Spirits of the Earth

It was under the smile of the day light that Xhadaronn decided to further enjoy his stay in Adela with a visit in nature.
"The Draconi Forest might not only be grand and alive, but it should also banish boredom, as it houses so many beasts..." he thought to himself.
What he knew not was that the day held the beginning of something grander than just the dissolvement of boredom.

Right in the arms of the first row of arbors there could be seen an old, thorn letter attached to one of the trees. Curiously, Xhad checked the piece of paper, written in a rather peculiar or archaic form of Common:




There was also, written with minuscule letters, a note that said "Go North".

What Xhad read had made him curious and, without hesitation, he entered the forest, trying to find out where that adventure ought to have begun.
"Curing the black plagues of the soul... the stones should have healing properties. I would say they absorb the negative energy around, letting the light flow. I would be interested to have a look at them! After all, I would reject not an incoming adventure!"

Very soon, he reached a clearing in the forest. There was a noise coming from somewhere close, but what was it?
"Nothing but forest sounds. Maybe a herd of deer somewhere."

Just as he finished the thought, his eyes widened, seeing a pack of wolves approaching.
"I suppose they are out for hunting..."
In an instant, he created two spheres of wind in both his hands. He then folded his palms, uniting the orbs into a single great one. Xhad then released the power of the spell, the globe slowly melting out of his hands, going in the direction of the wolves. A mini-tornado formed in front of the beasts, yet it was a temporary solution, since their number was growing. It was most likely several packs that joined, and shortly Xhadaronn was circled.

He could not use the most powerful spells, as it would have probably caused chaos to the forest itself, thus he decided to stick with attacks that kept balance between strength and co-lateral damage.
Even so, the difficulty of keeping every wolf at a distance was growing as seconds passed.

 "... point anyway?"

Alvaro slowed his steps to fall behind and join the rearguard. He couldn't quite make out what Eladio was saying, but it looked like he had questions. The lad was a new addition to the squad, here to replace Valerio after the old archer's injury caused the higher-ups to send him back to his family. One conversation with his previous commander was enough to learn that the boy had little combat experience and probably didn't know what was going on. Optimally, Alvaro would prefer to keep him in training rather than immediately thrusting the new recruit into battle, but they received their orders only a few hours later.

"I mean, why is Command sending us into that cave?" Eladio continued. "We're soldiers, not spelunkers."

"The cave has guardians" Alvaro pointed out.

"Sir!" Eladio exclaimed, immediately springing at attention. He almost crashed into the soldier walking next to him, the poor guy.

"At ease, Eladio. There's no need to stand at attention whenever I talk - just imagine it happening in the middle of a battle! I give an order, then you stand straight, make a target out of yourself..."

"You better unlearn this habit fast, kid" Hector suggested. "Otherwise our dear Commander will have to invent more stories like that. Please don't strain his imagination."

"As for why we're going here... I assume the lord sent us because whatever's in the cave is guarded well enough that he needs us soldiers to get it."

Eladio pouted. "I joined the army to fight, not to play fetch" he commented. "I mean, no offense, sir! I'll follow your orders!"

"We will probably fight whatever is inside anyway" Alvaro pointed out. A part of him sympathized with the boy's desire for glory.

"Quiet" Hector suddenly hissed, raising his hand up. The other soldiers immediately cut the chatter - the old veteran's senses were sharper than anyone else's. Alvaro focused, his hand immediately going to his spear. As his fingers closed around the wooden shaft, Hector spoke up again. "I hear fighting - to our four o'clock."

"Draw your weapons and assume formation" Alvaro commanded. There was no use trying to keep quiet - they weren't a stealth squad, and sneaking through the forest in full armour was doomed to begin with. His unit began to move, falling into familiar patterns. Soon they got close enough to hear what Hector already did - scuffling of the forest floor, clashing of claws and fangs, and-

"Spirits!" Eladio shouted as a flying light crashed through the forest and hit the tree next to him. The other soldiers immediately brought up their shields in anticipation of the next attack. The vanguard reached the site of battle and quickly took in the situation. Someone in a black cloak was fighting a pack of wolves. His fighting style looked very foreign, but that was no excuse to leave him - they were soldiers, it was their duty to keep this place safe.

Alvaro didn't even need to shout orders - the other soldiers were so used to their tactics that they immediately began acting. Hector drew his bow, taking a few steps back to aim better. Ignacio leaped forward, banging his sword against his shield to draw the wolves' attention. The others would probably keep Eladio from getting hurt. Alvaro drew his spear, taking a step to the left - he needed space.

The soul of a fiery will for glory could be seen in the eyes of every single one of them.
As Xhadaronn prepared to slash yet another wolf coming near, he realised fortune was with him, as it was in the last of seconds that he noticed the leap of another beast behind. He dodged and got away with a scratch on his left arm, managing to apply a last stab with his dagger before reaching a certain distance from the animal.

The sounds of metal clanging and heavy steps began to be more and more pronounced, and soon Xhad could spot a whole squad of soldiers coming near. Though he had never met him, Xhad could strongly presume from the attitude of a true leader that it was Alvaro leading the team of soldiers.
He felt relieved that the battle was now no more disproportionate... or at least less so.

The traits of the men betrayed their ethnicity, and Xhadaronn was happy it was Adelans he met: they should be more familiar with the forest. Maybe it would make the quest even more exciting if he had a few journey fellows... though he did know Adelans would perhaps not have been the most willing to join someone so inclined towards magic.

"I ought not to make assumptions until I know not whom I have met."

The moment he saw the bows and spears being prepared, as well as all the moves and gestures that betrayed an incoming attack, Xhad knew a plan would be executed.
Meanwhile, he continued his own attacks.
Xhadaronn immediately gathered his energy.
"Maybe I could help out a little!" he shouted, as he understood Eladio should've been kept from getting hurt. Therefore, Xhad attempted to add an extra enchantment for security on him.
A sphere of wind would grow around him, one he could easily step out of, but anyone willing to hurt would be hurled away.

Next, he applied a mini spell to the trees that were in his direction, behind the wolves, at the end of the clearing. The spell was supposed to create a barrier, though quite thin, as to protect the nature from the damage that would come. Xhad had no choice: he needed a stronger spell!

"If the shield does not defend the trees entirely, it shall at least absorb some of the damage..." he said, and proceeded to cast a wave of air that took the shape of a thin but incredibly long blade, seemingly slashing space itself. The blow not only physically cut and wounded the wolves, but managed to throw them at quite a distance, right into the spell-barrier.

The trees Xhad tried to defend were not hit, yet somewhat shaken. However, the resistance of the shield dangerously matched the amount of damage it took. Since it succeeded at the very limit, it faded immediately when the beasts and the wind blade last struck it.
"That was a close call..." he thought.

Though the number was still considerable, at least the space on the field was a little larger.

"It brings great joy to have a little help against the fangs of such devils!" he said with a smile. "Though I believe the quest I am on holds greater surprises." Xhad continued, unaware that he shared the same scope with the squad.

 Alvaro took one blow on his shield, immediately pushing back. Ignacio's sword impaled it before the wolf could recover. The commander took a step back to assess the battlefield, as something whizzed in front of him. A quick glance thrown around the clearing was enough to recognize that all the beasts were eliminated. If any other creature were to join in, it probably would have already, so it should be fine to consider the battle over and-

Eladio's scream drew his attention. He fell back into a combat stance and glanced towards the new recruit. The boy was standing deadly still, as if he was afraid to either breathe, surrounded by shimmering air. "I've been cursed!" he wailed, his gaze focused on the stranger who just before has been flinging spells around. The other soldiers' demeanour shifted immediately, post-battle cheer replaced with suspicion.

"Stand down" Alvaro commanded. He only had those few minutes of battle to back up his hunch, but it was enough. The state of the battlefield was all the evidence he needed - the trees lost some leaves and all the grass underfoot was crushed - nothing greater than what one might expect from a fight of more mundane proportions. He didn't know anything about magic, but he knew about discipline and proper use of one's skill - something that the gifted stranger must have known to apply as well.

He turned his attention back to the root of this whole problem. "Can you take it down?" he asked, quickly phrasing his concern in the form of a request. The stranger wasn't a man under his command - he didn't even look Adelan - Alvaro had no grounds to simply give him an order. And the question would account better for all the other possibilities.

The end of the battle brought relief as well, aside from the sense of glory and the joy Xhad had always found in movement and action. The half-spectre turned to the squad of soldiers, taking his hood off.
When he saw the dread in the eyes of Eladio, Xhad also immediately felt the suspicion in the air. He did have a feeling that doubt and mistrust would probably be present if he cast that spell, but the paranoia and shock of the soldier were not expected.

"I apologise. It was meant to secure defense, rather than to evoke the spirits of fear and terror." having said this, he raised his hand in the air, and with a repeated gesture consisting of bringing his thumb to his palm, followed by a finger snap, he watched the wind-shield dissolving fast in the air.

"It should have hurt none but the ones of which the intentions were to attack thee. Certain charms may guess the thoughts of men, you know?" Xhad said, trying to calm him.

"My name is Xhadaronn. Xhadaronn Yasé. But most call me Xhad. I would be glad to know thy names." he paused, studying the soldiers for a few brief seconds, trying his best not to seem rude. He just needed to know more about the people he met - not out of suspicion, but of curiosity and enthusiasm.

He was pleased to see the unity of a team.

"I mean not to meddle, but a whole squad of soldiers, fully equipped - I see, occupying a high rank -, with their presence in some woods like these, ought to be on a mission of utmost importance. Is it a quest for glory? Or perhaps with the scope of removing the woe of boredom? Hmm... has the place grown more dangerous as of late? Maybe the king himself has sent you to complete the task?"

 The shield dissipated at but a signal from a stranger. Eladio was still suspicious, unwilling to budge. "What if it's a trap?" he asked. "What if it's still there, but we can't see it?"

"Unlikely" Alvaro countered. "If... Xhad here could - and wanted to - kill you like this, he could have just done it from the start, rather than using something so complicated." He didn't know anything about magic, but he supposed even this was subject to efficiency.

Hector picked up a twig from the ground and carefully poked Eladio's cheek with it. "Well, nothing seems to be in the way. Looks like you're free, lad."

The boy finally gathered the courage to take a step forward, releasing a breath of relief. That problem solved, the commander turned his attention back to the stranger. There was at least one request he could fulfill: introductions were simple business, especially now that the fight was over. "I'm Alvaro Narvaes, commander of this squad." He left it to his men to proceed, and soon, some began volunteering their own names.

The other question wasn't something he should answer immediately. As he was pondering the situation, Ignacio stepped forward. "I believe I can help with that" he began, putting this silver tongue of his to good use. Alvaro gave him a suspicious glance. Hopefully he wasn't about to do something everyone would later regret. The commander prepared himself to interrupt him, should there be a need.

"Actually, we're here for both business and pleasure - our business, the pleasure of our lord" Ignacio began in a friendly, conversational tone, as if he was entertaining a noble at a party. "That's the life of a soldier, I'm afraid. And what brings you here, good sir? Were you trying to find something impressive to kill and show off to a lady? If so, I hope you brought a skilled taxidermist - there is very few ladies open-minded enough to appreciate a rotting, decaying corpse..."

Xhad felt relieved and joyful that the panic caused by the barrier was now gone, and that Eladio came to realise there was no actual threat.

"Looks like a friendly chap!" he thought to himself, ignoring the fact that the boy was clearly a new member of the squad, choosing to view the positive in the rather juvenile personality which he had seen in him that far.

If Eladio reflected the spirit of a beginner, Alvaro was visibly the opposite. The seriousness in him; the way he talked - firmly, no more than needed and with wary, careful choice of words; his occasional suspicious looks; the prudent expression on his face... they all betrayed the presence of a leader.
Thus, Xhad was not surprised when it was finally confirmed that it was him that commanded the squad.

The friendly tone and unexpected wording of the other man talking brought a smile on Xhad's face.
"I see you are a rather witty soul, Ignacio!" he said, after a chuckle. "It is true! Gory corpses are seldom to be appreciated - especially by a spirit dwelling in the physique of a graceful and supple feminine being. Though I am afraid that is not what I am here for."

Seeing the initial hesitation of the team and the refusal to reveal completely the true essence and ultimate scope of their quest, Xhadaronn decided to respect their choice and insist not.

However, he himself had nothing against being open about his path; after all, he did not have a country to defend, a king to serve, a team to lead, and all the other responsibilities that a man working in the military must have had.

He stopped, returning to the comfort that his usual manner of wearing the clothes brought him: he put his hood back on his head.

"It is but probable that not many common people around are familiar with the rare jewels known as the 'Green-Glow Gems'. I know not the age of it and the individual that made it public, but I was in fortune to spot a letter at the very entrance of the Draconi forest that spake of the gems. Though it seemed rather odd to have the instructions right at one's finger tips like that, I realised even the paper itself emitted strong vibrations. Presuming it was authentic, I decided to embark on the journey to find these precious stones that can supposedly purge the blackened magic around, knowing that - existing or not - I would at least have the privilege of joining another adventure, attempting to find these presumed jewels."

He paused, looking around the clearing.

"... and all the menaces which were spoken of in the letter started with one cardinal direction: north. That was the initial course of mine, but I see even the very beginning of all this has been interrupted by the unforeseeable threats this location harbours."

