 An excerpt from book 4 in the Half-Elf Chronicles series! We join the characters aboard the Rat Raft upon the high seas with a great danger closing in! Yurl let go of the wheel and turned toward them. “It is all clear sea back to port. Whatever magic or curses so many believe in, we must’ve escaped. Or maybe the good ole’ Rat Raft is too fast for your sea monster!” There was a sudden ear-splitting sound that caused everyone to drop low on the deck. Brethor looked over to the skeletal-ridden monstrosity of a wall and noticed massive tentacles cresting over the top. At first, there was just two and then came three and then six and then eight. “Make ready the crossbows, men. Port side crew, to the starboard with spears. We’ve fought a tentacled beast before. Let’s turn this one to meat too! Jesia now stood with the others, staring at the large tentacles snaking their way over the wall. A massive mass of flesh appeared just over the top. It was like a mix of a large crab and a red mushroom of sorts. From its head crawled the small tentacled creatures they had fought in the temple. It had no eyes they could see. Another piercing sound, this time louder, caused them to all cover their ears. Brethor’s ears rang. He went to Yurl. “You have fought creatures like this?” He pointed. “A tentacled beast is a tentacled beast.” “That is a leviathan like the ancient stories, that is no mere tentacled beast!” The ship was now parallel with the creature. Veora walked along the deck near the crossbows. She raised her staff, and a green flame grew brightly. At the moment of its pinnacle, she fired it, and a barrage of crossbow bolts followed with it. There were multiple strikes along its form, but the creature seemed to care little. The few bolts that stuck seemed to slip off as the creature dropped into the water and slid under the surface. Yurl turned the ship. “Winds of the sea, quickly!” Several men ran to the back of the ship. Brethor assisted them in assuring the flow out the back was good. Yurl got in place at the helm just as it seemed they had run aground. Multiple tentacles shot up around them and slapped at the deck. The creature’s body itself was visible on their port side, but the tentacles were the main enemy the crew was worried of. The ship was tossed from one side to the other. It was difficult to walk. As the creature seemed to pull the ship to one side, those manning the crossbows fired into its form. There was a loud roar under the surface, and the entire ship vibrated. Jesia unleashed several explosive fiery spells at tentacles attempting to wrap around the ship’s center masts. She wasn’t sure how much damage was done, but they at least released. Brethor slashed at one of the tentacles, and another few of the crew managed to pin one down and cut it in two, but from any area the tentacles were sliced, more tentacles grew. Veora summoned shadowlings to attack the creature itself. The little black creatures ran along the deck of the ship and leaped to the tentacles, following them back to the actual Leviathan and stabbing it over and over. She lifted her staff above her head and made a large green orb around herself. As it expanded out in a wind-shifting blast, she yelled, “Arise!” At first, none could tell what she had done, but soon, the water brimmed with dead men clawing at the Leviathan and distracting its many tentacles. The ship was released for the moment, but the ropes were damaged. It couldn’t move away. “My spell will not last long. I do not have the moon to give me more power and not the time to cast a longer enchantment.” As Veora’s summonings attacked the creature, the crew worked to replace the ropes as quickly as they could. They had little time to escape the Leviathan. Kealin reached the surface and coughed over and over as the tentacles of the plant reached air and immediately retracted out of his nose. He was expelled from the caves onto a rocky beach and had a sight of the gateway where they had come through aboard the Rat Raft. The air was still bleak, and the island he had ended up on was very small. It made sense why he didn’t see it coming in. He looked into the hole he had emerged from and noticed it had vanished. Stone now covered what was before a passage. He stumbled about on the beach and then felt a deep rumble. He listened and could hear shouting. He looked around, confused at the moment at what he could do and wondered if Yurl and the others had gotten into trouble. He then remembered his hammer he had gotten from Ruak, and his Glacial Sea friend. He took out the hammer and struck the rocky beach water. In the waters behind him, he saw a flash of light that quivered. At first it seemed it wasn’t working but then, just as before, Tulasiro emerged. My friend, thank you for coming. Good fish. Tulasiro worried for many. Death. The journey here…rough. Kealin patted the narwhal on its head. I know. After our parting at the battle, I wasn’t able to get back to you. I hope you have kept well. These waters are not of the normal seas we have been in before. His boat floated over to him, and he boarded. We must get