading in this darkness..."

Suddenly, there was light.

"Ah, thanks for that spell, whoever did it."

Then he raised his eyes from the book. He looked at the horizon.

The sun was...coming up?

"Hmm...something is not right here. Well, I guess we'll have to get goin' anyhow..."

He put back the book and started walking.

Vodok ''"BEER!!!" ''the short dwarf yelled and snatched the bottle from Roku. Vodok drained the whole bottle in one single try. ''"EWWWW!! What is 'is stuff?! Whateva 'tis I 'ate it." ''The short dwarf threw the bottle away into the sand.

Some of the members in the group had started to sing some song about a desert. Not Vodok though... ''"99 bottles of beer on a wall. 99 bottles of beer. Take one down and drain the beer. 98 bottle's of beer on a wall. 98 bottle's of beer on a wall." ''And so on. He sang in a very clear voice that the short dwarf only used for making runes and singing. ''"OI!! Any'un 'ere gotta 'une I can 'ave??" ''the short dwarf yelled.

Suddenly the short dwarf felt fresh blood trickling down his neck and everything was fading away. Luckily the dwarf didn’t have a blank rune to waste his mana on, so he could heal himself a little bit. "Ex... Exur... Exura... ''Exura Gran." ''The dwarf could just press through his mouth. He had been struck by a throwing star. Whoever or whatever that threw it, was gone now.  Red Un''' Red Un swung around as a throwing star came flying and hit Vodok.

"What the heck was that?"

He walked over to Vodok and picked up the star. It was...star-shaped. And black. Red Un looked over at some nearby dunes.

"Well, I guess we have been ambushed...Get your weapons ready, we might face some opposition soon..."

The sun had risen again...and now Red Un was sure that it was growing.

Roku Yarit "Palin!" With that single word the Dragon leapt into the air, scouting out the lands with deadly accuracy. Anything he couldn’t see behind was doused in flames but not a scream was heard. "There is no one here," the Dragon bellowed from the air, circling a few more times to be sure. "Looks like our attackers can either move at incredible speed or disappear entirely. I think since the sun was risen rather oddly we should travel by air across the desert. He can carry all of us...even if some would rather walk," he added softly, looking down at Rhiannon.

Pheonix -"I heard that!" She thought annoyed. "I can fly on my own!"

-"Shhh whosh sh" Rhia said in a rasping language.

-The air began to blow violently under her. If she were a full blooded human the wind would have hurt her, but lucky for her she was part Aletha.

-"Do you wish to ride that thing? Or do you want to fly with my brother?"

Roku Yarit ''Playing people against their fears, Rhia? Tsk tsk tsk how low you’ve sunk.'' Roku shrugged, "Do what you wish. I prefer to trust my safety with something tangible that won’t disappear from underneath me." Raising his hand, Palin came down to the ground softly and hastefully. He climbed up onto the Dragon’s back.

Red Un Red Un looked at Palin with distrust.

"Hmph...well okay then, I'll ride the dragon."

He took out the book again and checked the map one last time.

"Okay, I'll say where we go, someone else steers."

Meanwhile, on a dune far away, two hooded men used magic to see a long distance.

"It was unfortunate that they had a dragon."

"Yes, we must take care of it, or it will affect our plans."

"They mustn't find the ruins of the Key."

"Do not worry, they will get into trouble before then."

One of the hooded men turned around and made a strange cry. From behind the dunes rose two enormous dragons with black scales and red, burning eyes...

Vodok The short dwarf who had enough problems hanging on to the dragon with his short arms and legs gave out a very scared scream. ''"EEEEEEEEP!!! Those're 'agon lords!! Me ol' dad said how 'ey look like!! 'Ike a dragon bu' red an' more desstrucktive!!" ''The short dwarf didn’t have any runes and even if he did have some he wouldn’t be able to take a hand off the dragon because then he would fall off it. The dragon lords let out a threatening roar and it scared the lights out of Vodok. "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!! G' DOWN G' DOWN G' DOWN!! DOWN I SAY!! The short dwarf yelled in panic. The dragon lords were now less than 60 feet from Palin. The closest dragon lord let out a spell which hit the dragon. Vodok couldn’t hold on anymore and he first flew up, then he started to fall very fast. I’m doomed. Im gonna die here if not suddenly someone catches me in the air. "SAVE ME!!” the short dwarf yelled.

Roku Yarit "Damnit Vodok!" Roku acted quickly, turning Palin around and weaving the same net he had used to trap the demon. The net found its way behind Vodok before he hit the ground and ensured him a safe landing. "Let’s see about these damned Dragons." Drawing up his sleeves, leaving no hand to grab the dragons back to keep himself on, he began to chant. "Scorching lands of burning soil, break the bonds with shadows toil. Let Chelest grant us a shield, to stop our foes and make them yield!" Blue, sparkling, dust erupted from his hands into the air, casting their radiance over Palin, Roku, and Red Un. The small grimmering particles were warm to the skin and would prevent a good portion of physical damage done to either, but not all. The Dragon Lords snapped and clawed at the mist but in between the blue dots were a wall of magic that could not be broken by strength alone. "Begone, Dragons!" Roku bellowed, firing a bolt of lighting from his finger tips. "I will not warn you a second time!"

Danger ''Obviously Rhia was using her telepathy so the young mage could hear Roku's thoughts. "Playing people against their fears, Rhia? Tsk tsk tsk how low youve sunk" he heard.''

"If you don’t mind the company Sister then I'll be happy to join you. Utamo Vita" he said grabbing his sister's hand. He has done this before, It was extremely fun. It fell as if you yourself were flying. Their hands connected and they both began to float.

As he got into the air he saw the others being attacked by dragon lords!

Rhiannon Datwood -Rhia had not seen the dragon lords coming, but obviously the wind had. It blew violently at the dragon lord knocking it out the air.

-"Graaaor hisst Gra?!" Rhia yelled questioningly to the dragon lords. They did not respond.

-''"Why are you here! Why do--" They are being controlled! ''

-"Do not kill them! They are being used to fight against their will!" She yelled to her brother and the others.

Roku Yarit "I’ll give you a chance to restrain them then Rhia, but if you fail I’ll take it into my own hands. Palin let’s go." Roku held the dragon as he began to circle through and around the dragon lords, the shield protecting their bodies from harm. He did not have to hang on very tightly, his magic bound him but he couldn’t turn around to be able to see if Red Un was having such a easy time.

Red Un Red Un got an idea. He yelled out a quite unused spell.

"Exani Hur forward!"

He made a magical jump from Palin’s back, flew through the air with a blue sparkling trail behind him and grabbed hold of the neck of the nearest dragon lord.

"Bein' controlled eh?"

The dragon lord tried to shake him off, but he grabbed on harder and looked over at the distance. There...far away...was it just a mirage? Or did he see two hooded men? There was no time to think. He took out his firesword.

"Right me friend, you may be controlled, but if ya don't do as I say, you'll be dead."

Red Un knew that dragons could be controlled. But if their life was in danger, instincts would take over again.

"Now, fly me to those two people over there."

The dragon lord swung around in the air and made some impressive sweeps with its wings that carried it towards the distant couple. Meanwhile, Red Un took out his rarely-used crossbow...

Pheonix - Rhia began to speak in the language of the wind. The clouds began to swirl.

-"I hope this works!" She yelled.

-The winds gushed towards the dragon lords, trying to shoot them out of the sky.

Vodok The short dwarf saw what Red Un did and was impressed. Bet I can do the same thing the short dwarf thought. The short dwarf did the levitate spell but alas... all that happened was that he flew up and struck Palin in his belly with his helmet. ''I’ll start counting how many times this saves me now... if I was a decent counter. "CAN SOME'UN GEMME OUTTA 'ERE??" ''Vodok yelled.

Roku Yarit "Palin, follow that Dragon Lord," he yelled, pointing to the dragon Red Un had hold of. Palin darted off, not moving around a lot to let Roku turn around to watch the other Dragon Lord get tossed around in the wind. "Coming, woman?" he yelled sarcastically back at Rhia who hung in the air. Red Un Red Un put a bolt in his crossbow. He wasn't good at it in the best of conditions, and now he was on the back of an angry dragon lord, his target was very far away and hidden behind the dunes, he was very thirsty and he thought that something tried to invade his mind again.

"C'mon, think positive!"

He fired.

...

The two hooded men stood at the distance and studied the battle. Suddenly, one of them fell, grasping a crossbow bolt that was in his neck. The other one looked down at the twitching body.

"You failed in your duty. The Brotherhood of the Dark Star does not need you anymore."

Then he made a gesture, and disappeared.

...

"WOOOO! I got 'im! I got 'im!"

The two dragon lords realised that the controller had left them. Their instincts told them that the little beings on the ground (and the one clutching to the neck of one of them) was the cause of this. They had to die!

Red Un realised that the dragon had changed attitude and was now trying to get him off with all its powers.

"See ya 'round!"

He jumped...

Vodok "Erm... I 'eckon is time far us tar go now a'in' it?" ''Vodok asked seeing that the dragon lords seemed to be deciding if they should kill them for meat or if they couldn’t bother. '' Roku Yarit Palin didn’t want to give them that chance. The wind was thrashing his prey around, keeping them distracted. Roku yelled directions from his back as he swerved and dived and span. Catching up to the smaller of the two, Palin tore his claws into its flesh and bit down hard on its neck, tearing out its throat and letting him fall to the ground. Spitting out a mouthful of blood and the bits of dragon scales between his teeth, he chased after the second. "Palin, where’s Vodok and the other Dwarf?"

Pheonix -Rhia frowned... She knew that if she did not kill the dragon lords they would kill everyone else...

-"I'm sorry." she said in the dragon tongue. She made a booming noise calling thunder and lightning to help her. The lightning struck some of the dragon lords leaving a few left. She heard there cries as they broke out of the spell only to die. Her heart ached. She was tied with the creatures and elements. Being part phoenix, she could feel their pain...

Roku Yarit "Oh come now, Rhiannon. You saved those who might have fallen in battle. Cant you at least be happy about that?" Feeling it useless to argue with the woman, Roku turned Palin around and began calling out Vodok’s and Red Un’s names.

Red Un "Wait a minute, I don't need to be saved. This is just sand I'm landing on, right?

He landed.

"Oh FER CRYIN' OUT LOUD! The only cactus within miles, and I just HAVE to land on it!"

As he jumped down onto the sand, he heard the distant yelling. The heat was getting worse. He tried to yell back, but realised that his throat was dry.

"'Amn, I 'eed a 'eer..."

Chapter 10, in which there is a pile of adventurers, and a lot of running and jumping
Vodok The short dwarf seemed to be flying around in the net. Vodok made an attemt to yell something but alas... "UGHY ELPY MEEE" was all the dwarf could blurt out of his mouth since he was bouncing around a net. It was probaly supposed to mean something along the lines of'' "I'M HERE HELP ME!!" ''Suddenly the dwarf got a bright idea again. He did the levitate spell and shot up. He could catch one of the threads that weren’t thick but still extremely hard to break. Then he could yell something.'' "I'm 'ere and I'm 'ery sick o' bouncin' round ne's!!" ''the short dwarf yelled. Then he threw up on the dragon since it dived down just that moment. Red Un

Red Un sat down. It was too hot to stand up. He took out a bottle from his backpack. There was still some beer left in it. He emptied it.

"Aah. Now I just need to find the others."

He took out his ancient spyglass and looked around.

"Ah, there they are."

He got on his feet and started yelling.

"OVER HERE! OVER HERE!”  Roku Yarit "Thats disgusting..." Roku muttered, using his magic to force the wind to throw Vodok onto the back of the dragon, who glared at Vodok with a harsh glare of anger. "Alright now sit tight, little one." Roku pulled out another bottle of water and began to wave his hands around it until it turned a bright green color. "Here, drink this. It will taste horrible but it will soothe yer stomach so ya don’t end up between Palins teeth next time." Turning around to look ahead of the dragon, Roku steered him towards the jumping and waving shape of Red Un in the distance. The magical net dematerialized where they left it, its magic dispersing into the air.

Pheonix -Rhia frowned, She really did hate to kill.

-"Funny Roku, You try to cheer me up yet when I last read your mind you cared for no one. Or has being around actual human beings softened you?"

Danger ''The young mage stared at his sister in shock! He hadn’t seen his sister kill in 2 years!''

"Are you ok Rhia? Don't be upset, you did what you had to do." he said trying to cheer her up.

Roku Yarit ''Kill all you want then Rhiannon. It makes no difference to me. These things are animals and are not worthy of my compassion unless they share the same opinion of humans. Ive been around plenty of human beings for my liking and if you all die your of no use to me. And if Vodok vomits on Palin I wont be able to save his life.''

Palin landed and lay down on his stomach, waiting for the dwarf to get on so they could cross the desert already.

Vodok The short dwarf took the cup and smelled it. He was about to put it away when he started to feel that he was going to puke again. Then he rememberd Roku saying he couldn’t save him if he threw up on Palin again, so just before he threw up he grabbed the cup and drained it. He feelt alot better. "No 'orse 'en drinkin' 'at other 'ing yeh called beer 'ack inna desert" the short dwarf said.

Red Un Red Un got up on Palins back. He took out a map from his backpack.

"Hmm...from where we are...we would have to fly...this way!"

He pointed westwards.

"Now let's go!"

Roku Yarit "Vodok, if you would have let the beer set for a few minutes it wouldnt have tasted so bad, mensch." Rolling his eyes as the dwarf proceeded to smile at him like an idiot, Roku ordered Palin into the sky again. Turning him westward, as the Dwarf had commanded, Palin took off with great speed. "What exactly are we looking for?" Roku asked, keeping low on the dragons back to prevent the wind from tearing him off.

Red Un Red Un grinned.

"A rock. Not a carved rock, not a huge rock, not a shining rock, just the rock that is most likely to not be of interest to adventurers. But under that rock..."

His voice trailed away as he thought of the long, dark caves that would lead them to the Key. The Key that would open the Library...For good purposes! It was for good! Damn those Dark Star cultists, he didn't mean to harm the world! He just wanted knowledge, just as that day so many years ago...

Vodok The short dwarf was getting extremely bored of flying around. And he needed runes. He felt he needed runes if he was to survive in the desert. The short dwarf drew a bottle of water from his backpack and crawled forward to Roku. "Make 'is tar beer an' gimme some runes" the short dwarf commanded in a very bossy sort of way. "Oh, an' gimme some food tar" the dwarf said in a causal voice.

Roku Yarit Roku turned around slowly and glared down at Vodok. He smacked the bottle out of his hands and grabbed him by the collar. "Dont ever give me an order again. Do you understand Dwarf?" he said, not raising his voice at all.

Red Un Red Un didn't want a fight to break out this far above the ground.

"Uhm...look! There's those 'ol ruins where that Cropwell guy disapeared so many years ago. Wonder what happened to him..."

Roku Yarit "Maybe he found the key" Roku joked. "Wait a second where are Rhia and Oriel? I dont see them behind us."

Danger Rhia and her brother watched from afar... keeping an eye on Roku...

Roku Yarit Sighing, Roku commanded Palin to land at the ruins. The sand was hot and the sun was not very merciful but he still hopped off the dragons back and walked over the dunes towards the rocks. "Checking this out is more stomach settling then having the dragon get bored and start doing barrel rolls," he muttered to himself. "Red, those two obviously don’t trust me," as they should. "But yet you chose to travel by the dragon. Or do you not like flying of any sort and Palin seemed more comforting then riding on nothing?"

Vodok The short dwarf hopped off the dragon for a small walk around the dragon. He took a bottle of water and drained it. ''"Is 'ere any beer in 'is 'ace were goin' tar??" ''the short dwarf yelled to Red Un.

Red Un Red Un looked around.

"Hmm...I wonder...aha!"

He looked down on the ground where a small rock laid. He kicked it away.

A huge hole opened beneath his feet. Red Un had broken many laws, but never the laws of gravity. Therefore, he fell.

Roku Yarit "Oh no...he fell through a hole," Roku said with sarcastic enthusiasm. Sighing heavily and rolling his eyes, he pushed Vodok into the hole then followed himself. Before he hit the ground he did not think any eyes were on him so he used his magic to reseal the hole, leaving it undetectable from the outside.

Pheonix -Rhia watched as Roku sealed the hole.. She had come out from hiding to help the others.

-As she stepped in the area the hole reappeared. She feel in lading on top of Roku. "Thank you for breaking my fall...

Roku Yarit "Get off me!" he yelled, pushing Rhia away from him. "Watch where you’re going!" Dusting himself off, he threw his ponytail back behind his head and took a few steps into the darkness. "Vodok? Red? Where in blazes are you bloody dwarfs hiding?"

Vodok ''"Nph... Mph gnth hnph!!" ''Which probably meant something along the lines of "Get off... You’re on top of me!!" Then a scorpion came along and stabbed Vodok on the armour. Of course it didn’t have any effect. Vodok started to panic and didn’t have time for Roku to get off him. Then he felt as though one more person had jumped on top of Roku... It was hopeless to break free. But then, the scorpion hit Vodok in the hand. The short dwarf felt the poison flowing around his body. The scorpion kept on trying to hit Vodok. The short dwarf knew he had to free his mouth and say the antidote spell. Alas two people above him in full armour who were nearly double the size of the short dwarf. Vodok had no time to be a gentleman. Vodok got his hand out the way and punched Roku in the face. This just made Roku angry and he couldn’t move because of the person on top of him. Now Vodok had one chance left... He did the magic rope spell. Hopefully the person on top would be roped up, or himself. But would it work?

Red Un Red Un looked around.

"Humm, this seems to be the right place. Let me just risk a little more light...utevo gran lux!"

He shined up with magic light.

"Ah, that's better. Now what's that pile of people over there?"

He saw the scorpion. In one move he drew his firesword, cut the scorpion in half and put the sword back again.

"Okay, is everyone here?"

Vodok Now that the dwarf wasn’t petrified with fear he could roll away from Roku. If it wasn’t for the dwarf's armour he would have suffocated because he wouldn’t be able to move his lungs then. ''"'Orry 'bou' 'e punch inna face but. But... errmm... bu' 'twas an accseden'!! Yeah, 'twas an accsedent." ''This was one of the first times the short dwarf was apologizing but he had seen the sorcerers power and something told him he didn’t want to upset him. And telling the truth hadn’t occurred to him since he was used to lie himself out of those situations. ''"Anyway... where are we atta momen'??" ''the short dwarf asked Red Un. The magic rope trick hadn’t worked since he didn’t have enough mana. Vodok felt he didn’t have that much mana left. He dug in his backpack and found his fish place there. He took them all out. ''"EEEEEWWW!!! I 'ink 'ey rotted inna 'eat!!" ''But nevertheless... The short dwarf ate as many as he could until he felt filled up.

Roku Yarit Roku took deep breaths, trying to prevent himself from killing the dwarf where he stood. "Don’t ever lay a hand on me again. I don’t care if it was a accident or emergency. The next time you won’t live to drink your next beer. Understand?" Examining the walls, Roku held his hands at the small of his back, where his ponytail just reached. Putting his hands on the walls, the cracks began to glow a light blue, illuminating the cavernous regions. "And the key is down here somewhere?"

Kelia The Elf was sort of confused. 3 or 4 people just landed in the desert with a giant flying lizard and disappeared into a hole. Picking up her bow and arrows from the sand, she trudged off over the dunes to investigate the intruders with swift grace.

"What do these people want?" she muttered to herself. "And what are you staring at?" she asked the lizard, resting her fists on her hips.

The Dragon immediately turned his head and rolled his eyes.

"That’s right, you be ashamed of yourself. Eyeing such a young girl at your age. Shame on you!" she scolded. She was almost 75 but she was sure the Lizard was much older. And Elves don’t age like humans do. She would look beautiful and youthful till the end of her days. "Now where did they disappear too?"

Red Un "Yeah, somewhere."

Red Un took out the old book and read a few pages in the magic light.

"Humm...If I'm not mistaken...there should be a door...over there!"

He pointed. And a door there was indeed. It was a door made of rotten wood, covered in seaweed and it smelled of rotting fish (or was that Vodoks breath?). Red Un walked over to it and grabbed the old, rusty handle.

"Damn, it's stuck."

Roku Yarit "Not for long. Move aside, Dwarf." Roku drew up his sleeves once again, his broken fingers together with his thumb folded across his palm. A bolt of lightning sprouted from his fingertips and blew the door apart. Chunks of charred wood and seaweed scattered across the floor and the hallway was temporarily filled with dust, blinding Roku from what lied behind the door.

Red Un Red Un looked into the shadowy hole where the door had been. The smell of rotting fish was even worse now, and there was a sound of dripping water.

"Hmm... I guess that the book is right. PEOPLE! May I have your attention, please. We are about to enter another, alternative universe, where the laws of magic will not work. I therefore suggest that you do not in any way use any runes or spells, tough your weapons will probably function as usual."

There was a great moaning somewhere deep inside the cave ahead.

"And please try to avoid the sea-demons. 'Vreyone ready?" Vodok The short dwarf tried to breathe as little as possible, since the less he breathed the more bearable the smell was. "Utevo Lux" the short dwarf said out of habit but alas, all that happened was that a few sparks flew out of the short dwarf. "Oh yeah... 'ese 'ing don work do 'ey... Bu' if 'e're lucky I migh' 'ave some 'orches lef' from my las' demon skeleton 'unt... Yep. 'Ere 'un is." ''The short dwarf said and lit the torch. The group had walked a little bit under the leading of Red Un and nothing had gone wrong so far. But some people didn’t think that mankind was ready for the thing's that lay ahead... People like those who throw throwing stars... '' Red Un Red Un took the star out of the air. Everyone looked surprised.

"Hmph, looks like we've got company..."

Roku Yarit Before Roku took a step through the door he summoned to him a wooden staff, completely oblivious to any magical enchantments of any kind. It was a primitive weapon but effective none the less. Still, he was hesitant to walk through the door. He hadn’t been without his magic in a long time. Without it he would be defenceless against the beasts that wanted to kill him. He figured if he didn’t go through the woman would push him so there was little he could do but to take a deep breath and step forward and join Vodok and Red Un in the torchlight with staff in hand.

Red Un "Ah Roku, glad ya could join us."

Red Un looked into the shadow where a robed man stood.

"Listen, I only want to look in the library. Just for the knowledge."

The robed man laughed.

"Hah! You foolish half-dwarf, that library is way more than you can handle. We will always follow you, always try to stop you."

He drew a long, black sword.

"If you do not turn back now of course..."

Red Un drew his firesword. It didn't shine up. It was just a regular blade in here.

"I will never turn back!"

He swung his sword. The robed man parried it with ease. Then he swung his sword back faster than lightning. Suddenly, Red Un felt the world slow down. Everything moved like it was stuck in glue or something. He dodged the swing with ease. The speed returned to normal...

Roku Yarit Roku was quick to react, sticking his staff in the ground hard and using it to support his weight as he ran up the side of the wall and swung around, his feet connecting with the robed mans head. Despite the force of the blow the robed man was barely shaken where as Roku was already fatigued.

Vodok Vodok quietly drew his sword and backed away trying to keep out of trouble when another throwing star came flying through the air. But it felt as though Vodok could move ten times faster than the throwing star, so he caught it in his hand after throwing down his two handed sword. The short dwarf had seen plenty of these after his long career of demon skeleton-hunter so he knew how to use it even if he wasn’t good. But the short dwarf got another good idea... The short dwarf held it over his head in two hands and threw it like an axe. It hit the figure and caused a few drips of blood to come out, but nothing more. Then Vodok got another good idea and ran as fast as he could back through the cave until he passed the door. ''"COWARD!! TRAITOR!!" ''some of the group member's shouted. "Utevo res "Monk" the short dwarf said. Now the short dwarf ran back to the fight with his monk...

Red Un The robed man was dazed by Rokus blow. Before he could react, Red Un jumped into the air. Everything slowed down. He seemed to be hanging in the air. Then he kicked as hard as he could. The robed man flew into the nearby wall. And got up, laughing.

"You cannot defeat me, half-dwarf!"

"Not in here perhaps...Roku! Go down the passage and get the key at the end of it! I'll..."

He jumped out of the way of the robed man sword.

"...hold this guy back in the meantime…"

He swung his sword and made a scar on the cheek of the robed man.

"...and if you come to any holes, jump over them! No matter how large they are! Trust me!"

Kelia The Elf hid in the shadows, watching them through the door. And there he was. Roku Yarit, the Chelestran Sorcerer. Descendant of those who first locked her people in the Labyrinth. She was free now. A Patryn. One who hunts the last remnants of the Chelestran people.

Pulling the rune-covered arrow from her quill, she carefully fit it in her bow and took aim. She knew the magic would fade as soon as it past through the wall but while it was effective it would propel itself too fast for the Sorcerer to react to without his magic to guide him.

"Bite the arrow tip, jailer..." she muttered beneath her breath, letting the arrow fly through the air with a piercing whistle.

Red Un As time slowed down again, Red Un saw the arrow come flying towards Roku. It made ripples in the air behind it. Red Un jumped away from the robed man and cut the arrow in half. Then he swung around and parried another blow from the robed man.

"Run Roku! Run! Find the key!"

Vodok The short dwarf stood there making his Monk attack the robed man. Vodok himself stood there making some pathetic attempts to hit the figure. When Vodok was tired he backed away 20 feet from the fight, still making his monk attack the figure. The he bended down over his backpack. What was this?? A hidden pocket in his backpack?? Yes. The short dwarf emptied the hidden pocket. It was full with blank runes. ''Just what I needed. Tons of blank rune's in the only place in the world where runes don’t work ''the short dwarf thought to himself. ''"'ANG ONNA 'ECOND!!" ''the dwarf yelled out. ''"I 'ink I've 'eard o' a spell 'at makes it poss'ble tar use magic in ANY 'ace forra short while..." ''the short dwarf muttered to himself. "I' Requires two darn 'rong 'age's 'ike myself, I guess Roku'll do assa second 'un. " the short dwarf muttered to himself. Suddenly the figure seemed to have changed target to the short dwarf as the half-dwarf seemed too good. ''"Yuh oh..." ''the short dwarf said before the figure did a 9 foot high jump against the Monk and killed it in one hit. Now the figure was advancing on the short dwarf. The short dwarf once again felt as if though he could move ten times faster as anything else, as he could too. The short dwarf started running around like crazy then he did an impossible jump he couldn’t do over the figure. The figure seemed to be a little frustrated of the fast movement of the dwarf. The dwarf now thought of other ways he could use his speed except panicking. He drew his sword and went into close combat with the figure. Now both moved extremely fast so the blades were just a blur of metal. Then the dwarf did something very unexpected: He stamped the figure with all his might on his toes.

