Zach,+Charles,+Aaron

He entered the study of the astronomy tower, to find Kröm hadn’t arrived yet. Grundle was used to this. The dwarf would enter the small, arched doorway that lead to the study, needing to sit down for a moment, or have a drink of water. He isn’t in such bad condition, Grundle thought. Considering his age, he seems to be in fairly reasonable shape. Kröm was well into his forties when Lunaria was first colonized, but surely the study wasn’t as old. The building was brand new back then and much of it was unchanged. From each stone that made up the enormous, exterior wall, to the number of platforms that allowed access to the documents, and various apparatus among the shelves. The astronomy tower was useless without Kröm’s teaching. When the dwarf finally arrived, Grundle didn’t waste any time, “Kröm! How are you this evening? Kröm?” He had a look of vacuous concentration and when he finally acknowledged Grundle, his reply was unrelated, “I have a proposition for you. You have always wanted to see the main land, correct?” “I’m going to see the main land?!” “Well, now you’ve ruined it.” “No, go on. I’m listening.” Kröm sat down, “well, as you know, we got word last week of some missing people in Durania. Apparently, whatever is responsible still isn’t known. That’s why they have sent a request for a scientist, to help them catch what it is, they don’t know to look for.” “Wonderful! But, I’m surprised. Won’t it be dangerous?” “The Envelo guard has agreed to protect you and I know you aren’t a fool. If you expect danger, I can trust you’ll take the necessary precautions. There is a ship waiting for us in Bargus. I’ll take you to the king of Durania. He’s going to have a meeting before the search party heads out.” Clearly, Grundle was ecstatic, having never left Lunaria before. He had woken this evening expecting another lesson and had instead been given a chance to see the world that Kröm had left so long ago. “So, pack your bag, my friend, and take this.” He held up a flintlock pistol. “Just in case.”



Twigs danced across Brackens robes as he meandered toward his master’s home. The size of his home defined the status he held in the clan, massive. Orin had been around since the beginning of the clan. Now Orin was asking for the audience of Bracken. Puzzled, Bracken thought that the Tree could be in danger, or that Orin wanted to will his powers to him. Bracken only found himself racing though his mind when he walked into Orin’s tree. “Do not worry young one, we are a safe people. As for your other thoughts, you are still young, this weight is much more heavy then you may expect.” Orin had read his mind. Bracken hated it when he did that, Orin was an Arch Shaman, The limits to his powers were unknown. “I’m sorry if i’ve offended your status by my thoughts master.” Bracken bowed his head. “Why have you called my audience.” Bracken was relieved that they were safe, but now even more confused as to why he was there. “Envelo has called their council of men, their reasons are unknown, you are our only emissary. Will you please go and aid the mortal races in their conflicts?” Orin spoke firmly. Bracken knew that this question was an order. “Yes master, I will gather my things and leave by the suns peak.” Bracken bowed his head. “Tread lightly.” Orin spoke as he excused Bracken from his home. Bracken was the only ambassador for a reason. It was never his choice. When he was young, only days old, Orin sent him to Envelo for the first time to force the humans to stop bringing their crafts through the Tyrestian’s sacred forests. Bracken was the only to ever return, all others disappeared, rumored to be killed by the infuriated King. Reluctance was the only thought when Envelo struck his mind. He hated the structures that the humans created from the nature he worshipped. Yet orders were given, that was something that he must respect. Bracken always grabbed his two maces before he left each time. Both were twisted from the roots or his home and thorns outlined the ridges of roots. Orin would tell him they were unnecessary. Bracken was a cautious Tyrestian, he held his maces near and dear to his soul. Every time he could find time he would practice his swings, throws, blocks, and parries. Combining his power to twist nature and his proficiency with his maces, he was very dangerous. With his maces at his side, that was all Bracken needed to leave. He could grow berries for food, and build clothing from scratch if he had to. He looked up to see the sun, and it was at its highest point, it was time to leave the comfort of his home once again. It took him just over a day to make his way to the boarder of the forest. The mountains that separated Tyrestia from Durania were massive, intimidating almost. Bracken had created his own path through the mountains. He concentrated on his path and created the visual in thoughts. Raising both arms, the stones and boulders he pictured began to move and shuffle away from his path. Dropping both arms to his side the stones fell to the ground leaving him free passage. Sunlight was in his sights now, the end of his path was near, that meant Envelo was just outside his view. The thought hit Bracken again, why did the humans call council at this awkward time of harvest, something must have been terribly wrong. Reaching the end of the path, Bracken looked across and saw the gates to Envelo. He stepped out of the side of the mountain and landed on the main trade route that led him to the gates. Bracken followed the travelers to the gate. When it opened, guards moved in to ask for papers to allow entrance. Bracken never owned any of the papers but his appearance gave way to who he was. Two noblemen appeared and escorted Bracken to the hall where they would be meeting. Before entering, he drank an elixir he created on his way, this let him understand the languages being spoken to him, any and all language.



