Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ DragonLance - the Shinigami Rewrites ❯ Escape From Solace ( Chapter 3 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kenderlyn 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 08.31.2001 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 368 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 08.31.2001 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 368 | Status: Work In Progress
The Shinigami rewrites - DragonLance Chronicles.
Gundam Wing isn't mine. DragonLance isn't mine. Nothing is mine, not even my hair colour.
I thought that with all the descriptions of Duo, it would be funny to see Heero interact with a kender. Then I thought of this. Yaoi, X-over, AU. Duo as a kender... scary. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.
/thoughts/
Part 3: Escape From Solace
Heero sighed. Everything he had believed was being turned on it's head. /There's no such things as elves and dwarves. There's no such thing as magic. Kender aren't real. Ha. No wonder Duo laughed at me when I said all that. What I wouldn't give for my gun./ Heero raised his head at a sound. They were standing at the door of one of the tree houses. Tas was picking the lock.
"Come in." The kender said. As they all crowded into the tiny house, Heero moved to a point where he could see outside. Then Tanis finally spoke.
"The blue crystal staff, it healed that man. How?" Heero listened intently. This could be useful knowledge.
"I do not know. I-I haven't had it very long." Goldmoon's voice faltered. Tanis held out his hands where they had been hurt from sliding down the rope. She touched the staff to his hands. They healed in front of their eyes.
"True healing!" Tanis breathed.
Heero, frowned, and as the others got into a discussion about the woman and her staff, he saw Caramon move from the window to stand behind his brother. Silently Heero took his place keeping watch. His head snapped around at a cry of pain from the mage, and glanced away again when he realised there was no real danger. Glancing down, he saw Tas had joined him at the window.
"Heero," Tas whispered, "how did you jump that far?" Heero looked at the kender sharply. /shit, I didn't realise that he saw me jump. Without the benefit of Raistlin's spell too. Hn, more magic. I really need to get home./
"Training." He answered shortly. Then he stiffened. "Tas, can you see?" The kender nodded to his soft whisper.
"Hush!" The kender ordered the others in the house. "The Theocrat's guards!" Heero dismissed the others in the room as irrelevant. He focused on the noises outside. Just within his hearing he heard Tanis' incredulous whisper.
"They're conducting a house to house search!" Then the goblins were outside the door. Everyone melted into the shadows.
The door swung open. /Kami-Sama, didn't we lock that?/ The goblins walked in and saw Raistlin sitting in the corner. Heero listened to them.
"Oh, ho! Look what we've found! A staff!" He walked closer to Raistlin. "Hand me that staff!" He ordered.
"Certainly," Raistlin whispered. He held his staff out "Shirak." The crystal flared to life. The goblins shrieked and shut their eyes, fumbling for their swords. At that moment, Caramon jumped from behind the door, grabbed the goblins around their necks, and swept their heads together with a sickening thud. The goblin bodies crumpled into a stinking heap.
"Dead?" asked Tanis.
"I'm afraid so. I hit them too hard."
"Well, that's torn it. We've murdered two more of the Theocrat's guards. He'll have the town up in arms. Now we can't just lie low for a few days - we've got to get out of here! And you two had better come with us." The last was addressed to the plainsmen. Then Tanis turned to Heero. "What about you? Where were you planning on going?"
"I don't even know where I am, let alone where I'm going." Heero stated shortly.
"Well then, perhaps you'd better stick with us. They'll be after you too since you were with us in the inn." Heero just nodded, then returned to keeping watch outside while the others worked out where they were going. Tas pulled on his arm.
"Heero, would you help me find some food?" Looking at Tas, Heero nodded, then went with the kender to see what he could find in Tika's kitchen. They left after completely trashing the living room.
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
"I don't think he trusts us." Caramon observed.
"Would you?" Tanis asked, glancing at the big man. /I don't think I'd trust us either./ Then Tanis looked at Heero. /And him. Who is he? Tas called him an alien. Said he was from beyond the stars. But how? Then again, Tas claims there are plants that can live on air, so I wouldn't take that last too seriously. But Heero's so quiet that he makes Riverwind seem loquacious. And I don't think he really trusts us either. He always watches us as though we're a threat. Except Tas. For some unknown reason, he trusts Tas. Why? Who is he? Where is he from?/ Tanis sighed.
