{"id":7585,"date":"2018-10-31T05:25:13","date_gmt":"2018-10-31T09:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=7585"},"modified":"2018-10-31T21:14:13","modified_gmt":"2018-11-01T01:14:13","slug":"halloween-short-story-searchlight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/halloween-short-story-searchlight\/","title":{"rendered":"Halloween Short Story – Searchlight"},"content":{"rendered":"

Greetings, Tellest fans!\u00a0 This year, I decided to try my hand at a more frightening Halloween story with a little more of a monstrous flavor.\u00a0 Of course, what is often the case with me is my stories decide to get a little…away from me.\u00a0 I had 30 days to play with this story and it kept growing, and growing and growing.\u00a0 It’s not done yet, but I’m hoping to find some free time between trick-or-treaters tonight in order to wrap it up.\u00a0 This is the longest short story I’ve ever done, falling just shy of Mageborn’s<\/em> word count.<\/p>\n

For now, you can see how far the story has progressed\u2014consider it a sneak peek before you get the whole story (hopefully by the end of the night).\u00a0 You can also check out the art we had commissioned for the story, in a link you’ll see at the end of the tale, and the bottom of this page.\u00a0 I hope you enjoy this story.\u00a0 It’s been a lot of fun righting it!\u00a0 Without further adieu, here’s Searchlight<\/em>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Searchlight<\/strong><\/p>\n

A tale by Michael DeAngelo<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door to the building creaked open, but the most recent arrival wasn\u2019t prepared for the wind to rip it from their hand.\u00a0 The howling wind filled the place, sending the flames atop the candles wavering, struggling not to be cast from their wicks.\u00a0 Despite that, a new light filled the entryway, producing a silhouette of the visitor.<\/p>\n

All those in the tavern heard the twin lanterns outside of the building as they swung back and forth in the blustery weather.\u00a0 For a brief moment, several of those patrons questioned whether or not the soft light that came in was a dusting of snow.<\/p>\n

When the arrival stepped inside and forced the door shut, the notion of winter arriving too soon was cast aside.\u00a0 Though a frigid chill lingered in the air, those travelers were hopeful that autumn would remain with them for a while longer.<\/p>\n

The latest visitor to the tavern turned around then, and brought a gloved hand to their hood.\u00a0 It was only then that the others in the area noticed the horns sticking out of the garment.\u00a0 They set to work pulling the hood up, freeing those angled points from the holes that were fashioned for them.<\/p>\n

When the hood dropped behind them, the guest noticed the subtle shift in the room.\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t a typical customer, she mused.\u00a0 As she scanned the rest of the room, she was sure that it wasn\u2019t just because she was a female, either.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve never seen a minotaur before?\u201d she grumbled at the nearest patron who eyed her up.\u00a0 Her voice was rich in timbre, almost sultry.\u00a0 But her words also seemed to do a poor job at veiling a threat.<\/p>\n

He dared to persist with his gaze, though he allowed his gaze to drift elsewhere on her person.<\/p>\n

She wasted no time pulling her weapon out from within her cloak.\u00a0 With a quick jab, her staff slammed against the floor with a loud crack, sending the man jumping up in his chair.<\/p>\n

Several of the other men in the tavern couldn\u2019t contain their laughter then.\u00a0 Their fellow traveler\u2019s flinch earned him some teasing, but he took in stride, especially when the minotaur sent a wink his way.<\/p>\n

With her willingness to defend herself apparent, she strode across the floor, her aim at the stool before the bar.\u00a0 It was straight across from the door, almost like it was waiting for her.\u00a0 More likely everyone knew that when the outside air pierced through the building, it landed right there, but she was happy to fantasize about fate.\u00a0 She swept her cloak and her tail aside as she fell into that hard wooden seat.\u00a0 While she waited for the barkeep to arrive there, she let her staff lean against the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll our single rooms upstairs are full up,\u201d the bartender warned.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re free to stay down here with the rest of the louts, though I\u2019m not sure that\u2019s the kind of company you want to keep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind,\u201d she replied.\u00a0 \u201cI may not stay long, though.\u00a0 It all depends on how tired these legs are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get you a drink to help revitalize you?\u201d the man asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat depends on what you have,\u201d the minotaur said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not looking to blur my vision too badly before I move on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever she wants, put it on my tab, Tobias,\u201d a fellow in one of the dark corners of that room slurred.<\/p>\n

The bartender placed his hands against the counter and forced out a weary sigh.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t have a tab, and my name isn\u2019t Tobias,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

Bearing a one-sided grin, the minotaur leaned forward.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever he\u2019s having, I don\u2019t want it,\u201d she teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got something light I could pass your way,\u201d the bartender assured.\u00a0 He stepped away, heading down to the other end of the bar.<\/p>\n

Alone there except for the tired patrons beside her that were more concerned with nursing their drinks than conversation, the minotaur stared ahead.\u00a0 A grimy mirror across from her displayed a weathered visage.\u00a0 Her dirty blond hair was a bit disheveled\u2014she was certainly in need of a bath.\u00a0 Through the smudges in the glass, she saw the splotches of color on her tough skin as well.\u00a0 Any who didn\u2019t know her might have thought those marks were grime from her travels, and indeed, she even moved to rub them off for a moment before she chortled at the concept.<\/p>\n

How long had it been since she had seen her reflection, she wondered.<\/p>\n

She wasn\u2019t left to muse for long before the barkeep returned with a shallow glass.\u00a0 He only poured a few fingers worth of booze into it after he placed it down before her.<\/p>\n

The minotaur looked up and arched her eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cI said I wanted a gentle drink.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t say anything about not being thirsty.\u201d<\/p>\n

He could tell by her tone that she was at once both serious and jovial.\u00a0 The bartender smiled and uncapped his bottle once again, pouring more of that amber liquid into the glass until she tapped her knuckles against the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat small amount would have been free,\u201d he joked.\u00a0 \u201cThis\u2019ll be five copper.\u201d<\/p>\n

She fumbled at her hip for a moment before she plucked a pouch from her side.\u00a0 A moment later, it sat upon the counter, leaning to one side.\u00a0 The minotaur worked at untying the cord, but with her gloves upon her hands, she found it difficult.\u00a0 While she worked at removing her gloves, she heard a small commotion by her side.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, would you take my spot over in the corner?\u201d someone garbled.<\/p>\n

The minotaur half expected to see a slobbering fellow ready to tip over.\u00a0 Instead, when she passed a glance that way, she was surprised to see a handsome elf that looked much too presentable for the likes of that place.\u00a0 His clothes were neatly pressed, his long brown hair fell in the right place, and he wore a charming smile that seemed open to the room, and not just her.\u00a0 The only indication that the elf was inebriated was his narrowing eyes.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t say anything as he took his place beside her, and didn\u2019t steal a glance to his side to view her.\u00a0 When she lifted her gaze back to that mirror, she met his eyes there in the reflection.<\/p>\n

The elf nodded to her, but turned his attention to the bartender when he came back around.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m ready for another one,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019ve had enough for tonight,\u201d the barkeep insisted.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no sense giving you enough to have you spill your guts on the floor.\u00a0 That\u2019s a waste of good alcohol.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d the fellow returned.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m an elf.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got the constitution for it.\u201d\u00a0 He reached out and tapped his hand against the counter.\u00a0 When he pulled his hand back, a gold coin was sitting close by the bartender.\u00a0 \u201cThat tab I was talking about.\u00a0 Maybe this can open one for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bartender looked at it as though it was a trick, but the elf seemed solemn as their eyes met.\u00a0 The patron gave him a nod, and he took that as permission, sweeping it up and sliding that coin into the pocket of his patron.\u00a0 He leaned against the bar again, catching his breath as he reflected on that kindly gesture.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t pass out from joy just yet, barkeep,\u201d the minotaur said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m hoping you can point me in the right direction before the night is up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man behind the counter took a deep, steadying breath before leaning forward.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re still planning on going out into that cold?\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t you wait for daylight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould and will are two very different concepts,\u201d she ribbed.\u00a0 Sitting a little taller in her seat then, she placed one hand atop the other on the counter.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a long road.\u00a0 I know I must be close now.\u00a0 I just\u2026need to get there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bartender tilted his head to the side and arched his eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you headed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSearchlight,\u201d the minotaur said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a city by the coast that\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know the place,\u201d the elf next to her said.\u00a0 When she looked at him, an excessively long blink assured her he was still under the effects of the alcohol he\u2019d already imbibed.\u00a0 She chortled as the barkeep poured another glass of the amber liquid in front of him.\u00a0 \u201cSearchlight is a welcoming place to anyone, of any race.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you been there?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

He shrugged before taking that glass of whisky and gulping it down.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve stopped there a few times over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Searchlight is where you\u2019re going, you really should wait until daybreak,\u201d the bartender said.\u00a0 When she looked back at him with concern, he nodded and looked to the folks in his establishment.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been getting more than a few rumors of odd things occurring around that place.\u00a0 Mostly happens at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGhost stories?\u201d the minotaur asked.\u00a0 \u201cReally?\u00a0 That\u2019s what you\u2019re trying to frighten me with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI used to have several customers that were here every few nights.\u00a0 The tavern\u2019s a good place to rest for a hunter that isn\u2019t ready to go all the way back to the city.\u00a0 They haven\u2019t been here for weeks though.\u00a0 One of my other regulars says they went missing a ways back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell them about the red circles, Lheric,\u201d one of the other customers in the shadows said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell \u2018em about it,\u201d the bartender grumbled.\u00a0 When nobody piped up, he sighed and leaned closer to the minotaur.\u00a0 \u201cPeople have been saying that the woods between here and the city are haunted.\u00a0 Those that have been lucky enough to get through it safely have spoken about a fiery ring that shows up between the trees.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDemons!\u201d one of the drunks shouted.<\/p>\n

She scoffed at the notion.\u00a0 \u201cThe gods wouldn\u2019t allow demons to run rampant in the wilderness of Ravane.\u00a0 If you were telling me it was gnolls, I might believe it.\u201d\u00a0 She finished her drink, and slid from the stool.\u00a0 When she arrived at her feet, she was surprised to see the elf already there behind her.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shrugged again, tapping the scimitars that hung from his belt.\u00a0 \u201cNow that I know there\u2019s trouble, I know where to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need anyone traveling with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself.\u00a0 We\u2019ll travel separately, but together, in the same direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stifling a growl, she reached back and retrieved her staff.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for your knowledge,\u201d she said to the man behind the counter.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you really can\u2019t be swayed, do yourself a favor,\u201d Lheric insisted.\u00a0 \u201cStay on the road.\u00a0 The way through the forest is quicker, but it\u2019s too dangerous, especially at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

The elf clicked his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cThrough the woods it is.\u201d\u00a0 He was at the door before anyone expected, and as he swept it open, that harsh wind filled the tavern once more.\u00a0 He waited there for the minotaur to pass, and joined her outside a moment later, bowing to those other travelers inside before pulling the door shut.<\/p>\n

His unexpected companion blew out an agitated sigh, and she watched her breath turn to steam in the air in front of her.\u00a0 The minotaur turned back to the building and lifted her hood over her head once more, pulling it into place so that the horns could fit through the holes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t get your name,\u201d the elf said once she turned around.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t give it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He threw up his hands, conceding to that point.\u00a0 \u201cIf that\u2019s how you prefer it, I understand.\u00a0 I went a long time without telling people my name when I first met them as well.\u00a0 Sometimes that secrecy feels\u2026safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Korrin,\u201d she said as she shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got no secrets worth hiding.\u201d\u00a0 The minotaur was already on the move before she finished her statement, heading toward the road that crossed in front of the tavern.<\/p>\n

The elf remained there for a few moments while she put distance between them.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Icarus,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Korrin continued moving along, wrapping her cloak tighter around her.\u00a0 She stopped at the area where the path from the tavern met the road, and looked down both directions, forgetting momentarily which way she came from.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the way to Searchlight,\u201d the elf said as he reached her side.\u00a0 \u201cWe can take the road for around an hour before it curves away from the forest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d the minotaur asked.\u00a0 \u201cI already told you I don\u2019t need a traveling companion.\u00a0 Your insistence only serves to make me feel uneasy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might not need an escort through the woods.\u00a0 But I could certainly use someone like you around.\u201d\u00a0 As those words reached her, Korrin\u2019s eyes grew wide and incensed.\u00a0 Icarus, without looking at her, went on.\u00a0 \u201cYou certainly look like you could handle yourself.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather surrender my shame and admit that it\u2019s safer to travel with someone competent beside me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The minotaur\u2019s features softened then, and she bowed her head.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t planning on going through the woods.\u00a0 The bartender said to take the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus shook his head, freeing himself of the last clinging grasp of the alcohol.\u00a0 He blinked a few times, his focus returning to Korrin at his side.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll let you determine what\u2019s best.\u00a0 The road is a much longer journey than the path through the trees.\u00a0 We\u2019ll likely have to stop before fatigue claims us.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen again,\u201d he went on, \u201cthe woods have also been a place of ill repute.\u00a0 Long ago, bandits used to protect their hideout there.\u00a0 They\u2019d venture to the road on nights much like this, and waylay travelers on their way to the town.\u00a0 Searchlight was always a place for lost souls, but back in those days, they were like misfits.\u00a0 Everyone traveled alone.\u00a0 They were easy targets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin was silent for a time, digesting his words though the cold bite of the night wind was still surrounding them.\u00a0 Icarus didn\u2019t seem affected by that chill.\u00a0 Perhaps all that whisky left him feeling warmer than he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything I\u2019m saying to you makes me sound like I\u2019m one of those bandits,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not doing much to earn your trust, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are<\/em> doing a poor job of that, it\u2019s true,\u201d Korrin replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe could stay here until daybreak.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Royal Oak is a cozy establishment,\u201d Icarus said, turning back to look at the tavern.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s almost as welcoming as Searchlight itself.\u00a0 And I would recommend that action.\u00a0 But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d the minotaur replied with a snort.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s trouble there, I won\u2019t have it wait until later.\u00a0 Searchlight has been good to me over the years as well.\u00a0 It\u2019s my first time back this way for some time.\u00a0 I know the way better than most, and I have the means to get there quicker than anyone in that tavern there.\u00a0 I could come back this way in the morning and meet you on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Korrin said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve had sleepless nights before.\u00a0 But I won\u2019t stand here a moment longer than I have to.\u00a0 Are you ready to leave, or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus swept his arm out, inviting her to lead the way.<\/p>\n

