The sword had been forged, the sword that would choose the fate of the world.
Engraving, Ardic Castle
Prologue - The Stone Emerges
On the 26th day of the 5th month in the 58th year of the 3rd age, a stone emerged. A powerful stone, it could be used for good or evil. It all depended on the heart of the user. Now, where it emerged from, none could tell. All that was known was that it had appeared in the hand of the most powerful wizard known at that time. Everyone knew that he had not created it, for, one, whether it be through spells or any magic otherwise, even he could not have enough power to make something like that. And, two, it was not something that could be created, even if the wizard was the most powerful of all time. It was something that had been created with the world, and would most likely outlive it.
The wizard had a pure heart, and used the stone for good, but his apprentice was greedy and slew his master, stealing the stone. His heart had already been proven evil, and he used the stone in accordance with his heart. He destroyed villages, amassing gold and valuables. He gained a following of other evil-hearted men and wizards, and created an army of Krag. The Krag had the height of dwarves, but the strength of goblins. He was known through the land as the Dark Sorcerer Vydyrn. And though he claimed control of the entire land, killing any rightful heirs of the throne, the majority of his "subjects" despised him, but none dared challenge his power.
\\\
About this time, a boy was born. This boy would change the world. But not yet. Before that time, many more injustices were done by Vydyrn.
Growing Tension
"Must I, mother?"
"Yes."
"But you know, I just can't stand milking the cows!"
"I know. But it is your duty."
Duty had been taught into Wilein, now 15. Whether he knew it or not, his duty went much further than daily milking the cows. It made no difference to him now though. His greatest worry at the time was day to day things. Yes, of course he had heard of the "Dark Sorcerer Vydyrn", but it did not concern him. Not yet anyway.
He sighed.
"Fine. I am going to go out to the forest for a while afterwards. I may spend the night out there."
"That's OK. Remember to put the milk bucket in the ice shed after milking the cow."
"Yup. I know that I forgot it yesterday."
"Yeah, I noticed when I stepped in the bucket and spoilt the milk."
He picked up the bucket and headed toward the cow shed. He got in, put the bucket under the cow, and patted her affectionately.
"Hi, Henda. Just here for the milk."
He sat down on a stool he had picked up on the way in and milked her, occasionally taking breaks and patting her side.
When he finished, he picked up the stool and bucket, and headed out the door, putting the stool back as he went. He headed towards the ice shed, easily his least favorite place. He hated the cold. He lifted the latch on the door, and pushed it open. A cold breeze was the icy welcome. He put the bucket in there then hurried out as fast as he could. He latched the door again, then headed down the narrow dirt road that lead to the forest, which was his favorite place. He loved the way the sunlight came down through the trees, the welcoming warmth. The nature had its way of entrancing Wilein. The rustling trees and wind created music that was beautiful in its own way. He stayed here, wandering through the path he had created through much use. How long he was outside, he could not have told. When it began to get darker, he pulled out some of a bridie he had left over from lunch, as well as a leather flask of fresh milk. He ate, then laid himself down. Wilein was accustomed to sleeping in the forest, for he did it several times a month. He looked up to the stars through the trees. He fell asleep after a while.
He awoke, wet from the dew. He rose up, and saw a deer that had been munching on some grass nearby. Their eyes met, and the deer ran out of sight. Wilein got up and walked around for a bit. After a while he found himself heading back to the homestead. Before he had yet gotten there, he called out to his mom, "I remembered this time!", but he heard no reply. He quickened his pace slightly. He burst into the house, calling to his father. He looked around, and, on the wall, found this notice:
Mr. and Mrs. Ardic Yarnar have been found guilty for conspiracy against The High Sorcerer Vydyrn, and have been captured and will be executed.
-His Majesty Vydyrn's Court
In shock, he went to his room, and found on the wall, not painted or even engraved, the words there:
Do not think I have forgotten about you, boy.
