Initially Raith’s journey from Alabast had been enjoyable as he rode with Rivian the Helwyr. But now Rivian had left his company and headed to the west along the road to Aierthian and the Collumburt University. Their farewell had been brief and they each wished the other a safe journey, and now Raith was beginning to feel a sense of loneliness. The long ride was beginning to let his mind drift and begin to wonder about many things, most of which he was not overly comfortable with.

Raith wanted to be normal, which was why he tried hard to do normal things like drink ale with Rivian, but he also knew that he would never be like everyone else. Never before had he wanted to be normal and it was only since the Fog had entered his mind through the gash on his eyebrow that he had been feeling as such. And after the crystal exploded releasing Kreha from her prison that desire had increased.

Raith ran a finger over the cut on his eyebrow, which was taking a long time to heal, and sighed. The image of the blonde haired girl flashed through his mind again, her bright blue eyes and infectious smile bewitching him. Raith sighed again, she was another reason he wanted to be normal and why he tried.

“Is that even a reason to be so?” Raith asked himself, “I don’t even know who this young woman is, how do I know that being normal will be something she would like? How do I know she would even like me? Why am I even thinking like this?”

Raith growled angrily and kicked his heels into the old gelding he was riding. The horse neighed irritably and tossed its head before reluctantly going into a canter along the road.

Inüer was high and bright, bathing the land in a warm light, and the road was flat and hard with pasture lands and small clumps of trees to east and the dense forest of Foglornt to the west. Raith urged his horse on faster and the wind whistled through his shoulder length hair, blowing it out behind him as he raced along.

Congestion on the road ahead made Raith cautiously slow his mount and approach at a walk. This section of the road was moving through a light tree clump and across his path sat a broken carriage.

Raith smirked at the obviousness of the ambush, but he approached as if he was oblivious to the movement in the trees and bushes. He pulled his horse to a stop before the broken wagon and waited for someone to approach. Nothing happened.

But Raith continued to wait patiently for the bandits to realise that he was not going to dismount and try and move the wagon.

Finally the bushes rustled and a Wood Elf walked cautiously onto the road on the other side of the wagon, his sword drawn.

“You Nevāranciens usually travel in threes,” the elf said pointing his sword at Raith.

“I am not the usual Nevārancien,” Raith replied simply.

The Wood Elf glanced around nervously as if expecting to be attacked from behind.

The sword the elf carried caught Raith’s pale purple eyes.

“Where did you get that sword?” Raith demanded, “It is Nevārancien make.”

The elf held up the black steel blade with a silver sharp edge.

“We found three of your kin dead to the south,” the Wood Elf shrugged, “These are troubled times and we needed all the resources we could loot.”

Raith half nodded.

“Is it not common for bandits to demand a payment?” Raith asked, growing tied of the delay. 

“We are not common bandits,” the elf snapped angrily, “We are the Dun kār, we fight for freedom and equality. We fight to have our lands returned to us and to never again be assaulted because of the shape of ears.”

“Of course you do,” Raith interrupted, “Do you want money or not?”

The elf’s face went red with anger, “You may not care for our plight, but at least you could give respect to it. You Nevāranciens are in a similar situation to our own, constantly being discriminated by humans. Why not help us instead of mock us?”

“I don’t mock,” Raith was quick to say, “It is not my fight, nor my concern. But this encounter is delaying my trip, which does concern me. So do you want payment or shall we see if you know how to use that stolen sword of yours?”

Raith’s pale purple eyes stared at the elf, making the elf shift uncomfortably and glance to the bushes.

Finally the Wood Elf sighed and sheathed his Nevārancien sword.

“Neither,” the elf replied, “You are free to go. Our fight is with humans not you and your kind.”

The Wood Elf made a shrill whistle and several other elves and Sātor Warriors came from the trees and moved the broken wagon off the road. Raith nodded subtly to the lead elf and kicked his horse onwards. 

Raith came across no more delays and was once again pondering his conflicted thoughts when he arrived at the town of Valier where a great commotion was happening.

Dozens of merchants and travellers were lined up by the gates of the towns impatiently looking along the column and to the soldiers blocking entrance to Valier.

Raith stopped his mount at the end of the line and pondered what he should do. It was not as if he needed to buy any provisions, but it would have been good to stay for the night.