"What's the plan?" Sturm asked.
"We're going by boat." Tanis answered.
"Oh, ho!" Caramon chuckled, "Told Flint yet?"
"No. Leave that to me."
"Where are we getting the boat?" Sturm asked suspiciously.
"You'll be happier not knowing," the half-elf said. The knight frowned. His eyes followed the kender, who was far ahead of them, flitting, from one shadow to another.
"I don't like this, Tanis. First we're murderers, now we're about to become thieves."
"I don't consider myself a murderer." Caramon snorted. "Goblins don't count."
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
Heero watched the forest carefully. /I can't let my guard slip./ He glanced out at the lake. /I think when I get a chance, I'll ask Tas to explain everyone in this little group. For instance, why the Dwarf... Flint was it? Why is he so nervous about being in a boat?/ He scanned the trees again, before turning towards the lake where he had first crashed. /It wasn't far from here now that I think of it./ He heard Flint's horrified voice.
"You're going to put us all in one boat! You're mad half-elf!"
"It's a big boat." Tanis answered. /Why doesn't he like boats?/ Heero wondered. As they all piled into the boat - minus Flint - Heero noticed Tas struggling with the oars, and Tanis swearing. /He missed a shot? Well I never.../
FLASH
"... elves are master marksmen, they *never* miss a shot. Even half-elves have no trouble with archery."
FLASH
He felt a dampness as the dwarf was hauled aboard the boat, soaking wet. He got even wetter as Caramon finally splashed aboard. Heero finally allowed his guard to slip. He closed his eyes, forcing everything from his mind. /Relax Yuy. Just try to relax. You can't do anything at the moment./ He sighed slightly, then glanced up as he heard Goldmoon gasp.
"Raist, what is it? I don't see anything." Caramon said. Heero listened as Raistlin went into a coughing fit, then managed to choke out the words.
"Tanis... The constellations..."
"What?" Tanis asked startled. "What about the constellations?"
"Gone!" Raistlin rasped, then went into another coughing fit. When he could speak again he said, "The constellation known as the Queen of Darkness and the one called Valiant Warrior. Both gone. She has come to Krynn, Tanis, and he has come to fight her. All the evil rumours we have heard are true. War, death, destruction..." His voice died in another fit of coughing. Caramon held him.
"C'mon, Raist. Don't get so worked up. It's only a bunch of stars."
"Only a bunch of stars." Tanis repeated flatly. Thinking of everything else he had seen, some things that he would have dismissed as impossible only a couple of days ago, Heero wasn't so sure.
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
Heero smiled to himself as Tas wrapped a blanket around the dwarf. /The more I see of him, the more he reminds me of that braided baka. And that damn stubborn dwarf is a little like me./ The last thought was a little rueful. He moved forward and spoke quietly.
"Tas, could I talk to you for a while?"
"Sure Heero! Just let me..."
"Go on doorknob. I'll be fine." That last was the dwarf, who was greedily drinking some wine. /Doorknob? Maybe it's like when I say Duo no baka./ Tas shrugged, then went with Heero to a quiet corner.
"Tas," Heero wasn't sure how to ask for what he wanted. Then he decided. "Can you tell me a bit about your friends? And probably about the area we're in. I think I need to know what is going on." Tas grinned.
"Sure! I just gotta think. Um, there's Tanis and Flint, Tanis is from Qualinesti, and Flint is a Hill Dwarf."
"I kind of guessed that. Why was he so nervous about boats?" Tas grinned.
"Just a fishing trip that went wrong. Anyway, Caramon and Raistlin, they're easy to work out, Caramon is strong but not too clever, and Raistlin is smart, but really weak physically. They're both human. Solace born and bred! Um, Sturm is a Knight of Solamnia, but I've known him for years. He isn't as uptight as he acts. The barbarians, I'm not sure cause they weren't part of our group before. But it looks like Goldmoon's a high ranking lady of Que-Shu, and Riverwind's the guard or something... but then, it looks like they're in love." Heero nodded, figuring that Tas wouldn't say much more than that. Well, not relevant anyway. He watched silently for a while as Tas sorted through the items in his pouches.
"So what about the area?" Before Tas could answer, Tanis came over to them.
"Tas... my ring..." Tanis said softly, pointing at a finely carved ring of golden, clinging ivy leaves.
