It was one hour since Talon had been awakened in the early morning.  Most of the 
more seasoned fighters had already left.  He and his friend Kurt were sitting in 
a small room waiting for orders.  Kurt was dozing, but Talon just sat with a 
concerned look on his face.  After a few minutes, General Shada came into the 
room.  Shada had always been very nice to Talon.  He often wondered if she might 
be his natural mother.  On this morning she had a seriousness about her that she 
only displays when she's concentrating on carrying out a mission.  She gave them 
a route to travel South and the names of several Sword's Edge clan members who 
they were to meet up with.  Talon thought she was unusually secretive about the 
reson for the mission, but he didn't say anything because of his trust in his 
clan.  She told them that Zanthus Locahn had already left, but that 
their orders came directly from him.  They set out toward the South.  Kurt took 
along two katanas and several shuriken.  Talon took his usual gear: a katana, 
two 
daggers, and a length of rope.  
	While they were walking through the woods, Talon and Kurt talked with 
each other to pass the time.  Talon said, "Well Kurt, any idea what's going on?" 
 Kurt said, "I don't know.  It'd better be important for me to be up this 
early."  Talon said, "It must be if Zanthus went.  What do you think it is?"  
Kurt said, "Maybe there are some extremely beautiful women in danger somewhere." 
 Talon said, "Keep wishing," and laughed.  Kurt said, "Yea, you 
laugh."  
	Shortly after, they saw a huge burst of light coming from over the 
mountains.  Talon said, "Wait here, Kurt," and started climbing the largest tree 
he saw.  Talon reached the top and looked out over the mountain.  Kurt yelled, 
"What do you see?"  Talon said, "It's not beautiful women if that's what you 
want to know.  It's hard to tell.  Some of the land looks like it's been torn 
apart.  There's a lot of activity beyond that, but I can't make out what's going 
on."  Talon jumped down.  Kurt said, "I think we'd better get to that 
rendezvous."  
	They walked in the woods for nearly two hours.  As they got close to 
where they were to meet with the other Sword's Clan members, they saw a small 
house.  It wasn't in very good condition, but it showed signs of occupancy.  
Talon said, "Hey, Kurt.  Let's stop by there and see if whoever lives there can 
spare any water.  I don't know about you, but I could sure use some." 
	They walked up to the house.  Talon knocked on the door.  There was no 
answer.  Kurt said, "You think anybody's home?" and walked up to the door.  As 
he was trying to peek through a crack in the door, a sword came through it, 
stabbing him straight through the head . . .