They rode on as night fell, not a safe time anywhere these days. Deedlit's ear's twitched with every sound, her elven eyes had better nightvision than humans, so Parn let her ride a few paces ahead. Occasionally, she lifted her head to sniff the air for undead.

Deedlit jerked in her saddle, suddenly assaulted by the smell of rotten flesh. "Oh Falis, not now," she groaned to herself. "Parn! Luda! Ardyn! We have company coming!"

Luda was riding along, cautious, but still enjoying the night air. She heard Deedlit's call and pulled her weapon out. Soon, she could smell the decay as well. She stroked her horse's neck to calm it. "Still," she said. She held her weapon up as if to spear something if a form lurched from the shadows.

Deedlit could hear the undead closing in now. Her ears could pick out the humanoid steps, but there were a few that were something else. Wonderful, undead Marmo monsters, Deed thought sarcastically. Just what we need. She wheeled Darni around to the closest sound. A creature ambled out, a human--or at least what was left of one--and Deedlit heeled Darni into a gallop toward it.

Ardyn saw the undead comming, he smirked as he drew his sword. He rode up into battle holding his sword out, he knew that undead ...these particular undead were slow. He'd fought zombies before. Ardyn lept from his horse and came down, the red steel of his sword shimmered in the night as split a larger one down the middle. Ardyn landed on the ground with his knees slightly bent, a bit of blood sprayed up as the monster collasped. Another one attacked Ardyn from the side with a short sword. Ardyn defended the attack with his left armored hand. He caught the shortsword and sliced the creature across the chest with his katana. The zombie let go of its weapon, Ardyn held the short sword in his left hand and punched the zombie in the head. It fell over. He saw more them comming now, Ardyn moved back away from them to avoid being surrounded. "Perhaps some holy magic would help to drive them away" he suggested.

Deedlit cut through a human corpse with her rapier with ease. The battles with undead were becoming too easy. She just was afraid something worse than dead humans would appear. Another zombie ambled toward her and she yanked Darni's reins to make her rear up so the mare could smash it with her hooves.

Parn was having no difficulties with the undead. They were mainly humans and a few animals scattered in. With Heaven's Saviour, he hacked through them. The sword seemed to do double the damage thanks to it's enchantment. It could draw the evil presence from the undead that controlled them, instead of breaking bones, a few slashes could be enough to return them to the grave.

Sounds of larger creature caught Deedlit's ears and with her nightvision, she could see movement in the brush beside them. Whatever it was was bigger than Parn's warhorse. First, out of the flora, appeared a huge pincer-like appendage, followed by a Giant Mantis. Deed's eyes went wide. She'd never seen one alive, but had heard stories. This one was dead obviously, one pincer was missing, along with a wing cover. There were a few holes in it's exoskeleton as well. Now Deedlit wondered if killing it would be easier or harder. With most undead, it was breaking a bone that broke the spell, but what about a creature with no bones? Would the exoskeleton count as bone?

"Luda! We could use that magic now!" she yelled as the Mantis swung it's one pincer at Deedlit's horse.

Solitaire raced out from the shady woods, whipped himself under the approaching claw grabbed hold of the reins on the far side of Deedlits horse and tugged sharply. The horse pranced angrilly two paces forward and onto Deedlit's right. He reached to draw his twin blades. Then a cold chill went through his body. He reached for the blade bequeathed (cursed?) on him by the Lady, and swung it out. It's thin, grey almost elvish design seemed to constantly weep mists.

He kept one eye on the monster. "Sorry I'm late. but honestly standing around when there's something like this here. Mustn't stay in one place too long or..." The claw slashed out where he'd been.

"That happens." He was right next to Deedlit, His black cloak had recieved a light score. He dropped into a battle stance. "I really hate these things living. They're faster."

Deedlit brought her horse back under control and pulled the mare back a few paces out of the monster's reach. I thought we left him back at the castle... Deedlit thought absently.

"Spirits of fire, come and embrace this creature with your flames and return it to it's grave!"

Bursts of fire exploded about the mantis, scorching it's outer shell. When the fire cleared, the monster still stumbled about, unfeeling, but in much worse condition. Another holy magic attack would easily bring it down. Where was Luda though?