As soon as he had read the words, they vanished. He went up to the wall where they had been, now unsure if he had really seen the words or if they had just been a delusion of his mind. Still thinking on this, he sat down on his bed. The first feeling he felt was sadness. But that gave way to rage, and that, in turn, to wishing for revenge. He spent a restless night, and what he slept of it was nightmares. He wished he had had a chance to save his parents, or at least had had a chance to say goodbye to them. As dawn started to show itself, he collapsed onto the floor from exhaustion. When he got up, he felt slightly better. He decided that he should not worry on things that had been, but now should think on what he should do next. He knew, of course, that would be easier said than done, but it was a start. He ate a meager breakfast of bread, then headed out to the dirt road again. Everything was easier in the forest. He had almost reached the forest when, coming out of the forest on the very trail he was walking on himself, there emerged a figure.
Sword of Legends
Wilein was not able to make out the face of the stranger, for it was wearing a full-body cloak with a hood. Shocked that anyone other than him was in the forest, Wilein shouted to the stranger.
"Hey there! What are you doing in my forest!?"
The stranger, startled, looked up, and Wilein saw that it was, in fact, a girl.
"Your forest? Nay! I believe you are mistaken! This is my forest! I have lived in it all my life!"
"Alone?"
"Yes, alone! I have been noticing some signs of someone other than me being in the forest, but never have I ventured out this far.”
She sighed.
"I will forgive you if you promise to never go in again."
Wilein was amazed by the audacity of the proposition.
"You wish that I shall never go back? It is the only place I have left that welcomes me, since that evil, vile, villainous, murderous, cowardly....Dark Sorcerer Vydyrn has killed my f..f..father and ...mother."
With this, he sat down and wept. She hurried over to him and removed the hood. He saw her better now. She looked around the age of 12, and had extremely light-colored hair. She helped him up, and cajoled him as best she could, for she had never seen another human cry. When he calmed himself, he said, "My name is Wilein Yarnar, son of the late Ardic Yarnar."
She said in reply, "Good day to you. I am Iana, daughter of the forest. I apologize for being so harsh."
"Forgiven."
"So you say that Vydyrn has slain your parents?"
He nodded.
"That is a shame. I have heard some of the villainous deeds he has done. Let us go into the forest to talk. It is much nicer there."
He got up and together they went into the forest. When they had gotten to a place Iana found suitable, they sat down.
"Right now, all I wish is for revenge upon Vydyrn."
"That is understandable. However, I think it to be the wrong path."
"What would you know about it?"
"I have gained much wisdom from the forest. However, whether you take that path or not, it would be wise to get a weapon before plunging headlong into Vytril."
"Do you know of one that would be suitable?"
"Yes. It will not be an easy task to get it, but if my memory serves me correctly, it is the one blade that can slay Vydyrn."
"Where can I find it?"
"You mean where can we find it. I am coming with you."
Wilein opened his mouth to protest, but Iana put up a hand.
"No, arguing will do no good. My mind is made up. I have been wishing for some type of adventure recently, so you can't expect me to give this up. And I, too have a score to settle with Vydyrn. In answer to your question, I have heard that it is hidden somewhere in the Swamp of Tranfa."
"Well, then I suppose we should take off as soon as possible. I will head back and get some supplies and..."
Iana cut him off. "Nay, we need no supplies. I have lived in the forest my entire life, as you know. We will be fine with what nature gives us.
She continued, "We will rest tonight here, and start in the morning."
Another Sojourner
Wilein awoke in the morning to Iana pushing him.
"Dear, dear! You do sleep a lot, don't you?"
"What time is it?"
"I guess around 5:30. I got up around 5:00. I don't think I can wait much longer."
Wilein groaned. "OK, I guess we can head off now."
He got up, and Iana handed him something to eat.
"What's this?"
"Hedgedrow berries. They are very common around here. I eat them at every meal."
Wilein tasted one. "They aren't too bad! A little sour, though."
"Well, these are a bit unripe. They are sweeter when they are fully ripe."
