The gaping maul of the Dendra, a massive earthworm that lived in swamps and marshes, shot down at Lieut. Its huge mouth and rows of teeth splattered into the mud and water as Lieut nimbly avoided its bite. The Dendra would have coiled back and struck again but Lieut was quick to counter and his sword cut deeply into the beast’s violet skin. The flesh of the Dendra was tough though and he did not quite sever the worm in two. But the creature screeched angrily as its green blood gushed from the wound and hissed as it dripped into the water and mud around the two combatants.

The Denrda snapped its head back and away from Lieut’s blade before he could strike again. Lieut firmed his jaw as he looked up at the towering head of the worm as it swayed ready to strike. He could hear his companions engaging in their own battles against the other Dendra behind and around him, but he did not concern himself with that.

The Dendra coiled its head back again ready to strike and as it shot forward a stream of pale green acidic venom poured from its mouth. Lieut had anticipated such an attack and dived forward into a roll right towards the spot where the worm was sticking out of the mud. The Dendra seemed to realise Lieut’s intent and tried to retreat back into the safety of the mud, but Lieut’s blade was swift and this time he struck with all his strength. Before the Dendra had time to pull back into its lair deep beneath the mud Lieut’s sword cut viciously and severed it in two. A good portion of the worm fell to the mud and began to twitch and flop about uncontrollably as the rest of the beast retreated back into the ground when it would repair its self soon enough.

Lieut quickly turned his attention where his companions were fighting other Dendra but it seemed that a call for retreat had been communicated among them and the other earthworms had also vanished beneath the mud as suddenly as they had appeared.

Lieut winced as he suddenly felt a stinging feeling on his arm and looked to see some of the Dendra’s acidic venom had splattered onto his skin. With a grimace Lieut quickly sheathed his sword and dropped to his knees in the muddy water to wash away the green goo. Thankfully the Dendra had only mild venom and as Lieut washed it off with the cold mud and water only a slight blistered burn remained. Slapping some more of the mud on the burn Lieut moved to join the rest of his companion, who had also suffered only minor burns.

“Must we fight our way across every inch of these rainy plains,” Vythe sighed as he looked unhappily at the burned holes in the sleeves of his shirt.

“Don’t sound so unhappy,” Bārdin said with a smile, “Everyone loves a good fight.”

“And we have made good time,” Lieut remarked, “Two days out of Pentra and we are already at the Little Ists.”

“I suppose that is something,” Vyteh replied with a nod and looked around at the bleak scenery.

A misty rain fell down from the heavens and upon the green grasses and marsh reeds. The Little Ists was a marsh land on the north western banks of Lake Ire and was made up of hundreds of small and shallow streams and pools all surrounded by long reeds that were blooming with small white flowers. Although the Little Ists were not a dangerous marsh land in that it did not have any hidden bogs or bottomless mires. The only real dangers were the animals that inhabited it like the huge Dendra. Other than that it was quite easy to navigate and the Mōrgul Cats of the area had made many wooden boardwalks over the streams and pools to stop travelers from ruining the land.

There were also still remnants of the battle on the Morrow Plains and rusted armour and weapons could still occasionally be seen throughout the plains and the marshes. Although the war had caused great damage to the land much of it had been repaired, and apart from the human remnants it was almost as if nothing had ever happened.

“Good, Fluna and Raermin have got the horses,” Vythe smiled and pointed, “And they do not seem injured.”

“Shall we get going then,” Lieut said as he took control of his horse and swung into the saddle.

The others were quick to follow his lead and be away from this Dendra infested area. When the others were ready Lieut set off at an easy trot as he knew how foolish it would be to go any faster in this muddy and misty environment of the Little Ists.

The afternoon drifted by slowly as Lieut led the party through the continuous rain. As they moved on the mist became thicker and the wind stopped giving the area around them an eerie feel and causing the tension of constant alertness to fill the group. But nothing attacked them for the rest of the ride and the only sound was the patter of rain and the noises of the wildlife along with the slurp of the horses hooves in the mud or the clomp on wood when they crossed the increasingly frequent boardwalk.

The clop of the horse’s hooves sounded dull and hollow as Lieut led the way across a long wooden bridge that crossed a shallow but wide pool. Into the mist it stretched before touching back done in the mud between the white flowered reeds. On the other bank a tall post appeared out of the clouds baring directions of Sparren to the left and Sesserech and Port Na’brath to the right.