 The stranger surely was friendly, Alvaro reflected. Xhad's grasp of the language was admirable, and although his words could sometimes sound strange, it was clearly an effect of personal quirk, rather than any identifiable mistakes.

"Paper? Oh, that paper" Ignacio sighed, immediately taking initiative. "Sorry to disappoint you lad, but there's nothing to it, really. A stupid nephew of mine set it out to trick gullible sops. He even got his sister to enchant it in order to make it more believable. Sorry."

"Ignacio" Alvaro called. "As much as I appreciate your dedication to our mission, this isn't who we are. We are Adelans - our weapons are honour and might, not deception and treachery. We will be the ones who procure the gems for our lord - not because we cheated our way there, but because of our strength. We are capable enough without the need for deceit. We don't need it."

He turned to face Xhad. "Our lord sent us to retrieve what was in the cave - probably the gems you speak of. As you provided us with information about your target, I will repay this debt by stating our intentions clearly and being forthright with you."

What Ignacio said about the letter Xhad had found diminished his enthusiasm a little at first. But the initial thoughts of doubt were instantly replaced by the voice of intuition.
It seemed a little forced to be completely real, he thought. And the small, subtle signs of a slightly unnatural speech were something the half-spirit could sense.
The vigilance of the soldiers could have also been an explanation as to why they would make up such things. They could not allow just anybody to reach something so rare, something that the king of Adela himself intended to possess, for that matter...

He was pleased to hear the words of Alvaro, not only because they confirmed his assumptions, but also because the strong awareness of the team's identity lied within them. He clearly knew and reminded the squad of the faith they should have in their natural forces.

Xhadaronn was also glad to find out that they all aimed at the same thing. He could not know whether it would be all right if he joined them, but it was worth to try.

"Since we clearly are after the very same matter, should not we join forces? The first obstacle of all is 'the bane of storms, brother to the tangible, forever to the wind's smite infrangible'. I cannot say for sure, for 'storms' may be interpreted in multiple manners, but the creature which is going to be met is undoubtedly immune to a sort of less... physical attack."

He tried to stay open to the meaning of the lines, as he knew they might have meant something different than what the surface told.

 "So, you can only use wind magic" Hector concluded. He didn't looked too relieved - the old veteran probably remembered the power of Xhad's magic, and that he was actually holding back in order to protect nature. Narrow specialisation wasn't a disadvantage when someone wielded his ability so well.

"Team up, you say?" Ignacio challenged, not phased in the slightest by his lie being called out. "And what proof would we have that you wouldn't either stab us in the back, or discard us as soon as this rhyming beast is down?"

  "Can you do some kind of a magic oath? Like something that cannot be broken?" Eladio suggested.

"The blow of the wind may indeed have a great range and, if used properly, might sometimes be devastating... but it is true I mainly rely on hurricanes and its siblings to aid. Diversification, unfortunately, aside of minor enchantments and a particularly special spell, is not common for me..." he confessed.

Xhad carefully listened to Ignacio.

"He is right... they do have reasons to anticipate this." the half-human thought when he heard the suspicions of the soldier.

"Since, as said, my magic skills are limited in many fields, I am afraid it is not possible to create a supernatural force that simply inhibits me or anybody to break a promise, or at least without consequences..." he responded to Eladio.

He paused a few seconds, looking downwards and placing his chin between his thumb and index finger.

"But... I suppose I could apply a sort of mirror-effect between us. I have recently come across an elixir in Serendipity that should suit the situation and last at least a few weeks..." he continued, looking back towards the squad.

"In summation, any harm or damage I would intentionally cause you would instantly be reflected back to me. Thus, even if I wanted to, I would not be able to slash or otherwise attack you because the injury would return to me... and the same is valid the other way." Xhad suggested, though he knew it was still possible to be interpreted as some sort of elaborate treachery.

"I believe I could prove this to you, but only if you allowed me to and if you should be willing to play the game of trust..."

 "I don't think this will be necessary" Alvaro pointed out. "It is enough that you're willing to take this step. I think that we can trust your sincerity in this matter."

Ignacio poked him to pull him aside. "Commander, he might be lying" he began. "Both about his capabilities, and about this elixir. It could be something completely different, or just coloured water with special effects."

Ah, Ignacio. It was open knowledge in the squad that Ignacio had political ambitions, and was trying to get military renown in order to support his future career. This attitude made him very suspicious of everything and cautious of any ruse or deception. He was a valuable ally when trying to unveil enemy strategy, but could get frustrating.

"That's exactly why, Ignacio" Alvaro explained. "We have no way of finding out, and if you just said it openly, he would know that we know." Fight fire with fire, and fight circular politician logic with more circular political logic. "Moreover, if we're operating under the assumption that he lied about his capabilities, and we know his magic has to do with air and wind... sound is just a vibration in the air, he could be listening on right now."

Ignacio paled and clamped a hand over his mouth. Well, that should keep him quiet for now. Alvaro turned back to Xhad. "We're ready to move out. Shall we?"

"I think I know where to go from here" Eladio offered. "I studied the map before we left - and this large stone was marked on it, I think."

"Oh right, the Gradane Rock" Hector grinned. "We usually like to mess with new recruits and say it was pooped by a dragon with digestive problems."

"Fantastic! Then I think we could--" Xhad began, but decided to pause, seeing the other soldier pulling Alvaro aside. If they need to discuss the matter, let them discuss.

It was quite normal to presume that they - or at least some of them - did not have complete trust, therefore Xhad patiently waited to find out what would happen.

In this time he took a few more seconds to dive into thoughts, his face clearly looking into the void, while also lightly rubbing his jasper necklace with his thumb and index finger. Every now and then he would look around the squad, studying the other soldiers, giving them a smile.

All of a sudden, Xhad saw Ignacio with his hand brought to his mouth and with widened eyes. He did not have much time for wondering what happened, as he proceeded to listen to the commander.

"Great!" he said with a wide smile, pleased that everything worked out well. "North is a very general direction... maybe if--" he began, but stopped as he heard Eladio speaking. "Lovely! I am glad there is a specific place we know of!"

Xhad chuckled when he found out about the jokes surrounding the rock and looked at Eladio.
He proceeded to follow the team after unsheathing his short sword.

"Hmm... they seem rather serious. May I start talking to them?... or perhaps this should be too irritating..." he thought to himself. "Well, one cannot find out unless trying!" he continued, immediately beginning the talk.

"So... what is thine opinion on Inverted Waterfalls? I think they are perfect for finally experiencing the domination of gravity! Though I haven't had the chance of trying one so far." he said, while playing with a small glimmer of light he spawned in his palm which he kept gliding between his fingers.

"Very well... probably not the best subject for people in the military, but it seemed interesting to me..." Xhad immediately thought after speaking, before lightly squeezing the small, glowing sphere which finally dissipated.

"Does anyone of you have experience with a crossbow? I personally am terrible at it. The last time I tried, the arrow ended up breaking into two when I finally managed to shoot... I still don't know to this day how." he said with a light embarrassment combined with a short laugh.

 The soldiers took the change of subject with relief. Ignacio remained tight-lipped, so the burden of conversation fell to Alvaro and Hector. "Ah yes, crossbows" the old veteran nodded. "They're really impressive, especially since with age, my ability to draw a bow fails, as does my strength. Those heavy crossbows with a winch allow me to bypass this problem - all I need now is to aim properly, and my eyes, thankfully, have not been affected by age!"

"Tell him about the ogre" Alvaro suggested.

"Oh, right! Once we had a mission to the north border. Our guide was an ogre from a nearby village. We got pinned down during a skirmish, and the winch to my crossbow broke, so I couldn't reload it. Talk about bad luck! I couldn't provide cover fire with this... So the ogre just looks at it, nods and says 'Give me that'."

"You didn't!" Ignacio gasped in false outrage, apparently having found his voice. "Giving military property to civilians - and during a fight, no less? You should be demoted!"

"Yeah, yeah. You say it every time I tell this story" Hector sighed. "Anyway, I did. 'How could it hurt?' I thought. My weapon was already broken, after all. So I gave him the crossbow and he reloaded it with his bare hands, as easily as if it was child's toy. He handed it back to me and I shot, then gave it back for him. We made quite a nice team. I wish I had such strength - but I suppose if the spirits couldn't give me eternal youth, they sent me an ogre when I was in trouble. Worked out."

"I hope Hector isn't boring you" Alvaro commented, walking up to Xhad. "He loves telling his stories."

"I knew it! Of course not all ogres are evil!" he exclaimed, as he heard the deeds of the giant from the veteran's story.

"Bore me?! I believe you like jokes, for this appears to be one." Xhad said when he heard Alvaro. "I love listening to stories, especially from adventurers that clearly have seen a lot in their lives. They are a treasure of experiences."

"Hmmm... spirits, eh?" he began to think, as he heard for the second time someone from the squad mentioning these entities. "Perchance I have found a common interest..." he thought, remembering the animistic beliefs of Adelans.

"Indeed. Sometimes the only thing one has to do is ask, and the invisible may help forthwith. But I am curious, has one of these spectres ever shown itself to you, Hector?"

He then proceeded to look downwards, waiting and preparing to listen to any reply with one ear, while getting back to his thinking in the meantime.
Ignacio seemed to be rather cold, maybe a discussion would cheer him up a bit. Or annoy him even more, that is also possible... eventually, Xhad decided not to insist, but what was certain is that he would maintain his friendly attitude, as he does with everyone. The existence of a closer friendship will be determined in time.

Afterwards, he just enjoyed the golden weather, while listening to his continuous thoughts. A few seconds passed, probably half a minute at most, and he already lost the connection entirely to the physical world. Time existed not, space dissipated in the same manner. He automatically did what he was doing before getting lost in thoughts, which was walking. Wherefore, he just kept going farther and farther, his eyes looking into the void. Eventually, Xhad knocked into a tree, this failing to awake him. He just stopped in one place, his balance half-lost. After equilibrium finally left him entirely, he fell on the ground, the hit eventually waking him up.

The look on his face seemed normal now, and he quickly got up, completely bewildered about what had just happened.

"Wooah... I did I think it again, apologies." he said, his words being proof of his dizziness.

 Hector began to recount the story of that one time he saw something that might have been a spirit, a ghost, or just a product of too much booze. Alvaro grinned at the situation - seems like the old veteran found the perfect listener to tell the tale of his life to, and Xhad... Xhad might be getting more than he bargained for, but he didn't seem to complain.

He sped up a little to reach the vanguard. Eladio was playing the guide, excited to be of use. Alvaro was content to leave it to him, but wanted the soldiers to be on their guard. He probably could ask Xhad to keep aware as well, but if the stranger said that his air magic didn't grant him any extra awareness, Ignacio would hear it. And nobody wanted that.

They were in the middle of Hector's epic about this time they were fighting alongside a dragonrider when Xhad walked into a tree - an act that elicited more than enough chuckle, and one muttered line about how he should apologize to the poor oak. Alvaro quietened them with a raised hand and walked up to the wizard to offer him a hand to pick him up. He couldn't exactly blame him - listening to Hector's stories made his mind wander as well.

"We should be getting close to the chasm" he pointed out. "Right, Eladio?"

The new recruit nodded enthusiastically.

It was clear that the veteran was excited to finally be able to tell the story to somebody. The epic itself was obviously a long one, but that was not a problem. Though what Hector kept telling did seem fascinating to Xhad, the thinking incident could not be avoided and so he did not hear certain parts.

"Oh... that is but a strange happening that seems to occur from time to time to me. Stars are a great place to wander, you know? And thoughts may occasionally trap you among them. I just hope this won't happen during a fight."
He walked a few steps in pure silence, this time paying more attention to his surroundings.

"As for the epic, it was indeed a tale worth telling, though I am afraid it ought to be continued lat-" he said, when he suddenly saw a few rocks he had accidentally kicked, falling into an endless pit. The row of trees suddenly stopped, leaving only the sky and the sun smiling to them. At the bottom of the chasm, there seemed to be a wide river, though the mist that was plentiful in the abyss did not let this to be confirmed.

"-er... looks like our green friends are waiting for us on the other side." he said, referring to the trees.

But the chasm was not the problem. Just a while later, the ground started to quake and, as Xhad looked downwards, he could see the fog spreading and fading, as a huge mass of water began rising. The veil of water returned to its home and revealed the beast they were waiting for, at last.

The being was rather serpent-like, with its head resembling more a dragon. Its scale-armour was coloured in a brownish green, and its teeth seemed nearly two times the size of a banana. The thorough dimension of the creature itself was still a mystery, but it was clear it ought to have been greater than the chasm in height, and only the stars may have known how much of its body was still lying in the water...
It stopped, staring with its gleaming green eyes, which occasionally seemed to glow yellow. Was that a sign of attack? Or just one of concentration? That was the most trivial of their problems, though.

"I know, I know. It is, indeed, a lovely weather. Just look, there is not even a cloud on the sky. It is a crying shame that thou beest enraged by the scorching heat... a glass of water is a favour we should with ease and pleasure do for you, if--" he began in a joking tone, being interrupted by the sudden move of the serpent. It raised its head, looking skywards, stretching entirely. The length of its body seemed endless now and the end of the tail was finally visible, for it prepared to bash everything about.