to a ship just around the corner. Go toward the gate in the water. This place . . . Dark . . . There is something underneath. I know. Keep moving, my friend. As they passed the area where the ship had been, he saw no sign of the ship. He pointed toward the gate. “Something must have happened,” he said out loud. Tulasiro pulled them with great haste straight out of the gateway, and Kealin looked to their right to see the horror unfolding ahead. The ship was again under direct attack. The creature had pulled it up out of the water, and he saw blasts of green fire and electricity going into the creature. He drew his blades. I am coming for you, he said toward the creature ahead. The voice he had heard in the temple spoke again. I am eternal. I am ethereal. I devour. At once, the creature itself switched its position, holding the actual ship and lifting its own monstrous body out of the water. Near its bottom was a massive eye that was black with a glowing silver ring. The creature shrieked, and waves of energy pulsated from its eye in a wave of white, sending massive waves toward Tulasiro. The narwhal was untouched and continued swimming even though Kealin struggled to hold steady on his boat. Make a pass, Tulasiro. The narwhal towed him around the right side of the ship as he drew his blades in preparation. It was obvious that some on-board saw them coming, for before long, he heard Jesia’s voice. “Kealin!” He looked up at her as she held on to Brethor, who held on to a rope dangling from one of the masts. He turned his focus to the tentacles and made rapid and deep slashes, one after another, as they rushed down the side of the ship. Though he made multiple slashes it was no good as more tentacles grew in the severed one’s place. “I am eternal. I am ethereal. You must all die.” The creature spoke so that all could hear. Kealin lifted his hand up. “I have the ring of the archwizard. You must let us pass!” “You may pass, but the ones who defiled my ocean cannot.” Kealin’s weapons did nothing to the creature. But he had something new. He had Vrikralok. He drew the god-blade. Tulasiro, take us by it again. The narwhal pulled them around, pounding her tail, sending shocks of thrust underneath Kealin’s boat. The Rat Raft was still in limbo, and now he could see both Jesia and Veora casting spells at the flailing tentacles smacking the ship and knocking many of the captain’s crew overboard. Tulasiro began firing blasts from her crown, striking the tentacles as they came toward her attempting to slow her pace. Kealin took the blade known as Vrikralok in hand and slashed the nearest tentacles. The ends he cut off burst into white flames and fell into the sea. The creature became enraged and released the Rat Raft. It began to drift away as the creature came upon the water with its body. Tulasiro dove down, attempting to avoid the tentacles, and Kealin jumped upon the body of the beast, stabbing his blade deep into its tissue. He twisted, and with a ripping tug, he pulled the blade back out. Black blood bubbled forth, and the creature flailed, throwing him into the sea. Tentacles swarmed his body, and he felt a blast of water strike his back, knocking him out of their reach. Tulasiro had left the boat and now circled around Kealin as the tentacles swarmed around him. She bit one and sent a blast of magic at another. Kealin then saw his actual boat; a tentacle had grabbed it. He grabbed hold of one of the tentacles, twisting his body up onto a meatier part of it. Hundreds of suctioning mouths attempted to grab hold of him, but he managed to run up far enough that with a leap, he drove his blade into the creature again. This time the tentacles grabbing him recoiled back and began to shake. The Rat Raft was at the wrong angle to use its crossbows. Jesia sent several blasts of ice, striking the creature, but they seemed to do nothing. The Leviathan began to roll. Kealin felt suddenly wrapped up in the creature’s grasp. He kept hold of his blade as he was plunged into the sea. He opened his eyes to see thousands of the tentacled creatures from before. They slapped at him, made hissing sounds, but did not dare approach their master without its call. The creature had taken this attack by Kealin personally, for now. He was ripped out of the water and held by multiple tentacles suspended above the ocean. He stared down at the Leviathan’s form. He still held his blade, but there was a small tentacle trying to pull at it. You betray me, ringbearer. I of the eternal sea of dread will destroy you. He could feel his arms stretching and his body aching. He looked down to see Tulasiro swimming away. You have no friends. You have none that are pure. You will go to the one called Vankou. This is one of the many exciting battles in the Half-Elf Chronicles! You can check out book 4 below!  So between writing a new short story based off of Hunter's Reckoning, awaiting my editor to return my short stories for me to go over, perusing covers at thecovercollection.com, and continued editing of Winemaker of the North, I feel I've been quite busy! (at least in my mind!)
