Adventurer J:
A Hyndesian Tale
by Leo D. Wylde

Prologue

		Somewhere in the Universe, I cannot say where for certain, there exists a world named Sorska. Perhaps you would suspect that this planet is a strange and unusual place? Hmm. For the sake of argument and to sound a bit philosophical, I will say your assumption is correct and incorrect. In any case, I doubt you want some list of vague details, no, no, of course not. This is not a textbook. Let us say this “Sorska” exists, that is enough for now.
	If this planet is a life-supporting planet, it probably has landmasses surrounded by oceans. Yes, that would be right. If the life this planet supports is what we deem “civilized”, these landmasses are divided into nations, naturally. One such nation, a subtropical archipelago, as it were, is named Hyndesia.
	Still with me? Good, very good. This is where it gets interesting. Hyndesia, and all of Sorska to a lesser extent, is a magical place. Ah. You were expecting to hear of magic, I am sure. This being the fantasy genre and all. Maybe you were not expecting that living in Hyndesia and some in other nations are, in addition to humans, other races. Two such races are griffins and dragons. That is conventional, I suppose. But this is what you did not know: the zoanoids. What are zoanoids? Of course I will tell you. They are a race of beings human-like in stance, intelligence, size, and all the important details. Except for general appearance, for, excluding the aforementioned list, they look like animals. Zoanoids are what my well... um... colleagues would call “humanoid” animals. Animals? You think this might be a cutesy cartoon I am writing? Believe me when I say, for the most part, you are wrong. Believe it and all the other stuff I have said so far. You will enjoy this all more. Really.
	Now where was I... ah yes, in Hyndesia, is a city, a city named Sarinopolis. Sarinopolis is, like, a beautiful, grand, futuristic city with domes and everything. It is like a utopia (but just a generally peaceful paradise utopia, not some complex model with hidden political propaganda of some sort, so don’t worry about that). And in this utopian settlement, in one of the domes, humans and griffins and dragons and zoanoids gather around a large fountain on the edge of which a elderly zoanoid in a hooded cloak sits. See? I am going somewhere with this. This cloaked zoanoid, they call him the Wise. It would be Wiseman but the zoanoid is an animal not a human, so it’s just Wise. I, once again, digress. The Wise is about to tell a story, a favorite of all those gathered. It is a kinda long story and it is about all sorts of these things that happened and... um... yeah, I think we should just listen to The Wise.
	“So, you say, my listeners, you have heard all there is to know about the Serpent Slayer, the Great ‘Goose, the one whose many grand deeds brought about a new age, an age of wonderful peace and prosperity that we enjoy until this day. Ah, but there is always something we do not know. Yes... I think you will find new discoveries in the voyage you are about to take part in. I should, of course, speak of his famous achievements, but also... also of those deeds long forgot. Shall we begin this journey, my listeners?   
Book I: Book of Diamond
Diamond: 1

	The area of Hyndesia known as Toyta Basin was a pleasant, quiet place of few trees and flat, expansive, sparsely grassed plains.  Not entirely flat, however, there was the occasional gentle hill and, then, there was another landmark: A large rocky formation that towered over the surrounding landscape on the other side of the monstrous Toyta River.  This was Basin Hill, the highest spot for miles around.  Near the top was a long smooth stretch of rock that had received the title Deadman’s Pier.  On that stretch of rock stood a mongoose zoanoid, about seventeen years old and five foot ten with rust colored fur and green eyes.  He wore a blue bandana headband, his favorite blue vest, open as usual, short baggy pants that gathered above the knees, fingerless gloves, and boots.  A pair of necklaces hung about his neck. On one was a medallion with the Illu, the Hyndic rune of light on it. On the other was a charm in the shape of a coiled snake.   The zoanoid’s name was Jaashu Sarino and he had an uncharacteristically contemplative look upon his face.
Why was this place called Deadman’s Pier?  Who knew?  As far as Jaashu could remember, there had not been a single visitor to the area since he had moved there, so it was not even clear to him who had made up the title.  He had first heard it from Bronn, and Bronn was most definitely not the sort of person to make something up on a whim, unless that something was comprised of nuts and bolts.
	Jaashu set the Sky Wing on the “pier”.  The Sky Wing, a board-like metal device that could hover using majti energy, was one invention of Bronn’s that Jaashu actually found useful.  Of course, it was Jaashu’s idea, but he had not expected Bronn to actually build it, not to mention so quickly.  It was green with a lightning bolt design; Jaashu had done the paint.  Towards the front end was the small lever which toggled the majti energy and, thus, the device's hovering.  The board was currently in hover mode.
	Jaashu considered his location once more.  No one had ever done this before.  Would he really be the first?  Well, it was called “Deadman’s” pier, maybe he was not the only one to try.  Jaashu walked over to the edge and looked down.  While the day’s mild winds blew above, the turbulent waters of Toyta River roared below only a yard or two away from the hill’s base, gaining speed from the abrupt descent from the hill’s base to the flatter lands nearby.  He hated to make decisions like this… but he had come to this point, yes, there was no going back.  No, wait, he did not have to do this.  Yes, he had to… No, it wouldn’t… Yes, he could… Jaashu paced back and forth between the edge and his board.  
And for a moment, Jaashu stopped, closed his eyes, and listened to the wind and the water; both seemed to whisper to him, to beckon him.  He opened his eyes with a new sense of determination.  He had made his decision… he would do it.
	After stepping on the device, Jaashu backed up a little more to give room for speed and then, after taking a deep breath, and with a couple pushes off the ground with his right foot, the Sky Wing was propelled forward.  Faster, faster, Jaashu sped ahead.  His pulse raced but he was not afraid.  Now that he had started he was eagerly anticipating this… pure thrill.  As he flew off the cliff, Jaashu deactivated the hovering.  There in the air, a moment became an eternity of blissful exhilaration.  Yes, this was the reward, now the challenge was to come.
	Jaashu pushed the hover lever, it should activate just before he would hit the river.  A faint indescribable mechanical sound… but no hover mode?!  Again and again, Jaashu panickly pushed the lever back and forth.  Nothing but that terrible noise.  He was falling fast, the roaring river approaching.  There was no way, in those fleeting moments, that he could have truly grasped what was occurring… he was heading for his end.  He could not possibly survive the speeding waters.  How… why… he literally did not have time for these questions.  He did not see the proverbial “life flashing before his eyes”.  All he knew was he was falling, that was all that mattered, he was falling… falling… falling… and there was nothing he could do.  Why hadn’t he listened to Bronn?  Why?  Because the Sky Wing worked fine earlier, that’s why.
	So Jaashu Sarino did the one thing he could.  He closed his eyes, braced for impact, and wished there was a way out… a way he could survive.  He knew too well there was not.
	Then it happened or, rather, did not happen.  A crash would not be worth noting, that is what he had expected.  What happened next even the most imaginative would not have likely predicted.  There was not a crash.  More than enough time had passed for the fall but… nothing.  He no longer felt any motion.  Was he already dead?  No, even if this was the afterlife, he would have at least felt the impact first.  Wouldn’t he?
	Slowly, Jaashu opened his eyes, only to be greeted by another shock… he had landed on solid ground… on the other side of the river!  Solid ground… how?  Maybe the wind had blown him… maybe he had gilded over the river.  A grown zoanoid?! Impossible.  For one thing, the wind was blowing towards, not away, from the river.  Secondly, although Jaashu was a little thin, there was no way he could have glided over the entire Toyta River, it was at least a couple hundred feet wide.  Thus, Jaashu spent several moments partially in shock and partially in self-argument.
	The odd hissing sounds of a snake broke his trance. Aside from the zoanoid race, Sorska had animals that were referred to as "feral", meaning they were lacking in humanoid form and notable intelligence. Sorskian beasts had been "feral" much longer than the zoanoid race had been around, at least according to the dragons. Jaashu looked down at the little reptile.  There was nothing to note… it was a red basin snake, typical and harmless.  Generally, he thought reptiles were amusing, but there was something about this one.  Its eyes.  They seemed to have a bit of a red tint to them… almost a glow.  Heh, now the trauma of the fall was making him hallucinate.
	“Shoo,” Jaashu said, making an accompanying gesture.  The snake formed what seemed to be a smile and then slithered off.
	Jaashu kicked up the Sky Wing, grabbed it, and headed off for home.  As he walked, Jaashu came to a decision: he was not going to try to make what had just happened seem logical.  There was not way to describe it, at least for now, so he would have to accept that.
	Then Jaashu thought of something.  It did not matter how he had survived.  The fall, the excitement of it… thinking back… he had… he had liked it. All the time he had spent in the festival games and at the ball court… that had been fun, that had been excitement… that had been… different.  This time there had been… a real risk.  Yes, that was it!  For the first time in his life… he had been in real danger… he had experienced a real thrill.
	Jaashu stopped, laid the Wing on the ground, sat beside it, and began to ponder again.  The feelings then rushed into him at that moment with monumental force.  So long now, he had felt… there had been something missing.  It made sense.  It made so much sense now.  That thrill… during that fall, he had felt, for once… whole.  For those moments, that realization became Jaashu’s universe.  What he needed… what was meant for him… real excitement.
	“Adventure,” Jaashu said aloud, the word seemed to have been whispered in the wind to him.  “Dude, this is ridiculous!  I’m getting carried away about some silly little incident.”  But he could not shake those deep feelings, though he tried.  “So, I had a little thrill ride… that’s not...  I’m just confused, because of what happened after I fell… but, I… suppose I have had a pretty sheltered life so far.  Even with his job and all, Dad always had time to make sure I wasn’t gettin’ into any real trouble… then Bronn came along, too reasonable and protective… and… now… now… now I’m talking to myself! Aaaargh!!!” Jaashu stood up, grabbed the Sky Wing, and continued walking once more.  That was enough!
	Finally Jaashu arrived at the solitary structure called Toyta Hall.  It was a single story cottage Bronn had inherited from some uncle or something.  Bronn had suggested that Jaashu move in and, because Jaashu had wanted to get out on his own, Jaashu had accepted.  He did not bother to enter the place because he knew it would likely be empty.  Bronn spent most of his free time working on inventions and particularly one invention: The Transtron Portal Engine.  The Transtron, according to Bronn’s plans, would be able to create portals between places near and far, or something like that.  Bronn always did work on the Transtron behind the house, just outside the door to his room.  Jaashu walked around the cottage where he found, of course, Bronn working on the Transtron. Bronn Skyler was a bear zoanoid who was a few years older than Jaashu. Bronn usually wore humble outfits, with a number of various metallic accessories (perhaps they served some mechanical purpose) and a pair of googles which, when not in use, were worn on the top of his head.
	“Hey, Bronn,” Jaashu said, “How’s the engine comin’?”
	“Almost finished,” Bronn said.
	A tome lying near the Transtron caught Jaashu’s eye.  “Spatia Dynamika?!” Jaashu exclaimed as he picked up the book.  “Even the title is over my head, it sounds hyndic or something.  What is this?”
	“What… oh, that book is a set of theories developed by a scholar named Newton Q Zerde. He says its part of... um... physics. That is the term he uses. I paid a scribe to make a copy from Zerde's personal copy of the book. It deals with the structure of and movement through physical space.  Not exactly the easiest thing to understand and abstract science is definitely not my strong point, but Zerde’s theories are not just about simple transportation, though, they can be used for same-time portal travel, much like the portals that magicians have used for centuries. I've spent a lot of time learning bits and pieces of the science, mostly the parts that tell the physical forces that need to be applied.  Didn’t have much of a choice, if I wanted to build this thing correctly.” Bronn said.
	Jaashu set the book back down.  “Cool, dude.  Anyway, I was just over at Basin Hill… using the Sky Wing and I…”
	“You didn’t try some crazy stunt, did you?”
	“Heh heh, funny you should ask…”
	Bronn stopped his worked and looked at Jaashu. “Sheesh, Jaash, didn’t I warn you that the Sky wing was still experimental?”
	“Yeah.” Jaashu replied.
	“Well, as long as you were not hurt.  Just be more careful from now on.  You will do great things one day, I know it… providing you stay alive long enough.” Bronn said as he continued work.
	“Anyway, I realized there is something missing from my life…”
	“Heh,” Bronn laughed, “last week at the Lucason Tavern, that dancer you saw, you said she was what was missing from your life… last night it was berry cider… and this morning…”
	“I am serious this time,” Jaashu said, “I have never been more serious.  What I need is… adventure.”
	“Adventure?” Bronn asked.
	“Dude, I mean quests filled with thrills and perils… just like in those ancient epics and tales.”
	“Did you hit your head or something?” Bronn asked.
	“I don’t think I… no I mean it.”
	“We’d all like a little fantasy… a little adventure,” Bronn said, “but you cannot get too carried away with that. Jaash… my point is… it is okay to dream about things, you just need to stay aware of the responsibilities and problems that you have in the real world.  I, for one, would like to get this portal engine finished.”
	“What do you need to still do?” Jaashu asked.
	“It was something I had hoped would not be necessary,” Bronn said, with a sigh.  “To complete the majti energy circuit, I need a large piece of mineral… a precious gem, I’m afraid.  It would take years for me to save up the amount of wealth I’d need to get one big enough.”
	“Yikes.”
	“Be right back,” Bronn said, “I have to check something… maybe there’s a way…” Bronn walked into the back door of the cottage.
	Jaashu stared up at the sky and thought.  Bronn did not seem to think the whole adventure thing was feasible.  Maybe Bronn was right.  After all, Sorska was a rather peaceful place, no evil knights or dragon conquests, dragons had been allies with zoanoids for centuries. Most of those heroic tales that traveling minstrels sang of were exaggerated or totally untrue.  In a single sigh, he felt all the hope and anticipation that had built over the past hour leave him.  What was he supposed to do?  Just forget about this all?  He couldn’t!
	A strong cool breeze blew across his face and then something caught his eye.  It seemed like a speck at first, that appeared out of the blue… something floating down towards him.  It was a piece of paper.  Not a strange sight, say, in Nejaak, but this was Toyta Basin, basically out in the middle of nowhere.  As anyone with a sense of curiosity would do (and Jaashu had more than his share of curiosity) he grabbed the paper once it was within reach.  
	Jaashu examined his catch.  Without doubt, the paper was old - tarnished with age, yet it seemed solid.  Cautiously, Jaashu unfolded it.  What was this?  A treasure map!  Leading to a “magic diamond”!  Diamond… gem… this could not be a simple coincidence…
	Bronn came back out.  “Okay,” Bronn said, “I rechecked the calculations… it does look like the gem will be necessary.  The ideal gem would be one of ultimate strength and durability, namely a…”
	“Diamond?” Jaashu asked.
	“Exactly,” Bronn responded, “that is what I was just about to say… but where would we get…”
	Jaashu handed Bronn the map.
	At first confused, Bronn examined the paper.  “Jaashu… where did you find this?” Bronn said in a tone of shock and disbelief.
	“I know it’s goin’ to sound crazy, dude… but it kinda just… well, appeared… kinda.”
	“Appeared?”
	“Yeah, dude, I was, like, lookin’ up at the sky and then… poof… there it was and it, like, blew down to me.”  Jaashu could tell that Bronn was a bit skeptical, not that Jaashu blamed him… much.  It would not have been the first time Jaashu had made up some sort of story, for either reasons of convenience, evasion of trouble, or just plain amusement.  Jaashu, however, had no motive to make up such a fib in this instance, and he quickly pointed that out.
	“It’s not that I do not believe you, particularly.  It’s just…” Bronn placed one hand on his forehead for a moment.  “I need a diamond for the Transtron and then this shows up?”
	“Hey, dude, who’d ever think fate could be so convenient, huh?”
	“Yeah,” Bronn said, too much in a thinking mood to appreciate such a joke.  “I don’t see why someone would go through the trouble of coming out to the Hyndesian wilderness just to drop off a map. I suppose it could have been accidentally dropped, but this looks important enough that someone would not be that careless.”
	“Do you think it’s real?”
	“There’s no way to be sure, but I think so.  You know what, maybe this would be worth looking into.”
	Jaashu tried very hard to suppress his excitement.  He knew Bronn thought that he was too easily excited and had been told so by Bronn on numerous occasions.  “Oh.” Bronn said.	“It’s buried at the summit of Mount Hyndosu.  The Amethyst Act should not be a problem since this map claims ownership of that diamond before that was enacted, if the date is accurate.”
	“Yes.” Jaashu said.
	“I could take some rope and shovels… maybe a couple of my new tools to test, those vials I got from the apothecary, there are all sorts of poisons and disease-causers in the wild.  You should get some things together, too, I do not think it would be safe to do this alone.  It’s getting late, I think we’ll leave tomorrow morning, actually.”
	Jaashu nodded.  Keeping his anxiety secret was literally killing him, well, not literally… but pretty close.  
   	Bronn smiled, even though he was a nice guy, something he did not do often.  “You know, Jaash, it appears we’re both going to get something out of this.  I’m going to get my diamond… and you’re going to get your… adventure, was it? Get ready, my friend, we’ve got adventure to find.” Bronn said and headed into the house.
	“Yes!” Jaashu exclaimed with an enthusiastic fist pump. “This is goin’ to rule!  Whoever set all this up… thanks.  I mean it.”
	Jaashu took a deep breath of the late afternoon air.  He just had to wait until tomorrow, that would be the first day… the first day of the rest of his life.

Diamond: 2

	Impatiently, he glanced at the black sphere before him.  For so long he had waited for this, he wanted very much to check and see if it was the one.  What if it was not?  What if this was just another in the accursed line?  That is what kept him from looking.  Knowing he would have to wait another couple decades.  He could not take it anymore.
	So deeply his thought had consumed him that he forgot about his surroundings.  The lamps had gone out during his lengthy reflection.  It was very dark and silent, enough to make most people quite uneasy.  However, it did not bother him in that way.  Darkness and silence did not make him uneasy.  That was not just how he was, it was how he had to be, because of who he was and what he had to do.  This darkness annoyed him only for matters related to convenience and practicality, he was having difficulty seeing anything in his office.  If the boss were to ask him to complete some paperwork, he would be out of luck.  Yes, he had better relight at least one of the lamps.  Perhaps the dance of the flame would ease his mind, it often did.
	Over to the closest lamp he walked.  He struck up the fire and the brazier’s wide and shallow bowl burst into a flame of livid blue.  He took a deep breath and exhaled with a sigh of relief, hmm, that was a little better.
	He began to pace back and forth in front of his desk… and think.  What if he had missed the right one?  No!  He could not think that way.  Besides, he had watched every one of them since he started his plan.  Every one.  He was certain.  So far, though, he had failed to stop anything.  To make matters worse, Mr. S. was getting suspicious, he could tell.  Then again, Mr. S. was suspicious about everything.  But what if Mr. S. knew?  What if he was just waiting for the right move to be made and then… No!  Thinking that way would not accomplish anything.  He had come this far with the plan, he was going to carry it out… he had no choice.  Thus the pacing continued, the office carpet absorbing the usual clickety clop of his steps, until he saw the orb on his desk begin to glow brightly.
	“It’s detecting something again.” He said anxiously, sitting back down in his office chair.  “Yes, show me…”
	The clouds within the dark sphere swirled and then slowly parted to reveal a scene: a bedroom at night, dark.  It was thus difficult to tell the contents, but a bit of moonlight coming in through one window illuminated certain features.  There were colorful murals of performance bards on the wall, a lute, an odd mechanical board leaning up against the foot of the bed; a bed in which a zoanoid peacefully slept.  He could not see the face too well but he could see enough to recognize it.  “That is the one I saw before, he is the one.  Apparently, Vaarkelde thought he could hide him. Fool.”
	Nothing could have distracted him from savoring that moment, except the distinct beeping of his cell phone.  He swung his clawed hand around in a small circle and, in a puff of smoke, the phone appeared.
	“Yello… Ah, Mr. S., what a pleasure it is to hear from you.  Anything I can do for… What… Oh… Who told you this? … Uh-huh… Mammon… from Accounting? … You know, Mammon’s always been trying to start trouble for me… Yep.  Remember that time at the office party when… Yes… I really think it’s because I beat him to that promotion… Sure… I mean, haven’t I also been your loyal servant… I respect you, Mr. S., really do.  Ever need anything, just give me a ring… Yes… Uh-huh… Yep… Ok, glad I could help, sir… Okay, sure, I’ll do that… Hey, don't ever change.  Ciao…”
	He threw the phone into the air and it vanished as it had appeared.  “Thank goodness,” he said, not realizing the irony of his words.  He hated sucking up to the boss more than anything.  Mr. S. had an ego as big as a… well, he could not think of a good simile at the moment, but it was immeasurably large.  It was that pride and ambition that had gotten Mr. S. position as President and CEO of the corporation.  One good thing about this, Mr. S. did not realize that his pride provided an excellent weak spot.  As long as he continued to flatter and compliment Mr. S., he could stay out of trouble.  And once the plan had been achieved… oh, if only he would be able to be there to see Mr. S.’s shock and surprise.  After all, didn’t this corporation encourage disloyalty, deception, and betrayal?  He cackled with glee.
	In the mean time, he had to obey Mr. S., which, at this moment, meant paying a supervising visit to the sulfur mines.  The visit was routine, but seemed to last forever, and the anticipation of returning to his office to view the orb made the visit seem that much longer.
	Finally, after a long and frustrating supervising shift, he was able to return to his office.  Once more, he glanced at the scene within.  Hours had passed since the last viewing, and the scene was now at day.  There was the zoanoid, awake this time and walking alongside his friend, a bear zoanoid, one of Vaarkelde’s cronies, no doubt.  They were heading away from their house on Gikam Path.  Now, it was only a matter of waiting.
	“My dear friend, if you only knew the journey you are truly starting off on.  No, I think it would be far too grand for you to understand.  Not yet, anyway.  It will all come to you, I promise, it will come to you in time.  For now just go on this quest and, please… have a safe journey.” 
	He leaned back in his office chair, which also doubled as a rather nice recliner.  He could relax for now.  And as he closed his eyes to enjoy that moment of extreme satisfaction, a diabolical grin spread across the face on that horned head: A grin that would have inspired a horrific twinge in even the bravest of men.  More than any amount of darkness or silence could do alone.
	That figure in his office chair had mocked the zoanoid for his ignorance but neither he nor Mr. S. could have grasped the full scope of what had begun.  And on the planet Sorska, a young adventurer was starting on a simple quest to find a magic diamond: a journey that would change the world forever.