Instinctively, Xhad made a fast move and suddenly jumped out of the way, though the effect of the snake's strike still remained: on his left, he saw maybe about ten trees falling in their direction. He proceeded to fold his palms and stayed that way for about a second, trying to gather his energy. Xhadaronn then tried to send a massive amount of wind in order to blow the trees backwards. Though the plan seemed to work, the weight of the trees could be easily seen and felt on their resisting moves, as they very slowly fell either in the opposite direction, sideways towards the forest, or sideways into the abyss.

"Very well! I presume you are not the talkative sort and you clearly were too lazy to do your hunting today!" he quickly said, and tried another spell. This time, around his left fist an almost transparent sphere started to materialise. He quickly flung it towards the snake, which burst into a relatively small-sized tornado upon touching it. All this air seemed to simply dance around the beast for a few seconds, leaving it untouched, gradually fading, until disappearing completely.

It was as if air dissipated into the air...

He tried his luck with another enchantment, sending thin slashes of wind which should have had an effect similar to the cutting of a knife. Seeing this doesn't work, Xhad created a small hurricane around himself and rushed towards the beast. This way, he tried to gain speed in his running so that the incoming attack would have a greater force, but any bash in any shape ended up being absorbed. He was now too close to the serpent though, and was pushed backwards with a brusque hit.

"'The bane of storms'..." he repeated to himself quietly, once he got up. "That's it! That's what the riddle referred to. Wind has no power over this monster!" he exclaimed.

He tried his favourite attack, the one in tune with the stars.
He closed his eyes, folded his palms, and waited. It was not the best place and time for being passive, but he had no choice. The waiting suddenly showed its purpose, as, after a few seconds, his body and clothes began to darken, the image of scattered stars and galaxies being visible all over this blackness. It was the night sky that he copied the appearance of, and soon all that was not black were his now whitely glowing eyes and the white creases on his clothes. It was in this state that Xhad could spawn small, pointy, throwing daggers in both his hands which were coloured in shades of dark purple, indigo, and violet, stars scattered everywhere on them as well. The daggers would do their piercing, stabbing or slashing, but because they were of mystic energy, they would dissipate once they had reached their target and had finished the job.

As he continuously threw them at the serpent, he realised the effect was not what he imagined.
As big as the creature was, it managed to dodge the knifes quite often. When he did hit his target though, Xhad saw the creature barely scratched. If the attack was more accurate and possessed a greater force, the creature would give out an enraged scream or intensify its constant growls. Thus, certain strikes were luckier and thoroughly successful, the knifes managing to penetrate the scales, but they were still not enough against a creature of such might and size. Even so, the spell's effect faded soon and Xhad returned to normal.

"It seems this fight is not exactly a feather in my cap!" he said with a quiet chuckle. He brought to the table his dagger as well, using it in combination with the sword, so that he could at least try to help the fight against the beast and not be entirely passive. Quite rarely, Xhad managed to add a stab, scratch or slash here and there, though with the mildest and most minour of effects, together with constant attempts in dodging the fangs of the monster.

 Tristan finally spoke up. Hector pumped his fist victoriously and almost skipped to Ignacio to collect his bet. Poor Ignacio, it looked like Xhad's appearance had only negative effects on him so far. Alvaro knew better not to make bets on Tristan's curiosity - he was shy and focused on observation, but the new arrival was far too interesting for him to just stay quiet and not ask any questions.

"You wandered around the stars? How? Is it this astral rejection thing? Do you have two bodies: one in the stars, one on earth? How do you pilot both at the same time? Is it a permanent feature or does it only happen occasionally, and if the latter, what triggered it? Or is it just a figure of speech, a saying among your people? What does it mean then and what is its origin? And what-"

The spirits decided to take mercy on both Xhad and the rest of the soldiers by the serpent's sudden appearance and awakening. "Battle formation!" Alvaro shouted, grabbing his spear. It was pretty much instinctual at this point. While some people would find it surprising that Adelan soldiers, so reverent towards the spirits and nature, would react to a possible manifestation with violence, but it was their way. Most spirits were as keen as they were on testing their skills in battle.

Xhad was already conjuring something. Alvaro decided not to get in his way - the stranger seemed to be quite adept in his bizarre fighting style, and he's already shown himself to be disciplined enough that there was no fear of friendly fire. Hector was already drawing his bow, while the rest of the soldiers fell into a defensive formation. Since the serpent originated from the chasm, it probably would be able to retreat there if damaged - they would have to strike true and fast.

Despite its size, the serpent was quick and easily dodged a few arrows loosed from Hector's bow and whatever wind Xhad was conjuring. That was a problem - they would need to pin it down in order to properly land a hit. At least they kept it on the defensive - it only got a few times to attack, and every time it had to stop and dodge, rather than risk coming into their range. It was playing defensively - but why? The beast's size and scales should keep it safe from puny humans.

Was it- Xhad's voice rang to confirm Alvaro's suspicion. This creature was the first trial mentioned in the message - the one the stranger was worried about facing. Well, if the note was accurate enough to be right about the immunity to wind, then they could probably trust that there were no other problems for them to face. It was to be a test of strength and valour, as simple and Adelan as anything could be.

The stranger was determined to fight on, even though most of his means were useless against this foe. Alvaro admired his spirit, if nothing else. "Stay back!" he called, waving him back behind the wall of shields.

Why are the attacks so hesitant? The creature's fierceness would make one believe swallowing will be the first act when meeting, and the last his or her eyes would see. But still, there was something weird about the behaviour of the serpent.

While trying to interpose his attempts for attacking between the soldiers' and the monster's moves, Xhad heard the voice of Alvaro. It would not be bad to back away, he thought. "One ought to know when to give up or when to retreat. A living dog is better than a dead lion!"

He proceeded to dash backwards, behind the barrier of shields. At least he'll be able to fully see the soldiers fighting, something he had been very curious of.

"Hmm... even if I shall be devoid of useful offensive skills in this fight, perhaps there ought to be something I would be able to use so as to help them in the battle."

Immediately as he finished this thought, though, he could see a strike that managed to reach Hector. He lost his balance but his will and perseverance could be seen as he swiftly got up. Still, it was not the first occasion someone was misfortunate enough to endure the burden of a blow, as he had just now realised how Eladio was lying on the ground. He must have been attacked while Xhad was running away from the beast. But there was nothing he could do; except, well... repeat the unpleasant history. "I apologise, my friend..." he thought to himself, but then decided to shout it out loudly as well.

He conjured yet another globe of wind, similar to the one he had created when they first met. He proceeded to do the same with anyone that was hurt or he thought was more exposed to incoming attacks. Thus, Xhad thought it would be better to do the same with Hector, Tristan, and even Alvaro, as he was the very leader and heart of the team.

"I know not for certain how much damage the shield is able to endure, but it should rid thee of at least several future wounds. Though it seems this beast is not exactly of the offensive sort." he said, raising his voice so that he could be heard in the madness that was going on.

"There is something in thine eyes that I have seen within but quite few belonging to the reign of animals, particularly in the family of these fierce, monstrous kinds..." Xhadaronn thought. It was as if the creature was rather... self-aware - somehow.

"Its defense is soothly and veraciously developed. What if I could create a diversion to distract it so that a more effective bash could be executed while it is off guard?..." he murmured to himself. He would be happy if anyone heard his plan, as he would know if it shall be all right to try or not, but he felt time was not enough in a battle to discuss things, and so he mostly talked to himself.

In an instant, he jumped out of his thoughts, his judicious self being replaced by the rather hyper-active madness in him.

Xhad looked skywards, raised both his arms and started moving them slowly in circles, as if trying to blend something together with another. Seconds passed, and the clouds started lazily to move. Half a minute dashed behind the half-spirit's eyes and they began shifting. After two minutes, they started to gain different forms.

"Pay not attention to the above but to your own scope, lest you have the same fate this snake ought to!" he exclaimed in an attempt to warn the squad.

All the clouds began uniting into one, blocking the sun. Time started whispering the passing of ten minutes, and a certain grey gloominess became dominant above the place, soon the only light that feeded the trees being the one piercing the eyes and mouth of a skull in the skies. Sweat was flowing down Xhad's temple and forehead, tickling his chin, then his neck. Perspiration kept imitating its much older sibling: the waterfall.

Even so, after almost a quarter of an hour, the details of the skull drawn in the cloud canvas were remarkably realistic, and the scarce light gave an eerie atmosphere to the place, one similar to that which no being but a ghost could have crafted.
The serpent seemed to give constant glances at the sky, and as Xhad tiredly let his hands down, he saw the beast's attention towards the upper heavens growing, together with its restlessness. It began struggling to keep its focus on both the fight and the sudden change of environment.
It surely was receptive and aware, at least to an extent, since its eyes began to glimmer heavily with yellow, its tail struggling around in wrath. There was certainly a psychological impact on the beast, just the effect that Xhad wished to achieve. Though it was clear the feeling of doom caused by the clouds was but temporary, he was glad the attacks of the soldiers could now be more easily applied. Xhadaronn decided to give a hand himself, while he could still take the opportunity.

"Ignacio! I know this may not be of your liking, but I think it is a propitious moment for a particular sort of strike. Trust me! Simply do your part: be prepared, attack, and heed your equilibrium and stability! I shall take care of the rest." he shouted, and proceeded to send a swirling wave of wind that took the shape of a small hurricane by the time it reached Ignacio. That ought to propel him towards the beast and add more strength to the hit, but what he genuinely hoped is that the soldier had understood his sayings and that they would at least diminish the natural surprise one would have if pushed by a sudden wind. He also hoped Ignacio would recover his balance swiftly, but he trusted the ability of a soldier.

 There was little Alvaro could do against an enemy so fast that it could evade out of their range before anyone could strike. All he could do was to rely on Hector's bow, and remember this encounter for the future in order not to find himself in such situations. One advantage they had over the serpent was their numbers - while quantity couldn't always overcome quality, it was a boon, considering how defensive their enemy was being.

He didn't look back to see if Xhad followed his advice, but he didn't have to. So far, the stranger didn't appear to be particularly foolhardy or reckless, and was willing enough to rely on someone else's help. Alvaro focused on lunging at the enemy whenever it neared, hoping to draw it away from the others, but it was faster, attacking Hector and Eladio. The commander couldn't help but acknowledge the tactical advantage in the choice - the serpent struck the archer who was their greatest hope at actually damaging it, and the new recruit, the weakest link. They weren't dealing with some mindless beast, but something capable of at least some thought.

He felt the wind coalesce around him, but it wasn't some trick of the enemy. Xhad apparently chose to contribute to the fight by supporting the soldiers. As Alvaro advanced, he noticed the grass bending away by the force of the aerial armour. He couldn't tell how effective it would be, but he wouldn't refuse any help.

Xhad's comments wove themselves comfortably into the din of battle, audible enough if one should focus and pay extra attention. Perhaps the stranger used his magic on his voice, commanded the wind to carry his words as well. The brunt of Alvaro's focus was still on the battle, but he kept their new ally in mind. His strange ways might give him insight that the Adelan soldiers would miss.

Most of his comments went over the head of the soldiers, though Alvaro kept their eccentric companion in mind, and was willing to translate, should need arise - and soon it did. Eladio shouted in fear as the clouds above began to coalesce, drawing the attention of other fighters. The commander swore quietly - they really didn't need any more distraction!

"Don't get distracted! It's of no concern!" he yelled.

"What if lightning strikes us down? Would that be of concern then?" Ignacio called, frowning. Alvaro rolled his eyes. Ignacio was a good soldier, but he could be extremely petty.

"It would, but only then. Keep me apprised of any sudden lightning strikes" he ordered. Someone chuckled.

Alvaro's squad continued fighting while Xhad did his work. Time passed, and the commander began to seriously consider withdrawing. It didn't look like either wind magic or the force of arms was going to work - and those were the only means at their disposal. The best course seemed to be leaving and reporting to their lord, hoping that the information they provided would help him send a team better equipped to handle the serpent.

He was about to give the order to retreat when it appeared that Xhad was finished with whatever he needed a great skull cloud for. Although he could have chosen better than Ignacio. For a second, Alvaro feared that the prideful warrior might refuse just to spite the stranger, but one glare was enough to keep his mind on the enemy.

"What the- whoa!" he gasped, as the wind carried his advance forward. He almost stumbled into the chasm. Alvaro extended an arm to grab him when an idea sparked into his mind. The spell extended their reach considerably - and reach was exactly what they needed against this enemy.

"Tristan! Toss me Eladio's shield!" he shouted. The quiet soldier obeyed without a word, and Xhad supported his throw with a wave of wind to carry it to Alvaro's side. The commander grabbed it and turned his back to the chasm, kneeling down. "Ignacio, come! I'll boost you up!"

"For all the-" Ignacio's expression was something to be remembered. Alvaro prayed quietly that common sense and self-preservation wouldn't get in the way of his thirst for glory. Fortunately, it looked like the warrior trusted him enough to obey. Ignacio charged, leaping forward to land on Eladio's shield. The commander put all his strength into the push, tossing the soldier into the air and towards the enemy.

For a second, Alvaro feared that the serpent would withdraw into the chasm and Ignacio would follow, falling to his death. But his fears were unfounded - the soldier sailed forth on a fierce wind, landing at the enemy's head. With a battle cry, he stabbed his sword through the serpent scales. Strangely green blood poured from the wound.

