Chapter II

As the carriage trundles along the weather-worn path, Trynn can't help but ponder the significance of the coronation.

"Have you heard of Princess Isolde before?" she asks her companions.

"This morning I did," Ricky says matter-of-factly. "Can't say I've heard much of anyone, I guess."

The paladin shakes his head. "I came to the coronation to seek news of what has been occurring based on the rumors, but of her, I know nothing."

The rogue shrugs. "Pity we didn't get to taste the hors d'oeuvres."

A sense of impending doom suddenly grips the halfling rogue. She and Ricky share a meaningful glance, but the others don't seem to have noticed. The mad artificer jumps out the carriage, weapons out.

A crack of lightning strikes the carriage. Her reflexes just barely save Trynn as she rolls smartly out of range. The attack flings Xev'ric out of the vehicle and he lands a good distance away on his back, smarting from the shock.

From the bushes topping the hillside flanking the road, two swordsmen and a wizard and warlock emerge.

Trynn steps forward. "Why have you attacked us?"

The warlock points his staff threateningly. "You should have stayed still and died!" Without another word, his female wizard companion sends a splash of acid towards Ricky, who cleverly absorbs the acid, powering his next attack. The warlock hunkers down, concentrating on the halfling rogue, likely planning something vile.

Unbeknownst to the battle-engaged, in the copse of trees on the other side of the road, a feline creature scales a tree to observe.

Shouting expletives, Ricky summons his familiar. A great badger appears at his side, and is catapulted towards the wizard. The wizard easily sidesteps, forcing Ricky to retreat behind the remains of the carriage.

Trynn too attempts a ranged attack, but her arrow sails harmlessly past the first swordsman. Taking advantage of her failure, the swordsman steps forward and strikes the rogue on her arm. Hissing in pain, the rogue jumps back and spits at her enemy.

Not to be left out in a battle against evil, the paladin scrambles to his feet. He sees an enemy land a blow on his companion and shouts in rage. Drawing his morningstar, he dashes forward and effectively knocks the swordsman senseless.

The wizard follows Ricky to his hiding spot. Seeking better cover, he scampers toward the copse of trees, casting magic missile.

"Eat this, bitch!" The brilliant burning flame bursts from his hand, striking his enemy.

In a show of strength, the paladin eagerly runs forward to slash at the wizard. But unused to the uneven ground, Xev'ric missteps and stumbles, falling flat at the wizard's feet. "She's got me!" he yells.

Steadying her stance, Trynn aims her bow at the wizard. Her arrow flies true, and the wizard crumples next to the luckless paladin. Trynn nearly drops her bow in shock, unused to the feelings of ending another life. "I've never done that before," she says thoughtfully.

The paladin picks himself back up, only to just barely dodge a pitch-black beam of power from the warlock. The warlock angrily screams in frustration. Xev'ric waves at the warlock. "Is that all you have?"

This taunt is chased with a firebolt from the mad artificer, pushing the warlock back. Now nervous at the loss of his two companions, the warlock takes several steps back, pressing a finger against his temple to concentrate.

From the copse of trees behind the adventurers, an arrow slices through the air and buries right into the warlock's shoulder. Taking advantage of his break in concentration, Trynn runs forward and sends another arrow his way, right into the warlock's eye. The warlock falls, slain. Overwhelmed by such a sight of death, the paladin faints.

The last swordsman panics and attempts to run away, despite a bite on the buttocks from the returning badger. "Hold!" the rogue shouts. "Please stand down."

The swordsman doesn't get the chance to respond. Another mysterious arrow hits him squarely in the back, and the blossoming of red stain on his armor heralds the third death.

In the quiet of the growing night, the party wastes no time dealing with the aftermath. Ricky reunites with his beloved badger and rifles through the bodies. He finds a note, which he immediately shares with the group.

Find the strongest. Recruit them or kill them. You will be rewarded either way.

Trynn awakens the first swordsman, offering both a healing potion and the tip of her dagger. "Why did you try to kill us? Who hired you?"

The frightened swordsman explains he was only the hired help for the warlock, who was to pay them handsomely for helping him kill travelers on the road. He promises he knows nothing else. Frustrated, the rogue knocks him senseless again.

The paladin, having recovered his sensibilities, picks through the remains of the carriage. "That's strange. I can't find Godiva or that dark warlock anywhere."

"We can't delay too long," Trynn says. "These roads aren't safe and we can't waste time in the middle of the night looking for them. Let's make camp in these trees." They shift the carriage off-road while Ricky burns the bodies. When his companions aren't looking, he quietly eliminates the unconscious swordsman.

"It seemed we had a benefactor," Trynn says, looking into the copse of trees. "I wonder whose arrows those were."

Ricky points at the trees. "Whoever you are, you better come down or I set the forest on fire."

The three of them watch the leaves rustle as a lithe figure scales down to the ground. In the red moonlight, they identify a female tabaxi ranger. Grey-white striped fur frame an adorable face and twitching ears and whiskers.

"Oh you're just a little kitty cat!" Ricky beams. "I'm Ricky, nice to meet you."

Xev'ric steps forward. "Was it you aiding us?"

The ranger plays with her tail. "Yeah. I didn't like them very much. I was just 'splorin,' saw these guys, didn't like the way they looked."

