As soon Varren’s hand fell its smooth surface the orb flared with light. Despite its surface being mostly covered by their hands the radiant light illuminated the room. They looked down at the orb in wonder, the same pull that had prompted Varren to touch it before telling them both to let go. Together both released their grip at the same time stepping away. They expected the orb to fall and shatter but, the orb never moved. Like a miniature sun, it hung in midair filling the room with pure sunlight The two stared at it in wonder as Varren opened his mouth to speak only to be interrupted by a voice that seemed to come from within the orb itself.

“At last you have arrived... “The voice echoed around them. The voice itself seemed to resonate with power.

“Sudariel...” Shaira whispered daring to hope she had found some aspect of the goddess. Glowing like it was there was little doubt the orb was some way connected to the embodiment of light.

“I am not the goddess you seek Shaira...” The voice stated. Varren who had not heard Shaira’s whisper looked to her in confusion. Shaira paid him no mind and bit her lip cursing herself for believing it had been that easy. You should have known better Shaira she thought to herself. “....I’m the one who will lead you to her” The voice continued. Shaira eyes shot back up at the orb.

“How? Where is she?” She questioned slight relief mixed with excitement in her tone.

“Go to Everwind Forest there you will find the answers you have been seeking so long Lady Shaira ....and you must accompany her.” The voice said the orbs light focusing on Varren. Again Varren looked to Shaira for an explanation but the voice continued. “You must go with her Varren for within that place you will discover who you really are. You both will.” The orbs light focused on Shaira. Twin beams of light connecting the pair to the orb while the rest of the room fell back into shadow. Shaira shuddered involuntarily as it closed in around her but kept her gaze locked upon the miniature sun. Her beacon of hope. “You must move quickly, events have already been put into motion that will endanger your world.You and the friends you will meet along the way must put a stop to these events. It will not be easy for many battles lay on the path before you even should you succeed. You must stay true to each other if you hope to survive. Now go! Time is already short and you have a long journey ahead.”The voice finished. The orb’s light dimmed returning the room to its normal dim lightning from the torches on the walls. The orb, once more a dull yellow, fell from its suspension to be swiftly caught by Shaira before it hit the stone.

Shaira stared at the orb her heart racing. Finally ….after all this time chasing rumors into empty halls....I’ve found you. She thought as she turned back to Varren with a smile.

“Guess we have somewhere to go, Varren.” She said with a wink as she stashed the orb back in the pockets of her robes. Her emerald eyes burning with determination as she put her pack back on and picked up her staff. Varren didn’t move still unsure what exactly was happening.

“I know you want to know more Varren but, you heard it we need to get going especially with your friend still out there. We need to find him before morning. I’ll explain as much as I know along the way” She assured him with a smile as she walked around extinguishing the torches leaving one lit for her to carry. Varren sighed knowing she was right Golroc was still out there.

“Great” Shaira said taking his sigh as his agreement.”Your gear is over there” She said nodding towards a corner where his weapons and pack rested in a pile. Varren quickly gathered up his gear while Shaira waited by an archway they served as the rooms door. Together they headed out into the ruin’s long corridors, Shaira leading a few steps ahead. As they walked Varren began to see just how old this place was. The once smooth walls were cracked and crumbling in places while the arched roof above them had collapsed in a few places exposing the rooms above. The floor was littered with the fallen debris of stone and dirt making it difficult to walk in some places. Occasionally, the hall would split off into other sides passages but, Shaira knew the way and lead them through easily back through the halls.

“What do you know of Sudariel?” Shaira finally asked after they had been walking a few minutes.

“Only that she’s supposed to be the goddess of light.” Varren answered.

“She is but she’s so much more than that as well. It’s said that she also embodies healing and hope, something this world needs.” Shaira explained her tone distant as if she was talking to herself more than Varren.

“But I thought all of those stories were just myths?” Varren asked.