Red Un "Ooh...I thought all dwarves fought honourably" muttered the robed figure. Then he swung around and parried another blow from Red Un.

"But if that's how you want it..."

The robed man took out a huge pile of throwing stars and started to throw toward Vodok...

Vodok ''"M'ye oh..." ''The short dwarf said. Then it started... Vodok started some sort of complicated step dance and break dance dodging throwing stars coming all the time. For the third time in a very short while he felt as if he could move ten times faster than anything. The short dwarf shot away throwing stars back with his sword and caught one throwing star and blocked another throwing star with it and then threw the throwing star back. The star missed big time. The throwing stars still were coming faster and faster. Now the short dwarf was moving faster than he ever had done in his life, depending a lot on his luck. One of the throwing stars came at the short dwarfs head and the short dwarf ducked and it cut the helmet clean off. Wonder why my helmet broke but not my sword... Ah well... this place is inhuman so it probably has some good reason the short dwarf thought while dodging more throwing stars. The short dwarf now started walking closer as he jumped over a series of throwing stars while in the middle of the air ducking from another one. The short dwarf was pretty close when the figure finally realised it. The figure started walking backwards steadily while still throwing. This continued a little bit when the figure couldn’t walk any longer. He had come to a wall. Now the figure quickly drew his sword while stopping throwing lots of stars. "Oh god... no' 'is again" Vodok said as they went into close combat. "If I could use me 'ell's I'd blow yeh tar smitherines!! Smitherines I 'ay!!” the short dwarf said as the swordfight continued. "'Ed Un, 'Twould 'elp if yeh 'elped me a lil' bi'" the short dwarf said as-a-matter-of-factly. ''"An' by 'e 'ay I've gotta new theori 'bout 'is place. 'tis 'at as 'oon as yeh step into 'is place yeh'll some 'ow turn un-'uman. Like I 'eliesed I can move 'eal fast aftar I 'alked in 'ere. An' you seemed tar know exacly what tar do 'n' saw exacly where the 'it's were comin'. I be' i''s got somethin' with my theory tar do. Is on'y a theory 'ough." 

Red Un "Good theory! And quite correct too!"

Red Un started battling the robed man again. The robed man suddenly gripped Red Un’s shoulders and ran towards the other wall. Red Un hit hard. The robed man smiled.

"I'm going to enjoy watching you die, Mr. Undersoor."

Red Un looked surprised.

"Howd'you..."

Then he was thrown into the roof. As time slowed down again, he muttered "dammit Roku, hurry up!"

Roku Yarit Roku could see it now, a silver key on a stone slab. Leaping over broken pillars and gaping holes, the Sorcerer was grazed by the arrows, cutting his skin but not piercing it. Ducking behind a black coffin, he looked back towards the doorway. "Must be a Elf if she’s almost hitting me in here." He took a deep breath, burning his lungs with air that stung like needles. Supporting himself on his staff, he moved towards the key until he felt a blinding pain in his back, stopping him completely. He looked down slowly, gasping for breath. An arrowhead, drenched in dark blood, protruded from his chest. His eyes widened as he sank to his knees and fell face first on the black rock.

Red Un "Must...remember...the power..."

Red Un was thrown into another wall and now the robed man started hitting him with his fists so fast that they were just a blur.

"The power...of this...place..."

Time slowed down. Then it went backwards. The fists flied backwards, he flied away from the wall. Then time returned to normal.

"Roku! Watch out! An arrow!"

Kelia Grinning widely and putting her bow across her back, Kelia stepped through the door. The tingling sensation quickly passes as she ran swiftly towards Roku when she noticed it. The silver key ahead of him. The dwarfs were busy with whatever the hell lived here so she walked towards the stone that the key laid on and picked it up, examining it closely. Putting it into her chest pocket, she hunched down in front of Roku, tilting his head towards her so he could see her.

"I want to hear the words, Roku. Tell me you’re sorry for imprisoning us. Tell me you should have been sentenced there instead. Tell me you’re not worthy of being a Chelestran!"

Red Un "Dammit, that key is MINE!"

Red Un grabbed the robed man and threw him at Kelia...

Vodok The robed man put his feet to a wall and ran up it the jumped down. He charged against Red Un but the short dwarf jumped out from behind him and swung his sword against the robed person. The person seemed to have heard the sword swing since he ducked and tripped the short dwarf. The figure drew his sword and quickly walked against the short dwarf with the sword over his head. Just before the blow came the short dwarf rolled aside and the sword hit the stone. The short dwarf hit the robed person with his sword. It was far from fatal but it wounded the robed figure. The figure didn’t seem to feel that much pain, he just seemed extremely humiliated that a dwarf had wounded him. The robed figure changed target and walked against Vodok. Guess what happened? Ill give you a clue, it’s got something with speed to do. Since you've heard it so much I'm not gonna write it down. The short dwarf started to wave his sword in an X shape and shortly after lost control of his sword. It was now flying around in random directions in the dwarfs hand so fast it was barely visible. Any way he saw Roku was wounded so he ran as fast as he could, which was pretty fast because of the movement thing. He reached Roku and finally got control of his sword. ''"Were gonna 'af'tar make 'is ancient spell an' 'en we cen use our magic a shor' while. So 'elp me out 'ere." ''The short dwarf said as he shoved Roku's hand in his hand. "'Ow supply me 'ith 'ome 'ower now 'cause iffa spell fail's I'll both die" The short dwarf demanded. The short dwarf started to mutter words. The spell was working but the dwarf was getting weak. The life was draining out of the short dwarf. After some yells of agony the short dwarf said ''"Yeh 'af'tar supply me 'ith power... I'm gonna die 'ere..." After a few seconds when the short dwarf had gained power he yelled "'Omeone 'as to connect 'ands with me or I'll die a very painful death!!" ''The short dwarf yelled that then he blacked out. It was now all hanging on that someone connected hands with Vodok. He just needed a little more power.

Red Un Red Un realised that time seemed to warp weirdly.

"Hmm, Vodok dying a painful death? I'm not sure if that's a bad thing, but oh well..."

Red Un ran over to Vodok and grabbed his hand. Meanwhile, the robed man, brutally cut, stood up. Then he ran out through the door...

Vodok The short dwarf got enough power to finish the spell. ''"Righ'. Wha' yeh haf'ta do is keep 'at guy from me 'n' Roku an' still have yar hands tar mine." ''The short dwarf informed Red Un. The spell didn’t need that long time more to work. ''"The 'ell's cone now... Any minute now were gonna be able tar use spells in a short while. 'Opefully Roku'll be alive 'en so he an ultimate heal himself." ''Said the short dwarf after some tense moments. Kelia She ducked with grace as the robbed guy flew over her head. "You’re wasting your time, Dwarf. Roku is dying already. My arrows secret a very powerful poison that infects the body then the mind." She then sped off, heading towards the door out of this place, the key in her pocket.

Red Un The robed man met Kelia at the entrance.

"Nobody leaves with that key."

He drew his long black sword.

"I might not have the power of the alternate dimension, but I am still the greatest swordsman of the Dark Star."

Meanwhile, Red Un noticed the arrow. With no afterthought, he pulled it out.

"Hmph, magic arrow."

He broke it in two. With his free hand, he took out a torch from his pocket and lighted it. Then he burned the arrow.

"That should do it, if I know the power of magic arrows right."

Roku Yarit Roku cried out in pain as Red Un pulled it from his body. He had lost a lot of blood and the laws of this universe prevented him from healing himself. His vision was blurring, the poison was beginning to paralyze his nervous system. He could still hear though but when he tried to speak, he found himself out of breath and unable to utter a word.

Kelia Kelia looked at the robbed figure and smiled innocently, extending her hand towards his chest. At first the robbed figure recoiled, preparing to strike her but her hand passed right through his body, followed by the rest of her. She looked whole and had no traces of translucency but she walked right through the person who blocked her path and took another few steps towards the door.

Vodok The short dwarf felt as if he could use magic now. He tried. "Utevo Lux" The first second only sparks came but then a light struggled through the darkness. ''"Roku, yeh can ultimate 'eal yehself now. I aint got any 'ealin' runes so yeh gonna have to heal yehself. Or Red Un's gotta ultimate 'ealin' rune if yar lucky." ''Now the short dwarf stood up, took his sword up, made sure he could move fast and charged the robed man with his sword over his head. But... the robed figure jabbed with his sword. But... Vodok was too fast; he blocked the blow and started swinging his sword violently. The robed man backed away a little to wait for an opening to use. The short dwarf went closer to the figure and the figure was against the wall so he was just going to block the blow if needed. "Exori vis" the short dwarf said. It worked very good. The figure was either forced to crush himself against a wall, or stand and take the strike. He stood and took it. ''"Exori vis." ''The short dwarf said again. The figure knew he would be dead if he didn’t escape. He jumped over the dwarf, which was very dangerous since his sword was out of control.

Red Un "Alrighty, we’ve got magic powers up an runnin'!"

Red Un took out an old blue ultimate healing rune he had carried around for a while and used in on Roku.

"There. Now, for that key-thief..."

Red Un realised that Vodoks spell had made the alternate dimension get normal physical laws, so there was no slowing down time now. He drew his sword, which bursted into flames. Then he ran toward Kelia.

"Do what ya want, but you won't get away with that key!"

Meanwhile, the robed man realised that he was done for.

"Damn you, may the Dark Star take you!"

Then it was like he heard a voice in his head.

"No... I did all I could...please...NOOO!"

His robes burst into flames. Soon there was only ashed left.

Chapter 11, in which there is a fight with something not quite human
Roku Yarit Roku drew himself up quickly and cracked his neck and painfully did the same to his twisted hands. "Red, don’t waste you time. You wont land a blow." Weaving blue strands of magic that seemed to materialize from the shadows and work their way around his feet, making a sort of glowing platform that rose him off the ground. Kneeling down low, tucking his head in and holding the outsides of his robes tightly, he suddenly shot up, crashing right through roof. It was only a quick few seconds before he was on the surface again and the platform dematerialized, sending him sprawling out on the ground. Spitting out dirt and coughing violently from the sudden fall, Roku looked straight at the grinning face of Palin.

Red Un Red Un looked upwards.

"But we MUST have that key! In wrong hands it...can be bad."

Vodok "Errr? Bad?? ''Errr... Define "bad"." ''the short dwarf said. "'O I can move fas' 'till the spell wares off. Oh god... Either no 'agic or no fas' movemen'." ''the short dwarf said.

Red Un "Well, something like end-of-the-world-, ultimate-doom, no-hope-for-anyone-bad" Red Un said as he ran for Kelia.

Pheonix -Rhia smiled... "We don't need magic as long as we have nature around."

Red Un Red Un reached Kelia.

"Gimmie that key, or taste magical flame! And Rhia, don't just stand there, get nature movin' or somethin'!"

Roku Yarit "Palin, you saw her right? The Elf woman?" Roku asked.

"Yes, lovely little girl but a bit full of herself."

"Yes, yes, that’s not the point. I want you to get out of here as fast as you can. Head for Carlin again, I’ll call you if I need you. After a suspicious stare from the Dragon, he took off into the sky. "Alright now to deal with the Patryn." He rushed over to where he remembered the hole was and waited, concentrating on how he was going to get rid of her without risking his own life. He felt a twanging pain for only a second but he noticed the scar the arrow made now. Looked like a star.

Pheonix -Rhia made a rumbling noise asking the earth to move... It cut the woman off blocking her from them.

-"That should hold her for a while..."

Kelia "Have you people not learned yet?" She closed her eyes slowly and then reopened them with a silver flash in her eye. She walked right through the woman’s body, passing through it like a ghost. Then she disappeared through the barrier of earth that blocked her path. Arriving back where she first fell through the hole, she closed her eyes again, they flashed back to brown and she climbed out of the hole, brushing the sand out of her crimson hair. "Hey! You should be dead by now! And wheres Palinthalasa?"

Red Un "That key is goin' NOWHERE!"

Red Un took out his trusty rope and started to climb up the hole that Roku had made.

Vodok The short dwarf who was bored was also a little afraid to be the only dwarf in sight. So he decided to climb after Red Un.

Red Un "Carefull Vodok, or even this fine rope will break..."

Red Un climbed up from the hole and walked over to Roku.

"Hey Roku, who's that elf-girl and how can we get the key from her? I mean, we don't have to kill her, just get the key."

Tyrion Mist "That Elf is Kelia Swift, a Patyrn from the Labyrinth. She’s spent her entire existence, since she was freed, hunting and killing people like me." He paused to sigh heavily, his shoulders slinking down. "If we go straight at her she will simply phase so we just catch her off guard. If her attention is elsewhere she cannot phase her body."

Roku Yarit "Tyrion! What in Chelests name are you doing here?" the Sorcerer blurted out, shaking the elf by his arms violently. "Have you been following me? I swear if that is the case then so help me I’ll-" he was cut off in mid sentence by a sudden burst of laughter from the Patryn.

Red Un Red Un grinned.

"Well, I'm great at distracting people. Well, more of annoying them really, but you get the idea. Hey Vodok! Do you know any good dwarven song?"

Kelia Kelia pulled out her bow, gently placing an arrow in it. "Now hold still, Tyrion. It will be over soon." She took aim, making the arrow level with her eye, the golden writing burned brightly and reflected off her eyes.

Pheonix -"This woman is getting on my nerves!" She said her eyes glowing. She began to walk toward the woman sinching the ground she walked on. "Why in Dadga's name do you wish to kill?"

Vodok ''"Ahhh... 'Ong's, ey... Le'ssee 'ere... Oh yeah! 'Ere's a Minein' Song. Summin' like: Mine mine mine mine all day long. Mine some more and sing a song. Mine mine mine now sing a song. mine mine mine this is the mineing song. Now come on and mine along. Hum hum hum hum dee dar ham ham..." ''The short dwarf started to sing.

Red Un Red Un took out his lyre and played the worst melody he could come up with. And that was bad. He also started to dance around Kelia, jumping, laughing and making strange sounds with his mouth.

"Keep singin' Vodok!"

Vodok The short dwarf also started to jump around on the floor now yelling "MINE MINE MINE ALL DAY LONG!! MINE MORE AND SING A SONG!! MINE MINE MINE THIS IS THE MINEING SONG!! NOW COME ON AND SING ALONG!! MIIIIINE!! MIIIIIINE!! MINE ALONG 'N' SING A SONG!!"

Pheonix -Rhia ignored the dwarves. She was now face to face with the unknown woman.

"You will have to kill me first before I let you kill others." she thought, directing it in no general direction.

Roku Yarit Roku rolled his eyes and stifled laughter as he watched Vodok and Red Un sing and dance. It was probably the worst sound he had ever heard in his entire life. Rhia was picking a fight with Kelia, this would be interesting to watch and give him a head start. He ducked behind Rhia he moved around behind the Patryn.

Pheonix -Rhia heard Roku move. "Stay right there Roku!" she said sternly. "I somehow feel you are the cause of this!"

Roku Yarit Roku rolled his eyes. "Well forget about coming up behind Kelia and restraining her." He shot a stern glance to Rhia. "Seriously, Rhiannon, you’re so paranoid sometimes. How is it my fault that Kelia and those like her have been killing my people for the last thirteen years?!"

Pheonix -Rhia did not seem fazed at all. She was so angered right now. Not from just what was happened but from every thing that happened in the past, from every thing she tried to forget. She had broke...

-''"You forget I can read minds Roku... you are not telling me the whole story!!" ''she screamed in his mind.

-"Will not allow any more killing!" She yelled. Her body burst into sudden flames. They did not to seem to harm her at all. She closed her eyes and in a flash her Roku and Kelia where gone from the other's site.

-"Pheonix, Lady Bird of Compassion, you must calm your-self." A soothing voice said in her mind.

-Rhia turned around only to meet an old man who's eyes she looked into once before. "D-dadga!" She said surprised.

-He waved his hand putting Kelia to sleep. "Now, Roku Yarit, Do not be so surprised that I know your name." he chuckled. "Tell me, Why exactly, Do you want some old book so badly enough to sacrafice lives?"

Red Un Red Un stopped dancing.

"SOME OLD BOOK?! Listen, I don't know who you are, but that library is not just some old book! It's the most amazing place! It holds every writing from the past, present and future! All the knowledge of the world is in there! It's..."

He realised what he was saying. He grinned nervously.

"Uhm...on second thought, it's just some old book. Nothing to be interested in. I just want it for...uhm...collectional value...yeah..."

Vodok ''"VALUE?!?!?!" ''The short dwarf yelled after he had stopped singing. "If is go' value I ge' 'ome offa gold!! I wan' gold!!" ''The short dwarf yelled. ''"Oh.. 'n' when 'e get 'ere jus' read me future 'cause I wanna know if I ge' rich an' how tar prevent my self from dieing." ''the short dwarf said. The spell that allowed people to use spells was starting to wear off now. It would work a little more but not that much longer. ''"The 'ell 'at allowes yeh tar do spells is wearin' off. If yeh need to do summin' yeh better do it pretty soon." ''The short dwarf told everyone. "Adori vita vis... Adori gran... Adori Gran Flam" The short dwarf said with runes in his hands. Then he picked up 8 more rotten fish and a little bit of water. The short dwarf ate all the fish then drank lots of water. "Far yar own safety... Don go close tar me 'cause my breathe'll smell 'orrible." ''The short dwarf warned everyone.  Pheonix''' -"Do you have any I-" Rhia was cut of by a wave from Dadga.

-"I was there when the book was written" Dadga smiled. "Red Un, you really do not have any Idea who I am, do you?"

Red Un Red Un realised that the value of the library wasn't any secret anymore.

"Uhm...I don’t believe I've seen you before. And what book is it you're talkin' about? The one I carry? One of the books in the Library?"

Pheonix -"The library is indeed filled with many books... But all those books are apart of one. He smiled. "As for who I am, I will tell you some day, but now is not the time. Do not read the wrong one though, or you shall bring danger to the land." With that said they appeared where they once were.

Red Un "Danger to the land...danger to the land..." red Un muttered. Then he saw Kelia.

"Oh, right...the elf..."

Vodok The short dwarf was extremely bored and was once again starting to suffer from non-drunkeness. ''"My god do I need beer!" ''the short dwarf said in a very clear and loud voice hoping that Roku would hear him and offer to make some beer. The short dwarf leaned against a wall thinking about stuff, some totally weird and some with sense. Wonder if I can move that fast even if I'm not in this place was one of the things the short dwarf thought. I wonder what mailbox's are made of was another thought. The short dwarf felt that the spell was wearing off. "Utevo Lux" The short dwarf tested. First some sparks flew around the short dwarf, then a light came on. Half the time the spell didn’t have any effect since the laws of magic normally didn’t work in that place.

Red Un "Vodok, pull yerself together! We've got a magical, materia-shifting elf-thingy to fight!"

Vodok "Ummm? Oh... K" And the dwarf took up a sudden death rune ready to fire...

"Exura" The short dwarf said, but it had no effect. The short dwarf felt that he could move ten time faster than anything.

Red Un Red Un looked at Vodok.

"Hmph, that dimension must've had affected him. Pull yerself together!"

Red Un drew his sword.

"Dammit, how am I gonna fight that thing?"

Roku Yarit (postid 881883) "Why should I be surprised if you know my name? Many people already do so I do not see why it should make you special." He looked at the unconscious body of Kelia on the ground, now was his chance. He could finish this once and for all. He could do what so many died trying to. He could kill a Patryn on the Labarinth.

Kelia Kelia was furious. Some twitty little ingrate dared stand against her and now her body is ceased up like some sort of chains kept her eyes and body in a state of atrophy. That bastard Roku is probably behind this.

Red Un Red Un was a little confused now. That elf seemed to not be able to move. He quickly ran forward and searched Kelias pockets. There! The key! He grabbed it. Then he saw Roku.

"Roku, leave her alone. No man of honour kills an incapacitated enemy. Give the elf a chance, now that we got the key."

Vodok "Oh goodie! Les ge' goin' 'en. Speakin' o' that... Where are we goin' now anyway?" ''the short dwarf asked. "I'm tired... Can we ge' some sleep now?" ''the short dwarf asked right after in tired voice.  Red Un''' "Well, our next target would be the Ice Islands. And we can't rest out here in the desert. We better get movin'..."

Pheonix -''"No he is not behind this... Kelia is your name? Well he is not. Dadga, a Celtic god of wisdom is." she said calmly. "He has informed me it will wear off but only if you answer my questions truthfully. What exactly are you? And why do you wish to kill Roku?"''

Red Un "A god of wisdom...that's a good guy to have as friend."

Kelia "I do not have to answer to you. You know my name and that is enough. As for the Chelestran, I’ve been hunting and killing people like him all my life. They are the reason I never saw the sun or the sky until I was seventeen years old. This spell wont last for long anyway so get out of my head, witch." Kelia didn’t even have to move to close off her mind from everyone but herself. Another ability the Patyrns have acquired for dealing with mentalists and other mind-bending freaks of nature.

Pheonix -Rhia smiles... She liked Kelia's attitude she was very funny at times. "I am not a witch Kelia... I am half Phoenix. I can read your mind because I have the ability to speak to your soul." She said out loud.

-"I will lift the spell Dadga has put on you, but do not kill Roku in my presence please. I hope you have honour." she said, mentally asking Dadga the Celtic god of wisdom to set Kelia free.

Vodok The short dwarf was walking in the desert with everyone else getting very grumpy. "'Upid beerless 'esert... 'I 'ate 'e 'esert. Ope 'e 'esert dies pre'y soon." ''the short dwarf was muttering while he was wondering in the desert. He took up his last rotten fishes and ate them. Then when he reached for some water he noticed he didn’t have any. ''"Some'un gimme water!" the short dwarf said loud enough for everyone to hear. Kelia Standing up slowly and stretching her arms and legs she simply shrugged. "I don’t believe in souls so it doesn’t matter to me and I have no need for honour. I kill for revenge. It’s as simple as that." She walked towards Rhia, passing right though her body, paying no attention to the man before her. "You say you’re the victim here? You sentenced my people to seclusion and imprisonment because we did not live up to the standards laid down by people like you." Glancing behind her at Rhia and grinning she turned back to Roku. "Even the overconfident one doesn’t trust you, Sorcerer."

Red Un Red Un sighed and looked up at the sky.

"Dammit Roku, ya should have told us that you had a vengeful super-elf after you when ya signed up. And that she hadn't seen the sun for seventeen years. I know what that does to people. Ya should see some of the miners in Kazordoon. Anyway, it's up to you now, there's nothin' I can do. But please..."

He looked up at the sky again.

"Do it fast, 'cause the sun is risin', and Vodok is dangerously sober."

Vodok ''"YOU TALKIN' 'BOUT ME?!?" ''The short dwarf yelled at Red Un who only had said Vodok was sober. ''"GRRRR!!! Callin' me sober are yeh?? Gimme beer!!" ''The short dwarf yelled. The walk continued with the sun up and it was the hottest weather ever the short dwarf had experienced. ''"'A'fta... getta... ice island... coooold beer... must... not... melt..." ''The short dwarf was mumbling.

Danger ''The young mage watched Kelia's pain. It reminded him much of his own and how long he has tried to kill the black knight. ''

"Kelia... May I have a word with you?" Talking to her as if he had known her all his life. "Away from every one else if that is ok."

Roku Yarit "At the time, Red Un, I did not know any Patryns were still around. I wasn’t really thinking about it and technically I never signed up. Our goals are similar, that is all." Roku watched the Elfs fierce eyes and forced a grin. "I wouldn’t suggest trying to relate to her, Oriel. She wont be alive long enough to speak if I can help it!" His twisted hands moving with unseemly grace, blue sparks began to flash from his hands. His palms facing forwards with his thumb across it, a bolt of lightning burst forth from his fingertips.

Red Un Red Un hesitated. There was something that was wrong with this...had that elf-girl been imprisoned by Roku? Was he responsible for her rage? He walked over to Vodok.

"Do you see something wrong with this situation?" he whispered.

Vodok "BAH!! ''Wrong!! GAH!!" ''the short dwarf said as he raided his backpack in a desperate attempt to find beer. And he found some! ''"BEER!!! ME B'LOVED BEER!" ''the short dwarf yelled and drained the whole bottle. The short dwarf found another beer and drank that one to. The short dwarf hadn’t returned the ring against drunkenness so he slipped it on his finger. "Righ'" the short dwarf started happily. "Wrong, Eh? 'Ell I dunno... '''ell... 'is thing dont seem tar like Roku and 'e same thing 'ith Roku on thar thingy." ''the short dwarf said smartly. "Bu' nah. I can fin' anything wrong 'bout 'is situation. Le''s jus' wait 'till 'ey've settled down so we can getta Kazordoon an' drink beer." ''the short dwarf said. The short dwarf sat himself down. Suddenly he started twitching. Then he fell down rolling around on the floor, still twitching. Then suddenly he flew up on his feet, and then fell down again. The short dwarf came back from the thing and jumped on his feet. ''"Summin's wrong 'ere... I dunno wha' bu' summin' is sirously wrong..." ''the short dwarf said in a low voice while suspiciously looking around at everyone and everything. '' Red Un Red Un had a worried face.

"That's just your dwarf-ring wearing of. They don't work forever, ya know" he muttered and started to walk towards Roku...

Vodok "I'm tellin' yeh Red Un! Sumins wrong 'ere! An' I ain'' drunk, 'is ring is new!" ''The short dwarf said in a worried voice.

Red Un "Now that ya mention it, there seems to be an awful lot of static electricity here..."

Kelia Kelia almost laughed as the lightning passed through her body. She quickly wrapped her right hand around his throat, lifting him off the ground as his feet dangled below him. "You tried that once before, didn’t you Roku? His name was Kalas Tize, was it not? You couldn’t fight him off could you? He almost killed you but you escaped. How did you get away, Chelestran? Tell us!"

Red Un Red Un didn't waste a second. Before Kelia could react, he threw his sword at her while she was still in her material form...

"I don't like puttin' people in mazes for most of their lives, but I don't like chokin' people either."

Vodok The short dwarf was getting extremely panicky and was running around. ''"'Is aint good this aint good 'is aint good 'is aint good." ''the short dwarf was muttering as he was running around.

