This book is a work in progress, and what you see here today may not be present in the final product.

You will also find many instances of author notes, some of which refer to spoilers later on in the story. Read at your own risk.

Seer Namai Kinsly is in a cold sweat, he recieved a vision from the maker regarding the future of many nations.

He calls for his scribe to record the words given to him. When recorded, he goes to the rulers court and pronounces a judgement of destruction due to their lack of care for the ukitu.

Most of them blow him off as they are in a peaceful and prosperous time. The Prince of Casperdain and King of Zindro however take him seriously and talk to the Seer after the meeting. The Seer says that Zindro will be spared, and a remnant shall restore Casperdain but that it's fate is already sealed because of the prince's father. The prince asks for a sign of the restoration, and the Seer replies, "You will not hear another word from me after today except by the mouth of your deliverers." {which will later turn out to be Djurle and/or Tecovis}

The Spirit of Earth

The morning sun arose on the Plains of Greater Higlain, marking the first hour of the second weekday.

Standing atop the boulder that he had slept under, one of many scattered across the plains by means unknown, a man basks in the rays of the sun. After sleeping during the cool rains of the previous night, he wanted to enjoy himself a bit before leaving behind his tentless camp. Running his pale fingers through his short, salty, grey hair, he could feel the grey stones that made up the skin of his torso as they slowly but surely warmed up from the light. A comforting feeling. Almost ticklish.

He raised his arms in a stretch, pulling himself to one side, the other, then to his toes.

Something caught His attention, a strange sensation. Crouching down from his bent over state, he rested his palm onto the ground and closed his eyes.

Six horses, moving quickly. They're chasing...

His eyes snapped open. He leapt down from his spot onto his dappled gray horse which stood below.

"C'mon Crispus! Hyah!"

The man and his horse stuck off from the site and rode at high speeds across the plains towards a grassy hill that obscured his view from his true target. Racing to the top of the hill, he was able to confirm his feeling. A group of riders wearing patchwork leather were chasing down a well dressed man down the refugee's road between more hills on the rolling plains.

That's what I &^@%*# get for thinking I'd have a slow blasted morning.

The stone skinned man directed his horse through the grass to intercept the well dressed man. Once he was confident in his course, he closed his eyes and focussed on the ground before him. As he reopened his eyes the earth itself ripped in two creating a chasm between the bandits and the man.

Two horses tripped into the chasm, the screams of both and their riders carried across the plains as the other four skidded to a stop.

The well dressed man stopped too, much to his annoyance.

"MOVE YOU IDIOT!"

The well dressed man whipped to his direction, the man's eyes wide and barely visible through the muddied face, before twirling back and continuing his sprint down the damp dirt path.

The four remaining bandits overcame their shock, one turned and fled while the other three went around the spontaneous sinkhole.

Well, at least one of them's smart.

Just as quickly as the sinkhole had opened, pillars of dirt twice the height of a man forcibly placed themselves in the paths of the remaining riders. They would weave through the pillars, clipping the sides of them with their legs as they passed by.

He had managed to slow them down enough to reach the well dressed stranger before the bandits however. Without a moment's hesitation, he grasped an outstretched hand and quickly situated his new friend onto the back of Crispus.

A deep, yet frightened voice escaped the stranger, "GO! GO!"

"Calm down! I've got us covered."

Crispus continued his trajectory around the hill as more pillars formed behind the pair of people. Once he was sure that he'd broken line of sight, he focussed on the side of the hill where a gapping hole suddenly appeared and the three galloped inside. Once they were situated, the unnatural cave closed over, leaving them in complete darkness.

"Crap, wish I'd grabbed my vest. Oh well, guess we'll just be in the dark. We'll be safe here until they leave, just be careful if you want to step down and get your bearings."

The stone skinned man raised his hand to the ceiling that had formed and felt the ground. Behind him, he heard the stranger wiping his face, the sound of mud chunks hitting the ground shortly after. 

"Uhh... how long are we-"

"Don't talk, and keep your breathing slow. They're still around."

"How can you-"

"Shh."

The stone skinned man kept his hand pressed against the roof of the hovel, ignoring how much time was passing as he focussed on the earth. The air began to warm. His arm burning from holding it over his head. He slowly began to get sleepy, and his head began to feel light as the air soured. Finally with a sigh of relief, the wall of their space opened up into the now blinding light. The air cooling instantly and his energy returning with a few deep breaths as they exited.

"I don't know who you are, or how you did that, but I want to say thank you all the same." Having the chance to listen to it, the man's accent was thick, unlike any he'd heard back home.

"Nothing any good man wouldn't do. I'm Djurle Iranu."

Djurle turned around in his saddle to face the well dressed man, he was surprised to see that his face had grown darker rather than lighter with the mud cleared from his face. In fact, it was the darkest shade of skin he'd seen. 

"Uriah Thord, a pleasure."

Uriah offered his hand, Djurle gave a firm handshake in return.

Uriah spoke with a deep, clear voice, "I've met many ukitu in my day, but I've never met any with stone skin."

"I'm the first."

"The first? You're a Spirit of the Elements?"

"Sure am."

"Well... Maker be praised that you were here."

Djurle grinned. Then he asked, "You're pretty far from any towns, where's your camp?"

"Towards the sunrise from here, I wanted to have a nice stroll before I broke it down. The roads are too long to ride without sight seeing."

Djurle coaxed Crispus in the mentioned direction as he continued to hold conversation with Uriah.

"I know how you feel. Been on the road too long myself."

"You like to travel?"

"You'd think so with how much I do it, but I'd rather be at home."

"Whatever reason has you out here, may you be blessed by The Maker in your endeavors."

"I appreciate it."

They continued at a trot, Uriah giving directions as they got closer to his camp. It didn't take long before it came into view.

Uriah hopped down from Crispus saying, "Thank The Maker, nothing's been touched."

"Would you like some help breaking down? I can't help but feel like you'd want to get away from here pretty quickly."

"After today's events, I'll gladly accept."

Djurle stepped down from his saddle and followed Uriah to his simple tent, which was held up by old pecan branches. Together they were able to get the entire campsite cleaned and organized into the saddlebags. Uriah then convinced Djurle to help him gather extra firewood from a nearby wild pecan orchard for any other travelers who may pass by. Once a suitable pile had formed, Uriah said "Thank you for your assistance Djurle. It's been a pleasure."

"You're welcome. I better get to riding, I want to get to the refugee camp in Thruf I've been hearing so much about before the week's out."

"Do be careful, it's a nasty place. Don't get me wrong, there are good people but also quite a few who've made it a terrible place to be."

"I'll make sure to keep that in mind."

Djurle mounted up and began to tride away when he suddenly stopped.

"Hey, before I go, I have a question for you."

"Yes?"

"I'm looking for someone, an ukitu like me...."

A Wooden Boy

It was the third hour of the fifth weekday

A man with a square red beard and brown hair that was parted from left to right rode up to The Shouldered Burden trading hall and general store. He stopped by the door and dismounted his almond brown, white bellied horse and tied it to one of the posts outside. he glanced down at himself before adjusting the belt around his gambeson to sit tighter agianst his frame as he stood. He grabbed a pouch of coins from his horse's saddlebags before he went inside. A little bell rang as he opened the door.

“Hey there, welcome in!”

He heard some shuffling behind the counter before a short woman with blonde, curly hair, freckles, and a padded vest worn over a faded green dress stood up holding a small crate of bottles. She began placing them on the counter one at a time as she looked over to the door he had entered. As soon as she locked eyes with him, she raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

“Well, well, well. Tecovis Shavar IS an honest man.”

“I told you I'd be paying my tab when I saw you next Galilahi.” Tecovis shook the bag of coins.

“So you did.” The Galilahi held out her hand as Tecovis tossed the coin pouch to her before making his way through the isles. Catching it, she dumped it on her table and counted out a number of gold and silver coins.

Tecovis grabbed a glass bottle off of a shelf and examined it. He asked, “Is this the latest batch?”

“Sure is, ol’ Pingo brought it yesterday around sunset. Rest of it’s right here.”

“I'm gonna have to come back for this. Everyone tells me that Pingo always makes the best mead, and I can safely say I’ve never tried better. I don't know how he does it.”

“Years of practice I imagine. And he knows how to keep happy bees.”

Tecovis put the bottle back on the shelf before walking to the counter.

“Yeah, it's all here, with enough spare for that keg of wine you've been eyeballing all summer. Consider your tab paid.” She slid the coins back into the pouch and tossed them under the counter before grabbing more bottles from the crate to sort. “When are you planning on grabbing that keg?”

“I've got Zebulon coming by after his shift to grab it for me. We're celebrating my last day as a recruit next week.”

“Remember to leave your sword in your room for that, we don't need drunken fools causing someone to get hurt.”

“Please, I'm not that stupid. It'd be a terrible first day as a full time city guard if I spent it locked in a cell.”

“Just had to make sure someone said it.”

Tecovis grinned.

“Anybody been causing trouble recently?”

“Nope,” said the shopkeep, “quiet as an owl in the night”.

“Good to hear. Well, now that that's settled, I'm off. Keep safe.”

“That's the plan. I'll let my husband know Zeb's coming.”

And with the jingling of the door bell, Tecovis went back outside and continued on his way.

Keeping a well paced trot, he passed through the gate checkpoint into central Thruf without issue. The building density increased steadily as he got closer to the barracks east of the center of town. People walked through the streets with arms full of goods and carts full of supplies, both horse drawn and hand pushed. The sounds of the blacksmith's hammers rang throughout the town. The voices of the always crowded marketplace carried themselves over the air. Homeless human refugees sat against some of the walls, begging for scraps from the passers by. Tecovis acknowledged a few he recognized as he passed. Guardsmen were patrolling the streets on horseback, with a pair also stationed at every major intersection. It still wasn't enough to handle the influx of the refugees that continued their journeys from the plains.

A chill breeze brushed against his skin as the road straightened out, revealing the fountain marking the center of Thruf. When Tecovis arrived at the fountain, he took a moment to admire the flowing strea-

“HEEE-”

The sound carried on the air.

Did someone just… Maker, I'm not even full time yet and I'm already skittish. Well, it's better to be safe than sorry.

He coaxed his horse toward the alley that he heard the noise from. As he approached the alley another shout came from it.

“HEEEEELP!”

“I SAID SHUT UP! Nobody is coming to help you, you ukitu bastard!”

Tecovis definitely didn't imagine that one.

Without thinking, Tecovis jumped off of his horse and drew his sword. Running into the ally, he saw a large human man, broad shouldered and hairy, holding onto a teenage boy by the collar of his shirt. The boy's skin was olive green with tree bark skin on his forearms and upper forehead. His nose bled onto his face and down his shirt. The boy saw Tecovis as he struggled to get away from the hulking brute, screaming all the while before he was struck again. 

“You never should have shown your face here, boy!”

Tecovis pointed his sword at the man and shouted, “By order of Buruzagi Jormund Skov, stop!”

The man punched the ukitu boy once more.

“I can handle it guardsman, I'm dealing with this trespasser myself.”

“I wasn't talking to him. Let the boy go!”

The man turned around, still holding onto the boy. He stared at Tecovis incredulously. “Guardsman, it’s one of the stricken, they're not allowed inside the city!”

“And you don't have the authority to assault him, regardless of if he's ukitu or human. Now, I'm going to give you one last chance before I'm forced to make you let him go. Drop the boy, NOW!”

The man looked back and forth between Tecovis and the boy. He then relented and released him. The ukitu boy scrambled into the corner of the alleyway out of reach of brute. The man stood to his full height. Standing a head taller than Tecovis, he glowered at him intensely.

“I'll take him from here, citizen. Now," Tecovis gestured with his sword, "go on your way". The man circled around Tecovis, staring with hate in his eyes. Tecovis circled around to the boy, his eyes fixed and his sword pointed at the hairy man. With contempt in his eyes, the man stopped at the entrance of the alley. “It's sympathizers like you that'll ruin this city.” He spat at the dirt in front of Tecovis before wandering away. Tecovis sighed heavily as the adrenaline wore off, then he stowed his sword in its sheath and turned around to the boy. Spotting a dirt covered cloak, Tecovis grabbed it and shook it out before he took it over to him. The boy cowered as he got close.

“Lose something?” Tecovis asked the boy, holding it out to him.

The boy peeked his green eyes from behind his olive colored arm, the tree bark resembled that of an oak tree, it grew at odd intervals partway up his arms and his face, the top of it blending into his hairline. The boy had brown, straw-like hair that looked like it had previously been brushed back. Both fear and confusion were in his gaze.

“I'm not going to hold this all day kid.”

The boy slowly reached out his hands to the cloak. When Tecovis didn't move, he quickly snatched it and covered himself. Tecovis took a few steps away from the boy and leaned against one of the walls, hoping to comfort him with his distance.

As the boy adjusted his cloak to cover the bark in his skin, Tecovis said “Would you like some water to clean yourself up?” The boy stayed put, staring at Tecovis without so much as a peep. After a moment he nodded. Tecovis then left the alleyway. He grabbed his father's old waterskin and one of his spare handkerchiefs from the bag he left on his horse and then led her to the alley entrance. He tied her up and went back to the boy. Tecovis offered the boy the waterskin and the handkerchief. 

“Thank you,” the boy said, his voice quivering. 

“Oh look at that, he does know how to talk. For a second I thought you were mute.”

The ukitu boy poured some water onto the handkerchief and began to wipe the blood off his face. 

“What's your name kid?” 

“M-m-my name is Olden”

“Good to meet you Olden, I'm Tecovis.” He knelt down to be eye level with the boy before speaking next.

“I don't know how you managed to get this far into the city.”

“I'm s-sorry.” Olden began to cry as the fear began to give way into pain.

“You're alright Olden. Hey, hey, look at me.”

Olden looked up at Tecovis through the tears streaming down his face. “Everything is going to be alright. You're safe now. That ugly jerkwad is gone.”

Olden leapt at Tecovis and hugged him as he broke down into a sob. Tecovis, unsure of what to do at first, hugged the boy back and comforted him as best as he could. After the sobbing quieted down, Olden let go of Tecovis and continued to clean himself up.

“To be frank, I don't want to know how you got here. What I want is to get you back to your camp safely.”

Tecovis then heard the clanking of lamellar coming from the end of the ally. “Good morning Tecovis,” spoke a deep voice. “Slow start?” 

“Maybe by your standards Zeb, but NOT by mine.”

The bronze-armored guardsmen chuckled, the sunlight reflected off of his bald head, highlighting his dark skin. Zebulon held his bronze helmet to his left and kept his right hand resting on his sword pommel. A warm grin filled his ebony face.

“Your section of the field is coming in nicely, I knew you'd manage. Once you set your mind to something, nothing can stop you.”

Tecovis stood up.

“I only pulled it off because of you and Aunt Abby, I never understood how you grew so much food until you showed me that trick with the potatoes and tomatoes.”

“Grafting, yes. It works with other plants too, but it's always funny when people learn that particular combination.”

“How did you figure it out?”

Zeb took his hand off his sword and stroked his pointed goatee.

“It's a long story, and I have rounds to make. Perhaps another time.”

“If you're still on duty, why come here? You take your work too seriously to come this far off your route for small talk.”

“Truthfully, I've was on the way to see the Buruzagi when I saw Sandalwood tied at the ally entrance."

"Ah, that makes sense."

"It's good that I saw you before seeing him however, There is something I wanted to bring to your attention."

"What's that?"

"I need your help to investigate kidnappings."

“Kidnappings?”

“I've gotten the Buruzagi to let me open an investigation, but I can't help them alone. I'm building a team to help me, you're first on the list. You're one of the few in Thruf who show any time of day to the ukitu refugees, and with you doing that as a city guard, trainee or not, they'll see that as one of the few chances at getting resolution to these cases. You have compassion for these people, I need that on my investigation team. Don't worry, I'll be with you since you're still operating on your provisional authority.”

“Zeb, you know the training schedule."

“That's why I needed to talk with Jormund. I was going to convince him to let me bring you when I take statements. If all goes well, you'll be joining me tomorrow.”

“Assuming Riff doesn’t leave me stockaded for being late.”

“A bit of an extreme, even for him.”

“Who else is going to be on the team?”

“There's quite a few I'm thinking about, though I don't know how many I'll manage to get.”

“Are any of my squadmates candidates?”

“They would be if I were allowed more than one provisional guard on the team at a time. I know Rox would do well.” 

“You think you could convince the Buruzagi to make some exceptions for them? We are six days away from becoming full timers.”

“You know how Jormund is Tecovis.”

“And I know how you can get when you need something done. C'mon Zeb, all of us need experience if we're going to be effective!”

Zeb took a moment to think in silence. After his pause, he said “I may be able to make a good argument for them.”

“Yes!” Tecovis said excitedly.

“Hey, I said might, don't get your hopes up. Whether we can even get more than two people on this will require something that gets Jormumd's attention. That's why I'm taking statements tomorrow. I wanted to present them to the Buruzagi when we returned.”

Olden stood up from his hiding place, leaving his hood low over his face, and seeing him stand Tecovis was secretly impressed by how well his cloak covered the bark-skin. The boy stood about a head shorter than Tecovis. Zeb looked down to Olden and raised an eyebrow. 

“Now, who's this?” Zeb asked.

“His name is Olden. Someone assaulted him, bloodied his nose. I took care of it, but he's still shook up. I'm just glad I was passing by.”

Zeb's smile turned into a frown.

“It's odd that the guards who were supposed to be in the square didn't take care of this. Did you see them around?”

It hadn't even occurred to Tecovis that there were no other guards around besides the two of them. He didn't recall seeing any out by the fountain where they normally stood.

“Now that you say it, no I didn't. Where are they?”

Tecovis crossed his arms as he began to think about possibilities. Zeb chuffed a bit before speaking.

“I guess I'll be seeing their reports soon. Alright, meet me at the river road checkpoint tomorrow at the fifth hour. Bring a notebook and something to write with.”

“You're never gonna let me live that down are you?”

Zeb's smile returned, big as ever. “Never.”

Tecovis looked over to Olden.

“Are you ready to go home now kid?”

“Y-yes sir.”

“Alright, let's get you back.” Tecovis straightened up. “Zeb, can you take young Olden here with you back to your post? His home is outside of town in that direction.”

“Ack, another refugee incident. I hope your squad does as good as you did today, these are getting too frequent.”

“They're already too frequent, Zeb, that's why you're so overworked.”

“Fair point. I'll keep watch over him.”

Tecovis turned over to Olden. Placing his hand on Olden's shoulder, he said, “Okay Olden, this here is my friend and my mentor. His name is Zebulon, he'll get you back outside the city safely. Stay close to him.”

Olden offered the handkerchief back to Tecovis, wordlessly. 

“You can keep the hanky, but I would like my water skin back.”

Olden handed the water skin back to Tecovis, its contents reduced by about a third.

“Thank you M-Mr. Tecovis.”

“You're welcome, kid. I'm just doing my job.” Tecovis smiled at the boy before the group left the alleyway. Tecovis untied Sandalwood and watched as Zeb and Olden made their way across the square to Zeb's strawberry roan horse.

Tecovis could understand the citizens not coming to help the poor teenage boy but the lack of guards was concerning, they may have been short staffed, but not that badly. He informed the next patrol he saw of the abandoned post and hurried to the barracks.

In Plain Sight

A pale woman with red hair sprints through the cobbled streets of Thruf, gripping tightly onto a leather satchel in one hand, fingers cramping around the butt of a knife in the sleeve of her other.

*%&@!

^$&@!

&!^'!

She rounded the corner of an allyway and used the walls to hop over a crumbling barricade and into the market. Struggling to catch her breath, her eyes darted back and forth. An armored horseman was watching at one end of the plaza, his eyes practically glazed over.

&!%*!

She convinced herself to remember her breath control training as she turned her back to him. Forcing herself to walk, she went through the market stalls and pretended to browse. She glanced sideways at the ally she had left, expecting at any moment for someone to appear.

They never did.

Her lungs eventually caught up to her breathing cycles, giving her the chance to think clearly.

Stupid! Stupid Eira! I blew it! *@&$ idiot! Now they're going to be looking for me!

Eira saw an inconspicuous felt hat at one of the stalls. In one fluid motion, she stowed her hidden blade and withdrew a silver piece from her pocket before she gestured towards the stalls attendant.

The attendant smiled at her, she willed her face to a similar shape and hoped he'd think the sweat was just from the heat.

"Hey Chamile! Here to collect another donation?"

Eira shook her head.

"What can I get for you then?"

She held up the silver piece, using her pinky to keep the sleeve from slipping down her arm, and pointed at the headwear, not trusting herself to speak.

"This one? Sure thing. Keep the silver, you deserve a bit of kindness too with how much you've done for the refugees."

The attendant handed her the hat. Eira mouthed "Thank you" to him, and he responded with a wink.

What am I going to do now? I can't just leave, the huntsmen need supplies.

As she walked away, she twisted her hair into a loose bun and stuffed it in her new hat. It draped down over her neck and ears leaving only a few strands poking out near her eyes. It was messy, but it kept her from sticking out in the crowd.

Do I hide? Wait for this to blow over?

She left the market and made her way through the streets, doing her best to stay with the flow of the crowds.

No... check in is tomorrow, I can let whoever comes know the situation when they get to the giving cart. Once they know, we can decide the best course of action. 

Every guardsman in her path put her back on edge. None of them seemed interested in her, most of them simply stared into the distance with their weapons in hand, bored as could be.

Ugh, STUPID! Eight months, no incidents. EIGHT MONTHS! Careless, stupid, *?$&. The sleeves did nothing but draw attention!

She grabbed the ends of her sleeves and shoved them deep in her pockets, clenching her fists in an attempt to stop their shaking.

What? Should I have stayed inside hoping someone would come along with what I need? Who knows how long it would have taken for someone to look for me, and by then it would have only gotten worse.

Eira wished she'd spent more time exploring the city before getting too invested in her charity project, she found it difficult to navigate when not on her habitual paths.

I have it, and that's what matters. Nobody came after me, all I need to do is stay away.

A familiar location caught her eye, allowing her to orient herself. She was glad she picked the direction she had, it gave her a wide berth around the town square.

They will though. Thruf hates ukitu, but an empowered one? They're gonna lock this whole city down as soon as the bodies are discovered.

She passed into the broken down section of the city. Rumor had it there was a fight here some years ago, but it had never interested her to look into it.

Stupid. Stupid-stupid-stupid! I knew better than to get that close! I should have said I was sick, or waited for him to pass! Careless!

She arrived at the fixed up shack she called home. 

She struggled to get her hands steady enough to unlock her door, though locking it back up was no challenge. She ran to her shutters and slamed them all shut, throwing her hat and the bag onto her only table when she had them all locked. Her hair unwove itself as the support left it loose.

Once she was sure everything was secure, Eira pressed her back to one of the walls and slid down to the floor. Finally allowing all of her stress to manifest, she broke down into tears.

"What did I do...? What did I do...? Ancestors what did I do...?"

She looked at the the bag on the table, the bronze buckles glinted in what little light still peeked into the room. She could see the face of the guard she'd stolen it from, permanently frozen in her mind. The glint of the buckles grew blurry as her tears amplified. She grasped the sides of her head, almost attempting to rip her hair out by the roots, her sobs becoming a barbaric scream which persisted long after she ran out of the breath to fuel it.

You're stronger than this. 

Eira gasped for air. Her jaw clenched tightly as she crushed her choking sobs into sumbmission, fighting with every fiber of her soul to regain control.

I am stronger than this. I am. I have to be. For the mission.

Eira clawed her way back up the wall until she was standing again.

"I... Am... Stronger..."

She nearly heaved as her heart fought bitterly against her will.

"For... The mission..."

She slowly stumbled over to her wash basin, each step a test of conviction, and pulled the knife out. Looking into the bronze mirror that had been gifted to her by one of the few sympathetic human nobles, she held the bronze blade in a death grip until her hands became steady once more. Her haggard reflection stared back at her, taunting her to give in to the emotion and collapse into a sad pile of meat.

"For the mission..."

After a long, long moment, Eira rolled up her sleeves.

The Magic Show

Djurle Iranu arrived at the ukitu refugee camp in Thruf around the sixth hour. For three months he had traveled from town to town across the Plains of Greater Higlain, following the trail of refugees seeking shelter from the living nightmares that were the warring armies of Krundíl and Stogh. 

Djurle rubbed the gravelly shoulders hidden under his cloak. There were times when he missed the smooth skin of his youth. Having rocks grow out of it was not something he would have believed was possible when he was a child. His natural rock armor had proven itself useful time and time again, and he believed it would prove itself again soon.

Ever since the war began 8 years ago, ukitu of all walks of life had been disappearing from their homes in cities all over Stogh. Most people didn't notice. Those that did notice didn't care. Some originally assumed that the governing bodies of the cities had been secretly taking these individuals to labor camps, or prisons.

Djurle knew better.

After some time, those ‘disappeared’ ukitu reappeared in the armies of Krundíl. 

Djurle had spent the last five years tracking down those who were really taking the ukitu. His hunt took him all across the united kingdoms of Stogh. Now that many of the ukitu had either fled or disappeared, he had to follow them to continue his investigation. Thus, his journey to Thruf.

All of this was secondary to his true mission, however.

Djurle. Please. I don't care that they're the spirit of fire, I don't care about what happened here, I won't be able to live with myself if... I already lost Lynetta, I can't...

Tears streamed down Yorlan’s face as the rest of his words were choked in his throat. 

Yorlan, I promise you, if it's the last thing I do…

I'll bring your kid home.

9 years ago he made that promise. He thought about that promise every day. It’s the reason he discovered the poachers in the first place. He was hunting rumors of ukitu who showed up out of the blue, hoping, praying, begging The Maker that it was Yorlan’s kid.

It never was.

It was always them.

Tents were set about randomly. Hardly any paths existed for riding. Fear was the predominant emotion held by all those who lived in these types of camps. He saw a pair of ukitu fighting over scraps of food. Some tried to stop them, others tried to steal the scraps for themselves. 

For a group as diverse and different as the ukitu, it was amazing to see how alike they all were to humans. Still desperately trying to survive. 

A woman's voice caught Djurle's attention. 

“Tylee!? Tylee!? Where are you!?”

Djurle turned his horse Crispus towards the panicked voice until he saw an ukitu with frazzled Blonde hair which shined and shimmered unnaturally. The distressed woman was wearing a padded shirt with short sleeves and thick riding pants that had worn out at the knees. Her skin was translucent, her veins also seemed to glow.

"Excuse me sir, have you seen my daughter? Her hair looks like mine, she has yellow eyes, and-and freckled cheeks!”

“No ma'am, I only just arrived at the camp a few hours ago. Haven't even set up my tent yet.”

The woman's green eyes began to well up with tears. She began to wander further into the camp.

“No, no, where is she!? Tylee!?”

Djurle knew what had happened before she even walked away. This was the third occurrence of this since he'd arrived. 

Those bastard poachers are definitely here. The question is, how many?

Djurle had discovered in his investigations a few things.

First, the poachers, as Djurle had taken to calling them, were always sent out in groups.

Second, they were sent from Krundíl to “recruit” people from among the ukitu. They don't discriminate by age, or even by the type of mutation. Only how easy it is to get them cornered.

Third, from his fights, every single one of them possessed abilities not unlike his own, though they were significantly weaker. They were like faux spirits. Djurle could take them on easily in one-on-one combat, But they grew more dangerous in numbers.

There was no way to tell from a camp this size where to even begin searching for them. He had no contacts in the camp, no point of reference. He had to find who was in charge so he could gather information. Or at the very least, someone who had some sway. But first he needed a place to lay his head for rest. The months on horseback were exhausting. Djurle would be useless If he was too tired to focus, and right now that's what he was.

Djurle explored the camp, hoping to find some place where he could set up his tent. It was all for naught. The camp was densely packed. Years of refugees had taken all the good spots. The faces of all the refugees were sad and dejected. There was no hope among them, no joy. Djurle was beginning to get frustrated. He hated not being able to help them.

Boulders too big to move were littered throughout the region. He could easily clear it if he could find one in an area that suited his taste. Doing so would definitely draw attention.

Draw attention…

Wait… I have an idea.

Another hour of wandering led him to a central Boulder of decent size. It was obvious, and plenty of people were around. Children were playing near and climbing all over it.

Perfect.

Djurle rode up near the large boulder. He shouted out to all the children, “Hey kids! Get down from there real quick, if you would please!”

Some of the youngsters looked over to Djurle.

“Buzz off old man, this is our climbing rock!” They shouted back.

Rude, Djurle thought to himself. But, fair.

“Trust me, you'll want to get down, I've got something amazing to show all of you and I need you all down here to see it!”

The parents of the children who were watching nearby had mixed reactions, some got uptight and began to sneer at him. Others were curious as to what he was up to.

Djurle put on his best performance voice and began to say, “come one, come all to see the great and glorious Granite Magician, Djurle Iranu!”

The nearby crowd began to mutter among themselves. “A magician? Here?”

“I saw him once!”

“Never heard of him.”

“Wait, it can't be.”

“The heck is a granite magician?”

The children especially were interested once they learned about Djurle's 'magician' status.

Good. Gather up. Word of this needs to get out. 

Djurle continued for some time, calling out to the people and the children to create his audience. After he'd gotten everyone off of the rock and a crowd had formed, he knew it was time to begin. The rest of the spectators would come once his freshly improvised performance started.

“Behold, I am Djurle Iranu!” He took off his traveling cloak to reveal his peppered gray hair, and the vest he had underneath, also exposing his rocky arms and stone-armored chest.

"Today I am here to show you a wonder, a marvel, nay a miracle! For I am the great and mighty Granite Magician, and today all shall bear witness to this glorious deed!”

The crowd thrummed as Djurle continued to advertise himself.

This should be enough for now.

“Quiet now, if you please, for it is now that I begin my show!”

After a moment of pure silence, Djurle Began. He stepped off of his horse and picked up a chipped pebble from the dirt. 

“Children, I ask you this. What is it that I am holding in my hand?”

Some of the children looked at him, puzzled.

"A rock?”

“Ah yes, it would appear so wouldn't it. But what kind of rock?

One Gurnian child in particular, an ukitu with what appeared to be gray fish-scaled skin and blue hair spoke up,

“Uhh.. a normal rock?”

“Are you so sure about that young one, would you like to look at it a little closer?”

Djurle nonchalantly tossed the rock over to the child. As it traveled through the air, the rock came to a complete stop before returning to Djurle's open palm.

A gasp came from the children and adults alike. 

“Oh, my mistake. It must be shy. Allow me to try again, hold out your hand please.”

The boy hesitantly held out his hand. Djurle made a big show of winding up his hand to throw the rock again.

“Here we go, are you ready?”

The boy nodded.

“One… two… and three!”

Djurle tossed the rock over again, only this time it shifted directions a foot away from his hand, sailing straight up into the air.

“Woaaaah!” The children all cheered. A few of the adults realized immediately what was going on. Others would need more convincing. 

“Now where did that go off to,” Djurle asked, looking into the air. “Oh well, if that rock doesn't want to participate,” he began to bend over, “perhaps this one-” the rock fell out of the sky, bouncing off his shoulder with a sharp clatter. He didn't feel it, but he made an exaggerated wince. The rock then orbited around his head, playfully. 

“Oh, there you are! I was just getting worried.”

The rock jiggled in front of Djurle's face as if talking

“So now you want to participate, afraid to lose your job? Or rather jealous of the competition?”

The rock struck his chest.

“Hey, be nice, I'm only teasing you. Now, be a good rock and go visit our new friend.” Djurle pointed at the boy. The rock danced over to the blue haired boy. It began to zip and twist around him, circling his body and dashing between his arms and legs. The boy giggled.

“I think it likes you now that it's gotten close. Hold out your hand, don't worry it won't hurt you.”

The boy quickly held out his hand. The rock spiraled up the length of his arm and stopped above his palm, spinning in place for a second before dropping into his hand. The audience began to clap.

“Give It up for the rock and his new boy!”

The crowd cheered much louder.

Djurle would continue to do similar tricks, juggling rocks, changing their shapes before their eyes, telling stories of love and joy with them. For two hours he performed. When his voice began to falter, someone brought him water to moisten his throat.

Finally after dazzling the crowd, which had tripled in size since he began, he said to the refugees “And now, for my final and most wonderous act! You have seen them dance, sing and play, but now I shall make one vanish from before your very eyes! And to prove that this is no simple sleight of hand, I have elected to use a much more…” he turned dramatically to the boulder. “Improbable rock.”

He stepped over to the boulder and placed his hand against the side. As he began to walk around dragging his hand across it, djurle could feel the anticipation of the crowd rise higher and higher.

“What better way to end tonight than with a classic disappearing act?”

Sand began dripping down the lines where Djurle's fingers dragged.

“The staple of the magician, the most famous of their tools.”

He took his hand off the boulder.

“But I can't do it alone, I need all of you to help me in this fantastic feat! I shall count to three, and all of you shall shout ‘BEGONE BOULDER!’

Let's practice, shall we?

“One!”

“Two!”

“Three!”

The whole crowd yelled “Begone boulder!”

“Come now I've heard your cheers, you can be way louder. Let's try again!

“One!”

“Two!”

“Three!”

The whole crowd yelled “BEGONE BOULDER!”

“There we go, just like that! Now for the real thing. Are you ready?”

“YEAAAH!!”

“On the count of three! One!”

The crowd began to count.

“Two!”

Djurle raised his hand back.

“Three!”

The whole assembly screamed “BEGONE BOULDER!” and Djurle Struck the rock with an open palm.

First the boulder split in two, which in itself was amazing on its own. Then with a yell, he twisted his hand and both halves turned into sand before their very eyes. 

If that doesn’t get their attention, I don’t know what will.

The crowd went wild. After almost a minute of cheering, Djurle began to speak once again.

“Behold! The Great and Glorious Granite Magician, the Spirit of Earth! Djurle Iranu!”

A shout rose up louder and longer than the first.

“And now my show is complete. I must set up my tent, for I intend to stay for some time. May you all have a wonderful and exciting day! And to you young ones who are sad for your climbing rock, I'll be putting something better in its place shortly.”

The crowd began to disperse, the children mostly running to their families.

The Proving Duels

Tecovis came rushing into the dusty courtyard of the training grounds.

“Recruit Tecovis!”

Uh oh Tecovis thought to himself. He'd hoped to avoid hearing Commander Riff Phurin's voice. He turned around and stood at attention. A large heavily armored man with a chipped front tooth walked powerfully towards him.

“Recruit Tecovis, why are YOU late to training!?”

“Sir, there was an incident in the town square, I had to file a report, sir!”

“And why did YOU have to file the report, soldier!?”

“Sir, I was the only one to respond during the incident, as I stated in my report, sir!”

“And why was it that YOU were the only one to respond to this incident, soldier!?”

“Sir, because the guards at the fountain station were nowhere to be seen, as I stated in my report, sir!”

At this, the commander broke his blazing gaze off of Tecovis and glared at the door of the courtyard.

“CORPORAL HEIK!”

After three seconds, a guardsman came rushing out of the door and stood before the commander.

“Yes sir?”

“Corporal Heik, recruit Tecovis has just filed an incident report. I want it in my hands yesterday!”

“Yes sir!”

Corporal Heik ran off to get the report as the Commander turned back to Tecovis.

“As for you recruit Tecovis, for your tardiness I want you to run laps around this building AT FULL SPEED AND IN FULL UNIFORM until I finish reading your report!”

“Sir, yes sir!”

“If I catch you slacking you will be responsible For cleaning the outhouses every day for the remainder of the month!

“Sir, yes sir!”

“Stop gawking and MOVE RECRUIT!”

“Sir, yes sir!”

And Tecovis turned around, running straight back out the door. He ran past the armory, having put on the standard issue bronze armor over his gambeson when he arrived. As he passed the report office he shouted “Be quick Heik, my legs are counting on you!”

For over an hour Tecovis ran without stopping. Legs pulsing from running, shoulders aching from the bag he was unable to drop, lungs burning from lack of air. Even with all the previous endurance training, it was all he could do to not collapse when the order to stop finally came. Corporal Heik came outside, waving Tecovis down. He tossed him a fresh skin of water. “Walk a lap to cool down and meet Commander Lions at the dummies.” 

“Commander Lions? *huff* I thought *huff* Riff was *huff* in charge of *huff* twelfth today?”

“Commander Phurin is going to investigate the missing town square guards himself.”

“I don't have enough *huff* energy to feel *huff* bad for them right now.”

“Don't worry, I'll feel bad for them on your behalf.”

