A cock crowed in the morning. A  sharp, piercing greeting to the sun's first rays that curved along the oceans far to the East, and lit up the coastline from Okarop to far off Allinor, and beyond. Those same pinkish purple rays crept Westwards, bringing the dawn to the prairie lands and the Elven Forest without prejudice. They swept across the face of the world like a giant broom. Eventually letting that rooster in Issalee Adodynes coop know that it was time for everyone to wake up.

It had been a busy night for the folk in and around Lanburg. Young men were sent to the outlying farms, warning all the farmers that trouble was brewing. Nearly everyone had spent the wee hours at work, making ready for anything. Everyone was packed, in case they had to run. Shutters, freshly painted in their rust reds and deep greens, were shut and nailed, in case they could not run.

The sky seemed lower than usual, and  mist had formed just before dawn. One by one, the youths came out to the well, where they had agreed to meet. Their goodbyes mostly said, The prospect of what they had volunteered for actually sinking in with finality.

Harrod made his way to the well first. A look of determination on his face. Rector Schenwar was with him, a strange look on his face. The young man looked back at Rector Schenwar and stopped. He turned back to face the priest, the man who had saved him and raised him.

"Master," he began. "Do not question the decision we have all made. It truly is the best option for all. You have always taught me that the Creator blessed us so that we may help those who are in need. Our actions this day may very well help Lanburg. If we do not do this, can you think of any other that would be more in need?"

Harrod stepped closer. "You have been more than a teacher to me. You have been a father. Trust in your guidance and the Creator. We shall be fine. Father." He then hugged the Rector Schenwar and held him tightly for a moment before releasing him.

The Rector held the young man tightly, but spoke through the embrace. "None can know what the future holds. I can't help but think it isn't time yet for you to face it alone."

Marissa and Garrick, long since roused by her father,  had already made the walk into town from her family's farm. Garrick waved at Harrod, and the Rector, and not wanting to holler at this time of the morning, he waited until they were in conversational distance before he spoke. "Mornin Harrod. Rector. Are we ready? Ya got that book?"

Ryke appeared the dark colors of his tunic and cape silhouetting him in the light grey mist. He seemed subdued on the outside, but within he was a roiling mass of emotion. He'd spent the night with his parents, his father and Nabis alternately speaking of previous encounter with Orck-kind and other dangers. At some point they'd fallen silent as they readied Ryke's gear, sharpening blades, oiling leather and the like. There was a feeling of being almost-equal, of men sitting and readying for the adventures ahead rather than a father saying his goodbyes to his son. His mother had retired early, and had not been awake when Ryke left the house. There was, however, a small pouch of sugared apples--Ryke's favorite--and some bread and cheese. He'd blamed the watering of his eyes on the early morning yawning, and his father hadn't said anything against it. When he finally left his house it was with a steady walk, head held high. He'd wanted adventure. Now he'd found it.

He joined the others present with a nod and they noted that he'd managed to acquire new equipment. He wore a leather cuirass, virtually undamaged from the group's fight with the kobolds. It was a snug fit, to be sure, but Ryke seemed comfortable enough. A small woodsman's axe had joined the knife on his belt, and he now carried a spear as long as he was tall. He looked much more the warrior than before, and truth be known, felt it, as well.

Ash showed up last. The Warden was with her, obviously having neither slept a wink, looking travel weary.
Liser Polarch appeared from out of the mists, from the direction of the Plowman's Rest Inn. Her arms were filled with a bundle, and her eyes looked at each of the young folks one at a time, though she left Ash for last, and her eyes lingered on the girl. She stopped within arms reach of her, and the warden, and offered the bundle. "I'm sure the warden has you all packed for a huntin' trip." She began, hurrying through her words, so the emotion couldn't catch up to her. "But here's some things I think you might need."

Ash made busy with scuffing her feet on the dusty road while Liser spoke, nodding her head in a very dutiful and very un-Ash like manner. "Thank ya Liser." After Liser choked up, and hugged the girl, she scurried off into the mists, leaving Ash to peek inside the thick burlap bundle. Finding a hairbrush, a small polished silver mirror and a file for her nails, it was obvious Liser had thought of other needs besides survival.

It was Jordan who spoke next. "Stay Moving." He said, to all of the youths. His eyes seemed like he had a thousand things to say, but his mouth would only speak one idea at a time. "Orck-kind aren't over smart, but they are cunning, and vicious. The Kobolds you met on the ridge are counted the least among them." He stopped to breathe, but continued quickly.