The serpent roared and shook violently. Ignacio held on tight to his sword, but couldn't stay on, and was thrown off. Friendly winds bore him towards the edge where he landed safely. Alvaro was about to ask Xhad if they could repeat the manoeuvre when he noticed something strange. The beast stopped attacking. The injury inflicted upon it should not be severe enough to warrant a retreat, and yet, it hid back into the chasm.

"What was that about?" Hector asked the question that was on all of their minds.

"The beast was vanquished by my sword!" Ignacio announced, striking a victor's pose.

"It didn't look vanquished to me" the old veteran commented. "What if it comes back?"

It was when he saw Ignacio nearly falling into the chasm that Xhad realised he ought to have been much more attentive and should have spent more time on crafting a plan... or at least a clearer warning before his pulsating energy urged him to make his next move would have sufficed better the situation. He would have been ready to bring Ignacio back with a gentle blow of wind, had there been a need.

The eyes of Alvaro soon chilled Xhad as it was certain his strategical mind came up with a solution.
The plan was, indeed, one of success and he could not help but smile while sensing the taste of possible glory as he saw Ignacio reaching the head of the monster. His refusal to end the stab was another proof of his determination and of the strength he had poured into that one strike. Even though he was finally shaken off, it did not matter. Xhad took care of his landing, and the beast finally returned into the chasm. A very abrupt and suspicious move, indeed.
The clouds began to return to normal, the uplifting weather's return cheering Xhad's soul.

"Hmmm..." he began, embracing his thoughtfulness - which was dressed in a quiet tone - yet again. "The serpent was not, indeed, vanquished. But perhaps it did not have to be. Just think for a second." he turned to Alvaro, as he knew he would have been the perfect man to talk to about a situation like this, as he clearly was the most objective, rational and down to earth.
"The habits of this creature... it was hesitant when trying to attack; slaying could not have been its scope... the attacks were scarce, as if he tried to... keep us alive - for a certain purpose. It did seem rather curious and willing to see what we would come up with. And the way it left us the moment that firm blow was executed... it was as if the beast waited for our actions, trying to test us!"

Xhad stepped to the very edge of the chasm, kneeling down, watching very carefully the pit for a while. The mist was back, the river was still, no sound came from there. He nearly entered yet another state of trance as he was reflecting on the possible return of the foe. He managed to come back to the physical world with a jerky eye-widening and a sudden twitch, though.

"Even if it will return, peradventure we should take advantage of the time we still have, however risky this may sound... or is there anything else to do, commander?" he turned to Alvaro with a light smile.

After listening to the leader, Xhad rose, giving out a quiet sigh. He walked up to Ignacio, taking the courage to reveal his whole face by getting rid of the hood for a while, as, he felt, what followed should be more personal.
He knew not everything he tried worked and sometimes he even complicated things, and it was clear this would not ameliorate his relationship with the soldier.

"Ignacio, I feel the need - though I know words are but superficial means of communication that may easily be altered - to apologise for the hastiness and inconsiderate actions of mine... I think I owe them to you as well, commander. The cloud idea was more effective in my mind, and it seems I ought to have been more thoughtful about certain decisions. Likewise, you managed to come up with a swift solution, a deed worthy of a leader, and that is what matters in the end."

He stood for a second silently, looking at the direction of the opposite side.
"I think there ought to be a fast solution to cross this chasm, though... I do not think I am able enough to create a bridge out of energy this long, but perhaps a few small hurricanes could propel us to the other side. Worry not, I may enter in a superficial trance where I can feel the speed and moves of the winds, so that I shall know precisely when to toss thee into the next one, without unnecessary adjournment. I shall also try to create a slower hurricane... well, as slow as one can be, while it still retaining the power to throw us forward. That way, you will - most likely - keep your midday meal inside of your stomach." he silently chuckled to himself, trying to cheer the atmosphere up after such a serious encounter. "So... what do you think?"

It surely seemed a peculiar and audacious plan, even to him to a certain extent, and he imagined how the squad could have received it.

"Just let me demonstrate it... it would be something like this." he said, trying to break the awkwardness. He quickly conjured a row of three hurricanes above the abyss, and looked for a larger stone. There were only little rocks here and there, and the nearest boulder was at quite a distance. He sent a wave of wind, raised it up and flung it into the first hurricane. The stone spinned for but half a second maybe, and as Xhad felt the time was ripe and the stone was in the angle facing the other hurricane, he instantly snapped his finger, stopping the first one. The boulder was hurled forwards, and in the blink of an eye, the second wind-swirl was stopped as well, letting the stone further progress. The same was done with the third, until the rock safely landed on the grassy ground of the other side.

"Do not worry... even if - by chance - you will fall, though I highly doubt this, I shall bring you back to this side or - if closer to it - push you to the opposite."

 Alvaro nodded at Xhad's assessment of the serpent. It was no ordinary beast, and its behaviour was unusual as well. Perhaps a spirit testing those who would seek the treasure. Still, he remembered that while the creature moved very quick in combat, it rose from the chasm rather slowly. Maybe it was adrenaline or some other fighting spirit his cousin was studying.

"Our new friend is right" he spoke. "We can't do much else but move forward. You've seen how fast and big this serpent was - if it wanted to attack us again, I don't think us being on the ground would help. I think we should press on."

But they should tend to the wounded first. He didn't even need to shout orders - Tristan was already working on binding Hector's injury. Eladio looked shaken, but functioning. "Did you get hurt?" Alvaro called.

"Damn thing broke my sword arm" the boy grumbled.

That would be a problem. Even an experienced soldier would struggle with his dominant arm out of commission, and Eladio wasn't one. Alvaro looked back at Hector. Tristan caught his eye and shook his head. They were already two men down - and this was just the beginning.

"Quinto" he called. "When Tristan is done, take Hector and Eladio to the cave where we made camp last night. No complaining!" The forest was full of valiant beasts that would hinder their passage, and sending two injured men alone would be sending them to their deaths. They weren't meant to fight anyway, but hopefully Quinto's presence would help them get out of fights.

Their expressions weren't pleased, but they didn't question his judgement. Hector muttered something about his breath, but seemed to resign himself to obedience - he was too experienced to disobey his commander, and too old to argue that he could still fight. Quinto didn't appear to be too happy with being assigned the mission of looking after the wounded, but held his tongue. And while Eladio was new and therefore most likely to dispute given orders, his injury was most severe and his body most in need of rest.

Meanwhile, Ignacio was faced with yet another challenge to overcome: Xhad being far too polite than he deserved. The soldier coughed and looked to Alvaro.

"Well, Ignacio, I can't say I have high hopes for your political career if you can't even deal with a single person asking you to behave" the commander sighed theatrically.

"Hey!" the soldier called, sounding insulted. "I- well, uh... no harm done, so we can put it behind us. I hope."

Hector sighed, shaking his head. "Commander, if I were you, I would demand payment from Ignacio's family for mothering him."

With those problems solved, all that remained was to find their way across. Alvaro listened to Xhad's proposition, leaning against his spear. It sounded strange and risky, but it was also the only method they could really use. It was too far for them to try getting a rope across - Hector was the only one who could even hope to make such a shot, and he was injured.

"That's-" Ignacio bit his complaint back, remembering that he was supposed to have put his problems behind him. "I mean, have you done it before? Would it work?"

Saddening it was to see two men already down, yet a thin ray of light pierced the negativity around seeing Tristan's instant attempts to help. He did not even need orders...
Hearing how Eladio actually broke his arm was another hard hit, though. If only Xhad could have come up with the shield idea faster!... it was only futile regrets, however.

The worst part was when Xhadaronn learnt how Eladio - the one rather adorable - and Hector - the wielder of the experience specific to a lifelong soldier - had to abandon the mission. It had a rather negative impact on him, even though he had only met them not long ago. He was wise enough, though, to refrain from complaining or speak any words he would know even before uttering that are vain and fatuous - this was a serious matter and one even demanding objectivity! He just hoped they would be all right... but they are soldiers! They must have survived things far worse than that... well, Eladio assuredly would survive thing far worse than that.

"Safe journey, friends! I shall miss the old stories, together with witnessing the reality and perspective of a freshest soldier's mind!" he said, waving slowly while smiling warmly.

Ignacio was clearly not pleased with the presence of Xhad, but you cannot expect everyone to be fond of you, he thought. Xhad would naturally try not to push or force his relationships with others, but preserve his normal reactions. Having someone being mean to him would not be a reason to be mean back - his logic whispered.
He decided to leave the hate and spite the way it was though refusing to let it impact him, yet keep his usual manner of treating others, regardless of how others treat him. Wherefore, Xhad was pleased to just listen with his calm and neutral look to the words of the soldier.

"Well, I have tried it before, even though it was not a thousand times. It worked perfectly back then, thus I could imagine it not failing this time either..." he responded. Then, without hesitation, did a swift gesture with his arm and spawned a new set of hurricanes.

"Who knoweth... maybe ye will, in the end, enjoy it." he smiled.

"Well then... who ought to be the first?"

Xhadaronn waited for Alvaro to run towards the first swirl, contributing to the speed of the jump with a blow of wind.

Yes!

He landed right into the first hurricane.

There was no time for cheering, though: it was human beings he had to carry on this occasion, not a rock! As the best moment arrived, the first hurricane dissipated. Alvaro reached the second swirl which, in a split second, scattered, letting him to fall into the final hurricane which in turn cast him to the chasm's end.

One down, two to go!

After Ignacio and Tristan could feel once again the firmness and safety of the soil, all Xhad had to do was repeat the process, this time with himself.
Devoid of suspicions and looking forward to enjoy the winds, he quickly conjured a new row.

"Woaah!" he exclaimed as he reached the earth, followed by a laughter.

"See? It was not a plan so nefarious, after all!" he said, putting the hood, which fell while above the chasm, back on his head. Xhad was aware that something like this must have been quite a shock for them, therefore a rather joking tone could be heard in his words. "Or, well... at least we are on the other side now."

"I--it ought to be better if we waited a little before moving on..." he said, this time serious, seeing the dizziness of the soldiers.

 That was... quite an experience.

As soon as he recovered enough of his senses to get up and look around, he turned his attention to his fellow soldiers. Most of them were snuggling tenderly to the ground, muttering a variety of curses, prayers and rants about how they would rather stay on this side of the chasm rather than take the hurricane road again.

As unpleasant as being tossed by the whirlwind was, Alvaro was glad to have had this option open to begin with. Had spirits not set the wind-calling eccentric upon their path, they would have to waste time searching for another way across, or perhaps even leave with nothing. One uncomfortable ride was worth its cost - if that was what they had to do to continue their mission, he would be willing to let the gusts toss him around all day.

The other soldiers were still dizzy, so the commander walked up to Xhad, who didn't look as shaken as the rest. Perhaps he was more used to this way of transportation. "Good job" he commented. He knew as much about magic as he did about the weather of Yoreiqi isles, so he couldn't judge if the feat the stranger just performed was exceptionally difficult or noteworthy - but it helped, and that was all that mattered.

He noticed that Xhad looked a bit down, ever since the injured group left. Did he feel guilty about not being able to protect them? They lived, and the other soldiers managed to avoid sharing their fate, thanks to the wind armour he provided. Technically, the stranger wasn't one of the soldiers under Alvaro's command, but he was still an ally - temporary though he may be - and any drop in his morale was of concern to the Adelan.

"Err... who knoweth? Perchance we shall find a different road for returning once we finish the quest." Xhad said, genuinely hoping that was the case, seeing and hearing the reaction of the soldiers.

"Thank you. Glad to be of help." he responded. "Hey, Eladio, what does the map tell us about-- oh, wait..." he stopped, looking around.

"Umm... who owns the map now? All that I know is that our next destination is a sort of unstable bridge with some very vaguely described creatures guarding it."

 Tristan wordlessly handed Alvaro the map he got from Eladio, giving up any responsibility of reading it. Apparently he fulfilled his speaking quota for the day and had no intention of going above it. The commander unfolded it, frowning. He wasn't illiterate, not by any means, but the recruit scribbled some notes on it for his personal use, and his handwriting was far from legible.

"Wait" he realized. "This isn't the map we were given. It's not military issue."

Ignacio nodded, as if it was obvious. "Eladio's a good replacement for Valerio and his tendency to lose equipment to games of chance."

"Are you saying Eladio bet the map given to us by our lord, for this mission only, and lost?"

"Oh, quite the opposite. I've been to... well, I can't tell you where, so let's just call it a gambling den" Ignacio explained. "Trust me, I'd know if Eladio was there. I don't know how he lost our map, but hey, he acquired a replacement for us, so no harm done?"

Alvaro handed the map off. Unlike Ignacio, he did think that soldiers gambling their equipment away did no harm, but if the eloquent warrior could read it, he wouldn't lower the morale by playing the part of a rule-abiding grump.

For once, Ignacio had nothing to say. He carefully examined the map, his expression turning sour with every scribble he failed to decipher. Tristan rolled his eyes, folding his arms. Alvaro was about to take it back, when the soldier offered the map to Xhad. "What about you?" he asked. "You're a traveler... explorer... person who wanders into dangerous places in seach for adventure and shiny things!"

"A most enigmatic one..." Xhad thought to himself, as he yet again saw how silently Tristan payed attention to Alvaro's orders, almost never uttering a single word.

"Well, it is good to know a little about this teammate of yours which, unfortunately, had to be replaced!"