“Did that look like a myth back there?” Shaira said looking back at him. Varren remained silent remembering the power behind that voice. It was obvious there was at least something to these stories but were they really gods? “The gods are real Varren...we just need to find them again.” She continued confidently but, there was a slight hint of desperatIon in her eyes pleading for him to believe her.

She had tried to convince other with those very same words before. Each time she had been mocked as a child to caught up in a fable. Now she had seen definite proof and Varren had been with her surely he’d believe her. Yet, every second Varren remained silent reminded her of that ridicule.

“Well, Sudariel’s shown you the way now and wants me to come with any idea why?” Varren finally asked breaking the tense silence.

“Not sure it’s Sudariel that wants you to come with. The orb was obviously from her but the voice….I don’t know it seemed like something else. Whatever it is though it seems to believe you’ll find something.” She answered starting back down the corridor.

“But why?” Varren mumbled. They continued a few more moments before Shaira turned them down one of the side passages. In front of them loomed a crumbling stone doorway that served as the entrance to the ruin. “So how did you know the orb was even here? He asked as they neared the entryway.

“I didn’t. I’ve been traveling all over Vesceria looking for some sign of the gods,

mostly Sudariel, for nearly two years now. I’ve been looking through old tombs, following local rumors...whatever I could. Occasionally, It leads me to some holy site or forgotten ruin like this one that I’ll check out.” Shaira explained.“Normally, I just find empty halls but this time… as soon as I came through this doorway I felt something calling me I can’t explain it” She recalled reaching into her robes to feel the pouch that held the orb as they walked through the entryway. They came out into a tall cavern with wide steps leading them down. On either side of the door stood two statues carved out of the rock to resemble a woman with long robes and flowing hair. Shaira took a moment to look up at the statue before continuing. “When I touched it, it flared up, like it did for us, though only for a moment. Then it focused into one of those beams that lead me back out to the caves.” She told him as she looked back. “I thought it was leading me to Sudariel instead... I found you bleeding in the ravine.” She added with a smile.

“Sorry to disappoint.” Varren replied with a chuckle. “But thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. I’m glad I got there when I did you were in pretty bad shape. I had to patch ya up as best I could before the orcs got there so I could bring you inside to finish.” She said as she lead him down the steps of them temple and across the clearing to the cave that rested on the other side. As she got to the threshold of the cave, she turned back to the ruin gazing up to the statues and the passage beyond them. I will not let you down my lady...I will find you. She prayed silently. Varren took a few steps into the cave to give her a moment. “Come on.”she muttered and walked into the cave with a look of fiery determination.

They spent the next thirty minutes without speaking as they continued through the subterranean tunnel. With every bend the tunnel lead them higher up but, without their voices echoing around them the tunnel took on an uncanny silence.

“So what tipped you off to this location specifically?” Varren asked more to break the unnerving silence than anything else.

”Odd story that one….I got it from an old man in Stalrend. Poor guy almost got himself arrested in the tavern I was staying in. He stormed in hollering and cursing like a mad man swearing that he had seen the lady of light herself in these mountains. I didn’t me believe him of course but, talking with him privately he didn’t seem so crazy. He told me how to get here and vividly described the interior. I hadn’t had any leads in a few weeks so I thought I’d check it out” She informed him before noticing Varren had stopped dead in his tracks. Varren stood there dumbfounded blinking as everything suddenly clicked into place. “What is it something wrong? “She asked.

“An old man in Stalrend? Old ragged tan robes? Had an unkempt black beard?” He questioned her urgently.

“Yeah...do you know him?”Shaira asked caught off guard by his reaction. Varren never got a chance to answer as a deep roar reverberated through the cave. The sound of a heavy impact rolled through the cave causing small rocks and dust to fall from the ceiling.

“Dammit... stop that you hard headed pebble ….you’ll gonna bring the whole mountain down on top of us...” Varren muttered as if his friend was standing next to him.

“You know what that thing was? “Shaira asked her staff at the ready.