Diamond: 3

	Tagorrus Lake, he had heard of it but had never visited before.  That was where they were headed on the first leg of their journey, at least that is what the map said.  Since he could see a large body of water on the horizon, he had no reason to doubt the map.  There was, however, something that seemed odd to him…
	“Why is the route to Mount Hyndosu so…” Jaashu began.
	“Indirect?” Bronn asked.
	“Yeah.”
	“I could be wrong,” Bronn said, “but maybe it has something to do with…” Bronn gestured towards the road they had been walking on for the entire journey so far.
	“The map trail is along this road… but I still don’t…”
	“The Gikam Path.” Bronn said, clearly a bit irked that Jaashu had not known.
	“Okay, dude, I think I heard that somewhere before…”
	Bronn sighed.  “It’s a road system that runs to various points of Grand Island.  A magician named Gichameus built it centuries ago and imbued it with his powers.  Travel along this road is quicker and the travelers on it always experience a comfortable room temperature… some sort of protective magic, too.  I really don’t understand why or how it works… but it does.”
	“Good enough for me.” Jaashu said with a smile.
	It was kinda ironic; Jaashu had been born in Hyndesia yet most of the famous sites he knew about were in other countries.  There was a reason, of course.  He had spent a lot of time traveling with his father on tours and such.  Gikam Path… hmm… he should have at least known about this.  A magic traveling road… heh, only in Hyndesia.
	“Hey, Jaash, you done looking at the map?” Bronn asked.
	“Yeah, sure.” Jaashu said.
	Bronn took the map and glanced at it before rolling it up and putting it in his toolbox. “Tagorrus Lake, that’s what I thought.”
	“So, what did you bring?” Jaashu asked, pointing at the toolbox.
	Bronn shrugged.  “Rope, some Mystanium alloy shovels, a majti gadget I've been working on.”
	“What gadget would that be?”
	“It's a projectile... device, I think it may one day be useful to the Hyndesian guar... uh… anyway, I’m starting to wish I had brought a raft… forgot we’d have to cross this lake…”
	Apparently, Jaashu had hit upon a topic that Bronn had wished to keep secret.  He had been friends with Bronn for a good while, and he could recognize all the typical Bronn Skyler expressions and behaviorisms, yet he did not know much about Bronn’s past.  All Jaashu knew was that Bronn was a mechanical genius and that he made money off doing occasional repair work around the country, mostly jobs in Barbon, the closest city to Toyta Basin.  Bronn was not the type to talk about such things.
	“I really don’t think we should swim,” Bronn said, “I’ve heard there’s all sorts of creatures in Tagorrus Lake… Maybe…”
	“What?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn snapped his fingers.  “Nik Ophos.”
	“Who?”
	“He has a cabin on the lake, I did some work for him once.  I’m sure he’d let us borrow his boat if we asked.”
	“Cool.”
	Nik’s cabin was rather large and reminded him of a mountain lodge he had once seen in the Gründhiltian Alps; an odd resemblance, since this building was only located on a small hill, not far from the lakeshore.
	“Nice place,” Jaashu remarked, “so what does this Ophos guy do for a living?”
	“He’s a politician.  Works for the Council, I believe.”
	Jaashu nodded.  The Council was the name of the representative house of Hyndesia's government..
	As they approached the cabin, a strange feeling came over Jaashu.  He did not know what it was for sure, so, rather than dwell on it, he brushed it aside and, by the time they reached the front door, the strange feeling was forgotten.
The front door was a large structure made of dark polished wood.  It was covered with intricate carvings, mostly lines and curves, but there were a few detailed mountain themed pictures.  All in all, it was a rather impressive portal.  
Bronn had raised his paw to knock, when a voice from within the cabin beckoned.
	“How?” Jaashu wondered aloud, a look of shock upon his face.
	“Must have heard us walk up.” Bronn said with a shrug.
	They entered into a very large impressive room with wooden floors and a beamed ceiling.  Old wooden furniture, a large fireplace, a rug with an intricate sylvan motif, numerous fish trophies on the walls. Typical wilderness motif. Not everything was so typical, though. Above the fireplace was mounted a large sculpture of a viper. It seemed strangely out of place as did the statue of a zoanoid goat in the corner. He was still scrutinizing the room for other oddities when a strange individual entered the room: a tall thin red-haired weasel zoanoid with an uncomfortably piercing stare.  This was Nik Ophos, no doubt.
	“Ah, greetings, Bronn,” said Nik.  “And who is your friend?” Nik asked after shaking Bronn’s paw.
	“This is my friend Jaashu.” Bronn said.
	“Of course,” Nik said with a grin.  “So, what brings you two to my humble abode?”
	“We were on our way to…” Bronn said, as he began explaining to Nik.
	Jaashu began to hear a strange distant sound.  “Can I look around?”
	“I was in the middle of talking to Minister Ophos,” Bronn said, “and, anyway, I don’t think…”
	“It’s quite all right,” Nik said, “you are welcome to explore as you wish, Jaashu.”
	While Bronn and Jaashu resumed their chat, Jaashu entered a door at the opposite side of the room, which was where the sound seemed to be coming from.  Jaashu found himself in a dimly lit corridor, at the end of which was a single door.  “That’s where it’s coming from.” Jaashu said to himself.
	When Jaashu reached the door he noticed something he had not noticed before, there was a bright red light shining through the crack underneath the door.  The odd sound he had heard turned out to be a collection of sounds:  several voices, chanting in a language unlike any he had heard before.  In addition to the chanting, he heard the faint crackling of a fire.  What was this?  Jaashu reached for the doorknob and turned…  it was locked.  If there was a fire in there, though, he had to tell the others!
	Jaashu sprinted back into the main room, he was a rather talented runner, and called Bronn.
	“Excuse me,” Bronn said, as he walked over to his panicky friend.  “What is it?” Bronn whispered angrily.
	“There’s a fire… in there… and chanting… weird chanting… a red light… it’s...”
	“What are you talking about?” Bronn asked.
	“Is something the matter?” asked Nik, who had wandered over to them.
	“My friend here heard a fire and chanting from one of your rooms.”
	“Hmm,” interjected Nik in a nonchalant tone, “maybe you should show me.”
	Jaashu led Nik and Bronn into the corridor and to the locked door.
	“See!” Jaashu exclaimed.  “Red light and I heard…”
	Nik gave a deep full laugh and opened the doorway.  “That is just my den. You must have just heard the fireplace.”
	Sure enough, it was a regular room. The fireplace, though lit, was not giving off the same reddish glow he had seen and there was definitely no chanting coming from it.
	“You’ll have to excuse Jaashu,” Bronn said, clearly a tad embarrassed, “he has a wild imagination.”
	“It’s quite understandable, I was a teenager once,” Nik said with a slight laugh, “but that was ages ago.”
	“I guess we had better get going,” Bronn said, “thank you for your help.”
	“Farewell,” said Nik.
	Bronn walked out of the corridor at a very quick pace, while Jaashu remained standing near the den door, confused.  “That door was locked.” Jaashu said.
	“Really?” Nik said.  “The door does get stuck sometimes. I thought I had fixed that. No matter.” 
	“Jaashu!” yelled Bronn from the main room.  Strangely, his tone sounded more concerned than angry.
	“Guess I better go.” Jaashu said.
	“It has been a pleasure, Mister Sarino,” Nik said.  Before Jaashu could walk away, Nik put his paw on Jaashu’s shoulder and added, “When you go on an adventure, be careful.  You never know what kind of surprises await you.”
	“Uh… thanks, dude.”
	Jaashu caught up with Bronn outside of the cabin, heading for the lakeshore.
	After a moment of silence, Bronn said, without making eye contact, “You should not have done that.”
	“Done what?”
	“Not everyone appreciates odd jokes like that.  A fire is no laughing matter.”
	“I know what I heard!” Jaashu exclaimed. "And it wasn't just a fire."
	Bronn shook his head but remained silent.
	“Dude, how was I to know it was just a fireplace?” Jaashu asked.
	“As long as you are okay, it does not matter. Let’s forget about this and, from now on, Jaash, be more careful what you say and do.”
	Jaashu nodded slowly.
	“Besides,” Bronn said, “you would not want someone like Minister Ophos mad at you… he’s a rather powerful individual.”
	“Yeah,” Jaashu said.  That last part sounded like a joke but Bronn’s tone had not indicated such.  Bronn had probably been referring to Minister Ophos’s political power, his working for the Council.  In any case, Bronn’s reaction to the whole situation at the cabin had been unusual.  Bronn was overly sensible most of the time, but he had gone beyond his normal boundaries at the cabin.  Something was strange about it all.  It would just have to be another one of those Bronn Skyler mysteries he would have to unravel in time.
	“Here we are.” Bronn said.
	The small rowboat was nothing unusual, except for the name, painted on its side: The S.S.L.S.  It was safer than swimming, if the rumors of lake creatures that Bronn had mentioned earlier were true.  Jaashu had some doubt about such rumors but these doubts began to vanish when Bronn and him were about halfway across the lake. Jaashu spotted a shadowy figure beneath the water.  A large fish perhaps?  But as the figure rose towards the surface that conclusion became less likely.
	“Uh… Bronn…” Jaashu said, “what’s that?”
	“Looks like a crocodile or something…” Bronn said.
	The creature broke through the water’s surface.  It was a crocodile, alright, about fifty feet long… a shantago!  Jaashu had never seen one in person, nor had he ever wanted to. From what he had heard, they had thrived in a time long ago and there were only a few of the creatures left.  Nik Ophos must have been psychic, it was a surprise if he had ever seen one: a hideous island of green and brown scales, fearsome eyes, and way too many teeth.
	“What are we going to do, Bronn?  What are we going to do?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn, who was somehow remaining cool in the face of this immediate danger, seemed to be planning something.  “We don’t know that it is hostile.”
	As if on cue, the shantago opened its humongous jaws and began towards their boat.
	“You were saying?” said Jaashu.
	Bronn shrugged and then opened his toolbox, still amazingly calm. He pulled several vials out of his vest, put the vials in his toolbox and then buttoned his vest pocket closed.  “Do not move or make a sound. I'm going to give that gator a little snack."
	Since Bronn seemed to know what he was doing, Jaashu obeyed.
	Bronn took off his vest and tossed it far from their boat.  The shantago, mistaking the vest for its former wearer, snapped up the piece of clothing.
	“Any moment now.” Bronn said with a smile.
	“Why did you give it your vest?”
	"I left a present for the scaley beast in the vest pocket, a couple vials. I do hope crocodiles like concentrated tranquilizer."
	As he said those words, the shantago lunged back towards their boat. The creature slowed, then stopped, then it began to sink. Soon it was deep beneath the surface of the lake.
	Jaashu was relieved but also worried. "Will it..."
	"He will be fine," Bronn said, "just out of it for a few hours." 
	Jaashu should have been very happy but a new doubt had developed in his mind. Maybe he was not cut out for this adventuring thing.  After all, Bronn had dealt with the croc much better than Jaashu ever could have.  Bronn’s courage and grace under fire were certainly impressive.  Maybe these things would come to Jaashu in time, when he got used to the perils of adventuring… hopefully.  Yes, he knew he would get better.  This was the life he was meant to lead; somewhere inside he knew it.

Diamond: 4

	“What is it?” he asked, slightly annoyed.
	Into the office walked a familiar individual.  “Mister Snorkavius, I heard that Dace Maleau guy's pet let you down. Guess you can't put your faith in a mere zoanoid... and a gambler at that. Enough small talk, though, I am just checking on everyone’s schedules… that is, when you are not in your office… I need to plan my cleaning routine.”
	“Ah, yes, Belial.  I heard you were busted down to head custodian.  Tough break.”
	“I made too many mistakes,” Belial said.  “Not good news for me, but times are pretty good for L.S. Inc.”
	“That is true.  We have never employed so many, new prospects seem limitless, and our marketing strategies are more successful than ever.”
	“Yes,” Belial said, “all those things are true; however…”
	“However?”
	“I have heard the future is not quite so bright for you.  You are having problems with a… mortal?  A zoanoid by the name of… what was that name?”
	“I know his name,” growled Snorkavius, “he will be no problem.  You honestly think some teenage punk would be a match for the most powerful individual to ever work for L.S. Inc.?!”
	“Ahem,” replied Belial, “are we forgetting our place? Second most powerful, you mean.”
	“Second most powerful.” Snorkavius repeated angrily.
	“And some are saying you are not even that.” Belial remarked with a smirk.
	“Nonsense.” snapped Snorkavius. 
	“They say the only reason you got this job instead of Mister Serpent is because… well… you are a spineless suck-up.  At least that is what I have heard them saying.”
	“You think I got this job because of bias?!  If there is any bias present on Mister S’s part, it would be for Serpent.  After all, Mister S. created and appointed Serpent… in fact, Mister S. used to hold Serpent’s position before the corporation was fully formed.” Snorkavius said.
	“Speaking of Mister Serpent, I have little doubt he will fulfill his duty when the time comes.  Whether or not other employees will be so successful… well, Mister Snorkavius, let us hope you are not the next… head custodian.”
	With a quick flick of his hand, Snorkavius launched a fireball, which smashed against the door just as Belial slipped out of the office.
	“Run, Belial.  You are a coward and a fool.  Maybe Serpent has the upper hand when it comes to raw power, but in this business power is not everything.  You shall see, Belial… you, Serpent, Mammon… heh… even Mister S.  When I succeed, nothing will be the same around here.  You will bow to me, Belial, the universe will bow to me.”
	Snorkavius’s laughter echoed into the darkness, while deep inside a pang of dread began to form, unlike any he had felt before.

Diamond: 5

	Darkness had begun to fall by the time they reached the other shore of Tagorrus Lake.  They decided to make camp and, as it turned out, Bronn had brought adequate supplies.  Jaashu admired Bronn’s ability to plan for any and every situation.  Of course, Jaashu never planned to tell Bronn this.
	“So, dude, I guess you're glad you bought those vials.” Jaashu said, as he laid upon one of the sleeping bags Bronn had brought.
	“Yep,” Bronn said, who was sitting near a small fire he had made.
	“Any wonder gadgets in that toolbox?” Jaashu asked.
	“Nothing I haven’t told you about.” 
	“Where did you get it, by the way? The toolbox, that is.  It looks kinda small but, dude, it seems to hold a lot.”
	“It has some magical properties; it was imbued by a magician who gave it to my great grandfather.”
	“I remember, you told me,” said Jaashu, “your great grandfather was Teore Benton, the clock guy.”
	“Teore Benton was a pioneer of his time….  anyway, the toolbox got passed down through the family and I got it as a gift when graduated from school.”
	“School.” Jaashu said, a look of emphatic disdain upon his face.
	“Guess you’re glad to be out of school, finally.” 
	“Got that right, dude.” Jaashu said. "Dad forced me to go for twelve years."
	“Come on, Jaash, it wasn’t that bad.” Bronn said.
	“Heh, I barely survived.”
	“I was there.”
	“Yeah, I remember.  Next to last year.” Jaashu said.  “But you went to school in Firetowne, you never had to put up with those teachers… or the headmaster.  It has been almost two months since I, just barely, graduated but I still have not shaken the feeling… may I soon forgot you Stonegate Academy…”
	“Stonegate Academy, how are you? The Year 1394 After Fall, it is nearly halfway over and the summer is almost here!” said an annoyingly cheerful voice, its speaker, who was, among other things, the school‘s crier, stood in the school's central courtyard, so his voice could be heard almost anywhere in the building. “Hey! Class of ‘95, this is your president and favorite athlete, Byph Griffin speaking.  Everyone here, staff and students, would like to say ‘great job’ to Class ’94… you made it.  Don’t forgot to be at the amphitheatre this weekend, you wouldn’t want to miss your own graduation…”
	Byph laughed a self-amused laugh, which only amplified the disgust residing in Jaashu’s gut.
	“And fellow classmates,” Byph continued, “those who decided to study for the full twelve years, next year is our final year.  C’mon we can do it, it’ll be fun!  Until then, have a terrific summer!  This has Byph Griffin, have a beautiful day. Hehhehhehheh.”
	“Thank goodness that’s over.” Jaashu said to himself as he headed down the hall.  When he arrived at his locker, he found someone waiting for him, his only real friend, a rhinoceros zoanoid by the name of Cerannum Agiss.  Nobody except his parents called him Cerannum though…”
	“Hi, Rocky, what’s wrong?” Jaashu asked, noticing that Rocky seemed to be rather upset.
	“My dad,” replied Rocky, in a saddened tone, “is opening a new armor shop in Shandis. He wants me to be an apprentice there.”
	“What?!” responded Jaashu, shocked at the news.
	“Would stay here but… don’t got a job and I don’t got no way to make it on my own right now.  I gotta go with him.”
	“You were goin’ to play in my band though and…”
	“Hey, man! You don’t gotta go and make this harder than it already is.”
	“Sorry,” Jaashu said sarcastically, “did you expect me to be happy about this?  How long have you known?”
	“A… couple months.” Rocky replied reluctantly.
	“What?! Why?”
	“I didn’t want to say bye until I had to.”
	“So, dude, you just let me make a bunch of fun summer plans and then ditch me at the last minute.  The band!  We were going to finally get the band started this summer.  You knew that! And you let me plan everything, anyway… dude, that is totally selfish.”
	“I… I’ve… got to go.” Rocky said.  Rocky turned around abruptly and walked away at an unusually fast pace.  
	Jaashu was not really mad at Rocky, he was mad at fate, the world, Rocky’s parents.  He wanted to stop Rocky and say something, but he was totally at a loss for words.  “It’s not fair!” Jaashu exclaimed, slamming his fist into the weathered iron of the locker door.  The locker swung open from the pressure of the blow.  “Nothin’ in there but junk, anyway.” Jaashu said bitterly, kicking the door closed.  
	It just so happened that Headmaster Terfon Stonegate walked by at the moment.  Headmaster Stonegate had been Jaashu’s rival for years: a large mole zoanoid of indeterminate age who showed no tolerance for anyone except, of course, Byph Griffin. Byph’s father was allegedly some sort of great hero and it was either that, or Byph’s ability to suck up to authority, that made Byph perfect in Stonegate’s eyes.  Obviously in a hurry, the mole only stopped long enough to shake his head and shoot Jaashu a stern penetrating gaze. 
	“Stupid headmaster… stupid school… stupid world.” Jaashu muttered to himself, as the headmaster walked off.  Thoughts of rage, anger, and revenge barraged Jaashu’s mind as he headed out of the school.  Not a second had he exited the main building, though, when a loud voice broke him from his fitful reverie.
	“Yo, Sarino!” the voice called.  The speaker was another one of the many losers who always tried to start trouble with him: a rather short mouse zoanoid.  Jaashu only knew the guy’s nickname, “Spike”, but had seen the face many times before and, as Spike approached, Jaashu saw that he was accompanied by a couple other much larger zoanoids: mindless cronies, no doubt.  Spike and his cronies were dressed in a combination dark leather clothing and steel accessories, typical thief guild wannabes.
	“What do you want?” Jaashu snapped.
	“Oooh, hey,” Spike said, his voice filled with mock fear, “no reason to get all angry. We don’t want no trouble.”  Spike’s cronies chuckled.  “Just wanted to let ya know… have a good, safe summer.” continued Spike in a patronizing tone.
	“Yeah, dude, sure.”
	“No, serious,” Spike said, trying, with little success, to keep a straight face.  “Them fancy high class palaces can be dangerous… like, you don’t want to… slip on them marble floors… and… I’ve heard that those seven course banquets can gives ya… a tummy ache… oh… and… when you get your allowance each week… you gotta… make sure not to… injure your back carrying all that gold…” By this point, Spike and his cronies had completely broken into laughter.
	“Shut up!” Jaashu exclaimed.
	“What ya gonna do, freak?” teased Spike, this time with outright animosity, which materialized in the form of a forceful shove.
	In a fit of rage, Jaashu grabbed a nearby trash barrel and lifted it above his head.  “Dude, this’ll do!”
	“Whoa!” exclaimed Spike, sincerely frightened this time, as he and his cronies ran off.
	“Yeah,” Jaashu said with a smirk, “you better run!” Jaashu threw the barrel to the ground full force.  “Heh, that feels a little bet…” And then Jaashu saw, behind him, the real reason for Spike’s retreat.  There stood Stonegate, arms folded and brow furrowed.  Jaashu had just enough time for a gasp and a nervous swallow before the headmaster began to berate him.
	“Well, Mister Sarino,” Headmaster Stonegate said, “having more fun are we?  I have put up with your shenanigans and your less than acceptable academic performance for years now.  Now, within the hour, I catch you vandalizing a locker, starting a fight, and destroying a trash receptacle…”
	“But…” Jaashu said, trying uselessly to interrupt.
	“And you probably think you can get away with it all just because it is the last day of school,” Headmaster Stonegate said, with a satisfied snort.  “I am afraid not.  You are still on school property and, if I wanted, I could report your actions to the proper authorities.  The stack of scrolls I have about your behavior is enough to get you into prison and there is nothing your father could do about it, no matter how rich or famous he is.  But I will not do that, nor will I give you detention or the like, I am well aware that a slap on the wrist accomplishes nothing with you… so…”
	Headmaster Stonegate stopped a moment to ponder.  “Ah, yes, that’s it,” said the headmaster, a grin spreading across his face. “We have employed someone to help do some repairs about the school during summer break.  You will spend time this summer assisting him, without pay, of course.  Actually, he should be arriving soon, no reason you cannot get an early start.  Go ahead and head to the amphitheatre.  I shall send a messenger to inform your father of the situation.”
	“Yes, sir.” Jaashu said, obediently.  He did not dare to express his true feelings towards the headmaster: Stonegate was not one to be trifled with.
	“You know, Mister Sarino,” Stonegate said, looking back as he turned to head into the school, “you will appreciate this some day.  It will build character and, who knows, maybe a Sarino will actually amount to something.  We would not want to see another one of you become a useless bard.”  
	The things he wanted to say and do to Stonegate! Once more, Jaashu’s head filled with rage, as he headed for the amphitheatre with all the quickness he could muster, not wanting to further fuel the wrath of Demon Stonegate!
	Jaashu arrived at the amphitheatre only to find it totally desolate.  “Oh great,” Jaashu said to himself, “I gotta sit around waitin’ for someone I don’t even know to show up so I can do some stupid repair work that I don’t know how to do.  This is goin’ to be a great summer.”
	Just then, a zoanoid approached the amphitheatre.  He was a strong-looking bear zoanoid who appeared to be in his twenties.  In his left hand, he carried a red toolbox.  Immediately noticing Jaashu, the bear spoke, “Oh, I thought all the kids left for the summer.”
	“I guess you haven’t heard, dude,” Jaashu said, “I’m goin’ to assist you this summer.  I’m sure Stonegate will fill you in on the details later.”
	“Bronn Skyler,” said the bear, extending his right paw.
	Jaashu shook Bronn’s paw.  Apparently the strength was not just an appearance: Bronn had an impressive grip.
	“I guess we had better get started,” Bronn said. “First, we’ll tighten some of the fittings on the seats over…”
	“Stonegate!  One day I’d like to… oooh!” Jaashu exclaimed, totally oblivious to Bronn’s words.
	“Get in a lot of trouble here?” Bronn asked.
	Jaashu responded with an emphatic “yes”.  “No matter what I do,” Jaashu continued, “I just can’t…”
	“Fit in?” Bronn asked with a smile.
	“Yeah,” Jaashu replied, happy and surprised that Bronn had, seemingly, read his mind.  “Stonegate hates my guts, the teachers think I am a troublemaking slacker, the cool kids don’t like me cause my dad’s rich, and the non-cool kids… well, who cares about them… and, to make matters worse, my one and only friend is moving to Shandis this summer.  I’ll probably never see him again.”
	“And you think feeling sorry for yourself will help?”
	“I’m not…”
	Bronn tilted his head slightly.
	“Okay, dude,” Jaashu said, “maybe a little.”
	“This work can wait a bit, you want to talk about it?”
	And so they sat on the amphitheatre stage and Jaashu began to talk about his life and Bronn about his.  And so that summer had not been so bad after all…
	“Hey, Bronn,” Jaashu called out.  There was no response; Bronn had already fallen into a deep slumber.
	Jaashu watched the dancing of the campfire flames as he thought more about his past and slowly he drifted to sleep.

Diamond: 6

	Jaashu awoke to the early sun, its golden rays shining full and brilliant.  Some distant songbirds chirped with glee, welcoming the promise of a fresh summer morning.  Another day of adventure was ahead, and Jaashu wanted to get started as soon as possible.
	First he would have to wake up Bronn, but, as he should have expected, Bronn was already awake, organizing the contents of his toolbox.  Bronn turned to Jaashu.  “I thought you’d never wake up.”
	They ate a quick breakfast, Bronn seemed just as anxious to get back on the quest.  After they had finished, Bronn said, with a quick glance at the map.  “We should find the Gikam Path.  The sooner we continue the better.”
	“Where next?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn pointed his right index finger to the northern horizon.  “Fengo Forest.”
	The forest, at first, appeared as nothing but a thick green line on the horizon, but by the time they reached the forest’s edge, Jaashu found himself impressed with its size.  It did not compare with some of the forests he had seen briefly in his travels with his father; The Waqaton Jungle in Itzel, for instance, was at least a couple dozen times larger than this.  Fengo Forest, however, seemed to have an individual look to it.  It was a pleasant mixture of tropical and deciduous plant life.  
	The Gikam Path ran through the forest clear of undergrowth.  Jaashu could not tell if this was an effect of magic or a result of the especially thick canopy above the path.  Either way, it made the forest hike a pleasant one and gave Jaashu the freedom to admire the sylvan surroundings, something he would not have done while hacking and slashing through undergrowth.
	“So, Bronn, how did this forest get its name?” Jaashu asked Bronn, who was walking on the path ahead of him, examining the map.
	“And you assume I know?”
	“Well, dude, you, like, seem to know plenty of other Hyndesian trivia.” Jaashu replied.
	“A lot of what you consider ‘Hyndesian trivia’ is common knowledge to most people,” Bronn said, “you really don’t know?”
	Jaashu shook his head.
	“There was once a botanist by the name of Perron Fengo,” Bronn said, “I believe he is considered the Father of Hyndesian Botany.  He discovered many species of plants in the archipelago, especially here on Grand Island.  This very forest was his favorite place to explore.”
	“Ah,” Jaashu said, with a knowing grin.  “So they named the forest after him.”
	“Not quite.” Bronn said, suddenly gesturing Jaashu to stop.
	“What?”
	Bronn indicated a tree on the side of the road, about seven feet tall.  It seemed like a typical fern tree from what Jaashu could see.  There were many such trees in Hyndesia.
	“It’s just a fern tree.” Jaashu said.
	“Looks like a fern, but it’s not. Fern trees do not usually grow these…” Bronn reached up to top of the trunk, just below the frond-leaves and pulled off something, tossing it to Jaashu.
	Jaashu looked at the object, it was a fruit.  The fruit was green and resembled a miniature pumpkin.  “Is it edible?”
	Bronn looked simply astonished.  “Of course.  You mean to say you never had fengo fruit?”
	Jaashu shook his head.  “Fengo fruit?  So, that must be a fengo tree.  They named the tree after the botanist.”
	“Exactly,” Bronn said, “Perron Fengo was the first to discover the tree.  It was later found that the fengo tree is entirely indigenous to this very forest…”
	“So they named the forest for the trees.” Jaashu said.
	Bronn continued down the path and said with a hidden smile, “I think you must have really liked school, after all.”
	“What?!” Jaashu shouted, running up beside Bronn.
	“You certainly seem to enjoy learning things.” Bronn said.
	“Whoa, dude!” Jaashu exclaimed.  “It ain’t learnin’ if it’s fun.”
	Jaashu fell back and allowed Bronn to have the lead once more.  Hmm… fengo fruit.  Jaashu took a bite.  Sort of like mango, sort of like kiwi.  It was delicious.
	“Besides,” Jaashu said, his mouth full of fengo fruit, “you ain’t exactly a teacher.”
	“You’re right about that.A teacher is one thing I am definitely not.” Bronn remarked with a deep hearty laugh. “Strange,” Jaashu thought.  Never before had he heard Bronn laugh so fully.  
After the laugh, however, all was silence for a while, that is, until the sound of gushing water could be heard in the distance.  The sound, as it turned out, when they reached a large clearing, was a small lake fed by a tall steamy waterfall that reminded him of ones he had seen on distant tropical islands.  It was a beautiful, awe-inspiring sight and provided Jaashu a reason to regret not being a painter. 
	“Neat, huh?” Bronn asked, who was now standing beside Jaashu.
	“Yeah, dude, totally.  What…”
	“Ropico Falls,” Bronn said, “The Ropico River falls over that hill, a foothill of the Jewel Mountains, actually, and into that pond or whatever.  Not sure where it goes from there, underground or something.”
	“Have you been here before?”
	“Yep,” Bronn replied, looking around pensively, “I used to go out with a girl, we’d come here a lot… she liked nature, wanted to be a ranger.”
	“What happened, dude?”
	Bronn shrugged.  “It didn’t work out.  I am sure somewhere out there, there is a lady for me… kind, pretty, and smart… I don’t like ‘em ditzy.” Bronn sighed.  “But, you know, when it is time, you’ll know it.  You cannot hurry love.”
	“Dude, that is so not my philosophy.” Jaashu said with a laugh.
	“No, of course not,” Bronn joked, “you’re the alleged playboy of…”
	“What’s that?” Jaashu interrupted.
	Bronn looked around, confused.  “What?”
	“I heard a noise… over there.” Jaashu pointed the western edge of the clearing, where he had heard a rustling noise in the foliage just a moment before.
	“Was it fire and chanting?” Bronn asked, arms folded.
	“No.” replied Jaashu, slightly vexed.  “Something moving in the plants… sounded big.”
	“It is probably just a bird of some sort,” Bronn said, “we should get going, the path…”
	Then, at the same time, both Bronn and Jaashu realized the same thing and, turned to one another and asked, simultaneously.  “Why is it so quiet?”  It was surprising they had not noticed it before.  Neither of them had seen a living creature since entering the forest. Not even a tiny insect had made its presence known.
	“Odd,” Bronn said, clearly troubled, “it makes no sense.  This place is usually teeming with life of all sorts… unless, something scared them away.”
	The thing that had scared everything off could have very well been what was hiding in the plant life just a couple dozen yards away.  Jaashu shuddered at the thought, but then it struck him that this could be his chance to prove himself as an adventurer.  “I’ll check it out.” Jaashu said, with all the bravery he could muster.
	Bronn placed a hand on his best friend’s shoulder. “Be careful.”
	Jaashu nodded and then headed towards the clearing’s western edge in a steady but cautious manner.  Once, twice, thrice he heard the rustling sound as he approached.  Was this… thing waiting for him?  That very question was answered upon Jaashu reaching his destination. 
	Out of the foliage, a very big shadow shot into the air.  Frozen with curiosity, Jaashu was an easy target for the creature as it landed straight onto him, knocking Jaashu flat on his back and pinning him under its large mass.  The event occurred so quickly and unexpectedly that seconds passed before Jaashu realized what had actually happened.  It was then that he finally saw what had landed on top of him and it was a sight that nearly sent him into total shock.  A giant spider!
	Jaashu could not help but scream.
	“Hang in there, Jaash!” Bronn shouted from across the clearing.
	“Easy for you to say.” Jaashu said, gazing up at the spider’s grotesque head.  The monster’s eight red complex eyes, though without pupils, seemed focused on him.  Its two sharp toxin-covered fangs shone in the forest sun.  “It’s official,” thought Jaashu, “I’m doomed.”
	Jaashu tried to push his way out or wriggle free, but neither plan worked. The edges of his vest and shorts were pinned beneath the massive legs. The spider seemed all too anxious to inject its venom into its victim and begin its feast.  Several moments passed, however, and nothing happened.  The spider was reluctant about something, the spider was not moving at all, save some slight natural swaying and such.  Something was peculiar about this creature…
	But his train of thought was quickly interrupted by another abrupt series of actions.  A bright light beam shot through the air from the other side of the clearing, slammed the spider with impressive force, and sent the unsuspecting arachnid flying far into the forest.
	Relieved to be free of his eight-legged prison, Jaashu stood up and brushed himself off.  Suddenly recognizing the source of his liberation, Jaashu looked towards his friend, who was holding some sort of rod.  Curious, Jaashu ran over to Bronn to further examine the weapon.
	“What was that?” Jaashu asked.
	“A majti rod,” Bronn said, proudly displaying his invention, a miniature brass scepter with a crystalline orb on top.  “You ever hear about the Majti Warriors?”
	Jaashu nodded. "I know about this. There was an evil soceror, some crazy guy who tried to attack the royal castle in Firetowne. The Majti Warriors defended the castle by creating rods that could fire off beams of energy. Dude, I thought that was just a fairy tale, though." 
	“Perhaps there is no truth to the myth. But the inspiration it provided is quite real.” Bronn said.  “I managed to create a majti rod, though it's not working like I would hope.”
	“Not working?! But that spider went flying!”
	“Yep.” Bronn said. "Probably died as a result. This time it was just a bug, but what if that had been a zoanoid? I would be a murderer. When I finish tuning this rod, it will only stun its target for a few minutes."
	“That would be useful for the Hyndesian Guard, to catch bad guys without hurting them.”
	“Really?” Bronn asked, a strange hint of sarcasm in his voice. “I think majti energy could have many peaceful applications. Why would I care about the... Hyndesian Guard?”
	Bronn’s strange reaction to the mention of the Hyndesian Guard had not gone unnoticed by Jaashu.  Jaashu had accidentally touched upon one of those subjects Bronn did not want to talk about, however, Jaashu did not want to discuss the matter so he simply nodded, smiled, and danced towards the eastern edge of the clearing where the path continued into the forest, while singing an impromptu song of their triumph. “Yo, yeah, yo, the spidah’s dead, we busted yo upside yah head, yah ain’t no more, that what we said, yo, yeah, yo, the spidah’s dead…”
	Bronn looked thoughtfully back at the clearing’s western edge and said, with a sigh, “If only things were that simple, my friend.”