Xhad waited curiously for Alvaro's and then Ignacio's comments. Notwithstanding it might have become a frustrating matter, losing the map did not exactly worry Xhad. Though certainly more confusing, the quest could not have been impossible it.
He did not even know a map could be made of their whole journey in the first place, he just tried to follow the indications of what he had found and what he could find.

"Well, I suppose I may try... I hope time is an enemy not of thy journey, for there are times like this where we could get stuck, especially if instructions become scarce." he said to the team, seeing Ignacio handing the map to him.

His expression changed from frowning to eye-widening to calm, studious looks for about half a minute.

"I... think I may have a vague idea about the beginning, but the rest is clouded to me. I ought not to make assumptions about what I know not for sure. Thus, all I can say is that nearby we should reach a place called 'The Glade of Wraiths'. Strangely, it is not even a glade, but a large number of statues lost in the greenness of the forest, said to represent certain spirits... commander, I hope you or ye will find out the rest." he said, handing the map back to Alvaro.

"North is a too general direction, but if the map is impossible to decipher we ought to stick to what we soothly know about the course of our path..."

 Ignacio laughed at Xhad's comment. "Now this is an attitude I wish more people shared! It was definitely fun finding this about Eladio - although I wish I could know more, his tells..."

"Focus" Alvaro commanded. Perhaps he should have sent Ignacio with the wounded - Hector seemed to be immune to being talked to death, and maybe could even match the other soldier word for word.

At least Xhad could keep his mind on the task. Three capable Adelan soldiers, and a foreigner was putting them to shame. Alvaro approached and looked at the map, trying to match the wizard's words to the parchment.

He frowned at Xhad's words - he really didn't want to disturb the spirits. Especially since now they were down a few men and probably couldn't fight. Not to mention that there still could be more trials ahead, and they should conserve their strength.

"Can you scout ahead for those spirits?" Ignacio asked. "If you can sense through air currents-"

"That's assuming a spirit can be felt through air" Alvaro countered. "I don't think this would work. But we should go."

"Yes, he is right, we ought not to go astray!" he responded to Alvaro's words.

"Indeed... though I presume I ought to be able to see the spirits, maybe contact them if necessary... but I am not Adelan, I might rather ruin things. If we are lucky we shall be able to round the place and shall need not to meet these spirits." he responded both to Ignacio and the leader.

He joined the now marching squad, a wave of joy and serenity hitting him when they reentered the woods. Minutes passed and the only events occurring were the potential enjoyment of the place and the tension that was in the air, as one could never know what would lurk under the umbrella of the trees.

"So, Tristan! How old art thou, in fact? Has it been a long time since you've joined the military?" he asked, walking next to him. He was quite curious about the silent fellow, his shy attitude being obvious. He wouldn't push if not appropriate, but an attempt to know him better could not hurt.

Yet another while passed and dark silhouettes began to emerge amidst the trees, yet still not distinguishable. A very soft and faint tribal drumming could be heard in the distance.

"I-I think that is it... 'The Glade of Wraiths'." he began. "Vegetation seems to be more copious around the statues and maybe it would be best to force ourselves and take one of those paths, rather than pushing through the statues." he suggested. They looked quite strange, or at least to a non-Adelan, perhaps... but strange to Xhad often meant interesting, and he could not help but study them from that distance. It surely was an exotic site and his sensitiveness to magic did its job.

He began going to the left, trying to avoid the plants as much as it was possible when stepping - but the problem was, it was not possible. He sometimes needed a blade or a gentle blow of wind or a simple push with his hand or leg.
He wanted to try the route, and it looked not that bad after all, just a little less pleasant because of the unfree steps and occasional spiky bushes. As he got fairly distanced form the "Glade" he was more relieved, for the plan seemed to work.

After about maybe a minute or so, though, Xhad felt a tickling in his palm - his tattoo glowing a little brighter - and a light shiver.
"This blow of wind came not from me!" he said, upon realising how sudden and odd was the nature of the breeze.

It was as if a new presence was just a few bushes away. Maybe it was partially hiding. Maybe it did not want to show itself yet. Maybe it was a superior entity, not even Xhad's spectre sight being able to spot it, and he was partly a spirit! Who knew for sure? What was certain is that the presence was rather milder and not revealed entirely.
Yet this feeling of a certain someone being about, beside the soldiers, was strong and constant, and Xhad usually listened to his senses.

He could not be sure, but decided to stop and do what he thought would be best to do.
"If ye are a higher entity, then ye must know we have come not with malevolent and nefarious intentions! I personally am not part of your people, so I trust that your benevolence may bloom into understanding towards any fatuous mistake I might make..." - Arrgh! It was probably not the best idea saying you're not the follower of a spirit, but he hoped it could excuse certain idiotical things if they happened...

"The last scope we pursue is the wrath, unrest and disturbance of ye and, as you may see, we have decided to follow a different path, for to try to avoid being the murderers of your rest! I hope ye may accept our sudden intrusion as but an unfortunate and unforeseen incident, and not as a deliberate act of brutality." he continued, then folded his hands for a deep bow.
The state he was in, trying to contact a spirit, was rather bizarre and what he saw and heard was still the real world, yet it looked as if... the colours around where somehow shifting between brighter and darker shades. The sounds were also clearer. Not louder, but just clearer.

As he finished, he could suddenly feel yet another gentle blow and the sudden hooting of an owl. Was that a coincidence?

Unlikely. Owls are creatures of the night and the appearance under those circumstances was rather suspicious. Xhad took it as a peaceful sign; something told him it probably was...

"I think this ought to be a yes!" he said, turning to Alvaro with a smile, returning from his trance. He could then breath easily again, and went on the annoying path on which plants had overgrown.

"Curious I am of our next destination. The map is still a mystery, isn't it?" he continued, looking at the Adelans.

 They were walking in a comfortable silence. With Hector away and Ignacio blissfully quiet, Alvaro could focus on the sounds of the forest, and keep his vigilance. With their numbers reduced, they should be even more careful - and they definitely shouldn't disturb the spirits. Perhaps the best solution would be to take a long way around.

Xhad was verbally poking Tristan. He would probably either get polite silence in return, depending on how insistent he was. Alvaro was tempted to turn around and see if the silent soldier just counted the number off on his fingers, but he would rather not leave the attention duty to Ignacio. Unless the spirits liked to assume forms of beautiful women, it was unlikely that he would have noticed.

Something was happening. The movement wasn't ferocious enough to be animal or erratic enough to be wind. And the sound was rhythmic and regular enough to be a deliberate movement rather than an accident. Xhad's words soon confirmed his suspicions. Alvaro didn't bark at him to keep quiet - his observations were useful, and he probably was capable of filling the role of a scout quite well.

Quietly, they continued forward. To his surprise, Xhad was the first to encounter any sort of spirits. Alvaro quashed the feeling of jealousy - it wasn't exactly rational, and attention of a spirit could only cause them trouble. There was no point of playing the jilted lover, or being uncomfortable about the spirits having chosen a foreigner to contact, so he wouldn't.

He gestured at Ignacio and Tristan to be ready to draw their weapons. He wouldn't just charge in blindly, but he wanted them to be prepared for a fight. Fortunately, as surprising as it was, no fight came. The spirits just wanted to be left to... whatever was going on. But perhaps he shouldn't be so shocked - it was arrogant to think that the spirits of the wood had nothing better to do than engage with humans who passed by.

"Good work" he commented. He couldn't tell if Xhad's words were responsible for calming the spirit, or if it was too absorbed in whatever it was to attack them anyway, but it was important to keep everyone's morale up and make it known that their contributions were valued - even if he lacked knowledge to properly identify the nature of this contribution.

"I wish it weren't" Ignacio groaned, responding to Xhad's question about the map. "What about this rhymed riddle that brought you here? Any directions hidden in the iambic pentagram or something?"

With the luck of a surprising escape from the spirits, they were left to think of their precise way forwards.
"Hmm... it told of the challenges, rather than the coordinates themselves. North is the sole direction I know for sure, but--" he stopped, hearing the seemingly distant murmur of a river.

He dashed forwards and very soon could spot the source of the sounds. This time, it was not the chasm that was the problem. The small pit in which the river was running was just about two or three metres deep. It was the rushing force of the water and the ancient-looking wooden bridge that seemed to be the obstacles.

"The bridge of illusions... where eyes may see wood, there might be hollow--of course!" he exclaimed.

He quickly took a stone and threw it on the bridge. Nothing happened. It stayed there, sustained by the wood. He repeated the action. Yet again, nothing happened. A few seconds only had to pass, though, and the second rock fell together with a now broken slab. This broken section of the wood soon regenerated. Xhad threw another stone on the very same slab, but this time, it sustained it.

"Unforeseeable, of course. Anytime a fragment of the bridge breaks, it reappears... yet one can know not whether it is going to be a strong or weak section..." he sat there then, contemplating for a few seconds.

"Though a very wide river, it is not as great as the serpent's chasm. Perchance a layer of energy overlapping the bridge might ensure safety; though the only condition might be that we do not step on it at once, but individually. And these little creatures around? Well, we have kept avoiding annoying forest-bugs all day in these woods, thus..." he said, referring to the small yet incredibly numerous insects that were flying around the bridge. The strange thing about them was how these creatures were burning constantly, yet the life in them was untouched by the devastating flames. They were organised in a swarm, but were flying around smoothly and silently.

Not expecting anything worse than a few ant-like bites, Xhad relaxedly stepped on the bridge after he had generated the green energy layer.

Of course, it was rather a shock seeing how the angry fire around the insects was much more pronounced and ferocious when so close. Xhad started running forwards when things did not seem as simple as he had thought, trying to avoid the burns by frantically moving his hands around. His clothes already had small holes in them and little persistent flames on his cloak were starting to be present.

He instinctively created yet another wind shield around himself while dashing backwards, but the wind obviously was feeding the bugs' fire, increasing their power subsequently. Thus, it took them a short period of time to heavily damage and deteriorate the wind-sphere.

"Woah!!" Xhad reached the end of the bridge - where the others were - with a jump, landing on the earth with a sliding movement, while quickly hurling a wave of air towards the burning creatures in an attempt to push them back. They were, indeed, pressed towards the bridge but with their fire temporarily fiercer.

Xhad then quickly sent a swift breeze towards the river and used it to throw some water on himself, extinguishing the fire on his cloak. With a warm zephyr, he managed to also dry them.

He then took a moment to breath normally, then got up and closed his eyes. With every heavy breath he took, the holes on his clothes were shrinking. Eventually, both his elk-skin clothing and cloak returned to normal.

"Very well... peradventure they are not as harmless and mild as I thought." he said, after a chuckle.

"Adelans, eh? Perhaps ye would do better against troubles like this. What I could - yet again - do, is to boost the protection of thy shields with a coating of wind, or something of that sort... I know not for sure."

 Alvaro smothered a curse when Xhad just sprinted forward with no regard for caution or any danger that might be ahead. As useful as his unique skill set might be, there was always this additional annoyance of dealing with civilians outside his command. "Watch out!" Ignacio called, jogging after him. "Do you want something to ambush you again?"

The commander hurried after them, only to have his fears proven wrong. Rather than immediately stepping onto the bridge that would probably either give way under his weight, the stranger took the precaution of actually testing it first. Was he suspicious of traps? Such a small rock was not suitable for weight testing, but perhaps could set off something prepared to hinder their progress.

"Ugh" Ignacio sighed, staring at the unreliable bridge. "I'm starting to hate this assignment. Can we just go back and tell the lord to send his wizard sister instead?"

"Tristan, take out your rope" Alvaro commanded. The medic nodded and began to rummage through his backpack. The commander was about to explain his idea when Xhad suggested an energy bridge. That would be more useful, so he just shook his head. The other soldier slowly started to pack without a word.

"Want to go first, glorious leader?" Ignacio suggested. "I mean, you're the heaviest one out of us."

"And if I fall to my death, you take over command. I see where you're going with it."

The soldier shamelessly shrugged. "Just as I planned."

Tristan tapped him on the shoulder, pointing at the chasm. Xhad was already putting his plan into motion, carefully making his way across on what looked like glowing light. Ignacio crossed his arms, clenching his jaw rather than ask if he was about to betray them and deactivate the bridge as soon as he was on the other side, but he probably thought better.

"Watch out!" he suddenly shouted. Alvaro's hand went to his spear as he squinted to see what was it that caught Ignacio's attention. He couldn't see it, not yet, but the sudden change in Xhad's movements told him all he needed to know. His initial disregard for the creatures' presence meant that they didn't appear to be threatening. Of course, that was deceiving - he didn't have to wait long for the whole situation to go completely awry. The wind magic once again couldn't save him - it only made it worse.

The threat was now large enough for him to see, even in broad daylight. They looked like a literal take on the word 'firefly', burning brighter with every gust that fanned the flame. The Adelan soldiers drew their weapons, but there was a shade of uncertainty in their movement. Clearly, they weren't trained to fight enemies so small and agile.

Alvaro wasn't going to let it stop them. "Tristan, your cloak!" he called, reaching for the canteen hanging from his belt. As the medic tore his cape off, the commander threw the water onto it. The soldier tossed the wet fabric onto the advancing firebugs, stalling them for long enough for Xhad to repel them.

"Nice water trick" Ignacio commented, seeing the stranger use some of the river to get the bugs to leave him alone. "Think you can make a wave to drown those annoyances?"