Perhaps the most exciting part of the recent week has been my email inbox receiving messages from those wishing to be a part of my eventual novel release! I have a ton of thanks to give out to each of you! Thank y'all. Seriously! If you are interested yourself about it go here to take a look! I am still thinking late June into early July for the release of the short story collection. Look for updates and the (eventual) cover reveal! Off to edit a bit now.....I promised my kids that they could get to hear one of daddy's stories tomorrow night but I defineitly need to make sure it sounds good. Little critics like none other. :) So following the blog series Hunter's Reckoning, I have decided that while I still work on Winemaker of the North, it is time to get an e-book out to the world. The odd fact is that while my novels are of the fantasy genre, it seems my first short-story and short-story collection will deal primarily with the macabre and paranormal. Quite a differing branch of fiction than my typical!
Thecovercollection.com will likely be the place I purchase my cover from. (I have technically picked it, but I am deciding between 2 or 3 right now.) The process seems easy as far as purchasing and having it made, but I will be sure to further review them here after I use their services. I am excited! Pricing is still up in the air. But I will likely follow my own advice as I wrote it a few weeks ago here. I hope you will try a sample when it comes available. I will post further information on Twitter as it is appropriate as well as announce it here, as soon as it is available!  The following is the compliation of the Hunter's Reckoning Journal Entries, a blog series published between April 23rd and May 1st 2014. I compiled them together for easier reading.
I welcome reviews and/or a message! Enjoy! 335 II Age Day 1 of Contract: North Wockeal Woods I have arrived at a small inn. After a few gold pieces and a friendly smile from the barmaid, I proceed upstairs and found the sleeping quarters quaint enough for a short stay. My contract states I must rid the area of what the haunting presence in the woods. I will attempt to learn more of this being. The barkeep came upstairs earlier offering me food and drink whenever I was ready. Perhaps I will accept her offer. This place is dark. My candle lit on the nearby table offers a little warmth from the draft sweeping in from above through the rafters. It may snow soon. Enough of these matters, I think a good drink is a warming idea. I will attempt to gain more knowledge of my task. ~~~~~ Whispering cold within the night, the howls of fate, lost to sight. A solemn toast, unbeknownst, for deeds done by curse not want. I have further learned after a stout brew and morsels of bread and fruit, that the being of the woods appeared sometime after a traveler came into the inn. The odd accent and dress of this person was not at first strange to the inn keeper but it became obvious the person was different. There were complaints from patrons of strange smells and sounds in the middle of the night and twice it was found that the woman traveler left the inn in a strange trance of sorts. It was soon after her third incident with dead animals being found near her room, she was asked to leave. It was then the haunting of the woods began. A man there told me also that he believed her to be some kind of evil. "Not worth the time to pursue unless you seek a quick death." The man then left, throwing his brown cloak over his head and slamming the door. Not quite something such a man should say to a stranger such as myself.. He was strange. I will go out tonight and attempt to observe what I’ve been told of “chanting” as well as red and blue fires floating through the air. According to what I have learned the haunting being is only known to emerge from the woods on the darkest cycle of the moon. I've gotten contrary reports of some saying it is an entity, dark and gloomy. It presence cold and overwhelming. Others insist that it is small, the size of a child, with a grotesque face and disfigured body. I have two nights until then. For now I will see what I may learn. ~~~~~~ Nothing. I found nothing to hint of the haunting of this place. Every shadow that crept beneath the moon, every sound of chirping in the trees or rustling in the undergrowth could be explained. It seemed, at least tonight, all is well and in good order.... Except of course the buffoons of drunks that fell from the doorway of the inn as I made my way back. But, for a place of alcohol and stale bread, I would say this is normal. I will go tomorrow during the early light to see what else may be found. 335 II Age Day 2 of Contract: North Wockeal Woods I have finished a morning survey of the area. Directly north of the inn I discovered a rocky grotto, old ruins of the ancient ones I presume. I know that both dwarves and elves inhabited these lands before so that is no surprise. Directly west of that a small pond with tiny sunfish is at the center of a half circle of giant Elm trees. I also noticed, as I circled further around the western part of the inn, a small garden where it seems the farmer has been having a bit of trouble with some gophers. (Or he just loves digging up his own Silverleaf Plants. Quite a shame, Silverleaf is a good way to stay warm during these increasingly cold nights.) South of the inn, a road leading into the valley can be found. And to the east, sheer cliffs drop downwards towards the mountain pines and a river that flows off the face of the mountain. But to the Northeast, up a stone path and into a grouping of hills, there are burnt areas that I was not able to see in the pale moonlight of last night. It was a few paces past there I found bones of a rat