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We travelled all the next day along the winding road. Stopping only once along the way to eat and rest. Annasho went a short distance to examine some plants that were growing along side a groove of extal trees. If you've never seen an extal tree you've missed out on one of nature's greatest creations. Short in stature, no more than nine feet tall, they grow to a width of 20 feet across. They have low hanging branches with diamond shaped leaves. The leaves unlike most trees do not wait for summer's ending to change colour but change colours every other week. Only when the leaves turn green at summer's end do they fall from the branches. The branches grow like long thin fingers, which contrast the massive trunks. They do tend to grow downwards, though slowly. It takes nearly 300 years for the branches to reach the ground at which point the extal tree shoots forth it's seeds. Small oval hard shelled seeds, nearly as hard as stone, but they will soften with long cooking.

I had seen them before as clearly hand Zendar. They appeared to be something new to Annasho though, which I thought odd since they grew close to her home. I was watching her, as I had through that whole morning in what I thought was an unobtrusive manner.

"Silent one", Zendar addressed me, the first thing he'd said since we'd departed Numdain. I looked up at him trying to stifle the start his voice gave me. "Keep your mind on the trail, where we go, what is around us, not on that lovely woman who has so occupied your thoughts since yesterday."

Though his words were spoken gently enough, I could sense a deep set purpose behind them. Zendar was definitely serious, it was as though he knew something was coming. I nodded to him to show I'd heard him, though it was difficult to keep focused on anything else. That enchantment of hers persisted distracting me even from the best of manners with which I'd not only been raise, but had been ingrained into the very fabric of my being.

"I see something strong is needed here." Zendar spoke again. "Annasho, I need to talk to you, to both of you." he called out. She turned, waved and started back towards us. When she rejoined his, Zendar motioned for her to sit. He cleared his throat. "My friend here seems to be very attracted to you, to the point of distraction. We must confront this now, before we reach our next destination. There all of us will need to have our wits about us."

I could feel my face turning dark red with Zendar's words while sensing Annasho's eyes upon me. I wanted to dig a deep hole and hide, make that a deeper hole and hibernate, say for the next twenty years. My nature though often reserved also had an undeniable shyness to it, which at times would manifest itself at the worst possible moments. "Fool" I thought to myself, "she did ask you if you were interested yesterday. Of course you never did answer that question, was she just being playful or...." Without thinking clearly I said "Yes" out loud.

Looking up I could see both of them looking at me oddly. Looking at Annasho with a steadiness I didn't feel "The answer to your question yesterday, asking me if I was interested, the answer is yes."

"We will talk as we continue along, learn more of each other, as Zendar suggested, that is unless our voices would disturb your thoughts Zendar?" She took my hand as she spoke, sending a quiver throughout my whole body.

"No, your talk won't disturb me. Come now, we must be on our way." Again Zendar's voice was gentle, but had that sense of command behind it. Gathering up our supplies, our packs, we continued along once more.

Annasho on one side of Zendar, me on the other, we'd taken up the same positions has we had all that morning, ready to help Zendar along should he need it. "If there is one thing young love does not need, it is to have to work it's away around someone who remembers the rocks being made. Walk along behind me, talk together. You will have an easier flow to your conversation without talking around me."

Neither of us noticed the time passing, I told her of my life, of which there was little to say, though she gave rapt attention, asked questions as though she feared that I would lapse back into silence unless prodded. I spoke to her of my parents, of my little shop, confessed my low level ambitions to which she simply said, "You were just waiting for this time to arrive." That I admit took me by surprise. "I am not a seer."

"No, you are not a seer, yet a man may see his own future through the clouds, even if he knows not what it is he has seen." It was a quote from one of the ancient legends Zendar liked to tell. I felt I had not said much, though truth was there wasn't much to tell about myself.

"What of you?" I asked.

Then I heard of how her mother had gone to a trading centre one afternoon, how that travelling party had been attacked, only one survived to return home. How her father had given up his life as a farmer, turning his hand to the smith's trade, allowing people to arm themselves against such a re occurrence. There was a far away sadness in her eyes when she told me of that. I then heard how she grew up with a great sense of independence, how every man who saw her was interested from the time she was 14 summers, and how quickly that interest faded when they realized what a headstrong woman she was. Apparently this was unheard of in Numdain, women had a voice in things, but Annasho was trained in combat to back up her viewpoints, nor was she afraid to back up anything she wanted to with a well executed attack.

I smiled as she recounted the incident of the young man who believed she would make a good mistress, expected her to go along with him for he had wealth as well as position. "He was cute enough, but I didn't like something in his eyes. He found out one night I wasn't quite the slight defenceless creature he thought I was. The healers were able to reset his bones, but with so much screaming and crying, the whole of Numdain enjoyed the joke for more than a month. After that I repeatedly thanked Quintar, he who taught me the arts of defence. A good patient man who was taken from us by fever."

"When did you first meet Zendar?" she asked me. I laughed, for that was to be my next question to her. She gave a broad smile as I laughed, divining it's meaning. "I first met Zendar while travelling with my trinkets for trade in the back regions. He was a guest of one of the chieftains there, an unwilling guest. I traded three quarters of my supplies, including my provisions for his release. I think they thought I meant to make a slave of him."

"You travelled the back regions?" she asked in astonishment. "Zendar has mentioned them but once, long ago to me. He told me that that is one place I should never go, it was very dangerous. Even the bravest of souls would not willingly venture into them." Then she frowned "He never did say why they were so dangerous"

"Hmmm", I wondered what I should tell her about the back regions, to someone who hadn't been there most of what was there sounded like something a madman would come up with through his delusions.

"I'm not sure you'd believe it, even if I told you."

"Try me," she said with a note of challenge in her voice.

I considered for a moment, then told her. "There are plants there twice the size of a man, that will grab anything passing by with their long vines, slowly consuming their captured prey. There are at least six different types of beast with a ferocity that would make a gramer tremble." A gramer is somewhat larger than an elephant, claws and teeth of a bear, it's usually grey/black in colour. It is omnivorous. Some believe that they have a rudimentary intelligence. No one has ever lived long enough to find out after meeting one.

"There's also a variety of poisonous plants scattered about, including one that releases poisoned spores when the ground near it is disturbed."

"You went into such a place?" She asked shocked "To trade trinkets?"

"One of the tribes there has a medicinal root called taba. Maybe you've heard of it. It's the only known source of the root, no one but the tribes who live in there know where to find it."