For a long while, the pair was quiet.\u00a0 The sound of his boots and her hooves clapping against the stone road was understated against the breeze that persisted even as they traveled southwest.\u00a0 That mournful gale had them both looking inward, numb to the path ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s waiting for you in Searchlight?\u201d Icarus asked, breaking the quiet after a few moments.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need a place to call my own,\u201d Korrin replied.\u00a0 \u201cAs you said back at the Oak, Searchlight is known for being welcoming to all races.\u201d\u00a0 A few moments passed, and when the elf didn\u2019t offer another statement in return, she cast a glance in his direction.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about you?\u00a0 What will be bringing you back there?\u201d<\/p>\n

A weary grin separated his lips.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not the only person I\u2019ll have brought there to find a new home.\u00a0 You will be the first minotaur though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere aren\u2019t any others like me there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I feel as though you might be one of a kind,\u201d Icarus replied.\u00a0 \u201cAs to whether or not there are other members of your race, I couldn\u2019t say for sure.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a few years since the last time I\u2019ve been there.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t always been the one to bring folks there, so I\u2019m sure the city has grown somewhat, but after all this time, I don\u2019t much more than you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin hummed to herself.\u00a0 \u201cNow you have me second-guessing myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can I believe Searchlight is a wonderful place if you haven\u2019t found the will to stay there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus let a quiet chortle escape into the night.\u00a0 \u201cBelieve me, if I was the settling-down-in-one-place kind of person, Searchlight would be the city for me.\u00a0 But it\u2019s been\u2026many years since I\u2019ve put down roots.\u00a0 Instead, I go back every once and again to see how they\u2019re progressing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d the minotaur wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be very happy there, I\u2019m sure,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind though, I\u2019d ask you a question.\u00a0 I know what you\u2019re heading toward, but what is it you\u2019re leaving behind?\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin bowed her head.\u00a0 \u201cIf I\u2019m the first one of my kind to make it to Searchlight, I can add that to being the last one of my family\u2014at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy apologies,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to bring up unhappy thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not all bad,\u201d the minotaur replied.\u00a0 \u201cMy father was a brave sort, and he managed to break a long-running curse that plagued our family.\u00a0 It was his courage that\u2019s made this pilgrimage possible at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should be proud of that,\u201d the elf spoke.\u00a0 \u201cHave some pride in yourself as well, of course.\u00a0 It\u2019s not every day that someone leaves everything they\u2019re familiar with to forge a new path.\u201d<\/p>\n

She produced a noise that sounded as though it was caught halfway between a chortle and a scoff.\u00a0 \u201cWhen the road is crumbling beneath your feet, it\u2019s best to look for a new path anyway, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an optimistic way of looking at things,\u201d Icarus teased.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019ll not keep you from that path.\u00a0 Once this road bends west, we can enter the forest.\u00a0 From there, it\u2019s a relatively straight path that will take us to Searchlight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how can you be so sure, after all these years?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have my means,\u201d he assured.\u00a0 \u201cAnd they\u2019re better than any map.\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin narrowed her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou keep your secrets.\u00a0 Just make sure they don\u2019t put us in any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat could go wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He could hear her snort a few feet behind him as he leapt over the fallen log in their path.\u00a0 Though he wore sturdier armor than she did, Icarus was more comfortable in his attire, and he hopped over obstacles without any issues.\u00a0 Korrin was forced to lift her cloak\u2014a mistake she hadn\u2019t made after a few snags once they disappeared within those trees.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is wrong,\u201d the minotaur grumbled.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure we\u2019re not lost?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m certain,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 \u201cI am almost completely convinced.\u201d<\/p>\n

He heard her hasty steps then, and turned about just in time to see her reach his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost?\u201d she asked.\u00a0 \u201cAre we walking in circles here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus threw up his hands to placate her.\u00a0 \u201cEasy.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing to be worried about.\u00a0 I\u2019ve kept us on a straight path, I\u2019m sure of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you tell in this darkness?\u201d Korrin pressed.\u00a0 \u201cWe should make camp.\u00a0 For all we know, we\u2019ve been going east instead of south.\u201d<\/p>\n

The elf folded his arms over his chest.\u00a0 \u201cNow listen here.\u00a0 I may have been intoxicated when you met me, but that time has come and gone.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been on this planet since before your family line was a part of Tellest.\u00a0 I\u2019m one with this world, and it\u2019s one with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo how certain are you that we\u2019re going in the right direction?\u201d Korrin asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFairly!\u201d<\/p>\n

The minotaur waved her hands in the air and spun about, exasperated with her companion\u2019s revelation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can find out for sure,\u201d Icarus insisted.\u00a0 \u201cYou know why Searchlight was given its name, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin sighed and sat down on that fallen log that the elf hurdled earlier.\u00a0 \u201cLet me guess: you\u2019re going to tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus harrumphed and turned up his nose, looking in the direction in which he assumed the city lay.\u00a0 \u201cLong ago, when Ravane was far harsher than it was now, a lighthouse was built near the rocky coast.\u00a0 Back then, it served as a warning to ships that were nearing the shore.\u00a0 Dangerous crags and hidden reefs waited in the water, and there wasn\u2019t a safe way to approach land.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time some brave folks with some interesting talents cleared the hazards and built a pier, the lighthouse had fallen into disrepair,\u201d he went on.\u00a0 \u201cBut with magic returning to this world, a lens and a lantern weren\u2019t needed.\u00a0 The first wizard who settled in the town placed an undying flame upon that tower.\u00a0 It no longer stood out as a warning, but as a welcome.\u00a0 When that beacon came about, it was when the city first earned its namesake.\u00a0 And it\u2019s just beyond this forest.\u00a0 All I have to do is rise above the canopy to see it, and I can verify we\u2019ve been headed in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin crossed her arms over her chest.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d best get to climbing,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary,\u201d Icarus replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s time you learn a little more about me.\u201d\u00a0 As he finished speaking, he spread his arms out wide.\u00a0 The darkness of that forest was chased away by a surprising luminescence, and the minotaur covered her eyes and looked away.\u00a0 When she adjusted to that brightness, she peered back to her companion, surprised to see the ethereal wings that lifted from his back.\u00a0 \u201cI take it you\u2019ve not known many elves,\u201d he asked when he saw her surprised gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the first,\u201d she muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe elves each have some gift that Tellest bestowed upon us.\u00a0 Some of us were greedy with them though, and all of the elves were punished because of that.\u00a0 These wings\u2026 I could depend on them long ago.\u00a0 Now they only serve me for a short while before fading away\u2014a painful reminder of a time before many of the people of Tellest would remember.<\/p>\n

\u201cA short while is all I\u2019ll need though,\u201d he went on.\u00a0 \u201cThat magic flame in the distance will reach up higher than the trees, or at least it will feel like it once I rise high enough.\u00a0 Wait here for a moment.\u00a0 I\u2019ll return as soon as I collect our bearings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin nodded, and when those ghostly wings beat, and Icarus rose the first few feet into the air, she stepped back.\u00a0 Though they were magic, and seemed as though they were situated in another world, she felt the breeze that they produced with every wave.<\/p>\n

Icarus was more than competent with that power at his beck and call, and as he rose into the air, he retained his stability.\u00a0 Just before he passed through the dense canopy, he offered his companion a knowing grin.<\/p>\n

Free of the forest, Icarus was reminded of the chill in the air they felt earlier.\u00a0 That height did him no favors, and he thought to grasp his arms and force some friction onto his skin.<\/p>\n

The elf didn\u2019t allow the cold to distract him though.\u00a0 He lifted higher and higher until he confirmed the direction they needed to go.\u00a0 He should have never doubted his talents as a tracker, he mused, for the distant flame of the tall tower was before him.\u00a0 It would be a long journey yet to take them there, but he was satisfied with their course.<\/p>\n

His ethereal wings undulated in the cool breeze, lifting him somewhat higher as he looked down to the canopy once more for a clear descent.\u00a0 Before he ventured too far, though, his sharp eyes caught sight of something else in the forest.\u00a0 A flicker of red seemed to shimmer in the dark of night, not too distant from where he and Korrin had paused.\u00a0 No longer concerned with the elegance of his drop, he made his way back through the boughs of the trees.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d the minotaur asked when she saw him enter the clearing once more.<\/p>\n

Icarus brought a finger to his lips, his wings illuminating that warning enough for Korrin to understand that he had concerns.\u00a0 He landed with a soft thud, and willed those wings away as he chose a path toward his companion, avoiding the crisp leaves that littered the forest floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going the right way,\u201d he insisted, his words barely a whisper.\u00a0 \u201cBut I saw something else besides the beacon from Searchlight.\u00a0 There\u2019s someone else in these woods, and they\u2019re not far from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore travelers, perhaps?\u201d Korrin returned in as soft a voice as she could.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe.\u00a0 It could be bandits though.\u201d<\/p>\n

The minotaur shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cPerfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus drew his scimitars from their scabbards, and turned them over in his hands, verifying that they didn\u2019t catch any of the light from the stars overhead beyond the trees.\u00a0 \u201cWhether or not they\u2019re dangerous, I have to venture toward them.\u00a0 If they are merely travelers, perhaps we could make our way to Searchlight together.\u00a0 But if they\u2019re bandits, the city will no doubt want to be aware of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has the chance to be dangerous,\u201d he continued.\u00a0 \u201cI have the means for a hasty egress, but you don\u2019t.\u00a0 If you want to head toward the road, it\u2019s that way over there,\u201d he said, pointing to the west.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there are bandits, they should fear me,\u201d Korrin said with a grin.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know that I can be quiet as silent as you.\u00a0 I\u2019m not as fleet of foot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll lead the way,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cJust follow in my footsteps.\u00a0 I\u2019ve learned how to muffle my movements a bit better than most over the past few hundred years.\u201d<\/p>\n

The minotaur nodded, and that was all the agreement the elf needed.\u00a0 He spun about, taking a gentle step over the fallen log.\u00a0 His movements seemed strange and wild, almost like an exotic dance.\u00a0 Korrin said nothing, but arched her eyebrow as she observed his irregular shifts.<\/p>\n

Before long, they both found a cadence they could adhere to.\u00a0 Korrin produced her own weapon, leaning on her staff when Icarus\u2019s twists and turns seemed too agile for her to replicate.\u00a0 She let a scowl cross her face a few times when she stepped atop clumps of autumn leaves, but her traveling companion didn\u2019t seem to care.<\/p>\n

As they went along, the elf raised his hand, slowing their journey.\u00a0 He leaned against a large oak with a split trunk, and beckoned her over to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy have we stopped?\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not certain,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure this was about the area that I saw the light.\u00a0 Perhaps whoever made camp stamped out their fire, but I would think we would still see some embers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps it wasn\u2019t a traditional fire,\u201d Korrin said.\u00a0 \u201cSearchlight is known for taking on all kinds of people, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 Maybe a sorcerer, coming into their powers, is using a light to guide their way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an optimistic way of looking at things,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 As he made his way forward though, he hummed to himself, and bent low to look at the area.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever it was, it certainly left its mark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d the minotaur asked.\u00a0 She stepped closer toward her companion, and looked at the ground as he did.\u00a0 In that darkness, she couldn\u2019t deduce what he had, and he gave her a subtle nod of understanding.\u00a0 He summoned those ethereal wings to his back again, letting the light they produce cast out onto the ground.\u00a0 \u201cThis was no fire,\u201d Korrin spoke.<\/p>\n

The ground was grey and lifeless, as though the grass had been deprived of light and water for months.\u00a0 No leaves were present in the area either, crumbled to dust and left scattered on the ground until a breeze sent them in a swirl.\u00a0 Even the nearest tree seemed partially decayed on one side, while the rest seemed unaffected by whatever darkness tainted the area.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened here?\u201d Korrin asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how did we just end up missing it?\u201d Icarus replied.\u00a0 He stood up and looked southward.\u00a0 \u201cDo you recall Tobias back at the tavern telling us about people who had gone missing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLheric,\u201d the minotaur corrected.\u00a0 She shook her head, and pulled her hood back, looking about in the forest.\u00a0 \u201cI dismissed his warnings as folklore or fairytales, but it seems he might have been telling us about what really happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s worse than we feared,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re closer to Searchlight than I\u2019d care to admit to have such odd happenings causing such darkness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to hurry,\u201d Korrin said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to warn the city,\u201d Icarus agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun was rising in the east, casting a hazy image over the southern sea.\u00a0 Both of the travelers breathed a sigh of relief when they exited the forest.\u00a0 While there were no additional signs of that curious activity, neither the elf nor the minotaur could feign disappointment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever it was, it remained confined to that single area,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cIt might take some time, but I\u2019m sure I could find my way back there in time.\u00a0 Perhaps daylight will help me learn some new information about what happened there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you saw leeched the life out of the forest there,\u201d Korrin replied.\u00a0 \u201cDo you really think it\u2019s a good idea to head back in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

The elf shrugged at that notion.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d rather venture into danger and be prepared than be caught by it unaware.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least get to Searchlight first, and see what they have to say about it.\u00a0 It could be that they already have some inkling as to what happened, and can shed some light on what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus sighed, and took a step away from the forest.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right.\u00a0 Sometimes, I allow my eagerness to take me too far too fast.\u00a0 It\u2019s a habit that I earned a long while ago, and that I\u2019ve had some difficulty trying to purge.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were silent for a time, before Korrin chortled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that about?\u201d the elf wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast night, I couldn\u2019t be sure whether or not your accompanying me into the forest was a ploy on trying to kill me.\u00a0 It seems I needed to worry about you killing yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus flashed his eyebrows at the thought.\u00a0 \u201cI admonish myself quite a lot, but I\u2019ve never willingly thought to end it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you wouldn\u2019t after all this time,\u201d Korrin teased.\u00a0 \u201cIf you are ageless though, perhaps you\u2019re looking for a way to stop and rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a wry grin stretching his lips, Icarus continued forward.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s enough of that.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get you to Searchlight so I can see what the villagers there know.\u00a0 After that, I\u2019ll take another trip out to the forest to see if there\u2019s more that I can learn about what we saw.\u00a0 Either way, it won\u2019t be long now.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed just over the hilly outcropping before them.\u00a0 \u201cLook there and you might see something you wouldn\u2019t expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

