search for his love

[Specter]

Alright, this is the first chapter. This is my first time doing this, so don’t expect the greatest story ever. lets see how it goes. It’s kind of graphic in the fight scenes so it might not be good for kids under 13 to read. im using Earen, and Leana is explained in his bio. link in siggy.

Character pronunciation for the first chapter- Leana-(Layna)
Earen-(Airin)
Dir-Tord-(Deer-tord)


Chapter one- letting go.

As Earen walked down the street, clutching Leana’s hand, they noticed there were not a lot of people around on this beautiful morning.

“Take off that gauntlet, its so cold and rough, it makes my hand ache” She said, taking her hand back. Earen unbuckled the gauntlets and shoved it in his backpack. She grabbed his hand again and he felt just how small her hands were compared to his.
She grabbed his hand suddenly and looked at the skull-like burn on his hand.

“Why can’t you heal that ugly thing?” she asked him staring at his hand.

“I don’t know, I have tried again and again, but it won’t go away” He said, looking at it too. Suddenly Leana turned her head and looked at something.

“What is it?” Earen asked looking at her.

“Look at that church, it’s so beautiful in the morning sun” Leana said, looking at the old near destroyed church. “Let’s go inside it” She said and ran to the doors. Earen ran after her but stopped as she opened the old doors.

“This doesn’t feel right at all” Earen said staring up at the steeple. “Oh come on, its fine, you’re so paranoid.” She said, shoving him playfully. She grabbed his hands and they walked into the old church. they looked around, and then they saw a dark cloaked figure sitting on the steps up to the altar.

“Who are you?” Earen yelled at him. The figure did nothing but stand up. It put down it’s hood and Earen took in a sharp breath.

“Run Leana. NOW” Earen said drawing his blade. “what is it Earen?”

“He is a death knight” and as Earen said this, the death knight drew his blade. Earen ran forward, ready to clash with the death knight. The death knight charged forward, and they clashed with a loud “CLANG!” of steel and sparks flew as their swords grated the others. Suddenly Leana cried out and Earen looked back. She was hacking at dark tentacles coming out of the wall. He turned back and the death knight smiled. He dropped one of his hands and drew a long dagger, and rammed it into Earen’s stomach. Earen pushed on the clash and they broke apart and Earen fired a bolt of light at the death knight, and he flew back, crashing into some benches. Earen ran to Leana, blood pouring from the wound. Leana was overrun by the dark tentacles but Earen grabbed onto her arms.

“I, I didn't want any of this to happen” tears dripping down onto her hand.

“We didn't want a lot of things to happen, but we will get through it” Earen said, the blade wound spilling blood onto the cold stone ground.

“We can fix it, we always have” she said, tears dropping down her face.

“I am not going to let him take you” Earen replied, fighting back the urge to cry out.

“You have to Earen, let me go, I WILL see you again” she said. He released her hand and watched the dark tentacles take her away. Earen jumped up, the wound bleeding faster, but he didn't care. He grabbed his blade and he slashed at the tentacles but she was too far in,

“Let go Earen, I WILL see you again. The wound will kill you, stop please!” she cried out to him, pleadingly. He stopped, and he fell to the ground.

“Leana, please, let her go” Earen said as he heard the heavy footsteps come towards him. A chill ran through his body, and the room was cold as winter now for some unknown reason.

“now Earen, son of Shanahea, you shall die” said the cold, heartless man standing above him. Earen fists tightened and the healing magic surged through his body, and he felt the wound close up and the bleeding stop. His hands curled around his blade, and he was ready to fight. The death knight’s hands curled around the hilt of his blade, and prepared to deliver the final blow. Earen rolled over and shot a bolt of light at the death knight. He flew back, totally surprised. He crashed to the ground with a thud but quickly got up, throwing off his cloak. Earen jumped up and ran toward the death knight. He swung his blade up, slicing the hand off the death knight. The hand flew across the old crumbling church, and the death knight screamed out in pain. His sword started glowing with dark energy as he wielded the blade with one hand. He ran at Earen and jumped up for a downward stab. Earen rolled out of the way and shot another bolt just as the death knight landed. The bolt hit him in the side in an explosion of black blood and chunks of black armor. The death knight stood up, and leaned on his sword, a big hole in his side. Then he started laughing.

“You stupid boy, you cannot beat Dir-Tord, 6th of the 7” He said laughing crazily.

Earen ran forward, and the last thing he saw on the death knight’s face was fear as he looked into Earen's eyes when he cut off his head. Earen wiped the black sludge off his sword on the death knight’s cloak. Then he remembered Leana. He looked around, but the black coils were nowhere to be seen. Earen grabbed Leana's sword and sheath and strapped it on his back. He through his hood over his head and walked out of the near destroyed church and headed out on the north road towards the frozen plains and Leana.


Well how was it? good? bad? awsome? mentally retarded? Give me your input.

[Seraphim]

Pretty good... Prolly better then I could do... I give it 4/5

[Specter]

Alright thanks to those who gave me input on my first chapter. Here is the second chapter, hope you enjoy. also, please tell me things you liked or things that might need work. it helps to make this as enjoyable as possible.

Chapter 2- what is worth fighting for?

As the snow crunched under Earen’s boots, he came to a stop at the entrance to a small village. The village was like the little kid trying to break up the two big kids in a fight, and the big kids were the mountains. He continued walking into the village and looked for any sign of an inn or tavern to stay the night. He went to the heart of the snow covered village and into the inn/tavern. As he walked in, there was a small crowd at one table, laughing and had an ungodly amount of beer at their table. There were a few other patrons, but few others.

“ ‘ello good sir, would you be needin a room for the noight?” he said in a heavy accent.

“Yes please, and I would like some bread and water, nothing more.” Earen said as he removed his hood.

“You gots the look of an elf good sir” the tender said a little surprised.

“Yes I am an elf. Can I please get my key and food?” Earen said a little agitated.

“Oh roight good sir, sorry bout that” he said and quickly waddled off to the kitchens. He came back with the key and food. “Thanks” Earen said and flipped a gold coin at the tender. Earen sat down, looked around, and tore off a piece of bread a chewed on it. Then he felt heavy hands fall on his shoulders.

“Hey pretty boy, wot you doin in our tavern?” one of the drunks said.

“I am just passing through, and this isn’t your tavern” Earen said, brushing off the hands like flies off his shoulder.

“Hey boys, you ‘ear that that? He says this aint our tavern” the drunk said again, and all of the drunks surrounding the table laughed and some cursed when they spilled their drinks. The drunk’s hands went again to Earen’s shoulders but this time with pressure.

