The Werehunters

[Kyrinn the Black]

Continued from Kyrinn and Slyfoot: Ruins

The air smelled like blood.

This was the first thing the lumbering bear noticed as the Jungle City of Oggok came into view. She had run hard all the way from Argra’s cave. Oggok was her home but she had come because Argra had requested it. She was needed somehow, this was clear. That scent of blood was bothersome though, perhaps she had come too late. No, not too late, but she still had to hurry. The bear continued her race to the gates of Oggok.

Just outside the gate a pile of bodies was being collected. Several of the Ogre Bouncers were working at dragging and carrying their fallen brethren out to the pile. The Ogres only respected strength and the dead would be unceremoniously burned. No tears would be shed for the fallen here. As the bear approached several of the Ogre’s nodded their greeting. She was well known and recognized here, even in her bear form. She was more than welcome in Oggok.

There was a lot of blood on the flagstone just outside the gate, and the path that lead inside. The bear slowed to a trot as she entered the city, the Ogre’s that had greeted her went unnoticed. She had something important to do here. The path of blood lead in the direction of the tavern, but this was no simple brawl. There was something far more serious happening here. The closer she got to the tavern the more blood was on the ground. She followed until the entryway to the tavern was in view. Here the corpses had not been cleared yet. There was a body of a one armed Ogre laying only a few steps from the door. It looked as if he had been cut down as he tried to flee.

The interior of the building was a sea of blood. Much of the furniture has been destroyed in a scuffle of some sort but even if it had not been, there would not have been enough seats for everyone. The number of patrons was triple what it normally was at this time of day. Some of the celebrating Ogres recognized her when she entered, raising their mugs and cheering. It must have been a spectacular battle to have everyone in such high spirits. It was strange that Zugarok was not there, he always loved a good fight. The Teir’dal that Argra had showed her were also missing.

As she pushed her way through the crowd to the back of the Tavern where the hallway to the rooms were she caught site of Dertreg, Zugarok’s sire. He was crouched down, and in one massive hand lay the broken and tattered body of his tiny Teir’dal apprentice. He had the young blacksmith propped mostly upright and was inspecting the damage on his chest plate. He looked like a broken toy next to the massive Ogre, just lying there, unmoving. As she approached she could make out Dertreg's low rumbling voice, quietly speaking to the shattered body.

"... da metal harder Kyrinn. Joos did gud on dis plate, but joo got smashed gud too.”<br>
The bear padded up to the Ogre smith and his broken apprentice, leaving bloody paw prints wherever she walked. Dertreg nodded to her in greeting as she approached. The bear sniffed lightly at the corpse in his hand, and when she did, it turned it’s head and cracked an eyelid open, grinning in recognition.

“…Lady…Rhabuka…”

[Kyrinn the Black]

The bear recoiled a little, not expecting Kyrinn to still be alive. The damage was so extensive it just didn't seem possible.

"Joo not ded?"

"...I'm not...so...fragile..."

"Joo gunna be ded if joo keep bleedin"

"...Just...heal me..."

"Wuz it joo dat wuz fightin wit da Bouncer's?"

"...no...If you...heal...me I...will...tell you...what...happened..."

It was actually good to see the Ogre shamaness again. Dertreg had been lecturing Kyrinn on how to improve his armor since he had found him lying there on the stone floor. He was very badly injured from the battle with that horrible woman that Slyfoot had sent after him. Dertreg's hand was soaked in his blood but it didn't seem to bother him. He was only interested in lecturing, and it seemed to Kyrinn that Dertreg would talk until he bleeds to death right there in his hand.

Rhabuka's blood soak paws started to glow blue as she started to cast her spells of healing. Waves of soothing energy washed over Kyrinn’s broken body. The pain in his chest started to subside first as the magic repaired the internal damage, mending shattered ribs and torn tissue. The bones in his arm were also being mended. Kyrinn clenched his left fist, he was very week, but he was able to move his hand again. As his strength returned his breathing steadied, and for the first time in an hour or so he started to think that perhaps he was going to live to fight again. After the serious injuries had been repaired Rhabuka stopped the healing. She was breathing hard; the healing had been very taxing due the extent of the damage.

"Dis gunna take longer. Joo wuz bashed reel gud."

Kyrinn sits forward and slowly rises to his feet. Nothing felt broken but he still had several open wounds. Despite the continued bleeding he felt amazing, if not a little lightheaded. He held up the hand where he had been bitten to examine the damage. His gauntlet was completely destroyed; her front teeth had punctured the metal going in and peeled the plate back going out. His hand had faired even worse that his gauntlet. His hand was badly bruised where her front teeth had pierced his flesh and the skin was torn back at the sides, still bleeding. It had only been an hour but the injury was already badly infected. Puss oozed from the wound and the whole hand was swollen so large that his gauntlet would have to be cut away.

"Rhabuka; I think I've been poisoned. What do you make of this?"

Kyrinn shoves his ruined fist near the bear’s giant muzzle. She recoils in disgust, bringing her giant paws up to her nose as if trying to wipe away the stench, and in the process smearing blood on her face that she had picked up following the trail to the inn.

"Wut bit joos Kyrinn? Joo tell wut happened here..."

Kyrinn stared at his festering hand while he spoke, "Do you remember Slyfoot, from the old days of the Twilight Empire?"

"Yar"

"It was her, and some other woman...I think she calls herself Darlena."

Kyrinn hears a low rumbling coming from Rhabuka. She growls at the mention of Darlena's name, "Joo shud kill dat Darlena."

"I tried. A lot of us tried." Kyrinn looks up from his hand and slowly looks across each of the celebrating Ogres as he continues to speak; "Slyfoot attacked me at the forge last night. I'm fairly certain she's gone crazy. She kept talking to me like I was still working for Lanchar or Krystis. It was mostly all nonsense. The fight went poorly for her but I decided against killing her outright in case someone else put her up to the attempt. I never got the chance to question her though. She had already sent that other woman to finish what she could not. Slyfoot fled the city as soon as the battle begun."

"Zug n me herd da fightin from da smithy." Dertreg added

Kyrinn sits down on the floor between the two Ogres and starts working at getting his swollen hand free from his gauntlet.

"Darlena is some kind of monster Rhabuka. She is what bit me. Look at this, what kind of person can bite through an adamantine gauntlet."