The minotaur pursued after him, and then followed his gaze.\u00a0 Just over the peak of that angled stone, on the horizon, she could see flames reaching toward the sky.\u00a0 As they neared the end of that rocky terrain, the beacon tower that Searchlight was known for came into view.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you I\u2019d get you here,\u201d Icarus said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did,\u201d Korrin replied.\u00a0 \u201cAnd here I am no worse for wear.\u201d<\/p>\n

The elf waved her on, and together, they began their descent down those hills.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Those buildings stretched out further than Icarus expected, and what was once a weathered dirt path was lined in stone that led far beyond the limits of the city.\u00a0 Even hearing his boots tap against the brickwork beneath him had him tilting his head like a curious child.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave things changed so much?\u201d Korrin asked as she observed his reactions.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot can transpire in five years,\u201d he mused.\u00a0 \u201cI shouldn\u2019t be so surprised.\u00a0 When I first happened upon Searchlight, it was only a dozen people or so.\u00a0 Five years later they had their first tavern established\u2014a nice draw for any of the traders that could drop their anchor at the harbor.\u00a0 Now\u2026I\u2019m fairly sure I smell a baker\u2019s shop.\u00a0 What else could any town need?\u201d he said with a wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won me over when you mentioned a tavern.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile formed on his face once more.\u00a0 He led her onward, taking in the sights as they went.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ll have better ale than that tepid whisky they were serving at the Royal Oak.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they drew further into the city, the pair could hear a commotion beyond the first sets of buildings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a little early for arguing that loud, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Korrin wondered.<\/p>\n

Icarus didn\u2019t offer a reply to that.\u00a0 He only hurried his pace, walking around the building that they had talked about in passing.\u00a0 The tavern, a two-story building that faced north and welcomed travelers on the road, looked abandoned, long planks of wood nailed into place before the doors at the front of the building.\u00a0 The sign dangled from its place, fallen off one of the hooks at some point.<\/p>\n

While the elf moved along, the minotaur drew to a halt, tilting her head to read the sign.\u00a0 \u201cThe Red Harpy.\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t look like it is open though,\u201d she muttered.\u00a0 When she realized that her companion had already made his way past the row of trees that bordered the road further south and around the tavern\u2019s east side.\u00a0 \u201cIcarus?\u201d\u00a0 Korrin understood he had no intentions of stopping, and she raced to reach him.<\/p>\n

She fell in line behind him though, when she saw the emotions abound in the town square.\u00a0 Citizens cried and argued and shoved one another aside.\u00a0 If Korrin hadn\u2019t been aware of Searchlight\u2019s reputation, she would have assumed a great war had been waged there, and it was down to the last members of a few scattered races.\u00a0 The majority of those squabbling townsfolk were humans, but the minotaur couldn\u2019t dismiss her intrigue at seeing a pair of dwarves, a kobold, and\u2014<\/p>\n

Icarus reached out to her when her hand instinctively moved toward her staff.\u00a0 Her eyes landed on the lone gnoll in the scuffle, and the elf knew it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s one of them,\u201d Icarus whispered to his companion.\u00a0 \u201cIt may not seem it now, because tensions are high, but he actually cares a great deal for them.\u00a0 He\u2019s one of the reasons I wanted to accompany you here.\u201d\u00a0 He could feel her shivering at the surprise of seeing one of his people there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you know?\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did I know he would be here?\u201d he mused.\u00a0 \u201cOr how did I know you\u2019d be troubled by seeing him?\u201d<\/p>\n

She let the question linger there in the air for some time.\u00a0 When it went unanswered, Icarus stepped forward, leaving her behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d the elf boomed.\u00a0 The arguing didn\u2019t stop, but it grew quiet, and some of those who were there separated.\u00a0 When several of them realized who was approaching them, the mood changed at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Icarus!\u201d a younger human woman on the outside of the mob cried.<\/p>\n

That finally silenced the rest, except for the lone kobold of the group, who pulled on the gnoll\u2019s tunic.<\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down, xxx,\u201d another voice rose up from the back.\u00a0 That seemed to placate him, and he remained behind while the other citizens swarmed their unexpected guest.<\/p>\n

Though Korrin had grown accustomed to the grins and smiles that her companion often displayed on their travels, she was surprised by the mirth apparent with him when those villagers arrived before him.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t wait their turn to wrap him in a loving embrace; if he had not prepared for that affectionate flock with a wide stance, they surely would have knocked him to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long has it been?\u201d one of the gnomes asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were beginning to worry you\u2019d never come back,\u201d a dwarven clandaughter spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe sand that\u2019s poured from the glass is enough to create an entire desert,\u201d a tall, dreadlocked orc said as he drew near.\u00a0 He offered his hand in a more peaceable manner, though the minotaur who watched from afar could still see the respect and admiration gleaming in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been half a decade, friend.\u00a0 Searchlight was beginning to miss its old guardian.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus threw his hands out wide to placate the crowd when they separated from him.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s a big world out there.\u00a0 And not all of it is as lucky as Searchlight.\u00a0 You\u2019ve learned to live as a family.\u00a0 There\u2019s still much conflict elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the elf went on about his journeys beyond the city, the country, and even Ravane, Korrin kept her focus shifting among the people.\u00a0 Even hearing about the city, it was incredible to see such different people living in unity.\u00a0 Once-warring races tolerated one another\u2014even encouraged one another, and built a small haven that felt open to everyone.<\/p>\n

The minotaur\u2019s gaze swept beyond the crowd then, and she watched as the kobold, a tall canine-like being, made his way further away from the crowd.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t dejected after being scolded, though.\u00a0 He went to stand beside another resident of the city.<\/p>\n

Korrin was just as surprised to see them.<\/p>\n

In the grass just beyond the stone that made up the town square, an elf stood and watched as his neighbors swelled around the returning champion.\u00a0 That elf, a shorter, narrower fellow, leaned against a staff of his own.\u00a0 Despite the fatigue and weakness he seemed plagued by, he too wore a bright smile at the sight of an old friend.<\/p>\n

To his side, another strange resident, statuesque in their appearance, whispered to the elf, and pointed to the companion Icarus traveled with.\u00a0 That centaur that spotted the minotaur stood tall, and moved to cut the distance between them.<\/p>\n

Korrin could not help but feel a tingling in her spine then.\u00a0 She bowed her head as though she were a timid child.<\/p>\n

She did not have to face that stranger alone.\u00a0 Icarus was there the next moment, his hand resting against her back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve brought us another wanderer,\u201d the centaur said to the returning elf.\u00a0 \u201cHas this one traveled the world with you?\u201d he wondered.<\/p>\n

Icarus grinned as he looked up at the horseman.\u00a0 \u201cI fear she wouldn\u2019t have the patience to put up with me for that long.\u201d\u00a0 He reached out and grabbed the centaur\u2019s wrist, pulling it down into a hearty shake.<\/p>\n

After those initial reconciliations, Icarus took a step back and arched his eyebrow, folding his arms over his chest.\u00a0 \u201cAlright, now,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cWhile I\u2019m happy to see you all, let\u2019s not forget that when I arrived, the lot of you looked like you were ready to do battle with one another.\u00a0 I brought Korrin here with promises of harmony, and you\u2019ve all nearly scared her away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot scared,\u201d the minotaur said from afar.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just a little confused!\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus waved that notion away, and turned his attention back to the villagers that he had known all that time before.\u00a0 \u201cWell?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhat caused you to cause such a commotion that we could hear you from the woods?\u201d<\/p>\n

That mirth was soon lost to the people of Searchlight.\u00a0 Pressed for answers, the dwarves bowed their heads, the humans looked away, and the orc opened his mouth to speak, but couldn\u2019t produce any words.<\/p>\n

The elven visitor\u2019s shoulders drooped, and he looked at his centaur friend, then.\u00a0 \u201cI know I\u2019m ageless, but I\u2019d rather not stand out here all day.\u00a0 What happened here Ullabor?\u201d<\/p>\n

That centaur made a slow turn then, a gentle push ushering the other citizens away from the recently returned champion.\u00a0 He swung up alongside Icarus, and pointed to the other elf, which remained on the grass outside of the square, the kobold still at his side.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you should speak with Sarendal,\u201d Ullabor said.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s the one that knows the most, and he could likely keep an even temper, unlike everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus nodded, and waved his newest companion over to him, while the centaur turned to the other Searchlight townsfolk. \u00a0He spoke about giving the returning elf time, and that they would rejoin him later, once things were figured out.<\/p>\n

Korrin arrived beside her traveling companion just as he reached the other elf, the kobold just at his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a long while, Callatuil,\u201d the elf from Searchlight said.<\/p>\n

Icarus winced at hearing his surname\u2014something not spoken to him for quite some time.\u00a0 There were not many who knew his history, but Sarendal was among the few.\u00a0 \u201cIt seems I\u2019ve arrived just in time, my old friend.\u00a0 But what\u2019s transpired in Searchlight?\u00a0 Every time I ask, it seems I receive nothing but queer gazes and nervous replies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou arrived too late,\u201d Sarendal replied.\u00a0 \u201cNot all of the people of this town have made it through these last five years unscathed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Icarus wondered.<\/p>\n

The other elf was silent for a moment, passing a glance to the minotaur at Icarus\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cWe should go and speak somewhere a little less open,\u201d Sarendal insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cKorrin is looking for a place to call home,\u201d Icarus pressed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd she\u2019s the sort who would be more than willing to fight for it.\u00a0 Anything that you need to say to me, you can say before her as well.\u201d\u00a0 He looked to the minotaur and gave her a confident nod.\u00a0 \u201cAs for where we could go and speak, I am a bit parched.\u00a0 I noticed the Red Harpy\u2019s been all boarded up though.\u00a0 Don\u2019t tell me there\u2019s no ale at all in this city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarendal shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve no lack of ale, but we may be out of people willing to pour it.\u00a0 Garel and Sonya have boarded themselves up within, and no amount of coercing has convinced them to come out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we don\u2019t need them to come out,\u201d Icarus replied.\u00a0 \u201cThe whole point of going to a tavern is to take a break inside.\u201d\u00a0 He didn\u2019t wait to hear anything further from his old friend before he spun about, and began back up that road that led them to the square.<\/p>\n

Korrin was quick to follow him, but Sarendal looked to the kobold at his side, who merely shrugged before falling into line.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy manners,\u201d the elf from Searchlight said.\u00a0 \u201cThis fellow here is Moonfeather.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMoonfeather?\u201d Icarus asked, turning to the side as he proceeded on.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s an unusual name, isn\u2019t it?\u201d\u00a0 As they walked along, he scrutinized the canine-like being closer.\u00a0 Shaggy grey and white fur was adorned with plumage from a rather large bird, and a trio of golden discs hung from his neck on a leather cord.<\/p>\n

The kobold knew he was being studied, and closed the distance between the two of them.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not so unusual where I\u2019m from.\u201d\u00a0 Moonfeather was a bit shorter than the others in the quartet that walked back toward the tavern.\u00a0 He only reached the bottom of Icarus\u2019s chin, but he stood as though he was the tallest one there.\u00a0 \u201cSarendal has spoken of you over the past few months as though you were more myth than mortal.\u201d<\/p>\n

A grin overtook the elf as he considered that.\u00a0 \u201cWell, mortality is a concept that\u2019s rather peculiar for someone like me.\u00a0 Time is either cruel or forgiving, and after all these centuries, I can\u2019t say for sure which one it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCenturies?\u201d Moonfeather repeated as they reached the front of the building.<\/p>\n

\u201cIcarus\u2026\u201d Sarendal said.<\/p>\n

The returning elf heard the gentle warning in that tone, and he turned to his friend, tilting his head to the side.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t told them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are only few that I\u2019ve trusted or cursed with that knowledge,\u201d Sarendal replied.\u00a0 \u201cMoonfeather has only been with us for a short while.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to burden him with events that occurred far beyond his birth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ll have to remedy that, won\u2019t we?\u201d he said with a wink, directed at Korrin.<\/p>\n

The minotaur couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that so much had happened in so short a time.\u00a0 Though she had thought Searchlight would prove to be a quiet haven, it proved anything but.<\/p>\n

Icarus seemed right at home with that pace, not pausing once before he rapped on that boarded up front door to the only tavern in the city.<\/p>\n

\u201cGarel!\u201d the elf called out.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing in there?\u00a0 You can\u2019t go and hold all of the ale in the city hostage!\u201d<\/p>\n

For a while, the inn remained quiet.\u00a0 Icarus leaned toward the building, but he couldn\u2019t hear anything transpiring within.\u00a0 While he listened for activity below, however, a creak resounded from the second floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarendal?\u201d a man\u2019s voice rang out from above.\u00a0 \u201cWhose voice was that just now?\u201d<\/p>\n

Down below, the returning elf stepped away from the entry doors.\u00a0 He looked up, holding his hands at his brow to shield his eyes from the rising sun.<\/p>\n

\u201cIcarus?\u201d the man above said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello Garel,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 \u201cWould you mind letting us in?\u00a0 We fancy a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know that it\u2019s still morning, don\u2019t you?\u201d the man asked.<\/p>\n

Icarus leaned back in his seat and folded his arms over his chest.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what does that have to do with anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

Garel shrugged and set out the sole glass he brought, filling it to the brim with that golden ale, foam dripping past the rim by the time he\u2019d finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how you knew to be here, but I\u2019m glad you\u2019ve come,\u201d the innkeeper said.\u00a0 \u201cDespite everything that\u2019s happening out there, if there\u2019s one thing Searchlight can depend on, it\u2019s the elf known as Icarus Calla\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then, what\u2019s going on here?\u201d the venerated elf interrupted.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re getting nowhere tiptoeing around the question, so let\u2019s just rush right toward the answers.\u00a0 Sarendal, what has the people of Searchlight up in arms?\u201d<\/p>\n