"Maradona's answer, Ignacio" Alvaro reminded him. It was a rule of common sense: if he could have done that, he would have done so without the need of external input.

"Well, what are we going to do then?" the soldier sighed. "We're fighters, not bug catchers. And we don't have enough people to make a shield wall."

"I don't think Xhad's bridge could take the weight of a full squad anyway" Alvaro pointed out.

"M-maybe a rope would suit our situation better and grant us insurance, but we need not forget about escaping the glow of these flies, first of all..." he stated, remembering Tristan unpacking before he dashed for the bridge. "I highly doubt an attempt to cross this river even far away from this bridge, where the bugs are present not, would not end in us being chased, anyway."

"And possibly the knots of mistrust could loosen if, this time, we switched roles and I let the job of crossing to ye." he continued, looking at Ignacio with half a smile. He tried his best to avoid people believe reproof was in his voice and rather make his statement in the form of a friendly nudge towards trust.

"As for Maradona's answer..." he began, looking down to the water hurrying ferociously. "I see thou knowest me not fully. Thoughts are my home, though the desire for action may toss me into the murky shadows of recklessness."

He then turned to Ignacio. "I shan't possess the mastery and accuracy of a mind taught in the art of hydrokinesis, but perchance currents will pacify our small friends, indeed." having told this, he raised a wave of water with the pulling force of the gusts, mixed with the aid of his minor, amateur telekinesis abilities.

He tried to cast it towards the ablaze insects and managed to create a tunnel-like hollow within the swarm, as the bright glow of some bugs turned into the dullest shades of black and grey, eventually the creatures collapsing onto the bridge.

The rest of the insects sharply made a quick movement, at first glance letting one to believe they would charge. Instead, all they did was fly away into the direction of the river with formidable velocity, nobody knowing exactly whither - an act quite familiar to Xhad.

"Huh!..." he exclaimed in a relieved but bewildered manner. "Does this remind you of another creature's deeds? Perhaps this was just another trial... if one were precise enough or managed to harm these annoyances in any way, passing would be granted. I'd say all we need to do is to finally cross the noisy and clamorous snake..." he assessed, referring to the river.

Albeit it seemed odd for one to use a trial of fire in the midst of a region traveled by water, perhaps the lack of magic use in Adela was the logic on which things relied...

 Tristan's expression was thoughtful. Alvaro wondered whether he'd go over his word limit for the day, or decide to keep silent and leave his thoughts unvoiced. It was a bit troublesome, with Ignacio's wild fantasies and Xhad's... eccentricity, they really needed some grounding influence - and Tristan was the only one remaining.

"Are you worried about our ability to continue?" he guessed. It wasn't hard to figure out - their numbers were decreased, and so far, the guardians of the gems were quite a challenge to overcome. The wind serpent could have easily destroyed them all, and the bugs were something they weren't equipped to fight, either.

Tristan nods and folds his arms. Of course, Ignacio doesn't miss this chance to comment. "What? We can't give up now! We've come so far!"

"Are you familiar with sunk cost fallacy, Ignacio?" Alvaro asks. A bit of a rhetorical question - the other soldier has always been very proud of his education and lorded it over the rest at every opportunity. Perhaps it was for the best that Tristan rarely spoke - they would never get anything done if those two got into dick measuring trivia contests.

Ignacio folded his arms, taking on a defensive stance. "I am familiar enough to recognize that it doesn't apply! What's gotten into you- sir. I thought you'd be the one pushing us forward, insisting that we cannot turn back. Do you really want to tell our lord that we just dropped the mission after the first two trials?"

"Your inner politician is showing, Ignacio" Alvaro warned him. He looked back at Tristan, who was putting on his best 'I'm not going to be your tie-breaker' expression. They really needed Hector.

But he was right. They couldn't stop now. Reflexively, he looked up at the sky, just to search for more threats that could be coming. It was something their trainers actually had to point out to them - people were not used to looking up, and it was a possible avenue for enemies to exploit.

He didn't see anything out of ordinary, just a few birds - and the darkening tinge to the sky. "We should make camp for the night" he decided. "Going forward when it's dark would be suicide."

At least Ignacio didn't argue with that. He nodded and went over to poke Xhad. "Do you think you can use your winds to scout ahead, find a good place to stay for the night?"

Though possessing such a serious personality, it was the second time Xhad could see Alvaro being hesitant about the mission. The quest was unquestionably challenging, but why would he loose confidence like that?

He was the leader of the soldiers though, and the last thing Xhad wanted was to jabber and insist about not having to retreat: maybe he would fall into yet another trap of his carelessness, not realising the situation's true gravity.

Nevertheless, his desire for perseveration triumphed, and seeing Ignacio worrying about the same matter seemed not to cause that much trouble anyway.

"I must agree with Ignacio, sir... our journey has been rather tiring! However, I cannot let weariness and beasts of any sort get into our way. I am delighted to remind thee of having in a day overcome already half of our quest." he began watching the sky too, checking for anything that could add to Alvaro's pile of worry. Luckily, there was nothing against peacefulness this time.

The shadow of the night was close, and so he added:

"Indeed. But if I were to guess I would say thou may be in need of rest. Thou shall see the contrast between the glow of fire and the blackening of night; and thus shall remember hope. Perchance a discussion with us will bring the joyous atmosphere back, together with the sleep amidst the songs of crickets..."

Then, turning to Ignacio, he affirmed with confidence:

"Soothly that is possible!" he then proceeded to look at Tristan. "Though, as ye have said, I presume the rope would be a safer crossing."

He then waited for him to execute the initial plan that Alvaro had told him of when they had first arrived to the river spot. In an instant, he rushed to the other side, hoping to overcome the night in speed, and also that he would not make his allies wait too long.

Even so, he needed to be attentive! Xhad did not forget, therefore, to weave a coat of thoughts this time and return to seriousness. Now he was completely solitary; every corner of the forest seemed to grow darker and more perilous.

He needed a place relatively safe - as safe as the forest could be -, but not too far away... they would not have time for that!

Really another clearing in the woods would have been the best location... a place like that could have been the only spot to ignite some woods anyway. And if they were lucky, this fire could have also kept forest beasts away.

It took him maybe a quarter of an hour at max to find a place like that among the density of the trees.
The opening was still, and though it couldn't exactly banish the skepticism and worry of a vigilant soldier, it may have provided the comfort needed after a stressful day.

Returning was a lot quicker. He could finally put vigilance and excessive attention aside, and put the energy that still remained in him at use!
All he had to care for now was not to get lost, but that ought not to have been such a difficult task. Wherefore, he managed to return in about five minutes...

He accelerated even more when he saw and heard the river.

Xhad genuinely hoped the anxiety in the air was not fueled by dark thoughts in the meantime; or at least that the three managed to calm each other down as much as possible if needed, until they could finally forget about fights and get some sleep.

"Fantastic! I have discovered a glade perfect for campfire! If we hurry a little bit we ought to arrive there before the daughter of crepuscule! Peradventure ten minutes away, it was really the closest opening I was able to find..." he exclaimed these words with so much confidence and energy that they made it clear he could barely wait to begin moving again - even though he had just recovered his breath.

"Let us keep going - we shall find things to discuss even without Hector's stories..." he smiled. "Oooh, and I nearly forgot! What should we eat? But, more importantly, who should be the chef?"

He could not help but continue with: "And I think not we ought to worry too much about firewood. Moderate quantity will be enough; I shall fuel the rage of the flames - ye have just seen me capable of that!" he declared before a jaunty laugh.

 "Off he goes" Ignacio commented.

Alvaro stared in the distance after Xhad's form, calculating. "We will give him... twenty minutes."

"What will we do if he doesn't come back then?" Ignacio asked.

"You'll see" Alvaro shrugged. Unlike the other soldier, he had full confidence that it wouldn't happen - back when he was peering at the map, he noticed a few interesting places that could turn out to be good camping sites. It shouldn't take Xhad too much time to find and choose some.

Tristan was going through the supplies. He was probably trying to calculate how long could they keep going. Rather than have every team member carry different gear, he asked the quartermaster to divide their equipment into smaller sections so that each soldier would have his small part of the whole. This way, even if one fell or had to stay behind, they wouldn't have to waste any time dividing the supplies.

Xhad returned before his time was up, as cheerful as ever. He didn't seem to be even slightly out of breath - probably another benefit of his air magic. He was already chattering amiably about his discovery and the plans for the evening. Alvaro was getting used to his presence, and called his soldiers to set out immediately.

"I'm sure we can fill the silence somehow" Ignacio grinned.

Before he launched into some tale they would all regret hearing, Alvaro jogged up to Xhad who was already eager to lead them to whatever place he found. "Well, I am certain that you can take Hector's place when it comes to stories. As a traveler and an explorer, I'm sure you have a lot of interesting tales to share."

Ignacio walked up to them, eager to answer the question about the food. "Well, we have rations. Tristan's the only one who can make them taste less like shit - not that we'd know otherwise, he never lets anyone else try cooking. But I wouldn't recommend this to my worst enemy... can we try hunting something instead? We lost Hector with his bow, but can you use your winds to pull some bird out of the sky?"

Xhad looked at Tristan while Ignacio was telling him of his cooking skills. He has now luckily found out more about this silent fellow and his interests! As he heard about a request for hunting, Xhadaronn decided to abandon words and let the gust he flung into the sky do the talking.

He felt bad about the unfortunate bird getting smashed into the tree, but nature always whispers the words "Eat or be eaten". That was simply not a lesson Xhad could ignore...

"Hmm... that ought to be just right! I would normally prefer Iguana meat, but this is not the Kishahn jungle, thus..." he said with a grin, while pulling the now dead bird near him and the squad with a wave of wind.

"And as for stories..." he began. "I think I have told you not about my secondary quest to recover a lost scroll..." he then went on telling as concisely as he could about how a strange man had requested his help in translating certain parchments he had found in the region of Fell; they told about the myth of a long lost civilisation of which people now know little.

"The legend essentially telleth about this creator god called 'Sachakay'. His brother was envious of his reign over the world and thus waged war against him. The younger sibling was ultimately overcome. However, the arrows with which Sachakay was attacked left holes in his armour, creating what we now call the "Stars". The brother's great axe struck mightily as well, penetrating the god's protective covering once again, creating what we now call the "Sun". But this immense weapon bashed twice, and thus at that time there were already two blazing bodies in the sky, burning with equal rage, ready to destroy the whole Le'Raana.

The damage of the second blow was neutralised but - though smaller in size - the hole was much deeper, leaving a scar which we now call the "Moon". The hollow representing the Sun and the Stars remained out of Sachakay's will, in order for the fragments of the god that were not eclipsed by the sky to gift all living beings warmth and light - even to this day." he then slowly finished the story telling how he had oddly lost the scrolls while in a visit to the Yoreiqi isles.

"Worry not, nobody is that careless! I have discovered how the parchments are now in the possession of a Yoreiqi elderly. I only have to gather a few more emeralds to purchase the items from him; there is simply no way around it, for he believeth not that the ancient scrolls belong to me..." as he finished, the glade was maybe only a minute or two away from them, darkness approaching even more.

"Well, I think I ought to make my shelter!" and with a few gestures, he conjured a medium-sized tent. "I love to do this; the energy is transparent, wherefore I can still witness the beauty of nature." Xhad then looked around. "And now, let us start our fire!"

 "Good job!" Ignacio enthused, hurrying to pick up the fallen bird. "I have to say, you make for a good replacement for Hector! You have your stories, you can shoot things... Do you snore? If you do not, then maybe we can ask the commander for a replacement..."

Tristan silently took the bird from him and began to work. Right, now that their numbers were halved, he was the only one here who didn't come from a noble background. While all soldiers learned plenty of survival skills in the army, handling game was not one of those.

"What about the shooting stars?" Ignacio asked, walking up to Xhad. "How do they fit into the story? Are they like... tears in the divine armour that get bigger over time?"

They reached the site Xhad scouted for them. Tristan began to make a fire immediately. If they wanted to cook a bird, it was better to do it before the night fell - the light could then draw unwanted attention. Alvaro has been picking up some of the twigs that made least smoke as they've been walking, to prepare for it.

"We will probably have to take some of the rations anyway" he pointed out. The bird wasn't large enough to feed three grown soldiers and Xhad. And even if they tried to get more, there were no nests in the vicinity. Perhaps they should have thought of it before, but it would even out. Alvaro wasn't a logistics expert, but he was certain.

Ignacio was spreading his cloak on the ground, frowning. "I hate sleeping on the ground. Do you think the trees are strong enough to support my weight? I could make a hammock then."

Tristan didn't even look up from the fire. Alvaro walked up to one tree and tested it. "Probably. Do you want to trade ants and ground-based bugs for whatever crawls on trees?"

"Ugh!" Ignacio groaned, throwing his hands up in the air. "Why oh why couldn't I be born in Thanatos?! This way I could win renown by means other than stomping around jungles and sleeping where no one should!"

"I can't comment - I've never been to Thanatos" Alvaro commented. "What about you, Xhad? Have your travels ever taken you to the islands? Can you tell more about how people would win renown there?"

He let the conversation proceed - it was good to have two talkative people around. He let them chat and headed to Tristan, who was currently roasting the bird over the fire. "Are you at the part where you just need to turn it and all hard work is done?" he asked.