She continued, "First we will go to where I live. I have some horses that we can ride. After all, riding 20 leagues is much easier than walking them."
"20 leagues? Yes, I would say so."
They started off deeper into the forest. They walked for near half an hour, then burst through some dense underbrush into an opening. There was a tree, nearing 60 feet high, in the centre. There was a ladder leading up to the first level of the tree, a platform made of wood resting on a gigantic limb. There were other levels leading off from this one out and up. Near the base of the tree two horses munched on grass, one a light brown flecked with darker brown, and the other completely black.
"This is Meynor," She said, motioning to the brown horse, "and this is Henralas." pointing now to the black one. "You can ride him."
They walked over to the ladder, then climbed up it. After a few minutes of climbing, and for Wilein, careful walking, they got to some saddles. Iana tossed two of them off the platform to the ground. Wilein followed them with his eyes, then regretted it a second later. He snapped his head up, closing his eyes in the process. The height was too much for him. They climbed back down. Iana handed him one of the saddles, then walked over to Meynor. She started to saddle the horse, but noticed that Wilein hadn't moved.
"You do know how to saddle a horse, don't you?"
Wilein reluctantly shook his head.
Iana sighed.
"Well I guess I will have to show you."
She finished saddling Meynor, then went over and showed Wilein how to do so. Wilein thanked Iana, then made himself ready. They mounted their horses then set off. They rode until midday, then dismounted and took a break. During this time, Iana showed Wilein some basic things he could eat and use that were readily available in the forest. They ate these things, then remounted and rode again. Wilein enjoyed seeing new parts of the forest. They took another break mid afternoon. They had just sat down and began planning the path they should take, when they heard a cracking of twigs near them. They readied themselves for a fight. A man came through a clump of bushes, looking disoriented. He was fairly tall, and wore dark browns and greens. He had two short swords strapped to his side, and a knife on his trousers.
"By the High King! It should be here." He looked up and noticed the two travelers. "Hullo, what's this?"
"Erm....Well, I am Wilein and this is Iana."
"Ah. Nice to meet you two. I am Irdan, the Ranger. Right now I am searching for an adventure. Ever since most of the Rangers were slain in the last war, there haven't been many things to do. So I broke off from the band. Currently, however I was trying to find a store of food. The Rangers keep them spread all around the land. There is supposed to be one right around here. Oh. There it is." He pointed to a fallen tree.
They walked over to it, with Irdan in the lead. He cleared the log of dead leaves and such, then peered closer at the log. After a few minutes, he found a hairline crack in the wood and started pulling off the section of wood till that point. It came off after some striving and straining. He reached inside and pulled out some bread. He tore it in three, then handed pieces to Wilein and Iana. While they munched, Wilein said, "How is this so fresh?"
Irdan replied: "A freshness spell. One of the only times it comes in handy. The Royal Wizards helped us set it up. They actually enchanted the log you see here so that anything inside it is kept fresh. The spell, oh, how did it go.... Oh yes, that's right. Ragitam Suatil. They did so with all the other food stores as well."
"Well I thank them." Wilein said.
"And I as well." put in Iana. "I have never had bread as good as this before."
Wilein decided to tell Irdan of the quest.
"Hmm. The Swamp of Tranfa, you say? Well, it would be an adventure. I accept."
Wilein was elated. Irdan looked like he was powerful enough to help fight, and seemed (being a Ranger and all) that he could lead them well in places Iana hadn't been.
"I will tell you, however, that I have been to the Swamp of Tranfa before, and it isn't a nice place to visit. Last time I barely escaped with my life."
First Attack
This news, while somewhat shocking Wilein, was no suprise to Iana.
"I have heard such rumors." She said quietly.
"Well, in any case, we should probably set up camp for the night." Irdan replied.
Indeed, it was getting darker.
"I am going to go bring my horse over here. I had left it 300 metres from here while I was getting the food. It won't take me more than five minutes."