"Well thank goodness you were here!" The halfling rogue spreads her hands wide. "I doubt we'd been able to handle them without you. Just look at Xev'ric! He passed out twice! Do you have a heart condition or something, Xev'ric?"

"I most certainly did not pass out twice," the paladin sniffed. "But perhaps you can take a look at it later, if it might put us into danger down the road."

"Care to join us?" Ricky asks. "We're on a quest to see the Great Barrier."

The tabaxi shrugs. "I guess I'll come along. I'm Nala."

"And this is Mr. Chicken." Ricky points at his badger. "A badger though, not a chicken, which I learned the hard way." He earns a chuckle from their new companion.

With the paladin taking first watch, the group makes camp in the trees and rest for the night.

- - -

The company awakes at first light.

As the others pack up, Nala sniffs the remains of the carriage. "Are you sure you had two others with you?"

Xev'ric looks anxiously down the road towards the city they left. "Godiva is a powerful cleric. I'm sure she managed to get away safely."

"Nowhere but forward to go," Ricky offers cheerfully.

They proceed along the road toward the Elvish Preserve. Having departed a year ago, Xev'ric believes a stop back at his hometown might help them restock and replenish their supplies. He hopes he might see his father again as well.

Unencumbered by obstacles on the road, the paladin takes the opportunity to reflect. "How did you do that last night? How did you fly your arrows so accurately?"

Trynn shrugs. "I've always trained on smaller things. It's not so different aiming at larger targets."

It's not until early afternoon that the trees of the Elvish Preserve come into view. Though grand boughs of greenery sprawl towards the sunlight, the forest is curiously silent. No birdsong or squirrel chitter reach their ears. Though the Aldan groves are familiar to Xev'ric, who only left his home not ten months ago, he senses something is awry. He keeps a hand on his sheathed weapon and motions caution to his companions.

Just beyond the first line of trees, they hear the sound of shouting. Trynn races forward, leading them into a central clearing marked by a tree stump, where a crowd of elves have amassed around a luckless pair waving their fists at each other.

The ruddy wood elf yells, "We were here first anyhow. It is not our fault you moon elves don't know how to live amongst our trees. You just blame us so you can take our treasure!"

"It's your accursed breed that has set this sickness upon us!" the pale blond moon elf retorts.

"That's racist!" Ricky gasps. He and Trynn lay hands on the wood elf while Xev'ric restrains the moon elf just as the punches fly.

"Stop this at once! We were all peaceful neighbors not so long ago!" The paladin tries to knock some sense into his fellow moon elf. It becomes clear that neither side is willing to concede, but the interest in violence has faded. "What is the meaning of this?"

The wood elf shrugs off the gnome and halfling. "Why don't you ask your bleached-face relative over there?" He stalks off back into the wood elves' tree home.

The moon elf huffs as Xev'ric relents his hold on the fellow. It is then that everyone notices the tiny red pox dotting the moon elf's skin, from head to fingertips.

"It started but two moons ago," says the moon elf. "We've lost so many."

"How is Lady Jenna?" Xev'ric asks.

The moon elf shakes his head. "Not well. Our only hope is perhaps the legendary treasure of the wood elves. They have refused to give us anything close to a salve or potion. They are afraid of contagion, or that's their excuse at least."

The companions all share a thoughtful look as the moon elf retreats back to the moon elves camp.

"I'm assuming it wasn't always like that," Ricky supposes aloud.

The paladin shakes his head. "We've got to fix this. I wish to speak to Lady Jenna. She is our leader."

They follow Xev'ric's lead, keeping their weapons sheathed as they pass under the shadow of the Guardian Treant rooted in front of the camp. "Do keep yourself respectful at all times," the enormous tree mutters, "you are standing on hallowed ground."

The shared dining area is eerily empty, and the paladin closes the door with a frown on his face. Next to that, they find a storage cellar, the foodstuffs turning to dust and rotting.

Trynn notices a particular dwelling with a locked door. Unable to contain her penchant, she picks at the lock.

Without warning, a thick vine swoops out of the sky and flings Trynn out of the moon elf encampment. She barely lands on her feet, shaken. The Guardian Treant stares severely at the miscreant rogue.

"The disrespectful shall not be tolerated under my watch!"

Trynn puts on her most contrite face. "I am extremely sorry to have upset you, o great guardian tree. Please understand, I too know the meaning of disrespect. My family owned a respectable restaurant in Miaochii and we lived peaceably until one day, thieves came and took everything from us. I have journeyed a long way seeking new ingredients and foodstuffs to help my poor family rebuild what we have lost. Please let me join my friends in their quest for good."

Her plea softens the crochety tree, who gives her a second chance. The paladin unnecessarily warns her to conduct herself appropriately.

They reach the chief dwelling and knock gently. A surprisingly unmarked moon elf opens the door, and Xev'ric is pleased to recognize the familiar face as the Lady's right hand Hunt.

"It's been too long!"

Hunt smiles kindly. "Lady Jenna would be pleased to see you home, Xev'ric. But she is not well. Please come in."

The interior is dimly lit, the shades drawn, with a single candle revealing the beautiful paintings decorating the walls. Reclining on several pillows is Lady Jenna herself, a moon elf of star-like beauty despite her age. She too has the pox, her cheeks blushed with fever.

His companions silently reverent, it is Xev'ric who rushes forward and takes her hand. "Lady Jenna! Please tell me you will be alright."