Luda's horse was one that she'd bought with the reward she's gathered off the last trip she was on, and that reward had been pretty small. So, this horse was of a common variety, and not very well trained. It adhered to Luda's direction and the human-like undead hadn't phased it much, but the horde of undead animals and especially this new large monster spooked it. It bucked violently and thrashed about, throwing Luda onto the path. Luda tried to gain her bearings as the horse whined and bucked around with an undead wolf nipping at it's feet. For a moment she thought she might be trampled. Then, she heard someone call for her and painfully brought herself off the ground. She saw what needed to be done, and gave it her best try.

"Oh, Myrii," she chanted in a hymnal tune, "give retribution to this creature's soul and return its body to the earth; so that your warriors of virture may contine in peace."

A soft white light flickered down and faded in and out over the creature for a second. The giant insect seemed to calm, gently falling back into eternal rest where it rightly belonged.

Solitaire lowered his guard slightly. "Well that seems to be effective" He then jumped back a few paces so he could survey the situation.

Deedlit calmed Darni the best she could. Still with her rapier in hand, she swung about to try and find any other monsters.

Parn was leading his warhorse. During the fight, he'd fallen from his saddle. His pride was a little bruised, but the horse was trained well enough not to run. He quickly re-mounted before anyone realized he'd actually fallen. "Hopefully that's all for now," he said. His eyes still darted about, trying to find another creature.

He did remember seeing Kitain seize Deedlit's reins to pull her out of harm's way. "Thank you Solitaire," he said while looking down from his saddle. Falis, if Deedlit had been hurt he would regret it to the end of his days.

Luda stood up, thuroughly exhausted. She rubbed her left shoulder, it was pulled from being thrown from her horse. "And at a time when they were relying on me, no less," she scolded herself. She felt sore in a lot of places, but felt relieved in the fact that the injuries could have been more serious. Everyone semed to be alright. She let out a long sigh of relief. "I appologize," she said and bowed her head in humility. "I was thrown to the ground as if I'd had no training at all."

Solitaire, after satisfying himself that nothing was moving that shouldn't be, sheathed the sword that had been 'given' to him and approached, he pulled a breath through his mask, and stopped. A rebuke wouldn't help. "That undead mantis was not usual. Poor horse. Expecting skeletons, and look what it got."

Ardyn turned around sheathing his own sword after the battle, he saw that Luda had fallen from her horse but he couldn't take his eye away from the undead attacking him. Everything was quiet now, he smiled when he saw that both Deedlit and Dlantoub were checking up on her. Ardyn saw Luda's horse nearby, he walked over to the animal and spoke to it in a comforting tone. He gentally took the riens and walked back over to were the others were.

"This was probably the first time she's seen battle, you know. Horses get spooked real easy by the supernatural, I hope you didn't tumble too hard back there. Its not fun, I'm sure everyone here's been thrown off a few times"

Ardyn eased the reins over to Luda's hands. "The best thing you can do is just get back on and ride again, and not worry about it."

Ardyn looked around and sighed, then he added a few minutes later. "Maybe we should get moving again, Master Spark's condition might get worse as time passes."

A warm smile graced Luda's face, a rarity indeed. She looked at Deedlit and then at Ardyn. Her cheeks turned a little red now in embarassment and she very nearly apologized for being so apologetic. "Thank you," she replied to Deedlit, "but I've only twisted my arm a bit, it's not serious or I would heal it myself." She pet her horse on it's snout. It had done a good job trampling a few of the animals under its feet. "Maybe you'll be less afraid next time," she said to the animal. She turned to Ardyn and smiled weakly. "Thanks, and... I agree, we should get somewhere safe. There's only more and more undead out here."

* * *

There were no more distractions during the rest of the journey and they arrived at the Duke's Palace outside of Salbad sometime after midnight. The Palace, of old Marmo design, was dark and menacing. No guards were in sight, and Parn's stallion pranced at the gate.

"Ho there!" Parn cried out. "We have come to see Duke Spark! Open the gates!"

A large owl landed atop the wall next to the main gate of the Palace, as one of Duke Spark's Knights, Lord Cresson, as he announced himself, arrived to open it. Cresson, after a brief exchange, invited the small group to enter the courtyard and follow to the stables. Where three grooms came and offered to care for the company's mounts.