that had been separated and placed in a line. The significance of this is yet to be seen. Tonight, that area will be the focus of my watch. ~~~~~ In a happening chance I met an elf earlier that passed about a bit of knowledge. He told me of his travels to the ruins nearby and his noting of scratches and disfigurement of statues that he admired when he was last in this region around two years ago. When I suggested the possibility of criminal activity or otherwise weathering of the stone. He was not convinced. He came this way with great haste due to a dream of a growing doom in these regions. He is the first of his kind that I was told are to be coming if the need arises. A likely ally perhaps. But my contract is mine alone. Any additional help will be judged appropriately and dealt with as needed. ~~~~~ The second night I noted an increased presence of fairies buzzing about the trees and a warming sensation in the air around the grouping of hills. My elf acquaintance from earlier today moved with a certain quickness about the ruins to the west. I expect his kind have their own ways of subterfuge and guile but his activity had me concerned. We certainly will not find the source of this haunting with him jumping about wildly. 335 II Age Day 3 Contract: North Wockeal Woods I had a strange dream last night. There I was standing in the inn with a warm fire and a small helping of bread, when the door of the inn swung open. I reached for my knife and had only touched its hilt, when I was thrown against the wall. A blotch of darkness in the air, a mist of night as it were, held me against a wall. I then saw myself traveling out of the inn and being dragged up to the grouping of hills. Whatever was pulling me paused for a moment. I still was unable to see what dragged me away. Again as before, it continued, I was pulled further north to a cave in the mountain side. On the sheer stone, I saw markings, much like the markings near the ruins. I then awoke. It should be obvious of my travels for the day. I have one more night until the dark moon rises. Perhaps this mystery will be solved. ~~~~~ I followed the path to the grouping of hills and then further up the mountain side with no success in finding the markings nor the cave I had so vividly seen in my dream. Why were they not as I saw them? This question may be answered later. I also noticed an excessive amount of Silverleaf plant near the sheer stone, although, none of the plant was growing nearby. I also spoke with the Elf again. Ralir Dunia is his name. Although it was unfortunate that I did not speak to him last night. He told me that while reciting and incantation of sorts near the ruins, he was overwhelmed with a presence of shadowy energy. He stated that a form appeared to him and began to taunt him. He began to attempt to use some gem of sorts to capture the entity but was unsuccessful. I told him of my dream and he told me that old doorways of the Ancient ones would be marked with symbols of the night, but could only be witnessed on certain nights. He plans to come with me tonight. ~~~~~ What at first seemed uneventful, became all too eventful rather suddenly. Ralir and I, were just approaching the stone road to the grouping of hills, when a screech scream was heard in the trees. My blades were drawn and Ralir, brought forth a staff that grew with a blue glow as he held it above him. We were covered in a orange dome that looked as the flashing blades of lightning during a storm just before a volley of blue and red fire struck the dome that covered us. The Elf spotted a creature of sorts running from the hills. We pursed the beast and noticed it to be no more than three feet tall with long arms and a stubby nose. It was holding a glowing stick and laughed a cruel laugh just before my sword bore into his throat, spilling his blood upon the ground. It was then we heard screaming from the inn and we made our way back as fast as our feet would carry us. The Elf of course made it their first and was chanting something in his language above a young female that lay on the ground in the inn. From what we were told by the Barkeep, the woman opened the door with a slam and then fell upon the floor shaking uncontrollably. Ralir is with her now and has said he has given her an herb to calm her and bring her out of the deep sleep she is in. I shall speak with her then. 335 II Age Day 4 Contract: North Wockeal Woods I was awoke by Ralir Dunia this morning and was told to come downstairs with haste. The woman from last night, or perhaps more appropriately, girl, was now awake. As I came downstairs, I immediately noticed the barkeep, nervous and shaking, holding a club and watching the female. As she ate and drank rather panicky, looking back towards the door, she told us of her dealings with a man that promised her money in exchange for her reading a scroll she had been given at the site of the ruins. She stated that after doing this, a voice told her to approach the sheer mountain side and recite the last passage of the scroll. She said that after following the commands of the man, she was trapped and unable to control herself as she witnessed herself chanting and dancing about the woods night after night. It was then she would black out, waking up with dead animals near her and blood all over her face. She said she had been at the inn for a short while but that she had been asked to leave. The voice in her head began again and she saw a visible blackness, surrounded by the bones of dead animals emerge from the woods and descend on the woods. She was trapped in a mountain cave for the last few days. She did not know how she got there but felt that it was the entity that controlled her at night. Two nights ago, she managed to get