The aged elf opens her eyes, her lids wrinkled in exhaustion. "My dear Xev'ric, how good of you to come home. It is not me I am concerned for, but for the people. Already many have passed onwards. Your father is no longer among us, I'm afraid."

A single tear rolls down his cheek, but Xev'ric only grips her hand tighter. "I promise to solve this malady."

She closes her eyes in repose. "Just promise me you will not raise a hand in violence against our wood brethren. I am sure they would not have caused us this harm intentionally. We have lived together in peace for so long."

"Definitely no violence," Ricky winks poorly.

"The only thing I can imagine that might save us are the Southern Lunarian berries. There is one tree within the wood elves' forest, but they have refused to let anyone within the forest."

Xev'ric promises to return with the berries, if only for the slimmest of hopes. They take their leave at Hunt's behest and return to the clearing, gathering 'round the stump, where they discover the tabaxi had been napping in the sun all this time.

"What should we do?" Trynn asks as she prods Nala. "Is it worth talking to the wood elves?"

"Perhaps," Xev'ric muses. "I have never before spoken to Lord Seregret before, but we ought to give them a chance of explanation and to seek permission to find those berries."

"Hello!" The adventurers turn and see a drow elf clad in armor waving cheerfully. He stops just short of them, panting. "I finally found you all. I guess I've come too late, but I'm so glad you all managed to stop the fight."

Xev'ric blanches at the sight of the newcomer's pitch-black skin and white hair. Horrific stories of the evil drow rise to his mind and he draws his sword. "Step back, demon elf of hell!"

Ricky knocks his sword aside. "That's racist! He just came to say hello."

"But, but--" Xev'ric sputters. "The drow are the children of darkness, they come from the depths of the underworld to wreak destruction upon our world!"

The drow elf laughs shakily. "I'm not offended. I've been traveling the world and it's the biggest assumption made about me wherever I go. I'm trying to change people's perceptions of my skin color, but I understand if you'd rather not hang around me. Say, you're a paladin too, aren't you?"

Xev'ric eyes him suspiciously. "So what if I am? Are you implying that you are too? What god do you serve?"

The stranger points to the crest on his chest-plate, an arc of seven stars inside a circle. "Celestian, the god of stars and wanderers. What about you?"

The paladin pointedly ignores his question. Trynn offers her hand. "Please excuse our rude companion. I'm Trynn, it's nice to meet you."

"Ricky Mad-eye," the gnome joins in.

"I'm Sabal," the drow shakes their hands agreeably. "It's nice to meet new people. Are you here to try and bring peace back to the Preserve as well? You might have better luck than I. I've been trying for days to see Lord Seregret, but I keep getting turned away."

"It's no wonder," Xev'ric sniffs.

With a yawn and a great stretch, the tabaxi uncurls from her perch on the stump and rejoins her companions, playing distractedly with her tail.

"That's exactly what we're going to do," Trynn says. "If we get any information, we'll share it with you."

Sabal wishes them good luck as they approach the enormous roots flanking the great double doors of the wood elves' tree home. Stone steps lead up to the doorstep, inlaid with precious blue gems likely imported from Bori-Nor.

Xev'ric draws himself up and knocks upon the doors.

The door swings open a smidge. A nasally voice floats out, "What do you want?"

"I am Sir Xev'ric Reiltar and these are my companions. We are here to speak to Lord Seregret."

"'Bout what?"

"We wish to find peaceful terms between the wood elves and moon elves."

"Go away."

Xev'ric wedges a hand in the crevice to prevent the door closing. "Please, we are only here to seek answers, not to lay blame. Let us hear your side of the story. When did it all start?"

A bleary-eyed wood elf pokes his head out. "If you really want to know, we've been having our problems too. The forests have been infested, and now the moon elves want our treasure, and--dangnabit, the story's too damn long. Might as well let Lord Seregret tell you."

The wood elf--Jim, as it turns out--pushes the door wide open and admits the adventurers.

They walk up the gently sloping trunk of the tree, wide as four men abreast. Jim indicates the last vine bridge leading to Lord Seregret's private quarters and returns to his post.

A wailing arises from a nearby bough. Ricky bounds up the vine bridge and barges in. A wood elf lady immediately embraces him.

"Please, you must help me!"

"Whoa, pretty lady," he exclaims, eyeing her breasts. "Whatever is the matter?" The rogue also steps in and yanks the gnome off, the paladin close behind her.

"My daughter Penniel," the lady proceeds, "she's gone into the forest and hasn't returned for three days! And no one is willing to go search for her ever since the forest itself has become ill. Everyone is so afraid."

His heroic senses tingling, Xev'ric salutes the lady elf. "I assure you we'll find your daughter. Please be at ease. We will first speak with Lord Seregret and proceed immediately to the forest."

As the elf thanks them profusely, Xev'ric shoos his companions back out onto the main branch. Again, the tabaxi has wandered off, finding herself in the wood elf library. The librarian Lothon is overwhelmingly pleased to have a cat visitor and offers her milk.

The door to the wood elf leader's quarters opens immediately upon their arrival.

Xev'ric bows. "Lord Seregret, we are here to--"

"Yes, I know," says the elderly wood elf.

"You truly are wise," says Ricky. The paladin, rogue, and gnome are ushered in.