“Gee, thanks. *hooo*”

Tecovis took his cool down lap. On the final stretch, he passed by a furious-looking Commander Phurin and ten fully armored guards wielding spears who were making their way down to the fountain.

He then made his way to the training yard and to the dummies where Commander Lions, a broad Shouldered, regal man, stood watching recruits practicing their sword forms. His dark blond hair was center parted, his wavy locks mostly covering his graying sideburns. His boots were spattered with drying mud from the obstacle course. Commander Lions’ piercing blue eyes made contact with Tecovis as he heard him arrive. 

“Afternoon recruit. I heard about your little escapade.”

“I imagine you did sir, along with everyone else in the building.”

Commander Lions chuckled.

“Phurin does have the lungs for it, so it wouldn't surprise me if they did. Get stretched recruit, I know that run wasn't easy. We'll be reviewing basic sword forms before the duels.”

“Yes sir.”

Tecovis dropped his bag against one of the walls and began his pre-workout stretches.

“As they say, when you master the basics, you're basically a master.”

“Yes sir.”

Ten minutes of stretching later, Tecovis was also on the dummies practicing right handed forms, left handed forms, and dual handed forms. From there his group cycled to duels.

At the dueling arena, He met up with his team, Bravo Squad. Tecovis led the Bravo squad of twelfth platoon through this year's set of classes. He was the oldest at age 23, and on a normal day he was the fastest in a straight sprint. Over the course of the year's training, he'd gotten to know all three of his squadmates rather well. Together, they were a well oiled machine. The first in his squad was recruit Silnor “Slide” Cavitain. He was younger than Tecovis by a few years at age 20, however they had a similar build to each other. Wide shoulders, well defined arms, and a solid core. The two others in Tecovis's group were recruits Pan Tindale and Rox Foncree. Pan was the youngest at 18, only just being of age to join the guardsmen. Prior to that he was a messenger boy with lots of experience free running, as such he was thin but surprisingly fit. Rox was 22. While wearing his armor he looked rather heavy set, however he was nothing but pure muscle.

Slide came up to Tecovis during the transition period. Wrapping his shoulder around the stiff legged Tecovis, he said,  “Hey Bossman, I heard about your run.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me of it. Just walking hurts.”

“I’ll bet. I’ll also bet I’m about to kick your butt in the proving duels.”

Tecovis smiled. “I may be at a disadvantage today Slide, but if there’s one thing I will never allow, it’s you beating me in a fair fight.”

Slide smiled back at him mischievously. “Oh yeah? Mr. top of the class thinks he can keep up on gravy legs?”

Knocking slide’s hands away, Tecovis stared him down with grit in his eyes. “I’ve fought toddlers with more gumption than you. Rox I might have trouble with, but you? Piece of cake”

“Ooohooho we’ll just have to see about that now won’t we?”

A voice came from behind them. “Fellas, fellas, get a room if you’re gonna start making out.” Rox came trotting up carrying various weapons and shields. Tecovis rolled his eyes and continued walking while Slide crossed his arm in defiance at the remark “Hey, screw you. I'll take you both on and I'll win.”

Rox laughed as Tecovis replied, “Yeah right Slide, save the bravado for the ring.” 

Still chuckling, Rox also replied, “Now if only your sword was as quick as your mouth.”

“Oh so that's how it is?”

“Yeah, that's how it is.”

Other squads in the twelfth also slowly made their way to the arena. The area was made up of four separate rings, each worn to bare dirt by the near constant use. The rings were nestled into the corner of the courtyard. At one of the rings stood the fourth member of Bravo squad, Pan, stretching his back in anticipation. As he saw his three squadmates arrive, he sarcastically said “Hello ladies, what took you so long?”

Rox replied, “Getting your crap from the armory you dainty twig.” Slide threw his bag at Pan to shut him up before he made any other remarks.

He then commented “You know that there’s more to fighting than showing up first right? I’m surprised it hasn’t gotten old for you yet.”

Before Pan could respond, another squad came up to the rings led by Recruit Dionis “Dense” Mench. He was of similar build to Rox, though much more stout in size. “Look at what the kobolds dragged in,” he said as he sauntered up. “A bunch of temple rats calling themselves a squad”

Rox set down the gear he was carrying at one of the racks as he replied, “Big talk coming from the bottom rung. How’s your collarbone treating you?”

Dense gave Rox a sideways glance as he rolled his shoulder. “You’d better watch yourself Rox, unlike you I’m not a pushov-”  Slide tripped him from behind.

“Oops” Slide spoke slyly, “Didn’t notice the garbage pile on the field. Someone really needs to clean that up.”

Dense stared daggers into Slide from the dirt as Commander Lions arrived. “Alright, cut it out. We’ve got duels to set. Recruit Dionis, I know you look like a sack of potatoes but you shouldn’t be sprawled out like one. To your feet.”

Dense got up with a “Yes sir.” and continued to glare holes into Bravo squad as Commander Lions stepped up on the podium near the dueling rings.

“Good afternoon recruits. Form up!”

Within a few short moments, all of the platoon-in-training stepped quickly into their lines and stood at attention.

“Today is your final dueling evaluation. Each of you will face off against one another. Once you’ve tenderized each other a bit, you will then face one of the instructors for your last duel. You will all be scored individually based on form and endurance. If you can’t make it to the instructors, then you can’t be trusted to guard this city. Do you understand?”

The platoon responded with a resounding “SIR, YES SIR!”

“Squad leaders, to the front.”

Tecovis and Dense both walked to the front next to the podium along with six other recruits.

“Squad leaders, grab the assignment list in front of you and get your squads to their positions.”

All the Squad leaders grabbed the bound scroll that was in front of them and turned back to their squad. When Tecovis was back in position he called the other three to circle up as he unbound the scroll. Inside the scroll was a bracket that showed all the matches that Bravo squad would participate in. Two for each member. One against another squadmate, one against someone from the other squads. Once the squads all got their assignments, they made their way to the rings. Squad alpha and squad bravo had the rings first. Tecovis was set against Pan in the first round, followed by Dionis. He didn't see the instructors in the brackets.

Tecovis went to the rack where Rox had put the weapons and grabbed a shield and blunted training sword. With his open hand, he stopped Pan. “Hey, you good?”

Pan looked at him, clearly a bit bummed, “Yeah Teco, I’m fine.”

“You know why we’re harsh with you right? We all want you to succeed.”

“Even Silnor?”

“Especially Silnor. Slide may be a fool and a jerk, but he thinks of you like the brother he never had. He treats you the way he does because he doesn’t know how to express that to you correctly.”

Pan broke eye contact and began to contemplate what Tecovis said.

“It just feels like everyone’s talking down to me all the time. Always talking over me, and interrupting. Can’t even get a word in edgewise to defend myself before someone else joins in.”

Tecovis patted Pan’s shoulder and replied “Some people are talkers. Two thirds of them don’t even realize they’re doing it. Make them conscious of it and you’ll start to fix the problem. And if they’re part of the one third that are doing it on purpose, you can just ignore them. They aren’t worth your time.” Tecovis smiled at Pan, trying to emulate Zebulon's comforting presence. “Now grab your weapons and meet me at the corner ring.”

They made their way over to the dueling ring closest to the corner of the courtyard. At the ring one of the instructors, Corporal Kitt, was waiting to judge the match. Corporal Kitt was a black and curly haired woman with ruddy skin and brown eyes. Like everyone else in the barracks, she was wearing the standard issue bronze armor.

“Good afternoon recruit Shavar, and also to you recruit Tindale. I hope you’re stretched, cause we’re not slowing down once we start.”

Tecovis began to speak, “Please forgive me if I’m slow today Corporal, I-”

“And why would I do that, recruit?”

“Corporal, Commander Phurin-”

“Using commander Phurin as an excuse isn’t going to save you from a proper evaluation.”

“I know that Corporal, I’m just making sure you’re briefed on my circumstances.”

“Your circumstances are not my concern today, recruit Shavar. Your performance is. Get in position.”

Tecovis repressed a sigh, “Yes, Corporal.”

He walked across the dueling ring to his position. Pan also took his opposite Tecovis.

Pan locked eyes with Tecovis and made a subtle gesture in Corporal Kitt’s direction.

Tecovis shook his head feeling exactly the way Pan had mere moments ago.

Corporal Kitt put her arms behind her back and stood with authority.

“Battle stances.”

Pan and Tecovis drew their swords with their right hands and raised their shields. They spread their legs to shoulder width, placed their right feet behind them, and both bent their knees to load their legs for quick movement. The late summer sun beat down into The courtyard and Tecovis could feel the sweat under his padded gambeson. Pan adjusted his grip on his sword. Tecovis was trying to stay still, the soreness in his legs upset his stability more than he wanted to portray. 

Corporal Kitt spoke again. “Best Two of three. First round. Begin!”

Pan was the first to move. He began slowly walking toward Tecovis at a slight angle to Tecovis's shield side.

What are you playing at, Tecovis thought to himself.

Tecovis maintained his line with Pan by adjusting his stance to stay facing him, otherwise staying put in his starting position. 

After Seeing Tecovis shift, Pan's lips tightened. Whatever he was planning was clearly thwarted.

I need to get him to open up. Maybe a feint? Won't help yet, no. I need him to feel pressure so he'll back off. I'll have an easier time cracking him if he fears my strike. 

Tecovis lunged Forward, placing his shield in between where he thought a counter would come from before swinging quickly towards Pan's head.

Pan raised his shield to block the strike and the blade collided with a *crack*. Pan's shield arm was pushed towards his head slightly from the blow and he backed off out of range. Tecovis pursued, using the momentum from the sword bouncing off the shield to start a diagonal overhead strike from the other Side. Pan saw it coming and pulled his torso back to dodge the blow.

A flash of steel from above indicated another incoming strike.

On instinct, Tecovis thrust his sword in that direction. He heard and felt the blades sliding across each other and adjusted his grip to catch his opponent blade in his crossguard. 

Tecovis carried the sword's newly gained downward momentum and shifted his weight to deflect the blow diagonally towards his shield side. The sudden change in direction caused Pan to falter, leaving him open for a counter, which Tecovis quickly took advantage of with a pommel strike to Pan's helmeted forehead.

“Point Tecovis!”

Pan stumbled and fell on his back, stunned from the impact against his skull.

Tecovis grinned, pleased with himself. He then moved his sword to his off hand and adjusted his shield straps as he spoke to his downed friend. “That's why we wear helmets with pads, Pan. Could have hurt a lot worse.”

Pan sat up from the dust of the ring and shook his head. He asked “How the heck did you catch that? I was on the inside and your sword was way off line!”

“Living with Lieutenant Zeb did wonders for my swordsmanship.” Tecovis offered his now free hand to help up Pan, who firmly took hold of it and was promptly pulled to his feet.

“Maker, I hope I don't have to face off against anyone like you in the field.”

“That's why we keep training. The criminals out there need to say that about us.”

Corporal Kitt yelled “Positions!”

Tecovis patted Pan’s Shoulder and returned to his spot in the ring. He felt the muscles in his thigh begin to vibrate. Discomforted by this, he used his free hand to apply pressure and massage the muscles, though it was difficult to do through the armor and gambeson. Once it stopped spasming, he swapped his sword back to his main hand and nodded to both Pan and Corporal Kitt. 

“Battle Stances!”

Pan and Tecovis took to their stances. Filled with grit, they glared at their opponents.

“One to zero, Tecovis. Round two. Begin!”

Tecovis wasted no time and charged at Pan, shield raised.

Pan was taken aback by the different start and dodged to his left. He swung towards Tecovis's open side, though he was even more surprised to find that Tecovis had thrust his own blade forward to catch it. His crossguard struck the weak of Pan’s blade and pushed it away with ease.

Knowing that their blades were occupied, he twisted around and smashed his shield against Pan, attempting to knock him over. 

Pan was sturdier than he thought, however, blocking the shield bash with his own shield he slid his blade down Tecovis's sword into the strong and maneuvered under the crossed blades into the open ring.

Blast it! He got away!

Pan and Tecovis regained their respective balances as Tecovis's leg started to vibrate again.

“This isn't a dance recruits, quit showing off.”

Pan raised his shield between the two of them, Tecovis took a slightly more relaxed stance.

Maybe I can bait him to try a charge on me, trip him out of the ring. No, he's too smart for that. I'll hit him again to strike some more fear, maybe I can get a good faint still. Let's pretend to do what he did.

Tecovis began to step around the edge of the ring towards Pan's shield side.

Pan's feet shifted In place.

I'll get him when he shifts next, while his feet are awkward.

Tecovis continued to walk around the ring, inching closer to Pan. He lifted his sword in preparation for his attack.

Pan began to shift again and Tecovis launched another lunge toward the shield. The tip of the shield embedded itself in the wood.

Pan felt the blade stick and he twisted his shield to try and disarm Tecovis.

Tecovis learned during training duels in the past to loosen his grip and let the handle spin in his palm under the circumstance, and when Pan reached the end of his twisting arc, Tecovis retightened his grip and yanked the sword out of the shield. 

Pan grimaced at Tecovis's quick thinking and readied his defense. Tecovis spun the sword in his hand to a more comfortable and usable position. His leg finally stopped vibrating again.

Is he scared yet?

Tecovis flinched at Pan. His guard came up.

Sure is. Let's get h- Tecovis's thoughts were cutoff as Pan whirled his blade towards his head. He stepped back and saw the tip of the blade skim just past the bridge of his helm's nose guard. He tried to stab at Pan's stomach only for the rim of the shield to knock his blade off line again.

Continuing with his spinning momentum, Pan went low and knocked Tecovis's legs out from under him.

Tecovis tucked his shield close to distribute the impact he was about to take and simultaneously swung at Pan.

“Draw!”

Both Pan and Tecovis had blades in each other's armored torsos, Tecovis on the ground and Pan crouched over him.

Through a raspy breath, Tecovis said, “...ow…”

Pan backed off. And Tecovis rolled onto his back to catch his breath. After a moment, he looked at Pan who was smiling. 

“Nice footwork Pan.”

“Thanks, I'd still be dead if I wasn't armored, but I'm really happy I got you.”

“That's what it's there for. Gotta love this stuff.” He tapped his breastplate. “But regardless, you did really well. I'm definitely gonna bruise from that.”

“Are you done dawdling down there?”

“Yes Corporal.”

Pan offered his hand to Tecovis and he hoisted his downed leader.

“Positions!”

Both combatants returned to their spots.

“Battle stances!”

They crouched into defensive stances.

“One to zero, Tecovis. Round three. Begin!”

This fight started with two still combatants staring each other down.

Pan would move first, slowly making his way toward Tecovis, who was settling in for a power strike.

This time, I'll get him. Just gotta wait for him to be in reach.

Tecovis waited patiently for his opponent to close the gap for him. His leg vibrated once more, he fought the urge to massage it again.

Pan stepped onto the line Tecovis had imagined and Tecovis swung for Pan's head as he had in the first round. As before, Pan's shield came up to meet it, only to be circumvented as Tecovis twisted his wrist and shifted the blade over his head and towards Pan's neck.

The blade perfectly aligned for a lethal blow, only for it to stop an inch from Pan's neck, twist so that the flat of the blade was parallel with it, and then tap it with a sly flick.

“Dead.”

“Victory, Tecovis!

Pan recoiled in Horror as he realized what happened.

“What the shrike!? How!?”

Tecovis smiled and sheathed his sword, “I told you already, I lived with an expert.”

“You could have killed me!”

“Fine control of the blade is part of what it takes to be the best Pan. The other part is about getting in your opponent's head. Why do you think I wasted energy hitting your shield so hard? I've been setting that victory strike up the last two rounds. I would have tried it the previous round if you hadn't tripped me.”

Pan's terrified expression turned to morbid consideration. 

Corporal Kitt yelled to the two recruits, “Alright you two, get out of my ring. Rest for your next matches.”

Both responded with a simultaneous “Yes Corporal!” and exited the dusty ring.

Gali's Heart

Eira's knife ripped from under her pillow as a knock came. After a short time of pointing it at the door, there was another knock, followed by a woman's voice.

"Chamile? Chamile, are you home?"

Sighing with relief she replied, "Uh, y-yeah! I'm here!"

"You missed the meeting, is everything alright?"

"*#%@, did I? Sorry, uh, I'll.... just give me a second!"

Eira leapt out of bed to the table and stuffed the knife into the stolen bag, then just as quickly threw it under the bed. The buckles scraped across the floor louder than Eira liked.

"Chamile?"

"Sorry, I'm just-"

Eira looked down at her fully clothed form.

"-just indecent, hold on!"

"Take your time, we don't want you to hurt yourself."

Eira ran for her wash basin, splashed her face clean, and quickly dried it off. She then made her way to the door, before stopping as she realized the bag was still barely visible. Not wanting to take any more risks for the day, she ran to it, pulled the blankets loose, and draped them over the gap between the frame and the floor. Finally satisfied, she went back to the door. She collected herself and opened it to see a blonde, curly haired woman with a green dress and a padded vest standing in the doorway, and standing just behind her was a rotund man with a thick mustache that curled at the ends.

"Hey Galilahi! 

Galilahi hugged Eira as she stepped out the door. "Hi Chamile! Everyone was worried when you didn't show up."

"Sorry, its been a long day. Hey Yogriche!"

Yogriche smiled in greeting, causing the ends of his mustache to raise upward. Eira backed out of the hug and smiled back to both if them. Galilahi's eyes narrowed as she looked at Eira.

Eira asked, "How's your daughter?"

Yogriche chuckled, "She's still chasing off suitors faster than I am."

"It's easy to do anything faster than you, big guy."

"Oh, pth."

Galilahi turned to Yogriche and said, "Can you let the volunteers know she's alright?"

"Sure thing Gali. It's good to see you Chamile! Glad you're not dead."

"Right back at you."

Yogriche walked back down the street, whistling a cheery tune as he went. When he was out of earshot, Galilahi looked back to Eira, clearly concerned.

"You've been crying."

"What? Pft. No I haven't."

Her head tilted forward, her eyes hard. "Chamile, I know what eyes look like after they cried and you have it. What's going on?"

&@^*. Think fast, Eira, think-think-think!

"I..." Eira gave a heavy sigh, "I've been homesick."

Galilahi's gaze softened, "Let's go inside."

Reluctantly, Eira relented and opened her door, leading her inside.

"Sorry for the mess. Like I said it's been a long day."

Eira pulled a chair out from the table for Galilahi to sit, making sure it's back was towards the bed.

As she sat down in it, she said, "Trust me, this is clean compared to the other houses on this road."

Eira sat down opposite her. They sat in silence for a bit. Galilahi waited for her to reopen the conversation, which she was thankful for.

"I... I've been thinking a lot more about Prosvar the past few weeks."

"Your family home right?"

"Yeah."

"What part?"

"Mostly my dad. The recent rains made me think of him. He used to love the rain... every time it came he would stand outside and let himself get soaked, no matter how bad the wind or thunder got. I remember the last time it rained before... he took me outside with him. My brother too, mom stayed on the porch where it was dry. She hated getting wet for any reason other than getting clean. My dad taught me how to dance in the rain. We danced in the puddles before they soaked into the sand, and the footprints would stay for weeks."

"That sounds like a lot of fun."

"It was. I miss him."

"I know loss like that can be hard. I've got a friend who lost his parents when he was a boy too, his village in the mountains got attacked. He tells me he thinks about both of them every day. I remember the first time he came into our store, the lamps caused him to run straight out the door as soon as he saw them. It was so sad."

"When was that?"

"Seven winters ago, he's doing a lot better now. I've been there for going on sixteen winters, and I'll never forget it."

"Sixteen? When did you start, age four?"

Galilahi laughed. "You're too kind Chamile. No, I started working there to help my husband about a year after we married, and trust me he needed it."

Eira's thoughts lingered on the boy Galilahi had mentioned. 

"Does that person still live around here? My brother told me once he liked being around people who get the struggle."

"He is. Maybe one day I'll convince him to come talk to you. What about your brother? Have you gotten any letters from him recently?"

Eira felt a twing in her heart as she thought of the last conversation she had with him.

"No... He hasn't sent any replies."

Eira had never meant to let anyone know that she had family, but Galilahi had a knack for getting people to open up. She would have made a great spy for that reason alone, but she didn't have the heart for it. Not that she could ever be convinced to knowingly betray her own kind. It truly was a shame that she was human.

Galilahi put her hand out, and Eira hesitantly grabbed it.

"He'll come around, Chamile. The giving cart is the best thing that's happened to this city in years, and you're the one we have to thank for it."

Eira smiled.

"And remember, home is what you make of it. You've made a good one here."

"Yeah. I guess I have," Eira lied.

Galilahi continued to hold Eira's hand in hers. While she found Galilahi's presence infuriatingly comforting, Eira chose to pull away after a minute.

"Well, the meeting may be over, but we still have plenty of supplies to pack. I was able to convince the tanners guild to donate a bunch of bags. You want to come?"

"Yeah... Yeah, I do."

Galilahi smiled, "Alright then. We'll go as soon as you're ready."

A Dance with Dense

Solid Foundation

After some time letting the people leave, Djurle began to shape the sand he had made from the boulder into the frame of a small home, solidifying it back into stone as he went. He created for himself a comfortable stone walled and roofed hut with many nooks, crannies, and footholds for climbing, as well as other interesting shapes and secrets for children to discover long after he was gone.

Djurle didn't have any personal effects that weren't on his horse's saddle. As long as he knew where that was, he didn't have to worry about losing anything of value from curious children's hands while he was away.

And now, I wait. As word spreads, the people will come to me. Both good and bad. I can build new contacts, encourage the locals, and bait the poachers at the same time. A Spirit of the Elements in the midst of the refugee camp is no small thing.

Djurle grabbed Crispus from where he'd sneakily tied him with stone during the show and then led him over to the hut so he could de-saddle him. As he did, a middle aged ukitu with tree bark for skin came to greet him.

“An amazing show Mr. Iranu. Truly a blessing.”

Voice crackling, Djurle replied “Thank you friend. I couldn't let them stay dejected. I had to do something to show them there's still good in the world.”

“I have a sneaking suspicion that's not why you came to our camp, but I thank you for this gesture of kindness nonetheless.”

“Quite the intuitive one. Hey, is there anyone I can talk to about getting my horse fed?’

The man sighed, clearly a question he was used to hearing.

“No, what horses we own ate the nearby grass some time ago, so we have to travel a bit to feed them, and the new arrivals who were city dwellers keep setting up tents on top of the areas we're trying to cultivate. They don't recognize how hard it is to grow anything around here. The locals aren't much help either. Maybe a hundred of them try their best to give food or seed but it's not enough.”

“Already sounds better than some places I've been. At least somebody cares.”

The man continued. “There are thousands of us to feed and everyone is too scared of their own shadow to work together.”

"What's the local government like?”

“In the camp, there isn't one. Thruf is ruled by Jaunari Reale. We aren't allowed in the city, and only one guard patrols the whole camp area.”

“Not even in the market?”

“We can't get any work to buy anything, even if we could get to it. They have checkpoints surrounding the entire perimeter of town. Humans can get in fine, but us? It's very difficult to put it mildly.”

“I can work with ‘very difficult.’”

“Can you now? Interesting."

Djurle managed to get the saddle off of his horse and began to carry it over to his hut.

“I've never heard the name Jaunari before, is it common around here?”

“It's a title actually, threw me off too when I first heard it.”

“You said only one guard patrols the camp?”

“Yes, a kind man by the name of Zebulon. His family owns some farms on the west. Come harvest time, they give us two thirds of their produce, and sell what they don't eat or plant from the rest.”

“I thought you said you didn't get much help?”

“After It's all distributed it barely amounts to a week's worth of food. We usually supplement it with fish from the river to make it last longer.”

“And you can’t plant it because of the space and new arrivals.”

“Not for lack of trying mind you.”

Djurle walked into his hut, with a nod he allowed the man to follow after him.

Djurle was appalled at all he was learning, though he was able to hide his reaction. How did these people live in such squalor? How could anyone allow this? 

“Have you ever met this Zebulon?”

“No, I couldn’t even tell you what he looks like. I’ve only ever heard him talked about through hearsay.”

He dropped his saddle down into the corner of the room he made for himself. He planted his hand on the ground and pressed it down. A hole opened up in the earth just big enough for the saddle to fall into. He then lifted his palm off the ground and twisted his fingers across the dirt. As he did so, a slab of stone formed over the saddle and the hole. The man stared at him in amazement.

“I’ve never seen such abilities before. You’re the first of the ancestors I’ve ever met.”

“You say ancestor like I’m some decrepit old man, I’m only 52.”

“I didn’t mean to imply your age, forgive me. I only meant that those like you are few and far between.”

“You’d be surprised…” Djurle absent-mindedly rubbed his wrist for a moment.

Coming to himself, he asked the man. “I never got your name?”

“My name is Mikail, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Mikail offered his wood-backed hand, Djurle took hold and shook it firmly.

“Djurle Iranu, the pleasure is mine. Do you have any family Mikail?”

“I have a wife and son who live in the camp with me.”

“What are their names?”

“My wife’s name is Morganna and my son is Olden. She’s helping the infirm and the sick. Olden went off to explore, he’ll be back by sundown.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I heard at least five instances of missing people since I got here around the sixth hour.”

“I didn’t say I approved of it.”

Mikail sighed heavily.

”He won’t listen to me, and his mother is rarely home anymore except to sleep. I hope that someone will talk some sense into him before something truly bad happens.”

“For your sake, I hope so too.”

Djurle drank some water from his leather skin.

“That just so happens to be part of why I’m here, actually. Ukitu have been kidnapped all throughout Stogh. I came here because I heard about the camp, and I figured there’d be a large concentration of them around here. I’m doing what I can to stop these poachers.”

“Are you so sure they’re taken and they aren’t leaving of their own accord?”

“Absolutely. Some of those who disappeared were close friends. They didn’t even recognize me when I saw them out there. I’ve also fought the poachers more than once. They’re dangerous.”

“Out there… you mean you’ve fought in the war?”

“It’s complicated. Let’s leave it at that.”

Mikail thought for a moment before speaking. “Well, if you’re going to be searching for missing people, you’ll want to make your way to the river tomorrow. The guard I mentioned, Zebulon, sent out a written notice that he'd be taking statements tomorrow to bring to the Buruzagi, Jormund Skov. He’s wanting to open up investigations.”

“Why the river?”

“It’s part of his patrol route. He always walks along the riverbank between the fourth and tenth hours.”

“An investigator and a patrolman? Maker, that sounds exhausting. I’m too spent to do anything more today. That little show and this hut both strained me. 

“It is close to the end of the day, he’d probably be making his way back into town by now.  If you tried, you might be able to catch him before he hit the river gate checkpoint, but I wouldn’t count on it. However, if you choose to wait until morning, his route starts at the northeast gate.”

“Thank you very much. You’ve been a big help Mikail. Honestly I can’t thank you enough.”

“If we don’t help each other, who will?”

Mikail smiled and then clasped his hands together. “I think I should let you rest,” he said, then began to walk out the door.

At the door he paused for a second “I can’t believe it. The whole reason I came to talk and I almost forgot.” He pulled a small piece of folded cloth out of his bag and handed it to Djurle.

“It’s not much, but it’s the least I could do for such an inspiring performance.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it. Before you go, I have a quick question.”

“Ask away”

“I'm looking for an ukitu, have you seen any unique ones around?"

"Assuming you'reexcluding yourself? No, can't say I have."

Disappointed, Djurle grunted an acknowledgement.

“I figured. Do let me know if you hear anything. Have a good evening.

“The same to you.” And with that, Mikail left. When he was gone, Djurle unfolded the cloth to find a small piece of homemade goat cheese. He ate it happily before settling in to rest.

Obstacles

The final obstacle course race was between Bravo and Delta squads.

Even though he was thankful for the rest, Tecovis tried to get out of the race citing Phurin's forced sprint. But while Commander Lions was kinder than Commander Phurin, he wasn't any less driven to succeed. 

“I understand you're not in the best shape right now, but sometimes you have to push passed the pain. There are days when you're sore and exhausted, on those days you need to still be able to support your partners and squadmates. We protect our town with our endurance. Not just our strength. We succeed because we can hold the line longer than the scum of the streets can stand for. When you get knocked down, you stand back up, when you get hurt, you hurt them back, and if you die you walk it off. Nothing stands between us and our victory, we are the Protectors of Thruf!”

His inspiration helped Tecovis to ignore the pain, but he couldn't get it out of his mind.

Commander Lions sent Tecovis with a pat on his shoulder to his squad. When he got there, they began to come up with a strategy to deal with the latest upgrades to the course. 

“You're sure you want me to be up front?”

“Slide, I'm the weak link right now, I can't be at the base with you this time. I'm cramping in my calves every time I move too far left and I can barely hold my own weight on my legs, much less anyone else's. You and Rox need to be the first to the wall to boost us up.”

“It's been awhile since I've been at the bottom of the wall.

“First you two get Pan up, Rox can help you boost me and Pan can pull from the banister. The two of us can hold Rox up together from the top as he waits for you.”

Rox chimed in, “Are you sure you can hold my weight Teco? You just said you can barely hold yourself up.”

Tecovis stroked his beard as he replied, “My legs may be dead, but my arms still work just fine. Once we're over the wall we've got the stalls to deal with. We can run those as normal. Pan, you've been practicing your parkour?”

“Sure have, I got it down.”

“Good, once Slide gets up he'll take over for you and we'll get Rox. You'll need to get to the locks before Rox gets there. He's strong enough to break a couple but anything more than three he'll bounce off the door. We can't waste time rebuilding momentum. Not if we want to beat Dense and his crew. They almost had us last time and we were all at peak condition then.”

Slide interjected. “Just make sure not to trip on the ropes on the way back, they sneak up on you.”

Pan replied, “I got it, I got it. Don't you worry.”

Commander Lions shouted to both huddled teams “Recruits, take your stations! Planning time is over!”

Recruit Dense stood up with his crew and made their way to the left course. Tecovis and his squad made their way to the right course. Both teams jeered at each other as they lined up to the starting line.

The obstacle course was made up of five obstacles. A mud pit which was stationed in front of a sheer wooden wall, a ramp led down from the top to a group of stalls resembling the market carts, this was followed by a large wooden gate with a series of locks, and ending with a maze that they changed every day. The maze doubles back on itself to a door next to the entrance. Once you were through you had to run the course backwards, however the stalls were full of ropes. While the recruits are in the maze, groups who aren't running the course grab the ropes and pull them in an attempt to trip those running the return lap.

“You're mine this time, Teacup!”

“Not even in your dreams Dense, we've never lost this race and I'm not about to fail now,” the Jeering continued. The Commander watched over the recruits, he looked as if he was reminiscing. After a moment of letting them take jabs at each other, he spoke. “Alright recruits, settle down. Remember the goal of the course is to work together. As such all participants in a squad must cross the finish line. You must make it to and through the maze, and then return back to your starting positions. Are all recruits ready?”

With a joint cry, all eight recruits shouted “Sir, Yes Sir!”

“Then to all recruits I say take your mark!”

All the recruits took to the line.

“Get set!”

Tecovis shuffled where he stood, his legs burning as he crouched for his sprint.

A moment of pause. Anticipation coursing through each of the recruits. Rox fidgeted in place.

“GO!”

Without a moment's hesitation, all eight recruits sprinted off the line. Rox was naturally the slowest in Tecovis's squad so he began to fall behind in the opening sprint, as he expected. Slide and Pan leapt into the mud as far as their momentum would carry them in their gear. They were able to get through it at a rapid pace. Tecovis's jumping ability was severely limited by pain so he couldn't get as far as he hoped. Even Rox was able to outjump him. Slide rushed through the slimy pit and hit the wall with a crash, bracing himself. “Ready!” Pan followed close behind. Rox shouted from behind both of them.

“Ready!”

This triggered Pan's response. He placed his boot into Slide's hands and grabbed his shoulder. Rox dove low and grabbed Pan's leg, practically throwing Pan up the wall himself. Slide did what he could to keep him steady as Pan and Rox did the hard part. After that Pan hurdled the top of the wall with ease.

“Ready!” He shouted from the top of the tower. Rox and Slide braced themselves again as Tecovis came trudging along. He jumped against the wall, Slide and Rox jointly threw Tecovis into Pan's outstretched arms. Pulling him up, he clumsily stumbled over the wall grimacing the whole way. He then turned around and lowered his arms. 

“ROX!”

“COMING UP!”

Slide braced himself again against the wall and Rox used him as a step stool up to the arms of Pan and Tecovis. Once they both had a hold of him, Rox planted his leg firmly against the wall.

“SLIDE!” Without a moment's reprieve, Slide scaled him like a ladder, grabbing his leg, the breastplate and the forearm in a fluid hand over hand motion. Once Slide was over the wall he shouted

“Go Pan, GO!” Pan ran down the ramp as Tecovis and Slide pulled Rox up and over the top of the wall. Pan, being the most agile of the group, vaulted over two of the carts in a single bound and rolled over a third without losing any momentum. Then jumped up onto the carts and ran across them, leaping over the gaps like a deer. As he was approaching he examined the door. He could tell it was barred from the other side. He took his spiked dagger out of its sheath and jammed the blade between the boards of the locked door as soon as he arrived. He had it in the door as soon as the other three started to make their way through the carts. With a heave and a clattering, the bar was free. Pan then wrapped a cloth around the blade and stuck a spike in one of the locks, intending to pry it free. Rox and Tecovis ran in-between the carts as Slide vaulted over them.

“Pan!”

“I'm trying!”

The first lock came loose from its setting. Pan jammed the spike into a chain which held the second lock. He pried as quickly as he could, weakening the chain link as he twisted it.

“Pan!”

“DON'T RUSH ME!”

The chain finally broke and pan started to lift his dagger to break another lock.

“NO TIME PAN, MOVE!”

Slide grabbed Pan and yanked him out of the way as Rox came barreling down the path. Uttering a furious roar, he kicked the door at the latch with all his might and weight, breaking it and the remaining locks as the door swung and smashed against the wall. Pan and Slide rushed in after him to solve the maze, Tecovis followed shortly after. Each of the squad mates split up, taking different paths. They grabbed mud off of their boots with their fingers and used it to mark paths. Backtracking and crossing out their marks when they met a dead end. When all paths were exhausted they would follow the non crossed marks until another split occurred in the maze where an alternate path would be taken. Slide was the first to find the exit. He shouted, “Follow the S's, I found it!” All the rest of the team heard this and rushed down the path. Slide went ahead, using weapons to cut some of the ropes and clear the way of the new obstacles as he rushed over the carts again. Rox came out second and carefully made his way past. Tecovis came out third, thighs and calves screaming in agony. He was followed closely behind by Pan.

Slide made it to the top of the ramp and dove over into the mud below. Tecovis just made it through the carts as he heard a twang from behind. Tecovis turned around in time to see Pan come crashing down into the carts.

“PAN! NO!”

Rox stopped at the top of the ramp and turned around as Tecovis went back for Pan. 

“Is he alright!?” he asked, shouting 

Tecovis came to a stop, kneeling over Pan. He was holding his leg and writhing in pain, a silent scream on his face. 

“He hit his leg pretty hard, and might have twisted his ankle!”

Rox took a moment to think as Tecovis started to pick him up. “Toss him to me!”

“What!?”

“Toss him to me, I'll catch him!”

Rox then rolled over the top of the ramp into the mudpit

“Are you CRAZY!?”

“Do i-Ahhahow! Achhit! Ow! Ah! Do it Tecovis. We- Ah! We have to win-owha hyouch!”

Tecovis shook his head in disbelief at what he was about to do. He pulled Pan over his shoulders and began to carry him out of the carts. Pan grunted in pain every step of the way and Tecovis's legs were wobbling with every impact. He made his way up the ramp and looked over the side of the tower railing. Rox stood below in the mud, arms stretched out, ready to catch Pan.

"Screw this.” Tecovis said, unable to bring himself to throw his friend off the top of the wall.

“Teco, you have to!”

“Winning isn't as important as making sure you're alright, Pan.”

Pan grimaced as he spoke to Tecovis. “I know how much this means to you, I won't be- Ah sonofa-! Mm! I won't be the reason for your disappointment.”

Tecovis hesitated for a bit more and then glanced over to the other course. The other team didn't get so lucky with the maze and were only just coming up the ramp. 

“If either of you get hurt from this, I'm killing both of you!”