“Looking to get into Valier, Nevārancien?” asked a traveller on horseback beside him, “You will be waiting a while. I’ve been here since midday and already Inüer drifts to the western horizon.”

Raith regarded the rugged man silently, not bothering to reply initially, but he felt compelled to respond.

“Why is there a delay?” Raith asked the traveller.

“An outpost to the west was attacked by The Ravens,” the traveller replied, “They’re bringing the wounded soldiers and civilians here. Damn Elder Race, they should all be killed if you ask me,” the man spat off to the side of his horse.

“What of the ones who are not Dun kār?” Raith asked seriously.

The traveller scoffed, “They’re all Ravens, or working for them, selling out us good folk and pretending to be friendly. But they’ll stab you in the back the moment they get the opportunity. And I’m not the only one thinking that. At least you Nevāranciens show some sense and don’t take a side, keeping to yourselves and your own business. If you ask me, you lot are better than them cursed elves and dwarves.”

Raith did not reply and looked back to the head of the column, still considering whether he should wait or just leave.

When the rugged traveller continued to exclaim how all the Elder Races should be killed regardless of what they have done, and Raith did not need to consider it any further.

Without a word to the traveller Raith kicked his horse and steered away from the line of merchants and back to the main road. Raith heard the rugged traveller call a few curses after him, but he ignored them.

Not long after he left Valier behind Inüer began to disappear to the west and the shadows grew long. Crickets began to chirp as the twilight set in bringing with it a chill to the air. Raith was considering stopping for the night when he saw a convoy of wagon and tents pitched by a thicket close to the road. Not feeling comfortable with the thought of asking to share their fire Raith decided to push on and leave the convoy far behind. But an important looking man and two soldiers had come to the road and waved him down.

It was growing dark but there was still enough light for them to realise he was a Nevārancien, and enough light for Raith to notice that the important gentleman was studying him closely.

“What do you want Nevārancien?” demanded one of the burly soldiers.

“Nothing,” Raith replied simply and kicked his horse onwards.

“Then be on your way,” growled the second guard.

“Hold up,” the important gentleman interrupted his guards, “Perhaps I could have a word with you Nevārancien?”

Raith pulled on the reins of his horse to stop the animal.

“Your friends are not very polite,” Raith said, his eyes cold.

“Ignore them,” the important gentleman bade, “You two leave us. I would like to have a quiet word with this traveller.”

The two soldiers grumbled something quietly but they left and headed back to the camp, where two campfires had been built and were glowing brightly in the coming night.

Raith swung down from his saddle and studied the important looking gentleman closely. The man was clean shaven and wore well-made travelling gear, his dark hair was cropped very short and his eyes that seemed to be constantly narrowed. Sheathed at his belt was a thin blade with a ruby pommel and silver hilt.

Even before Raith had considered this man closely he had known that there was something about him, and looking at his attire now strengthened his thoughts.

“I am Hrult Rooche, do you have a name?” the gentleman nodded.

“Raith.”

“I thought you Nevāranciens usually travel in threes?” Hrult asked curiously.

“I am not the usual Nevārancien.” Raith replied simply, “Did you want something?”

“Yes,” Hrult nodded slowly and moved closer to Raith, “Our convoy is carrying some important cargo that needs to find its destination without any trouble.”

“You have guards,” Raith stated.

“Dim witted soldiers, a couple of elfin archers and a group of gruff dwarves,” Hrult waved his hand dismissively, “What I need is a real warrior, a Nevārancien such as yourself who is clearly three times better than your average Nevārancien.”

Raith studied Hrult and did not reply.

“You will be paid of course,” the gentleman added with a slight smile.

“What will you ask of me?” Raith inquired suspiciously.

The man shrugged, “To guard the convoy of course.”

A cold smile came to Raith’s face and he shook his head, “You have more than enough guards to make sure your cargo gets to its destination unhindered. I am not a fool. What do you want of me?”

Hrult glanced over his shoulder at the campsite not too far away.

“It is said you Nevāranciens can defeat a legion of dwarves single handily,” Hrult said in hushed tone, “There are more of the Elder Races in our convoy than my men.”

“You think they will betray you to the Dun kār,” Raith stated.