Diamond: 7

	When he returned to his office, Mister Snorkavius was in the foulest of moods.  There he sat staring at the dark orb on his desk with ferocious intensity, brooding for what must have been hours.  And these actions went unnoticed to the employees of L.S. Inc., with the exception of one.
	“Well, well, well,” Belial said, entering the office with a broad smile on his face.  “It seems our Vice President has forgotten the main rule.”
	“I did not forget!” Snorkavius exclaimed in a thunderous shout.  His voice immediately calming into a nonchalant tone, Snorkavius added, “Who said I wanted to kill him?  I simply wanted a close investigation of his abilities. Similar, no doubt, to the way you have been spying on my actions as of late.”
	“As much as I would like to verbally tear you limb from limb,” Belial said with a sigh, “I have work to get to.”
	“Then what are you doing here?” asked Snorkavius, continuing to suppress his enraged temper with a tooth-gritting smile.
	“I passed your secretary, she had a couple messages for you,” Belial said.
	“Yes?”
	“You really want to know?”
	“Tell me!” Snorkavius roared, slamming a fist on his desk.
	“Since you asked nicely,” Belial said with a laugh, “The Head of Animal Security needs more guard dog food...”
	“Those three walking barking mouths are always hungry, no surprise, what else?”
	“And the Director of Commuting Services needs a new oar.”
	“What?! His boat is run by motor, I thought!” Snorkavius exclaimed.
	Belial held up his hands.  “Hey, I’m just delivering the news.  He says a rowdy new employee broke it while being herded onto the boat.  Some of these newcomers can be pretty resistant, he needs the oar as a 'defensive weapon', he says.”
	“Fine,” replied Snorkavius angrily, “I shall take care of these matters shortly.  Is that all?”
	Belial nodded but then added with a smirk, “I sure hope there are some jobs you can actually complete.” 
	“Get out!” Snorkavius yelled, thrusting his right index finger towards the door.
	“I was leaving anyway,” Belial replied haughtily while marching out of the office.
	“Good riddance.” Snorkavius muttered.
	Snorkavius had begun to resume his dark moody trance when his computer immediately began beeping.  “It’s found something!” Snorkavius exclaimed with dark glee.  Examining the contents of the text on the monitor, a smile spread across his face.
	“Plans for mutiny, stealing corporate funds… and… heh heh… oh… yeah… my, my, my, haven’t we been a busy boy,” mumbled Snorkavius happily as he continued reading the page.   “See, Belial, there are jobs I can do successfully.  Blackmail being one of them… hehhehheh… but that job can wait just a little while…” Snorkavius turned away from the computer and leaned back in his chair, pensively pressing his claw tips together.  “First, I have other matters to attend to… and then…”
	Once again Mister Snorkavius found himself overwhelmed with the joy of dark intentions and once again he found himself in a fit of mad laughter.

Diamond: 8

	“I take it you’ve mountain climbed before, dude?” Jaashu asked.
	“We’re not going to be climbing much, though,” Bronn said.  “The path goes through a lit tunnel in the mountain a little ways up here.  Sometime, when we have more time, we’ll have to come back and climb Snowy Mountain, no easy Gikam Path tunnel.”
	“So, dude, I’m assuming you have…”
	“Oh yeah,” Bronn replied, “back when I lived in Firetowne.  Whenever I wasn’t building machines, I’d go to the Jewel Mountains and do some serious climbing.  It has been a while.”
	“This is part of the Jewel Mountains, ain’t it?”
	“Snowy Mountain? Yeah. Most mountains on the island are part of the Jewel Mountains.  This is actually the second-tallest mountain in the chain, not that you would know by taking this path.” Bronn said.
	Jaashu looked about, the winds were definitely noticeable and, glancing over the side of the mountain, he could tell they were pretty high up, certainly higher than ol’ Deadman’s Pier.  Jaashu then asked the obvious question, “Heh. More Hyndesian trivia. So, dude, what’s the highest mountain?”
	“Guess.”
	Jaashu immediately remembered the map.  “Isn’t Mount Hyndosu?”
	“That’s right,” Bronn answered.  “It is one of the tallest on this side of the planet, if I remember correctly.”
	“Yeah, dude, I think I remember hearing that in school or somethin’”, Jaashu said, “do you think it will be hard?”
	“Heh. Hyndosu? Doubt it. The path does go up the mountain but it is not likely steep. The path makes this travel almost too easy.”
	“Thank you, guy-who-built-the-Gikam Path!” exclaimed Jaashu with a smile.
	“Yep,” Bronn said, “Though, personally, I never trust anything that seems too easy.  Here we are on this quest of yours, almost finished with no incident, save the croc and the giant spider.  All that’s ahead is the valley and Mount Hyndosu… and that’s it. Hmm. And we’re at the tunnel now.
	Jaashu and Bronn followed the path into the simple opening in the side of Snowy Mountain.  The tunnel, which wound straight and smoothly through the mountain’s base, was dimly lit by some sort of magic orbs. Was it fate or coincidence that a branch of this magical path, built centuries ago, led to their destination? Or was it, like those orbs, magical: never to be fully understood or analyzed? The journey had made him think about many things and, now, it was drawing to a close. As Jaashu lay down at their camp in the valley later that night, these thoughts and others mixed in his head as he fell asleep.
	Though he could not remember how he got there, Jaashu found himself, upon awakening, in a dark cavern.  Normally, he would have been suspicious and frightened of the situation but a strange force kept calling him forward, leading him through a number of dark stony corridors.  He just followed, losing all track of time and direction, until he arrived in a very large chamber.
	In this chamber he could not see much of anything, for a thick smoky mist was everywhere.  The one thing he saw through the mist was a huge golden shape.  Although it was impossible to make out what the shape was, it was clear by its movement that it was alive.  If the creature was intelligent, he could likely be of assistance.
	“Where am I? How did I get here?” Jaashu called out.
	The shape replied in a loud echoing voice, “Both very good questions.  I do not think you truly know the answer to either.  You are on a quest to find a diamond?”
	“Yeah. How do you…”
	“It does seem that simple,” the voice interrupted, “and, no doubt, you have found your path easy thus far.  And, thus, you obviously do not have a clue as to where you are.”
	“I do not understand.” Jaashu replied.
	“I would not expect you to… yet. You see, your journey has scarcely begun.  The path ahead of you is not at all easy.  There are many hardships and trials ahead of you on that winding trail.  Do not despair or give up, though, for if you keep fighting you will have the greatest of victories ahead of you as well.”
	“What journey?” Jaashu asked.
	“I cannot reveal all the details, I am afraid. I am just a messenger and my duty here has been fulfilled.  There are, however, a couple words in parting.  Be wary of appearances for you will one day find that your enemies may be your friends and your friends may be your enemies.  Your friends are many, so never forget their importance, never take them for granted because nothing lasts forever.  And your enemies? Enemies will come from the shadows, from a realm of fire, but if you follow your heart and open your eyes, finding them will be ea… sy… and now… something comes! I… must be… go… ing… farewell… n... z... beware...”
	“Wait!” Jaashu exclaimed. “How do I get out of here?”
	“It… has been… a great pleasure… to speak to you… Jaashu Sarino… I regret… we shall never… get to… actually meet…”
	“But how do I get out of here?” Jaashu repeated.
	It was too late, though.  The golden shape had faded into the mist.  His biggest worry was not getting out of that place, until something else happened. It started with a red glow and strange mumbling. And suddenly the room became filled with flames.  Within these flames stood a dark figure.  Jaashu could not clearly see the being, but he could tell it was of roughly humanoid form with dragon-like wings, horns, and hoofed legs. This being seemed to be much smaller than the gold being: probably only a foot or two taller than a normal zoanoid.  
	“Greetings, Mister Sarino, it is a pleasure to meet you again,” said the dark being, “sorry I had to interrupt your friend but I am a very busy guy and I do not like to waste time.”
	“Who are you?” Jaashu asked.
	The dark being laughed.  “Not yet, child. You do not even know who you are yet.  But, enough about that, I, too, come with warnings.”
	“Terrific, dude.” Jaashu sarcastically remarked.
	“The path ahead is very dangerous,” the dark being warned, “there will be those who seek to destroy… those who are much more powerful than you can ever hope to be.  If you wish to give up now, you have a chance.”
	“Give up?! Ha! Jaashu Sarino never gives up,” Jaashu said, “I don’t know or care about all this crazy talk, but if by ‘path’ you mean my adventuring career… I just started, totally love it, and, dude, I don’t plan to stop anytime soon. If the only challenges are going to be big ugly weak spiders, I don’t have much to be afraid of.”
	The dark figure growled and the flames seemed to become more intense for a moment. “Fine then,” the dark figure said slowly, trying to regain his composure, “The game begins.  Now, if you will excuse me, I must go.  I do not want to miss my twelve o’clock…”
	And with that, the dark figure faded into the flames. As the dark figure faded, however, loud chimes began to sound.  After a dozen of these chimes, a new shape appeared in the flames.  It started as a black blotch but then it morphed into a long slender shadow creature, eyes glowing red.
	“No!” Jaashu exclaimed, as the creature rapidly approached him.  Jaashu closed his eyes and held his arms up as a shield.  “I cannot fight you!”
	And then nothing… except for the return of the golden shape’s voice. “Do not fret, young one, the answers to your many questions are all around you and you will figure them out in time.  Just open your eyes and… wake up!”
	“Wake up!” Bronn exclaimed. “It is already noon.”
	“What?” Jaashu asked groggily, as he opened his eyes.
	It had just been a dream.  Looking back on those strange events, it was obvious.  Still it had seemed…
	“We are finally going to Mount Hyndosu,” Bronn said.
	“Well, then, dude,” Jaashu said, as he got to his feet, brushing the dust from his body and the shadows from his mind, “what are we waiting for? We have a diamond to go find.”
	Bronn nodded and smiled and then they were off. Two adventurers on a journey like no other. Who knew what sort of thrills awaited them?  Maybe there were hardships and failures to come as well.  Either way, Jaashu was very glad to have a friend like Bronn with him on the path.

Book II: Book of Flames

Flames: 1

	"This had better be important," Belial said viciously as he entered Mister Snorkavius's office.
	Leaning back in his  chair, Snorkavius rubbed his chin. "Why so much disdain from such a loyal and trusted employee?"
	Belial stared quizzically, not knowing what to make of Snorkavius's unusual behavior.
	"There is no need for animosity between us," Snorkavius said, pressing his claw tips together, "not anymore. I admit there was a time when I found your blatant disrespect intimidating, but that was when we were on... equal terms. However, a recent discovery has... hmm... changed things."
	Belial's eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"
	With a swish of his right hand, Snorkavius caused a computer disk to materialize. "Do you know what this is?"
	"I... have no idea."
	"Tsk, tsk, tsk, Belial, you are a terrible liar," Snorkavius said with a menacing grin, "The boss would not be pleased with that shortcoming. Nor would he be pleased to find out about the little uprising you were planning, to take over control of L.S. Inc. I have the evidence on this disk, along with evidence of several other misdeeds, or actually good deeds, you have committed in your years at L.S. Inc.  When Mr. S. sees this disk, you are through."
	Belial growled. "What do you want?"
	"Ah yes," Snorkavius replied, "let's just skip the small talk and get down to business, shall we?" Snorkavius conjured up a pen and a small stack of papers. "Standard contract, Form 67B. With a couple minor changes."
	"My soul? But I don't..."
	"No," Snorkavius said, "66A is for soul ownership. 67B, though similar, does not necessarily have anything to do with souls per se. When the party of the second part, that would be you, signs this contract he becomes a slave to the party of the first part, that would be... me. The signer has no choice but to obey the order of the party of the first part... blah, blah, blah, etcetera. Bottom line, any failure to obey my orders will result in breach of contract and you know what happens to those who breach L.S. Inc. contracts." Snorkavius pushed the button on the end of the pen, exposing the crimson-drenched tip. "We can go over the fine print later."
	"And what if I refuse to sign?"
	Snorkavius laughed. "Let's not be cute, Belial,  I will turn you in, of course."
	"And what's to stop you from turning me in anyway?"
	"Ah, good question," Snorkavius replied. "I did not expect you to trust me so I added a clause stating that I will not report your actions while you are under contract. If I do, I will be breaching contract, and I will take full responsibility for your crimes, or lack thereof. All you have to do for me is one simple task. Succeed and I will destroy all the incriminating records, I will allow you to sign another contract making the slave part of this contract null and void while retaining the protection clause, and you will be rewarded... a raise and a promotion, to junior vice president."
	"And if I fail?"
	"You will remain under contract until I can find another use for you. At least you will not be turned in." Snorkavius said.
	Belial paced about the office several times in a pensive manner, mumbling to himself. "I could get a promotion out of this. Worst-case scenario, I end up serving Mister Snorkavius indefinitely, which I pretty much do already... either way, I am safe."
	"So, have you made a decision?"
	Belial nodded.

Flames: 2

	Jaashu opened the scroll and began to read.
	"How you doing? Been a while since I've heard from you. Not much going on here but I heard something from a traveller. Rumor from the Hyndesian Guard is there's been a lot less crime lately. Donnom Salinsici is off in Vellano and they say "Scarcheek" Kano vanished. No one's seen him for months. Not very exciting, you know, but some news is better than none. Besides, two biggest crime guild leaders out of the picture is good, I guess. That reminds me..."
	Jaashu tossed the scroll onto the front hall table. He did not feel like reading it all again. Two weeks since they had returned from Mount Hyndosu and a letter from Rocky had been the only thing that was even remotely entertaining. He had read it several times and, though it was not necessarily a boring read, Jaashu was going to go crazy if he did not find something to do. It was nice to be independent, living far from the big city, but it sometimes seemed that Toyta Basin was the dullest place on Sorska.
	Jaashu was not allowed to use the Sky Board until Bronn could work out all the bugs. Furthermore, Bronn had become more protective since their quest for the diamond. Any attempt by Jaashu to go out and find new adventuring possibilties was met with swift and emphatic dissuasion from his friend. As usual, Jaashu found himself succumbing to Bronn's will. Perhaps it was a small part of his mind that appreciated practical wisdom, or, perhaps, it was a subconscious fear of what the bulky bear could do if angered. Either way, Jaashu was desperate for something to do.
	If only he had a hobby. Art and literature were certainly out of the question. He liked music, but having a lot of practice on the lute did little good when you lived in the middle of nowhere. Too bad adventuring wasn't an easier to practice hobby. Of course, Bronn would not agree, he did not have to worry about such boredom. Bronn lived for his machines and gadgets. He spent most of his waking hours working on them and seemed to enjoy doing so.
	That gave Jaashu an idea. He went outside and headed for the back of the cabin. Perhaps Bronn had made some amazing progress with his latest invention. Probably not, but it was worth a look.
	Jaashu found Bronn examining the diamond, which was inisde some sort of metal harness atop the large metallic box known as the Transtron.
	"Hey," Bronn said, noticing his friend's arrival, "You're just in time to see something incredible." 
	"Must be my lucky day," Jaashu remarked.
	Indicating a crank on the Transtron, Bronn explained, "When I turn this, it builds frictional energy through a series of gears. This energy..."
	"You really think I would understand any of this, dude?"
	"Perhaps I should simplify," Bronn said, "turning the crank causes majti energy to charge in the harness around the diamond. Watch."
	Bronn turned the crank slowly a couple times. Within the diamond, a faint red light began to glow.
	Jaashu shrugged. "Yeah, dude? Isn't it supposed to do that?"
	Bronn shook his head. "It shouldn't. The spatial energy conducted through the diamond should not create a reaction like that."
	"Maybe it's broke." Jaashu said. Suddenly, Jaashu's natural curiosity got the better of him. "If turning the crank slowly makes it glow a little..."
	"Don't!" Bronn yelled, though realizing the futility of his order. Bronn had long since learned the strength of his friend's will. Words and simple physical force were just not enough to contain Jaashu Sarino. Bronn could sometimes reason with and talk Jaashu out of doing foolish and dangerous things. When Jaashu was truly determined, however, nothing could stop him. Nothing. Bronn smiled. The kid would do great things one day. Bronn did not need a magician to tell him that.
	Despite his somewhat mediocre strength, Jaashu was able to turn the crank very quickly.
	The light started small, like before, but, within a couple seconds, the entire gem glowed like a blazing inferno. It reminded him a bit of the light he had seen at Minister Ophos's cabin. So awesome and unexpected was the sight that Jaashu released the crank. The crank continued spinning wildly.
	"Whoa!" exclaimed Jaashu.
	"Do you know what you just did?!"
	"Um.. no..."
	"Exactly," Bronn said, "As far as you know, this diamond could be a magic bomb."
	"I probably should have been more careful, huh? But, dude, that's your job. Anyway, everything seems fine. Just a little bit of light."
	Bronn shook his head and sighed.
	As the crank slowed, the glowing should have stopped. It did not. Instead, the diamond began to make a humming noise.
	"Cool!" Jaashu exclaimed.
	Bronn glared sternly at Jaashu.
	"Well, it is." Jaashu said.
	Jaashu had no doubts now, "Magic Diamond" was more than just a clever moniker. This jewel clearly had real powers. It glowed, it hummed, and, most importantly, it had saved him from absolute and total boredom. As impressive as all that was, Jaashu was unprepared for what happened next. The diamond emitted an eerie voice.
	"In the land that always burns, a great treasure thou may earn. Prove thy courage, face this feat, pierce the dark, and feel the heat, World-renowned will be thy names when thou survives the throne of flames."
	After the message was done, the humming stopped, the glowing stopped, and the diamond returned to normal.
	"Did you..." Jaashu began.
	Bronn nodded slowly.
	"It's magic, right? This is Hyndesia, it's not uncommon, right? We should be used to magic. Just because we don't see a lot of it in our day-to-day life, doesn't mean it's strange... right?"
	"Sure." Bronn said, unconvinced of Jaashu's pseudo-uncaring act. "And, by the way, no." Bronn added hastily.
	"No?" Jaashu asked. "No to what?"
	"Just call me psychic. I answered your question before you even asked it."
	"Which question?"
	"The treasure..."
	"Oh," Jaashu said, "how did you know? Wait... 'no'?! Dude, why can't we?"
	"It is dangerous. We do not even know where this 'treasure' is. I know the fame and wealth do not interest you, you have gotten plenty of both through your father. The danger is the only reason you want to go."
	Jaashu was paying no attention, he was too busy contemplating the diamond's riddle. "I got it, dude! 'Throne of flames'. Vulcan City! If there is anywhere we can find an answer it would be there. Isn't Vulcan City called The Fiery City?"
	"Can we go?" Jaashu asked. Crossing his fingers, Jaashu waited anxiously for Bronn's answer.
	Jaashu hoped that Bronn would agree because, if not, they would not be able to go. There was no way he would feel free to embark on such a journey if Bronn did not concede.
	Bronn realized there was no point in saying no, Jaashu would find a way to go, no matter what. Truth be told, Bronn actually enjoyed a bit of adventure. That was a secret Bronn would keep to himself. There was another reason to go that occurred to him when Jaashu had mentioned Vulcan City. That, too, would have to be a secret."
	Jaashu's "We don't have to go, then." was said at the exact same time as Bronn's "I guess we'll go."
	"Yeah, it makes more sense, dude. I can just... wait... you said 'yes'?!"
	Bronn smiled.
	"Yea!" Jaashu exclaimed. "We'll pack our things, get ready, and then it's onto the Gikam Path... next stop, The Second Village! Like the bards say... a hot time in Vulcan City!"

Flames: 3

	In an office at the back of the Prometheus Flower Shoppe, a meeting of three zoanoids took place.
	"A hot time in Vulcan City, boss?" the tawny coyote zoanoid asked.
	"That's right, Vinny," the ruddy colored elk zoanoid replied. "Just like in duh song. I love Vulcan City, it's in my blood. Fifth generation Vulcanite, see?"
	"But, boss," the bison zoanoid asked, "if ya love dis city so much why we always burnin' parts of it down?"
	"Horns, Horns, Horns. Ya talk like fire's a bad thing. Vulcan's duh most modern city on Sorska, see. Look at duh great Shanquorox Tower, 300 feet tall, the tallest buildin' on the planet. Da frame: totally steel. There ain’t nothin’ in the world like it, ‘cept the other steel towers they’re buildin’ here in town. Why d'you think dat is?"
	"People here's smarter?" Vinny guessed.
	"Ha! Doubt that," the elk replied, "It's cause duh whole city burnt down a century ago, see. Everything had to be rebuilt, so dey use brand new ideas. If it weren't for fire, Vulcan would still be all stone and wood. Fire dances... glows... destroys. Fire... it's... it's... a god. Yeah, dat's it, fire's a god dat brings prosperity through destruction."
	"I don't get it, boss," Horns said, scratching his head, "dat sounds kinda cra..."
	Vinny slapped Horns on the back of the head to shut him up. "So what's the plan, boss?"
	"Don't know yet," the elk said, "'cept dat dis guy has lots of power... real power. Says he's a magician or somethin', and I don't doubt it. We help him out, he helps us. Vulcan City will be ours for the takin'."
	"Sure we can trust him?" Vinny asked.
	"About as much as I can trust you." a dark voice replied.
	Unnoticed by the others, the sorceror had entered. His large form was hidden beneath a hooded cloak, deep red in color. He approached the boss's desk with smooth emotionless steps. 
	"Speak of the devil." said the elk with a smirk.
	The sorceror laughed. "Not quite. So... we meet again. I take it these two are associates."
	"The scrawny coyote, dat's Vinny 'The Shark' Nero. The muscle-bound bison is 'Horns' O'Leary. They're not very bright, but they're 'bout as loyal as they come."
	Vinny mumbled his disapproval of the boss's sentiments to himself.
	"What's dat?" the elk asked, angrily eying Vinny.
	"Nothing, boss," Vinny hastily answered.
	"Yes, well, good help is hard to find," the sorceror said. "And speaking of help, I think you will find my weapons quite helpful."
	"They're ready then?" the elk asked.
	"In full production. I would say only two days until there are enough for everyone." the sorceror answered.
	"Wonderful. Nero. O'Leary. Once the preparations are complete, we will may make our move."
	"And I," said the sorceror, "shall ensure you have time to prepare."