"Is it?" asked Tasslehoff with wide-eyed innocence. "is this yours? I'm glad I found it. You must have dropped it at the inn." Tanis settled down next to the kender. Heero didn't miss the odd look that Tanis gave him.
"Have you got a map of this area, Tas?" The kender's eyes shone.
"A map? Yes Tanis. Of course." Gathering all his belongings up, Tas pulled out a hand-carved wooden scroll case from another pouch. He drew forth a sheaf of maps. Heero stared at the kender's collection. /Kami-Sama, I've never seen so many maps./ Almost absently he picked up a few of the maps to try and decipher them.
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
Wufei looked around the town thoughtfully. He wasn't sure where he was. He'd asked about Solace, but no-one paid any attention to him. All people looked at him with barely concealed suspicion. He went to a building, that looked like it may have some information. /A library. At least they aren't complete morons here. Maybe I can find an atlas or something./ Wufei looked around. He picked up a book thoughtfully. /a theological book./ He was about to put it down, until he saw the title. /Kiri-Jolith - Sword of Justice. Maybe I can wait here for a bit. This looks interesting./ Settling down in a corner, Wufei opened the book, and began to read.
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
"Still someone ought to scout-"
"I will Tanis." Tas offered "No one would suspect a kender travelling alone." Tanis frowned. Heero wondered why. After all, kender were always off travelling alone, or so he'd heard.
"Very well." Tanis seemed to have made up his mind. "But remember Tasslehoff Burrfoot, keep your eyes open and your wits about you. No roaming off the road and above all-" Tanis gave Tas a hard look. "-keep your hands out of other peoples belongings."
"Unless they're bakers." Caramon added. Giggling, Tas trotted off down the road, singing a song that would have given Wufei a nosebleed if he had listened to the words.
Tas returned, waving his arm.
"Clerics! A party of clerics. Eight." At this, Sturm sniffed.
"I thought it was a battalion of goblin guards at the least. I believe we can handle a party of clerics."
"I don't know, I've seen clerics from every part of Krynn and I've never seen any like these." Heero realised with surprise that Tas was actually worried. "Do you remember what Tika said about the strange men in Solace - hanging around with Hederick? How they were hooded and dressed in heavy robes? Well, that describes these clerics exactly! And, Tanis, they gave me an eerie feeling." Tas shuddered. "They'll be in sight in a few moments." Heero wondered. /That's strange, Tas looked almost scared. I didn't think kender felt fear. At least, that's what Duo said, and everything else he said about kender was right, so... Why would Tas be scared?/
--------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
/I don't believe it. I would never have guessed that Sturm could be such a good actor. He acts as innocent as Tas./ Heero jumped as Goldmoon spoke up.
"I can help you." She moved from her hiding place, to stand near Sturm. "I am the bearer of the blue crystal staff, but we did not steal it; the staff was given to us." The cleric's voice was sneering.
"So you say." Heero focused on the clerics. Something seemed very wrong. He wouldn't have survived the wars if he hadn't been cautious. Carefully, Heero imprinted every piece of the clerics' appearance into his mind. /Those clothes look odd, as though they're hiding something... hiding!/ As Heero was about to speak up, He heard Goldmoon scream, and saw a flash of blue light. Tanis called to the people on the road.
"Caramon! Sturm! It's a tra-" Heero moved to help Flint deal with the creature that had dropped onto Tanis. He stared. /Is this what those 'clerics' were hiding? That is.../ Heero quickly took in all details. Leathery wings sprang from its back. It had the scaly flesh of a reptile; it's large hands and feet were clawed, but it walked upright in the manner of men. The creature wore sophisticated armour that allowed it the use of its wings. The face was almost human, but appeared to have been twisted into that of a reptile.
"By all the gods, what is that?" Raistlin breathed. Heero looked away, to face another of the creatures. He fought fiercely. /If Duo could see me now. 'Heero's finally met his match' he'd say. Ha./ He looked up as the creature toppled, turning to stone. A small dagger was in the back of its neck. Tas grinned. Heero looked at another stone creature still with a sword stuck in it.
"That's Sturm's sword! Come on!"