The other elf sighed, and leaned further on the table.\u00a0 \u201cWell primarily, the people of Searchlight are far fewer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd for many reasons,\u201d Garel added.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople have one missing, Icarus,\u201d Sarendal said.\u00a0 \u201cIt all started several months ago.\u00a0 We had an orc woodcutter who has had some problems with the other folks in the city.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t even get along with Urak.\u00a0 He left one day and never came back.\u00a0 We all just thought he\u2019d had enough, and decided that Searchlight wasn\u2019t the place for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus looked to Korrin, who already had her own suspicions.\u00a0 The two remained quiet, for it seemed the other elf still had more of a tale to tell.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy soul burns at the thought of what we did to him,\u201d Sarendal confessed.\u00a0 \u201cWe all thought that he was just too broken\u2014too stubborn and mean-spirited to find a place here that he could call home.\u00a0 But after what followed, I know we were wrong.\u00a0 We could have been kinder to him.\u00a0 We could have made sure he was not alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t learn the error of our ways until later,\u201d he went on.\u00a0 \u201cA few of the city\u2019s children went out to play in the woods.\u00a0 One of them hid a little too well, and the other two younglings couldn\u2019t find her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019ve boarded up the inn,\u201d Garel called out from the bar.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll not take any risks while I\u2019ve got Sonya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the little girl?\u201d Icarus asked.\u00a0 \u201cDid anyone find her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarendal shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I\u2019m afraid not.\u00a0 And if you saw the tears that rimmed Tursik\u2019s eyes, you\u2019ll understand that wasn\u2019t the end of it either.\u00a0 Tressi went out to the woods to see if she could track the little girl down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe never came back either,\u201d Moonfeather revealed.\u00a0 \u201cTursik has been out there each day, looking for her or signs of Caelin\u2019s little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople were leaving even before Tressi went missing,\u201d Sarendal revealed.\u00a0 \u201cWhen no one felt safe in Searchlight anymore, it was like a mass exodus, the likes of which I haven\u2019t seen since\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus reached across the table and grabbed his friend\u2019s hand.\u00a0 He gave it a light squeeze, and nodded, aware of the history the elf contended with.<\/p>\n

He turned to the kobold though, the unfamiliar resident of the city less distracted by the pains of the past.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said that Tursik has been out there searching for his wife?\u201d Icarus asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Moonfeather replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a week though, and he hasn\u2019t found anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not entirely true,\u201d Sarendal clarified.<\/p>\n

Icarus and Korrin turned to the other elf, curiosity aglow in their eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cTursik couldn\u2019t find any sign of his wife, true,\u201d Sarendal said.\u00a0 \u201cBut he did find something odd out in the forest.\u00a0 Someone must have been making camp out in the woods, and their fire raged uncontrollably.\u00a0 The ground was all grey like ash, as though flames had\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve seen what you spoke of,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen I was trying to orient us on our travels here last night, I took to the air.\u00a0 I saw what I think you described down below, but when we searched for whoever might have been in the woods, we found no sign of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s stranger than that, though,\u201d Korrin pressed.\u00a0 \u201cWe found the same grey, lifeless place you described.\u00a0 But there was no sign of a campfire at all.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t been long enough since Icarus dropped from the sky.\u00a0 We would have seen something.\u00a0 There weren\u2019t even embers.\u201d<\/p>\n

A sigh erupted from across the room, and they saw Garel leaning on the counter of the bar.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not doing much to instill confidence in me.\u00a0 Perhaps I should go back to barring up the tavern.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he spoke, Korrin noticed a shadow in the room, pouring in from an adjacent room.\u00a0 She leaned over in her seat, trying to get a better look at who cast it, before she noticed the plumage that pushed past the doorway nearby.\u00a0 A clawed hand wrapped around the corner of that entranceway, and the minotaur reached for her staff.<\/p>\n

Korrin laughed at her nervous response when she saw the small child in the light of the lanterns.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa?\u201d the harpy youngling called out.<\/p>\n

Garel threw his dishrag down and made his way out from behind the counter.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing lovely?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 He scooped the child up, and wrapped his arm under her rump, cradling her against his chest.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I told you to wait in your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shrugged, and wrapped her arms around the man\u2019s shoulders, laying her head against his neck.<\/p>\n

The minotaur couldn\u2019t take her eyes off the harpy child.\u00a0 She\u2019d seen some of them in her travels across Ravane, but she knew the rumors of their kind.\u00a0 Deadly and unpredictable, they were known to make trouble for quite a few of the other races of the continent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, are you going to say hello, Sonya?\u201d Garel asked.<\/p>\n

The harpy youngling lifted her head and looked out among the people at that table.\u00a0 She grinned a little at the sight of Sarendal and Moonfeather, but when she saw the two unfamiliar faces, she tucked her face back into the nook of the man\u2019s neck.\u00a0 He chortled to himself and brought up his hand, stroking her hair as his arm fought through the downy feathers across her body.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cShe was still young when you first arrived here.\u00a0 I don\u2019t expect her to remember an age-old elf.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s this way with everyone,\u201d Garel said.\u00a0 He kissed the harpy on the crown of her head before looking back at his friends.\u00a0 \u201cWhen she first met Moonfeather, she wouldn\u2019t make eye contact for a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the old friends spoke and jested, the other elf looked at the table, concern etched on his face.\u00a0 That look wasn\u2019t lost to the two anthropomorphic folk at his table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Sarendal?\u201d Moonfeather asked.<\/p>\n

For a time, he remained quiet, only narrowing his eyes and shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cIt may be nothing.\u00a0 But if I\u2019m right\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Once more, the elf was interrupted, that time by the quick opening of the door to the establishment.\u00a0 Garel hopped back and twisted away, eliciting a frightened yelp from his adopted daughter.<\/p>\n

As the light poured into the Red Harpy, all eyes fell upon the orc who stood in the doorway.\u00a0 He swept one of his dreadlocks out of his eyes, and took in a deep breath to collect himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Urak?\u201d Moonfeather asked, rising from his seat.<\/p>\n

The orc wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and stomped inside the building.\u00a0 \u201cTursik was just attacked while he was scouring the woods.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAttacked?\u201d the kobold echoed.\u00a0 He moved around the table quicker than anyone thought possible, but Urak had his hands up to placate the shaman.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold still,\u201d the orc said.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever was out there, it isn\u2019t there anymore.\u00a0 Ullabor is with him, and is treating his wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTursik wouldn\u2019t have wanted to come back,\u201d Moonfeather insisted.\u00a0 \u201cIf he found the people responsible for the disappearing citizens\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it,\u201d Urak said.\u00a0 \u201cHe didn\u2019t find\u2026whatever they were.\u00a0 They found him.\u00a0 One moment it was just him in the woods, and the next, he swore he could detect the scent of brimstone.\u00a0 When he turned about, they were there.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t do anything before they lunged for him.\u00a0 He said he wrestled them off, and when he went to retaliate, they were gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moonfeather lowered the orcs hands and gave him a plaintive nod.\u00a0 \u201cIt won\u2019t be long before someone else decides to go out there and look.\u00a0 You saw everyone this morning.\u00a0 Everyone is up in arms, and that\u2019s a very dangerous thing.\u00a0 Let an experienced tracker go out there and find where these disappearing people are getting off to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could use someone to watch your back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Neither Urak nor Moonfeather could hide their surprise when that unfamiliar voice rang out.\u00a0 They looked over at the table to see Korrin standing there, her chair pushed off to the side.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you haven\u2019t known me long, but if I intend to make a home here, I have to earn my keep, don\u2019t I?\u00a0 There\u2019s no sense in holding it off any longer just because I\u2019m new to the city.\u00a0 If these things do show up out of nowhere, an extra pair of eyes could be useful.\u201d<\/p>\n

An appreciative grin made its way to the orc\u2019s face, and he peered up over the kobold to see his recently-returned friend.\u00a0 \u201cWhat say you, Icarus?\u00a0 Are we permitted to take your new companion out to test her mettle?\u201d<\/p>\n

The elf held up his hands then.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not my decision to make.\u00a0 But if Korrin believes she\u2019d be of value to you, I\u2019ll not deny her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Urak chortled then.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if Icarus has faith in you, I do as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together, the trio exited the building, closing the door behind them.<\/p>\n

In that relative silence, Icarus reached across the table and grabbed his friend by the wrist again.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is wrong?\u00a0 I haven\u2019t seen you this pale for a century or more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarendal nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time indeed since I\u2019ve felt a feeling like this.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up, gazing toward his age-old companion with apprehension apparent on his face.\u00a0 \u201cI feel a pull to another world, Icarus.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

The two elves stood atop the tower, strengthened by its people over decades.\u00a0 Sarendal reached up, stoking the eternal flame with fire summoned from the aether.\u00a0 Flames danced on his fingers even after the spell was complete, and they only scattered away when he waved his hand.\u00a0 Wisps of smoke were all that was left, and the elven sage looked on at them as though he could see through them to another life\u2014one that he lived long ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was here when I first saw them,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 \u201cThose lights I told you about in the woods?\u00a0 I had just finished brightening the beacon, just as I did now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you saw what?\u201d Icarus asked.\u00a0 \u201cFlames beyond the trees?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarendal shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cAt the time, I don\u2019t know what I think I saw; a trick of my eyes, perhaps?\u00a0 With the fire atop this tower so fierce, would it have been a surprise to see flashes of it as I turned away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t believe that anymore, do you?\u201d his friend asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d the sage replied.\u00a0 \u201cNow that we\u2019ve lost those we care about, I\u2019m beginning to think it was something else entirely.\u201d\u00a0 He looked at Icarus, his eyes going wider as he continued thinking about it.\u00a0 \u201cDo you recall when we first met?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember bits and pieces,\u201d Icarus said with that teasing demeanor he was known for.\u00a0 \u201cYou realize that was more than two thousand years ago, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was closer to three,\u201d Sarendal said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen you first met me, you had a hard time understanding why I wouldn\u2019t speak about my powers\u2014the power that my people used.\u00a0 After all this time, I\u2019m still the only one of my sect that I know about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe world is quite large,\u201d the other elf said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019ll find someone from your group eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know that we would,\u201d Sarendal said.\u00a0 \u201cI think they may be lost forever.\u00a0 You need to be told what I couldn\u2019t tell you all those years ago.\u00a0 You need to know about what the Wispveil Elves were able to do, and why I\u2019ve never tapped those powers, even after all this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack in those days,\u201d he said, \u201cbefore the Fall, the Wispveil Elves were nomadic people.\u00a0 They traveled Tellest from one end to the other, and never needed to be wary of shelter.\u00a0 We always traveled with some, in a manner of speaking.\u00a0 My people were able to summon a portal to another world, Icarus, and though that world was harsh and unforgiving, it was also a means to protect us from danger, from hazardous weather, and to help us remain secret.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen mankind was banished from Tellest, and magic failed us, the world was in turmoil,\u201d Sarendal continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Icarus whispered, nodding as he considered his role in that terrible event.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy people did what they were taught to do\u2014what they considered a basic instinct.\u00a0 One by one, they summoned those portals that we used for protection, and withdrew into the other realm.\u00a0 But with magic unreliable\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Sarendar let go of a harsh sigh, and gripped the northern railing of the tower.\u00a0 \u201cThose portals that my people\u2014my friends and my family\u2014used to flee the dangers of Tellest never opened again from the other side.\u00a0 That was the last I\u2019d ever seen of the Wispveil Elves.\u00a0 I knew early on that I couldn\u2019t follow them to that dark place.\u00a0 Even though the world we called home was falling apart around us, there was no way to get back, and I wouldn\u2019t risk losing that chance.\u00a0 There was still hope here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf after all this time, the elves you used to know have found the means to return to Tellest, perhaps there is hope for them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Sarendal replied.\u00a0 His voice was full of hope, but Icarus could see the fear on his friend\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been thousands of years.\u00a0 Imagine being lost in the darkness for that long. How much does that sort of thing change a person?\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus placed his hand on the other elf\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cIf all goes well, we\u2019ll find out soon enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u201cThese are the directions that Tursik gave me,\u201d Urak said.\u00a0 \u201cIt was hard to get anything out of him while he was cursing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Moonfeather lifted his hand to stay his friend\u2019s worry.\u00a0 \u201cThis is plenty,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve picked up on his trail.\u00a0 Now we just have to follow it until we arrive at the place where he said he encountered his attacker.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they appeared out of nowhere, what are the chances we would find them when we arrive there?\u201d the third of their group asked.<\/p>\n

The orc and the kobold turned to regard their fellow investigator.\u00a0 Korrin wore a determined gaze, and they knew that she wasn\u2019t as cynical as her comment was left to sound.\u00a0 Still, there was an uneasy truth to her thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll do the best we can with what we discover,\u201d the shaman replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe owe it to Tursik and to Tressi.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a while longer, the trio pushed forward into the woods, scattering the fallen leaves and pushing aside manageable foliage to verify the gnoll\u2019s earlier taken path.\u00a0 The going was slow, however, and Urak\u2019s disappointment in that search was beginning to show.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere has to be some way that we can move this along,\u201d the orc said.\u00a0 \u201cBefore long, the sun will set, and we\u2019ll not be able to track anything.\u00a0 I don\u2019t enjoy the thought of having to come back out here in the morning to start our search anew.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet the tracker determine what\u2019s best for the tracking,\u201d Korrin insisted.\u00a0 When the orc spun about to face her, she could see the indignant look he tried to conceal.\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t meant to be intimidated by his frustration.\u00a0 Instead, she stood taller, and placed her fist against her hip.\u00a0 \u201cYou and I would better spend our time if we talked about what we already know.\u201d<\/p>\n

As those words lingered in the air, Urak\u2019s featured softened a bit, and he blew out a weary sigh.\u00a0 \u201cWhat would you have me tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe way I understand it, the gnoll is the first person in Searchlight to get a glimpse of the attacker.\u00a0 Did he say anything about what he saw, or what he felt in the forest when their encounter began?\u201d<\/p>\n

Urak shrugged as he considered her questions.\u00a0 \u201cWell, he did say that he smelled brimstone,\u201d he reminded.\u00a0 \u201cBut he didn\u2019t get a good look at the person who attacked him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was a person, and not some beast?\u201d Korrin clarified.<\/p>\n

The orc ran his fingers through his beard and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHe didn\u2019t mention much, but he did say he grabbed a handful of white hair\u2014not fur, hair. I couldn\u2019t get much more out of him while Ullabor was caring for his injuries.\u00a0 Between Tursik\u2019s pain and his anger for having to return empty-handed, trying to pry any useful answers from him was like trying to draw water from a rock.\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin hummed to herself, and gestured ahead when she realized Moonfeather had continued his search.\u00a0 Together, she and the orc made their way after the kobold shaman.\u00a0 \u201cEven if we weren\u2019t able to get any answers from the gnoll through his words, maybe he left us other clues.\u00a0 You said that the centaur was healing his injuries.\u00a0 Did you see what those injuries were?\u201d<\/p>\n