The soldier nodded. Alvaro pressed on. "Would you be willing to delegate this simple work to me? I need you to do something."

Tristan considered in silence, turning the dagger he used for the roast. Finally, he handed it back to his commander, frowning. Perhaps taking on the responsibility of putting his work up to the medic's high standards was not such a good idea, but Alvaro pressed on. "I need you to scout around." Because their numbers were reduced, safety was very important.

The soldier nodded and stood up, heading for the forest. Before he disappeared into the greenery, he turned around and raised his hands, seven fingers up, then ten. Seventy - that probably meant Alvaro had to count to seventy, then stop turning the dagger. He started immediately.

His math was on point. When Alvaro cut the bird into four parts, it was perfectly roasted, without any raw parts inside. He had to use his own knife, as Tristan's was too heated from the fire. Ignacio was lured over by the smell, so the commander set him to cleaning the daggers. The three of them were already finished with their portions when the medic returned.

"Anything I should know about?" Alvaro asked. Tristan shook his head and sat down, picking up his part of the already cold bird. He didn't say a word, but he kept glancing at Xhad. Looked like they were in for a repeat of the situation before the chasm. Should he make a bet with Ignacio?

"Are you okay?" the medic suddenly asked, before anyone else could speak up. His gaze and words were still trained on Xhad. "When I was coming back, I could... see through you."

"Well, I have not exactly heard complaints about me snoring, but I can guarantee anything not!" he said with a chuckle.

"That is truly an interesting question, though I must confess that I could finish not the whole tale before losing the scrolls..."

From time to time, Xhad cast a breeze towards the flames to aid the power of the fire.

"Oh, Thanatos! People there, of course, were very content not to find out I use elemental magic! The islands themselves are worth seeing, yet the constant rain might become annoying. That would be a place not perfect for you to sleep on trees, Ignacio! Creatures like monkeys or lemurs are all around! I have spent much time not, though, for the xenophobia there may not be the most welcoming; I also focused more on mystical sites. Still, I would say the priests, warriors, monks, and the like are the luckiest there!"

He took his cloak off, as the coolness of the night had switched to the warmth of the fireplace. He would only use his cloak as a blanket, if needed.

Alvaro's strength was, of course, mixed with a rather serious behaviour, and Tristan was an enigmatic sort, to say the least. Thus, Xhad was in luck to be with Ignacio for a while, the last of the talkatives.

"Umm... do you think there are any means to contact Hector, Eladio and Quinto? I should be glad to hear from them; peradventure they feel a little better now. I hope they have encountered not a beast of the woods!"

Amongst the words that disappeared between the trees and the gestures that ensured the life of the fire, Xhad occasionally glanced towards Tristan. Alvaro seemed to have a chat with him, but it later turned out to be more. A task: the medic soon disappeared into the darkness.

It was interesting to see that, though food and its preparation were so dear to the silent fellow, he was by no means ruled by stubbornness and pride, not ignoring his commander because of them!

By the time the food was ready, Ignacio clearly signaling this, the medic was back, the leader's words confirming Xhad's presumptions. It was but natural to check for anything suspicious!

Tristan's looks were fixated on him, something he would not have expected. Perhaps the "chef" was ready to slightly push his limits and join the conversation. Maybe it would be just a smalltalk... but no! He seemed to be preoccupied with something.

After taking his first bite, Xhad, along with the others too, most likely, was shocked when he heard Tristan talking! It must have been something big that convinced him to break his seemingly never-ending silence; but he said there was nothing to worry about around...
It seemed a little weird hearing how he suddenly asked about his mood.

"See through you?"

A moment to process was needed, when Xhad's surprise and confusion finally dissipated. His face soon became very calm. Xhad took another bite, while also taking a few glances to see if Ignacio or Alvaro now considered him even weirder than they had before.

"That, my friend, is the manifestation of one of my life's biggest mysteries." he began, after enjoying the bite of meat.

"Ye see, I am not exactly what ye may call 'human'. There is this elderly man, to this day living in La'marri, who may have even surpassed a century of age, whom I greatly and deeply respect. He has taught me many things, except, of course, my precise origins.

All that I know, you understand, is that an unknown part of me belongs not to this world. No, I am not half-demon; I do not even know how much of my blood is spirit's... but that ought to be the explanation of what you have just observed. Thou mayest see through me like thou seest through a 'ghost' or, to give a more casual example, through a dirty window..." he continued, at the end half-smiling.

"And, in the same way, I may see entities which the human eye is normally able not to witness. That, Alvaro, ought to have been the reason one of those spirits in the 'glade' could have heard me. And, to unravel that which is already unraveled, the colour of my eyes is, naturally, another effect of this spectre ancestry of mine..."

He paused. "Naturally, it is easier for me to establish contact with that which is otherworldly and, thus, I would want to say: ye soon ought to do something about your auras! They clearly betray tiredness." he finished, with a soft chuckle.

 The soldiers listened with rapt attention to Xhad's story. "So you're part spirit?" Ignacio blinked. "Wow. That explains a lot. I always thought that women who claim to have laid with spirits only say it to get out of being accused of cheating... But at least now I have a perfect way to verify their claims: just hold the baby up and check if we can see through it!"

Of course, there were other ramifications than just Ignacio's little idea. Alvaro had to admit, he was feeling better about continuing ahead with Xhad's help. The eccentric has progressed from a 'bizarre, yet capable stranger' to an 'omen of good fortune'. How else were to interpret this? The spirits wouldn't have sent their child if they wanted the squad to fail.

Tristan was silent and gave no indication of his thoughts, but Ignacio made his opinion known - and it appeared he was of the same mind. "Very fortunate! You're like our own good omen!" he exclaimed cheerfully. "So one of your parents is a spirit? Or is it some kind of a further ancestor? We used to have a commander who claimed that his family was descended from the tiger spirit - I always thought that he was just bragging and trying to make up for his lack of... results."

The medic finished his part of the bird and began wrestling with his rations. Now that he got an answer to his question, he had no more reasons to speak up. There was a twinkle of curiosity hidden beneath his usual composure, but he was more than content to leave talking to the talkative.

Animated chatter filled the air, only stopping when Xhad mentioned... that word. Ignacio blinked, unsure of what to say. "Our... ores? Do you mean the metal our weapons and armour are made of? Well, I'm afraid any concerns about their state would have to be brought up with our quartermaster - but I will be sure to let him know that even the child of spirits can tell how... tired his work looks!"

Since their numbers had been diminished considerably, there was a sense of unity that Xhad felt floating in the air. He felt grateful to have met a squad with people rather diverse, masters of steel and iron. Beside being part of a team and joining forces against anything that could come their way, loneliness ceased to haunt Xhad's journeys as well. And it seems he was fortunate enough to have had the piece of his story received in a rather positive manner and was glad to be of help to the soldiers.

"I know not whether it is my great-grandmother or father which is somehow a spectre... it could be any of my relatives." he said calmly.

As the discussion progressed, Xhad was approaching the last pieces of the bird, as was Tristan.
He laughed when he heard Ignacio's reaction to auras, looking around to check if the others were as confused about this notion as the soldier was.

"Umm... nevermind. The aura," he began, this time pronouncing the word rather slowly and more clearly. "hath to do with the energy that escorts each one of us and which mayeth betray different moods of an individual."

"And speaking of energy..." he said, looking at Alvaro. "Commander, I am willing not to know if this is a secret too deep and personal, yet there was something that caught my attention from the very first time we met. The symbol in my palm mayeth warn me if magic is around, and I would not have thought it would glow right here, in Adela, the land of fierce warriors rather than arcane-close mages..." he explained, revealing the eye tattoo on his left hand.

"Though there was something rather ominous about this mystical force, as if an occasional eerie yet subtle matter were scattered in the air... thou art, peradventure, the possessor of an exotic artifact? Of a dangerous weapon stolen from a necromancer from which thou hadst to protect thy land?" he asked, though strongly presuming that was not the case. There was something gloomy, something "black" that seemed to be linked to Alvaro and not to an object he carried.

 Tristan frowned, also unfamiliar with the word. He picked up a stick from the ground and handed it to Xhad, indicating the soft soil for him to write on. Ignacio scooted over to read it. "So it's some sort of... people energy that you can sense? Can you do it at range? You'd be an impressive scout!"

He would probably have given more suggestions, but the stranger spoke up again, and what bizarre words he uttered. Even Ignacio didn't comment on the irony of showing such respect to a possible personal matter, but raising it in the company of others. Alvaro wouldn't have minded either way - he had no secrets to hide, especially not from his men. The problem was far simpler: he had no idea what Xhad was talking about.

"Not that I know of" he admitted. Most of the time, he wouldn't even pay attention to strange people chatting about weird magic things, or trying to get some of his gear - he was not an easy mark for charlatans - but Xhad has proven himself. He's been very helpful, his eccentricity nonwithstanding, and the probability of him trying to trick them went lower with every hour.

"Do you want to take a look at my gear?" he asked. He's already made the decision to trust him on that matter, and it could be a problem - if something was wrong, it could affect their mission. If Xhad could help with it, Alvaro owed it to him to make it possible.

A sudden thought intruded into his mind, bringing to mind a more charged possibility. What if it wasn't some kind of artifact that Xhad read in his... aura? What if it was the curse weighing upon him? He knew better than to hope for a quick solution, and yet he couldn't help but listen with greater alertness, his mind sharp and eager to commit the words to memory.

His thoughts warned him of a possible indiscreetness. Maybe he was in luck, thus Xhad not having to - yet again - apologise for another thing he hadn't thought through, Alvaro perhaps being close enough to his soldiers so as not to mind revealing certain secrets.

It obviously became less ambiguous with each discussion how they all came from different worlds and this matter whispered Xhad about how he should make an effort to occasionally jump out of his style, so as to boost comprehensiveness...

"I am sure ye are well prepared for journeys like this, though it is not exactly... the physical side of reality I meant." he began. If he continued to speak like this, he would be too vague and indirect; if he tried using colloquial words, he would not recognise himself.
He even began doubting the sensitiveness of continuing the discussion.

"I just... had the feelin' there somethin' gross following ya that's gonna bring havoc into thy life!" he exclaimed, though both his words and body freezing in regret for a second. It was, first of all, the now too direct speech and then the way he mixed his failed attempt to speak like most do with his usual, two-centuries old words. This all added up to an eventual facepalm.

"Umm... nevermind. I-I might be wrong about the matter, but I simply felt magic around thee. A rather unpleasant manifestation of it, perhaps. That is fascinating - for someone like me, at least - considering the place we are currently in."

If Alvaro would understand yet hesitate, Xhad would try ending the discussion, as he might have been unfortunate enough to have gone too far. If he wouldn't, well... Xhad would probably have his confusions dissipated and his curiosity satisfied.

 Xhad didn't respond immediately, looking thoughtful - as much as Alvaro could read his expressions. The commander didn't really mind - important matters required a lot of thought and attention. And they weren't pressed for time.

But it looked like not everyone shared his patience, especially the chatty Ignacio. "You have some cursed item?" he exclaimed. "Is it this distinction you received last month? I told you jealousy can motivate some people to move against you! Personally, I blame Valentin - his wife is a renowned witch, she must be responsible for it!"

"I don't think so" Alvaro countered. "Do you honestly think that she somehow got her hands on an army order? And if Valentin wanted me out of the way, why not curse me directly? And I do not bring the distinctions I received on our missions - I definitely did not bring it now."

It was enough to shut Ignacio up, at least for a while. And Xhad was a faster thinker, speaking up before the soldier could. His words were always a bit dense, but this time they were also surprisingly... vague? What was he trying to say? And the sudden change of vocabulary didn't help to get his point across.

At least Ignacio was amused. He grinned, holding back a chuckle. "I never thought I'd hear words like these from your mouth! You, my friend, are just full of surprises!"

Alvaro was more concerned with what his words implied than the choice of these words. "Something that would bring havoc into my life?" he asked. That didn't sound like the curse he was aware of - while sudden death could indeed cause havoc, the matter was simple enough that if one could see magic, surely they could see what it did.

"Do you think it could affect our mission?" he asked.

"No, no, Ignacio has a point!" he finally explained. "'Curse' is a much better word!"
Alvaro did not look as uneasy about approaching a discussion like that as Xhad expected, though.

"No, I don't think the mission would be affected..."

Along the journey, this strangeness that Xhad was feeling around the commander could not be properly studied. But in a calm environment like this were he could focus more, things gradually became clearer about Alvaro's curse. What was rather unknown to Xhad was the exact history of it, but the essence was largely figured out. All he needed was to confirm it...

"Well, perchance it won't exactly bring havoc or destruction into your life, since there shall be none, but to your life. You see, what signs tell me is how this... unholy thing is what shall eventually bring you to the graveyard, sir." he explained with a little tension in his voice, then looking a little downwards for a while in sadness.

A person that knows the precise day they will die... how awful is that? Hm, did he perhaps know how he would die, too? That would make the matter even more dreadful!

 "Well, if the mission shouldn't be affected, we shouldn't be worried" Alvaro ruled. He was almost certain that Xhad was referring to his curse - which was out of their control now. There was no use wasting words on it right now.

Ignacio was done thinking, which was never a good sign. "Well, if it's not Valentin, then perhaps you've touched something strange recently?" he probed. "Xhad, help me out there - how do people usually get cursed?"