------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
They were inside the borders of Darken Wood. Heero wondered how it had gotten that name. It was a very peaceful looking place. He wondered who to believe. /Raistlin is adamant that this is Darken Wood. He says we shouldn't leave the path, or harm any living thing, plant or animal. Tanis thinks he's talking bullshit, or at least imagining things. But... Raistlin doesn't seem the sort to make things up like that. And with everything else I've seen so far... I think I'll listen to Raistlin this time./ He sighed as he settled near the mage. /Children's tales they say. Maybe I should ask Tas about some of these so called children's tales, since they all seem to be coming true. I don't know. Invisible stags, lizard men, elves, dwarves, kender, magic... I don't think that it would be wise to ignore Raistlin's warnings at this moment./ He looked up at the glowing staff, and at the strange appearance of the mage. His thoughts were interrupted by Raistlin's whispering voice.
"Why do you remain on the trail? Surely you feel the same as the others about the 'crazed' mage?"
"Maybe." Raistlin seemed to want more of an answer. "But at the same time, I've seen a lot of things I can't explain except to believe the unbelievable." The mage just looked at him. "You may or may not be crazed. But until I met all of you, I didn't believe in magic." That answer seemed to satisfy Raistlin. He settled back, as all the others drew weapons.
An army of warriors had them surrounded. Dead warriors. /Suddenly I'm glad I listened to him./ Raistlin's voice cut through the night
"Put your swords away, they will do you no good. Only a weapon of powerful magic could harm these." The mage approached the others. "Welcome to Darken Wood Tanis."
"Raistlin-" Tanis' voice was choked. "What are these-"
"Spectral minions, we are fortunate."
"Fortunate? Why?"
"These are the spirits of men who gave their pledge to perform some task. They failed in that pledge, and it is their doom to keep performing the same task over and over until they win their release and find true rest in death."
"How in the name of the Abyss does that make us fortunate? Perhaps they pledged to rid the forest of all who entered!"
"That is possible, thought I do not think it likely. We will find out." Raistlin turned to face the spectres.
"Raist!" Caramon sounded frightened. /Then again, I got the impression from Tas that they are very protective of each other./
"keep him back, Tanis. Our lives depend on this."
"What are you going to do?"
"I am going to cast a spell that will enable us to communicate with them. I will perceive their thoughts. They will speak through me." The mage threw his head back, the hood slipping off. He stretched his arms out stiffly, and began to speak. "Ast bilak parbilaker. Suh tangus moipar?" The mage repeated those strange words three times. Heero stared as through the crowd of spectres, a figure approached the mage. He was pretty sure that it had to be the leader. This new spectre neared Raistlin. "You who have been long dead, use my living voice to tell us of your bitter sorrow. Then give us leave to pass through this forest, for our purpose is not evil, as you will see if you read our hearts." The spectre bowed before the mage. Heero wondered why Tanis seemed so surprised by this. /Unless he's never seen Raistlin like this before./ Then Raistlin spoke in a voice not his own. "Who are you who trespass in darken wood?" No one moved. Until...
"I am Tasslehoff Burrfoot, my friends call me Tas. Who are you?"
"Ti matters little. Know only that we are warriors from a time long forgotten."
"Is it true that you broke a pledge and that's how you came to be here?"
"It is. We pledged to guard this land. Then came the smouldering mountain from the heavens. The land was ripped apart. Evil things crept out from the bowels of the earth and we dropped our swords and fled in terror until bitter death overtook us. We have been called to fulfil our oath, as evil once more stalks the land. And here we will remain until evil is driven back and balance is restored again." /bitter death. Hn, I don't think I'll ever see death as bitter, possessing an extreme sense of humour, perhaps, but never bitter./
Heero smiled. Tas was the only one to dare to talk to the spectres. He watched as the Goldmoon came forward with the staff, and it began to glow. The spectral king reached out for Raistlin. Caramon lunged forward, but dropped to the ground, rocking back and forth, clutching his sword hand, sobbing in agony. Heero saw the layer of frost on the big man's sword. The mage was drawn away by the spectres. He followed, deep in thought. The others all seemed stunned. Raistlin was standing ahead of them, Caramon cried out to his brother, as the spectres vanished.
"The spell... drained me..." he whispered. "I must rest..."
"And rest ye shall!" boomed a voice - a living voice.
=========================================================== =====================
I'm well aware that I miss a lot of parts from the original story, but they weren't relevant to how I'm telling the story. Not to mention that I wanna hurry up and get to Darken Wood. I shouldn't need to write out the whole story. If you really want to know what happens off-screen, read the books.