free of the cave by following an underground river. She attempted to leave the area but began to feel extremely sick upon walking away from the woods. She managed to make it to the inn and then she woke up with Ralir above her. For now, I have convinced the Barkeep to allow her to say. I assured her that she will have no more trouble from the girl. We are soon to leave for her to show us the cave. ~~~~~ After making our way down the mountain side and to the waterfall coming from the mountain, the woman, named Halyn, took us into the caves. It was the normal sights for a cave. Following through a narrow entry way with knee deep water rushing below us and out down the mountain, opened up to a larger room with a large pool in it. The Elf used his staff to light our way and we made it to some old stone steps that led up into the mountain. Pass an entry way of stone that arched over our path and was guarded by two grotesque statues, we made it to a room lit by four fiery altars that stood in the corners. There were stone statues in the center of the room. The figures bore a resemblance to the creature that Ralir and I chased and killed the other night. We also noticed one of the statues was crumbled. Halyn then showed us where she had been trapped. It was three sided prison cell of sorts with a large sheer wall on the far end. She explained that she was able to stay warm with Silverleaf and until she was able to figure out that the wall leading into the caves was a secret passage, she feared she was not going to be able to get out. She was not able to recall how she got the silverleaf in the cell. I hear shouting downstairs in the inn. ~~~~~ It seems the man I spoke to when I first arrived did not approve of Halyn and the girl has now fled back into the woods. The man has also left and Ralir has pursued him. It is nearing dusk now and the night I have been seeking has come. Hunter's blade and secret way, path is followed, name forbade. Seek it now, my humble one, cast forth now what light does shun. ~~~~~ The time has came and passed. At last now, I have put down the cause of the haunting. I proceeded this night into the woods and was in wait alone amongst the trees. I began to hear shouting in an ancient tongue and noted the voice of my friend, the Elf. I made my way towards the sounds and found him surrounded by the demons that him and I had faced before. There was a but a single parry of my blade that saved his life and he summoned a force within himself casting a wave of light towards the beings of darkness. There was a blast of cold air and wisps’ of dust and stones; the demonic creatures formed into a single shadow and fled towards the sheer mountain side. We pursued them and found the side of the mountain alight just as my dream had seen and a doorway that led into the caves where Halyn had been trapped. We found ourselves in the altar room where the strange man that had originally told me of the girl, and that she was, "not worth the time to pursue unless I sought a quick death." There also was the girl, Halyn, whom was in a struggle with the man. My knife flew true, striking the man in the hand just as he slapped the woman to the ground. Ralir Dunia, the Elf, was beside me as I moved in to further deal with the man. The man turned towards us and from him came a shroud of blackness in formed the many demons from before. My sword I drew, slicing the head of the nearest one and I heard a sound of rock shattering behind us. The statues of the beings in the center of the room were somehow connected to the demons before us. The Elf had a silver blade that he cut into the stony dark bodies of the demons. The man was approaching the girl again, I noticed he was now garbed in a dark blue robe instead of the simple brown cloak I had seen him in before. He shouted to her of "failure" and his "plan". That he needed her just to unlock the chamber and work as a "puppet to the beasts" to reincarnate their forms. He boasted of his "power" he had gained now and that she would pay for giving his secret away. I had locked my blade in the stony arm of the demon and it grew red as the demon held it. I shouted to Ralir, and with his staff shining with a bright light, he managed to force the demon holding my sword back. He then struck down two more beings with the resounding sound of rocks shattering; more statues crumbled. I made my way from the demons and attempted to cut down the man who now held Halyn by the neck. He furled his robe and a bright blue fire flew from his right hand just missing my head. I heard a cry and watched as the Elf, dropping his staff, fell to his knees. The blue fire had struck him in his chest. The Elf, in a last effort of will, held aloft his gem which he had told me of before. The remaining forms of shadowy demons become as smoke and swirled around the Elf. As he did this he shouted words that I did not understand and a ball of light erupted from his hand striking the remaining statues, shattering them. He then fell dead. In the events I just wrote, Halyn was dropped and the man was on his knees screaming and holding his head. As I approached him, he attempted to summon the fire as before but was unable too. In a manic rush he attempted to assault me and I ended his life with a single strike. 