Once his hand is out of its metal casing he holds it up for Dertreg and Rhabuka to get a good look. The flesh had turned red was continuing to swell. Blood dripped onto the stone from the disgusting festering wound. Dertreg was the first to speak up.

"Joo shud cut dat off." was his helpful comment.

"I was actually hoping Rhabuka would be able to purge the poison."

The giant bear just shakes her massive head.

"Why not Rhabuka? What is wrong with my hand?"

"Zug n me fought wit da Darlena. Dat Darlena turnt to a big wulf fightin Zug. Joo gunna be a wulf too now."

Kyrinn stared blankly for a few moments, growing angry as what Rhabuka had told him sank in. He climbed to his feet once again, the rage bringing much of his strength back.

"So why don't you just cure it then!"

"Da spirits no help joos now. Da bad blud in joo, me can smells it."

Kyrinn paces the small section of unoccupied stone floor, storming back and fourth, seething with hatred. It was not like him to be so angry when he knew it wasn't going to help him, but right now he was having trouble bringing his anger under control. He struggled with it for some time while the Ogre and the Bear looked on in amusement. Eventually he sat back down between them again and crossed his legs, bowing his head and closing his eyes. He held his head with his good hand as if he had a headache. He sat silently, focusing on his breathing. He couldn't make a clear decision without a clear head. That was the only fragment of sanity that kept him from lashing out. Eventually his anger did subside, and he opened his eyes.

[Kyrinn the Black]

"Rhabuka, can you still seal my wounds?"

"Joo hurt bad, gonna take sum time to fix joos up gud."

"What about just stopping the bleeding? Can you do that right now?"

This time she nodded slowly saying, "Yar". Again her paws took on the bluish glow while she used her healing magic. Kyrinn stood patiently while the shamaness' spells sealed the remaining wounds. His hand was still swollen and the wound was still bad but the bleeding had at least stopped. His body still ached where the wounds had been sealed, he would have to be careful to not re-open them. As Rhabuka completed the healing she slumped down exhausted, sitting on the floor of the tavern.

"Dat da best dat can be dun now"

Kyrinn started removing his outer carapace of dented and broken armor, tossing the plates on the floor in a pile. Once he was stripped to his Gambeson he walked down the hallway to his room, returning with several blue plates, which he began to pile next to the red ones. He went back to his room three more times, returning with more armor after every trip. With the final stack of metal he brought out a crossbow and a quiver of bolts also. Once it was all gathered he started to redress there where he could speak with the two Ogres that had assisted him.

"This is my old armor but it will have to do for now." he said while dressing. "I can't stay here any longer."

Dertreg looked on quizzically, "Were joo gunna go?"

"To Oasis."

"Why joo wanna go dere?"

"I performed some tasks for Count Luvincius there a couple of months ago. I know it's suicide to ask him from help, but I learned a little of the Gypsies that gather outside of his domain while I was working for him. They know much about Lycanthropy; I've heard they even hunt the beasts. If such a thing can be cured, they're the ones that would know how."

"Why dey helps joo?" Rhabuka chimed in.

"I'm not strong enough to force them to help me right now. Perhaps they will accept a payment, they are Gypsies after all."

The Ogres sat in silence as Kyrinn continued to armor himself. He had thought he did a good job on this set of armor when he made it, but now that his skill had grown the suit seemed rather inadequate. He wasn't looking to get himself into any serious battles on the way to Oasis, but the weaknesses were noted nonetheless. With all of his weapons now broken he would be making the trip mostly unarmed. Ogre weapons were too big for his hand, and even though he was known to them, Ogres didn't just give up their weapons freely. He did still have his crossbow and that was more than enough to deal with any petty bandits that might mistake him for an easy mark.

Once his armor was fully donned Kyrinn shoulder slung his crossbow and bolts, took his helm in hand, and started pushing his way through the mass of Ogres drinking at the inn. One of the things that he had liked about living with the Ogres was that sentiment was not needed nor understood in Oggok. What happened simply happened, and situations were simply dealt with when they came up. No time was wasted on lengthy blather and meaningless promises.

Dertreg simply watched his pupil go. If he was strong, he would survive. If he was week, then he would die. Most importantly though he wanted to eat.


"Joo hungry Rhab?"

"Yar"

[Kyrinn the Black]

The Oggok stables were not far from the Inn. Kyrinn walked the disintegrating streets of the Ogre city for possibly the last time. He was angry again. It wasn't like him to be angry for no reason, but then again, there were plenty of reasons to be angry. Lycanthropy was a fate worse than death to him. It meant that he would soon become a beast. All he had worked for and sacrificed for would be lost, he himself would simply cease to be, and in his place would be a savage animal. He wasn't going to let that happen without a fight. From the stables of Oggok he commissioned a powerful charger and left immediately for Dark Solace.

Horse and rider stormed from the gates of Oggok, leaving a cloud of dust behind them. Once free of the city Kyrinn spurred his mount east, towards Moggok gate. He pressed his steed hard but kept to the path. It wouldn’t get him to Oasis any faster if the horse broke its leg. The ride was rather rough and he was running the chance of opening the freshly closed wounds but time was a factor. He made excellent time to Moggok Gate, arriving as an Ogre patrol was passing through. Kyrinn leaned into his horse, pushing it even harder towards the open gate. The Ogres didn’t even know what hit them. Kyrinn and horse thundered straight into the middle of the patrol, toppling the Ogres to either side of them. Before archers could be brought to bear he was through the gate, charging through the encampment on the other side. If any of them had tried to halt him, he didn’t notice.

Once free of Moggok gate he turned north towards Bertoxxulous’ shadow, and Dark Solace. The sun was already setting but he intended on riding through the night. The horse was already breathing hard so he slowed to a run but there would be no stops. If the horse could endure he would make Dark Solace by morning.

It had been months since Kyrinn had been on this side of the Rathe Mountains. He hadn’t really noticed the flow of time in Oggok, but as he rode further north, the familiar landmarks brought a sense of nostalgia. It seemed like another person entirely that used to stalk these lands in service of the Teir’Dal and the Twilight Empire. He was a fool in those days, his path was so clearly marked but his heritage wouldn’t allow him to see it until that fateful day outside of Blakedown. A Teir’Dal Magician named Khael Wildstrike had saved his life. He actually knew very little about the Mage. Khael would not say which house he belonged too; only that he left that nonsense behind when he was very young. They became fast friends but parted was quickly too. During that short time Kyrinn learned just how easy a Teir’Dal could leave the courts of Neriak behind him.

