By Flynt and Kahreen

*1*

The torches burned brightly in their stands, casting flickering shadows on the stone columns and walls of the chamber. The room was large and hewn out of the surrounding solid rock. At its center a circular pool covered half the floor area. The bluish light from the pool's water added its luminance to the torches, casting the chamber in an eerie glow. Towards the far side a flight of stone stairs, flanked by two chain mailed guards, led up to a raised dais. Large tapestries depicting long forgotten battles hung on either side. It was towards the dais, and the figure atop it, that the high cleric walked. The guards watched dispassionately for a moment with their dark eyes as the figure approached, but made no move to stop him. His dark robes rustled softly as he ascended. He hesitated slightly as he approached the figure seated on the large throne. Clearing his throat, he bowed slightly before speaking.

"Master, I have received news from the southern continent. Of a commotion caused by a small group of travelers at Aylesbury, among them a cleric of Kithan."

The figure looked at the high cleric, who flinched slightly under the gaze. The eyes were totally black, framed in a pale square face, offset with pointed ears. Long grey hair was held in place by an armoured headband adorned with the a small golden skull in the shape of a dragon's head. The figure's armour was finely wrought grey chain mail and a long purple robe hung from his shoulders. He spoke, his voice deep and resonant.

"Why do you bother me with such trivial matters? The Temples have resources to deal with such things."

"Indeed," the high cleric replied. " And they were doing so, but the travelers were assisted in their escape, they were..." The cleric paused.

The figure leant forward. "Go on."

"My lord, Sarmak. The two you spoke about, the two from the prophecy have appeared. From the descriptions, there can be no doubt about it. It was they who aided the travelers."

"I have been expecting the Guardians appearance for some time now. So they have allied themselves with a cleric of Kithan." Sarmak sat back in his throne and smiled slightly, revealing slightly pointed teeth. He turned his attention back to the cleric. "You have these travelers descriptions?"

The cleric nodded.

"Notify all the Temples to be on the watch then. I want them alive and brought to me."

"Of course," the high cleric answered. "They shouldn't be to difficult to spot. Two winged beings and a female Elven cleric."

Sarmak straightened suddenly. "An Elven cleric?"

The high cleric jumped at his masters sudden move. "Yes Lord. Unusual to say the least, but not unheard of."

Sarmak nodded. "Indeed. You have done well. Now go."

The cleric bowed and made his way down the stairs. Sarmak leant back, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he watched the cleric leave. A rustling of the tapestries to the left, indicating the opening of a door, drew his attention. The Overlord watched as a tall, slim woman appeared. Long black hair hung past her waist and she was clothed in dark aqua robes that matched the heavy eye shadow she wore. Her skin was pale. Black and gold jewelry adorned her arms and waist. A small pendant of a multi coloured dragon hung from her neck. She regarded Sarmak, her orange pupiled eyes glinting in the light.

"So they have appeared."

Sarmak nodded." Ironic isn't it? That the ones sent to defend against us will ultimately be the source of our victory."

"Ten millennia is along time to wait. Now finally, no more hiding. Our armies stand ready. My people are eager for battle. It has been too long since they have struck fear into the hearts of their enemies."

"They have a cleric with them, Caleich," Sarmak continued. "An Elven cleric."

Caleich wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Those misbegotten freaks." She thought for a moment. "Still, it would be a source of great power, hmm."

"And potential danger. Or have you forgotten your history?"

"No I have not. I know of their rarity and the great powers they may possess," Caleich scowled. "It was one of their accursed lot that aided in the slaying of my great-great grandfather 500 years ago. I hate them all. They are vermin."

"Never fear. We will deal with the Elves, and the cleric in time."

"So tell me Sarmak, which of these guardians do you plan to use?"

"It doesn't matter, either one will do. The other you can have. As a plaything."

Caleich laughed wickedly. "I look forward to that."

"Give the word and let our armies begin," Sarmak said. "Our time is at hand. We shall delay no longer."

*****

*2*

The buffeting wind flew between the rock faces, sending the rain lashing into gully below. On the gully's floor seven figures and a small wagon pressed onwards. For two days now they had been trekking through the mountains. The storm had arrived suddenly a little earlier in the afternoon, catching the group out in the open. Lias squinted as he drew his hooded cloak around him and peered into the rain.