“All rise, for your majesty has arrived,” spoke the chairman of council. King Maulup entered the chamber wearing a goldenrod kaftan made of silk. His crown was littered with jewels from across the land. Draped over his shoulders was a thick, burnt orange cape that fell to the ground behind him. “I’ve requested your audience to inform you of a grave reality. Men and women from our beloved city have going missing. We have reason to believe that these people are being kidnapped by the heinous creatures that have been recently spotted outside of our walls. Search parties have been dispatched to explore the territory. Very rarely have any returned. Our people have been worried about their loved ones long enough. We have gathered men from neighboring regions to aid our cause.” Maulup shook his head slowly, clearly implying his anxiety. “A scientist from Lunaria named Grundle has agreed to help us in this endeavor. He will need protection, as he is not a warri-” Maulup was cut off as a tall, muscular man stepped forward, Clad from head to foot in worn brown leather. Sheaths swordless, and a quiver empty he began to speak. “I, Chester Wilder,I have a question for all of you. My parents showed up here about over a year ago. I’m sick of worrying about them their names are Lloyd and Colette Wilder. What did that letter say! Where are my parents?! “You are a brave man, Chester, though I do not know of this letter that you speak of. Each letter that leaves this city comes through my office for approval, never have I seen this letter from your lost parents.” Maulup spoke with a thread of agitation in his voice, yet he felt sympathy for the man. “The Cult! Its the Cult i tell you!” A noblemen from across the room stood and yelped out. “The Cult doesn’t exist my friend. This is a myth told to children to scare them away from the forest and caves that litter the mountain side.” A man in a dark robe piped up and tried to shoot down the crazy thought. “It pains me to say that this is plausible. It is even harder to say that this may be the works of the untraceable minions that they create. Legend has it that the Cult Noberon has the power to drain the free will of a human being, creating tame shells that will do their masters bidding. I don’t want to say that this is truth, but we can not block this thought out.” Maulup said bluntly. “Then what do you suppose we do Your Highness. Track down a creature that can not be tracked? Find a Cult that doesn’t exist?” The robed man tore into Maulup, attempting to destroy the thoughts of the twisted Cult. “Grundle is not the only person we have sent for. Bracken, tell the men of your powers.” Maulup ordered. “I have lived many years, I have walked across these planes many times and I have seen many things, These creatures that you speak of are nearly invisible to the human eye, as are they tracks. They do exist, their masters have dubbed them Blark. Puppets to the men who created them, they won’t stop unless killed, or their master is killed.” “So you are capable of tracking them Bracken? Capable of tracking a creature that doesn’t exist? Your Highness you can’t believe that he is being truthful can you?” The robed man couldn’t believe that Maulup was considering this. “Bracken, take Grundle to find these creatures. I understand that you can defend him even though you are not at your full potential. Take what you must to survive outside these walls. I will assemble a team of men to take with you.” Maulup spoke firmly, asserting his authority. “I won’t need a team my friend. I am plenty strong enough to bring one back to these walls.” Bracken laughed with arrogance. “Wait a god damn minute! Let me accompany you. My parents are missing, and this may be the only way to find them.” Grundle had been silent, but he now spoke with much veracity. “I say we bring him with us.” “He will only slow us down,” Bracken replied. “We need all the help we can get. There’s only two of us after all and we don’t yet have a hunter.” He sighed, saying, “So be it. But, I won’t let him slow us down.” “It’s done, then. Gather your things, you will leave at dawn. Tread lightly men.” Maulup motioned them out of the room.