He turned from them and started trudging back through the woods. Iana left and started to scavenge for any food she could find, while Wilein stayed at the site for the few minutes before Irdan came back, riding a white horse.
"This is Elnar, my horse."
He leapt down, then started unbuckling a bundle attached to the saddle. He set it down on the ground, then, with his hand facing the package, palm open, he muttered: "Grada Martinar Yitam!" A flash of light quickly went from his hand to the bundle, then, absorbing the light, it stretched and straightened, attaching itself to trees surrounding them. In a few moments, they had a shelter above their heads.
"How...how did you do that?" Wilein sputtered out.
"It was customary to learn a small amount of magic while training to become a Ranger. There are some things swords alone cannot kill."
They all laid down and dropped off to sleep after a little while.
///
Wilein's dreams were concerning him. In them, he had seen himself victorious over Vydyrn, but all was not well. He had become evil, filled with hatred. He saw himself becoming like Vydyrn, or even worse. He used the stone for horrible deeds. He killed Iana and Irdan with his own hands. He woke up, just as dawn was creeping in, in a cold sweat. He looked around and saw that Irdan was awake as well, sitting at the edge of the shelter looking out. Wilein quietly went over to him and sat down. He told him of his dream. Irdan replied by saying: "I believe it a premonition of if you go through with this only spurred on by revenge. It should be for justice."
"Iana said that as well."
"She has wisdom above the age that she may look."
Wilein and Irdan stayed sitting there, looking out into the forest.
Irdan spoke again. "I have been thinking. You have the ability to make a powerful warrior, but no skill. I will train you myself."
They stood up, and Irdan handed one of his swords to Wilein. He went through basic parries, blocks, attacks, and foot placements. Irdan was suprised at how quickly Wilein learned. Soon after they finished, Iana awoke. Irdan went to the food store to get more bread, and Iana pulled out some of the food that she had found last night. They ate a quiet meal, then started packing up. Irdan collapsed the shelter by another spell (Grada Martinar Quentis), then they set off again. They rode for the morning then Irdan pronounced that they were 15 or 16 leagues from the swamp. They dismounted and ate a hurried lunch. Then they mounted and rode off. Midway through the afternoon, the company heard a sound of marching ahead of them. They got off their horses and took them a little ways off, then they went back to where they had originally heard the marching. It was louder now. Irdan drew both his swords and handed one to Wilein, then gave the dagger to Iana.
"Stay out of the fight if you can, my dear."
"What are they?" Wilein questioned.
"From the sounds of them, they are Krag. I doubt that they have heard of us, they are probably just patrolling around on orders from Vydyrn. Wilein, do not forget our training. This is the first test."
They heard the marching coming closer, closer, closer....Until they saw a band of half a dozen Krag heading their way. The Krag were horrible looking beasts, only intelligent enough to know how to take orders and swing a sword. The company readied themselves, just as the Krag noticed them. One of them stayed back while the others rushed forward at the three, blowing a bird whistle. A raven burst through the trees toward the single Krag. It landed on his wrist, and he scrawled (for, indeed, it was a scrawl), a message in some vicious language. Then the bird flew off, the message in its mouth. The Krag rushed forward to join in the battle. In the meantime, Irdan had slain 3 of them, and Wilein was battling another. Iana had run off deeper into the forest, but a Krag started following her. Irdan went to save her just as Wilein slew the Krag he was fighting. The one who had had the messenger bird rushed up to Wilein and came down with a full force stroke. Wilein sidled of to the side, then, before the Krag had time to recover from his hefty attack, Wilein ran him through. Irdan had come back, Iana in hand.
"Did you get him?" Wilein asked.
"Yes, barely. Much later and Iana would not be here longer."
"So then we were successful!"
"Not quite. The latecomer to the fight had sent off a messenger raven before coming. It will have notified Vydyrn that we are going to the Swamp of Tranfa. He knows we are coming for the sword. Do not expect easy going from now on."