Tecovis then pushed Pan off of his shoulders and over the edge. Rox was able to break Pan's fall, allowing himself to get pushed into the mud to help cushion him. Once he saw they were fine, Tecovis then leapt after him and landed next to the pair, opting to land on his side instead of his legs. Rox pulled Tecovis up to where he could breathe and began dragging Pan and Tecovis to the finish where a mud covered Slide was waiting with worry in his face. At the edge of the mud pit, Tecovis was able to stand himself up. Rox continued to carry Pan on one shoulder, both he and Tecovis ran as fast as their legs could carry them over the line.

“Finish! Bravo team wins!”

Tecovis and Rox came to a stop. Rox pulled Pan off of his shoulder, both Tecovis and Slide helped bring him to the ground. 

“What happened?” Slide asked worriedly, “I heard the screaming but I didn't see anything.”

“They pulled a rope above the- Mmf!” Pan's answer was cut short as Rox began to take off Pan's boot.

“Medic!” Tecovis shouted, “we need a medic over here!”

A medic came over and tended to the injured Pan's leg while Commander Lions spoke to Dense and his squad. Through gritted teeth, Pan continued, “They pulled a rope up above the carts, my belt got caught in it while I was vaulting. It ended up spinning me and my heel got slammed into one of the tables on my way to the ground. Hurt like The Pit.”

Rox hissed sympathetically. “I'll bet, it certainly sounded like it.”

“I thought I told you to watch for the ropes you bozo!” Slide practically shouting at him.

Pan defended himself “They raised it after I was halfway over it, there was nothing I could do.”

“Well then maybe-”

“That's enough recruit Silnor,” interjected Commander Lions. He'd finished talking to Dense's team and had made his way over to Bravo squad.

“Getting mad at someone who was just injured isn't going to fix them. What's the report?”

The medic, without looking up, replied, “If he wasn't wearing boots it would have been a lot worse. It's starting to swell up, otherwise it should be fine by sunrise tomorrow.” He turned his attention to Commander Lions. “He's done for the afternoon, doc's orders. Come to my office later if you need it in writing.”

“Riff will want it if he gets back before we leave.”

“I'll keep it handy, Commander.”

“Good. Now then, to business. I noticed that you didn't send recruit Rox up the wall before recruit Tecovis like usual.”

Tecovis spoke up, “I wasn't confident in my ability to hold weight, sir. My legs feel like gravy.”

“And yet you held it just fine from the top of the wall. You also carried recruit Pan up the entire tower ramp without so much as a grimace. You sold yourself short to your team by limiting yourself like that. Don't let a poor mindset dictate your abilities, you're capable of far more than you're admitting to yourself. ”

“Yes sir.”

“Recruit Pan.”

“Yes sir?”

“Your acrobatics at the carts continues to impress me. If you exclude your little accident, you did well. Your training has paid dividends. Good work.”

“Thank you sir.”

“Recruit Rox.”

“Sir?”

“Your quick thinking saved your team. You should be very pleased with yourself.”

“I am sir. Thank you sir.”

“Recruit Silnor.”

“Yes sir?”

“Attitude aside, you were the first to escape the maze between both squads. And you did a good job preparing the way for your team. However, you missed four cuttable ropes. Recruit Pan is not the only one who needs to pay more attention.”

“Yes sir.”

“Soak that leg in cold water for the swelling recruit Pan. The rest of you, clean yourselves up! You have an hour to be at target practice!

And both squads shouted, “SIR YES SIR!”

“Doc, let Captain Shree know that the obstacle course is open on your way back.”

Distribution Day

Yogriche pushed the last chest into place in the fifth cart, his shirt soaked with sweat despite the cool morning.

"There," He said, "That should be everything. Every week it takes longer to pack these wagons, I swear."

One of the other volunteers laughed and said, "That's a good thing. More for the refugees to use."

"That doesn't make sorting it any more fun."

"You're only complaining because you have to put in effort."

"Ha ha very funny."

Eira came around from the front of the wagon as she pulled her work gloves off. "You two lover birds done yet?"

Yogriche stuck his tongue out at Eira, to which she responded in kind.

The other volunteer said, "Yes'm we are. Also, your hair's coming loose again."

"Really? Ugh, I need a better tie. Whatever, I'll fix it when we're moving. Yogriche, can you call everyone here?"

Yogriche nodded, then he cupped his hands and shouted for all to hear, "OI!!! ALL VOLUNTEERS, FINISH YOUR INSPECTIONS AND MEET UP ON ME!!! IT'S ALMOST TIME TO MOVE!!!"

"Thanks Yogriche."

"Yo- *Ahem*. You're welcome."

Once all of the volunteers had arrived, Eira had everyone gather into a ring so she would be heard. She counted roughly 35 which pleased her, much to her own surprise.

She opened with, "Alright everyone, it's good to see all of you. I see some new faces, and plenty of returning ones. To those who don't know me, my name is Chamile Fern, I am the founder of this little outreach, and the last eight months we have been doing what we can to provide for the needy refugees outside of the city. It's thanks to all of you that we've gotten this far, so give yourselves a round of applause."

The whole crowd clapped, with a pair of ear piercing whistles also sounding off from one of the volunteers. 

"I know you all went over everything at the meeting yesterday, so I won't repeat the boring details. Just remember to stick close to your carts and crews. I don't want any incidents while we're in the camp. Also, keep an eye on your *&@^, we are not responsible for anything that goes missing. With that out of the way, load up."

Eira stepped up into the cart that would be going last of the five that were present. It was the only cart that possessed a cover big enough to stand under, which was necessary for what was about to happen.

Outside the cart, all of the volunteers filtered to the other carts that made up the convoy, Eira making sure to shoo off any who tried to get into hers. 

The cart moved with a jolt as it began it's journey out of the city.

Eira tied her hair back up, making sure to tie it in only one place.

Everything is ready.

Eira took a deep breath. No matter how many times she did this, it still caused her heart to flutter.

Around the time they cleared the gate, she sat down on the end of the cart, throwing her hair over her right shoulder so the tie was visible from the front. She watched as the three-story walls of the city slowly shrank away, and then watched as they passed the four guardsmen of the riverbed checkpoint. She'd nodded to one guardsman who was normally posted there and averted her gaze to the road. Her hands clasped together to maintain control, but she couldn't keep herself from bouncing her leg. Not even when resting her elbow right on the knee.

The cart hut a particularly nasty bump which shook her out of her head.

"What are you doing up there?"

"Sorry Ma'am, I thought I was further from the root than that."

Eira perked up and looked to her right to see a fully grown oak tree. Sitting on the ground leaning against it was a bronze-skinned man with shock white hair, piercing blue eyes, a jagged scar across his face, and two legs that became pegs halfway down the shins. He looked at her hair briefly before knocking on the tree a single time.

Eira grabbed the edge of the cart to brace herself and let her other hand dangle loosely off to the side. She felt a single, disembodied poke on the arm and outstretched the hand. An unseen, thick, vascular-feeling arm grasped hers and Eira gave a tug to hoist up her invisible comrade. Once inside, his form appeared, a luminite with grey-streaked brown hair. His translucent skin glowed with power from within, though very dimly. It was very prominent at his veins, which were gold instead of the blue she'd come to expect from most living creatures. She closed the flaps of the cart and he stood up.

"Ny," she whispered to the man.

"Eira." He whispered back.

Eira pointed to one of the locked crates and handed him a key, which he pocketed. From the same pocket, he produced a single, whole pecan which he place on the top the crate and held in place. Before her eyes, the pecan sprouted and stretched wiry shoots that grew thick and covered the entirety of the crate.

Ny tried to pick it up alone, though quickly stopped. He shook his head, looked at her and mouthed "What's in here, metal?"

Eira nodded.

He suppressed a chuff and waved her over to help, and together they placed it at the end of the cart. Ny tapped the roots of the tree twice, and then looked to her. Eira understood. She opened up the flaps as she watched both Ny and the root-covered crate disappear.

She saw brief flashes of the tips of the roots and leaves as the pecan plant continued to grow, then she heard a wood-on-wood scrape and the single Thud of the Ny's foot as it hit the lower step.

Eira waited a moment to see if the driver commented on it. When he didn't, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Another success. 

She leaned back against one of the crates and closed her eyes. 

Its good that the humans don't have it any more, but I hope the huntsmen can find a use for that Tin. I'd hate for it to go to waste. Now, the easy part.

Eira allowed herself to rest for the remaining few minutes it took to arrive at the site that the refugees cleared for the caravan. They were almost instantly mobbed.

"Oi, back off while we get set up!"

"You heard the man, back away!"

"You'll get your turn, there's plenty to go around!"

"Hey! Don't touch! Get in kine with the rest.

Eira briefly whished she could use her powers to get everyone away from the caravan, but quickly scolded herself for the thought.

They're just excited to get some food in their bellies. Poor bastards probably haven't eaten in days.

She grabbed some of the leather bags that sat on top near the front of the cart and stepped down from her cart right as both the driver and a mustache twirling Yogriche came around the sides.

"I'm going to help with coordination. You two got these?"

Yogriche said, "Sure do boss."

She looked to the driver and said, "keep him in line, will you?"

The driver smiled and Yogriche rolled his eyes.

Eira oversaw the volunteers who handled the supplies while Galilahi coordinated the refugees into neat lines while they waited for their turn to receive. Together, they established a solid ring of crates and chests over the course of half an hour, and they very quickly began to distribute bags, sacks, and boxes of food and blankets.

Eira didn't care that her hair came loose again, all of her attention was on the smiles of the ukitu refugees as they thanked her when she handed them a satchel or basket. Her heart broke when they cried at what they recieved, and filled with joy as they hugged her tightly in gratitude. 

There truly was nowhere she'd rather be.

A Stone's Throw Away

Djurle grumbled and sat up from his sand pile he was using to sleep.

“Ugh… What time is it?”

He looked through the window at the top of the wall he had made to see the light of the sun beaming through, the rays indicating it was about mid morning. He could hear the bustle of the crowds outside, though it was lightly muffled. He stood up, stretched, and made his way outside by collapsing part of the wall to make a doorway. The noise of the stone shifting caused some nearby ukitu to jump in place.

"Sorry! Loud noise!"

He smiled at them and then noticed they were holding fresh vegetables. He clutched his stomach as it rumbled.

"Excuse me, where did you get that?

One of the strangers, a gurnian man with redish scales, answered him.

"These? We got 'em from the giving cart."

"I'm new here, the what?"

"People from the city have been donating food 'n goods to the refugees, about six er seven months ago they got organized 'n started bringing things in wagons, we call it the giving cart. Want me to show ya?"

"I'd very much appreciate it, I haven't had a full meal in a while."

"Few of us have, I get ya."

They started to make their way through the tents when Djurle stopped.

“Hold on, I need to grab something really quick.”

He ran back to his boulder-hut. When he arrived, Djurle opened the hole where he kept his saddle and grabbed a single golden necklace with a finely chiseled garnet from the buried saddlebag. Once he had it in his hands he covered over the hole as before and pocketed the jewelry.

Word of Djurle had spread throughout the camp so different refugees were coming up to him as he was walking and asking when his next show would be, others still were asking him how it felt to do things like move boulders or turn rocks to dust. He gave short, but friendly responses to everyone, but avoided giving dates and times when he could.

"You should be able to see the wagons now."

Djurle stood up in his toes and the top of a wagon came into view.

"Yeah, I see them. Thank you friend."

"My pleasure, Ancestor."

Djurle went to tell off the gurnian for calling him that, but he was already gone by the time he'd turned around. With a small huff, he made his way to the giving cart. As he was walking, a familiar face caught his eye.

"Mikail?"

He turned around, and his eyes lit up like fireflies.

"Djurle! I didn't expect to see you here."

"What can I say, man's got to eat."

"I understand completely."

"Did your son make it home?"

Mikail scowled. "He came home with a black eye and bloody face. The idiot snuck into the city on a bet and got caught. He's lucky that the guards who intervened were kind, he could have been sent to the prison for that!"

"He's a kid, I'm sure most people would give him some leeway. My youngest gets into trouble like that too."

"You have children?"

"Three sons, all rambunctious like their father. I wish I could spend more time with them, but I made a promise I'd do anything to keep, and these days it's too dangerous for them to be out traveling, especially with someone like me."

"Like you?"

A pebble came up from the ground between them into Mikail’s view.

"Like me."

Djurle dropped the pebble. He briefly reminisced about his wife and sons, their smiles filled his thoughts and their laughter echoed in his ears. He began to approach the caravan, and as he looked at it, he thought he saw a flash of red hair dissappear behind one of the wagons. Before he could investigate, a smiley woman with excessively curly blond hair and a face full of freckles approached him and Mikail.

Mikail smiled and said, "Good morning!"

"Hi Mikail, it's good to see you! Who's your friend?"

"My name is Djurle."

"Hi there Djurle! My name is Galilahi."

"Good to meet you," Djurle replied. 

"What's your package today Mikail?"

"Family meals."

"As per usual, and for you Mr. Djurle?"

Djurle blinked in confusion and looked over to Mikail. Mikail perked up and said to Galilahi "He'll have the new arrivals bundle."

"Oooh, a new refugee?"

Djurle said, "I mean, technically..."

"He just got here yesterday. He put on a wonderful magic show when he arrived, I wish you were here to see it."

"I wish I was too the way I keep hearing about it." Galilahi made her way to the carts, Mikail went after her and Djurle followed close behind. 

Good, word is spreading fast. Maybe Yorlan’s kid will hear and come looking for me. Here's to hoping.

She handed Mikail a basket of food that was almost too big for him to carry, and Djurle was given a large leather shoulder-bag. Djurle opened it to find a variety of goods inside, mostly food as well, but also a blanket, another leather vest, and a pair of pants.

Wow, it looks like mine. I wonder if it's as comfortable to sleep in.

The image of the red hair flashed in his mind again, and his curiosity got the better of him.

"Excuse me, Ms. Galilahi, who was that with the red hair I saw leaving a minute ago?"

"That's Chamile, she's the founder of the giving cart."

"Is she now? Very nice, I'd love to meet her."

"She just went to get some goodie bags we left behind, if you're willing to wait until she comes back I can introduce you!"

"I can't stay, I've got business to see to here."

"Ah well, another time then. She loves meeting the refugees, and you seem like someone she'd get a kick out of talking with."

"I'm sure she would. I've got quite a few stories to tell." Djurle grinned. "Some of them are even exciting."

Some of the other refugees caught Galilahi's attention. "As much as I'd love to keep chatting, there's a lot of supplies to distribute still. Off you go then! Get some of that food in your belly!"

Both Mikail and Djurle thanked her and left. Djurle was about to make his way back to his tent when Mikail stopped him.

"I know this is a bit sudden, but my wife was getting the fire going when I left. Would you care to share a meal with us, ancestor?"

"It's just Djurle."

"Apologies."

Djurle sighed, but when his stomach rumbled again he said "You know, I think I would like that."

Mikail smiled broadly, "You won't be disappointed, Morganna works wonders with the cooking pot, and the fresh goods will make it even better, I promise you."

Djurle chuckled, "I already said I'd come, you don't have to convince me.

Mikail joyfully led Djurle through the crowds until a leather tent came into view, held up by sticks. A woman with green hair that was tied into a bun and skin that reminded Djurle of mountain pines stood outside the tent watching a large pot whule it was boiling, as well as a boy with oak bark growing out of his much lighter green forearms and forehead whom was sitting on a knee high stump.

“Is this your family?”

“Yes, my wife Morganna, and Olden my son.”

Morganna gave a curtsy as she was introduced and the boy Olden looked up from his stump and waved. One of his eyes was bruised and swollen shut, just as Mikail had said.

"Hello, I'm Djurle Iranu. Your husband said you work wonders with a cooking pot, and I just had to see for myself."

"This is the anc-*ahem*, uh, the magician that I was telling you about when you came home."

"You're one of the living ancestors?"

Djurle winced a bit, "Yes, but please don't call me that."

"I'm sorry ancest-uh- Djurle." She gave an apologetic, toothy grin.

Djurle sarcastically asked as he gestured to the boy, “You didn’t do that to him, did you?” 

Morganna replied, “No, He got this from a brute in the city." Her voice was very flowery, but Djurle noted a weariness to it.

“Do you have any extra chairs? I only just woke up and my feet are a bit sore from yesterday.”

“We have one in the tent, let me grab it.”

The woman went inside and brought out a wooden stool that had a small blanket wrapped around the seat. Once he was seated comfortably, Morganna went through the basket of goods, picked out some choice ones, and prepped them for the pot. Djurle asked Mikail and Morganna about some of their history and shared some stories of his own from his time as a foreman as she cooked. Olden asked questions about his powers and he did his best to answer them, doing so by example when possible.

After some time, Morganna handed Djurle, Mikail, and Olden bowls and they served themselves some of the soup. Djurle saw it had some meat in it and asked, "What's this? Goat?"

"Yes, why? Is it a problem?"

"No ma'am, just was curious. I love meat of all kinds."

Djurle drank some of the broth and was delighted by the taste. While it was no nobleman desert pastry, it was well seasoned and smokey.

With a mouthful of soup chunks, Djurle exclaimed, "Maker'sh teeth, thish ish delicioush!"

He swallowed, and asked "How did you get so much flavor?"

"One of the first friends we made here was a butcher before he fled his home. He smokes meat for us as long as we're willing to let him take a few chops for himself and his family."

"Sounds like a fair trade. Where'd you get the meat?"

Olden said, "Some guy who got got by the checkpoint guys two weeks ago had his stuff auctioned off by casted lots three days ago. I won the goat!"

"Do you know why they took him in?"

Olden shook his head. "Nope."

Mikail said sollemly, "He wasn't taken in. He tried to run the checkpoint and paid for it."

"Oh... Did you know him?"

"None of us did, no. The story spread like wildfire though, always does when someone is stupid like that."

Djurle could see the grim thoughts swirling in Mikail’s head as he glared down his bruised son, who looked back to his food in shame.

The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. 

Around the time Djurle finished his bowl, a voice he recognized could barely be heard in the distance, the voice of the lumanite woman from the day prior.

“Guardsman! Guardsman, you have to help me! My daughter, I can't find my daughter!”

Djurle hurriedly stood up as he suddenly realized what time of day it was, "^$*@ me the guardaman's there! Thank you Morganna for the meal and Mikail for your hospitality, but I have to go see him now!”

Morganna smiled before replying “It was our pleasure, anything to help an ancestor.”

I'm not that old!

Djurle made his way through the camp, jogging the direction of the while avoiding as many tents and people as they could. The crowds got thicker and thicker as they got closer to the river. Eventually he had to force his way through. Along the way he began to ask “Has the guardsman been this way, please I need to see him.”

One ukitu refugee fishing under a willow near the river bank replied “No, he hasn’t. He should be coming down the road in a bit, if his schedule keeps. Good luck trying to reach him though. ‘Lotta refugees who have some grievance or another.

Djurle began looking around for a vantage point that wasn't already occupied. He spent a couple minutes looking before deciding it was no use, every branch and boulder was covered in refugees. He briefly considered making one, but with the nearby tents it was difficult to do without hurting someone or damaging something.

I need my horse.

He then ran into the tents to find a clearing. It didn't have to be big, it just needed to be clear enough to kneel without getting knee'd in the face. Dry ground also would have been nice, though it wasn't necessary. He had to travel a bit to get out of the throngs of people, but he eventually found a suitable spot.

Kneeling down, Djurle closed his eyes and concentrated on the earth. As his hands touched the ground, his senses were immediately overwhelmed by the vibrations of camp life. He could feel every footstep in the camp, from cow hooves to toddler tantrums. He put his focus in the direction that his makeshift home was in. He imagined in his head the campsite, and where he left Crispus tied. A horse shifted its weight in the area.

Good timing Crispus

Djurle struck the ground and broke the rock post he had tied Crispus to. He then began leading him through the tent city, trying his best to move the horse as quickly as he could. While he was doing that, Djurle also took small pebbles and used them to prod at refugees to create a more clear path.

An authoritative and deep voice could be heard shouting in the distance. It said “All of you listen up, if you are here to leave your statement for the investigation, please see my partner. I have an urgent matter to attend to.”

That must be him. Now would be the best time to show him how useful I can be, and then maybe he'll be able to tell me something about Yorlan’s kid.

Maybe you should go see his partner instead. 

What? I need to go see this Zebulon guy directly, not his partner.

But, he'll be easier to reach.

That would be a waste of time. No, I'm going directly to the man himself. There's no doubt he's my best bet if there's any chance.

He could feel the people clearing the way, and as they did he was able to get his horse to a good galloping pace.

C'mon Crispus, hurry up.

It still took a few minutes for his horse to make its way over to him. Once Djurle could hear Crispus, he stood up, gave a sharp whistle, and ran towards his steed. 

Plight of the Ukitu

The flame of the lantern burned pure. Faintly wavering in the center of the room. Slowly the flame would consume the oil. Burning every ounce of the fuel away…

Burning away…

Burning…

Pain…

Rage…

Screams…

“Teco?”

Tecovis snapped out of his trance. He sat up straight and looked around for who called his name. A whistle came from Slide, who was standing in the corner.

“Over here. You good?”

“Yeah Slide, I'm fine. Just sore from yesterday’s workout.”

“It's going around,” Pan said, smiling from his bench and holding the shaft of his new walking stick, leg propped up for comfort.

“I'm still willing to take you home again, Sandalwood can hold our combined weight just fine,” Tecovis said as he was putting on a fresh pair of boots.

“Nah, as much as it hurts I can stand again. Thank you though.”

Rox stopped organizing his armor for storage before speaking, “Are you sure they'll let you take the spear I broke yesterday as a walking stick?”

“Corporal Heik is the one who handed it to me if they don't, so I'm blaming him.”

Slide threw his bag into his back, “welp, I'm off. Got myself a date tonight.”

“Who with,” Pan said with sarcasm in his voice, “Your cousin? No, wait, your sister!”

Rox and Tecovis chuckled. Slide rolled his eyes and walked out the armory door. “Goodbye to you too Pan.”

Rox then asked, “what about you two? Any plans for the afternoon?”

“You mean other than letting my foot recover?”

“Hey, I never know with you Pan, you're full of surprises.”

Tecovis finished tying off his boots, “I'm heading to the refugee camps. Zeb said they needed help with some missing person cases.”

“Ol’ Zebulon. How is he?”

Rox had known Zeb much longer than Tecovis. Being friends with his nephew, he would visit Zeb's house regularly.

“Seemed alright when I spoke to him yesterday.”

“I still can't believe they let recruits help with that sort of thing.” 

“Neither can I,” Pan agreed.

“You would if you saw what the camps are like. It's pretty bad out there. The full times are barely keeping up with the humans in the city, and the ukitu camp has been almost completely abandoned by patrols. Zeb and I are pretty much the only ones who care.”

Rox got noticeably offended, “Hey, I care! I just don't have the means to do as much as you two. I wasn't born into wealth like Zeb or adopted by it like you Tecovis.”

“Yeah, I did get lucky. I can freely admit that.”

“Besides, if you recall that was the reason BOTH of us joined up, to legally help Zeb in the ukitu refugee camp.”

Pan seemed to get uncomfortable. Though Tecovis noticed it, he elected not to say anything.

Rox placed his armor into its spot on the rack. “I'm heading to the mess hall. You two look like you could use something to eat, care to join me?”

Pan immediately said “I absolutely would, it's mutton day isn't it?”

“Sure is.”

Tecovis stood up and tested his armor straps as he spoke, “I'll only go if Tibbs is on chef duty. He makes the best mutton soup, chops, roasts, and…. Actually just the best mutton.”

“Preach it brother”

All three of the men left the armory and made their way to the mess hall. Tibbs was indeed on chef duty that day, as such they happily shared a meal. Once the meal was finished, Tecovis went to the stables of the barracks and rode out on his horse Sandalwood. He knew Zeb's patrol route pretty well and intended to join up with him at the river checkpoint on the north Side of Thruf.

I wonder what's taking Commander Phurin so long? Tecovis thought to himself, I think I'll go check on the way to Zeb.

Commander Phurin had reportedly pulled an all-nighter looking for the missing guards. He was mean enough on a good day. Tired? Tecovis shuddered at the thought of what he’d do to them.

He made his way to the town square, as he approached he saw a crowd had formed. Being in full uniform now, the people shuffled out of the way for him much more quickly than they had yesterday. Looking over their heads he noticed that the crowd stopped some ways away from the fountain, two spears also poked over the crowd from the edge. He could hear them shouting “Ten paces, keep ten paces back! Go around if you have someplace to be, this area is under investigation by Buruzagi Jormund Skov.”

Tecovis rode past the line of people that the guards were keeping. Once he was in range to hold conversation, one of the two tired looking guards holding the line said to Tecovis, “Move on patrolman, this area is under investigation.”

“Have you found the missing men who were stationed here?”

“That information is not being released to the public at this time, patrolman. How are you aware of this?”

“I'm the one who filed the report that got you stationed here sir.”

The other guard elbowed the first. “Told you so.”

The first rolled his eyes.

“As I said, that information is not being released to the public.” The guard gestured to him to come close. Tecovis leaned in to listen.

“But, it isn't good news. They found all four of the men stationed here murdered in one of the buildings, along with one of the patrollmen.”

Tecovis was shocked, “Five trained men dead? How?”

“They were impaled by ice spikes. A spirit of the elements has gotten into the city.”

“Maker's breath… How?”

“We have no idea.”

The second guard commented, “We're trying to keep this under the blanket, we don't want to cause a panic.”

“Understood. I'm on the way to investigate reports of other missing persons. I wanted to see what Riff was still doing out here while I was on the route.

The second guard chuffed sarcastically, “He's as cheery as ever about this, I’m sure you can imagine”

All three men simultaneously shuddered.

The first guard spoke up, “We've been sending the patrols around via the Miser's road.”

“Thank you sirs. I'll be on my way.”

“Watch out for the spirit of ice, they're clearly very dangerous.”

Tecovis nudged his horse along, “I'll keep my peepers peeled.”

Tecovis took to a broken down road off to one side. The people referred to it as the Misers road because the entire section of the city was in complete disrepair.

They really need to get around to fixing this. It looks bad on the Jaunari to have it in this condition after all these years.

Tecovis made his way to the north central gate, it was the closest one to the river checkpoint where Zeb was going to be.

I can’t believe it. Five men, dead. If I’d showed up earlier I could have been a sixth.

But if I’d showed up earlier, I never would've been able to save that kid.

Was that kid working with the suspect?

No. If they were, then they would have defended him from that overgrown bozo, they have the skill.

Tecovis would spend his traversal time thinking about whether or not to regret Letting the boy go now that he knew about the dead guardsmen. It didn’t take Tecovis too long to get through the city. The lack of regular civilians on the Miser's road allowed Tecovis and Sandalwood to ride at a gallop up to the city gate with ease.

Once outside the gate, Tecovis looked over to the distant smoke fires. Something about the wispy trails on the horizon made him suspect that it was going to be a long week. He galloped down the winding road until he got to the river, then he made his way up to the river checkpoint to see Zeb sitting on his horse. A smile was on his face, as per usual.

“Sorry I’m late Zeb”

“Nonsense, you’re right on time.”

“Then why do I feel so rushed?”

“You’re asking me like I know? I can’t read your mind. Just your face, which has some meat stuck to it.

Tecovis felt around his face to find a cold piece of mutton grissle lodged in his beard.
“Yuck, has this been there since lunch? Why didn’t anyone tell me? Gross.” He flicked it off to the side and wiped his hand on his leg.

“So, where to first, Zeb?”

“I’m going to continue along my route to start. I told the ukitu to meet me along it and we would take statements from those affected by the disappearances.”

“Lead on. I’m right behind you.”

Zebulon and Tecovis began to ride at a steady pace down the road which went along the river bank. Fishermen lined the water, each hoping to catch something to feed their families. As they passed through the camp, some of the refugees were talking with smiles on their faces to each other.

Tecovis asked Zebulon, “What’s got them so happy today?”

“They say a magician came through yesterday. And if you believe it, they say he turned a rock into sand.”

“Ha, so can I. Give me a rock and I’ll have Sandalwood crush it. Instant sand.”

“Well whatever he did, he put on a good show, and it put a lot of people in a good mood.”

“Happy refugees are always a good thing.”

“Indeed, indeed.”

The two continued to ride in step with each other for a ways before Tecovis asked,

“Did that kid make it back safe?”

“Yes, he did. I had him take me to his tent to make doubly sure. His mother gave him quite the scolding when I was leaving.”

“As any good mother would do. He could have been killed. In fact he almost was.”

“Oh you should have heard it, even Abby never scared me as much as that woman did.”

“Really? Aunt Abby could spook the blood out of a stone, I didn’t think it was possible to outscare her.”

“This woman did.”

“Then I hope I never cross her bad side.”

They continued to talk about recent events for some time, including what Tecovis learned about Commander Phurin's investigation. Eventually they were stopped by a frazzly haired, baggy eyed ukitu with translucent skin, glowing veins, and cheeks red with dried tears.

She said, shouting with panic, “Guardsman! Guardsman, you have to help me! My daughter, I can't find my daughter!”

Zeb stepped down off the horse as he reassured the woman “Everything will be okay. My friend and I are here to help.” Zeb placed his hands on the woman's shoulders. “But we can't help you if we don't know what's going on. I need you to breathe. Take a breath. Breathe with me. Breathe in.” Zeb inhaled and the woman tried to in between sniffles.

“Now breathe out”

The woman let out a quick, shaky breath.

“Again, breathe in. Now breathe out.” This went on a few times while Zeb continued to reassure the woman.

Tecovis sat amazed at how easily Zebulon was able to calm this woman down. He knew he would have been slapped if he'd tried.

Zebulon looked to Tecovis. “Did you bring your notebook? We're starting with her.”

“Got it right here Zeb.”

“And you have something to write with this time?”

Tecovis rolled his eyes as he stepped off of his horse. “Yes Zeb, I did.”

Zebulon looked back at the woman, all hints of his smile disappeared into complete seriousness. “As I said miss, both my friend and I are here to help. What us your daughter's name?”

“Her name is T-Tylee. Her hair is b-blonde and shiny, like mine. Sh-she has yellow eyes, a-and freckles. She has freckles too.”

“We are going to get Tylee back to you, and we're going to do it as fast as we can. I know it's hard to think about without getting upset, but for us to find her, we need to have as much information as possible.”

Zeb gestured for Tecovis to come close. He approached with a sharpened charcoal and a leather bound parchment notebook.

“My name is Zebulon, and this is my partner Tecovis. I want you to start from the last time you remember seeing your daughter. What was she doing, where was she going? Tell us everything and leave out no detail.”

“My d-daughter was last seen two days ago. She left around noon to fish at the river so we could eat. She wasn't acting strange about it, it was just another normal day. When she didn't come home I got worried, b-but she's been late fishing before because of how hard it is to catch anything with everyone else around.”

The woman sniffled and wiped her eyes as she continued to speak

“I waited up for her all night, and when the sun rose I went to our favorite fishing spot by one of the bends.”

Tears began to well up in the woman's emerald eyes and she started to get choked up

“When I got there I-I saw her fishing spear, and p-part of her dress j-just laying there on the b-bank, and- and-” the woman broke down into sobbing and almost dropped to her knees before Zebulon stepped in and caught her. Tecovis grabbed one of his many spare handkerchiefs, and brought it over. After a moment spent comforting the woman, she stood back up on her own weight and wiped her eyes with the handkerchief.

“Could you describe the dress for me?”

“She was wearing a patchwork dress I made for her from extra scraps I was given by some of the other refugees. It was mostly b-blue, like this.” with a shaky hand, she produced a small piece of blue cotton fabric, clearly torn from some larger work.

Tecovis took a hold of the fabric and examined it. “Was this the piece you found?” He asked. The woman nodded and continued to wipe her eyes.

Zeb also asked, “Is the fishing spot popular?”

“Maybe two or three others go that way. It's a long walk on foot.”

Zeb scrunched his face and looked at Tecovis with frustration in his eyes. “I need to get there to isolate it. Maybe we can still get some evidence of what happened. You stay here and continue to take statements.” He looked back at the ukitu woman. “Please, come with me and take me to the fishing spot. We'll take my horse.”

The woman nodded with understanding. “It's downstream p-past the camp.”

Both Zebulon and the woman mounted up on Zeb's strawberry roan. Zeb shouted to the crowd “All of you listen up, if you are here to leave your statement for the investigation, please see my partner. I have an urgent matter to attend to.” He then rode off as fast as the crowds would allow.

“You heard the man, now form a line! I want this done in an orderly fashion!"

The Riverbank

Mounted up on his barebacked horse, Djurle slid to a stop at the river road.. 

“Hey, you, did he come this way?”

“Yes, he did. He went along the riverbank east out of the camp. It looked like he was going to follow it for a while.”

“Thank you stranger, you’re a blessing.” Djurle turned in the direction that the refugee had pointed and began to make his way through the crowds. Having the horse made it easy to see over the heads of the crowd, but some of the tents were tall enough to keep him from seeing too far up the river. Every so often, Djurle would ask one of the strangers where Zebulon had gone. Each one would have the same answer as the first.

Eventually he was close enough to the edge of the camp to see up the riverbank. Lots of refugees lined it closeby, but about a mile upstream the glint of the sun reflecting off of bronze caught his eye.

“Clear the way! Coming through!”

As Djurle escaped from the bulk of the camp, he pushed Crispus into a full sprint.

“C’mon Crispus, C’mon!”

Djurle raced down the riverbank trail. The breakneck pace made him very aware of how uncomfortable riding bareback was. He was, however, thankful for the reins. He focussed entirely on the rhythm of the hooves stomping against the ground as he slowly made his way up the river.

As he came closer, the form of a man came into view. He was armored in bronze scale and riding on a strawberry roan horse. Also on the back of the horse was the form of a familiar woman, blond haired and wearing worn riding gear.

The woman appeared to see Djurle approach. Not wanting to cause any unnecessary unrest, he slowed himself and began waving a hand to the pair.

“Hey! Are you the one they call Zebulon?”

The armored rider came to a stop and turned to face him, his face was mostly covered by the helm but Djurle could still see that he was a dark skinned man with a pointed goatee.

“I am Lieutenant Zebulon, yes, I'm also occupied so I'd appreciate it if you made this quick.”

The lumanite woman seemed to recognize Djurle from previously.

Djurle quickly considered his options. He decided that helping would lead to the best result.

“My name is Djurle. I'm a native of Talvash. I’ve been investigating the disappearances of missing Ukitu all across Stogh for the past few years. My investigations led me here, and rumor has it that you're looking into similar missing person cases. I'd like to offer my skills to you and your team.”

Zebulon sat in his saddle and began to ponder the request. The lumanite woman spoke up.

“If you've been looking for people, why didn’t you say something to me yesterday!? ”

“I can't help others if I’m exhausted. Yesterday was my first day in the camp, and I've been traveling for months. Now that I'm set up and at least partially rested, I'm ready to do everything in my power to get everyone home safe.”

“Even my daughter?”

“Especially your daughter.”

Zebulon motioned For Djurle to follow. “I'll at least listen to what you have to offer. Come with me, we can talk while we ride.”

Djurle rode up alongside the now moving Zebulon.

“Tell me… Earl, was it?”

“Djurle.”

“Djurle. Under whose authority do you conduct your investigations?” 

“I don’t work for anyone. Some people I was close with went missing years ago. I needed to find out why.”

“Tenacious.”

“You don’t know the half of it.”

“I can understand wanting to find closure, but doing so without the proper authority-”

“You and I both know that not many care about The Touched. Ironically, they’re nicer in the alliance of Stogh than they are here in Thruf, but they still don’t do much in the way of helping where it counts in the day to day. Few humans would, and the ukitu who did also went missing days after they started.”

“This opens another question however. If they vanished so quickly, how is it that you’ve not done the same?”

“Believe me, they tried to get me too.”

“Who?”

“Poachers from Krundíl. They kidnap anyone from among The Touched they can get their hands on and ship them to be… Well, I don’t know how to describe it other than empowered and brainwashed.”

Zebulon gave a quizzical look. “Empowered?”

The lumanite woman, without missing a beat. “Brainwashed!?”

“Yeah. Whatever they do to them in Krundíl draws out the power of their bloodline. So for you miss, being a lumanite, You’d gain the ability to control light like your ancestor Minderia. However, if they aren’t recruited willingly, they end up having their memories and identities erased. They become shells of their former selves.”

“What!?”

“Perhaps you should be more tactful with your words, Djurle.”

“There’s no point in sugar coating this Zebulon. It may be harsh, but it’s the truth and it’ll be a hot day in Prosvar's capital if I don’t tell you exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Besides, they have to get to Krundíl with their captures first, and that’s not likely to happen any time soon if your daughter was just taken recently. Especially now, with me around.”