“Oh I know that roar… that’s Golroc” Varren grinned. “Let’s join him before he brings this whole place down.
******************

Golroc had tried to stay quiet when he began his descent into the labyrinth beneath the mountain but, as a Terrigor looming over seven feet tall and hundreds of pound of rock, there wasn’t much he could do to hide the rumble of his passage. It wasn’t long before the orcs deeper in the mountain were after him. At first only a few chased after him and he handled them effortlessly with either a quick swing from his maul or a brutal swipe from his fist whenever one got in his way. He didn’t know where Varren was but, focused his path along the tunnels heading down while keeping a mental note what direction the ravine had been in relation to where he was staying as close to that area as the tunnels would allow. The orcs weren’t giving up though and now, angry over the loss of so many of their kin, they chased him relentlessly. To make matters worse word had spread that their crude arrows and thin blades weren’t very effective on their prey. The orcs that ambushed him lately had been armed with hammers or pickaxes that cut deeply into the Terrigor’s rock hide. So far he had escaped any major injury but, his body was covered in small chips and cracks, the equivalent of minor cuts and bruises on most races. Still, Golroc kept up his search with fierce determination.

After hours of being chased through the deepest reaches of the mountain Golroc’s path opened up into a massive cavern hundreds of feet tall and wide. In front of him, an underground lake stretched out before him being feed by a small stream coming from a tunnel a short way to his left. As Golroc surveyed the area he began to wonder at last if feel his search was useless. Golroc’s tunnel was one of hundreds that came out into this cavern. The cavern was honeycombed with passageways that came out on one the many levels along the cliffs. There was no way to tell where they would take him and anyone of them could lead him hours out of the way before they turned back, something he could not afford with orcs chasing him and Varren alone and possibly injured. Luckily, Golroc was on the ground floor and knew the ravine should have been somewhere to his right which narrowed his options down to a dozen passages on the lower floors but, there was no way to tell if they actually lead down or if they kept that direction. Not having any other choice he started towards the passages on his right hoping that at least the orcs wouldn’t know which path he choose. Unfortunately, this was their mountain and as Golroc stepped out into the open area of the clearing he was sighted Immediately.

Above him, an ogre barred its teeth in preparation for the coming fight. Though they were strong creatures themselves, the orcs knew they needed something bigger to match the might of their prey thus they had sent Yarg, the strongest of the ogres that had joined their tribe, to head him off. With its club in hand, it jumped off its hidden alcove its massive legs absorbing the impact as he landed behind Golroc. Yarg snarled charging forward barreling into his enemy with its shoulder before he had a chance to turn. The impact sent Golroc lurching forward barely able to keep his feet as he turned, right into the ogre’s club who had started its swing the moment the two had collided. The club smashed into Golroc face the heavy impact momentarily blinding him as he stumbled back. The ogre raised its club above it’s hard savoring the thrill of crushing the Terrigor to dust. Golroc, still reeling from the blow, couldn’t see the ogre but knew roughly where he was. In stubborn defiance he roared with pure rage, the thundering noise causing even mighty Yarg to hesitate for a second. That was all Golroc needed. Still roaring he charged forward underneath the ogre club slamming into the ogre’s stomach and grabbing hold. The air knocked from his lungs Yarg could only snarl as Golroc lifted him up and continued the charge right into the cavern wall.

The ogre dropped its club from the impact but, gave its own roar of anger and pain as it punched Golroc hard across the face. Golroc took the hit in stride before slamming his stone forehead into the ogre’s nose. Howling in pain the ogre brought its knee up into Golroc’s groin in response. Debris from their impact fell from above colliding over the bodies of the locked combatants but neither even felt their impact. Fury drove the two on each taking a brutal blow only to return the favor in turn. The cavern echoed with the sounds of their continued battle carried by the many passageways throughout the mountain. To them everything else had fallen away it was only them locked in a brutal test of strength and wills neither one dared lose.
*************

Varren and Shaira followed the sounds of the fierce battle ahead. Golroc initial roar had filled Varren with relief that his friend was alright, however, hearing the second howl of another creature that relief turned back to worry. By the sounds of the conflict his friend was in dire need. Shaira alone knew the location the two were likely at, having came through this way herself earlier and lead them quickly through the maze.
The pair came out of a passage near the lake the sounds of the melee were deafening now so close to the source. Ahead of them in a cloud of dust and rock Golroc and the ogre wrestled. Desperate to help his friend Varren ran forward ignoring Shaira cry to wait as well as the searing pain in his side. He watched as the Golroc’s next punch was caught mid strike by the ogre its muscle tensing as Golroc stubbornly continued to push back.