The Dark Solace watch fires brought Kyrinn from his reverie. It was not yet dawn and he was already there, he was making good time. His hand throbbed and he was bleeding a slightly where his wounds had opened again. Several priests of Bertoxxulous were gathered around the fire but they took no real notice of Kyrinn. It wasn’t all that unusual for a wounded and exhausted Teir’Dal to wander into their temple no matter what the hour.

Kyrinn let the horse go just outside of the entrance and continued on foot. The halls of Dark Solace were carved stone but there was an eerie green residue on everything. Priests wandered the halls in greater numbers than he expected. Many races had come to the mountain temple to worship. Kyrinn even noticed some Trolls in the robes of the Bertoxxulan clergy. He continued deeper into the temple, heading in the direction of the altar. Hidden behind the altar was a passage that would lead him to the secret stables in Dark Solace.

The alter room itself was sunken in the middle. A disgusting looking green sludge had settled in the center of the room. A massive earth elemental stood watch over the altar from the center of the green slime. The Magician controlling it could be found standing at the altar as part of the high priests retainers. The altar itself was on a platform raised above the sludge. Two ramps lead up on with side of the platform. Kyrinn would have to speak with the priest to gain entry to the passage back so he approached the altar to be judged. The high priest was an erudite man not much larger than Kyrinn himself. He carefully scrutinized Kyrinn for several minutes, finally asking "are you really evil?"

"Yes I'm evil, now let me through!"

"Then proceed to my rear"

The priest bowed his again but nothing seemed to have changed. Kyrinn new the trick though, the wall behind the altar was likely an illusion. It was a trick used by the Lodge of the Dead in Neriak also. Without another word Kyrinn walked into the wall and faded from outside view. Behind the illusory wall the path lead downward. Instead of carved stone like the rest of the temple this path was a natural cave deep inside the mountain. It was just short walk down and Kyrinn was at the stables. He approached the coachwoman - also an Erudite.

"I require a fast mount that can take me all the way to Oasis"

"Then you will have it, but know this; if you speak of what you have seen here your life is forfeit."

"This place is full of empty threats woman"

She only stared, saying nothing more. An attendant brought Kyrinn the mount he requested. He led the animal back to the surface by hand. He was facing a hard two-day ride through treacherous lands. He was only planning on stopping once to water the horse and himself, just before entering the desert. The throbbing in his hand was a constant reminder of his need for haste.

[Kyrinn the Black]

He traveled east for nearly a day, running the horse as fast as he dared. He stopped at a small stream, letting the horse drink his fill and drinking some himself. The wound that was starting to reopen outside Dark Solace was bleeding again. He had to stop long enough to take care of it. He removed his breastplate and did his best to fashion a crude pressure dressing from torn pieces of his gambeson. He was losing too much time. How many days now until he changed? d**n that woman. He was going to make her pay dearly for this.... If he survived. After dressing the injury he replaced his breastplate and continued east.

The farther east he went the dryer the surrounding lands became. The change was subtle at first but by the end of the first night the ground had completely turned to sand. The temperature had been plummeting since the sunset and Kyrinn was already shivering from the cold. The horse was keeping the pace despite the difficult ground and seemed unaffected by the temperature change, but the added effort was tiring it quickly. The throbbing in Kyrinn's hand was worsening as time progressed. He had been awake for almost two days now with nothing to eat and very little to drink. His journey was well over half way over though, He should be able to make Oasis early the next afternoon if he could just hold on.

Soon the frigid desert night gave way to the blistering heat of day. His pace had deffinately slowed now, his horse was completely exhausted. Kyrinn was considering resting the poor beast. Late in the morning the horse made the decision for him when it collapsed. Kyrinn was sent toppling over the beast into the desert sands, scattering crossbow bolts all over the ground. He climbed to his feet and walked to where the horse lay. It was very dead. Kyrinn himself was in no condition to finish the trip himself, but there was just no other option. It was walk to Oasis or die in the desert. He collected a fist full of bolts, loaded one into his crossbow and continued on foot.

Kyrinn staggered forward through the scorching heat. He stopped noticing the passage of time. He stopped noticing the pain in his side where the old wound had reopened. The only thing he knew was endless rolling dunes, and a continuing repeated lie to himself, "...just...one...more...step...". It seemed as though much time had passed, several hours or several days, it was all the same to him. It was almost sunset when Kyrinn first spotted the top of count Luvincius' spire in the distance. At first he thought he was delirious, but in actuality it was the first time he had been sane all day. He could barely move his right leg now. He had been dragging it along more than walking on it. He didn’t know for how long. He looked down to discover his armor stained in blood where the wound had bled through the dressing. He could see his destination now. It seemed to him that he could crawl the last 2 or 3 miles if he had too.

"...Just...one...mo......" and the world went black.

[Keyra]

Keyra awoke the next morning still trouble from her encounter with Slyfoot. She was way too careless and overconfident. And even worst her confidence in her mentor Nikkii was shaken by her having Loveless return her to the oasis. As she dressed herself she could only think of killing the enchantress that scared her body. She could then see a note on the table next to some food undoubtably left by Nikkii. The note read.

[glow=Green,2,300]Keyra, Your trip to Freeport taught you a valueable lesson. I want you to eat up then go to the training area and practice your form. I will be in counsil with the elders should you require anything. ease your mind child you will have your day soon but right now you are not focused.[/glow]

" I wish it were now m'lady."

Keyra eats the meal then heads out over the dunes to the training grounds. There is several straw figures made to look like lycanthrops. She draws out her crossbow and takes aim at one of the tagets and lets a bolt fly. She hits her mark and starts running thru the figures shooting them as she passes.

" I will put a hundred of these in that foul enchantress for what she did to me."

She shot her last bolt into the tagets head. She then started walking back thru the targets removing the bolts from them. The sun was starting to get hot now and the odd smell of blood now filled the air.

" Thats not animal blood I smell .. I better see what it is."

Kerya starts looking over the area for the source of the smell. After a bit of looking she can see some birds circling something...... A body. She rushes up to the fallen person.As she gets up to the body she notices its a teir'dal man and injured. Thinking that he might be dead she kneels down beside him and starts poking him with one of her bolts. At frst there is no responce, then after she pokes his face he goans a bit.

" Oh my he's alive... hes still bleeding too Lady Nikkii should see him she can heal him I bet. I gotta get you to her quickly."