"They hate the sunlight, but see at night like its broad day. Attack and run in the daytime, and double your guards at night... " His voice trailed off, there was too much more to say, and the eastern sky was already beginning to brighten slowly.

"Good luck," was all he could manage by the time he had wrapped his mighty arms around his son, and held him tight. In a whisper just for Garrick, he added "I love you boy. You stay alive."

"Thank ya, Sir. That's some good information ta have."  Ash replied, looking him square in the eye.  Jordan, like most the people in Lanburg, were among those she was eager to get away from.  Her next words were as much truth as they were a rub.  "...and dontcha worry none, I'll be watchin' Garrick's back."

Harrod began the work of checking the supplies they had and the process of planning their provisions per day. He didn't mind this task as it allowed his mind to work while his spirit sought the voice within. The last time they had left, it had been as if they were children playing at camp. This time there could be no mistaking the seriousness of their flight. He looked around at those who would be his mates upon this dangerous journey and sought out the changes, the growth, they had all been through as recently as last night.

Marissa helped Harrod with assessing their supplies, adding the things from the pantry her father sent along.  From what she knew it would be mostly her and possibly Harrod doing the cooking. Ryke might be good for it, but they'd find out those details along the way.  "Dad gave me some money, too," she said quietly to the young priest.  "He said since we didn't know where we'd end up, it might come in handy."

Harrod brightened as Marissa helped him with the sorting and planning of the meals and who might or might not cook.

"I don't know about you," he whispered to Marissa so that only she could hear. "But the thought of eating anything Ash might prepare makes me think running into the orckind might be a pleasanter end." He then cast one of his uncharacteristic winks at her before giving her a playful nudge.

The young woman chuckled and nodded.  "I hear you. From what Garrick's said, the girl could burn water.  But, no matter.  I know she'll help in other ways and that's just fine.  We can split up the cookin' easily enough."

"What's this about Garrick?" The blacksmith's son asked, walking up with a pack of supplies his father had put together for him the night before.

"Nothing that'll stroke your ego," Marissa answered with a small grin.  "Just comparing notes on what you told me about Ash's cookin', mostly.  We got it worked out, I think."

Garrick groaned. "I think the kobalds can probably cook better."

"Aye," Harrod nodded ad he replied. "I think that we can keep ourselves from dying of food sickness as long as we keep Ash away from the larder and the cooking."

At the edge of the crowd the other youths could see Ash and the Warden as they exchanged an uncomfortable goodbye. Neither of them seemed to know what to say as they busied themselves giving her pack one final check.  From the looks of them, neither had gotten much sleep the night before.

Liser approached the two of them, Warden and his adopted daughter, and whispered something into Ash's ear.  The rogue looked down the road as her best chum, Grissom, was approaching. She hesitated for a moment before dropping her pack and sprinting over to chat with him.  Her greeting was a little less enthusiastic than usual, considering it didn't end with her tackling him to the ground or landing on his back.

Their goodbyes said and their packs settling on their backs, the youths made ready to set out, only to be stopped once again by the familiar voice of Samn Chedena, the village shopkeep. "Oh wait! I almost forgot! Your coin..." He sid s he hustled forward, fishing small pouches out of his coat pocket. "Master Worine wouldn't a thought well of me not paying you his wage." He mumbled as he handed one to Harrod, Ash, Garrick, and Marissa each in turn. 6 pieces of silver weighing each one.

Once more, the youths set out, from the center of town. For Ryke it seemed odd, like he was starting the same story his friends had told him. For the others,  it seemed quite different. The mists began to thin quickly as the sun rose higher, and the road took them ever upwards. Along the banks of the Iveri River the morning mists clung heavier than at the road, almost a genuine border of fog between the youthful heroes and the trickling sounds of its cold water coursing through its banks.

Ash didn't seem to have the same energy this trip as the last time they walked this path. She was quieter and her usual taunting of Garrick was at an absolute minimum.  She didn't even roll her eyes at Harrod, not even once.  ...but as they back traced their steps her mood began to improve, most likely due to her competitive spirit and the slow realization that Ryke was leading the way. 

The lifting of the mists seemed to help lighten Marissa's steps.  Even if they were heading into a great unknown, that was no reason to stay grumpy about it.  When the headstone got to within a couple-hundred yards, Marissa turned to Ash with a grin.  "Race ya!" she said and she was off, the weight of her backpack hardly slowing her at all.