335 II Age Day 5 Contract: North Wockeal Woods I have just spoke with a small group of Elves and recounted of the fall of Ralir Dunia. It was a solemn encounter. Made more saddening by the falling of snow that had already blanketed the mountain side by the time we emerged from the caves. Halyn has departed. With her she holds a guilt and sadness I fear she may not escape for a long while. I guess that is the end for such tidings as were her's. I have been given the jewel that Ralir had used to bind the demons before destroying their statues in the caves. After turning the clear jewel in my hands a few times, I noticed that its silver backing bares a description that I am told offers protection to its wielder. At least, that is what the Elves told me that bid I keep it. Given the fate of its last owner, I have mind to leave it here. I am departing the inn. With the thanks of the barkeep and a few patrons that saw me come and go. The woods seem more peaceful now. With me, I carry more sadness away but that of course, shall not be known except to those who read this. Seeking solitude beneath stars that gleam, whispering wonders and of what they mean. In this, I write, the words you read, and somehow still search, ever in need. (This has now been transformed to a first person short story and will be available in spring 2015! Head over and join my mailing list to be the first to know!)  335 II Age Day 5 Contract: North Wockeal Woods
I have just spoke with a small group of Elves and recounted of the fall of Ralir Dunia. It was a solemn encounter. Made more saddening by the falling of snow that had already blanketed the mountain side by the time we emerged from the caves. Halyn has departed. With her she holds a guilt and sadness I fear she may not escape for a long while. I guess that is the end for such tidings as were her's. I have been given the jewel that Ralir had used to bind the demons before destroying their statues in the caves. After turning the clear jewel in my hands a few times, I noticed that its silver backing bares a description that I am told offers protection to its wielder. At least, that is what the Elves told me that bid I keep it. Given the fate of its last owner, I have mind to leave it here. I am departing the inn. With the thanks of the barkeep and a few patrons that saw me come and go. The woods seem more peaceful now. With me, I carry more sadness away but that of course, shall not be known except to those who read this. Seeking solitude beneath stars that gleam, whispering wonders and of what they mean. In this, I write, the words you read, and somehow still search, ever in need.  335 II Age Day 4 Contract: North Wockeal Woods
I was awoke by Ralir Dunia this morning and was told to come downstairs with haste. The woman from last night, or perhaps more appropriately, girl, was now awake. As I came downstairs, I immediately noticed the barkeep, nervous and shaking, holding a club and watching the female. As she ate and drank rather panicky, looking back towards the door, she told us of her dealings with a man that promised her money in exchange for her reading a scroll she had been given at the site of the ruins. She stated that after doing this, a voice told her to approach the sheer mountain side and recite the last passage of the scroll. She said that after following the commands of the man, she was trapped and unable to control herself as she witnessed herself chanting and dancing about the woods night after night. It was then she would black out, waking up with dead animals near her and blood all over her face. She said she had been at the inn for a short while but that she had been asked to leave. The voice in her head began again and she saw a visible blackness, surrounded by the bones of dead animals emerge from the woods and descend on the woods. She was trapped in a mountain cave for the last few days. She did not know how she got there but felt that it was the entity that controlled her at night. Two nights ago, she managed to get free of the cave by following an underground river. She attempted to leave the area but began to feel extremely sick upon walking away from the woods. She managed to make it to the inn and then she woke up with Ralir above her. For now, I have convinced the Barkeep to allow her to say. I assured her that she will have no more trouble from the girl. We are soon to leave for her to show us the cave. ~~~~~ After making our way down the mountain side and to the waterfall coming from the mountain, the woman, named Halyn, took us into the caves. It was the normal sights for a cave. Following through a narrow entry way with knee deep water rushing below us and out down the mountain, opened up to a larger room with a large pool in it. The Elf used his staff to light our way and we made it to some old stone steps that led up into the mountain. Pass an entry way of stone that arched over our path and was guarded by two grotesque statues, we made it to a room lit by four fiery altars that stood in the corners. There were stone statues in the center of the room. The figures bore a resemblance to the creature that Ralir and I chased and killed the other night. We also noticed one of the statues was crumbled. Halyn then showed us where she had been trapped. It was three sided prison cell of sorts with a large sheer wall on the far end. She explained that she was able to stay warm with Silverleaf and until she was able to figure out that the wall leading into the caves was a secret passage, she feared she was not going to be able to get out. She was not able to recall how she got the silverleaf in the cell. I hear shouting downstairs in the inn. ~~~~~ It seems the man I spoke to when I first arrived did not approve of Halyn and the girl has now fled back into the woods. The man has also left and Ralir has pursued him. It is nearing dusk now and the night I have been seeking has come. Hunter's blade and secret way, path is followed, name forbade. Seek it now, my humble one, cast forth now what light does shun. ~~~~~ The time has came and passed. At last now, I have put down the cause of the haunting. I proceeded this night into the woods and was in wait alone amongst the trees. I