"I had no doubts concerning your willingness to help, but I had to ask. These are dark times for Lodoss, and you may have other tasks to fulfill, or battles to fight before you can complete this quest. I needed to know your priorities." Cecil answered looking into her elven eyes.

Just then, Neese and an elderly household servant, entered the room. Neese smiled and nodded a greeting to everyone, then she moved with the servant, Magdalyn, towards the Duke's large bed.

Magdalyn was a small kindly looking woman, with a shock of long white hair, and the entire left side of her body, decorated with intricate tatoos. Her tan robes were frayed and tattered, with many pouches and pockets. She carried a large bowl of water and several towels were draped over her small shoulders.

The women set about the task of cleaning, bathing, and scenting the young Duke. Magdalyn, then called Luda over and showed the young cleric how to prepare a soothing poultice of herbs, ground leaves, and spices, that smelled much like wild flowers in bloom. She also showed Luda how to coat the mixture onto bandages and apply it Spark's back wound.

Then the women dressed Spark in comfortable travelling garb. Thoughout the entire process, Spark remained as quiet and complacent as a young child. As they finished up, Lord Cresson entered the chamber.

He had been very busy booking the swiftest ship in Salbad's harbor, 'The Wave-Glider' under Captain Kredrune. The ship had been provisioned with everything the small company could need, including livestock and riding horses. The only tasked that remained to do, was for each of the company to gather up their belongings, and board the ship.

* * *

It was mid-afternoon on Marmo and the guests at Dark Heaven were preparing to leave. Horses were saddled, packs waiting to be carried and all that was left was the goodbyes. Their group had shrank considerably since they arrived. Deedlit, Parn, Luda and Ardyn had decided to stay with Duke Spark, the young squire Kaiva had joined the Doom Knights, and Kitain had disappeared to do whatever he had come to Marmo for. But they also did gain a few, Azoth had decided to join them on their quest and Moryssa and Berry were back.

Zira waited patiently beside Thunder, idly stroking the gelding's neck. The half-elf siblings were starting to sober up and getting them out was probably what was holding them up. Kiran and Toan waited nearby with astonishing patience. Because of Moryssa's condition, she was sitting infront of Kiran, still unconscious, and Kiran cradled her tenderly. Moryssa's white mare, Vyanea, was tied to Kiran's saddle horn and nudged her master's limp hand gently with a velvety muzzle. Altaris and Azoth stood waited as far opposite from Kiran and Toan as possible while still staying near Zira and Blaze.

Zira sighed deeply as she watched Moryssa and Kiran. They all knew that what afflicted her could not yet be healed, and they feared Anubus would strike again.

* * *

"It's morning."

"Hmm... Oowww..." moaned Willow.

Puzzle nodded and shielded his eyes with his hand, "Yeah. me too."

They'd woken up in their rooms. Someone had probably carried them to beds shortly after he'd passed out, Puzzle figured. He grinned. "By the piss of the gods that was a good night!" he still felt wobbly.

Willow was clinging to anything that she could as if gingerly trying to climb from one object to the next and keep herself from tumbling away. Everything hurt. Her head throbbed. She never realize how painful and cruel sunlight could be. She had to confine her responses to simple one syllable utterances. Talking hurt. Moving hurt. Water was good. Sleep was good.

"Hey, were's Berry?"

"Mmmhhh uhn?... oowww...," she hung her head and gently waggled it side to side and shrugged. How could anyone be so chipper at a time like this? She believed she may have found a legitimate reason to loath her brother.

* * *

Two servants escorted, carried really, Berry into the stables, one at each arm. She looked as pathetic as a wet dog. Her face hung long, her eyes were bloodshot and it bothered her that her legs wouldn't work quite as she wanted them too. That was bad. She knew things were wrong. She didn't even want food. In fact, eating was the furthest thing from her mind. Avoiding eating was at the foremost of her mind. This was bad.

"Begging your pardon, m'lord n' lady," began one of Berry's "escorts", "She was having, um, 'difficulties'. She's in an awful state but we washed her up n' brought her down in one piece."

Puzzle eyed his sister up and down. She really did look terrible. "Eh," he shrugged, "We can just tie her to a saddle. Argh... blasted sun..." He squinted and took Berry from the servants, tucking himself under one of her arms. "Hey, Willow? Give a hand?" Willow not so much looked as just pointed her head in his general direction. "Hnn? unnn... owww..."

"S'ok... oof... s'all right, I got her... oooff... ergh... Anyone? A little help?"