Flames: 4

	The first day of travel had went well but, since they had not left until afternoon, it was sundown before they reached the southern bend of the Toyta River.
	Jaashu and Bronn made camp about a hundred yards from the river.
	That evening, Jaashu had trouble sleeping. As he often did in such situations, Jaashu decided he would start a conversation. Jaashu could not think of anything interesting to talk about, though, so he settled on the topic of Bronn's most significant invention.
	"The Transtron, you almost done with it?" Jaashu asked.
	"Should be," Bronn answered. "It is not easy, though. Zerde's theories help with the physical concepts, but when it comes down to the actual mechanical design, I am working in the dark."
	"But, dude," Jaashu said, "I thought I heard a legend once 'bout someone else building a portal engine."
	"Cerico Skylini. He was a mechanical prodigy, lived centuries ago, yet there is no one today who can match his genius when it comes to inventing. The portal engine was just one of his many inventions."
	"He must have drawn out the designs for his machines, right?"
	"He did. As a matter of fact, notebook sketches are the only thing Cerico actually created. On his death bed, Cerico ordered his notebooks to be locked away."
	"Why?"
	"Cerico felt society was not prepared for his inventions, that they might be abused. All the notebooks were locked in a vault in Firetowne, where they remain to this day."
	"Then why not go to Firetowne and borrow Cerico's portal engine sketches?"
	"Two problems with that," Bronn said, "First, they do not let just anyone borrow treasures from the national vault. Second, the sketches for the portal engine... are no longer there. They were stolen almost a year ago. No sign of forced entry. No sign the vault was even opened."
	"Sounds like magic." Jaashu said.
	"Except that high security places like the national vault have crystals that give off energy to negate magic, an ahyndic field. The guard who told me of the event claimed that the ahyndic field crystal is under constant surveillance."
	"It's impossible then." Jaashu said.
	"Let me clarify," Bronn said, "an ahyndic field negates Sorskian magic."
	"But, dude, that's the only magic there is."
	"No. It is the only magic that is well-documented and well-known."
	"Ok, dude, let's see... in legends... who else has magic... something immortal," Jaashu muttered pensively, "monsters, spirits, demons, maybe."
	With Jaashu's words, Bronn's face froze, his gaze focused on an unseen target. Bronn snapped out of the trance with a fake laugh. "Don't be silly Jaashu, hehheh, demons don't go around committing petty crimes. No one even knows if demons actually exist. Aren't they supposed to just use mortals as pawns, not actually get involved? Nah, there aren't any demons. Go to sleep, Jaashu."
	And, so, Jaashu went to sleep but did not sleep well. Bronn's reaction had been too unusual for Jaashu to forget.
	"Jaash," Bronn said in a loud clear voice. "Get up. We have a problem."
	Jaashu slowly stood, and uttered a groggy "What?"
	Bronn simply pointed towards the horizon, towards Toyta River. The morning sun shone upon the mighty waters and Jaashu saw nothing unusual. He indicated this with a simple shrug. "Yeah?"
	"See that bridge?" Bronn asked, arms folded.
	Jaashu scratched his head. "Dude, I don't see a bridge."
	Bronn nodded. "Exactly. The Gikam Path dead-ends at the river. The supports remain on both river banks, but the bridge itself has either been washed away or destroyed."
	"We have to head back then?"
	"No... but if we go on..."
	"And we are going on," Jaashu interrupted.
	"Of course," Bronn replied, "we have to take another branch of the path, a much longer one."
	"Aaargh! Can't there ever be a path that goes straight from point A to point B? Nooo... it always has to take a scenic route of Grand Island. If I was a magician, dude, I'd make a magical path system going in every possible direction."
	"You, a magician?!"
	"Mwahahaha... scary thought, huh?"	 
	"Very."
	After a brief silence, Jaashu asked "Is it really that bad?"
	"I suppose it could be worse. We'll have to head east through the canyon, then south to Baliki, then, finally, west to the Salamander Peninsula and Vulcan City."
	"Since we're going to the canyon, anyway, maybe we can stop by Shandis."
	"If I recall, there is a pass heading up to Shandis from the canyon floor. It shouldn't be too much out of the way. Want to visit Cerannum?"
	"It's Rocky and, yeah, it has been a while since I've seen him. We used to be best friends."
	"Used to be?" Bronn asked.
	But Jaashu did not respond. He was a bit surprised himself that he had used those words. Thinking on it, though, Jaashu still resented Rocky for moving to Shandis. It had been over a year, and the only contact they had was through a few letters. Perhaps Jaashu was being a bit selfish, but he could not help how he felt. 
	There was no doubt in Jaashu's mind, Bronn was his new best friend. Bronn was loyal and kind. He had provided Jaashu with a place to stay, he had taught Jaashu many things, and he was always there with a solution when things seemed their worst. Bronn was a great friend who Jaashu hoped would never leave and, as they headed east along the mighty Toyta, that possibility made him truly content.

Flames: 5

	The raccoon zoanoid, dressed in green and brown, silently snuck into the cavern. His steathful movement lasted but a few steps, when he tripped on a large rock. In an attempt to regain his balance, he grabbed a hanging vine. The vine, however, was unable to support the weight, and tore from the ceiling leaving the raccoon to fall backwards into a puddle. Muddy and sore, he let out a string of vulgarities, to which a spectating individual, a large being in a hooded cloak, shook his head. He stood next to the puddle, arms folded, staring down at the fallen zoanoid.
	"Geon Jardin, I presume." said the cloaked figure.
	"Yeah, you got it," Geon said as he stumbled to his feet. "The sorceror. At least you showed. But I still don't get why we couldn't just meet at the river."
	"I had other business to which I had to attend. There are three others I wish to enlist the aid of, one of which I have yet to meet. Quite busy, you see. Besides, I want you to use this cavern as your base for the time being."
	Geon attempted to shake off the mud, but it was an ineffective endeavor, and both fur and clothing remained saturated with moisture. "Okay, whatever. I guess that makes sense. But why, out of everyone in Hyndesia, did you want me to destroy a bridge?"
	"Why not?"
	"I am the King of Thieves. I have seen some of the greatest, most exotic treasures in the world and you send me a scroll promising me great power if I remove a simple river bridge? As a matter of fact, I like bridges. They let you avoid water and I hate being in water. The only place I want to be is on terra firma. If I never..."
	"Tell me something, your majesty," mocked the sorceror, "how many great and exotic treasures have you actually been able to acquire?"
	"Some things are more important to a thief than success!"
	"That is what I thought. And you wonder why I had you simply destroy a bridge. I am quite surprised you were even able to do that."
	Geon whipped out a dagger in a quick abrupt motion that caused the weapon to fly out of his hand and onto the cavern floor. Geon dived for the dagger but only caught a handful of dust. "What the...?!"
	"Looking for this?" the sorceror asked. The dagger floated in mid-air between the sorceror's hands. "Honestly, Mister Jardin, you are turning out to be a real disappointment. Not only are you hopelessly clumsy, you clearly lack any sense." In a single motion, the sorceror grabbed the dagger in his left hand and magically raised Geon shortly off the ground with his right. The sorceror held the dagger up to the flotaing raccoon's neck. In a loud echoing voice, the sorceror spoke. "Foolish mortal! You have no idea the powers I possess. The next time you raise a hand against me, I promise you that hand will no longer be attached to your body!" Thrusting his right hand forward, the sorceror sent Geon crashing into the cavern wall in a blast of magical energy. "Pitiful." said the sorceror, shaking his head. The sorceror threw the dagger, which went spinning through the air, sticking into the rocks just above Geon. "Get your act together, thief, or you will be replaced." 
	The sorceror walked out of the cavern, satisfied that he was in total control. Afterall, it was control that he feared he would very soon lose.

Flames: 6

	The towering rock formations of Shandis Canyon appeared on the horizon. It looked somewhat like a small mountain range, except that most of the "mountains" were flat-topped rather than peaked.
	"Shandis Canyon," Bronn announced. "It's strange, you know."
	"What is?" Jaashu asked.
	"Well," replied Bronn, "most canyons are like an indentation in the land, the edges being at the same level as the surrounding land. Not Shandis Canyon, from any direction the small plateaus and mesas rise above the land. They say that it was once a very big mountain, that was broken apart."
	"Slowly carving through rock is one thing, but shattering a huge mountain to pieces? Dude, do you really think the Toyta River is that powerful?"
	"Probably not. Maybe a meteorite, like the one that hit Sea Island, could have done it. Maybe magic. After some of the things we have seen, not much could surprise me."
	Jaashu was immediately reminded of the previous night's conversation. "Like the demon who you were talking about?"
	"I don't think that he," Bronn stopped, realizing his friend's trickery. Bronn went silent and his face became stiff. "Jaash. I have never lied to you."
	"I know."
	"That said... I... it is not that I do not trust you or that I doubt your abilities, but there are things that I know... secrets... that you do not. Jaash, I want you to be happy. These secrets are... troublesome... life-altering, even. I do not want you to have to worry about them... until it is necessary."
	Jaashu was surprised. Yes, he had suspected Bronn was keeping something hidden. There was, however, a large gap between suspecting something and discovering your suspicions are truths. Jaashu had thought he had wanted Bronn to admit to having secrets, but, as he thought about his situation, he now wished otherwise. For his curiosity, a truth was a much greater challenge than a suspicion. As hard as it would be for Jaashu to do, though, he would just wait to find out. Bronn clearly felt bad about saying anything, so it would not be fair to force him to give details. 
	"I understand." Jaashu said. "You are just trying to protect me."
	"And that I promise, I will protect you. No matter how bad things get, and they will likely get very bad, I will be there. For now, Jaash, let's just focus on getting this treasure."
	Jaashu nodded, and all was quiet until they entered the canyon. 
	So grand and imposing were the rock formations that Jaashu felt he was walking through a city of castles. Their colors were a myriad of earthy hues, painted by the setting sun and their shadows bathed the valley in a serene darkness. All was silent, except for the rushing Toyta River and the gentle evening breeze. Jaashu once thought he heard some sort of bird, but he saw no such creature.
	"I'm wondering," Bronn said, "should we stop here for tonight or go on to Shandis?"
	Jaashu sniffed the air. "If we stay here, dude, we'll have to find a cave or something. It's gonna rain."
	Jaashu scanned his surroundings carefully. Everything was falling into tones of gray, from the coming darkness of night and the formation of clouds. It would not be easy to find a cave from a distance.
	"There." Bronn said, pointing forward.
	About 150 feet away, a orange light glowed at the base of one of the canyon walls.
	"Looks like fire light." Jaashu said.
	"Yes," Bronn replied, "there must be a cave there. We should check it out."
	The cavern was lit by a large central campfire. Opposite the entrance was an opening to a tunnel. Only a couple feet of this tunnel was visible, past that was total darkness. All that could be sensed through the shadows was the dripping of distant stalactites. The lit cavern in which they stood lacked such formations and its red rock walls were relatively smooth. Past or present, this cavern had been used as a habitat and, based upon the healthy size of the flames, someone had been there very recently. 
	"I don't get it, dude. Why would someone live in the canyon like this, when Shandis isn't even that far away?"
	"Hard to say," Bronn said. "Criminal. General social outcast. Maybe they just like living away from the crowds. Afterall, Toyta Manor isn't exactly mid-town, Jaash."
	"Heh. Right as usual."
	Jaashu’s eyes, fueled by the mystery of the situation, surveyed the cavern. The dirt of the cavern's floor was too hard to leave any real footprints. There were also no belongings about the campfire. Whoever was living here did not leave much in the way of clues. He was surprised, though, when he spotted something on the wall near the tunnel entrance. Why had he not noticed it before?
	"What is it, Jaash?" Bronn asked.
	Jaashu ran his fingers over the hilt of the weapon stuck in the wall. "It's a dagger. Nice one, too. It has a gem or something in it." Jaashu started to pull out the dagger, but Bronn pulled away Jaashu's paw.
	"We are not thieves," Bronn said, "best to leave it where it is."
	Jaashu shrugged. "Yeah, guess so. Hey, dude, look at this." Jaashu pointed to the wall just below the dagger, where some letters had been carved.
	"GJ," Bronn read.
	"GJ must be the one who owns the dagger!" The loud exclamation echoed down the dark tunnel.
	"You better hope that person is friendly. If he is anywhere further in, he knows we're here now."
	"Hehheh, whoops. But, hey, who's says its a 'he'. Maybe its... oh, I know... Ganya Jennon. She followed me all the way here. I knew she wanted me."
	"The tailor's daughter? She doesn't even like getting dust on her boots. You have to be joking, Jaash."
	"Ha! I'll have you know, dude, when I was still living in Nejaak I had to beat the girls off with a mace. It wouldn't surprise me if Ganya..."
	Bronn held up his left hand. "Quiet. Hear that?" whispered Bronn.
	Through the dark tunnel, a voice echoed. "Who's there?"
	In the depths of the shadows, a faint torch light appeared. Based upon the size of the light, the torch holder was about a fair distance away.
	"You speak not? Fools!" exclaimed the speaker, in as gruff and intimidating a tone as he  could muster. This was followed by the sound of running footfalls. "Prepare to face my wra..." The words were cut off by a loud thud and an emphatic "Owww!" The torch, which had flown from the holder's hands, landed a short ways from the tunnel entrance.
	Jaashu and Bronn looked at each other and nodded. "Let's go to Shandis." Bronn said.
	It seemed like a good idea but as soon as they stepped back outside, impressively loud thunder filled the sky. By the time they reached the Blue Crystal Inn in Shandis, both Jaashu and Bronn were thoroughly drenched.
	The dark wooden interior was inviting but expected. To the right was a large room with a fireplace and a few chairs and tables. Just ahead was the front counter, bordering the counter and the left wall was a narrow stairway. Behind the front counter, a middle-aged armadillo zoanoid stood, patiently awaiting his next customers. The innkeeper gave the dripping travelers a greetings and a strange look upon their entering. Nothing was unusual about the inn. Nothing, except for a large fragment of blue quartz, anout two feet tall, which rested atop the counter within a glass box. Jaashu was compelled to take a closer look. He stepped up to the counter, after which he felt his fingers instinctively drawn to the case itself.
	"No touching!" the innkeeper yelled.
	"Sorry, dude," Jaashu said, pulling back his head, "I wasn't goin' to steal it or anything. I just wanted a closer look. It's so neat."
	"'Neat' it is," replied the innkeeper, "it has been passed through my line for as long as anyone can remember. Its the very namesake of this establishment. Largest successfully mined piece of crystal in the islands, it is."
	"Very impressive," Bronn said, "I'm surprised I have not heard of it before"
	"Me too," the innkeeper said, "I get visitors from all over who come just to see the crystal."
	Jaashu looked about, noticing the place was empty. "You do?"
	"Just don't get as much business when its stormin' like this," said the innkeeper, "you know? Not the safest weather for travelling. Only five draaks for a room. Whaddaya say?"
	“Hey, dude, that’s not bad, right?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn eyed Jaashu sternly but did not say a word. Bronn untied a pouch from his belt, removed a gold coin, and slapped it onto the counter.
	All was silent. Several minutes later, When they were sitting at a table near the fireplace in the room adjoining the lobby, Bronn spoke. 
	“You never learned much about the value of a draak, did you?” Bronn asked.
	Jaashu had been entranced by the dancing of the flames, so the sudden question had caught him off guard, as did the question’s content. “I don’t... why do you ask?”
	Bronn looked back to make sure the keeper was out of earshot. “That innkeeper is taking advantage of the stormy weather,” Bronn said quietly, “five draaks is far too much for a place like this.”
	“Really?” Jaashu asked as he took off his bandana. “Dad’s place cost fifteen a day...”
	Bronn simply returned a knowing stare.
	“Okay, dude, I get your point.” Jaashu said with a slight laugh. As he made a futile attempt to wring the moisture out of his bandanna, he added, in a more serious tone, “you know, I never asked to have a famous, wealthy father. I mean, it is nice and I am grateful to have what I have, but it isn’t easy. Virtually everyone at school envied what I have and hated me for it. All my life, I’ve been known as Jaani Viper’s son and you know somethin’, I’m goin’ to have to work damn hard if I ever want my own musical career.”
	“Just never forget, Jaash,” Bronn said, “that others do not have as much... and never overlook the greatest treasures you possess.”
	Jaashu was not exactly sure what Bronn meant by that last part, but he had no desire to remain on the whole “rich kid” topic so he nodded pensively and did not ask.
	Retying his bandanna, Jaashu said, “One thing’s for sure, I am not setting a foot outside until this storm stops.”
	Bronn smiled.
	Jaashu sighed, as he attempted to squeeze the water out of his tail. “I mean an occasional bath is fine, but it’s like a monsoon out there. I’m uncomfortable and I know I stink.”
	“At least there is a warm fireplace. If...”
	Bronn’s words were interrupted by the thunderous bang of the tavern’s front door swinging open. Silhouetted against the pouring rain, a large rhino zoanoid stood.
	“Be careful with that door!” the innkeeper exclaimed, “I don’t want to replace it again!”
	“Oh... umm... sorry, Mister Sabbul, I just came to see if...” spoke the rhino.
	The innkeeper said with a growl, “Shut the door first, I do not want the rain to get in here.”
	“I don’t think you got ta worry ‘bout that,” the rhino said, “I... um... think rain clouds got to stay outside.” The rhino slammed the door closed, nearly knocking it off its hinges.
	The innkeeper slapped a paw to his forehead and asked, through grinding teeth, “What... is it.. you want?”
	“Oh, yeah,” the rhino responded, scratching his head, “I... um... oh... did you see a mongoose in here?”
	The innkeeper stretched out his shaking right arm and extended his index finger towards the fireplace.
	The rhino stared through squinting eyes toward the room. “Thanks!” he exclaimed when he finally saw Jaashu.
	The seismic footfalls of the approaching zoanoid were more than enough to get Jaashu’s attention.
	“Rocky?!” Jaashu exclaimed.
	“Hey, J!” Rocky replied, “It’s been a real long time, huh?”
	“I know, dude. How d’ya know we were here?”
	“Yeah,” Rocky said, “um... Dad... he said he seen a... mongoose come into town and you the only mongoose I know so I thought maybe... so... umm... why you here?”
	“We’re in the adventuring biz now,” Jaashu proudly stated.
	“‘We?’” Rocky asked confused. Suddenly he noticed Bronn and looked slightly less confused.
	“You must be Brunn, J writes ‘bout you all the time.”
	“It’s, um, Bronn, actually.” Bronn said. 
	“Oh, ya changed your name,” Rocky said, “that’s cool.”
	Knowing Bronn might say something to embarrass Rocky, Jaashu quickly jumped in. 
	“We’re in the middle of a journey to Vulcan City.” Jaashu stated.
	“Why ya goin’ there?” Rocky asked.
	“Treasure.” Jaashu answered.
	“Alleged treasure.” corrected Bronn.
	“Ya ask me,” Rocky said, “you should look for that treasure somewhere else. I hear Vulcan’s big and dangerous.”
	“We didn’t choose where...” Bronn began, but Jaashu interrupted.
	“Hey, dude, you want to come with?” Jaashu asked.
	Rocky sighed. “Totally wish I could, J, but Dad needs my help. He’s been workin’ on gettin’ a deal with the Guard and if it works out, we’re goin’ to be spendin’ lots of time at the forge. I should prob’ly be gettin’ back there now, even.”
	“Maybe next time then, dude.” Jaashu said. “It was nice to see you again.”
	“Totally, J,” Rocky replied, “oh... yeah... um... if you need anything for your adventures, just come by.”
	“We appreciate the offer,” Bronn said, “but we prefer to travel light.”
	“That’s cool,” Rocky said, “good luck on that treasure. And when you find the ledge its on, be careful, the buildings in Vulcan are tall... I think.”
	“We will, dude,” Jaashu said hastily. “We’ll probably be back through on the way home... hopefully with that treasure.”
	“See ya then.” Rocky said.
	After Rocky’s cacophonous departure from the tavern, Bronn looked at Jaashu and asked, “Did Rocky ever... fall on his head when he was younger?”
	“I think he did mention that...” Jaashu said, but stopped when he realized the true nature of Bronn’s question. “Okay, dude I get it. So Rocky’s not the brightest torch on the wall, but he’s one heck of a drummer and, from what I’ve read in the scrolls he’s sent me, he’s goin’ to be a great blacksmith. And imagine if he was in the Hyndesian Guard, Alkon Kano himself would run and hide.”
	Bronn laughed. “There’s more to being a knight of the Guard than just brute force, Jaash. You have to use your head to figure out the best choice of action in an emergency or a tense situation. Sometimes, you even have to solve mysteries.”
	 “Sounds sort of like we we’ve been doin’ the past couple weeks.” Jaashu observed.
	“I guess it does,” Bronn said.
	The subject of Rocky did not come up again that night, but Jaashu still was a bit unsettled. He had always seen Bronn as a paragon of virtue, but Bronn’s attitude about Rocky had been blatantly condescending and even insulting. Proof again, Jaashu did not know Bronn as well as he had thought. Maybe he would never fully understand that bear.