She nodded calming somewhat. "Taba is very rare, it's very potent. Until we had access to it, many of our people died from things our best healers knew not how to cure."

She looked at me as though re-evaluating this person she saw. She smiled again, though somewhat nervously, saying, "You were making up all that about the back regions weren't you?"

"Sorry Annasho, I was not making it up, I told you that you wouldn't believe it. Then again, you could ask Zendar at some point, he should be able to confirm what I have told you."

"No, I won't ask Zendar, it sounds so fantastic it must be true. Someday you'll have to show me the back regions."

I remember thinking the back regions would be too dangerous a tour to take anyone on. I didn't say anything though, just smiled a bit. Zendar had gotten a little bit ahead of us, maybe he wanted to give us some privacy such as it was. We closed the distance between us somewhat. Sensing our presence, or maybe he just heard us getting closer he asked over his shoulder "Will I be getting an invitation to the wedding?"

I thought I looked funny when I blushed, but the blush that came over Annasho was something to behold. This strong willed firm young woman, commander of her own destiny made to blush by anything. I didn't think it would be possible, which goes to show that we should never let our forming opinions set too soon about others.

Neither of us answered him, though I have to admit, marriage didn't seem to be something I'd shun, though I did think it was too soon to ask Annasho about that. Then again, she had enough strength of character to ask me if that was what she wanted. I didn't have much experience with women, at the first opportunity I'd have to ask Zendar about this.

"We'll make camp here." Zendar said coming to a halt. "Tomorrow we'll leave the road, go through the fields to the east. I'm hoping to cut back on some time for this travel. There's a horse keeper about two days from here, with horses we can cover more ground in a shorter time. You both can ride can't you?"

I nodded in assent, Annasho didn't reply right away. We both turned to look at her expectantly.

"I do not know how to ride. I do not understand why we must ride." I do know that now we are one day away from Numdain, so after our camp is set up, Zendar I intend to see that you keep your word and tell us what this all about." Then she raised her finger to her lips as though to stop Zendar from speaking for the moment. "I won't hear anything about semantics either, I expect Falsteed has questions, as I know I do, you'll answer them as you said you would."

I was somewhat shocked about the way she was speaking to an elder, then again, her upbringing was very different from mine. I looked at Zendar who was laughing. "Yes yes children, I will tell all after camp is set, after we've eaten our late meal, I will tell all!"

We set up camp, had a very tasty meal, though after the distance we'd travelled that day, further than I had thought food was greatly appreciated! After we'd had our fill, we sat around the fire, waiting.

"Now young ones, I will tell you what this is all about." Zendar began.

We passed under the falls. There wasn't much to see there, the torchlight being so dim. It seemed like a long time in that dark tunnel. I could swear I heard voices whispering all around me as we walked through. When we came out the other side, I was surprised to note that only a few minutes had passed. The sun still hadn't set yet. We worked our way down the other side. There was a trail there, though rougher than the one we took to reach the tunnel. It appeared to not have been used for some time. We found our way to the bottom without incident.

"Falsteed, did you hear whispers in the tunnel?" Annasho asked.

"Yes I did" this was the second time Annasho had gotten my name wrong. I wondered how that 'l' had found it's way into my name when she spoke it. I liked the way she spoke my name, just wished she'd get it right. "Annasho, my name is Fasteed, there's no 'l' in my name." She looked at me somewhat puzzled.

"I haven't been putting an 'l' in your name Falsteed."

"It's your accent Annasho" Zendar said. It does sound as if you are speaking his name incorrectly. Addressing me Zendar said, "Her accent is faint but it's definately there. No doubt you missed the sound of it earlier. You were probably distracted by something or other."

"Probably" was all I could say. "The sun is getting low, we should find a spot to camp tonight."

"Not yet, we will travel by the torch light for a short time yet, I do not wish to stop here."

I could hear Annasho saying my name over and over, still with that persistent 'l' sound in it. I was about to tell her to not worry about it when her voice broke clear with the 'l' missing. "Fasteed, Fasteed. That silly accent of mine, one day it will land me in trouble!"

Before my brain could engage I piped up with "To which with your sweet voice you will undo the trouble with your brilliant smile."

The smile that not only covered her face, but also went out from her eyes was enough of an answer for me. I was wondering what was happening with me. I was no romantic, yet here I was spouting out things.

We travelled in silence for a while, long after the sun had set, until finally Zendar said, "Here, this is where we'll camp tonight." The spot he'd chosen was in-between two long groves of extal trees. We set up camp such as it was, all too tired to even bother with eating, we simply went to sleep. This time sleep came easily, though it was dream filled for me. The dreams were of people and places far away. I dreamed of kings, horses, great battles fought over huge plains. Armies arrayed against each other, the battle surged, raged, none of it made a lot of sense. A voice kept calling out "It's time, it's time".

I woke up to see Annasho over me saying, "It's time, we have to get going. Zendar says we can eat along the way."

Looking around me I saw it was still dark, looking up I saw no stars, no moon in the sky. Clouds I thought, must be cloud cover blocking the view of the night sky. "What time is it?" I asked having come fully awake.

"Two hours ere day break" Zendar said. "I cannot be sure but I have a sense that we should move, now. There is something here that is not right."

Quickly donning the packs, fixing my sword in place, I made ready to leave. The other two were all set to go already, so off we went, in the dark, with only Zendar's senses and memory to guide us. We'd travelled about an hour when a blood curdling screech came out of the dark behind us. Though it sounded far off, it also sounded too near. We increased our pace, whatever that was behind us, I was in no hurry to meet with it, nor were my companions judging from the way they picked up their pace. I was wondering how Zendar could move so fast for one who needed a walking stick to help him get around.

We'd gone about another fifteen minutes when the air grew heavy. Getting our packs open, I hauled out three cloaks. We got them on. Two minutes later, the storm broke.

I've been out in thunderstorms before, I'd seen many over the course of my life. Never had I seen one like this. Lightening was flashing unabating, the winds blew up from nowhere with no warning. Thunder boomed shaking the ground. All around trees were bending under the assault. We couldn't even see each other when the rain fell. Holding on to each other while the winds tore at us was all we could do. Zendar still trying to lead the way, though where he wanted to go, was into the wind. Hanging on to both of them while Zendar led the way, I felt the ground up slope. Zendar raised his voice into the wind, though I did not hear what he said, the ground itself opened in front of us. By some miracle all three of us made it into that opening, Zendar then spoke some more words, the ground closed, everything around us lit up.