“Well boys I think it is our tavern” he said and pointed to the bartender tied up to a chair. Earen stood up and his fist met with the drunk’s nose. It broke with a sickening crunch and blood sprayed all over the drunk’s face. Then he kneed him in the stomach and shoved him back and he fell over a chair and landed on his chin and once again a crunch sounded and his jaw broke. Drunks grabbed Earen and slid him across a table that had glass cups and jars, smashing on his face until he slid off the edge.

“Not so pretty anymore are you elf boy, I bet your women wont like you too much anymore” a drunk said, holding a club and making an angry face. Earen felt all of the thin but deep cuts on his face and felt the blood mixed with tears dripping down his face. The drunk charged Earen and swung down with his club. Earen blocked the blow with his arm and he could feel it break. The drunk stared stunned at Earen’s block and Earen took the chance to trip him. As the drunk fell to the ground, Earen drew his sword and stomped on the man’s chest with his boot. The man wheezed as the wind was knocked out of him and Earen’s sword at his throat. The door to the tavern swung open and a man walked in. he looked old but fit. He carried a sword at his side and carried a staff and he looked like he knew how to use them.

“Let him go boy, he can do no more harm” he said to Earen as he untied the tender. Earen hesitated but lifted his sword and took his boot off his chest.

“Now go home you bunch o’ drunks or I’ll go to the guard” the old man said. The drunks filed out of the tavern, and some helped up the first drunk with the broken jaw and nose. The man got up off the floor and ran out, looking fearfully behind him at Earen.

“thank you good sirs, drinks on me if you loike” he said looking at the two.

“Sure Ben, a glass of whiskey for me” said the old man.

“your not from around here are you” said Earen.

“ how do you know?” he asked, sipping the whiskey.

“ you don’t have the same accent as them, and everyone here has poor posture, and you don’t slouch” Earen said sitting down at the table.

“neither are you young man” the old man said holding out his hand “I am Jorin” Earen took his hand and shook it.

“ Earen” he said simply.

“So what brings you here Earen?” Jorin said taking a sip.

“I am searching for someone. She was taken by the death knights” Earen said, the battle playing over and over in his head.

“wow, that's dangerous business, those death knights are” Jorin said.

“Yes, but I am a dangerous person” Earen said, looking at the small pool of blood on the floor.

“So what is worth fighting the death knights for? They will kill you” Jorin said, telling that the subject caused Earen great pain.

“She was the only one I have ever and will love, she was my wife, and my best friend” Earen said.

“ I can tell this is making you uneasy” Jorin said, “but I want you to do one thing for me if you go to find the death knights, I want you to look for my daughter. She was taken by someone named Kel I think it was. It was a couple of days ago. If you find her I want you to protect her no matter what” Jorin said, a tear rolling down his wrinkled cheek.

“ I promise, if I find her, I will bring her back” Earen said. They stood up and they shook hands, and a stabbing pain went up through his arm. He gasped but nothing more.

“ goodnight Earen, I look forward to your return” Jorin said as he stepped out into the cold night. Earen healed his arm, and he felt exhausted. He walked up the stairs and into the room, and fell into the dark comfort of sleep.

Alright there was the second chapter. Hope you enjoyed.

[Specter]

no new comments? poo. well if you do, PLEASE give me input, tell me what you liked and what you didnt. give me tips, things like that. PLEASE.

pronunciation guide for chapter 3- Syril (sear-ill)
Koti (kotee)
Shanahea (Shan-a-āya)

Chapter 3- Friendship kindled.

Earen was as a lonely shadow while he walked along the snow covered path. The medallion he was given on his wedding day clanking against his cold armor was the only sound besides the soft whispers of the wind was the only noise in the frozen wilderness. He grabbed it to stop the noise, every clank making him think of her. Earen turned it over and read the inscription, “To my only love, my savior, Earen”. He let it fall to his chest and clank and kept walking.

He continued walking until he saw a column of thick, black smoke rise up in the air over a small valley. He ran down the hill until he came to the outskirts of the town. He saw women and children running around, men dead on the ground and some fighting off what looked like a large group of nomads. Earen drew both swords and ran to help the remaining men. Blocked one blow from a small nomad, no older than 15, but he looked like he had seen more battles than his age. He rolled as a large man ran forward with a two handed axe screaming crazily. He shot a bolt of light and his collided with his back, exploding in a spray of blood and flesh. He stabbed another in the stomach, and the nomad bit his hand. He smacked the old man with the butt of his hilt in the face. The man slide off the blade and moaned on the ground. Then Earen turned as he heard a women’s scream. A nomad was trying to take advantage of a young woman. Earen ran forward and socked him in the face, and knocked him to the ground.

“You disgust me” Earen said and shoved his sword through the man’s throat. Earen wiped the blood off on the mans rags and checked to see that the girl was ok.

“you alright?” Earen asked, Sheathing his swords.

“yes, thank you stranger” she said, tears coming down her cheeks as she stared at the bloody mess. Then a portly man with the look of a farmer came up to Earen and shook his hand. The daughter ran over to the man and put her head on his shoulder.

“Oh father it was awful, that nasty man tried to, tried to” but her words were lost in tears. But then she pointed at Earen.

“But he saved me” she choked up, then went back to sobbing. Then an older woman came over, and took her away to a small cottage.

“Thanks stranger, they would have taken my daughter had you not come to her rescue” he said as he patted Earen on the back.

“Anything you need? It’s the least we can do” He said as he walked Earen back to what he guessed was his house.

“Food rations would be nice, and if its not too much trouble, I would like to borrow a horse” Earen said, looking at the stable.

“Sure! Sure you can.” He pointed at one of the small boys around him, “Koti, go get Syril, and some food for our good friend” he said, and the small boy ran off. The boy came back a minute later with a white horse and some pouches with food. The horse was pure white, not a dark spot on his body except for his nose and hooves. He was fit and young, and he was brushed nicely and washed.

“wow, its beautiful horse” Earen said to the boy as he gave him the food. Earen jumped onto the horse and waved to the little boys, the man, and the daughter. Suddenly he felt a set of small hands tug on his leg.

“Pease, sir, will you take good care of Syril, he my bestest friend in the whole wide world!” the little boy Koti said, spreading his arms wide at the end of his sentence.

Earen laughed and ruffled the kids hair, “I promise to take good care of him” Earen said, and shook his little hand.