A door into the palace opened, a small page held it in place so any who cared to enter, could do so.

"That is young Piper, as we call him." Said Cresson he will lead you to the Great Hall, where food and drink will be provided for you all, if you wish to partake of it. Please make yourselves comfortable. I shall tell the Duchess that you have arrived, Lord Parn. I am sure she will be much relieved to see both you and Lady Deedlit." With a slight bow, Lord Cresson was gone, quickly moving past the small boy, and vanishing within the palace.

The owl flew overhead and high up to a tower window, where a delicate hand reached out and allowed it to find purchase. Carefully both bird and hand retreated inside, as the window closed behind them.

Luda rode her horse into the gate behind Parn and the others and after dismounting, made sure that it would be take care of. She followed silently behind the others. "They don't seem too immediate to find help for the Duke," she said. "They must have tried so many methods already..."

She followed the young boy as he led them through to a dining room. "I suppose we'll have to wait for a little while... I should be as strong as possible before attempting to heal him in any case." She politely took a seat at the large table. "I'm excited to meet Duke Spark and Lady Neese," she said. "There are so many legends about the rebirth of Kardis and Marfa it's almost impossible to discern what parts are true."

"There is still much about those times that I would give much never to remember again!" Said a soft female voice, that was almost a whisper.

On a landing, up a great staircase, stood a petite woman. Her large blue eyes ringed by a hardness caused only by great grief. The Duchess Neese was still beautiful, even with streaks of white hair that started at her temples and slid down both sides of her lush violet tresses. She wore a simple pale cream dress, trimed with green silk, a matching green, bracaded, long sleeved, coat and vest, that complemented the green trimmed silk, was proof against the cold drafts, in this huge manor house.

On the same landing, Lord Cresson, Captain of Duke Spark's Knights, in comparison to the small woman, seemed a towering giant.

Young Piper silently nodded his head toward the couple on the stairway.

Neese's eyes brighted upon seeing her old friends. "Deedlet and Parn, you and all your company are most welcomed here. I hope you will forgive Duke Spark, his condition, strangely worse of late, prevents him from greeting you all personally."

Neese, with Cresson at her side, had descended the rest of the stairs and offered both Deedlet and Parn a warm embrace. "It is so good to see you again my friends!" Neese whispered into their ears while holding back greatful tears.

Deedlit heard Neese's familiar voice and turned to face the young woman. She happily accepted Neese's embrace and touched her cheek gently. Falis, she worried for Neese now.

Parn was a little surprised by Neese's hug, but he accepted it just the same. With Spark's condition, he could imagine the girl needed it. "We heard about Spark," Parn said softly. "We came to see if we could do anything." He turned to his company. "The two with us are Priestess Luda Rhan, of Myrii and Ardyn." He wasn't entirely sure what Ardyn's title was, but he certainly seemed to have taken on the role of Luda's protector.

Deedlit put a comforting arm around Neese's shoulders. "Can you tell us a little more about what happened? We heard a little from a knight named Blaze, who says he was there."

Luda revered the presence of the duchess and stood to bow to the young lady. This wasn't quite different from her normal greeting however, so no one might suspect her strong admiration. "We traveled here in hopes that Myrii's spirit might be able to heal the Duke," she said.

"Yes, Blaze was a witness to that fiend striking Spark in the back." Neese answered. She took a breath and continued speaking. "My friends, I'm afraid that you will find Spark greatly changed. All our clerics that have tried to cure him of his evil wound, have failed. Nightly his dreams have all turned to horror filled nightmares. He remains in a trance-like state durning the day, and rarely speaks. And the aging! Though the wound is not deep, yet it effects him so. He has aged so quickly, that I fear now for his very life!"

Neese turned at Luda's words and said. "Please, if you think you can heal Spark, you must try! You and Myrii's spirit would have my eternal gratitude. If you would but follow me?" Nesse turned once more, and quickly climbed the stairs. At the landing, she paused only long enough to see if Luda followed.

Deedlit watched Neese, biting back her tears. Why did such a horrible fate befall this young couple? She began to doubt Myrii's power could heal Spark. And Neese...what had happened to her? If Spark was aging, the white in her hair somehow. Blaze's description of the perpetrator sounded like a djinni, as well as what Ariakan had told them of the false Kashue.