Keyra at first tried to lift his heavy body up but his weight was too much for the girl and she ended up dropping him from her waist. She then grabbed him by his legs and started dragging him the last half mile to Nikkii's cabin. Kyrinn started to awake and caught a brief glimpse of the girl's back before she drags him over a rock knocking him out once more. After taking a few breaks she finally get to the cabin doorsteps. Not wanting to mess up her mentor's home she removes his armor leaving him with only his lower half covered. She could see he had been badly wounded but why would he come here she thought. With his heavy armor off she was able to get him hoisted up enough to where only his feet dragged the ground and brought him inside. She laid him on her bed and attempted to dress his wounds but only seemed to be making things worst.

" Oh dear I can't stop the bleeding I must get Lady Nikkii she can help you mister please don't die yet."

Keyra storms out the door and heads to the elders tent. The meeting she was having appeared to have concluded and she was talking to two of the elders.

" Lady Nikkii!!... Come quickly I found a man near the training area hes badly hurt and I can't stop his bleeding. "

Nikkii could only think of how this seems just like in Freeport when she was asked to heal Phelan. Keyra grabs her hand and leads her back to the cabin. As soon as the enter Keyra's room where Kyrinn lay Nikkii begin to chant an arcane bolt to strike Kyrinn.

" M'lady what are you doing?"

" He is infected he must be extinguished before he transforms into a lycanthrope."

" Lady Nikkii wait.. he has only been newly bitten and is at the in between state. My guess is the lycanthrom was in a humanoid form when he was bit. Heal him I wish to question him on why he would come here. "

" Yes elder ... as you wish."

Nikkii places her hands on Kyrinn's chest and he is covered in a blue light. His wounds dissapear. Keyra hops up on the foot of the bed eagerly awaiting him to wake up. Nikkii only can look apon the teir'dal man in discust. Kyrinns eyes open and he sits up in the bed. The elder appoaches the bedside.

" Well young master what brings you to our humble oasis? "

Kyrinn takes a good look at the three people that surround him.

[Kyrinn the Black]

A Gypsy...and he said Oasis... he thought to himself.

Kyrinn studied the three figures that had rescued him from the desert sands. An older human, a Teir'Dal Priestess, and a young Dal girl. A curious collection of individuals indeed. It was unlikely that a Gypsy and a Dal would serve the Count but it was just as unlikely for a Teir’Dal to be associating with the other two. Then again Kyrinn was Teir’Dal and Kyrinn had come to Oasis.

"You said Oasis. I am in Oasis now then?"

"Indeed you are, but why have you come?"

"There are those among you who are renowned for your knowledge of Lycanthropy, I need to speak with them urgently."

It was the Priestess that answered; "Why should you even seek them, let alone speak with them. You talk of Lycanthropy but do you know what happens when one comes here?"

"I haven't come to speak with any of Count Luvincius' dogs so hold your tongue woman!"

Nikkii was becoming very disgusted with the way this conversation was starting. It was bad enough that she was asked to heal this beast but she was not about to stand idly by and put up with any disrespect from an animal. She looked down on him because she was better than him. She did nothing to hide the disgust in her voice "I am not one of that mongrels dogs! I am a Hunter of those afflicted with Lycanthropy and you will show me the proper respect!"

"Calm yourselves." The Gypsy Elder interdicted, "Both of you calm yourselves. My name is Djivan Mertshank. I am one of this settlements Elders. If you seek knowledge of Lycanthropy then I am the one to whom you should speak."

"I am called only Kyrinn. I have no house and no title to add to my name."

Djivan continues; "My people know you well Bandit Slayer. You have campaigned against the Nasehirs many times."

"How did you get your wound sir?" The young Dal girl interrupted.

Before Kyrinn even had the opportunity to answer the inquisitive girls question she was quickly berated by the Priestess; "Keyra mind your manners. It doesn't matter how he got his wounds. Only the fact that he has the curse upon him is of any concern for us."

It seemed as though the youth was the Priestess' attendant, though Kyrinn had never seen a Dal serving Teir'Dal before. Not of her own free will anyways and she didn't seem like a slave. Djivan was clearly the one in charge here though so it was him that Kyrinn was going to have to deal with. He may have made it to Oasis but the situation was still a grave one and his top priority had to be survival. Other things and other people could be dealt with later.

"I was bitten in a duel..." Kyrinn presents his scarred hand for Djivan to inspect. As he checks the wound Kyrinn continues; "It was in Oggok. The Shamaness there told me I was infected and would soon become changed. She told me I was beyond her help. I came here because I knew of your people’s knowledge of Lycanthropy. It was my belief that here would be the best place to start looking for a cure."

Djivan nods solemnly; "...I see"

"That Shamaness should not have healed you at all,” Sneered the Priestess.

Kyrinn wanted to point out that she herself had also healed him but thought better of it. Petty bickering with that infernal woman would get him nowhere. Her resemblance to the one who attacked him was so uncanny they could be related. Perhaps it was that resemblance that made him hate her. Maybe it was just her arrogance. They sat there staring at each other with contempt. She was managing to make him angry without even speaking already.

The tension in the room was finally broken when Keyra spoke up; "I will get him some water, he's probably thirsty." She was out of the room before anyone could say anything.

Before she returned Djivan continues "For the majority of victims, a Lycanthropic infection is irreversible. For you however, there may be a way to prevent the infection from taking over. The price for such a venture would be very high indeed though Dark Knight. Higher than you may be willing to pay to save even your own life."

"Elder you can't be serious with that offer. He is a coward trying to save his own wretched life!" The Priestess screamed.

"I suppose you would just lay down and perish then? Or perhaps you would just let yourself be taken by the beast?"

"Either is acceptable...I would take pleasure in exterminating you if you become a beast."

"That's too bad Priestess. I'm not going to quit so easily though." He turns to address only the Gypsy Elder; "Money is no object Djivan, just name your price and it will be yours."

Djivan's eyes narrowed as he stared down at the Dark Knight sitting in bed. His demeanor darkens significantly before he speaks; "I didn't say anything about money Kyrinn..."

"What are we talking about then?"

Djivan continued; "I believe that the infection has been caught early enough in you. We, the Werehunters of Oasis, have a special brand that prevents the onset of Lycanthropy. I believe these brands will stop the infection from spreading further."

"What do I have to do to get these brands?"