"I know you've come to try and sort out this mess we are in," Seregret begins. "First, let me say we are not the source of the disease plaguing the moon elves. We are elves of healing, not destruction. It would be beyond our power to do such a thing. Secondly, yes it is true we have an ancient treasure of priceless worth, but it has no powers with which to cure the moon elves, and truth be told, we've been trying to say as much, but it has fallen on deaf ears.

"If you want to know what I think, I wonder if it has anything to do with the state of our beloved forest. There is an infestation of vile creatures in the forest and I cannot let any of our people enter. What if they catch the disease? Then we all die."

"I assure you we can be of help," Xev'ric pipes up. "We'll clean out the infestation of the forest, and ask only to be able to take some Lunarian berries back to my people."

Seregret eyes the strange trio of adventurers. "Well, I shall have no regrets if you do not survive the forest. Better ye strangers than us, I suppose. You have my permission to enter the forests. And if you find that rampant child Penniel, you can be certain Gowena will stop her infernal wailing."

Reunited with Nala, the adventurers return to the clearing, the drow elf nowhere to be found. "I wonder where that Sabal has gotten himself to," the paladin comments suspiciously.

Having been caught up with the new information, Nala glances at the forest entrance. "Well, I like trees. And I'm good at finding things. We'll be done in no time." She licks her lips at the thought of returning to another bowl of warm milk.

"Let's be done before it gets dark," Trynn urges, and they enter the forest without delay.

In the silent woods, it's easy to spot the signs of decay. Yellowing leaves, peeling bark, sagging boughs, and the occasional croak of a raven are all around them.

It isn't far before a misshapen lump of twigs flings itself before them. Nala hisses and climbs up the nearest tree, her fur standing straight up. A giant spider looms from behind the blight. Trynn moves swiftly, sending an arrow that bounces harmlessly off the spider's carapace.

"Holy shit!" Ricky immediately summons his familiar badger, who plants itself squarely in front its master.

The tabaxi leaps down from the tree, swiping her claws at the spider. The spider easily shakes off its attacker and shrieks, raising its forelegs menacingly. Xev'ric runs forward and batters the spider with his morningstar.

The blight engages the tabaxi, landing a swipe. A blue will-o-wisp appears, hoveringly anxiously around Nala. Irritated, Nala smacks the wisp, sending it bobbing up and down. "Wait, please!" it seems to whisper.

Xev'ric pierces the spider between its eyes, and with a disgusting squeal, the spider falls dead. Meanwhile, the badger and his master charge the blight with a ray of disease, and the blight withers before them.

Nala wraps a paw around the wisp. "Don't hurt this one!"

The wisp thanks the cat for her kindness. "Would you like to meet the green hag? She has been kind to us as well. Perhaps she knows what you are looking for."

It is with some hesitation that the group follows the wisp. As they near a swamp area, the wisp warns them of a trap planted to ward off intruders.

Ricky inspects the trap. "Guys, I can handle this." He attempts to disable the trap. The magic seal explodes, setting Ricky aflame. Trynn jumps back, only slightly toasted. "Oops," Ricky concedes as the magic flames disappear. He quickly downs a potion.

Xev'ric places a hand on the rogue. "Let me see to those burns." With a holy prayer to his deity, a warm earthly glow bathes the pair. Trynn finds her injuries vanishing as if never there in the first place.

Trynn expresses her thanks just as a warty-looking hag stamps out from a cave at the edge of the swamp. "What's all this noise?"

"Ugh!" Ricky covers his eyes, disturbed by the blotchy face of the green hag.

"Hah!" The green hag points at the gnome. "As if you looked any better. What are you all doing in my forest?"

"We're trying to cure the forest of the infestation. Is there anything you can tell us to help?"

"Heroes, huh?" The green hag invites them to a dry patch on her swampland. "Why not sit down and have some tea with old Mauve?"

Trynn eagerly accepts. "What kind of tea is this?"

Mauve winks. "It's from the bark of old Treant out there guarding his precious moon elves. I harvest it while he sleeps, the old fool." Horrified, Xev'ric avoids his share, but Trynn is quite pleased to sample.

"Well, you kids seem to have come a long ways. All I can say is that I've observed these spiders and blights and awful insects are new. They arrived some few moons ago, say, just about the time that strange dark-looking fellow showed up."

Immediately suspecting the only suspicious looking person they've met so far, Xev'ric narrows his eyes. "Did he look as though he came from the dark subterranean depths of the earth? What did you see him doing?"

"My, you're a suspicious one. Well I didn't look too closely. I've been keeping to myself this whole time, and why should I get involved further?"

"Wait," Nala pointed out, "you said this was your forest? Does Lord Seregret know you are here?"

Mauve grins toothily. "Of course it's my forest. Lord Seregret knows nothing. And I'd appreciate it if you kept it that way. But since you're here, please do get rid of these annoying spiders and somesuch."

"You wouldn't happen to know about these berries, would you?" Ricky inquires.

The green hag points them down another path. "Just straightaways there. You can't miss it. Come back anytime for some tea."

Aware of the lateness of the day, the companions take their leave. Their trek is further interrupted by an astral moth and a pair of giant spiders, whom they successfully defeat, but not without injuries sustained by the paladin.

A soft light awaits ahead of them. They approach a parting of the trees, where a brightly colored fruit tree rises to a grand height. The Lunarian berries seem to shimmer with internal glimmer not unlike moonlight.