Urak stood straighter as he contemplated that question.\u00a0 \u201cWell, he had scratches across his arms.\u00a0 You know, he did say something.\u00a0 I mentioned that he looked like he\u2019d been attacked by a wolf or a bear or some other animal.\u00a0 He was the one that insisted it was a person.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there was more,\u201d the orc went on.\u00a0 \u201cHe had those slash marks, but it also looked like he\u2019d been burned, but without fire.\u00a0 There were no scorch marks on his skin or fur, but his injuries still looked\u2026withered in some places.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithered?\u201d Korrin mumbled in reply.<\/p>\n

They both heard a whistle from further ahead then, and when they turned to see their companion, Moonfeather was waving them over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have you found?\u201d Urak asked when they drew close.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is where the tracks end,\u201d the kobold said.\u00a0 \u201cBut more importantly, I\u2019m seeing signs of struggle here.\u00a0 You see the ground.\u00a0 These steps weren\u2019t deliberate.\u00a0 It was more like shuffling sideways.\u00a0 Whatever attacked Tursik, it happened here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got something over here, too,\u201d Korrin said.\u00a0 She leaned on her staff and bent low, holding her hand over the ground as though she was cautious not to touch it.\u00a0 \u201cWhen Icarus and I came through the forest last night, we saw another spot like this.\u00a0 You couldn\u2019t see much in the darkness, but now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Urak asked when he noticed her odd stance.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s testing to see if it\u2019s still warm,\u201d Moonfeather said.\u00a0 He arrived before her, stopping just beyond the perimeter of that grey, lifeless void where the forest was once strong.\u00a0 \u201cBut this isn\u2019t brought about by fire.\u00a0 This would have all burned away by now.\u00a0 It\u2019s almost as if it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBurned from within,\u201d Korrin suggested.\u00a0 \u201cWhen is a burn not a burn?\u00a0 It would explain why Tursik\u2019s injuries appeared the way they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does something like this happen?\u201d Urak asked.\u00a0 \u201cIt has to be some sort of magician, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Moonfeather crouched low, breathing in the odd scents of the forest.\u00a0 \u201cTellest has plenty of people with odd abilities.\u00a0 We know some ourselves.\u00a0 Sarendal has had thousands of years to practice the arcane arts\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t think he\u2019d do something like this,\u201d the orc protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not.\u00a0 He was with us in the tavern when you told us of the attack.\u00a0 But someone very powerful had the means to do something like this.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t something you\u2019d see a novice\u2026\u201d\u00a0 His words sputtered to a stop, and he looked about then.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Urak whispered.<\/p>\n

Moonfeather sniffed a few times, trying to identify the acrid aroma that suddenly overwhelmed him.\u00a0 \u201cBrimstone,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 When he looked up at his companions, he noticed that only one of them looked at him then.\u00a0 Korrin looked to the side, behind the orc, and the kobold could see the red reflection in her eye.\u00a0 He stood, and looked in that direction as well.\u00a0 \u201cBy the gods\u2026\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

Urak spun around too, then, and realized what garnered the attention of those he traveled with.\u00a0 A faded red ring of energy seemed to rip through the air in between several of the trees just beyond where they stood.\u00a0 Ribbons of light flowed as though they were caught in the wind, but they formed a circle that was steady and unwavering.\u00a0 That dusky red color was present across the circle, but a new image was there across its face, hiding the rest of the forest behind it.<\/p>\n

Unable to stave off his curiosity, Moonfeather inched forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d Korrin warned.<\/p>\n

The kobold already had his hand raised in an effort to placate his companion.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t be denied his study, and as he shifted to the side, removing the trees as obstacles before him, he understood that the image within the ring displayed another land altogether.\u00a0 It rippled slightly, but he could see the landscape on the other side of that pulsing power.\u00a0 A craggy mountainous region was there, barren of life, but not of magic, he knew.\u00a0 Islands floated in the ominous sky, and a molten green liquid bubbled as it flowed in the distance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a portal to another world,\u201d Moonfeather muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what smells so awful,\u201d Urak said.<\/p>\n

The minotaur said nothing, but she clutched hold of her staff, hard enough to hear the wood protest.\u00a0 She looked about, trying to see if any more of those rings appeared in the forest, but could not locate anything.\u00a0 The woods grew quiet, except for the subtle hum that she realized the portal produced.<\/p>\n

Moonfeather hunched low, and leaned against the nearest tree, observing the portal with narrowed eyes.\u00a0 Those swaying ribbons of energy nearest to the ground reached out like tendrils then, their energy dancing along the floor of the forest.\u00a0 The kobold watched as those nearest fallen leaves dried up and crumbled to dust, and clumps of grass turned faded and lifeless.<\/p>\n

The investigators heard the shuffling of leaves to their side, and looked away from the portal.\u00a0 At first, they saw nothing, and wondered if the phenomenon\u2019s reach was farther than they realized.\u00a0 A squirrel took to the trees a few moments later, putting distance between it and that pulsing red energy.<\/p>\n

They couldn\u2019t ignore the sound of rapid footsteps behind them, then.\u00a0 Korrin spun about, but couldn\u2019t bring her staff to bear before a sturdy shoulder drove into her.\u00a0 She hit the ground at once, the air knocked from her lungs.\u00a0 As she contested with the stars that fought their way to her vision, she watched the mysterious figure cut across the forest to her allies.<\/p>\n

Korrin tried to warn Urak, but she could only croak out some wordless sound.\u00a0 A clawed hand went up, and swept out, slashing across the orc\u2019s green skin.<\/p>\n

Urak could not be silenced.\u00a0 His cry echoed out in the forest, loud enough that his other ally was aware that there was trouble.\u00a0 Still, knowing that he was not alone did little to stave off the pain that chewed at his arm.\u00a0 That unseen attacker moved away from him, toward the turning kobold.<\/p>\n

It was Moonfeather that garnered the clearest view of the aggressor.\u00a0 The kobold shaman watched as long, greasy strands of white hair whipped between the trees.\u00a0 That unkempt mane didn\u2019t hide the attacker\u2019s other features though.\u00a0 Sharp-pointed ears poked out from the foe\u2019s hair, and a pair of glowing yellow eyes pierced through like magic.\u00a0 That monstrous being was shorter than any of the residents of Searchlight, but lean muscle left him looking sinewy and savage.\u00a0 He looked animalistic in his rags and tattered cloth wrappings, and that frightened the shaman more than anything.<\/p>\n

He knew there would be no reasoning with the fellow.<\/p>\n

Moonfeather reached for the wand tucked in his belt, but it was already too late.\u00a0 The monster was quicker than he could have imagined, and when he lifted that clawed hand, the kobold knew he couldn\u2019t cast a spell in time to stop that rush.<\/p>\n

His foe didn\u2019t slash at him as he did the orc, though.\u00a0 That hand wrapped around Moonfeather\u2019s forearm, and the creature opened its mouth and unleashed a terrifying hiss that displayed its inch-long fangs.<\/p>\n

The shaman pulled away on reflex alone, but that fearsome opponent held fast.\u00a0 Worse, that tight grip only seemed to grow tighter, until Moonfeather thought that he would squeeze hard enough to crush his bone.\u00a0 A stinging pain resonated up his arm, and the kobold yelped.\u00a0 Still, the monster would not relent.<\/p>\n

A loud crack resonated in the woods, and the yellow-eyed, stringy-haired attacker stumbled to the side, snarling as he regained his bearings.\u00a0 When he turned about, Korrin was there, her staff held aloft.\u00a0 The minotaur seethed, letting a snort escape through her nostrils as she dared her opponent to come after her once more.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t seem poised to disappoint her.\u00a0 Without missing a beat, he charged toward her, ready to eviscerate her with those razor-sharp claws.<\/p>\n

His bloodlust left him blind to the shaman\u2019s magic.\u00a0 Moonfeather thrust out his wand\u2014just a small wooden implement that entwined around a rounded emerald, but one that was surging with magical energy then.\u00a0 A small circle of flames, reminiscent of the portal, but brighter and more crimson than magenta, danced around the emerald.\u00a0 The kobold shaman sent it spiraling out toward their savage foe, and for the first time, the trio from Searchlight saw apprehension in the creature\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 It stretched low to the ground, dodging that spiraling projectile.\u00a0 When it rose, though, it no longer continued its charge. It spun about, racing back toward the portal that brought it to the woods.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let him escape!\u201d Korrin cried.<\/p>\n

It was too late, though.\u00a0 That monstrous foe stepped into the portal, and at once, it looked as though he\u2019d passed beyond a waterfall.\u00a0 The gateway rippled for a few moments before that creature looked back and stretched out its arm.\u00a0 Even across that distance and across the realms, the minotaur watched as the creature\u2019s hand glowed yellow for a moment.\u00a0 Before she could reach the portal, it collapsed on itself, fading from existence in the woods.<\/p>\n

Without the subtle hum of the portal in the forest, it became eerily quiet.\u00a0 None of the three residents of Searchlight could ignore the pain they felt, but when Korrin looked to Moonfeather, she realized that he was worse off than any of them.\u00a0 All of the fur on his arm was scorched away where the monster grasped him, leaving blistered scars in their place.<\/p>\n

In that quiet, without his adrenaline pumping through his veins, the kobold collapsed to the ground.<\/p>\n

Korrin rubbed her nose as she crossed the distance to that weary and wounded ally.\u00a0 She passed a glance to the other injured member of their troupe then, making certain that Urak was not worse off than he seemed.\u00a0 Sure enough, the orc stood strong, wincing as he considered his injured arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d the minotaur spoke as she hoisted Moonfeather off the ground.\u00a0 \u201cThe sooner we return to town, the sooner you two can be looked at.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

The trip out there was long, of course, but the journey back was laborious and slow, and before long the sun no longer hung in the sky.\u00a0 The cool breeze that passed between the trees stung against Urak\u2019s wound, and the darkened canopy lulled Moonfeather closer to slumber.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t carry you alone,\u201d Korrin grumbled.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you dare fall asleep just yet.\u201d\u00a0 She looked to her other companion and cleared her throat.\u00a0 \u201cA little help?\u201d<\/p>\n

It took a moment for Urak to realize she spoke to him.\u00a0 \u201cThis wound is beginning to itch,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever that thing was, it\u2019s left me with an infection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it?\u201d Korrin muttered as the orc took the brunt of the shaman\u2019s weight.\u00a0 \u201cIt looked like a man and a monster, all at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ve never seen them before, I\u2019m sure you wouldn\u2019t know it.\u00a0 That thing was a goblin.\u00a0 But it was unlike any goblin I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

They both heard their friend rasp, and they took a break to prop him up against the nearest tree.\u00a0 \u201cNot a goblin,\u201d Moonfeather whispered.\u00a0 \u201cThat was something else.\u00a0 And it wasn\u2019t from this world.\u201d\u00a0 As he spoke, he fell against the tree, and dropped to the ground, landing on his rump as his tail tucked to his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat had to be the thing that took the other townsfolk,\u201d Korrin speculated.<\/p>\n

Urak nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it explains why it\u2019s been so difficult to track them, and why we haven\u2019t seen any bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could also mean they\u2019re still alive,\u201d Moonfeather said.\u00a0 His weariness was apparent, his eyes glazed over and narrowing.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay with us,\u201d Korrin said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re not far from the city now.\u00a0 We can\u2019t be dragging you through the dirt in order to get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The shaman said nothing though, already bowing his head as he lost his fight with that beckon to sleep.<\/p>\n

Shaking her head, the minotaur fell to her knee beside him, and lifted his arm.\u00a0 \u201cThis injury is just like that place in the forest,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen it touched you, it burned him from the inside out.\u00a0 It\u2019s like whatever that thing was, it placed a flame inside Moonfeather\u2019s skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel quite the same,\u201d Urak said.\u00a0 He struggled against the urge to scratch his wound.\u00a0 \u201cIt warms my blood.\u00a0 It\u2019s enough to want to tear back into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do that,\u201d Korrin insisted.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll just spread whatever infection is already there.\u00a0 Come on,\u201d she said, plucking the sleeping kobold off the ground.\u00a0 She heaved him over her shoulder and pointed to the tree with her chin.\u00a0 \u201cYou can carry my staff.\u00a0 When I grow too tired to carry him, you can take him the rest of the way.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be long now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Neither of them had time to contemplate that before another light filled the forest.\u00a0 Korrin nearly dropped the kobold to the ground as she lunged for her staff, but when she noticed the color of that luminescence, she gave pause.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been looking for you for the last forty minutes,\u201d the recent arrival said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIcarus!\u201d Urak exclaimed.<\/p>\n

The elf could sense the urgency and relief in his friend\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Rather than purge those ethereal wings, he kept them at the ready and wide at his sides as he stepped forward.\u00a0 Even in the fading sunlight, he could see the wound on the orc\u2019s arm\u2014and the kobold draped over Korrin\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe met the attacker,\u201d the minotaur divulged.<\/p>\n

Urak nodded when Icarus looked to him for confirmation.\u00a0 \u201cShe speaks the truth.\u00a0 Something caught between mortal and monster emerged from a portal and attacked us.\u00a0 It was quick and it was unexpected, and we all had injuries to show for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill Moonfeather survive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t imagine his pain,\u201d Korrin replied.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll live, but he may flee to slumber more often than not in the next few days.\u00a0 And perhaps he should.\u00a0 The injury does not seem as though it would be quick to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as it does,\u201d the elf conceded.\u00a0\u00a0 He approached the minotaur, and took her burden for her, lifting the kobold onto his shoulder instead.\u00a0 His wings faded as he felt the full weight of Moonfeather\u2019s weary body.\u00a0 \u201cWhat did you do with the body?\u201d he asked as he resumed their walk back toward the town.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe body?\u201d Korrin repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the body,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen you defeated the attacker, did you\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

