The One Who Unites Ch. 02-04

*Author Note:

Hey everyone, after some thought i've decided to delete the original chapter 2 for this story. I felt that it was cumbersome and didn't advance the plot in the direction the story was meant to go. 7k words on a single scene while still stuck in the same place from Chapter 1? Dom goddesses? Magic penises? What was I thinking? In all seriousness, I was trying to do far too many plot points at once and realized it was better to space out these ideas to later parts of the story, including Ivenes' character. This is the first story i've created and there may bumps along the way as I experiment with new ideas. Thank you to everyone who continues to read and I hope you enjoy this new chapter. More will be coming soon.*

**Chapter 2**

The winds were strong in the morning, urging west in the direction of the Great Forest. Simon stood in front of the village entrance while a heavyset man turned the gate winch with great effort. The doors slowly opened, beckoning him back to adventure.

A group of villagers had come to see the two off. Aylin was familiar with them and exchanged goodbyes, however curt. It seemed she had made some friends in the time she lived here, especially the Elder who appeared solemn at her departure.

The old woman gave her a silver necklace with a green gem at the center. "It was my daughters when she was still alive. You reminded me of her in many ways."

"I will keep it safe." Aylin promised. Her eyes carried the deep sense of care she treated this gift with.

"Be careful on the road." The elder warned. "It is said that strange things are seen in that forest. Even an Enchanter should take caution. I would like to see you both return someday."

Simon nodded politely. Strange things to common folk could mean anything from high class monsters to harmless shadows and tricks in the light.

The two took their first steps out, and soon the village became small in the distance.

He remembered the Elders warning of the forest along with what Aylin had told him, '*there is a darkness sweeping through the area.*' And asked what she meant.

"There have been rumors of dangerous monsters from travelers." Aylin explained as they walked. "And though the others cannot feel it, the wind carries an energy emanating from there, the stench of death."

"A grim omen." Simon nodded. "All the more reason to stay on guard."

He pointed to the pouch looped around his belt. "I've come prepared. We have plenty of supplies here; though, it will help to forage along the way."

"Everything you have to travel is inside there?" Aylin looked at the small pouch as if she didn't believe him.

"It's a bottomless bag," Simon put his arm inside up to the elbow. "A mages best friend on the road."

"Bottomless? So you can store anything? Even a house?"

"There are limitations," he laughed.

"But things like camping supplies, yes. Its major downside is that food does not react well to it and spoils quickly over time which is why we still need to hunt along the way."

"That is something I can do effectively." Aylin showed her bow. Getting a closer look, he realized that it was handcrafted; the detail was impressive and etched with what looked to be Elven symbols.

"You continue to surprise me." He said. "What do these letters mean?"

"May the wind guide you." Her eyes tracked the etching, as if reminding herself of its meaning. "The Gods of the forest speak to me through it at times, carrying messages in gentle whispers that only touch my ears. This was one of them."

"I've heard that Elves worship a different set of Gods." He noted. "I would like to learn more about them someday."

"I would as well." She said, wistfulness in her voice. Her past was still a sore subject. He forgets that a lot of her knowledge is intuitive and new to her as well.

"How do you plan to find your tribe?" Simon asked. They would have the answers Aylin needed, but she hadn't shared any plans on meeting them as of yet.

"We will find them, or they will find us." Aylin said. "I am certain of it."

"How certain is that?" Simon questioned. He agreed to help her, but he did not want to stay in this forest for longer than needed. There were still people relying on his arrival in the capital.

"Continue as you would to your destination." Aylin said. "If we should meet the Elves it will happen naturally on our path."

"Is that what the wind has said?" He said, only half-jokingly.

"Yes." Certainty in her voice.

Simon had no issue with that plan. They finally reached the point where the Forest began in earnest. From his maps, there were a few different roads that ran through the area. Each path would see them through in about two weeks time if they made steady progress daily.

Their pace was further improved as Aylin effortlessly guided them forward to the point that he began to trust her judgement more than the map. She walked through this place as easily as one walked through their home.

"You were not lying about your understanding of the forest." Simon said. They had found a small stream not far off the main road and refilled their water. The Elven woman somehow knew where it was intuitively. "This almost makes things too easy."

The roads he travelled before reaching Aylins village was full of challenges and troubles. Now he found it was easier to relax his mind and enjoy the sights and surroundings of the forest. This place felt like its own world, with tall trees that rose up to the sky, their leaves blanketing them in its shaded canopy.