"This is impossible, we can barely see ahead. We should find somewhere to shelter until the storm lets up."

"Agreed," Flynt said as he wrapped his own cloak around himself. The strong wind and rain had grounded himself and Kahreen. He pulled the cloak tighter about himself. Though it offered some protection for the weather, Flynt, like the others, was practically soaked to the skin. Lias ran back to tell the others of his plan, which was greeted enthusiastically. The little group continued forwards, scanning for any possible refuge.

"Over there!" Kahreen pointed, her sharp eyes picking out large rocky outcrop sillouhetted in the dim light. She, Flynt and Lias went to investigate. The outcrop had a deep cave like depression at the back and was large enough to shelter them all. Within minutes the little party began to make camp beneath the outcrop. There was no wood, and therefore no chance for a fire, but at least they were sheltered from the elements. Galen rummaged in the back of the wagon, eventually producing a small orb. He waved his hand over it, muttering several words. The orb began to glow, casting a cool , white light around the area. He settled the orb on a rock and looked about.

"It doesn't give out heat I'm afraid, but at least we can see what we're doing."

"Anything is better than being out there," Huron grumbled.

Lias looked out at the sky." We may as well get comfortable. This storm looks like it won't break for a while."

The group broke out the dried rations, chewing on the tough dried meat and cheese in silence as they listened to the wind howl outside. Kahreen looked towards Galen.

"You said the prophecy was best left for another night, how about now. It doesn't look like we will be going anywhere in a hurry."

Flynt nodded in agreement. "Yes. I'm interested in hearing about these Guardians myself."

Galen settled back and smiled at the two. "I think that is a good idea. You should be prepared for what may lie ahead." He cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Ten millennia ago, Kithan was a vastly different place. Humans, Elves and many of the races we know today were only just beginning to leave their mark. Two long lived races dominated the world, those of the Guardians, and the Angels. We don't know it that was their true names, but that is how they have become known through time and legend. The two lived in comparative peace, the Guardians making their homes high in the mountains, carving their dwellings within the rock faces and turning the outside of mountains into a living cities. The Angels lived within mountains in large subterranean cities, preferring the darkness to the bright light of day. There they studied the arcane arts, many of them becoming powerful magic users."

"As the numbers of the new races began to increase, there was a change. The Guardians interacted freely with them, sharing ideas, helping and trading. The Angels however had a different train of thought. They couldn't understand why the Guardians would choose to rub shoulders with such inferior, short lived creatures. They viewed the newcomers rapid development and reproduction as a threat to their way of life. So the Angels shunned all contact, preferring to stay deep within their mountain fortresses. But it was not to remain that way for long. Already human settlements were encroaching within the Angel's territories. Their response was brutal and decisive. Entire settlements were destroyed, the inhabitants either slaughtered or take prisoner to use as slaves."

Galen sighed as he settled himself more comfortably. No one spoke, waiting for him to continue.

"The sudden and unprovoked attacks took the Guardians by surprise. They met with the Angels, demanding to know the reasons behind their actions and to stop them. The Angels refused. Why should they, one of the most ancient races, allow such creatures to swarm and multiply over their lands. To them the new races were an infestation. One to be removed. They offered the Guardians an alliance... crush the humans and Elves, perhaps keep some for slaves and magical experiments. Angered by the proposal, the Guardians refused, warning that if the attacks continued, they would come to the Elves and humans aid. The Angels in response, increased the hostilities and for the first time in history, Kithan was plunged into full scale war."

Kahreen regarded Flynt thoughtfully. "The Guardians came to human's aid. The urge to protect? To defend?"

"Perhaps." Flynt turned to the mage. "How is you know so much about this prophecy, yet others choose to ignore it? A world thrown into war is not something easily forgotten."

"There are a few who believe, but to most the prophecy is but an ancient legend. Indeed there is very little to prove it even happened," Galen replied. "But since I was a young man, I have felt this prophecy as part of my destiny. I have spent years researching it, looking for any scrap of information regarding it," he smiled at Flynt and Kahreen. "And it appears, not to have been in vain. For here you are."

"But what we have to do with all of this?" Kahreen asked.

Galen took a breath and continued.