Earen dug his heels into the horse’s sides and it galloped off, going very fast. They rode until they stopped at a fork in the road. Earen jumped off and decided to make camp. He pitched his tent, and then huddled with a piece of bread in the near darkness. He remembered his horse and got up to take the saddle off. He unstrapped the saddle, and he noticed small gold lettering stitched on the side. It read “Syril” in a fancy calligraphic writing.

“well Syril, we better get some sleep, big day tomorrow” Earen said as he threw a blanket on top of Syril. The horse snorted and bobbed its head. Earen huddled back up against a tree and wrapped himself up in his cloak as he heard Syril start to neigh and stood up. Earen sighed then got up to calm Syril, but he felt it too. Something was wrong. Earen grabbed his swords and crouched down. Then he heard “clop, clop clop” of horse hooves. He then heard a heavy thump of heavy boots and the clank of armor. Earen signaled Syril to stay quit and Earen started walking forward in a crouch.


“come out Earendur, son of Shanahea so that I may see the slayer of my brother” an icy voice called out into the pitch black night. Earen stood up and walked out into the middle of the road, looking for the voice, but he saw nothing.

“Come Earendur, son of Shanahea, let’s see how well you do against a master of shadow” the voice said. Then out of the corner of his eye, Earen saw the glint of armor in the moonlight on the left side of him. Earen rolled to the left side and did a low sweep, and he felt it make contact with metal and then he heard the body crash to the ground. Earen got up and his hand was glowing, and he saw a dark figure, similar to the one in the church. Earen charged forward, but the death knight simply waved his hand in Earen’s direction. Suddenly, Earen’s vision went out. Then he was in a room, and it was dimly lit by one candle. He took a step forward and felt his foot kick something. He looked down to see Leana, lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds. He fell to his knees to touch her, but he couldn’t, he could not reach her, she started drifting away, and he couldn’t touch her

“No, no, no! Please! I need her! I can’t live without her! Anything but this!” he cried. Suddenly, a bright light flashed and a cloaked figure stood next to him.

“Son, please, this isn’t real, snap out of it” the figure said as it removed the hood.

“Mother, she is gone, I failed” he said, tears pouring down his cheeks.

Shanahea knelt down next to him and put her arms around him, Son, this isn’t real. Do you really think that you would fail? This girl is your life, don’t give up” she said in a soothing voice. “Now get up and fight, she isn’t gone” she lifted him up, and it felt like he was breathing for the first time. He was back in the forest, the death knight laughing evilly. Earen stood up, and picked up both swords, and the death knight stopped laughing. Earen ran at the death knight, and tried to slice at his arm. The death knight jumped to the side and swung at Earen. Earen jumped back, but the sword tip caught his arm, making a gash from his elbow to his wrist. Blood started to come out, but Earen continued on. Earen shot a bolt of light and it hit the Death knight in the shoulder. He grabbed his shoulder, which was out of its socket and popped it back in place. Then he charged forward. Earen expected a sword attack so he held up his swords, but the death knight grabbed him, and kneed him in the stomach. Earen spat up blood almost instantly but didn't throw up.

“Let me tell you something Earen son of Shanahea, know that she will suffer greatly at the hands of my brothers, and that she will beg to die before the end” the death knight said, grinning evilly.

“You, you will pay, you an all of your, ‘brothers’ will fall by my sword” Earen said, and the two blades started crackling with electricity. Earen charged, and the death knight blocked. Earen’s swords broke the death knight’s blade, and cut him in half.
The death knight had a surprised look on his face, but then he had a smirk.

“You may defeat me, but not the great Kel-Marken, he is the greatest of the 7 and will defeat you” he said, and with that fell into two pieces, the black blood flowing fast over the grass. Then the body started to smoke black, rancid smelling smoke. Earen picked up the body pieces and threw them into the forest.

“You ok buddy?” Earen said as he wiped his blades on the grass. Syril snorted and bobbed his head, and nipped at his hair, a sure sign of affection. Earen patted the horse on the nose, gave the horse a few sugar cubes and sat down to catch a bit of sleep. He looked up at the now cloudless night and the stars.

“Thank you mother, I couldn’t have done it without you” and with that he tucked his head down and sleep took him.

[Seraphim]

Very good! Keep up the good work! Now only if I could get posts like this is the Dragon Reborn thread... heheh... JK... Anyhoo I just have one thing to add... Shanahea is actually pronounced Shan-a-āya...

Other than that... its pretty good...

[Specter]

alright, thanks for the comment, but im still wanting more. ive had a hard time thinking up titles for each chapter so i just stopped. here is the fourth chapter, hope you enjoy.



Chapter 4


Syril’s hooves threw up clumps of dirt as they rode through the icy wilderness. Earen stopped when he saw five dark figures hunched over something ahead on the side of the path. Earen drew his sword and Syril clopped forward cautiously. The figures turned around at the sound of hooves and just stared. They were an ugly sight to behold. They looked like melting muddy sculptures with red glowing eyes and black mouths.

“Leave, man creature and we will not harm you” one said in a slow deep voice.
They wielded nothing more than sticks and rocks. Earen looked harder and saw what is was, a human. He was a male and middle aged by the look of it. He had brown hair and looked unconscious. There was a gash on his forehead and it was bleeding.

“Stay away from him foul creatures, or I will destroy you all” Earen said, pointing his sword at them. They all turned towards Earen and they started throwing sticks and stones at him. Earen batted them away with his gauntleted hand and sword.

“We will eat this man creature and absorb his strength, then we will eat you, man creature” the apparent leader said, brandishing a stick with a stone tied on the end. Two of the creatures came at Syril and Earen, and he tried slicing them with his blade, but they just morphed back together with a nasty slurping sound. Earen shot a bolt of light at one of the creatures and it blew up in a shower of mud. Suddenly, the others ran over to the remains of the one that he exploded and started to eat the remains.

“Absorb his strength brothers, then we will destroy this lightning creature!” the leader yelled. The creatures ate the remains, and they grew bigger. In the beginning they were about 4 ft tall, now they were 5 ½ ft tall. Earen shot at all of the creatures, each exploding in a bigger rain of mud than the last one until there was only one left.

“Lightning creature is very strong, I return with more warriors. We be big and ferocious!” and with that he ran off into the forest. Earen jumped down and ran over to the man. He had the gash and a few scratches, but nothing more. Earen picked him up and carried him back to Syril and threw him onto the saddle. Earen grabbed the reigns and led Syril into a small alcove of trees. Earen laid the man on a blanket and set up a fire and a tent. Soon he had a warm fire going and a stew boiling. He healed the gash and the cuts, and soon the man woke up.