Deedlit steeled herself. There was a villian out there responsible for Spark and Neese, the undead, Roid, the Mirror Forest, Blade, Kashue, the dark clouds and everything else that had happened since. Deedlit and Parn had fought many things in their years together, with the help of others. The had a greater army behind them than ever before and now, a greater enemy than ever. I only pray that we win this war as well...

Luda felt the urgency in the dutchess's voice and followed after her. "Lady Deedlit, Master Parn, and Ardyn too, you can aid Master Spark with your prayers. I'm not certain wheather Myrii can do any good where Marfa could not, but it can't possibly make things worse... It may slow down the aging at least." She just hoped that it would do something at all.

The young Duchess Neese seemed, almost at times, to run up the three flights of steps in the huge manor house. Even Lord Cresson with his long striding gait seemed in a rush to keep up with the Duchess. And the small page Piper fell far behind Luda and the others, as he scrambled up the staircase as well.

The Duchess led the followers down a long hallway and opened the door to a large bedchamber. Inside, on a huge bed, sat the Duke propped up by many pillows. His eyes and cheeks sunken inward, his hair stark white, his eyes fixed and glassy. Little remained of the youthful warrior that he once was. A servant girl was spooning a warm broth into his mouth, and Spark shallowed this in reflex. Above the massive bed's headboard was perched a huge wild-looking owl.

Neese, a smile growing on her face, moved to beside the bed. "Oh it is good to see him eating! Thank you Freida!" Said the Duchess as she touched Sparks brow lovingly. "Look Spark! Deedlet and Parn have brought a healer to us!"

Spark's blank stare gave no indication that he was aware of his visitors.

Neese with hope creeping into her dark blue eyes, looked up from Spark's bedside at Luda. "What can we do to assist you, in this, Mistress Healer?"

Deedlit bit her lip to keep from crying when she saw Spark. "Oh Falis..."she murmured. Nodding slowly in response to Luda, she closed her eyes and whispered her own prayer to Myrii.

Luda of course, was not as shocked to see spark since she hadn't met him before, but could tell that it must've been a dramatic change to upset the others so much. Her eyes went to the bird perched above. It seemed a little odd to be here.

"You needn't speek so humbly to me, my lady," she said quietly to Neese and sat down on her knees on the floor in front of Spark's bed. "I will only need to hold his hand, if that's alright." She looked at the ill man with sympathy. Then her eyes looked up at the owl again. "Is there a reason for this bird's presence?" she asked. "I hope I'm not being insulting by saying this if it is your pet, but animals can be dangerous to have around the sickly... even a small sickness or parasite could endanger him."



Neese stood and looked at Luda. "This bird is by no means a danger to Spark or myself! It is a very clean animal and quite a bit smarter then most of it's kind. It is the pet of a mage and great friend of ours."

Neese lifted her arm and the owl flew to her immediately. "I will have the bird taken out, if you feel it would hinder your healing. Piper take this bird into the hall and be very careful with him." She transfered the owl gently to the small boy's shoulder. The boy nodded his head, smiled a toothsome grin, and walked out into the hall all the while stroking the owl's feathers. Neese then lifted Spark's hand gently and held it, waiting for Luda to take it.

Luda gently took his hand and took a deep breath. Now it was finally time for her prayer. "Valor," she thought, and summoned her nerve. With her hands clasped over spark's, she closed her eyes and began to concentrate.

"Oh great Myrii, god and protector of the valiant, please hear me," she began. "This is the flesh of one of your greatest warriors, he who flew into the face of destruction and released the spirit of Marfa herself. Lend your service to heal this body so that he can be free to carry out your will again. Do not alow this hero to be desecrated and mocked by those who would undo the work of the gods of light. I lie down my strength before you, lift this dark curse and save this brave man's young life..."

Luda continued to meditate, all she could do now is to continue to concentrate hard on having her thoughts heard. She focused on Spark's health so intently that she could feel the darkness consuming him. For her concentration she began to sing one of Myrii's hymns very strainfully in a barely audible voice.

Luda could sense the great evil drawn from Spark's hand and creeping slowly to her own like a shadowy serpent! In her mind she heard clearly it's evil thoughts reaching out to her. Cleric, your song holds no sway over me! Accept the power of ages past, when the this land was ruled by magic. The power of the djinn can be yours to command. The husk of a body I now inhabit, I'll gladly exchange for that of your own! Welcome me young one and I'll leave this now useless warrior to his rest!