Berry moaned and looked up at the people with bloodshot eyes. She managed a weak smile and pointed at Puzzle, who was under her arm, and Willow, currently clinging to a bale of hay and trying to not fall over, and slurred, "Thish is ma family!" before promptly falling onto Puzzle's feet and getting sick over his boots.

Zira put her hand on her brow, rubbing her temples. This was going to be a rough ride. "Akaria, can't you do anything for them?" she asked the priestess.

Akaria looked at the young half-elves with concern in her deep green eyes. "I can try. Some of the effects of alcohol are not easy to heal," she said and went over to them. She sat on the hay bale by Willow, since the girl seemed to be in the worst shape. The priestess placed her hands on the girl's forehead and sang a simple song. The pain in Willow's head would subside, but the nauea and drunkness would remain for awhile. The wounds she had substained during their scuffle with Berry were healed as well. With Willow taken care of, she moved onto Berry and Puzzle, doing the same for them.

The warmth and apparent comeradere that shown during their drunkeness and hangovers evaporated as the priestess passed her hand across the siblings. While the alcohol brought sickness, it also gave numbness. With that shield gone, a palpable distance grew between Berry and the other two half elves. With hope and luck, not to mention much work, the distance may be spanned during the long and ardorous journey home. Still squinting at the sun, Puzzle spoke first, "So, eh, shall we?" All were eager to leave the accursed island.

Zira quickly mounted Thunder and rode out of the gates of Dark Heaven, leading the little group a fast trot. Blaze and Ariakan took to the air, casually gliding above them.

They were soon riding through Salbad to the docks where a ship waited to take them to Raiden. The group boarded, were given small quarters, four to a room agian, their horses taken down to the hold and were to sea as soon as possible.

* * *

Kiran sat in his quarters which he would be sharing with Moryssa and Toan, staring at Moryssa sleeping in her bunk. He wouldn't share it with her tonight, it would be safer if she slept alone.

He glanced over at his future brother-in-law. {What are we going to do Toan?} He asked, hoping for at least a little help. How could they purge the evil from her? How could they protect her from an enemy that could jump from one place to another in a wink of an eye? They had learned from their battle that Anubus's one weakness was kindness, thanks to Myrela's sacrifice, but would that stop him?

Altaris was on the other end of the bunk. He was watching Moryssa with extreme hate at the moment. "Falaris AND Kardis? I have to kill her! MARFA WOULD WANT HER RELEASED!!!!" Altaris drew his sword. It was painful too. Moryssa was his friend too and her being like that ate at him. He was walking towards Kiran and Toan.

He was about to push past them when Azoth's sword was drawn and slammed against Altaris'sword. "STAY YOUR SWORD ALTARIS! I'LL NOT LET YOU HARM HER OR ANYONE ELSE!!" Azoth was defended Kiran, Toan, AND Moryssa from the Knight of Marfa. "Think Altaris! This isn't HER doing! This is Anubus' doing! You would only be hurting an innocent! I'll not let you do that..." Azoth's eyes narrowed as he forcefully pushed the knight back with his sword.

Kiran had his hand on the hilt of his scimitar, but Azoth stopped Altaris first.

Altaris growled and sheathed his sword. "But she's in agony...Look what trying to heal her did. My Divine gifts wouldn't fair any better either Azoth." He started pacing trying to think.

"Did you TRY you gifts on her Altaris? If not, then don't be too sure. You ARE Blessed by Kardis' mortal enemy and may hold sway over this...if even a little." The Dark Elf spoke with sage-like wisdom and sheathed his sword. "Kiran, Toan...would you be willing to let Altaris try to heal her? He's blessed by Marfa...maybe he might be able to help...at the least heal those scars."

"Don't try to heal her," he told Altaris flatly. "If Akaria couldn't heal the wound, you can't either. She said the wounds were cursed. They will only get worse if anyone tries to heal her," Kiran growled, placing himself between Moryssa and Al.

Azoth looked at Kiran with a calm look. "She is wise, but does not take into concideration the fact that Marfa herself has blessed one among us with divine healing. Altaris may be able to help, he's no fool though he is a but brash and ..."

"Enough Azoth...they we're smart enough to wait on Marmo and they're not smart enough now to turn towards another for help. Kiran is a fool who think he can do everything and it would need to be his way to have it down right. As if he were the Great One himself writing the book of fate." Altaris turned and headed up to the deck.