“Wha, what happened I was just walking along, and then a mud thing was standing there then everything went black” the man said sitting up.

“Well they were going to eat you and I saved you. Would you like some soup?” Earen asked as he dished up two bowls of piping hot soup. The man took it and set it down to let it cool.

“I am Jerred. I am a salvager. I dig up artifacts, and for a bit more I steal them, if it’s honest work or something of course” he said and ate a spoonful of soup.

“I am Earen” he said and grabbed a bag full of oats, “Wait, how is stealing honest?” Earen asked, putting the oats bag on Syril’s muzzle.

“Well if it was stolen from you to begin with, something like that” Jerred said, continuing to eat his soup. “Hey, what are you doing out here anyways? No one comes out here, except for…well never mind” he said hastily. Earen told him the story of how Leana was taken and how everything had happened since.

“Sorry to hear that friend. Hey, since you helped me, I am going to give you something, and I think it will help you” he said as he searched through his pack.
“I was supposed to give it to my client, but you will have more use for it” he looked in a pouch and pulled out a necklace.

“This will protect you from their dark magic. That vision you had, that is a spell they know, and this will protect you from it” Jerred said and handed it to Earen. He looked it over in his hands. It had a steel silver chain and an amulet on the end. The amulet was gold with a jade eagle holding a sword in its talons.

“Wow, you sure? This is really nice” Earen said, looking at it.

“Ya sure, just put it on before I change my mind” he said, finishing off his soup. Earen put it on and let it fall down to his chest plate next to his other amulet.

“Hey Earen, you gonna finish off that soup?” Jerred asked, looking at it hungrily.

“Go ahead, I am gonna go to sleep, the tent is yours for the night” Earen said and he sat down against a tree and tucked his head down in his cloak.

Earen woke up with the sun in his eyes. He looked around and Jerred was gone. The tent was packed in its bag and the fire was out and the blanket folded.

“Well, can’t blame him I guess” Earen said and packed up the stuff. He led Syril back to the road and he hopped on. They started riding, and after a bit, they heard bird chirping noises.

“That's strange, there aren’t any birds around. Wonder where they are coming from?” Earen said as he pulled on the reigns and Syril stopped. Suddenly Earen heard a twanging sound and was pierced by three arrows. Earen looked around for a second and fell off of Syril. The last thing he saw was three pair of boots walking towards him as he slipped into unconsciousness.

Earen woke up in extreme cold. With blurry eyes he looked around the room he was in. He wasn’t in a room at all. He was lying outside on the ground with nothing more than his clothes. Then a couple of men came up to him speaking in a strange language. They picked him up and rushed him into a warm room. Earen sighed with relief even at the change in temperature as he was laid next to a roaring fire. It felt like he was melting. Then a young girl ran to his side and was wiping his brow with a wet warm cloth. Earen pushed her back and sat up, but was in immense pain. It was just then he remembered the arrow wounds. One was in his left shoulder, and his right leg. He looked and felt for the third arrow but felt nothing else. Then he touched his back, and he couldn’t feel anything back there. Not cold, hot, his own hand on his back.

“What is going on here? Why is my back numb, who shot me?” Earen questioned at a rapid pace. The girl just put her finger on his lips and made a “shhhhh” sound.

“Well, what is going on is that you had a fever, so we put you out in the cold to cool you down. It may not be the most comfortable method but it worked. And when you woke up, we put you in here. Your back suffered minor nerve damage, but your not paralyzed thank heavens, just you won’t feel anything on most of your back. Your shoulder and leg are fine, they just need to heal. And I don’t know who shot you.”

Earen just stared at her. “I don’t have time for this, I need to leave” Earen said as he pulled up his pant leg.

“Sir! I beg your pardon what are you doing!?” she said as Earen pulled up the pant leg to the wound which was pretty high. He ripped off the bandage and placed his hands on the wound. A light flashed and the wound closed up and looked as good as new. She stared in amazement as he did the same to his shoulder. He stood up and looked around.

“Where is my stuff? I need to leave now, please” she pointed at a box near the door, and he opened it hastily and put everything on.

“I thank you for the healing, and I forgive whoever shot me but I must leave, where is my horse?” Earen asked. She pointed out the door and cowered away from him. He ran out the door and he found Syril standing there waiting for him. He jumped on and dug his heels into her sides and she clip clopped forward. He headed for the exit but was suddenly blocked by a line of rough looking men.

“So pretty boy, where you going? We save you then just skip out on us?” one said stepping forward.

“Look, I am grateful for your help, I truly am, but I must leave now” Earen said, staring at the exit.

“Oh, so you think you are pretty important huh? Well let me tell you something, we deserve some payment for our services” the same man said again.

“Hey, I didn't ask to be saved. You could have left me there after whoever shot me, so don’t go expecting some reward for it” Earen said, starting to get annoyed.

“I don’t like the tone your taken stranger, I think we need to beat it out of ya” the man said drawing an axe from his side.

“I don’t want to hurt you. Let me pass” Earen said.

“No way. You chicken? I bet your girl would be pretty embarrassed right now chicken, if you have one anyways” he said laughing. Earen jumped off Syril and drew his swords.


“Take it back, and I wont humiliate you” Earen said, his voice as cold as ice.

“So. The chicken isn’t totally scared. Cmon chicken, lets see what you got” the man said and charged at Earen. Earen easily blocked his attack with one sword and stabbed his foot with the other blade. The man screamed in pain and dropped his axe. Earen sheathed his swords and kicked the axe away. The man took a powerful swing at Earen but he dodged it and delivered a powerful uppercut to his stomach. The man doubled over and Earen kneed him in the head. The man fell backward and grabbed his head and rolled around in pain.

“Take it back” Earen said in his icy voice.

The man spit up some blood but stood up. “Never” he said and ran at Earen. Earen easily side stepped the tackle and kicked him in the back side. The man crashed into a mud puddle and Earen walked past him and to Syril, tightening the saddle. Not a sound could be heard except for the distant crackle of a fire and a bark or two from the dogs. Syril trotted slowly to the exit, the line of men parting for the horse.

[Specter]

this is chapter 5, and this chapter has some gore and a bit of romantics at the end but nothing serious, just a warning. her it is. enjoy!


Chapter 5


Earen thought he was looking into the face of death itself as the man smiled at him. Earen looked at the man and he said something to him.