began to hear shouting in an ancient tongue and noted the voice of my friend, the Elf. I made my way towards the sounds and found him surrounded by the demons that him and I had faced before. There was a but a single parry of my blade that saved his life and he summoned a force within himself casting a wave of light towards the beings of darkness. There was a blast of cold air and wisps’ of dust and stones; the demonic creatures formed into a single shadow and fled towards the sheer mountain side. We pursued them and found the side of the mountain alight just as my dream had seen and a doorway that led into the caves where Halyn had been trapped. We found ourselves in the altar room where the strange man that had originally told me of the girl, and that she was, "not worth the time to pursue unless I sought a quick death." There also was the girl, Halyn, whom was in a struggle with the man. My knife flew true, striking the man in the hand just as he slapped the woman to the ground. Ralir Dunia, the Elf, was beside me as I moved in to further deal with the man. The man turned towards us and from him came a shroud of blackness in formed the many demons from before. My sword I drew, slicing the head of the nearest one and I heard a sound of rock shattering behind us. The statues of the beings in the center of the room were somehow connected to the demons before us. The Elf had a silver blade that he cut into the stony dark bodies of the demons. The man was approaching the girl again, I noticed he was now garbed in a dark blue robe instead of the simple brown cloak I had seen him in before. He shouted to her of "failure" and his "plan". That he needed her just to unlock the chamber and work as a "puppet to the beasts" to reincarnate their forms. He boasted of his "power" he had gained now and that she would pay for giving his secret away. I had locked my blade in the stony arm of the demon and it grew red as the demon held it. I shouted to Ralir, and with his staff shining with a bright light, he managed to force the demon holding my sword back. He then struck down two more beings with the resounding sound of rocks shattering; more statues crumbled. I made my way from the demons and attempted to cut down the man who now held Halyn by the neck. He furled his robe and a bright blue fire flew from his right hand just missing my head. I heard a cry and watched as the Elf, dropping his staff, fell to his knees. The blue fire had struck him in his chest. The Elf, in a last effort of will, held aloft his gem which he had told me of before. The remaining forms of shadowy demons become as smoke and swirled around the Elf. As he did this he shouted words that I did not understand and a ball of light erupted from his hand striking the remaining statues, shattering them. He then fell dead. In the events I just wrote, Halyn was dropped and the man was on his knees screaming and holding his head. As I approached him, he attempted to summon the fire as before but was unable too. In a manic rush he attempted to assault me and I ended his life with a single strike.  (If your just now reading read Part 1 and Part 2 first!)
335 II Age Day 3 Contract: North Wockeal Woods I had a strange dream last night. There I was standing in the inn with a warm fire and a small helping of bread, when the door of the inn swung open. I reached for my knife and had only touched its hilt, when I was thrown against the wall. A blotch of darkness in the air, a mist of night as it were, held me against a wall. I then saw myself traveling out of the inn and being dragged up to the grouping of hills. Whatever was pulling me paused for a moment. I still was unable to see what dragged me away. Again as before, it continued, I was pulled further north to a cave in the mountain side. On the sheer stone, I saw markings, much like the markings near the ruins. I then awoke. It should be obvious of my travels for the day. I have one more night until the dark moon rises. Perhaps this mystery will be solved. ~~~~~ I followed the path to the grouping of hills and then further up the mountain side with no success in finding the markings nor the cave I had so vividly seen in my dream. Why were they not as I saw them? This question may be answered later. I also noticed an excessive amount of Silverleaf plant near the sheer stone, although, none of the plant was growing nearby. I also spoke with the Elf again. Ralir Dunia is his name. Although it was unfortunate that I did not speak to him last night. He told me that while reciting and incantation of sorts near the ruins, he was overwhelmed with a presence of shadowy energy. He stated that a form appeared to him and began to taunt him. He began to attempt to use some gem of sorts to capture the entity but was unsuccessful. I told him of my dream and he told me that old doorways of the Ancient ones would be marked with symbols of the night, but could only be witnessed on certain nights. He plans to come with me tonight. ~~~~~ What at first seemed uneventful, became all too eventful rather suddenly. Ralir and I, were just approaching the stone road to the grouping of hills, when a screech scream was heard in the trees. My blades were drawn and Ralir, brought forth a staff that grew with a blue glow as he held it above him. We were covered in a orange dome that looked as the flashing blades of lightning during a storm just before a volley of blue and red fire struck the dome that covered us. The Elf spotted a creature of sorts running from the hills. We pursed the beast and noticed it to be no more than three feet tall with long arms and a stubby nose. It was holding a glowing stick and laughed a cruel laugh just before my sword bore into his throat, spilling his blood upon the ground. It was then we heard screaming from the inn and we made our way back as fast as our feet would carry us. The Elf of course made it their first and was chanting something in his language above a young female that lay on the ground in the inn. From what we were told by the Barkeep, the woman opened the door with a slam and then fell upon the floor shaking uncontrollably. Ralir is with her now and has said he has given her an herb to calm her and bring her out of the deep sleep she is in. I shall speak with her then.  335 II Age Day 2 of Contract: North Wockeal Woods