"We made it," Trynn breathes. She reaches up and plucks a bunch of berries. Ricky too takes a small sample. Well-aware of their incomparable healing powers, Xev'ric pops one in his mouth, and suddenly feels right as rain.

"Help!" A faint voice echoes from above. They spot a wood elf girl clutching the topmost branch. "I'm stuck! Please help!" The tabaxi easily ascends the tree and reaches the girl. Encumbered by the extra weight on the way down, the cat ranger slips and they tumble smack onto the paladin.

"You must be Penniel," Trynn inquires as the trio separate themselves.

"Yes!" the girl beams. "I was trying to get some Lunarian berries to help the moon elves. It isn't right for us to be fighting like that."

"That's very kind of you," says Nala, "but there were more easily reachable ones, you know."

"Your mother is missing you, Penniel," says Trynn. "Let's not dawdle on returning."

But the forest does not seem friendly. As they try to follow the ancient paths once laid by the wood elves, three blights rise from the shadows.

"Gadzooks!" Ricky fires off a bolt of flame at the nearest blight. It torches immediately. Xev'ric splits the second blight, slime spilling everywhere. Trynn stabs the third blight dead, but not before it swipes the unarmed wood elf. Penniel cries out as her legs give out beneath her.

Trynn snaps off the blight's twig arms angrily. "I call that chopped wood." Xev'ric summons his limited medical knowledge and sets the girl's ankle straight again. Still sniffling, Penniel blushes as she thanks the paladin.

The sun hangs low as the adventurers emerge from the forest. Spotting something shiny, Ricky leaps over to the stump and picks up a compact mirror. "How did I miss that?"

Xev'ric raises a brow. "Perhaps you should reflect on it." The gnome makes a face, but the group wastes no time returning to the wood elves tree home. True to Seregret's prediction, Gowena regains her composure at the return of her beloved daughter, while Trynn promises Penniel that they will deliver her hard-won berries to the moon elves. The rogue and the paladin immediately set off to the other side of the Preserve to deliver the lifesaving berries.

Lady Jenna and Hunt are amazed at the success of their venture.

"It was the kindness of a wood elf child, who ventured deep into the forest," Trynn explains. Hunt promises to deliver this potential cure to all the moon elves.

Exhausted, the paladin and rogue retire to the guest rooms of the moon elves encampment.

In the meantime, the artificer and the ranger revisit the librarian.

"Say, mister librarian, can you tell me anything about this mirror?" Ricky finds himself ignored as Lothon happily greets the return of the cat ranger. Aware of her advantage, Nala purrs and requests the librarian for more information about the shiny mirror.

Lothon raises a monocle to scrutinize the object. "It would seem that this is one of a set, namely a communication mirror."

"How does it work?"

"There's a code word to activate it and make a call. Unfortunately, only the owner would know the word."

Ricky takes back the mirror. "Hmm, open! Roger! Lunarian berry! Gigglethorp! Mister Chicken!" The mirror reflects only his frustrated face. "I guess it's broken. Well, I'm going to bed. That nice lady Gowena told us we could stay in the guest rooms tonight."

- - -

It is barely sunrise when an insistent knocking awakens Xev'ric. Disgruntled, Xev'ric opens the door, only to find himself even more displeased at the cheery face of Sabal the drow paladin.

"Good morning, good sir. I have excellent news! The berries you brought back have cured Lady Jenna!"

Elation barely held back by suspicion, Xev'ric rouses Trynn and together they rush to the chief dwelling. A beaming Lady Jenna awaits them.

"My dear friends," she extends perfect hands to them. "I do believe you have brought peace back to the Preserve. While I am not yet strong enough to walk over to greet my wood elf counterpart, perhaps you might take a message over to Lord Seregret."

Excited and pleased, Trynn and Xev'ric are perfectly willing to pass on the message.

"I was right, wasn't I?" Sabal bubbles as they stride past the Treant towards wood elf territory.

"I suppose you were," Xev'ric concedes. "Why don't you wait here at the stump while we fetch our friends?"

Sabal is agreeable as Trynn and Xev'ric make their way up the stone steps. "I reckon he won't be there when we return, just like last time," Xev'ric mutters.

Jim, still grumbling, lets them in without a fuss. And Lord Seregret is quite surprised. "Well, I see you are alive."

Xev'ric bows. "We've cleared the forest of the infestation, and cured the moon elves. Lady Jenna asks your audience as a friendly gesture."

Suddenly red-faced, Lord Seregret breaks eye contact and mutters something undertone. "Well," he coughs, "I must not delay. You didn't happen to encounter a green hag in the forest, did you?" At the surprised expressions, he continues, "Of course I know of her. She just thinks I don't."

As Lord Seregret departs the tree home, Trynn and Xev'ric reunite with Nala and Ricky and they return to the stump.

Sabal is unexpectedly still waiting for them. "How did it go?" he asks, "I just saw Lord Seregret walking towards the moon elves. That must be good, right?"

Ricky pulls out the mirror. "I happened to find this yesterday."

The drow paladin brightens. "I've been looking for that everywhere!"

"What's the password?" Ricky demands, "or I bleed it out of you."

Suddenly aware of the suspicious expressions surrounding him, Sabal quietly asks, "Where does the eagle fly on the white moon?"

Trynn barely suppresses her excitement, "Neither above nor below the clouds. You're with the White Eagle!"

Sabal smiles in relief. "As are you! I thought Nerine did say some adventurers were headed my way."