“Golroc now!” Varren cried drawing his dagger and letting it fly before he had even finished.
************
Golroc growled as his fist was caught in that moment his only goal to keep driving his opponent back in sheer anger yet, one sound tore through the fog of battle. Varren’s voice was shouting a warning. Though he had no idea where Varren was or what his cry meant on pure impulse he shoved himself away from the ogre, just as a dagger whistled past his head and embedded itself down to the hilt into Yarg’s skull. The Ogre shoulders slumped its mouth hanging open before finally collapsing. Golroc took note of the hilt of the dagger as his sense returned to him.

“Glad to see you’re having fun but you were giving me a headache.” said a familiar voice behind him. He turned to see a Varren grinning behind him.

“Was getting tired of waiting for you” he grumbled walking over. As he approached he noticed the traces of blood seeping out Varren’s clothes. “Orc get the better of ya?” Golroc asked.

“He got a lucky hit besides I’m fine… met a friend who patched me up..” He turned to motion to Shaira behind him just as two orcs came out of a passage behind her. “Shaira look out!”He yelled moving to help her yet the yell was all Shaira needed. As the first orc leaped out her staff swung around catching it mid-lunge, sending it sprawling to the ground. The second orc blinked in surprise right as Shaira spun her staff back into his belly. The orc howled doubling over in pain before a second strike to the back of his head silenced him. Recovering, the first orc tried to rise back to its feet. A swift kick knocked it out cold.

“Can we finish this later before more orcs show up? ” She said as if nothing happened ignoring the stunned looks on both Golroc and Varren. In response to her words a distant howl and the sound of stomping feet echoed around them.

“This way.” Golroc said motioning back to the tunnel he arrived through.

“No, we’d be walking right back into them... this way.” Shaira said pointing to the passage that had the small stream flowing from it. Varren received his dagger and quickly followed her. Golroc hesitated, he knew nothing of this woman and wasn’t keen on putting his trust in somewhere he didn’t know however a look at Varren’s bleeding side gave him a bigger problem. Varren wouldn’t be able to run for long with the injury and they needed speed to get out of the tunnels at least. Smirking he slide the strap of his maul around his shoulder as he rushed after the other two. Just as they got to the threshold Golroc scooped the injured human up into his arms. Varren struggled demanding to be put down but, Golroc continued on pretending he didn’t notice. Shaira, who had been worrying about the same thing, hide her smile and sprinted ahead to lead, torch still lighting the way.

The sounds of the orcs pursuit chased them through the cave relentlessly. None of them needed to look back to know that their pursuers were closing in with each bend. No longer were small groups coming after them for the enjoyment and glory of killing Golroc. Now they were organized intent on crushing the intruders of their home. Fortunately, the passage Shaira lead them down did not contain any side passages for the orcs to cut them off. Still, every moment the echoing sound of an orc stampede bearing down on them drew closer.
Their mad dash continued for what seemed like hours until at last, they turned the last bend. Moonlight lighting the exit of the cave like a beacon. With their salvation in sight, they ran on with renewed hope. However, just as Shaira crossed the threshold into the cool night air, an arrow whistling past the three reminded them they weren’t safe yet. She looked back to find the first of their pursuers was only twenty feet back gaining fast.