"A long and bloody war shook the land. New and more effective methods of destruction were created, spells and weapons of war that thankfully seem to have been long lost and now forgotten. Yet neither side was able to gain the upper hand. In the end, the Angels sued for peace wanting to end the carnage once and for all. The Guardians, their own numbers diminished, agreed, and sent a delegation of sixteen to meet on neutral ground. But it was a ruse. The Angels did want to end the war, but only with the total destruction of the Guardians. You see, the trolls, allied to the Angels, had discovered a secret passage into the Guardian's mountain city. While the "peace talks" were underway the Angel's armies poured into the city from within, taking the inhabitants by surprise. The guardians numbers, already weakened by the war could offer little resistance. The city fell and all within were killed."

"Good grief," Flynt whispered. "What of the remaining sixteen?"

"No one is certain," Galen said. "All I have found is that the Angel's leader may have used some form of enchantment upon them. Some sources say they were entombed in stone, others that they were trapped in a portal of sorts. I don't know. But one thing is for certain. Just before the enchantment, one of the Guardians, a cleric I believe, experienced a vision. He cursed the Angels, swearing that after ten millennia and a decade of peace would pass, new Guardians would appear, and crush the Angels once and for all," he looked at Flynt and Kahreen again, his eyes serious. "The descriptions, the images on the parchment... I believe you are the ones he spoke about."

"So the Angels won?" Kahreen asked.

"Yes and no. For even as the Angels began to celebrate in their victory, Kithan, as if sickened by the whole ordeal played out on her surface, responded with a violent fury of her own. Earthquakes rocked the land. Mountain ranges fell as new ones arose. The Guardians former home, still occupied by the Angels army was obliterated. The Angles homeland was destroyed and thousands of lives lost as the land was split asunder, eventually forming the two continents we know have. The Angels and Guardians were never heard from again, until now."

There was a long moments silence as Galen finished.

"Damn," Kahreen shook her head. "That's some story."

"Yeah, and like it or not, looks like we're right up to our necks in it." Flynt added.

"Oh hell, its just a story!" Huron said as he joined the group.

"Then explain their appearance," Amethyst countered.

Huron shrugged. "I don't know, or care. I still don't believe a word of it. But let's say its true... what can just two of them do to stop the big bad Angels?"

Silence was his only reply. Huron shook his head. "I thought so," he settled himself on the ground. "Someone wake me when its my shift."

The little group prepared to bed down for the night. "I'll take first watch," Kahreen said. "I'm not that tired."

Flynt noticed the distracted look on her face. "Is something wrong?"

"No," Kahreen replied. "I'm just not ready for sleep yet."

Flynt looked at her for several seconds before finally nodding. "Okay then. But wake me when your watch is over. I'll take the next shift.

"Alright."

*****

*3*

Kahreen watched as clouds slowly passes across the face of the moon. Flynt was right. They were in it up to their necks, but exactly what, she wasn't sure. And even Huron had a point. What could they do? She sighed. This was turning out to be some trip alright. Definitely one of the strangest she had experienced.

A noise from behind caused her to turn. It was Huron. Kahreen became wary as the human warrior approached.

"What do you want?"

Huron smiled, his face a mask of innocence. "I just thought you would like some company."

"I'm fine, thank you."

Taking this as an invitation, Huron sat down on the rock next to Kahreen. "Once we hit Tozer's Cove, I'm out of here. I only signed up with this circus because they were going in the same direction. You know, safety in numbers. How about you join me? Forget this prophecy tripe. I could use the company."

Kahreen shifted away from the mercenary. "Thanks, but no thanks. I think I'll stick around if its all the same."

"Come on," Huron said, laying a hand on Kahreen's shoulder. "We would make a great team."

Kahreen looked at his hand and then Huron's face. "If you don't remove that hand," she said coldly, "I will remove it for you."

Huron blinked in surprise and lifted his hand slightly.

Kahreen continued to stare at the mercenary, leaving him in no doubt that she would make good her threat. He pulled his hand away.

"If you want some company," Kahreen told him. 'I'm about to wake Flynt for his shift."

Huron glowered at her. "No thanks. I think I'll head back to bed, don't want to fall asleep during my watch now do I?" With a final glare he turned and headed back into the cave.

Kahreen made her way over to the sleeping Flynt and shook him slightly. The tan gargoyle muttered. Kahreen shook him again. Finally, Flynt opened one eye and focussed on Kahreen.

"Your turn." She said quietly.