Up in the branches there were a few different species of monsters native to the Great Forest. He recognized them from the bestiaries of Haldstrom he studied; Shark Bills with their spiked teeth that stuck out of the cone shaped beaks, and Grey Singers that hummed soft notes that sounded like a choir when they harmonized. They were all harmless, class D monsters. That did not mean that there were not other dangers lurking out of view however.

His ears adjusted to the calming tune of the Singers, their intoxicating melody caused him to almost let his guard down.

"I am glad I could be of help." Aylin gave a faint smile before quickly snapping her attention to the side. "Wait."

She held up a hand as her eyes scanned ahead a thick lining of brush. Between the sound of the running stream was a slight rustling of leaves. Simon instinctively placed a hand on the hilt of his sword.

In the span of a second, three green figures jumped forward at incredible height. Judging by their stick like bodies and sharply serrated arms, he recognized them to be a team of Assassin Mantis, class C monsters that bordered to the next tier. They were equal in size to a human and often pounced on unsuspecting travelers with their incredible jump.

"So much for having a moment of peace." He cursed.

"Watch out." Aylin moved back and let loose an arrow that landed squarely in one's eye. Its death did nothing to slow the advance of the other two.

Simon drew his sword and dodged to the side, slicing the arm of one clean off before pivoting to cut the monsters neck. Green juices flew as his blade cleaved through with ease.

Instinctively he looked for Aylin. He had been out of the habit of fighting with others and had taken his focus off her.

The final Mantis stood in front of the Elf as she had her bow drawn. The monster did not approach, instead staring at her with its neck tilting forward as if attempting to get a better look at her. Aylin fired another fatal shot.

Its head jolted back as the arrow landed square in its left eye, but the Mantis did not fall.

This monster looked different than the others. half of its face was covered in a black sludge that dripped down the side of its mouth. The substance gnawed away at its flesh leading to an unnatural twitching as its body fought the infection.

"There's something wrong with this one." Aylin said. "It looks to be in terrible pain."

It couldn't be. Simon recognized this affliction from his home country of Tarin. He had not expected it to be here in Haldstrom.

"Stay back." Simon warned and stepped towards the monster. "It is being taken over by something. I must kill it now or it will evolve."

He rushed ahead, drawing a spell that sent electricity to his feet.

-*Electric Step:* A spell that picks up charge as the user moves, each step increasing the electrical energy flowing through the user while building up speed.

It was effective for charging up a killing blow, allowing him to use the forward momentum make a decisive strike that could catch most opponents unaware. More importantly, he needed its quickness to keep Aylin from being attacked. If that substance transferred to her the results would be fatal.

He ran forward as his surroundings became a blur, and in a fluid stroke, cut a line through the monster. The built up speed set him running a few feet past the Mantis as he skidded to a stop.

He turned to see the monster collapsed, black goo puddling around the corpse as it desperately looked for another living thing to attach to.

Simon turned, coursing mana to his hands and drew the symbol for a purification spell. "Rest now, and do not return to this plane."

The sludge shrieked away and dissolved as the symbol emitted a blue light.

Without wasting a moment he ran to Aylin, gripping her shoulders while searching for any residue that had clung to her. "Did any of it touch you? We have to move quickly if it did."

Had he been too careless? If it caught on to her so soon he would not be able to forgive himself. Mistakes cost people their lives in battle and Simon had already made too many for one lifetime."

"I am alright." Aylin steadied him, cupping his cheek. She kept far more calm than him. "It is ok. No one is hurt."

She must have sensed his fear. Embarrassed, he released his grip and stepped back. "I apologize."

"Do not be sorry for showing worry." She said. "What was that?"

"That was no ordinary illness." He said. "Corruption, it is a forbidden magic from long ago that has resurfaced. It had been spotted in my home country. The fact it has reached Haldstrom changes the scope of this journey greatly."

"This must be the darkness I've felt in this forest." Aylin looked at the fallen mantis with sympathy in her eyes. "What a terrible fate."

"It is a parasite that takes over living beings. They harvest off their victims energy and become host for Demon spawn."

"Then this Mantis was doomed to become a demon?" She knelt beside the fallen monster. there were rips and openings were the corruption had been growing, it was eating the Mantis alive.

"It had no chance of survival at this stage of infection. The only way to save it was death."