Flames: 7

	“It’s gone!” the innkeeper screamed.
	What a rude awakening, Jaashu thought. At first he figured it was just a dream, but the innkeeper’s voice continued and he sounded quite upset.
	Jaashu rubbed his eyes and looked around. The sun had barely risen and very little light filled the room. Bronn was still fast asleep, he could hear the snoring. Bronn could probably sleep through anything. Seeing no reason to wake his friend up, Jaashu quietly put on his vest and slipped through the door and down the stairs.
	Behind the counter, he found the innkeeper crying. Looking at the large glass case he saw why: the crystal was not there.
	“Dude, where’s the crystal?” Jaashu asked, though he knew the innkeeper likely did not know.
	“I-I have no idea,” the innkeeper sobbed, “why would someone... want it... it’s... no shop in Hyndesia would b-buy it. Everyone knows that crystal is mine.”
	“Maybe the thief does not intend to sell it.” Bronn said.
	Jaashu looked back. “Oh, you’re awake.”
	Bronn’s eyes moved across the lobby. “Did you lock the front door?”
	“Of course,” the innkeeper answered wearily, “and the case. I keep the keys upstairs in my dresser.”
	Bronn nodded. “As I suspected, this was a professional. Both locks were picked.”
	“How do you know?” Jaashu asked.
	“There is no damage to the door or the case.” Bronn said.
	The innkeeper wiped his face with a handkerchief. “He was obviously in a hurry, then. When I came down here, the key shelves had been knocked over and the room keys were all over the floor.”
	“Sounds like a clumsy professional.” Jaashu remarked.
	Bronn rubbed his chin. “I wonder...”
	Suddenly, the door swung open and in stepped an armor-clad squirrel zoanoid. It was a member of the Hyndesian Guard. Shandis, like most Hyndesian cities, probably had its own division.
	“They struck here, too, I see.” the guard said. “Could you come with me, Mister Sabbul? The captain needs any information you might have.”
	“Other people were robbed?” Jaashu asked.
	“I am not at liberty to reveal... too many details,” the guard said, “but it seems the thief has a definite M.O. Only objects that contained gem or crystal were stolen. Mostly jewelry. By the way... I do not believe I have seen you two around here before.”
	“I’m Jaashu Sarino,” Jaashu proclaimed, “and he’s Bronn Skyler.”
	“Jaashu Sarino, huh?” the guard pondered.
	“Yes,” the innkeeper said, “Jaashu’s a friend of Cerannum. Him and Bronn spent the night here.” 	
	“A friend of Rocky’s?” the guard asked. “Is he... yes, that is where I have heard the name...”
	Jaashu did not like the way this was headed. “Um, dude, aren’t you in the middle of an invest...”
	The guard did not pay any attention to his words. “You’re Jaani Viper’s son!” the guard exclaimed.
	“Seriously, dude,” Jaashu said, “we got to find out where this thief...”
	“Wow,” interjected the guard, still oblivious to Jaashu’s talking. “Me and my family are Jaani’s biggest fans, especially my little brother. Jaani really is the Behemoth of Bards, you know...”
	Before Jaashu, Bronn, the innkeeper, and the guard reached the captain in the town square, Jaashu was asked for a hand shake, begged for Jaani Viper’s autograph, and posed a number of rumor-inspired questions.
	Jaashu managed to keep a fake smile on his face, even though he was far from happy. “I’ll tell you what I tell all my friends,” Jaashu said, “Jaani does not normally bite the legs off of spiders. That’s just an act. The ones he has on stage are just candy, I think... maybe enchanted.”
	“Does he really drink only snake venom?” the guard asked.
	“Nope, dude, I don’t think he’s ever drunk any snake venom.”
	“Sleeps in a coffin?”
	“Nope.”
	“Bathes in blood?”
	“Nope, dude, all just rumors that were started for his public image. My father really is a relatively normal guy, sometimes downright dull.”
	The guard’s face became stiff for a moment but then a smile spread and he nodded. “Oh, I get it. You’re joking. Hehheh. You almost had me.”
	It had become apparent that there was no point in trying to break the guard’s ridiculous delusions. “Yes, you got me,” Jaashu said dryly, “I am the spawn of a demonic vampire mongoose.”
	“Ha,” exclaimed the guard. “I knew it!”
	Jaashu’s nodded and, fortunately, the guard remained quiet until they came to his captain.
	The Shandisian Captain of the Guard was a ferret zoanoid. Unlike the relatively plain armor of the other guards, the captain’s was trimmed with gold and various decorative symbols. As tense as the current situation must of been for him, the captain looked very calm and confident.
	“Another robbery, Lieutenant Tross?” the captain asked.
	“Yes, sir,” answered the squirrel guard with a firm nod. “Sabbul’s crystal.”
	“I suspected as much,” responded the captain, “this rockhound thief would not have struck Shandis without taking one of the most notable rocks in Hyndesia. Mister Sabbul, did you hear or see anything?”
	As the innkeeper began to speak, Jaashu found himself bored with the discussion. His attention instead turned to his surroundings. Shandis was a rather small town. They stood in the town square, which was not much of a square as it was all uncovered ground. The canyon side of the square was open to the canyon but surrounding the square on the remaining  three sides were most of the town’s buildings. 
	Outside their homes and shops, people stood speaking in hushed tones with members of the Guard. Above the quiet sounds of activity, Jaashu heard an odd sound. He could not explain it, for he had never heard anything like it before, nor was he sure where it had come from. The question of where was answered when citizens and guards alike began to form a group at the far end of the square, in front of Sabbul’s inn.
	Characteristically curious, Jaashu headed toward the crowd and, by the sound of the footsteps behind him, the others followed. The cause of the disruption? A raccoon zoanoid standing atop the roof of the inn.
	“Great, now that I have all of your attention.” the raccoon said cheerfully. “Ladies and gentlebeasts, today you are in for a special surprise. Before you stands none other than Geon Jardin, King of Thieves, the greatest performer in all of Hyndesia.”
	The raccoon held up a large bag. “I have here in my hand the most valuable rocks in this town.”
	Whispers of shock and dismay filled the crowd.
	“What are you waiting for!” the captain shouted. “Archers, ready your bows!”
	“For my next and final trick I shall make these rocks and myself vanish. Farewell, Shandis, you have been a great audience!” Geon was suddenly surrounded by glowing light.
	“Fire!!” exclaimed the captain.
	Through the air, arrows soared but they struck nothing: Geon Jardin had, true to his word, vanished.
	The crowd was silent with shock for but a moment and then rumors and hypotheses explaining the situation began to spread. Some were saying Geon must be a magician. Others claimed he was a demon. Still others said that Geon must have opened some hole between the physical and astral planes. Though the conclusions were vastly different, the end result was the same for all. Everyone, including the guards, was caught up in heated chatter; everyone, except Jaaahu and one other.
	“Psst, Jaash.” Bronn whispered.
	Jaashu looked back at Bronn who gestured his head pointedly away from the crowd. Jaashu nodded.
	Once they had walked about halfway across the square, they stopped and Bronn began to speak.
	“Something is very wrong, here.” Bronn said.
	“Yeah, dude,” Jaashu said, “that thief just disappeared with everyone’s stuff.”
	“I meant unusual, not unjust, but the reason you stated is also the reason this is unusual.”
	“Come again?”
	“Geon Jardin is notorious, notorious for being a laughably bad thief. He’s a bumbling, clumsy oaf. Most of the time, the guards do not even bother to catch him.” Bronn said.
	“Then how...”
	“Either that’s not Geon,” Bronn said, or...”
	“Or?”
	“Or he used magic. I had thought they were a legend, but I believe he has a pair of warp crystals. He places one in a spot and holds on to the other. Anytime he wants, he can warp to the location of the first crystal.”
	“So wherever that crystal is...” Jaashu began.
	“That’s where Geon is. Fortuantely, we know exactly where that is.”
	“We do?”
	“It would likely be somewhere nearby... a hideout for Geon Jardin, a thief with the initials, G.J.”
	“G.J.? Dude, the cave, in the canyon! The crystal must be in the handle of the dagger.”
	Jaashu had turned to head back towards the crowd but his arm was grabbed by Bronn. 
	“Hey, dude, what ya doin’?!” Jaashu exclaimed looking back.
	“We should not tell the guards.” Bronn said.
	Jaashu pulled his arm free. “Someone’s got to catch that thief, we know where he is.”
	“If Geon sees a bunch of guards coming towards the cave, he’ll split... with the loot!”
	“Hmm,” Jaashu said, “you got a point. But if the guards don’t catch him, then who...”
	Bronn stared quietly at Jaashu and folded his arms.
	Jaashu laughed. “You can’t be serious! Adventurin’ is one thing, but, dude, we ain’t crimefighters.”
	“What if stopping an infamous criminal is an adventure.”
	“Um, yeah, dude, we are sorta in the middle of an adventure. Remember the treasure?” Jaashu asked, gesturing excitedly.
	Bronn tilted his head back and tapped his chin. “It seems to me you cannot very well go to Vulcan by your self.”
	“Fine.” Jaashu said with a sigh.”Now I know how you must feel most of the time.”
	“Nope,” Bronn, said with a smile, “you’re usually worse.”
	“Not. Funny.”
	Jaashu and Bronn did not stay in Shandis long but Jaashu made sure to say farewell to Rocky before they left.
	Though the sun was bright and the sky was mostly clear, evidence of the previous day’s storm was scattered throughout the canyon in the form of large puddles. 
	Carefully, Jaashu and Bronn made their way toward the cave. After they crossed the bridge over the river, Bronn turned and began to walk along the river.
	“Are we not doing this then?” Jaashu asked, following Bronn.
	“We’re still going into the cave,” Bronn said, “but we can’t approach it straight on. We must go down a bit, then go up to the cliff and follow it down to the cave. We sneak in from the side.
	“Um, dude, you sure you’ve never been a guard?” Jaashu asked.
	“I guess I have a knack for this,” Bronn said, “And to answer your question, Jaash, no.” Bronn added faintly. “Not yet.”
	Bronn’s strategy, though well-thought out, turned out to be totally unnecessary.
	“No one’s here. There’s not even a fire.” Jaashu said as they stepped into the cave.
	“When we were here yesterday,” Bronn said, “we heard someone within that tunnel, remember?”
	“That tunnel that leads to complete darkness?” Jaashu asked. “Silly me, why didn’t I think of that? I don’t need light to see, I have night vision... no, wait... I don’t!”
	“We need a torch, of course.” Bronn said matter-of-factly. A vexed look on Bronn’s face suggested Jaashu’s sarcasm was uncalled for.
	“For a torch we’d need wood and this is sort of a big rocky canyon. Not a lot trees.”
	“There are some trees,” Bronn said, “but the trees around here are very tough, I don’t have the right sort of cutting tools. The whole tunnel thing was a bad idea, now that I think of it.”
	“Great,” Jaashu said, “so let’s go.”
	“On the contrary, Jaash, my plan is to stay and wait. If I am not mistaken, there is only one entrance to this cave... and one exit. Geon eventually has to leave, when he does, we stop him.”
	“Waiting?!” Jaashu exclaimed. “That’s your plan?! That’s not adventurin’, dude, that’s just plain boring!”
	Bronn shrugged.
	“Don’t worry, Jaashu,” a familiar voice said, “I never like to keep my company waiting.”
	Out of the shadows of the tunnel, Geon Jardin appeared, bag of loot in hand.
	“Either you are the mongoose and bear I was s’pose to look out for,” Geon said, “or you are two random spelunkers who match their descriptions exactly. Hmm... I don’t know, I think I’m leaning towards the former.”
	Bronn looked at Jaashu and shot him a quick wink, though Jaashu was unsure what he meant exactly. Chances were, Bronn had another one of his plans and, as always, Jaashu’s best bet was to follow along.
	Bronn eyed Geon thoughtfully. “You are suppose to look out for us? I would say that is about right. Weak frame. Not very tall. Probably not too smart. Yep. We would crush you.”
	“Excuse me?!” Geon exclaimed. “You... but... you are two no-name... losers! I am the King of Thieves... KING OF THIEVES! Don’t you get that? A hundred guards ain’t a match for me. ”
	Bronn folded his arms and said knowingly, “But a single bear is a match.”
	“Right... I mean... no! Quit trying to confuse me!” Geon exclaimed.
	Jaashu was unsure what Bronn’s plan was but, so far, he was enjoying it.
	“If you were a real beast, you would fight me one-on-one,” Bronn said, “but we both know that beneath the whole thief gimmick, you’re just a scared cub.”
	“Me? Scared to fight you?” asked Geon with a laugh. “I know the dirtie... best fighting moves on Sorska. I’m not afraid of anyone.”
	Bronn slowly spoke two words. “Prove. It.”
	Geon set the bag down by the tunnel and boldly strode up to Bronn. The two stood mere inches apart. Normally, Jaashu would have tried to break it up, but there were two reasons he did not. One, Jaashu knew it was part of Bronn’s plan. Two, even if Bronn were to actually fight Geon, Bronn would literally crush Geon. Geon was a fool not to see it.
	“I will hit you so hard,” Bronn threatened through his fangs, “that you will go down that tunnel. The one. over. there. Ahem!”
	“I know where the tunnel is!” Geon exclaimed. “Quit stalling your demise!”
	Bronn’s comment seemed out of place, but when Jaashu looked to the tunnel, the plan made perfect sense.
	“The bag.” Jaashu whispered to himself.
	Geon was completed absorbed in the stare down with Bronn, so Jaashu sneaked over to the bag and quietly lifted it. There he waited for Bronn’s next move.
	“I am ready.” Bronn stated. “I will mangle you, I will break you, but before that... I will grab you and my friend will undo your only successful job.”
	Geon’s looked confused. “What did you just say?” Geon’s eyes suddenly grew wide as he realized his error.
	Geon looked at the tunnel, but before he could react, Bronn wrapped his large ursine arms around Geon, lifting the hapless thief off the cavern floor. Taking the cue, Jaashu sprinted towards the cavern exit with the bag as fast he could. 
	“Run to Shandis, Jaash!” Bronn exclaimed. “I’ll take care of things here!”
	Jaashu nodded and ran out of the cave and towards Shandis.
	“Let... me... go.” Geon demanded as his he continued a futile wriggling.
	“Fine.” Bronn said as he dropped Geon.
	“Been nice doing business with you, Your Majesty.” mocked Bronn as he walked towards the exit.
	As soon as he got to his feet, Geon charged Bronn with his dagger but before the weapon made contact, Bronn spun around and uppercut Geon. On the floor, Geon laid, completely unconscious.
	“So, sorry about that,” Bronn said, looking down at the fallen bandit. “I do feel bad. Ah, I will send the guards over to keep you company.” And with a bow, he added. “Fare thee well.”  
Jaashu returned to a joyous crowd in Shandis. Strangely, though, they were
celebrating before they had seen him holding the bag. It was as though they had been expecting his return with their property. The question was how, a question that was soon answered.
	Someone stood amongst the crowd who he had not noticed before: a griffin. The griffin had white feathers on his head and brown feathers on his wings and forearms. His tawny leonine body was well-built, even by griffin standards. His outfit was entirely in green and gold, Hyndesia’s national colors, which Jaashu would have considered coincidence were it not for the Hyndesian flag design on the griffin’s jerkin.
	“Did I not tell you?” The griffin asked the crowd joyfully. “Here is your stolen property. This is the fan of mine I mentioned. Wanted to help his hero out, so I let him carry the bag back to town.”
	Jaashu was both a little bit angry and very confused. “What? Huh? Who are you?!”
	The griffin looked about the crowd and laughed. “Mister Sarino has always had a sense of humor. I am, of course, Gryph Griffin, the Hero of Hyndesia... any epic poets and bards present should write this down... I have saved this great land from many a peril and now I have captured the most terrifying thief in our history.”
	“But Geon is...” Jaashu begin.
	“Yes, yes, yes, my little friend, worry not. Hehheh. He will not escape that cave, guards have been dispatched. Gryph Griffin has everything in control.”
	Not much later, Bronn arrived.
	“Who is he?” Bronn asked Jaashu.
	“Remember I told you about Byph Griffin, from school,” Jaashu said, “I think that’s his dad. And, oh yeah, he apparently is the ‘Hero of Hyndesia’. I have heard about Gryph many times, but I thought he was just a bard’s tale, a myth, no, he’s real and, oh yeah, he just stopped Geon Jardin and got the people’s stuff back.”
	“What?!” Bronn exclaimed. “We were the ones who stopped Geon.”
	“Yeah, dude,” Jaashu said, “that’s what I thought.”
	Bronn attempted to speak to Gryph about the matter but Bronn was unnoticed as the crowd was chanting Gryph’s name. After Gryph and his fans proceeded into Sabul’s inn to celebrate, Jaashu and Bronn resumed their conversation.
	“Okay, dude, how did Gryph even know what we were doing?” Jaashu asked. “I didn’t see him around. He must have had a spyglass with him.”
	“Oh, he did,” Bronn said, “two of them... in his head. See, Jaash, griffins have extraordinary eyesight. Gryph could have been standing at the river, or maybe further, and still watching what was going on in the cave. He doesn’t have above average hearing, but for the situation, that wasn’t really necessary. Once he saw you leaving with the bag and me knocking out Geon, he flew to Shandis and made up some story where he was the hero.”
	“It’s not fair!”
	Bronn shrugged. “There’s not a whole lot we can do about it. No way to prove what really happened. Rocky would believe us, but that’s probably it. Anyway, Jaash, you’re doing this adventure thing for the fun and excitement, not the glory. Right?”
	Jaashu sighed. “Right.”
	“Let’s get to the inn, say goodbye, and get going. We’ve got to get to Vulcan City and find that treasure. What do ya say, Jaash?”
	“As always, dude, totally with you.”
	No one seemed to care much about Bronn and Jaashu’s departure, except for Rocky and Lieutenant Tross. Jaashu was satisfied that the quest was finally going to continue. Out of Shandis and south of the canyon they headed. 
	“Next stop,” Bronn announced, “the Salamander Peninsula.”

Flames: 8

Most thought it to be just a legend: the Cumulus Kingdom, a castle city sitting atop a 
cloud. Magicians could fly using magic, but there was far too much sky to search. There were rumors that the dragons knew of the castle’s location, for they had been in Hyndesia longer than zoanoids or griffins. And then there was one who was not from Sorska who had spent his long life studying the land. He knew of its location and had been waiting for the time to make his move. That time had come.
	As soon as the red cloaked figure stepped through the kingdom’s front gate, his progress was halted by two armor clad griffins.
	“Halt!” exclaimed one of the griffins. “Who goes there?”
	“I need no name,” the stranger said, “I am simply the sorceror who your king is expecting.”
	“Alright,” grumbled the other griffin, “his Majesty did mention you. Be fortunate that you know him, we have a tendency to rid this kingdom of strangers from below.”
	“I am certainly a stranger,” the sorceror said, “and I am definitely from below, but I am completely on your side. You shall see.”
	Through the kingdom and into the castle, the sorceror followed the griffin guards. There was plenty of grand architecture to be admired, but the sorceror had seen architecture far more grand and definitely more bizarre.
	In the throne room, the three arrived. They were greeted by a boar zoanoid who sat slouching in a throne with cyan upholstery and a frame trimmed with platinum.
	“You’re excused.” the boar said.
	The two griffins, who had been kneeling, stood stiffly and exited the throne room.
	“So,” the boar said with a snort, “you are the sorceror.”
	“Indeed,” the sorceror said, “and you are Cyrus Klone, ruler of the legendary Cumulus Kingdom. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
	“Let’s get to the point. Why ya here?”
	“I seek the assistance of your knight captain Zefro Lyghte.” the sorceror explained.
	The king did not protest or even directly respond. He simply summoned a guard, who led the sorceror down a series of halls and into a tower. With a nod, the guard walked away.
	Unlike most towers, which were divided into separate floors, this tower was one single round room from roof to floor. What was more unusual was the decor: nearly every bit of wall was covered with mirrors. 
	About halfway up the tower, the sorceror saw the form of a griffin, standing atop a wall-mounted eagle sculpture. Into the air, the griffin leaped and, quiet as a whisper, touched down upon the floor.
	The griffin’s fur was a pale tawny; his feathers, an azure blue; and his eyes, a stormy gray. He was dressed in platinum-trimmed armor, a minimal outfit that consisted simply of a few sections of plating. 
	“You must be Zefro Lyghte.” the sorceror said.
	“Please,” the griffin replied, “I prefer my knight name.”
	“And that would be?”
	“Sir Zef the Perfect,” answered the griffin proudly, an aquiline hand upon his chest.
	“I am here to...”
	“You need not say more,” interrupted Zef, “you are here for the same reason everyone wishes to find the Cumulus Kingdom.”
	“And that would be?”
	“To acquire my assistance,” Zef said. “I am handsome, strong, and intelligent. I am the most formidable being on Sorska. There is not a male who does not want me for his comrade or a female who does not want me for her... haha... mate.”
	And, thus, their conversation continued. The sorceror spent what seemed like hours listening to Zef’s egomaniacal prattle but it was not for naught, for he managed to persuade Zef’s assistance and that was all that was needed.
	“A bit of a wind bag he is,” the sorceror said to himself after exiting the kingdom gates, “but, I suppose, that is... appropriate for the situation. The important thing is: I have succeeded. All four pawns are in play. Now it is simply a waiting game. You may be lucky, Jaashu, but the forces of nature will destroy you. Now it is my move and I think I will be taking your magician, Hyndesia.”