"Only the Werehunters themselves are branded in such a fashion. To receive the brand is to become a Werehunter. To become a Werehunter is to swear allegiance to the Elders here in Oasis..."

As Djivan was finishing up Keyra quietly entered the room carrying a cup. She didn't hear the entire conversation but to her it sounded as if the injured Knight was going to be made a Hunter. This was a very exciting turn of events for Keyra. She wasn't going to be the newest Hunter anymore, and she had found the new Hunter. She should at least get some credit for that. She was so excited she almost forgot about the water she had brought for him, "Here is some water, drink up" she smiled warmly at her new comrade as she spoke.

Before she could even gauge a reaction Nikkii tore into her.

"Keyra!! Do not go out of your way for this vagabond! He is not worth the attention he has already recieved! I want you to go back to your training...NOW!!!"

The outburst caught Keyra a little off guard. She left the water in the Teir’Dal hands and turned to face Nikkii. "Yes m'lady. I only wished to help." She then hurried from the room.

"...Lady Nikkii" Djivan needed not say anything more. It was understood that she was starting to overstep her authority.

After speaking his warning Djivan continued the discussion with Kyrinn;"I know you are a proud soul so I will give you some time to think on this offer. Rest now and we can speak more on this later."

Kyrinn sat there staring into the water. It seemed as though fate was trying to force him into a life of servitude again. He had fought to earn his freedom, and he had won it, but what did he really do with his freedom. He had sat in Oggok working the forge with Dertreg. He had learned much but he had no purpose to apply his knowledge towards. The reality of the matter was that he had become stagnant. Being free had simply meant lacking direction for him. Would a life of servitude really be so bad if it was chosen freely?

Djivan and Nikkii turned to leave the room to allow Kyrinn to get some rest. Nikkii was the first to leave but Kyrinn stopped the Elder before he was out of the room.


"...I'll do it."

[Nikkii O'seth]

" Well my boy I believe you made the right choice... I only hope you can withstand the trials.. poor young Keyra has tried many times...."

Djivan turns to leave out then pauses to cough a spell. then looks at him.

" I do sense an inner turmoil within you... but also alot of promise... Do this old man a favor return to here a success ... We are starting to slip into the darkness against the lycanthropes,fight it don't succumb to the curse."

Kyrinn looks back at the elder then at his hand, Djivan again goes to leave the room and could be herd from the next room coughing again. Nikkii rushes to his side and helps him to a chair. He lifts his hand gestering that he is fine.

" Nikkii listen closely.. he is to start the training within the next day."

" Elder please I don't think taking this one in is a wise idea."

" I remeber someone saying much the same of you."

" Elder that was different I was ill and didn't even know my own name."

" Indeed.. but he is ill as well my dear, and right know I think he is comming to terms with himself. Now I want you to retrieve the tomes and scrolls on the lycanthrope and present him with thhis to study on oover the coarse of the day. In a few hours I wish him to join Keyra on the training field, I'm sure the other elder would like to see his level of sword skill."

" Yes elder..." Nikkii went into an old trunk and started drawing out some old books and dusty scrolls. Carrying the books into Keyra's room where Kyrinn was standing. Apon entering the room and the sight of the cursed teir'dal drove her anger to new heights. She threw the books at him in rage, several striking him, one to the face. "Read these if you can your training starts now. I don't believe there are any pictures in those, so let me know if you require some assistance." She smirks at him and goes to leave the room. Even more angered by this unprevoked attack on him Kyrinn looks about the room an noticed on of Keyra short swords. He picks up the sword and starts to unsheath it as Nikkii steps away. Thinking it would be foolish to behave in such a manner he knelt down and begin sifting through the books and tomes.

[Nikkii O'seth]

Keyra's anger grew with every day the enchantress continued to live and with every scolding she recieved. She stopped by the armorer's tent and withdrew her training material. She thought of the torcher the blue haired wench brought her, her shoulder still a bit still fron the dagger impalement. Her rescue bothered her equally by the fact that Loveless returned her to Nikkii in exchange for his hunt be delayed. A sudden commotion interupted her day dream.Then a small halfling man walked by her then stopped.

" Ah good maiden I have brought you a dangerous beast for your extermination and wish to be paid for my efforts, whom would I seek?"

" Ummm the elders... one is in that cabin there address him."

The little man bowed and left at the same time the commotion stopped. The armorer handed her the weapon she required. As she headed up to the area she noticed a chunk of ice floating up the river towards the Blackwater area.

" Ice? In this heat.... "

Back at the cabin the barbarien that was with the two trolls arrives at the door of the cabin.

" Lady Nikkii ....... I must speak with you ... it is urgent in matter."

" Yes what is it." She steps outside to meet with him. Then a halfling man walks up to the cabin.

" Which one of ye be an elder?"

" He is inside what bussiness do you have here halfling?"

" I brought the beast named Jwiz here to be dealt with m'lady."

" Excellent so your here for payment then ... here you are." She tosses a sack full of tunar to him. He counts the money then leaves with a smile on his face.

" M'lady the woman is dead, Jumoo got a bit too rough with her and broke her neck."

" This was not part of the plan. We must retrive the corpse then and bury it. "

Then yet another visitor appears before them this time a Teir'dal girl. The girl approached the two very carefully.

" Are you the one that controls the hunters that are in Freeport and the dal keyra ?"

" Why do you want to know girl? "

She bows infront of Nikkii" I wish to offer my services to you."

" I have no need for a servant."

" You miss understand m'lady I wish to be your informant.. I can tell you that the ones you seek are in freeport now and I can get close to them."

" This is the best news I had herd of today. Strife gather up a strike party well will set off for freeport soon enough then.

Nikkii nudges Shalandra head up and smiles at her.

" I am Nikkii what is your name child."

" I am Shalandra..."

Elder Djivan and Kyrinn appear at the door

" Kyrinn is ready for us to observe his skills please hold off your trip I have an assignment near to the area anyway. Now lets be off to the training area."

[Keyra]

Keyra was hard at practice with her sword play. She was sparring with another trainee he was no where near her skill or speed, and it was a good thing the weapons was made of harded straw material, or he surely would be dead.

" That is enough young ones we have a new hopefull in our company gather everyone in the camp we shall see him in action."

Keyra looks back to see Elder Djivan with Kyrinn, Nikkii and another Tier'dal girl. The call goes across the camp and within minutes the gypsies take their seats in the training area the elders in thiers as well with Nikkii at their side. The armorer hands Kyrinn a training sword and sheild.