“They’re gaining!” she warned as Golroc came out behind her. Golroc growled having already looked back, he quickly set Varren down and pulled his maul down of his shoulder. Thinking he meant to fight them all Shaira turned back in an attempt to stop him but, it was already too late. Golroc roared again just as he did against the ogre yet, this time, there was no charge. With all his might he brought his maul down across the top of the cave again and again. The rock shattered under the weapons strikes sending cracks through the rock like fire. At first, the orcs in front thought Golroc was merely taunting them and kept coming now almost in range to strike. Then the cave started to cave in. The orcs in front tried to slow but, they had already come too close. The ceiling of the entryway collapsed in crushing them under the barrage of stone. As each stone fell it set loose another causing section after section to collapse over the swarming orcs.
*********

The cave in forced the orcs to backtrack and find another route out to continue their pursuit. By that time the three companions were well out of Yarshar keeping up their fast pace well into the morning. Shaira was the first one to slow having watched Varren sway on more than one occasion. She stopped next to a small cluster of trees next to a stream.

“We should be safe to make camp now...I need to tend to Varren’s wound.”She advised already reaching into her bag.

“I’m fine just tired...”Varren replied though he welcomed the opportunity to rest.

“Of course you are..”Shaira mumbled under her breath. “I just want to make sure” she reasoned speaking up again. Men...always playing the tough guy. She thought to herself with a smile as she knelt down next to him.

“Fine in the meantime we can fill Golroc in.” Varren conceded. His bandages were soaked with crimson and it took Shaira quite some time to just unwrap and clean the wound. While she worked they recounted the events since his separation from Varren with Shaira explaining her reason for being here. Throughout it all, Golroc listened silently as he set up camp. Normally, he wouldn’t believe their tale about the orb but, he had complete trust in Varren. If Varren was there and believed the same thing he wouldn’t speak out against it despite his own disbelief.

“You reopened the wound I need something to seal it” told Varren as they finished their explanation. “Try not to move much while I make it . “She added. Confused Varren watched as she drew out a pouch of herbs and other plants. She chose a few and walked over to the campfire where she mixed and grinded the ingredients together with other things Varren could not see.

“What is that?” Varren asked when she came back with a dark green paste.

“It’s a paste that will help seal your wound ...now hold still.” She took some of the paste into her hand rubbing it into her fingers.

“Is it safe?” Golroc grumbled behind her. He still didn’t trust the young girl and Terrigors didn’t trust many of the ways of nature.

“Of course I use it all the time.” She said warmly as she started applying the thick paste. Varren squirmed at the feeling but as the pain eased away he relax nodding to Golroc that he was alright.

“Where did you learn this?”Varren asked when she finished. The pain already turning to a dull ache while she started to rebandage him.

“This I learned from a druid recently… the rest was taught to me when I volunteered to help soldiers and travelers back home.” She answered. Finished she rose up growing to the creek to wash her hands in the stream. “That should hold but take it easy this time... You have to make it to Everwind remember.” She smiled back over her shoulder. “We just need to find the way first.” She added.

“We might have a way.” Varren said looking to Golroc. “She got the location for that temple from the old man in Stalrend.” He told him. Golroc, who had been resting against a tree, straighten suddenly very curious about the night events.

“Who is he? You looked concerned when you recognized him in the cave” Shaira cut in seeing Golroc’s reaction.

“Not sure… He hired us to come out here to take out some orcs in that gorge above the temple shortly after he sent you. We were supposed to meet him back in town for payment. ” Varren explained.

“Which means he probably set this up and knows more about where we have to go.” Shaira guessed following his reasoning.

“That would seem likely” Varren confirmed.

“Agreed and we will need supplies anyway.” Shaira responded.

“I hate cities…” Golroc grumbled.

**********

Populating over ten thousand Stalrend served as the last major city for hundreds of miles, though not nearly as large as the sprawling cityscapes further south. Its remote location made it a haven for anyone whether it be criminals on the run, young adventurers looking to brave the northern wastes or someone simply wishing to find a new home away from their past life.To protect it from the roaming tribes of orcs, goblins, barbarians and other dangers of the north the city was encircled by a thick wall with watchtowers that could see for miles in every direction. The city also contained many massive towers that rose up high above the buildings housing the richer of Stalrend’s citizens. Every one of these towers was constructed in the similar design uneven stone that ended in a narrow point giving them the appearance of massive stalagmites.