It was a cruel truth. Corruption, after a short incubation period, could grow rapidly with horrifying effects. His magic could only stop its early stages and even then it was not guaranteed to work. It was considered a priority for many mages and priest to search for a more permanent cure, though nothing had been discovered. The only consolation they had was that it had been contained to a few countries. It seemed now that it had spread even further.

"Corruption does not just appear." Simon surveyed their surroundings as if another threat was watching them.

"How is it created?" Aylin asked.

"A mage practicing forbidden magic could bring it into the world." He said. "A summoner of some skill would be able to prepare the spell."

"Someone did this on purpose?" She growled.

"Magic is a gift given by the Gods." Simon said. "Make a pact with one and you can create spells. Not all Gods are made equal, and some have goals that are dangerous to humanity. Whoever spread this corruption here must have made a terrible deal with one to wield such powers."

"Whoever would do such a thing must be stopped." Said Aylin. "If this is left to spread, there will be no home for me to return to."

Or worse, it could have already destroyed it. Simon had seen communities collapse from this corruption overnight. Who knows how much worse it got deeper in the forest? He did not want to spread this worry to Aylin. It was likely the thought already had crossed her mind.

Something caught his eye. Up above, the birds had all fled, save for one; a raven met his eyes. It gave a loud cry before flying off into the sky.

"It seems we have already caught their attention." Simon said.

"The same bird that was tracking you before..." The realization hit Aylin. "The summoner is in this Forest with us."

**Chapter 3**

Eliander slipped back to the Elven village of Orisan as the sun was setting. No one had seen him return, nor would they question his arrival. Most would assume he had gone on another impromptu patrol of the Great forest, an assertion that was not entirely incorrect.

He remembered the meeting with his associate. *'It seems that it is your head on the chopping block.*' Their empty threats did not worry him, but the thought of someone interrupting his work caused hims to tense.

*Simon Greydance.* The name lingered Elianders mind. He had known there would be challengers when he took his forbidden oath to the dark lord, but he had not expected opposition so soon, and aided by an Elf no less.

The two were now in the forest, and had dispatched of his first attack easily. Eliander hadn't expected to succeed. It was merely an opening move, a sign to the Enchanter that their game had begun.

"I can send more than just a half infected Mantis." He swore to himself. "Just you wait."

"Commander Eliander." A voice dragged him from his thoughts. He turned to see a team of Elves approaching, bows slung to their shoulders. At their head was Tenin, his second in command. "We were surprised to see you out. If you had told us you were going for a hunt, we would have joined gladly."

Though they wore smiles on their faces, their bodies bore wounds from recent battles. Orisan warriors were expected to live for battle and showed no fear even when in pain.

"I did not want to endanger you." Eliander relaxed. They did not seem to question him at all. "I've been tasked with investigating the Demon sightings our tribe has reported and I ventured further than our cities barriers."

The Orisan tribe was surrounded in a magic barrier that kept it hidden from outsiders, and protected from the monsters that lurked the forest. Most Elves were forbidden to travel beyond its bounds unless there was a strict purpose. The Queen was adamant about keeping her people safe.

"You underestimate us, sir. We can keep up and help you too." Tenin spoke with wavering confidence at the idea he may be challenging his superior and adjusted accordingly. "With all due respect... of course."

"None taken," Said Eliander. "But I do believe you are all set on guard duty tonight. It is difficult task to do when you are distracted talking me."

They looked between each other. "Ah, sorry. We saw you coming in and wanted to give our commander a greeting."

"There is the risk of attack. It has not been more than a week since the last demon raid. You should be wary of letting down your guard. I do not want my men to die needlessly when it can be avoided."

"We understand." Tenin turned and ordered the rest of the group. "You heard the commander, lets do him proud."

The team of Elves grunted in approval and jumped high into the branches of the sage trees above. Tenin stayed behind, hesitating a moment. He clearly had something he wished to say.

"Is their something on your mind, Longleaf?" Asked Eliander, using the soldiers last name.

"Its just that you mentioned hunting for Demons." He said. "You have not ordered it, but I investigated and noticed strange symbols not far from some of the sights of the attacks. I wonder if they could be summoning sigils. You are a powerful summoner yourself and i wanted to bring it up with you for your advice."

"Have you mentioned this with anyone else?" Eliander turned grave.

"No sir." The fear on the Elves face was eminent. It was worry that he had spoken out of turn, a habit that Tenin was known for.

"Good." Eliander nodded before giving s reassuring hand to his shoulder. "I have already noticed the phenomenon and have informed the Queen. We are investigating, but keeping it a secret."

