|
The Duke looks down his nose at the spell caster.
"The Book of Spells is knowledge only given to those who have earned it. When you return we can speak of this further. I do have two scroll that may be of use to you."
Gesturing to the magistrate, who once again scurries forward with two leather tubes. The seal on one is a rising sun and the second is sealed with the symbol for water. Passing the sun-marked scroll over to Orpheon, "This will give you light as bright as the noon sun for one turn of the sand dial. Use it well because it is only good once. The second will bring a storm of great power from which only the people closest to you will be safe. It too will only have one use."
At this the white crow hopes down to join his brother.
"You will succeed. Caw. Caw. You will succeed."
'You will all die. Die. Die." screeches the other.
They start to peck at each other when the Duke with a wave of his hand makes them fly back to their perches.
"As to the information you seek, I can only tell you the barest of facts. The two scouts I have sent ahead have not returned with information. I do not know them to be dead and I would appreciate any news of their well being."
"It started with the disappearance of children from the near by village. Soon thereafter the bodies of those who went in search of the children, were found ripped limb from limb. Their eyes and tongues were missing. The small force of soldiers who were stationed there went out, never to return. Wraiths, darkness at mid-day and horrible screams in the night have all been reported. You should be able to find food and water at the village, if it is still standing."
Suddenly the Duke seems to shrink in size; his skin becomes pale and his eyes large, filled with pain.
The Magistrate steps forward, "The Duke has said all he can. You must go to the kitchens and provision yourselves, then to the armory. Make it quick if you expect to leave by first light. These are not good times to be traveling by night." Looking first at the werewolf, then at the dark mage, "Even for those of you who are used to living in the shadows."
|