Engraving, Ardic Castle
Prologue - The Stone Emerges
On the 26th day of the 5th month in the 58th year of the 3rd age, a stone emerged. A powerful stone, it could be used for good or evil. It all depended on the heart of the user. Now, where it emerged from, none could tell. All that was known was that it had appeared in the hand of the most powerful wizard known at that time. Everyone knew that he had not created it, for, one, whether it be through spells or any magic otherwise, even he could not have enough power to make something like that. And, two, it was not something that could be created, even if the wizard was the most powerful of all time. It was something that had been created with the world, and would most likely outlive it.
The wizard had a pure heart, and used the stone for good, but his apprentice was greedy and slew his master, stealing the stone. His heart had already been proven evil, and he used the stone in accordance with his heart. He destroyed villages, amassing gold and valuables. He gained a following of other evil-hearted men and wizards, and created an army of Krag. The Krag had the height of dwarves, but the strength of goblins. He was known through the land as the Dark Sorcerer Vydyrn. And though he claimed control of the entire land, killing any rightful heirs of the throne, the majority of his "subjects" despised him, but none dared challenge his power.
\\\
About this time, a boy was born. This boy would change the world. But not yet. Before that time, many more injustices were done by Vydyrn.
Growing Tension
"Must I, mother?"
"Yes."
"But you know, I just can't stand milking the cows!"
"I know. But it is your duty."
Duty had been taught into Wilein, now 15. Whether he knew it or not, his duty went much further than daily milking the cows. It made no difference to him now though. His greatest worry at the time was day to day things. Yes, of course he had heard of the "Dark Sorcerer Vydyrn", but it did not concern him. Not yet anyway.
He sighed.
"Fine. I am going to go out to the forest for a while afterwards. I may spend the night out there."
"That's OK. Remember to put the milk bucket in the ice shed after milking the cow."
"Yup. I know that I forgot it yesterday."
"Yeah, I noticed when I stepped in the bucket and spoilt the milk."
He picked up the bucket and headed toward the cow shed. He got in, put the bucket under the cow, and patted her affectionately.
"Hi, Henda. Just here for the milk."
He sat down on a stool he had picked up on the way in and milked her, occasionally taking breaks and patting her side.
When he finished, he picked up the stool and bucket, and headed out the door, putting the stool back as he went. He headed towards the ice shed, easily his least favorite place. He hated the cold. He lifted the latch on the door, and pushed it open. A cold breeze was the icy welcome. He put the bucket in there then hurried out as fast as he could. He latched the door again, then headed down the narrow dirt road that lead to the forest, which was his favorite place. He loved the way the sunlight came down through the trees, the welcoming warmth. The nature had its way of entrancing Wilein. The rustling trees and wind created music that was beautiful in its own way. He stayed here, wandering through the path he had created through much use. How long he was outside, he could not have told. When it began to get darker, he pulled out some of a bridie he had left over from lunch, as well as a leather flask of fresh milk. He ate, then laid himself down. Wilein was accustomed to sleeping in the forest, for he did it several times a month. He looked up to the stars through the trees. He fell asleep after a while.
He awoke, wet from the dew. He rose up, and saw a deer that had been munching on some grass nearby. Their eyes met, and the deer ran out of sight. Wilein got up and walked around for a bit. After a while he found himself heading back to the homestead. Before he had yet gotten there, he called out to his mom, "I remembered this time!", but he heard no reply. He quickened his pace slightly. He burst into the house, calling to his father. He looked around, and, on the wall, found this notice:
Mr. and Mrs. Ardic Yarnar have been found guilty for conspiracy against The High Sorcerer Vydyrn, and have been captured and will be executed.
-His Majesty Vydyrn's Court
In shock, he went to his room, and found on the wall, not painted or even engraved, the words there:
Do not think I have forgotten about you, boy.