"Oh no you don't!" Ash whooped at the challenge as her quick agile body sprung into action.  Marissa's game was just what she needed to press down her sadness about leaving the Warden, Liser and her good chum Grissom.

Harrod couldn't help but laugh as Ash and Marissa took off down the road. The horizon seemed brighter, if even, for a moment, now that they were away from the air of gloom and doom that had befallen the village since they brought the book back.

Ryke watched the two young women as they ran. He turned a quizzical look to Harrod. "They always like this?"

Harrod laughed a little at the question. "Marissa? " The priest thought for a moment. There was something a little bit different about her. "She just seems more comfortable being Marissa I think. She came to terms with what she had to do on the Ridge, I believe. Ash, is ALWAYS Ash," he continued. "Creator protect us all," he continued with a laugh and playful punch in Ryke's arm.

Laughing softly Ryke turned back to watch the race, a small smile tugging at his lips. He absently gave his arm a rub. "Hopefully we'll still be able to laugh when all this is over," he said quietly.

The two girls were panting heavily and seemed in brighter spirits as they lounged against the rock.  They had a few moments to spare before the boys would catch up to them, and Ash decided to strike up a conversation.

"Ya know.  I'm sure sorry that Lucas couldn't come, he was off about two shades of white, but I'd never seen magic before.  I imagine that magikin of his woulda been useful."  The rogue screwed up her lip in thought as she considered her four companions, and what they might be able to do.

Marissa grimaced briefly and rested her head against the rock.  "Yeah, but I understand why he stayed.  Part of me wanted to stay too, to help protect my own family," she replied.  "But I know this is the best way to do that.  In a way, this'll probably work out for the best, though.  I think..." she shot a look at Ash as she paused, then bent over to pick up a small stone, hiding the quick flush that suffused her cheeks.  "Did you and Grissom have a fight or something?  You were kinda...subdued when you talked to him this mornin'."  She hoped the quick change of subject would deflect Ash's attention.

Ash shrugged her shoulders and a brief shadow crossed her face at the thought.  "Eh.  Nah.  I'm just sorry ta leave 'im behind, and he had ta go an get stupid about it.  His Ma is all sick, an it's makin' him all emotional."

The other young woman chuckled drily, briefly.  "I know what you mean.  Lucas's mom ain't sick, but yeah."  Her expression turned sympathetic and understanding.  "Looks like we're in the same boat, huh?  Don't worry, Ash.  I won't tip it over and dunk ya," she offered a grin.

"Yeah?"  Ash seemed surprised for a bit, she'd never considered herself to have much in common with girls, and decided it wasn't all that bad.  Marissa seemed like a good enough sort.  Afterall, Garrick liked her.  Finally she just shrugged her shoulders again, and said, "Boy's are jist stupid sometimes."

At that, Marissa laughed.  "That's the truth.  And they're slow, too!" she snorted and looked down at their friends.  "Hey! C'mon, you slowpokes!  Step it up, already!"

"I'm just conserving my energy for when those kobalds you didn't see get here." Garrick called back trying to keep a straight face.

She almost turned around and looked.  Instead, she turned the motion into shifting her stance.  Hands on her hips, she began tapping her foot, impatiently.  "If you don't hurry up and get up here, Ash and I will take care of 'em ourselves and you'll just have to clean up the mess!"

"More likely we'll have to come rescue you, given your ability with a sword." Garrick teased his friend. The truth was he was glad she was there in case of a fight.

Ryke chuckled, appreciating their camaraderie. Then he leaned close to Garrick. "That was a joke, right?" he said quietly. "I mean, she's not that bad with a sword, is she?"

Garrick laughed then said quietly so only Ryke could hear. "She might just be better than me with one. Just don't tell her I said so."

Once the others had caught up with the racing leaders, Marissa who had taken such an interest in the fallen statues head a few days before, noticed something different. The eyes of the statue had a hole punched a few inches deep in their centers. Recently. Perhaps a spike or some other pointed tool had been hammered into them.

"Hey," Marissa said.  "This is different."  She pointed to the headstone's eyes.  "Those holes weren't there, before." The statue had seemed to lose some of the weathered nobility of the ancient king, and now just seemed haunted and diminished, somehow.

"You sure?" Garrick asked.

"Yah, positive," Marissa nodded.  "Weird."  She began a closer examination.  "Not sure why it caught my attention the first time, either.  Just feels like something we should pay attention to, in my gut, you know?"

Garrick nodded. "That's good enough for me." He replied, then climbed to the top of the rock to get a better view. From the perch atop the headstone, there was a decent view of their backtrail. Nothing moved for the visible length of the road, either coming, or going.