When he glanced back, his allies wore dejected looks.\u00a0 \u201cThere was no body,\u201d Urak confessed.\u00a0 \u201cIt fled before we had a chance to subdue it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen it may come back,\u201d Icarus declared.\u00a0 \u201cIf it was powerful enough to injure you all like so, and it took Tursik\u2019s wife, Searchlight may be in a dire situation.\u00a0 We should get you all back to Searchlight so Ullabor can take a look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin drew closer to him, and placed her hand on Moonfeather\u2019s head.\u00a0 He was muttering with every step that the elf took, and his eyes fluttered as though he was dreaming.\u00a0 \u201cHis head is warm,\u201d the minotaur said.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever happened to him, I think he\u2019s going to develop a fever.\u00a0 Let\u2019s keep moving while we talk about moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus couldn\u2019t help but share a grin as his most recent companion took up the lead, and aimed the group toward Searchlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

As they slipped through the trees, they could see the moon high above.\u00a0 The kobold on Icarus\u2019s shoulder had long before stopped his muttering, and he hung limp.\u00a0 The other trip knew that time was fleeting, and the elf\u2019s pace never wavered.<\/p>\n

Free of the forest, Urak couldn\u2019t shield away his discomfort.\u00a0 He growled and tore into his wound, scratching the dried blood away and releasing a new wave of heat to pulse through his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop that,\u201d Korrin demanded.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re going to end up losing the arm with the way that you set upon it.\u201d\u00a0 She walked up beside Icarus and steered him toward Urak then.\u00a0 \u201cHere, you take Moonfeather the rest of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m alright,\u201d the elf said.<\/p>\n

The minotaur\u2019s narrowed eyes made it clear that the shift was not for his comfort.\u00a0 As he conceded, she helped to move the unconscious kobold onto the orc\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cGet him to the healer,\u201d she ordered.\u00a0 \u201cAnd get your arm checked before you chew it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gnashing his teeth together, Urak returned a nod.\u00a0 With Moonfeather gripped with his strong arm, he moved down the hill, past the rocks that overlooked the city.<\/p>\n

Alone with the elf, Korrin finally let a weary sigh shake her frame.\u00a0 Without realizing it, she too headed closer to the town, though her feet led her to that rocky point instead of down the slope.\u00a0 As she rose up, she could see the fiery beacon atop Searchlight\u2019s tower.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re going to be very lucky to have you,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cEither that, or exhausted in a few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shot him an agitated glance, but it softened in time.\u00a0 When he returned a grin of his own, she nodded before she bent low to sit on the edge of that rocky outcropping.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should get going down there as well, you know,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve been traveling all day, and by luck alone, it seems you fared better than the others.\u00a0 Some rest would do you good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever that thing was, it\u2019s still out there,\u201d Korrin reminded.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know that there is any safety to anyone who would dare to go into those woods.\u00a0 But if we can be ready for it\u2014if we can surprise it instead of the other way around\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus folded his arms over his chest.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t live through the millennia by heaving myself into danger, you know.\u00a0 If three of you barely survived, what makes you think the pair of us could do any better?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a shrug, Korrin pulled her hood up over her head, tucking it over her horns.\u00a0 \u201cI know what it does now.\u00a0 I know how it fights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019ve told me,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cBut how do we use that to our advantage when we don\u2019t know when or where the next portal is going to open?\u00a0 How can we get into the mind of a monster like that\u2014especially when we can\u2019t see it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin turned about, looking into the forest.\u00a0 \u201cIt wasn\u2019t a monster, exactly,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cIt had frightening features, but there was something more there, beneath the surface.\u00a0 It was far displaced from the mortals like you and I, as though it was stretched out of place and twisted in others.\u00a0 Urak said it was a goblin, and I\u2019m inclined to believe him.\u00a0 Moonfeather though\u2026 He was sure it was something else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been spending a lot of time with Sarendal,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s been gaining some enlightenment through all his studies, and there\u2019s perhaps no better teacher than the elven sage of Searchlight.\u00a0 My only hope is that all Sarendal\u2019s lessons aren\u2019t lost to the shaman.\u00a0 The monster\u2019s attack left Moonfeather much worse for wear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to make sure that\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Korrin\u2019s words trailed off then, and when Icarus turned to regard that sudden silence, he saw her reaching for him without aim.<\/p>\n

The elf pivoted on his heel, and followed her gaze, surprised to see that same light he\u2019d seen the night before in the forest.\u00a0 That ring of otherworldly radiance was present less than a hundred feet beyond the trees.<\/p>\n

Just seeing it had Korrin sniffing the air.\u00a0 She nodded, confirming the brimstone scent, though she said nothing to Icarus to explain that to him.\u00a0 The minotaur clutched her staff, taking a single step forward toward the forest.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d Icarus whispered.<\/p>\n

She looked to him then, determination etched in her face.\u00a0 \u201cYou were prepared to dive headlong into a camp of bandits yesterday.\u00a0 We can subdue one monster,\u201d she said, forcing a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cMonsters are unpredictable,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t heed his words of warning though, skulking into the woods.\u00a0 \u201cThen again, so are you,\u201d he grumbled.\u00a0 With no other choice, he tugged the scimitars from the scabbards on his hips, holding them low to the ground as he disappeared from beyond the moonlight.<\/p>\n

As the pair made their way past the first rows of trees, that scent of brimstone tickled the elf\u2019s nose.\u00a0 He squared his jaw, trying to get a sense of it.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t sulfur, he realized, but that acrid odor was similar.\u00a0 Whatever it was, Icarus couldn\u2019t place it anywhere in over three thousand years of memories.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like it\u2019s a different world,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

Korrin didn\u2019t acknowledge him, drawing up close to the nearest tree and placing her hand against it.\u00a0 While she leaned toward that tall oak, she peered around it, scrutinizing those darkened parts of the forest for the fiend that she knew would have emerged from the distant realm.<\/p>\n

Mimicking her movements, Icarus kept to the trees as well.\u00a0 He thought to ascend toward the canopy, but he knew his ethereal wings would leave him perceptible in that near-darkness.\u00a0 If the minotaur believed their only chance was to maintain a stealthy approach, he didn\u2019t dare to put that plan at risk.<\/p>\n

As he crept from tree to tree, he drew closer to that portal, and knew that it was like nothing he\u2019d ever seen on Tellest.\u00a0 Icarus had spent time traveling upon each of the continents, and those craggy mountains and the unnatural sky was alien to him.<\/p>\n

So, too, was the sight of that stark white hair and ashy skin that stalked through the forest, looking for its next prisoner or victim.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t far from Korrin, and the minotaur could sense it, it seemed.\u00a0 She still had a tight grasp on her staff, holding it just out of sight of the fiend.\u00a0 It looked toward Icarus for just a second, and those glowing yellow eyes seemed to pierce through the trees and the darkness.<\/p>\n

Icarus felt his heart tremble.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen much\u2014dealt with much\u2014during his time, but he couldn\u2019t dismiss that terrifying look.\u00a0 He also couldn\u2019t discount the familiarity there.<\/p>\n

Looking away from those trees to the south, the monster wasn\u2019t ready for Korrin to leap from her cover.\u00a0 The minotaur held that staff high, and swung it across, hard and swift enough for it to announce its momentum through the cutting of the wind.<\/p>\n

The creature held up its sturdy arms, but it wasn\u2019t enough to soften the blow from that staff.\u00a0 A thunderous crack echoed in the forest as Korrin\u2019s weapons slammed against the monster\u2019s arms and the crown of its head.\u00a0 It snarled as it stumbled backward, but it didn\u2019t plan on staying down long.\u00a0 It skittered back to its feet and held those burly arms at its side, displaying the claws on its hands in the faded light.<\/p>\n

Before it could cross the distance to the minotaur, Icarus moved from his concealment as well.\u00a0 No longer worried about an ambush gone sour, he summoned those wings to his back.\u00a0 The luminescence carried throughout the forest, and highlighted their foe far greater than the stringent moonlight.<\/p>\n

Though the beast was surprised and taken aback by the sudden appearance of a second warrior, Icarus was just as surprised.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t discount the features he saw then.\u00a0 It was more than familiarity; it was familial connection.\u00a0 Somehow, he was sure of it: the monster was some distant kin.<\/p>\n

Once more, Korrin took advantage of the distraction.\u00a0 She swung her staff as hard as she could, and she caught the monster on the back of its head.\u00a0 That smack reported as a sickening thud, and the monster tumbled to the ground with a grunt instead of a snarl.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should have headed back to the city to grab some rope,\u201d Korrin said as she drew closer to the fallen beast.\u00a0 She prodded the monster with the tip of her staff, knocking it to the side.\u00a0 It blinked away its stupor, those glowing yellow eyes disappearing and reappearing several times.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know that I trust either of us to haul this\u2026this thing back to Searchlight unrestrained.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Icarus replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll find\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Korrin didn\u2019t need to guess at what interrupted her friend.\u00a0 Icarus was tackled to the ground, and the monster that did it was clear as the elf\u2019s ethereal wings undulated in the air.\u00a0 She would have recognized that stringy white hair and those corded muscles anywhere.<\/p>\n

Yet, the monster she struck out at remained sprawled out on the forest floor.<\/p>\n

There was another.<\/p>\n

Icarus moved at once.\u00a0 Though the second monster fell atop him, he was already twisting as he landed.\u00a0 He used that momentum to continue his tumble, sending the beast up and over.\u00a0 With agility the likes of which Korrin had never seen, Icarus kicked up off the ground, spinning halfway around as he landed on his feet, no doubt aided by those otherworldly wings.\u00a0 His scimitars came out wide, reflecting the light from his ethereal appendages.<\/p>\n

The sight of those blades did nothing to stay the second monster.\u00a0 It charged in, as though caution was something it and its kin had never mastered.<\/p>\n

With deft movements and fearlessness of his own, Icarus met that charge, sending his swords forth.\u00a0 He spun a pirouette with one, and crossed over with the other, dancing out of the way as the creature passed by.\u00a0 A soft thud sounded, but it was followed by a muted clap as well.<\/p>\n

Icarus knew that one of his blades had tasted blood.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure what stopped the other until he spun about, and lifted his wings.\u00a0 The monster held a jagged dagger in its hand, the material crude but deadly nonetheless.\u00a0 It was no fine craftsmanship, but Icarus knew it had done its job well enough.\u00a0 In any case, it withheld the slash of one of his scimitars, and they were as sturdy as any weapon he\u2019d seen throughout his exploits across Tellest.<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t reflect on his foe\u2019s surprising addition to the fight.\u00a0 A yelp to his side caught his attention, and when he spun about, Korrin whipped about.\u00a0 He learned at once that it was not of her accord.<\/p>\n

As she twisted, a third creature showed, tugging her to the side by her cloak.<\/p>\n

\u201cKorrin!\u201d the elf cried.<\/p>\n

His worry would have been better suited for himself.\u00a0 The grounded, injured monster let its would-be prey know that it wasn\u2019t without some fight of its own then, lunging forth and wrapping its clawed hand around Icarus\u2019s leg.\u00a0 With one ferocious tug, it ripped Icarus from his feet.<\/p>\n

That landing was painful, but his wings slowed his descent.\u00a0 The monster\u2019s claws dug into his boot, but they didn\u2019t pierce his skin within.<\/p>\n

Twisting about, Icarus brought his hand high and jabbed his scimitar into the creature\u2019s arm.\u00a0 It howled out in pain, its screech echoing in the forest.\u00a0 That coerced it into relinquishing its hold.<\/p>\n

By the time the elf climbed to his feet, Korrin was already gone from her spot near the trees.\u00a0 Only her cloak remained behind, tattered around the spot that her horns once tucked into.<\/p>\n

Icarus looked at that glowing clearing and understood where she had gone.\u00a0 The monsters dragged her back, overpowering her with ease.\u00a0 The minotaur tried to scream, but one of those monsters clasped its hand over her face.\u00a0 In only a moment, the pair of monsters pulled Korrin through the portal.<\/p>\n

His heart pounded.\u00a0 Icarus knew that once that portal closed, there was likely no way to liberate his companion.\u00a0 While the creature to his side snarled and writhed, the elf made a choice.<\/p>\n

In one fluid motion, Icarus spun about.\u00a0 He drew his blade from the monster\u2019s forearm, spilling out a fountain of crimson blood that covered the leaves beneath him.\u00a0 He cut across with his other sword as well, piercing the already injured creature\u2019s leg.\u00a0 Hobbled, it would have no means to prevent Icarus from giving chase.<\/p>\n

The elf charged forth, his ethereal wings lifting him into the air and out of sight of the portal.\u00a0 Before he drew too far away though, he dove in a spiral, driving through that gateway, to the unknown land the monsters called home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t expect the sudden onrush of heat.\u00a0 Before he could commit to beating those wings to lift him higher into the air, the thermal difference of that alien world lifted him far beyond the ground.<\/p>\n

Icarus raced toward that strange sky faster than he imagined, but it wasn\u2019t without its benefits.\u00a0 Those two monsters dragging Korrin weren\u2019t even aware of the elf\u2019s presence, though the minotaur saw and held onto hope.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Icarus saw the awkward-colored sky.\u00a0 Like a dirt path on Tellest, it presented in alternating shades of tan and brown.\u00a0 There were no stars that shone through, no moon or sun to speak of.\u00a0 But those lower clouds caught the light from the surface and reflected it.\u00a0 As Icarus gazed to the world below, he saw those rivers of green liquid, bubbling and churning.\u00a0 Even from there, he knew that the molten rock was like Tellest\u2019s lava, and that given time, it would cut a path through the rest of the barren, grey landscape.<\/p>\n

That high up in the atmosphere, the elf ceased rising out of control.\u00a0 He remained steady simply by holding his wings aloft.\u00a0 Still, Icarus knew that he couldn\u2019t maintain that power for long.\u00a0 In time, his wings would fade, and he doubted the thermals could keep him safe in the sky.<\/p>\n

A lifted gaze showed him something just as strange as they sky and the green liquid then.\u00a0 Just before him, he bore witness to the awkward sight of a floating landmass.\u00a0 He set those ethereal wings in motion, lifting higher as he cut across the air.\u00a0 Before long, he arrived at the floating rock in the sky\u2014one of many, he realized as he took the time to better scrutinize the alien world\u2014and he set to putting his feet upon that unfamiliar ground.<\/p>\n