"What was that screech" Annasho demanded. "That was the most horrible sound I have ever heard in my life!"

I too was wondering what that was. I was wondering where we were. Looking around I saw we were in a house of some sort. There were chairs, tables, even beds. There was a stove, with a pile of wood beside it.

"Build us a fire Silent One, lest we catch chill. Let me rest a moment or two."

Shortly I had a good fire going, we were all sitting around one of the tables. I had wondered about this house. It certainly didn't appear to be abandoned. After we'd dried off some, Annasho and I set about making dinner, it had been some time since we'd last eaten properly. Pulling some of the salted meats, preserved vegetables from the supply bag we decided to make a stew. While we prepared dinner Zendar spoke.

"That sudden storm, that was not natural. There was a malice behind it, I could feel it. Nature does many things, but not with a sense malice. It would seem that our foes have worked out what I'm up to, so I may need to revise my plans." He lapsed into silence for a few minutes.

I kept looking towards the door thinking that since that storm was so bad, the owner of the house may show up soon. Again Zendar read me well. "The owner of this place won't be walking through that door anytime soon. You need not worry about that. He's an old friend of mine, a very old friend. Very few know how to get into or out of this place. No one nearby will find their way in."

Annasho repeated her earlier question, which had gone unanswered. "What was that screech we heard?"

"One of the Black Heart's agents. Maybe a member of their group. I cannot say for sure. I had not thought they would get so close so soon. I had hoped to be further along than this before they found me."

"What will we do now"? Annasho asked.

"We will stay here tonight. From the outside this place cannot be seen. There is nothing to give away our presence, not even the fire, for the smoke goes elsewhere. It will not be seen. This was designed as a refuge, it was well conceived, well planned and well built. We will stay here for a little while until I can figure out what to do."

I silently thanked myself for oversupplying the water. Also for having over supplied my pack with foodstuffs. It wouldn't last out for more than five days, but at least we wouldn't be pressed too much for the next day or so.

After we ate Zendar went to lay down. He fell asleep almost immediately. Annasho and I looked at each other. There were only two beds. "We can share it, it's not like we haven't done that already." Annasho said. I smiled at that. It was getting warm and not only from the fire in the stove. We did eventually settle down together, in the most comfortable position possible, with Annasho's head on my shoulder. I had a dreamless night's sleep. I could never be certain how long we'd slept, though eventually Zendar was shaking us both awake.

He had taken his turn, making us breakfast with what we had. Bread, cheese, dried fruit. While we ate he talked. "I have decided, we will do what is least expected of us. We will follow through to my friend's home, see about getting some horses. I do not say this is the safest nor wisest course, I can think of no viable alternative. Everyone, everything else that I am familiar with is too far away."

After we'd finished eating, Annasho and I cleared everything. The fire had gone out on it's own. We cleaned up, made ready to depart.

Zendar opened the door, stepped out. I could see the sun was up but little else until I stepped out, followed by Annasho. The terrain around us was a wreck. The fury of the storm had done an amazing amount of damage. Trees were lying on their side, uprooted. Chunks of grass were torn up. Everywhere looked like the aftermath of a major war, without the bloodstains.

We counted ourselves most fortunate not have been caught outside during the worst of it. It was doubtful that we'd have made it through. There were no remaining landmarks to be seen. I knew I could not have found my way in any direction, not through that wreckage. Luckily Zendar wasn't like me. He set off with a certainty I could not fathom. We followed as he led the way.

We stopped but once to take water, no time taken to eat at all. We travelled in total silence, listening all around us for any sign of a return of the Black Hearts. The sun had gone down, again, rather than make camp, Zendar pressed on. Somewhere in the middle of the night, weary with the long travel we came at last to tended farmlands. Here the storm had not done as much damage, very little in fact. "Not much further now, we must keep on though" Zendar said breaking the long silence.

Finally we came to a small house around some well tended fields. In a pen near the house there were horses. We could hear them shifting restlessly at our approach.

It was so dark we couldn't see much, until we heard a door open, a light streamed outwards. "Who is there?" a voice called out.

Zendar answered "It is I old friend, I have brought two friends with me."

"Zendar!!! It's been a long time since I saw you last. Come inside, you and your friends, it is late, you are no doubt tired.

Once inside, lamps were lit, we got our first good look at Zendar's friend. Introductions were made. His name was Querrel. A short fellow, though muscular. He was sporting a full beard, black as coal, thick and curly. His eyes were so dark one could swear they were black. His nose appeared to have been broken at least once for it was a bit crooked. His hair was long, longer than the usual style I was accustomed to seeing, nearly shoulder length.

"I'd like to know what brings you to my door at this hour, among other things, but all that can wait until you've had some sleep. A weary lot you seem to be."

Leading us upstairs, he showed Zendar to a room. "Same one you had last time you passed this way Zendar." Thanking our host Zendar bade us goodnight. "Now for you two, I have only one room left to use, so I guess it'll be the lady using that one." Annasho spoke up, "I don't mind sharing with Fasteed, we've gotten used to being together." I noted she spoke my name with some care, making sure that she got it exactly right. "He is charged by my father to be my protector, thus is honour bound to not leave my side."

"So that's the way of it, alright then, it should be alright." Querrel showed us to our room. "There's not much dangerous in these parts to fear, but honour is honour and I'll not have it said I forced guests to chose between what I think against what they believe." On that note he left us. We simply tumbled into bed falling asleep rather quickly.

When we awoke the next day, made our way downstairs, we found Zendar talking with Querrel in the kitchen. Apparently they were merely catching up on old times, for as we entered the room Querrel said, "Ah, there's the two of you. Have a bite while Zendar here whose has already had his tells me what brings you out this way."

Zendar told Querrel about our trip, then about the storm we had such a near escape from. "That was a wicked one for sure," Querrel said. "Worst storm we've seen in years, took a day or two to fix up a few things, glad we weren't in the midst of it."

"Just how long were we in the house under the hill?" asked Annasho

"Just short of two days" Zendar answered

At some hidden signal Annasho held her tongue from further questions. Zendar continued talked to Querrel about what he was planning. "The Black Hearts are rising again are they? My granddad told me of them from his days, been many years since we've heard of 'em in these parts. That's a long way to go up to the northeast end. I've got horses that will do for you well enough. Will you be wanting speed or durability?"

