Chapter Four
By Untwisted

Reprinted with permission.
Added 07/19/2002.

Dajyrad sighed heavily, followed by a long tiresome yawn. The fellowship had cleared the town, which Charon said was Yaraq, and the three were making their way down the cobblestone highway back toward Di-Jin's lands. Palyn was resting thoughtfully in Dajyrad's pack, and Padre seemed to be thoroughly amused.

"Fine animal you got there," he said, "is she magical, or just a pet?"

With this Palyn raised her head and replied, "I'm just a pet, nothing more." Followed by a noise that Padre figured to be her version of giggling.

The three walked on through the night, and well in to the morning. A long silence had settled over them, only broken by the occasional caw of a bird. The trio had already passed Di-Jin's tower and were in a land unfamiliar to Dajyrad or Palyn.

"Where are we, and where are we headed?" queried Dajyrad, breaking the silence.

"Uziz," said Charon, "our home. Do you have a town which you call home?"

"Nay," replied Dajyrad, "I am somewhat of a drifter. Ever since I left the tunnels I've explored. I never really cared to settle, Palyn and I, we like to adventure... You know how it is I'd assume, being warriors and all."

"Yes, we too have a passion for adventure, but Uziz is not merely a town, it is our town!" said Padre, placing heavy emphasis on the word our.

Dajyrad decided that this was a sufficient answer, letting his mind wander, inventing great cities of gold and silver before dismissing the idea. Uziz must be a small town if it were run by two warriors, no doubt there wasn't even a working forge there.

As the sun set Charon recommended that camp be set up and the group get a proper rest, the journey would take them one more day to complete, and after the previous night's battle they were tired. Dajyrad was too excited to sleep though. He and Palyn spoke late into the night, they spoke of the previous night's battles and of battles to come before finally nodding off.

When Padre woke him the next morning, Dajyrad was greeted by a stern face. "Our camp has been pillaged though nothing of real value has been taken... merely some food and minor supplies."

Shaken by this news Dajyrad checked his pack, to find that nothing but some food was missing. Quickly he reached for his belt to find that his gems were still there.

Standing, he stretched and looked around. "What do you think got our stuff?" he asked.

"Not sure, probably just some drudges, they are petty theives, and poor ones at that. There have been a band of them known to steal from travelers in this area, although they never attack -- only steal, and at night." said Charon in a grim tone.

"Nevermind the food, let's head to Uziz, if we leave now we may make it before nightfall!" boomed Padre merrily.

The group finished their journey in silence, and reached Uziz shortly after nightfall. The first stars were beginning to fight their way past the blanket of deep purple and blue when the group arrived in town.

"Hail!" roared Padre, although Dajyrad could see no signs of life in this town. It was larger then he had figured. A long stone path carved its way through a valley, in which the town of Uziz stood. The path was lined on both sides by low ceilinged buildings of a smooth sandstone. To the right of the town was a small lake, the depths of which were easily visible through the clear cool water. At the end of the town plumes of smoke rose to greet the moons from the massive forge, at which Dajyrad could only blink.

Still absorbing his surroundings Dajyrad hadn't noticed the small group of men who had assembled before them.

Padre spoke, "Hail friends," snapping Dajyrad from his trance like state, "I bring us a new warrior, his name is Dajyrad, and he will be learned in the way of the spear!"

Presently, a massive man whom Dajyrad assumed to be an archer spoke, "Hail Dajyrad, I am Mach Xin. I offer you the services of my bow any time."

Mach was followed by a chorus of voices all introducing themselves in the same manner. There was Lorik the Ranger, also an archer; Rat Foo, a master of staves; Erykose, master magician; Deathgrip, mage of war; Gimpt, apprentice of Deathgrip; and finally Dulcion, the Alchemist.

Dajyrad looked over the face, committing the names to memory. "Thank you," he said, "I offer my spear to you all for what it's worth."

"It will be worth much in time my friend." said Padre in a pleasant tone. "Mach, forge our new friend a new spear. Dulcion brew me potions of restoration, Dajyrad will have a long day of training a head of him, and Erykose, show him around town please."

Dajyrad stumbled behind Erykose as he pointed out the forge, the weapon cache, the kitchen, the labs, and finally his new home. The building was like the rest, and opened into a small room. In the back a small set of stairs led below ground into a three room cellar. One of the rooms contained a chest, and cot for him to sleep on, while the others were empty.

Sorting out his few posessions and storing them in his chest Dajyray spoke, "Palyn, what do you reckon?" but she was fast at the head of his cot. He shrugged and lay on the cot letting sleep consume him.