Kelia Her cold eyes tearing away from Rokus beat red face, she let him drop through her hand as the sword passed through her as well. Watching the dwarf stumble through her, she placed a foot on his back, keeping him pinned to the ground. "How very brave of you." She slowly drew out her dagger from her sleeve and kneeled down low to place its cold steel against the back of his neck. A little pressure forwards would be all it would take to drive it through his throat. "What say you now, Dwarf?"

Danger ''The young mage whispered a quick spell. The sword flew out of Kelia's hand. And into his. ''

"This is a fine sword you have. What metal is this?" He said casually.

Roku Yarit Roku coughed and gasped, holding his throat and scuttling away from Kelia against the wall as he struggled for breath. The Sorcerer then cast a sad glance as his hands, his twisted, broken hands. "Kalas Tize..." he muttered to himself and then pulled his robes over them. He watched as Danger disarmed Kelia from her weapon but was still poised over the Dwarf. "Begone!" He lunged forwards, throwing his shoulder into her stomach.

Red Un "Argh, this is gettin' boring."

Red Un struggled under Kelia. He stretched himself after his firesword and grabbed it. It burst into flames as usual.

"Let's see how ya handle this..."

He held up the sword and watched as Kelias pants burst into flames...

Vodok The short dwarf kept running around and took a sudden death rune in case he was attacked. The short dwarf looked up at the sky ignoring the fight going on. ''"WHA' THA???" ''the short dwarf yelled pointing at the sky. ''"I told yeh summin' was wrong... I told yeh... we 'af'ta get outta 'ere!" ''the short dwarf said panicly.

Roku Yarit Roku hit her hard, knocking her onto her back, the flames spreading to his robes like a wildfire. Jumping off her quickly, he suffocated the flames with his heavy robes. He actually hit her. She couldn’t react in time and she was dazed but for how much longer? I fight...or run and let them deal with the Patryn. With a sign he leaned down and placed a broken, twisted hand on her stomach, his hand radiating with blue flames. "Lets see your trick work now, wench." he muttered beneath his breath.

Red Un Red Un backed of and saw Roku hitting Kelia hard in the stomach.

Something was wrong. He didn't know what, but something here felt wrong...

Vodok ''"'Ey... nowwa weathers back ta normal... but summin's wrong 'ere. Red, d'yeh feel it to?" ''the short dwarf asked.

Red Un "Yes...that woman...she was trapped in a maze for years, never seeing the sun. Is it really right of us to kill her?"

Kelia Had made an amateurs mistake. She had killed many Chelestrans without even letting them lay a hand on her. Acting quickly, she grabbed hold of Rokus broken hand and began to bend it backwards. "How can someone so weak even consider killing me. Your spells are useless. The best you could do was to prevent me from phasing for a few second before I simply removed your hand? That’s pitiful, Sorcerer." She got to her feet, still bending back his twisted hand. Kicking him in the chest, he fell to his back, knocking the wind out of him. With a smile, she placed on foot on his throat and brought the other heel down hard on his right hand.

Red Un Red Un took a chance once again while Kelia wasn't phasing and swung his sword in a deadly arc while she was preoccupied with Roku.

Vodok The dwarf turned around and then stood totally still, then turned back to the others, ignoring the fight that was going on. "Whas red, b'ind us, powaful, and seems ta wan' revenge?" ''the dwarf asked in a trying-to-be-calm voice. After a short while the short dwarf yelled ''"P'FAARD!!!!!!!" ''and started to run around and around screaming. ''"Unless..." ''the short dwarf started. "Is an illusion... Yeah... I''s an illusion." ''the short dwarf said even though he didn’t believe it a single bit. Suddenly the dwarfs eyes rolled back, and the dwarf started to twitch and got a psyco-look in his face. ''"I’LL GET YOU THIS TIME! YOU’RE FAR AWAY FROM ALL CITIES!! YOU’RE AS GOOD AS DEAD!!" ''The short dwarf yelled. Then the short dwarf blacked out five seconds or so and jumped up. ''"'Orry 'bout 'at... mind controll..." ''the short dwarf said. Once again the short dwarfs eyes rolled back and he got a psyco-look in his eyes. ''"NO MORTAL CAN CAPTURE ME AND KEEP ME!" ''the short dwarf yelled, and blacked out in five seconds or so and jumped up. ''"'Orry again." ''the short dwarf said. '' Pheonix "You let your guard down Kelia..." Rhiannon said as she began attacking Kelia mentally. "Now Red Un... do you not learn? Physical attacks do work on her."

She began to attack her mind rather than her body... Was her mind as strong as she was?

Red Un "Oh right, mindtricks. I'll just go over 'ere and slap some sense into Vodok then..."

Red Un took out a weird-looking fungus and crushed it in his hand. He showed Vodok the crumbs.

"Eat it if ya want that 'ol demon out of yer head."

Vodok "'T'wont work 't'wont work" The short dwarf muttered but still grabbed the crumbs and stuffed in his mouth. Then the short dwarf looked around. No demon. "Oh... Eh... Well... was jus' testin' yeh... 'Errr... testin'... testin' summat. 'Yeah. Testin'" the short dwarf said.

Red Un Red Un raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you can expect a pretty nasty headache soon. Those things weren't exactly fresh. But I guess a pain in the head is better than being possessed by a demon."

Roku Yarit Roku screamed in pain as his hand was crushed against the ground. Tears dripped down his cheeks as he felt the bones snap as she applied more pressure. Blood began to flow down his arm and across the ground, his rage overwhelming all his other rational emotions or trains of thought. "DEAL THE CARDS THAT FATE DENIES! PLACE A GAMBLE ON ALL OUR LIVES! BEND THE RULES OF LUCK AND CHANCE! TO CREATE FOR ME AN ETHERAL LANCE!" Black light blinded the sorcerer for moment as he felt the translucent weapon form in the fingers of his free hand. His pain fuelling his rage he cried out and drove the weapon forward, into the Elfs stomach.

Red Un "An etheral lance? Man, I'm glad that guy is on our side."

Vodok ''"I'll 'elp ya!" ''the short dwarf said and started to walk forwards to Roku in order to give him help which didn’t seem needed. ''"Aaaaaw! Me 'ead!!" ''the short dwarf cried out suddenly. The dwarf sat himself down on the ground again. "Can we eva ge' outta 'is desert?? I''s drivin' me nuts!!" ''the short dwarf asked out loud to no one special, just hoping someone would hear him. Once again the short dwarf got a sharp pain in his head. ''"Ouch!! Poor me!!" ''The short dwarf said as if having a headache was much worse than having an unknown woman breaking your hand, and then standing on it.

Red Un "Yeah, I wanna get movin' too, but that damn elf-ghost-thingy is bogging us down."

Kelia Kelia gasped, her eyed widened. She stumbled backwards, still standing as she looked down. A lance piercing her stomach. Cringing, she pulled it out of her, letting it fall to the ground. She fell onto the ground, her blank stare locking with Rhiannons eyes. Blood began to flow from her mouth as she coughed it up. She could not phase herself out of this one. She had cleansed the world of many of these charlatans and she would get a chance to kill again. In the next life. She moved her eyes from Rhia to Roku, who clenched his hand. "C-Congratulations...more blood to stain your drenched hands...another Patyrn that you’ve slain. But I guarantee you that more will come for you, Sorcerer. You cannot live forever..."

Red Un Red Un opened his backpack and took out a shovel.

"I don't know 'bout you Roku, but this girl put up a good fight. She deserves to be buried at least."

He started to dig a grave in the sand.

Vodok ''"In 'is weather?! We'll be burned!" ''the short dwarf said. Then he realized that that wasn’t very noble. ''"I mean... Er.. I ain' go' no shovel. Yeah, Ain' go' no shovel." ''the short dwarf said. Then his shovel fell out of his backpack. ''"Err... 'Ow did 'at ge' 'ere??" ''The short dwarf asked. He picked up the shovel and started to dig, even though he didn’t want to.

Red Un Red Un lifted up Kelias mangled body and put it in the grave. Then he filled it up.

"Needs some kind of marker..."

He took out a torch and put at the head of the grave.

"Rest in peace, miss elf-thingy."

Chapter 12, in which beer is drank and some people explode
Vodok

"Yeah. Do 'at. Now 'at she's outta our way. Les go ta Kazordoon 'n' drink." the short dwarf said.

Red Un

"Yeah, I grabbed the Key before I buried her. Next stop will be the cold fields of the Ice Islands, but first we will need some good rest. To Kazordoon!"

Red Un started walking north.

Meanwhile, somewhere completely else...

"Master, they have the key."

"I see. Very well, soon they will be going to the city of dwarves. Make sure they never leave it."

"Yes master..."

Vodok ''"Yay!! Kazordoon Kazordoon Karordoon doon doon!" ''the dwarf sang happily.

The dwarf took up his last pieces of rotten fishes and started to eat them. Then he looked in his backpack for some water, but couldn’t find any. ''"Eh... Any'un o' you go' any wa'er?" ''the short dwarf asked the rest of the group.

Red Un "Hmm, no, but..."

Red Un stopped and shovelled through his backpack.

"Ah, half a bottle of beer. 'Ere Vodok, take a sip.

Vodok ''"Yay!!" ''the short dwarf yelled and drained the bottle. ''"Aaah..." ''the short dwarf said. ''"Hicks!" ''the short dwarf said while accidentally turning left when he was going to turn right.

Red Un Red Un looked at the empty bottle.

"Dammit, I only said a sip. Oh well..."

He threw it away and kept walking. Roku Yarit Roku was quick to catch up, his gaze dared not looking back nor towards his hands, hands stained with blood. He was silent and nervous; his hands shook as he tried to bury them in his robes. ''I guess I’ll never truly understand the Patryns... I don’t suppose I ever could. But I’ll be damned if I die in this godforsaken place! And the Dwarfs, still don’t even question me. They trust me. All except the woman. She’s no ones fool, I’ll give her that, but sooner or later her eyes will lose their grasp on me. Then I can conduct with these Mensch as I see fit.'' Red Un After many long and warm hours, the party finally reached the end of the desert. Red Un was dripping with sweat, but true to dwarven nature, he didn't even stop to wipe it out of his face.

"Okay people, we're goin' to Kazordoon to get some rest and a couple 'o beers before we set our sigh for the Ice Islands..."

Pheonix -As Rhia followed Red Un she thought about Kelia. She could not believe she had helped kill someone. Someone she should have helped. She frowned.

-''"May Dadga forgive me." ''she thought to herself.

-"Uh?" she said hearing the sorcerer's thoughts. "Be careful what you think, Roku. Remember you do not have your amulet protecting your mind anymore." she said to his mind. "I will never trust you if you keep making mistakes like that... Now tell me why is it you are here? Or at least think it." Red Un As they came closer to the bridge, Red Un thought he saw a commotion on the bridge. It almost looked like a fight. He looked closely. Then he shrugged.

"Naaah..."

Roku Yarit Roku did nothing but follow the Dwarf silently, keeping an eye on what he could. The thought of a cold beer after suffering the Desert did please him but not a thoroughly as he would have hoped. ''I seek the Library, Rhiannon. Nothing more, nothing less. The Mensch are a crucial part of finding it. That is all.'' "Truth be told, Un, I do not know if I have the magic to indulge in another battle if that is what you are thinking. I have gone long without rest and that last spell exhausted my resources." Red Un As they got closer to the bridge, Red Uns face hardened.

"That probably won't be necessary..."

On the bridge laid the bodies of two dwarven guards. There were usually just soldiers there. Red Un started to run. He reached the dying dwarves.

"What happened here?"

One dwarf coughed.

"D...de...the...dark...star..."

Red Un noticed a mark on one of the dwarves arms.

"Oh no..."

Before the others had reached the bridge, he had thrown the bodies into the river. No evidence of the battle was left.

"Right people, to Kazordoon we go!" Vodok ''"Yay!! Kazordoon Kazordoon kazordoon doon doon!" ''the short dwarf sang merrily as he followed the leader. ''"Outta runes tar... need te' refresh me supplies..." ''the short dwarf said as he walked along. Red Un "You'll have plenty of time to do that in Kazzy."

Red Un wondered if this was such a good idea. If the Dark Star were after them, it would be dumb of him to involve these innocents. Oh right, some of these can hear me think. Better think of something else... I hope Jimbin has loads of beer, 'cause I'm thirsty. Pheonix "Strange, Roku. I don't know if you are to be trusted yet, your mind perceives you as a heartless monster. Yet your heart… Have you lost someone, Roku? A love maybe?”

Roku Yarit Roku stopped, his eyes widened. A twisting pain in his heart prevented him from drawing a breath. He shook his head violently shaking off her words as if she had never put them in his mind. "Vodok, do you have to keep singing? You’re not especially good at it." His footsteps shadowed Red Un. His hands folded at the small of his back. His blonde hair, wrapped into a single thick strand behind his head, swayed about in the subtle breeze. With a grin he spoke to Rhia without turning around to even look at her. "So how does it feel to take another life?" Pheonix -Rhia smiled... Roku was obviously trying to fluster her. She should only turn the tables, she shall let this one slip.

-"Roku, Do you really think this is the first time I have taken a life? It is the first one in so long..."

-Rhia changed the subject. "There is something bothering you deep down, that makes you act like this heartless person. What is the matter, are you afraid of being hurt again?"

Red Un The gang had reached the towering...towers, hidden behind tall trees and shrubbery. Red Un thought it was unusually silent. Usually there would be dwarven guards up there, talking to each other, singing and drinking sometimes. Oh well, they must have had a party after P'Faard was defeated and were probably just getting out of their beds.

Red Un led the others to the stairs, leading down into the torch-lit caverns that were Kazordoon.

"Right people, those who want can join me at the Pub for a couple 'o beers. If you have other matters to attend to, we'll meet at the towers tomorrow." Roku Yarit Roku smirked a bit, giving Rhia a shrug as the only reply then he chose to ignore her, following Un until they passed between the towers. "You go on ahead. I’ve got things I need to attend to." Breaking away from the group without another word, he folded his arms across his chest and leaned against one of the towers, his eyes closed.

Vodok

The short dwarf, who had taken a lot of offence when Roku pointed out he was bad at singing had a plan for revenge. He took out a lyre as silently as he could, sneaked up to Roku, who was leaning against the tower with his eyes closed. ' "LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!!!!" 'the short dwarf yelled with all his might and ran off against the pub.

Red Un Red Un shrugged his shoulders and walked after Vodok towards the pub. Vodok was obviously a total jerk, but at least he didn't seem to have any dark, evil secrets...

None in the group noticed when a dark-robed man sneaked out of the shadows and followed Red Un... Pheonix

-Rhia decided to go to the lake at the top the dwarf mountain. It was peaceful up there. She sighed.

"Dadga... I am at a loss with Roku? Should I trust him? I fear he is a lot stronger than he lets on. The thing that I fear the most is how well he knows my Nature very well." She thought back to her life when she was just a girl... the day she left home, the day she had met Rhita Gwar... The day her parents were murdered.

Vodok

The short dwarf got to the bar. "Gimme beer now."

Roku Yarit

Normally Roku would have struck the dwarf down but he could not hear him. His soul and mind had left his body, searching over the lands. The path he travelled was a blur but he knew his destination well. Books all around him. Books that date back to the beginning of time. He could not reach out and open the pages but was only teased with what lay inside...

Red Un

Red Un entered the pub as Jimbin reluctantly filled a mug for Vodok.

"'Ello Jimbin! When you've served that guy, gimme one too."

Jimbin looked at Red Un as he handed over the mug to Vodok.

"You look worried. Somethin' on your mind?"

"Uhm...nothing a li'll beer won't fix."

Meanwhile, the robed man stopped outside the bar. No, he couldn't strike yet. They had to all be in the same place...

Roku Yarit

His eyes opened...

Roku still could not read the books. A waste of time and energy. The only thing he wanted to do now was rest, regain his strength for the travel ahead. Standing up straight and carefully brushing down his robes, Roku began to walk towards the stairs. He would gain access to the guard towers and rest at the highest point, much more to his liking then being underground.

Red Un

Red Un looked over at the entrance of the pub and thought he saw, just for a split second, a piece of black cloth that moved away. He drank deeply from his mug.

"Naaw..."

Vodok The short dwarf was now extremely drunk and his mouth was over full. So he spat it out all on Red Un and in his beer. ''"'e rain is comin' down... An' Im gettin' we'..." ''the short dwarf began to sing. ''"I’M SO VERY WE'!! WETTA THAN WA'ER!!!" ''The short dwarf continued. Red Un Not merry songs, not beer, not even a fellow dwarf throwing up on him could make Red Un feel any better. Was he becoming paranoid? Was that a true shadow he had seen? Was he merely drunk?

Red Un’s mind traced far away trough the years. There he was, with that dead girl in his arm, the robed men laughing mockingly at him.

"I just wanted knowledge..."

He woke up from his thoughts as Vodok surpassed the world-record in bad proclamation of a dwarven drinking-song (a very impressive feat indeed!) and emptied his beer mug. Pheonix -Rhia saw some one out the corner of her eye. It was a man in a black robe.

-"What do you want? She said forcefully to his mind.

-A screech was sent back to hers. She screamed out loud in pain. So loud that Possibly, All of the dwarf city could hear her. Red Un Red Un got on his feet. That scream was definitely real. He ran to the door. Nobody there. But...there was a black...line? Too drunk to realise an obvious trap, Red Un followed the line.

The robed man smiled as he drew his sword. This telepath was just what he had needed... Roku Yarit Roku was awoken from his rest. He knew it was Rhiannon who had cried out and that she was most likely in danger but he was reluctant to even open his eyes. He moved about to get comfortable again and sighed heavily, a little smirk growing on his face as he crept back to sleep. Who knows, maybe this could work out after all. Pheonix -Rhia's scream got louder. The pain! She fell to her knees. Why was he doing this to her?

''"Get out of my head!" ''her mind yelled in all directions. "GET OUT!" Vodok The short dwarf was still very drunk and could hear the scream. ''"Wha' a singin' voice!" ''the short dwarf cried out. Jimbin got a little annoyed of the short dwarf who then continued to sing his song, so he took up a dwarven ring from a drawer and forced it on Vodok's finger. Vodok became normal and tossed 25 gold coins to Jimbin. "Forra ring" he said and ran down to the source of the sound. The closer the short dwarf came the higher the scream became. He passed a robed figure who seemed to be concentrating on something. ''"'Ello." ''The short dwarf yelled over the scream. The robed figure looked up and lost concentration.... Red Un The other robed man followed Vodok.

Meanwhile, Red Un had followed the line up to the farms. The scream was obviously coming from the lake on the top. He drew his sword and ran up the stairs. There he saw the robed man and Rhia. The robed man grinned.

"Ah, the half-dwarf. But...where are your friends? This little party can't get started unless you're all here."

Red Un walked closer.

"Damn ye, why can't you ever leave us alone!"

The robed man drew his sword.

"We would, if you would just stay away from the Library."

"Never!"

The two engaged in combat.

Meanwhile, the other robed man hesitated about getting closer to Vodok. The smell was bad enough anyway... Pheonix (postid 1125166) -Rhia's eyes began to glow. Now she was getting angry.

-"You... Have...no idea... Who you are messing with." She stood up. The water on top of the lake began to bubble. She made a glass breaking yell inside her mind. The man who had caused her the pain crumbled to the ground.

-"I will not be used as a tool to lure people here to kill." The man looked up at her and started laughing. Rhia was taken back.

"Why do you laugh?" She demanded.

Roku Yarit Roku chuckled as he stood up, cracking his neck loudly. He stretched and yawned but other then that remained silent. He looked down from the tower, he could see many things but none interested him. Closing his eyes, Roku folded his arms at the small of his back and simply leapt of the building, his robes fluttering around him as he fell to the ground.

He hit the ground hard, falling right through, then he hit solid ground again. He did not know how many floors down he was but it was getting loud and he was where he now wanted to be.

He relaxed, as did his magic, and opened his eyes. He tapped Vodok on the shoulder and leaned down to be eye level with him. "We have other places to be, Dwarf. Tell me where Un went." His eyes moved to the hooded figure then back to Vodok. Shoving the Dwarf aside he stood in front of the black robed figure. "I care not for whatever the black star or whatever you are called has in mind so tell me where I can find the Half Dwar-" His speech was cut short went he was forced backwards, hitting the wall hard. His magic was not prepared to protect his body from physical harm so Roku was dazed, groaning a bit. The star shaped scar from the Patryns arrow burned a bit as he got to his feet. "So be it..." He raised his right hand, thumb folded across his palm. He brought forth his magic. Its energy flowing around him and gave him strength. He focused that energy into his hands, the torches in the hallway providing the raw element for his spell. The energies began to take shape. It became visible as fire, stray flames venturing away from his palm but never escaping it. The spell was strong. His rest did him well.

The robed figure held up a hand and the flames became erratic, leaving his grasp and flying in several different directions, scorching the stone hallways.

Roku actually lost his balance, blinded by the flames, and stumbled backwards before regaining his composure. "Uh..."

Red Un "I laugh because you are a fool! Your petty think-magic can't defeat me!"

The expression froze. Behind him, Red Un smiled and drew out his sword from the back of the robed man.

"Well, that wasn't 'ard..."

The robed man laughed again.

"My...sacrifice...shall...destroy you!"

And then he exploded. But Red Un had already started running at the word "sacrifice" and was just hit by the gigantic shockwave that showed him into the air.

"Wow...I can see all of Kazordoon from 'ere..." Lady Rhiannon Datwood -Rhia just stood there. Lucky for her she was part phoenix. Therefore fire could not hurt her. "How funny he thought I use magic..." She said sarcastically. She was so enraged! He dare use her as a lure for the others!

"Red Un!! Who are these people!" Red Un

"I can't talk right now, I'm occupied with falling from a great height. Hope I land in the lake..."

He did.

It was hot. Very hot. But he was a dwarf, and they are used to bathe in lava. As he got up, he looked into the water of the lake, at his own image.

"What the...I'M CLEAN! DAMN 'EM!"

He sighed. Then he noticed Rhias questioning face.

"Oh uhm...I mean, damn IT! Uhm...yeah."

He thought for a moment. These guys never came alone.

"Can't explain right now. Vodok is probably in trouble!"

He ran down the stairs... Vodok The robed figure was still following Vodok and the short dwarf was aware of it too. The short dwarf turned around slowly and started to walk past the robed figure. Just when Vodok was going to pass the robed figure step in the way for the dwarf. "Er... Nice weather, ain it?" ''the short dwarf asked. The robed figure looked at the short dwarf in a very weird sort of way. "Bye" the short dwarf said as he ran against the depot where he had his runes. ''"Stop there." ''the robed figure said in a cold voice. "Um... No" the short dwarf said. ''"Utani Gran Hur." ''And the short dwarf ran. ''"STOP!" ''The figure yelled. He drew up a paralyze rune and shot at the short dwarf. The robed figure walked in a fast pace against the paralyzed dwarf. The figure drew his sword and it came falling down at the short dwarf. The helmet saved Vodok's head from being split into two. The dwarf was no longer paralyzed and ran for his life. ''"HELP!!" ''The short dwarf yelled. Then an oddly familiar voice yelled ''"I’LL SAVE YOU!" ''And then Vodivir came down the stairs. ''"Oh. It’s you." ''Vodivir said in a disappointed voice. Vodok continued to run, resisting the temptation to thump Vodivir...'' Roku Yarit Rokus eyes went blue. He blinked, they were green. He blinked again, they were red. Blue, Green, Red, Blue Green, Red... The Sorcerer could see clouds form and lightning crack above them. The hole being a considerable size. Rain began to pore through, soaking his robes while the Robed man said and did nothing. Roku couldn’t even tell if he was watching him or not. But it didn’t really matter now that he thought about it. "Lightning Cracks...Fire Burns...Earth stays dormant...while clouds still turn. Wind and Water...Ice and Air...Light and Dark...Together they flare!" His robes started flailing about as a massive wind blew through the hole above him and reached through every corridor and hallway. The Torch fires blew brighter then ever, their colors going from red to white. Lightning stuck the surface multiple times. The rain grew cold, so cold it turned to snow and blanketed the land and Rokus shoulders. Roku reached his hand out towards one of the white-lit torches and took a flame that hung in his palm. Lightning stuck down from the skies and hit the flame, its electricity coursing around the fires. Shards of ice were formed out of the snow and wind and come together around the flame, its heat not reducing their size. The three elements spiralled around each other in his hand. His eyes closed, his whispers were drowned out by the howling of the still fierce winds. When his mutter stopped and his eyes opened they no longer changed colors but stayed the blue grey color they had been. The spell complete, he would only need to move a finger and release it. What was making him hesitate... Red Un ...Red Un’s sword in his back perhaps? The robed man slumped together.

"RUN ROKU! RU..."

And the spell exploded.

Red Un had already started running but was again hit by a tremendous shockwave that sent him flying down the corridor, going trough the wall at the end and finally stopping a few meters inside the solid rock.

"Ow...that hurt..." Roku Yarit Roku smirked. The winds ceased to blow violently through the corridors, The clouds dispersed, The snow began to melt, And the torch light extinguished...

The Sorcerer shook his head free of the bits of frozen water and stepped over the body of the robed figure. Walking down the hallway, he stopped in front of the gaping hole. "Next time stay out of it. Getting yourself killed won’t help anyone." He didn’t wait to help the Dwarf up, he was capable of that himself. He scaled the stairs until he reached the surface. The grass was wet from the melted snow but the sun was shining and he could hear birds chirping. "Rhia, Dead yet?" he asked casually as he looked around. Red Un Red Un crawled out of the hole while mumbling something about how ungrateful some people are.

"Well, that should be the end of that. Don't think there will come any more 'ere..."