Kend
Gundam Wing isn't mine. DragonLance isn't mine. Nothing is mine, not even my hair colour.
I thought that with all the descriptions of Duo, it would be funny to see Heero interact with a kender. Then I thought of this. Yaoi, X-over, AU. Duo as a kender... scary. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.
/thoughts/
Part 3: Escape From Solace
Heero sighed. Everything he had believed was being turned on it's head. /There's no such things as elves and dwarves. There's no such thing as magic. Kender aren't real. Ha. No wonder Duo laughed at me when I said all that. What I wouldn't give for my gun./ Heero raised his head at a sound. They were standing at the door of one of the tree houses. Tas was picking the lock.
"Come in." The kender said. As they all crowded into the tiny house, Heero moved to a point where he could see outside. Then Tanis finally spoke.
"The blue crystal staff, it healed that man. How?" Heero listened intently. This could be useful knowledge.
"I do not know. I-I haven't had it very long." Goldmoon's voice faltered. Tanis held out his hands where they had been hurt from sliding down the rope. She touched the staff to his hands. They healed in front of their eyes.
"True healing!" Tanis breathed.
Heero, frowned, and as the others got into a discussion about the woman and her staff, he saw Caramon move from the window to stand behind his brother. Silently Heero took his place keeping watch. His head snapped around at a cry of pain from the mage, and glanced away again when he realised there was no real danger. Glancing down, he saw Tas had joined him at the window.
"Heero," Tas whispered, "how did you jump that far?" Heero looked at the kender sharply. /shit, I didn't realise that he saw me jump. Without the benefit of Raistlin's spell too. Hn, more magic. I really need to get home./
"Training." He answered shortly. Then he stiffened. "Tas, can you see?" The kender nodded to his soft whisper.
"Hush!" The kender ordered the others in the house. "The Theocrat's guards!" Heero dismissed the others in the room as irrelevant. He focused on the noises outside. Just within his hearing he heard Tanis' incredulous whisper.
"They're conducting a house to house search!" Then the goblins were outside the door. Everyone melted into the shadows.
The door swung open. /Kami-Sama, didn't we lock that?/ The goblins walked in and saw Raistlin sitting in the corner. Heero listened to them.
"Oh, ho! Look what we've found! A staff!" He walked closer to Raistlin. "Hand me that staff!" He ordered.
"Certainly," Raistlin whispered. He held his staff out "Shirak." The crystal flared to life. The goblins shrieked and shut their eyes, fumbling for their swords. At that moment, Caramon jumped from behind the door, grabbed the goblins around their necks, and swept their heads together with a sickening thud. The goblin bodies crumpled into a stinking heap.
"Dead?" asked Tanis.
"I'm afraid so. I hit them too hard."
"Well, that's torn it. We've murdered two more of the Theocrat's guards. He'll have the town up in arms. Now we can't just lie low for a few days - we've got to get out of here! And you two had better come with us." The last was addressed to the plainsmen. Then Tanis turned to Heero. "What about you? Where were you planning on going?"
"I don't even know where I am, let alone where I'm going." Heero stated shortly.
"Well then, perhaps you'd better stick with us. They'll be after you too since you were with us in the inn." Heero just nodded, then returned to keeping watch outside while the others worked out where they were going. Tas pulled on his arm.
"Heero, would you help me find some food?" Looking at Tas, Heero nodded, then went with the kender to see what he could find in Tika's kitchen. They left after completely trashing the living room.
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
"I don't think he trusts us." Caramon observed.
"Would you?" Tanis asked, glancing at the big man. /I don't think I'd trust us either./ Then Tanis looked at Heero. /And him. Who is he? Tas called him an alien. Said he was from beyond the stars. But how? Then again, Tas claims there are plants that can live on air, so I wouldn't take that last too seriously. But Heero's so quiet that he makes Riverwind seem loquacious. And I don't think he really trusts us either. He always watches us as though we're a threat. Except Tas. For some unknown reason, he trusts Tas. Why? Who is he? Where is he from?/ Tanis sighed.
"What's the plan?" Sturm asked.
"We're going by boat." Tanis answered.
"Oh, ho!" Caramon chuckled, "Told Flint yet?"