Incredulous, Xev'ric points at the mirror. "But what is the password and who does it call?"

"It's how I keep in contact with Nerine. The word is quite obvious. 'White Eagle.'"

Suddenly, the glossy surface becomes opaque with a vortex of swirling fox. The vortex does not resolve into a familiar face.

"I wonder if she's busy," comments Sabal.

"Ho, adventurers," says Lord Seregret, returning from his visit to Lady Jenna. Taking advantage of the distraction, Ricky pockets the mirror. "I have to give you all the credit," the wood elf leader continues. "I have a gift for you Xev'ric, for leading the salvation of our Preserve." From an elegantly carved box, the elf extracts a glimmering yellow jewel.

"It is our Sunful Gem. I wonder if it may help you on your journey against the darkness."

Xev'ric, overwhelmed with such a gift, profusely thanks Seregret. He and Trynn also can't help but notice the drow eyeing the gem, though his expression is inscrutable.

Lord Seregret returns to his domain, content. Trynn thoughtfully looks back at the forest. "You know, we never did figure out where the infestation came from."

The tabaxi frowns. "I dunno if I wanna play with those nasty spiders again."

"What do you suppose the gem does?" Sabal asks.

Xev'ric pockets his new treasure, sensing great power within. "It seems to be just an ordinary gem, I'm afraid. I think Lord Seregret was exaggerating." He notes the disappointment in Sabal's eyes.

"Well," Trynn announces, "I heard there's another treasure waiting in the forest. It could have great power. Why don't we look for it while we root out the cause of the infestation?"

It doesn't take great effort to invite Sabal to join them on another venture into the forest. Only mid-morning, they reckon their chances of finding what they're looking for are greatly improved in the daylight.

Table of Contents

Chapter I
Chapter II

Chapter I

In the cool of the third season, travelers flock to the capital city of Radisha, the political and economic center of the southern continent of Koronach. They come from all over, from the far reaches of the Vinterlands, where dragons are said to rule, to the nearby cities of Bori-nor, home to industrial dwarves and gnomes, and Miaochii, a magical intellectual city of tabaxi catfolk.

It is the year 243 AH, Annus Heroicus, two and some centuries after the fall of the evil lich Silanoch, when the calendar was reset to herald the new age of peace. It is in the city of Radisha (named for the epic adventurer Radish who protected the city walls from falling) that Princess Isolde, long stricken with disease, will be crowned Queen in her newfound health. The Central Plaza is bustling with travelers and citizens alike. Two travelers, a beautiful cleric and a handsome paladin, join the throngs, searching for some amusement. Not so far away, a spry rogue and a mad artificer survey the scene. And in the darkest corner of the plaza, a warlock stands beside a ghoulish being, content to remain anonymous. It is no coincidence that these five individuals have gathered at this event, though they each had their own reasons.

The apothecary catches the sharp eye of Trynn, the halfing rogue. She bids her companion a temporary goodbye as she steps towards the apothecary. Wishing to sate a thirst, the artificer chooses instead to enter the local tavern. The humble tavern, all wood floors and rafted ceilings, is unusually empty, save for the barkeep, the tavern maid, and a ranger nursing a beer in the shadowy corner. The maid immediately greets her customer. "And how can I help you?"

"Ricky Mad-eye, ma'am. I'll have a glass of your finest drink."

"Honey, the best I got is some three day old beer."

Not to be turned away from alcohol, Ricky plops onto a bench. "That'll do."

Meanwhile, in the apothecary, the tinkling of the bell alarms the alchemist, who notices the apparent lack of a customer. He peers cautiously over the counter and is met by the innocent girlish face of Trynn.

"Oh!" the alchemist chuckles in relief. "Didn't notice you there at first. And from what parts thereabout do you hail?"

Scanning the shop for valuables, Trynn replies with a smile, "From Bori-nor, good sir. I've come to see the coronation." The alchemist gladly makes small talk, and the rogue makes a purchase of five potions, disappointed when the alchemist enters a back workroom where anything worth stealing might be kept. Leaving the apothecary, she traipses to the tavern, knowing without a doubt that her companion would have chosen to pass time with the best of spirits. Inside the tavern, she appraises the scene: the barkeep attending to a cleric and paladin, a ranger in the far corner, and the artificer polishing off his second mug.

The maid, having no one else to talk to, has taken a seat across from Ricky. "And where do you come from, stranger?"

"To tell you the truth," says Ricky. "I haven't got a clue. I woke up with nothing but the spells in my head, not even any clothes!"

"That's odd, almost as weird as the crazy things that've been happening around here."

"What do you mean?" Trynn pipes up.

The maid jumps, startled at the sudden appearance of the stealthy rogue. "My, didn't notice you there! Well, lately the moon has been bloody red nearly every night. The crops haven't really been turning up yields, and the livestock keep going missing! We're basically out of meat!" She looks up and notices the cleric and paladin listening in with undisguised curiosity.

"Please continue," says the paladin. "These blood moons are concerning. Do you know anything as to why this is happening?"

"Well, I think I saw the first one several weeks ago. Say, that's about when I heard our princess was cured. I suppose the gods have got it in for us, giving us a good thing and then a bad thing. But to be honest with ya, I haven't got any more information. It sure is frightening to see every night."