A soft mid-morning breeze accompanied the companions arrival to city few days after their escape from the mountains. After spending the day to rest the three had kept an easy pace through the countryside which allowed Varren more time to recover from his wound. The paste was helping close the cut quickly though he still couldn’t move too quickly without sharp pain. The three approached the city gate and after a short exchange with the guards were granted access to the city proper. The city streets were crowded with people in the midst of their morning activities as Golroc the way through the streets. Golroc size parted the crowd like water on rock allowing them easily heading towards the east side of town where Golroc and Varren had first met the man.

“He met us here but told us to meet him inside there when we came back.” Varren informed Shaira as they arrived pointing to an old wooden building down the street.

“Think he is actually here?” Shaira said. Varren shrugged wondering the same thing himself.

“He’s here.” Golroc stated. The two looked up at him and followed his gaze back to the building. There in the doorway was a man wearing very familiar wore tan robes with his hood pulled down hiding his face though they could still see his unkempt black beard. He stood motionless for a few seconds before turning and walking inside.Varren started off the moment he was out of sight with Shaira and Golroc coming up quickly behind him.

As Varren stormed into the building he saw the old mad seated conformably in the middle of the room. A staff with a deep purple and blue crystal rested on a small counter that had once served as a store counter. His hood was pulled back revealing his bald head. He smiled as Varren entered rising once Shaira and Golroc entered.

“Ah you are here at last... come in... come in…. I was starting to worry if you had all gotten lost.”He said in a cheery voice.

“You knew we were coming?” Varren asked curiously. Shaira and Golroc filling in behind him.

“Of course I did boy.” The man chuckled. “It ain’t every day some old man drops you into the arms of a goddess is it? I’d expect you to come a callin” He said giving them all a sly wink.

“So you do serve Sudariel?” Shaira questioned. Though the orb had renewed her faith in her search, the prospect of talking one actually under her graces filled her heart with hope.

“Sadly I do not my lady… my apologies. I merely guided you to the path.” He answered frowning slightly seeing the disappointment in her eyes.

“Why?” inquired Varren curious to the man’s connection to their quest. During their first meeting, he had looked frail and seemed barely capable of walking and continually stuttered. Now he appeared very fit and capable despite his obvious age. His very tone seemed laced with years of wisdom.

“Because that where you both needed to be.”The old man answered simply. He rose slowly to his feet and approached Shaira as he continued. “ Just as the lady here serves the light... I serve the twists of fate.” He reached out and rested a hand on her shoulder as he smiled warmly at the three of them. “You both were fated to be in that temple together, just as you all were meant to come here. I simply nudged you in the right direction.” He told them before looking back to Shaira leaning in. “ Now.. I believe you have all have a forest to find?” A small twinkle in his eye as he spoke.

“Everwind...how do we find it? None of us are familiar with it.” Shaira replied.

“None of you...here are familiar with it dear.” He corrected. He tapped her the tip of her nose with his finger chuckling to himself. “I believe you were told you’d meet friends along the way yes? This is not a journey for the three of you here...as important as you are…”He paused rubbing his beard for a moment. “You remember the tavern where we met Shaira? Might I suggest you all stay there tonight? I believe a certain dwarf there might be able to assist you and the nights are always exciting.” He offered.

“Why can’t you just tell us now.” growled Golroc.

“Because you’ll need the dwarf along the way and this is where my help comes to an end mighty Golroc. I am only permitted to set you along the path. The rest will be up to all of you.” He told them. His gaze fell back over Shaira as he took her hand. “Never lose faith dear.” He whispered. He released her hand turning to Varren. “One last thing Varren…” He said walking over and leaning close. “When you meet the elf might I advise taking her along? She’d make an excellent guide and well…her skill with a blade is truly remarkable.”He whispered before giving him another sly wink as he stepped away. “Now if you’ll all excuse me...I’ve stayed too long already. “He grinned as the staff’s crystal glowed behind him. Then he was gone.