"Blood hell Altaris, don't you listen?" Kiran growled.

Azoth had a shudder run up his spine. "Pay no attention to his words Kiran. He's paining...you are all friends and companions...I am new to this group. Kiran, I've known Altaris a long time. Marmo is cursed, as you well known. He is blessed by the Goddess of Light herself. I've seen him heal warriors an inch from death by the most powerful of poisons and curses that are as ancient as Blaze's bloodline. I'd never have suggested it if I hadn't thought he might be able to help." He sat down next to Kiran and Toan and looked at Moryssa. "...I'd do no better if I tried. I'm not the dark elf you'd think. I sacrificed a lot of my magic to learn how to heal. Also, I'm sorry about hitting you a while back. I understand why you did what you did back then. It was a bit too much like Altaris...which is why I was upset. He's powerful, but gets himself into some bad situations." He watched them and then looked at Mory. She did look pretty bad and his hands were tied to do anything to help.

Azoth again stepped in, Altaris left, and Azoth's words were enough to sooth Kiran a little. He sat down on the bed beside Moryssa and took her hand. "I appreciate your offer to help," Kiran started. "But Akaria's healing is what triggered that entire episode. It only made the wounds worse too, I don't want to risk it again."

"I understand Kiran. I would not wish to harm in the name of healing. You're lucky Kiran. You must never let her go. Don't lose the one you love. Stand tall, be bold, and hold on for dear life. These was a saying once; It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved before. I can flatly tell you just how pain it is to have lost." He smiled and place a hand on Kiran's shoulder. "I will say one thing commendable about you Kiran. You would have made a fine general and I'm sure everyone would agree with that. Even Altaris, though he does not show it, he respects you Kiran. He's so angry because he's being torn up on the inside. He doesn't know how to help. Being what he is Healing and Justice are his callings. He feels he's failed another friend. Lady Moryssa. Did you know he'd give his life to save any one of us? Even if he appears to dislike you? He's bound so fervently to protecting his friends." Azoth sighed and looked at Mory, he hung his head lightly and began to pray silently that she might get better.

Kiran leaned back against the post of the bunk and stared back at Azoth. "Well, I appreciate the comment," he said with a chuckle. "But truth is, I probably wouldn't have made one of your generals. When I'm on Marmo, I'm...well, you know how I acted. Chaotic and short tempered. If you ever meet a woman named Mia when we get to Raiden, ask her what I'm like on Marmo. Even now I feel that darkness looming in my mind. This time it didn't start on Marmo. It's been building since those dark clouds settled over Lodoss. I just needed something to set me off I suppose."

"Some dark elves feel it more than others. Some don't have the ability to control it," Kiran replied. "I never could control it. I was cast out of my own tribe for it. I can't go back for a century without the risk of my own kin killing me." It didn't seem to bother him much, he just shrugged. Kiran then looked down at Moryssa, stroking her hair gently. "I have plans, but I shouldn't speak them yet," He smiled as he looked at Moryssa and one could only guess what those plans were. "And I want to get as far from Marmo as possible. Never go back. How's Blue Dragon Island Toan?"

* * *

Blaze was laying with Zira. He was silent. People were getting hurt and he didn't want that to happen. He felt like everyone's fates where in his hands. He was a dragon after all and yet, he couldn't help them. He was cussing his own weaknesses. "Zira...why is this happening? I'm a Dragon, I'm supposed to be able to end wars with my will. Yet, I can't even protect my friends." He held her close, finding comfort in her. His wings folded around them as they lay in their bunk. "...I feel so damned useless. So...weak and pathetic."

Zira sat up from where she had been resting against Blaze's chest. She brushed his cheek with her hand gently and leaned forward and kissed him softly. "No Blaze, you aren't pathetic," she said, looking into his golden eyes. "These things must happen Blaze. You cannot end wars with your will alone. You may have unlocked greater aspects of your ability, but there is still much more growing you must do." She leaned up and kissed his forehead.

* * *

He looked out over the edge at the water below. He was alone. "...My Goddess...can you hear me? Please....guide my hand. I know not what to do. I can't protect my friends...I feel I am losing my right to be considered a knight in your eyes."