"Speed I think will count more now old friend. I hardly expect that they've lost the trail of us. More than likely they're just waiting for a time to strike."

"Four can go as well as three, I'll not shun a friend in need such as yourself. If you can spare a day or two, I can make arrangements to have my beasts tended to while I go off for awhile."

"That would be marvellous, we need a day or two at the very least. Have you a horse that is swift yet gentle, one that an inexperienced rider could handle under most conditions?"

Querrel thought for a moment. "Which of you is it that doesn't know the art of riding?"

Shyly Annasho raised her hand.

"What experience do you have with these beasts Fasteed?" Querrel asked me.

"I've caught, trained, tamed and kept a clopperhod, if that can be counted as experience" I answered quietly.

Querrel's eyes opened wide. "A clopperhod? Those animals have killed many a man who's tried to break them. What became of yours?"

"He had to be put down after an incident in the back regions" was my reply. Without meaning to, I had put a note of finality into my last words, which Querrel missed.

"The back regions, well now, not many go there."

Zendar spoke up "He has gone many places where few dare. We know much of the back regions from the many trips to it's interior he's made."

Querrel looked at me with something akin to respect in his eyes. "There's more to you than meets the eye."

"Right then" he continued, "I'll see to my arrangements. I'll have the horse you need for rider training brought around."

He got up, went out the door leaving us alone.

"Long before either of you were born, there was on the southern most continent a city of crystal. That city had stood there for well over a millennium. It was named Amesvale after it's founder Ames. Ames was the founder of the order of magicians, who later became known as wizards. No one knows where Ames hailed from, nor where he later went, for fifty years after the city was founded, one day he simply vanished. Some believe it was from something he was developing for his craft, he may have misspoke something, or perhaps tried something he shouldn't have.

After Ames vanished, his son Androst took over as leader of the city. The city thrived for a time, as more and more people came there to settle from different outlaying villages. Eventually some others came to learn the arts of the magicians. Under Androst the order balanced at twenty-six members. The original twenty-six as we refer to them today, were each named for their place in the order. Each member had a name that began with a letter of the alphabet, so that Androst was first, then came Bentos, Castend, Denvince, Extel for whom the trees are named, Frefel, Gontle, Hickstel, Indry, Jansteed, Kamdle, Liffle, Mostar, Nostar, they were twins, Osple, Pentar, Quexil, Retned, Staven, Twisk, Uvul, Veknor, Wim, X-Lind, Yoctin, Zendle. Those were the first full set of members. In the 73rd year of the city, after Zendle joined the order, they became known as wizards instead of magicians. The histories are not clear if this change was made from within the order, or if this change was made by the occupants of the city.

It was said that the original members of the order had discovered a way to extend their lives, thus in the 347th year of the city the same twenty-six were said to still be going strong. Even with the means at their disposal though, death could not be put off indefinitely, nor were they immune to the every day weapons used by soldiers. There was no standing army in Amesvale, it was believed that the power of the wizards could hold off any attacking foe with ease.

Such was the case when in the 603rd year of the city, an unknown enemy assaulted the city with a massive army, numbering at an estimated 50,000. At this time about one third of the wizards had passed away, replaced with others who had shown some aptitude for the arts. Their roll call now was Ames still head of the order though very old, Besnle, Castend, Dellter, Extel was still there, having refused to change his name or increase his rank standing, Fiel, Gasgle, Hirxte, Indry, Jansteed, Kamdle, Loxtenter, Mostar, Nostar, of whom it was said when one would fall to dust, so would the other, no matter where they were. This prophecy had been pronounced by Bentos at some earlier unspecified date. Osple, Pentar, Quexil, Rindich, Staxen who was Staven's son, Twisk, Uvul, Voltra, Wispter, X-Lind who was in yearly reckoning the youngest, Yoctin, Zendle.

Together the wizards banded together, defeated the enemy, though grievous hurt was done to the crystal city. After a mighty effort however, the damage was mended, all went well with only minor skirmishes with this unknown enemy whom the wizards couldn't discover much about. Their best efforts came to nothing, until in the 899th year of the city some disaster struck. The records are unclear as to what exactly happened, but it appeared as though there was a civil war within Amesvale. This time the damage was very serious. The war lasted for 39 years, during which time much was lost in the way of lives, records, the city's splendour. With a civil war the wizards discovered they were hard pressed to choose sides, so elected to divide their efforts, thirteen to a side, in an effort to broker peace. Finally peace did take hold, though in the aftermath it was discovered that some of the wizards had been killed during the battling.

It wasn't until the 950th year of the city that it was revealed how many wizards had been lost. Word leaked out that all that remained were Extel, Gasgle, Indry, Mostar, Nostar, Pentar, Staxen and Yoctin. Word slowly spread that the wizards needed to replenish their ranks. None seemed too anxious to join with them now though, since the first three of the order were no longer with them.

By mutual agreement, none of the wizards would take new names until they had members to replace the ones they'd lost. A constant worry at this time was somewhere out there the unknown enemy was waiting to strike again. Now with their numbers so few, could the wizards defend the city against another assault? Word was sent that Fiel had been seen in the north end just past the limits of Amesvale, though shortly after word was sent that Fiel had been seen in the south outskirts. Mostar went north, Nostar went south, neither returned, nor was any news of them known for some time.

Finally, with just six remaining, the unknown enemy attacked once again, only this time, leading his army was Fiel. With him were Indry and Kamdle. This time the battle raged on long into the days and nights following. Both with the clash of metal, the clash of magic. The city was destroyed utterly on the eve of it's millennium. In a trap laid by the cleverness of Extel, it was believed that the enemy's army was wiped out, as were the three wizards who'd turned on their home.

The power used by Extel was so potent that much of the land in all directions was laid to waste. Taking the survivors of the war, Extel led them to the western shore, where there were great ships waiting to carry them over the water, for Extel did long see what could befall, had ordered the ships built and made ready many years earlier. What he hadn't expected was that in the end he'd be fighting brothers of his order. This disturbed him greatly, however certain that he had won a complete victory, Extel did not hasten the departure of the ships.

While still loading supplies, the people at the shore were surprised by a huge storm that rose up while the skies above remained clear. This was indeed some devilry though none knew who had caused it, one thing was clear. If they couldn't get the ships loaded and underway soon, the raging waters would capsize the ships.