Vodok The dwarf that didn’t have the faintest idea of what was going on decided to pretend that he didn’t see the robed figures. The short dwarf ran and ran and at last got to depot. Ah yes... Let’s see what might be needed... Sudden deaths... Great fireball... A few energy bombs... my backpack with random runes... My backpack with random runes number two and three... the short dwarf thought while he loaded his backpacks on himself. The short dwarf had a slight problem while walking since all the new weight, but the short dwarf knew he'd need mana fluids and blank runes. So the dwarf did great haste again and got to the rune shop. ''"M'llo... Can I 'ave... ... 'Is backpack is 'eavy." ''The short dwarf put down a few backpacks of runes. "There. Righ'. Gimme 40 runes with backpacks and a backpack of mana fluids.” As the short dwarf put his backpacks back on, the dwarf in the rune shop got some mana fluids and runes for the short dwarf. The rune shop dwarf chucked on the backpack on Vodok. The short dwarf stood for a split second then fell to the floor because of the weight. "'Elp... me..." the short dwarf said under a few backpacks. The rune dwarf walked up to the short dwarf and decided to look at Vodok under the heavy weight. Then he slowly put away a few backpacks. The short dwarf stood up and threw out some objects he probably wouldn’t need such as keys, lyres, and other stuff. The short dwarf couldn’t walk very fast, but he could at least walk. Red Un As Red Un started to walk towards Jimbin’s pub again, he noticed that two robed men was going up the stairs to the depot.

"Aaaw nuts. Vodok is going to get into more trouble than he can handle..."

Red Un followed the two as silently as he could... Roku Yarit Roku scratched his head a bit. "Maybe she was put out of here misery. But I’m sure I would have heard something about it from the Dwarf." Shrugging, he began to move down the stairs. ''We have stayed here long enough for the Dwarfs to fill their bellies with Beer and that odd speaking one probably armed himself to the teeth with Tibian Magic. Perhaps I should search for more of the Black Star and figure out how that one was able to degrade my spell until it became erratic.'' He suddenly stopped and burst out laughing. Beside him was a cell that read Human Heretic. "Now this brings back memories." He placed his hand on the lock and opened the cell as the lock melted in his hand. "Ah Captain, I see the Dwarfs have been treating you with uh...at least some decency. They must take their steam ships pretty seriously."

"Master Yarit! Thank the gods you’ve found me," he fell to his knees and sobbed into his robes.

Roku rolled his eyes and stood the captain up. "We are going to the Ice Islands. Where is your ship?"

"You mean the one seized by the Dwarfs and now has an engine that’s full of itself because of a certain half-dwarf named Red Un!"

"Yea that ship. Follow me, we’re going to go check on your ship. The Krundar’s Pride right? Or something of the sorts." He walked down the halls, trying to find his way to the harbor. Pheonix -"Red Un let’s get to Vodok. Before he gets hurt." she said heading toward the exit. She ran down the stairs. Roku Yarit Roku was challenged by several Dwarfs that protected the harbor but where cast aside easily. For some he simply put them to sleep, for others he used a more forceful method for their slumber. "Your crew is still aboard?"

"Yes, Master Yarit, they’re in the galley."

"Well prepare the ship for departure. I will be back shortly with the rest of the people that will be travelling with us. I do not want to have to wait when I return." He trudged off back down the hallway lined with unconscious dwarves.

"Un? Vodok? Rhia?" he yelled the last one with the least amount of enthusiasm possible. "Where the bloody hell are you people?" Red Un

Red Un had catched up with the robed man. But they were in the depot. He turned to Rhia and whispered.

"We need to lure him outta 'ere. If he...explodes...here, loads 'o innocents will be harmed...got any ideas?" Pheonix "Hmmm maybe. Try to make him angry at you." She said to Red Un. "Then let him chase you." Roku Yarit "That’s the best idea you can come up with?" Roku said as he came up behind them. "You really haven’t been in many battles have you? Ugh...never mind let me." He extended his right hand, blue glowing threads extending from his fingertips. The reached out into the depot moving swiftly to wrap themselves around the robed mans neck, legs, arms, and stomach. Pulling backwards the robed man was thrown off his feet and slid across the floor on his back, stopping to stare straight up at the Sorcerers smiling face. Vodok The short dwarf was walking down to the depot. At last he got to the depot and saw Roku using a strange sort of magic. ''"'Ello." ''The short dwarf said to everyone there. Red Un

"EVERYONE GET DOWN!"

Red Un drew his sword and threw it at the robed man before he could react. Against all odds, it hit. The robed man coughed.

"Damn ye...ye could have given up now....but now it's too late. Watch yer backs in the future...fools..."

And then he exploded.

Red Un crawled out of the hole he had made in the opposite wall.

"Ow...that's the second time this day. I really need a beer..."

Chapter 13, in which the Adventurers have to take a different path, and are joined by some curious fellows
Roku Yarit Roku threw the glowing yellow shield to the ground, its magic faded and died along with it. "This is really getting to annoy me but now that that’s all over I’ve got an Idea. You remember that incident with the ship in Thais? That’s my ship and I don’t know about you but I’m taking it back to Carlin and then going to the Ice Islands. You could all come with me or I’ll wait for you all there until you arrive. It’s your choice." He turned his back, walking down the hallway back towards the harbor. "It’s leaving in less then 5 minutes, with or without you."

Red Un "Well, I gotta make sure that that poor engine is treated right. I'm coin' with ya!"

Red Un followed Roku.

Vodok The short dwarf, scared of being left alone with exploding people and Vodivir, scrambled after Red Un with all his backpacks.

Pheonix "Well I have nothing better to do." Rhia said climbing abord the ship.

Roku Yarit Roku stepped aboard the ship, the crew running about madly to prepare to get underway. He walked over to the mast, the white rune still embedded in it. He placed his hand upon it, no glow or radiant light of any kind appeared but the ship jolted forwards, sending some sprawling off their feet as the Ship moved out onto the water.

Red Un Red Un climbed down to the engine and kept an angry eye on the (human) crew. Then and again he gave them advises like "be careful with that", "no, THAT valve", "hey this is a very sensitive engine" and "I'm thirsty. Get me a beer". The crew followed his orders with shudders, fearing him as much as they feared the engine...

Vodok The short dwarf hardly had any experience in sailing any boats except to Folda once when he was exploring and a few other times to other cities. ''"'Ave a bar 'ere?" ''the short dwarf went around asking everyone he met on the boat, but none of them answered. ''"Hum tee ram dam dam..." ''the short dwarf sang as he wandered around the deck.

Pheonix Rhia smiled. ''"Can you talk to all inanimate objects Red Un?" ''she asked him mentally.

Roku Yarit Roku's nostrils were filled with sea air. The ship cut through the water with ease, no longer guided by his magic. It sailed east, heading for his home in Carlin harbor. "Captain, I take it the mensch and the Alethan aren’t causing any trouble?"

"Mensch, sir?"

"It’s a Chelestran word for Elves, Dwarves, and Humans. It like the human word fools. Not the friendliest term but since they weren’t deemed worthy enough to live on Chelestra after Ravda and Chelest sundered the known world to form this one, my people tend to look down on them. Now that we are forced to live down here we no longer deem ourselves demigods but not equals either."

"I see. Well if you mean the Dwarves they could be doing worse but it’s nothing to worry about. I’m eternally grateful for getting out of that prison and to be going home is a gift that is not easily paid back."

"I do not need anything that you could possibly give me. Freeing you suited my needs and I was returning the favor of taking me to Thais in the first place."

"We will reach Carlin in a few minutes. I can see the harbor from here."

"As do I." Roku could see more then that. He could see a shadowed figure come out of the water and attach something to his door, then disappearing. "I do indeed..."

Red Un Well, any dwarf (or half-dwarf) knows how to care for the spirits of the machines. Nothing anyone else than dwarves (or half-dwarves) can undestand, Red Un thought. Now, get outta me head, I got things to do...

He heard a thumping up on the deck.

"Damn, I knew it..."

He ran up the stairs.

"Uhm...Roku, what's that on yer door?"

Roku Yarit "Thats what I’d like to find out...Wait a minute! How do you know that’s my house?" He looked out again. The ship was moving quickly but he guessed the Dwarf could see better then the humans could if he could see whatever it was attached to his door. "Maybe it’s a note from the Dragon," he joked. "Captain, shut off the engine and let down the sails. Prepare to lower the anchor."

Pheonix Rhia smiled, letting the wind run through her hair. She loved nature... "I wonder where Oriel is..."

Red Un Red Un got an angry look in his face.

"Captain, do NOT shut off the engine, just turn it down to lowest power."

He turned back to Roku.

"Lisn' Chelestran, ya never EVER turn off a dwarven engine."

He walked back down the stairs to make sure that the engine was treated properly...

Roku Yarit Several of the deck crew were moving to follow the Dwarf, stern sneers on their faces. "Leave him be." Roku smiled widely as the ship moved slowly into the harbor. ''Perhaps there is hope for him yet. He even dared to call me Chelestran. Never before has anyone called me anything but Roku or Master Yarit. Not many people even say my name when addressing me.'' His smile disappeared and he remained cold and rigid. Before the ship could come to a stop and the planks could be let out and the anchor dropped, Roku was already off the ship.

He walked up the door slowly. He could feel the warding spells were still intact in his household. Pulling the piece of paper gently he examined it.

'''Greetings Roku Sirius Yarit, Seventh Guardian of the Labyrinth. Your presence is requested at the Gathering. It will take place two hours from when you will read this. All Chelestrans that are left have also been summoned. Today we decide our people’s fate. You know where we will be. We also request that you inform the Dragon to find its Master. The Dark has been illusive and hard to get ahold of this past age but we cannot blame him. Please be punctual, Guardian, there is little time before there are other affairs that need our attention. The preceding invitation has also been sent to the following: Tyrn Bline, Daemon Oregau, Detlin Draknor, Arckin Phastla, Parthamus Andorius, Icearoth Halisius, Iridal Blastrovita, Savrin Evae, Leesin Tasul, Silvan Ranushieh, Borezena Goluk, Raistlin Hedin, and Istora Kal'heed. I order for things to run through smoothly, all must be present.'''

~Tal'Rasha Phazar~

Roku was, at first, shocked. Not because for the first time in three centuries the Chelestran people were being called together but because the letter was wrong. Palinthalasa was not with the Sorcerer. Therefore the Mind Glancers were wrong so this was not as it should be. Something had happened that was not supposed to. His temples began to throb. Thinking about all the possible timelines was too much for him. A golden circlet was burned onto the bottom of the paper but not with fire. With magic. Sigla magic. He had no doubt that this was authentic even though no one else alive could possible know the names of all the living Chelestrans on Tibia. What am I going to do about the Library now... He scratched his chin as he thought, walking into his house and shutting the door behind him. The warding magic kicked in as he took his place in his favourite chair, four others circling it.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia’s eyes opened. ''"Something troubles you." ''Rhia thought to Roku. "May I ask what?”

Roku Yarit A wave of his hand and the door flung open. He stuffed the piece of paper in his pocket, watching the ship slow to a halt through the window and the anchor dropping into the rigid waters. It does not matter. The Sorcerer waited patiently for his companions to get off the ship and seat themselves in his house.

Vodok The short dwarf didn’t notice anything and was strutting around as if he owned the boat. ''"Hum da ram dum..." ''the short dwarf sang as he was strutting around. Suddenly the boat stopped and the dwarf fell over. The dwarf got up after about half a minutes struggle and got up. He assumed the boat had got to its goal and he started walking off the boat.

Red Un Red Un rolled his eyes at Vodok and walked of the ship. As the crew prepared to leave, he gave them one last angry look and gave them an advice that they would follow for the rest of their lives:

"Don't ever mess with a dwarven engine. Ever."

Then he proceeded to Rokus house and sat down in one of the chairs.

"Hrmph...neat 'ouse ya got 'ere. Any beer around?"

Vodok The short dwarf assumed he was allowed to walk inside Roku's house. The short dwarf went around poking everything in the house. ''"Hmmmm..." ''the short dwarf said as he found a few backpacks. He looked inside them. ''"Funny lookin' stuff yar got 'ere." ''he said to Roku and continued walking around and poking stuff without closing the backpack, causing some things to roll out.

Roku Yarit Roku rolled his eyes and stood up abruptly, tearing Vodok away from his things and thrusting him firmly in the chair. "Move and I’ll make sure that beard of yours get shaved and never grows back." He put everything the Dwarf had let carelessly roll onto the floor back in its proper place and sat down. "Reaching into a small box, he pulled out a rather bloated bag of coins. He tossed it into Red Un's lap. "Get what ever you need and head to the ice islands. I have another matter to attend to." Standing up, Roku walked into another room, leaving the other unattended as he looked through hundreds of shelves.

Red Un Red Un opened up the bag and examined the strange golden coins.

"Hrmm...I should be able to get many beers for this. Well Roku, join us when ya can."

He walked outside.

"'Kay people, get yerself some food 'n beer and we'll meet at the northern gate tomorrow. And stay away from black-robed men at all cost."

Roku Yarit Roku reentered the room, dropping a small glass orb into Red Un's hands. "What ever you to do, don’t break it. So I suggest you keep it away from Vodok." Without another word he walked out the door and disappeared.

Red Un "Don't break it he says...why give it to me? I've decided to get myself some beer, and when I've got myself some beers, this thing would probably be safer in the hands of a glass-balls-fearing cyclops. Oh well..."

He walked towards the southern bar.

Vodok The short dwarf tried to see what coins were in the bag since beer and money was his biggest interest, the more of it he had, the happier he was. The short dwarf ran towards the bar as fast as he could. ''"Gimme beer." ''the short dwarf demanded. The bartender who didn’t like to be bossed around took up a smaller bottle of beer and gave to the short dwarf. The short dwarf drained the whole bottle. ''"Righ'. Gimme tons o' beer." ''the bartender took up a lot of bottles. ''"Hmmmmm... That'll haf'ta do." ''The short dwarf decided to try and press as much beer into the backpacks he already had instead of buying new ones. The short dwarf stuffed some beer in his random backpack of runes number one and accidentally set off a soul fire rune on himself. ''"ARG!! DARN SOUL FIRE!!" ''The short dwarf yelled.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia laughed at Vodok. "You really are something else Vodok..."

Roku Yarit While Vodok filled his belly with Ale, Roku stood at the gates of a citadel constructed of grey stone, most walls completely overrun with moss. There was no sign of life but then again there wouldn’t be. He knocked on the door twice then opened it stepping inside to eternal darkness. He knew his way around well, even if he could not see. But Chelestrans had other ways of seeing then with their eyes.

"Ahh Roku Yarit, a pleasure to see you again." A slightly taller man with a dark beard that was drawn into two braids that were relatively short.

"Daemon," Roku said with a grin, holding up his palm. Daemon did the same, both palms glowed a bright yellow, a customary greeting between Guardians of the Labyrinth. Making sure it was not some shapeshifter. Daemon then embraced Roku, much to his discomfort but he was forced to return the gesture. "Tell me, Third, who has arrived."

The tall Chelestran put a hand to his chin. "Let’s see. Tal'Rasha, Tyrn, Arckin, Icearoth, Istora, Borezena, Leesin, Savrin, myself and you." Daemon looked sympathetically at Roku and gave a disappointed sigh. "She will be here, Roku. I hate to say it but Parthamus wouldn’t let anything happen to her and he could even give you a run for you money."

Roku forced a smile. "You’re right. He could do what I could not."

"You mean Kalas don’t you? Listen Roku, it wasn’t your fault. You suffered enough when you fought him. If Parthamus didn’t intervene and saved you and Iridal then no one would have made it off Chelestra alive."

Roku nodded and looked down at his hands. Bent, twisted, hideous. This was a testament to his inability to defend himself and those he cared about. And a testament to the powers of the Patryns. "I killed Kelia..."

Daemons eyes lit up. "You killed the Elf? The girl, right? The one who apparently outran Savrins Dragon right? Drathius, the blue dragon I believe."

Roku shot a glance that seemed to strike Daemon with a bolt of lightning. "I’m glad you idolize those who hunt us down!" Calming himself he began to walk down the dark corridor towards a tall brass door at the end of the hall. "As always, you are correct, Daemon. I did not mean to get angry it’s just...I understand now why The Dark thought we were the greater of two evils. I saw the evils of the Labyrinth reflected in her eyes."

"And you’re going to propose that after you recover the knowledge to restore Chelestra that we destroy the labyrinth and free those still trapped inside?"

Roku frowned away from the man who had just spoken to him while Daemon only put on his biggest smile and turned to meet him. "Glancer Arckin, why are you not with the others? Has your foresight told you what will happen already if you attend?"

"Ah but if I did not attend the information I would have seen would not be accurate. And we can’t have that can we?"

"I didn’t have the dragon with me when I received the letter, Glancer. Some that should have happened didn’t."

"You haven’t figured it out now? Her name is Rhiannon, is it not?"

Red Un Red Un crawled out from under the table.

"Vodok, you will surely be the death of us all one day. And that's if I'm lucky..."

He ordered in a large tankard of beer. Not as large as a dwarven tankard, but large enough for the time being.

Meanwhile...

The ordinary ferryman had went to Thais on vacation (bad move) and left the ferry to the Ice Islands in the hands of a far-of cousin from Northport. The cousin was writing a letter to his mother.

"Dear Mother

Work on the ferry is great. Many people want to go to the Islands, especially Folda, and I make lots of money (half of which I pay in Boat Tax to Carlin of course). I hope that everything at home is well and that sister’s wedding was nice. I couldn't come because..."

But there the letter ended. It would never be finished, because in the next instant, a throwing star hit the cousin in the back with such preciseness that he died instantly (and painlessly). The two robed men took out their torches, and soon the ferry was ablaze and sinking. One turned to the other.

"What will happen now?"

"They will do exactly what we have planned..."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "That’s weird... I can't sense Roku... And I could have sworn I heard my name" she said confused. "Maybe I’m just hearing things."

Vodok The short dwarf was in the bar and he decided to let the beer problem wait a little. The dwarf drank some beer and became extremely drunk. The short dwarf was tumbling around the bar. A little later when the dwarf was less drunk... ''"Gimme more  beer." !>!>''the short dwarf said. ''"Ummmm... No. I think you've had enough." ''the bartender answered. ''"WHAT?!!?!?!" ''the short dwarf yelled and stormed out of the bar (without paying for the last beers he took).

Red Un Red Un looked over at the bartender.

"I'm tellin' ya, human, never tell a dwarf when he has had enough. Now gimmie 'nother beer. And make it BIG this time."

Roku Yarit Roku sat around a large circular table. All sat in silent patience waiting for the last three to arrive so things could get underway. Istora on his left, Raistlin on his right. Both where MindGlancers, two of the four who were still alive. A strange seat he thought. He was at least three seats away from the rest of the Guardians who all sat in the order of their number. Little things were settling about this meeting. First Arckin and now Iridal and Parthamus had not shown up. Roku could have cared less if Detlin showed up. The senile old fool may have wielded a power that could have easily brought anyone in the room to their knees but he was too unfocused and easily distracted to utilize it making him only dangerous due to his Dragon. Many Chelestrans had Dragons but only one was from the Labyrinth. Savrin had Drathius, Tyrn had Promenthanon, Silvan had Wrathlin, and Detlin had Palinthalasa. Blue, White, Red, and Green. "May I present, Iridal Blastrovita." Tal'Rasha said calmly as all stood to greet her as she opened the chamber room’s doors. Roku looked away quickly, the short glance had torn a hole in his heart that would take time to cover up. Her piercing silver eyes, her long flowing amethyst hair, her fair skin color, and her long white robes all reminded Roku of what he had lost. She was always considered a Goddess whenever she was openly confronted by any Mensch. Some called her an Angel sent from heaven to save them. But both were understatements to Roku. He could not help but smile as he looked back up, preparing for being under her powerful gaze. "Have you seen my hat?" Roku jolted back in his chair, much to the amusement of the rest of the room. His head sank into his hands as he groaned. "It’s on your head, Detlin..." he mumbled, fighting back anger. The Wizard was ecstatic as he patted his hat. "So it is! Thank you ever so much Ropu." "MY NAME IS ROKU, YOU SENILE OLD FOOL!" Roku almost raised his right sleeve but Istora quickly stood up to redirect Detlins attention and reach out a hand to keep Roku from openly attacking the Wizard. This is going to me a long day... His mood lightened a bit when he heard the melodious laugh of Iridal and realized he had lived through worse...but not much worse. Red Un The bartender sighed and got out the mug marked "dwarf-sized". He had to carry it with both hands. After it was filled, he could not carry it at all. Red Un looked at it as the planks in the bar groaned under it and shrugged his shoulders.

"Oh well, I guess you humans doesn't have anything larger than 'kid-size'..."

He drank deeply...

Vodok Grrr... In Kazordoon no one stops you from drinking yourself to death as long as you pay for the drinks... Grrrrr... Stupid humans think they know everything... the short dwarf thought while he was walking around the city.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia decided to take a nap. She found a good sized tree. She climbed to the top of it. She made a swishing noise. The tree began to rock back and forth. She made another and the tree began to rustle. Singing in the voice of nature. Slowly she drifted off to sleep. When she closed her eyes a dream reached her. She saw Roku, Red Un, and Vodok. They were covered in blood motionless... She was covered in their blood...

Rhia woke up with a jolt nearly falling out of the tree. The tree had caught her though. She woke up crying...

Roku Yarit "So it’s settled. The council has voted. The mensch are not capable of finding and acquiring the proper texts from the library. The Seventh will be aided by those of our own to complete his task. Any volunteers?"

"I will help the Seventh in his quest," stated Istora. A rather strange move for Guardians and Mind Glancers never got along very well.

"As will I," this time it was Raistlin. Both were seated around him, something Roku did not think was a coincidence.

Before Ta'Rasha could put his hand on his desk to proclaim the matter settled another spoke up. "I will travel with Roku as well."

All eyes turned to Iridal, the most shocked were those of Parthamus, the red haired Lancer of the Chelestran Elite Gaurd. It looked as if Tal'Rasha was going to object but first he caught Roku’s confused look and put his hand firmly on the desk.

Something was wrong, and that bloody stupid grin Detlin was shooting at him wasn’t helping. At first he thought to object himself and state that he could handle his quest easily by himself but he needed to know what was going on but he did not know if he could do this while spending time with Iridal. There was one thing he could do to keep his head but that would be interacting with a rather annoying individual.

"You want me to what?" the Old Wizard asked, putting a hand to his ear after the Council had dispersed after several more hours of trivial matters.

"Dispel the Enchantment...now." Roku ordered, folding his arms crossly.

"But I don’t know if Tal'Rasha or anyone else would be very pleased if I did."

"Just do it and don’t worry about it, Wizard."

With a shrug, Detlin began to trace the sigla on Rokus forehead, but he traced them backwards, dispelling their magic.

Red Un ...where was he...

...it was dark...

...there was a pain in his head...

...he opened his eyes...

...He saw the sky above. He picked up the sounds from a nearby market....

...oh right, my name is Red Un...

...damn, how much did I drink last night...

...Well, I figger I hafta get up if I'm gonna get anywhere.

Red Un rised to his feet and immediately checked his backpack. Good. Nothing was stolen. He looked around and saw that he stood on the grass outside the bar.

He heard a faint sobbing coming from inside...

As he entered, he saw the bartender looking at the empty casks of beer.

"Uhm..."

The bartender turned around and looked at Red Un with red, tear-filled eyes.

"YOU! Never get back here you damn...drunkard!"

Red Un grinned. It seemed to have been a good night...

Lady Rhiannon Datwood -Rhia walked into the bar. She saw Red Un. Obviously he had seen her also. She quickly turned around and left without a word. "That dream seemed so real." She muttered to herself.

Red Un Red Un went outside again and looked at Rhia.

"Right, we'll get goin' when we've found Vodok. Let's check the gutters and the prison..."

Vodok ''"BAH! Lousy humans..." ''and so on the short dwarf was muttering while he was walking through the streets. As the short dwarf passed a knight that didn’t seem all too skilled the short dwarf muttered ''"'Upid bartender 'inks 'e know when every'un else 'ad 'nuff..." ''The knight then walked up to Vodok realising the situation. ''"Come with me and I'll give you free beer." ''the knight said in a friendly voice. ''"M'kay." ''the short dwarf muttered and followed the knight. For some reason they were heading out of Carlin. The suddenly... ''"YA!!" ''the knight yelled and attempted make the short dwarf a head smaller. Unfortunately for the knight he missed and hit the helmet. ''"Um??" ''the short dwarf said in surprise. ''"Ya'll pay forrat!" ''the still drunk dwarf yelled. He put a hand down in a backpack and noticed it didn’t have runes. It had his "might come in handy" stuff. He accidentally got a dwarven ring on his finger... My oh my have I had luck with those things the last months... the short dwarf thought and put his other hand into a backpack of runes. Unfortunately he got a beer flask since he didn’t want to use backpacks, and he knew he'd need them to the trip to Folda so he didn’t drink them earlier. ''"GRR!" ''the short dwarf yelled. The knight had time to put another blow so he struck again, it hit the beer flask but continued through the dwarfs hand. ''"AAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!! EXURA VITA!" ''the dwarf cried out. He now got really angry because the knight had cost him a bottle of beer. "EXEVO MORT HUR! EXORI VIS! EXORI VIS! EXORI VIS! EXORI VIS! ''EXORI VIS!" ''the short dwarf started yelling. The short dwarf wasn’t skilled in hitting people with swords (unless he happened to be in an inhuman area where he could move about ten times faster than anything) but he was good with hitting people with spells and runes. Two of the energy strikes missed but the other spells hit. The knight was pretty near death by now but he took up his sword and started swinging it violently around him in hope to hit the short dwarf. The blade hit exactly where his head had been if he was a normal grown person, but since he was a short dwarf it went over him. The violent attack was stopped by a tree. The dwarf pushed down the knight on the ground and hit away the knight’s sword with his own in a clumsy swing. He climbed over so he was looking the knight in his face. ''"I know this aint tha' noble bu' Im angry at ya..." ''the short dwarf said and took off the knights helmet and took his fist and hit with all his might on the face. The knight was knocked out, but still alive. ''"CAN SOME'UN 'ELP ME WITH A MURDERER 'ERE??" ''the short dwarf yelled out.

Red Un Red Un grinned.

"I think we've found him..."

He walked towards the sound of mindless violence...

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia gave a weak smile. Her sense of humor was still there... But she didn’t find it as funny anymore. Vodok's thick headedness just didn’t amuse her as much... The dream still haunted her... Why was she the only one living in that dream?

Red Un "Now Vodok, calm down. He's had enough."

Red Un gave the poor man an evil look.

"Lisn' bandit, when ya see a dwarf with lots of backpacks, stay away from him. If he's got gold in them, he'll kill his own mother to keep it, and if it's runes, well..."

The man crawled away as fast as he could.

"Now, are we set to get the Ice Island ferry?"