* * *

"Well," Puzzle began as he walked into his and Willow's shared bunk, "She's stopped screaming. She's attached herself to one of the masts." He shrugged. It hadn't occured to any of them but, in truth, it made perfect sense, even if she was taking it rather badly. Their sister, Berry, had never seen the sea before. Ever. The concept of such a vast expanse of water was inconcievable. On the ride to the port, as they topped that last hill and the sound came into view, she'd panicked quite badly. It was only with some difficulty, and no small amount of force, that Puzzle and Willow, the others seeming to be preoccupied or having lost patience with the untamed half-elf, managed to coax her on board. Once the moorings were tossed and the ship sailed freely, she'd panicked again and simply clung to whatever seemed most solid, screaming incessently.

Willow shook her head and frowned. "Isn't there anything we could do?"

He shrugged again, "Knock her unconscious before the sailors do?" Willow frowned.

* * *

On deck...

"OOoww! Tha' blasted pointy eared bitch bit me!" The burly sailor shook and rubbed his wrist, his face scarlet with rage and indignation. The small circle of men surrounding the mast laughed. "I've had enough o' tha' elf. I'll cut 'er away from tha' mast if I have ta." He reached for his dagger only to have his hand stayed by another. "Korr, she's one o' tha' captn's special 'guests', I di not think it'd be good ta send 'er off tha ship in more pieces than when she came on. We'll git 'er out of
your way here."

* * *

Ten minutes later, below deck Bunks...

Willow and Puzzle were musing over the problem of Berry when a soft spoken and sturdy man entered the room followed by two other men carrying a burlap sack that was violently thrashing and what sounded like cursing through several layers of fabric.

"Beggin' yer pardon mi lord n' lady." He motioned to the other men and they somehow managed to gently place and, at the same time, contemptiously drop the sack onto one of the bunks. "Much appreciated." He touched his fingers to his brow and the three sailors took their leave.

Willow touched her hand to her mouth and exclaimed, "Oh, goodness." Puzzle took the initiative and poked the sack, "Berry?"

It impressed both Willow and Puzzle the extent to which one who had spent such an inordinant amount of time in extreme seclusion could cultivate such a colorful and varied repetiour of curses and insults.

Willow shrugged, "Well, she's not in their way anymore, I suppose."

* * *

The two half-elves walked the deck and leaned against the rails. They stared out at the shrinking form of Marmo. A black night hung over a black ocean and yet, somehow, the island was a gaping dark hole. Small pricks of fire glowed from the port. Lamps, hearths possibly even bonfires in the allyways, even those seemed darker, angrier than such things normally should be. Gratefully, they were sailing away from it.

"We're going to have to untie her at some point, you realize."

Puzzle nodded, "Uh-huh."

"It isn't very nice to leave her in that bag."

"Nope."

"So... um, which of us...?"

"My, it's a lovely night," sighed Puzzle as he deliberatly stared up at the faint and meager stars and strolled away whistling nonchalantly.

Willow stuck her tongue out at the back of his head and began to wring her hands in anticipation of the impending task.



* * *

It was early evening when Neese, Spark, Cecil, Magdalyn, and Piper had stoaded their gear in their respective berths. Neese and Cecil came up on deck and waved goodbye to Lord Cresson, who was assuming the role of the acting Duke of Mormo, until Spark's return. The young page, Piper, was too excited to sleep, as he roamed the decks of the great ship, and watched the sailors ready the ship to set out to sea.

The Wave-Glider set out to sea, and after an easy, uneventful, three day voyage, it safely came to dock in Raiden's harbor. Cecil and Neese thanked Captain Kredrune and paid him a bonus for the smooth passage.

Neese, Spark, Cecil, Magdalyn, and Piper stood on the docks as sailors loaded their belongings on to the pack donkeys, and mules. Their horses where brought to them all, and Cecil was the first to lead his mount into the great city.

As they moved away from the docks all eyes beheld the black opening in the skies above. Cecil shook his head, looked torwards the others, and said. "I only hope we've arrived in time my friends?"

Luda almost began to wonder if black skies would ever be considered a strange occurance again. Ardyn seemes to read her face and said, "Don't worry. Someday people will say 'I remember that time when you couldn't see the sun.' They won't say 'I remember when you could see the sun during the day.'"

Luda smiled weakly. "Come on, we're getting off now." She walked down to where the party was gathered on the docks. "Do you think the other group is here now?" she asked.

Deedlit stayed with Neese and Spark while Parn caught up to Cecil. He looked around the city, noting the desctuction, but also the fact that the city was still active. "What the happened?" Parn asked softly, then turned to Cecil. "We need to find our friends, but how to do that in such a large city?"