"No. Leave that to me."
"Where are we getting the boat?" Sturm asked suspiciously.
"You'll be happier not knowing," the half-elf said. The knight frowned. His eyes followed the kender, who was far ahead of them, flitting, from one shadow to another.
"I don't like this, Tanis. First we're murderers, now we're about to become thieves."
"I don't consider myself a murderer." Caramon snorted. "Goblins don't count."
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
Heero watched the forest carefully. /I can't let my guard slip./ He glanced out at the lake. /I think when I get a chance, I'll ask Tas to explain everyone in this little group. For instance, why the Dwarf... Flint was it? Why is he so nervous about being in a boat?/ He scanned the trees again, before turning towards the lake where he had first crashed. /It wasn't far from here now that I think of it./ He heard Flint's horrified voice.
"You're going to put us all in one boat! You're mad half-elf!"
"It's a big boat." Tanis answered. /Why doesn't he like boats?/ Heero wondered. As they all piled into the boat - minus Flint - Heero noticed Tas struggling with the oars, and Tanis swearing. /He missed a shot? Well I never.../
FLASH
"... elves are master marksmen, they *never* miss a shot. Even half-elves have no trouble with archery."
FLASH
He felt a dampness as the dwarf was hauled aboard the boat, soaking wet. He got even wetter as Caramon finally splashed aboard. Heero finally allowed his guard to slip. He closed his eyes, forcing everything from his mind. /Relax Yuy. Just try to relax. You can't do anything at the moment./ He sighed slightly, then glanced up as he heard Goldmoon gasp.
"Raist, what is it? I don't see anything." Caramon said. Heero listened as Raistlin went into a coughing fit, then managed to choke out the words.
"Tanis... The constellations..."
"What?" Tanis asked startled. "What about the constellations?"
"Gone!" Raistlin rasped, then went into another coughing fit. When he could speak again he said, "The constellation known as the Queen of Darkness and the one called Valiant Warrior. Both gone. She has come to Krynn, Tanis, and he has come to fight her. All the evil rumours we have heard are true. War, death, destruction..." His voice died in another fit of coughing. Caramon held him.
"C'mon, Raist. Don't get so worked up. It's only a bunch of stars."
"Only a bunch of stars." Tanis repeated flatly. Thinking of everything else he had seen, some things that he would have dismissed as impossible only a couple of days ago, Heero wasn't so sure.
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
Heero smiled to himself as Tas wrapped a blanket around the dwarf. /The more I see of him, the more he reminds me of that braided baka. And that damn stubborn dwarf is a little like me./ The last thought was a little rueful. He moved forward and spoke quietly.
"Tas, could I talk to you for a while?"
"Sure Heero! Just let me..."
"Go on doorknob. I'll be fine." That last was the dwarf, who was greedily drinking some wine. /Doorknob? Maybe it's like when I say Duo no baka./ Tas shrugged, then went with Heero to a quiet corner.
"Tas," Heero wasn't sure how to ask for what he wanted. Then he decided. "Can you tell me a bit about your friends? And probably about the area we're in. I think I need to know what is going on." Tas grinned.
"Sure! I just gotta think. Um, there's Tanis and Flint, Tanis is from Qualinesti, and Flint is a Hill Dwarf."
"I kind of guessed that. Why was he so nervous about boats?" Tas grinned.
"Just a fishing trip that went wrong. Anyway, Caramon and Raistlin, they're easy to work out, Caramon is strong but not too clever, and Raistlin is smart, but really weak physically. They're both human. Solace born and bred! Um, Sturm is a Knight of Solamnia, but I've known him for years. He isn't as uptight as he acts. The barbarians, I'm not sure cause they weren't part of our group before. But it looks like Goldmoon's a high ranking lady of Que-Shu, and Riverwind's the guard or something... but then, it looks like they're in love." Heero nodded, figuring that Tas wouldn't say much more than that. Well, not relevant anyway. He watched silently for a while as Tas sorted through the items in his pouches.
"So what about the area?" Before Tas could answer, Tanis came over to them.
"Tas... my ring..." Tanis said softly, pointing at a finely carved ring of golden, clinging ivy leaves.
"Is it?" asked Tasslehoff with wide-eyed innocence. "is this yours? I'm glad I found it. You must have dropped it at the inn." Tanis settled down next to the kender. Heero didn't miss the odd look that Tanis gave him.