Vodok "Don leddim go!!" ''the short dwarf yelled at Red Un. He put his hand in his backpack of random runes and shot a fire wall rune a meter or two in front of the crawling knight-murderer. ''"Gimme some gold for tryin' ta kill me." ''the short dwarf said. ''"Ummmmmm... No way." ''the knight answered and ran away. ''"CURSE YOU, DWARF!" ''he yelled. ''"OH YEAH?? WELL YOUR SO UGLY THAT YOUR FACE IS UGLY!!" ''the short dwarf yelled back. The short dwarf turned to Red Un. ''"How could ya let 'im go?!?! HE DESSTROYED ONE OF MY BEER FLASKS!!!" ''the short dwarf yelled. The short dwarf turned around and marched towards the Ice Island ferry in a very grumpy mood. ''"If I knew that would 'appen I woulda drained that beer..." ''the short dwarf muttered.

Roku Yarit Roku found his new attire not much to his liking. Dark red robes with nothing on them at all. It was also a bit too long but he could have that fixed. The hood was rather large to but he would never wear it. Made his ponytail get stuck on something he couldn’t see and yank on his hair when he turned his head.

"We are all prepared to leave?" Raistlin asked, meaning it as no more then a formality.

"I can’t give Roku a clean bill of health until he lets me take a look at those hands," the Cleric stated rather stubbornly, looking up at Raistlin with a stern glare.

"There is nothing wrong with his hands, Cleric. You could not fix them even if you tried for we all have. It’s a testament to the suffering we have endured from the Patryns. You dare not remove it under penalty of death," The Mind Glancer threatened.

"Let’s not waste time. We do not have time to spare." Istora shot a careless glance at Roku then at Iridal, most likely probing their thoughts but he had taken care of that with the Wizards rather reluctant help.

"Rhia will be disapointed," he thought to himself as the rift opened before them. This was more than the common rifts any Chelestran could open. This rift was capable to crossing dimensions of time and space. But keeping them right were they were was the task it was assigned today. Roku entered first, a second later he was at the Ferry to the Ice Islands. Only Red Un and his book knew which one so they would be patient.

"We should use the book ourselves to save time. I will find the Dwarf and retrieve the book."

Before Roku could stop him, Raistlin was gone. "Damnit! Istora tell him to come back."

"He has his orders, Seventh, as do you." Her tone was cold and disconcerning, like all Mind Glancers. Roku wondered if he would have been the same if his test would have put him to that path.

"Our orders were to do whatever was necessary to retrieve the knowledge from the library. Not forcefully steal from innocents!" Iridal argued. Roku was sure she knew it was futile. The Mind Glancers were given orders only by Tal'Rasha himself. No one else had the authority to interrupt what they wish.

Red Un Red Un grinned at Vodoks anger.

"Well, I guess I still have a little human in me..."

Then he set of to the ferry. As he came closer, he smelled something like...burned wood?

Dalafor ...the wind takes some outrageous yells with it. -What in the Banors name!? I saw kids doing bad things but this is the worst I ever saw. This is much more than a bad joke! hows suposse I’ll get back to my Folda's mountain hut? Wait... what’s that floating?

-This is horrible! Why can any want to kill this kind boy. He just start working little time ago so he can’t have enemies... he was so emotioned with his new work, and he told me he wanted to write his mother for first time. He learned so well the few lessons I gave him -Red Un! Long time since I saw you last time in the deep dwarf city. Do you know something about this?

Roku Yarit Raistlin Hedin materialized in front of Red Un unannounced. The Mind Glancer was much taller than the dwarf, and did appear daunting but the Dwarf just looked up at him and rolled his eyes. He wore dark black robes, his hood covering his face. "Give me the book, Un." He held out a white hand.

"Oh yeah, I’m soo happy you Mind Glancers are here to tell us the future." Roku said sarcastically. "You didn’t even see the ferry was destroyed!"

"Do not criticize me, Seventh! You do not know how many delicate variables go into foresight. Maybe we would have been here to prevent this if you had simply waved the Cleric off." Istora's crimson eyes could be seen for miles around. She wore the same outfit as Raistlin but her hood was never up. Her long white hair created quite a contrast with the burning wreckage behind her.

"Istora, Roku please!" Iridal interrupted. "We are better then this. How can we bring peace to Chelestra if we cannot even have peace amongst those who still live?"

Roku glared at Istora. She glared right back at him. Iridal sighed and sat down on the grass, her white robes fluttering in the breeze.

Roku turned his back on Istora and stared out onto the water. "You’ll be sure to hear them soon Mind Glancer. The Alethan will most likely make things difficult for Raistlin."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhis began to feel better. These people weren’t in her dream. Maybe it was nothing to worry about. She turned to Roku. She smiled at him. There was something odd... even thought she didn’t trust him, it bothered her to see him dead in her dreams.

Red Un Not again. Not another innocent. Just like all those years ago...no, he couldn't think of that now. He needed to stay focused.

"No Dalafor, I don't know who could ever do such a horrible thing. Ever."

He looked at the others.

"Well people, it seems like we only have one option left. Pack yer things, we'll have to go to Ab'Dendriel. I know that they have a ship that travels to the Ice Islands. You may join us if ya like, Dally."

He looked over at Roku and the other people in his gang.

"You guys can come with us too, tough ya should know that I always has first pick on any treasures..."

Dalafor ...the only way to go and I hope I can take some answers while. Perhaps the captain knows some news about any other assault on ships -I’ll be really pleased going with you, Red. Sorry for being so suspicious. The death anger me, more knowing that there was no reason for it.

-The sun is high but will soon fall and we still have a long journey. So raise up heads and start marching.

Roku Yarit Roku could have laughed at Raistlin. The Dwarf had completely ignored his demands. ''Good for you Un. Don’t let them intimidate you.''

The Mind Glancers telepathy may not have been able to pierce his mind but Raistlin knew what Roku was thinking.

"Ab'Dendriel? There is no time for that," Istora said sternly. "I have no interest in treasure either. We shall travel through the rift. Tell me what island."

"Istora it is not our quest to decide what path we travel," Roku reminded her. "You’re lucky enough he has offered to take strangers that appeared out of nowhere with him. Perhaps you should show the mensch some respect."

"Roku! Dont use such language." Iridal said sternly. "I apologize for my companions attitudes, Red Un." she said softly, stepping in front of Istora. "I am Iridal. This is Istora and Raistlin. I believe you already know the Seventh." She extended her delicate hand to the Dwarf and the others in his company, a warm smile on her face.

Red Un Red Un spit in his hand and gave her a hearty (dwarven) handshake.

"Well, I guess yer some 'o them Chelestrans or whatever they're called. Think I read a book 'bout ya somewhere. Welcome to our li'll gang!"

Vodok The short dwarf was fairly bored so he sneaked over to the dead body. Get the backpack get the backpack... The short dwarf thought. ''"LOOK! A FLYING PIG!" ''the short dwarf yelled and pointed towards the opposite direction from himself and the body. Hoping everyone was going to look away the short dwarf took up the backpack and looked into it.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia was curious about the other Chelestrans... I wonder if they can read my mind... She thought.

She then noticed Dalafor was joining. She smiled to see an old friend... who obviously didn’t recognized her. She was upset about that. "Dalafor! It's me! Remember? Pheonix?" She said remembering that he knew her by her god given name.

Red Un Red Un hadn't flinched at the notion of a flying farm animal. There's a lot stranger things to see in Tibia.

"Vodok, if you are thinkin' about looting that poor boys body, I would advise against it. After all, it's hard to walk with two broken legs..."

Roku Yarit Iridal shook the Dwarfs hand with obvious discomfort and then wiped the spit on the grass, smiling weakly. "I don’t believe Roku mentioned you. May I ask your name," she asked Rhiannon politely.

"Vodok, leave the boy’s body alone!" Roku dragged the Dwarf by the collar away from the boy’s body.

Istora and Raistlin just stared at the rest of them sternly, tapping their feet at the same time. A strange phenomenon among Mind Glancers.

''The woman has some talents with the mind. Not so much as too control thoughts and psychokenesis but enough to project her voice into ones head. Should we worry about her?''

''No, she won’t be able to pry herself into our minds. Perhaps Iridal’s or Roku's but not ours. She seems to know more about us then the Dwarf does. After we find the library I would like to take a look on the book he spoke of. Only three Chelestrans alive were there to witness the forging of the Labyrinth. And none of them speak of it. I have questions that I would like to be answered.''

"Un, why do you want to go to Ab'Dendriel? We have others ways to get to the Ice Islands."

Vodok The short dwarf was now standing a few meters away from the body. He weighed the backpack in his hands, then he threw it to the body. ''"'E'd wan' someone to 'ave use of 'is stuff..." ''the short dwarf muttered. But then he decided to be polite to the new powerful strangers. ''Powerful people have powerful objects to give to nice people. ''the short dwarf thought so he walked up to one of the people there and imitated Red Un. He spit in the other persons hand and said. "Ill shake yar hand but ya'll have te scrape off that spit from your 'and. The short dwarf said in his most polite voice.

Roku Yarit Istora hid her fury well. Her eyes lost their pupils and she folded her arms. Vodok lifted off the ground and turned upside down. Her face was cold and rigid. She wiped the spit off her hand and onto the Dwarfs beard. Then she let get minds grip slip and he fell, her pupils returning. "Your mensch really are disgusting creatures."

Red Un Red Un grinned.

"Well, if every 'Mench' acted like Vodok, there wouldn't be much of civilization as we know it, I guess. Anyhoo, I think I'll prefer takin' a ship from Abby (and let me tell ya, I never really liked elven crews) than to use any strange magic warpin' thingys of any sort..."

Besides, I would really like to find out what the Black Star is up to this time, he thought for himself.

Vodok The short dwarf decided to pretend that didn’t happen. ''"Nice spell. How'd'ya do it?" ''the short dwarf asked hoping he was politely having a nice conversation with her.

Roku Yarit "Its telekenesis, Vodok. Just steer clear of those two alright?" Roku said quietly. "Just don’t spit on the one in the white. As a favour to me." He smiled weakly.

"That is understandable. Lead the way then. And would you three stop using that word! You of all people, Seventh, should know better. You talk of respect but you continue to use such a demeaning term."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia only heard muffles of what the 2 mindglancers were thinking about. She knew they were talking about her... A cold chill ran down her spine.

Yes mother... I will be careful... She thought.

"What are you? You’re not... mortal are you?" She thought out to the 2. Even though she could not read their minds she could still speak to them.

Roku Yarit Istora and Raistlin looked at Rhia simultaneously. ''Such a stupid question. We are of the same race as Roku. We are Chelestrans. Mortal? Perhaps so but there is not much that could kill us. We are gods among the mensch. The only difference between us and the Sev-uh Roku is the path we were given after the tests. He is a Guardian and we are Mind Glancers. Does this fill you thirst for knowledge, Alethan?'' The two Mind Glancers spoke at the exact same time in Rhiannons head.

Iridal looked at Rhia strangly. "Not talkative perhaps?" She looked back at Roku as they walked but he only shrugged, looking rather clueless.

Red Un "Well, let's get goin' then!"

Red Un started to walk toward the nearby Femur hills that lies along the path to Ab'Dendriel.

Dalafor ...Dalafor turns back to Rhia and make some signs to her to walk ahead together. When Rhia walks next to Dalafor he start talk to her> -Sure, Rhia, I must admit that recognizing you took me little time. Perhaps your different look mess these old eyes but I was sure our ways gonna cross again, that’s the fate of the Path.

-You don’t need to worry about the Chelestran. They are good people in their strange ways, mostly. I met some of their ancients... well... some time ago and they are wise and respectful ones> And you don’t need to be so paranoid. I know you quite well, and I can assure Rhia is a trustworthy, we could say... woman. Before you ask me who I am, well, some of your older knew me as the Star Runner or the Traveller so more presentations won’t be needed, but you sure don’t need to spread this... knowledge, I hope.

Roku Yarit Raistlin couldnt help but throw his head back and laugh. ''Listen, there are no ancients nor any Star Runner ever mentioned by any Chelestran alive past or present. You say then that you have walked on Chelestra which means your are several centuries old because it must have been before the Labyrinth. If you are telling the truth then you will know the name of The Dark.'' He had to admit he was curious, but curiosity fades quickly with him. Lies did not.

His green eyes flashed. "They mean to kill him, sir." "Why would anyone want to kill such a charming fellow?" "You know, sir." "I do?" he asked, a vague expression on his face. "Indeed you do, sir." The opposing man was stern but subtle. "If you say so," he said with an air of resignation. "You can’t remember can you, sir?" the opposing man said with a rather sad look on his face. The vague expression left the old mans eyes. "It hurts...to remember that is...other peoples...much easier...not mine...not anymore..." "You should get some rest, sir. Tomorrow you will feel better." The opposing man, dressed in black, led the elderly fellow down the hallway into his sleeping chambers.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood She didn't trust them... She could feel their feelings... They felt cold. She could tell they only cared about their mission no matter the cost… Even the lives of other were no concern to them.

Rhis shot a concerned glance to Roku then looked venomously at the two Chelestrans. She disliked them. Roku didn’t even bother her this much.

"Tell me Dalafor... would you trust them with your life." she said testily. She walked next to Roku.

"They feel... They feel as if they have no feelings toward life."

Red Un Red Un, happily unaware of the mind-talking behind him marched on with a merry song on his lips.

"Hey ho, hey ho, to the elves we go They don't have beer, they make us sneer Hey ho, hey ho!

Hey ho, hey ho, to the pointy-ears we go They're tall and fast but will not last Hey ho, hey ho!"

Roku Yarit "Why should they?" Roku shrugged. "Let me try to help you understand. Mind Glancers are never questioned. They take what they want when they want. They are impatient and despise mostly everyone who is not a Glancer, considering them weak and barbaric. We don’t mind. Right down to it, we’re all family. There are so few of us left we are patient with those who’s views coincide with ours. You don’t have to trust them, Rhiannon, just try to remember we came from a place where compassion was a weakness that almost always lead to death."

"You make us sound like cold hearted trolls," Iridal laughed as she walked on the opposite side of Roku. "It’s true then don’t care for you but if you ignore them I’m sure they will do the same with you."

Vodok ''"EVERYONE STOP SINGING!" ''The short dwarf yelled. If he couldn’t have fun no one else should have fun either. ''"Write down 'is poem I made 'n' worked 'ard on." ''he said to Red Un. The short dwarf cleared his throat.

''"Hum dee dam, I ain’t dumb Hum dee doo, I’m smarter than you!" ''the short dwarf said. ''"Write 'at down." ''

Red Un Red Un sighed as he kept walking and pulled out an old scrap of paper.

"This has got to be the worst waste of the written word, but oh well..."

He began to write down Vodok’s poem...

Dalafor ...trust in someone doesn’t mean to not to see what happens and only a stupid, or a blind man, won’t look around for... unexpected... things. -In the other hand ask me for the Dark name its a bad luck sign, but that’s not my problem. I walked the labyrinth, true, but I also walked so many other thousand paths, but it’s a shame that the few ones left forget the old tales and rituals...

Roku Yarit Raistlin grinned a bit. "I was referring to Detlin the Dark not actual darkness. You remind me strangely of hi-" He stopped, realizing what the Old Man just said.

Roku stopped walking...as did the rest of the Chelestrans. They all turned to look at Dalafor with anger. Not all of them were telepathic but they all heard it. "I walked in the labyrinth."

"Patryn!" Iridal burst out, unable to contain herself. "You dare hide yourself in our midst?"

Roku calmed himself the best he could, resisting the urge to roll up his sleeves. He could see the pupils begin to fade in the Mind Glancer’s eyes. "Explain yourself while you still can, Dalafor."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "Don't you dare threaten him." She advanced on Roku and the mind glancers. "You will not lay a finger on him!" Her voice seemed to boom in their minds as well as in the air.

Red Un Red Un turned around at the sound of angry voices.

"Dammit, I'm not sure how this team has survived this far. Vodok, get out any shielding magic you might have, it seems like there will be some in-fighting. Again."

Vodok ''"Aah. Goodie. Was sum' time 'go I 'ad a fight. Unless yeh coun' tha' time inna desert an' 'at stupid knight." ''the short dwarf said. Then he realised that this would not be a little fight, although it could be settled without any blood spill, then again it might not stop until someone dies. He prepared to say a healing spell and his hand slowly made its way to his backpack with sudden death runes. Just in case... ''"Wha' eva 'appens... We dwarfs'll stick tagether under 'is fight, righ'?" ''the short dwarf whispered to Red Un hoping for some protection.

Dalafor ...well, I don’t want to get a useless fight here, but I don’t also need new embarrassing followers -So well, firstly calm down all. Rhia you don’t need to care bout my integrity but your help is a very grated thing. I can say I’m just an old... traveller. I won’t deny I walk the labyrinth but just as I walk thousand paths before and after that. There I met some of your kind and I had some friendship with some few of them. Some thought I was a kind of demon or the salvation of the Chelestran kind. I’d never admit it. I won’t. Some was desperate for salvation thinking it would come from a strange one, some fear me for being another one more than them walking the labyrinth. Anyway I’m glad you, at least some of you, find the way out. But don’t dare to menace an old man. I thought you were kinder and more respectful with elders Remember, not all your eyes can see is what it seems  Perhaps you can now remember something about your old tales. Is your curiosity fed? Can we keep on walking?

Roku Yarit "You think we walked in the labyrinth? Do we look like criminals who were tossed into that prison?" He could have laughed. "The people you met in the Labyrinth were not Chelestran and you dishonour everyone of our people who died on Chelestra when you call them that. They are Patryns, neither mensch not Chelestran. Their heritage and magic has left them. They destroyed my home. Our home. And you admit to befriending them? We have learned all too well that appearances mean nothing, we learned that from the dragon, and perhaps you are not a Patyrn but an outside force claimed responsibility for destroying the seal from the inside and releasing those inside. You could have very well destroyed our world, Dalafor..." His eyes were dark and narrow. "There are only Fourteen Chelestrans alive this day. Not one of us hasn’t been nearly killed by many Patryns. They hunt us, try to exterminate us. For all we know you could be biding your time until you kill us in our sleep."

"Roku..." Iridal put a hand on his shoulder, he was shaking. Iridal was a Transmogrifier, a term that seemed suitable for this class of Chelestran. She could turn herself and anyone or anything around her into anything she could concentrate hard enough on.

The Mind Glancers were silent, their pupils did not return. They were busy, picking the locks, knocking the down the doors that would eventually lead into Dalafors mind...or so they thought.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia closed her eyes.

She let out a soothing sound... It was... song? She was using the magic of the phoenix in her blood to try to soothe Roku's rage.

"Leave his mind alone Chelestrans, Dalafor's mind is not to be trifled with." she thought to all while she sung. 

"I’m sorry if I seem to be treating you like you are frail... I have lost friends and I don’t want to lose another one" she thought to Dalafor.

Red Un Red Un sighed.

"Right, if all the ancient grudges are settled for the time being (even tough I bet they will come up in the future, probably at the moment when we least need them), let's proceed to Abby!"

Meanwhile...

"Is this really worth the lives of hundreds?"

"I hope you know that our motto is 'The ends always justifies the means', young man."

"But to destroy all this..."

"Cities can be rebuilt. But if the knowledge of the Library is released...there will be nothing to rebuild. Ever."

Vodok The short dwarf was still in his alert position but after Red Un said they would keep on walking to Ab'Dendriel he started walking after Red Un. ''"I’ve gotta feelin' were bein' followed as we walk 'ere..." ''the short dwarf said to Red Un in a dramatic voice. The short dwarf kept on walking for about 20 yards then suddenly when no one was suspecting it, the short dwarf jumped around to check for followers. Or at least that’s what he meant to do. But his heavy boots, legs, armor and all his backpacks caused him to fall down when he tried to jump that suddenly. He was lying in a heap on the floor and could hardly get up. ''"'Elp... Me..." ''he said.

A shadow was creeping and watching the dwarf fall. ''"Tss..." ''He said silently as he watched the short dwarf lie there on the floor. ''"Curse you, dwarf. No one finds out that I'm a murder and gets away with it..." ''The not all too skilled knight muttered under his breathe.

Red Un Red Un figured he ought to help Vodok up on his feet and keep goin', but first he had to laugh a little.

After he swept the tears out his eyes, he grabbed Vodok’s arm and pulled him upwards. Just as Vodok was almost on his feet, Red Un noticed the knight.

"Hey, isn't that the guy you almost killed before?" said Red Un and pointed. With the hand he was holding Vodok with. Vodok fell again.

"Mr. Knight, leave now, or these merry Chelestrans will make you wish you was never born."

Vodok ''"'N' I will even if yeh run!!" ''the short dwarf yelled out fiercely. He threw off a backpack or two and got up to his feet. He put his hand down in a backpack and got up a fire bomb. He missed but one field of fire got the knight who was running for his life. The short dwarf shot again since it contained two shots like all other fire bombs. This one was too far in front of the knight but like last time one field hit. The knight stopped just in time and ran out and around the fire bomb. The short dwarf drew another rune and got a soul fire. It missed. It missed again and again then it hit. ''"AAARG!!" ''the knight yelled. He put his hand in his backpack and got a small dagger out. He threw it with all his might towards to short dwarf. It hit him. But not with the blade, the handle hit the short dwarf chin. The short dwarfs chin was bleeding like crazy and it hurt more that it bleed. ''"AAAAAARRRRRRRG!!!!!!!" ''the short dwarf yelled out in pain. Now he was really angry... He threw down his weapon and started shooting runes as fast as he could against the knight without looking. The short dwarf had the knight lying on the floor. He took one last shot that would wound him heavily or kill him. He shot the rune without looking what one it was. But that was a misstake... He ultimate healed the knight. The knight got up, Threw off his armor to run faster and run as fast as he could towards the city. The short dwarf was exhausted, in a bad mood and bleeding and hurting like crazy. ''"Exura vita." ''the short dwarf muttered but that wasn’t really enough to stop the pain. The bleeding still continued. I’m not mortally wounded but I will die unless I stop this god forsaken bleeding the short dwarf thought. He moved quickly over to the new come people and Roku. ''"'Eal me. Ill pay ya." ''the short dwarf said who was used to dwarfs who didn’t do a thing for you unless you paid them.

Roku Yarit The two Mind Glancers pupiless eyes turned the knight. He stopped abruptly and fell to his knees then onto his face, dead. Their eyes then turned to Vodok. "We are not clerics, mensch."

Iridal patted Vodok on the head and tore a ribbon of white silk off her rather elegant gown. She secured it around the wound tighty, making Vodok look quite comical. "There there, that should help it but I’m afraid I am not a healer so my talent cannot instantly cure the wound."

Roku laughed heartily at Vodok. "You will never learn will you?"

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "Here Vodok maybe this will help." She began to speak in the language of wounds. "It should feel better. It may take a couple of seconds before it fully heals."

Red Un Red Un looked over at the dead knight.

"Well, I guess I wouldn't want to mess with 'lestrans" he muttered to himself.

"Ahem, right people, there's still a lot of way to walk. So let's get goin'!"

Vodok The short dwarf waited a few seconds and then felt totally OK. He looked down on the dead body, poking it with a nearby stick making sure he was dead. ''"Can I take 'is 'uys stuff or will yeh break me legs??" ''the short dwarf asked.

Red Un Red Un grinned.

"Well, if anyone is stupid enough to mess with us, they deserve to be looted."

Vodok ''"Yay!" ''the short dwarf said. He ran to the body and looked at it. ''"Plate armor, nah use... Ooo! Fire sword! Big use..." ''he muttered and threw down his two handed sword and picked up the fire sword. ''"Plate legs... Nah use... Steel helmet, got, but mines bi' ol' after 'is trip." ''the short dwarf muttered and changed iron helmet. ''"Dragon shield... not worlds bes' but betta' than none..." ''the short dwarf muttered and picked up the shield. ''"Tha' done. The backpack." ''the short dwarf said. He picked up the backpack and drained its contents by putting it upside down while it was open. ''"'Nother combat knife... Neva know when 'at 'andy. Throwin' star. Might 's'well take it. Book. Give it ta Red Un 'n' 'e'll be 'appy." ''the short dwarf muttered and put the throwing stars and combat knives in his backpack. ''"OI! RED UN! 'AVE A BOOK!" ''the short dwarf yelled and threw the book to Red Un. "Fire field... 'Nother fire field... I’ll take 'em. Ooo! Meat! I’ll 'ave 'at. Thas it." ''the short dwarf said while taking the meat and fire field runes. ''"Wai'... A piece o' paper..." ''the short dwarf drew a piece of paper that had been in the knight’s backpack.

''To Marnora, Son of Banora.

This note has been sent out to some other people. Kill these people and you will be richly rewarded: One very short dwarf, very slow. A half dwarf. A Pheonix figure, one Chelestra and EVERYONE else you see in company with them. You will be rewarded 20,000 gold for each scalp you manage to get, and drop off at Folda ferry (dig it down exactly 10 yards from it and next day we'll give you the gold).

Do not ask who we are, you cannot find us, and if you do, we'll have to kill you. Kill the people we described.

And eat/burn/throw this piece of paper in water. ''the note said. Unfortunately the short dwarf couldn’t read. ''"Nuffin' immportant." ''the short dwarf said and threw the piece of paper away...

Red Un Red Un studied the book as he kept walking.

"Hrmm...seems like an ordinary diary...let's see 'ere..."

He read a few lines, then he skipped some pages, read some more, raised his eyebrows, skipped some more pages, read some more and suddenly tore it to pieces.

"Whoops! Oh well, nothing interesting in it anyway..."

Qunomus Qunomus the half elf came wandering down, bowstring tense as himself, his eyes looking for battle. What he saw was a dozen or so fires blazing merrily all over the place, a dead looted knight, and two dwarvish looking persons fully armed and grim faced. Qunomus' eyebrows shot so high that they vanished under his long hair. "Dwarves," he murmured. "Nothing but trouble. And those two look like they are questing." He grinned and with an expert toss of his head he sent his hair flying in the wind and turned back.

Vodok The short dwarf who didn’t notice a thing kept on walking and took out a raw piece of meat and took a big bite out of it. The short dwarf didn’t care what he ate, but he didn’t like to drink anything that wasn’t beer he was used to. The short dwarf took another big bite of the meat. Then ate it to the bone. He threw the bone into a nearby bush and kept on walking. ''"Adori Vita Vis. Adori gran. Adori gran." ''The short ´dwarf said in a very clear voice with runes in his hands. He took up a lyre and started to sing. ''"THE ELVES ARE WEIRD! THEY AINT HAVE NO BEARDS! THE ELVES ARE WEIRD!" ''the short dwarf sang at the top of his voice.