Neese smiled at Luda and replied. "I only hope they are within the City or somewhere nearby. If anyone could find them, I trust that Cecil or Deedlit's magic ways are our best chance of doing so. What do you say Deedlit, do you think you could help find the others, somehow?"

Cecil turned to look at Parn and confided in a whisper. "I think it's time I risked using a spell, though I like not that dark gapping hole in the skies above Raiden now!"

Cecil stirred the air with his serpent headed staff, and chanted arcane words. "Children of the Will-O-Wisps hear my plee! In the name of all the Great Spirits of Light, fly forth from your hiding places in your smallest of forms, and search this city of Raiden for those we seek. Find your way to them and return to light the way for me!"

Almost a once tiny fireflies flitted from around fireplaces and torches nearby. They swarmed away, the tiniest of blinking lights, scattering about the city streets and down its many alleys.

Cecil then turned back to Parn and said. "So far so well, Parn, only time will tell if these spirits of light can find our friends."

"I hope they're here too," Deedlit replied. She knew a spell she could have casted, but Cecil casted one of his own first. She smiled warmly to Neese, "It looks like Cecil has it covered," she said.

Parn managed a small smile as Cecil casted his spell. "What do you think, just keep heading into the city while your fireflies find our friends, or find an inn to rest at?"

"Yes an Inn sounds nice, and it would be a good idea to rest while we can. I think that abomination in the skies, could rain down evils upon this city at any time, and t'would be better if we were all well rested. Parn, will you lead our little group to a reputible inn, while I watch out for any signs of the fire flies returning? I have no idea if they will find our friends, or if they even can. The others could be gone from the city, or shielded from being spied by my magics" Cecil concluded in a voice, that gave one the idea that Cecil was distracted by something that demanded more of his attention.

Parn looked to Cecil and replied. "Of course, that portal in the sky looks fairly ominous. I'm sure everyone is alright though." He spoke as he led the group in the direction of the most reputable Inn in raiden.

Cecil, Neese, Spark, Magdalyn, and Piper all followed Parn to the Inn. Cecil made arrangements with the Inn's groom and stable hands to house the horses and pack animals.

The Duchess paid for rooms for the entire group, and gave them each their keys as she bid them a good evenings rest. She then turned and led Spark, Magdalyn, and Piper upstairs.

Neese and Spark, took a room on the secound story of the Inn. Magdalyn lead Piper off to bed in the room across the hall from the Duke and Duchess.

Cecil took his key and excusing himself, went back outside to await for any returning fireflies.

Once outside, Cecil whispered to his pet Owl, and sent it off flying into the night skies. Cecil then sealed the Inn door with an oft used protection spell. He moved around to the rear door of the inn and did the same there. He climbed up the back stairs of the inn and swung himself out onto the roof. Moving much like a spider would, he made his way to the roof's highest point, there to sit cross-legged, his staff cradled in his lap. His eyes closed, He became a living statue, only the night breeze, blowing his through his long blond locks, ruined that seeming illusion.

After Parn got a key he looked to Deedlit and then to the window. "I hope everyone got here alright, that chaos gate above the city looks like trouble. Anyways I am going to get some sleep, it's been a long journey here." He then made his way to the room beside the Duke and Duchess's room and fell asleep after removing his gear and setting it aside.

Taringail noticed several people walk through the door of the Inn he was staying at for the night. Two of them he thought he recognized from stories. They looked like they were the legendary heroes of Lodoss known as Deedlit and Parn, although Parn looked a lot shorter than Taringail had thought.

Deedlit stretched and yawned as she followed Parn to their room. Though her exterior seemed carefree, her mind was rolling over a few things. Mainly the Chaos Gate and coming battle, but on a less important note, she had noticed someone downstairs in the corner of the common room who gave off a rather strange aura.

She brushed the thought off, then followed Parn into the room. She stripped off her own armor and outer clothing, then climbed in bed.

"I'm beat," Ardyn said with a yawn as he and Luda entered the inn. "I'd like to take a look around the city, but I suppose that would be a stupid thing to do at a time like this."

"You can return when the city is back to its normal state," Luda replied absently as they walked by the man in the inn. He caught her attention for some reason she could not explain. Ardyn didn't seem to notice anything at all.

When she reached her room, Luda sat on the bed with her legs folded and leaned against the backboard. She had plenty of rest on the boat and now she meditated silently, becoming ever closer to her god, Myrii. Ardyn, on the other hand, barely took his armor off before falling fast asleep on his bed, boots still laced on his feet just in case.