"Have you got a map of this area, Tas?" The kender's eyes shone.
"A map? Yes Tanis. Of course." Gathering all his belongings up, Tas pulled out a hand-carved wooden scroll case from another pouch. He drew forth a sheaf of maps. Heero stared at the kender's collection. /Kami-Sama, I've never seen so many maps./ Almost absently he picked up a few of the maps to try and decipher them.
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
Wufei looked around the town thoughtfully. He wasn't sure where he was. He'd asked about Solace, but no-one paid any attention to him. All people looked at him with barely concealed suspicion. He went to a building, that looked like it may have some information. /A library. At least they aren't complete morons here. Maybe I can find an atlas or something./ Wufei looked around. He picked up a book thoughtfully. /a theological book./ He was about to put it down, until he saw the title. /Kiri-Jolith - Sword of Justice. Maybe I can wait here for a bit. This looks interesting./ Settling down in a corner, Wufei opened the book, and began to read.
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
"Still someone ought to scout-"
"I will Tanis." Tas offered "No one would suspect a kender travelling alone." Tanis frowned. Heero wondered why. After all, kender were always off travelling alone, or so he'd heard.
"Very well." Tanis seemed to have made up his mind. "But remember Tasslehoff Burrfoot, keep your eyes open and your wits about you. No roaming off the road and above all-" Tanis gave Tas a hard look. "-keep your hands out of other peoples belongings."
"Unless they're bakers." Caramon added. Giggling, Tas trotted off down the road, singing a song that would have given Wufei a nosebleed if he had listened to the words.
Tas returned, waving his arm.
"Clerics! A party of clerics. Eight." At this, Sturm sniffed.
"I thought it was a battalion of goblin guards at the least. I believe we can handle a party of clerics."
"I don't know, I've seen clerics from every part of Krynn and I've never seen any like these." Heero realised with surprise that Tas was actually worried. "Do you remember what Tika said about the strange men in Solace - hanging around with Hederick? How they were hooded and dressed in heavy robes? Well, that describes these clerics exactly! And, Tanis, they gave me an eerie feeling." Tas shuddered. "They'll be in sight in a few moments." Heero wondered. /That's strange, Tas looked almost scared. I didn't think kender felt fear. At least, that's what Duo said, and everything else he said about kender was right, so... Why would Tas be scared?/
--------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
/I don't believe it. I would never have guessed that Sturm could be such a good actor. He acts as innocent as Tas./ Heero jumped as Goldmoon spoke up.
"I can help you." She moved from her hiding place, to stand near Sturm. "I am the bearer of the blue crystal staff, but we did not steal it; the staff was given to us." The cleric's voice was sneering.
"So you say." Heero focused on the clerics. Something seemed very wrong. He wouldn't have survived the wars if he hadn't been cautious. Carefully, Heero imprinted every piece of the clerics' appearance into his mind. /Those clothes look odd, as though they're hiding something... hiding!/ As Heero was about to speak up, He heard Goldmoon scream, and saw a flash of blue light. Tanis called to the people on the road.
"Caramon! Sturm! It's a tra-" Heero moved to help Flint deal with the creature that had dropped onto Tanis. He stared. /Is this what those 'clerics' were hiding? That is.../ Heero quickly took in all details. Leathery wings sprang from its back. It had the scaly flesh of a reptile; it's large hands and feet were clawed, but it walked upright in the manner of men. The creature wore sophisticated armour that allowed it the use of its wings. The face was almost human, but appeared to have been twisted into that of a reptile.
"By all the gods, what is that?" Raistlin breathed. Heero looked away, to face another of the creatures. He fought fiercely. /If Duo could see me now. 'Heero's finally met his match' he'd say. Ha./ He looked up as the creature toppled, turning to stone. A small dagger was in the back of its neck. Tas grinned. Heero looked at another stone creature still with a sword stuck in it.
"That's Sturm's sword! Come on!"