“Earendur, son of Shanahea you shall feel the icy cold of death I feel every second of everyday” The man said, and he pulled out his blade and stabbed Earen in the gut. Right as he was stabbed, Earen jerked awake. He looked around. It was still early morning, and the sun was barely up. Everything looked like ice sculptures. The trees, the grass, everything. Earen stood up and stretched. He patted Syril on the nose and threw the saddle on her back. He strapped it on and hopped up. He kicked on Syril’s sides and they continued on their way. Eventually, they came to a sign, but it was covered in ice. Earen tried to break off the ice but the sign’s pole broke in half. Earen smashed the ice off so he could read it, but just barely.

“2 miles till Dirit, the farthest north city. Anything beyond that is death” Earen read aloud.

“Good, we are really close. Let’s get going” Earen said dropping the sign and hopping onto Syril. They rode until they came upon what they thought would be a bustling city. As they rode to the top of the hill, they saw the opposite. It was a frozen ghost town. They rode down the hill and into town, and everything was frozen. Buildings and all. It was deserted. Earen jumped off Syril and walked cautiously around.

“Hello? anyone out here?” Earen yelled as he wandered around. Then he heard laughing. It echoed all around the town, so he couldn’t find the source.

“Look who has come, it is the son of Shanahea, why have you entered my domain? You seek the one you love? I will save you the trouble, she isn’t here. But you will not be leaving this place alive Earendur” the chilling voice said. Then, in front of him he saw a dark figure walking towards him. Earen drew his swords and threw down his hood. The icy wind blew his hair, and felt like it was cutting his face. The figure started to run at Earen, and he ran to meet him head on. The two clashed with a resonating “clang”. The Death knight dropped one of his hands back, and Earen jumped back, knowing what might come. The death knight cursed under his breath.

“I see you learned well from Dir-Tord, but he was the weakest of us all” he said, walking to the side. Earen didn’t say a word, but circled with the Death knight. Suddenly his hand started glowing blue. He threw out balls of blue fire at Earen. Earen jumped out of the way onto a box. He dodged a second by jumping. He landed on the side of the death knight and fired a bolt of light at him. The death knight jumped back with surprising agility and cast another fireball at Earen. He rolled to the side and held up his hand, and a blinding light flashed from his palm. The death knight shielded his eyes from the holy light, and Earen ran forward. The death knight swung blindly with his sword, but Earen ducked and cut off his arm at the elbow. The arm flew away from the power of the strike and the sword skidded across the ice. The death knight grabbed his arm as black steaming sludge poured out of his arm. Earen covered his nose and mouth as the putrid smell invaded his senses. Earen ran to grab the evil blade and cast it away, but as he dived, the sword flew back to the death knight’s hand. Earen crashed to the ground and he felt something make a gushing sound. He opened his mouth, and he spat out blood. Then he felt inside his mouth and his tongue was partly bitten off. Earen spat some more blood out and looked down at the ground as he got up. There was a big spray of bright red on the otherwise white snow. Earen grabbed his tongue and felt the healing energy flow through his mouth. His tongue reattached with a slurping sound, and Earen spat out the remaining blood. The death knight ripped off a piece of his arm and tied it on to stop the bleeding. Earen ran at him, and did a waist high sweep with one of his swords, and did a high downward slash with his other. The death knight dodged the waist sweep but he high cleave got him. More black sludge burst out as the sword cut the death knight’s face and he crashed to the ground. The death knight wiped the sludge from his eyes as he stood up and Earen saw the cut. It ran from his from his forehead at a diagonal angle through his eye and nose, across his mouth and ended at his chin. It looked like it would split in half, but it held. Suddenly a great black horse ran out of what looked like out of thin air over to the death knight. He jumped on and held a hand on his eye.

“You have not seen the last of Zen-Dari, 7th of the 7” he said as he kicked into the black horse’s sides. The beast galloped off at an incredibly fast pace and Earen just fell to the ground breathing heavily. Then he heard that familiar “Clop, clop, clop” of Syril come near him. Earen stood up weakly and grabbed onto Syril’s mane. He pulled himself up onto the saddle and he leaned forward, laying his head on Syril’s neck.

“She isn’t here” Earen whispered, “Will I ever find her?” Earen said weakly. Syril neighed softly and shook her head.

“That makes one who thinks I can find her” Earen said patting Syril’s neck and sitting up. Earen threw his hood back up and they trotted slowly the way Zen-Dari had gone.

“Man I beat him pretty bad” Earen said. Syril neighed and nodded his head rapidly. They trotted slowly along the icy road, when something jumped down right in front of them from the trees.

“What are you doing out here? No one comes out here” said the slender figure. Earen guessed that it was a female by the way she stood and the way her eyes looked.

“I am hunting the death knights, they stole someone from me and I want her back” Earen said, believing her to be trustworthy.

“That is dangerous business, but you are close” She said, trying to speak in a deeper voice, but Earen could see through all of her tactics.

“My name is Earen, and you don’t have to bother speaking like that and wearing the mask. I know you are a female” Earen said.

“Guess there’s no fooling you Earen” she said and took off the mask and continued “My name is May” she said. Earen jumped down but almost fell over.

“Guess I'm not totally better yet am I girl” Earen said slowly standing up.

“What? Not totally better from what?” may said confused.

“No, I was talking to Syril, my horse” Earen said stretching. May walked to Syril and stroked her nose.

“Wow it’s a pretty horse, where did you get him?” May said looking at Syril. Earen went to the saddle bags and pulled out the oats.

“Some friends loaned her to me. I don’t want to give her back but I promised someone I would give her back” Earen said, thinking Koti.

“Would it be ok if I asked you a personal question?” May asked, twisting her hair with her finger.

“Sure go ahead” Earen said clipping the bag onto the reigns.

“I couldn’t help noticing, but you have a lot of scars, where did you get them?” She said advancing.

“Well I have a habit of getting into trouble” Earen said, feeling the scar under his eye.

“No. Not on the outside, on the inside. I have only just met you and I can see it on your face, the way you walk, even in your voice” she said, now about 3 feet away.

Earen was a little uncomfortable now, but held his ground. She walked even closer, and her voice went softer.

“I can help you. I can heal those scars, please, let me help you” she said, now 1ft away. Earen hadn’t realized it until now, he has carried a huge weight on his shoulders most of his life. It started weighing down on him that cruel day when only his step-mother returned, carrying his father’s sword. She ran her soft hand down his cheek, and looked into his eyes.

“Let me heal you, I can lift the weight” she said softly and went to kiss him. Her lips hit her mark, and Earen went back a bit but did not withdraw. He felt all his weight fly off him, but he heard a small “clink” as something touched his armor, and memories came flooding back into his head. The first time he and Leana met, the day they married. The moment she was taken and the look on her face. Earen pulled away, and her arms fell away from him. He hadn’t even noticed her do that. He grabbed the amulet at his chest and a tear dripped down his face.