Flames: 9

Two primary geographical regions made up the Salamander Peninsula: the 
volcanic Vesvus Mountains and the desolate valley that stretched between them. Above, the sky was darkened with smoky clouds. Below, the ground was flat, smooth rock as far as one could see, with one exception. Atop a small plateau stood Vulcan City, Hyndesia’s third largest city and their destination.
	Traversing the valley to Vulcan City was not very challenging at all, but it was tedious and boring. Perhaps if one of the volcanos erupted, Jaashu would have something to watch, but there were no eruptions in sight. At one point, Jaashu watched a griffin fly through the air towards the city, but that did not last long. Conversation was Jaashu’s only option.
	“Do you think we’ll find the treasure in Vulcan?” Jaashu asked.
	“You know, Jaash,” Bronn said, “I am not sure. The diamond spirit’s clues seem to point to Vulcan, but that is not much more than a hunch.”
	“Where else could it be?” wondered Jaashu.
	“‘Throne of flames’ could mean a lot of things. Maybe the clue is referring to the throne of Hyndesia in Firetowne. The city does have fire in its name.”
	“Yeah, dude, but I heard its named that cause it was founded during a brightly colored sunset. There ain’t really any flames there, beside the normal torches and stuff.”
	“We do not even know the treasure is in Hyndesia,” Bronn said, “the clues could be referring to someplace very hot. Maybe the Yurooq Desert in Arto or the Malinjamo Plains in Nchikali. All things considered, though, if the treasure exists and that spirit was honest, Vulcan City is the most likely place.”
	They were both quite confident of their choice in destination, but discussing the diamond’s riddle gave them both something to do and it did seem to make the travel less of a burden until they finally arrived at the gates to Vulcan.
	“Finally here.” Bronn said.
	“So, dude, where to first?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn extended a finger forward towards the horizon. At first Jaashu did not understand what Bronn was pointing at, but then he saw it: a tall black spire that rose much higher than any other building in the city.
	“The Shanquorox Tower,” Bronn said, “it is the tallest building in the city and the best place to get a vantage point of Vulcan.”
	“Oh, the magic tower that protects Vulcan City during eruptions. I visited it years ago. ”
	“Yes,” Bronn replied, “its on the northern edge of the city, so we should get moving.”
	The cobblestone streets of Vulcan City were busy and crowded. Neither of them was fazed by this, however, as Jaashu and Bronn had previously lived most of their lives in the first and second largest cities in Hyndesia, respectively. When they reach a large square, however, the crowding became more noticeable. Many people, citizens and guards were standing outside a large stone building.
	“Dude, I know that place,” said Jaashu, “this is the Red Dungeon. It’s the hottest hangout on Sorska.”
	“Okay,” Bronn said, “but are there usually this many visitors on the outside?”
	“Hehheh. Yeah, I guess that is kinda weird, huh?”
	Bronn nodded. “I say we check it out.”
	“Why?”
	“Yes... uh... the treasure. This may be related to the treasure.”
	Jaashu followed Bronn to the front of the crowd where they were stopped by a guard.
	“Sorry,” the guard said, “the Red Dungeon is closed.”
	“That would explain everyone being outside, but, dude, why’s it closed?” Jaashu asked.
	“It’s unsafe,” the guard answered, “a bunch of thugs have taken over the place. Some wolf named Shark is in charge.”
	“Shouldn’t the guards be inside taking care of them, then?” Bronn asked.
	“Normally,” replied the guard, “but we are only sending in the best beasts in the Guard. These thugs have crossbows that’re practically automated. No one’s seen anything like them, not even with magic.”
	“Automated?” Bronn asked.
	“Yes,” the guard said, “they have two handles and this large round... container attached that holds dozens of bolts and… ah, I‘m not good at explaining. Trust me, though, it is way too dangerous in there.”
	“Is there anything we can do to help?” Bronn asked.
	The guard laughed. “I do not think so, this is no job for ordinary citizens, though there is a griffin in town... anyway, you had best move along.”
	“I guess we had better continue towards the tower. Just one thing.” Bronn said. Jaashu could not make out what Bronn then whispered to the guard but the guard’s eyes grew for a moment and then he nodded.
	“What was that about?” Jaashu asked, as they exited the square.
	“Nothing,” Bronn said, “you know, those crossbows... they’re design sounded familiar.”
	Jaashu decided to go along with the blatant subject change, the whisper was just going to have to be another Bronn mystery. “The guard seemed like they were something new.”
	“I am certain they are new,” Bronn said, “it is the concept I recognize.”
	“Dude, did you build one before?” Jaashu asked.
	“Not exactly, Jaash. Teore Benton...”
	“He’s your great grandfather who made clocks and stuff?”
	“Right,” Bronn replied, “he had a friend by the name of Tomalchus. Tomalchus was an avid hunter and he liked to design weaponry. Not just any weapons, however, weapons that incorporated clockwork and even majti.”
	“So, you think the crossbows that the goons in the Red Dungeon have were designed by this Tommy person?”
	“It seems that way, but... Tomalchus was imprisoned before any of his weapon ideas were produced. King Tyler thought that Tomalchus was going to form an army with the new weapons and overrun Hyndesia.”
	“Okay, dude, why would an inventor create an army to take over the country?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn shook his head. “I really do not know, it is like Tomalchus was framed or something... weird. The point is, Tomalchus died almost a century ago and, as far as I know, he never wrote his ideas down, they were just in his head.”
	“Tomalchus would have had to have told someone directly, then.” Jaashu said.
	“Right, but even if that individual was a cub at the time, he would probably be dead by now.”
	“Unless,” Jaashu said, “he was a dragon... or immortal... oh, a demon!”
	“Yes, Jaash,” Bronn said, “a demon gets ideas from an inventor, frames him, and then nearly a century later helps two-bit criminals raid a tavern.”
	Jaashu laughed. “I know, dude, I was just kidding... but that would make a great epic or a song! If I ever get back to my music, I gotta...”
	“Tomalchus automated crossbows.” Bronn said, pensively.
	“That’s just two long a name, dude. How ‘bout we just call them tommy bows.”
	Bronn laughed. “Tell me you’re joking again, Jaash.”
	At that moment they were passing an alley, from which an unfamiliar voice suddenly came.
	“Pardon me.” said the voice.
	Jaashu and Bronn stopped and turned to the alley. Through the shadows of the alley, a white rat zoanoid stepped. 
	“There you are.” said the rat.
	“Who are you?” Jaashu asked.
	“I am insulted that you do not remember me!” the rat exclaimed.
	“We have never met.” Bronn said.
	“I know,” the rat responded, “why haven’t you introduced yourselves?”
	Bronn tried to say something but he was so confused, all that came out were fragmented interjections.
	“I am Jaashu Sarino and he is Bronn Skyler.” Jaashu said.
	“I am Newton Q Zerde,” the rat said, “and I am sorry I confused your friend. Some people just don’t get surrealistic humor.”
	“Newton Q Zerde, the scholar?” Bronn asked gruffly.
	“No,” answered Newton, “Newton Q Zerde the serial killer.”
	“O...kay, dude.” Jaashu said, “I think we gotta go.”
	“I think he was being sarcastic, Jaash.” Bronn said.
	“So, then, the ursine is not all muscle,” Newton said, “though I have got to question his having a fashion sense, what with that clock necklace. Ugh!”
	“For your information,” Bronn said, through exposed fangs, “my great grandfather designed it, it is called a watch, and one day everyone will wear them. This is in pendant form until I can create a smaller version that can be kept in the pocket or, possibly, worn on the wrist.”	
	Newton clapped his hands. “Oh yes please, let me wear the miniature clock. I just have to look like a complete idiot.”
	Jaashu started to laugh but Bronn shot him an angry look.
	“Come on, Bronn!” exclaimed Jaashu. “He’s just joking.”
	“Is there a reason you are talking to us.” Bronn said.
	“I saw you and the weasel and...”
	Jaashu’s eye began to twitch. “W-what d-did you just say?”
	“Not so funny now, is he, Jaash.” Bronn whispered.
	“I take it you are not a weasel, then,” Newton said, “Ferret? Mink? Marten?”
	By now, Jaashu was quivering with anger. “I-I am a m-mongoose.”
	“Calm down, Jaash.” Bronn said gravely. “He did not know.”
	“What’s the big deal?” Newton asked. “I was just messing with him.”
	“I wouldn’t,” Bronn said, “the last person to call him a weasel... to make a long story short, ended up with broken ribs.”
	For the first time, Newton looked quite serious. “Yikes.”
	“Yeah,” Bronn said, “Jaash doesn’t get angry easily and he does not look strong but, when he loses his temper, watch out.”
	“I didn’t mean anything, Jaashu,” Newton said, “I can tell you’re a mongoose, a viverrine, Herpestes nyula.”
	“What does that mean?” Jaashu asked, regaining his composure.
	“Um... yes... it is hyndic, for... ‘I know of your father’. Recognized your name, your Jaani Viper’s son. Everyone knows he’s a ‘goose zoanoid, so I knew you were.”
	“You were saying?” asked Bronn.
	“Right,” said Newton, “I saw you two and thought you looked like adventurers. I am thinking of heading to Mount Velgot but I am just a scholar and I do not think it would be safe for me to go alone.”
	“Why do you need to go to Mount Velgot?” asked Bronn.
	“I wanted to swim in some lava.” Newton replied. “Seriously, though, I was planning on doing some experiments there.”
	“Wish we could help, dude,” Jaashu said, “but we’re sorta looking for treasure in the city.”
	Newton sighed. “I guess I will find someone else to help. Too bad you cannot come, I have heard Mount Velgot is an impressive place. Do you know what they used to call it in hyndic? Drigu dir Nebus.”
	“Which means what?” Bronn asked.
	“Throne of Flames.” Newton answered.
	“That is actually,” Bronn said, “where the treasure is supposed to be.”
	Perhaps it was only coincidence, but Jaashu felt something strange, even foreboding, about the situation. Jaashu could not tell the source, but he suddenly felt as if a shadow had fallen upon him. For an instant, the memory of the golden being from his dream entered his mind. After that, however, all seemed normal.
	“Well, well, well,” Newton said, “it would seem we are all heading for the same place.”
	“I suppose it would be helpful to have an exploration party.” Bronn said.
	“But I think the party should wait until after you’ve found the treasure.” Newton said. “Otherwise, you have nothing to celebrate.”
	Jaashu laughed and Bronn once again looked annoyed.
	“Oh, come on, dude,” Jaashu said, “it was funny. Party as in group and party as in cele... ah, nevermind.”
	Bronn stepped forward so he was toe to toe with Newton.
	“We will allow you to come along, rat,” Bronn said, looking down at Newton, “but let me make one thing perfectly clear. If you harm one hair on my friend’s head... there will be nothing funny about what I do to you.”
	Newton’s only response was a nervous laugh.
	Though Jaashu appreciated Bronn’s protection, Bronn’s attitude towards Newton seemed strange. Did Bronn know something that Jaashu did not?
	Jaashu looked towards the northern horizon. “Mount Velgot doesn’t look too far. Not compared to the distance me and Bronn have gone.”
	“An accurate estimation,” Newton said, “however, I know of a way to make the distance much shorter. There is a magician not far from here, he does portals and such.”
	“I suppose that would be a great idea,” Bronn said, “rats have terrible endurance, especially ones who have spent their lives inside a dark laboratory dedicated entirely to books and scrolls.”
	Newton laughed. “Listen, fish breath, endurance does not have a thing to do with it. You had mentioned acquiring a certain treasure. It is reasonably possible that others know of said treasure and could be journeying to retrieve it. The quicker we get to the volcano, the greater the chance we shall arrive first.”
	“Leave it to a rat to lie, you’re just making up excuses,” Bronn said, “I know that...”
	“That’s it!” Jaashu exclaimed. “Stop fighting, both of you! You’re acting like cubs! You’re making me look mature and I don’t like that!”
	“He started it.” Newton said.
	“Did not.” Bronn replied.
	“Did too.”
	“Did not.”
	A growl from Jaashu caused the two to stop immediately.
	“We’re sorry, Jaash.” Bronn said. “We were just kidding.”
	“Y-Yes,” Newton added, “we were not really fighting, Jaashu.”
	Jaashu folded his arms. “Here is what is going to happen. We are going to the magician that Newton mentioned. The magician is going to create a portal to Mount Velgot. We will go through the portal, enter the volcano, and find that treasure. If I hear one more angry word from either of you, we are turning this party around and going home.”
	“Affirmative, Jaashu.” responded Newton.
	“Cool,” Jaashu said, “what’re we waitin’ for, dudes, let’s get our tails over to that volcano before some joker swipes our loot. By the way, Newt, I prefer J.”
	Newton led the way towards the magician. Jaashu walked beside Newton and Bronn followed behind.
	“So, Newt,” Jaashu whispered to Newton, “why are we taking a portal to Mount Velgot?”
	“I have absolutely no endurance,” Newton said quietly, “seriously, I am a total wimp. There are probably fruit flies with better constitution than me.”
	Newton led them down a street and an alley to a small cottage, which seemed out of place amongst the large buildings of Vulcan City. After Newton knocked upon the simple wooden door, it opened. In the doorway stood a fox zoanoid. 
	“Greetings,” said the fox, “may I help you?”
	“We would like a portal to Mount Velgot.” Newton said.
	The fox eyed the group carefully and then nodded. “Come in. It will be a few minutes, I just came here through a portal and I must wait until that portal closes. I do not have to, but I prefer not to have multiple portals open at once and… sorry I must be boring you.” 
	Bronn, Newton, and Jaashu followed the fox into a room with book-lined walls. In one corner of the room, a falcon was sleeping upon a perch. Several down-filled chairs were placed in the middle of the room.
	“Cool bird,” Jaashu said, looking at the falcon.
	“Thou art mistaken,” said the falcon, “I am warm enough.” The falcon returned to sleep.
	Jaashu jumped back. “Dude, it talked!”
	The fox laughed. “Yes, he is a normal bird in form, however, through the power of magic, he is just as intelligent as you or I... and he can talk. Pendragon is his name and he has been my familiar and my friend since I was a kit.”
	“A familiar.” Bronn said. “I had heard of familiars but have never met one in person.”
	“My favorite writer is a familiar,” Newton said, “Edgar Raven.”
	“Ah yes, the Duke of Vanderville’s familiar. I have met Edgar and he is quite a talented artist, more so than anyone I know.” the fox said. “Though we could likely talk on this subject for hours, I would much rather find out about your party and why you are headed for Mount Velgot, of all places. Please, everyone, have a seat.”
	Jaashu found the chairs were much more comfortable than the wood or stone chairs he was accustomed to.
	“I should start,” said the fox, “I am Magician Renard Forrester.”
	“Not the Renard Forrester?” Bronn asked.
	“Yes,” Renard humbly replied, “I am an Oyltam Hyndar.”
	“Oyltam... I know, that magician... council. I thought they’re all old, how can you be one?” Jaashu asked. “You’re, like, my age.”
	“I am a few years older,” Renard answered, “but, yes, I am the youngest Oyltam Hyndar.”
	“Shouldn’t you be in Arcaanu, at the Academy?” Jaashu asked.
	“Actually,” Renard said, “my castle is in the Roviczian countryside, I just work in Arcaanu. This year, however, I am on sabbatical, so I decided to spend some of my free time helping others across Hyndesia. But enough about me, what brings you here.”
	Jaashu told Renard their names and told of their journey, making sure not to leave out any details. Renard listened intently until the very end.
	“I see.” Renard said. “There are a couple minor details that... intrigue me.”
	“What would that be?” Bronn asked.
	“This Geon you spoke of, you are certain he was caught?” Renard asked.
	“He was with the Hyndesian Guard when we left Shandis.” answered Jaashu.
	“That is true,” added Bronn, “it is highly unlikely he could have escaped their custody and, yes, they did seize the transport crystals Jaash mentioned.”
	Renard nodded thoughtfully. “It is odd, though. Something similar to Shandis happened here just about a day ago. Some rich guy comes in here just before you saying a valuable diamond was stolen from him... what did he call it?... the White Flame. He wanted me to locate it with my magic. Of course, there was not much I could do since I have never actually seen it.”
	“It may sound silly,” Newton remarked, “but maybe since it’s a robbery, I don’t know, the Hyndesian Guard could figure it out. But you know, that’s just me talking crazy.”
	Renard did not look the least bit amused. “Normally, the matter would be turned over to the Guard but all day long they’ve been...”
	“Busy at the Red Dungeon.” interrupted Bronn.
	“What is it, dude?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn shook his head.
	“Regardless,” Renard said, “there is not much anyone can do about it now. There is another point of interest... you say the rat’s name is Newton?”
	“Newton Q Zerde, scholar of physics.” Newton said.
	“Yes, that is what I thought,” Renard said, “I had heard you died in a laboratory accident.”
	Newton’s face was frozen for a moment, but then he began to laugh. “What can I say, reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I was trying to make some gun powder to use for an experiment on force but there was a small explosion, I mean really minor. By the time all the criers and bards spread the news it became my whole lab blowing up and me dying.”
	Renard stared at Newton suspiciously.
	“Is something wrong Hyndar Forrester?” Bronn asked.
	“No, nothing important.” Renard replied. “Newton just seems a bit bizarre, but I should have expected that. They say most geniuses are... not totally there.”
	“Oh he’s right,” Newton said, “I’m always only partially here. Part of me is in Nejaak, and I think I lost a small piece out in the ocean somewhere.” 
	“Yes, hehheh, I suppose so.” Renard said. “There is another matter, Bronn. Your friend Jaashu, I sense that he...”
	Bronn shook his head.
	Renard nodded. “Ah, he deemed it not time, I shall not question his wisdom, but I do look forward to meeting you when the time arrives, Jaashu Sarino.”
	Jaashu did not know what to think. Renard was being more enigmatic than Bronn had ever been. There was no need to question Renard, though, if he was even a fraction as secretive as Bronn.
	“All right, then,” Renard said, as he clapped his hands together, “we have a portal to open.”
	They were led through the home’s back door and into a small but inviting courtyard.
	“Okay, dude,” Jaashu said, “I’ve never really seen, like, magic cast. Do you need words or weird ingredients.”
	Renard laughed. “Sorskian magic requires merely the mind of a magician. Words, wands, and gestures only make concentration and focus easier, but I shall not require any of those, as I am an experienced spellcaster and this spell is a rather simple one. That said, everyone try to be quiet.”
	Renard closed his eyes and became very still.
	While it was true that Mount Velgot was a fairly large place to explore, Jaashu was quite exited. Him and Bronn were very close to the treasure. He had been so caught up in the quest, that he had not yet considered what the treasure might actually be. Gold? Gems? Maybe some forgotten magical artifacts? And perhaps once they found the treasure, Bronn would have time to complete his portal machine. And then, just maybe, Bronn would finally explain some of the strange behavior he had been exhibiting for the past couple months. Okay, Jaashu seriously doubted that, but it was something to wish for.
	Before the group a large circle, glowing red, formed before them and grew until it was almost twice Jaashu’s height. Renard slowly opened his eyes.
	“It is ready,” said Renard.
	“Dude, I gotta say, that’s awesome!” Jaashu exclaimed. “I want to use magic!”
	Renard laughed. “Unless you have an imbued relic of some sort, you can’t... there is the other way, of course, you would have had to have been born a magician and...”
	“I probably would have known by now.” Jaashu remarked.
	“I think so,” responded Renard in a pseudo-serious tone, “Alright, then, Pendragon and I shall wish you three the best of luck. Do not forget the most important thing.”
	“What would that be?” asked Bronn.
	“Have fun.” Renard said, with a half-smile.
	“You know, that’s interesting,” Newton said, “because, hehheh, I always thought the most important thing when going to a volcano is... Don’t die.”
	“Honestly, Newton,” Bronn said, “is it impossible for you to take anything seriously.”
	Renard help up his hand. “It really is all right. He is using humor as a defense mechanism, to cover up the, well, cowardice.”
	“Look at me, I’m Sir Witty with my talking falcon and my magic and my big words to make me look smart,” mocked Newton. “Ha! I’m ten times as smart as you, vulpine, and I am not a coward. Yeah, I may be a rodent, but I’ve got me the heart of a lion, no, strike that, a dragon!”
	Bronn started laughing. “Now that is funny!”
	Newton simply grunted at Bronn and then rushed through the portal.
	“Good thing he left,” Renard said, “I was so close to turning him into a toad or something.”
	“I would have liked to have seen that.” Bronn said.
	“I cannot promise anything, but if you’re ever in town again with an annoyingly sarcastic rodent friend, maybe I could arrange a show.” Renard said and then added in a hushed tone. “But don’t tell Kazid, the Oyltam Hyndars kind of frown on that sort of thing.”
	“Hey, sounds cool. Let’s get going, dude,” Jaashu said, “we got a treasure to find. This quest is almost over.”
	“After you.” Bronn said.
	Bronn watched the portal for a moment after Jaashu jumped through. Before he stepped through the portal, Bronn said quietly. “This is just the beginning of your quest, my friend, just the beginning.” 
	
Flames: 10

	Mount Velgot was not nearly as tall as Mount Hyndosu or most of the Jewel Mountains, but it somehow seemed more impressive. Perhaps it was the volcano’s ominous silhouette against the cloudy sky. Perhaps it was the many vein-like lava scars. Whatever the reason, there was definitely something mystical about the place.
	“How do we enter?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn stretched a finger towards Mount Velgot’s summit.
	“The crater?!” Jaashu exclaimed. “What are we going to do, jump in the crater and fall to our deaths?”
	“Not unless you want to,” Bronn said, “I figured there might be more mountains on this quest, so I brought some rope and climbing equipment.”
	“Alright,” Newton said, “but I am going to stay here. The igneous rocks on the outside of the volcano should suffice for my study.”
	“No, dude, you’re just afraid.” said Jaashu.
	“Me, afraid of going inside of an active volcano?” Newton asked. “Damn right, I am. Not just the danger, though, I sort of...”
	“Don’t have a spine?” Bronn guessed.
	“No.” Newton answered bitterly. “It bothers me when things aren’t... hmm... clean. That includes myself. If I went into that volcano, I would get covered with ash and dirt... not my idea of fun.”
	“If you hate dirt, why are you living in a big city like Vulcan?” Bronn said.
	“The city is a messy and disorganized place,” Newton said, “however, my home and laboratory is quite clean. Much of it is polished marble, including my bath which I use daily.”
	“Just use some perfume or something if you got to,” Jaashu said, “me and Bronn travel for days at a time and it doesn’t bother me.”
	Newton raised an index finger. “About that. For my peace of mind, you two must promise to wash those clothes thoroughly when you get home.”
	“I think we have had enough of Neurotic Rat Theatre,” Bronn said, “we have a treasure to find, Jaash.”
	“Right,” responded Jaashu. Looking back at Newton, he added, “oh, but not about the neurotic... who am I kidding, you’re weird, Newt.”
	Newton shrugged.
	“Good luck with the rock thing!” Jaashu shouted as they left Newton behind at the base of the volcano.
	The climb was steep but not extremely challenging. The uniquely formed face provided many trails for walking. Fortunately, there were no signs of an impending eruption. If anyone would have known of the eruption times for Mount Velgot, it would have been Newton, a genius who lived in Vulcan City. Certainly, Newton would have said something if they were in any danger.
	“I don’t get it, dude,” Jaashu said. “Why are you so mean to Newton?”
	Bronn sighed. “I wish I knew, Jaash. Usually I am a very tolerant bear, even with the most obnoxious beast. Like that, uh, griffin in Shandis.”
	“Total glory thief.” Jaashu said.
	“Exactly,” replied Bronn. “I just let that slide, when most would have strangled him.”
	“I know I wanted to,” Jaashu said.
	“Newton is different, though. I... wish I could explain it. Being around him, he just makes me mad. Maybe on some level, I... am jealous of his intellect. Or maybe... I don’t trust him.”
	“Okay, dude, I can sort of understand that,” Jaashu said. “He constantly tells jokes and he shows up out of nowhere to join us on our quest. It is all very odd, but he is a genius, and they say geniuses are eccentric.”
	“I will try to tolerate him,” Bronn said.
	Jaashu nodded.
	Atop Mount Velgot was the volcano’s large crater.  The glowing of magma illuminated the rocky floor at the bottom which would have otherwise been obscured in the shadows of the abyss. Though it was difficult to judge how far the drop was, the distance was probably as tall as the mountain, maybe more. Jaashu was not particularly afraid of heights, but it seemed the descent would be more treacherous than even he preferred.
	“Are you sure this is safe?” Jaashu said.
	“Remember how I said that time at Snowy Mountain that all of the climbing we were doing to go and get the diamond was not real climbing?” Bronn asked as he removed a coil of rope and some metal objects from his toolbox.
	Jaashu scratched his head. “Vaguely.”
	“Yeah,” Bronn replied, “this is real climbing.”
	“So you’ve done this before?”
	“All the time. I would even race my brother up mountains. ‘Course, that was in the Jewel Mountains and not into volcanic craters.”
	Jaashu cocked his head slightly. “You never mentioned your brother.”
	Bronn shrugged. “Guess it never came up. I have three brothers, actually: one older, two younger.”
	“Must be nice, dude.” Jaashu said. “I can’t count the times growing up when the family servant was the only person to talk to.”
	“I guess so.”
	“Don’t you get along?” asked Jaashu.
	“Tundar and Denali are fine but my older brother Ulysses is a little too... hmm... brash.”
	Jaashu laughed. “More so than me.”
	Bronn smiled. “Believe it or not, Jaash, yes. Not just that. He’s bigger than me, stronger than me, a braggart, and show-off. Ulysses got bored climbing mountains so does he find a new hobby? No. He goes and buys a boat to sail randomly about the world and be an ‘explorer’. I know the only reason he did that was to impress our parents... and he did.”
	“So, dude, what’s he doin’ now?” Jaashu asked.
	“Still exploring.” Bronn grunted. “Are you ready to enter this volcano, Jaash?”
	Jaashu peered nervously into the crater. “I wouldn’t say I’m really ready... but I have a feeling that the longer I wait, the less... uh... ready I’ll be.”
	“Do what I tell you,” Bronn said, “and you’ll be just fine.”
	Elsewhere, the red cloaked sorceror spoke to someone, a hint of vexation in his voice. “I have had far too many disappointments recently. If one more person fails me, the results will be brutal. Your job is very simple. I expect it to be completed. I expect him to be dead.”
	The sorceror turned to walk away but added one last thing. “Your presence has been suspected. If I discover that you have given even the slightest clue of the nature of your orders, I will consider it breach of contract. Have I made myself clear?”
	“Yes, Mister Snorkavius,” was the nervous reply.
	By following Bronn’s instruction, Jaashu was able to safely descend to the bottom of the crater. It was an incredible sight. Pools of magma stretched in all directions from the platform at the bottom of the crater. Several serpentine rock paths were the only visible means of crossing the magma. 
	They had arrived at the “throne of flames” and there was no evidence of any treasure. 
	“Now where?”
	Bronn was staring down at the ground. “That way.” Bronn said, extending a finger towards a northward rocky path.
	“Why that way, dude?” Jaashu asked.
	“Let’s just say I’m going with my instincts.” Bronn said.
	Jaashu shrugged. “Fine by me.”
	The rocky path was wide enough, but the heat was nearly unbearable and the presence of magma on either side was unnerving to Jaashu, someone who had attempted some of the most extreme stunts in Hyndesian history.
	“The diamond said we would have to ‘feel the heat’.” Bronn said wearily.
	“I’m feelin’ it, dude, I’m feelin’ it.” Jaashu said. “We should’ve made the diamond come get the treasure!”
	“Over there!” Bronn exclaimed.
	At the end of the path was a wider platform, bordered on one side by the magma pools and on the other by a rock wall. In the center of the wall was an opening into a tunnel. Light from the magma pools lit the tunnel only for couple yards, beyond which was complete darkness.
	“Great,” Jaashu said sarcastically, “a dark tunnel. I can’t wait to go in there.”
	“The riddle,” Bronn said, “remember the riddle. One of the clues was ‘pierce the darkness’.”
	“Do you have to have such good memory, dude.” Jaashu said. “Besides, we can’t just go walking through a dark tunnel inside a volcano.”
	“We need a light source, obviously.” Bronn said.
	“Hey,” exclaimed Jaashu, “you could carry a handful of lava.”
	Bronn stared silently at Jaashu.
	“Come on,” Jaashu said, “I thought that was funny.”
	Bronn shook his head. “I could probably devise some sort of torch but... there is no easy way to do that right now.”
	“That rod thing you shot at the spider that one time,” Jaashu said, “that was bright, dude.”
	Bronn slowly nodded. “Yes... yes it was.”
	“Yeah, it was bright when you shot the energy from it, but, dude, we can’t keep shooting it over and over” Jaashu said, mimicking the action, “The rocks would break up and the tunnel would cave in and I think that would kinda hurt.”
	Bronn laughed slightly. “I cannot believe I never thought of it... the majti energy is stored in the charged crystal until the firing button is pressed.”
	“Not sure,” Jaashu said, “but I think that’s what I just said.”
	“But,” Bronn said, pointing at Jaashu, “if the crystal was exposed, it would generate light when charged.”
	Jaashu snapped his fingers. “Like the Trans... um... portal machine thing when we charged the diamond.”
	“Precisely,” Bronn replied, “it would not give off nearly as much light... but it would be a sort of majti torch.”
	“Sell that idea to a merchant in Nejaak and you could get some serious gold.”
	“I do not invent for wealth, Jaash,” Bronn said. “Now... let’s see, I simply have to create a hole in the rod’s casing above the crystal. This should not take too long.”
	They sat against the rock wall. It was still hot but far enough from the magma pools to be uncomfortable.
	“We gotta be close now,” Jaashu said, “do you think there’s really a treasure, Bronn?”
	“Perhaps.” Bronn seemed to hesitate for a moment before speaking again. “You know, Jaash, there are many types of treasure? After all, the reason we went to get the diamond was because you wanted adventure and excitement. There’s no doubt we’ve had plenty of both.”
	Jaashu shrugged. “I guess so.”
	“There are very important things in this world that are easy to take for granted. Things that are... worth more than gold or jewels.”
	Jaashu’s cocked his head. “Why are you talkin’ all weird?”
	“One day you will understand, Jaash.” Bronn said, with a smile. “Okay it should be ready.”
	They progressed into the tunnel, the majti rod giving off a soft blue light. Further and further, the winding tunnel stretched, but then it stretched no more. A solid rock wall appeared in the distance. They had reached a dead end.
	“Now what?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn scratched his head. “I could have sworn...”
	Jaashu knocked on the wall a couple times. “Yeah, dude, it’s real enough.”
	A glimpse of interest appeared in Bronn’s eyes. Bronn pounded on the wall.
	“Okay, dude, I don’t think anyone’s gonna enter and I don’t think you can break it down. We better...”
	Bronn raised a finger to silence Jaashu. Tilting his head slightly towards the wall, Bronn hit the wall once more. 
	“What?” asked Jaashu.
	“It sounds strange.” Bronn said.
	“Which means?”
	“I think,” Bronn said pensively, “it is hollow behind this wall.”
	“Like a door or something, dude?”
	Bronn eyes moved about in a thoughtful manner. “I should have expected this. He must know.” whispered Bronn.
	“What did you say?” Jaashu asked.
	“Nothing,” Bronn said sharply, snapping out of his ponderous state. “I was just saying there is most likely a hidden switch. There is clearly no knob or handle.”
	“Yeah, well, I could have told ya that.” Jaashu said. “Of course, a switch could be anywhere in this place. It could be any rock or crack in this tunnel or, maybe, even back in the main part of the volcano.”
	“Could be, Jaash, but it is unlikely a switch to open a door would be very far from the door itself. We better start looking.” Bronn began to walk back down the tunnel, swinging about the majti rod.
	“Look out, Bronn!” Jaashu exclaimed.
	Bronn stopped immediately. “What is it?”
	Jaashu pointed towards the tunnel ceiling. “You almost bumped your head on that ceiling rock thing.”
	Bronn focused the majti rod on the stalactite formation near his head. “Yeah, Jaash, that probably would have hurt. Odd, though, it’s the only stalactite in this tunnel. I’m not surprised I didn’t notice...”
	Jaashu and Bronn looked at each other simultaneously. Bronn pulled on the formation, there was a click and the door slid open revealing a well-lit cavern.
	“After you, Bronn.” Jaashu said.
	Bronn nodded and switched off the majti rod. “Of course, Jaash, this could be dangerous.”
	What they found was not quite treasure, but a dwelling of sorts. The cavern was fully furnished, partly like a home and partly like a workshop. On the opposite side of the cavern a zoanoid stood, waiting.
	“I knew it,” Bronn said in a gruff tone, “it is you.”

Flames: 11

The red-cloaked sorceror stood before the grand door of the tower. He had barely 
moved his hand toward the door when a large puff of smoke formed near him. From the smoke stepped a white male cougar zoanoid in ornate clothing.
	“There shall be no need for you to climb the tower,” the cougar said, “I have been expecting you for some time, now.”
	Even through the shadows of his hood, the sorceror’s disdain was evident. “So, you still believe you have all the answers. Believe me, magician, you will not be nearly so smug when I have succeeded in my plans.”
	The cougar seemed to stare beyond the sorceror, no sign of emotion on his face. “You shall not succeed, of that I am certain. You, however, fail to acknowledge that fact. It shall be your downfall.”
	Darkly the sorceror laughed. “My downfall?! For all your legendary wisdom, magician, you are a fool! You do not have the power to stop me.”
	“Perhaps I do not,” replied the cougar with a slight nod, “but there exists one who is powerful enough.”
	The sorceror shuddered.
	“He frightens you, I know he does. Surrender now and you shall continue as you are. Proceed and...”
	“Stop it!” shouted the sorceror, pointing a gloved hand at the cougar.
	“All right then,” the cougar said calmly, “the time for talking has come to an end. You know of your situation and the difficulties you shall face. Please continue with your plan.”
	“Continue with my plan?!” exclaimed the sorceror with a laugh. “You would allow me to...”
	“Yes,” the cougar interrupted, “I know what you came here for and I know that nothing shall come of it, so you need not waste any more time. I invite you.”
	“Say that again?”
	“I invite you, dark one.” the cougar said defiantly.
	“We do consider verbal contract binding.” The sorceror said. As he slowly approached, the sorceror began to laugh and the cougar stood as still as stone.
	Above, the sky became shrouded with clouds and every wind cried out in terror. And so, that grand tower had become the first strike of the sorceror’s invasion. Hyndesia’s darkest hour was fast approaching and a long arduous war was at hand, a war that would forever change the lives of many. 