------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
They were inside the borders of Darken Wood. Heero wondered how it had gotten that name. It was a very peaceful looking place. He wondered who to believe. /Raistlin is adamant that this is Darken Wood. He says we shouldn't leave the path, or harm any living thing, plant or animal. Tanis thinks he's talking bullshit, or at least imagining things. But... Raistlin doesn't seem the sort to make things up like that. And with everything else I've seen so far... I think I'll listen to Raistlin this time./ He sighed as he settled near the mage. /Children's tales they say. Maybe I should ask Tas about some of these so called children's tales, since they all seem to be coming true. I don't know. Invisible stags, lizard men, elves, dwarves, kender, magic... I don't think that it would be wise to ignore Raistlin's warnings at this moment./ He looked up at the glowing staff, and at the strange appearance of the mage. His thoughts were interrupted by Raistlin's whispering voice.
"Why do you remain on the trail? Surely you feel the same as the others about the 'crazed' mage?"
"Maybe." Raistlin seemed to want more of an answer. "But at the same time, I've seen a lot of things I can't explain except to believe the unbelievable." The mage just looked at him. "You may or may not be crazed. But until I met all of you, I didn't believe in magic." That answer seemed to satisfy Raistlin. He settled back, as all the others drew weapons.
An army of warriors had them surrounded. Dead warriors. /Suddenly I'm glad I listened to him./ Raistlin's voice cut through the night
"Put your swords away, they will do you no good. Only a weapon of powerful magic could harm these." The mage approached the others. "Welcome to Darken Wood Tanis."
"Raistlin-" Tanis' voice was choked. "What are these-"
"Spectral minions, we are fortunate."
"Fortunate? Why?"
"These are the spirits of men who gave their pledge to perform some task. They failed in that pledge, and it is their doom to keep performing the same task over and over until they win their release and find true rest in death."
"How in the name of the Abyss does that make us fortunate? Perhaps they pledged to rid the forest of all who entered!"
"That is possible, thought I do not think it likely. We will find out." Raistlin turned to face the spectres.
"Raist!" Caramon sounded frightened. /Then again, I got the impression from Tas that they are very protective of each other./
"keep him back, Tanis. Our lives depend on this."
"What are you going to do?"
"I am going to cast a spell that will enable us to communicate with them. I will perceive their thoughts. They will speak through me." The mage threw his head back, the hood slipping off. He stretched his arms out stiffly, and began to speak. "Ast bilak parbilaker. Suh tangus moipar?" The mage repeated those strange words three times. Heero stared as through the crowd of spectres, a figure approached the mage. He was pretty sure that it had to be the leader. This new spectre neared Raistlin. "You who have been long dead, use my living voice to tell us of your bitter sorrow. Then give us leave to pass through this forest, for our purpose is not evil, as you will see if you read our hearts." The spectre bowed before the mage. Heero wondered why Tanis seemed so surprised by this. /Unless he's never seen Raistlin like this before./ Then Raistlin spoke in a voice not his own. "Who are you who trespass in darken wood?" No one moved. Until...
"I am Tasslehoff Burrfoot, my friends call me Tas. Who are you?"
"Ti matters little. Know only that we are warriors from a time long forgotten."
"Is it true that you broke a pledge and that's how you came to be here?"
"It is. We pledged to guard this land. Then came the smouldering mountain from the heavens. The land was ripped apart. Evil things crept out from the bowels of the earth and we dropped our swords and fled in terror until bitter death overtook us. We have been called to fulfil our oath, as evil once more stalks the land. And here we will remain until evil is driven back and balance is restored again." /bitter death. Hn, I don't think I'll ever see death as bitter, possessing an extreme sense of humour, perhaps, but never bitter./
Heero smiled. Tas was the only one to dare to talk to the spectres. He watched as the Goldmoon came forward with the staff, and it began to glow. The spectral king reached out for Raistlin. Caramon lunged forward, but dropped to the ground, rocking back and forth, clutching his sword hand, sobbing in agony. Heero saw the layer of frost on the big man's sword. The mage was drawn away by the spectres. He followed, deep in thought. The others all seemed stunned. Raistlin was standing ahead of them, Caramon cried out to his brother, as the spectres vanished.
"The spell... drained me..." he whispered. "I must rest..."
"And rest ye shall!" boomed a voice - a living voice.
=========================================================== =====================
I'm well aware that I miss a lot of parts from the original story, but they weren't relevant to how I'm telling the story. Not to mention that I wanna hurry up and get to Darken Wood. I shouldn't need to write out the whole story. If you really want to know what happens off-screen, read the books.
Kend