“Oh? And how exactly is it that you being around changes things?”

Djurle pointed at a rock ahead, and with a flick of his wrist the rock shattered with a loud crack. The noise Spooked Zebulon’s horse, as well as both of its riders. Crispus however didn’t so much as flinch.

“That’s why.”

Fear briefly filled Zebulon’s face before being quickly squashed into stoicism by what Djurle assumed was years of training.

“Praise The Maker!” shouted the lumanite.

“I don't believe it! He sent one of the Ancestors in the flesh to save my daughter! I thought they were only stories!”

“I'm as real as Kruug Thunder-fist.”

“He's REAL!?”

“I take it you’re the so-called magician the refugees were talking about?”

“You’d be correct Lieutenant. I figured someone important would come looking for me if I made a ruckus, so I did what I had to. I’ll tell you if it worked in about a week.”

Zebulon’s face hardened even more as he stared down the stone skinned ukitu. Without turning away from him, Zebulon asked, “Karliah, how much further along to the fishing spot?”

With renewed vigor in her voice, she replied “It’s not much further. There’s a bend in the river just up ahead.”

“Let’s see if we’re indeed after the same poachers.”

“I’ll bet you a gold piece we are.”

“I don’t gamble.”

Djurle and Zebulon made their way over to where Karliah had indicated. There was nobody around, however the muddy banks were covered in footprints. Zebulon helped Karliah the lumanite down from his strawberry roan, Djurle stepped off of Crispus and began to take his shoes off.

“Karliah. What a pretty name.”

“Focus Djurle, this isn’t a sight-seeing trip. If you really can help, I need you on task.”

“If? Have some faith guardsman. The Spirit of the Earth has his methods.”

While he was un-shoeing himself, Djurle used the rock that was stuck to his horse's lead to guide Crispus off into some nearby tall grass. He set his shoes aside and stood with his eyes closed. The rhythmic steps of Crispus tickled his now bare heels. He experienced all the sensations that indicated life vibrating through the ground.  The worms dug through the earth, ants in nearby nests bustled about, water gently flowed through the silt on the bottom of the riverbed. In the distance, a pair of rabbits-

“What are you doing?”

Djurle opened his eyes to see Zebulon standing in front of him, one hand stroked his pointed beard as he stared.

“Listening. The dust talks to those who have ears to hear. Or, in my case, feet.” he wiggled his toes and chuckled as Zebulon raised an eyebrow.

“It was very helpful when I was a foreman. I could feel weaknesses in tunnels well before they  became problems, and it made finding materials easy. Plus, I never needed a torch to know what was around me.”

Karliah asked, “Does it ever get overwhelming?”

“That’s why I wear shoes. As much as I enjoy feeling the world through my heels, sometimes you need to separate yourself to stay sane.”

“Let’s get to work. Show us where you found the piece of your daughter’s dress, if you would please.”

“Wait, you’ve been here already?”

“Yes, I came looking for Tylee two days ago. The day before that was the last time I saw her.”

“Zebulon, would you do me a favor and stay here with me as she goes?”

“I can’t investigate the scene of the crime if I’m here with you, Djurle”

“With the amount of mud here, we could end up ruining the poacher’s tracks. I want to disturb it as little as possible.”

“You make it sound like I don’t want the same thing.”

“I’m not trying to say that, I’m trying to make both of our jobs easier.”

“How?”

“I’ll show you, if you’ll trust me.”

Lieutenant Zebulon sighed. “You are asking for a lot of trust from me in a very short amount of time. But, I’ll listen.” He nodded over to The lumanite and she reluctantly began to head towards the river.

Djurle closed his eyes again and focused his attention towards the rhythm of her steps, paying careful attention to how the ground reacted to her movement.

Thud

Thud

Thud

Thud

Squish

Squish

Squish

“Stop, please.”

Karliah stopped.

He could feel Zebulon shifting next to him. “What are y-”

“Shh.”

Djurle tapped his foot against the ground and the riverbed became clear to him. He raised his hand towards the mud to help him focus.

So those three are hers… that must mean this group…

The mud began to shift around. One trail of the footsteps began to undo itself. Djurle was careful to reconstruct any damaged footprints from the other groups to match the suspected paths that the poachers took. When he lost his place, he would tap his foot again to direct his focus. There was a lot of educated guessing, but he’d done this enough times to figure a solid approximation.

Once he was satisfied that he’d removed the traces of Karliah’s two day old path, he began to harden the mud from below. Constricting the softness to force the water out towards the river itself. To him, it was as easy as wringing out a washcloth. The hard part was directing it. He could feel the water trickle out of the ground into pools and small streams. A strong mildew smell wafted into Djurle's nostrils. The mud began to solidify at the surface, and when it did, Karliah gasped, taking a step back as she did.

“Please stay still. I don’t want you to get stuck in an uncomfortable position.”

Djurle could feel Zebulon shift his weight again as he squeezed the water out of the mud.

Once Djurle was satisfied with how dry the ground felt, he opened his eyes to see a bone dry riverbank with a number of clearly defined indentions embedded in the dirt. He looked over to Zebulon who stood completely in awe.

Never gets old.

Djurle motioned to him and began walking towards the lumanite.

“Now, what’s this about a piece of dress?”

The Buruzagi

“Hey! Get back here! Don't make this harder than it has to be!”

Tecovis chased down the thief who had stolen His waterskin through the scattered tents.

Just what I need, another idiot trying to ‘stick it to the man.’ 

“Stop in the name of Jormond-!”

A woman with short red hair and reddish, almost pink scales for skin shoulder checked the thief to the ground.

“-Skov?”

Tecovis pushed His confusion aside and resumed his duty. He leapt on top of the scrambling thief and pressed his knee into the spine of the downed man.

“Hold still you wriggly- Gah!”

Tecovis fell to his back as the thief bucked him with surprising ease. The Gurnian woman ran over as he tried to scramble away, grabbing one of his legs to keep him from standing. The thief kicked at the woman's face with his free leg. While he did, Tecovis rolled to his feet, then rushed over to the thief and pinned him again, this time at the shoulders.

“Last chance!”

“Eat a dick, 'uman!”

“Alright, you asked for it!”

Without another moment's hesitation, Tecovis smashed at the thief's temple with his elbow knocking him unconscious. As his body went slack, Tecovis whistled for his horse.

“Was not expecting to be making an arrest today, I really need to keep my shackles on me. You alright? That looked like a good kick.”

The Ukitu woman was sitting up in the dirt nearby, holding her hand against the side of her head.

“Yeah, I'll be fine in a minute. I have my dad's thick skull.”

“What's your name, citizen?”

“Azalea.”

“Thank you Azalea, I'll make sure you're rewarded for your help today.”

“Least I could do. I'm sick of these ^@$%"&# taking everyone's $#!÷.”

“You and me both.”

Tecovis went to get his waterskin, only to discover a torn up pile of wet leather. He picked it up by the nozzle and examined it.

“Craaap, That was my favorite waterskin.”

“All that for water? The river is right ^@$%!# there!”

“It's possible he got desperate thinking it was a wine skin, or he just thought it might taste better. This has… uh… had water from a well in town.”

“Does it?”

“It still tastes like dirt, but it doesn't taste like fish.”

“The ^@$% is wrong with fish?”

Tecovis chuckled. 

It wasn't long before Sandalwood arrived. Tecovis reached into his saddlebag and produced from it two sets of manacles. He bound the ankles of the thief together and locked his hands behind his back, as well as making sure to keep the keys somewhere safe. He also took notes in his work journal.

Worst part about this job. Paperwork. I hate it so much. I swear, I will burn every scrap of it one day.

Burn…

Tecovis shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose.

No, focus.

“Nice horse.”

“Thank you. She's three, if you're curious.”

“Pretty good size. 

“You should have seen her sire. Tallest animal I've ever met. So tall in fact, I needed to stand on a box just to reach the stirrups.”

“Bull-@#!%.”

“No actually, horse crap.”

Azalea laughed at the pun, which made Tecovis smile with pride. He then hoisted the would-be thief onto the back of his horse.

“Have a good day Miss Azalea.”

He then made his way back through the tents to where he had previously been taking statements. Once back by the river path, he found Zeb waiting for him. He looked lost in thought as he sat on his strawberry roan, and almost didn't notice Tecovis arrive.

“Back already? I take It there wasn't much you could use at that fishing spot?”

“Quite the opposite. I've got a good number of leads now.”

“I'd be impressed if I didn't know you personally. You always had a good eye.”

“I can't take all the credit this time. There's a lot to go over and I'd prefer not to talk about it in public. We can take it to the Buruzagi.”

“Do you think we can convince Jormund to send more resources our way?”

“Worse is coming if he doesn't. Let's move out.”

Tecovis wondered at Zeb's unusually grim expression as they set off for the city. Around the time they arrived at the gates, Tecovis heard a groan coming from the thief on the back of his horse. Zeb heard it too and looked back towards Tecovis. 

“Are you- Oh. I didn't notice your new friend.”

Tecovis said with sarcasm, “Well you know me, always finding excuses to meet people.”

“What did he do?”

“The jerkwad stole my father's waterskin.”

“The one you had when I found you on the road those years ago?”

Tecovis sighed heavily. “Yeah. That one.”

“Well, that would explain the knot on his temple.”

“It gets worse.”

Zebulon's face dropped as Tecovis pulled the leathery mess out to show Zeb.

“Maker's breath. I'm sorry Teco, I know how much that meant to you.”

“Nothing I do is going to fix it, so maybe I'll use the scraps for something else. I'll find a leather worker if I think of anything.”

Zeb acknowledged him silently before facing the road again.

“I'll go with you to the garrison.”

“You don't have to do that, Zeb, I can handle him. I don't need you around just to comfort me.”

“Standard procedure Tecovis, minimum of two guards for all prisoner transports.”

“Always hiding behind procedure. You just can't admit you're an ol’ softie can you?”

Zeb failed to suppress a grin as he said, “I'm tough as nails.”

Tecovis couldn't stop his own smile either. “Suuure, and I breathe fire.” He jabbed at Zeb's pauldron with a clang and they laughed their stress away.

Once they had the thief detained properly at the Thruf garrison, they made their way through to the Hall of Nobles. {Describe the hall of Nobles}

Zebulon and Tecovis made their way inside. Many of the nobility visited or kept offices here, hence the name. As such, they passed by many people with too many buttons on overly starched coats. The various perfumes from them mixed together into a toxic cacophony that assaulted Tecovis's nostrils. He could almost taste lavender oil.

That looks miserable to wear all day. So impractical. At least my armor protects me.

Because of their nature as guards, nobody questioned them as they made their way through the building to Jormund Skov's office.

“Hey Zeb, what's your strategy if the statements don't convince him?”

Zeb sighed. “I've been trying to avoid saying anything about it, but I'm going to bring up the low levy collection.”

“Wait, all these years of trying to get extra help and you never once brought up the levies? I know you don't like them any more than they do but that just doesn't seem reasonable.”

“Did you not hear me say I've been trying to avoid it!? They're outrageous! Nobody can pay that on their own, let alone refugees who aren't allowed to work or trade! They need mercy, not taxes!”

Zeb's sudden outburst caught Tecovis by surprise. It was rare for him to lose his composure. Zeb looked around and sighed with relief when nobody was staring back.

“Apologies, I didn't mean to speak so loud. I can't stand watching them scrounge through dirt for coin they don't have. I didn’t want to send the wrong message to the Touched by getting the tax men involved. We're supposed to protect the people, not gouge them for every string they own.”

“I think I get it.”

“When we get in there, don't speak unless spoken to directly.  I've made a lot of attempts at this over the years. He may not say it, but he'll no doubt remember what I've already tried to convince him with.”

“And anything I say can and will be used against me, I understand.”

They arrived to find the door closed and a baggy eyed Commander Phurin standing outside it with his arms crossed. Zeb and Tecovis came to a stop before him and saluted.

“Good afternoon Commander.”

“Good? The pit it's good, Lieutenant.” He shook his head and extended the frown on his permanent scowl.

“If you're here to see the Buruzagi, he's busy. I've been here almost an hour.”

Tecovis asked, “Who's he talking to that's taking so long?”

“Doesn't matter, recruit.”

“I'm just saying it's unlike him to leave you of all people waiting.”

“You don't know him very well if you think that. And as I said, it doesn't matter. Drop it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Tecovis looked over to Zeb. He seemed completely unsurprised at the commander's response. 

After a moment of awkwardly standing, Tecovis asked, “Do you want to review the statements while we wait, Zeb?

“Yes, I would. It'll give me time to expand my argument, if necessary.”

Tecovis handed Zeb his work journal. Zeb pulled his own out and began to compare the statements to some of his own notes.

“He won't do it Lieutenant.”

“That's not going to stop me from trying Commander. I can't stop doing my job because someone else doesn't understand how the world works.”

To Tecovis's surprise, Commander Phurin smiled at his response.

“I taught you well.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The Commander looked over to Tecovis and his smile disappeared back into its normal shape.

“Quit gawkin’ recruit!”

Tecovis closed his gaping mouth without a word.

A few moments after the three of them went silent, Tecovis started to make out some of what was being said in Jormund’s office. A voice that Tecovis didn't recognize was speaking. 

“-going to come here eventually, and then what will you do?”

Another voice responded to it, which he knew from speeches he was required to sit through during training.

“You and your allies will keep them from coming this far, Just as they have for the past eight summers. There's nothing we can supply that you don't already have.”

“You have manpower, something we desperately need!”

“There's no need to lose your temper, representative {diplomat}. I'm simply stating a fact.”

“You've been talking in circles for almost half an hour! If you don't take this seriously and bring this to your Jaunari's attention the Krundílites are going to level your entire city! They could already be here undermining your infrastructure and-”

“Representative {diplomat} all of the Stricken are banished from this city by order of the Jaunari. We have checkpoints along every road and there's not a single way past our patrols.”

Unless you're a child apparently.

Both Phurin and Zeb also appeared to be listening in on the discussion. He imagined they were all thinking along the same lines.

“They are more sly than you realize. I saw how many there were outside your city, any number of them could be inciting an uprising against Thruf as we speak!”

“As if they could possibly stand against our might.”

Commander Phurin scoffed.

“And they're too cowardly to even think of such a thing”

Followed shortly after by Zeb.

“I've seen just one Krundílite take down two dozen men in less than twelve seconds. There could be hundreds in that camp and you'd never know until they killed you!”

The three guardsmen all looked at eachother, Commander Phurin shook his head and made his way over to the door. Zeb handed Tecovis his journal as they both stood up to follow.

“Your fear mongering isn't going to get you anywhere representative.”

“Talking to you is hopeless. I'm going to find someone who has some sense.

“You won't have to go far for that,” said Commander Phurin as he opened Jormund's office door.

“Commander Phurin, you know it's rude to eavesdrop.” {describe Jormund Skov and representative {diplomat}}

“Protecting my city isn't about manners, Buruzagi, It's about the people.”

“What petty matter has convinced you that it's okay to interrupt my meeting?”

“A spirit of the elements is in the city Jormund.”

“The spirits of the elements are mere stories.”

“I have five dead Guards and three frozen civilians who would testify otherwise.”

Civilians too? Maker preserve me.

“Commander, they aren’t the only one in the area.”

Commander Phurin and Tecovis both looked at Zeb with shock.

“Another one just arrived yesterday in the Ukitu refugee camp, he aided me in a missing person's case not more than an hour ago. He’s looking for others that he referred to as “poachers” and he believes there's at least a dozen here. It's possible that your ice-man is one of those poachers he's hunting.”

Representative {diplomat}’s face lit up, “pardon my interest guardsman. But this spirit Ukitu that you met, he wouldn't happen to have gravelly shoulders and pepper gray hair?”

“I take it that you know him?”

“I do, he's well known back in my homeland. He aided us during a famine ten years ago, and I've kept in contact with him over the years. I should have known he'd come this way eventually.”

“So he's under your jurisdiction then?”

“No, he's merely well traveled. But don't worry, I would trust him with my life.”

Commander Phurin's brow furrowed further than usual. “He may have helped you, but their presence only expands my issue. There's two confirmed empowered individuals, and potentially a dozen more, each with abilities that far outmatch our own. We need to start giving our men Eminite, otherwise we're not going to be able to deal with the increased threat they pose.”

Tecovis recognized the name of the mineral. But before he could think about where from, Zeb shouted to the Commander, “Are you insane!? Phurin, do you have any idea wh-”

“QUIET LIEUTENANT! THAT'S AN ORDER!”

The entire room went silent. Tecovis saw the muscles in Zeb's jaw clench. Both the Buruzagi and the representative stared at commander Phurin with timidity in their eyes, though they tried to hide it.

“I know what the risks of Eminite are. I know how new it is. But I also know what the benefits are, and they outweigh the costs.”

Tecovis could see Zeb fighting it with every fiber of his being, though he kept his composure as ordered.

“I'll be the one who decides that Commander. Unlike you, I'm not keen to sit here writing waivers all day, nor do I think the Jaunari would appreciate me draining His coffers dry for a mere fistfull. Now if that will be all, I bid you good day.”

Commander Phurin and representative {diplomat} both made their way out of the room, the commander clearly furious and exhausted. Tecovis and Zeb however stayed where they stood. Out of the corner of his eye, Tecovis noticed the representative start whispering to Commander Phurin as the door closed behind them. It didn't take long for Jormund to notice the two remaining guardsmen. 

“You still have business Lieutenant?”

“Yes sir, I came to make a troop requisition.”

“For what purpose?”

“I need more men to help me along my route. I am not enough to keep the peace and also bring justice to those in my charge.”

“And your route is…?”

“The North East river.”

“Didn’t you request someone for that area recently?”

“I have, it's still not enough.”

“Mmm. Perhaps you should consider spending more time on the route instead of standing around here. Maybe then you'd get something done.”

Does he hear himself? Has he ever gone to see how big the camp is!? How Zeb even went this long without a major incident is a miracle 

Zeb looked over to Tecovis and locked eyes with him. Tecovis broke the eye contact and crossed his arms with a repressed huff.

Yeah, yeah I knew this was coming. Still stupid.

“With all due respect to one of such honor and status-”

The Buruzagi grinned at the remark

“-I would like to bring to your attention the numbers. We have had only myself in this position for the past few years and the camp has grown to a staggering 7,800 tents since I first volunteered for the position.”

“You are more than enough to deal with the chaff out there. The stricken know their place, and they're too weak to overcome one of such elite status as yourself.”

“You bless me with your praise, Buruzagi. However, I'd like to point out that one man cannot possibly protect such a large area on his own. Especially considering some of the more recent developments. Recruit Tecovis?”

Tecovis opened his work journal to the first of the statements he'd taken and offered it to Zeb, who then offered it to The Buruzagi.

Clearly disinterested, Jormund began skimming through the pages. When he reached a blank page, he closed it and tossed it to the end of the Desk where Zeb was standing. 

“I see nothing in there that isn't within your level of skill.”

“Sir, these all are from today alone.”

“You are our most capable investigator Lieutenant, I know you can handle it. Though it still baffles me that you're even trying to help those monsters.”

Tecovis looked at one of the bookshelves to one side. Beside him he heard Zeb sigh.

“Buruzagi, I thank you for your faith in me, however I can't complete these investigations and enforce the levy in the tent cities on my own.”

The Buruzagi paused his writing and met Zeb's gaze.

“I'm sure in your wisdom you've noted that the sum of the collections has gone down in recent months, and yet the population of The ukitu camp continues to increase every week. It's entirely possible that our missing persons may have contributed to these losses.”

“Are you suggesting that the missing Stricken are tax evaders?”

“Sir I would never be so bold as to suggest something so heinous. However, without men to find the victims of these disappearances, how can I be sure? It's a possibility that I am unable to explore.”

Jormund squinted his eyes and stared down the blackstone wall that was Zeb's expression. After a moment of this, the Buruzagi leaned back in his chair.

“Our men are spread thin as it is. How do you propose we remedy this?”

Tecovis cleared his throat. Zeb understood his signal. 

“We have an entire platoon's worth of men who are right at the end of their training. Some of them show promising aptitude for investigation. If I may, I would suggest that the Buruzagi allow me the opportunity to take this platoon under my jurisdiction to aid me in this low stakes search. If for no other reason than to test their skills in the field. As their graduation is supposed to be next week, they have yet to be assigned duties and thus would prove to not hinder anyone else by their absence. It would also give them much needed experience for the truly important work that goes into protecting our fair city.”

“A whole platoon? And you’d have me take them from their most important week of training? We have a tradition to uphold, we must complete it to the full.”

“I would consider this an excellent test of their skills to see if their training has stuck as well as we like to think it has. Tecovis here is a shining example of this very platoon. Top of his class. Commander Lions will testify to his skill.”

At the mention of his name, Tecovis snapped to full attention and locked himself in place.

“And if I recall my own training correctly, this last week is less about training and more about the fanfare of completion. To the recruits, it will be nothing but annoying speeches from people who don't want to be there to people who'd rather be doing their jobs. Sending them right into the action will boost the morale of these excited prospects. High morale means highly motivated, and high motivation means a greater chance at catching these poachers. Or tax evaders.”

“Would you say that his words are true, recruit?”

Tecovis gave a quick salute before speaking.

“Sir, my squad and I are very eager to do our civic duty. The sooner we can get to supporting our fair city, the better.”

Jormund took a few moments to think. Tecovis didn't know the Buruzagi all that well, only having seen him during his public appearances. As such, Tecovis found him almost impossible to read. He resisted the urge to shuffle in place. Zeb glanced at Tecovis and nodded.

“7,800… That would mean… Yes… Yes.”

Jormund grabbed a new sheet of paper

I can't give you a whole platoon's worth of troops Lieutenant, we need them in other places more. However, I will allow you three squads from it to be activated immediately. With your… foreign helper, that should be more than sufficient. If he's as competent as you say he is.”

Grabbing Tecovis's work journal from the desk, Zeb smiled and nodded at Jormund.

“Thank you Buruzagi.”

“Fetch me an inkwell before you leave Lieutenant, I'm running low and have letters to write.”

“Yes sir.”

“Dismissed.”

Both Zeb and Tecovis gave one more salute before a synchronized about-face toward the door. Zeb went out first and Tecovis closed the door behind them. Once they were away from the door, Zeb's countenance dropped and he sighed heavily.

“I hope I haven't damned them with that.”

“What do you mean? We've got three squads helping you now, and A Spirit of the Elements too? That's way more than you've been able to get for years!”

“But at what cost Teco? They're going to be watching the levy collection more closely now to see if it changes positively. The missing ukitu aren't impacting the numbers at all, the refugees just can't pay it.”

He shook his head before looking up with tears in his eyes.

“Maker, please show your mercy to me, and to the refugees I've just put under scrutiny.”

Tecovis grabbed his mentor's shoulder and brought him to a halt.

“Zeb, you did what you had to. You said what needed saying to get help for those in your care. That's all anyone could ask of you. I'm sure The Maker understands.”

After a moment of comforting silence, Zeb chuckled.

“What?”

“I remember the day I found you on the road, covered in mud and scratches, wearing only a tattered pair of pants. Who knew then that I'd see him become such a wise man.”

Tecovis felt a warmth rise that manifested a smile on his face. He pulled Zeb into a hug. Zeb reciprocated. 

“I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you.”

They released each other from the other's embrace and continued toward the supply room.

“So you met a spirit of the elements on the way to the fishing spot? What was he like? How did he help?”

“He was very straightforward, and surprisingly knowledgeable on the subject of these missing ukitu. He suggested things I never would have suspected. His skills baffled me. You won't believe this, but I watched him take the entire site and turn it into solid rock, almost every footstep was perfectly preserved! He was able to mark and isolate paths, determined the number of people based on the depth of the imprints, and he practically recreated the whole crime scene.”

“Do you trust him?”

Zeb's lips curled and he stroked his beard.

“That man from Stogh may have put in a good word for him, but honestly? I'm not sure. It's too good to be true, and yet all evidence says it is.”

“Well, I trust you Zeb. If you're okay with working alongside this spirit guy, so am I. If you're not, I'll cuff him myself.”

“That's one thing I like about you Teco, you're always confident. I'll need to let him know about our incoming assistance. Would you be willing to finish up on my behalf here? Jormond may ask you to deliver the letter to Commander Lions.

“I'll take care of it. You can count on me.”

“Have them meet me at the river checkpoint tomorrow at the fourth hour. I'll rendezvous with you there again.”

Kish's Gambit

Eira forced herself to laugh as she closed the door to her house

"You were just seeing things. There's no possible way that the Ancestor of Stone is here. He's- He's too busy doing things in the war. Yeah, that's it. This is an imposter. Just... just a fake... a trick of the eye caused by-by the stress."

Eira paced. She hated that she'd abandoned the outreach so early, she hadn't even seen any of her team in the food lines yet. 

But the stone-skinned man frightened her.

"Or-or-or maybe it was his son. He has sons, right? That's what the rumors say. He used to travel with them, but he doesn't anymore. Yeah. Yeah. Just his son. Just... his son..."

Eira continued to talk to herself, trying to calm herself down for what felt like the hundredth time in three days. Once she managed to convince herself that she hadn't really seen The Ancestor of Stone, she tied her hair into a proper bun and put her felt hat on over it.

I have to go back to the outreach, and I can't arrive with nothing. Whoever it really was is no doubt gone.

Eira grabbed some gold pieces from a stash she kept in her dresser and walked out the door, locking it behind her. As the sun beat down on her during her walk to the market, she became very appreciative of one of the abilities granted to her by her gift. The ability to regulate her personal temperature on a whim.

She perused the market for a hodge podge of food and a pair of bags to carry them all. Once she had them she took her time towards the city gate. As it came into view however, a pair of laughing patrolmen crossed her path, and on the back of one of their horses was a familiar face.

Kish!? Oh don't tell me you're here because I missed check in!

He had a welt forming on his temple, but he was breathing.

The guards didn't see her, or at least didn't acknowledge her as she trailed behind them, making sure to keep herself at a distance.

When they came into the town square, her heartrate quickened. Her eyes were drawn to the north side, one of the buildings had two guards standing in front of it.

Keep it together. They don't know it was you.

She steered clear of that half of the square and continued after the guardsmen as they made their way to the Garrison which housed the prison beneath.

Eira hid out of sight in an ally and considered her options as she watched the door. Breaking in would be very difficult to do as she was unfamiliar with the layout of the garrison, and she didn't have any lightwarpers in the city. Turning herself in would be willingly giving up her cover. She could go back to their home camp and get one of the light warpers to help her, however she knew that none of the ones present could maintain their invisibility for more than a half an hour, far longer than it would take to get across the city.

She cast that idea out of her head right as the two guardsmen that captured Kish both stepped back out of the garrison.

I need more info.

Eira dropped one of her bags into a corner and then casually approached the two guards. putting on her facade's signature smile, she said, "Excuse me, guardsmen?"

She grounded herself as the two men looked at her. One of them, a red bearded man with bluish-grey eyes asked her, "Do you need something citizen?" His accent threw her off a bit, it reminded her of the mountainborn peoples near the boarder of Krundíl. 

"Nothing dire sir, I wanted to offer you both some snacks for the road. I know your job is stressful, and everyone could use some kindness every once in a while. Even the protectors."

The bearded guard chuffed as he grinned.

"I appreciate the offer, but we keep enough on us to last."

The other guardsman also said, "I will pass as well Miss Fern."

Her blood chilled as she heard her cover name coming from the other guardsman. She looked over to him to see dark skin and almost entrancing brown eyes. His smile reminded her that he was the one patrolman in the refugee camp. Once she realized where she knew him from, she relaxed.

"You know her Zeb?"

"Yes, this is Chamile Fern. She runs the biggest of the refugee outreaches."

"She does? You know Gali?"

"I do, actually. She's one of my best volunteers."

"Gali told me great things about you. I'm glad we finally met, even if it is only in passing."

He offered his hand out and she coerced herself to grab it. Even through the armored glove, she could tell he had a firm handshake, one acquainted with hard work.

"It's good to meet you too, guardsman."

"Recruit Tecovis."

Eira gave him a pleasant nod. He passed a glance to Zebulon before saying, "If there's nothing else, we best be off."

"Actually, I was curious about the man you arrested earlier. What did he do?"

Tecovis's expression soured.

"You saw that, huh?"

"Miss Fern, I know you have great concern for all the refugees, but I would advise against asking after every criminal we arrest."

Tecovis held up what looked like a broken drink pouch. "If you must know though, he tried to steal this right off of my horse. He probably thought it was a wine skin."

*%&@ it Kish, I was on my way back!

Eira feigned a sympathetic sigh. "Well, its a shame some people can't stay off the drink."

"It is. But what can you do. Anyway, we have to go. You stay safe, and may The Maker bless your endeavor."

Eira watched as both of the guardsmen coaxed their horses into a trot and rode deeper into the city. She muttered to herself. "Yeah... yeah... like he's ever done anything for me..."

Eira walked around the garrison building, doing her best to look inconspicuous. As she looked, she saw no sign of the prison she knew was below. After almost half an hour, she gave up on any external approach.

I need to think of something... Kish is resourceful, but he can't escape alone.

She looked at the bag she had in her hand, and then looked back at the garrison. It's imposing walls hiding who knew how many guards inside. She gave a heavy sigh as her head dropped,

I'm sorry Kish... you're going to have to wait a bit.

After Nine Long Years

Djurle sat against the wall of his stone shelter. In his hands he held the golden necklace, his thumb rubbing the garnet inlay.

I'll find your kid, Yorlan. I'll do whatever it takes.

He sighed.

Zebulon said he'd be bringing three squads in. I don't know how he expects them to be enough. But they'll have to do. Once I've helped him, he'll likely be more than happy to help me. Maker... I'm so tired of all this running around.

He pocketed the necklace in his vest as he stood up. The cool, soft, and almost squishy sand felt refreshing under his still mildly sore feet. He did some basic stretches to prepare himself for the day ahead and put on his boots, making sure to will the sand off just before he did.

Maybe one of these days I'll leave the sand on. See if my memory of sand in my boots is still accurate.

Djurle pressed his hand against the wall of stone and opened it up. As his eyes adjusted, he heard some children giggling coming from where he had Crispus tied. Curious, he made his way around his hut to find a group of four feeding his horse some dried grasses. They didn’t see him. He smiled. Leaning up against the rock, he watched them for a minute or so before one of the three boys spotted him. The boy's eyes went wide. The other three kids saw his look and turned around, gasping when they saw Djurle.

The one girl of the group began to stammer, “I'm sorry sir, I-we just- I-”

“Easy, easy there, you're acting like I'm upset. I'm sure Crispus loves the attention. You can feed him or pet him if you want, it doesn't bother me any. Just don't spook him. I don't want to be held responsible if one of you gets kicked by accident.”

“Yes sir! We promise!”

The other three agreed with her.

“That's what I like to hear. As you were.”

Djurle pushed off the rock with his shoulder and started to wander through the tents. Along the way he picked up a pebble. Entertainment was hard to come by, so he amused himself by making the pebble dance around nearby ropes, tent spikes, and other loose objects.

From the position of the sun, it would be another hour before he needed to go towards the river checkpoint that Zebulon mentioned. He took his time, listening in on conversations, or asking questions to gathered Groups. Djurle believed that rumors were a good way to find leads, and while not always helpful, they did give him a good idea of what was important to the refugees in the area. It helped him organize his secondary and tertiary priorities. 

“Someone with some spine needs to step up around here. It feels like anarchy.”

“I hear the human refugees have enough to eat for weeks, and over here we're starving, that just doesn't seem fair.”

“Have you seen Preston? I need to apologize to him, I got mad at him for something stupid.”

“Back home, I had a nice little garden. Maker's beard I wish I had something half as big as that now.”

“I saw a guard running through the camp yesterday. Apparently the guy he was chasing stole a wineskin. Some people are too desperate for a drink. They need to learn to let go.”

“Have you heard about that weird rock they found a few years ago? Apparently it explodes when you throw it in ashes. Wonder if that's all it does.”

“I'm tired of this. Maybe I should move to Krundíl and join the war effort.”

That one caught Djurle's attention. He decided to take a moment to listen a little longer.

“At least then I might get some food. It sounds like they're thrashing Stogh, so maybe I'll get lucky and they won't need me on the lines.”

“They're the reason we're out here and you want to go help them? We'd still be in Casperdain if it weren't for the Krundílites.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right. Besides, I don't think I'd make much of a sword fighter.”

You wouldn't need to worry about that.

Djurle rubbed his wrist as memories swept over his mind. Figuring he'd heard enough, he began to make his way back to his hut. When he got back he saw that the children had left, so he saddled up Crispus and rode toward the river.

On his way, he stopped by Mikail’s tent for a short good-morning chat. Once he was done, he finally headed toward the river proper.

Zebulon said ‘head south along the river, the checkpoint is a short way past the tents.’ He should be there by now.

He followed those instructions, moving south until he came up to the expected clearing. Sitting on his Strawberry Roan horse, Zebulon was waiting. A short ways away were two others guarding the road.

“You're early.”

“My patrol had no incidents for once.”

“That'd be rare, even under normal circumstances.”

“I couldn't agree more. Talk of you has spread all throughout the camp. I overheard someone mention you in town too. I believe that had something to do with it.”

“Maybe I'll get lucky and get your Jaunari's attention.”

“I wouldn't call something like that ‘lucky’.”

“And why would that be?”

“You're experiencing his policy toward the Touched first hand, and you're asking why?”

“I can be pretty persuasive, I've convinced other kings I'm not so bad at least twice in the last ten years. Who can say he won't be number three?”

“I can not tell if you're joking, and that is not very comforting.”

Djurle smiled to himself. Zebulon stared at him for some time as they waited for the other guards to arrive. He was used to getting stared at, being the first stone skinned ukitu in existence. When it started to get awkward by Djurle's standards, he looked back at Zebulon.

“Something on your mind?”

“What? No, no.”

“You've been staring at me for ten minutes. You can ask questions if you're curious. Everyone has at least one, so I try to stay prepared.”

Zebulon looked away from him, and his lips twisted as if He was considering his words.

Djurle was about to shrug it off when he spoke.

“How… How does it work? Your geomancy?”

“My abilities? Well for starters, it's not magic. My abilities are a gift from The Maker to me.”

“What does it feel like to use your gifts?”

“You know what it's like to wear armor and swing your sword, how they become part of you? Extensions of your form? For me, it's like that. I can move rock and stone as if it's part of me. I can ‘see’ through it by feeling subtle vibrations in the earth, I can travel through it, I can shape it however I please.”

“What do you mean by travel?”

“In a pinch, I can use it to carry me, turn it into steps, a slide, or a tunnel. On the surface I can use it to push me across distances at pretty good speeds, though that's loud and exhausting. It's like running on waves. I can also swim through it, though again that's exhausting.”

“How did you discover your abilities?”

“Oh-ho there's a story."

Djurle adjusted himself in his saddle to better face the Lieutenant. 

"So, when I was thirteen my older brother and I were traveling in the mountains where Talvash was settled, he was teaching me how to bow-hunt. Talvash has a lot of rocky soil, so it's hard to farm without bitter determination. Hunting elk was practically required. We were in the process of tracking one when the string for my brother's bow broke. It was an old string and we knew it, so we had one spare, but the shock of it nearly took Arny off his feet. We took time to rest for a bit next to one of the cliffs that towered above us. Well, near the top of the cliff there was a herd of wild goats. One goat slipped on some ice that hadn't melted yet for spring and began to tumble down the side.”

Zebulon cringed slightly. Djurle assumed he was picturing the falling goat, while he himself did everything he could not to.

“On its way down, it started an avalanche. And, wouldn't you know it, the goat and the avalanche were coming for us. I freaked when I saw it, but I wasn't able to get my words out fast enough. A boulder the size of my horse came careening down towards him. I shouted at him ‘MOVE’ and reached out to him to try and get him out of the way when I felt a strain in my chest. Something snapped, or clicked, then the boulder stopped not more than ten feet above him. He ran out from under it and grabbed me. When he did, the strain disappeared and I blacked out. And when I woke up, we both agreed I needed to see a priest, so we went home. We'd never heard of the spirits of the elements before, and only knew a few Ukitu in passing, so we had no idea about what I was. I learned how to understand my power at The Temple of the Maker, and developed it over the years since then.”

“How could you not know you were ukitu? Your chest and shoulders look like cobblestones.”