"And I was having such a nice dream involving chocolate cake." Flynt said as he propped himself up on his elbow.

Kahreen gave him a distracted little smile.

"Whats up?" Flynt asked.

"Nothing I couldn't deal with."

"Huh?" Flynt gave her a puzzled look.

"It's okay. Guess I'm starting to feel a little tired," Kahreen answered.

"Ah well," Flynt grunted as he stood up. "Get yourself some rest now. I have a feeling tomorrow will be a big day."

"Yeah I will. See you in the morning."

Flynt nodded and headed over to the caves entrance. Along the way he could hear Huron mumbling quietly to himself. He frowned. That human was a trouble maker, always moaning and complaining. Flynt wondered why the big mercenary had joined this group in the first place. And he certainly didn't like the way Huron had been looking at Kah the other night.

"I don't trust him, and I definitely don't like him." Flynt muttered as he settled himself onto the rock which Kahreen had occupied earlier. He cast a final glance into the cave. All was quiet. Flynt made himself comfortable, surveyed the sky and began his watch.

*****

*4*

The storm passed overnight and the new day that greeted the travelers was sunny and cool, with only a few scattered clouds occasionally crossing the sun's face. The wind had died down, allowing Flynt and Kahreen to take to the air. Travelling on foot was for those without ariel ability, and for the pair, the opportunity to stretch their wings was greatly welcomed. According to Lias' calculations they were now mid-way through the Dragons Spine. Another day or so and they would come into view of the Red Desert. Flynt glanced over in Kahreen's direction. There was happy look on her face as she rode the air currents, gliding as if she had been doing it all her life. He smiled as he banked right, allowing the updraft to raise him level with her. Today looked like was going to be a good day.

*****

Thousands of miles away, to the north, a different scene was being played out. Overnight, Sarmak and Caleich's armies had advanced and already two large cities lay in their grasp. In the first of these cities, the Overlord's "priests" had done well, the populace and rulers opening their gates to the invaders, welcoming the armies as the vanguards of a new era that they were soon to be part of. The second town offered only minor token resistance, which was quickly crushed. It was of this brief skirmish one soldier was thinking of as he turned to his comrade.

"If this is way things are going to go, this war will be over before it starts!"

"Yeah," his comrade replied. "I wouldn't count on it though." He paused as he glanced around. "It looks like our allies have retired for the day."

The first soldier looked about, scanning the rooftops and spires of the city. " Well its not like they were really needed this time."

"They give me the creeps," the second soldier replied. "It's the way they look at us. Like we're a...a , I don't know, a potential snack or something!"

The first soldier laughed at his comrades discomfort. "Then keep out of their way, and be thankful they're on our side!"

*****

Flynt alighted on a small rocky crest and surveyed the mountains with narrowed eyes, a frown upon his face. He was sure he had seen something. For the past few minutes both he and Kahreen had seen fleeting movements in the rocky shadows, only to have them disappear on closer investigation. He looked down, watching the little wagon make it's way along the rocky trail below as Kahreen landed beside him.

"We are being watched, no doubt about it," he told her.

"I know," Kahreen replied. "But by what, or who?" She sounded frustrated. Her gargoyle eyes, though superior to that of a human, was no where near as sharp as the biomechanical vision she once possessed. Her new form was such a blessing in some ways, but its limitations a hindrance in others. She was always used to being just that little bit better than those around her. Functioning on a 'normal' level was something she wasn't used to. It made her feel uncomfortable.

"Keep an eye out here, I'll go tell the others," Flynt said. He jumped off the crest and began a slow gliding spiral to the wagon below.

"There are eyes upon us," he said as he landed.

Lias nodded. "I've spotted the movements too. Mountain trolls most likely," the ranger looked at Flynt. "They shouldn't cause us any trouble. They are mainly scavengers and we are well armed. Besides I doubt they have ever seen the likes of you and Kahreen before. That uncertainty would work in our favour."

Flynt glanced at the mountain faces. "I hope your right."

A loud thump and a crack caused the pair to jump. Huron let out a curse as Flynt and Lias turned. The wagon sat at an angle, one of it's rear wheels in a rut. Huron gave the wheel an experimental shove.

"It's jammed in there good and tight."

"Terrific," Flynt muttered as Mirran and Amethyst alighted from the wagon. He cast a glance up to Kahreen. She raised her hands in a questioning gesture. Flynt indicated for her to circle above them and keep watch. Kahreen nodded her understanding. Flynt took command of the situation and turned to Galen.