The irises of Spark's eyes rolled back in his skull so that only the whites of his eyes could be seen. Foam oozed from his lips, his body went ridged as if racked with sudden pain. Neese gasped and held her breath, looking only at Spark.

Deedlit sensed a dark and violent hum in the air. "Luda! Let go!" she nearly screamed in desperation. Something was wrong, though she could not say exactly what.

Parn's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, but there was nothing he could do with it. Neese and Deedlit were terrified by whatever evil caused Spark to convulse.

Luda was shocked by the voice she heard and gasped. She dropped Spark's hand and fell backwards to a sitting position flatly on the ground a few feet from the bed. She stared back at Spark horrified. "Gods almighty!" she said. "In all my studies, I have never heard of a creature with such a defense against holy magic."

Deedlit quickly knelt behind Luda, placing her hands on the priestess' shoulders. "Are you well Luda?" she asked. Even the High elf's hands were trembling.

Parn was tensed, staring at Spark's aged body. Moving over to Neese, "I think we're going to need more knowledge to stop this....darkness...I heard Cecil had come here earlier in the year. Do you know where he is now?" He spoke the the young duchess/priestess softly. What ever was happening to Spark, he could see was affecting her in more ways than one. Though still beautiful, the white wings and mature look on her face told that this illness was reaching her too.

Neese looked at Parn in puzzlement, then replied. "Cecil? Yes... Cecil's been here since before the skies darkened again on Marmo. He has been a very loyal friend and very helpful here. Cecil comes and goes at all hours, like most wizards have a habit of doing. But the owl Ghostwing, has a knack of always finding him. You could tie a note to it's leg, and Ghostwing will take it to Cecil without fail. The boy Piper, has a way with the bird, he can show you just how to attach your message to Ghostwing, and coax the bird to deliver it to Cecil."

Luda was deeply disapointed in her work. I'm no better than any of the rest of the ones who failed, she thought. The spirit inside of Spark's body might have given her a chance to save him, and part of her wanted to sacrafice herself for the young duke; but the logical side of her reminded the rest that evil sprits conceal much about their dealings. If it took her body and left Spark still smitten with his feeble condition then no good would come of it.

"I'll find a way to save him," she told the young priestess. "At cost of my life if it must be, I will see him returned to his former state."

Ardyn was shocked to see Luda's sudden enthusiasm. He knew that she never said anything that she didn't believe in fully. In his experience with her, he knew her to be a slight bit fatalistic as well. Her promise of a cure at the cost of her death made him uneasy. The Luda that he knew would definately throw her life away for someone like Spark. He was younger than she was, he had a wife, he was a great hero and a ruler of Lodoss-- all things that she was sworn to protecting. That creature inside of Spark had said something to her, he could tell. He took a step next to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"We'll keep going with Parn and Deedlit and find a way to reverse the effects," he said. "There's so much magic out there in the world that we hardly know about, there's got to be some way."

Neese then turned to Luda and said. "I thank you and your Myrii, for making such a brave attempt to help Spark. All the healers that have tried, have told me such a healing was beyond their skill. They have told me, that Spark is gripped by a portion of an evil djinn. An ancient evil shapechanging creature, long thought vanished from this world. Only the lost Kastuul dared summon the djinn to do their bidding! The same type of djinn, which struck Spark from behind, or so I have been told. The only sure way to drive it from Sparks body is to destroy the djinn that struck Spark, or failing that... you ... No! No! I can't say that! I can't think it! I can't give up hope!"

Neese turned then and took up Spark's hand and held it to her cheek as she lowered herself beside him. She gently caressed his head into her pale neck, tears falling down her face.

Parn headed to Neese's side and put a hand on her shoulder. "We will do everything in our power to save Spark," he assured her, speaking softly. "We will all the help we can find though. And we need to determine a way to find this djinni. I believe it was in Blade...and there may have been more." He stopped there, he did not want to tell her the city was destroyed at this point. She would need to know when she was calmer.

Deedlit stood and stared sorrowfully at Spark. She didn't speak a word, her eyes revealed enough. At Lord Cresson's request, she moved to Parn's side and headed out to the dining hall.