Roku Yarit Roku saw him, how could he miss him. All mensch has a strange smell about them and elves were the worst, next to Vodok. They smelled like grass to him. He laughed subtly as the short dwarf sang. He sounded like a dying hyena but he would put up with it just to see if anything interest came of it as they all walked to Ab'Dendriel.

Red Un "Dammit Vodok, be quiet! Such songs are good when not actually near Abby. I've travelled around the world for quite a while, and I've learned that insultin' everyone you see isn't the way to go..."

Red Un took out his lyre, and played an old elven ballad just to be on the safe side...

Qunomus His music was answered by a burst arrow, which screamed as it flew threw the air, land on ground right between Vodok and Roku. The blast knocked them backwards, but didn't hurt them very much. "Bad move." said Qunomus coldly. Looking at Red Un with more respect he nodded. "You at least have sense. I wouldn't have come if these fools," he said gesturing at Vodok and Roku. "hadn't insulted the elven kindred." Vodok jumped to his feet furious, and moved at Qunomus ready to attack him. Quonmus raised something in his hand and calmly said "Adori Flam." Vokok was knocked to the ground again..........

Roku Yarit "Worse move." This was pathetic. He was being attacked with Tibian magic. He didn’t even want to waste the effort of moving his hand on the damned Elf. "I’m the fool huh? Damned Mensch, how about you lick the horse crap off Vodok's boots and stop wasting our time." He grinned at Iridal, Istora, and Raistlin, who all seemed to find this as funny as he did.

Red Un Red Un sighed. He didn't want the whole damn elven army hunting him down.

"Now calm down people! This is NOT goin' to help our quest in ANY way! Roku, please apologise to the elf, and...elf whose name I do not know, apologise to Roku. We are not here in evil intent, we merely seek knowledge. If you want, Vodok can wait outside Ab'Dendriel 'till we're done."

Qunomus Qunomus glared at Red Un. "Fine. Sorry, Dwarf." He spoke the name with utter contempt.

"You seek knowledge?" Qunomus asked looking at Red Un. "It is a strange wind that would send Dwarves this far north seeking nought but knowledge. What such knowledge do you seek Milord Dwarf?" He asked looking the dwarf over with respect.

Roku Yarit "Some of us seek different knowledge then other-" Roku put his hand over Raistlins mouth.

"Uh...we are looking for a...uh...cook book. Yea that’s its! Dwarfs can’t make a good meal anymore so..."

Iridal rolled her eyes and smacked Roku in the back of the head. "Shhh!"

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia looked at the elf in a funny way. "I thought elves don't attack unless provoked?" She asked trying her best not to put any insult in her tone.

Vodok The short dwarf was very annoyed, but didn’t attack. He was using all his self control (that wasn’t a lot) to not attack the elf. "Don' 'ttack 'e elf... Don 'ttack 'e elf..." ''the short dwarf was muttering keeping his arms in a very strange position so they wouldn’t glide of to his backpacks. ''"So d'we go in'ter' ab' now or wha'?" ''the short dwarf asked in a very forced-calm voice.

Red Un "Aye, books of cookin' is very rare in Kazordoon, and I have heard far and wide of the magnificency of the elven kitchen. After all, I'm only half dwarf, so I tend to be a little more...open to new things than my kindred."

Red Un bowed.

"I thank ye most kindly for your benevolence and I give ye my best wishes for the future."

He looked at the others.

"Okay, let's ge goin'!"

Vodok ''"Gonna eat?? I wanna ea' too!" ''the short dwarf said and ran after Red Un. "Wine... 'Am... Mea'... ''Cheese..." ''the short dwarf muttered.

Red Un "Hey Vodok, calm down, there's gonna be food in Ab'Dendriel too. But I think you should stay outside, or we're gonna get into a lot o' trouble..."

Off in the distance, the tallest tree in the world could be seen. They were getting closer...

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia kept her cool waiting for the elf's reply.

Roku Yarit Roku walked slowly to Ab'Dendriel, he was looking straight up. "Are those Vultures?" Vodok ''"Me?!?! Outside?!?! Miss all 'e food 'n' wine?!?! BAH!! I c'en turn inta' an elf 'n' Ill keep castin' the spell all tha time were in Ab. 'K?" ''the short dwarf asked Red Un.

Qunomus Qunomus' eyebrows vanished under his hair again. He did not believe this story for an instant, first off he couldn't remember ever hearing what they ate, so long as it was meat, or what they drank so long as it was beer. Second these dwarves had a look in their faces that made him uncomfortable. Third he had not heard himself of an elvish kitchen. "I see master dwarf." said Qunomus politely." Farewell, and may you find what you seek." he hurried back to Ab’Dendriel and told Faluae about these dwarves.

Red Un "Well Vodok...if we say that you are a drunk, half-dumb and extremely rude elf, they just might believe you. Just try to avoid eye contact..."

Now the gates of the city could be seen.

"Vodok, get spellin'..."

Vodok ''"Good 'dea! We'll preten' I'm'a drunk half dumb 'n' exetremely rude elf!" ''the short dwarf said without realising that Red Un meant that that was what he was. ''"I c'en do i' a few times, but no' for more 'en 'bout 'n' hour then we're gonna 'af'ta be outta 'ere 'cause by 'at time I won' be able ta do the spell no more. Utevo res ina Elf." ''And the short dwarf took apperance of an elf. "If ya stare intensly at me you'll see me as I am an' animals won be fooled." ''the short dwarf said wisely and walked inside the borders of Ab'Dendriel.

Red Un "Well, animals might recognise ya, 'cause most animals have a refined sense of smell..."

Red Un walked past the wall of wood that protected the legendary city of elves.

Meanwhile...

"Master, they have arrived."

"Very good. Everything is prepared. You know what to do."

"Yes master, but..."

"Remember, the Ends Always Justifies The Means."

"Yes master." ,>

Chapter 14, which the Adventurers are almost crushed by a tree, and find themselves a ship
Roku Yarit Roku, Raistlin, Istora, and Iridal followed Vodok. The closer they were the easier it would be to keep him out of trouble.

"Iridal, if the spell fails can you actually change him into an Elf?"

"I suppose but...are you sure that’s such a good idea? I mean he causes enough trouble being slow and short."

Roku smirked, she did have a point. They would just have to make sure they got in and out as quickly as possible.

Red Un "Well, let's see where the ship is then..."

An elf who passed by stopped at the words.

"Ship? Are you..."

He looked at the disguised Vodok.

"...people looking for a ship? Then look no further! I, Aiayre Firith am the greatest captain in the world! I'll take you anywhere in the world...for a price, of course."

Red Un frowned.

"Hmm...that's pretty unusual for an elf I must say. You don't usually worry 'bout material riches (like me)."

"Well my good half-dwarf, I'm no ordinary elf!"

"I can see that. Very well, what would it cost us to go to Folda?"

"Hmm, let's see, that would be..."

Aiayre calculated in his head.

"2000 gold."

"Well, that seems..."

"2000 gold each."

"Say mister elf, where can I find other captains?"

Aiayre sighed.

"Well, there aren't any ships around now, but if you go up the largest tree in the world, you ought to see if any arrives."

"Thank you mister elf, and good luck finding any filthily rich people."

"Thanks...Ashari!"

Vodok As they walked away from the fairly greedy elf, the elf was staring at the short dwarf, who still was disguised. Little longer and he'll recognize me... the short dwarf thought. ''"What a lovly tree!" ''the short dwarf said in a voice he made sure was very clear, and hopped behind the tree, blocking the view from the elf. He stood there for about ten seconds then hurried off to the others. ''"Close 'un." ''the short dwarf muttered to Red Un. ''"Utevo Res Ina Elf. To 'e tree now?" ''the short dwarf muttered to Red Un. ''"An' you lot." ''the short dwarf turned to Roku. "You 'n' yar buddies 'af'ta tell me if I turn toa dwarf again."

Roku Yarit Roku and Iridal held Raistlin back as he tried to get just one finger on Vodok. "Just one touch! One touch and I’ll die a happy man!"

Istora laughed, looking up the tree. Her robes began to flutter about in a nonexistent wind and she shot up into the sky, like she was thrown from a catapult. The Mind Glancer landed in the tree hard, her knees barely bending to cushion her landing. Her mind scanned out around her, she heard their thoughts. She expanded her range, out onto the ocean. She heard the chattering of something. They could be Elves but maybe not. Her eyes were blinded by the sun. "I don’t see anything as of yet."

Red Un "Hrmm...when are Chelestrans gonna learn to use ladders..." muttered Red Un as he began to climb hollow tree on the inside.

Meanwhile...

"Master, they have Chelestrans with them!"

"We need not worry about them. The half-dwarf is our target. They can't find the library without him. Now get going!"

"Yes master."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia laughed. She enjoyed the company of another woman... Even if she didn't really talk to her. She was silent for most of the trip... The dream still haunted her... It replayed over and over in her head. With a startling realization that there was people who could read minds she wiped the thought away... Smiling at the 2 mind glancers as nothing happened she walked away hoping they were not looking.

Vodok "Can we jus' ge' outta 'ere?? It'd be 'ealthy if I coul' make s'um runes too..." ''the short dwarf said so that everyone that he wanted to could hear him. "Wai'!!! Whas 'at smell?!?" ''the short dwarf cried out loud. ''"Comin' from there!!" ''the short dwarf yelled and ran into a house searching for the source of the wonderful smell.

Red Un Huffing and puffing, Red Un finally reached the top of the tree.

"Hrmm...let's see..."

He took out a spyglass and looked out over the seas.

"Aye, there doesn't seem to be any ships comin' in..."

Then he felt a smell. Not the same as Vodok, mind you, but rather the smell of...fire-fluid!

So THAT was their plan, he thought and started to climb downwards.

But it was too late. They had lit the fire. The flames was spreading upwards, and Red Un hurried up to the top again.

"This ain't good at all..."

There was also a creaking. If this fire keeps spreading, the whole damn tree will fall and crush the city below, he tought...

Roku Yarit Iridal cried out to Vodok. "Get out! Quickly!" She called forth her magic, turning herself into a silver Falcon. Her giant wings broke through the wooden doorway. Her keen eyes stopped the Dwarf. Grabbing hold of him with her sharp talons she flew from the house, carrying him high into the sky as the giant tree began to sway.

Istora concentrated, the heat was blistering. Her robes fluttered violently in a non-existent wind and she shot forth into the air, gliding down below. "This will not do, Raistlin."

Raistlin met her, their pupiless eyes locked on the tree as it began to fall. The fires were terrible to the eye, but not theirs. Their minds stretched forth, the massive tree began to fall. Bracing themselves they caught it, their knees buckling under the weight. Their telekenesis was strong but their bodies left something to be desired.

Roku did not pay attention to the others, his eyes looked through the fires. "Un! Where are you?" There was no reply he could hear. "Damnit! Come on!" Roku grabbed Rhiannon wrist and pulled her after him as he climbed up the tree, barely missing being crushed by several falling branches that were easily the size of 10 men. "Can you hear him? Where is he!"

Red Un "Over 'ere!"

Red Un was hanging from a burning branch. His face was dusty (more than usual, that is) and his hair was evidently on fire.

Well, at least I don't have to take a shower this year, he thought to himself as the branch began to groan.

Meanwhile...

"Master, the Chelestrans are holding up the tree!"

"Well, then we have to help it falling."

The master had read many books on telekinesis, and now directed all his power against the tree...

Vodok ''"EEK!" ''The short dwarf cried out and ran out of the house, now not able to smell the smell because of the other smells that mixed in. The short dwarf was running around like a maniac. Meanwhile up on a hill a robed figure was standing totally motionless, except his arms, his arms were moving in a very peculiar way. The short dwarf saw two black figures on the hill and realised what they were up to: Bringing down the tree over all the elves and other visitors. The tree was starting to bend over. The short dwarf searched in his backpacks for a great fire ball. ''"'Ere I 'ave 'un." ''the short dwarf muttered, drew the great fire ball and held it with straight arms. He shot two shots, one of them hit right on target, the other one so it just hit the two people. The person who was bringing down the tree lost concentration and fell over. ''"Ignore the dwarf! Bring down the tree, it’s more important." ''the other figure said. ''"That can wait a second or two." ''the other figure answered. He drew a very strange rock from his backpack, and it disappeared, just like the great fire ball did when it was used. The short dwarf saw what he was up to but nothing happened. Then suddenly lots of sharp knives were flying towards the short dwarf. But the short dwarf was prepared for something like that, he jumped behind a wall and switched on magic shield as fast as he could. Two knives pierced the dwarf’s arm but the mana shield saved him. The short dwarf violently drew out the two knives. But he was feeling numb... But why? Feet couldn’t move... ''Is this a paralyze rune?? No... that works immedeatly... ''the short dwarf said. He couldn’t move his legs... ''"POISON!" ''The thought struck the short dwarf so fast that he yelled it out loud without intending too. ''"Exana Pox." ''But that wasn’t nearly enough... It slowed down the movement of the poison that was at the top of his legs. ''"SOMEONE! 'ELP ME QUICKLY! IM 'OISONED! 'ELP!" ''The short dwarf yelled out.

Roku Yarit Raistlin and Istora started to buckle under the weight. "Something is making this rather difficult."

Roku moved towards where he heard Un yell. "Rhia try to get as many people out from under this thing as possible." Lightning cracked, splitting wood and clearing his path. He ran across the branch laying down on his stomach and holding out his broken hand. "Grab my hand. We’ve got to get out of this damn tree before it hits the city." The tree was beginning to lean in a very awkward way.

Iridal flew across the sky, her silver wings outstretched as she glided across the sky. She landed near Istora and Raistlin, her body changing back into her tall slender figure, her white robes swaying in the breeze. "You two are the ones with the battle experience! What do we do?" Lady Rhiannon Datwood "Roku stop!" she said pulling her wrist free. She closed her eyes and spoke... she cracked, popped. The fire seemed to challenge her. Her eyes snapped open...

"Err, Such a stubborn element... fire." The fire began to talk back finally... "Really... it said it was not a natural fire... It wants to know why it should listen to me." she said, annoyed. She did as Roku said. Even though he was as stubborn as the fire itself he was right. She began directing people out of the way.

Red Un "Heh, I can see Kazordoon from 'ere" said Red Un. He got a desperate look from Roku.

"Oh alright, some other time then..."

He grabbed Roku’s hand and crawled up on the branch. That's when it broke and sent the two tumbling downwards.

"Well, that's a nice end..."

Meanwhile...

"Curse that dwarf!"

"We don't have time for him now. Someone is speaking to the fire. Trying to put it out...take my hand! Concentrate! Push!"

The two robed men focused all their power towards the tree...

Vodok The poison in the short dwarf was still spreading in him. ''"Exana Pox." ''the short dwarf said, but now putting all the effort he had in to the antidote, but it still didn’t work, but it froze the poison but his legs still couldn’t move. The short dwarf was now searching like mad for something handy in his backpack of handy stuff. ''"YES!!" ''the short dwarf cried out, he found exactly what he was looking for. He pulled out his hand, and in his hand were some herbs. ''No known poison can resist THIS stuff! ''the short dwarf thought. The herbs were rotten and had a few bugs on but the short dwarf didn’t care. He swallowed the whole bunch of it and the poison was starting to drain away... he could move his knees now, but the poison resisted, it started pushing back. ''"Exana Pox." ''the short dwarf said to help the poison-resisting herbs but it didn’t help. The poison had now pushed back up to the end of his legs. But suddenly the herbs gave one last push and the poison was gone. The short dwarf picked up the two daggers that had pierced his arm and placed them very carefully in his backpack.

Red Un As he fell, Red Un noticed that he had been right over a ship all the time.

"Well, 'tis a good time to notice..."

He grabbed hold of the nearest sail and made a huge rift in it as he came skidding downwards. He landed safely with both feet on the ground right next to...

"Aiyare!"

"I know, my name is lovely."

"Mr. Elf, I think I will take yer offer after all."

"What changed your mind, Mr. Half-dwarf?"

"Well, I need to get outta here pretty quickly before anyone notices that I was the one who brought the...trouble here."

Aiyare dodged a falling branch.

"Well, we better get the rest of your gang too."

"Aye, tough I almost wish we could leave Vodok here..."

Chapter 15, in which the Adventurers encounters a storm and a big slimy thing
Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia had helped the last person out of the way... She ran back to the tree, it was still standing!

She began to speak to it once more. The fire pushed forward. Rhia walked into the fire... It tried to burn her. It couldn’t. The fire tried and tried but failed. She walked out. The fire seemed to be retreating.

"I made a bet with it." Rhia said. "I bet it that there was one thing in this city it could not burn." She smiled slyly.

Roku Yarit The two Mindglancers were lost in darkness, their bodies hit the ground, lying there unconscious.

"Istora! Raistlin!" Iridal ran towards them, trying to support them. "Wake up!" The tree creaked and groaned loudly...it began to fall, nothing held it up now. There was no time to change herself. She made a desperate dash out from under the trees shadow, barely going anywhere with the two Mindglancers being dragged behind. She closed her eyes tight and muttered a silent prayer before the tree came down and CRACK!

It was silent for a moment until the shards of the tree blanketed the city of Ab'Dendriel. A great red Dragon soared past as the shards of the tree fell. A silver haired rider in bright grey stood on its back, holding the reins that navigated the Dragon.

Iridal stared at it for a moment in awe, not noticing the old Wizard standing behind her.

"You two had one simple thing to do..."

Iridal Blastrovita suddenly realized what had happened. "Tal'Rasha!"

The Wizard was stern but put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It’s alright child, I arrived in time."

The Red Dragon came around, hitting the ground hard as its rider hopped off. "He’s gone, Lord. He is not here."

"Are you sure of this Silvan? No I am sorry, Wrathlin can see much, if he was here you would know it." He kneeled down and picked up Raistlin and Istora with his broad arms, handing them to Silvan. "Take them to Haven. I will be with you shortly."

With a nod, the silver haired dragon rider threw the two Mindglancers over the back of his Dragon and took off.

"Wait here, Iridal." Tal'Rasha drew the Sigla, apprearing in front of Red Un. "WHERE IS THE SEVENTH!"

Red Un Red Un had been mourning the loss of gold this trip would cost when POFF! Tal'Rasha stood before him. He quickly collected himself.

"Oh, ya mean Roku? He's up there..."

Red Un pointed upwards and sure enough, Roku was desperately grasping a rope high up in a mast.

Meanwhile...

"The half-dwarf has escaped again, master!"

"Yes, we didn't count on the elven captain. We'll have to return and report our failure, but first..."

The huge old tree groaned and slowly stood up again.

"...we should put things back where they belong."

Then the two left, unknown and unnoticed.

Vodok The short dwarf looked at himself and realised he was a dwarf. ''"Utevo Res Ina Elf." ''the short dwarf said quickly looking around. But the spell didn’t work. He used all his powers to make antidotes and magic shields so he wouldn’t die. The short dwarf put his hair and beard inside his armour to make him look a little more elfish. He crept up to the boat where he saw Red Un fall down onto. "Get us ou'dda 'ere. I can turn inta an elf no more." ''the short dwarf muttered to Red Un from behind.

Red Un Aiyare grinned (which is very unusual for an elf) when he saw Vodok.

"So, that dwarf is with you?"

Red Un rose his eyebrow.

"Uhm...how did ya recognise 'im?"

"By the smell of course! Only a dwarf could smell as bad as him!"

"I should feel insulted, but I guess it's true. Only a dwarf can smell like Vodok. Ya wonder why I travel so much outside Kazordoon..?"

Roku Yarit Tal'Rasha did not look twice. The Sigla flared, lightning and fire burst to life and struck Roku down...or at least his robes. The Sorcerer had filled his robes with a strange sponge-like substance that expanded to give the illusion that someone was under them. Burning bits of cloth fell down upon the deck.

Tal'Rasha frowned heavily, biting his tongue. He paid no more attention to the mensch and went off to find Iridal. ''They should never have gotten this far...that damned Wizard! This is his doing! I know it! When I get my hands on that fool of a Wizard I swear to god...'' Vodok Stupid, fancy elves... think they know everything... the short dwarf thought to himself. The short dwarf was in a bad mood since everyone he met was insulting him and he had been stabbed and almost killed by some scum figure. He went to the other side of the boat and threw in the rotten fish he had and started to fish up some fresh fish.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia had blacked out for a moment... The tree it was falling. What stopped it? She remembered the pain it was in... She had to block it out though it pained her to do so... The tree was now dead.

"I'm... Sorry old one..." She said to the massive tree. She touched its burned remains. "If only I had acted faster... She frowned. She looked down and saw the tree had a sapling... It had survived somehow. An elf walking by stepped on it.

"NO!" She yelled at the elf.

"It’s just a sapling, why does it upset you?"

She stared at the elf in amazement. An elf of all races should understand!

"How?! How dare you!" She yelled. "You, a elf, You should know why!" She yelled at the so-called elf.

She looked harder... What she saw was not an elf... No. It was a human... He was in a black robe much like the one her brother wore.

"You are a follower of Zathroth... What a pity, Must you hide your self in an illusion? Even my brother isn’t as arrogant to hide him self... What brings you here?"

"Ah, You must be Rhiannon Datwood. I've been looking for you." He said before bringing out his sword. "Your brother has made my master unpleased..." He brought down his sword...

Red Un Meanwhile, the two robed men had returned to the place they came from.

"Great Master, we have failed."

"Ah. And you know the punishment for failure?"

"Yes, Great Master."

"Good. Now, begone."

The two left the Great Master, going deep down into the dark dungeons, where they would be punished for their failure.

"So, the half-dwarf has escaped us again. There never seems to be any end to his luck..."

Back in Ab'Dendriel, Red Un wandered trough the ruins, trying to find his companions. Suddenly, he heard someone yell out loud, and in the next moment a sword hit his helmet. He looked around and saw Rhia who had dodged out of the way just in time. Then he saw the robed man.

"Great, just my luck..."

Roku Yarit Roku Sirius Yarit shivered terribly, huddled around a small fire. The cave was dank and dark, a blizzard raged outside. His shoulder length blonde hair fell over his face, shrouding his eyes and he curled up in a ball, trying to keep as warm as he could. He couldn’t really remember how he got here and damned if he knew where he was. One second he was about to slide onto the deck of the Elven ship from the mast and next he was sitting in four feet of snow. If he did have to guess, he would say he was on Vega since there isn’t a city or mountain anywhere he could see, not that he could see much in the blizzard. I’m beginning to think Vodok's curse is rubbing off on me...

Iridal didn’t know what to do, everyone was gone, well everyone she knew. "Roku?" She walked around Ab'Dendriel, reluctant to ask anyone if they had seen him. Tal'Rasha had also disappeared, leaving her behind. Her only guess to what to do was to what she had came here to do, and that was to find the library. "Um...are you the captain the Dwarfs hired?" she asked nervously as she approached the ship and its captain.

Red Un Aiyare, (in)famous womanizer and ladykiller, put on his friendliest smile.

"Yes my sweet lady, that is me. What do you need?"

Roku Yarit "Well-uh-I want to come with you...if that’s alright of course! I mean if you don’t have anymore room that’s alright." Iridal had much experience with mensch but she was always accompanied by one of her kindred and who knew how much the Elves, Dwarves, and Humans had changed. Her white, flowing gown fluttered a bit in the wind as she stood on the deck, staring around nervously.

Red Un Not only did she have to be beautiful, thought Aiyare to himself. She also had to be wearing a white gown that fluttered in the wind. Sometimes, the gods are on your side.

"Of course, M'lady. Shall we perhaps go and find the others of your gang?"

Meanwhile, Red Un was in a troublesome situation (for a change).

"Who the heck are you, and why did ya bonk yer sword on my helmet?"

Gorfath Gorfath had walked all day in hopes of reaching the fair city of Ab'Dendriel. This is where he grew up, this is where he has all his childhood memories. When he finally made it to Ab'Dendriel he almost ran around under the tree's, smiling and laughing. Then suddenly he saw a face he recognized. It was Red Un. Not thinking that he might not recognize Gorfath he ran up to him and yelled:

"Red Un, my fair comrat, how are thee?"

On the looks of Red Un he saw that he could not recognize Gorfath so I had to tell him who I was.

"I am Gorfath, son of Adulas. Adulas was my great father although I have grown stronger then him. I know you knew his father once upon a time. Knarker was his name and he played in the first tibian musical orchestra with you and Malva Willow. Sadly I don't remember the name of last member.

As Gorfath informed Red Un what was going on he thought: "Well what is he gonna say 'bout tis?"

Red Un "Ah Mr. Gorfath, it's nice to see ya, but right now I'm tryin' to figure out why this guy bonked me in the head. Ya better draw yer sword..."

Vodok The short dwarf was bored of fishing so he decided to get a little familiar with Ab'Dendriel. The short dwarf walked around and found Red Un, a black-robed figure and an unknown figure. ''"Hullo, Red Un." ''The short dwarf said to Red Un then saw the robed figure...

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "It is me he wants" Rhia said stepping in front of the others. "Come, If you really think you can kill me try" She said calmly.

The man ran at her his sword swinging. She watched. Just as his sword came close to her face the earth moved beneath the mans feet... he missed.

"Urgh!" he yelled "H-how?"

"Did your master not tell you? A fight with me is a fight against the earth itself." She explained.

"Please, leave... I will spare your life only so your so called master can do the nasty deed of killing you." She said walking away. "I try to go though life without killing..."She said walking away. "It's people like you that leave me no choice."

Sorcerer of Revenge A young elf sat to the side watching the confrontation.... He had been sitting aside observing the sky when he heard the disturbance.... He looked over and saw the most beautiful women he had seen. She was of a Phoenix Clan and himself of an Elf. This could never happen. But still, he watched with much interest.

Red Un Red Un put back his sword while looking at the robed man who struggled to get out of the pit Rhia had created.

"Well, I got a ship to catch. See ya 'round Mr. Murderer..."

He followed Rhia back towards the ship. Then he stopped.

"Mr. Gorfath, you may join us if ya like. Just remember that I'm not responsible for any physical or spiritual damage this journey might cost ya."

Gorfath Gorfath looked around. He felt kind off happy to have been chosen by these men. That was something he never told them to. Instead he said:

"Of course, I will come. I am stronger then most men. Both physically and mentally so you don't have to worry." Gorfath turned his robe and walked towards a beautiful red rose. "This my friends, this shall guide us from here on. Let us go."