Taking Marissa's claim seriously, Ash began poking about, looking for any indication of other recent travelers, she and Ryke got their bearings and began walking outward in a widening circle, trying to move out past the area where the group had been before. Marissa's comments about the statue's eyes had sobered him, reminding him of why he was there, but once it had, the ground began to speak to him. Ash had a keen eye for trail sign, and sparked him to do his best.

Putting the clues together, it seemed a group of 8 to 12 had swept through the area about midnight last night, and stopped here for awhile. The tracks were strange though some he could have sworn were hoof marks, but only two, like made by half a horse.... only about 230 pounds. It made little sense, but the group of them appeared out of  gully to the east, and continued away to the west.

Ash ended kneeling right in front of Ryke, as they both stared at the peculiar set of tracks.  Finally, after a very long moment, the rogue looked up and caught his gaze with her wide brown eyes.  "What is this?  ...or am I missin' the other half?"

Ryke shook his head, his black locks swaying. "If you are then I am, too. I don't remember Nabis or my Da or anyone else saying anything about this." He pointed. "See here? This is a two-legged track, but hooved. Split, like a goat or a deer." He put his hand over the track. "And big, like a horse." He leaned back on his haunches. "Really. I have no idea what makes a track like that."

"Glad that you all have such keen vision to have spotted these," Harrod replied. He stared at the tracks that were now visible since being pointed out to him. "Ash is right. I know of no horse that can walk upright. We best be on our guard. Can you tell where they might be heading Ryke?"

Ryke stood and pointed east. "They came from that way. They likely followed the Iveri River up to that gully and used it for cover. Those bluffs are not easy to climb, so they must've been above the river." His arm swung west. "Then they headed out that way. West, toward the Leynn River." He gave a short shake of his head. "Don't know why, unless they plan to circle around. Or they could be casting about to try and pick up our trail. Might be this is a good time to leave them a sign and head east ourselves. It'll give us a bit of a head start."

Ash's face was alight with interest as her head swung to follow Ryke's gesture towards the Leynn River.  That was quite likely the last thing she heard as her imagination burst to life in her head.  "I'd love ta get a peek at 'em first.  ...and Jordan said they sleep durin' the day.  I could catch back up with ya...I'm quick, bout as quick as a deer.  Then we'd know what we were dealin' with."  She wasn't generally one that asked for permission to do anything, but for now, her sobriety was winning out.

Harrod flashed a quick look of concern at Marissa and Garrick before he spoke. His words came out carefully and without the rebuking tones that was in their earlier conversations.  "I am not quite sure that we should be wanting to see them. If they are part of what is coming after the book, should we not be more concerned with adding distance and separation between us?"

"I'd kinda like ta know what was at my back, is all.  I tend ta run faster the bigger n uglier it is."  Ash said helpfully as she continued to look wistfully in the direction of the river.  "We could get some real information.  How many and what kinda weapons they got.  ...and they're likely sleepin'."

"They can't be more n a half days hike, from the looks of these tracks.  And, that's at a leisurely pace.  If it was just one or two of us, we could cut that time."

Harrod scratched his head and silently prayed to the Creator for understanding. The young priest couldn't believe what he was about to say.

"I think Ash is right," he replied. "Forewarned is forarmed is what Rector Schenwar always said. And She has a better chance than most any of us to find out. She shouldn't go alone, though. I would just make too much noise and slow her down."

Harrod looked at the others and waited for their opinions.

"Garrick or Ryke could come with me.  I mean, if they're not too skeered."  Ash volunteered giving each of them an appraising look, she'd have liked to drag Garrick along with her.  Of all of them she knew him best and really enjoyed his company, but the business end of the stick said that Ryke would be her best bet.  She'd been watching him and it was clear that she could learn a thing or two from him.  She even entertained for a moment that he might be quieter than she was, but in the end she'd decided that she had him beat.

"I'm not scared," Ryke replied quickly, scowling. He thought for a moment more before answering. "If I stay I can lead the rest to the east quickly enough to put some distance between us and whoever might be chasing us." He paused again, giving Ash a sidelong look. "Assuming you could find us again we'd have a good head start."

Then he sighed, his face losing some of it's seriousness. "But if you're dead set on doing this I might as well go with you. We can probably move faster than anyone else." He made the statement reluctantly. "But we're just going to look, right? Maybe count heads or something, but that's it." His eyes fell to the ground. "I'm in no hurry to meet whatever made these tracks."