So began the last battle on the southern continent between wizards. For Fiel had not been killed in the trap laid by Extel. He had survived and was now seeking vengeance.

The records keeper was killed, so only the record from Extel survived in a log he kept while aboard ship. 'Of the three hundred ships we had ready only fifteen escaped to the open sea. The rest were all wrecked either washed ashore or made to sink. Of the people we lost or left behind, I shudder to think of their fate. Yet we had to leave quickly, lest the remaining ships were destroyed, then all would have been lost as the land was deteriorating after the curse I had laid upon it to destroy Fiel and his army. I failed to destroy Fiel, I fear that this shall at some point become a bane lest we can find a safer place to rebuild our ranks"

Extel had been struck by a strange lightening bolt as he brought up the last of the cargo, a box of seeds. Something in that bolt changed the seeds, which we see now as the extel trees of today. When you see one that is wholly green, those are the ones that were not touched.

Extel did not survive the trip. As the ships pulled in close to the shores of the midland continent, they were challenged from shore by the native inhabitants. Extel was struck by an arrow, though everyone aboard ship would've sworn that they were out of range. Moving the ships along the shore line northwards, the refugees found a place to land where the natives were not hostile. As he was being carried from the ship to the shore, Extel died, for the arrow that had struck him was poisoned. So it was that Extel never did hear what the natives had to tell the newcomers.

Pentar was now the ranking wizard, for Gasgle and Indry were lost during the voyage, both having passed away from old age. Pentar was greatly disturbed when it was learned that the name of the land they'd come to had the name of Fielland. How Fiel had arrived before them was a mystery, until it was learned that he'd come with only a single ship, a fast ship. He'd used his wizards ways, in violation of all the codes, to control the minds of the natives. Pentar was uncertain what course of action to take. This was truly unexpected. If Extel had any plans against this eventually, they were lost with him.

Pentar believed if he could draw Fiel out, make him expose himself, he could be defeated, the trick was how to do accomplish this. After consulting with Staxen and Yoctin, it was decided that the two younger wizards would through the use of spells send two ships, crewless out to see along the coastline where they couldn't be assaulted from shore, even with enhancements from Fiel's magic. Pentar would be ready when Fiel showed himself.

The plan worked. Fiel set off in his fast ship, eager to destroy the remaining wizards. When his ship was far from shore, Pentar struck, raising such a storm that all three ships were torn asunder. Fiel's ship was struck by lightening no less than 25 times before he could gather himself to realize what he'd fallen into. Pentar searched for six months for any sign that Fiel had survived and returned to shore, though none he could find.

Satisfied that Fiel had at last been destroyed, Pentar took the name Amthost, Staxen took the name Benstate, Yoctin took the name Carnstar. The set about rebuilding the order, while the population settled to rebuild under the protection and guidance of the three remaining wizards. For a time all prospered well enough, albeit slowly. There was still the lingering effects of Fiel's work on the minds of the natives, which although had faded left them suspicious of the wizards, and a faint hostility towards them for they were angered at Fiel's mind games and feared it may happen again.

The continent was never renamed, it's name however is never spoken other than in the telling of this tale, and then only the once. It may not be renamed by Amthost's order until the last vestiges of Fiel's influence is gone from all lands, for he left behind something more than hostile natives by his actions. He founded his own group of wizards, though they were versed only in the dark arts. Under his tutelage these became corrupt as they corrupted all they came into contact with over the years. Today they are called Black Hearts, for surely they do have black hearts. There is more of this history that have skipped over children, however this should be enough for you to get on with. There is more to it, however the hour grows late, the rest will keep until tomorrow morning."

He bade us goodnight, went up to his room. We heard the door close.

"I don't think I'll get to sleep tonight" Annasho said

"You must, tomorrow there is much to do, the day after that we leave" was my answer.

"His telling of that was not as detailed as some of the other stories he's told me. Tell me, has he told many of the tales of old to you Fasteed?"

"Quite a few, though nothing like this." I stopped for a minute or two, watching her. The fear in her eyes was quite real, I'm not all that sure that she was paying much attention to me, her mind was clearly somewhere else. I'd seen this sort of thing before from others, though I had no first hand experience with it. Zendar had gone off to bed, so I had to work out how to deal with this on my own. I was tired myself, not the best frame of mind to be in at the time. I'd have to come to come up with something soon.

"Annasho", she didn't look up. "Annasho!", slowly her head turned, her eyes met mine. "Even if you do not sleep, come upstairs. Lay down and rest, I will be with you, I will sing to you if you'd like, if you promise not to hit me", I smiled when I said this. She smiled back, shuddered a bit too, though because of the thought of me singing or what we'd heard from Zendar, I cannot say. I did prefer to think it was from what Zendar said.

"I will come with you." Taking my hand, she allowed me to lead her up the stairs, settle her in. I lay down as well. Turning she whispered "Hold me close this night, let me sing to you instead."

I nodded agreement. The truth is I cannot really sing that well, so I felt lucky that I didn't have to sing as I'd suggested. She'd have run off, probably ridden off with the new skills she was learning. When she started singing, it was with a low soft voice that just melted into part of the surroundings. Her voice was absolutely lovely, soothing. Her voice was too low for me to make out the words clearly, or maybe it was because I was so tired, but soon I felt myself drifting off to sleep. Pulling her closer to hold her, I went off to dreamland with the sound of her voice still playing itself over in my mind, with the feel of her warmth against me.

When I awoke Annasho was still cuddled up beside me. The sun was high in the sky, I could see that through the trees. Zendar and Querrel were talking quietly. I could not quite hear what they were saying, only bits and pieces. Zendar was saying something about Querrel, that he shouldn't have done something. I was still a bit sleepy. When I stretched a bit, Annasho opened one eye. "You slept well?" she asked.

"Very, and you?"

"Very well" she had one of the most brilliant smiles I'd ever seen.

"Ah good, you are both awake, come eat, then we'll set out again." Zendar called over to us.

We rose, took care of a few things, then went to join Zendar and Querrel. They weren't eating. "We had ours already" Querrel explained. While we had our lunch, such as it was, Zendar and Querrel readied the horses for the next leg of the journey. While they were out of earshot Annasho whispered something in my ear. I nearly choked on the piece of fruit I was eating, turned and looked at her. She was laughing, really laughing, it was something to behold. Even her eyes were alight with humour. What she said to me I won't repeat, not now, not ever! It made me blush though, Querrel was highly amused by my red face, curious too as to what had caused it, though he never did find out, not from me anyway.