"Does this mean that it could be someone from the village?"

"We do not know for sure." Eliander did not like how quickly he thought. This one could cause problems if left unattended. "But it is not out of the realm of possibility which is why we are keeping it under wraps. I am personally investigating the issue."

"I see." He looked away, deep in thought before snapping back up with a smile. "Well do not worry. I wont say a word of it without your permission."

"That would be wise." Eliander nodded. "You were correct to inform me, but stop investigating for now. If any more should come to light i will personally let you know."

"I can always trust you, sir; we all do." He saluted and made his exit.

"So many troublesome pests." Eliander swore to himself. "Soon there will be a day i can rid myself of all of them."

In the future he would need to make a better attempt to clear the scenes of his summons. It was one thing to be dealing with an Enchanter, it was another to have an upstart like Tenin on his trail.

Pain pulsed to Elianders temple, almost doubling him over. *More blood.* a deep, booming voice spoke.

These Demon attacks were not without reason. The Dark Lord demanded the blood of innocents, but he did so with little reason for keeping Elianders cover. It was becoming difficult to balance his role in the village and that of Servant to his God.

"In due time." He said. "Give me a few days more to prepare and it shall be done."

*Do not stray. I see all.*

The pain subsided and he breathed deeply. The strength of these attacks had increased with time, but it would not be necessary much longer. Soon he would fulfill his end of the contract and the pact with his God would be complete.

"Then i will not only rule over this tiny village of Elves, but the entirety of Haldstrom. For that, i will make any sacrifice."

**Chapter 4**

The rest of the days travel went without much event. The roads were sparse of people and the forest had an eerie quiet once they reached its inner depths.

Simon and Aylin stayed alert. Keeping a close watch above, no more tracker birds had appeared. It seemed that the mage watching them had made their point after the battle with the corrupted monsters. Simon was left to wonder if he was still following them with some other, unknown method.

It surprised him the first time when Aylin yanked his hand and dragged him to cover under a massive Sage tree, narrowly avoiding a torrential pouring of rainfall that dissipated after a minute.

"You're stronger than you look." Said Simon.

"And you are lighter." Aylin replied dryly.

The downpour would not have killed him, but the speed which the rain fell would have soaked him in an instant, even with his weather resistant cloak. Besides, the temperature was dropping quickly as the sun began to lower. He'd prefer to stay as dry as possible.

"At least it seemed to pass quickly."

"It's a minor storm. Weather changes can happen in an instant here." Aylin scanned the sky above. "The rain will fall like this at random for some time. If you pay attention you can smell it in the air before it lands."

He followed her advice. It took a bit of practice, but after a while he was on level with Aylin in sensing the downpour and was getting to cover without prompting.

There was another benefit to Aylin's aid through the forest, she was an incredible hunter. At one point she picked off a few squirrels and a family of rabbits with her bow. She was eager as always and Simon had to tell her to stop hunting more or they would waste food.

Aylin was visibly disappointed, slumping her shoulders and becoming even more quiet than usual. He noticed that she took pride in proving her skill and usefulness.

"You did a great job." He assured. "With your help we can eat comfortably. That's something that shouldn't be taken for granted."

"It's nothing." She blushed, clearly taking joy in the compliment. "I'm only doing what I can to help."

Simon looked up to the setting sun and realized it was time to set camp. "We've made good progress today. We should find shelter somewhere with cover."

He pointed to a cave up a mountain ridge that looked to have adequate space for the two. It had the added benefit of cover from rain fall as well.

Aylin seemed to contemplate the plan. "That looks adequate. Better to move quickly, it will become freezing once it becomes night."

"If we get a fire going I can cook us a meal too." He smiled. This was a chance to show some of his own skills.

They moved with haste, arriving in the cave just in time to avoid the worsening weather. The downpour of rain lost some of its intensity, but now fell consistently.

With some hastily gathered wood they picked along the way, Simon was able to get a flame going with a spark of electricity onto the kindling. Its heat did well to insulate the cave to a comfortable temperature, at least more comfortable than the frigid cold outside.

He looked outside from the entrance. From the spot he could saw a little in the distance between the trees. Not too far from where they had been on the road, smoke rose. "It seems there are others traveling our path too."

Aylin moved beside him. "Could they be following us?"

"I doubt it." Simon said. "They would be pretty foolish to give away their position if they were. No, it's likely a band of mercenaries or traders."