Hrult nodded subtly, “If they turn on us we need someone as skilled as you with a sword.”

Raith looked absently towards the campsite and to the fire that had become brighter as the night grew darker.

“What is your cargo?” asked Raith, turning his gaze back to Hrult.

“I will pay for your sword, not for questions,” Hrult quickly replied.

“How much are you paying?”

“How is a fist sized purse?” Hrult smiled.

“It had better be filled with gold coins and not silver or copper,” Raith said coldly.

“It will,” Hrult smiled wider.

Raith nodded, “Fine.”

“Excellent,” Hrult clapped his hands, “Follow me, you will find a seat at the Elder Race’s camp fire. Where it would be good if you could ask them a few questions?”

“I am no investigator,” Raith snapped angrily, “I don’t need your gold and I will leave if that is what you want me to do.”

“Of course not Raith,” Hrult replied, “Just thought you would be curious is all. By The Five I will never understand you Nevāranciens. Anyway here we are, get some rest, make some friends, plough one of the elves I don’t care, just as long as you are ready to leave early tomorrow. Everyone this is Raith, he will be accompanying us, make room for him.”

The five dwarves and two Wood Elves stopped their conversation abruptly and regarded him quietly. Hrult left and Raith stood uncomfortably in front of the fire his eyes going around the group.

The five dwarves were as expected, bearded, stocky, and wearing heavy armour with axes within reach as they sat on logs eating a roasted animal with their hands. The Wood Elves were shorter and thinner than other races of elves, they had mousy brown hair and large brown-green coloured eyes and delicate features. These two seemed as if twins, or at least sisters, for their features and appearance were extremely similar to each other. They wore skimpy leathers of brown and green and in their hair were tiaras of silver and leaves. Beside both of them was a quiver of arrows and beautifully crafted recurve bows.

“Have a seat Nevārancien,” said a dwarf with a thick black beard.

The dwarf seemed friendly, but Raith could see suspicion in his blue eyes.

“I be Dwilt, son of Dagnār,” the black beared dwarf continued, “And these are me kin: Hefnerd son of Brofnerd, Blarren and Nald sons of Glard, and Dwimmer son of Holt. The twins are Florriun and Fluna, of the Valenthōr. You got a name Nevārancien?”

“Raith.”

“I thought the Grey Company travelled in threes,” Fluna remarked, her deep brown eyes studying Raith closely.

“I am not a member of the Grey Company,” replied Raith simply.

“A free agent? Well good for you,” Dwimmer laughed and cut another slice of the cooking meat.

“Give us a refill, Hefnerd,” said Nald and threw his companion his horn mug.

“Me as well,” added Blarren, also tossing his mug.

The rest of the dwarves also shouted for a refill and a rain of horn mugs few into Hefnerd. A chorus of laughter erupted from the dwarves as Hefnerd fell off his seat trying to catch all the mugs. Even the two elves giggled at the sight.

This always seemed the way with the Elder Races, Raith noted, they had an indomitable spirit and always enjoyed a laugh, a hearty meal and a good adventure. Which made Raith wonder why so many of the Elder Races had decided to take up arms against the human’s discrimination against them.

The evening drifted by and Raith tried his hardest to avoid conversation, but the leader of the dwarves, Dwilt, asked him more questions and continued to regard him suspiciously. Soon the dwarves had drunk themselves into sleep and the twins had retired to their tent leaving Raith alone.

The next day came soon and they left the campsite early, as they set off Dwilt asked Raith to join him shotgun on the lead wagon.

“What are you doing here Raith?” Dwilt asked bluntly as they set off.

“Same thing you are,” Raith replied simply, not bothering to look at the dwarf. “Hrult hired me to protect the wagon from attack.”

“That’s it?” Dwilt scoffed, “You expect me to believe that?”

“I have no expectations as to what you will or won’t believe,” Raith shrugged, “But that is what Hrult is paying me for.”

“Alright,” Dwilt nodded slowly, “But I’ll say this: My kinsmen, the two elves and myself have protected wagons and made our own shipments up and down the east coast of Essinendeür for most of our lives, from Scaroul to Crydon, and even all the way to Garrald occasionally. I know this road and this business, so I know when something smells strange. And Hrult and your agreement with him surely stinks.”