"You wouldn't happen to have a spell to get the wagon out of this?"

"No, I'm afraid not."

Flynt sighed. "I thought not. Lias take your bow and keep a sharp eye, just in case your non threatening trolls decide to change their mind. Huron you're with me. Lets see if we can get this thing out."

The mercenary balked slightly at Flynt's order, but a look from the tan gargoyle silenced any protests.

"The rest of you help in any way you can." Flynt moved around to the back of the wagon, Huron joining him. Galen positioned himself at the jammed wheel, while Amethyst and Mirran grabbed the mule's reins.

"Alright," Flynt said. "One, two, three...PUSH!!"

The group put all their strength into moving the stuck wagon. Muscles stood out along Flynt and Huron's arms and shoulders as they tried to shift the heavy weight. Mirran and Amethyst pulled on the mule's reins urging the animal forward. The wagon rocked slightly back and forth but refused to budge. Flynt stopped pushing and leant against the wagon, breathing heavily.

"This isn't working. Lets give it another go"

They tried again. Even Amethyst moved to the wagons rear, adding her weight to the efforts, but to no avail. The mule, not used to the rough treatment, whinnied in protest and pulled back on the reins, hampering their efforts further. The group paused once again.

"Can't you get that stupid mule to move!" Flynt said between clenched teeth. Huron muttered something about mules for dinner, when Amethyst spoke up.

"Give me a moment. I'll see what I can do." She walked around the front, taking the frightened animal's head in her hands, speaking softly. The others watched as she murmured gently to it. Kahreen landed and approached Flynt.

"Whatever was up there before seems to have gone now," she informed him.

Flynt nodded. "Lias said they were trolls or something and they shouldn't bother us." He cast the Elf a questioning glance. Lias nodded in affirmation.

"If they are still up there, they are well hidden."

"As long as they stay there I'll be happy," Flynt remarked. He watched as Amethyst took the mule's reins and began to gently pull on them.

"Alright," she said. "Let's try now."

The group tried to shift the wagon again. Kahreen, Flynt and Huron pushing from the rear. The mule appeared calm as Amethyst led it forwards. The wagon began to move, causing the group to redouble its efforts. Suddenly, with a lurch, the wagon broke free from the rut, rolling forwards onto the level ground. Relief washed over everyone's faces.

Kahreen smiled, approaching Amethyst. "Looks like you have a way with animals."

"I just told him of the trouble we were in," Amethyst replied, stroking the mule's muzzle. "And how much we needed his help to get the wagon free."

"You told him?" Kahreen asked, surprised.

"Yes. He was frightened and unsure of what was going on. Once I explained it to him, he was happy to help."

The statement amazed Kahreen. "It's a good thing he listened to you, or I think we'd still be stuck." She gave the mule a pat. "Err...good mule. Well done." Giving Amethyst an little smile, she walked back to Flynt as the group prepared to start moving again.

"Lias thinks we'll make good time if we get going right away," Flynt informed her as she approached.

"Amethyst just said she asked the mule for its help."

"Eh?" Flynt's browridges rose in surprise. "Its a mule. You don't ask a mule for help."

"My sister can," Lias said. "It's one of the gifts she showed as a child. She can communicate with some animals. Its quite amazing. It's as if the animals accept her as one of their own, they know she won't harm them." He looked at his sister proudly. "At first my family thought it was because of her gentle nature, but as she grew and more of her talents became apparent, we knew Amethyst was something special. " He looked down, eyes sad. "If only father and mother could see her now. They would be proud.

Flynt rested a hand on the Elf's shoulder. "We'll find them Lias, and what happened to your village."

"So many unanswered questions," Lias sighed.

"Yes," Flynt raised his eyes and looked up the canyon. "And somewhere ahead lies the answers to them all."

*****

*5*

Caleich spread he arms wide, allowing the wind to caress her body and blow through her hair as she stood on the stone balcony. Her messenger had just departed and the news he had brought from the battlefront was pleasing indeed. She smiled to herself as she heard Sarmak approach, spinning around to greet him.

"How sweet is the taste of victory!"