Haldstrom was in a shortage of many supplies and goods due to its difficult land and lack of safe roadways from unrest. The scarcity promised high prices in its markets for those that dared the journey, adequately prepared or not for the trip.

"We should stay alert anyway." Aylin pushed the point.

"If you are worried about someone sneaking up on us I've prepared for that." He pointed to a set of wards he had set up at either side of the entrance. There were sigils drawn into the rock, connected in a thin, near invisible, line of mana that would send a good shock to anyone that stepped through it.

"It really feels like you have a spell for everything." Aylin said after he explained the ward to her.

"Magic can be bent for all sorts of purposes." Simon said with pride. "It is why I strive to learn more about it everyday."

"I see..." Aylin seemed to want to say something but stopped herself.

"What is it?" He asked.

"I just know very little of my own magic." She tensed her palm as a gust of wind passed. "Controlling it beyond its use for my bow has been a challenge. I am somewhat envious of your skill. My arrows weren't enough to put the corrupted mantis to rest."

She was more troubled more troubled by that event than he had expected. It was a fact that conventional weapons were not as effective against corrupted monsters. If there was a situation he was unable to help Aylin, then it could very well cost her life.

"I could teach you if you like." Simon said. "I am no master, but there are some trainings that I can show you."

He reached into his bag and pulled out a squishy, gel ball. Its color was clear at the start, but as Simon sent mana from his hand it began to expand and change color from red, yellow, to green.

"It's for balancing mana necessary to mold spells. For those that bend elemental magic, it teaches an important principle of control. Send to little and it won't inflate, but send to much and..." He sent a surge of energy and the ball ballooned, turning red before popping and inflating down to its original state.

"Pop." Aylin finished his sentence. she eagerly took the ball and began practicing. Almost immediately the ball popped again.

"You must have a high pool of mana to expand it so quickly." Simon judged. "With proper control you can be an incredible elemental caster."

"Do you truly think so?" Aylin had a new eagerness in her voice.

"I do." Simon nodded. "I'll let you keep practicing while I set our meal. Its only fair after you caught our dinner."

"Thank you, I will make sure to practice thoroughly."

Aylin always carried an intense efficiency to everything she faced. Once she had began a task, she hardly said a word, fully engulfed into her work. The ball kept her engaged as she played with balancing her mana.

He smiled watching her. Aylin was at her most beautiful in these moments of quiet intensity.

Simon snapped back to it, he still had his own work to do. After setting a pot over the fire he pulled a few rations the Elder had offered him before leaving. Apparently the village was in a slight surplus without having to pay the bandits, and gave Simon their extra. With the addition of some onions and a few herbs to the rabbit they caught, he soon had a stew cooking.

The sound of rain falling mixed with the fire crackling created a relaxing effect that set his mind at ease. Some of his favorite moments of travel were these quiet stops at the end of the day. It helped that he had some company too, even the presence of someone nearby did something to settle him into relaxation.

The aroma of the food filled the cave and even Aylin could not help from looking longingly at the pot cooking, waiting for it to ready.

He had rarely cooked for others, there wasn't much opportunity, but something about seeing her excited made him extra focused on making sure the meal came out well.

At the first taste, her eyes widened in shock. "It's amazing." She said before taking another spoonful in her mouth. "Really, I didn't know that you'd be skilled in cooking."

Simon silently cheered to himself, happy in his success. "I'm glad you enjoyed it." He said coolly. "I've picked up a few recipes on my travels. One of the benefits of moving from place to place is the new things you learn."

"So you always travel?" She asked. "Even when you are not in a mission?"

"I don't even have a home." Simon laughed softly. "There is always a new mission, a new place I need to be."

"And where will you go after you finish your job here?" She asked. "Off to another adventure?"

"I wouldn't romanticize it so much." Simon felt that many idealized his life, forgetting the rough times of foraging and the constant threats to his life. "For people to live in peace there has to be others protecting it. An Enchanter must always be moving."

"People say the Elven tribes are nomadic."

Aylin said. The soft patter of rain mixed filled the gaps in their conversation. "They move together as a single unit to different places in the forest. They bring their home with them wherever they go."

Simon thought about the idea of traveling with a group. It would be cumbersome, but you also had others to lighten the work. Aylin was already a great help with her navigation and hunting. Having even more people would bring their skills as well.

"There might be something to that." He nodded, but not entirely convinced. "Though my circumstances are different than theirs."