"Definitely.  Jist gonna look...and count, and maybe over hear a thing or three."  Ash agreed in earnest, her dark eyes serious for a change.  "Here's my plan."  She continued.  "Garrick can lead the rest of ya to the river.  It'll take about a half day at a leisurely pace.  And that river is gonna be a bugger ta get down to.  I figure by the time yall figure out how to get down to the bank, Ryke and I should be shortly behind.  Maybe if you make camp there tonight, we'll catch up with you by mornin'."

"You two aren't the only ones that know some about these woods. I spent many an afternoon fishing along the banks here. I know where we are going and, while I can't do it quietly, I can get us to a meeting point. I also have an idea about crossing the river. I need to mull it over some more, but it could save us some time as we head to the elven forest. What say we meet back up along the bank by Gryphon Rock after Ash and Ryke scout? Ryke should know that spot."

Ryke nodded. He knew it fairly well. It was a good fishing spot.

Garrick jumped down from his perch at the top of the rock, showing off a bit by turning the jump into a flip. "I think we should stick together. What's going to happen if they spot you? You won't have anyone there to fight them off. I know you're quiet and are good at sneaking around Ash," Garrick said to forestall any argument from his friend. "But we don't know what they are capable of. They might be like dogs and be able to smell you or something."

"Well, it would be a might bit bad if they spotted us.  But Ryke n I can get around this forest better than anything else.  Specially durin' the day.  There is simply no way a pack o foreigners could catch us.  And we can't risk taking the book to them, then if somethin' went bad, it would be real real bad.  The Warden would skin me kinda bad."

Marissa looked up again at the statue's head, frowning slightly, then down at the tracks.  She'd been quiet as she listened and evaluated the conversation as she usually did before speaking her mind.  "I've been to the rice farms over to the east side of Lanburg, too.  Helping out with their harvest with my dad,"she nodded.  "Might be useful to us if they can smell us like dogs or better."

She paused a moment, still thinking.  Strategy and logistics weren't something she learned outside of the practice field with Garrick.  But, she supposed she had to start learning what worked and what didn't some time or another.  "You guys know how old these tracks are?" she asked as her mind worked over the problem.  "If they're too old, it's probably not worth goin' after them, 'cause you wouldn't catch up to them before they started movin' again, no matter how fast you can move.  I bet they move pretty fast, too."

Ash nodded in agreement.  "Their strides are long, I bet they're fast.  ...but I don't bet they'd have a chance of catchin' us with our knowledge of the area.  'Sides, they sleep durin' the day, and those tracks are only three ta four hours old.  Tops."

Ryke cleared his throat. "Um..." He glanced apologetically at Ash. "Actually, they're a few hours older than that." He knelt down again and fingered the grass. "See here? The broken blades have had time to brown some, while some of these others are already coming back. The sun's only been working on 'em for a few hours, so they're older than that. Call it midnight."

"Mmmm....rrrr".  Ash half cooed and half growled as she rejoined Ryke on the ground.  Sneaking him a look of betrayal as her partner in crime sold her down river.  When she spoke though, the others only heard her affable tone.  "Ah...yes, I see."  She ended with an impish grin.  "Silly me."

"I was thinking more of not going looking for trouble." Garrick said. "I know we can't risk them getting the book by us all going, I just don't think we should split up. They're headed in the opposite direction we are. Unless we want them to follow us I don't see a reason to take chances. If we want them to follow us then maybe we need to do some planning to figure out how to slow them down some."

"Oh."  Ash said looking a bit stumped.  "...but I thought that's what we had ta do.  Get 'em all to follow us, so they didn't end up in Four Rivers.  Slowin' them down is a good idea.  Yall can work on that while Ryke and I go takes us a better look."  The rogue grinned, happy to have made her way full circle back to her goal.  Garrick knew her well enough to wonder if she was intentionally yanking his chain.

"Well, if you're trying to get them to follow you, you can't very well not let them know you're there now can you?" Garrick was determined to give as good as he was getting.

"If ya think that's for the best.  But I promised Ryke here that we were only gonna look...and count 'em.  But I guess we could say boo too.  Kinda like that game I used ta play with Farmer John's mean ole red bull."  The conversation had obviously degraded some.  "Ah, just don't worry about it.  We'll be fine, I promise and we'll meet ya at that Gryphin Rock or whatever."

"We can leave trail sign or something," Ryke offered. "We don't have to let them know we're there. We just have to let them know we were there. Then they'll follow. They already know our tracks, so they'll know we're on the move again." He nodded slowly. "Yeah, I think this might be the best way."