“I suppose this is as good a place as any to stop for the night,” Vythe remarked, “No use travelling through the mist at night.”

Lieut and the others agreed and without much said they dismounted and set up a small camp at the base of the signpost. With no dry wood around Vythe was forced to conjure a magickal flame which he kept small, not wanting to attract monsters. As the night came on so too did the mist, so heavy that the small fire barely illuminated any of the area.

“We would be at the Pass of Karadon by now if we had taken the northern road around this damn swamp,” Raermin grumbled as he looked bleakly at the small bit of meat that was cooking over the fire and getting wet from the steady rain.

“You saw the pride of horse sized lions on the plain by the road, as did we all,” Vythe replied, “If we had taken that road one of those beasts would be picking all of us from between its teeth right now.”

“I still think we could have ridden through them easily enough,” Fluna said as she picked at her meal.

“My dear, have you ever seen a lion of the Morrow Plains hunt before?” Vythe asked, “They could easily out run, and out last our horses. Before the call of the Dun Kār came had you ever been outside the Foglornt, Fluna?”

Fluna shook her head and looked back down to her meal of bread and cheese before deciding she did not want any.

“There was no need for that, Vythe,” Raermin was quick to say, “Not everyone can be as worldly as you.”

“I meant no insult,” Vythe replied sincerely, “I was merely making a point that travellers who make uneducated decisions usually end up dead.”

“Meats done,” Bārdin said loudly and he eagerly cut a large slice from the spit over the fire. “I tell ye what though, I would have been glad to be through the Pass of Karadon by now, if only to get away from this blasted rain.”

“Do you think we will be at the Pass by tomorrow evening?” Fluna asked curiously.

“It is possible,” Raermin said with a smile, “If we do not come across anymore fiends looking to eat us.”

“We will be going to Sparren first,” Lieut cut in as he looked at the colourful wisps of Fog dancing within the fire.

“What?” Raermin asked angrily, “Making plans without our consent again?”

“What do you mean, Lieut?” Vythe asked curiously.

“Exactly what I said,” Lieut looked up from the fire, “I am going to Sparren. And if we are to stay in company you all may come also.”

“This is ridiculous,” Raermin snapped, “You did the same when you wanted to go to Woodland. And that achieved nothing.”

“Don’t come if you don’t want to,” Lieut turned a stern gaze to Raermin.

“I won’t,” Raermin replied angrily, “I have had enough of this.  I am long overdue in Port Na’brath to take the rule of my family house. I will not be delayed any longer. Go to Sparren then, I will be heading to north upon the morrow’s dawn.”

“Alone on the roads,” Vyteh shook his head, “It is dangerous to go by yourself Raermin and very possible that you will not even make it to the Port.”

“He won’t be alone,” Fluna spoke up drawing a smile from Raermin, “I will go with you.”

“I am supposed to be the one who is escorting you back to the Port,” Vythe said in frustration, “It was to be a sign that the conflict between houses Varrintine and Cardonian are no longer at odds with each other. It was to be a symbol to the people that an era of solid and diplomatic rule had come to the region.”

“It still can be Vythe,” Raermin said seriously, “Let Lieut chase whatever he is after to Sparren and come with me also. This could be the start of a long a prosperous friendship between our houses.”

Vythe clenched his jaw in frustration and looked to Lieut, “What are you looking for in Sparren, Lieut?”

“Perhaps I will tell you,” Lieut shrugged and looked back to the fire, “When we are closer to the city.”

“Damn you to the Abyss Lieut,” Vythe curse, “You are deliberately making this difficult for me.”

“Am I Vythe?” Lieut looked his friend in the eye.

A slight smile came to Vythe’s face and he let out a deep breath, “No, I guess it is not that hard a decision after all.”

“So it will just be me and Fluna heading north in the morning,” Raermin guessed and Vythe nodded his head.

“Do appolgise to my father for me,” Vythe said with a smile and Raermin shook his head in disgust.

“Bārdin, what of you?” Vythe asked, turning his attention to the dwarf who was still happily eating the soggy meat from the spit.