The cleric turns to the paladin. "Xev'ric, there was an information booth across the plaza. Perhaps we might find clues there."

"I will join you," Trynn stands, eyeing the purse strings dangling from the paladin's belt. The three leave Ricky to his third mug of beer and cross the plaza to the brightly painted little building.

Inside, a wizened cartographer sits at his desk scratching in gridlines for a new map. The walls are hidden by shelves of scrolls and tomes, all filled with knowledge detailing the rich history of the nearby regions and of worlds unimaginably far away. Lost in wonderment, the good paladin stumbles at the edge of a rug and grabs the nearest shelf for support.

Boom! The shelf tips over, spilling its contents all across the floor. The cartographer gasps in horror, crying, "But those took so long to organize!"

Greatly ashamed, Xev'ric sets the shelf upright and proceeds to gather up the scrolls as quickly as he can. "My deepest apologies. I have ruined all of your hard work. Please take these five gold as compensation." The cartographer generously forgives the intrusion and graciously accepts the offering, not noticing that as soon as he deposits them on the desk, they vanish into the rogue's pockets.

The cleric picks up a stray map. "Why it's a map of the continent. This would be useful. Please tell me how much it costs."

"Oh, that's one of several hundred copies. You may have it for free," the cartographer says with a smile, wondering when these clumsy tourists would leave him alone. "I really appreciate your help cleaning up."

"I'm afraid I can't do that, not after knocking over your shelf like that," the paladin interjects, reaching for his purse again. "Please, you must take somethi---my money!" The paladin pats himself up and down, realizing with shock that his wallet is missing. "There were at least a hundred coins in there!"

"Mine too!" says the cleric.

"And mine as well," Trynn says with a growl.

The three of them turn around and spot a shadow racing out the door.

"After him!" The trio bolt after the thief, whose shadow is barely visible in the throngs of the crowd. Nearby, the warlock too notices his missing purse, perceives instantly that the harried fugitive in the square is likely responsible, and joins the pursuit.

Ricky, still in the tavern, attempts to sense whether the ranger sharing the venue might be dangerous or not. He reaches out carefully with his mind when an enormous sensation of magic passes just outside the tavern. Forgetting his beer, he jumps up and glances outside, where he sees the blur of his friend disappearing down an alleyway.

"Wait up!"

Down the alleyway, the rogue's small form and light feet immediately takeover the culprit, whom she tackles to the ground. It is but a human boy, not even near fifteen years.

Upon seeing an angry rogue, an intimidating paladin, a glimmering cleric, and a frightening warlock standing over him, the thief begins crying immediately. "I'm sorry! Please let me go! You can have these back. Just please don't hurt me!"

"Why did you take our money?" Trynn demands. With a fresh burst of tears, the thief explains that his mother is ill and he was in need of money to purchase medications.

Huffing and puffing, the mad artificer finally joins the group. "What did I miss?"

The thief returns the purses, and the good paladin offers the leftover wallet to the newcomer. "This must be yours."

"Wow, I didn't even notice it was gone. Much thanks. Ricky Mad-Eye by the way."

"And it is a pleasure to meet you. Xev'ric Reiltar, at your service."

Trynn offers the woebegone thief five gold coins to take to his mother. "Thank you miss!" The thief accepts the offer and races further down the alley.

When the boy has disappeared from sight, Trynn looks to her companions. "I'm going to follow him." Intrigued, the rest of them follow the rogue's lead.

The boy takes a harrowing route through holes in the walls, back alleys, and finally down into the sewers. No sunlight reaches into these depths, but at least the pathway is tall enough for even the tallest of their member, and just a short distance away, the sewers branch and the intersection seems to have unnatural lighting illuminating the area. The thief turns down the branched path.

As they make the same turn, two armed people leap out, weapons raised. The first cries out in a woman's voice, "Trespassers, you shall not live!"

Caught off guard, Xev'ric stumbles as the woman slashes with her sword, just missing him. Called by the sound of battle and his master's command, the shadowy hulk that had been lingering behind the warlock suddenly materializes into a ghoulish creature. The ghoul swipes the woman's companion and draws blood. The armed man finds himself unable to move a single muscle. The rogue leaps forward, closing the distance between her and the other woman to get behind easy reach of the woman's sword and flashing her dagger. Her opponent easily knocks aside the dagger with her gauntleted arm.

Recovering his poise, the paladin throws up an outstretched arm. "Wait!" he shouts, "what have we done to wrong you?"

His charismatic voice echoes down the sewers, and all the combatants pause.

The woman lowers her sword. "Tell me, why are you here?"

"We followed the boy," the paladin replies.

"Why are you here in this city?"

Xev'ric sheaths his own sword and opens his hands in a peaceful gesture. "I've come to seek an honest living, perhaps offering my services as an escort to a nobleman."

"Family business," the rogue shrugs.

"I happen to be passing through," the cleric says.

"Ricky Mad-eye, ma'am," Ricky offers a handshake. The handshake is not returned. The warlock and his ghoul companion offer no response. The five of them suddenly feel a probing tingling, like a wave of magic passing through them, seeking their true intentions. The sensation disappears as quickly as it had come.

The woman also sheaths her sword. "I see that you have not come here with malicious intent. You are welcome to leave unharmed. You are also welcome to stay and hear my proposition. It is not often that people of your caliber come wandering to my doorstep, and I have need of your assistance."

The companions exchange glances, and no one moves to leave.