Icarus half-expected that levitating hunk of stone to wobble as he landed, but the island remained in place, unmoving.\u00a0 The surface of that hovering platform was strange though.\u00a0 It looked more like leather than dirt or stone, and when he stepped upon it, it felt as though the center of the airborne island squished this way and that.\u00a0 Swallowing away his discomfort, the elf extinguished his wings as he tried to find a proper balance.<\/p>\n

He shook his head.\u00a0 Any unfamiliarity or discomfort didn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 Far below, the monsters carried their prisoner forth, and there was no telling what kind of danger Korrin was in.\u00a0 Icarus crept to the side of his perch, kneeling along the edge.\u00a0 With his keen eyes, he watched as those fiends chose a path further up the sharp rock face.\u00a0 He gnashed his teeth together as he watched them strike Korrin whenever she struggled.<\/p>\n

After watching those strange beings move along for some time, the elf knew he needed to make his way to the next platform.\u00a0 He summoned those wings again, using them to venture across the sky to a closer hovering vantage.<\/p>\n

The acrid scent of that roiling green liquid was powerful.\u00a0 Far below, a pair of rocky hills spilled the deadly molten stone into rivers that formed a natural border around a small valley.\u00a0 It was there that a large number of those monstrous creatures could be seen, huddled around more collections of the green liquid that seemed to be collected and held in the center of that area.<\/p>\n

More importantly, Icarus saw that the creatures were not without some measure of intelligence.\u00a0 Crude huts were there, fashioned with some kind of leather that looked not unlike the surface of the floating island he stood upon.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t see what those huts were made of, but other structures\u2014a crude altar and some rudimentary storage on the side of the village\u2014were made of that same sharp stone that was in abundance all over that world.\u00a0 Fastened together with straps of that same leather, they looked poorly built, yet they stood strong.<\/p>\n

The same material was used to construct the cages on the far end of the village, closest to that river of molten green rock.\u00a0 As Icarus looked on, and narrowed his eyes to try and better scrutinize the area, he understood that those free-standing cells were not empty.<\/p>\n

The people of Searchlight were inside.<\/p>\n

From that vantage, he could only make out distant shapes and colors, but he saw the largest of his friends for certain.\u00a0 Tressi, the tall gnoll huntress, still stood strong, despite all that time in the alien world.\u00a0 She roared as she tugged at the strange obsidian-like stone, but it was no use.\u00a0 Though that cage was crudely fashioned, it was held together well.<\/p>\n

A few other outfits that looked unlike anything those monsters wore left Icarus certain that those who had gone missing were there.\u00a0 A look further down beyond the valley reminded him that another of them was joining the prisoners.\u00a0 Korrin gave up fighting against her captors, but she still refused to make it easy for them.\u00a0 They dragged her all along the way, leaving scuffs in the dirt beneath her hooves.<\/p>\n

Another of those monsters passed by the pair that took hold of the minotaur.\u00a0 He made his way down that path, stopping at the bottom of the small slope there.\u00a0 Without hesitation then, he stretched out his arm, and started spinning it in small circles.\u00a0 In a gradual motion, those arcs became larger, and as they did, a rift emerged in the air before him, sending dust and dirt scattering away from it.\u00a0 In time, that rift stretched larger and larger, until it was the same size as the portal that the monsters had invaded Tellest through.<\/p>\n

Icarus felt a tug of tension in his throat, for he knew what he had to do.\u00a0 Those monsters were too numerous to assault by himself.<\/p>\n

The only way to liberate his friends was with an army.\u00a0 And he knew just where he could find one.<\/p>\n

Leaping off that floating perch, the elf summoned his ethereal wings to his back once more.\u00a0 He dove toward the surface of that foreign world, fighting against the thermal lift.\u00a0 As the monster passed through the portal, Icarus drew spread out those ghostly wings and glided just above the ground, following the creature back to Tellest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though he hadn\u2019t been in that alien world for long, when he emerged on the Tellest side of the portal, it was like he was breathing fresh air for the first time in centuries.<\/p>\n

Icarus didn\u2019t have long to reflect on that before he crashed into the monstrous fiend that skulked through the forest.\u00a0 Caught unaware, that creature yelped before transforming that surprised noise into a hiss.\u00a0 It reached over its shoulder to claw at the airborne elf, but it wouldn\u2019t do it any good.\u00a0 Icarus already had a plan to carry out.<\/p>\n

With an immense thud, elf and monster alike crashed into the nearest tree.\u00a0 Together they landed on the ground, Icarus tumbling end over end for a few moments before he came to a halt.<\/p>\n

Though he had the monster to cushion his blow, he couldn\u2019t ignore the throbbing in his shoulder then.\u00a0 He let a loud groan leave his lips as he squeezed his arm.\u00a0 Despite that injury, he drew one of his scimitars from its scabbard, and he approached the monster, ready to put an end to it.<\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be necessary, he realized.\u00a0 Blood dripped from the crown of that foe\u2019s head, pooling beneath it.\u00a0 A face etched with pain would be there upon it until long after it began to decay.<\/p>\n

As the monster\u2019s life ebbed away, the portal it summoned shrank, until it looked like it had in the alien world, when it summoned it into being.\u00a0 Wisps of energy rolled over each other until they faded, never to open again.<\/p>\n

Icarus shook his head.\u00a0 Perhaps if there was some other way, he could have learned to communicate with the monsters.\u00a0 But his people\u2014the people of Searchlight\u2014were in danger.\u00a0 Such thoughts of harmony or even tolerance had to be forced aside.\u00a0 Instead, he focused on returning to the city.\u00a0 He needed to spread information about the whereabouts of the missing folk.<\/p>\n

After taking a few steps, the elf realized that things looked unfamiliar to the place that he and Korrin waited to ambush the strange beings.\u00a0 There was no sign of their earlier skirmish, and the trees were in different places.\u00a0 Confused, Icarus let his wings beat several times, and he rose into the air.\u00a0 As he passed beyond the canopy, he could see Searchlight\u2019s beacon tower in the distance.\u00a0 Sure enough, he was miles away from the border of the forest.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs if time wasn\u2019t running thin to begin with,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 Blowing out an anxious sigh, he raced forward across the sky, eager to return to his old friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved as fast as he could, but he knew it would not be quick enough.\u00a0 He held out hope that he would be able to clear the trees, but it was no use.\u00a0 Those wings expired before he could touch down on solid ground.\u00a0 Icarus careened to the land below, falling atop branches and bashing into tree trunks on his way down.\u00a0 Not altogether unfamiliar with the sensation, he shielded his eyes and tucked his legs in as he fell.\u00a0 As he thumped into the ground, he tumbled several times, sending leaves flying every which way before he finally came to a halt.<\/p>\n

The elf grunted and groaned as he rolled to his back, doing his best to ignore all the pain and discomfort that had taken a toll on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t enough booze in Garel\u2019s tavern\u2026\u201d he muttered as he labored to sit up.\u00a0 While he steadied his breathing, he plucked twigs and leaves off of his tunic.\u00a0 He expelled a deep breath before he attempted to sit up, feeling his tender muscles and sore bones.\u00a0 Despite that irritation though, he knew he could climb to his feet, and he knew that he could make that long walk back to the city.<\/p>\n

When he turned around, he saw the light emanating from the flame of Searchlight\u2019s beacon tower, and knew that it would not be long then.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on, my friends,\u201d he whispered into the chill autumn air.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m coming for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A small collection of the citizens of Searchlight gathered around Icarus as he made his way past the houses and business that separated him from the tower.\u00a0 He offered terse answers to those that kept pace with him, but he was more concerned with where his oldest friend was.<\/p>\n

\u201cSarendal is atop the tower, stoking the flame,\u201d Ullabor said.\u00a0 The centaur remained alongside the elf with ease, nudging in front of him every few moments as if to slow that approach.<\/p>\n

Icarus sidestepped and sent a quick glance to his friend, agitation clear on his face.\u00a0 \u201cYou need to get out of my way or go on ahead to fetch Sarendal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just trying to get you to stop and think clearly.\u00a0 You returned to the city and haven\u2019t told anyone anything.\u00a0 All we know is that the others were attacked, and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey took Korrin,\u201d he confessed, drawing to a stop.\u00a0 \u201cWe let Moonfeather and Urak go on ahead, and in just a short while, we were overrun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ullabor held out his hands, as though he didn\u2019t know what to do with that information.\u00a0 \u201cUrak said that you had found the monster, and that it returned to wherever it came from.\u201d<\/p>\n

Icarus bowed his head.\u00a0 \u201cThey came back here.\u00a0 And they weren\u2019t alone.\u00a0 I followed them through the portal\u2014they have our people, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Renewed hope sat heavy in the centaur\u2019s throat.\u00a0 He swallowed away the lump that formed there before nodding and starting forward again.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll let Sarendal know you\u2019re looking for him.\u00a0 You\u2019ll have your moment with him.\u201d\u00a0 Ullabor sped on then, leaving Icarus and the growing crowd behind him.<\/p>\n

The elf continued along then as well, but he could hear the crowd behind him murmuring and muttering to one another.<\/p>\n

One gruff voice, however, boomed out over the rest.\u00a0 \u201cDid you say that you found our people?\u201d<\/p>\n

With some hesitation, Icarus pivoted on his heel.\u00a0 The rest of the crowd separated from the citizen who inquired.\u00a0 A pleading look was upon the gnoll\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did,\u201d the elf confirmed.\u00a0 He held up his hands to placate those rising voices though.\u00a0 \u201cListen: I don\u2019t know what is going to happen between now and when I return to that other place.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to get any of your hopes up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Tressi\u2026?\u201d Tursik tried to ask.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes and bowing his head, Icarus took in a deep breath to steady himself.\u00a0 \u201cYour wife was alive when I last saw her.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gnoll\u2019s legs buckled beneath him, and he fell to his knees, catching himself on the cobblestone street before he dropped any further.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to do all I can,\u201d the elf went on.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t come back because I\u2019d given up.\u00a0 I came back because I have a plan.\u00a0 If I\u2019m right, I think we can save the people we\u2019ve lost, and prevent anything worse from happening to the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t have to do it alone,\u201d a man called out from the back of that mob.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right,\u201d another voice piped up.\u00a0 \u201cIf there\u2019s danger out there, we\u2019ll rise up to meet it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me discuss this with Sarendal,\u201d Icarus said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s possible that I could use your help, but I won\u2019t know if it\u2019s possible until I speak to him.\u00a0 In the meantime, go home, or visit Orin\u2019s shop and see if he can help you out: these creatures are deadly.\u00a0 You need to be armed and armored to dare to stand a chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I\u2019m right, I could use any help I can get.\u00a0 Meet me here in thirty minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s in thirty minutes?\u201d another citizen of Searchlight asked from the crowd.<\/p>\n

Icarus stood taller when he was sure of his decision.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s when we invade their world and convince them to never come to ours again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarendal was already emerging from the tower when Icarus arrived there.<\/p>\n

\u201cUrrabar told me that you would be here,\u201d the elf said to his longtime friend.\u00a0 \u201cThen it\u2019s true?\u00a0 You\u2019ve been to that other world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has to be the one you mentioned, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d Icarus asked.\u00a0 \u201cThat other place\u2014it was the place that you and your sect used to travel to when you moved between realms.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve dared not to use my magic in millennia, my friend.\u00a0 All I remember are flashes of light and a bitter heat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRivers of green and floating islands,\u201d the other elf added.\u00a0 \u201cAnd craggy, sharp mountains that looked like dirtied dragon\u2019s teeth from afar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sarendal bowed his head, as if hearing that description confirmed the awful truth.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all this time, I thought my people lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter that they were,\u201d Icarus insisted.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t want to see what\u2019s become of them.\u00a0 But I need you to open the gateway that can lead us back there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Sarendal asked.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2026I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t, we\u2019ll be forced to stand out in those woods, in the dark, hoping for one of those warped elves to open a portal for us.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be separated, caught in the darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if we make the stand here, in Searchlight, we\u2019ll have the advantage,\u201d he went on.\u00a0 \u201cWe can gather up, all at once, and march on their encampment, and bring our people home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what happened the last time those portals were opened!\u201d Sarendal cried.\u00a0 \u201cAll my friends, my family\u2026they never returned home.\u00a0 They were lost forever.\u00a0 I can\u2019t let that happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t just stand by,\u201d Icarus said. \u00a0He lowered his voice, a soothing timbre exiting his lips as he drew closer to his friend.\u00a0 \u201cMagic has returned to Tellest since those days.\u00a0 You think I don\u2019t remember the price we paid?\u00a0 I saw what remained of Shandranar after it fell.\u00a0 I dealt with the storm that came after.\u00a0 I lost everything, the same as you.\u00a0 But I rebuilt it, time and again.\u00a0 I have new friends, and new family, all over this place.\u00a0 I\u2019m not losing anyone else,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not leaving anyone else behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though tears neared the rims of Sarendal\u2019s eyes, he offered up a meager nod.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you need me to do?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That portal opened far from the crude encampment of the warp elves, and one lone elf stepped across the threshold. \u00a0He looked across that alien world, seeing those distant mountains and the floating islands that hovered beneath the light-streaked sky.<\/p>\n

An ally stood beside him a moment later, and the odd luminescence of that strange realm reflected in the bardiche the gnoll held.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the place?\u201d Tursik asked.<\/p>\n

Icarus nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s hard to tell where we are exactly, but this is certainly the same land that they took our people to.\u00a0 Midnight was nearly upon us by my return.\u00a0 When my wings return to me again, I\u2019ll confirm we\u2019re heading in the right direction, but those islands there look like the ones I stood atop,\u201d he said, pointing out at the pair of distant specks in the sky with his scimitar.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s not keep them waiting,\u201d another voice rang out.<\/p>\n

Icarus looked to his opposite side then, seeing the orc there walking past him, a hatched in his hand, and a new bracer upon his arm, covering the injuries he\u2019d sustained in that earlier encounter with one of the warp elves.<\/p>\n

The elf couldn\u2019t shield a grin, and as he looked over his shoulder, and saw the other courageous residents of Searchlight, that smile grew wider.\u00a0 He marched on, leading his companions forward, embracing the belief that his new family would be complete again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

She sat on the ground in the corner of that cage, as far from the crude huts as she could go.\u00a0 Every now and again, Korrin saw those yellow eyes peering out from the darkness, and it made her seethe in rage.<\/p>\n