" Master Kyrinn as I stated before this is a test to guage the depth of you skill. For the first part you will duel some other hopefulls of which we will select those to be trained."

Kyrinn takes a look at his opponents... A human paladin and druid, a dal ranger,rouge and bard, a barberian, troll and ogre warrior and a Teir'dal wizard.

" If they all attack me I'm done for.."

He looks over toward the Elders and can see a wicked smile on Nikkii's face.

" I bet my defeat could bring her no greater pleasure, hmmpp I won't let it happen."

The horn sound and the battle begins almost immediatly the Elf bard attacks him. He easily parried the attack and with minimal effort stuck the wide open bard sending him to the ground. the troll and ogre was fighting eachother as was the Teir'dal wizard and elf druid. It would seem that he finished his opponet to early. He then went after the elf druid, they was so preoccupied with each that Kyrrin took him out from behind before he could react. Out of breath the worn wizard nodded to Kyrinn to which Kyrinn simply punched him, knocking him out. The battle starting to thin out only the ranger, barberian and ogre remained.

" These guys look a little worn down.. too bad I haven't broken a sweat yet."

" Joo little smart mouth blak elf mes gonna make joo hurt big time"

The ogre swings his mallet at Kyrinn knocking his shield away, but it was a trick as he used to distact the ogre as he had manuvered behind him and with one mighty strike, he hit the ogre in the back of the neck sending him to the ground. This action made the elf conceed defeat however the barbarian wasn't gonna back out yet he tossed his sword aside.

" Well lets finish this hand to hand comrade."

Kyrinn shrugged his shoulders and tossed his weapon aside

" As you wish."

The two met in the center of the area trading punches. Kyrinn was not winded by his combat as he was use to enduring hardships. They went round after round but the barbarian missed a step and slipped allowing Kyrinn to land a decisive blow knocking him out. Kyrinn looked back at Djivan and could see he was pleased with the results but Nikkii was quite angry. This brought a smile to his face as the fallen trainees was removed from the field. Djivan then stood.

" Very impresive master Kyrinn but your next test is against another student that has much promise... Keyra come challenge our newest member."

" Yes elder." She leaps from the stands to the ground infront of him her training swords drawn. A gust of wind crosses between them blowing keyra's green hair from her face and a smile come arcoss her face.

" Wow you good Mr. Kyrinn the person you fought musta been really strong, pick up your sword sir so we can be done with this."

No sooner does he pick up the blade does keyra beging her assualt as she come twirling in in a blindingly fast barrage of strikes that Kyrinn barely put up a defense to. He swung the sword at her and met with nothing.. the girl was really fast.

" Your not too tired yet are mr. Kyrinn.. if you are just submit and then we can see about getting you though this later."

Kyrinn looked over to Djivan who had a look of concern on his face while Nikkii was delighted with the fact Keyra could take him at a moments notice.He looks back to the girl and motions for her to attack. Keyra charges in this time landing a few hits .. in doing so she brings herself within range for Kyrinn's touch spell to which he uses them one after the other. The spells impact hurt Keyra greatly, she staggered to maintain her balance she noticed Nikkii's disapproval to her plight.

" I won't lose to you mr.Kyrinn "

Kyrinn charges the girl grabbing her and tossing her to the ground then places his foot on her and his sword to her throat.

" Thats enough you are defeated "

Tears of anger started to fall from Keyra's eyes as she got up. Kyrinn turned to face the elders when he could see Nikkii smiling still. The thought puzzled him at first then he herd footstep from behind him. He turned around to see Keyra attacking him again in rage. He jerked he arm bringing her in to be struck with his elbow. apon impact she fell limp onto him.. the fight was over. Nikkii seathed with anger over Kyrinn's victory. Shalandra took Keyra from kyrinn and took her back to the cabin.

" Master Kyrinn you are truley skilled but I have one final test.. the test of courage."

This time Kyrinn is given a real sword and a cage is brought in the area a scared young man is inside but looked malnurished. Then a wizard came up to him holding a glowing orb and began to chant something. Suddenly the man became a loinwere, he bagain raging within the cage. A slab of meat was tossed at Kyrinn and the beasts cage undone. The lycanthrope rushed straight for Kyrinn slashing at him wildly and full of hunger. Kyrinn jumped back from the beast cutting it a few times.. but it barely seemed to slow it down. Kyrinn started thing how this seemed so mush like the battle with that cursed Teir'dal female. The though of that made Kyrinn fill with rage and go on the offensive. He swung the sword that seemed to hum as he ct the beast throat then plunged the sword right into the beast. He continued to stab the creature until Djivan put his hand on him

" That is enough my boy you have done well this day. Now lets get you better equiped."

" If its all the same to you might I craft my own armor?"

" Of coarse you may you also have full access to the hunters gem vault.. you have my blessing."

Nikkii aproaches shalandra.

" Shalandra... I want you to return to freeport and keep track of the vermin I will have Keyra join you soon enough just don't let them out of your sight. And keep in contact with me at all times."

" Yes m'lady I shall depart now."

[Kyrinn the Black]

An attendant rushes to Kyrinn's side bowing and collecting his sword. Before he leaves Djivan stops him asking; "Could you take the young Dark Knight to meet Benzin?"

"Of course elder"

The attendant leaves in the direction of the camp, gesturing for Kyrinn to follow him. He felt like he was wasting valuable time but Djivan seemed rather unconcerned about the infection taking control any time soon. Legends associate the change occurring on the night of a full moon, which was still nearly three weeks away. Perhaps that is why there isn't a rush to have him cured. Perhaps they have no intentions of curing him at all. Had he known beforehand he would not have pushed himself so hard trying to get here.

The Gypsy camp was a colorful collection of tents and carts arranged seemingly haphazardly by the waters of the Oasis. Nothing here was designed to be permanent but the Gypsies had lived here for a very long time. It was certainly not a warrior society, they seemed more suited to being merchants and entertainers. Camp security was almost non-existent, consisting of only a few unarmed guards near the stables. The stables themselves were run from the back of a cart. Kyrinn found it very hard to believe that these were the people responsible for the hunting and exterminating of supernatural beasts, like the one that had attacked him.