Harrod looked at Ryke trying to determine if he was serious or was he playing along with Ash and Garrick.

Ryke shrugged and tried to explain further. "I'm not saying we leave a marker that says, 'Come follow me!' I just mean we let them know we're out of the town again. Like the other night, when someone circled our camp. We do something like that to them, they'll follow for sure." He looked like he'd swallowed something sour. "I'm not thrilled with the idea, to be sure, but it's better than leaving them wandering around. The whole point is to get them away from Lanburg and the Four Rivers, right?" He looked around at the others. "Right?"

"That's the point alright. I'm not going to try to talk you out of going but you should take either me or Marissa with you. I know we're not the quietest around but given when these tracks were left and the time now they may be waking up by the time you catch up to them." Garrick said. "I mean, if they travel at night they probably didn't make camp until nearly dawn which gives them a six hour lead. Even if you manage to cut it down to five hours that's going to put you awful close to sunset and we don't know how fast they move. They might also have guards posted and if one of them spots you he'll probably wake the camp." Ash knew him well enough to know he was no longer teasing.

Ash nodded quite seriously and then turned her dark eyes on Marissa. "That'd be fine, but I don't like the idea of just Harrod and Marissa alone, what happens if there's trouble by the bank.  It would be harder for them ta scatter and not fight.  If'n Ryke n I run inta trouble, we can scatter like a pack a deer if we need ta and git away without a fight."  The rogue shrugged her shoulders in frustration.  "I dunno.  Whatcha think Rissa?"

Marissa looked at Garrick, then at the others, in turn.  They all knew her serious, sometimes solemn, demeanor.  She rarely decided anything without looking at all sides of the matter.  Except when her temper flared to brilliant life.  "I think there are good points 'bout both sides, but I think there's a better point to be made for Ash and Ryke doing some scouting.  But," she said, holding up a hand at the delight flashing in Ash's eyes.  "You two don't need to be travelin' all day and all night, either.  I'd say go on no more than three hours, then meet us at Gryphon Rock with whatever you've learned.  That should be just after dark.

"If you see 'em before the three hours, leave some signs, like Ryke said, then high-tail it to the Rock, okay?  I like the idea of Garrick or me going with you, too but if we had to scatter, we'd likely end up getting lost, so Garrick and I are better here. Sound like a plan?"

"Yeah, right. Side with the other girl." Garrick said, winking at Marissa to take any sting out of the comment. He then stuck his tongue out at her before climbing back up to the top of the rock to get a good view of the direction his friends would be going.

Ash screwed her face up in thought and nodded.  "Alright.  If we reach Ramhorn and don't see nuthin', we'll turn around n hurry back."

Harrod nodded in agreement and began to rummage around the supplies. He pulled out some cheese which he transferred into some waxed wrapping. "Here," he said as he handed a small package to Ash and to Ryke. "Just in case something keeps you past dinnertime. It's mild enough that the waxed wrapper will keep any smell contained. Last thing you two need is to run into an Orkind with a nose for Nadrine's finest cheese."

"Thanks!"  Ash said enthusiastically as she snatched the cheese before Ryke could get to it.  Then she gave him a big grin.  "Dontcha worry, I'll share."

When he still could not see anything in the direction the tracks led Garrick once more jumped down from his perch. This time he was more serious as he did so and did not add a flip on his way down. With his feet firmly back on solid ground he went to Ash and gave her a stern look. "Be careful, I've kinda gotten used to you causing trouble. Things would be awful boring without you around."

"I could give careful lessons n careful."  Ash said with a happy grin, her eyes dancing with excitement.

To Ryke he said, "You be careful too and see if you can keep Ash from doing anything stupid. If you haven't caught up to us by morning we'll come looking for you." They had not discussed that part but there was no way anyone could keep him from going after his friends if they got in trouble.

? - Ryke

Marissa looked them both over and nodded.  "What Garrick said.  You guys go carefully and be back soon as you can.  If we have to come get you guys, you'll be washing the pots for a week," she said, her face serious, but her eyes had a deep-seated twinkle to them.

"See ya soon!"  Ash called over her shoulder as she nodded at Ryke, and began to move off West.  Ryke had his eyes on studying the ground, while the happy go lucky rogue lead the way, watching for trouble. A few hundred yards, and their dark colored cloaks were gone, leaving Marissa, Garrick, and Harrod under the eyes of the Headstone.