"Indeed it is," Sarmak responded. "But remember the way was paved already for the first strike. The next step will be a little more difficult. The Elven lands. They were not so "accommodating" to the Temple's influence. There will be considerable resistance."

"Pah!" Caleich's eyes flashed. " What can they do? Let them resist all they want. I say wipe them from the face of Kithan forever. First them, and then their woodland cousins in the south. "

"Caleich, you really should learn to control your hatred, they will fall soon enough. Then you can do with them as you see fit," Sarmak watched as Caleich paced back and forth like a caged animal, her anger flowing out of her in waves. "Still, perhaps a change of scenery would do you some good…"

Caleich stopped pacing and regarded the Overlord. "What do you mean?"

"Why don’t you head the Elven attack personally," Sarmak gave a little smile. "I'm sure you would enjoy the exercise."

Now it was the black haired woman's turn to smile. "Oh yes. Indeed I would."

*****

Lias raised a hand, bringing the group to a halt. He cocked his head slightly, listening carefully. Up above Kahreen and Flynt watched his actions.

"What's going on?" Kahreen asked. She looked around, scanning the mountainside for any signs of danger, but finding nothing.

"I don't know," Flynt answered. He did likewise, but found nothing either. In the distance however he noticed the mountains thinning, and just beyond a haze that seemed to blur the horizon. He pointed.

"I guess that where the desert starts. Doesn’t look too friendly does it?"

Kahreen nodded in agreement. "We should reach there by tomorrow I think."

Down below Lias shook his head, and giving the mountain a final look, motioned the band forwards. "Sorry, I thought I heard something. I guess after what happened earlier I'm a little jumpy."

"Nevermind," Galen said. "Better to err on the side of caution my young friend, than rush forward needlessly."

Flynt and Kahreen glided lower, keeping the wagon in sight when a strange sound reached their ears. Short sharp cracking noises filled the air. Again the group below paused.

"What the hell is that?" Kahreen said as she looked around. Suddenly, without warning a rumbling filled the air as part of the mountain sheared away from itself and began hurtling downslope at a terrifying velocity.

"Rockslide!" Lias screamed. "Run for it!"

The group ran as swiftly as possible away from the falling debris. Amethyst tried to the wagon moving forwards but the mule was too terrified to move. Flynt saw the wall of rock rapidly approaching.

"She's going to be crushed!" He dove, making a beeline for the wagon, only to have Kahreen hurtle past him like he was standing still. He saw Kahreen scoop up the Elven cleric moments before the landslide struck. He heard the shrill scream of the mule, abruptly cut short as the rock buried it. Flynt coughed as debris and dust were flung upwards, hindering his breathing and vision. He gained altitude, trying in vain to see through the flying debris, heart pounding, wondering if Kahreen had made it through with Amethyst. He circled as the dust slowly settled. Eventually he could make out several figures on the ground below. He landed and ran towards them.

"Is everyone alright?!" He asked, voice tight with apprehension. There were several dazed nods. Flynt did a quick visual check to confirm all members of the party were present. His eyes paused on Kahreen's form. She and Amethyst were nearby. The female gargoyle was seated on a rock, the cleric tending to her head. Flynt ran over.

"The wound is not deep," he heard Amethyst say. "You saved my life back there. I am indebted to you. Thank you."

Kahreen just nodded, staring at her hand, at the small patch of blood nestled in her palm. She looked up at Flynt.

"I'm…I'm bleeding." There was no shock to her voice, but rather disbelief. It wasn't that she had never seen blood before, but the fact she was staring at her own horrified and fascinated her. She continued to stare at her hand as if it was the only thing in the world. Flynt looked at the cleric.

"Is she going to be alright?"

Amethyst examined the small cut on Kahreen's browridge and nodded. "She will be fine, it appears only to be a glancing blow."

"Damn, we could have been all killed!" Huron exclaimed

"We've lost everything," Lias said angrily. "The wagon, the supplies, the lot. I thought I heard something unusual. I should have been more alert."

"All my notes, my papers," Galen said softly. He shook his head sadly. "There was nothing you could have done Lias." He looked over at the debris. "Right now we have more important issues to deal with."

Silence fell over the group.

"We could go back," Huron suggested.

Lias shook his head. "There's no way around that. It would be a waste of time trying to find an alternative route."

"Supplies?" Flynt said. "What do we have in the way of supplies?"

"I have a waterskin and some dried beef," Lias said.