His mind traveled to earlier, when he thought Aylin had been touched by the corruption. Traveling with other's clouded his mind in fights and filled his mind with anxieties. He could only trust himself to stay alive.

"I see." Aylin said. It seemed his answer was not entirely sufficient to her.

Their attention turned to a sound that came from out in the distance. It was familiar to Simon, the ringing of metal clashing and the yelling of commands.

Aylin perked up and moved to see what was happening. "It sounds like fighting."

It was coming from the direction of the fire."That group of travelers is being ambushed." Simon said, his voice grave. Could it be the corruption again?

"What should we do?" Aylin grabbed her bow, preemptively ready to help.

Simon pulled up the cowl of his cloak and attached his scabbard to his belt. "I will go investigate. You should stay here and ensure our camp stays safe."

"Do you really mean to go out there alone?" She looked frustrated at the thought of being underestimated. "I am not helpless you know."

He was conflicted. On one hand he trusted Aylins skill in battle, but in the other he knew little of what to expect. He couldn't protect her and focus on a fight at the same time, especially if they were more advanced corruptions. He didn't want to say it, but her arrows would be little help.

"Stealth is my strong suit." Simon reasoned. His black cloak and training in quiet movement made him particularly effective at night. "If there is any danger I can escape and seek your aid. Besides, one of us needs to keep an eye on our camp."

That seemed to be enough to dissuade her from following, though she did not seem happy about it. "Fine, if it is your wish for me to stay I will follow it. If you are not back by the end of the hour I will go searching for you."

"I will be back before then." Simon promised. "Count on it."

***

Finding the source of the fighting was not difficult. The sounds of combat had died down, but there were still a team of gruff voices that talked loudly enough to find their location.

Simon dashed between trees. His steps were carefully planned, picking the spots of the ground that made the least sound as he closed in. Rain also helped in concealing any noise and vision.

There was a group of what looked to be armed bandits gathered around a campfire under the shade of a Sage tree. It seemed that they had already raided the camp, killing the people that were there. Bodies littered the ground, mostly peasants still holding onto their makeshift spears and woodcutting axes. There were a few possible mercenaries slain, but there numbers and equipment were hardly sufficient for a skilled company.

"Another easy job." The bandit who looked to be in charge laughed. "These idiots made their camp out in the open with no protection."

"It was good work boss." One of the lackeys giggled. He was big and had a husky voice that always sounded like he was making a joke. "Since T'kav croaked we own this place now."

"I told you to shut up with that name." The leader snapped. "They say he got killed by an Enchanter. I don't want to bring upon his bad luck. Get to looting and keep an eye out."

His paranoia was justified. Simon was ready to make good on their fears before something caught his eye.

There was a survivor. It looked to be a woman, she was tied by her hands and feet.

"What do you want to do about the girl, boss?" The large bandit stood over her. "Bet you kept her alive for a reason."

"She's going to fetch us a high price." The leader laughed, already forgetting about his worries of an Simon finding them. "They pay good money for her kind in Haldstrom."

"How's about I try her out a bit first" The big one laughed. "I've always had a taste for the finer things in life."

"Oh no you don't." The leader approached within inches of the bandit, towering over him in a show of intimidation. "She's mine, so keep your tubby hands off. We picked you up as a charity case but I've already started to get tired of you in my team."

The underling nearly tumbled backwards in fear. The other bandits laughed, taking a break from their looting as they watched the scene unfold.

At the moment they were all dispersed and focused at different spots of camp. Simon counted five in total.

While they were distracted watching the confrontation, Simon pulled his first target, one of the bandits that strayed a little too far from the fires light. He pulled them into the darkness, gripping the man in a headlock and sending a strong surge of electricity through his arms.

The next target was hunched over a body, looting through their pockets. The victim looked different to Simon, with ash grey skin and scales. Their killer was brought to a swift end with a stroke of his knife at their throat.

The next bandit must have heard the noise. He turned and caught a thrown knife in his heart.

"You need to know your place." The leader continued his rant. The final two outlaws were still fighting over the prisoner, unaware of the untimely ends of their peers.

The fat one pointed a shaky finger towards the bandit leader. "T-there's something-"

"Something behind me?" He looked down upon the man. "Like that stupid tricks is going to work on me-" The leader laughed before turning to find a fist planted squarely on their nose.

Simon held him by the collar and gave a few more electric filled punches for good measure. He tossed the incapacitated man to the side as the final bandit tried to scurry to his feet.