“You, you are poison. I cannot do this” He let his hand fall from the amulet.

“Yes, let go of her, she is a fleeting memory, I am here” May said, staring at Earen intently. Then Earen’s hand went to his hilt.

“No, you misunderstand me, YOU, you are poison, you only make the weight heavier” Earen said drawing one of the swords. May started backing up and she tripped over a stump, and tears came from her eyes.

“Please, I, I, I” she blubbered. Earen raised the sword high and it flashed briefly as he brought it down on her. She sat shocked, and her feet started dissolving in what looked like black ashes.

“NO! CURSE YOU EARENDUR, SO-!” but her sentence was cut off as her face dissolved into the wind. Earen sheathed his sword, and walked back to Syril. He hopped on and Syril went into a brisk gallop. The amulets clanked on his chest plate as he bounced along. At first the noise was like a thorn in his foot. Now it was the most welcome sound in the world.

[Seraphim]

So... Did your fic die? Dang... I was enjoying it too...

[Specter]

man i need to get active... maybe i should join a support group. well i will start working on this right away. at least i gots one fan...

[Specter]

alright here is chapter 6. no action but eventful! sorry its shorter than the others.

Chapter 6.
Pronunciation for chapter 6
Ter~ailil- Tear-uhleel.
Fierl- Fear-ill

As Earen rode south, he passed a sign that read “FORTUNES TOLD, SEE THE FUTURE. Earen was intrigued and turned off the main road and in the direction the sign pointed. The trail was a lot smaller and seemed less wore down. He soon came to an old cottage. He dismounted and walked in. there was a young women sitting behind a counter with a cat in her arms. She was petting it slowly along the spine down to its tail and staring at the soft red and black fur. The cat seemed a lot bigger than other cats, a strange fur color, and flashing red eyes.

“Hello?” Earen asked, eyes still locked onto the cat.

“Interesting creature isn’t he” the women said still stroking the strange cat.

“You say ‘creature’. Is he not a cat?” Earen asked. Suddenly the cat-like thing stood up and with amazing strength hopped up on top of a book case.

“Well technically he is a cat, but why don’t you ask him yourself?” she said and stood up. She walked over to a stove and threw in another log.

“Why not, she is probably crazy anyways” Earen thought. Then he heard another voice in his head.

“She is not crazy, but you are if you think you are gonna kill all of the death knights” the voice was confident and sounded like it belonged to a wise person.

“Who are you? And how did you get in my head” Earen asked, a hint of panic in his thought.

“My name isn’t important. As for what I am, I am a werecat.” Suddenly Earen realized who the voice was. It was the cat.

“Well what did he say?” the woman asked. Earen snapped back to reality and replied.

“He told me what he is, and that isn’t what I would have guessed in a million years.” Earen said and sat down in a crudely made chair.

“I saw that sign and I was wondering if I could get my fortune told” Earen asked after an awkward silence.

Suddenly she started laughing. “That old sign? I used to do that for the people that had a full purse and a foolish mind. I am sorry I am no help to you, but please take this.” She handed him a handful of items. A small pouch smelt rancid and he gagged.

“That’s some special stuff; only use it in near fatal circumstances. It’s a medicine that will cure any injury, mental and or physical.” The other item was a small jewel, no bigger than his pinky nail, but had intricate designs running all over it.

“Fit that into a weapon or armor and it will have some sort of effect.”

“What effect? And are you sure that you want to give these to me? These seem very valuable” Earen said holding his hand out to her with the items on it.

“As for the effect, it’s different for everyone. And I have no need for these. Take them.” she said closing his hand on the gifts. Suddenly the werecat jumped down from the bookcase and landed between them on the desk. He looked up at the woman and his tail was curling around. She nodded her head and looked back to Earen.

“He says you have an interesting future, and he doesn’t want to miss it. He wants to come with you” She said petting him.

“I see no reason why not” Earen said. Then he heard the voice in his head. “Good, then hold still and take off your glove.” The werecat reached up with one of its paws as Earen took off the glove to reveal his un-marked palm. The werecat’s paw touched his palm and an unbearable pain shot through his hand up and through his whole body. He fell backward and everything went black.

Earen woke with a start as he took in a sharp breath. His palm still tingled and had a slight twitch. He looked at his palm and saw a shimmering red mark. It looked like a mountain lions head roaring.

“What is this?” Earen thought.

“It’s a Ter~ailil insignia. It is a symbol of our connection” The werecat said.

“You can talk?” Earen said, but no words came out. Instead a thought came out.

“Whenever you talk to me, it will be telepathically. That is what the Ter~ailil does.

“Just one question. What is your name?” Earen asked. It was weird trying to get used to this link.

“Fierl.” Earen stood up and saw that he was still in the shop, and his head started throbbing.

“How long was I out?” Earen asked. “Around 2 hours” Fierl said, jumping out from seemingly nowhere and landing in front of Earen.

“Let’s go. She said ‘don’t worry; I will see you again before this is over.’ And she left.” Fierl said, heading towards the door. Earen walked out the door and walked to Syril.
She neighed impatiently as Earen swung onto her. Fierl jumped up into his lap and curled up. Earen drew his cloak over Fierl as a blanket and threw his hood up. he was about to kick into Syril’s sides but she started on her own. They galloped up the path and back to the road.

Suddenly Fierl said “Go east” and nothing more. Earen smiled and Turned Syril to the east path. The path was quite large and worn from the caravans going to the east for trade.

“This just keeps getting more and more interesting” Earen thought.

“You don’t know the half of it” Fierl said.

[Specter]

well here is chapter 7. i hope im not wasting my time writing this. please if you read this comment on it.

Chapter 7.

Earen saw that cold face, looking at him with those piercing eyes. He was about to stab Earen with his deadly blade, but a flash of red and black flew at the cold man and he jerked awake. He sat up, darkness still around him until he remembered about his cloak and pulled it from off his head. The sun had just peeked into the cave they had stopped at the night before. He had asked Fierl many questions last night but only one was answered. He went back in his memories and thought about last night. They had stopped after a good hour of riding, and the sun had just begun to set. Earen had been riding into the night the last couple of nights so they decided to stop early. They set up camp in the cave sheltered from the wind and the light fall of rain and he made a fire for the first time in a long while. Earen dried all of his belongings off and was in high spirits. He and Fierl ate a warm supper in which it took 5 attempts to get the meal to Fierl’s satisfaction. After the warm meal rested in there stomachs, Earen tried to pry out answers from Fierl but only one question was answered.