“What? You have to ask?” Bārdin roared angrily, “’Corse I’m going with Lieut and you. Now, who wants some mulled wine?”

As the others mumbled their agreement Bārdin took the small pot from the side of the flames and dished out equal serving between them. Of course Lieut did not drink any and he looked back to the flames, a sense of joy filling him and the excitement of having both Vythe and Bārdin beside him on his personal adventure.

The next morning came with continued rain and dreary light, although the clouds had lifted during the night and the path was clear before them. Raermin and Fluna said a short farewell before heading quickly along the northern road. Soon afterwards Lieut was leading the way through the seemingly endless marshes towards Sparren.

By the end of the day they had moved from the wet and muddy road and onto the stone path that led up into the mountains to the city of Sparren. Although the mud and bogs had gone the rain continued to follow them into the mountains. But the ground was solid under the horse’s hooves and they could increase their pace.

As night came in slowly the clouds became heavier around them and the left side of the road dropped away down a steep cliff. The wind picked up and the rain became heavy as the sound of thunder rumbled above them. A blue bolt of lightning suddenly shot down from the clouds and struck the mountain side.

“We need to find shelter,” Lieut shouted to be heard above the growing storm.

“There is a cave not far, I think,” Vythe called back and Lieut dropped from his saddle and led his horse onward through the pelting rain and wind that had picked up. Thankfully Vythe had been correct and around the next few turns Lieut spotted a wide overhang in the side of the mountain with a decent cave underneath.

The cave itself was too small for the horses but luckily the rocks and mountains provided some cover for them. Lieut cautiously moved into the dank cave and looked about for signs of danger. But there were none and in fact it looked as if many travelers made it a point to stay the night in this very cave when out on the road. The rock of the walls was smooth and in one place a small alcove had been carved out to make a hard bed. The floor was covered in loose shale and there was evidence of an old camp fire in the middle.

Bārdin and Vythe were quick to join Lieut in the cave and both placed their belongings and saddles where he had by the entrance. Vythe set about conjuring a fire and Bārdin made himself comfortable on the stone bed.

“How did you know about this place?” Lieut asked as he sat down by the fire, his back against the wall and his sword across his lap.

“As you can see it is a common stop for many a traveler,” Vythe shrugged, “You did not think this was the first time I have been to Sparren, did you?”

“All three of us came this way when we were looking for you, Lieut, after the Battle of the Morrow Plains,” Bārdin remarked as he continued to make his stone bed comfortable.

“Three?” asked Lieut curiously.

“Of course,” Bārdin was quick to reply, “Fairris was with us then. That was before I left to go with me clan. But Vythe and Fairris continued to adventure about the land.”

“Back then she was just as interested in seeing all of Essinendeür,” Vythe remarked absently.

“What do you mean?” Lieut asked curiously and Vythe looked uncomfortable.

“Well,” Vythe began, “After we had ventured almost everywhere in the land her thoughts became less conscious of seeing the wonders of the world and more focused on finding you, almost to the point of obsession. We ended up parting ways, and I have not talked to her since. But as I told you I did hear that she had joined the warriors of the Grey Company.”

Lieut nodded slightly and looked back to the fire, he had not told them yet that Fairris was likely to be in Sparren and he was not planning on meeting her for it would pose questions that he did not want to answer. But Lieut did think that he owed his friends an explanation sooner or later. Later, if things went to plan.

The rain and thunder continued to create chaos outside and upset their horses, but inside the cave it was warm and relatively dry apart from a drip that had started right where Bārdin had planned on sleeping. Vythe had found this amusing but the dwarf did not and he grumbled as he took one of their pots and placed it so it would catch the drip and not wet his sleeping rug.

After the small meal Bārdin made himself comfortable on the stone bed and was soon snoring away despite the drips noisily landing in the pot beside his head. Vythe also turned in for the night beside the fire leaving Lieut to stare absently into the magickal flames. But soon it was obvious that Vythe was not getting any rest and he sat up and sighed.

“Worried a crack will open up at the back of the cave and release a horde of monsters upon you, Vythe?” Lieut jested as Vythe sat up.

Vythe smirked, “Hardly, such things only happen in children's books. Something else has been praying on my mind.”

“Like what?” asked Lieut absently as he continued to look at the fire.