As soon as he had read the words, they vanished. He went up to the wall where they had been, now unsure if he had really seen the words or if they had just been a delusion of his mind. Still thinking on this, he sat down on his bed. The first feeling he felt was sadness. But that gave way to rage, and that, in turn, to wishing for revenge. He spent a restless night, and what he slept of it was nightmares. He wished he had had a chance to save his parents, or at least had had a chance to say goodbye to them. As dawn started to show itself, he collapsed onto the floor from exhaustion. When he got up, he felt slightly better. He decided that he should not worry on things that had been, but now should think on what he should do next. He knew, of course, that would be easier said than done, but it was a start. He ate a meager breakfast of bread, then headed out to the dirt road again. Everything was easier in the forest. He had almost reached the forest when, coming out of the forest on the very trail he was walking on himself, there emerged a figure.
Sword of Legends
Wilein was not able to make out the face of the stranger, for it was wearing a full-body cloak with a hood. Shocked that anyone other than him was in the forest, Wilein shouted to the stranger.
"Hey there! What are you doing in my forest!?"
The stranger, startled, looked up, and Wilein saw that it was, in fact, a girl.
"Your forest? Nay! I believe you are mistaken! This is my forest! I have lived in it all my life!"
"Alone?"
"Yes, alone! I have been noticing some signs of someone other than me being in the forest, but never have I ventured out this far.”
She sighed.
"I will forgive you if you promise to never go in again."
Wilein was amazed by the audacity of the proposition.
"You wish that I shall never go back? It is the only place I have left that welcomes me, since that evil, vile, villainous, murderous, cowardly....Dark Sorcerer Vydyrn has killed my f..f..father and ...mother."
With this, he sat down and wept. She hurried over to him and removed the hood. He saw her better now. She looked around the age of 12, and had extremely light-colored hair. She helped him up, and cajoled him as best she could, for she had never seen another human cry. When he calmed himself, he said, "My name is Wilein Yarnar, son of the late Ardic Yarnar."
She said in reply, "Good day to you. I am Iana, daughter of the forest. I apologize for being so harsh."
"Forgiven."
"So you say that Vydyrn has slain your parents?"
He nodded.
"That is a shame. I have heard some of the villainous deeds he has done. Let us go into the forest to talk. It is much nicer there."
He got up and together they went into the forest. When they had gotten to a place Iana found suitable, they sat down.
"Right now, all I wish is for revenge upon Vydyrn."
"That is understandable. However, I think it to be the wrong path."
"What would you know about it?"
"I have gained much wisdom from the forest. However, whether you take that path or not, it would be wise to get a weapon before plunging headlong into Vytril."
"Do you know of one that would be suitable?"
"Yes. It will not be an easy task to get it, but if my memory serves me correctly, it is the one blade that can slay Vydyrn."
"Where can I find it?"
"You mean where can we find it. I am coming with you."
Wilein opened his mouth to protest, but Iana put up a hand.
"No, arguing will do no good. My mind is made up. I have been wishing for some type of adventure recently, so you can't expect me to give this up. And I, too have a score to settle with Vydyrn. In answer to your question, I have heard that it is hidden somewhere in the Swamp of Tranfa."
"Well, then I suppose we should take off as soon as possible. I will head back and get some supplies and..."
Iana cut him off. "Nay, we need no supplies. I have lived in the forest my entire life, as you know. We will be fine with what nature gives us.
She continued, "We will rest tonight here, and start in the morning."
Another Sojourner
Wilein awoke in the morning to Iana pushing him.
"Dear, dear! You do sleep a lot, don't you?"
"What time is it?"
"I guess around 5:30. I got up around 5:00. I don't think I can wait much longer."
Wilein groaned. "OK, I guess we can head off now."
He got up, and Iana handed him something to eat.
"What's this?"
"Hedgedrow berries. They are very common around here. I eat them at every meal."
Wilein tasted one. "They aren't too bad! A little sour, though."
"Well, these are a bit unripe. They are sweeter when they are fully ripe."