From a single eyeblink they were gone. Off to seek mighty adventure. And now they had a new friend with them.

Red Un Red Un shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, take whatever flower ya like, just don't get the elves after us..."

He got a thought.

"...Well okay, we've already got 'em after us, so let's hurry!"

Vodok The short dwarf didn’t understand a thing as usual so he just walked after Red Un. "We've been 'ere far ages. Les ge'd outta 'ere." ''the short dwarf said to Red Un.

Roku Yarit Iridals teeth chattered nervously as the party approached. "H-Hi!" She managed to force the words out and smiled weakly. "Um...If no one interjects do you mind if I sorta tag along?"

Red Un "Sure, the more the merrier..."

Red Un looked at Vodok.

"...well, mostly."

He got aboard the ship.

"Now, where did Roku go?"

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia remained silent for quite some time now... Her mind was racing with thoughts and explanations as to why Zathroth would want her brother dead... Unless that man was an impostor.

She thought hard. Completely unaware that the young elf was watching.

Sorcerer of Revenge Ryu watched her for a few more seconds then turned away. He began once again to look at the sky... unknowing if he had been noticed although he was thinking I wonder what her name is....

Roku Yarit Iridal looked panicked for a moment. "R-Roku?" She looked around the group. "None of you saw where he went? No one?!" She sunk to her knees, unshed tears filling her eyes. "That’s what he was here for...He killed him..."

Red Un "Now Miss, that can't be. Think logical. Last time I saw him, he was dangling from the top of a mast. And Aiyare, ya haven't seen any robed mean boarding or coming near this ship, right?"

"Right, Mr. half-dwarf."

"So the more logical explanation would be that he disappeared into thin air and ended up somewhere else in the world."

The rest of the party looked at Red Un meaningly.

"Well, this is TIBIA fer cryin' out loud! These sorts of things happen all the time. Believe me, I've seen it. Now, is everyone else aboard so we can get going before the elves notices who was the cause of all this?"

Vodok ''"Naaaaaaaah! I think 'e jus' le' go 'n' then 'e fell inta' tha' wata' 'n' 'e drowned. Whats with tha' bad mood? We know 'ow 'e died now." ''the short dwarf said, under the impression he was cheering up the woman.

Roku Yarit Iridal Blastrovita sank back against the mast of the ship, her arms folded over her knees and her eyes buried in them. "It can’t be...It cant be..."

Roku Sirius Yarit sealed the cave entrance, the blizzard outside had gotten more violent and cold. He wore a crude getup he put together himself. A large bear skin wrapped around his chest and arms and wolf skins tied together crudely around his feet and waist. It itched something fierce but at least he wasn’t freezing to death. His magic wasn’t much help in a cave in the middle of nowhere. "I hate snow..."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia heard the thought of the young elf... Had he meant her? She decide to answer regardless... "I am Rhiannon Datwood... Also know as Pheonix" she thought to the young elf... not even knowing where he was.

Vodok The short dwarf yawned and made a few runes then saw a big fish swim past the boat. ''"Aha!! Ill catch yeh!" ''the short dwarf muttered to himself. He silently took up his fishing rod, took it in the side the fishing-line was on and banged the fish over the head very hard. The short dwarf was hoping it would come up for some reason but it just fainted and fell into the sea. ''"Oh." ''the short dwarf said in a disappointed voice, and started fishing normally.

Red Un "So, who's gonna crew this ship?"

Aiyare smiled.

"Well, for the small amount of gold you gave me, you are."

Red Un looked nervous.

"What, ya mean all of us?"

"Yes. You ought to tell them if you want us to leave port quickly."

"Right...Lisn' up people! This isn't gonna be a luxury cruise. I'm afraid that all you have to work if we are goin' to get anywhere. So...well, do as Aiyare says, I guess..."

Sorcerer of Revenge Ryu heard a female voice come into his mind. Lady Rhiannon Datwood.... He sat up and looked over the trees again. Seeing that Rhiannon was looking around he ducked back down. How was this possible? He had heard of people who can control minds. But her able to just throw it off when she has no idea where he was?

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia could sense his confusion. I don't have to know where you are... I only have to know you exist" she thought to him once more. ''"When I know you exist I can feel your aura... or as you human call it, your life."''

Sorcerer of Revenge ''I see, but you have made a mistake. For I am no human. I am a Light Elf. The only Light Elf really. So, I therefore can’t be human''

Lady Rhiannon Datwood ''"So that makes you immortal?" she thought with interest "I am sorry if I insulted you, I assumed you were human because of your confusion... Most other races know about telepathy."''

Sorcerer of Revenge "My immortality is mine to give to whom I chose. I have lost this gift long ago. I can still use it yes, but not as the same form. As for not knowing, I'm only of the age 18. I have yet to learn all the secrets of this world known as Tibia. As for its inhabitants." He looked at Rhia with a note of interest. Waiting for her next thought...

Lady Rhiannon Datwood ''"I See... I myself by mortal standards am 120 years old... By Aletha I am only 21..." she thought. "I feel as if I've known you in one of my lives... Quite strange really. May I ask your name?"''

Sorcerer of Revenge "My name is Ryu "Revenge" Heart. I am a descendent of the Ancient Celtic god, Dadga. I have been on many worlds. I'm not sure how old I am. Although it’s not too old. Nor too young. But on this world, I am of the age 18... This may seem strange to you, as I am looking at you but you can't see me. Your eyes... they seem strangely familiar... Like I have known you for a very long time..."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood ".. Dadga... Did you say Dadga, I have never heard of him..." She lied.

She then said under her breath. "You have you sent him to me! I don't wish to baby sit!" she said sharply at Dadga.

Sorcerer of Revenge "Well, My fair lady, There seems to be stress when you say you haven’t heard of him. Most here on this cursed place haven’t. I come from the land known as Fincayra. No, I don’t suppose you know of it neither. Really good place. But why the stress when you say you haven’t heard of him? 

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia frowned. She wasn't very good at lying. ''"I guess I could tell you the truth... I was born on Fincayra... I know Dadga very well... In fact he has saved my life and I have returned the favour." ''

"I'll get you back for that Dadga... I just know you’re laughing at me right now" she said in annoyance.

Sorcerer of Revenge ''I knew you were born on Fincayra the whole time. I was just wondering if you would trust me. I have seen you walking the woods many times... Also, we have something else in common. Dadga… saved my life as well, from my own father. Very strange to meet another here, maybe destiny does exist, or maybe it’s just a conspiracy of my grandfather. ''

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "I believe it is you grandfather... even tho my telepathy cannot reach him... I can sense he is finding this funny."

Sorcerer of Revenge Ryu stepped down from a tree landing silently behind Rhiannon. He walked behind her in complete silence while thinking ''I bet you wonder where I am so you can see me? As for I am well hidden. But I do wish to get to know you better."''

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhis giggled as the tree whispered. "You’re behind me, Ryu "Revenge" Heart" she said out loud. She turned around slowly.

Sorcerer of Revenge As Rhiannon Turned there was a whisper of wind and he was not there... Until he tapped her on her shoulder... standing where she was just facing before turning to look at him. ''As I am behind you, which was once in front of you. For you were right. ''He winked at her. For the first time, actually getting a good look at her deep red eyes.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "How did you-?" she asked a little startled. She smiled... He doesn’t know the real reason she knew... He was obviously not born in Druma wood... or if he was he forgot how to speak to nature.

Sorcerer of Revenge He smiled at her when she was finally able to look at him. ''That’s just one of my many tricks. I may teach them to you one day. If you are fully in tune with the light. Although it sounded like a trick of the wind. It was using Light. ''

He took a step towards her.

You know, You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen?

Red Un Of course, this whole conversation was lost to Red Un, who didn't have the gift of telepathy.

"Hey Rhia! Get aboard the ship! We really could use some magic wind or something in these sails."

Seeing that nobody else was working, he began to raise the sail by himself.

Sorcerer of Revenge Ryu looked back as he heard Red Un call out to Rhia. "Well, you should be going" he said out loud for the first time. "I pray, I shall meet you again. Where is your destination? For I may see you again very soon..."

Vodok The short dwarf was now sitting on the over side of the ship. He had only been on a ship a few times before, to get to the island of Edron. The short dwarf saw the sails going up so the short dwarf walked up to Red Un who was getting the sails up. The short dwarf saw a big fish and yelled out. ''"Oi! Un! Yeh've gotta see 'is!" ''the short dwarf said and ran to Red Un and pulled him away from the rope...

Vehementi Dominus Meanwhile, under the deck was Vehementi, he had stowed away in hope of following the party, he was in the empty cargo hold in a small alcove under the stairs leading down, save from him, a desk, a bottle of blood, some parchment, melted wax and a quill. He dipped the quill in the blood and began to write on the parchment:

"I'm hiding, you won't find me, but I'll show up when you don't expect me to and after you guess who I am."

Under that was a capital V interlinked with a capital D, the D was just below and to the right of the V as they overlapped and on the other side of the page was the Royal dark Elven crest. He pulled a pin out of the drawer and because there was a slight mist, he made himself invisible, snuck up on deck and nailed the parchment to the mast, then crept back into the shadow of the alcove under the stairs in the cargo hold, yet remained invisible.

Red Un The whole sail came tumbling down at Red Un and Vodok. After a while, they managed to crawl out from under it.

"Dammit Vodok, why don't ya do some..."

He noticed the parchment on the mast.

"...some good for once and raise this sail while I read the letter."

He took down the parchment and read it.

"Great, another mysterious member with a secret..."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "Red Un... How many times do I have to tell you, I have no magic." Rhia said sternly.

She simultaneously thought to Ryu. "I don't know where I will end up... I am only just beginning to remember my past lives. With the help of your Grand Father I only know how old I am and that I know him..."

She climbed aboard the ship... She made a rasping whispering noise with her voice. The wind twirled around Rhia. She spoke again. "Senthia would you please put wind in the sails?" Rhia asked saying the name in her celtic tongue... the rest of the sentence was in the language of the wind currents.

Roku Yarit Iridal looked away from the sea for a moment. "There’s a letter? Maybe its from Roku!" She snatched it out of Red Un's hand and read it quickly. "It’s from him. It has to be." Hope flared feebly in her eyes. "Rhiannon is it? You’re a telepath. Can you tell me if there is anyone else on the ship?" she pleaded.

Roku was getting bloody tired of this damned place since he had tried to seal the cave and almost brought the entire thing down around him. The only way in or out was now buried under hundreds of rocks and the Chelestran Sorcerer sat beside a small fire he conjured on the remains of some sort of plant life. Nanananananana Nanananananana Nanana na na Bock Bock Bock Bock…

Sorcerer of Revenge Ryu walked up onto the dock as the ship began to move with Rhiannon's Help. She turned towards him as they were sailing... He waved to them all "Good Bye" Then he thought to Rhiannon. ''I think Dadga has our fates linked together. I believe I shall see you again. ''

She looked at him in mysterious way, blinking once and looking back at where he was. He was no longer there... for the most part. A flash of light was in his place moving fast towards the ship. It combined with the wind and pushed the ship faster. From what seemed the light "Have a Safe Journey" Came Ryu's voice....

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "Right" Rhia said concentrating. It was one thing to talk to some one you know exists but to find someone you don’t know about was another. "I feel... A half presence... It's as if half of his soul is gone..." She said somewhat surprised. "Only hybrids with certain races can do that..." She remembered her Friend, was once full human but now half Human half Ghoul. It had happen in a fluke of someone’s spell to completely kill her and only half killed her.

- Maybe we shall... she thought to herself as Ryu bid his good byes.

Vehementi Dominus Vehementi was under the deck trying hard not to laugh as he could hear the party trying to find out who he is, he thought that if he could manipulate rage his presence would be invisible to even the greatest psyker, however, rage was beyond his control so he just sat there completely invisible trying not to laugh.

Lady Rhiannon Datwood Rhia could have sworn she heard a giggle... Someone was on this ship.

"You find this funny do you? Why do you hide?" she thought... now knowing he existed she could not speak to him through his mind.

"Hey... Red Un. Why don’t you go ask the engine if it has seen anything."

Roku Yarit Iridal walked over to the side of the ship, looking back out onto the sea. "Why do mensch let themselves be corrupted by demons and such? They loose a bit more of their humanity every time another generation of these creatures passes into existence." She tapped her foot on the deck, peering at the hard wood. "And now they hide in the shadows like stowaways afraid of the light..."

Lady Rhiannon Datwood "I do not know Iridal... I feel he doesn't mean us harm tho--" Rhia stop mid-sentence... "I don't recall hearing your name..." Rhia said confused... "How did I... I've never been able to read people's names before."

Roku Yarit Iridal smiled at Rhiannon. "I guess Roku must have mentioned the other Chelestrans to you." She bit her lip. "Um...did Roku ever mention Tal'Rasha Phazar? Or Chelestra and the Labyrinth to you or any of the rest of them for that matter? And he is the only one of my kind that you people have ever met?"

Red Un Red Un shrugged his shoulders.

"As far as I know, elven ships doesn't have engines. They mostly rely on crude sails and such."

Aiyare gave him an angry look.

"If you ever call this ship 'crude' again, you might very well end this trip on the bottom of the sea."

He walked up to the steering wheel.

"Now Mr. Half-dwarf, where do you want my fine ship to go?"

Red Un took out the old book that had started it all and flipped a few pages.

"Hrmm...let's see now...I think it is...Vega. Yes, I'm pretty sure it's Vega."

"Vega it is then, Mr. Half-dwarf."

Vodok The short dwarf walked away from Red Un and tripped over a board in the ship, cursed and continued to walk. The short dwarf saw a way down into the ship. Wonder what’s down here..." the short dwarf thought and walked down. He thought he could hear a very small laugh. Probably just the wind that's playing me a trick... the short dwarf thought to himself, but only half believing himself. This is scary... I wanna forget all about this. the short dwarf thought. "There only 'un way ta' ferge' summin'!" the short dwarf started. "GET DRUNK!!" the short dwarf yelled out. He took off his dwarven ring and took up 2 bottles of very strong beer and drank. The short dwarf was so drunk he was imagining things... ''"HMMMMM!!!! The enemy's gomme. ''I 'f'ta ge' HICKS! Out o' 'ere..." the short dwarf said drunkenly. A rat ran past an squeaked. "You dont b'lieve me! Master Rat! But We'll see 'bout tha'!" ''the short dwarf said and started running around and screaming as fast as the beer allowed him.

Red Un Red Un sighed as he heard the yelling from below.

"Great, Vodok's drunk 'gain. I'd better go check on him before he makes any holes in the hull..."

He walked down the stairs and saw Vodok run around.

"Dammit Vodok, how'dya get drunk with only two bottles of beer?"

Vodok "HMMMM!!! ''Its tha' prison guard 'gain... I bette' dig myself out!" ''the short dwarf yelled out and started searching for his shovel.

Red Un "Though drunk people usually tells fascinating stories, I consider ya took much of a risk to stay conscious right now."

With that, Red Un walked over and bonked Vodok unconscious. As the half-dwarf walked up the stairs again, he thought he heard a faint giggle. He looked into the darkness.

"Naw..."

He turned around and walked up on the deck again.

Vodok The short dwarf fell down and the short dwarf lay there knocked out in about twenty minutes. ''"Umf... Wha' 'appened 'ere?" ''the short dwarf muttered to himself. He slowly got up and walked up the stairs, not being as drunk anymore. He walked to the side of the boat and tried to fish a little. ''"Good! 'Eres 'sum land!" ''the short dwarf yelled. ''"'Eem's pretty col' y'know..." ''The short dwarf said and made took his loose hanging scarf over his neck.

Red Un Aiyare took out his spyglass and looked towards the little island Vodok had seen.

"Well, Mr. Dwarf, that's just one of the smaller Ice Islands. We'll have to pass it and sail along the coast of Senja to get to Vega."

Red Un was surprised.

"Well, this is a pretty fast ship for using only sails I'd say."

Aiyare gave him an angry look and went up to the steering wheel again.

"We'll encounter some pretty rough storms soon, so make sure your people are ready..."

Vodok "BAH! ''We 'arves are tough!" ''the short dwarf said. Suddenly a large wave crushed against the boat and the short dwarf fell down to the other side of the boat and was saved by the fence. The short dwarf got up and tied a rope to the mast and the other end to himself. ''"Tha' shou' do it." ''the short dwarf said with victory in his voice.

Roku Yarit Iridal stood up straight and grinned weakly at Vodok. She raised her hands, her magic began to weave around her. Without warning, her flesh looked like it was thrown from her body, leaving nothing but a ghostly white shape of herself, one you could see right through. "I do not need to brace myself for anything, Elf." Her eyes narrowed as she looked into the sky. "Let the storm come..."

Red Un Aiyare grinned.

"Well, you asked for it, M'Lady..."

There was a thunder far away, and a slight drizzle began to fall. Red Un took out his scarf and put it around his neck as the wind began to blow just a little bit more...

Rhiannon Datwood Rhia looked without worry. "Remember... Nature is my friend..." She said quietly to Iridal.

Vodok The short dwarf took out a fire field. He went below deck and was just about to shoot it when he realised the boat would burn up if he did. The short dwarf climbed up with heavy raindrops falling on his helmet. ''"D'YEH 'AVE SOMEWHERE I C'EN LIGH' A FIRE?" ''the short dwarf yelled at the captain trying to be heard over the thunder. He tied himself to the mast again since he went out of it to light a fire. A wave suddenly swept over the side of the boat. The size of this storm was huge. Was it really nature or is someone summoning this storm, thought the short dwarf. ''Naaaaah. No one can controll the weather'' the short dwarf thought to himself while securing the rope.

Red Un "Well, I haven't got any of 'em weirdo magic thingumies, and nature ain't my friend (actually, recent events has made me think our relation is the opposite of friendly) so I'm gonna grab hold 'o somethin'. And Vodok, don't try light any fires, the last thing we want is to attract attention from them sea-creatures..."

Aiyare struggled with the steering wheel as the waves began to raise higher and higher.

"I could use some help with the sails if no one mind" he yelled over the wind.

Vehementi Dominus There was a hole in the deck above Vehementi's head, he could feel the rain pouring through the hole and onto his head, the storm had caused the fog to thicken on the deck, so he went invisible and went on top, he saw Vodok in the centre attached to the mast, he saw Red Un next to him struggling and getting tangled in the sails and shouting for help, he walked over and tapped Rhia on the shoulder whist invisible.

Vodok Another big wave crushed against the deck of the boat sending a barrel flying over board. The short dwarf was getting very nervous of the sea monsters Red Un had mentioned. ''"'Em sea monsters..." the short dwarf yelled over the roaring sea and thunder "Are 'ey big 'n' ugly? Not 'cause I'm scared o' any'ing or su'mming." ''the short dwarf yelled again trying to sound as brave as possible. The short dwarf walked against the mast held it with his hands as hard as possible just in case the rope would give in. Another barrel was send flying over board by a big wave. "'Aybe we oughta' shove 'ese crates 'n' barrels below 'is floor. Else we won 'ave no food left." ''the short dwarf yelled.

Rhiannon Datwood "Why? What do you want?" Rhia asked knowing there was an invisible being on the ship. "Errr, I have no time, for your games!" She began to make a swishing nose deep in her throat. The wind seemed to respond... but only avoid her.

The wind responded slightly... "This wind current doesn't like people invading it's ... err master's territory?" She said confusedly. "I had no idea an element could have a master... It will not harm me cause I can speak with it... I'm sorry you must help your selves... it will not be as nice with you."

Red Un "Well, that's just typical of the elements" muttered Red Un. He yelled up to Aiyare.

"Hey Mr. Elf! Can ya get us out of this storm?"

Aiyare was steering the swaying ship calmly and stood like nothing had happened while a wave roared over him.

"No, I think we'll have to ride this thing out! Go help Vodok secure the barrels, you can't do much with the sails anyway, Mr.Half-dwarf!"

Red Un stumbled over to Vodok.

"Okay Vodok, grab as many barrels as ya can and get them below deck!"

He took one himself, and had to duck one as it flew into the sea.

"I hope it wasn't beer in that one..."

Vodok "Wha'? Me?? I dint mean 'at I tie meself from 'is rope. I woul''t do it for 1000 gol' coins!" ''The short dwarf said. Another wave crushed against a barrel and sent it flying. ''"Tha' 'as close me beer barrel." ''the short dwarf said nervously. ''What if it goes into the water? ''the short dwarf thought while a wave crushed against the deck, but luckily didn’t bring down a barrel. The short dwarf quickly untied himself from the rope very quickly since the short dwarf didn’t secure it good enough. The short dwarf quickly ran to the barrel with his beer is and shoved it down below deck. The short dwarf looked down to make sure the barrel wasn’t hurt. The short dwarf climbed up and was shaken around by a wave that came right on the short dwarf.

Red Un Red Un got an idea. He yelled to Vodok over the roaring storm.

"Hey Vodok, I wasn't supposed to tell ya this, but this ship is in fact a cargo ship with beer. All 'em barrels are full of the finest dwarven ale, and Aiyare is goin' to transport it to the Ice Islands. No true dwarf would let beer go to waste!"

Another barrel flew past him, inches from permanently dislocating his head.

"There goes another barrel of beer Vodok!"

Vodok ''"WHAAT?!?" ''the short dwarf yelled in shock. ''"Utani Gran Hur." ''the short dwarf said in a commanding voice, then he around the boat shoving all the barrels and crate below deck. Almost all the surviving barrels and crates were under the deck now. Another wave swept past the short dwarfs feet. Since he was moving very quickly and he landed on the water he slipped and slid down the boat. He slid right between the fences and caught it with his hands, his body hanging outside the boat. ''"HELP!!!" ''The short dwarf yelled clinging to the fence for his dear life.

Vehementi Dominus Vehementi came out of his invisible state and leapt forward to grab Vodok, however, a wave hit the side just as he did causing him to trip and landed with his ankle caught on the fence of the ship hanging off

"erm.... a hand?!?!?"

Red Un "Though it bears against me, I guess I'll have to rescue ya, Vodok."

Red Un pulled up Vodok on the deck. Then he grabbed Vehementi’s hand.

"And I won't let our mysterious passenger get away without an explanation..."

He pulled up Vehemeti as well. Meanwhile, Aiyare spied at the horizon.

"Curses! This storm is dragging us into the unknown Northern Seas! This is unnatural!"

Meanwhile...

"Master, why do you think that our lucky enemy will succumb to this?"

"Well, he has nowhere to run, has he?"

Vodok "Unknown seas?? I en't no sea dwarf bu' I know I don like 'is..." ''The short dwarf walked up to the new come and unknown figure. ''"Who are yeh?" ''the short dwarf asked with his hand prepared to go into his backpacks with runes... just in case...

Vehementi Dominus Vehementi showed them the Royal Dark Elven symbol on his cape and they all instantly recognised him.

"I was bored... I thought I'd follow you and see how far I can go without being seen, I think I did quite well if you ask me."

Red Un Red Un grinned.

"Aye, ya did quite well, Mr. Dark Elf. Now we've gotta get to work if we're gonna ride this storm out..."

A roar could be heard over the storm, and Red Un thought he saw something green and slimy move trough the sea...

Vodok "Ummm... Whas 'at?" ''the short dwarf asked nervously. The storm was raging on and the short dwarf was still tied to the mast witch was lucky because a wave that normally would have sent the short dwarf flying over the fence now swept past his legs. The green slimy back was making its way to the boat. "Yeh don think 'tis dwarn 'ere 'cause of all the spilled out beer, do yeh?" ''the short dwarf asked, now very nervous.

Red Un Red Un looked at the approaching shape. It was large, much larger than the ship. But such a creature could only be...

"This, my fellow adventurers, is a battle we will not be able to win. Aiyare! Can you get us away from that thing?"

"Not if it keeps up its speed!"

"Right. Obviously, we'll need some sort of miracle to survive this. Any suggestions?"

Rhiannon Datwood "You know... That thing is huge..." She said to the ghostly shape of Iridal. "Do you have any idea what it was?" The air holding her up seemed as tho it was making her float.

Vehementi Dominus "hmmmm, I'm clueless" replied Vehementi "I don't really want to find out either, does anyone know how to make a huge jet of fire come from their hands?"

Roku Yarit Iridal looked at it with wide eyes. "I’ve never seen anything like it. No serpent could be that large, especially around here. It’s too cold for any of the larger beasts to survive." Closing her hands slowly, her ghostly form came stable and her flesh appeared on her bones. "But whatever it is I doubt its here to help us. Some force has set its will against us and I do intend to find out what."

Calling forth her Chelestran magic, red and blue light came out of her hands, spiralling around her body as it changed. Her fair skin turned to white scales, talons on her hands and feet, her body expanding into an immense form, and wings sprouting from her shoulder blades.

Finding it hard to keep her balance standing on the ship she now looked down on from high above, she spread her wings, soaring into the sky of the storm and looking at the shape in the water. "Get to Vega! I will distract the creature best I can," she roared, her dragons eyes fierce. The white dragon form of Iridal waited for the creature, who even now looked larger then herself.

Vodok The short dwarf looked at the huge monster that now decided to attack. It's head came up far over the mast of the ship and it was planning to strike down. Then it saw the figure flying about in the sky and turned to look at it. ''"TO VEGA!!!" ''The short dwarf yelled in pure panic.

Red Un "Though it bears against to leave such a lovely lady alone, she seems to be able to take care of herself" said Aiyare and steered the ship away from the raging beast. Now it could be seen over the waves, and it was a dreadful sight. It was a bulbous creature with two clawed hands and a mass of tentacles in its face.

"Just as I thought" muttered Red Un. "A sea demon..."

The abomination roared in a blubbering way and charged at a speed that was amazing for something so big after the dragon. One of its face-tentacles stretched out and grasped one of Iridals legs. Red Un screamed over the roaring waves.

"Dammit Chelestran! This isn't a fight you can win! Get away from there!"

Aiyare sighed.

"It's too late, Mr. Half-dwarf. It's too late..."

Vehementi Dominus Vehementi though to himself how to make the ship go faster to escape the sea demon.

"If I summoned my dragon, I could use it to push us along, or, if anyone can shoot a huge jet of fire, we could use that to propel ourselves...."