“Fierl, can you see the future?” Earen asked, trying to get at least one answer to his shipfull of questions.

“Yes, now go to sleep young one” Fierl said. Earen’s number of questions doubled after he got one answer. Earen was brought back to reality by Syril nudging him softly with her snout.

“Oh sorry girl, let me get your food. Wow ‘young one’. I wonder how old he really is” Earen said to himself as he strapped on the bag of oats. After a hot breakfast and not seeing Fierl, he actually didn't want to leave the cave and go out into the cruel world.

“COME ON ROCK HEAD!” The yell sounded through his head and he rubbed his temples to sooth the ringing. Earen gathered up his pack and put his cloak on. He doused the fire and walked out leading Syril.

“No need to yell Fierl” he said in his mind, staring at the innocent look of the werecat. Earen hopped up onto Syril and looked around. The road went along a small river and lush green was on either side of the dirt road and Rocks dotted here and there. A light mist was on the land, like a blanket a giant would use. They rode along the path, until they came to a bend in the path. They slowly rode around the corner fearing ambush, but none came. They continued cautiously but soon feared ambush no more. Earen began humming a merry tone, until Fierl quieted him with his mind.

“I can sense a few people ahead, so slow down and be ready” Fierl warned. Earen continued humming but his hand went to his sword and he pulled on the reigns a bit. As they continued on, three forms were visible in the mist. When they rode closer Earen saw them clearly. The one on the left was a young woman, just as pretty as any other girl. She had a hard expression on her face and she wielded a bow and had an arrow knocked. She had little armor and could be easily taken out. Her eyes caught his attention only for a second, like they had changed, but they looked normal. The middle one was an old man, who by the looks of his scars had seen his share and many other’s share of fighting. He held a staff and had no armor. The last on the right was a young man, about Earen’s age if Earen was a human. He had a large sword and he was leaning it on his shoulder.

“You shall not pass here without a tax. We will be generous and say 50 pieces of gold” the woman said, the others chuckling.

“Seems a little high, but tell me, have you ever even seen that much money? They stopped laughing and scowled at Earen. That flash went across the woman’s eyes again, but Earen dismissed it.

“Do not take us lightly traveler. We will kill you” said the old man with a voice like gravel. Earen drew his sword and it glinted in the dim sunlight. The three did not waver, so Earen jumped off Syril and landed with a thud. The woman drew her arrow back, and the young man hefted his blade into a battle stance. With lightning speed Earen ran and jumped at the man with the sword. Earen expected to feel the jolt and a clang of a block but he felt his sword connect with flesh. The man had swung over Earen and Earen’s blade cut through his side like butter. Earen turned around, and blocked the arrow with inhuman speed. Earen slid to a stop and charged at the man, drawing Leana’s sword. Earen felt a burst of energy in his palm from the Ter~ailil. His sword started to glow red and as he stabbed the man, the sword went all the way through and blew a hole in his chest. Earen stopped and the body slid down his arm and down the sword to the ground. The woman started shaking and her eyes flashed. They stayed this time and saw that they were purple. She let out a long wolves howl, and she started growing white fur everywhere. She grew bigger, until standing in front of Earen was a white 15ft tall wolf. Her mouth dripped gallons of slobber as she bared her teeth and growled. It ran at Earen and he jumped to the side but the dog caught his arm in the wolf’s death grip. Earen rammed his free fist down on the nose of the wolf and his whimpered as he heard a sickening “crunch”. The wolf let go, and Earen looked at his arm. He felt for any poisons but felt none so he healed the wound. His hand crackled with electricity as he charged up his magic. Soon it was glowing faintly red. Earen dodged the wolf’s attacks and kept charging the attack. Soon it was a deep red and Earen fired it at the wolf’s mouth as it came towards him. Sound seemed to disappear as the lightning was launched and waves of energy rippled as the attack hit the wolf’s mouth. As the ripple hit him, Earen flew back about 30ft. As he landed he felt a break in his arm and he faded into darkness.

Earen woke up, his head and arm throbbing. Fierl’s fierce red cat eyes stared into his, and he sat up. He looked around, and the wolf’s head was gone and chunks of flesh lay scattered. The old man had been killed by the energy waves. Earen suddenly turned to the side and he threw up. He washed his mouth out with some water and checked out his arm. His lower arm bone pushing against the skin and two fingers were bent back enough that they were broken.

“It seems I need to teach you how to use your newfound powers. The Ter~ailil gave your magic a boost so I will help you train.” Fierl said hopping off Earen as he got up. Earen rubbed his head and felt dried blood caked on his head. Earen took his time in healing his arm, fingers and head, taking small breaks to rest. Fierl waited patiently for Earen, cleaning his paws. Exhausted, Earen slowly climbed onto Syril. After about an hour of traveling, Earen pulled the reigns. He slumped off Syril and his back slide down against a tree with a soft thump when he sat on the mossy ground. Fierl jumped into his lap and purred softly as Earen fell into a deep sleep.

[Seraphim]

Very Nice! Once again I give it a 5/5... I am liking this story, the action really fleshes out Earen's past and personality... keep up the great work!

[Specter]

well here is chapter 8. hope you enjoy! also thatns to kinslayer for making me active again!

Chapter 8.

Earen saw a dark figure walking slowly into the house and it stood in front of him. Earen tried to call out to the figure but he had no voice. The figure dropped a sword at his feet and tears came from the figure. Earen tried to comfort the person but he could not move. All he could do was stare at the sword. It seemed oddly familiar and he could not help but notice the symbol etched in the blade near the hilt. Fear gripped him as he realized it was his father’s sword. He realized the person was his mom. His real mother. It was just like that ay when his step mother returned from her last adventure. Suddenly he felt immense pain and a blade grew from his chest. Earen slumped over and as he hit the ground he jerked awake. He was covered in a cold sweat and Fierl looked at him.

“Your dreams are interesting” Fierl said, licking his right paw. Earen looked away, rubbing beneath one of his eyes. He had no tear but felt the scar under his eye with his leather glove. He took both of his gloves off and looked at his palms.

“I am collecting marks left and right” Earen thought feeling his skull shaped burn. He slipped on his gloves and stood up. The new day was just past dawn and he decided to start out fresh. He stretched his sore limbs then packed up Syril. He got on and Fierl bounded up onto Earen’s lap and Earen stroked Fierl’s soft fur.