She continued, "First we will go to where I live. I have some horses that we can ride. After all, riding 20 leagues is much easier than walking them."
"20 leagues? Yes, I would say so."
They started off deeper into the forest. They walked for near half an hour, then burst through some dense underbrush into an opening. There was a tree, nearing 60 feet high, in the centre. There was a ladder leading up to the first level of the tree, a platform made of wood resting on a gigantic limb. There were other levels leading off from this one out and up. Near the base of the tree two horses munched on grass, one a light brown flecked with darker brown, and the other completely black.
"This is Meynor," She said, motioning to the brown horse, "and this is Henralas." pointing now to the black one. "You can ride him."
They walked over to the ladder, then climbed up it. After a few minutes of climbing, and for Wilein, careful walking, they got to some saddles. Iana tossed two of them off the platform to the ground. Wilein followed them with his eyes, then regretted it a second later. He snapped his head up, closing his eyes in the process. The height was too much for him. They climbed back down. Iana handed him one of the saddles, then walked over to Meynor. She started to saddle the horse, but noticed that Wilein hadn't moved.
"You do know how to saddle a horse, don't you?"
Wilein reluctantly shook his head.
Iana sighed.
"Well I guess I will have to show you."
She finished saddling Meynor, then went over and showed Wilein how to do so. Wilein thanked Iana, then made himself ready. They mounted their horses then set off. They rode until midday, then dismounted and took a break. During this time, Iana showed Wilein some basic things he could eat and use that were readily available in the forest. They ate these things, then remounted and rode again. Wilein enjoyed seeing new parts of the forest. They took another break mid afternoon. They had just sat down and began planning the path they should take, when they heard a cracking of twigs near them. They readied themselves for a fight. A man came through a clump of bushes, looking disoriented. He was fairly tall, and wore dark browns and greens. He had two short swords strapped to his side, and a knife on his trousers.
"By the High King! It should be here." He looked up and noticed the two travelers. "Hullo, what's this?"
"Erm....Well, I am Wilein and this is Iana."
"Ah. Nice to meet you two. I am Irdan, the Ranger. Right now I am searching for an adventure. Ever since most of the Rangers were slain in the last war, there haven't been many things to do. So I broke off from the band. Currently, however I was trying to find a store of food. The Rangers keep them spread all around the land. There is supposed to be one right around here. Oh. There it is." He pointed to a fallen tree.
They walked over to it, with Irdan in the lead. He cleared the log of dead leaves and such, then peered closer at the log. After a few minutes, he found a hairline crack in the wood and started pulling off the section of wood till that point. It came off after some striving and straining. He reached inside and pulled out some bread. He tore it in three, then handed pieces to Wilein and Iana. While they munched, Wilein said, "How is this so fresh?"
Irdan replied: "A freshness spell. One of the only times it comes in handy. The Royal Wizards helped us set it up. They actually enchanted the log you see here so that anything inside it is kept fresh. The spell, oh, how did it go.... Oh yes, that's right. Ragitam Suatil. They did so with all the other food stores as well."
"Well I thank them." Wilein said.
"And I as well." put in Iana. "I have never had bread as good as this before."
Wilein decided to tell Irdan of the quest.
"Hmm. The Swamp of Tranfa, you say? Well, it would be an adventure. I accept."
Wilein was elated. Irdan looked like he was powerful enough to help fight, and seemed (being a Ranger and all) that he could lead them well in places Iana hadn't been.
"I will tell you, however, that I have been to the Swamp of Tranfa before, and it isn't a nice place to visit. Last time I barely escaped with my life."
First Attack
This news, while somewhat shocking Wilein, was no suprise to Iana.
"I have heard such rumors." She said quietly.
"Well, in any case, we should probably set up camp for the night." Irdan replied.
Indeed, it was getting darker.
"I am going to go bring my horse over here. I had left it 300 metres from here while I was getting the food. It won't take me more than five minutes."