Raith did not reply.  

The wagons wooden wheels sounded loudly upon the dirt road and the trees moved slowly by them. Raith and Dwilt were leading the convoy of five wagons which were piloted by the rest of Dwilt’s kin. On horse in the front was Hrult and his men and somewhere in the trees beside the road or ahead the elf twins were scouting.

“You want a beer?” Dwilt asked as he poured himself a mug from the keg that sat between them.

Raith shook his head.

“So you just took the contract from Hrult and didn’t ask any questions?” Dwilt asked as he wiped his mouth.

Raith nodded his head.

“What do you think of mister Hrult?”

Raith did not reply.

“Well I don’t trust him,” Dwilt said, “He is hiding something. Says he’s a former spice merchant and now in the employ of Lord Haron of Valier. But that’s not it, I’ll bet my left testicle it ain’t.”

“Does it matter?” Raith sighed, “He is paying for a job to be done, what more do you need to know?”

“You Nevāranciens are strange like that aren’t you? Just do the contract and get paid, not bothering about anything else. Did you even ask what the cargo was, or why he needed so many guards?” the dwarf looked surprised.

“Because of the amount of guards I doubt Hrult would have told me even if I had asked,” Raith replied as he looked absently into the trees and undergrowth.

“It’s got to be something valuable right?” Dwilt’s dark eyes twinkled, “Something very valuable, like gold or other monetary worth. Perhaps coins to bolster the border towns, or even a bribe to someone in Krnōrel? Whatever is in these crates it’s bound to be worth something.”

“Thinking of taking it for yourself?” Raith asked curiously, “Your men out number Hrult’s soldiers. You could easily take it by force.”

“I ain’t no Dun kār,” Dwilt was quick to reply. “Though, I have been accused of being one of them before.”

“Then why mention the cargo’s worth?”

“Just making conversation is all,” Dwilt shrugged.

“Have you ever thought about joining The Ravens?” Raith asked curiously.

Dwilt spat to the side of the wagon and took another swallow of beer.

“Course not,” the dwarf replied, “Dun kār are nothing but runny nosed kids shouting for equality to deaf ears. They are nothing but common bandits hiding behind slogans and catch phrases of higher purposes. But it’s all rubbish and pointless whining.”

“They are still your kinsmen,” Raith said, “And they will call you a traitor and coward for siding with humans.”

“I’m sure as me arse I ain’t siding with the humans,” Dwilt snapped, “All I can do is make an honest living and banditry ain’t my idea of that. You Nevāranciens and your damn neutrality. You may not have been here when it began, but you are in the middle of it now and sitting on the fence ain’t helping no one.”  

“It helps ourselves,” Raith replied calmly.

“That’s what I am starting to think,” Dwilt blurted his anger growing, “You lot are just sitting back and waiting for the rest of us to kill each other making it twice as easy for you lot to waltz in and take everything for yourselves.”

“And you think that if we are attacked by The Ravens I will sit by and let you all kill yourselves and take the cargo once it is over?” Raith narrowed his eyes at the dwarf. “Or perhaps you want me to do nothing so you and The Ravens can take the goods for yourselves.”

“I don’t care what you do, and I ain’t no Dun kār you bastard.” Dwilt flared angrily, “Get off my wagon.”

Raith looked at the dwarf coldly, making Dwilt shift in his seat, but he decided to leave the issue alone. Raith jumped from the wagon and into the saddle of his horse that was tied at the side of the wagon and urged the beast onwards and away from the Dwilt’s carriage and towards Hrult and his men at the front of the convoy.

“Raith,” Hrult nodded as he brought his horse alongside, “How are things?”

“How are things supposed to be?” Raith asked back, “There is so much distrust in this convoy I am shocked it made it this far.”

“It was just a question,” Hrult looked surprised.

“I doubt that,” Raith snapped, “What is even the point of this convoy, Hrult? Why does a merchant in Lord Haron’s employ need to transport cargo of great value through Dun kār infested woods with half the guards being of the Elder Races themselves?”

“That is not your business Nevārancien,” Hrult replied seriously.

“Then why have I got the feeling that it might well be soon,” Raith narrowed his pale purple eyes and Hrult looked away.

“I think it is time we take a short break,” said Hrult and turned his horse about, “We will stop here Dwilt. Send it down the line.”