Flames: 12

	“Who is it?” Jaashu asked nervously.
	The fiery red elk zoanoid slowly strode across the cavern, stopping about halfway to Jaashu and Bronn. A strange weapon was held in his right hand. “Yeah, go ahead and introduce me.”
	“He is,” Bronn said, “known by many names: Scarcheek, King of Arson. This, Jaash, is Alkon Kano.”
	Jaashu gasped. “The Alkon Kano?!”
	“One and the same, kid,” replied Kano, “one and the same.”
	“What are you doing in Mount Velgot?” Jaashu asked.
	Alkon Kano loaded some bolts in the weapon’s round compartment. “It’s all about location, see. The whole hot burnin’ magma motif works for me.” Kano raised the bizarre crossbow so it was aimed at Jaashu. “‘Course there’s more reason to it than that and, seein’ as how I’m goin’ to wipe out you and your interlopin’ friend, guess there’s no harm in tellin’.”
	“No need.” Bronn said. “I can explain.”
	Kano shrugged. “Sure, I don’t mind a bit of amusement before murder.”
	Jaashu’s eyes remained fixed on Kano. “Yeah, Bronn, I’d like to know kinda, ya know, what the heck is goin’ on!”
	Bronn nodded. “It began months ago, when Kano got a hold of blueprints for Cerico Skyllini’s portal machine.”
	“But, dude, you said those were stolen by magic.” Jaashu said.
	“Perhaps,” Bronn said, “I am not saying Kano stole the plans, I am saying that whoever stole them delivered them to Kano. Once he was ready to start building though, he realized that construction of the device in his Vulcan City hideout would be far too risky. If the Hyndesian Guard were to find his hideout, the device would likely be dismantled and the blueprints returned to the vault. He needed to find a place far from the city, someplace the guards would not look.”
	“Mount Velgot.” Jaashu said.
	“Precisely,” Bronn continued, “who would even consider searching an active volcano. The Guard didn’t care because Kano seemed to have vanished. Truth is, he was only busy with his new project. And then he hit a tiny snag. He came across the same problem I did with my Transtron.”
	“He needed a diamond.” Jaashu said.
	“Right again, Jaash,” Bronn said, “but for the King of Arson, no regular diamond would suffice. No, Alkon Kano needed Vulcan City’s own White Flame. Now, not even a criminal mastermind could pull off a heist like that without creating some sort of attention. Kano could not risk it because he was trying to hide, at least until his portal device was done. What does he do? Simple. Send some cronies to the Red Dungeon and create a big diversion. While the Vulcan City Guard is busy there, he swipes the diamond and returns here to finish his machine.”
	“Bravo!” Alkon Kano exclaimed. “Pretty clever, there. Obviously better than any guard.”
	“Something I do not understand,” Bronn said, “who stole the blueprints, who created the Tomalchus crossbows, and who planted that message in the ‘Magic Diamond’.”
	“Guess you’ve already figured out that those ‘who’s are the same guy,” Alkon said. “Problem is, see, I’m not at liberty to tell. As a matter of fact, see, he gave me orders to kill the both of youse on sight. Any last words ‘fore my tommy bow starts talkin’?”
	“Told you tommy bow would be a good name for them.” Jaashu said. 
	“Not a good time.” Bronn said.
	Jaashu grabbed the majti rod out of Bronn’s hand and pointed it at Kano. “But the perfect time for this.”
	“No, Jaashu,” Bronn warned, “it is too dangerous.”
	Alkon Kano laughed. “What, you goin’ to bludgeon me to death before I fire my bow. What’re ya, the world’s fastest mongoose?”
	Jaashu smiled. “Uh, dude, ain’t you ever heard of a majti rod?”
	Kano’s eyes rolled in thought. “No, I’ve never heard of no... majti...wait...” Kano’s eyes refocused on Jaashu. “It... can’t be.”
	Jaashu fired the majti rod, its glowing beam striking the tommy bow. The bolts Kano fired missed Jaashu and Bronn entirely as the weapon flew out of Kano’s hands and crashed into the cavern’s far wall, smashing to pieces.
	“What can I say, dude,” Jaashu said, “those archery lessons I had as a kid, not a total waste of time.”
	“He warned me ya might be trouble, Jaashu,” Kano said, reaching into his vest. “I learned somethin’, see, the sorceror was right. Now I got a couple lessons for you. First, a good criminal always has a backup plan. And, second, if ya can’t stand the burnin’ to death, get out of the volcano.”
	Bronn charged towards Kano but Kano was quicker and threw a strange pellet to the cavern floor. In a flash of light, the cavern was filled with thick smoke.
	“Bronn,” Jaashu said. “Are you okay?”
	“Yeah,” Bronn said between coughs, “I think so.”
	When the smoke had cleared, there was no sign of Alkon Kano.
	“He got away!” Bronn said, punching his right fist into his cupped left hand.
	Jaashu looked about the cavern. On a table was a sealed scroll case and a diamond. Jaashu pointed. “I think he panicked. He forgot something.”
	Bronn picked up the objects. “This looks like the White Flame. And these prints...” Bronn examined the scroll case. “Yes, these are Cerico Skylinni’s. I guess it is possible he slipped up. He seemed to know who we were, but I do not know if he expected us to have a majti rod.”
	“Yeah, dude,” responded Jaashu, “if it weren’t for that rod, we’d be pin cushions.”
	Bronn chuckled. “More like bolt cushions. But, seriously, there is something strange about this. Alkon Kano is not... well, Geon Jardin. Alkon Kano is one of the most organized and resourceful criminal minds in the history of Sorska. Why would he spend months carefully planning just to make such a major error?”
	“I say we lucked out, dude, and we should leave it at that.” Jaashu said.
	“Truthfully,” Bronn said slowly, “I knew there was no real treasure.”
	Jaashu laughed. “What?”
	“Ever since I heard that message, I’ve been piecing together clues. I’ve known the whole ‘treasure’ had some sort of connection to Alkon Kano. I just wanted to... solve the mystery. I wanted to stop Kano in his tracks because I knew that him possessing a portal device would be disastrous to Sorska, probably the whole universe.” 
	“Sort of like the whole wanting to catch Geon thing back in Shandis,” Jaashu said calmly. “But Geon couldn’t of been a threat even if he had a cannon and a small army. How’d you know we could survive Kano?”
	“I knew if worst came to worst, we could use the majti rod.” Bronn said.
	Jaashu put his paws behind his head and said casually. “Normally, dude, I’d break into a feral rage over something like this but... I really had fun. It’s like that... um... thing you said. Something ‘bout other things being treasure. You meant adventure, right?”
	“You and your adventure.” Bronn said. “I guess that could be one interpretation.”
	“Yeah, dude,” Jaashu replied, “it’s the only meaning for me.”
	Bronn made no response to Jaashu, verbal or otherwise, but, instead, turned his head towards the far cavern wall. “That is how he got out.” Bronn muttered slowly.
	Towards the wall Bronn walked and, placing his right paw upon the rock barrier, he nodded. “There is a crack in this wall, not a natural one.”
	“I get it,” Jaashu said, walking towards the wall, “he used the smoke pellet as a distraction and escaped through a hidden door... like the one we used to get in here!”
	“Exactly, Jaash, but this one seems to be one-way, either that or it is locked from the other side.”
	“Can’t we just bust it down, dude.”
	Bronn shook his head. “It is solid rock. Maybe if I had mystanium shovels with me I could dig through, but even that would take a long time. We don’t need to follow him anyway, I think I know where he is headed. The one...”
	Jaashu held up his hands. “Hey, dude, I think I just felt a tremor.”
	“Yes,” affirmed Bronn and then added in a slow solemn tone, “Alkon Kano said something before he left, something about an active volcano. I think this volcano is going to errupt... Jaash, let’s get out of here... now!”
	Out of the cavern and through the dark tunnel they sped. The main cavern was brighter than before and the magma pools seemed to be rising. Neither of them said a word as they crossed the rock bridges towards the crater shaft.
	The final bridge crumbled as Jaashu passed over it but with a quick pull from Bronn, Jaashu made it across. That near-death experience was not nearly as frightening as the next would be.
	Bronn’s eyes grew wide as he stared up the shaft.
	“Wh-what’s wrong?” Jaashu asked, panting from heat and exhaustion.
	“The rope is gone.”
	Certainly, Jaashu had been in some bad situations since beginning his so-called adventuring career, but stuck in a volcano that is ready to errupt with no way out... that was probably the worst. Worst of all, Bronn seemed as worried as Jaashu. Bronn was supposed to be the one who came up with plans, no matter what. Bronn was supposed to be able to find an escape or solution for any problem. Maybe Bronn never actually promised any of that, but it had appeared to be so. 
	As the magma rose up closing in on the edges of the central platform, it appeared their doom was nigh. 
	“If we survive this,” Bronn said, “I am never going near a volcano again.”
	Jaashu laughed nervously. “Yeah, dude, too bad we didn’t think that way before we went marching forward to our death.”
	“Ya know, that is kinda common sense!” echoed a somewhat familiar voice down the shaft.
	Jaashu and Bronn both looked up.
	“Newton!” Jaashu exclaimed.
	“The one and only!” Newton said.
	Jaashu looked about at the approaching magma. “Hate to hurry you, Newt, but we could really use some help, like, right now!”
	Bronn turned away with arms folded. “We do not need his help.”
	“Fine by me!” Newton exclaimed. “I’ll just go look for other zoanoids to save.”
	“Seriously, dude!”
	“Alright,” Newton said loudly, “its actually been days since I have gotten to save anyone from a volcano. Here’s a rope. I’ll even let the grumpy ursine use it.”
	A rope lowered down the crater shaft, stopping just in front of Bronn and Jaashu.
	“Okay,” Newton called, “it’s secure!”
	Jaashu started up the rope and, despite his dislike of being saved by Newton, Bronn followed. By the time they reached the top of the crater, smoke had begun filling the shaft and the heat had risen considerably.
	“Okay, dude,” Jaashu said, “got a couple questions...” 
	The volcano rumbled.
	“But they can wait.” added Jaashu.
	“Let’s move!” Bronn exclaimed.
	The three of them climbed down the mountain as fast as they could, but the fact remained, the volcano could erupt at any moment and the safety of Vulcan City was still a ways off. 
	“I see it.” Bronn said.
	“See what?” Jaashu asked.
	Bronn pointed towards the volcano’s base, towards a blue light.
	“That must be... the portal!” Jaashu exclaimed joyfully. “Thank you, Renard Forrester.”
	They must have been close to being caught in the eruption, for as soon as they arrived on the other side of the portal, Mount Velgot could be heard in the distance.
	“I thought you might need a quick escape,” Renard said, “after all, you were going to Mount Velgot on an eruption day.”
	“What?! Are you sure?” asked Bronn.
	“Yes,” Renard replied, “I am surprised your genius friend did not know about it.”
	Newton laughed weakly. “I guess even geniuses can be mistaken.”
	“But don’t be too hard on Newton, dude,” Jaashu said, “he showed up just in time to save us.”
	“Yes... he did.” Bronn said, eying Newton.
	“I certainly hope you found what you were looking for.” Renard said.
	Bronn presented the gem and the prints. “The White Flame and Cerico Skylini’s lost designs.”
	“Ah, you had best get those to the Guard.” Renard said. “Most of them are finishing up at the Red Dungeon.”
	Bronn nodded. “I have a feeling that there is another matter the guards can help us with. A matter called Kano.”
	“Good luck to you, then. Farewell.” Renard said. “And I hope to be seeing you again soon, Jaashu.”
	“Yeah... sure.” Jaashu responded uncertain.
	Not one of them expected what they would see upon reaching the Red Dungeon. A cheering crowd. A group of guards, most of who were carrying an apprehended Alkon Kano and some of his thugs away from the crowd. And someone Jaashu and Bronn had hoped they would never have to meet again.
	“Gryph Griffin.” Bronn said slowly.
	Jaashu and Bronn listened to the braggart’s tale, partially out of shock, and partially out of curiosity.
	“So,” Gryph said loudly, addressing the crowd, “I knew the vile Alkon Kano had a second base. Through sheer logic, I realized it must be in Mount Velgot. Somehow the coward found out that I, Gryph Griffin, the Hero of Hyndesia, was on his way to thwart his wicked plans. Naturally, Kano ran for his life from Mount Velgot but I secretly followed and stopped him right here in your fine city. It is only a matter of time...” Gryph suddenly noticed Jaashu and Bronn’s presence and pointing exclaimed. “Here, my loyal fans, are my assistants, who were kind enough to save me the manual labor of carrying the stolen goods.”
	Bronn handed the prints and the diamond to one of the guards who had stayed behind. “Cerico Skylini’s missing designs and the White Flame diamond.”
	“They really have been good little helpers!” Gryph exclaimed.
	“That’s it!” yelled Jaashu. “I can’t take it anymore, it...”
	“Yes, yes.” Gryph interrupted loudly. “We are all angry how the criminal element continues to torment our peaceful nation. Fear not, little cub, I will keep you and all of Hyndesia safe. Ha. Ha.”
	“Little cub?!” yelled Jaashu.
	Bronn quickly cupped a hand over Jaashu’s mouth and held him back.
	“No good will come of that, Jaash,” Bronn whispered to the struggling mongoose. “We know what really happened.” Bronn slowly released Jaashu.
	Jaashu closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Alright. Thank you, Bronn.”
	“For what?” Bronn asked.
	“If you had not stopped me,” answered Jaashu calmly, “I would have been in prison for murder.”
	“Geez,” Newton remarked, “you really do have a mean temper.”
	Jaashu raised a fist. “You want some of this, rat!”
	“N-no, not particularly.” Newton replied.
	Bronn sighed. “Jaash and I better head back to Toyta Manor and you, rat, can go back to wherever you came from.”
	“Actually,” Newton said, “not looking too forward to that. I do not know the last time I got to rest. Every day, it’s ‘Newton, solve this formula’ or ‘Newton, why was my hypothesis incorrect’ or ‘Newton, build me a sailing ship that can float to the moon’.”
	“A ship to the moon?” Jaashu asked.
	“Hey, I never said all the requests are from sane people.” Newton said as he rubbed his forehead. “It would be quite gratifying if I were able to elude the grasp of all the pestiferous intellectuals and unlettered physics neophytes.”
	Jaashu snapped his fingers. “Honestly, dude, don’t completely know what you just said, but I do have an idea.”  
	“No,” growled Bronn.
	“You can stay at Toyta Manor!” Jaashu exclaimed. “There is a storage room we never use.”
	“Forget it.” Bronn said.
	“If you’re gonna be that way, Bronn,” Jaashu said, “I’ll just go back to Nejaak.”
	There was a brief moment of silence before Bronn said through half-bared fangs. “Fine.”
	So it was that Jaashu, Bronn, and Newton concluded the great Mount Velgot treasure hunt. There had not been any treasure. There had been an annoying griffin who stole their credit twice. And there was one other thing, relief. Jaashu was looking forward to returning home. To have a new friend join that journey made it even better. After all that, boredom did not seem too bad a prospect at all.

Book III: Book of Elements

Elements: 1

	The Gold Ruby Theatre, located in the grand city of Nejaak, was the largest and most renowned cultural center in Hyndesia and, arguably, one of the best theatres on the planet. A variety of performers had made their place upon its stage, playwrights and players, musicians and storytellers. There was one performer in particular, who was a favorite of Hyndesia, a bard who's unique style had become globally known throughout his many years of performance. Jaani Viper was his name, they called him the Behemoth of Bards, and, as the case usually was, his presence had drawn crowds of people. Many people were at the Gold Ruby; zoanoids, humans, and griffins. Though getting lost in such a group would be quite easy, there were two present who were intentionally out of sight, carefully hidden from plain view atop the Gold Ruby's roof.
	One was a thin well-groomed male coyote and the other was a female antelope, small in size but somehow intimidating. 
	"K, Vinny. Keep ya eyes open mate," said the antelope, "We mess dis up and it'll be our hides. Yours anywie."
	"Mine?" Vinny asked. "You seem to be forgettin' I'm his right-hand guy."
	"I'll give ya that, mate," said the antelope, "but I'm his numba one gal. Not goin' ta go into details but I can do a lil' more for Alkie."
	Vinny growled. "Far as I remember, while me and duh Guild was at duh Red Dungeon you was nowhere to be found."
	The antelope laughed. "Dat's cuz Alkie lemme do a lil' shoppin'. A girl's gotta have fun, ya know."
	"Shoppin'? I'm sure ya ain't..."
	"Shush," said the antelope, "they're here. I'm gonna git close ta hear. Git inside and wait backstage."
	Silent and effortless, the antelope climbed down the side of the theatre. Within the building's shadow, she sneaked until she was near the front corner of the building, with a view of  the main entrance. A quick peek around the corner and she saw them approach. She had been told about the mongoose and the bear but the rat she did not recognize. It took effort but she was able to concentrate on their conversation.
	"You get in a lot of places free?" the rat asked.  
	"Not enough, dude," the mongoose replied, "just Dad's concerts mostly."
	The bear cleared his throat. "We should be on guard."
	"Because Jaani Viper's concerts are just that dangerous?" quipped the rat.
	"No, because your humor is just so pathetic it could cause death," Bronn said, "that, and Alkon Kano is free. The court was unable to send him to prison, again."
	"Not enough evidence to convict him, I bet," the mongoose said, "and by 'not enough' I mean 'too much' and by 'evidence' I mean 'money'."
	"The 'goose's pretty clever," the antelope whispered to herself and with a subtle smile added, "not too bad-lookin' either."
	"They say everyone has a price," the bear said, "that is too often true."
	The antelope rolled her eyes at the comment.
	"I have heard," said the rat, sarcastically, "that attending concerts is a favorite activity of criminal masterminds."
	"Dat's right, mate," said the antelope with a smirk, "keep em in duh dok. Dey won't eva know what hit em."
	"Let's get inside," the mongoose said, "we're here for a reason. The concert."
	After speaking with a guard at the main doors, the three entered the theatre.
	"And dat would be my cue." said the antelope.
	So through a side entrance the antelope moved, making her way to the backstage area. Her presence at the Gold Ruby had gone completely undetected, that would soon have to change.
	The antelope saw no sign of Vinny amongst the props, costumes, and rope-based equipment. Hopefully, the idiot had not been caught.
	Carefully she peeked through the edge of the stage curtain. Three sides of the stage were surrounded by seats. While Jaani Viper prepared, anxious spectators filled the theatre, three such spectators in the front central row caught the antelope's attention: the bear, the rat, and the mongoose: Jaashu Sarino.
	"Now ta git cutie there to notice." the antelope said quietly.
	She reached into her vest pocket and pulled out a small pellet. After shaking the pellet a bit, she nodded. "Empty smoke pellet otta do it."
	Pulling the curtain back just a couple inches, the antelope aimed and tossed. As she had planned, the pellet hit Jaashu on the forehead, landing at his feet. The bear and the rat, in the midst of some other argument, did not notice.
	"Dat's it, Jaashu, you know dat..." the antelope began, stopping upon hearing a loud crash behind her. Angrily,. she spun around. Sure enough, it was Vinny. Apparently, he had tripped and crashed into a costume rack.
	"Dat's it, Nero." the antelope said in a hushed fury. "Get back to da base."
	"But I..." Nero began, but his words were cut short.
	"If dat goose catches us back here we both go to prison an' I doubt Alkie wud be happy bout bailin' out yer sorry tail again."
	"But I..."
	The antelope extended her index finger towards the side door. "Go."
	"Vinny the Shark, ha, more like Vinny da Flounder. Really don't know why Alkie puts up wit such oafs." mumbled the antelope as she straightened up the costume rack.
	To her surprise, a voice answered. "It's like they say, dude, good help is so hard to find."
	She turned about to see a familiar mongoose standing atop a large cobra statue, one of the many extravagant props that Jaani Viper liked to use.
	"Pretty but not too bright," Jaashu said, with arms folded. "You picked the wrong guy's father to mess with."
	The antelope laughed. "Your fatha? Nah, actually a fan of his, mate. I'm here for you, Jaashu Sarino."
	"Yeah, all the ladies come for Jaashu." Jaashu said. He leaped off the top of the statue, landing softly on the floor.
	"I'm impressed," said the antelope, "dat was quite a jump."
	"What can I say," Jaashu responded, "I've had experience on the extreme sports scene, you know: treasure hunting, monster fighting, death-defying volcano trips. But enough about me, let's talk about you. Name, occupation, age, how Kano sent you to take me out. The basics."
	After a bow much like the one's she had used in her days as a stage acrobat, the antelope replied. "Rango Gaze's the nime, acrobat's da gime. I'm aighteen and I'm not here ta 'take you out'. Alkie did want ya dead at first but I talked him out of it. I've never liked the whole killin' thing."
	"Why are you here then?" Jaashu asked.
	"Ta extend you an offa, Alkie says ya won't be able to refuse it or somethin'. Here's da deal, you stay outta his territory and outta his business. With dat, I sie g'day."
	"Wait." Jaashu said.
	Rango pulled a sharp-edged boomerang from the pack on her back and threw it upwards towards a rope. The rope was cut and, as a weight bag came crashing down toward Jaashu, Rango caught the boomerang and made her escape.
	Making her way across the roofs of the Wildwood District, Rango stopped to ponder. She had seen something in Jaashu's eyes when he had met her. What worried her was that she found herself unable to forget the mongoose.