He turned from them and started trudging back through the woods. Iana left and started to scavenge for any food she could find, while Wilein stayed at the site for the few minutes before Irdan came back, riding a white horse.
"This is Elnar, my horse."
He leapt down, then started unbuckling a bundle attached to the saddle. He set it down on the ground, then, with his hand facing the package, palm open, he muttered: "Grada Martinar Yitam!" A flash of light quickly went from his hand to the bundle, then, absorbing the light, it stretched and straightened, attaching itself to trees surrounding them. In a few moments, they had a shelter above their heads.
"How...how did you do that?" Wilein sputtered out.
"It was customary to learn a small amount of magic while training to become a Ranger. There are some things swords alone cannot kill."
They all laid down and dropped off to sleep after a little while.
///
Wilein's dreams were concerning him. In them, he had seen himself victorious over Vydyrn, but all was not well. He had become evil, filled with hatred. He saw himself becoming like Vydyrn, or even worse. He used the stone for horrible deeds. He killed Iana and Irdan with his own hands. He woke up, just as dawn was creeping in, in a cold sweat. He looked around and saw that Irdan was awake as well, sitting at the edge of the shelter looking out. Wilein quietly went over to him and sat down. He told him of his dream. Irdan replied by saying: "I believe it a premonition of if you go through with this only spurred on by revenge. It should be for justice."
"Iana said that as well."
"She has wisdom above the age that she may look."
Wilein and Irdan stayed sitting there, looking out into the forest.
Irdan spoke again. "I have been thinking. You have the ability to make a powerful warrior, but no skill. I will train you myself."
They stood up, and Irdan handed one of his swords to Wilein. He went through basic parries, blocks, attacks, and foot placements. Irdan was suprised at how quickly Wilein learned. Soon after they finished, Iana awoke. Irdan went to the food store to get more bread, and Iana pulled out some of the food that she had found last night. They ate a quiet meal, then started packing up. Irdan collapsed the shelter by another spell (Grada Martinar Quentis), then they set off again. They rode for the morning then Irdan pronounced that they were 15 or 16 leagues from the swamp. They dismounted and ate a hurried lunch. Then they mounted and rode off. Midway through the afternoon, the company heard a sound of marching ahead of them. They got off their horses and took them a little ways off, then they went back to where they had originally heard the marching. It was louder now. Irdan drew both his swords and handed one to Wilein, then gave the dagger to Iana.
"Stay out of the fight if you can, my dear."
"What are they?" Wilein questioned.
"From the sounds of them, they are Krag. I doubt that they have heard of us, they are probably just patrolling around on orders from Vydyrn. Wilein, do not forget our training. This is the first test."
They heard the marching coming closer, closer, closer....Until they saw a band of half a dozen Krag heading their way. The Krag were horrible looking beasts, only intelligent enough to know how to take orders and swing a sword. The company readied themselves, just as the Krag noticed them. One of them stayed back while the others rushed forward at the three, blowing a bird whistle. A raven burst through the trees toward the single Krag. It landed on his wrist, and he scrawled (for, indeed, it was a scrawl), a message in some vicious language. Then the bird flew off, the message in its mouth. The Krag rushed forward to join in the battle. In the meantime, Irdan had slain 3 of them, and Wilein was battling another. Iana had run off deeper into the forest, but a Krag started following her. Irdan went to save her just as Wilein slew the Krag he was fighting. The one who had had the messenger bird rushed up to Wilein and came down with a full force stroke. Wilein sidled of to the side, then, before the Krag had time to recover from his hefty attack, Wilein ran him through. Irdan had come back, Iana in hand.
"Did you get him?" Wilein asked.
"Yes, barely. Much later and Iana would not be here longer."
"So then we were successful!"
"Not quite. The latecomer to the fight had sent off a messenger raven before coming. It will have notified Vydyrn that we are going to the Swamp of Tranfa. He knows we are coming for the sword. Do not expect easy going from now on."