The minotaur was not the only one who couldn\u2019t hold back that anger.\u00a0 In the next cage over, another abductee from Searchlight snarled and paced.\u00a0 Tressi invited those eyes to look her way, and every time they did, she grasped the jagged stone bars and gave a fierce shake.\u00a0 They held fast, but it earned her some unintelligible grunts and shouts from her captors.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re bleeding,\u201d the gnoll heard.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t acknowledge the stranger, keeping her eyes on the leather-covered buildings across the way.\u00a0 \u201cWhen you get out of here, you\u2019ll need a weapon.\u00a0 If you can\u2019t close your hands properly\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to rip them apart with my bare hands,\u201d Tressi growled.\u00a0 She turned to Korrin then, as though that warning was the worst insult she could have aimed her way.\u00a0 \u201cThey caught me unaware when I was searching for Magda, but I\u2019ve seen them now.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen the way they move; I\u2019ve seen the way they fight.\u00a0 They\u2019re flesh and blood, just like us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both of them grew silent when a distant sound unlike anything they\u2019d heard in that alien world rang out.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u2026?\u201d Korrin asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a horn,\u201d Tressi confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cThe kind one blows before a charge.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other captives of the warp elves stood in their own cages, intrigued by the strange sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Icarus,\u201d the minotaur stated.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Several of those transformed elves emerged from their huts then, looking down the hill and beyond to that barren plain.\u00a0 They spoke to each other in their unfamiliar and unsophisticated language, and gathered up the crude weapons they had available to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think they\u2019re friends of yours?\u201d a man in a distant cage asked the others.<\/p>\n

Before Korrin could formulate a response, she saw a flash of white and blue high above them.\u00a0 As those ethereal wings undulated from atop that floating island, the minotaur let a smile stretch across her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou best all be ready to grab up some weapons in a few moments.\u00a0 Get a rock, one of those jagged daggers\u2014whatever you can find.\u201d<\/p>\n

That horn sounded in the distance again, and those warped elves began the trek down to meet them.<\/p>\n

When the last denizen of that unnatural plane disappeared from sight, that winged elf perched above made his move.\u00a0 Icarus dove from his floating island, and a moment later, he landed in front of those cages, his scimitars drawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you\u2019d come,\u201d Korrin said, drawing closer to the door of her cell.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect them to be so numerous,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 \u201cI had to come up with a plan in order to have a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that horn?\u201d the gnoll huntress asked.<\/p>\n

Icarus smiled at her as he stopped before the minotaur\u2019s cage and lifted one of his swords.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re a few brave souls from Searchlight,\u201d he confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cHello Tressi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIcarus!\u201d one of the other captives, a little girl in another cage, called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have you out in just a moment sweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Icarus!\u201d Korrin warned.<\/p>\n

He understood too late why they were concerned.\u00a0 Before he could turn about, one of those warped elves slammed into him, bashing him against the jagged bars that made up the cage.\u00a0 His tunic tore, and the toothed stone left gashes in his skin.<\/p>\n

A snarl echoed in his ear as a clawed hand reached around his shoulder, and dug into his chest.\u00a0 That shooting pain that surged through him had his sword rolling from his hand.<\/p>\n

Icarus groaned and cried out, but refused to be complacent.\u00a0 He kicked out against Korrin\u2019s cage, pushing his opponent back and releasing its hold on him. Spinning around to face the monster, Icarus worked at retrieving his second scimitar.\u00a0 The warp elf produced his own weapon, tugging the crude dagger from his ragged belt.<\/p>\n

Wearing a confident grin, the elven champion of Searchlight advanced on his foe, swinging the scimitar with finesse.\u00a0 That transformed elf parried those talented attacks several times, but he dodged it twice as often.<\/p>\n

Icarus lunged in, eager to score a stunning blow against the fiend.\u00a0 The monstrous foe spun on his heel though, stepping around that attack and reaching out with his bare hand.\u00a0 It only grazed Icarus\u2019s torso, but he felt the sting from that touch.\u00a0 It felt like his chest was on fire, and his legs nearly wobbled out from beneath him.<\/p>\n

The warp elf cut across with his other hand, and Icarus didn\u2019t have the energy to protect himself.\u00a0 That crude dagger ripped open his tunic, and had him spilling to the ground. \u00a0He gasped, struggling to get a grasp on a breath of air that would not come.<\/p>\n

Before he realized it, the monstrous elf had a handful of his hair, and wrenched him to the side.\u00a0 Disoriented, Icarus was unsure of what was happening, though he knew his opponent dragged him away from those cages.<\/p>\n

He only regained his senses when he faced that hole in the ground where the green liquid had been collected.\u00a0 Like a makeshift cauldron, it boiled and bubbled\u2014and the elf forced him closer and closer, until the steam from it threatened to singe Icarus\u2019s face.\u00a0 The elf pushed out against that stone, but he could not ignore the strength of the warped elf that battered him so.\u00a0 As his caged companions cried for him to fight back, he knew he was fading fast.<\/p>\n

Those ethereal wings appeared at once, and the heat lifted him from the ground.\u00a0 He smacked into his opponent, knocking him off his feet.\u00a0 Though he couldn\u2019t discount the pain, Icarus spun about and stomped toward the warp elf.\u00a0 That foe snarled, displaying those inch-long fangs, but Icarus cared not.\u00a0 He lunged forward again, kicking that monster in the shoulder, knocking him back further.<\/p>\n

It climbed to its feet, those corded muscles bulging with every angry breath.<\/p>\n

Before it could make another move though, a blade plunged through its abdomen.\u00a0 Icarus stepped back, shocked by the sight of his scimitar and the gush of blood that escaped through that warped elf\u2019s wound.\u00a0 When Icarus stepped to the side though, he saw Korrin draw the sword back, allowing the monster to fall to the ground, defeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou looked like you needed some help,\u201d the minotaur said.<\/p>\n

The elf blew out a weary, pained breath.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a master of observation.\u201d\u00a0 He stepped around the fallen warp elf, and retrieved his bloodied sword from his friend, eager to cut through the lashed leather that kept the cage bound together.<\/p>\n

\u201cIcarus, look,\u201d Korrin warned again.<\/p>\n

Weak and exhausted, he spun about, spotting the other warp elf that walked up the hill.\u00a0 He could see the rage in that monster\u2019s eyes, even from that distance, and knew that he was in for the fight of his life.<\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be necessary, he soon realized.\u00a0 With a mighty roar, Tressi tugged one of the jagged bars from her cage, and the pair beside it fell out of place as well.\u00a0 The gnoll huntress pushed through the cage, keeping that bar in her hand as she sent her fierce gaze toward the warp elf.<\/p>\n

For the first time, Icarus saw fear in the eyes of one of those monsters.\u00a0 Tressi broke into a sprint as she pursued the creature.<\/p>\n

Finally, Icarus earned a respite.<\/p>\n

\u201cCut me loose,\u201d Korrin said.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t afford to let you laze about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though he hurt, the elf couldn\u2019t suppress a chortle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Those warp elves marched on, even as the centaur blasted out another note from that spiraling horn.\u00a0 While Urrabor beckoned those monsters forward, Urak spun his hatchet over in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re coming faster!\u201d Garel cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet them come,\u201d Tursik grumbled.<\/p>\n

Those transformed elves marched across the plains, letting their unnatural cries and grunts echo across that barren world.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold your ground,\u201d Urrabor ordered.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to give Icarus and the other time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Sarendal?\u201d one of the other citizens asked.\u00a0 \u201cIs he going to be able to hold the portal open?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave faith in him,\u201d the centaur replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all we can do.\u201d\u00a0 He held out his hand as he cantered back to the group, and Garel dispensed one of the javelins he held to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll make them regret trying to take down Searchlight,\u201d Tursik insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember,\u201d Urrabor said, \u201cwe only move when we see our friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those warp elves broke into sprints, cutting the distance faster than those citizens expected.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare break formation,\u201d the gnoll snarled.\u00a0 \u201cIf they get here, I\u2019ll rip them in half.\u201d\u00a0 He let his polearm lean forward, and stepped forward, daring those elves to come closer.<\/p>\n

Urrabor launched his javelin, watching it cut across the sky.\u00a0 His aim was true, and it pierced through one of those monsters\u2019 legs, hobbling them and spilling them to the ground.\u00a0 The centaur reached back, waiting for another spear from Garel.\u00a0 When he had it in his hand, he looked ahead once more, picking out another target among those warp elves.<\/p>\n

But it was then, among all that chaos, that he saw those wings in the distance.\u00a0 Narrowing his eyes, Urrabor confirmed that Icarus headed up his return.\u00a0 And at his side, the people from Searchlight made their way as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow!\u201d the centaur cried.<\/p>\n

At once, that makeshift militia from the city spun about, fleeing from their spot on the would-be battlefield.\u00a0 Urrabor tossed his second javelin, but the monster that it would have struck spun out of the way, dodging the deadly projectile.<\/p>\n

The centaur scoffed and turned about, only stopping when he realized that Tursik held his ground still.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing you fool?\u00a0 We have to return to the portal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo,\u201d the gnoll demanded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not leaving until I see my wife.\u00a0 They\u2019ll need extra time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll need her husband upon her return!\u00a0 We can make our stand at the portal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grumbling, Tursik conceded to that rationale.\u00a0 He spun on his heel and scuttled across that alien landscape, panting as he made his way alongside the centaur.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry you sloggers!\u201d Urak shouted, in sight of the portal once more.\u00a0 \u201cThose monsters are faster than you can believe, and just a touch can leave you with a nasty burn that chews away at you from within!\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of the militia took those words to heart, and pushed forth, only slowing when they drew within reach of that gateway, and needed to move through one-by-one.\u00a0 The orc turned around then, wary of his other two allies who still had some distance between them.\u00a0 Those warp elves were hot on their tails, and even Tursik had wide eyes as he ran, remembering the awful sting of the monsters\u2019 touch.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo through!\u201d the gnoll cried.\u00a0 \u201cLet Sarendal know to close it once we\u2019re clear!\u201d<\/p>\n

Urak hesitated for a moment, but he remembered his own experience with the transformed elves, and that was all the compelling he needed.\u00a0 He ducked into the portal, causing it to ripple as he went.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they going to be alright?\u201d Tursik asked his friend as they reached the aperture to their world.<\/p>\n

Urrabor only gave a brief glance over his shoulder, and he offered the gnoll a warm smile.\u00a0 \u201cIcarus is with them,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m certain they\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

With those words of encouragement lingering in the air, Tursik blew out a sigh before he charged through the portal.\u00a0 The centaur was close behind him, galloping through while those warp elves were in pursuit.<\/p>\n

As he disappeared from their view, the portal closed, and the monstrous elves drew to a halt.\u00a0 The lot of them hissed and snarled, trying to make sense of what happened.\u00a0 One of them chittered to the others, and at once, they looked over their shoulders, back toward their makeshift village.<\/p>\n

Their prisoners marched down the plains, as if they were fearless.\u00a0 That source of energy couldn\u2019t be wasted though.\u00a0 The warp elves turned back and advanced on their scurrying captives.\u00a0 In time, they broke into another sprint.<\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 Just before those captives, another portal opened.\u00a0 Too far from their prey, there was no hope in stopping them before they plunged through, returning to the safety of their world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure about this?\u201d the kobold shaman asked.\u00a0 Moonfeather couldn\u2019t discount the fatigue that persisted in him, but he was standing strong, thanks in large part due to Urrabor\u2019s healing abilities.<\/p>\n

Sarendal nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s as you said, and your magic frightened them so, this might be the only way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re your people, you know,\u201d Moonfeather said.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re separated by thousands of years, but there\u2019s still some connection to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 \u201cBut I have a new family now, and I mean to protect them.\u00a0 There is no place for these corrupt elves here.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he spoke, Sarendal opened up a new portal.\u00a0 It stood upon the walkway of the tower; far enough away where they would have time to react when the first warped elves came pouring through.<\/p>\n

They weren\u2019t kept waiting long.<\/p>\n

The first monster plunged through the portal, and for a moment, Sarendal gave pause.\u00a0 There was the slightest idea of familiarity there, as though he was seeing the ghost from another lifetime.\u00a0 But time had changed those creatures, and they were naught but fearsome beasts that needed to be shown they could no longer venture to Searchlight or the area around the city without reproach.<\/p>\n

Sarendal reached up, gathering up a tendril of fire from beacon atop the tower.\u00a0 As the warp elf looked up at that roiling flame, its eyes went wide. \u00a0Two of its brethren appeared, just as the elf from Searchlight cast out his hand, sending a blast of fire toward the portal.<\/p>\n

The monster\u2019s rags caught fire, and it howled as it swatted those flames out.\u00a0 Before it realized what was happening, Moonfeather channeled his own magic into the mix, amplifying the power that coursed through the beacon.\u00a0 Another blazing lance flew out over the area, spurring the warp elves back through the portal.\u00a0 When they passed through it, Sarendal reached out, closing it.<\/p>\n

He stepped back and leaned against the wall of the tower, expelling a forlorn sigh.\u00a0 But as he considered all that happened, he looked to his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoonfeather, I do believe it\u2019s over.\u00a0 I will guard the flame, as I ever have.\u00a0 But perhaps you would like to do the honors of telling Icarus the good news.\u00a0 Searchlight is saved.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

I hope you liked this year’s Halloween story.\u00a0 As you might be able to tell, the story had a bit of an abrupt end.\u00a0 There was a reason for this: as we worked along with it, we knew that we were going to end up expanding on it.\u00a0 This “short story” ended up being the size of a novella.\u00a0 We decided to make some tweaks to it going forward, and at some point next year, we’re going to edit it into chapters.\u00a0 Certain story elements will be added, but we’re holding those close to our chest for now.\u00a0 In the meantime, head over to the concept art page for the Warp Elves<\/a> that we had commissioned by Paul Davies.\u00a0 He did a fantastic job with this year’s monstrous creatures!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Greetings, Tellest fans!\u00a0 This year, I decided to try my hand at a more frightening Halloween story with a little more of a monstrous flavor.\u00a0 Of course, what is often the case with me is my stories decide to get a little…away from me.\u00a0 I had 30 days to play with this story and it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7582,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[463,145,462,146],"tags":[648,1433,128,649,1842,1832,149],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Featured-Warp-Elves.png","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1UVey-1Yl","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7585"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7585"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7585\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7628,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7585\/revisions\/7628"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7582"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7585"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7585"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}