“I was born to human parents like every other spirit of the elements. As such, my skin was smoother than yours when I started developing my abilities. This-” Djurle gestured to himself “-came with age. It started out as sand under my blankets. Now, I can't even sleep in a normal bed without tearing sheets. I learned to enjoy sleeping in a sand pit to avoid learning to sew or paying for regular trips to a seamstress.”

“That sounds uncomfortable.”

“As I said, I learned to enjoy it.”

Zebulon turned to face the road again. Djurle did the same. Coming up the road at a distance were eight bronze reflections which Djurle assumed were the guards that were supposed to be meeting them.

“I thought you said there'd be three squads?”

“I did, and I meant it. Something must have happened.”

“Well they're not in any rush so it's probably not a big deal.”

“Let's hope you're correct.”

It was another ten minutes of sitting in silence as the two men waited for the incoming guardsman.

As they got closer, Djurle could see that they were all wearing the same armor as Zebulon, full plate Bronze with open faced helmets that possessed a protective nosepiece. Each one carried a bronze sword and wooden shield with a bronze rim.

Once they arrived, they saluted from their saddles to Zebulon. Two of them spoke up, the first {describe Dense}, he said “Dionis Mench and Delta squad reporting for duty.”

The second,{describe charlie leader} also said “{Charlie leader} and Charlie squad, reporting. Commanders Lions and Phurin needed to speak with Bravo squad; they'll be along shortly.”

“Good,” replied Zebulon, “Bravo leader is already briefed on the situation. We can get you up-to speed while we wait for them. Form up! Ears open!”

“Uh, sir?”

“Yes Dionis?”

“Should we be doing this in front of this refugee?”

Dionis motioned over to Djurle, who grinned And raised his eyebrow.

“Your situational awareness is commendable. Djurle is a consultant, we're dealing with enemies that this man has dealt with regularly. His expertise will no doubt prove invaluable, so be sure to listen whenever he speaks.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Here's our situation. A group of empowered Ukitu have been kidnapping refugees from here to force them into the war currently happening in Stogh.”

“Empowered?”

Djurle opened his palm and summoned a rock to it from the ground.

“Like this.”

He then tossed it gently toward the guard who asked the question.

Both squads went bug eyed as the pebble gently floated around the guardsman's head and then returned to Djurle's palm.

“All Ukitu are descendants of people like me, and these empowered ukitu possess the same types of power that their ancestors held. If you know the stories, you know what we're up against, and if you don't then you can ask me later. They aren't as strong as their ancestors, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful.”

“He's right, as you may have heard we've already lost one unprepared squad and a few civilians to one such individual two days ago. One empowered by ice.”

Djurle's eyes narrowed. He hadn't been told that Particular detail before today.

A Grixovite. Not good. Especially this close to a river.

“We can't let that happen again. Our primary objective Is to find these faux-spirits and bring them to justice. We're starting by-”

Dionis interjected, “I'm sorry Lieutenant, but I was told we were hunting tax evaders, what happened to that?”

“That's the cover story we're using to keep the refugees from panicking. Now, as I was saying, we're starting our hunt by following the trails of missing persons cases. We have one case that's confirmed to be by them already and at least three dozen more with similar stories. We'll be doing our investigations in pairs, and I'll be assigning each pair to different cases.”

Djurle noticed a group of bronze glints coming up the road.

Finally. Took them long enough.

“Take notes everyone, every detail may end up being important, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Odd footprints, loose string, even paint chips can all lead to catching these poachers. I keep spare parchment for note-taking if you don't have any on hand. Now Let's determine our teams, starting with-”

At this point Djurle turned to face the camp. He kept his Ear open for his own Name but otherwise wasn't paying attention.

There's a lot of ground to cover if we're going to get these poachers. Zebulon knows this area better than me, I trust him to distribute his men.

As Djurle looked out over the tents of ukitu, he could see dozens Of people staring back in his direction. Many of them were gaunt and stared at the well fed guardsmen with disdain. Not all of them were, but there were enough to concern him. He did notice Karliah Standing amongst the throng of refugees, and he gave a courteous nod of acknowledgement towards her direction when they locked eyes. She smiled back, but even from here Djurle could tell that she wasn't committing to it emotionally. 

We'll get her for you. We'll get them all.

He continued watching the crowd. A flash of white caught his attention between the tents, though he couldn't see where it went.

He heard Delta leader speak up behind him. “Maker's robe, it took you morons long enough.”

Another man's voice Djurle didn't recognize replied, “Who are you calling morons Dense? You're only here to make the rest of us look smarter.”

"I'm here because someone needs to carry your sorry kiester back to the garrison when you faint on the job you dainty princess!”

“If you're gonna call me princess, you might as well give me the royal treatment. Here, polish my boots, slave!”

Ha! They're as bad as the army back home. Minus the swearing.

He continued to scan the tents, looking for the streak he saw earlier as the guardsmen continued to banter behind him. 

I know I saw that. Ugh, i'm getting jumpy. It's probably just an old guy. Still, it's better to keep my eyes open.

“Bravo Leader, you'll be with Djurle on the Karliah case. We've split the rest in pairs among our other cases to see if we can find any promising leads.”

“Good call, Zeb.”

Djurle's heart skipped a beat.

That accent…

He turned around and looked back at the group. Sitting before him among the new arrivals on a white bellied almond brown horse, the spitting image of a younger Yorlan.

Clad in the same bronze armor as the other guardsmen, a well maintained, thick, square beard colored red in the sunlight was on his face. He had brown hair that was pressed to one side from wearing a helmet, an athletic build, and the eyes… Djurle remembered those blue-gray eyes more than anything else from Lynetta. The beard made the man look older but he still had a youthful vigor to him, suggesting his age would also be accurate to how old Yorlan’s kid was supposed to be.

No…. No. It can't be him. I have to be seeing things. It's a trick. A lie.

He rubbed His eyes, completely ignoring Whatever else was being said. When he was done he looked back to see that the guard was still there.

But… But he's… Why does he… How does…. How!?

The world faded around him, all that remained was the man sitting before him, and his old boss's voice ringing with the promise he'd agreed to over nine winters ago.

Find my kid Djurle… Find my son!

This is The Spirit of Fire!? Why the f^@% does he look human!?

Visiting Hours

Eira and Galilahi approached the doors of the garrison at about the fourth hour. Before they could enter, Galilahi grabbed Eira's arm and stopped.

"Do you really think we need to open up a prison outreach too?" Galilahi asked. "There's thousands of refugees out in that camp that need help, we're only scratching the surface of who's out there. We don't have-"

"You're thinking too small. If we can find out what's causing them to become so aggressive, we can meet the refugees needs more directly AND prevent criminals from becoming criminals in the first place. It makes the guard's job easier, and makes us more efficient. Two for one!"

"We know why already Chamile, they're desperate and out of food."

"That's why we think they're doing it, and I think it doesn't hurt to see if there's more to their story. We might find some common connections we haven't seen before."

And it'll give me the chance to speak to Kish.

Galilahi crossed her arms as she considered Eira's words, the shoulders of her padded vest popped up as she did.

"I'm still not sure about this... but if you think it'll help, I'm willing to try."

"That's the Gali I know!"

Eira turned back to the door and went inside beaming, Galilahi close behind. 

She entered into the main lobby as about eight guards came through a set of double-doors leading out to what appeared to be a courtyard opposite the main entrance. Left of her was a desk situated behind a bronze barred wall, something Eira hoped was unique to this room, and sitting at it was another guard in the same standard lamellar, his helmet sitting at the corner of the desk he sat at.

He looked up at the two women as they entered and said, "How can I help you today?"

You can let my teammate go, maybe make this easy for me.

Shut up me, play nice for now. Remember, BIG smile.

"Hi! I'm Chamile Fern, founder of the giving cart outreach, this is my team lead Galilahi."

Galilahi waved. The guardsman grinned and nodded to her.

Eira continued, "we're looking to expand our outreach to include those who've been put in prison."

The guardsman's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Why? They're criminals receiving just punishment, just as The Maker intended."

"The Maker also values mercy if you recall, and there's no better opportunity to show mercy than to go to the prisons and teach them a better way," Galilahi countered. "After all, they'll never become functioning citizens if nobody shows them what that means."

Eira admired how quickly Galilahi was able to put her own feelings on the shelf for the outreach, but she found it difficult to not cringe at the mention of The Maker. Religion was, to Eira, only necessary to trick the more gullible into helping her on her missions, and how anyone could take such mysticism seriously baffled her.

She couldn't deny it's effectiveness, however.

The guard sighed. "What will this outreach entail?"

Eira and Galilahi took

Momma's Necklace

“You got all that Tecovis?”

“Sure do. Just take care of my squad for me, I only have the one.”

Zeb grinned at him. “Don't worry, they'll all make it back in one piece.

“They'd better. Riff is angry enough normally, I can't afford to tick him off when he's tired like he has been. And Slide, keep your mouth shut. I can tolerate your antics but Zeb'll rip you to shreds if you try anything on him.”

“Speaking from experience, I take it?”

“I did live with him for the last 8 summers, so what do you think?”

“Alright, I'll be good.”

Pan scoffed, “That'll be the day.”

Slide feigned offense, placing his hand over his chest with an exaggerated gasp, “Whatever is that supposed to mean?”

“Take a guess cottenbrain!”

“Alright!” Zeb interjected, “enough of that. We have work to do. Come on, let's get these poachers put away for good.”

Tecovis looked over to the man called Djurle. Sitting on a dappled gray horse, He was wearing an open leather vest, and some bog-standard riding pants. Under the vest was bare chest, or what would be bare chest if it weren't covered in what appeared to be gravel that shifted with his subtle movements. The gravel also extended to his shoulders, A bit up his neck at the sides, and all the way down his arms. There were patches of bare skin on the underside of his arms that nearly matched his own skintone, and based on where it stopped on the back of his Whiteknuckled hands, he suspected His palms were bare of stone too. He had salt and pepper gray hair, and hazel, almost green,  eyes which glared holes into Tecovis.

Tecovis rode over to him and offered his hand to the stone-skinned man.

“Hi, I'm recruit Tecovis Shavar.”

“Hhhii.”

Djurle slowly reached up and took it. His handshake was strong and firm, but shaky, and he could tell by the calluses that this Djurle was a hard laborer.

“You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.”

The man didn't respond. Something was off about him. The way he stared Tecovis down creeped him out. His training made it easy to hide this from the stranger, but the other recruits were also trained to spot subtle cues and could all see his discomfort. Even Dense made a face.

Zeb called out “don't fall behind, we've got places to be.”

“We're coming, Lieutenant!”

“Yeah…”

This is the Spirit of the Elements that Zeb worked with? He didn't mention how weird he acted. But if he's a good tracker, I'll take what I can get.

He and the strange man followed at the back of the pack. Tecovis would occasionally look over his shoulder to the man behind him, only to be met with increasingly discomforting glares

“So... Djurle. Where are you from?”

“Uh... Sorry, I didn't catch that, what did you say?”

“I asked where you were from.”

“Oh, uh, I'm from Talvash.”

“Talvash? Wow, Long way from home.”

“A little bit.”

That's close to Erith as the crow flies… I wonder if he knows what happened to it…

“What do you do for a living?”

He didn't respond. 

“Djurle?”

“Huh? Oh sorry, I… I was a mining Foreman.”

“Really? What did you mine?”

Djurle was silent again.

Tecovis's lips twisted with frustration.

Maker, what is this guy's deal? He's done nothing but stare at me since we met. I need to figure out what's got him like this, there's no way Zeb wouldn't have said something about his behavior. 

“Lieutenant Zebulon says you helped him at the riverbank north of here. Thanks for that, he had a bucket full of compliments when it came to your skills.”

“Well, I'm… glad I could assist.”

Tecovis continued to ride and ponder Djurle's behavior. Then a sense of dread overshadowed Tecovis's mind, for a terrible possibility occurred to him. A mixture of fear and hate bubbled from within along side this thought, causing his hands to shake, though he pressed his hands against Sandalwood's saddle to hide it.

Focus. Maintain casual conversation, can't get him to talk if he doesn't trust me.

Tecovis cleared his throat to help him focus. “What exactly can you do? I mean, Zeb told me you're a Spirit of the Elements, and I heard that you can turn a rock to sand. But you can only get so much second-hand.”

“Uhh…”

His voice trailed off. 

C'mon, work with me here, WORK WITH ME! Give me SOMETHING! Maybe I go Direct? No, not with civilians nearby. If I'm right, things might get messy.

Djurle looked down to the back of his horse's mane and shook his head as his eyes glazed over with seeming confusion. 

Crap, I lost him. 

Tecovis looked forward to the rest of the group as he began to think through conversation strategies. 

They were coming up to where he had taken statements the previous day, and he noticed many familiar faces.

“Bravo leader, get up here.”

“On the way!” 

I need to be sure.

Tecovis nudged Sandalwood into a trot to catch up to Zeb.

“Teco, can-”

“On it.”

A plan began to formulate on how to deal with Djurle as he thought about how to distribute everyone. He started with the most promising cases. Charlie and Delta squad were both split in two, one group from each squad was assigned to a river case, and the other two pairs were assigned to cases within the camp itself. Before he sent them off however, he made sure that they stayed nearby. He saved the Bravo squad for last because he needed them for the plan he was building to work. 

“Bravo squad, form up. You too Zeb.”

Zeb's eyebrow raised and he nudged his horse over. Djurle sat a bit away. He was occupied with his thoughts so he wasn't paying attention.

“Something is off about your friend Zeb. He's been eyeballing me since we met, and I can't hold a conversation with him.”

With sarcastic flair, Slide replied “Maybe you're just boring him.”

“Hey, be serious. We don't have time to waste on empty words. To put it bluntly, I don't trust him, and I can't work with someone I can't trust.”

Rox asked, “What are you proposing?”

“I have a sneaking suspicion about him that I need to confirm. Slide, Pan, you two go find a place we can question him outside the camp. Rox, Zeb, you two stay with me in case he gets violent.”

“Hold on, Violent? Teco, are you sure you're talking about Djurle? Based on what YOU told us, he's been nothing but helpful to us since he got here.”

“And why do you think that is?”

Rox turned away to ponder, Zeb too began to stroke his beard as he thought about it for a bit.

“He says he's operating on his own authority. Nobody does what he's doing without loyalty to someone or some cause, not like this. We don't know where his loyalties lay.”

“And consider that diplomat from Stogh who was talking with the Buruzagi. He said he knew him before, it's possible he knows him a little more than he let on.”

Pan’s face turned grim. “You're saying he could be a spy.”

Slide asked, “What's keeping us from questioning him here?”

Rox answered, “Too many people. If he gets violent like Teco suspects, innocent lives could get caught in the middle.”

“Can't have that. Alright, let's go, Pan.”

“I made sure the others stayed nearby out of sight. Find them, and have them set a perimeter around wherever you end up. Clear the area of any refugees you can if they happen to be around, while Rox, Zeb, and I keep him occupied.”

“You got it boss.”

“Come back and tell me when you have a place. I'll be watching for you.”

Once Pan and Slide were out of earshot, Tecovis turned back to Rox and Zeb.

Before Tecovis could speak, Zeb said "Teco, this is a serious change of demeanor from yesterday."

“You're right Zeb, it is, and I need you both to listen. Him being a spy is not the real reason I think he's here.”

Rox gave a quizzical look, “Then what exactly are you doing all this for?”

“I think he's one of the bandits that destroyed Erith.”

Zeb's brow furrowed, “Your hometown? Do you recognize him?”

“No, but he clearly recognized me.”

They were silent for a moment as Tecovis's accusation sank in. Breaking the silence, Rox patted Tecovis's shoulder. “Don't worry, we'll cover you no matter what happens.”

“Agreed.”

“Thank You, both of you. And thank you again for helping me move past it.”

“Let's save the sentiment for after the situation at hand.”

“Yes Lieutenant.”

The three remaining guardsmen looked over to Djurle. He was still distracted, but his face had gone from confusion to determination. Zeb and Rox went first, riding between Djurle And Tecovis. 

Djurle nodded to himself, sat up straight in his saddle, and looked to Zebulon. 

“Is everyone assigned to their cases yet?”

“They are. We have three groups at the river looking for more signs of the poachers, and two more in the camp.”

“Good. I'm eager to get back to work on the Karliah case.”

“Actually, we could use your help on another one. Your powers over the earth and deductive reasoning may prove useful for gathering evidence for a more troublesome scene.”

“Alright then, where are we headed?

“Before we go, I'm a bit famished. Would you care for some jerky, or some nuts?”

“I'd love some nuts, I've had way too much jerky the past three months.”

Zeb reached into his bag for his rations as Rox chuckled. “There's no such thing as too much jerky.”

“Trust me, you start to crave other things on the road when you only have one thing to eat.”

“What stopped you from hunting or gathering while traveling?”

“The last thing I want is for some uppity know-it-all city dweller to accuse me of poaching or stealing from the fields near the road. All I had to eat was what I could buy, and there's not many who sell to my kind in this direction.”

Zeb offered a small pouch of pre-cracked pecans over to Djurle. He grabbed the pouch and snacked happily from it as Zeb pulled out some other provisions to snack on. Rox Would do the same from his bag.

Tecovis's nerves were too on edge for him to eat anything so he refrained from grabbing his own, prefering to watch for any of the guardsmen coming back.

After a few minutes of snacking, Djurle asked the group, “How long have you all been guards?”

Zeb answered first. “I've been doing this for 28 years. My family owns a large farm in the area, and the period of time I enlisted was rather tumultuous. I wanted to learn how to fight so I could protect my home.”

“I'm not familiar with local history, what do you mean by ‘Tumultuous’?”

“We refer to it as ‘The Stricken Raids’.”

“The Strick-? Oh… Well that explains a few things about your Jaunari's policy.”

“It was a long time ago. The ones responsible are dead, only the memories remain.”

“I'm sorry that happened.”

“You have no reason to apologize for the actions of others, your actions are all that you should concern yourself with. They made their choice. I choose to be better.”

“Very noble. What about you?”

Rox quickly swallowed the bit of jerky He was gnawing on before speaking.

“Me? I've only just finished training, same as Bravo leader.”

Tecovis, not wanting to be talked about, couldn't help but glare at Rox. After a short second they made eye contact and Rox's face went red as he realized his error.

Zeb cleared his throat to get Djurle's attention off of the other two. “Recruits they may be, but you can rest assured that they possess more than enough endurance to handle whatever is thrown their way.”

A glimmer caught Tecovis's eye. He looked towards it to see Pan signaling directions to him from among the tents.

North out of camp, east at rock two, under a distant Tree. Perimeter secure. Charlie and Delta stationed at nearby hill

Once he was sure he understood, he signaled back with a nod disguised as a full stretch. Rox and Zeb caught Tecovis's response, and Djurle seemed none the wiser. Tecovis put his helmet back on.

Zeb said, “That should hold me over for now. Are you three ready?”

All three uttered their confirmation.

“Good, let's be off then. Bravo leader, if you would.”

Tecovis's grip tightened on his reins and he feigned a smile.

“With pleasure Lieutenant.”

All four of the men then wheeled their horses around as Tecovis led them out of the camp. Keeping his pace at a slow trot hoping to give Pan and the guards time to settle in hiding, he followed the directions he'd been given to the letter heading north out of the camp until they passed the second of the large boulders that littered this section of the plains. He then turned east away from the river. He could see the tree that Pan had signaled for.

“Up there at the tree, that's the scene.”

From behind him Zeb's voice called out, “Understood. Let's leave our horses here so they can graze without disturbing our search.”

And keep Djurle from fleeing Quickly.

“Good call.” Tecovis got Down from his horse

Djurle spoke up, “Wait, can't we go closer? I'm Sure the crime scene isn't that big.”

Rox replied to him, “What's the matter, can't walk for five minutes?”

Rox and Zeb also dismounted from their horses.

“No, just… why walk when you can ride?”

“I'll carry you if your feet get sore. C'mon, let's go.”

Djurle sighed. “Alright, fine.” He dismounted his dappled gray horse and followed after the three guardsmen.

Zebulon said to Djurle, "Do be careful, snakes have been known to hide in the grasses"

Djurle nodded.

Along the walk, Tecovis and Rox both trailed a bit behind Djurle as Zeb took the lead. 

Tecovis could feel sweat dampening His palms, he looked over to Rox to see his jaw had set with grim determination. Training was one thing, but this was real and they both knew it. They did what they could to keep their breathing measured. Tecovis swallowed nervously.

I don't understand how Zeb's able to stay so calm in this situation. We could die today. I could die. I could kill again.

His hands clenched tight enough to make the his leather gloves squeak.

I need to relax. I knew I'd be in situations like this even before I signed up. Just keep breathing. Keep it steady. In through the nose, out through the mouth, just like you were taught. Don't lose your nerve.

His jaw clenched tighter than his fist, he felt as if he might crack his molars from the force.

Steady.

They continued closer to the tree. Djurle put his hands in his vest pockets.

Steady…

Rox cracked his neck.

Don't lose your nerve. Don't lose your nerve.

Zeb kept his pace even and measured.

Keep it together…

Rox and Tecovis fell into lock step. The united steps brought strange comfort to Tecovis.

Almost there…

The shade from the tree blocked the sunlight from blinding Tecovis. Zeb stopped.

“That's far enough.”

The combined ring of two swords being drawn from their sheaths sounded as both Rox and Tecovis aimed their blades at Djurle.

Djurle spun around to face the guardsmen as he realized what was happening.

“We need to have a little chat, ‘Spirit of the Earth’.”

Zeb drew His own sword as he turned to face Djurle. 

Djurle looked at Tecovis with bewilderment, followed by Rox, and finally Zeb. 

The sound of ten galloping horses came from over a hill as Slide, Pan, and the other two squads rode over, swords in hand. They made a ring around the three guardsmen and the Spirit of the Earth.

“It's best that you don't try anything. We have you surrounded, you're outnumbered and outmatched.”

“I'm not so sure about that last part…”

His hands closed into fists as he continued to look at the new arrivals. 

“... I surrender.”

He opened his hands and raised them for all to see.

Zeb grinned.

“Good. I'm going to ask you some questions. Consider your words very carefully. If you try to run, we will kill you. If you try to fight, we will kill you. If I find your answers unsatisfactory, I will run you through myself. Have I made myself clear?”

Djurle frowned and his brow furrowed. 

“Yes.”

“That's the spirit. First question. What is Your name?”

“Djurle Iranu.”

“Where are you from?”

“I was born in Talvash, but I moved to Erith at age 20 for work.”

What? I should recognize him if he lived in Erith. He has to be lying.

“What did you do for work?”

“I worked in a copper mine as both a forman and planner. My Maker given abilities helped me move dirt and rock easily, so it seemed like a logical line of work.

Tecovis couldn't help himself. “Who owned the copper mine?

Djurle turned to face him. From over his shoulder, Zeb looked at Tecovis with a strange combination of annoyance and understanding. 

“Your Father and Mother, Yorlan and Lynetta Shavar.”

He knows their names!? He knows me!? How!? Blast it all, maybe he's not lying.

Zeb asked the next question.

“Nine winters ago the village of Erith Was destroyed.”

“I'm aware.”

“DON'T interrupt me.”

Djurle closed his lips and glared at Zeb.

“As I was saying. Nine winters ago Erith was destroyed. Someone of your supposed skill should have been able to prevent, or mitigate it. Why didn't you?”

“I wasn't there when the bandits raided it.”

“Where were you at that time?”

“There was a drought going on in the areas of Casperdain, Zindro, and the lands in between. It was causing a famine. I left Erith during the planting season before it was destroyed to help farmers in the affected area irrigate their crops, and later harvest them. Like I said, I can move dirt easily. Irrigation paths aren't much effort.”

“Why are you on this side of The Plains of Greater Higlain?”

Djurle looked over to Tecovis. Tecovis shifted in place and made sure his sword was ready to strike.

“Two reasons. The one you're familiar with, hunting poachers, and the other is the reason I discovered them.”

“Which is?”

Djurle turned back to look at Zeb.

“After his wife was murdered and Erith was destroyed, I was tasked by Yorlan Shavar to find his son by any means necessary.”

AFTER!? MY DAD'S SURVIVED!? Nononononononononoitcan’tbetrue! It can't be true, I thought…

Tecovis fought back tears as memories swept over him. His voice cracking, he shouted. “That's impossible! Everything and everyone was destroyed that day!”

Djurle looked at Tecovis with sorrow.

“You're wrong. Only the bandits were killed. Everyone else who was alive when y-”

Djurle's words seemed to get caught in his throat. He swallowed them before he looked around to the other guardsmen, surveying them for a moment, and refocusing on Tecovis. 

“... Everyone who was alive when the Spirit of Fire showed up survived that day. Everyone. At least, according to Yorlan.”

Zeb’s eyes widened. Rox looked over to Tecovis, a hint of concern flashed across his face.

I need to be sure. I need to know. Ineedtoknow!

“IS HE ALIVE!?”

Djurle's Face softened. “Your father was in perfect health when I left Zindro three months ago.”

Coco, give this to your mother…

Papa…!

Doubt still tickled at Tecovis's mind.

Smoke…

Tecovis uttered an animalistic growl.

I need proof…

With bitter, guttural undertones he practically spat the words.

“Prove it. Prove he sent you.”

Djurle's chin raised to match his hands.

“May I pull something from my pocket Lieutenant Zebulon?”

“I'll do it. You stay put.”

“Alright. Left Side, inside my vest. It's the only Thing in there. I won't budge.”

“Recruit Rox.”

Djurle's eyes went wide as Rox's sword tip came straight to his gullet, he otherwise stayed Perfectly still.

Zebulon slowly crept up to Djurle. Once he was sure that Djurle would keep his word, he cautiously reached his hand into the aforementioned pocket. When it pulled away, a golden necklace with a bright garnet pendant came with it.

That's… Momma's favorite necklace… Papa wouldn't let that go…

Before Tecovis could speak again, Djurle said “Your father gave it to me to show you, just in case. He said you're stubborn like Lynetta was. I can safely say I believe him now.”

Pain…

Coco, run!

Tecovis's sword clattered to the ground.

Burning…

He took two steps back. Waves of suppressed memories flooded back from his long destroyed home, both pleasant and…

Momma…!?

He fell to his knees, no longer able to stand.

MOMMA…!

He clutched his chest and began to breathe heavily as he struggled to hold back his grief.

Fury…

“Teco!” Zeb rushed to Tecovis's side. Djurle also motioned towards him, but Rox stopped him in his tracks.

“Not so fast!”

Djurle backed off a few paces. Dense and Slide both dismounted from their horses and surrounded him in place of Zeb and Tecovis.

In between his heaving breaths, Tecovis struggled to say “Zeb… Zeb get me… out of this…” Tecovis struggled to reach the straps on his breastplate. Zeb quickly unbuckled them, and as soon as he felt it loosen, Tecovis grabbed and threw it away from him into the grass. After It was off, he could no longer hold back the tears and broke down into loud sobbing. His sadness could be heard across the plains. Bawling, sorrowfully wailing, uncontrollably lamenting. He grabbed the necklace out of Zeb's hand and pressed it to his heart.

Zeb pulled him into his arms to comfort him like he did many times over the early years of knowing him. He hadn't felt this grief in a long time. 

Momma… I miss you so much… I'm sorry I… I thought I grew up… I thought I was stronger than this…

Tecovis Heard Zeb speak, the deep notes of his voice amplified in Tecovis's ears through Zeb's chest.

“Stow your swords, men! We're done.”

The sound of nearly A dozen swords sheathing filled the air, briefly masking the choking sobs from Tecovis.

“I've got you Teco. I've got you.”

It would be another few minutes before Tecovis could get himself under control. As he was calming down, he wished he'd had one of his handkerchief's on him. He looked around to regather his bearings, Djurle was leaning against the tree with his eyes averted to the ground. Charlie and Delta squads had grouped up away from him, Bravo squad however sat next to him. He looked at Rox.

“Rox… can you… can you get our horses? I left my handkerchiefs in the saddlebags.”

“Sure thing boss.” He stood up and looked over to the tree. “Djurle! We're getting our horses.”

Slide got up. “I can carry you back, save you a bit of walking.”

“Thanks.”

Zeb motioned To Pan, “You take Djurle since Slide has Rox.”

Pan said “Yes sir” through gritted teeth and he stood as well. The four men mounted up on Pan and Slide's horses before heading back in the direction of the river.

As the sound of trotting horses faded into the distance behind him, Tecovis continued to clutch the necklace in a death grip, parts of the golden chain hung loosely from his white knuckled fist.

Zeb let Tecovis go and maneuvered himself to be sitting in Tecovis's field of view. Tecovis rolled back off of his knees to sit in the grass.

“You never mentioned a Spirit of the Element's being involved.”

“A lot happened that day… I was only a kid.”

“Do you know what happened to him?”

“...he left when it was all over.”

Tecovis hoped that would be a satisfactory answer for Zeb. He wasn't sure he'd convinced him, but Zeb didn't press him any more on the subject.

Tecovis heard Dense and another member of Delta squad having a discussion. It was starting to get heated but Tecovis couldn't make out the words. He watched as Dense pointed at him before getting in the face of the squadmate. He clearly was upset about something, he'd been on the receiving end of that treatment from him more than once during training. The Delta squad member backed off and Dense came down from his horse. He walked over to Tecovis with purpose and a somber look.

“Tecovis.”

“Dionis.”

Dense offered Tecovis a fresh handkerchief. He then released a sigh.

“I'm sorry. I didn’t know.”

Tecovis took ahold of the handkerchief with his other hand

“I don't talk about it. How could you have known?”

Dense clenched his jaw and squeezed his eyes shut. After a moment's pause, he knelt down and locked eyes again with Tecovis.

“That doesn't excuse me. I should have been better.”

“Apologizing already makes you better. My mother told me a long time ago that a real apology is proof of empathy, and empathy is worth more than silver.”

“I'll keep that in mind.”

“It would also help you on the job if you didn't have to be prompted by circumstance to feel it”

Dionis grinned and stood up. “Alright, I get it, I can be an a%^. I'm not that stupid.”

Zeb interjected, “Watch your mouth Mench. We're better than that.”

“Sorry, sorry. Old habits.”

Tecovis chuckled a bit and then sighed heavily before wiping his face.

“Maker… I need a nap.”

Dionis raised an eyebrow. “It's not even the sixth hour and you're already tired?”

“Emotionally, yeah. But I can work.”

Zeb asked, “Are you sure? I'm not going to make you stay if you need to take the day.”

“I'll make it Zeb. I just need to clean up... Where's my breastplate?”

“It's over there in the grass. Dionis?”

“I've got it Lieutenant.”

Dionis Walked off a bit south of the tree they were by and returned holding Tecovis's bronze chest piece. Tecovis put his mothers necklace around his head and stuffed the pendant under his gambeson.

Papa… if you're really alive… Then once I've helped the refugees reunite with their families, it's probably time we do some reuniting too.

He donned his breastplate, and began to think about what he was going to say to his father when or if he saw him next. As he adjusted the final strap however, the clear blue skies rattled with thunder.

Riverbed Rumble

“Get down!” Djurle shouted as he pulled both the guardsman known as Pan and himself down from the horse they were riding on. He softened the ground beneath them to ease the impact but the wind was Still knocked out of him.

Lightning arced across the sky a second time as the now riderless horses fled away from the riverbank. He felt the impacts of the other two guardsmen and with a single motion he erected an earthen dome over all four of themselves.

Guardsman Pan wheezed, “What the shrike was that!?”

Djurle replied as he sat up, softened dirt stuck in the crevices of his rocky skin, “Not what, who, and he's bad news. I'm not happy to see him again, but I'm glad he's still a show off.”

“You know him?”

“I thought I killed him.”

Guardsman Slide groaned as he sat up, “clearly it didn't take.”

Djurle began to pull his shoes off so he didn't have to lay down to feel the dirt. As he finished, he could feel roots and shoots of grass beginning to grow rapidly from the walls of the dome.

“S&#&! Klovenites! Don't touch the plants!”

“What plaaaaAAAH-”

Djurle smashed his fist into the ground and pushed the dirt ten feet deeper, the other three all shouted at the sudden drop, while Djurle pushed himself to his standing height.

Guardsman Rox yelled, “Hey, warn us next time you do that!”

“I'm about to do that a lot, so get used to it quick.” He pulled out a small pouch from his vest and opened it up. While it was too dark to see, he could feel the crystal in the pouch, and with a snort, he spat into the bag and retightened it. After a moment, light began to emanate from the crystal. The thin leather filtered the light and kept it from blinding everyone, but it was certainly still enough to see by.

“Hold this.” He tossed the bag to Pan, who jumbled it a bit as he caught it.

“What in- Did you spit in this?”

“Emeninte is one versatile material.”

“That's disgusting.”

“I agree, but it works. If we don't find a good place to put a vent, we'll only be able to stay down here a few minutes before the air turns bad, so don't breathe too hard.”

“How did you get something that expensive, and what do you me-” Rox was cut off by the sound of thunder. Djurle felt his feet tingle.

“Later! We need to move. Follow me.” Djurle began to move the dirt bubble through the ground in an effort to avoid getting attacked from above, shifting the dirt behind them to prevent a collapse.

Slide muttered, “Don't exactly have much choice there do we?”

Rox asked, “What's the plan?”

“I can't feel them, which means they must be in the river somewhere. I won't be able to get them until I know where they are.”

“Well, we can't exactly help with spotting down here.”

They all paused to think. Thunder continued to rumble above. Djurle could suddenly feel the approach of eight horses and fear struck his heart as he realized the guardsmen that were still topside had no idea what they were dealing with. He pressed against the earth and summoned a wall in front of them, hoping to deter the incoming guardsmen, and he also made sure to solidify it to protect them from the incoming attacks they'd no doubt face.

“Your friends are here,” Djurle exclaimed.

Slide spoke up, “Maybe they can help us?”

Rox asked, “how?”

Djurle interrupted, “we need to get them down here, out of harm's way.”

Pan suggested, “maybe we can do both… why don't we build them a maze?”

Rox and slide both lit up with smiles and Djurle just stared at them all, confused.

“We don't have time for games, we need serious plans.”

“I was being serious.”

“How the &*!^ is a maze supposed to…”

Slide's smile turned extra smug as Djurle began to answer his own question in his mind. “I think he gets it boys.”

Djurle shook his head and grinned. “The benefits of youthful creativity never ceases to amaze me. But we'll need to get deeper, far beneath the roots.”

“Then deeper we go.”

He began to go deeper while simultaneously carving out a winding path behind them to get everyone else underground. Before the path opened, however, Djurle could feel four of the horses stomping as they started to run around his barrier. 

No! Stay put!

He tried to put up another barrier but it was too late, thunder rolled again as the lead horse cleared the side. It vanished from his senses for almost a second, followed by two separate impacts. The other three horses skidded to a stop. There was no hint of movement from where the impacts came from.

Ah &*@^ ^*”# *:@& it STAY PUT!

He got the path between his group and the surface group open near their feet, and he felt his ears pop as fresh air rushed into his tunnel.

“Which one of you is fastest!?”

Guardsman Pan responded, slightly startled by his sudden change of tone, “I am!”

“Go get your buddies, I'll make the branches behind you on your way back!”

He hesitated for a moment before guardsman Slide pushed him down the open path, shouting “Move it Pan, GO!”

Guardsman Pan went into a full sprint down the tunnel, and Djurle began to plan his pathways.

Just like old times.

Even in the total darkness, He could feel it when Pan reached the end of the tunnel, he could feel the impacts of the guardsmen's feet as they dismounted their horses, and as they made their way inside. With every step they took on the return trip, he opened up branching dead end pathways to confuse anyone who might try to follow, even though he knew they wouldn't try while he was hiding here with the group.

Guardsman Pan came around the corner first, followed shortly after by Lieutenant Zebulon, {charlie leader}, and Tecovis, then the rest. All of the group appeared shaken, though Djurle noted that Tecovis and Zebulon seemed to be handling it better than the rest.

Guardsman Dionis wasn't with them.

&*!:$.

Zebulon, through gritted teeth, asked “Djurle. What's the plan?”

One of Charlie Squads members got flustered. “What do you mean ‘what's the plan’!? Lieutenant, we can't fight those… Things!”

Zebulon immediately snapped to face him and grabbed him by what little collar was peaking out of his breastplate.

“You listen here! I will not tolerate any doubt from you, your doubt is dissent, and I will NOT HAVE dissent amongst my men! You saw what happened when you don't listen, AND IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN! UNDERSTOOD!!??”

He stared at the Lieutenant with his mouth agape. 

Slide's brow furrowed under his helmet.

When the recruit didn't answer, Zebulon pushed him against the wall. “ANSWER ME RECRUIT!!!”