“Take off that rough glove; your bare hands are really smooth.” Fierl said. Despite his omniscient and century old attitude, that was Fierl’s one weakness, Earen’s hands across his back. Earen slowly ran his hand through his fur and felt the Ter~ailil tingling as he ran it down Fierl’s back. Soon it started getting hotter until it suddenly burned in his hand and he yelped in pain. He took his hand off of Fierl and blew on it.

“Why does it do that?” Earen asked pouring some cool water on his hand.

“There are many mysteries about the Ter~ailil that I don’t know, and that is one of them.” Fierl said curling up in Earen’s cloak. They went into a brisk gallop and soon Earen noticed mountains in the distance. They were not normal thoug

h. They didn't have snow and even from far away you could see that almost constant eruptions. They continued on until Earen saw something flicker in his line of vision to his right. He kept at the same pace but put his hand on his sword. Soon the flickers became more and more frequent until he saw small figures up ahead standing in a row, about twenty of them. The one stood in the middle was a bit taller and wielded a stick with a sharp rock tied onto the top. Earen stopped about 15ft away from them. Then he heard the familiar deep, slow voice.

“Lightning creature, we have found you. I keep promise and bring strong warriors. Now I absorb your high strength and I be big powerful.” The leader said. Earen recognized him and drew his sword. They were weak to begin with but he had more and they grew stronger with every kill. Earen dropped down from Syril with a solid “thump” and the group of creatures flinched. They stared at Earen with their small red eyes, watching his every movement. Suddenly a howl sounded not far behind Earen. The mud creatures looked fearfully and started to melt.

“Goodbye lightning creature, we will meet under more favorable circumstances.” The leader said with a chuckle and melted into the ground. Another howl sounded closer this time. The howl didn't seem like a normal wolf’s howl. It was deeper and sounded much more evil than a normal wolf. Earen cursed as he realized what the howl came from. He ran back to Syril and jumped on. He kicked hard into Syril’s sides and she bolted forward. Despite their efforts the deep menacing howls got closer and closer. He rode until he reached a large dried up lake, like a plate with a lip filled up with sand. He rode down the small incline and rode to about the middle of the dried up lake. He turned Syril around and saw small figures off in the distance pouring in the plate like ants.

“This should be interesting” Earen thought looking at the ever advancing enemies.

“Be careful Earen, there are a large number of them” Fierl said staring at them too.

“A ‘large number’? That’s an understatement” Earen said drawing his sword. Earen kicked in and Syril jumped forward, the wind blowing Earen’s hair. As they got closer, they saw their enemies clearly. Wargs. Big nasty wargs about as big as a horse, with an orc or two on each one. They wielded nasty weapons. Axes, maces, broad swords, scythes, spears, and bows. Few had armor but most had shields. Earen’s palm tingled as a red light crept up his sword and his hand started glowing red. They rushed to meet head on and all the sound was deafened by the clanging sound that resonated around the valley. Earen’s sword cleaved right through the first warg and many on his left exploded in a burst of red energy. Earen’s sword was like a windmill spinning and cutting through wargs. Earen heard the whistle of arrows and deflected most of them. Two pierced Syril’s back leg and one hit Earen’s upper arm. They crashed in a jumble of horse, elf, werecat and packs. The wind was knocked out of Earen as he landed on the hard sand. Fierl landed on the sand with a soft thump. Suddenly he began to shake and changed into a little boy with fire red and black hair, sharp teeth and a black crystal dagger. He wore small leather clothes and Earen stared amazed. Fierl grinned and ran to help Earen. Earen stood up and blocked a few arrows from the group of wargs circling around. Syril was neighing and trying to stand up to no avail. He tried to heal Syril but he it was too bad. When they crashed she had broken her front legs and some ribs and those had pierced her major organs. Earen took his sword and quickly slit the horse’s throat to save her from anymore pain. Earen cut some of her mane off and quickly wrapped it up with a piece of string making a brad. He shoved it in a pouch and got ready for the next pass. Red energy flowed through Earen’s sword and crackled with electricity. As the came to him, Earen jumped up, and swung his sword down. He landed on the ground and red lightning shot out of his sword. Warg and orc bodies flew everywhere as his sword stopped glowing. He heard a roar from behind and saw a giant mouth close around his arm. Earen could feel the sword like teeth sink into his arm and his bones snap. He screamed out in pain as he wavered in between conscious and unconsciousness. A red haze came over his eyes but he saw Fierl jump onto the warg and stab it on the muzzle. He heard an arrow fire and he saw through the haze an arrow hit the warg’s forehead. It died instantly and Earen felt relief as the immense pressure lifted from his arm. He fell to the ground with a thump as he fell into unconsciousness.

Earen awoke with a start and grabbed for his sword and his arm screamed at him in pain. He grabbed his arm and looked around. Fierl was sleeping next to a merry fire and their packs lay next to him. He heard someone coming and looked for his sword but couldn’t find it. He stared at the darkness until a figure came out of the darkness. It was the herbalist from the fortune telling shop. She wore a red shimmering armor similar to Earen’s and a bow was on her back. Her dark long hair was pulled back in a ponytail and Earen noticed pointed ears and her face seemed softer and she was beautiful.

“Wait, you are an elf?” Earen said in disbelief.

“Yes. I use a spell to hide my face and physical features. That way my enemies cannot find me” she threw down a couple of rabbits and sat down.

“Forgive me, but I never did catch your name. Mine is Earen” Earen said.

She giggled and replied “My name is holly, and I didn't break my promise” She said grinning as Fierl hopped on her lap. Earen looked at her, confused.

“I trust he told you what I said? ‘Don’t worry; I will see you again before this is over’ She said petting Fierl, Then Earen remembered.

“Oh ya, he told me. Well I thank you for helping me. I was in quite a big problem” Earen said playing with some sand.

“Your display of magic was incredible. Where did you learn it?” She asked looking him up and down.

“Well I learned most from my mother, well my step-mother, she was a paladin like me” Earen said. He pulled out his sword and held it out to her. “This is my father’s sword. It was given to me when he uh passed away” Earen said the last part with a sad look in his eyes.

Holly took the sword and looked it over. “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to your real mother?” She said testing the balance and various aspects of the sword.

“Well, its, its hard to explain. You cannot tell anyone who she is. I hate the attention I get from the people who know already” Earen said.

“What is it? Is she a Goddess or something? It can’t be that bad” she said skinning the rabbits.

Earen fidgeted at her comment and took a deep breath. “Well, ya she is” she dropped a rabbit and her jaw dropped.

“Great, I knew this would happen. Please don’t treat me any better than anyone else” Earen said taking back his sword. <