Dwilt stopped his wagon and called for a halt down the line. The rest of the dwarves jumped from their seats and were quick to open a keg of beer and hand around some salted pork. Hrult and his men kept to themselves and the twin elves appeared from the trees and joined the dwarves. Raith stayed by himself and had a long drink of water and waited impatiently for the convoy to start moving again.  He had thought from the moment that Hrult had spoken with him the night before that this was an odd convoy and recent conversations with Dwilt and Hrult deepened his concern.

Raith looked to both groups before he quickly and subtly moved behind one of the wagons and peered under the canvas covering. Large crates filled the carriage and were stacked two high. He glanced again to the two groups and using the distraction of a meal he slipped under the high canvas covering to have a closer look at what was in the crates. Upon the wood was burnt the coat of arms of I’ender as well as the coat of arms of Lord Haron. As Raith looked closer he could also see many small Runes etched into the wood likely preventing any unskilled person from opening it before it reached its destination. Raith had no practical knowledge of Runes, so he assumed that was their purpose.

A call to get the wagons moving caught his attention and Raith quickly slipped unnoticed from the wagon and led his horse towards the front of the convoy.

“Hey, Raith,” smiled the elf Fluna as she walked up to him, “If you are tired of sitting in boredom with these dwarves perhaps you would like to join me scouting? It will be much more exciting.”

The Wood Elf’s brown-green eyes sparked and her smile widened.

Raith had become bored of this trip almost as soon as he had sat down at the camp site the night before, so he welcomed the distraction. He nodded to the elf and tethered his horse to the back of Dwilt’s wagons.

“Follow me then,” Fluna said, “I trust you know how to move silently through the trees.”

A slight smile can to Raith’s face as he followed the Wood Elf into the jungle, his footsteps making no sounds on the leaf littered ground and thick tropical undergrowth. With her recurve bow in one hand Fluna moved agilely between the trees and skipped over fallen limbs. Her leaf like cotton clothing and leathers gave the elf much camouflage in the woods, and her brown hair would have made her practically invisible to the untrained eye.

But Raith had no trouble following Fluna, nor keeping up with her as he moved through the shadows the canopy provided. As the time drifted by Raith found that his eyes were no longer looking about the trees for a hidden attack, and instead were watching Fluna closely. The fluid movement of her body held his attention, as did her flowing hair and sweat shimmered skin. Her clothing covered little of her body so Raith could see the smooth movement of her muscles and the sway of her hips as she moved quickly.

The image of the blonde haired woman came to Raith’s mind and tormented him. Her sparkling blue eyes and cheeky smile made him clench his teeth in frustration and strain to remember how he knew the young woman.

Movement in the trees out of the corner of his eye brought Raith’s attention back to the situation and he quickly grabbed Fluna and pulled her close behind one of the wide tree trunks. Raith was quick to stifle the surprised cry from the Wood Elf with his hand.

“Be silent,” Raith hissed as he moved his hand away from Fluna’s mouth.

“What is it?” asked Fluna quietly.

“Sātor to the north,” he replied. “Only a small group.”

Several seconds slipped by and all that could be heard was the wind in the leaves and the chatter of the animals. 

“Raith,” Fluna said softly, “You can let me go now.”

Embarrassed, Raith quickly released his hold on the elf and stepped away. Looking around the tree trunk for any more sign of the Sātor he ignored the slight giggle from Fluna.

“We can rest here,” Fluna remarked, still smiling widely. “Are you hungry? I have some food with me.”

Raith shook his head and untied the water flask on his belt and took a long drink.

“I see,” Fluna giggled, “Perhaps you would like to hold me again?”

Raith looked away and shook his head.

“I wouldn’t mind,” Fluna smiled, “In fact, I think I would enjoy it. But not here, somewhere more private I think.”

Raith let out a frustrated sigh and retied his flask to his belt which was intertwined with a dark purple sash that fell down his left thigh.

“The group of Sātor Warriors was not big enough to pose a threat to the convoy,” Raith changed the topic, “But they might be part of a larger group. We should keep moving.”

“Are all you Nevāranciens so professional all the time?” the Wood Elf asked curiously.

Raith stammered over a few words out of surprise and managed to shrug his shoulders.