"Parn..." she whispered and walked closer to her knight, seeking his comfort.

Lord Cresson produced a bit of paper, ink, and a quill, from a nearby cabinet, then handed it to Parn. "Piper bring the bird closer boy! We have a task for it."

"Thank you Lord Cresson," Parn said and took the paper, ink and quill, then settled in at the table to write.

The first letter was adressed to Altaris Arkanis and read:

Altaris,

Please inform the others that Deedlit, myself, Luda and Ardyn will not be returning to Dark Heaven. Our current plans are not quite defined, but we are searching for a way to cure Spark. We will try to meet you in Raiden, but nothing is certain.

Parn

The second letter was a brief message to Cecil.

Cecil,

This is Parn. Deedlit and myself are at Spark's Palace in Salbad. Please return as soon as possible, we have plans we must make.

Parn

With the messages written, he sealed them with a bit of candle wax and a signet he carried. He handed Cecil's letter to Piper, then Altaris's to Cresson, trusting him to find another bird or messenger to send it to Dark Heaven.

Piper wasted no time in attaching Parn's message to the leg of the owl. He carried the bird to a nearby window, opened it, then relased the bird, with a whispered command. "Fly to your master!"

Lord Cresson nodded to Parn, as he accepted the letter to Lord Altaris. He then excused himself and left the great hall.

A short time later, he returned and told Parn. "Your letter to Lord Altaris is winging on it's way to Dark Haven, carried by one of our swiftest hawks. If there is anything else that you or any of your company require, you have but to ask." Lord Cresson looked around at those assembled, awaiting any request.

"That's all right, Cresson, that was all we needed," Parn replied and started on his dinner. "We just need to wait now." Deedlit looked up at Cresson, "Wait, do we have our rooms yet?" she asked. "Three rooms, one for me and Parn, the other two for Luda and Ardyn."

"Thank you for your generosity," Luda said and bowed to the lord.

"Luda," Ardyn said with concern. "You've been casting holy magic all day without rest. Shouldn't you retire for now?"

"I am fine," Luda replied coldly. "I'll rest when everyone rests."

Ardyn didn't say anything else, feeling that he'd said more than he should for the moment. He dropped back behind Luda again in silent observation.

Deedlit listened to Ardyn's concern and agreed. Luda should rest. But she should also get a good meal in her first. Deedlit happily dug into the plate of food she was given. After a long hard day, she needed it. Meals were far and in between these days.

"I'm eager to meet this friend of yours," Luda said softly to Parn and Deedlit. "I have a thought.. but I'm not sure if I should speak of it until I have an opinion from someone more knowledgable about this matter."

"I'm eager to meet this friend of yours," Luda said softly to Parn and Deedlit. "I have a thought.. but I'm not sure if I should speak of it until I have an opinion from someone more knowledgable about this matter."

Deedlit looked over at her. "Well, maybe we can help," she replied. It might be best to have already discussed whatever it was by time Cecil arrived.

"Well..." Luda looked over at Ardyn. She honestly didn't understand why, but she knew he wasn't going to like what she was about to say. "The being possesing the duke spoke to me. It tried to temp me into taking the possession upon myself. But..." She stopped for a moment. Ardyn hadn't reacted yet. "I do not know what would happen to Spark if I had, so I didn't accept."

"But you considered it?" Ardyn said. And there it was, Luda frowned.

"Yes, it's my duty to do whatever I can to save him. If I took the Djinn upon myself then it could allow us some more time. Spark's near his grave, if you haven't yet noticed. I might be able to put up more of a resistance to the aging process because I am a priestess."

"But the thing could be lying," Ardyn said desperately. "Spark could die regardless and then you would be sick as he is."

"That's why I decided to wait for council from the sorcerer." Luda looked down calmly and took a bite of her food. She swallowed it and spoke again. "I will do anything to save him, but not recklessly."

Deedlit and Parn listened to Luda and Ardyn. "Ardyn is right Luda, we cannot trust it. It may leave Spark on his deathbed and you will be another victim," Parn said with a concerned voice.

"Your ability may play an important role in saving Spark as well," Deedlit added.

"But we will wait to hear what Cecil has to say," Parn said. "He knows more about what we're dealing with than any of us."