“Yes sir! I understand.”

“Good! Now. Djurle, what are we dealing with, and what are our options?”

Djurle wordlessly made an indentation into the ground with his powers, the shape of it matched to scale with the labyrinth he was building, and included paths He was still making while he was talking.

“Here's what you're working with right now. I'm making it bigger before I leave. Did you see how many of the poachers were floating on the river, or what they were floating on?”

“Six, and no.”

One of Delta squad spoke up, “Wait, you're leaving us?”

“Their leader has a bone to pick with me, and someone has to keep him occupied.”

Rox's eyes went wide, “You're going to let yourself get captured!? That's insane!”

“I can't take them all alone, and they won't come down here while they know I'm helping you. If they think they have me, they'll get bold.”

Zebulon nodded, “Then we can take advantage of their overconfidence.”

The doubting guardsman started to shake his head. “Their overconfidence? What about-”

Zebulon interjected “Don't you DARE finish that sentence recruit! We will succeed, because THAT is what we are trained to do. We are the Protectors of Thruf, and protect this city we shall.”

Tecovis Looked at Djurle, then with a heavy sigh he said, “Zeb's right. We can't let this city get destroyed because of our fear. Splitting them up from their leader is a sound strategy. Once they're inside we can split them up even further, and when they're divided, they can be conquered. Is this map accurate?”

“It better be, I'm making the big one too.”

“Alright then, do what you need to. The rest of us need to come up with a proper plan.”

The guardsmen began to come up with a strategy as Djurle continued to work on the maze. Djurle would also interject his own suggestions from his experiences dealing with the different poacher types. All new paths he introduced appeared on his map, and a few suggestions made by the guardsmen, such as concealed pit-traps, were built into the greater work. Djurle solidified the walls, ceiling, and floors to prevent rapid plant growth from breaking through them, as he could feel the roots shooting through the dirt like grasping tendrils seeking to devour them. 

Sweat was beginning to drip down Djurle's sides under his vest as they finished their plan. With carefully measured breaths he said, “Alright… It's time.”

{charlie leader} replied, “Thank you, Spirit of Earth, we appreciate all you're doing.”

Djurle began to walk down one of the corridors towards the river. As he was about to round the first corner, he stopped and looked back to Tecovis.

With a grin, he said, “Coco.”

Tecovis's jaw set.

“If I don't make it back, you can keep my geode light. And… tell your father I kept my promise to him.”

“You can tell him yourself. Now go.”

Djurle set off at a jog down the twisting halls he had created, his physical stamina unhindered by his efforts on the maze. At the end of the hall, he stopped to catch his breath. Then he stomped his foot to get a good feel for the surface above him.

The boulder they had passed on their way to the tree caught Djurle's attention again.

Still no movement on the ground. It’s definitely Fusil up there. None of the other Sons of Thunder-Fist know me well enough to think of that.

Djurle took a deep breath to prepare for an assault before he created his path to the surface. As the dirt began to shift the roots from the grass began to shoot out towards the motion. Djurle solidified the walls to cut them off and ran up the open path. With explosive force, Djurle breached the surface and once there, he looked towards the river. Floating on a raft of vine-bound pecan trees stood a group of five, two klovenites with their tree bark armored skin accentuated by whatever enhanced their powers, two lumanites who's normally translucent skin glowed with power from within, and the Man he loathed to see most of all. 

Fusil, the youngest of the Sons of Thunderfist. His shock white hair, piercing blue eyes, and copper toned skin had previously been permanently etched into his memory, his wooden legs which started halfway down his shins, however, were a new sight to Djurle, along with a jagged scar across his left cheek.

“FUSIL!”

Djurle focused his mind towards the large boulder and sent it hurtling towards the raft. From the ground below, two massive trees grew to stop it in the middle of its arc. Djurle, anticipating this, caused it to shatter in the air which sent thousands of pieces of shrapnel raining towards the poachers.

No piece would hit its mark however, as lightning shot from Fusil's palms towards the stone shower incinerating each piece before any damage was dealt.

“There he is! Catch that stone faced coward!”

Djurle erected a wall from the earth as another bolt of lightning Shot towards him, the thunder causing his ears to ring. Djurle then smashed the ground beneath him to lob two more chunks of earth through the air. The two trees grew rapidly to intercept one of them, the other clipped the raft, shifting it to one side. As they were distracted with the chunks, he peeked around to gauge the distance between him and the raft. 

I have you now!

With a forceful motion, Djurle created a pillar beneath the river And speared the raft from below. He watched as the raft split In two and was thrown a dozen feet in the air. Grasping vines from the raft caught the Klovenites and the lumanites then attached themselves to the trees. Fusil stopped mid fall as sparks flew from his body. One other that he hadn't seen initially also caught his eye as they splashed back into the river.

“Is that The best you got, you old pebbly bastard!?

Two more bolts of lightning streaked towards where Djurle was hiding.

“Come on then! Where's that spunk!? You didn't lose it when you dropped a mountain on me, did you!?”

“If you call that a mountain.... maybe you need to Go visit a real one!”

Thunder roared in Djurle's ears as he forced the earth to accelerate him beyond his normal running speed.

&^#*! That ticked him off. 

Djurle pulled a hunk of dirt out of the ground to protect himself from Fusil's attacks as he zipped around to get a good angle on the tree-dwellers who were still recovering from their fall.

“Oh no you don't!”

A stunning bolt of lightning blasted in front of him causing him to recoil from the flash and noise. Though dazed by it, he pressed on.

And then the world went dark.

Not again! I hate Lumanite poachers!

Relying on the rumbling ground to perceive what was around him, he created a solid spike under the earth behind the poachers and launched it at the trees they were in. The violent vibrations of impact shook the trees down to the roots and his vision returned. This helped him aim a second, and a third. 

Without warning, something wrapped around Djurle's leg and tripped him, causing him to tumble and lose his mobile cover. He attempted to erect another dome, but another plant of some kind dragged him out faster than he could make it, and the darkness turned into searing white pain as crackling energy poured into every fiber of his being.

Fusil's voice rang out from the directionless void, “You think I'm just gonna let you harass my charges after all you put us through!? Put ME through!?”

Another burst of energy, more powerful than the last, blasted through Djurle. The pain was so deafening, he couldn't hear if he was screaming. The blood coating his throat made him believe he was. 

During a brief moment when the pain stopped, something that felt like bark wrapped around his wrists and ankles, then what little sense Of direction remained vanished as he was lifted away from the earth.

“Good job you two! Don't let him touch the ground again.”

Many more branches began to wrap around him, embedding him in a cocoon of wood and plant matter. Only his face was exposed.

“Was that it? I thought you said he'd be tough, Fusil.”

“I said he'd be a problem. Stay here with me and keep him Blind. You two, go see what happened to those horsemen Djurle was protecting. Capture them if you can, kill them if they become too much trouble. You, go fetch Arraina out of the river, make sure she's still alive, then get her back to camp.”

As he was speaking, the sound of footsteps through tall grass suggested to Djurle whereabouts he was facing. Sweat had completely dampened his skin, and the restraints certainly weren't helping him in that regard. He could feel it pooling in the crevices of his gravelly armor.

From his left, he heard Fusil speak, a twinge of sadistic sarcasm colored his words.

“Hello Djurle.”

A palm touched his still-exposed forehead and the world flashed again. His body writhed against his restraints, but he was unable to move. When the pain subsided, he could feel warm spots in the wood, and a hint of smoke reached his nostrils as he gasped for air.

“It's so nice to see you again.”

“*&%@ you… Fusil…”

“Oooh that's no way to treat an old friend now, is it?”

“You're right… friends ask about… each other's well being… how's your &^$* legs?”

After a moment's pause, the palm and the pain returned. 

“You think you're so clever, huh!? Your tricks aren't worth the pit to me!”

“Still worth… more than you… you useless pile o-GAAAAAAAAH!!”

“SHUT UP!”

The raw energy coursing through his veins began to burn him from the inside out. He could feel his muscles tearing themselves apart as he involuntarily spasmed against the wooden cocoon.

#^@& this hurts!

I gotta break out of this!

I can't do this!

Yes, I can.

I've been through worse.

I can do this.

I can handle it.

I can handle it.

I've just got to keep him occupied.

Have faith in the guardsmen.

Oh I'm gonna regret this.

“Is… Is that the best you can do?”

“Believe me, this is barely an ounce of what I have planned for you.”

“I've seen… kobolds… that were more… threatening than you…”

“You won't have to worry about seeing anything when we're done.”

“Fusil?”

“Not now.”

“Fusil, if you keep doing this you're going to burn the tree!”

“Maybe I want to see him burn with it!”

“I know he took your legs but-”

“NO! THERE IS NO ‘BUT’! He took my DIGNITY! He scarred me for LIFE! Do you know how long it takes to learn how to walk again on these things!? Do you have ANY IDEA how many MONTHS I spent just learning how to STAND!?”

He felt a hand firmly grasp his face, covering his mouth.

“DO YOU!?”

Before he could think, Djurle felt his entire body shriek as Fusil blasted him again. This time, the pain didn't stop for a few minutes.

When the shocking finally ceased, it took all of Djurle's willpower to keep him from crying. He wasn't going to give Fusil the satisfaction of watching him crack.

But no matter how hard tried, he couldn't get his breathing steady. Even after almost a minute of silence.

“How… Did you even… survive?”

“I don't owe you any explanations, dirt man. I'm only here to watch you squirm. With all the suffering you've caused me, it's only right that you suffer too. Maybe I'll keep electrocuting you. Maybe I'll torture your friends in front of you, since you seem so keen on protecting them. Maybe I'll take your legs like you took mine… or maybe… I'll see if I can't find your wife again.”

Djurle's blood began to boil with rage. Whatever slim chance Djurle had of showing him mercy died in that moment.

“I'm… going to… kill you Fusil…”

“You already tried that, remember? It didn't work.”

“This time… I won't miss…”

“How do you expect to hit me if you don't know where the ground is?”

“You forgot something…”

“Do tell.”

This is going to suck.

Djurle took the deepest breath he could muster.

“...My skin is made of stone too.”

As soon as he'd said it, he forced every point of stone on his skin to sharpen and explode off of him, shattering his wooden bonds off of him entirely.

It was like he'd fileted himself alive.

He hit the ground and immediately knew where Fusil and his lackey were standing. Striking out with the earth Beneath him, he killed The Lumanite who had blinded him, and with his sight restored, he struck out towards the terrified expression of Fusil.

Fusil managed to weasel his way out of the stone spikes intended for his heart, and with a single shockwave, he blasted Djurle back twenty paces.

“DJURLE!”

A voice came from behind Fusil. The voice of Tecovis Shavar.

And I'm not alone.

Djurle used the earth to push himself up from the grass, and when standing he shouted, “GET HIM TECOVIS!”

He saw the armored man, covered in dirt and a single scratch bleeding down his cheek, Rush Fusil and swing his blade towards the poacher’s head. Not wanting to relent, Djurle would charge as well. With his attention divided and his lackey dead, Sparks began to fly from his body and Fusil propelled himself into the air.

Djurle focussed his mind towards the ground once more and began to pull out a chunk to throw when a terrible sensation came over him.

No, NO! NOT NOW!

All of his energy left him, his body froze, his heart went empty. It was like starving, and knowing no amount of food could satisfy the hunger.

All he could do was watch as Fusil flew away.

“Coco, don't just stand there, do something!”

Tecovis snapped to face Djurle, anger and annoyance in his gaze.

“What am I supposed to do Djurle!? I can't just fly after him!”

“You could have stopped him right there!”

“How!? I'm not like you Djurle! I'm only human!”

ONLY HUMAN!?

Tecovis's expression shifted, as if he were only now seeing him for the first time.

“Djurle?”

Another wave of hollowness came over him and his vision began to blur. His knees hit the ground. His hands followed shortly after. Whatever emotion he was feeling then slowly faded into nothing. Unable to feel even fear, a single thought began to loop in his mind.

Maker of the land I tread… Please… Don't let me die today…

An Avalanche of Questions

A sudden realization of what he was looking at gripped Tecovis, and he watched as Djurle collapsed to the ground. His vest and riding pants were completely in tatters, his breathing was ferociously haggard, and blood was pouring from his skin at every spot Tecovis could see.

“Djurle!? Shrike! ROX, GET OVER HERE!”

Rox had just come out from the maze and whipped around to see where Tecovis was. All the armor on his left side was crushed and dented, though he seemed unhampered by the misshapen mess of bronze. He'd ditched his helmet during the fight.

“What's going- oh Maker.”

“ROX! Djurle's hurt! We need to get him to a medic! NOW!”

“No….”

Tecovis looked down to Djurle, who was now laying on his side.

“Boulder…”

“What!?”

“Get me… to… boulder…”

“You're insane!”

Djurle's eyes looked weakly to Tecovis.

“Please… faster… please…”

Rox slid on his knees to a stop next to Djurle, his massive form making Djurle look small. At first he hesitated as he tried to find a good handhold, but he quickly made a decision and pulled him straight over his right shoulder. Tecovis winced as Djurle released a blood curdling scream from the sudden movement. A scream not unlike-

Tecovis shook his head and sharply muttered to himself, interrupting the thought before it had a chance to root.

“Don't Worry Djurle, I've got you.”

Rox wiped his fingers on some exposed fabric near his vambrace and whistled as loud as he could for his horse.

“Please… Boulder… please… fast… er…”

“No, we're taking you to a medic! I don't care how much you cry about it.”

“Teco did he just-”

“Yes, and he's currently in no condition to make sight seeing requests.”

“Wait for a second and think. He's a spirit of the elements, right? Maybe there's a reason he's asking for it.”

“You can't be serious Rox!”

“Look, neither of us understand what he can do, let's assume he knows something we don't.”

“Let's assume nothing and say we did, how about that? His life's on the line here!”

“I know that Teco!”

From Rox's shoulder, Djurle muttered, “Trust… Please… Boul… der…”

“You trust me right Teco?”

“I don't trust him.”

“That's not what I asked. Do you trust me?”

Tecovis looked away from Rox and gnashed his teeth. From behind him, he could hear Rox's horse approaching. Then he took a breath to collect himself and whistled for Sandalwood.

“Fine. But if he dies Rox, I'm having you flogged. I don't care that we're friends outside of this job.”

“Yes sir.”

“I'll be right behind you. Go!”

Rox's horse came to a stop before him and he loaded Djurle, tears streaming down his face, onto it before mounting up himself. The blood splatter on Rox's Armor was sickening to look at, and more continued to drip off the ends of Djurle's Fingertips. Rox prodded his horse to full speed down the river to the first of the boulders they'd passed earlier, as the one that used to be here had vanished without a trace.

From the tunnel, Zebulon raced to the surface, sword in hand, soot covering his bronze shield. He looked around at the destruction and carnage as he was catching his breath. 

When he spotted Tecovis, he began to jog toward him. As he did, he yelled, “Where's Djurle?”

“He's hurt, Rox is taking him to… he's taking him for help.”

“Was Rox alright? That looked like a nasty hit.”

“His armor is crumpled, but it did its job. We'll both be needing new shields though. Did you get that Lumanite?”

“He's blindfolded and hogtied. I left him with Charlie squad.”

“I'm never going to look at pecan trees the same way.”

Zeb stowed his sword and loosened his shield straps. “I know how you feel.”

The sound of hoofbeats in the grass caused Tecovis to turn around. He saw Sandalwood, untouched by the chaos, approaching him at a gallop.

“I'm going after Rox. I want to make sure he's not ambushed on the way back.

“Is that still a concern?”

“I don't know Zeb, that's why I'm going!”

And I need to find out how much he really knows about Erith. About me.

Zeb's jaw muscles flexed and his brow furrowed. Then he wordlessly tossed his shield over to Tecovis. Tecovis caught and equipped it in place of the wooden one that the Klovenite had destroyed. Zeb went back down into the maze as Tecovis stowed his sword and mounted up to leave.

Thank you Zeb.

He pushed Sandalwood as fast as she could go down the riverside in the direction of the camps. In the distance he could see Rox's horse come to a stop next to the first boulder they'd passed. The shape of Rox and Djurle blended together at this distance, but he watched as the form of them went beside the large chunk of stone.

As he was riding closer and closer, the form touched the stone, and the stone seemed to get… smaller?

I must have hit my head pretty hard. There's no way I'm seeing that correctly.

His doubts turned to wonder and his jaw dropped as he saw the form of Djurle beginning to walk on his own two feet. He slowed Sandalwood down to a canter and continued to head his direction. He watched as Djurle walked over to Rox before his legs buckled from underneath him, causing him to stumble forward. Rox quickly moved to catch him and they both moved to the river. Rox was just helping him sit in the water of the riverbank as Tecovis arrived. 

“Did… did I just…”

“I don't believe it Either Teco, and I was standing next to him when he did it.”

The stones that were missing from his skin had been completely restored, and as he was sitting in the water, Tecovis saw the blood washing away to reveal that not a single scratch remained. Djurle turned his head to face Tecovis, there were dark circles under his eyes and the non-stone parts of his face were otherwise paler than they had been.

Weakly, Djurle spoke, “This isn't the first time I've had to do this.”

Tecovis asked, “Can you… do THAT with regular dirt too?

“It depends on the dirt, and not when I'm this drained… It's easiest with pure stone, I would have died trying over there.”

From the water, Djurle looked up to the two of them.

“Don't worry. I'll be fine tomorrow… I just wish we could have gotten that sparky bastard Fusil.”

Rox began to pull off his mangled armor plates.

“I do know we took down one of those poachers because of you.”

“Oh really? Which one?”

“The one who did this, he just about crushed me with a tree,” Rox tossed his left vambrace into the water next to Djurle. Djurle picked it up and inspected it.

“I'm surprised you're moving the way this looks.”

“We're built to last in the city of Thruf. Maybe some of this can be fixed. Not going to wear it any more today though.” Rox continued to peel himself free from the bronze as a breathy chuckle escaped from Djurle and he scooted deeper into the river water. Djurle then leaned back, letting the water carry away the majority of the blood, and scrubbing away what had dried with his fingers.

Rox looked at Tecovis as he was pulling off his mangled breastplate, “We'll have to report this.”

“I know. I'm not looking forward to it.”

“We'll also have to report-”

“I know.”

Rox went silent for a moment as Tecovis slowly stepped down from his horse.

“Teco…” Rox's jaw muscles tensed. “Why did Dense go when Zeb told him to stay?”

“The same reason I beat him in the proving duels. He failed to completely assess the situation because he was rushing to attack. The enemy took advantage of his ignorance and impatience.”

Tecovis looked back towards the battleground, the three new, twisted, and mangled trees in the distance, along with a number of earthy walls and smoke trails.

From the water, Djurle said something that Tecovis didn't immediately hear. Rox responded to him, and he heard Rox's armor clanking together. From the corner of his eye, Tecovis saw him putting his battered armor pieces into his horse's saddlebag, then mount up. Following this, he started heading towards the battleground.

Tecovis raised an eyebrow to him, “Where are you going?”

“You don't need me here. I’m going to make sure Slide and Pan are alright.”

“Fair enough. I'll be back that way once Djurle's ready.”

As Rox’s horse trotted away, Tecovis turned around to see Djurle, who was still in the water up to his neck, staring back at him. The dark circles under his eyes would have made the stare unnerving if Tecovis hadn't been trained to power through intimidation.

Djurle said, “Do you want to start this, or should I?.”

Tecovis jut his jaw forward as he stared back.

“Me it is then. You're clearly Tecovis Shavar. Son of Yorlan and Lynetta Shavar. You look like them, you talk like them, you certainly act like how I'd expect their son to act.”

Djurle sat up, the water dripping in between the crevices of his now clean stone skin.

“But your Father told me some things that aren't adding up with the man I see standing here.”

He stood to his feet, taking his tattered vest off and tossing it to the side. His movements were slow and deliberate, and every shakey step he took up to Tecovis was measured.

Meeting his gaze face to face, Djurle spoke with a hard edge, “So tell me, Spirit of Fire. What the #$%& happened to you?”

“I… Don't know what-”

“DON'T bull&%@# me. Every one of the people of Erith saw the same thing. They saw what you became. Where was that today? Huh!? You could have stopped Fusil, right there! Struck him out of the sky like the wretch he is!”

Tecovis's lips began to curl, and through grit teeth he said, “...Get out of my face.”

“Not until you answer my question, Spirit of Fire.”

Smoke…

“Don't call me that. I'm not him.”

“I may have pretended I didn't know around your bunkmates, but don't think for a SECOND that I believe you when you say that. I know who you are, I know what you're capable of, and I know why it all started. What I don't know is why you're halfway across the world pretending to be something you're not.”

“I don't owe you anything… Now get out… of my face… I won't ask again.”

Djurle raised his chin and carefully backed up two paces. 

“Fine. You're right. You don't. But you do owe your father an explanation.”

My father…

Coco run!

Papa…

Tecovis looked to his saddlebags, the mess of leather that used to be his father's waterskin hung limply from One of the pockets. He sighed.

“How is he?”

“I already told you, he's in perfect health physically.”

“And mentally?”

Djurle's tone softened, and he averted his eyes. “Grief took its toll. But he powered through it because he wanted to be strong for you, when you returned.”

He held out hope this long? Maker what have I done…

“It takes a toll on everyone. What happened to the others from Erith?”

“It's like I said at the tree, everyone who was alive before your rampage survived it.”

He looked back to Tecovis.

“They escaped to the mines when the bandits were all focused on you.”

Pain…

“I told You I'm not-”

“And I told you not to bull%^@* me.”

Tecovis snarled, then shook hisbhead as he sighed. "Fine. You caught me."

“As I was saying, they all fled into the mines once the chaos started. When the noise stopped, your father went looking for you. I came back from dealing with the famine about two days after it happened, and he enlisted me to help.”

Fear…

“...Djurle… I'm sorry I didn't recognize you.”

“Don't be. I'm sure you remember how your mother was.”

“Yeah.”

Tecovis smiled as he remembered the multiple occasions she nagged at Papa when he brought up copper at the dinner table.

“I guess I shouldn't be surprised... You said Papa was in Zindro, what about the rest of them?”

“Some tried to stay and rebuild, but it didn't last. Those who didn't have families in other regions ended up following him to Zindro. I met with a few of the ones in Casperdain before the Krundílites started to invade. I don't know what happened to them when it fell. A lot of them joined the fight when it broke out, some on the front lines. I don't know who you remember or I'd go in specifics with them.”

“What has Papa done since he left Erith? The copper mine was probably the second most important thing to him.”

“Your father sold the land and invested what he could recover from Erith into research for Eminite. Since we were the ones who discovered it, they found his insight invaluable.”

Wait, what do you mean we… THE NEIGHBORS CHICKENS!

“That's where I remember that name!”

“What?”

“Sorry, one of my commanders was asking the Buruzagi to requisition some Eminite for the guardsmen, I haven't heard that name in years so I almost forgot about it.”

“Please tell me he didn't approve of it.”

“No, he said it was too costly.”

“Good. Good… speaking of Eminite, you didn't happen to grab my mineral light did you?”

“No, Pan still has it.”

“I'm going to need that back since I'm not dead.”

“I can take you back to get it, are you strong enough to ride?”

“Yeah, I can manage.”

Djurle tried to walk over to where he'd left his tattered vest, but after the third step he stumbled to his hands and knees.

“Djurle!?” Tecovis ran over to him to help, but Djurle waved him off.

“I'm alright, I'm alright. Just tired.”

“You lost a lot of blood, are you sure you're just tired?”

“No, but that's not gonna stop me from saying it. I've come back from worse.” he turned his head towards Tecovis and attempted to smile, though in his current condition Tecovis thought Djurle simply looked hollow when he tried.

“That's not as reassuring as you think it is.”

“Eh, it was worth a shot.”

Tecovis picked Djurle up and helped him stay steady, and together they grabbed Djurle's vest before going to Sandalwood. Tecovis mounted the horse and offered his hand to Djurle. Djurle resisted Tecovis's Assistance at first, but he eventually relented when he failed to get his leg over the saddle.

“Thanks,” Djurle said grudgingly, as he was getting situated.

Tecovis smiled at him in acknowledgement, and when he did Djurle seemed surprised. 

“Wow, You really are Yorlan’s son. I'd recognize that stupid grin of his anywhere.”

“Hey, my smile is not stupid!”

“I'm just giving you a hard time, don't be such a baby about it.”

“I'll make you walk.”

Sarcastically, Djurle replied “Respect your elders boy.”

Tecovis elbowed Djurle in his rocky abdomen with a *ding* causing both of them to laugh, and they continued to banter on the way back up to the battlegrounds. Their mood quickly turned sour again once they arrived as Delta and Charlie squads both were putting together a litter from the wreckage of the battlefield.

Must be for Dionis.

Their faces were hard, and their voices silent. Zeb was standing with Pan and Rox, his foot resting in the back of the blindfolded, gagged, and shackled Lumanite who himself was flat on the ground.

Slide was nowhere to be seen.

Tecovis caught Zeb's attention and motioned towards the captive. Zeb shook his head. Pan looked up to Tecovis with his arms crossed, he looked worried.

Tecovis asked him, “Where's Slide?”

“He…” Pan's voice cracked. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat before speaking again, “He's over by Dionis.”

From behind him, Tecovis heard Djurle say, “Thank you for the ride. I can help watch this idiot.” and much quieter he said, “go help your man.”

Tecovis muttered back, “Don't have to tell me twice.” He looked over to Rox and said “Help him down.”

Rox walked over with a “Yes sir.”

Djurle began to protest before he was grabbed from behind and pulled off the horse like a parent would a child. Once the two were clear, he wheeled Sandalwood around and began towards the furthest rock wall from the river.

He passed by the devastation and thought to himself, this would have amazed me as a kid.

It was covered in wood chips, gravel Chunks, and long strips where the grass had been completely torn Away from the dirt. He was careful to navigate his horse through the field, trying to avoid the shallow trenches as well as the exposed and overgrown root systems

He made his way beyond the Walls of dirt and slowly passed the final barrier. There he saw Slide Sitting on his knees with his sword on the ground next to his hand. His horse stood next to him. Not six feet in front of him lay the corpses of both Dionis Mench, and his black And brown spotted horse.

It was the first time Tecovis had seen a human corpse with all of its flesh still mostly Intact. He questioned to himself whether corpses looked better when you couldn't tell who they were. Shaking his head to clear it before his thoughts turned any darker, he dismounted Sandalwood.

Carefully, he stepped towards Slide. As he came to stand next to him, Slide made no movement outside of his breathing. Tecovis stood next to him for uncounted minutes. Not a single sound escaped his lips. When his feet began to ache, he sat down next to Slide, putting his back towards Dionis but keeping Slide's face in view.

From his position, he could see the two squads that weren't under his command continuing to build the litter. Though macabre in function, it looked like a snow sled from Tecovis's childhood. He continued to sit in Silence as they finished it. Not a word was spoken when they tied it to one of the horses, nor did a voice utter a noise as they arrived and loaded Dionis into it. They both simply sat, Unmoving.

Zeb made eye contact with Tecovis as they were leaving with the body. Tecovis looked back. They both exchanged a single nod as Zeb led the procession back to town, leaving both Tecovis and Slide in the grass. Rox and Pan would also stay behind, though they elected to stay in the shade of the rock wall.

Much time would pass before Slide finally broke the silence.

With his voice wavering, he asked, “...Is this… what we signed up for?”

Tecovis looked at the grass between his knees. With a deep breath he replied, “Yes. It is.”

Slide's head began to shake from side to side ever so slowly.

“I… I don't know if I want to do this anymore.”

“You don't have to. Nobody is going to make you stay if you think you can't.”

Slide's jaw clenched and the whites of his eyes began to turn pink. Tecovis subtly signaled to Pan to grab one of the handkerchiefs from his saddle. As Pan handed it to Slide, Tecovis continued, “That doesn't mean we're not going to be here with you. As far as I'm concerned, you're family.”

He looked up to Pan, who was still standing next to Slide.

“Family sticks together. No matter what happens.”

Tears began to stream down Slide's face. Wiping his eyes with the kerchief, he looked to Tecovis and smiled.

“Thanks Bossman.”

Tecovis nodded back to him with a half-grin of his own.

They would continue to sit for another minute before Pan started to shift around impatiently. He said, “I want to go back to the barracks to write my report, Teco.”

Texovis nodded. “Yeah, the sooner we get those written the sooner we can put today behind us.”

He looked back at Slide.

“Ready to write the hardest report of your life?”

Slide chuffed.

“Me neither. Bravo squad! Mount up, we're going home.”

Making Time

Djurle marveled at the homestead that stood before him as Crispus passed the end of the half-harvested crop line.

“This is where you've been the last nine winters?”

Tecovis rode ahead of him in casual riding clothes, the horizon’s orange hues highlighting his red beard as he turned in his saddle to face Djurle.

“Yeah, sure is.”

“No wonder you stayed. I've seen a lot of farmhouses over the years, none like this.”

“That's what happens when everyone does their part.” He turned back to face the road

{Describe the house and barn, emphasize the party setup}

“What kind of wood are those supports made from? I've never seen anything like it.”

Tecovis's head cocked to one side, “I never asked. Maybe Aunt Abby or Zeb know. Speaking of, AUNT ABBY!”

Tecovis shouted to a woman with shoulders as broad as a mans and arms as thick as his wife's thigh, her skin was the same dark shade as Lieutenant Zebulon, and her curly black hair was tied up into a very poofy ponytail. She wore a burlap apron over what looked like padded work clothes. How she wasn't drenched in sweat baffled Djurle to no end. In her arms was a large bundle of firewood.

As Tecovis called out to the woman, she turned, her stoic face switching to one of happiness. Her voice boomed, “HEY YOU!”

Tecovis continued “I brought a guest! 

Still grinning, she said “I have eyes Teco, go on ahead and stable your horses! I'll come say hi proper when I got the wood inside!”

Tecovis led Djurle to the barn. Dismounting at the door, they went inside where a number of stables stood, each with a saddle mount posted near it's walls. Most of them had horses, including one familiar strawberry roan, but there were a few empty ones. Tecovis moved to a stable on the left side.

“Use the third from the end on the right. It belongs to Aunt Abby's oldest son, Uriah, he won't mind if you borrow it for the night.”

“You sure? I don't want to kick a man out of his own stables.”

“He's been trying to work out a trade deal for the last two weeks in {city}. We're not expecting him any time soon.”

A memory flashed in Djurle's mind of breaking down a tent with a dark skinned man.

“Hold on, what did you say his name was?”

“Uriah Thord, why?”

"THAT BASTARD LIED! I save his life and that's how he repays me!? Ugh... Maker's teeth he could have saved me SO MUCH TROUBLE!"

Tecovis, gave a bemused grunt as he loosened the straps on his horse's saddle, taking great care not to dump the contents of his saddlebags all over the hay covered floors. Djurle half-groaned and half-shouted into the side of Crispus, who was not amused by the feeling.

"The Thords are protective of family, he might have thought you had a grudge against me."

"Am I really that suspicious!?"

Tecovis tossed his saddle onto his saddle mount, leaving the straps dangling below. "Kind of. I mean, I thought you were a bandit so are you really surprised?"

"I need to figure out what's making people think that so I can work on it. I can't have this ^$*@ keep happening to me."

Djurle grumbled to himself about how likeable and approachable he was as he walked into the empty, recently cleaned stall. Once he had Crispus free from his burden, he gave him some chin scratches and closed the stable door.

"Hey, Djurle... I'm sorry abo-"

"Stop apologizing to me! You've been doing it every hour for the last five days. I already told you I forgive you. You can let it go now."

"Getting mad at an apology doesn't make anyone feel better."

"And groveling to someone who's already moved on is a waste of time. Now are you going to introduce me to everyone like you said you would or are we going to have another argument out here?"

Tecovis rolled his eyes and walked out of the barn.

Yorlan was never that disrespectful. He's gonna need to smack some sense into this kid when we get back.

Djurle shook his head and followed after him. Once outside, he saw an empty handed Ms. Abby walking back from the house, no longer wearing the apron he had seen. He wiped the frown off his face and smiled at the approaching woman. She smiled back and extended her hand. 

"Evening stranger, Abigail Thord. Welcome to the family home!"

"Djurle Iranu, a pleasure." He took the outstretched hand and shook it. She possessed a lot of strength, and the calluses were as thick as his used to be.

"Hold on I misheard you, did you say 'Girl Iranu'?"

Djurle chuckled to himself as he thought, Haven't heard that one in a while

"No, ma'am. Djurle. It's spelled D-J-U-R-L-E."

She laughed, "My mistake. Djurle. Never heard that before."

"I'm from Talvash, names are different there."

"Don't know where that is, but I believe you."

Tecovis spoke up from a few paces away, "It's about two days from Erith on foot."

"OH! Alright, I got it now."

"You've been?"

"No but I've seen maps."

Djurle glanced over to Tecovis, who was averting his gaze.

Ms. Abby also looked over at him, her smile softening a bit before she spoke.

"Hey Teco, Zeb's inside getting the keg ready. Why don't you go help him out while I show Djurle around the property?"

Tecovis perked up and nodded in reply before walking indoors.

When he was out of hearing range, Ms. Abby said, "You certainly gave him a lot to think about."

"I didn't mean to cause a fuss ma'am."

"Nope, none of that 'ma'am' stuff." She set off towards the road. "Makes me feel old."

Djurle stifled a chuckle, "Sorry."

Ms. Abby would start the tour with a walk around the perimeter of the property. Along the way she'd point out the different crops that were growing, -I had no idea you could graft tomatoes AND potatoes to the same plant!-, as well as the different storehouse and even some houses for serv- "Employees, we hire people to work and pay them fair. We did it that way even before the Jaunari's great-grandpa banned the use of slaves around here."

"Do you hire any of the refugees?"

"We try to. Ukitu especially since nobody else will let them work. Speaking of hiring, I hear you're a magician, interested in doing a little show for us at the party?"

"Actually, Lieutenant Zebulon asked me already, he figured I'd be able to lighten the mood. I'm always happy for an opportunity to show off my skills. Someone will need to get me a pile of rocks though, I don't want to tear up your field."

"We have plenty of those around, I'll get the boys to bring you some when we get back if Zeb hasn’t beat me to it."

The two continued to walk in silence for a short time. A question burned on the inside of Djurle, and when he could no longer bear the quiet, he asked, "What was Tecovis like since he's been here?"

"Didn't you know his family?"

"I knew his parents well, but I worked at the bottom of their mines. They didn't bring him deep enough to see me, and as far as I'm concerned, any time away from the mines is family hours. I made it a point not to interrupt that time for them. "

"Seems reasonable to me... Teco was... well, he carries a lot of hurt. He regularly tried to run away when we first met, like he was afraid we'd judge him. He couldn't be in the same room as a candle for years. Trying to get him to open up about whatever had happened was like trying to move a mountain with a rake."

"A rake? I struggle with mountains normally, that just sounds miserable."

"Ten gold says you've got a story there."

"I'll have to owe you, don't have any on me."

Ms. Abby grinned, then she continued, "It felt like a miracle when he finally told us about Erith. We have the young Mr. Foncree to thank for that."

"What exactly did he tell you?"

"He said that a group of ukitu bandits took the town by force and tried to steal the copper from the mines. He said they oppressed it for months before his mother tried to stand up for the remaining citizens. Poor kid got caught when his dad sent him after her and he was forced to watch as they killed her."

That checks out so far.

"After that they got drunk, and in their drunken stupor they had the bright idea to round everyone up. When they did, they burned the village to the ground with no survivors. He said the bandits got caught together in the tavern they drank at and none of them survived either. In the chaos of the fire he fled the mountains and followed the first river he came across until Zeb found him here in Thruf, covered in soot and scratches."

"Hmm... Did he mention anything else?"

"The other day Zeb told me that a Spirit of the Elements with fire magic was there, but Teco hasn't said anything more to me about it."

"I told Zebulon our abilities aren't magic."

"Certainly seems like it to us normal humans, can you blame him for thinking that?"

"I guess not..."

Djurle contemplated what Ms. Abby had said until another storehouse came into view and the tour continued. 

Around the time the sunset reds began to shift to green, they returned to the house to find a crowd of young men and women had started to form outside. In the crowd he spotted {charlie leader} and one of her squadmates. They seemed to be in good spirits, but Djurle recognized a hard edge to their countenance. One shared by both his wife of 26 summers and his old boss after Erith was destroyed. 

Dionis's memorial was yesterday, wasn't it? They're going to be carrying that weight for some time. Maker, please, do whatever you can to ease their burdens.