Maulup provided supplies for the small search party. Rations, camp settings, and an air ship. There was enough food to survive outside the walls for months. Guards were issued to stay on the ship, while Maulup forced two men to stay with Grundle at all times. On the look out for any signs of hostile life, or anything out of the ordinary. “What is that?” One of the guards at the bow of the ship yelled. Grundle grabbed something out of his pack and made his way to the edge of the ship. Peering over the bow of the ship with his binoculars he saw an abnormal patch of fog in the distance. “Stop the ship, we walk from here.” Grundle’s authority was clear. “Why should we stop. I sense nothing, but as you wish, we will walk.” Bracken sighed. “Daylight is running out, lets set up camp and stay on the ground.” Chester chimed in. “Alright, we can stay. Chester is right. It is getting dark.” Grundle agreed. They climbed down the sturdy rope ladder, cautious for what they might find. By the time the fire was lit, darkness had fallen. The forest cast long dancing shadows into the camp. Some might call them “forest shadows.” “This fire light is so intense,” Bracken observed “that my pores are even casting darkness. I think I’ll call it...”pore shadow.” “Oh these shadows, casting on my face,” complained Chester. “There giving me quite the headache, in my forehead region.” Grundle pondered, “I shall diagnose it. . . ‘forehead shadow.’ “And look at those shadows in the foreground.” Chester saw them as well, “they look almost like. . . ‘foreshadows’” One of the guards spoke, “I hope this forest doesn’t. . .burn down” “Well, good night!”



The sound of sheer terror awoke the three men from their deep sleep. The screams of Grundle’s guard were deafened an immense stomp, followed by silence. Everyone jumped to their feet to observe the carnage that was once their comrade. Standing above the wreckage, was an enormous creature that stood as tall as the trees. It carried a tree trunk in its right hand, and the second of Grundle’s guards in his left. It had a horrid face with jutting teeth and a lazy eye. Few have ever seen a mountain giant and lived to tell the tale. In that instant the giant threw the guard and charged. The three men dove out of the way of the giants bullrush. The giant crashed into the forest behind them. Bracken was the first to roll to his feet, followed by Chester then Grundle. The beast stood and turned, letting out a horrendous howl. “I’ll distract it, Chester your going to have to climb up on its back to kill it. It is a very smart creature. Move quickly, we don’t have much time before it notices.” ordered Bracken. “Alright, what do you want me to do?” asked Grundle. “Don’t die. My job is to protect you remember?” Bracken replied. Bracken drew one of his maces and hurled it at the giant as Chester took off to position himself behind it. The mace flew with unimaginable speed, connecting with the giants left shoulder. Its entire left arm went limp. The giants eyes were locked on Bracken as Chester began the climb up the creatures back. At that instant the giants arm revitalized. Just a ploy to draw Bracken and Chester in close enough to strike. The giants arm shot onto its back and ripped Chester from his grip. It tossed Chester into the forest that lay behind him, with only twigs and branches to brea his fall. Bracken ran at the giant grabbing the mace that he threw just a minute before dodging a blow from the tree trunk club. The giant swung its other arm and Bracken was forced to tap into his natural power. Raising his left arm a wall of earth rose from the ground next to him as a shield from the massive fist. The shield didn’t help, the nature in this realm was not the same as Tyrestia. The fist tore through the wall and knocked Bracken off his feet. Grundle stood before the towering creature. It reached down, snatching Grundle in it’s clutches. He needed to reach his belt, but could hardly move. “Almost. . . . almost. . . . AHA!” BLAP! The struggle stopped, the shouting stopped, and Grundle now shook in disgust at a new hole in the beasts face. The giant fell back and with a sickening, FWUMP! and several loud cracks as the trees snapped beneath him. When Bracken, Chester, and the remaining guard found Grundle, he was still under the giant’s hand, clutching a flintlock pistol. “Well, at least the forest didn’t burn down. Right?” Chuckled Chester. “Indeed, but would you mind GETTING THIS HAND OFF OF MEEE!?!?!” “I will free you as soon as you promise me to never unsheathed that blasted tool again.” Bracken was tense, the vines and roots on his robe were twisting and turning faster then normal. “Would you rather I had died? Because, if it comes to it again, I won’t hesitate, returning to this method.” “It is against everything I have ever known, but my job is to protect. If you must protect yourself then I have no choice. We have to keep moving, this fog is thickening. Something is closing in on us.” Bracken’s voice trembled. Being in the forest gave him sharper senses.