Fluna giggled again, “You need to learn to relax Raith. Do you want a shot of Sap? Don’t look at me like that. The drug is not as bad as humans make it out to be. It has an adverse effect on humans, but not us of the Elder Races. Well, perhaps not Zirariens, but they are a bit different to the rest of us anyway.”

Raith declined the offer with a shake of his head.

“Come on Raith,” Fluna encouraged, “One shot will enhance all your senses and give you the feeling of invincibility.”

Raith shook his head again.

An alluring smile came to Fluna’s pretty face, “I will take a shot with you and then I’ll let you hold me again. Trust me Raith, having sex when you are high is like nothing you would ever believe.”

Raith wanted to shake his head again and reject the offer. But that part of him that wanted to be a normal person, to fit in with everyone else, felt so strong at that moment. He had always been told that Sap and other drugs addled the mind and reduced sensory perception. But from what Fluna was saying, Sap did the opposite, it heightened the senses, not dulled them.

Raith wanted to shake his head at the offer, but before he realised, Fluna had handed him one of her daggers with a thin line of the greenish white powder along the flat of the blade.

“Sniff it up your nostril,” Fluna smiled, “And then I will show you the definition of ecstasy.”

Raith wanted to shake his head and hand the dagger back to Fluna, but that strange desire flooded over him again. Perhaps it was the thought that he would be doing something that his older brother Lieut had never done that compelled him. But without any more thought Raith lifted the dagger to his nose and in hailed the Sap through his nostril.

At first nothing happened and his nose just felt clogged, but as Fluna sniffed up a line of Sap Raith began to feel the back of his throat go numb. The shadows under the trees became brighter, the sounds of the animals grew louder. He could feel the slightest of drafts on his finger tips and the sound of his own heart beat thumped loudly in his ears. Everything seemed to be moving slowly around him and his pale purple eyes locked upon the seductive stare from Fluna as she moved right up to him.

Fluna’s breath was loud and her scent intoxicating, the gentle brush of her hands on his arms sent shivers through his body. Then her lips were brushing his and her body was hot as it pressed against his chest. He could feel his desire for the elf swell, but something else caught his attention.

The distant sound of metal clashing and deathly screams echoed in his ears and he pushed Fluna back from him.

“Do you hear that?” Raith asked seriously, his words seeming slow to his ears.

Fluna smiled and tried to move closer to Raith again, but he stopped her.

“Listen.”

Fluna heard the sound then and concern quickly masked her face. She moved away from Raith picked her bow, “It must be the convoy.”

Raith nodded and together they darted towards the road where the sounds of battle were ringing louder. The trees whistled past Raith in a blur and the light from Inüer seemed brighter than normal. The sounds of battle rung very loud in his ears but it seemed like ages until he would reach the road. His movements felt sluggish to him and yet he never stumbled in the thick undergrowth and never so much brushed one of the trees.

The next thing he knew he was amid the chaos on the road. Two of the wagons had been toppled and the crates had broken on the road, spewing the assortment of weapons on the road. Another wagon had caught alight and black smoke billowed into the air. Screams were deafening to his ears and the smell of blood and burning flesh was intense.

The dwarves had made a defensive stand around one of the remaining wagons and were fighting fiercely against the Sātor Warriors, Wood Elves, and dwarves that were raiding. Raith could see Hrult and his remaining men also fighting desperately against the Dun kār as they tried to protect the last wagon.

A Sātor screamed at Raith and charged, the warrior’s double ended spear darting for his face. Raith’s movement seemed so slow to him and he thought he had no chance of winning any form of battle. But the next thing Raith realised was the Sātor Warrior slumped on his knees in front of him as his two swords imbedded into the warriors chest.

Raith’s mind swirled and everything seemed to move slowly about him as he moved to help Hrult. Raith’s blades moved sluggishly in front of his eyes, but every opponent fell quickly to the ground. A horn sounded and a column of half a dozen soldiers on horseback bearing the colours of Hollenfll, a town just north of where they were, came charging down the road from the north to help fight back the Dun kār.

Raith gave it some passing concern but turned his attention back to the three Wood Elves that were moving to attack him. Blood and limbs flew through the air as he sliced apart one opponent after the next. As the fight came to an end and the Dun kār retreated into the jungle, Raith’s senses returned to normal and the effects of the Sap lifted away leaving his head feeling heavy and his mouth dry.