“I heard your conversation with Kreha back in Calias, Lieut,” Vythe said seriously.

Lieut slowly looked up from the flames and deeply into Vythe’s dark eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Vythe replied uncomfortably, “It was hardly intentional I assure you. I was leaving Lethain Rook’s room when I heard you talking with someone out on the balcony. I was about to join you when you said Kreha’s name. I stayed and listened like anyone would have after what we went through in Ingruil where Kreha saved Fairris’s life. I was still going to join you for it would have been nice to meet Kreha again, but the tone of your voices told me something was not as I believed it was.”

Lieut did not say anything and he continued to regard Vythe, unblinking.

“A lot of what has happened makes sense now,” Vythe continued, “And it is obvious that whatever she did to you has improved your welbeing. But Lieut, she is the Goddess from the Prophacy of The Five, she will destroy this world, and you are helping her.”

Vythe paused and Lieut continued to say nothing.

“Say something, Lieut,” Vythe said uncomfortably as he scratched the back of his head.

“You heard what she said,” Lieut finally replied, “The Prophacy is not fact, there is no certainty that the world will be destroyed, and she loves this world as much as you do.”

“You just need to take a look at the rift in the sky to see what will happen,” Vythe was quick to say, “That was caused by her killing Anduěr. What do you suppose will happen when she kills another of The Five?”

“I cannot say,” Lieut replied, “Can you Vythe? Can you say for certainty what will happen?”

“For certainty, no,” Vythe said, “But the odds are heavily stacked in the favour of another rift tearing through the fabric of existence. You can see that as clearly as I can. Why are you doing what she has asked?”

Lieut looked away and let out a frustrated growl, “You can see why,” Lieut said angrily, “As the Fog has been leaving my head I have been dying. My strength, stamina and speed were all deteriorating rapidly. I am sure you knew the circumstances of my detention at the Gaia Mountain Peniteniary where we first met. My craft was shot down, it exploded giving me this scar on the side of my head. Kreha saved me then through the use of the Fog, but since then I have been slowly dying. You saw it in Woodland after the fight with the Djarcs and Gnolls, but look at me now.”

A smile came to Lieut’s face and his golden eyes shined in the fire light.

“I am as strong as I ever was,” Lieut continued, “Thanks to Kreha, and all she asked in return is for me to help her kill Antōre. After that I am free to go on my way with you, Bārdin and Fairris, with no worry of dying before my time.”

Vythe considered Lieut for a few minutes before he replied, “You will do this one favour for her, and you are free to go on your way with the gift she has given you?” Vythe asked and Lieut nodded, “After Antōre there are three other Gods, you know she wants to kill all of them. Now that she can control you do you really think she will let you go before all the Gods are dead?”

“She has never lied to me before,” Lieut replied firmly, “Why would she now?”

Vythe shrugged, “Perhaps her obsession with revenge on The Five has changed her. Perhaps she decides that you are worth more to her and cannot simply let you walk away.”

Lieut looked away and back to the fire without replying.

“I will tell you one thing that is certain Lieut,” Vythe said drawing Lieut’s gaze back to him. “It has been my experiences that once someone has control of something powerful they will not willingly give it up. Kreha now has your life in her hands she will not let you go until her revenge is sated. And that will destroy the world I’m sure, regardless of whether it is her intent or not.”

Vythe turned away and lied back down on his bed roll, “Consider seriously what I have said my friend. But please don’t take what I say the wrong way, I do not want to see you die, I would never want that. There must be some way for you to live and for the world to not be destroyed. I know what Kreha has offered seems like that, but I just do not know, something feels wrong about this whole thing. And I know you can feel it too.”

Vythe said no more and he slowly drifted off to sleep as Lieut continued to stare into the flames of the fire.

When the next day dawned the rain was still falling, but by now the storm had moved slowly onto the Morrow Plains leaving behind a misty rain and dense cloud around the mountains. As usual Lieut had not slept and he woke Vythe and Bārdin early. Neither of them made any complaints and both got ready quickly, and happily both Bārdin and Vythe used the water that had collected from the drip in the roof to wash their faces.

Soon Lieut was in the lead and they rode along the stone road as it twisted higher into the mountains. As they traveled closer to the city the road went along a narrow vale between two high peaks and the sounds of battle echoed off the rock.