“Does anybody know what direction we’re headed?” Chester asked. A distraught Bracken answered, “My senses are weakened in this forest.” “Oh, don’t fear, my friends. I have a compass,” Grundle held up the small brass tool of direction. “Oh wait, it’s um. . . .it’s not working.” The needle spun wildly out of control, with reckless abandon. “This compass is completely useless! Let’s just look for a path, or something.” As they traveled through the forest, a faint sound of commotion found it’s way to the search party. “Who would be in the forest with such danger on the loose,” spoke the petrified guard. The faint stomping slowly increased in intensity. Before long, a loud, tromping, jamboree erupted from the wood. A bright green caravan rounded a tree, it’s six mules were adorned in tasseled drapery. Along side the vehicle, were a galavanting troupe of singers and dancers. As it rolled towards the men a song became audible from the ruckus. “Great, a caravan full of Gyp-” Bracken was cut off. “We’re Gypsies! We’re Gypsies! Traveling through the forest. (it’s foggy) You know we have a chorus. (it’s us) You know we don’t have guards are around us. (nope) We can’t fight, because we have, no weapons, no armor, we don’t know how to barter. Stealing cause we’re smarter. Traveling to new places, while stealing from new faces. Lets stop, and watch my friend eat grapes. I like grapes OH YEAH! Cause’ no one attacks gypsies, riding through the forest in the night-” “Halt!” shouted an old crone, sitting atop the drivers seat. She was wrapped in a shawl from the skin of gazelles. She wore a paisley head rag, and smoked an ivory pipe. “It appears we have some stray folk.” Bracken stepped forward, “ We mean no harm to you travelers. Heed my warning, strange creatures are stealing wanders that travel through these parts.” “You can’t steal people!” yelped a far away gypsy. “The idea is hard to grasp, but it appears that it is our only lead.” Bracken was doubtful. “Warning appreciated. Now may I ask a favor?” asked the crone. “Anything.” Grundle replied. “Your linens. Hand them over” “What! No!” the guard franticly replied. “So be it. You don’t seem important,” the crone waved her hand and the guard exploded into a horrifying glut of cloth. Towels, washcloths, and robes soared through the air. The others looked away, in disgust, as “No! No, it can’t be! It’s a LIN-O’-MANCER!!!” “Yes! It is I, the Lin-o’-mancer,” she stepped down from her perch, gracefully swooped up a towel, and rubbed it on her face. “And with this glorious bounty of towel items, we shall. . . . wear them!” Just then, a thunderous roar ripped through the forest as a ghastly figure ran into the group. Bracken immediately leaped into action as he pummeled the foe with his mace. “It’s the BLAAAAARK!!!” Chester cried. Waves of Blark began to come into view. Dozens of the creatures ran into the grove as each individual drew there weapons. Including the gypsies. “I thought none of you had any weapons!” Grundle exclaimed, pulling out his flintlock. The Lin-o’-mancer turned, “It’s a song. And we lied.” Bracken ordered Grundle to head for the caravan, while he and Chester fought off the battalion. Grundle ran as fast as he could around trees and roots, dodging gypsies and Blark as they fought. When he reached the back of the caravan, he opened the large doors and leaped inside. “Twenty-Three!” Chester hollered as he drew three arrows back in his long bow. “Fifty-six!” Bracken laughed as he twirled his maces. Parrying and dodging blows from all directions A loud slam came from the caravan. Chester and Bracken turned to see an enormous wooden machine rise from the vehicles roof. It looked like an enormous crossbow and as Grundle, sitting in the gunner’s seat, fired each arrow with a POP POP he said, “oh cool! So that’s why there was nobody inside!.” The army of Blark began to thin as Grundle fired round after round into them. “That’s cheating!” Chester yelled. “This. . .is cheating.” Bracken dropped his head and raised his hands. The wind whipped around the battle, a crevice opened and swallowed a large portion of the creatures. The wind died as quickly as it picked up. Bracken fell to the ground unconscious. Chester ran to him and hoisted the dwarf over his shoulder. Chester struggled to get to the caravan, stepping over dead gypsies and creatures. Grundle continued to fire bolts into the never ending army of Blark, doing what he could to cover Chester’s back. Chester climbed onto the empty driver’s bench, dropping the groggy dwarf next to him. The Lin-o’-mancer stood before the caravan as she fought off the Blark, turning them into various bathroom fabrics one by one, “This just won’t do. it looks like I’ll have to use all of my power!” Chester grabbed hold of the reigns and the caravan jumped forward. As the Lin-o’-mancer used the last of her power, every Blark in sight lurched back. Their wretched forms changing as the Lin-o’-mancer fell back as well. Pieces broke off of her, turning into rags before they incinerated in the air. And when there was nothing left, but several hundred piles of cloth, none of the three looked back.