Simon pointed a blade at his heart. "Hello, nice to meet you."

"Y-you're the enchanter."

"Quick thinker we have here. Might I ask what happened to the good people of this camp? No lying either, I can tell if you are with my magic."

That last part wasn't true, but he often played on the mysticism commoners put on magic. They'd believe most anything an Enchanter said.

"We ambushed them," The bandit trembled something fierce as the blades point prodded him to speak. "Killed them for loot. They were those reptilian types, I can't remember their name."

"Kivari." Simon said. He looked to the girl. She stared at him with a blank expression. The slitted pupils of her yellow eyes seemed to study him.

They were a race with known abilities to naturally camouflage and stretch their appendages at will. The Kivari had no home land and were seen in many countries. Often times they were distrusted for their snake-like features that were said to lend them towards trickery and illegal activities.

"So that was her family and friends you killed." Simon said. "All for what? Some camp supplies?"

"We needed it to survive." He cried. The bandits eyes were a deep blue and looked as if they were just about to pop from their sockets. "They looked to be hauling goods, likely stolen contraband anyway. Moneys been tight since the war, all of us served in some way or another."

"Fascinating." Simon said, ignoring the poor argument. He cut the rope from the girls arms and legs in swift strikes.

The Kivari rose slowly, still staring at him without a word. Her silver hair was a matted mess and her clothes were covered in dirt, but she looked otherwise uninjured.

"I'm going to let her decide what happens to you." He placed the sword into kivari woman's hands. "It's only fair."

She studied the weapon closely before approached the bandit. She looked to Simon once more for confirmation. He gave an approving nod.

"Please don't." The bandit raised both hands.

"No complaining." Simon snapped. "You did not listen to any of their cries for mercy."

The Kivari woman stood over the shrieking bandit as if still making up her mind. She wrapped both hands around the sword hilt and raised them above her head, blade pointed downwards to kill. She plunged down in a powerful thrust as blood spattered on to the weapon.

The strike cut the man's cheek but otherwise spared his life. The bandit felt at his face as if amazed at his own survival before giving a crooked smile that faded as quickly as it formed.

"Clothes off." Her voice was a deadly whisper that carried an emphasis on her *S* sounds.

"R-right away." The man obliged, clumsily rising to his feet dressing down until he was bare in the cold night air. He looked to Simon, pleading in his eyes. "You can't really be doing this right? I'll die without clothes and food in this weather. Aren't enchanters those that uphold good?"

"We are." Simon did not flinch. "I see this as fitting punishment, so I'll allow it."

"Go." The Kivari woman hissed.

The man looked out at the heavy rain from outside the trees cover. "Please, I'll have nothing."

"Now." She ordered again. For a moment the long canines of her teeth showed. They were easily sharp enough to cut flesh. It was said Kivari could feast on the blood of their opponents.

The man shrieked back, running off into the rain.

"Well done." Simon watched the man retreat. He turned to the Kivari, finding she was no longer there. His sword was left stuck upright into the earth where she had stood. The woman had disappeared but at least she left his weapon.

"Where did you go?" He called out. "I have a camp not far from here if you need protection."

The night air returned no answer.

Finding her would have been near impossible with her camouflage, but why had she run? He had meant no harm. In fact, he wanted to help if he could.

Still, it was a victory to at least saved someone's life. What she did with it now was up to her.

He looked around the camp. There were no other survivors, but he did find a wagon turned over with a few open trunks that had been in the process of being looted.

"What were these people carrying?" Simon spoke to himself as he looked through the piled loot on the ground. It was mostly ordinary junk save for one item that glowed brightly. To lay people, it was hard to tell magic artifacts, but Simon could easily discern them.

It was a bracelet, seemingly made of gold that weighed heavily in his hand. He thought for a moment to put it on and see its effects but hesitated. For all he knew the item could be cursed. Better to have it identified once he reached Haldstrom and decide from there. It was safer in his hands than left to a random traveler chancing upon it. Besides, he was curious at its properties.

"I'm taking this with me." He said aloud while placing it in his inner cloak pocket. "Speak now if you want it."

Again, no response. It seemed the Kivari woman was gone or didn't care enough for the artiact to make herself known.

Simon made his way back to the cave, ready to rest for the night and recount what had happened to Aylin.

While walking from the camp, he swore he heard that faint, slithering voice once more.

"Thank you." It seemed to whisper.