A chilling scream arrested his attention and Raith turned quickly to see Fluna fall to her knees beside the dead body of her twin sister.

“Florriun,” the Wood Elf wailed as she clutched her sisters blood covered head, “No, my dear sister.”

Raith sheathed his swords after cleaning them and walked over to the Dwilt and his remaining kin. Only Blarren and Nald remained and stood arm in arm as they wept for their fallen brethren.

Raith looked to the weapons spilled upon the road, all of which were uncompleted or broken. Swords which were only good for melting down for reforging and bow and arrows that could only be used for spare parts. The soldiers from Hollenfll were quickly collecting the unbroken crates and hauling them onto another wagon.

“Broken weapons,” Dwilt said quietly, his expression vacant as he looked upon the spilled contents of the crates.

“I am sorry Dwilt,” Hrult said as he too came towards the dwarves. “We had to be sure you were not working with the Dun kār, we could not risk shipping battle ready weapons to Hollenfll. These are to be fixed or reused on arrival at Hollenfll. The accusations have been growing, and Lord Haron had to know for certain where your allegiances were. But it was not meant to happen like this.”

“Me boys died for broken swords and crossbows,” Dwilt stammered, his hands shaking. “They died for some political rubbish, to secure Lord Haron’s support from the northern Lords of I’ender? You couldn’t trust us with operational weapons, instead you load our wagons full of scrap metal? What have you done to us Hrult? Why?”

“I am sorry. We had to be sure. That is all I can say, but I am confident that Lord Haron will compensate you for your losses and apologise for the false accusations.” Hrult said and he turned away and mounted one of the remaining horses. “I have more business to attend to so I must leave, but I hope I will see you in Valier again Dwilt, farewell.”

Hrult nodded to Raith and tossed him a bag of coins before kicking his horse onwards and down the road to the north east. The column of cavalry from Hollenfll did not offer any parting words and quickly made their way to the north east.   

Raith opened the bag of coins, and nodded subtly as he noticed that they were all gold. He collected his horse from the back of the wagon that the dwarves had been protecting and swung into the saddle. Raith looked over to Fluna, who was still crying over the corpse of her sister, before he dropped the bag of coins at Dwilt’s feet and rode away from the carnage.

Still feeling the after effects of the Sap he did not really register his surroundings until it was night and he was riding through the southern reaches of Kalladen. The jungle trees of the Foglornt had become sparse and long grass waved in the gentle wind.

Raith could see the village outskirts to the hold of Tyn in the north and that of Hollenfll to the east, their household lights dancing on the horizon. He thought about riding to Tyrn, but he was feeling weary and decided to rest among some trees by the road.

With a sigh Raith dropped from his horse and slumped at the foot of the trees. Raith ran a hand over his face and tried to shake away the lethargy in his mind. He berated himself for being so easily persuaded by Fluna to take the drug. But at the same time it he enjoyed having the freedom of choice to take the substance. He felt such confliction in his mind and it irritated him immensely.

Raith sighed heavily and looked up through the trees to see the star filled sky. He also felt as if he should have stayed with Dwilt and Fluna after that massacre, but he also did not want to become caught up in this feud between the Elder Races and the humans. He could not understand why Hrult and Lord Haron had shipped broken weapons to Hollenfll or why they had thought it would show if Dwilt would betray them or not.

Raith guessed that the ruse would have established whether Dwilt was tempted by the suggestion that the cargo was expensive and not just a political tool to ensure Hollenfll’s support of Lord Haron. Hrult had said that what had happened was not intended, but that seemed foolish to Raith, for surely Hrult would have known the Dun Kār would have been lured in by heavily protected convoy. But what was done could not be undone, and it seemed that Hrult and Lord Haron had only succeeded in making certain that Dwilt would turn against them and join The Ravens. In truth Raith really did not understand why the fighting between the humans and Elder Races had gone on for so long. Why had one side not simply eliminated the other?

Raith realised the pointlessness to his musing and sighed again, and waited restfully until dawn. Early the next day he was feeling well again and he set off quickly making his way towards Gun dürin as instructed by Kreha.