Everything was ready so up and off we went. This time Querrel was riding up front, followed by Zendar, then Annasho, then me. The trail was long, narrow, winding though not that difficult to pass over, even though it appeared to have not been used in some time. Here and there along the way I saw markings in trees, on rocks. Wondering if they were Zendar's markings I asked Annasho to ask Zendar. She pulled closer to him, said something, he shook his head, pointed ahead.

So Querrel made these marks. It must have been some time ago, for though they were still visible, they were somewhat faded as though time had worked to make them vanish. I stopped for a few moments behind the others to take a closer look at one of the marks. It was in a script I didn't recognize. I was wondering about Querrel. I had accepted him as a friend of Zendar's, though I wondered what tales Querrel could tell if he'd a mind speak of them.

The hours passed, we kept moving, not too fast, though not too slow. There was a cool breeze blowing from the south. The foliage was growing thicker the further along the trail we went. We were still heading due east, the sun was at our backs getting lower in the sky. I doubted that anyone wanted to travel through the night again. I wondered how much longer we'd be going. I was suddenly feeling very tired. I noticed that Annasho was feeling much the same, she was slumped in the saddle, still awake, but certainly ready for sleep. Zendar and Querrel I couldn't see clearly, though it did seem as though they weren't the least bit bothered by the long hours of riding from the night before.

Finally as our shadows grew long, Querrel signalled halt. When I came abreast of the others, Querrel had dismounted. He was looking all around us. "Are you looking for another marking?" I asked

"No lad, I'm looking to see who has been here recently." He pointed to the ground where there were a clear set of foot prints, clearly not his own. These were much smaller than his feet could've made. "These footmarks could not have been here very long, not long at all."

I nodded my agreement with him, I knew from my travels in the back regions how quickly footmarks could be erased by a number of causes. Not only that but these were still showing signs of dampness, the earth here wasn't that moist at the top, so whoever left the mark had gotten wet at the time.

"The storm we faced?" I asked, "Could that have caused these to linger, did it move ahead of us?"

"No", it was Zendar who answered. "That storm was not natural, so it would not have come this far east. We were the targets for that one."

"Maybe there was another target" Querrel said flatly. He kept looking around, but no sign of anyone did he see. The footmarks themselves showed that their owner had gone south through the forest. Not the direction we wanted to take.

"I see no sign of injury or distress here, I think we need not follow these" Querrel said.

"Friend or foe made these?" I wondered aloud.

Annasho who had remained quiet through the whole exchange found her voice.

"I don't like just sitting here, it feels as though someone or something is watching us." She clutched at me, "We should move on. It's late, we're tired, but I feel this is not a good place to linger."

Zendar, Querrel and I all turned to look around us with sharp eyes. We saw nothing to indicate we were being observed. I was about to make a suggestion when Querrel said "Alright, we'll move along further." He smiled when he said this, not as though he were humouring her, more like he was trusting to something he did not understand. Querrel climbed back up onto his horse and we were off again, though the light was fading fast. We wouldn't be able to go far, not unless I went off again, but I really didn't want to do that. The first experience was rather enough for me. Still, somehow we managed to get another hour or more behind us. It was impossible for me to tell how much distance we were covering, the way the trail seemed to wind and bend, yet always coming back to due east, and I knew each time we found ourselves going due east we'd gone further than it may have appeared.

We drew to a halt once more. Querrel and Zendar discussed the possibilities of making a camp, while I made sure Annasho was alright. She nodded to me, far more relaxed than when we'd stopped earlier. Then the relative quiet was disturbed by rolling drums. I started with that noise. The others were surprised to see my reaction. They'd never heard that noise before, I could tell. I knew all too well what it was.

"What is it?" Zendar asked me

I took a deep breath..."Those drums, that beat. It's used by the natives of the back region...."

"And?" Querrel prompted

"They only use it to announce a coming battle, war declaration, some form of combat with outsiders."

"It cannot be them" Querrel said. "They are many days behind us."

"Zendar, could they have found their way this far away from the back regions?" I asked

"If they had help, yes. I think they did have help, or someone is making use of those drums for some other purpose."

"Looks like I'll have to saddle sleep again" mumbled Annasho

"Stay sharp, all of you!" I said "The attack when it comes will be swift. We must be ready to move fast."

No sooner had I spoken those words when the foliage around us came alive. I drew my sword. Querrel drew a short blade from somewhere. Annasho had jumped out of the saddle. Landing in a full combat stance she didn't hesitate to start sending bodies flying everywhere. Zendar was speaking rapidly, fire bursts were flying left and right. We were hard pressed, but we beat off that assault.

"That was a feint to test our strength and resolve" I shouted, "The next one will come in greater force, with greater numbers. Everyone, go, GO!"

Annasho literally leaped straight back onto her mount. Querrel and Zendar were flanking her. I rode behind, sword still drawn. I couldn't be sure, but there seemed to be something different with these people than the natives I've dealt with. Behind us the foliage thundered apart with what I can only describe as a swarm of people.

"Faster!" I yelled.

My companions fled ahead of me. The trail was too narrow. It would not be possible to for them get away unless our pursuers were slowed down. I turned, gave a cry that seemed to shake the earth. Our pursuers froze, I heard the horses' thunder growing more distant. I swiped my sword repeatedly, keeping my foes at bay for a few minutes.

Then when they were gathering to rush me all at once, the ground shook, a great renting took place. Fires broke out between me and those foes. I wheeled on my mount and chased after my companions. I heard a screech of terror and or fear from the way my companions had gone. I sped my mount quicker, worried sick about what I might find, for that cry did not sound like Zendar or Querrel.

Three dark robed figures were making their way through the thickets of the back regions. As foreboding as the heavily thicketed thorned ways were, this trio was more foreboding. Even the usually fearless natives of the region were loath to approach them. Before them all obstacles simply vanished. They knew where it was they wished to go, that none would dare interfere with them. Around them there was a deadness of air that no wind would penetrate, no rain would fall. The sun had set long before these three set their course. To say there was an unpleasantness about them would be a mistake. All kept their faces hidden beneath black hoods, while their ebony robes clung tightly to them, as though to hold together the form they had in the here and now.