He saw many others that weren't familiar. Djurle supposed it was some of the other graduating guardsmen. Seeing them without helmets, he realized all of them had curly hair. Though none of them had curls as tight as Ms. Abby, he found it odd.

From beside him, Ms. Abby boomed "Evening everyone! I hope you've made yourselves comfortable!"

They responded in various, generally positive ways.

"Make sure to leave your weapons in their sheathes and at the doors! I don't want any roughhousing inside, some of that furniture is older than me!"

They collectively groaned "Yes ma'am", to which Ms. Abby cringed.

"And don't be harassing any of my employees either! I will NOT hesitate to kick you out! They're here to serve you and disrespecting them is the same as disrespecting me!"

They all affirmed her words before returning to their conversation. Ms. Abby then took Djurle inside where he was greeted first by Lieute- "It's just Zebulon here, or Zeb if you prefer. I leave my work and my title at the door."

"I can respect that, Zeb." The nickname felt strange in Djurle's mouth. 

They held a small conversation before Ms. Abby brought up Djurle's needs for his upcoming performance, which prompted the Lieutenant to have Tecovis show some volunteers where the stone piles were kept. They brought a considerable amount of stones over near a small bonfire, shaped numerous ways with a wide range of sizes, and any late comers to the party were assigned to help with transportation.

While they were doing that, Djurle took in the sight of the home and it's inhabitants. The home was well furnished, each chair and couch upholstered in high quality fabrics that had been worn with use. The walls had been decorated with woodcarved portraits that were... polished? Each portrait was of a man or woman that bore a striking resemblance to the Thord family. Djurle suspected they were ancestors, which would be confirmed when he asked Lieutenant Zebulon’s daughter, Carriss, about the portraits.

Wealth without waste. Gotta say it's a nice change of pace.

He met with Ms. Abby's two homebound sons, both of which were older than Tecovis by a handful of years, and regaled them with the story of how he'd saved their older brother's life. He won an arm wrestling contest with recruit Rox, much to the surprise of many other recruits. And he had an interesting chat about pebble soup with twin luminites whom were under Ms. Abby's employ.

At some point Djurle stepped out to escape from the cacophony of shouting. While there, he overheard Recruit Slide's voice raise from the opposite porch. Curiosity got the better of him and he snuck around to the corner of the household.

"-out there doing something to find Dense's killers instead of sitting here, wasting time on-on-on mindless games!"

"Slide," Djurle recognized Tecovis's voice, "You and I both know how hard we've been working these cases, we're-"

"We're not doing enough! We should have found these... these monsters by now!"

"I know how you're feeling, trust m-"

"DO YOU!?"

"YES!"

A moment passed, the sounds of the night bugs and the crackling of the bonfire filled the slent air. Djurle could hear a muffled group laughing indoors.

Tecovis broke the scilence with gentle authority, "I was forced to watch as my mother had a sword run through her heart. The need for vengeance is as familiar to me as the sound of the crickets, but if you let it control you it's going to haunt you for the rest of your life. We have to do this right. We will bring them to justice the right way, and part of doing it the right way is keeping ourselves separate from it. Impersonal. We need to take the time to rest. Recuperate. Get our minds clear. We'll lose sight of the innocent if we're too focussed on the guilty, and if you fail to keep that proper focus long enough, you'll find yourself surrounded in bodies with no way to tell who's who anymore..."

Djurle had been told what happened that day by at least nineteen different people, including his wife. As he listened, Djurle began to realize why Tecovis thought his father was dead all this time.

He remembered, as the silent time passed, running into what used to be the gathering hall in Erith. The burnt remains still smoking almost two days after it was destroyed. They were covering Lynetta's grave when he'd arrived, and at the same time Yorlan had a search party in the surrounding wilderness. The charred husks of the many bandits littered the streets, and the images still sat fresh in his mind, as he imagined they did in Tecovis's too.

"...Teco... how in the Maker's name are you so nonchalant about this #%!*...!? I can't get it out of my head... and I don't understand why I feel this way, I mean I hated Dense... shouldn't I... feel... relieved that he's dead? Why does it hurt so much? Why can't I stop telling myself that I should have died instead!?"

Djurle stepped around the corner to see recruit Slide hunched over the banister, tears streaming down his face. Tecovis was standing next to him, one hand on Slide's shoulder. Tecovis saw Djurle first, and his brow furrowed.

"I might be able to answer that. Sorry for eavesdropping, noisy parties stopped being fun after the second kid."

Djurle slowly walked over and leaned against the banister on the side Tecovis wasn't on. He stared at the wall as he spoke.

"Early on in my time as a copper miner, I had a few instances where tunnels I had dug caved in. I had yet to learn how to feel the ground for imperfections, and because of that I couldn’t tell where we needed to reinforce the walls and ceilings, so we had to guess. One of these cave ins resulted in the death of 13 men, and the injury of 7 others. These were people that I'd worked with for some time by this point. Their absence was a hole in my life, and the lives of all the workers who were around back then. We had all struggled together, moved heaps of metal and stone together, argued with eachother about the right way to mine. When you lose that man you've struggled and strived with it's like losing part of what made you who you are. And the ones who are regularly at odds are the ones who tend to be most alike. You were improving eachother, sharpening eachother like knives. If your training here is half of what it is for the armies of Stogh, I can safely say you've been to the bottom of the pit and back with him. Whether you realized it or not, that 'hatred' was a rivalry born from the desire to be better than yourself. Now that he's gone, you want it back."

Djurle looked to Tecovis, who stared back with a soft gaze.

"And I can guess you'd do a lot to get it back if you thought you could."

He turned to face Slide and watched his eyes as more tears welled up in them.

"You believe in a fair and just world, the same world The Maker originally designed before... well, you know the story. What happened to Dionis was far from fair and further from just. You want to see the world brought back into balance. That's why you feel guilty, and why you want so desperately to punish the *&#^! who did it. It's not fair that you lived. It's not just that he died. In your heart you know something has to change and you're trying to figure out what."

Slide asked, "So what needs to change?"

Djurle gave a sorrowful grin. "You do. You grow. Grow strong enough to carry the burden. Strong enough to smile in the face of the pit itself. I did, more than once. Tecovis did. The Lieutenant did. Now it's your turn. Growth isn't easy, despite how naturally it comes. That's why people like us exist," Djurle gestured to Tecovis, "to help you move beyond the boy you used to be and become the man someone else needs tomorrow."

"And we'll do everything we can to help every chance we get. If we can't, then may The Maker send someone to you who understands like we do. Like one day, you will."

Slide turned his head back to the field and jut his jaw forward, staring into the night-shrouded fields

Joyful shouting erupted from inside. Tecovis patted Slide's shoulder and said, "C'mon, sounds like they're starting a game of rengûk. You could use a thrashing."

Slide immediately perked up. "Thrashing? Me?" He wiped his face. "I'm the best rengûk player this side of Higlain!"

"And yet you're on a losing streak."

"I only lost once!"

"Once is a streak."

"Once is not a streak."

"It's about to be twice."

"Care to put your copper where your mouth is bossman?"

Djurle shook his head as the two bantered their way inside before turning around to stare into the starry horizon.

Freeze!

Eira pulled her gloves tight and tied off the dark scarf she had aquired. It had taken her almost a week to find and gather all the components for a new disguise. She looked at herself in the candlelit mirror and admired the fur-lined padded leather armor she had been given after she was inducted into the huntsmen. Not a trace of her skin showed from the thick layer of charcoal on her face, her hazel eyes were the only thing still showing.

Satisfied, she grabbed the bag she had stolen from under her bed and froze the tip of her candle to snuff it as she walked out of the door into the moonlight.

No night watch. Better move before that changes.

Eira ran down the road from shadow to shadow, her rag covered feet moving silently across the paving stones. As she got closer to the barracks, she saw torchlight on one of the side roads she had planned on taking. 

*@&!

She ducked into an ally and peeked towards the source. From around the corner two buildings away, a watchman came on horse back with a torch in hand. He stopped in the intersection. He turned his head, first away and then towards her. After what felt like a minute, though undoubtedly was less, the watchman continued down in the direction he had been heading, away from Eira's destination. When the torchlight had faded completely, she took a step forward.

"Hey!"

Eira pressed herself against the wall and looked towards the voice.

"You people shouldn't be here, it's cerfew."

Another voice, frail and distraught said back to the watchman, "I-I'm sorry sir, w-w-we don't have anywhere else t-to go!"

"Refugees or not, all of you need to clear out of here."

"He just said we don't have anywhere else to go, did you not hear him!?"

Humans. Not a single heart among them. 

Eira avoided all of the major intersections as she crept through the streets, the moon-cast shadows becoming more ever-present as the buildings themselves closed in on her.

Darting into another ally next to one of the taller buildings further into the city, she listened for any more oncoming watchmen.

Once she was sure the road was clear, she gazed up to the edge of the roof above her. Eira shook her hands and bounced in place. She backed up to one wall. Her knees bent. Her fingers twitched.

With a burst she pushed off from the wall and ran full speed ahead towards the one across, leaping up it and using her feet to maintain momentum. At the top of her arc, she stretched her hand and an outcrop of ice came to meet it. More appeared at her feet as she climbed up to the roof. She saw no watchmen at the top of this building or any near, though she could see some torches in the distance on top of the garrison.

Eira hoisted herself up and crawled onto the angled roof. A deep huff escaped her.

Haven't done that in a while. 

She took a moment to catch her breath before she started running from roof to roof, using more ice to bridge the gaps in between until she got close enough to the garrison to see the rooftop watchmen.

Only two? This what happens when you slack humans.

Both stood at separate corners of the large square building, she could see the torch light reflecting in the plates of bronze that made up their lamellar. Keeping low, she approached until was no longer confident. Her gaze shifted down the road to the west towards the town square and away from the river which was still many blocks away to the east. She visualized where the fountain was relative to the buildings, imagined the bubbling water, and secretly hoped no one was too close to it. She took a deep breath as she focused her power there.

Five seconds.

Ten.

Fifteen. The tip of an icy stalagmite came within her field of view.

Twenty seconds. The stalagmite grew significantly, and the tip of a second could be seen.

Twenty-five. A barely audible voice could be heard from the square, shouting in panic.

Thirty seconds. She shudders as she drops her focus and the ice stops expanding.

Thirty-five seconds. One of the rooftop watchmen notices, he too shouts, "THE GRIX IS BACK IN THE SQUARE!" before running downstairs. The second could only stare.

One minute. 

One minute, thirty seconds.

Two minutes.

Two minutes, thirty seconds. Bursting from the doors, a whole platoon of men armed with spears and full suits of lamellar. Behind them a furious looking and baggy eyed man in higher quality gear strode out.

"Alright men! Remember what {diplomat} said! Only use the eminite if absolutely necessary! We're not getting any more! Now, let's go kill this monster and bring his head to the Buruzagi!"

The men all cheered in unison before running through the streets towards the icy pillars.

Eira looked back at the roof of the garrison, the torch-holding watchman clearly occupied by her distraction just as she'd hoped.

She created another rooftop ice path, circling around behind his view and leading to the garrison roof. She crouched as she stepped over the stone banister and onto the flat wooden roof. Another banister marked the edge of a large internal courtyard. She crept across the roof, inching closer to the sentry. When she got within a couple cubits of the man, she snuffed his torch with ice and made his helmet freeze over.

"Huh? What- GAH! WHAT IN-"

He threw his helmet off of him to his right and it was caught silently by a snow bank. Eira leapt forward and struck the helmetless guard with her ice coated gauntlet, knocking him out before he realized what was happening. More snow appeared as she caught the heavy man and set him down with practiced grace.

Eira ruffled through the watchman bag to find manacles, as well as a large kerchief, and she used both to bind and gag the guard before freezing the chains to the roof beneath them.

That should keep him for a while.

She put the key in her sleeve and tossed the bag into the snow bank, then quietly made her way to the closed hatch that the other watchman went down. Carefully, she pried it open and peaked inside.

From her view, she saw the light of a single flickering oil lamp at each end of a long hallway, and she heard a muffled voice coming from one of the rooms. The solid framed ladder that led to the roof was held in place by a pair of hooks. She threw the hatch open and it too landed in a drift silently. She then pulled the ladder onto the roof and let herself down, landing quietly onto the floor. 

Now where are the stairs....

She hadn't been in this part of the building, so she carefully snuck down the hall away from the room with the voice she was hearing. She briefly considered turning around to freeze the lock of that room shut, but decided against it as soon as she saw the stairs around the corner. When she took the first step down, a shadow appeared at the base of the steps. She immediately backtracked to the nearest door and snuck inside a room that was thankfully empty except for a shuttered window.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud. 

Thud.

Eira couldn't tell if she was hearing footsteps or her heartbeat.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

A muffled voice came through the door.

"Bah! Not again. Betu! Betu put the ladder back! Now is not the time for another one of your pranks!

Eira peaked through the door down to the guard, his lamellar sparkled in the lamplight as he shifted his weight to cross his arms.

"BETU! Gummit, where is he? DON'T MAKE ME GET CORPORAL HEIK! YOU KNOW HOW HE GETS WHEN IT'S THIS LATE!"

The door down the hall, a door opened, and a gravelly voice spoke.

"What's going on?" 

"Captain Shree, Betu pulled the ladder up again while I was telling Commander Furin about the Ice pillars."

"Oh for the love of- we've been over this already! Ugh."

A woman's voice firmly said, "There's a ladder on the second floor near the infirmary. Go get it."

"Yes Corporal," said the watchman.

Eira moved out of the way of the door as the watchman turned around.

I can't let them up get up there! Think!

Eira quickly ran through a list of ideas in her head as the two officers continued to talk to eachother, their words meant nothing to her as her heartbeat nearly drowned them out.

Finally she crept back to peak through the door. Both officers were looking up at the hatch. She focused her power to the snow pile she had thrown the hatch into. After two seconds, the hatch slammed shut.

"What the- BETU!!! ARGH! I'm gonna flog him myself!"

"You won't get the chance Kitt, I'm the one who will see to his punishment."

"Why? You're not worried I'll kill him are you?"

"That knowledge is above your pay grade."

"Don't you pull rank on me."

"It's not my fault you denied the promotion, you could have been captain too."

Eira continued to focus, trying to make an ice block big enough to weigh down the hatch without being seen from below. She backed away from the doo-

"Huh?"

Uh oh.

"Captain?"

Eira was suddenly no longer thankful for how empty the room was.

Without warning, the door flew open and standing in it's frame was a middle aged man, bald, with some stubble on his face. A nasty scar came down from the top of his head to his eyebrow. He looked around the room, his eyes darting all around it. He grunted.

"...I thought I saw something."

"You're getting jumpy old man."

"That's captain old man to you, Kitt."

He turned around slowly after giving the room another glance and shut the door behind him.

Eira released her breath and slowly let herself down from where she'd frozen herself to the ceiling.

That was too close.

The light of the moon filtered in from the shuttered window. She quietly walked over to it, examined it, and found the latch at the base and the hinges at the top to be well oiled. 

Good, they're vigilant about upkeep.

She pushed the shutters open and set it's braces in place. Looking out of it, she saw that the courtyard was actually a moonlit training ground, complete with targets and an obstacle course. Directly beneath her was only dirt and grass. Nothing to break her fall or hide snow in. The shutters were closed on both the windows beneath, and from her angle she couldn't see any light coming from them.

She crawled out the window feet first and climbed down using the frames as her handholds, her muscles aching the entire way down the wall.

*&@^ I'm out of shape. Not enough places to practice climbing around here.

Focus. Kish needs you.

Eira stuck to the shadows as she walked to a door at the north side of the courtyard. She gave it a gentle tug. When that didn't work, she checked every window, hoping to no avail that someone forgot to latch one. She did the same to the other three walls with the same result at each. 

Perfect. Great job Eira, got myself stuck in an enemy headquarters. 

Eira saw some weapon racks near what looked to her like battle rings and was disappointed when she went to and found them empty. She felt around for any cabinets with no luck. The obstacle course had some ropes, but they were too thick and too long for her to carry practically, and she found nothing else that would be useful for breaking back into the building silently.

She went back to the window she thought was closest to the prison on the north wall and peaked through a small slit in the wood.

The room was lit, and the figures of three sitting guards were barely visible around some game. What little else of the room she saw was familliar.

Eira's head dropped as she sighed to herself.

She then pressed herself beside the window and knocked.

The seconds felt like minutes as she mentally prepared herself.

Click

The shutters swung upward.

Eira commanded ice to brace them open as she grabbed the confused guardsman by the head and smashed it into the side of the frame, knocking him unconscious. 

"Chief!?"

She dove inside the window and rolled to maintain momentum up to her feet.

"INTRUDER!!!"

One of the two remaining guards drew his sword and the other ran to the door as he shouted. With a flick of Eira's wrist, the running guard's weapon was frozen to its sheath and the door was sealed shut.

She dodged back as the first guard's weapon flashed past her chin. He swung again, she evaded with ease.

The second realized the futility in his efforts to escape and attempted to draw his blade.

She froze the first guard's foot to the ground as she stepped back to avoid another strike and slapped his back to freeze his gambeson while he was off balance. 

The second gave up trying his own blade and ran for the unconscious one. Eira quickly slicked the floor and he fell to his face. His torso was quickly cocooned in ice.

She grabbed one of the chairs they had been sitting in and swung it as hard as she could against the back of the first guardsman, knocking him unconscious as it broke into pieces. 

With the fighting over, she looked to the one still conscious guard and said, "Save me some time. Which of you had the keys?"

"&#*^ you *@(#%!"

"Uh-uh, we don't tolerate that kind of language."

She walked around the table, allowing each footstep to linger long enough to leave a hint of frost behind, slowly kneeled down when she stopped next to him, grabbed his face as he struggled and then slowly began to cool it well below what most people considered comfortable. 

"Let's try that again. Where. Are. The. Keys."

Frost began to develop on the surface of his skin.

His eyes practically bulged out of his head, but he made no sound as he continued to struggle.

Typical

"Fine. I would have shown mercy. But since you insist on neing a pest, I hope you enjoy missing your cheek."

She grabbed at the edge of the frost. With one quick motion, she ripped off a piece of frozen flesh, sending out a soul-chilling scream as the chunk landed on the other side of the room.

She flash-froze his squirming feet to the ground while she ruffled through his bag. The human continued blubbering, his resistance wavering until his straining turned into more shouting. Eira felt a twisted sense of satisfaction seeing him slowly break. But something...

Her brother whimpered as he clutched his broken fingers. The form of a human walking away with the bread she knew would have been her dinner.

She grit her teeth.

"This wouldn't have happened if you'd only answered my question."

She ignored his pitiful attempts to beg for his life and searched the other two guards, finding the prison keys in the bag of the one by the window.

Keys in hand she ran down the steps and into the torch-lit cells. Other prisoners noticed her as she ran passed and tried to get her attention, but she ignored them.

"Eira!? I thought I told you to get back to Fusil!"

"And I told you, I'm not leaving you here."

"*@&% it woman! You just 'ave to make things complicated!"

"Shut the *^@& up before I change my mind!"

She tried four keys before finding the one to open his cell, and quickly unlocked his shackles. Kish rubbed his wrists and stood up.

"C'mon, we have to move quick they know I'm here."

Kish grabbed her arm as she started to move back to the stairs. "Eira, 'old on! Ny is 'ere too. If you're getting me, might as well get 'im."

"What? How!?"

Kish didn't answer. He ran down further into the prison block and stopped eight cells down.

"In 'ere!"

Eira looked in the cell. A luminite sat shackled inside with a bag over his head, his veins pulsed with power and dry golden blood stained his tattered shirt and translucent arms which were given no slack on the chain. He looked thinner than he had a week ago. Eira checked through the keys until the door unlocked, and undid his shackles as Kish untied the sack. He fell limply to the side as she unlocked his right arm. Kish caught him and pulled the sack of his head, revealing a blindfold was over his eyes. He pulled the blindfold off. When he did, they both saw him recoil at the sudden brightness of the hall torches. He blinked as he tried to focus on his rescuers.

"Ki... kish? Ei...ra?" His usually musical voice was raspy and his lips cracked as he spoke.

"They were under orders not to remove his blindfold for any reason. They haven't fed him since 'e's been 'ere."

"So.... thirsty..."

Eira summoned a chunk of the warmest ice she could make and put it in Ny's mouth. "Here. This should help until we can get you a proper drink. How the *@&% did they catch you?"

Ny didn't speak, choosing to focus on sucking the ice for water. Eira went back to unlocking his shackles when a bang resounded through the hall.

"'urry up! They're coming!"

"I'm going as fast as I can Kish!"

Bang

Eira got Ny free and the two of them brought him to his feet with concerning ease.

Bang

Eira was confident that the ice would hold against the onslaught from the guards, but she wasn't keen to be around when they made it through. The three began to run towards the exit.

Bang.

"Wait!" A stranger's voice came from one of the cells, "Don't leave us! Please!"

Eira groaned and then threw the keys to the cells and the shackles to the man who shouted at them. He frantically undid his own bindings as the three of them continued on.

"Distraction. Clever."

Eira's lip curled.

Bang

The three ran up the stairs and into the guard room. Kish's jaw dropped seeing the three guards strewn about.

"You did this?"

"Admire me later!"

Eira left Kish to carry Ny and leapt out of the window into the empty training grounds. The doors closest to her burst open as a horn sounded above her. 

Eira launched spikes towards the door right as a shield came into view.

"Move it you two!"

She summond an ice wall around the doorway and fled towards the obstacle course, a soreness beginning to develop in a muscle with no name. Kish practically dragged the limping Ny back to his feet and followed as fast as they could.

When she saw one of the thick ropes, she ran and grabbed one end. She froze the tip solid for weight and gave herself some length.

Another set of doors opened at the east side of the courtyard and guards began pouring through it.

Eira wrapped herself into the rope.

"What are-"

"Do it!"

Kish closed his mouth and began to tie the rope around himself and Ny.

They were too slow however, as they were completely surrounded by spears and swords.

Eira whispered, "Ny..."

He coughed, then whispered back, "Close your eyes..."

"Not yet, on my signal. Keep tying and hold on tight..."

The captain who had almost seen her earlier stepped forward, the torchlight revealing the scar on his eyebrow beneath his helmet.

"So, you're the stricken we've been searching for eh? Thank you for delivering yourself so nicely to us. Good play, getting Phurin and his men out of here with that little stunt at the square. It's too bad all your efforts were wasted."

"Wasted? *&@^ you have no idea who your talking to."

"Eira?" Kish looked at her worriedly. 

Eira hissed "Shut up Kish."

The captain snarled, "I'm going to enjoy seeing Commander Phurin rip you to shreds you stricken monster."

"It takes a monster to know one, human. Mark my words, your days are numbered and they will end quickly. NOW!"

Eira closed her eyes and focused her power on the end of the rope. Simultaneously, a brilliant flash blasted through the night, almost blinding her, even through her eyelids.

Kish shouted as the three of them were lifted at an angle towards the top of the building, the rope tightened around her as the speed of the growing ice pillar and weight of her teammates pulled more than she'd expected. Making sure to stop the ice pillar comfortably close to the roof, the three of them untied themselves.

Ny grabbed another chunk of ice off the spike to suckle on and asked, "Where to now?"

"We'll be safe for a bit, I sealed the one way up here on my way in."

Kish said "We need a distraction, can you move on your own?"

"Yeah... yeah I can."

"What are you planning Kish?"

"Ny needs to make it look like we went the opposite direction of our escape route. Where are we headed?"

"We can't just-"

"I'll be fine Eira, I can-" He coughed heavily and spit off to the side, "ugh... I can manage on my own. You know I can."

"*&!^ it... alright. Kish, you and I are headed east to the river as soon as we get down somewhere safe. Ny, my home is along the Miser's Road, it's an old part of town that was damaged years ago north west of here. Find it when you're in the clear to get yourself some food and clean yourself up. Just be careful not to gorge yourself, I know how tempting it can be, but you can hurt yourself since you haven't eaten in so long."

"I'll be careful."

"Alright you two, follow me and watch your step, it's a long way down."

Party Poachers 

When the time for Djurle to perform came around, Aunt Abby gathered everyone out of the house and brought them into the yard. The logs had been rearranged so that the people's left sides would be towards the bonfire. Extra torches were placed around the well kept wooden platform where Djurle had been told to stand, though with the harvest moon nearly full over their heads they were almost unnecessary. Most of the party guests were sitting on the logs, with some, such as Pan, electing to stand with the employees near the back.

Zeb introduced Djurle to the group with his perspective of how they'd met, and shared with the uninformed how he'd been assisting with the missing persons cases among the Ukitu. When introductions were out of the way, Djurle took to the stage, his boots thumping against it as he stepped.

"Good evening everyone! Like Zebulon said, my name is Djurle. And as he said, I am a Spirit of the Elements. What does that mean exactly?"

Tecovis watched as some of the rocks from the piles near the stage began to circle behind Djurle, and he heard audible gasps from all five squads who'd not met him before today.

"To put it simply, I'm different to most."

Djurle would tell his story, moving the rocks into mock images of whatever subject he was talking about. He told of how he discovered his abilities, and gave examples of the skills he'd learned during his life. 

"This one is my favorite! I need a volunteer to wrap my eyes, any takers?"

One of alpha squad, a dark skinned man with a thick jaw and short hair raised his hand. 

"You, what's your name?"

"They call me Slick."

"Huh, how'd you earn that nickname?"

Slide shouted from next to Tecovis, "Long story!"

"Too long to tell while he's blindfolding me?"

{Charlie leader} said smiling from two rows behind, "let's just say we lost six barrels of oil to those two."

Slide retorted, "Five and a half!"

Everyone began laughing as they remembered watching Slick and Slide cleaning up the merchant's wagon.

Djurle's eyebrows raised and a broad smile filled his face. "Well, let's just hope they were small."

One of the others said, "They weren't!"

There was more chuckling as Slide covered his reddening face and Slick stepped up to the wooden platform. Djurle sat down on the edge of it and began to take off his boots. As soon as he put his first bare foot on the ground, his smile dropped and he went still.

"Lieutenant, could you come here for a moment?"

Confused, Zeb stood up and walked over to Djurle. Djurle said something to him that Tecovis couldn't hear, and Zeb looked at the crowd then whispered back. The crowd of guests murmured among themselves a bit before Djurle's eyes went wide.

Zeb snapped to the crowd.

"TO ARMS!"

Djurle twisted towards the half harvested field of crops as it came alive under the pale moonlight, and the ground shook violently when he erected a defensive wall between the field and the party.

Not again! Why here!? Why NOW!?

Everyone made a mad dash to the door of Zeb's home to retrieve what minimal weapons they brought.

On instinct, all of the squad leaders hollered orders to their men.

Sword. Sword. Knife. Sword. Handaxe. Sword. Handaxe. Knife. {Charlie leader} and the others who'd who'd arrived first handed out weapons as fast as they could grab them.

Tecovis ran inside towards his room to find his sword.

He couldn't tell if the thuds he was hearing was Zebulon running past his room, or his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

Sword in hand he ran back out the door.

"Here!"

Zeb forced a shield into Tecovis's hand. He strapped it onto his arm tight as he ran into the field, following the destruction that was Djurle's attempt to chase down the poachers.

"How many Zeb!?"

"Djurle said five!"

"Bravo squad, on me!"

Rox, Slide, and Pan all came alongside and the five of them began to strategies as they followed the path.

Their plans turned to dust when they arrived on the scene however, as a whipcrack sounded, followed by screaming. Someone's screaming body flew through the air in their direction, Rox moved to intercept. The body impacted Rox's sturdy form sending both to the ground.

Winded, Rox asked, "You good?"

The guardsman, now identified as Slick, grunted in pain as he sat up. He pulled his hand away from his own chest and examined it.

"No blood."

Pan bounced in place, "Good catch, now let's go!"

{Insert scene that exemplifies Pan's parkour skill, maybe using Djurle's abilities to create a path}

The Empowered

"Are you sure we should leave Ny behind?" Said Eira Edursdaughter as she crawled through the ice tunnel she was making under the river, "I know he's a light-warper, but those guards are gonna be looking hard for him."

She looked back down the ice tunnel to see Kish crawling behind her, the welt on his temple had significantly reduced since she'd first seen him back in the city, though the bruising was still noticeable now that she was looking.

Kish said, "I came for you and you only. I only got Ny out of the prison so Fusil wouldn't send me back. Besides, you know 'e 'ates these tight spaces."

"Fusil should have waited until the next check in, I handled myself just fine."

"So I 'eard. But we need you out 'ere more."

"Is this magician really so important that he needs me?"

"Boss thought so. 'Oever this guy is really riled 'im up."

"And Ny didn't say anything to you?"

"Nah, 'e was too shaken, 'e didn't say a single word to me the entire time we was there."

"*!%& it must have been bad to shut him up."

Eira's thoughts whirled around Ny as she crawled through the frosted riverbed. She failed to notice her armor come untucked, exposing her skin to the bare frozen ground when she laid down to rest.

"&#^* that's cold!"

"Grixovite's 'er built for that sort of thing, aren't they?"

"Our fur is, but I have to shave like every other day to keep my cover."

"I thought you'd only 'ave to shave your face."

"Maybe in the winter, but in summer clothes? Clean shave, dyed hair, it's all or nothing." She rolled onto her back to tuck her shirt back in and tightened her belt to keep it from coming loose again, "That's why I got discovered last week, I lost my blade."

"That sounds like a 'assle."

"You have no idea. I can't wait to be gone from this pit of a city."

They continued down the riverbed, being far more mindful of the rocks and pebbles. After almost two hours of crawling she felt her powers waning, so she shaped the ice into a surface tunnel on the west side of the river, exposing them to the pale moonlight. They both dragged themselves out. Eira pulled Kish to his feet, and when he was standing, Eira crushed the ice as small as she could then watched as it slowly floated downstream.

"Praise the ancestors that no guards are around this area"

"If we keep 'aving trouble, that might just change. Let's 'ope we can keep quiet-like for a bit."

Eira and Kish walked North up the riverbank, passing by the a completely devastated section of field on the east side during the first of the four hours they spent traveling. Three trees that Eira didn't recognize were present, all three of which were destroyed. It looked like one of them had been blasted from within, the second was impaled by spike of earth, and the third was folded in two at the middle. Surrounding the trees was a tumult of stone walls and dirt trenches.

"What in the ancestors name..."

"I 'ave no idea."

"Someone's got a lot of explaining to do."

During the second of the four hours walking, Eira created an icicle in the palm of her hand.

"Er... what are you doing?"

"I've had a long week and I haven't been able to practice freely in eight months, let me have this."

As they walked, Eira held the icicle at the end of her grip, then shook her hand to ensure the ice's stability. When it didn't break, she tossed it into the air and caught it in her other hand. She then threw it back into her first and repeated. After she found her rhythm, she created a second, and then a third, juggling them slowly, and then speeding up once she had her confidence back. When she added a fourth however, she misjudged the thickness of it and the icicle broke when she caught it, causing her to fumble the remaining three.

"*$&@ I screwed up. *&@^ it, I used to be able to do that easily."

"You did say it's been eight months 'aven't you?"

"I did. Still, I practiced all the time before the mission, I was almost ready to try five when I got here. Now I'm back down to struggling with four. 

They made it to a pecan tree that had been blasted apart by Fusil's lightning. They turned west for another mile and a half to a cave whose entrance was covered by a tree Calix grew. Slipping under the roots with ease, they walked down the cavern until they came to a fork, lit by a single torch. When they came to the light, Eira removed the hat off of her henna-dyed hair, revealing the blue-grey roots that matched her fur's natural color. 

Kish said to Eira, "I'm going to check on our progress for the month's recruit quota." He made his way to the left and turned out of sight.

Eira's face soured. She hated that innocents were being taken to fight in the war against the United kingdoms of Stogh, but if the Living Ancestors willed it, then it would be done. Someone had to fight, and sadly volunteers were fewer than Eira believed there should have been. Eira made her way to the right, hoping to find Fusil in the meeting chamber before she turned in for the night. As she came to it, she began to hear shouting. At first it was hard to make out, but it came into focus.

"-abandoned another of ours!"

"Someone had to make sure he was occupied so we could escape! What were we supposed to do, get all of us killed or captured!?"

"If your plan had failed, you would have led him right to us! He would crush all of us if he knew we were here! Do you have the slightest idea what Djurle is capable of!? Do you know how many of us he's KILLED!? WE'RE HIDING IN HIS DOMAIN!!!"

"AT LEAST WE GOT OUR TARGETS!"

"AT WHAT COST!? YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT THE SECOND YOU SAW HIM!!!"

Eira opened the door to the meeting room, Kalam and Fusil both stopped whatever they were doing before and stared at her as she entered.

"Finally, what took you so long!?"

"Easy Fusil, I wasn't leaving Kish behind."

Fusil turned away from Eira and walked to his seat, his pegs clacking against the stone as he did. She'd never seen him this upset before.

"*%&@ Kish... he didn't happen to get Ny did he?"

"Actually, we did. Kish said he didn't say a word about what got him caught, and now you're furious? What happened?"

Fusil scoffed.

"What happened... What happened is the %^@* Djurle Iranu is in Thruf and he's tracking us down!"

Who?

Kalam muttered, "And he's angry."

"BECAUSE OF YOU!"

"I ALREADY TOLD YOU WE DID WHAT WE-"

"SHUT UP! BOTH OF YOU! I've been back for less than a minute and already you morons are giving me a headache." Eira sighed. "Just CALMLY give me the rundown. What have I missed? You needed my help to capture some magician?"

"Djurle's no magician." Fusil put his hands to his face and leaned back, his chair squeaking as he did. After a short pause, his hands dropped to the armrests. "There's no easy way to say it, we tried to capture him without you. That's how Ny was captured. Calix and Nufot are dead. Arraina was badly hurt. And I just found out that Lilac is MIA after Kalam failed to learn from my mistakes."

Calix is... and Nufot? It can't be...

"How? Who the %^#* is this guy?"

"I made a bad call. I thought we could take Djurle head on, but he's working with the city garrison, and he did something I didn't think he was physically capable of during our fight... We should have waited for you before I tried to capture him. He wondered away from the refugee camp and four people paid the price when I let my impatience get the better of me."

Tears began to fill Eria's eyes, and she clenched her shaking fists.

They knew the risks.

Blinking the tears away and looking to Fusil, she said, "I thought you learned your lesson when the Ancestor of Stone collapsed a tunnel on you. These people are supposed to be your responsibility, getting them killed and failing the mission they died for isn't going to earn you any favors with The Living Ancestors. Why did you let this guy get under your skin like that?"

He rolled his eyes at her, "don't lecture me. My grandfather and his adviser couldn't care less about what I'm doing. Besides, his capture was ordered years ago, it won't happen again."

"Is that how you know this Djurle guy?"

"Do you seriously NOT know who he is?"

"Never heard the name, no."

"You really should have. Because he's the %$&@ that did this." Fusil pointed at his pegs. "Honestly with how many times it comes up, I'm surprised I never said his name."

She took a minute to process what she was hearing.

%@*^! I wasn't imagining that!? I actually #&@^*$ saw him!? )@(&!

All at once fear and awe both new and old washed over Eira as everything fell into place in her mind.

Kalam asked Fusil, "How are we going to deal with him?"

"We can't fight him AND the garrison at the same time. If we're still intent on capturing him-"

Eria interjected, "You can't capture a living ancestor! They're unstoppable! Forces of nature!"

"She's right Fusil, counting Ny and Kish we're down to 11, one of whom is injured and four of which are strictly noncombatants. We don't have the manpower. It would take your grandfather himself to stand against him, and maybe another fifty fighters to come close to balancing the scales without him."

"Calix and Lilac were able to restrain him."

"For how long? Two minutes?"

"More than long enough to levy a death blow."

Eira's eyes went wide. "You can't be suggesting we kill him!"

"No! My grandfather's adviser would lock me in the bowels of my mind for the rest of eternity if we did that. Merely an observation."

Eira sighed with relief.

Fusil said, "The next pickup is two weeks away. With Djurle here, I suspect we'll be found long before then... There's no salvaging this. My mistake cost us the mission. Everything we've been doing the last 8 months..."

Kalam asked, "So what do we do?"

"We get out what supplies we can."

"What about the conscripts?"

"We can get maybe a third of them out of here on our own, but they won't make it to Krundíl unless we come across the pickup caravan on the way, which I doubt. We'll cut 'em all loose on the way out. No sense in doing it sooner and drawing them to us. 

"Can we hide in the refugee camp?"