"We can discuss it later" Alvaro decided. "It doesn't seem to be of immediate danger, therefore it's not relevant to our assignment. We should focus on the objective at hand."

Ignacio frowned. "I never thought you're the type to put short-term missions above long-term whatever, Commander."

That was the worst time possible for Ignacio's perceptive side to rear its annoying head. Well, maybe not the worst possible, but it certainly was bad. Still, Alvaro pressed on. "I don't see how we can do anything about what you call long-term. We still have our mission to accomplish, and time's wasting. We need to get sleep - and decide who's going to keep watch."

"Ugh" the soldier groaned, casting a glance around their companions. "With just four of us, the math isn't looking good."

Thanks be to the spirits for his prone to distractions nature. Alvaro chanced a glance at Tristan - the medic wasn't as easy to divert, but he wasn't willing to break his silence. Good enough.

Ignacio's mind was already on the matter of the watch. "Say, you don't happen to know some sort of a spell that could keep watch for us instead?" he asked, turning to Xhad.

Something he had touched recently? Perhaps, yet being a commander, one heavily envied for that matter, could have also been the core reason behind Alvaro's curse instead.

"Well, that depen--" Xhad began, trying to answer Ignacio, but Alvaro's statement made him refrain from trying to continue the explanation.
Was Alvaro perhaps searching for a topic to switch? He either was incredibly focused and dedicated to the task, or was uncomfortable with the curse being spoken about... or both.

"A-all right. I think not we can magically do anything about this 'long-term' issue, either. And it seems not to have to do with our task, indeed. It is just that I've found this a curious matter."

"Worry not, Ignacio, we may only be four, but we all have certainly faced worse situations!" he exclaimed with confidence, yet it was quite clear he did have a trace of doubt, too. However well-prepared or attentive they were, one could never known for sure about the animals lurking in the woods.

"Well, likely not something that solves the issue entirely, but..." he tried to calm Ignacio down, conjuring a spinning wind around the glade which acted as a barrier.
"The good part is how the little guardian storm around us won't be a noisy, sleep-disturber." he smiled.

"Oh, and even if it won't protect us from every single beast, it shall warn us about them and might give us an edge in a potential battle. Perchance I should be the first one on the watch. I occasionally still feel like running around, thereby I shall mind not less rest."
His words were not the product of lies, but he wanted to study his mantras and recently-found runes as well before getting sleep, so that seemed like a good opportunity.

 Ignacio grinned, slapping Xhad on the back. "I knew we could count on you!" He's completely forgotten the conversation - that was quite a relief. As well meaning as he was, the soldier had quite a big mouth.

Alvaro rose and examined the whirling wind. The air fed the flame, but its effect was temporary - Xhad must have noticed and changed the spell. That spoke of impressive proficiency. It was just one of many signs that should have been enough, but the commander hasn't earned his rank by just trusting in people to do their job. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, as the old saying went.

"I'm going to test this spell" he began. "While I have no reason to doubt your ability, there may be some creatures here in the woods you're not familiar with, and therefore could not incorporate into your guard."

Ignacio groaned. "Don't you need sleep?"

"Not sleep eternal, thank you" Alvaro responded and began testing.

"Please, go ahead! Soothly an attentive decision!" he responded to Alvaro's statement. Xhad appreciated the vigilance of the soldier, and decided to follow his example. He grabbed a thick, heavy stick from the ground and flung it towards the gusts. The piece of wood swiftly circled the camp to eventually escape the whirlwind and smack Xhad on his forehead. He was satisfied with a silent "ouch" and a brief rub with his fingers, before giving out a laugh.

"Well, peradventure I ought to leave the task to you."

When everybody eventually went to sleep, Xhad used half of his being to murmur his mantras a few times, read a little, and the other half to pay attention to the surroundings. No! He was not going to be trapped yet again in his thoughts! Just a few more minutes and he would focus entirely to guard the place.

Aside from the grasshoppers' constant chatter, few sounds intruded the place. Everything was still. When his time was up, Xhad went to sleep and let Tristan continue his job. His energy tent was by no means solid, but enough to ensure shelter for the night. Its almost thorough transparency also made it possible to witness the stars, an opportunity truly appreciable to the part-spirit.

The morning eventually arrived, bringing the usual yawns and stretchings to Xhad before coming out of his tent. The soldiers were nowhere to find. Not even their blanket was present. Maybe they were out for some food before restarting their journey?

"Err, Alvaro?" he shouted, exploring the glade, his pace getting faster as seconds passed. After the vain echoes of each soldier's name died out, Xhad started considering to simply wait...

But then he saw it. Just a few steps outside of the opening there was an odd gleaming. It did not take him long to find out it was the materialisation of dread: all the money would have satisfied even the greediest of minds, for it seemed like an entire lake of silver coins that was lying before him. He froze, not sure whether to run, scream, or simply give in to the dizziness clouding his vision to eventually faint.

A tallish man came with the most relaxed attitude, whistling. As he filled his bag with the hellish metal, he turned to the part-human.

"What's the matter, lad? You seem like you're going to throw up... need a little water, maybe? How long have you slept anyway? It's 28 a.m. already and you look way too drowsy!" the man spoke with a genuine positivity, one even Xhad could have envied, had he not been preoccupied by something else.

He made a huge effort to regain his voice, the eventual words being soft and shaky. He slowly pointed towards the coin lake.

"H-how did this get here?..."

"Oh, boy, you've really got a problem!" the man eventually exclaimed, seeing Xhad's lost and perplexed expression. "I think you're, in fact, in need of rest, not an oversleeper."

"N-no... I need to know how on Le'Raana has this gotten here?" he responded with a calm, monotonous tone. Xhad would usually consider this style rude, but he could not help it.

"Oh, come on!" the man patted him on the back. "This is a refiller, just try to remember!"

"A re... what?"

"A refiller... you know, the place where people come to help themselves."
An awkward silence arouse. "The place whence you can take some money?..." he continued, seeing how he's still confused.

"Y-you mean to tell me one can simply come here and take as much silver as they desire?" he asked, making an effort not to look towards the great quantity of metal.

"Something of that sort!"

"But that is... that is, um, I-I mean to say..."

"Come one! What year do you live in, seriously? You kind of resemble those guys BGS I heard about in history class when I was a kid. Ugh, I hate history!"

"BGS?"

"Uuh... Before the Great Shift? You know, the year world-peace was established. I don't even know why you're still walking around with those pointy blades, anyway!" he responded, pointing to Xhad's weapons.
"You know, the economy also suffered huge changes! Now everyone is just so honest and righteous that nobody takes more money than they need, you know, eh?" he patted him again on the back.

"B-but... it can be not all silver! What happened to the gold, to the emerald, to the bron--"

"Ooooh, right... those are all used for typical everyday-life whatever now. Hmm, I have heard about time-machines and all of that, but I didn't think they are already a reality! Well, anyway, got to go; it's been nice chatting with you. But really, do something about your sleeping patterns, it's for your own good, my friend! Maybe that weird translucid tent over there could do the job! Peace!" he began walking away.

"W-wait! Wait! This is insane, sir! I-I too love jokes. You indeed scared me, but--"

"What jokes? This is reality, lad! Hm, people have told me I have a sarcastic tone before, but I didn't think it was this strong!"

"How strange is this forest?!" Xhad shouted in anger. "Just last night I was sitting at the campfire and now the whole world has changed!"

"Well, I guess you've overslept! Bye!"

"Just a second, sir! Have you not seen three soldiers around here by accident? One of them wa--"

"Soldiers?! What are you jabbering about? Everywhere is just peace now! No conflicts. Why on earth would anybody need soldiers?! Anyway, no, I can't help you, bye!" the man's lunatic behaviour became more evident as seconds passed.

The whole world seemed to have changed and Xhad's flurry of questions could not be answered. Were Ignacio's pranks that elaborate? No, not likely...
He began running around, not knowing what to even try to do or believe. Maybe moving would calm him down a little...

He eventually tripped and, as he had instinctively unsheathed his sword, he accidentally scratched the bark of one of the trees as he fell. Quite a deep cut. The tree was glittering too because of the silvery interior.

"No, this is beyond possible..."
It did not matter how illogical things seemed, Xhad could not reason and think properly and thus could not even try to presume it could all have been a trick of the woods.

---

OOC: Just a quick note, I'm planning to add more stuff to the fear thing in another post before making Xhad realise it's all illusions. I just didn't want to make this one even longer than it already is. Wellp, see you!

 It was all over.

The northern border was engulfed in flames. The Serenian battle-mages marched on, heralded by an inferno no living creatures could survive in. The soldiers Adela was so proud of burned to death before even reaching their enemy. Even the famed dragon-knights could not get close enough to strike - the weather wizards who fanned the fire made the winds wild and too powerful to fly in. There was no stopping them.

The Thanati ships landed on the beaches in the south, bearing warriors eager for revenge for their ancestors' exile. The spirits that blessed and loved Adela were no match for their shamans, and their flesh shapers turned the proud patriots into terrifying, twisted mockeries, unable to fight or even move, monstrous examples of terror. It was telling that all but the bravest begged to be assigned to the northern front instead - better to die burning than to live a tortured existence like that.

And there was nothing Alvaro Narvaes could do to stop it. He was dead, after all - the declarations of war came but a day after his time limit was over. Was it a punishment from the spirits, keeping his ghost here on Le'raana to witness the nation he loved fall? To be helpless as his worst nightmare came true? To linger like that?

The awareness of the horrors slowly transpiring around him was greater than anything he's experienced before. As a commander, he was capable of more than just contributing to the battles with his spear: he could oversee them and make the best use of everything that was going on. The spirits' punishment felt like a natural extension of his senses.


Finally, Ignacio's dream was realized. He would miss his soldier friends, but he would not miss the army! The cold ground, the constant missions away from civilisation, the terribly chafing uniforms... Yes, he was glad to put this part of his life behind him. It has served its purpose, and now he was to receive his reward.

He was to become a noble. Finally, he was about to receive a title, lands, and his entry into the higher reaches of society. He's had his sister procure him a fashionable coat made by one of the most renowned seamstresses, just for this occasion. It looked great on his ceremonial armour.

He knelt in front of the lord, his heart beating fast. It felt as if it was about to burst, edging into being painful. But he kept his breath even and his expression appropriately grave. He was not going to ruin it - the first day of his new life!

The pain was getting worse. It radiated towards his arm, spreading persistently. He was starting to feel dizzy, as if he wasn't getting enough air - was his new cloak too tightly fastened around his neck? He wanted to reach out and loosen the claps slightly, but he found his limbs not responding. The words around him dissolved into echoing, distant mess, as if they were coming from underwater. The floor loomed closer, pushing up like a hand of a great stone spirit. It hit him with an almost inaudible thud, cold and distant. He couldn't move, couldn't do anything. He heard laughter, mocking and painful. No! Not now! Not now, when he was finally about to become a noble!


Hector peeked at the map, frowning. "Looks like the way right is too perilous. We have to go left."

"Thank goodness" Ignacio sighed. "The left road looks shorter - and the faster we get to the barracks, the faster we can eat some proper food! No offence, Tristan, but it's impossible to make army rations taste good."

Tristan took no offence. He was far more concerned about their decision. The left road looked fine, but only looked - he recognized a patch of sunblade grass further down, wide enough that he saw no option but to go through. The blades secreted a fluid so caustic and dangerous that it ate through leather, steel and flesh so quickly that a poet gave it its name, comparing it to the great inferno of the sun.

Was he the only one to recognize it? Hector was such an experienced soldier, surely he was familiar with sunblade. It wasn't exactly a rare plant. And Alvaro always knew what was going on - why wasn't he saying anything? The vanguard was already setting out. Tristan couldn't just stay silent and let them walk into danger!

"Don't go" he blurted out. Without interruption or even looking at the rest of the squad to see if they were listened, he continued, wanting to get it out of the way as quickly as possible. "There is sunblade grass growing further down this road. It's too wide for us to just go around. We can't continue. We should take the right path. It's-"

"Oh wow" Ignacio commented. "What was this Essyrni proverb? 'Be careful what you wish for, lest it comes true'? I did want you to speak up more, but apparently all the words you were holding back wanted it even harder - they just come tumbling out of your lips, and don't seem to stop..."

Alvaro silenced him with a glance. "I've heard about sunblade grass. Can you point it out to me? Is it over there? A little bit to the left? I think I see it. We shouldn't risk it - let's go right."

Disappointed murmurs filled the air, but Tristan was relieved. The other soldiers didn't even try to bother him about warning Alvaro - either they knew better than trying to get him to talk, or they considered a shortcut not worth getting their flesh melted for.

The right path led them towards a rope bridge. Tristan was in the rearguard, so he was the last one in the column. Alvaro and Eladio tested the pathway, before they stepped forwards. After them went Hector, Ignacio, finally Quinto. The medic was about to follow them, when something creaked.

It all happened so fast. Tristan shot forward, but he was too late. The whole bridge collapsed under the soldiers' feet, falling into the chasm. Compared to the blinding speed of what unfolded, the medic felt as if he was slower than a snail. He charged, reaching out to try and catch someone - anyone! - but his hand only caught empty air and he fell.

He stared, horrified, at the floor of the chasm. On the ground lay the twisted bodies of his fellow soldiers - his friends, his comrades. Dead because of him. Dead because he spoke up. It was his words that killed them.