***
The rising sun broke over the eastern mountains. A strong wind blew from the south. The travelers rode on through the hills, into the wind. The day passed as they pushed hard to reach their destination.
The three arrived in the city of Feltin in the late afternoon. The small port city was busy constructing a barricade across the isthmus leading to the peninsular city. The makeshift wall extended across the majority of the expanse already. Large stones, loose boards, and carts, and sacks made up the head height wall.
"What's going on?" Raunst questioned.
"Xero’s forces attacked an outpost north of here last night, a few of the men made their way here. We don’t know what his next move will be." The man responded. One of the other workers reached out for a heavy stone, but the boulder held its place. “We have need of good swords, here. See the Master at Arms, we’ve got a lot to do.”
The man trotted off to assist with moving the boulder. The three travelers crossed the land bridge into town. An elderly woman was sitting on her porch with a small jug in her left hand. Raunst approached her.
"Hello, traveler," the woman's voice was rasping and stale.
"Good day, I am curious if you know the whereabouts of any of the refugees from the attack north of here last night?" Raunst questioned. Psydra and Jake took seat on a fallen log that had been placed as a bench. Taking a moment to rest after their weary ride.
"The wizard is coming to kill us all. The resistance army is crushed.” The lady squawked her response.
“I see. Did you happen to see-” Raunst was interrupted.
“His army is invincible! Monsters made only of wind and fire. The master of darkness commands Gaunich, the world thrasher! "
“Raunst, be careful.” Psydra took a cautious step toward the woman, peering directly at her eyes.
“Thank you." Raunst stepped back.
The old woman cackled. The next words were not in her feeble voice, but Xero’s deep tenor. “I am coming for you boy. Are you with me, or against me?”
The figure became translucent before fading into darkness.
“A specter, another shadow cast to distract us,” Psydra said.
Jake had his bow knocked and ready as the specter faded into nothingness. He waited calmly to ensure it did not return. “Xero has dark magic, you two don’t stand a chance against him.”
"Is Xero powerful enough to do that, to resurrect Gaunich?" Raunst looked to Psydra for an answer.
"I pray not, Xero may be a monster himself, but no one is strong enough to stop Gaunich."
All of them shared the same terrible thoughts about Gaunich. The demon lord that had reshaped the mountains and the seas with his destructive rage. His legendary power was told to be greater than all the other demons of long ago. Gaunich had been the only one powerful enough to rule them all, and it had been his undoing. The demon lords had turned on Guanich intent to destroy him, but the fabels told end in many ways and only a few with the monter's defeat. None of them knew just how deep Xero’s terror could extend, if he could control such a power.
The three travelers continued down road to the docks. There was one ship in port, the Archdragon. The two great masts of the ship stood high and her sails were in. The crew toiled to load the cargo as a throng of passengers waited to board the great ship.
Psydra went directly to the familiar Captain.
"Yes?" Carter didn’t look up from his list.
"Carter. It’s me." Psydra said.
"Psydra? My little girl, come here." He cupped his hands around her head and kissed her on the forehead. The two joined in a tight hug. Carter held her away and looked her over once then shot a quick glance at Raunst and Jake before his eyes locked back on Psydra.
"You can’t possibly be here to fight?" Carter asked.
"We were hoping for a ride to Tirus." Psydra said.
"I'm sorry, I've got to get these people to safety.”
“Carter this is Baltir’s boy, Raunst. I have to get him to Enfirus.”
Carter chuckled. “That old game again, your father still believes in that, does he?”
“As you once did I might add, look at what’s happening Carter, we have to try.” Psydra put her hand on the man's shoulder.
“We have to run darlin’, no one can fight that monster here. We are heading out east to the Blackwoods region. The garrison there is strong.”
“Can you drop us along the way then, at Tirus?”
“There is little room, so you’ll be sharing my cabin. But I’ll do what I can for you. We’ll weigh anchor in another hour." Carter said.
"Thank you," Raunst entered. "I am Raunst Baltir."
“Jake Stokes.” The young man extended a firm hand.
"The Jake Stokes?" Carter couldn’t mask his disbelief.
"The very same," Jake said.
Carter paused. "I thought you were older."
"I'm eighteen, I just look young," Jake said. He withdrew his hand.
"You have a little time, I heard that some of the fighters from the stronghold may have arrived not long ago. Have you met up with them?" Carter looked to Psydra.
"We have not, do you know where they are?"
"See the master at arms, he has been coordinating the city defenses from his home off the town square."
"Thanks Carter, we shall return soon."
Carter nodded. Someone behind called his name, he looked over his shoulder. "I can't hold this boat."
"You won't need to," Raunst said.
Raunst, Jake and Psydra hurried off to the town square. When they arrived, it was clear the master at arms was in high demand. People scurried in and out of the small house where he resided. They approached to make their way in, when out of the house appeared Maldrake Durees. The scruffy man paused seeing Psydra.
"Maldrake!" Psydra rushed in and wrapped her arms around him.
"My girl, surely you aren't here to defend this town? You must hurry to Enfirus."
"We intend to. Carter has a ship near ready to leave and we shall be on it. What news have you of my father?"
Maldrake's head moved slowly side to side. "I cannot speak on it, he sent me out to the Eastern outpost to rally the men there. From there he urged me to take them South, in hopes we would catch you at Enfirus. I arrived here to find them in dire need."
Psydra hid her fears behind a warm smile. "You should come with us."
"No , my girl, I have several men with me, and I doubt there is room for us all. Besides there is need here, we will shore up the defenses and do what we can to slow Xero's advance."
"That is certain death, you cannot face him here."
"My plan is to lead him out from the city, hopefully giving him a better target than the people here that cannot escape in time. If all goes to plan it should keep these people safe and keep him off of your trail."
"It's a bold gesture, but are you sure?"
"I am. You should get to your ship, and get this boy to Enfirus."
"Very well." Psydra could see the rigidity in Maldrake's eyes. "If you do make it from here, Carter is taking the people to the Blackwoods region, presumably fortress at Sevastion. If you can make your way there, perhaps we will meet up with you after Enfirus."
"Indeed, I will be lucky to see you there." Maldrake looked over Raunst and Jake. "You should see if Charles will join you."
Psydra gasped. "He cant still be here."
"I stopped by already, he had no interest in helping me, but maybe you will have a better time with him."
Psydra faced off with Raunst. "I should go see him alone, I will meet you and Jake at the ship."
Raunst gave a curious look. "See who?"
"An old friend who may be able to help us. I'll be back in time," Psydra motioned Jake and Raunst to stay. "You may do as you wish, but remember we leave soon," Psydra said trotting off into town.
Raunst and Jake looked to each other, then at Maldrake.
"I guess we shall hope to meet again," Raunst gave a curt nod of his head.
"Gods willing." Maldrake spun around on his left foot and was off.
Jake tapped Raunst on the shoulder with his bow. "Think there's time for a quick drink before we sail?"