I have finished a morning survey of the area. Directly north of the inn I discovered a rocky grotto, old ruins of the ancient ones I presume. I know that both dwarves and elves inhabited these lands before so that is no surprise. Directly west of that a small pond with tiny sunfish is at the center of a half circle of giant Elm trees. I also noticed, as I circled further around the western part of the inn, a small garden where it seems the farmer has been having a bit of trouble with some gophers. (Or he just loves digging up his own Silverleaf Plants. Quite a shame, Silverleaf is a good way to stay warm during these increasingly cold nights.) South of the inn, a road leading into the valley can be found. And to the east, sheer cliffs drop downwards towards the mountain pines and a river that flows off the face of the mountain. But to the Northeast, up a stone path and into a grouping of hills, there are burnt areas that I was not able to see in the pale moonlight of last night. It was a few paces past there I found bones of a rat that had been separated and placed in a line. The significance of this is yet to be seen. Tonight, that area will be the focus of my watch. ~~~~~ In a happening chance I met an elf earlier that passed about a bit of knowledge. He told me of his travels to the ruins nearby and his noting of scratches and disfigurement of statues that he admired when he was last in this region around two years ago. When I suggested the possibility of criminal activity or otherwise weathering of the stone. He was not convinced. He came this way with great haste due to a dream of a growing doom in these regions. He is the first of his kind that I was told are to be coming if the need arises. A likely ally perhaps. But my contract is mine alone. Any additional help will be judged appropriately and dealt with as needed. ~~~~~ The second night I noted an increased presence of fairies buzzing about the trees and a warming sensation in the air around the grouping of hills. My elf acquaintance from earlier today moved with a certain quickness about the ruins to the west. I expect his kind have their own ways of subterfuge and guile but his activity had me concerned. We certainly will not find the source of this haunting with him jumping about wildly.  335 II Age Day 1 of Contract: North Wockeal Woods
I have arrived at a small inn. After a few gold pieces and a friendly smile from the barmaid, I proceed upstairs and found the sleeping quarters quaint enough for a short stay. My contract states I must rid the area of what the haunting presence in the woods. I will attempt to learn more of this being. The barkeep came upstairs earlier offering me food and drink whenever I was ready. Perhaps I will accept her offer. This place is dark. My candle lit on the nearby table offers a little warmth from the draft sweeping in from above through the rafters. It may snow soon. Enough of these matters, I think a good drink is a warming idea. I will attempt to gain more knowledge of my task. ~~~~~ Whispering cold within the night, the howls of fate, lost to sight. A solemn toast, unbeknownst, for deeds done by curse not want. I have further learned after a stout brew and morsels of bread and fruit, that the being of the woods appeared sometime after a traveler came into the inn. The odd accent and dress of this person was not at first strange to the inn keeper but it became obvious the person was different. There were complaints from patrons of strange smells and sounds in the middle of the night and twice it was found that the woman traveler left the inn in a strange trance of sorts. It was soon after her third incident with dead animals being found near her room, she was asked to leave. It was then the haunting of the woods began. A man there told me also that he believed her to be some kind of evil. "Not worth the time to pursue unless you seek a quick death." The man then left, throwing his brown cloak over his head and slamming the door. Not quite something such a man should say to a stranger such as myself.. He was strange. I will go out tonight and attempt to observe what I’ve been told of “chanting” as well as red and blue fires floating through the air. According to what I have learned the haunting being is only known to emerge from the woods on the darkest cycle of the moon. I've gotten contrary reports of some saying it is an entity, dark and gloomy. It presence cold and overwhelming. Others insist that it is small, the size of a child, with a grotesque face and disfigured body. I have two nights until then. For now I will see what I may learn. ~~~~~~ Nothing. I found nothing to hint of the haunting of this place. Every shadow that crept beneath the moon, every sound of chirping in the trees or rustling in the undergrowth could be explained. It seemed, at least tonight, all is well and in good order.... Except of course the buffoons of drunks that fell from the doorway of the inn as I made my way back. But, for a place of alcohol and stale bread, I would say this is normal. I will go tomorrow during the early light to see what else may be found. |
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