The Hunt

The hunting party gathered in front of the Silver Arrow and prepared for the journey. Time was becoming of great importance for it was running out. It was in its 7th day. Traveling though several gates at last they reached the Shrine of Sacrifice. Each image was recognizable by members of the party, marking the trail they needed to follow. The Village by the Lake was in the north and they rode swiftly towards that way. They made their way through the mountain pass and yielded at the bridge. As all knew that on the other side began Juka territory and the journey through would not be an easy one. They went on cautiously began their ride. Both swords and bows were readied for what ever may lay in wait.
The first part of the ride was quiet, which made every one nervous because it was too quiet. They came upon a large ruin and halted to see if any clues could be found. A bolt of lightening lit the air striking one the riders and arrows began slicing through the air. " Gurth gothrim." As the battle cry went out and the Juka's were met by the hunting party as they poured out of the jungle.

The meeting of swords rang through the air..arrows sizzled and spells crackled as the two parties met head on. Bodies began to fall, as blood soaked the ground, both with the dead and wounded. When at last there fell a hush. We were very fortunate that we had only wounds, no deaths. The Juka were not the lucky ones upon this day. What was left of the foes quickly scrambled back in to the jungle to escape the fate that been laid before them.

We bandage and treated our wounded. Gathering up everyone, once more we headed north, time slowly away.

The way was scouted on the road and just off the road, when a rider came up quickly.

"This way. I see a building just from the way side of the road. It looks like it might be the place."

We turned off the road and in very short distance a large building loomed hidden among the trees. The silence filled hung in the air. Stopping just a short distance in side the jungle of the clearing A movement was seen on the rooftop as the figure moved back from the edge.

Brisid signaled for us to gather closer in a tighter group. " Dina. Mallen pelu e' n'alaquel. nan' N'ndengina ho. Joiwind , Galethien Lle auta yeste'. Tira ten' rashwe!

They both nodded as they readied their bows and with the quickness and stealth of a shadow Joiwind rode to the back just within the protection of the jungle trees. Brisid turned and nodded to Galethien, she quietly rode for the front. Brisid turned to the rest of the group.

"After they are inside the rest of us will follow. Do so quiet as possible. Half of you go through the front and the other half through the back. If this man is found do not kill him. We must get the Helm back and unharmed. But if he does begin an attack up on you defend yourself."

Galethien faded from view inside. Brisid made the signal for the rest to follow. Elvin and Money Penny took half the group towards the back, the rest fell in behind Brisid

The first floor was searched and nothing was found. The party split up to search the other floors. A shout rang out

"He is up here on the roof".

The party all went up one the roof to find a man sitting at one of the tables. They surround him cutting off any paths in case he decided to escape with weapons drawn.

Chuckling Calenechor spoke. "What a strange sight this group be, humans and elves coming forth from the jungle. And may I ask what this strange group is doing so far from their own territory. It seams to me that the elves are all so, shall we say usually stay with in their precious glade."

Galethien climbed off Elombor. And approached closer to Calenechor. Others drew their swords to be ready.

"Where is the Helm?

"Hmmm, helm, what helm could ye be talking of. I know of no helm," He said sarcastically.

"We know you have the helm. Because of you much blood was shed at the Festival, because of you our Mallorn was taken by the Orcs. Because of you time is running out and it will be destroyed." Galethien retorted.

"Helm. Let's see. Oh yes ye must mean this helm." As he pulled a golden skull helm from the folds of his cloak and then quickly hid it again. " Sorry it will soon belong to someone else. They should be here any moment. I am sure they will more than joyful in spilling your blood upon the ground. They seam to have a very great interest in this helm. Indeed so much an interest, it will line my pockets with gold and I can enjoy the life of leisure that I so deserve." He stood up from the table rubbing his chin. "Unless, you wish to make a better deal. Helm for the highest bidder. Makes no difference to me as long as I get what I want."

"We don't make deals"

"You have a very short time to decide to give it over. In fact a short time of the count of ten. Then we will take it from you. Your choice". Brisid moved closer.

The group followed his move and closed in the circle tighter. Before anyone could move further Calenechor bolt through knocking down one of the warriors, drawing his sword as it made its mark in their shoulder. He ran down the stairs. An arrow flew through the air striking him dead center in of his back and he tumbled down the rest of the stairs. As they approached him, Calenechor laid upon the floor with his neck and slightly bent in very unnatural way, the blood began to puddle on the floor.

The arrow snapped as Brisid rolled Calenechor over on his back. Reaching in he pulled the Golden skull Helmet out and held it up.

A ray from the sun came through a window catching the helm causing it to cast a blinding glow.