As they walked farther into the camp Kyrinn started hearing the familiar sound of hammering. Different from what he had grown used to in Oggok but still unmistakably the hammering of a Blacksmith. The smithy turned out to be nothing more than another cart with equipment set up outside under the open sky. Of course in the desert rain was almost never an issue. The attendant called out; "Benzin! I have someone the Elder wants you to meet!" The hammering stops and a few seconds later a very muscular one-eyed woman appears from the other side of the cart. She firmly plants her hands on her hips and stares down at the two intruders. "What are ye bothering me for now whelp!!!" she bellows

The attendant was getting a bit flustered and stammered out "Uh...I...um..Elder Djivan...me...Dark Elf..uhh"

Kyrinn stepped forward. Slightly bowing in greeting. "Forgive the intrusion Lady, Elder Djivan suggested that I might be allowed the use of your facilities here for a short time."

"Did he now?"

"He did. Also I was to be allowed full access to any materials that I might be requiring."

The attendant, having recovered his composure chimed in to support Kyrinn's claims; "It's true maam, Elder Djivan's orders."

Benzin merely raised an eyebrow at that statement. This was not one of the big city forges like in Freeport or Highpass. Not just anybody was allowed to work here. What could that old fool be thinking? It was bad enough Dark Elves were being taught to be hunters but allowing a Dark Elf into her forge... It was her forge too, no matter what Djivan thought she was in charge here and if she decided who could work and who could not. Still though, she should at least give this newcomer a chance. She turned her attention to Kyrinn; "So ye think yerself a Blacksmith do ye?"

"I've studied under Smithy N'Darg and Weaponsmith Laelle of the Blue Flame forge, and more recently under the master smith Dertreg of Oggok."

"Never heard of em,” She replied matter-of-factly. "Ye can work here, but ye will be doing as ye are told."

"Very well. I would like to get started right away; I do not think I have much time. My Adamantine armor was less than adequate in my last battle, so I am going to be requiring some Mithril and I'd also like to see what gems you have available."

Benzin only scoffs; "Ye need to prove ye can do the work first. Ye can be changing in my tent, when ye are ready we will begin."


The attendant scurries away as Kyrinn retrieves a pair of gloves and a leather apron from the cart and enters the small tent just to the rear of the cart. Benzin's personal living quarters were very sparse indeed. The floor of the tent was bare sand, with only a small rug covering a section of ground in the corner. A small cot for sleeping was set up on the rug. A large chest rested at the foot of the cot, most likely for her personal possessions. The last piece of furniture was a plain wooden writing table with a small stool set in the opposite corner. Kyrinn was still only wearing his torn and dirty Gambeson, he undressed to his waist and put on the gloves and apron, then returned outside.

Benzin greeted him at the door; "well now, ye must be one of Lady Nikkii's follower's being that ye are both Dark Elves, of course I wouldn't be calling that one a Lady."

"Do not associate me with that Harlot."

This time Benzin's response was just a small grin but she let the comment go; "To be a hunter ye will be needing a weapon. That's where ye shall begin." She retrieves a bar of metal and small pouch from her cart and places them in Kyrinn's hands. The metal was pure Mithril. He opened the pouch and peered inside; it contained small disks of metal, Magnesium Alloy. They would cause a weapon to burn with intense heat when wielded in battle. She was being much more generous than Kyrinn had suspected. "I wonder why" he thought.

He spent his early afternoon crafting a new spearhead from the Mithril and Magnesium Alloy. At first Benzin simply watched him but as he started to near completion she started to become more involved. Kyrinn had learned how to make very effective weapons under Dertreg, but there was no beauty to them. Benzin was now filling that gap in his training. When the spear point was complete, none of the efficiency had been lost, but the edges were clean and the metal was smooth, it would polish up quite nice.

"Ye lack a certain grace Kyrinn, but ye are competent enough to learn."

"I would like to get started on my armor immediately"

"Very well. If ye be pressed for time then ye will be needing my help."

Benzin returned to the cart with Kyrinn following. Her supplies were minimal at best. Nothing at all like Dertreg's smithy in Oggok. He still could not deny that her skill rivaled that of the Ogre smith himself. They selected several sheets of Mithril and another pouch of gems to add enchantment to the armor. They spoke very little but they began to earn each other’s trust and respect through their work. Once the sun started to set Benzin started ending her project for the day but Kyrinn continued working as he always did - intending on continuing long into the night. After putting her equipment away for the night Benzin entered her tent and left with a small bundle. Eventually returning as Kyrinn was carefully rolling a curve into what would be a shoulder plate by morning. She set down a pile of clothing on a stool next to where he was working and eyed him expectantly.

When Kyrinn failed to respond she spoke up; "Ye need to be taking a bath."

After being in Oggok the statement was almost foreign to him. It took him several seconds to understand the implication that she was making. He hadn't thought about it but he must be a mess after living for so long with the Ogre's. The truth of the matter was he did need a bath, and badly. He also needed the change of clothes she had brought to him. Further more he could probably stand to cut his hair and shave. Taking her advice he put his tools away.

As he was leaving Benzin spoke up; "Djivan told me about ye Kyrinn. We will finish the armor together and ye shall be ready to travel soon." As an after thought she soon added, "Ye can stay here also, unless ye be preferring the company of Lady Nikkii and her apprentice."


Kyrinn simply waved as he walked away in the direction of the river. Count Luvincius's spire was on a small island in the middle of the small lake that was considered the Oasis. Kyrinn walked around to the other side of the spire where he knew none of the Gypsies would follow. There on the banks of the river he shed the rest of his filthy Gambeson and walked into the river. The desert night was starting to cool but he didn't notice the temperature. After he was thoroughly clean he lay mostly in the water with his head resting on the riverbank, using the clothing that Benzin had brought him has a pillow. The burning in his hand had spread to his forearm now. He spent a long time just watching the thin crescent moon travel across the night sky.

“I wonder how much longer I have now...”

[Keyra]

Keyra awoke later that evening. She was in her room again Nikkii was sitting at the end of her bed.

" Lady Nikkii please forgive me I didn't want to lose to him I really tried my hardest to beat him."

Nikkii stand up from her bedside and starts to leave the room then stop at the door.

" Keyra I need you to go to Freeport and meet with the other group of hunters following the lycanthrope and Slyfoot the enchantress. Their is a girl with them that is feeding us their information. I need you to give her something."

" Yes m'lady when do I leave?"

" You are to leave as soon as you are equiped."Nikkii hands her a glowing orb then starts back out. " See Rea as soon as your are prepared."