They arrived at a group of huts, the village with no name. Approaching the largest hut one of the three spoke without sound, commanding the chief to come forth. From inside the hut came a voice muffled though clearly the owner of that voice was angered. After five minutes when the chief failed to appear, the voice without sound commanded that the successor to the chief be brought forth, for now the chief would serve as an example for all who would deny the dark powers.

Before even an eye could be batted the hut collapsed back onto itself, decayed as though aged a millennium in less than ten seconds. When the natives saw or felt what had been done, they did as they'd learned over the years. When something threatens, strikes, strike back to eliminate the threat.

Neither arrow nor spear could touch the trio. Weapon after weapon was used without effect. Without warning, the arrows flew up from the ground striking the archers who'd fired them, bursting into flames. When fifty were either dead or so wounded that there could be no hope of recovery the counter strike stopped. Now frightened the natives fled into the thickets, the bushes, taking all the hidden pathways they knew so well. Only something was wrong, all the paths had been changed, nothing was as it had been. This indeed was not only powerful magic, it was to be feared. Bit by bit the cover the natives had tried to take in the old rugged brush was vanishing, leaving them less and less space, until they all were exposed.

Using senses beyond understanding, the trio selected the eldest of those huddled together, inflicted such searing pain upon them that each screamed with the cries of madness. Nothing to give a clue as to the cause was evident, though it was clear that more of the same should await any who would defy commands of the three.

A young man stood forward calling out "ENOUGH"

Abruptly the screaming stopped, leaving only agonized whimperings, mind scars that would last for a lifetime were now imprinted on the minds of the elders. So it was that Odar, the oldest of the youngest became chief. He was of the bloodline, though a great grandson of the original chief, it was his right to now speak for the tribe for none of the elders before him were in fit condition. He stepped forward, unbowed, though frightened, "Why do you disturb these regions, what do you want of us?"

That silent voice spoke as though leashed to a thunderbolt from which there was no release, exactly what was wanted.

"Why does our allegiance matter so much to you dark ones? We would prefer to be left in peace, to be as ourselves. Do not presume to over threaten, we will attack again, until you have no choice but to render us all useless or dead."

The two women on either side of Odar cried out in pain, but those cries were short, both fell to the ground, dead. At this one of the robed figures spoke in a harsh whisper, "Will you see more fall around you, or will you yield?"

Odar considered ordering an attack, ordering another attempted withdrawal, considered giving in, while he was still considering, two more cried out in pain, then they too keeled over. One of them was with child. "Every half minute you delay, two more shall die. Decide young chief, or take too long and watch your whole tribe die before your eyes, while you alone shall live, chief over nothing."

Odar bowed his head, fell to his knees, the native gesture for surrender. "You will understand what it means to toy with our tribe" as the robed figure spoke again in that raspy whisper, fire burned all along Odar's right arm causing him to shriek in pain.

"You will lead your people behind us, we have work for you, good work, killing those villagers you despise so much. Some of your people will see our master, do his bidding directly, some will come with us to conquer other peoples, until we control all the back regions. Such is the fate of the weak in the world of the strong."

With a slow steadiness the three defeated the minds of the now enslaved villagers, though this could have been done without the need of killing, such was their way. They enjoyed the powers they had, used them without thought of the consequences.

As was indicated more peoples of the back regions were taken, with more killing, until finally a large army of peoples were raised through the use of fear, overpowerment. There was now the same aura of dripping wicked evil around the peoples of the back region, they were pushed to march far off away from what was home. Corrupted in mind and spirit, no longer having any will of their own, over one thousand strong they were on the move northward. Armed with their weapons, doing their masters' bidding they overran the first three towns in their path. Then the assaults on the towns stopped. They moved through the fields and forests of this unexplored land. The voices without sound told them of four travellers who would be their targets, death to the oldest of them all would come, or death to the eldest of each group of the army until they had killed the old one.

So it was that one night they fell upon the four travellers, divided so as to cut off all chance of flight from the trap quickly though carefully laid. Seeking great glory Odar himself challenged the travellers directly upon a narrow trail in the night, only to fall victim to the sword of the youngest male in the foursome. At his Odar's death, those who followed with him listened to the ancient blood lust call for vengeance. Just as they were about to strike, the very earth itself shook, fire burst forth from nowhere, the ground opened up swallowing more of their group.

Other groups had surrounded the trail all along for some distance, there would be no escape, the old one would die, or they would die trying, for the punishment that would come with failure was always given with the reminder of minds invaded by elders who had been rendered next to dead with unseen forces tearing apart their minds, left behind when the march from the back regions started for they could serve no purpose. None wished to have a taste of that fate.

It was thus that the four companions found themselves in such a terrible fight on that night.

I rode hard up that trail, with a feeling of being sick at heart. My thoughts were flying in a thousand directions at once. I broke into the open, the ground had suddenly turned solid rock. I peered through the dimness. There were my companions surrounded on all sides, with nothing for them to put their backs against. They'd formed a triangle in an effort to face all directions, but it was clearly hopeless for them. I didn't think twice, giving a loud cry that shattered the air, raised and carried with clarity to the battle area.

All the heads turned. I could tell that it was Querrel who was facing the way I'd come. In his hand something gleamed. Left of him was Zendar, hands raised with fire at his finger tips, while the other figure that I couldn't see clearly had to be Annasho. My heart leaped seeing them still mounted, around Querrel bodies lay writhing on the ground. As I drew nearer I could smell burnt flesh, showing that Zendar had been busy.

Straight on I charged, like a man gone mad. I could feel the flames of anger within, knew they were spilling from my eyes with a fury that would be unmatched by anyone on that field. My sword arm felt light as I swung with lightening strokes felling the first three who'd come towards me. They may have intended to slow me down some, or hoped to stop me, but I wasn't stopping for anything. Continuing on I cut down the six still facing Querrel, leaving him free to turn his attention over towards his right. Without pause I matched his movement giving that part of the circle two of us to contend with while others tried to come at his from behind.

I felt my mount kick, hearing the sickening crunch of bones impacted, I knew one had come too close to the rear. I heard rather than saw the whoosh of flames as Zendar did his work. The stench of burning was nauseating. Querrel turned back to face the way he'd been when I first came upon them, while I continued to work my way to my left. Showing no mercy whatsoever body after body fell before my ferocious onslaught.

I felt long hair brush against the back of my neck. Swiping to keep the remaining two I was facing back from me, I looked over quickly to see Annasho was no longer upon her horse. She had, from sitting in the saddle, launched herself somehow into a back flip taking out one who'd been about to blindside me.