"All I have is a small waterskin," Huron added. The rest shook their heads.

"I think we should make camp," Kahreen suggested. "And look around for any game, anything we can store and eat."

"Agreed," Lias said. "That's all we can do for now."

*****

A sullen mood had settled among the adventurers that night as they pondered the events of the day. The search for extra supplies had yielded little. Some edible plants and roots, and two small lizards. They had been fortunate enough to find some dry wood and a little fire cracked invitingly in the center of the camp. Still, thought Flynt as he looked at the silent faces of his fellows, they were lucky to all be alive. With a sigh he rose to his feet and stretched. With nothing much else to do, he decided to do a patrol of the camp's perimeter. Despite Lias' assurances about the trolls, after what had happened earlier, Flynt wanted to make sure no other unpleasant surprises awaited them. He had only gone a short distance when he noticed a figure seated on a rock, silhouetted against the night sky. It was Kahreen. She had been especially quiet since her rescue of Amethyst. Flynt slowly walked over, watching as Kahreen raised a hand to her head, feeling softly where the rock had struck her previously.

"Today could have definitely gone better than it did." Flynt said as he approached.

Kahreen nodded. "You got that right."

Flynt squatted in front of her and gave the wound a quick look. "It shouldn't even leave a scar. You were lucky."

Kahreen just nodded again, her eyes fixed on the horizon.

"I think I know how you feel," Flynt said. "I remember when I saw my own blood for the first time. When I was young I was playing up in a tree and I slipped. I tried catching a branch, but missed and it badly cut open the back of my hand. I remember the panic and fear at seeing all that blood. I ran back home," he chuckled softly. "I thought I was going to die."

Kahreen merely nodded again, not saying anything. Flynt's face took on a worried expression. "Are you sure your alright?"

Kahreen faced him. "Why are you doing this?"

Flynt looked at her red tinted eyes in surprise. "Doing what?"

"Why are you being nice to me? Not so long ago you wouldn't give me the time of day! In fact you avoided me as much as possible! As if you hated me!" There was anger in her voice. "But since we arrived here, in this place, you've gone out of your way to help me, to be my friend. Why?"

Flynt turned his gaze away and rocked on his haunches a couple of times before standing up with a sigh. He turned and walked a few feet away, his back to Kahreen. A long moment of silence passed before he finally spoke.

"I never hated you. Never. You…you frightened me."

"I what?" Kahreen's eyes widened in surprise. Whatever reasons she was expecting Flynt to give, that was not one of them.

Flynt turned sharply. "You frightened me! Alright!" Now it was his turn to be angry. "Alive yet not alive. That's how I saw you. I could never understand that. As a biomech, you looked alive, acted as a living being, but underneath…" He paused, groping for the right words. "At times, I would almost forget about that, but whenever you opened one of your access panels or connect yourself to a computer through the plugs in the back of your neck…" He sighed, the anger melting away. "I was born to a time similar to this one, this is what I know. I'm uncomfortable around technology at the best of times… you scared the hell out of me Kahreen. It was a unreasoning, unfounded fear. I'm sorry."

"Maybe not as unfounded as you think," Kahreen said quietly. "I was a child of technology. It surrounded me all my life. I could manipulate it. Use it to find solutions. But here, nothing like that exists and that thought makes me feel… uncomfortable," she looked at Flynt. "What happens if we find a way back? Or I revert to my original form? What then Flynt…will you turn your back on me again? Out of fear?"

"No!" Flynt knelt in front of Kahreen. "It doesn't matter what your form, you are still Kahreen inside." Kahreen didn't resist as he took her hand in his. "I see that now. I won't turn my back on you. I…" He looked away suddenly, flushing slightly.

"Yes?"

"Nothing," Flynt smiled. "Just remember I'm here whenever you need me."

Kahreen returned the smile. Something had changed between the two of them. Something she found pleasant. She slowly disengaged her hand from his and settled back against the rock, her eyes on the heavens.

"We should get some rest," Flynt said. "Tomorrow will be a harsh day for all of us."

"Lets just stay here a while longer," Kahreen replied. "Its peaceful."

Flynt stared at the night sky, where the stars glittered like precious jewels against the dark velvet backdrop. It was peaceful. He found himself settling next to Kahreen with a contented sigh.

"Alright. For just a little while."

To be continued…