" Yes m'lady" Keyra could see some of the hunters books on her floor but she had not had them. They must belong to Mr.Kyrinn she thought. Keyra quickly put on her leather fighting attire then picked up some books and headed out. Now where could he be at? He didn't have to hit me so hard. Keyra looked through the camp most of the gypsies was bedding down for the night then she noticed one of Elder Djivan's attendants.

" Where is Kyrinn at I wish to give him the books he left."

" He is in the company of Benzin the blacksmith."

" Thank you sir."

Keyra hurried over to Benzin's tent. The whole time think that it was good he was there becuase she really intimidated her. As she came up to the tent she could see Benzin putting up her tools, and she must have herd Keyra comming up she looked back to the entrance.

" And why are ye out so late one ye age should be in bed."

" I...I..I'm just here to bring Mr. Kyrinn the books he forgot to study on before his trials. He is here isn't he?"

The muscular women let out a huff then pointed to the corner.

" Place them over there ... NEATLY!!! And what happened to the weapons that I gave ye the last time ye went out?"

" I lost them ..... I'm sorry.. but can I have some new ones from your inventory please I'm being sent out on assignment now and need them."

" I dun think ye be getting my finer stock this time. Till ye be showing better care for me wears ye be getting mild weapons..... I think ye need a better instuctor.

Benzin reaches up and takes two daggers then hands them to her.

" Kyrinn is taking a bath ye bussiness has conclueded here be off with ye."

Keyra bows and leaves out before Benzin could find something else to comment on. She headed to the coachman where Rea awaited to teleport her to freeport.

" I am ready ma'am"

Rea nodded and in a flash Keyra found herself in Freeport yet again.

[Nikkii O'seth]

Elder Djivan goes up to Nikkii cabin with his attendant close behind. The attendant knocks on her door and before long she comes to it.

" Good evening Lady Nikkii.. I have conversed with the the other elders an we have a list of problem lycanthropes from the church."

Djivan's attendent had the list to Nikkii.

" Hmmm quiet a few .... but elder I have have a current project that I am pursuing."

" Ahh yes the red headed one rest assured you may continue you hunt of that AFTER you see to these. I am begining to think that this has become personal to you."

" I can't have one that I let escape running lose."

" Lady Nikkii you have your assignment... and Kyrinn will accompany your team."

" I don't want him anywhere near me in the field."

" That is enough I will not argue this point any further, now prepare yourself you will set off tomorrow afternoon."

" Yes .... elder." She bows to him as he leaves. Then turns back inside and walks toward her room. As sh passes a table she looks at the books that she threw at Kyrinn before. In a fit of anger she knocks them all to the floor.

" WHY do I take orders from humans.... this is not the way I was meant to be.... it can't be." She went into her room and layed down in her bed trying to remeber her past her family..

Djivan had made his way to Benzin's tent. Kyrinn was outside preparing his cot.

" I hope your equipment is comming along fine my young friend."

" They are Djivan.."

" Well tomorrow you next phase of testing will commence. You will go will Nikkii and her team on a assignment to Hodstock."

" Might I be able to do this by myself elder?"

" By no means do I send a lone hunter into odds like that. You maybe skilled but you lack in knowledge of these beast true nature you see the farmers there have been raising more than just crop. "

Just then Benzin steps out of her tent.

" I thought I herd voices out here"

" Ahh good Benzin I want you to make ready arms for a team of nine to depart tomorrow afternoon."

Benzins frowns at him then nods her head in agreement and goes back inside.

" Rest up young master and try not to argue with Nikkii too much she is just upset with her own affliction."

Djivan leaves for his own place of rest leaving Kyrinn to what he had said.

[Nikkii O'seth]

[glow=purple,2,300]Lady Nikkii the ones you seek have just killed two more hunters we are just north of Freeport and Keyra has yet to confront them I don't know whats keeping her. They are going to Klick Anon m'lady.

Very well I will be in the area tomorrow evening try to slow them down a bit but don't over do it.

Yes m'lady[/glow]

[Nikkii O'seth]

The hours passed by quickly and the time for departure arrived. Nikkii awoke just before sunrise and began her meditation. Outside the gypsies made their cages and carts ready. Benzin reluctantly brought them the weapons they would be needing for their assignment. Kyrinn was up and started to his smithing of armor. Djivan came inside the tent and motioned for Kyrinn to follow.

" Kyrinn you should joint us for the breakfast to bless your travels."

" Uhh elder I don't think I should be joining you."

" Nonsence .. in fact I insist. Now... lets go."

They make their way to the center of the camp the sun just starting to rise. Serveral tables was brought there and the food being set on them. The gypsy humans began taking their seats. Then the few trolls and ogres made their way to the gathering and shortly afterward gnomes, halflings, elfs, erudites and barbariens.

" Quiet a colloections of hunters here Djivan." Kyrinn scoffed.

"All races come to join us here... we turn few back"

They make their way to the head of the table where the elders sit. After taking his set amongst the other elder he has Kyrinn sit beside him. After a few Nikkii appeared at the table and saw that her normal seat was taken by Kyrinn. Nikkii tooked to him with even more anger as she sat arcoss from them.

'' I want you second in line to Nikkii on this assignment."

After the feast was consumed the hunters finished gathering the supplies needed to go on their journey. Bezin brought Kyrinn some armor that she had been working on.

" He I know ye didn't have the time ye needed to forge ye own armor so I took the opportunty to make ye some."

Kyrinn took the armor an bowed to the burly woman. Before long he was ready to set out on the assignment. Nikkii was fully dressed in her battle armor covered by her elegant purple robe. She had her hair pulled back into a long ponytail and barking orders to the hunters. She looks over to see Kyrinn standing there looking over the other hunters.

" I see you have decided to clean yourself up and look a bit more respectable... just understand even animals clean themselves."

" Ahh you I can see that you have been doing that."

Kyrinn's comment made Nikkii ripe with anger as she walked right up to him. He looked her right in her eyes, she simply smiled at him. This crossed him as a bit unexpected but he stood his ground. Nikkii continue to smile then slapped him as hard as she could blooding his lip. The hunters held Kyrinn back as she walked away, he smiled cuz he knew he had gotten to her. The team of hunters consisted of two ogers four humans an elf and erudite wizard. Kyrinn didn't like the idea of having such a large grouping with him. Nikkii sat beside the human driving the horse drawn cart the rest was on horseback. With a wave from those remaining the hunters set of to Freeport then move to hodstock the farming village.