Elements:2

	As usual, Jaani Viper's concert had proven to be an entertaining affair. So it was, when the three of them met up with Jaani at the Lucason Tavern after the concert, Jaani was rather embarassed with all the praise he was receiving , from Bronn and especially from Newton.
	"You've got to realize," Newton said, "I'm used to just hearing slow dull music. I was expecting another Greensleeves remix. I never knew such a... sound is the term?... existed, exciting and quick tempo. I did not think the lute could sound like that."
	"No one plays it like Dad." Jaashu said.
	"Don't sell yourself short," Jaani said, stoppin to sip some cider. "Jaashu is a very talented lutist. Reminds me of myself when I was his age."
	"Except you had accomplished something with your music by my age," Jaashu said, "Dad performed at the FernStone music festival when he was just sixteen."
	"You got to remember," said Jaani, "I spent nearly every waking hour practicing and finding gigs. You spend a lot of time doing those stunts and, from what I hear, helping Gryph Griffin fight crime?"
	Jaashu growled slightly at the sound of Gryph's name. "Yeah that's a bit complicated. Bronn's better at explaining stuff."
	Bronn nodded and began to tell the tale of the treasure map and their two adventures. As Bronn spoke, Jaashu idly scanned the near-empty tavern. One of these people caught his attention, for he seemed to be looking back. He was a human with long raven hair who was sitting at a table on the far side of the tavern. Also seated at that table was a zoanoid lion with a black mane. Something about the human made Jaashu uncomfortable and it was more than the intense stare, he had an unusual presence..."
	"I'd better get going," Jaani Viper said, breaking Jaashu from his trance-like state. "Even without the wig, face paint, and outfit, I will soon be discovered and mobbed." With those words, Jaani seemed to suspiciously eye a squirrel zoanoid at a neighboring table.
	"Bye, Dad." Jaashu said.
	Jaani stood. "Bye, everyone," Jaani said, "and you try to be careful, son." Jaani patted Jaashu on the back before heading out.
	"So, all that stuff really happen, J?" Newton asked. "I know about the volcano, but the spider and the crocodile and Geon Jardin."
	"Yep, all true," Jaashu said. "Bronn doesn't lie."
	"I'm sure he doesn't," Newton said, "just thought all that muscle might stop his brain from properly functioning."
	Bronn bared his fangs. "Sounds like sour grapes to me, you puny little..."
	"Something weird happened at the concert." Jaashu interrupted.
	"Yeah," Newton said, "where did you disappear to? You barely made it back to your seat before the concert started."
	"I ran into a girl backstage." Jaashu said with a smile.
	"Flirting again, Jaashu?" Bronn asked. "Who was she?"
	"Called herself Rango," Jaashu answered, "I guess she's what you'd call Kano's moll."
	"She Kano's?!" Newton exclaimed. "Then you definitely shouldn't flirt with her. Not unless you want a pair of granite boots."
	"Okay, dude, I wasn't flirtin' with her, though heh she might've been comin' on to me. Of course, that was before she tried to crush me with a weight bag."
	"What?!" exclaimed Bronn and Newton simultaneously.
	Jaashu held up his hand with the intention of explaining but did not get the chance. Two unexpected visitors showed up. One was his friend Rocky; the other, a polar bear zoanoid who looked strangely familiar.
	"Hey, Bronn," greeted the polar bear as the two approached their table.
	Bronn simply nodded.
	"Ulysses Skyler," said the polar bear, extending his hand to Jaashu.
	Remembering what Bronn had said about Ulysses, he understood the silence, though on first impression, Jaashu was thinking Bronn had been unfair. Jaashu shook Ulysses' large paw. "Jaashu Sarino," he said, "and the rat is Newton."
	"Newton," Jaashu said, "this is Bronn's brother Ulysses and my friend Rocky Agiss."
	Newton clapped his hands together. "Great, now that the introductions are done, I think, anyone want to explain why you two are here?"
	"The concert," Ulysses answered, "that's what brought the two of us to Nejaak, anyway. Me and Rocky ran into each other after the concert. We got to talking and ended up on the subject of Bronn and Jaashu passing through Shandis on a treasure hunt. Then we met Jaani outside and he told us you two were here. I'm headed out of town tomorrow and I thought tonight would be a great time for a party on my boat. We could all have fun and I can find out about my little bro's new adventuring career."
	"Sounds cool." Jaashu replied enthusiastically.
	"I'd love to," Bronn said unconvincingly, "but..."
	"Bronn has other plans," a voice said coldly.
	It was the human Jaashu had been watching before. Both the human and the lion were standing at their table.
	"Next time we're here," said Newton, "we'll have to get a bigger table."
	"Shut it rat,"  Bronn said. "Who are you and what do you mean?"
	The human ran a hand through his hair. "I am Ferrus Oreum and this is Maliki Regulu. We are what you might call adventurers for hire."
	"Is this about me and Bronn adventurin'?" Jaashu asked.
	"Patience, mongoose." Regulu said gruffly.
	It seemed somehow odd, but Ferrus shook Bronn's hand before he continued to speak. "We were approached by Colof Vaarkelde. He said something about an evil power threatening Hyndesia... make a long story short, he said he needs the Elemental Jewels. I did not really care why, though, it is a job. One problem, however, he says the mission is too much for me and Regulu, that we should seek out assistance. He mentioned Jaashu Sarino and Bronn Skyler specifically and said to come here."
	"How would he know we were going to be here?" Jaashu wondered aloud.
	"What, what's so strange about... about that? Magicians... um are wise and know stuff, right?" Newton asked. The rat was obviously nervous about the subject and there was absolutely no reason for him to be.
	"Okay, dude, these are the same Elemental Jewels that countless people go after and, like, never come back?" Jaashu said.
	Regulu nodded.
	"Okay, I know the diamond thing and volcano was tough. I was sore for days. But, all that aside, look at us, seriously. Relatively normal zoanoids, hmm, not knights, not warriors, not a magician among us. What in the world makes you think we can get the Elemental Jewels?!" Jaashu exclaimed.
	"I know it seems unlike the wise Colof to make such a request," Bronn said, "but if he believes we are able to accomplish this task, it must be possible."
	"And what makes you so sure that Colof actually made the request, how do you know these guys are not somehow part of all that weird stuff that happened?" Jaashu said.
	"We can trust them," Bronn said, "you can trust me. I am not saying this will be easy but when Colof becomes involved in a matter, it usually means it is of great import, of prime significance. You mentioned 'all the weird stuff', well, it seems to be happening mostly to you, Jaash. I think there are forces at work here greater than we understand and I know you have many questions. This may be an opportunity for us to find answers."
	"And don't forget, J," Newton said, "Ferrus and... um... lion guy, they are gonna help."
	"They're not the only ones," Ulysses said, "The Elemental Jewels. It is the sort of challenge I dream of. The sort of adventure that would make all my past treasure hunts... eh, most of them, pale in comparison."
	"Um... yeah," Rocky said, "I was gonna say... what are we talking about?"
	"The Elemental Jewels." Newton said.
	"Yeah, that's it. I can come. Dad won't... um... care if I'm gone a little longer." Rocky said.
	Jaashu slowly rose to his feet.
	"What is your decision?" Ferrus asked, arms folded.
	"Bronn thinks we can do it. Colof thinks we can do it. Rocky and Ulysses think we can do it." Jaashu said, looking everyone over. "We can do it."
	"I'm convinced you will all have a wonderful experience," Newton said, stroking a whisker between two fingers, "it will be like a test but one you can all pass."
	Bronn slapped a paw on Newton's shoulder. "I am happy you feel that way, because we are gonna go..."
	Newton said, rubbing his shoulder, "I suppose I will see you all when..."
	"And you are going to come." Bronn added.
	Newton's face froze.
	"What's wrong, Newton?" Bronn asked. "Not laughing now, are ya?"
	"In numbers there is strength," Regulu said, "many proverbs speak of this."
	"'Many proverbs speak of this'," Newton imitated, "Why would you even say that."
	"It means," Regulu replied indignantly, "I would normally do as we do on the Malinjamo and recite a proverb to illustrate my point, but it has been my experience that most Hyndesians have no experience for such wisdom."
	Newton closed his eyes and faked a snore, to which Maliki responded with a growl.
	"You would not want to reinforce all those negative rodent stereotypes." Ferrus said.
	"Cowardly? Timid? Weak? I admit it," Newton said, "I'm all of those and more. I could fight a chicken and lose."
	"I know Bronn made the suggestion out of spite," Jaashu said, glaring at Bronn for a moment, "but I do think it is a good idea. No, listen dude, you have the brains, that will be helpful, and you did save our lives at the volcano."
	Newton sighed. "There's no arguing with you two. I'll come. But I won't like it."
	"I bet Bronn already has a plan." Jaashu said.
	"Of course," said Bronn.
	"And why does the bear get to do the planning?" Ferrus asked. "Regulu and I are the veterans."
	"'The bear' has a name," responded Jaashu, "and as long as he is involved, he does the plannin'."
	"Thank you, Jaash. Now, to my plan. The Elemental Jewels are located at the four corners of Hyndesia, that is a lot of travel. I think the quickest, most efficient way to retrieve them..."
	"The best idea is for us to split into teams." Ulysses said.
	"Sorry, Bronn," Jaashu said, "I like your brother's plan better."
	Bronn was going to say something but was interrupted by Newton. "Seems like neither of the bears are big fans of thinking." Newton said. "There are four jewels and seven of us. Basic division, people, it doesn't work out."
	Ulysses laughed. "One thing I miss in my travels afar is good humor. The rat's pretty funny."
	"First of all," Bronn said, "Newton is not funny. Second, I can finish my own sentences, Ulysses. And third, it should not be hard to find one more person in the largest city in Hyndesia. This is the adventure of a lifetime."
	With these words, a squirrel zoanoid from a neighboring table approached. He had a quiver and bow strapped on his back and a scabbard on his belt containing a short sword.
	"Greetings, all," said the squirrel, touching a gloved hand to his large plumed hat.
	Newton leaned over and looked under the table. "Seriously," Newton said, resuming his normal position. "Is this table a magnet or something?"
	Confidence echoed in the squirrel's voice, "Pardon my rudeness, sirs, but thy words have made their way to my keen sciurine ears. It would be my honor to assist worthy heroes in such a grand quest."
	"And you are?" asked Jaashu.
	"But, of course, my apologies." The squirrel removed his hat and bowed. "I am Tomo, traveller from beyond the horizon, righter of wrongs, and seeker of adventure."
	"Nice to meet ya... Tomo," Bronn said with a half smile. "And if I am not mistaken, eight can be divided by four, eh, Newt?"
	Newton grumbled.
	"Two in each group sounds perfect." Ulysses said. "But who will be with who?"
	"Okay, dude, with the past two adventures, me and Bronn are a good team." Jaashu said.
	"The same is true of Ferrus and myself." Regulu said.
	"The rat's gonna need someone strong and experienced to protect his tail." Bronn said.
	"I will travel with Newton." Ulysses said.
	Bronn nodded. "That will leave you, Tomo, with Rocky, he's the rhino."
	"I am certain you shall prove to be a formidable comrade." Tomo said.
	Rocky scratched his head. "I'm not sure if... I know how to comrod. I can try."
	Tomo blinked a couple times and then spoke, "Yes... and now to assign our destinations, I presume."
	"Yeah," Jaashu said, "me and Bronn just got back from the Salamander Peninsula so someone else should go there."
	Bronn smiled. "Yes, I think Rocky and Tomo should go down there, down to Mount Flare to retrieve the Fire Ring. If I am not mistaken, you can find a path that will take you through Shandis."
	"S... Shandis, why... why would we go there?" Tomo asked, slipping out of his perfect composure.
	"Is there something wrong with Shandis?" Bronn asked.
	"Nay," Tomo responded, regaining his cool. "I merely had heard that Shandis was a dull and uneventful hamlet. I prefer to avoid such places.
	"Completely understandable," Bronn said, "but it would be a good idea to go there. Rocky should let his father know of his plans."
	"Alas, then," Tomo said, "if it cannot be avoided then it cannot be avoided."
	"I don't think it really matters who goes where, otherwise." Bronn said.
	"Yeah, dude, I hear Vervale's supposed to be nice," Jaashu said, "and it's one of the few cities I've never visited with my father. I say you and me, Bronn, go up to Roc Island."
	Bronn nodded. "Fine by me."
	"Cool." replied Jaashu said.
	"With my experience at sea, it's common sense that I go to Kraken Island. 'K with you, rat?" Ulysses asked, who was now sitting backwards on a chair he had borrowed from an empty table.
	Newton shrugged. "Whatever."
	"Then that would leave us with Golem Isle," Ferrus said, "That is perfect, for none but the most seasoned of travellers dare traverse the Soylta Desert."
	"Agreed," Regulu responded." 
	"After we have all retrieved the jewels," Bronn said, "we will return here and then Jaashu, Ferrus, Maliki, and I will take them to Colof's Tower. But tonight we stay in Nejaak."
	There was something surreal about that day. It was, in the course of less than an hour, that a group of eight and four parties of two had been formed. Not all knew each other well, and some did not know each other at all, but their goal was shared. What would come of the quest was unknown but Jaashu felt something grand about it. As the afternoon progressed into evening, a sense of anxiety and anticipation creeped into Jaashu and spread. Failure or success, the quest would change his life, and that was the only matter of which he was certain.

Elements: 3
	And there was another group of travellers, somewhere beneath the surface of Grand Island, who had just arrived at the entrance to a series of large caverns. One was a raccoon, who was familiar with the caves and most caves in Hyndesia. Another was an elk and, though he had been following the raccoon's directions, he seemed to be the definite leader without saying but a word. An otter was happy for the opportunity to visit a new place, especially one that was potentially dangerous. Finally, a griffin was very uncomfortable and uneasy in the subterranean surroundings but his ego was far too large to say such.
	These four who had been strangers to each other had been brought together by a single invitation. It was an invitation to a place must had considered only a legend. Once there was said to be a tower, made of ruby, which was the home to the kings of Hyndesia. As legend goes, an angry demon, in an attempt to kill King Andrew caused the tower to sink into the ground. The Ruby Tower would never be seen again and the new royal home was moved to the city of Firetowne. Looking at the structure before them, it was fairly obvious the Ruby Tower was more than a legend.
	"There it is," said the raccoon, "the Ruby Tower. Very real, as I said."
	"I can see that, Geon," said the elk, "but how did you know about it?"
	"Don't be too upset, Kano," Geon replied, "even Salinsici's 'family' doesn't know about it. Its sort of a secret amongst us thieves, it was once the home of the Nejaak Thieves' Guild, but it was too inconvenient for them to come all the way down here all the time."  
	"I say we get this matter over with," said the griffin.
	"Don't like it when there's no sky in sight, eh, Zefro? Feeling a bit claustrophobic?" asked the otter.
	"Surely you jest, Dace," said Zef, "Sir Zef the Perfect, Knight Captain of Cumulus, fears naught a thing so petty as a cave. I wish to finish this matter so I may return to my post at the castle. How that kingdom could function without my presence, that is what worries me."
	"I need not jest on your behalf," said Dace, "when all you need to do is speak."
	Zef laughed. "Your brain must be water-logged. There is no way..."
	"Quiet!" Kano yelled, his exclamation echoing off the cavern walls. "I didn't come down here to sit for some bickerin' cubs. If ya can't get along, den just keep yer muzzles shut!"
	Suprisingly, Kano's words were effective, for everyone remained silent until they arrived at the Ruby Tower's front gate.
	Looking up at the structure, webbed paws on his hips, Dace whistled. "Impressive. Makes the Maleau summer home look like a shack."
	Zef examined the large intricate front doors. "I suppose it would be best if we knocked first." Zef asked.
	"Really?" Geon asked. "I usually just break in."
	"I hear ya, kid," Kano said, "but in this case, we'd better not. Dis guy isn't someone you want to mess around with."
	Geon laughed weakly. "I know what you mean."
	"I do not fear him," Zef said, "but I would not wish for someone to think me rude or a common crook. Afterall, a knight of my stature has a very lofty reputation to maintain. I am sure young griffins look to me as..."
	"Shut it." Alkon said. He grabbed one of the jeweled knockers and pounded it loudly upon the door.
	One of the massive doors immediately opened and there, in the opening, stood that strange sorceror in the crimson cloak.
	"That was fast," Dace said, "were you waiting at the door?"
	"No," said the sorceror, "my powers allow me to move faster than sight. Enough of that, we have important business to attend to."
	"I'd hope so," Kano said. "I got a rather big guild to run and don't like to make visits unless there's a good reason. And by good I mean gold."
	"What I am to offer you," the sorceror said, "is far greater than mere gold."
	"That's cool and all," Dace said and, tugging on the gold chain about his neck, added, "but don't down talk the gold, k?"
	Completely ignoring Dace, the sorceror turned around and beckoned them to follow.

Elements: 4

	While Ulysses returned to his ship and Ferrus and Maliki Regulu went to purchase supplies, the rest remained at the tavern where they had decided to stay the night. Bronn had spent the time explaining the journey ahead, detailing all the potential hazards they would face. Not one for conversation, Rocky left early to prepare for bed in one of the rooms the group had paid for.
	"Truth is," said Bronn, "you and Tomo will likely have the least dangerous route. Aside from Kano and Geon, Jaash and I didn't run into anything too dangerous."
	Tomo sighed. "Tis a pity indeed that I shall not be able to face a greater challenge, but even the simplest of tasks require completion."
	"A good attitude," Bronn said. "By the way, Newton, I think it would be a good idea for you to sleep on Ulysses' boat tonight. As annoying as my brother is, he knows his geography, he'll be able to give a lot of advice for the trip to Kraken Island. That, and I am betting you have to get acquainted with being on a boat."
	"What?!" exclaimed Newton. "You just assume I have no experience at sea. Like I have spent my entire life in a library?"
	Bronn shrugged. "That's about it."
	Newton grumbled. "It is getting dark," Newton said, "it just is not safe walking around the largest city in Hyndesia at night."
	"I know," Bronn said, "say, Jaash, could you escort our cowardly friend to Ulysses' boat? You know where the docks are, right?"
	Jaashu laughed. "Ya kiddin' me, dude? This is my town. There ain't nobody who knows it better than me."
	"Great," Bronn said. "You should get going then."
	As him and Newton stepped out of the tavern, Jaashu was struck with an eerie feeling. Though he was uncertain of the exact cause of the emotion, he noted a strange stillness in the air and the irregular shadows cast by the dancing flames of the street lamps seem to convey a message of omen.  None of this was new to Jaashu, however, he had been frequented by spontaneous bursts of uneasiness and anxiety ever since his fall from Deadman’s Pier.
	“Are you certain you know where we are going?" Newton asked.
	"Yeah. Why?"
	"You have been rather," Newton said, rubbing his chin, "silent."
	Jaashu shrugged. "It's nothin' I can really explain, dude. Just... hmm... sometimes I feel like something's..." Jaashu threw up his hands. "I don't know."
	"I have heard," Newton said, "that talented magicians allegedly possess an abnormal sensitivity to events in the world around them. I have heard no such rumors pertaining to bards, however."
	"Really, dude, I think..." Jaashu said, pausing to wave at a passer-by who had greeted him, "I think they say artists are sensitive... but not me. Not until recently."
	Newton removed his hat to scratch his head. "A confounding enigma. Even more confounding than why you are friends with that muscle-bound ursine, but I digress. Have you found any relation between these odd feelings and events that actually occur."
	Jaashu nodded. "Now that you mention it, dude... almost every time I got a sense of uneasiness, something strange would happen afterward. Like meeting that bizarre Nik Ophos. Or meeting that spider in Fengo Forest. Or the big gator creature in Lengo Lake. There was also a time in Vulcan City..."
	"It seems to be totally random, then," Newton quickly interrupted, clumsily dropping his hat. "Yes, those are all moments of danger..." Newton picked up his hat and shook it off thoroughly before placing it back upon his head. "But no one force was responsible for all of those occurences, right?"
	"I guess you are right," Jaashu said, "but Bronn thinks the gator, the spider, that weird diamond, Kano's blueprint crime, Geon's jewel robbery... he thinks they were all set up by a single individual."
	Newton laughed weakly. "I am sure that Bronn thinks lots of things but, trust me, thinking is not his forte. Leave the brain work to scholars, please."
	"Be not so quick to judge others."
	Startled, Newton nearly fell down.
	“Hi, lion dude.” Jaashu said.
	Maliki Regulu and Ferrus Oreum had apparently just exited a nearby shop, for Regulu was carrying a large cloth sack over his shoulder.
	“The name is Regulu.” said the ranger.
	Jaashu tapped his chin a couple times, in a pseudo-pensive manner, “Nope, I don’t think I’m going to remember that. Don’t worry, dude, maybe once I’ve known you longer.”
	“So,” Newton said, “shopping for supplies for the quest, I take it, or is that just the kitty cat’s dinner?”
	“I had not quite decided on what to have for dinner,” said Regulu, eyeing the rat with a toothy grin.
	“Heh heh,” Newton weakly laughed. “P-perhaps a nice salad. Would not want to run the risk of overeating and ruining that perfectly impressive leonine physique. Don’t you agree, J?” Newton asked, hiding behind Jaashu.
	Jaashu shook his head and sighed.
	“You need not hide, rodent,” Regulu said, laughing deeply, “I do not eat other zoanoids. Despite what most Hyndesians think, Nchikali is not populated entirely by ignorant pagan cannibals. Although I have eaten plenty of feral animals, and likely a much wider variety than you have, I would wager.”
	“Do you really eat,” Newton began and added, with disgust, “bugs in Nchikali.”
	“Indeed,” said Regulu, “and properly prepared they...”
	“Is there a point to all this?” Ferrus exclaimed, throwing up his hands. 
	“Chill, dude, we’re just talkin’.” Jaashu said.
	“Yes, and as entertaining as this little conversation is,” Ferrus said, “Regulu and I have much to prepare for before our quest. I can tell right now you will have trouble taking this quest, or anything, serious, and I doubt your friends are any different. I questioned Colof’s judgment in seeking your aide for this mission, I hope you will prove me wrong. Come on, Regulu, the marketplace will be closing soon.”
	Ferrus spun quickly about and walked away. After a quick shrug, Regulu turned and followed. They soon turned into an alley and were gone.
	“What’s that guys problem?” Jaashu asked.
	Newton jumped in front of Jaashu and put up his hands. “Stop, you’re not going to do that mongoose rage thing are you?”
	Jaashu brushed back his hair. “Nah. Ferrus may be a jerk, but he’s right about one thing. There is a lot to prepare for. And I am not eager to see what the lion rage thing is like.”
	“It’s ‘cause they are mercenaries,” Newton said, straightening his hat, “Always on the move, so they cannot really have any emotional attachments and you never know when you might have to steal from or kill someone you know.”
	Jaashu cocked his head a bit. “You really think they would kill or steal?”
	“For the right price,” Newton said, with a certain nod.
	“’Be not so quick to judge others‘,” quoted Jaashu, “If they’d prefer money over friends, that‘s really their choice. Me, I’d rather have friends, and ones who would not steal from and or kill me, I might add. Hehheh. C’mon, dude, let‘s find that ship.”
	“Sure thing,” replied Newton and, after looking back at the shadows of the darkening evening, he followed.

Elements: 5

	Ruby Tower had proven to be more than some symbolic name, for many of the structure’s walls were, much to Geon Jardin’s delight, decorated with fragments of actual ruby (or very good imitations, at least). No room was more impressive than the Great Hall, however, for the chamber’s enormous walls and cathedral ceilings were solidly composed of the red gem. Adding to the surrealistic ambience were several dimly lit fanciful braziers, the eerie glow of which provided the hall’s only light source. As amazing a spectacle as the Great Hall was, it seemed quite large for its function, for the ocean of stone tiled floor was devoid of any furniture, save one exception. In the center of the hall was a long dining table made of black marble, surrounded by iron chairs that matched it in color. Once this place had supposedly sat royalty and nobles, but at the moment it was occupied by only four individuals, none of whom were truly noble or royalty. Towards one end of the table, Geon Jardin and Alkon Kano sat on one side of the table while Zefro Lyghte and Dace Maleau sat across from them. Near the four was the head of the table, were a larger chair, somewhat throne-like, was vacant.
	“Any one find it a little odd,” Kano said, “dat a  place like this is totally empty. Why’d the Thieves’ Guild abandon this place anyway, Geon?”
	Geon looked about, silent for a moment. “I… really am not sure. Who cares about convenience, if I was in charge of the Nejaak Thieves, I would just live here.”
	Zef grunted. “Please, you must be a fool. Who would want to live underground? No fresh air and you cannot see the sky. Maybe this place looks okay because that sorceror was expecting us, but I am willing to bet everything down here gets horribly dusty. Ugh. Maybe this would suit some two-bit criminal with delusions of grandeur, but the magnificent architecture of Castle Cumulus is far more suitable for a cultured, civilized soul like myself. Every place in the Cumulus Kingdom has a view of the surrounding sky. There is furniture trimmed with gold and platinum, the beds and chairs have fine cerulean-colored fabric filled with the finest feathers, and one cannot forget the mirrors, for nothing decorates a room better than one’s own reflection. I know that…”
	Leaning over the table, his head buried in his paws, Dace Maleau interrupted with a growl of annoyance. “Please shut your beak,” Dace said, “at first I thought the ego thing was an amusing little act, but, no its no act, you really are an insufferable windbag.”
	“Perhaps our rich Maleau boy’s just jealous that someone is wealthier than him.” Geon said.
	“And perhaps,” Dace replied, “clumsy, pathetic Geon Jardin is jealous of anyone who is wealthy enough to not have to sleep in a cave.”
	“It is not because I am poor,” Geon said, “I like caves.”
	Dace’s attempt to reply was stopped by Alkon Kano laughing. “You guys really are cute,” Kano said, “the only zos with the true power in Hyndesia is The Guild. We’ve got a strangehold on every thief organization, the Cumulus Kingdom, and, yes, even  the Maleaus, not to mention the Hyndesian Guard and royal family. Ain’t no one who can touch us.”
	“Except Donnom Salinsici.” replied Dace with a smirk. 
	“Whatever,” Geon said, “anyone notice that our ‘sorceror’ seems different. I think…”
	Suddenly they were all silent as one of the Great Hall’s large doors slammed shut. It was, of course, the red-cloaked sorceror, carrying a large tome, who walked with an emotionless stride towards the table, where he took his place at the head chair.
	“A question has arisen,” said the sorceror, his dark voice echoing off the bejeweled walls, “what reason have I to bring you four together here? What reason when there would be difficulty finding individuals more at odds, should I form such a group as this? What reason? It is quite simple. Besides your many differences, you all share one important concern.”
	“And that would be?” Kano asked.
	“Your lives,” said the sorceror,” your very lives are threatened.”
	“By you?” asked Dace suspiciously.
	The sorceror laughed loud and deep. “Me? You need not fear me, otter. I am here to prepare you for this threat. A power is amassing. Without my help, this power will consume all of you.”
	“Certainly this must be a very mighty power to even harm Sir Zef the Perfect.” Zef said.
	“This power has a name,” the sorceror said, “Jaashu Sarino.”
	“Jaashu Sarino?!” Kano exclaimed.
	“That scrawny mongoose?!” Geon exclaimed.
	“The one who’s buddy hurt Ace?” Dace asked.
	“Who or what is Ace?” Zef asked.
	“My pet croc,” Dace said, “I’ve raised it since it was an egg and that ‘goose’s stupid bear friend fed it a bunch of tranquilizing potions. Ace could’ve died.”
	“Zef has not yet been victim to the misdeeds of Jaashu Sarino or his friend Bronn Skyler,” the sorceror said.
	“I’ll explain then,” Kano said, “Jaashu Sarino is the son of that ‘performance bard’ Jaani Viper. He’s a spoiled teenager who makes a big bear follow him around and protect his tail while he sticks his muzzle where it don’t belong.”
	“Let me get this straight,” Zef said, “you think a common zoanoid, lacking any true power or combat training, could pose any sort of threat to Sir Zef the Perfect?!”
	“Your arrogance shall likely be your downfall one day,” the sorceror said, “let it not be this day. Jaashu Sarino can not be underestimated. He possesses power that even I do not fully comprehend. Fortunately for you four, I have a way to save you.”
	“And didn’t you say that majti crystal would make it impossible for me to fail as a thief?” Geon asked.
	“And whose fault was that failure?” the sorceror asked. “You left your bag of gems completely unattended to fight a zoanoid much stronger than you are.”
	“Yeah, Geon,” Dace said, “you told me that story, and I still don’t get how anyone could fall for that trick, especially an alleged thief.”
	“You weren’t there,” Geon said, “and it doesn’t matter what I did with the bag, that brutish bear had me overpowered. Took me out with a single punch, and gave me a black eye.”
	“Um… you are a raccoon,” Dace said, “could you really tell?”
	Geon grunted.
	“It is the power of Jaashu Sarino that threatens you, so to survive you must also possess power. I shall present to you power that has been unknown to this world for centuries, a power that shall make even Jaashu Sarino bow before you.” 
	All of their eyes widened as the sorceror set the tome upon the table opened to a detailed illustration and for once the four were all in agreement: this would be a great thing, a great thing, indeed. 

Elements: 6

	Bronn and Tomo were the only ones still awake at the tavern. There had been nothing but silence between the two and Tomo had begun reading a book. 
	“Sorry about that tension between me and Ulysses,” Bronn said, “we do not get along well. What about your brother?”
	“We agree on most things, though we have fought before, naturally.” Tomo said, still focused on his book.
	“Then I take it you are looking forward to your return to Shandis,” Bronn said.
	“Most def--,” Tomo began, but then fully realized the nature of the conversation. Lowering his book he nervously attempted to correct himself.
	“You are a member of the Tross family and your brother works for the Shandisian Guard, correct?” Bronn asked.
	Tomo sighed heavily and removed his hat. “Alas, there is no fooling you, I see. I am not a mysterious adventurer from afar. I am Tomaeus Tross and I have lived in Shandis most of my life. How did you know?”
	“First,” Bronn said, “you are squirrel, like the guard lieutenant Jaashu and I met in Shandis. But there are plenty of squirrel zoanoids, so that was not enough to be certain. I recalled Lieutenant Tross mentioning that his brother, like himself, was a big fan of Jaani Viper. I saw you at the concert and I noticed you follow us to this tavern. Likely, you had been hoping to meet Jaani Viper but you could not work up the nerve to approach him but he left the tavern before you could. You would have likely followed after him shortly after he left but then you heard of the Elemental Jewels and forgot. I was not entirely certain, though, until your odd reaction when I first said you would be traveling through Shandis. That confirmed it.”
	“Amazing,” Tomo said, “I must applaud your abilities. Even my brother would be impressed.”
	“So,” Bronn said, “why did you make up the whole adventurer persona?”
	“I‘ve been struggling to find my place for years,” Tomo said, “I do not think I could ever make it in the Guard like my brother. I tried working at Agiss Armory, Sabbul‘s inn, all sorts of jobs, and I did not do well at any of them. I have a small library of books and I would read of great heroes and knights and grand quests. I just got tired of living vicariously through those stories, so I thought I could try to live the life of a hero.”
	“There has got to be something you are good at.” Bronn said.
	“Yes,” Tomo said, “I like to paint, but there is little need for an artist in a small town like Shandis. Besides, unless you can get a royal commission, you just cannot make enough to live. As a hero, I make money doing errands and odd jobs and I can travel, too.”
	“Do not worry,” Bronn said, “I will keep your secret safe.”
	Tomo replaced his hat. “My eternal gratitude to you then, sir.”
	“Just try not to get killed.” Bronn said. “Jaashu and I have learned that hero work can be very dangerous.”