Vodok The short dwarf walked up to the new comer and poked him hard in the back witch was as high up he could poke him. "Ive go' s'um fire boms 'n' I can shoo' a fire wave 'n' I can use Grea' fire ball if you wanna. Maybe that'll 'elp?" ''the short dwarf said to the new comer.

Red Un Red Un sighed.

"I guess we have no other choice, Vodok. But don't shoot at the sea demon, the last thing we need is its attention..."

Vodok The short dwarf quickly ran under deck to take cover from the waves since if the backpacks were swept away they were doomed. He picked up all the fire runes he had which were fire bombs, fire fields, great fire balls and fire wave. He went up to the deck with all the runes in his hands and started to give out the runes, since he couldn’t shoot all the runes at once. When everyone had taken a rune from the short dwarf they all gathered up at the back of the ship. A wave swept past them but the short dwarf stood firmly on the deck. ''"Every'un shoot when I say now!" ''the short dwarf yelled. ''"'Eady, Aim, NOW!!" ''the short dwarf yelled. The short dwarf shot a fire bomb and cast the fire wave spell hoping the others also shot their runes.

Vehementi Dominus As they fired their runes, the front of the boat came out of the water as it propelled along about 10 times its previous speed, with a huge jet of fire coming out the back, eventually, after they'd all fired their runes, it began to slow down again.

"That was fun.... there's no way it's gonna catch up with us now... how much further we got to go?"

Red Un Red Un looked out over the horizon.

"I never thought I would say this, but thanks, Vodok, you saved our lives..."

Meanwhile, Aiyare came down from the steering wheel to talk to the others.

"We can't reach Vega whit the ship in this condition. We'll have to stop at Senja, the closest island with inhabitants, and make repairs before we can continue. And to get there we have to row."

Red Un grinned at Aiyare.

"Well, so much for elven sails. Alright people, man the oars!"

Chapter 16, in which a drinking-contest is held, and a boiler almost explodes
Rhiannon Datwood Rhia looked back ignoring the other hoping Iridal was still ok. She tried to look for her aura hoping to sense something... but Iridals aura must change when she changes form, for she saw nothing.

Red Un "C'mon Rhia, there's nothin' more we can do about Iridal. May Durin protect her soul."

Red Un got below deck. As most elven ships, this one was equipped with both sails and oars. He sat down at one oar and waited for the others.

Vodok The short dwarf followed Red Un and also took an oar and started to row as much as he could but the short dwarf alone didn’t get them so far. ''"C'MERE 'N' 'ELP ME!" ''The short dwarf yelled so the whole boat heard.

Red Un Red Un sighed.

"Well, we won't get very far by rowing 'round in circles. I suggest that ya sit at the oar on the opposite side to mine. Then we'll row together."

Shukirogen Shukirogen the dark paladin had been on a successful mercenary mission when the huge sea monster showed up and wrecked his ship.

He looked around a bit, mostly to keep himself away from the fact that he was going to die. He could see nothing but huge monster... Water... Some pieces of wood from his own ship... and oh there was a boat over there to...

"A boat?!"

He got stunned with something ordinary people would call happiness. He had not felt that for several years and got really surprised.

It was a chance on a million that another ship would show up and save him. But as we all know chances of a million works out 9 times out of 10.

He yelled from the sea: "HELLO? ANYONE ON THAT SHIP? HELP ME?..."

He went silent for a few seconds waiting for an answer from the ship, but got none.

”HELLO? I’M DROWNING HERE YOU BASTARDS!! GET ME OUT FROM THE WATER OR.... OR ELSE err...I’LL DROWN!!”

Red Un Red Un heard the yell and walked up on deck while Vodok struggled with the oars.

"Mr. Elf, there seems to be somebody in need of our assistance."

"I know Mr. Half-dwarf. Get down and start rowing so that we can get to him."

Vehementi Dominus The ship pulled up next to Shukirogen. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" asked Vehementi "If you need our help, calling us bastards isn't going to do much good, take it back and we might reconsider leaving you here to die."

Red Un Red Un came up again.

"Vehementi, don't be such a sensitive bastard, bastard. We'll rescue this bastard even if he called us bastards."

He threw out his rope down to the struggling man while grinning happily.

"Get up from the water, bastard."

Vodok The short dwarf was still trying to row the boat only causing it to go around in circles very slowly. The short dwarf who had heard the cries for help but didn’t bother about them was annoyed that everyone stopped rowing the boat. ''"ROW 'IS BOA' ELSE WERE STUCK 'ERE FOR EVER!" ''he yelled to the others.

Vehementi Dominus "Remember, you owe us one" Vehementi said to the paladin under his breath, audible to only him and Vehementi "you can start by helping Vodok with the oars, else this boat's going nowhere."

Vehementi walked off and below deck where he sat down opposite Vodok and started with an oar.

Red Un So did Red Un. The ship started moving, but still very slowly.

"C'mon 'vreyone, get down 'ere and row!" yelled Red Un.

Vodok The short dwarf was at this point very angry with the water and was rowing like a maniac. After a minute of this he was so tired he had to lie down...

Red Un Red Un rowed with all his strength, but the ship still moved slowly.

Meanwhile, Aiyare was looking through his spyglass. He could see nothing at the horizon.

"Curses! At this speed we'll never reach Senja, or Vega for that matter. Hmm..."

Suddenly, he saw a pillar of smoke rise in the distance. His elven ears picked up a faint, merry singing. He had sailed the seas the seas of Tibia enough times to know what this meant.

"I never thought I would say this, but it's great that a dwarf ship is coming this way..."

Shukirogen “I’m sorry, I was too busy screaming and yelling and struggling for my life to be able to introduce myself. I Am Shukirogen, a dark paladin and a mercenary by the sword and the bow.

Shukirogen stared at Aiyare when he said "I never thought I would say this, but it's great that a dwarf ship is coming this way..."

Shukirogen mumbled. "Dwarfs? well that’s nice for a change, I have just been in elven lands... and well elfs can get really really boring when you have to hang out with them for 5 months... they didn’t even have beer...”

Suddenly Aiyares words struck him. ”Did you say boat?"

Shukirogens mouth went wide open and he stared at the great ship ahead.

"A big dwarven ship out on the seas, well that’s something you don’t see every day.”

Rhiannon Datwood Rhia watched the stranger with intent... Then looked to the dwarven boat. "Red Un... aren’t there pirates in these waters?" Rhia asked him mentally. "I hear pirates favourite ships are dwarven..."

She looked at the stranger again. She wondered what he was doing to be in a place as cold as the ice islands.

Red Un "Whaddya mean, a dwarf ship getting taken by pirates? 'Twould 'ave to be pretty 'ard pirates in that case."

Meanwhile, on the dwarf ship...

"Ahoi Cap'n Grundir!"

"Wot is it, lookout Berth?"

"'Tseems to be sum sorta elven ship. But those elven sails ain't seem to 'ave lasted in there rough seas."

"Ah, that'll mean we'll 'ave the pleasure of saving elves. I can't wait to see their faces. Oi, Master Engineer Torath!"

"Aye, cap'n?"

"Full steam ahead!"

"Righto."

Vehementi Dominus "If you're unsure, it's foggy enough to be invisible, I could make myself invisible and leap across and check the ship?"

Vehementi leaped up to the crows nest and gazed out in the direction of the ship, he could make out a faint silhouette just below the horizon.

"Damnit."

he jumped back down

"It's too far away, even for my jump, we'll have to wait."

Vodok ''"I could signal to 'em 'at were 'ere if yeh wanna." ''the short dwarf said as he made a great fire ball and held it in his hand. The short dwarf took up a beer and drained it in one single go making him slightly drunk since it was a big bottle.

Shukirogen "Is there anything I might be able to help with help with? I could signal them with an arrow or something.”

Red Un Aiyare listened hard.

"I don't think we will have to signal them. The singing has stopped and the sound of the engine has risen. I think they have seen us. Strange...if we couldn't see them from our lookout, neither should they see us."

Red Un grinned.

"Ah, but ya forget that us dwarves 'ave created spyglasses of great power and vision. Heck, a dwarven spyglass could see a gold coin twenty miles away in thick fog, so they've probably seen us long before we saw 'em."

Indeed, the dwarf ship was picking up speed and plowed trough the waves at a fantastic velocity for something this big...

SPLOOOSH!

An enormous tentacle broke the surface and grabbed the ship. Even Red Un could hear the panicked screams of the crew as the dwarven ship was pulled downwards. Soon it had disappeared completely.

"That damn sea demon...that damn sea demon..." muttered Red Un under his breath.

For some reason, the terrifying shadow didn't move towards the elven ship, instead it disappeared northwards, back to where it came from.

"Well, I guess 'tis back to rowing..."

Meanwhile.

"Master, the demon took the ship and has now left us to go back to its kin."

"Not THE ship, apprentice, but A ship. A dwarven one to be precise. Our enemy has escaped us once again."

"Master, we must return and inform the brotherhood."

"Indeed we must, tough even I cannot see what we can do now..."

Shukirogen "Shouldn’t we help them? There might be somebody alive, or we could at least see if there is anything left of value, hrhr."

Red Un "'Tain’t worth the try. Sea Demons always swallows their prey whole, and unless you want to go fight it, I suggest we get movin' in case it comes back..."

Shukirogen ''“Fight it eh... think we got any chance? It would be fun to give it a try, hrhr.”''

Red Un "Well, if by 'fun' you mean getting swallowed whole and then slowly and painfully dissolve for hundreds of years in that creatures slimy innards then sure, it would be very, very fun."

Red Un climbed back down to the oars.

"Me however, will instead start rowing."

Vodok The short dwarf was sick of the sea so he clumsily walked over to the oars, only to fall over and bang his head on a table. Lucky I had my helmet the short dwarf thought and slowly got up and went to the oars.

Vehementi Dominus Vehementi was rowing as the others were, when he put his hands on his temples and started screaming as if his head was in pain, then he fell down and became unconscious.

He awoke in a bed, in a place which seemed familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it, all of his armour, blood bottles and his weapons were gone, so had the gem round his arm, the claws and the fangs. He stood up to find he was two thirds his normal size and his muscles were not there, they were replaced by skinny bone like arms with a skin and a little bit of flesh, he left the room and went downstairs, all this seemed so familiar to him, then there was that boy... the one from the other incidences where he was unconscious, except this time he looked a bit younger, about 8 or 9, when he saw Vehementi, he ran "bet you can't catch meeeeeeee!" Vehementi ran after him, he ran to the door, but when he got there, everything went white, but he could hear a constant humming sound.

"Where am I? What is this? Who's that boy? What keeps happening to me? I'm scared."

Red Un Red Un rolled his eyes.

"Great, he passed out again. Let's hope he doesn't do that when we're fighting..."

After a long time of rowing, the ship finally arrived at the Senja harbour. The eternal snow of the north lay on the streets and the cold was biting. They docked and Aiyare talked to the rest of them.

"Alright, these repairs will take quite a while, so I suggest you get some rest and food. Tomorrow the ship will be ready to set sail again."

The sun was about to set in the distance, so Red Un made his way towards the local inn...

Vodok The short dwarf looked down at the figure lying on the floor and study him a second. Then he continued with the oars.

Red Un Red Un sat down in the inn and ordered a mug of ale.

"Now where'd Vodok get to? I thought he would head straight for the inn..."

Shukirogen Shukirogen left the ship the ship and went to the inn where he sat down with Red Un and ordered a beer.

”''Thanks for helping me out there Mr... Un? Are you just exploring the seas, or are you out on some quest of some kind? Because.. well I’m sorry if I might sound a little prejudictive but your kind of people isn’t exactly people you are used to see at the seas, especially not in company with elfs.''

Red Un "Well, dwarves have started sailin' the seas recently, but sure, it's usually the elves that does those things. Most dwarves get seasick, but since I've got some human blood in me, I quite like the sea."

Red Un took a sip from his mug.

"As for me reason for bein' 'ere, it started a long, long time ago...I've travelled most of Tibia in search of a certain...treasure..."

Vodok The short dwarf wasn’t getting anywhere with the oars since no one was helping him. He went up to the deck and yelled "C'mere 'n' 'elp me witha oars!" And the very second later he realised the snow lying on the ground. ''"Oh." ''And with those words the short dwarf went to the inn and got himself a beer and a lump of meat.

Shukirogen ''“A treasure hunt you say? what kind of treasure might that be? I understand if you don’t wish to tell me since you barely know me. But I owe you my life and I would like to repay that with helping you in any way I possible can. Letting my bow and my sword guard you in your quest.”''

Shukirogen started emptying his third mug of beer.

Red Un "Hmm... I think I could use some people who are actually..."

Red Un looked over at Vodok.

"...useful. Very well, the treasure I'm lookin' for is the fabled Library of Legends. I must warn you, we'll probably meet some pretty dangerous people along the way."

Shukirogen “Danger you say?”

Shukirogen grined.

”''Love danger, I live for the excitement of danger, and believe me I’ve met some dangerous people in my Job....... And well killed them... I will be Happy to serve you Mr Un in your quest.”''

Shukirogen emptied his fifth mug of beer.

”''Did I mention that I have been in elven lands for a while and that they got no beer there? ”''

Red Un "Oh, poor man! Lemme order us the next round. 'Oy innskeeper! More ale! And how 'bout rooms fer us to rest in as well?"

Red Un hadn't noticed that ever since he had set out from Ab'Dendriel with the much-costing ship of Aiyare, he was very short on money. As soon as he didn't want any more beers, he would notice. But that wasn't yet...

Vodok The short dwarf yelled for another beer and the door of the inn opened and a cold gust of wind swept into the inn. ''"BEER HERE!!" ''a voice yelled that sounded like the short dwarf had heard it before. The unknown figure walked inside the inn and sat down a table away from the short dwarf. ''"Not YOU!!" ''the short dwarf yelled in surprise and looked at his old enemy Vodivir as he looked at the short dwarf.

Rhiannon Datwood Rhia stayed on the boat. She was tired, nor hungry... Something seemed to be on her mind. "I hope she is alright..."

Red Un "Great, Vodok is gettin' into trouble again..."

Red Un knew how he would resolve this without violence. He got up from his chair and walked over to Vodok and Vodivir.

"Hiho m'fellow dwarves. It seems that you have a dispute, so may I suggest that you solve it by a drinkin' contest? Beer's on me."

Shukirogen “A dwarf beer drinking contest... well this will take time ” Shukirogen said while emptying another mug of beer.

Baphomey Baphomey, a big beardy old Orc stepped out from the shadows and went towards the dwarfs. ”''Me hear shomthing aboth beerr contesht? Weell weell, Me ar rrready to bett yo 200 Goldin cons thet me can drunk morr beerr than anyjj of yo lil dwarf things.”''

Rhiannon Datwood Rhia finally caught up with Red Un as she walked off the ship. She saw the old orc who seemed friendly, which she thought was unusual. She would have to see how the dwarves react to the company of a orc.

''"Red Un, Don't you have a dwarven ring in your pocket? I could have sworn I saw you playing with it on the ship." ''Rhia though to Red Un hoping he would take her hint... And hopefully his pockets did not have holes in them...

Shukirogen Shukirogen stood for some seconds looking at Baphomey and then said. ”''Baphomey, Nice to see you again. What brings you here, I haven’t seen you for ages! How are you, you big clumsy Orc. Please Sit down and have a beer with me.”''

Baphomey Baphomey started at Shukirogen for a few seconds. ”Eerrgh uhmmm whoo..hmmm…”

His old orc brain wasn’t used to this much thinking at once. But suddenly a smile came upon his face.

”Hail Shakriogen! I ar just trravlorring the contrry as i alwajjs do. I have berr width yo lata, first Contesht I mast do width theehse lil Dwarf things.”

Red Un "Right, then let's see who 'as the strongest mind. Barkeeper! Three mugs of ale please!"

Three mugs of foaming ale were set down on the table. The barkeeper looked suspiciously at Red Un.

"I really hope you will pay for these..."

"Of course! What do you think, that I've got holes in me pockets or sumthin'?"

Baphomey Baphomey quickly emptied his beer. ”Can haw morr nauw?”

Vodok The short dwarf pretended to fall down on the floor and his hand swiftly fell to the backpack with his dwarven ring on and put it in his pocket. Just in case. The short dwarf took the beer and drained at once. Vodivir followed Vodok's lead. "You know yeh can defeat me in 'is." ''the short dwarf muttered to Vodivir under his breath. ''"Even if I dont win this, I have a future. You aint getting no where with muttering spells under your breath you know." ''Vodivir whispered back to Vodok. ''"Yeah? You lot call yerselfs far knights, the fearless 'Arf 'Uards, but we mages'll get ta tha top. We'll be... Erm... Dwarf Geomancers." ''the short dwarf muttered and took the beer from a watcher and drained it to. '' Red Un "Okay, that was round number one. Three more beers please!"

Three more beers were put down. Two dwarves and an orc, thought Red Un to himself. This will take a while...

Baphomey Baphomey emptied his second beer.

”''Garr, call thish beer? Yo shodd tast some rrreal orrcish beer somtime.”''

Red Un "And you should try some real dwarven beer some time" muttered Red Un himself.

Baphomey “Dwarrrfen beerr is good, but Orrcish beer is gooder.” Baphomey said and smiled.

”Thish tashtes jusht like waatterr...Stopid umans dont Arr know hauw to make beerr.”

Red Un "I never thought this would happen, but I agree with an orc. Humans can't make good beer. Now drink, you two frikkin' dwarves!"

Vodok The two dwarfs took the two beers and drained them too. The short dwarf ran his fingers down the dwarven ring to make sure it was there. Red Un "Dammit Vodok, don't forget Vodivir! Barteneder! 'Nother beer please!"

Red Un, in his drunken state, didn't notice that the ground had started trembling, just a tiny bit...

Vodok ''"The ones before us tried to kill them by bringing down a big tree on them, that didn’t work. So we'll bring down half of this forsaken island!" ''A robed figure muttered and started bringing down the island. Five other figures walked up the hill and started working with the first figure.

Meanwhile in the inn... ''"I’ve got 100 gold on that short dwarf!" ''one of the watchers yelled over the inn so everyone heard it. The short dwarf was very drunk and therefore slipped his finger on the ring. ''"You've got that bet! 100 gold on the orc!" ''another person yelled. ''Now I only pretend to stay pretty drunk. ''the short dwarf thought and swayed around on his chair.

Pheonix Rhia laughed out loud. She knew Vodok was cheating... She watched intently.

Red Un Meanwhile, Aiyare was working on the ship. Suddenly, he dropped a hammer into the water.

"Damn..."

He jumped down into the sea, prepared for a really cold welcoming. But, to his surprise, it was rather warm. As he dove, he could see the hammer being sucked into a huge pipe that was sticking out.

Well, I'm not going to lose my hammer, he thought to himself. Then he took out a magical artefact that he had been given a long time ago, which made it possible to breathe underwater for a long time. He put it over his mouth and swam into the pipe...

Red Un The pipes led onwards, deep into the rock. Strangely, it didn't seem dark at all. Some sort of light was at the other end of the pipe...

Vodok The drinking was still going on. Vodivir was close fainting after lots of beers and Vodok was still acting pretty drunk. Everyone was yelling their bets and stuff and for some reason a violent fistfight had broken out between two humans. The short dwarf took another beer, still with the ring on and drained it.

Vehementi Dominus Vehementi was still on the ship out cold, he flinched a bit and came to after another one of those "dreams".

This time, he was lying in a bed in a tower, he got up, to see that boy standing next to him crying, he looked back at where he was lying and he was still there, even though he had moved across the room, it appeared as if the boy was crying over him, he looked at himself, he looked quite peaceful, he was still a child, no claws, fangs, gem just the way he was before he was bitten, but he was still, no movement... was he dead? He walked over to the boy but he didn't notice him, he walked over to the bed as if he was drawn there by some unseen force, lay down and shut his eyes. When he opened them, he was in a wooden box, he could feel it as a box but it was nailed shut, he could feel that he had his claws this time so he used them to smash open the roof to find himself in what looked like a crypt, he walked over to the entrance but it was locked and he couldn't get through. He sat down to try and work this out, but drifted back off to sleep.

When he woke up again, he was still on the ship, lying where he fell unconscious, he rubbed his head, stood up and walked out into Senja.

Baphomey ''“Me shtill say this berr is like waterr! Don’t got Shamething strrronger?''” Baphomey slurred. While trying to stand still.

”Ish it only me orrr ish thi grount Movvingk?”

Shukirogen “Actually I think the ground is moving ... Mr Un, I Think we should investigate this.” Shukirogen said. And got up from his chair

”Might be something dangerous” Shukirogen grinned and said with a big smile on his face.

When they got outside they noticed that the whole island was trembling.

When Shukirogen saw the whole island trembling he pulled himself together put his head in a snow pile. Pulled it out again and felt little bit more sober.

”''By Zathroth the Island is really shaking, What sorcery can be the cause of this! Or do you think that Sea demon can be the cause of this?”'' =Vodok=

''"Master, they noticed were bringing down the island. What now? We were hoping they wouldn’t notice..." ''one of the robed men said in an urgent voice. "Keep on going! Keep on going!" one of the other robed men replied.

''The short dwarf knew the free drinking was over and they had to get to the other side of the island since the part he was standing on was now trembling violently. He also knew that the power of the dwarven ring was running out. He too stuffed his head in a pile of snow and took off the ring. Unfortunately he pushed Vodivir into a snow pile to who also became slightly more sober. The short dwarf was still drunk so he tried to run but he just ran in a fairly wide semicircle. The short dwarf put on his ring and cast great haste.'' "RUN!!!" ''he yelled in pure panic. '' Red Un "Hmmh...I don't think any sea demon could do this..." mutter Red Un. Then he saw the bartender come running.

"Hey, you! You didn't pay for all that beer!"

"Lisn', there seems to be some trouble goin' on, could we talk about this later?"

"Hmph, very well..."

Meanwhile, Aiyare reached the end of the pipe and came up into a dry room. The walls were covered with vast amounts of pipes, and they all stretched deep down into a black hole far away. Some of them were also connected to a strange apparatus in the middle of the room. If Aiyare had been a dwarf, he had immediately recognised it as a boiler of tremendous size, and if he had known dwarven history, he had knew that this boiler had been constructed by Grumberath Mastersmith, a dwarven engineer who had been one of Senja's first colonists. Its purpose was to warm up the water around the island, as dwarves never had stood the coldness. However, Aiyare knew none of this. And if knew, he wouldn't have time to think about it, since two black-robed men suddenly emerged from the shadows.

"Who are you?" asked Aiyare.

"It does not matter, elf" said one of the men.

"We shall finally stop that half-dwarf, even if we take the whole island with us!" said the other and drew his sword. Aiyare did the same...

Vehementi Dominus Vehementi clambered out of the pipe, after having followed Aiyare, to see Aiyare and two men in robes engrossed in combat, he ran over whilst drawing his NightBlade.

"Not a very fair fight... 2 against 1." He leaped up and swung at one of the robed men, but it was parried by the other, who was then attacked by Aiyare, but was again blocked.

"Nice to see you here vampire" said Aiyare as one of the blades was dodged and then countered by the NightBlade.

Red Un "What the heck is goin' on 'ere?" wondered Red Un as he ran around in the city, looking for the cause of the shaking. Then he noticed that the rumbling was stronger near the little fountain in the middle of the city.

"Oh no...someone is gonna blow the boiler!"

Shukirogen ''“Boiler?!  That have to be some big ass boiler if it’s what making this Island shake.”''

The island started shaking more and more the whole time.

”''Erh.. Should we get going then? I guess we got some bad guys to kill, Or we could just leave this island and pretend it was never here.”''

Red Un "Well, I ain't gonna leave a dwarven boiler to its fate..."

Red Un looked around, and suddenly walked over to a stone in street. It was an ordinary stone, just like the other ones. At least to human eyes. The half-dwarf lifted it and revealed a dark hole.

"Just as I thought. No dwarf would hide something underground without an inspection shaft..."

He started to climb down...

Vehementi Dominus Vehementi dodged another attack and sliced down one of the cloaked men's chests, Aiyare leaped forward in time to deflect an attack to Vehementi from behind, Vehementi swung round and took a swing at the other cloaked man, but it was dodged.

"What's that?" Vehementi heard something from above and looked up, it sounded like someone climbing down a ladder.

In the distraction, the two men charged at Vehementi and Aiyare, however, Aiyare stuck the sword out and one of them ran straight into it and was impaled, Vehementi dodged the other one and severed the impaled man's head, the other one saw this and disappeared into the shadow whilst the dead one fell to the floor and turned into smoke which quickly settled as dust.

Vodok The short dwarf was just running around like crazy on the trembling island but for some reason it wasn’t going fast at all, even if he was using great haste. The short dwarf looked behind him to see Vodivir hanging onto Vodoks armour. ''"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" ''the short dwarf yelled in anger and tried to push down Vodivir but he still stood firm. Vodivir ignored the short dwarf and just looked around as if the short dwarf wasn’t standing in front of him yelling at him and the island wasn’t trembling more and more every minute. Vodivir looked at a big hill and noticed something black against the white snow. ''"Whats that?" ''Vodivir mutterd for himself. He let go of Vodoks armour and started carefully walking against the black spot.

''"Master. Somethig is coming this way." ''a robed figure said. ''"Let him come. When he's close enough we'll just blast him to pieces." ''another replied.

Red Un Red Un climbed down the last few steps of the ladder and emerged into the huge room.

"Nice work, you two. Now, let's see 'ere..."

He walked over to the enormous boiler and looked at it calmly.

"Hrmmh...I guess I gotta..."

He turned some gears. Suddenly, a plate flew loose from somewhere deep in the pipe-network, and hot steam sprinkled out and made a hole in the wall at the other end. After a while, it calmed down.

"There...lessee now..."

Red Un climbed into the pipe network and was gone for some minutes. Finally, he returned, wet and sweaty with a grin on his face.

"Okay, I fixed it up. Now let's get outta 'ere."

Meanwhile...

"Master, the island..."

"...it has stopped shaking, yes. We can do nothing more here. Let us leave."

"But master, the dwarves..."

"Ignore the dwarves. They aren't important..."

One of the robed men raised his hands above his head, and suddenly there was a blinding blue light. When it had dissipated, the robed shapes were gone.

Comment by the uploader
This storry was a legend for some time, it was lost somewhere deep in the forum. Now somebody found it and uploaded it to unoficial page.

But that made it imposible to link it from forum, so i uploaded it here. Enjoy reading!