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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Puppy Kicker" data-source="post: 1743935" data-attributes="member: 20284">Chapter 1The Lovely Bard, the Haughty Mage ---Vesmer 24 He was a young man, with the dark complexion of all Varghani and eyes that seemed to burn with a desire yet undiscovered. The red dundra-hair robes he wore seemed ill suited for the sweltering heat of the Varghani Desert sun, but he had worn them since childhood and was quite accustomed to what others would consider discomfort. These robes, bearing the emblem of the famed Shesada Etherea school of magery, and the polished wooden staff he carried, topped with a luminous blue stone, revealed his calling. Algrel was his name, and he was a Mage of Fire. Algrel looked suspiciously at his new companion as they passed through the city gates of Shesada. He scowled as he thought of the upcoming journey. Nothing but gutter trash, and I have to travel with him for Ramm only knows how long. Mutere was his name, a slovenly rogue who had stumbled upon a discovery of great importance to the Shesada Etherea. Algrel had just met the man that morning in his master's meeting chamber. "You must find this tomb, Algrel. No doubt there will be much of use to the Etherea in its ancient depths. Be careful on your journey, as the desert holds many dangers. Mutere will lead you well I am certain, and your Seysad will defend you, but you must always be ready for anything," were his master's parting words. Lead me well indeed. Lead me into a Gods forsaken latrine as likely as not! Still, he was being given his chance to become an Etherea Minora, an actual member of the school! For that he could tolerate the company of an unclassed buffoon such as Mutere. For now he had the desert to worry about, and that was far more dangerous than any dirty beggar could ever be. He was accompanied as well by Nuvarel, the man who would become his Seysad if he succeeded in becoming accepted as a Minora. He was a quiet man, as the Seysad were generally trained to be, but he seemed a competent guardian. No small chance I will see what battle skills the Etherea weaponsmen have taught him ere this journey is over. Algrel's musings where interupted by a chattering Mutere. "What a shiny lovely day, no? Bet yer glad to have me 'long. Hehe, I'll get ya there youngster, and I'm sure it'll be worth every penny your uppity school is paying me to bring you there at that, no?" Algrel looked up long enough to scowl at the grimy rogue, and that was the end of friendly conversation. The journey was slow, and hot. Talking was limited to short words about the direction they were going and when they should stop. Algrel would have it no other way. The men made camp that evening under a rocky outcropping, sheltered from the biting winds that arose during the Varghani nights. "Prob'ly half there yet, but I 'magine we should be there ere Taertagh night reaches us, no?" Algrel responded with a nod. Nuvarel stood watch while the other two slept. ---Vesmer 25 "What is tha'? Looks like an 'orseman, no?" Mutere was covering his eyes against the afternoon sun as he looked back towards the west. "Sees us I say, no?" Algrel and Nuvarel responed to his words, looking back as well. A horse and rider could be seen in the background, perhaps a mile away. The horseman did indeed seem to see them, riding directly towards them as fast as the rocky desert ground would allow. He guided the horse expertly between rocks and ditches, making much better time than the three men on foot could hope for. "We will wait. Be prepared though, peasant, chances are not poor that this man will be a danger. Seysad, arm yourself," Algrel ordered. Nuvarel's blade was unsheathed before Algrel's first word was completed. In a few short minutes from when Mutere's wandering eyes had first spotted the distant horseman, he was close enough to see, the riding hood not completely covering the face. 'He' was a she, and a striking one at that. Algrel dropped his guard, she didn't look too dangerous. "Hail traveller! What is it you need that you chase us down so vigorously?" She was well dressed, certainly a pleasant change from the gutter trash that Algrel had put up with for nearly two days. The woman looked at Algrel uncertainly, glanced at Mutere and Nuvarel then back at the mage again. "Speak, my lady. We are not your enemies." She pulled the riding hood back, revealing a long mane of dark hair and beautifully chiseled features. She was somewhat breathless as she spoke. "Your name... what is your name?" "I am Algrel Yenetri Julgrel, student of the Shesada Etherea. These are my companions, Nuvarel and Mutere." Algrel scowled as he said the rogue's name. "Who, may I ask, are you?" "My name is Juni. I have been sent to find you, Algrel. We must talk." They made camp as Juni told Algrel of the death of Reelaree, his mentor. Algrel was shocked and saddened, but it was an explanation as to why Reelaree had seemed so worried at their last meeting. She told him of the deadly night, but not of the death of Gunta, and described the men that attacked. Juni's description of the design worn by one of the shadowy men sent shivers down Algrel's spine. The Dark God? Why would his minions target the Etherea of all places? Juni gave Algrel the note she had taken from her husband's body. It was a quickly sketched map showing the rough position of the Tomb, and a note to Algrel. I hope this finds you well, my student. Shesada has become dangerous to the mages of the Etherea, and I wish you to leave. I know not where to send you, but I know that you must be safe. Go first to the Tomb, in my dreams I have seen answers there. I have also seen danger, so be wary my boy. Do not return to Shesada! Your life will be at too great a risk, and your life of all others must preserved. Good luck, and may Ramm protect you on your journey. Reelaree Feneric Kyleree, Master of Fire"Somebody thinks you're a special one I'd say," said Juni, with a sad smile. "I will go with you, if you'll have me. I've nowhere else to go now, and perhaps with you I can find answers I also seek." Her fists clenched and a tear rolled down her cheek. "You are welcome to come with us. But let us sleep now, for tommorrow we will reach the Tomb." They all dreamed that night, and the dreams were not pleasant.</blockquote>

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