On the ground, Annasho was a terror. I could see she had been using a staff while on her horse, now though on the ground, she was frightening. The numbers we were facing still had us by at least five to one, yet that didn't cower her in the least. Either one at a time or in pairs our attackers were falling before her skills. Bodies flying everywhere, most of them not getting up again. Those that did backed painfully away. All by herself she had taken out at least ten, not getting even touched from what I could tell. I quickly made a mental note not to upset her.

Suddenly, as though they'd have enough, our assailants vanished back into the forest. Taking a look around we realized the damage we'd done, and by some miracle had come through unscathed, or so I thought. Just as I was turning to make sure none were coming back out of the forest, Zendar fell from his mount. Querrel and I both leaped down to his aid. Annasho came running over, stepping over the fallen.

Zendar was still breathing, but there was a terrible cut across his chest. When he'd gotten it I didn't know, but it looked as though he'd lost a lot of blood. He must have kept right on fighting knowing he was badly injured. His eyes opened every so slowly, looking into our faces he knew the truth of the matter. Annasho's tears were quietly falling, I was none too steady myself. Querrel alone seemed to keep command of himself.

"Lay still Zendar, maybe there's something we can do about this."

Zendar shook his head, tried to speak, but he couldn't. He didn't have strength enough to say anything. Querrel rummaged through his pack that he carried with him. It would be more accurate to say he opened it and dropped the contents onto the ground. Taking out one packet with strange writings on it, he opened it, took out some vile looking mixture. He poured it over Zendar's wound, rubbed it in, making Zendar shake and shudder.

Annasho was going to stop Querrel, I raised my hand and said quietly "Wait"

The sun started to come up, casting her light about. All the clouds had moved off. Querrel sat by his old friend and waited. "How long?" I asked

"We'll know in 24 hours" was Querrel's reply. After that he wouldn't speak again.

We'd left the pack horses behind when we fled the night before. I only realized it at that moment. "Querrel, the pack horses, I should go look for them. Though you may need me here in case there's another attack."

His only response was to whistle loud and strong. I didn't have to ask, if the horses didn't come they wouldn't be able to so there was no point in risking going into the forest alone to find them. I looked at Querrel for a few moments, then walked over to Annasho who was sitting on some jutting rocks a little distance away. Above us carrion birds had started to gather, circling. The sight of them sickened me even more than I felt already.

"Will he make it?" she asked me in a voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't know, neither does Querrel."

We sat in silence for a bit, resting and thinking. That fight took a lot out of us. Resting, whether we wanted to or not had to be done. We both wanted to have some water, though we were hesitant to touch our small supply on hand. We didn't know which way things would go, preserving water seemed to be a good idea.

Annasho fell asleep, I stayed awake watching over her, thinking about how she was a strange mix of delicate flower and hardened steel. My own eyes grew heavy, so when I saw what I thought was a pack horse come out of the forest I wasn't sure if I were dreaming or not.

I gave Annasho a little shake, when her eyes opened I pointed. She looked at first with doubt about what she was seeing, then her eyes opened wide. It was the one that carried our water that came to us. The horse walked out across the rocks, standing near Querrel gave a soft whinny. Without taking his eyes off Zendar, Querrel reached up to pat the beast.

Annasho and I ran over to the horse, slowing as we approached so as not to frighten it. We both sighed with relief when we saw all the water was still with him. I passed my flask to Querrel who accepted it with a nod of thanks, still not speaking. He took a long drink, passed it back to me. Annasho had her fill of water, then I took mine.

We still had a serious problem. Without the other packs we had no food, not for ourselves nor for the mounts. We could probably manage to make a hard journey with nothing but water to sustain us for a time, but the horses would have to eat.

Querrel rose, came over to us, not even pausing to speak, he gave a different whistle. All the mounts came to us. He reached up onto Zendar's, pulled down Zendar's pack. There was a tear in his eye as he opened it, looked through the contents.

"He can't be gone!" Annasho cried out, "He can't be!!"

I looked inquiringly at Querrel who was finally moved enough to speak, though his voice was shaky.

"I do not believe he will make it, not with what I have here. We will have to get him to Midsendle. It is closer than anything else we could reach. I at least will take him there. Neither of you are under obligation to come with me. Our attackers have left. It is my guess that they either wished to kill him or at least incapacitate him. Now that that has been done they felt no need to stay."

"I am looking to see if there's some clue or marked intention here of what he intended. I do not know something can be found here, though I do have an idea where Midsendle is, I do not know for certain how to get there from here. Nor can we delay as I'd hoped to be able to do until sunrise."

Annasho and I spoke quietly while watching Querrel search for something that would help guide us. The map he found showed where Midsendle was but not how to get there from where we were. We could skirt the rocks, go along a tight trail though there was no indication of where, if anywhere that trail would turn off or where we could turn off.

"hmmmmmmmmmmm" I heard Querrel, Annasho heard him too, our heads turned towards him. In his hand was a large black ball. Querrel was looking at it carefully, turning it over and over. Annasho asked me sotto voiced if it was a wizards ball. I didn't even know wizards truly carried them. I had always believed that was just a tale. A quick inquiry of Querrel soon revealed his mind was as mine on the matter. Nonetheless he could find no explanation for it. Suddenly he smiled, a large happy smile. Beckoning to us to he called out "Look at this, come quickly."

Rushing to his side Annasho and I both exclaimed "Oh!" at the same time. For there on the ball, as the sun was lowering was a star map. The map showed a white line from where we were to Midsendle, or so it seemed.

"This will do Querrel?" I asked

"Oh yes, this will do nicely. Come, we must hurry to make a travois and set out immediately."

We all set about gathering the wood and other supplies we'd need to make the travois. It was important that we do it right with speed. Time was growing shorter for Zendar. Querrel was worried, very worried. It showed as after we'd tested the travois he checked on Zendar again.

It took all three of us to set him on the contraption. Finally we were ready to set off, the sun was down. It was a very cold night. We heard the birds descend behind us beginning their feast. We were all glad to be away from that horrible scene we'd left behind.

Querrel told us as we set out "We know the way, we know what we need to do, just be warned, we cannot stop, for any reason."

With that we were off once more, this time heading for someplace we all at least had some idea of where it was, why we were going there. Each of us praying we'd arrive in time to save Zendar