Eagerly Lieut kicked his horse on faster and with Vythe and Bardin close behind he came across the scene of the fight around the next bolder. Immediately Lieut recognised one of the party fighting as Nevārancien warriors, their grey hair and black metal swords were unmistakable, and they were fighting near on a dozen Grinlocks.

Lieut was quick to jump from his horse and draw his sword, and race in to help the trio of warriors. Lieut’s sword caught the first Grinlock unawares and it sliced through its ribs and lunges, cutting all the way to the spine. That Grinlock fell to the ground dead as Lieut took the head of the next creature. By now both Vythe and Bardin had joined the battle and the tide quickly turned on the Grinlocks. Lieut managed to rip apart three more of the beasts before the remainder fled into the rocky hills.

Lieut smiled and flicked the blood from his sword as he turned towards the warriors of the Grey Company. Lieut’s eyes widened suddenly and his heart skipped a beat as he saw a beautiful Blood Elf walk towards him as she sheathed her duel swords. It was several seconds before he realised that this elf was not Fairris and simply just another Blood Elf.

“Well fought,” the Blood Elf greeted Lieut and his companions, “I am sure we could have managed this small band of Grinlocks though.”

“But thank you for the aid none the less,” a Nevārancien smiled as he also walked over.

“You look familiar Nevārancien, which ship did you come in during the invasion?” the third of the group asked as she studied Lieut curiously.

“Gar’lin’s ship,” Lieut said quietly as he recovered from his initial shock. “I went off on my own after the battle.”

“That explains it then,” the male warrior nodded, “I suppose you have come this way because you heard that Kil’dar has taken leadership.”

Lieut nodded slowly, his eyes going back to the Blood Elf.

“There is a bright future ahead of us now brother,” the female warrior said, “Gar’lin went mad and started taking us all down a path of destruction. Thankfully Kil’dar saw this insanity and he has saved us from the certain doom that Gar’lin was bringing.”

“I am sure Kil’dar would be pleased to meet with you, if you desire,” the Blood Elf remarked, drawing a nod from her companions.

“I did not think there were many of the Elder Races among the Grey Company,” Vythe spoke up in a pleasant tone.

“There are quite a number now,” the elf replied with a smile, “Thanks to Fairris and Kil’dar. If had been up to Gar’lin there would likely be none.”

“The Grey Company is better for it, if you ask me,” the male warrior remarked, “The Elder Races have great strength and skill with magicks. You would be surprised to know that even I am trying to learn to use magicks.”

Lieut raised an eyebrow in surprise and nodded slowly, “Perhaps I will see Kil’dar. Are you three returning to the city?”

“No,” the female warrior shook her head, “The Grey Company is once again being dispersed to aid those in need. We head north to see what we might find.”

“Best of luck to each of you then,” Vythe said with a smile and the trio of warriors gathered their own horses before bidding a farewell.

“An interesting development, would you not agree Lieut?” Vythe remarked as they mounted their own steeds and began along the road.

“Interesting enough,” Lieut shrugged in reply.

“I mean that they are being very optimistic considering everyone believes the world will soon end,” Vythe added.

Lieut did not reply, and understanding what Vythe was hinting at.

“That Zirarien mentioned Fairris,” Bārdin said in his gruff tone, “You reckon she is in the city?”

“It is very possible,” Vythe said with a smile, “I could have sworn that Blood Elf was Fairris when I first saw her. But no, not as pretty I think. Still it will be good if we do happen to bump into Fairris here, don’t you think Lieut?”

Lieut half nodded and shrugged, “She will be happy I am not dead, or dying, right Vythe?” Lieut said as he gave Vythe a serious look which Vythe did not miss.

“Well come on then, lets pick up the pace then,” Bārdin roared and kicked his sturdy pony on faster.

“I did not think you would be so eager to see and elf, master dwarf,” Vythe called out as his urged his horse on faster too.

“Fairris ain’t just any elf,” Bārdin shot back.

A slight smile came to Lieut’s face as he too kicked his horse into a canter through the ravine and back onto the mountain paths. The rain stopped soon and the clouds parted as Lieut moved to the front of the group. Inüer shone brightly at his back and the stone gates of Sparren glowed golden as he rode through them.