Their host indicates for them to follow. Further down the unnaturally lit hall (Ricky perceives some machination of magic in the hung light globes), it is clear that a portion from the sewers has been dug out and fashioned into an underground stronghold. A great number of people of all sizes, ages, and races are bustling in the main hall of the stronghold.

"You might know of the tale of the legendary adventurers who two and a half centuries ago managed to vanquish the dark lich Silanoch," the woman narrates as they pick their way through the activity. "They sealed his power at the Forbidden Grounds to the north, and there his power has slept all this time. We have reason to believe that evil is once again afoot, and that someone is trying to claim that power for themselves and accomplish what Silanoch failed to do all those years ago."

"The blood moons!" Xev'ric exclaims. "I wonder if they are related." His heart races at the thought of danger once again threatening the stability of their lands. He looks up and finally notices the ghoul standing near the silent warlock. "Demon!"

The warlock catches his wrist. "Sheath your sword. Do not seek trouble where there is none," he says quietly.

Unknowing or perhaps uncaring of the outbursts, their host continues her tale. "I'm sure you're aware that the Forbidden Grounds have been guarded by the soldiers of the Great Barrier. Of late, these soldiers have been returning with fear in their eyes and gibbering speech, robbed of all reason. And indeed the timing of the blood moons could not be more suspicious."

"I think that's where I woke up," Ricky interrupts, "near that big wall. The Great Barrier, I mean."

The group end their meandering in an elevated room, doors closing behind them. The bustle outside the doors die away as everyone looks around. Stone lines this chamber, bedecked with the globe lights and maps of every part of the known world. In front of them is a large table with a continental map and several flags and figurines standing in various territories.

"My name is Nerine," their host continues. "I am the leader of the White Eagle. We seek to root out this new source of evil and to nip it in the bud. We must operate underground because as of now, the political leaders of our world ignore the obvious warning signs, content to live obliviously. Even the princess, now Queen, cannot be trusted."

They move to stand around the central table and Nerine indicates their city of Radisha on the map. "We are headquartered here, but I am recruiting as far out as I possibly can. We need all the information that we can get. Will you join our cause? Will you go out into the world, seeking information and working to stop evil from rising again?"

"How can I not aid this worthy cause?" Xev'ric responds, determination flaring in his eyes. He turns to his cleric companion. "Lady Godiva, won't you help out as well?"

The cleric nods. "If I can be of any assistance, just let me know."

Ricky agrees. "If I can figure out what's on the other side of that wall, I might finally remember who the heck I am and where I came from."

The rogue seems less convinced. "I will help until it no longer suits me."

They all turn to look at the warlock. His expression unreadable, he says, "I will lend my help, but not for the same goal."

Unperturbed by the unequal commitment of the individual adventurers, Nerine smiles. "It makes me happy knowing that we have strong supporters on our side.

"Wherever you choose to go, know that you have allies of the White Eagle," Nerine indicates the white eagle brooch on her cloak. "I have contacts in Bori-Nor and Miaochi as well as a handful of nomads whose location frequently changes. Know them by this question, 'Where does the eagle fly on the white moon?' Friends will answer, 'Neither above nor below the clouds.'"

Ricky points out the Forbidden Grounds on the map. "Why not start at the source? Let's go there first."

Before the companions depart, Nerine gifts a soft felted hat to the mad artificer and a collection of potions to the cleric. "May these aid in your quest. The easiest route would be to leave through the north gate of the city.

"And one last thing. No magic lock exists without a key, and if you stumble upon the key to unsealing Silanoch's power, you must take that into custody and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands."

Finally outside, the companions realize they are just in time to see the newly crowned Queen emerge from the spired chapel to stand at the upper balcony overlooking the Central Plaza. The hustle and bustle dies down as she speaks.

"It is a new day, my people. I thank every one of you for coming to visit our beautiful city, for it means to me that you care about the livelihood not only of Radisha but of the lands around us, you care about the ongoings of the place in which we all reside, and for that, I could not be more happy to serve as your Queen."

Looking up at the beautiful young Queen, Xev'ric is struck by a strange feeling in his heart, that no matter what, he must do his utmost to serve her. A thundering cheer rises from the crowd as the Queen waves one final time, throws down a cascade of petals, and disappears back into the protected chambers of the chapel.

The companions depart, eager to begin. In the early evening, with the event over, the streets are clearing, and they reach the north gate uneventfully. A lone guard perks up at the sight of people.

"Ho, are you going outside the city at this hour? Be careful! There have been reports of bandits and monsters harrying the roads."

Godiva thanks the guard for his warnings and they stop by the wagonhouse. She pulls out the map from the mapmaker and shows it to her companions. "If we travel now by wagon, we can rest the night at the Elvish Preserve and reach the Forbidden Grounds tomorrow with daylight to spare."

A tubby wagonmaster waddles out to meet the potential customers. "And how might I help you? We have a luxurious coach, an affordable carriage, and a basic wagon. All are powered by the latest model of the no-touch engine."

The warlock steps forward. "We'll take the carriage, at a discount."

Suddenly beguiled by the unusual warlock, the wagonmaster is happy to accept the steep cut in price. Xev'ric feels quite caught off guard at the generosity shown by the warlock purchasing the carriage with his own purse.

The group sets off onto the road, the cleric taking the first shift in expending her magic to power the carriage engine.