"The conscripts will be able to recognize us if the garrison finds them alive, and I'm not about to slaughter that many ukitu. Hiding would be a good suggestion if we were doing ANYTHING else."

Eira shifted uncomfortably as Fusil leaned forward in his chair, his eyes intently locked on hers.

"Eira. If he shows up before we can get packed and moving, your ability set is the closest thing to a counter we have. The lightwarpers can blind him, but if he's got contact with the ground he can fight, on top of the fact we're in a cave. I'll be dead on sight. He's already escaped from being bound in a tree once, and chances are he's prepared to do it again. You are our last hope of stopping Djurle. I need to know RIGHT NOW if that's something you think you can handle, because if you can't we need to start begging The Maker for mercy."

Me!? Fighting a living ancestor!? What have I gotten myself into... 

Eira began running through all the possibilities in her head. After almost two minutes of silence, Eira opened her mouth.

"I... I think so."

"It'll have to do. Kalam, get Arraina and the noncombatants out of here at first light, send them back home and make sure they don't wait for us. Let the others know to start packing, we're leaving at dusk in two days."

The Hunt for the Hunters

"Zeb, I don't understand why you're bringing me along, you're the one the Jaunari wanted to see."

Zeb swallowed the mouthful of fruit he was chewing on before he replied, "Yes, but you're the one who's been keeping the record and you know how your notes are organized. Having you with me is faster than digging through your journal myself."

The steward who had summoned them spoke from in front of them both, "I only allowed it due to yours being the first stricken incident reported."

Zeb and Tecovis rode at a gallop past the Gate checkpoint just behind the steward who had summoned them to the Gotorlekua. Seeing the Jaunari's standard flapping from the back of the steward's horse, every citizen and refugee cleared the way out of their path.

Feeling underdressed in his gambeson, Tecovis asked, "Hey, steward, shouldn't we get our armor before we get there?"

"The Jaunari made it clear to bring the Lieutenant immediately and he's upset enough as it is. We'll send someone to fetch it from the garrison when we arrive and you can put it on if he makes a fuss, though he's normally understanding when it comes to... sudden invitations."

Chewing on another bite of his fruit, Zeb said, "He must have been furious if he sent you personally."

"I haven't seen him like this since The Stricken Raids, Lieutenant. "

Zeb immediately cringed, though he quickly buried it in stoicism when Tecovis caught a glimpse.

"Don't worry, it won't be directed at you. Though Buruzagi Jormund... If you like him at all, pray for him now."

Zeb tossed the core of his fruit to a passing patrolman, "Find a compost pile, please and thank you," shortly before they cleared the last building between them and the inner gate. 

Teceovis hadn't been beyond this gate a single time before becoming a guardsman, even the House of Nobles was outside of it. The entire inner wall belonged to the Gotorlekua, and only those chosen were allowed beyond it. Today, that meant Zebulon and Tecovis.

While the mountains surrounding Erith dwarfed it in size, the Gotorlekua was the largest building Tecovis had ever seen, standing at five floors tall and incredibly wide. The grounds leading up to it had many hedge rows growing in interesting patterns. Something about them seemed strange at first glance. Tecovis looked closely at them and noticed that they had a bronze bar fence in their core. He then realized that, despite their beauty, they were being strategicly grown to operate as defensive emplacements, which struck him with childlike wonder.

The steward heard Tecovis's gasps of amazement and said "they were planted after the Stricken raids, The Jaunari insisted the yard be defensively functional and his wife insisted it be beautiful to replace what was lost. I believe we found a good balance.

Zebulon and Tecovis both agreed.

At the main door of the building, which stood twice as tall as Tecovis, the three of them dismounted and handed off their reins to the attendants. Two guardsmen that Tecovis didn't recognize from the garrison pushed the double double doors open for them as the steward stepped inside the grand hall with long quick strides. Out of habit, Tecovis fell into lock step with him from three paces behind and Zeb did the same. Their unified footsteps bounced off the smooth floors and walls in a vain attempt to disrupt their flow. Distant shouting could be heard.

The steward sighed. "Buruzagi Jormund must have arrived. Be on your best behavior, and do not speak unless spoken to. When you arrive you shall salute him as is your standard, and when I announce your names, you shall kneel to him. Then, you shall bow your head and be silent until he bid you rise. When you speak to him, you shall look him directly in the eye."

"Yes, sir."

Tecovis looked at Zeb to see him checking his teeth with his tongue. Zeb looked back with a subtle hint of worry.

The shouting grew louder as they weaved through the halls, and Tecovis could recognoze both the fearful voice of Buruzagi Jormund Skov, and the voice of Commander Furin. Drawing closer to to the grand chamber, the door of which was open when they arrived, the steward led both guardsmen up to the steps before the throne. He came to a stop on the first step, and both guardsmen stood at attention two paces away from it. In unison they both saluted the Jaunari, whose gaze burned with authority into the new arrivals as he sat on his throne in a deceptively casual display.

"Lieutenant Zebulon Thord, as requested Jaunari, as well as his investigative assistant Low Guard Tecovis Shavar."

Both men followed the steward's procedure as instructed.

"Finally," the Jaunari said, "The Commander tells me you're the ones who filed these reports I've heard oh so much about. Rise Lieutenant."

Zeb stood up next to Tecovis.

"Yes Jaunari."

"Commander Phurin also told me you joined during The Stricken Raids."

"Yes Jaunari, my family owns property outside the city even to this day."

"As good a reason as any I've heard. He also speaks of your enthusiasm towards the stricken today. What changed?"

"My grandfather, may he rest with The Maker, taught me that every man makes his own mistakes and that I should not judge another man except by his own actions. My Mother and my older sister taught me that mercy should be a freely given gift. I apply these lessons to my work, Jaunari, and I do so for all I encounter."

"Would you show mercy to the monsters that plague our city Lieutenant?"

"Mercy and justice, in my experience Jaunari, are not mutually exclusive. And sometimes, the greatest mercy is to enact justice. The poachers responsible for my reports will not escape the mercy of swiftly applied justice, for their victims are many and they must be punished."

"Victims such as the men we lost in the square?"

"Them and many more since, Jaunari."

The Jaunari shifted on his Throne, resting his elbows onto his knees. 

"Tell me of your investigations Lieutenant. "

"B-but Jaunari, I've already shared the details of his rep-"

"SCILENCE JORMUND!"

The Buruzagi cowered at The Jaunari's outburst, and Tecovis breath caught in his chest.

"Considering your failure to tell me we had stricken enhanced by MAKER KNOWS WHAT in our city, you've proven to be unreliable! I would hear HIS words. Apologies Lieutenant, please continue."

"Yes Jaunari. My earliest encounter with these Empowered ukitu was approximately a week ago, though Intel received by a foreign consultant who's been aiding me in my investigations suggests they may have been here for a few months."

"Months?"

"Yes Jaunari. I've been looking into missing persons from among the refugees, and many date back some time. When I first heard such a suggestion, I was shocked as well...."

Zeb shared details from many of the cases, emphasizing the tragedy of the losses, and Tecovis was questioned on the investigations he was directly overseeing. Both of them spoke highly of Djurle as a foreign consultant in their talks, though they refrained from telling the Jaunari about his abilities. After the Jaunari was satisfied, the conversation shifted to speculation.

"....We believe that these poachers are using the river for transportation as many incidents happen along the banks, and many others leave trails to it."

Commander Phurin, who looked as if he hadn't slept since Tecovis turned in his report of the town square incident, growled, "The Stricken camp is right next to the river Jaunari, and I think the Empowered are hiding among them. Sympathizers could easily shelter them, they don't look any different from the rest, and with how few of these incidents happen in the camp itself-"

Zeb interjected, "They don't happen in the camp because there's too many witnesses, not because of sympathy. The poachers don't want to be found."

"If they don't want to be found, why do they keep attacking our guards? We've had three encounters with them, two of them you were there for!"

"I don't know why Commander, we're still tracking them down!"

"You're taking too long! Jaunari, I'm hereby requesting permission to have the entirety of the garrisons sweep through the stricken camps."

"PHURIN!"

"SHUT YOUR TRAP LIEUTENANT!"

"NO! YOU'RE TAKING THIS TOO FAR! THE REFUGEES HAVEN'T DO-

"THE STRICKEN ARE A PLAGUE ON THIS CITY AND IT'S RESOURCES! THEY MUST BE PUNISHED!"

"THEY AREN'T EVEN ALLOWED TO USE OUR RESOURCES, DO YOU HEAR YOURSELF!?

"SCIIIIIILEEEEENCE!!!" The Jaunari's shout caused everyone to freeze.

Tecovis thought he knew hate, but the way Commander Phurin's face warped told him that there was more to it than he imagined. He truly loathed the ukitu. 

What in the pit did they do to him during the raids?

Smoke...

Maybe more than he let's on...

The Jaunari stood up and stared down both Zeb and Commander Phurin.

"The Lieutenant is correct Commander, it is a step that should not be taken lightly. However these attacks can't continue. Go home and sleep Commander, we can discuss real options when you're rested tomorrow. "

"Jaunari-"

"Don't make him ask again Commander," said the steward as he stepped to Phurin's side. Phurin looked at him, seething with rage. After a moment more of consideration, the commander saluted to the Jaunari and he was escorted out of the building.

The Jaunari sat down and leaned back again into his throne in silence. His eyes wandered cross the room. Tecovis resisted the urge to follow his gaze.

"Lieutenant."

"Yes Jaunari?"

"Tell your foreign friend that his services are no longer required, I'm seeing to this personally from now on. Low Guard, when my steward returns, give him the notes of your investigations."

Tecovis looked to Zeb. Zeb looked back heavily and nodded with a hint of defeat. Tecovis didn't know how to feel.

It's over... All that work...

A Chilling Tale

Djurle walked through the tents over to Mikail’s, as had become his habit. While he approached, the familliar voice of the Klovenite refugee carried on the wind.

"Olden!? Olden!?"

Concerned, Djurle picked up his pace over to where he was shouting. 

"Olden!? Where are y- Djurle!"

"What's going on?"

"Olden snuck out last night, I don't know where he is!"

"&^%#. Alright, I'll help you look for him."

"Can you use your powers to find him?"

"There's too many people in the camp, his tracks would be completely gone by now." Djurle grabbed Mikail’s shoulders. "Look at me. We're going to find him. Okay? We'll find him."

Mikail nodded, his breathing heavy with panick.

Djurle and Mikail swept the camp, encountering and enlisting Morganna along the way. After almost an hour of searching through the camp they went back to their tent to see a messy haired, bur ridden, dust covered Olden.

"OLDEN INGRESSI WHERE IN THE PIT HAVE YOU BEEN!!!???" Shouted Morganna.

Djurle jumped at her voice, surprised that such a small woman could be so loud. Olden cowered at as well.

"I'm sorry ma! I fell asleep by the river."

"We checked the river and you weren't there!"

"WE THOUGHT YOU WERE KIDNAPPED!!!"

I mean, technically...

"I wasn't in my normal spot!"

"Hey, let's just be thankful that we found him, alright? The kid looks like he's had a rough night, and those burs are punishment enough without both his parents tearing him in half."

Mikail and Morganna looked at eachother. Olden mouthed a thank you while they were distracted. Djurle winked back.

Morganna sighed, "You're right, ancestor... I need to get back to work." She looked at Olden, "You, young man, are not allowed to leave this tent without your father until I get home."

"But-"

"Olden! Listen to your mother."

"Yes, Dad."

"I mean it Olden, not for any reason."

"Yes, Ma."

Morganna thanked Djurle as she left and Mikail sat down on one of the chair-stumps, his nervous energy slowly fading. Olden began to pick the burs off of his clothes as he moped.

You should ask him where he went.

What? Why would I... Bah, what's the harm, I can handle a couple stories.

"Hey, Olden?"

"Yeah?"

"Be respectful Olden."

"It's fine Mikail, he's not hurting my feelings."

"Yes, ancestor."

Djurle shook his head and rolled his eyes. 

"You like to adventure right? Tell me about some of your recent escapades."

"Oh? Well, uh... Where should I start?"

"Why not start with how you got in the city? Your dad told me a bit about it but I want to hear your side."

The boy looked at his father before he spoke, “Sure. So, at Sunrise last week, I left here and went to the river to go and hang out with some of the guys. We don’t have much to do in camp so we like to go swimming. We swam for about a half an hour before Mosely bet me two copper that I couldn’t get inside the walls of Thruf. I didn’t want to do it, but he called me a chicken, and I am not a chicken! So what I did was I talked to one of the adults who were fishing and he let me borrow his cloak-”

“Which you still need to give back to him.”

“I will Dad, I promise!”

“You’d better.”

Djurle chuckled to himself before asking, “What happened next?”

“Well, I borrowed his cloak and covered up my arms. The hood was extra big so my head was also covered, I could only see the ground directly in front of me. I tried to walk past the checkpoint but they had me take my hood off. When they saw my face, they sent me away. Then I saw a little runoff that was barely in view. Even though I’m pretty big, I knew I could hide in it. I left my cloak hood down and ruffled up my hair to look like dead grass and crawled on my belly sideways like a crab until I knew they couldn’t see me anymore, then I got up and put the hood on. I walked down the road into the gate a few minutes later. Everything I saw was so pretty. The people all had dark skin and curly hair, and the buildings were so much cleaner than the ones we had back home. I just had to see more of them. So I looked around until I saw this big fountain. I went and looked at it for a bit and was looking at my reflection in the water when a cold wind took my hood off of me. Some di-*ahem*, sorry. Some big mean baldy with too much arm hair saw me and shouted at me before I could put my hood back on. I tried to run into an ally to get away, but it was a dead end. The man caught me by the cloak and started to punch me. Then some guard saved me. He gave me this hanky and asked me my name. I told him my name was Olden, and he told me that his name was Tecovis.”

"You met Tecovis? I should have asked you to tell me this story sooner, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble. 

"Do you know him?"

"I do, he's the son of a friend of mine, I'd been looking for him for a while. Thankfully we found eachother."

"That's good."

“Okay, so he gave you the hanky, what next?”

“Well after that another guard with black skin showed up. They talked for a minute about how some people have gone missing around here. Tecovis told me that they knew each other and I went with him back out of the city. He took me all the way back here, and Mosely gave me the two copper pieces on the way back.” Olden pulled them out of his pocket as proof of his winnings.

Mikail chimed in, “It was Zebulon who brought him back..”

"You just know all my friends, don't you?"

Olden laughed.

"What about last night? You had to do something interesting to be covered in all those burs."

"Yes Olden, why were you by the river?"

"I couldn't sleep. Back home when I was awake at night, Ma would take me on the roof to look at the moon and the stars. She told me stories about them until I got sleepy again. Since Dad was asleep and Ma was still at the sick tent, I went to my normal spot under the tree so look at the moon when I saw ice in the river."

Mikail’s face scrunched. "Ice? This far south at this time of year? Are you sure?"

Djurle leaned forward, his thoughts an absolute flurry of what-ifs.

"I wasn't at first, so I grabbed some. I'd show you, but it melted already. Anyway, I saw the ice and thought it was weird, so I ran up the river to see where it came from. I ran about ten minutes when I saw two people on the other side walking away from the camp. I got curious, so I followed them."

"Olden what have I told you about following str-"

"Hush Mikail, let him talk."

Mikail looked at Djurle, bewildered. Olden's was also surprised, but he continued to speak.

"Uh... I followed them for a while up the river, and hid in the grass to keep from getting seen. We went past a clearing with some weird rock walls I don't remember being there when we were coming to the campgrounds. They kept going for another three miles or somthing until they got to a wrecked tree and then they turned away from the river completely. I watched until I couldn't see them anymore and decided that I'd see if they came back."

"Did they?"

"I don't know if those two did, I fell asleep while I was waiting. But there were others who came from that same way when I woke up."

"How many?"

"About four, I think."

"Did they head to the camp?"

"No, they went upstream. They looked like they were in a hurry."

Djurle immediately stood straight up and said, "I need to go check it out. Thanks for the stories Olden, you're a blessing from The Maker and don't let anyone tell you different!"

He ignored both Mikail and Olden's confusion and ran straight for his horse, not letting anything or anyone get in his way. Once mounted, he bolted for the river, riding beyond the week old battlegrounds until he saw the tree Olden referred to.

Djurle stepped off his horse and took of his boots before swimming across the river. There was nobody in his feeling range so he didn't bother to hide as he got close to the tree. It wasn't just ruined. It had been struck by lightning, and not from above. Djurle had, quite accidentally, learned to tell the difference in the last six winters. He turned his attention towards the ground. Closing his eyes to block out distractions, he stomped and the world came into view. Small deviations in the ground, nearly invisible to the eye, suggested that others had been there, both recently and frequently, likely who Olden had seen. Even hidden in the grass were trails leading west away from the river.

Just like Olden said.

Djurle followed the trodden path away from the river at a jog. After a little over a half a mile something changed at the edge of his periphery, causing him to slow. There was something hollow ahead of him. It felt natural, but he could feel something in it. A table? He continued closer and could percieve a full fledged cave open up before him. 

And he could feel people moving inside.

They were moving at pace, grabbing whatever they could carry and packing it into something, likely bags. One of them walked on pegs that sunk into the ground with every step.

Fusil...

He took the time to count how many he felt when something else caught his attention. One of the rooms was full of oddly shaped roots, ceiling to walls to floor. He couldn't feel why, they weren't connected to eachother, and yet groups of them moved in unison at strange, uneven tempos. Knowing there was at least one grixovite in the area, and with his previous poacher encounters, he could only assume one thing.

Ice cages.

He made note of the unguarded cave entrance and ran back to Crispus as fast as his legs could carry him.

A Fork in the road

Zeb and Tecovis, now fully armored, made their way outside of the city gate. Tecovis chewed on the inside of his cheek, hoping to no avail that Zeb would break the silence. When he could stand it no longer, he said, "Zeb... He's gonna-"

"I know. There's nothing we can do, so dwelling on it is useless."

"But what about all of the Ukitu we promised to help? How are we going to get their families back?"

"I just said we can no longer do anything Teco, were you not listening?"

"We can't just abandon them to Phurin and-!"

"WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!"

Zeb's words hung in the air like a soiled undergarment. He gave a shaken sigh and his head dropped to his chest.

"We don't have a choice..."

Zeb pinched the bridge of his nose. And the tip of his beard spun in small circles as he gnashed his teeth.

They continued to ride to the river checkpoint without another word spoken. When Djurle wasn't there, Tecovis looked to the sun to see it was approximately the fifth hour. He then asked, "Shouldn't he be here already?"

Zeb also said, confused, "He normally is."

"Do you think he went home because we were late?"

"More likely he woke up sore from the fight and stayed put. Let's check his hut."

"Did you say 'hut'?"

"I don't know what else to call it Teco, I've never seen someone camp out of a rock."

Zeb took Tecovis over to Djurle's campsite where a strangely house shaped rock stood, covered in playing ukitu children.

This wasn't always here was it?

Zeb put on his warm smile and cleared his throat. "Excuse me, children?"

Most of the children stopped what they were doing and turned to face the two guardsmen, while the younger ones retreated at the sound of his strange voice. Some behind other children, others behind the rock out of sight.

"My name is Zebulon, I'm looking for the magician who lives here. Have any of you seen him?"

One of the children, a gurnian boy with bluish scales, spoke up, "He left about an hour ago."

"Did you see which way he went?"

"He went to the river. He was running really fast when he came to get his horse."

Tecovis nudged Sandalwood that direction and Zeb gave a courteous nod to the children before following. "Thank you, may The Maker grant you fortune."

They made their way through the tents at a trot, occasionally asking other refugees about Djurle who all said the same thing as the boy. When they got to the river, they heard a horse approaching from the north. They looked and saw Djurle riding towards them at a canter, his dappled grey horse clearly tired from whatever ride they'd just been on.

Zebulon started to say, "Where have you b-"

Djurle interrupted with a wave of his hand, "No time. I know where their base is, and we need to catch them now. They're packing to leave."

Tecovis eyes fluttered as he tried to process all the information. "Hold on, what? How? Their leaving?" 

Zeb's confusion was just as apparent to Tecovis. 

"Zeb-"

"Hold on Tecovis!"

"Zeb, we gotta get everyone on this."

"He's right Lieutenant. The tip I was given says some of them have left already, and I can only guess how long the six who are still there will stay."

Zeb's eyes darted back and forth in his head as he sat in silence. 

"I know what you're thinking Zeb, these people are more important than protocol and you know it."

"What kind of bull*%&@ protocol would keep you from saving the lost ukitu?"

"The Jaunari just pulled us off the investigations to do it himself. Zeb, we have new information that's time sensitive, we don't have time to tell him ourselves. We need to get our men and we need them now. They're panicking. We've beaten them before, and we're all in fresh condition. We can take them."

Zeb's lips twisted and his jaw clenched. After a moment of thinking, he finally locked eyes with Tecovis.

"...Djurle. Wait for us at the checkpoint, we'll head to the garrison and see who we can gather. Someone will be sent to inform the Jaunari. What do we tell the messenger?

"West side of the river Lieutenant, a mile and a half west of the lightning struck tree north of our battle site. The idiots are hiding in a cave, the mouth of which is covered by an oak. They'll be able to see it once they clear a hill."

"Understood. Tecovis?"

"Ready."

"Let's bring home these refugees."

Zeb and Tecovis wheeled around and goaded their horses, pushing them to a gallop every chance they got.

"Clear the way!"

"Move it people!"

"This is time sensitive, MOVE!"

They blew past the river and gate checkpoints, past the market stalls, through the town square and leapt off their horses as they arrived at the garrison. 

As they ran through the doors, Zeb said, "I'll get Commander Lions, you hit the armory for anyone there!"

"Yes, sir!"

Corporal Heik looked up from his desk, asking "What's going on?"

"Come with me, I'll explain on the way!" Tecovis booked it towards the armory, Corporal Heik in tow. When they got to the armory door, Heik ran past to inform the officers who were present, while Tecovis threw the door open with enough force to shake the weapon racks.

Both Charlie and Bravo squads were inside, partially armored, and jumped into defensive stances at the noise. Tecovis explained himself and both squads immediately went to finish getting ready. Even with bruised bodies, their hearts were ready to end this. Tecovis made sure to grab one of the full bronze shields for himself before running out to the courtyard where Zeb had just turned away from a swiftly moving Commander Lions.

"What'd he say?"

"Take who we can and go without them. If things go sideways, our job is to stall until backup arrives. Who's on hand?"

"Bravo and Charlie squads, they're putting on their boots as we speak."

"That's it?"

"There's some officers here on lunch, Hiek is getting them. Everyone else is on medical leave, or on patrol."

"I doubt the officers will be ready quickly, they'll go with Lions. Two squads will have to do."

Tecovis and Zebulon met outside the garrison with the two ready squads, all of whom were equipped in full armor and solid bronze shields as opposed to the wooden standard.

Mounted up and ready to go, they went full send out of the city. Along the way they heard the garrison horns sound, alerting all nearby patrols to return at once. Tecovis had always wanted to hear those horns play, though the circumstances made him realize why Zeb hated thinking about them.

They arrived at the riverbed checkpoint to see Djurle at the ready.

Djurle's brow furrowed. "Anyone else coming?"

"We're the vanguard today," {Charlie leader} said as he cracked his neck.

Djurle looked over the men and smiled grimly, "At least you're all experienced. Let's not keep these people waiting. Hyah!" Djurle whipped his horse around and led the guardsmen up the river, making a temporary bridge of dirt to cross over at one of the thinner points and breaking it to prevent flooding once everyone was on the west side. They continued to follow Djurle as he passed the lightning struck tree and crossed the plains.

As they drew closer to the poacher hideout, Djurle began to speak, saying, "Alright listen up. You're all aware of what you're getting into with the Klovenites and the Lumanites. They'll know we're coming once we get close enough so be prepared for a fight. Did your men ever find that Grixovite?"

Zeb replied, "No."

Djurle muttered inaudible curses to himself.

Djurle's concern caused Tecovis to worry, and he secretly hoped that the Grixovite was still in the city.

They passed over a hill and almost a quarter mile ahead they could see an oak standing solitary in the field.

"There it is, under the roots is the entrance."

With a flick of his wrist, Djurle ripped the ground that the tree was attached to clean out of the earth and Tecovis watched as he made it sail through the air far away from where it had been. They dismounted at the entrance, and Djurle took off his boots.

"Do you sense anyone?" {Charlie leader}asked.

"Just one. Fusil."

"We missed them!?"

"No. Stay on your guard, they're hiding."

"I thought you could-"

"Only through earth. There's a lot of roots, which you shouldn't touch under any circumstances, that they can climb on.

They drew their swords and raised their shields as they went inside. Djurle pointed out any exposed roots and the guardsmen all did their best to avoid them, eventually coming to a split in the hallway, lit by a single torch.

"Which way, Djurle?"

Djurle stood still for a moment. After the pause, his fingers flexed and the ground between them all sunk in to reveal a map, similar in form to the one he'd made of the maze a week prior. "This is the layout of the cave, not accounting for height differential. Fusil is to the right, no doubt it's a trap. The left leads to what I can only assume are their prison cells. You all go clear the cells, I'm going to-"

{Charlie leader} interrupted, "I'm not letting you go alone. That monster killed our friend, we're taking him in or taking him down with you."

"I can handle myself, all of you will be outmatched if they're all there."

"So will you! We're going with you, and at this point it's not a request."

The Lieutenant looked at Tecovis and then back to Djurle.

"If they're set up for you, Djurle, it would be best to have someone who can have your back. I'll take Bravo squad to clear those cells you mentioned. We'll catch up once we know they're secure.

"But-"

Rox shushed him and waved his hand down the hallway. "The longer you wait, the more time they can prep. Go!"

Djurle sighed. "Fine. Charlie squad with me. Keep your wits about you and callout anything you see."

Tecovis and Bravo squad watched as the other half of the group went down the hall, one of the members of Charlie squad using the wall torch to light their own.

"Alright men, watch the floors for roots. 

"Yes sir."

Discovered 

Showdown

As Zeb, Pan, and Tecovis all made their way into the torch lit cavern they all stopped and stood agape at what they saw. A series of cages made of solid ice lined the walls, each held off of the ground by a series of what appeared to be roots. They heard voices coming from the cages but they had no angle to view them.

Pan whispered, “I think we found our missing refugees.”

Zebulon responded, also whispering, “It would appear so. Stay sharp, we don't know if any poachers are here, or how many there are.”

Zeb signalled to the darkness behind him, causing Slide and Rox to creep out from the darkness. The five crept along the walls, slowly making their way up to the cells. Zeb motioned to Pan, signaling him to check inside the one closest to the door. Pan peeked around the corner into the cell, his hand quickly went to his face as he shushed whoever was inside.

Taking this as indication, Tecovis worked his way past Pan to the next cell. Inside he saw four individuals, one of which he recognized. 

“Azalea?” he whispered.

“Wha-? You!?”

“Shh! We're here to get you out.”

Tecovis quickly examined the cage. Scrapes on the ground indicated that he was standing in front of a folding ramp, but he could see no handle or seem, nor could he find any indication of a door. The ice was thick, too thick to break without tools. It would take days to melt on its own, maybe longer considering the lack of direct sunlight. He wished he had a picaxe.

“Thank the #^@%( Maker someone car- BEHIND YOU!”

Tecovis whirled around to see {fight scene}

{End of fight scene}

"Zeb!"

Tecovis struggled against the ice that froze him in place. The faux spirit held Zebulon by the throat from her Icy piller, laughing maniacally as he struggled in her grasp.

I have to save him! Think! Think blast It! What do I do!?

I can stop her. I can end this right now.

No, not after what happened in Erith! I can't control it! It's too dangerous.

I'm older now, more focused, more disciplined. I can handle it!

I'll hurt Zeb! I'll hurt my team, and all of the ukitu we're trying to save!

What should I do!?

What can I do?

“Maker… please… save him…”

The Spirit of Fire

What can he do indeed, dear reader. Oh, were you expecting something else?

“What treachery!” You say, “Thief! Deceiver! I want to finish my story and you're stealing it from me!?"

Nonsense dear reader, I am not here to steal your story. Rather, I am here to present you with a special offer.

You see, dear reader, I find myself in a conundrum. I have the ability to influence this story, and I, Catalyst, am unsure which direction to take it.

The Maker has permitted me to influence this tale, and normally I would make the decision myself. Today, I would like to extend to YOU the choice, for I am a firm believer that the best stories are SHARED stories. COLLABORATIVE efforts

Tecovis is in a situation that he can't make heads or tails of. He's at the end of his rope. In his fragile mind-state he will take even the slightest nudge as confirmation one way or the other.

Now, what do I mean by “influence"? Well you see dear reader, I am going to plant a single thought in his head. He will likely take this thought as his own and the story will continue to develop from this point naturally, at least for a time.

These are the options I am presenting you with, dear reader:

Do I tell him to hold true to the ideals he's established? In doing so, he will be convinced that Djurle shall come to his rescue. Perhaps he will. Perhaps he won't. But Tecovis will still be true to himself regardless, and is there anything more liberating than being true to yourself? You will find this in Finale A

Or

Do I influence him with boldness? Give him the courage to say 'to the pit with the consequences, I must act’?

Doing so will throw all chances at normalcy out immediately. He will never again identify as human, though his words may attempt to say otherwise. You will find this in Finale B

It is your choice dear reader. His fate I leave in your hands.

Either way, I expect it will be an interesting story to see.

I shall see you in your second part, dear reader.

Choose thoughtfully.

Finale A: Promises to keep

You made a promise for a reason. There's nothing you can do that won't make things infinitely worse, so you should hope that Djurle gets here fast.

Zebulon’s choked attempt at a breath reminded Tecovis of that day…

I have to do something!

“The Touched shall inherit the land as is our right and no matter how much you struggle, there's nothing anyone can do to prevent it. You humans and your kings will all be executed for your injustices against us, and the Living Ancestors shall stand in your place!”

Nobody else can save him now. Djurle is his only chance.

A spike of Ice as long as a full fledged spear began to form in the open hand of the Grixovite, Zeb's eyes went wide and he redoubled his efforts to escape. 

“ZEB!!!”

Her chuckling grated against Tecovis's ears. “Don't worry, I'll make sure you're next, kid.”

Zeb… I'm sorry… I can't… I can't… I swore I would never do it again…

Tecovis couldn't tell if the wave of cold he was feeling came from the ice that froze his gambeson to his chest, or the fear that was sucking all hope from his heart.

Pain shot through his body as the vandals stuck him to the ground from behind.

Zebulon continued to struggle, unable to accept defeat he kicked at the Grixovite. The ice itself jumped upwards and caught both his legs together before could hit her.

He felt something crack in his heart as he saw his mother's corpse, lifeless and limp in the bastard's grasp.

The Grixovite adjusted her icy spear in her grip and pointed it towards Zeb's heart

Momma! MOMMA!!!

Tecovis uttered a scream as he pushed against the ice with all his might.

Smoke burned his lungs as the building the bandits had claimed now lay in tatters.

“ZEBULON!!!”

Tecovis would make them pay. He would make them pay for what they did to his village.

“Any last words I can pass on to your family when I go to see them next?”

He would make them pay if it was the last thing he did. His rage was immeasurable. His fury a blaze that would not be stopped.

“No?”

And every single one of them…

“Then die with dignity.”

From their leaders to their horsemen…

The Grixovite impaled Zebulon, straight through the heart.

Would…

She released Zeb from her frosty grasp and he collapsed to the ground several cubits below, his breathing labored.

Face…

She turned to face Tecovis. An evil smile plastered to her face.

His…

With a single, sputtering, bloody cough, Zebulon exhaled his last.

“...no… NOOOOOOO!!!!!”

Your story continues... Find it in 'The Spirit of Fire Part 2; Rumble of War' {alt title, seeking sparks

Finale B: Lives to Save

The Maker gave you what you need to save him yourself. Use it! Djurle told you that you didn't hurt anyone who lived in Erith, and if you didn't do it then, you won't do it now!

Zebulon’s choked attempt at a breath reminded Tecovis of that day…

I can't!

“The Touched shall inherit the land as is our right and no matter how much you struggle, there's nothing anyone can do to prevent it. You humans and your kings will all be executed for your injustices against us, and The Living Ancestors shall stand in your place!”

You must! Nobody else can save him now! Djurle's not coming, it has to be YOU!

A spike of ice as long as a full fledged spear began to form in the open hand of the grixovite, Zeb's eyes went wide and he redoubled his efforts to escape. 

“ZEB!!!”

Her chuckling grated against Tecovis's ears. “Don't worry, I'll make sure you're next, human.”

I'm sorry... I'm sorry Momma … I'm sorry… I have to… I can't... I can't let him die too…

Zebulon continued to struggle, unable to accept defeat he kicked at the Grixovite. The ice itself jumped upwards and froze both his legs together before could hit her.

Pain shot through his body as the vandals struck him to the ground from behind.

Tecovis began to push against his frozen tomb. He could feel his solidified gambeson start to thaw.

He felt something crack in his heart as he saw his mother's corpse, lifeless and limp in the bastard's grasp.

An audible crack reverberated through the ice. The Grixovite's laughter stopped as she turned to face the noise.

Momma!? MOMMA!!!

Tecovis unleashed a scream as he pushed against the ice with all of his might. 

Smoke burned his lungs as the building the bandits had claimed now lay in tatters.

It continued to crack before shattering into pieces, releasing him from his chilled bonds.

“Well, well. I guess this just got interesting.”

Tecovis would make them pay. He would make them pay for what they did to his village.

She released Zeb from her frosty grasp and he collapsed to the ground several cubits below, his breathing labored from the drop.

He would make them pay if it was the last thing he did. His rage was immeasurable. His fury a blaze that would not be stopped.

“You've got my attention now human. You'd best hope your little show is more than just a party trick.”

And every single one of them…

Her hand pointed at the dripping guardsman and a trail of ice spikes shot from the ground towards him.

From their leaders to their horsemen…

The air spat at the sudden wave of heat that radiated from Tecovis, the ice unable to reach him as it turned to steam instantly.

Would…

The Grixovite woman stood in awe, her eyes wide and her voice trembling.

“That's not... What are you?”

The now dry Tecovis looked at the fearful grixovite as she tried to step away from him. Zeb could do nothing more than stare with wonder from the ground as he continued to recover.

Face…

Flames wreathed his fingers, subsumed his palms, and trailed up his forearms, the gambeson under his armor smoked from the sudden changes. His power, finally on display for all to see after nine long years.

His…

In response to the Grixovite, from deep, deep within him, Tecovis was able to growl only a single word.

“...Wrath.”

Your story continues... Find it in 'The Spirit of Fire Part 2; Light The Spark.'{alt title, spark of war}

Part 1

• Meet Zebulon, Tecovis's adopted father/Mentor figure. City guard
• Tecovis is introduced.
• The concept of "spirits of the elements" is explored. Rules of their existence explained. (Progenitors of ukitu)
• Begin exploring themes of guilt and shame.
• Begin exploring themes of power and temptation. Should it be feared and rejected? Trusted and accepted? Embraced and exploited?
• Ask the question “does power corrupt or does it only reveal existing corruption?”
• Meet "Spirit of Earth" companion Djurle Iranu, who has an earth based golem themed powerset.
• Companion explains why "spirits of the elements" are illegal/dangerous monsters (Progenitors of ukitu, viewed as spies by ignorant people, other nonsense reasons)
• introduce ukitu poachers. Kidnaps ukitu for the Krundíl war effort. Reveal they are indeed in the area. Djurle discovered them in search of Tecovis who cares about Ukitu refugees
• Origins of ukitu explained. (Descendants of spirits of elements who fully embraced elemental nature. Not evil, just angry, manipulated by the Big Bad Evil Guy.)
• Origins of human kingdom explained. (Ignorant and fearful of ukitu, at war with hateful kingdom)
• Tecovis shares/learns that one's humanity is lost as spirit transformation is used. All long term drawbacks/short term gains explained (changed physical traits based on usage, ect)
• Revealed that Tecovis possesses "spirit of fire" a fire-dragon themed power set. He's terrified of using it because of an accident many years ago.
• Tecovis helps humans and ukitu individuals in various ways.
• Tecovis encourages "Can't we all just get along?" behavior. 
• Part 2 story hook: Zebulon, Djurle, and Bravo squad are placed in danger by Spirit of Ice. Forced to choose between maintaining secrecy and facing the opponent head on at the risk of losing Zebulon (promises to keep) or embracing the spirit of fire for the first time to quickly end the fight in front of witnesses during confrontation with the spirit of ice (Lives to Save)