"Thank you," Luda said again. "I think I will go to my room now."

"I'll go as well," Ardyn said. He had something to discuss with her.

Lord Cresson looked up from his meal, as a lanky, freckled faced, red headed, squire, entered the Great Hall, walked over to the seated lord, and leaning down whispering something into the captain's ear, then handed him a message. Cresson unfolded the small paper and read the message to himself, then he lifted his head to look at the others at the table.

"We have already received a message from Master Cecil! Seems that he has used his magic to somehow speed the bird's journey back to us.

He says that he shall not be arriving in Salbad till near dawn tomorrow. This... is most odd, normally, under such a request as the one I sent, he would transport himself here at once! This is troublesome to me." Announced Cresson, then after a short delay, he added. "Your rooms have all been prepared and the servants will gladly show you the way, when you are ready to retire."

Lord Cesson then discarded the small bit of paper onto the table, where any could read:
WILL ARRIVE, SALBAD, TOMORROW DAWN. CECIL

Parn looked at the letter and sighed tiredly, running a hand back through his hair. "I guess some rest would be good for us first," he said to Deedlit.

Deedlit put a hand on his arm and smiled softly. "Let's go then," she said, then stood and followed a servant upstairs. Parn dropped the letter on the table and said goodnight to Cresson before following her.

* * *

A servant led the to their rooms, which were near each other. Luda grabed the handle to her door. She stopped before opening it and without looking up at Ardyn's face she asked, "What is it?"

"Well," Ardyn started. "Would you answer a question for me? I'm sorry if it might be a little personal..."

She took a deep breath. "I will answer what you ask, but I always speak the truth and you may not like what I say." That's why she didn't talk to people when it wasn't needed. It only made situations worse in her experience.

"Why are you so bent on Spark?" he asked. "We all want to save him, but it's not something you need to bare alone. You don't even know him, so why are you so willing to give up your life?"

"My family has always protected the monarchy. We live in areas all around Lodoss, my relatives, and in our small way we try to keep peace in Lodoss. We're just a few people and probably don't make much difference, but that's been our tradition. I'm a priestess. It's my duty to defend the innocent, especially the rightous warriors of Myrii. He's younger than I am, to die so young would be a shame. And besides... The Duke's young wife will be widowed if he should die. I'd gladly give up my life to save him if it is possible." She still didn't look up at him. Her words meant much to her, he could tell, but she did not change her calm tone at all. Ardyn stood in thought unsure of what to say now. "I've answered your question," Luda continued. "Now I'd like to ask you something, though you may not like what I say."

"You don't have to worry about offending me, Luda," he said. "I'd rather know what you're thinking."

"Why do you follow me?" she asked very simply. "We fought together once, but that was nearly two years ago. I hardly remembered your name, we have not met since then, but yet, you are concerned about me. More so than a mere aquaintence should be."

"Well.... the thing is Luda..." He looked a little embarassed suddenly. Luda looked up now, confused at his reaction. "Well I knew you a lot better than you knew me maybe." She gave him another confused, even suspicious expression now. "I know I have a tendancy to stay in the background so it doesn't bother me that you don't remember me much at all, I get that a lot." He knew he still hadn't answered the question and looked around the hall like the right words would be painted there on the walls. Why am I following Luda? he thought to himself. I might have come on this trip anyway, but I'm here mostly because of her.

"Ardyn?" she asked and he snapped to attention again. "You aren't sick are you?"

"I admire you, Luda," he said quickly, thinking that was the best way to explain it. She wasn't his friend exactly though he'd be glad if she were, and saying that he really liked her was not what he wanted to say, even if it were true in a sense. "You're a person I know I can rely on. I have this feeling like I'm in the right place when you're around. I don't know why, but that's the reason." He relaxed again, satisfied with the way he had phrased things for once. "And I'll support what you decide because I know it'll be the logical thing, a selflessly unbiased decision as usual. I'd rather not trade you for Spark, even if it's an fair trade in your opinion... but if that's what you want then I'll follow you."

Luda took all this in carefully. She was not used to that kind of treatment. "That's very... kind of you," she said. "Thank you."

"Well, goodnight then, Luda," he said and she replied the same and opened her door. When she was inside, Arydn turned to his own room and retired as well.