Chapter 4
"OK, let us start then. Aim at the nearest target," said Scáthach as she pointed to them.
"Let me see," I said, pointing my bow at the nearest target. "OK, I am ready to fire."
"OK, now that you are ready to fire at the nearest target, you can start right now," said Scáthach.
I looked down at the nearest target and fired the first arrow right into the center of the target.
"Successful shoots! now release the rest of the arrows into the other targets," said Scáthach.
"Got it. Let's get these done," I said as I shot my last arrow into the farthest target.
"Wow, that was amazing," said Scáthach, looking around at the targets. "Let's go back and see what the other two are up to."
"Agreed. Let's get back to the camp," I said.
"What do you think the others would have got for us to eat for dinner?" asked Scáthach as she walked towards the camp.
"That is a significant question. I don't know what we are going to eat," said I.
"Oh well, we see what they brought back with them."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get moving on. Before it gets too dark to see where we are going?" I said as I moved towards the campsite.
"I wonder where Wren and Scáthach are at the moment?" asked Grey as he looked around the camp.
"Oh, I see them coming into the camp," said Cipher as she looked around the camp.
"You are late. What took you so long to get back to camp?" asked Grey as he looked at me and Scáthach.
"We were training. I wanted to see what Wren could do with a bow and arrows." Said Scáthach, looking at the group. "Since the only thing that I saw him doing was his summon when he was at the Adventures School."
"That makes sense to me. What are your thoughts on this?" asked Chiper, as she looked at her brother.
"That makes sense to me as well. That said, there is something that I still want to know," said Grey as he looked around at the group.
"Yes, what do you want to know?" asked Scáthach
"It's just why did you train him more when we were out of the camp?" asked Grey. "You do not want us to see him train or have us there."
"Both of the things that you said are mistaken. We finished setting up the camp, and we still needed something to do while we waited for you two to get back," said Scáthach.
"OK, that makes sense to me. What about you, Cipher?" asked Grey.
"Yes, that makes sense to me. That said, do you want to see what we brought back with us to eat?" asked Cipher as she put edible mushrooms and other plants on the pieces of wood that Wren and Scáthach put together.
"Yes, please," I said with excitement in my voice.
"You are easy to please, Wren," said Grey as he laughs.
"No, I am difficult to please. I am hungry at the moment." I said.
"Oh, I see. That does make sense to me," said Cipher as she turned some mushrooms that were cooking over the fire.
"So, what is the plan to get to the fire wolves?" asked Grey, looking at the rest of the group.
"That is a significant question. We could trap them in a cage," said Scáthach, looking at the group.
"With what cage, do you think fire wolves can get trapped?" asked Cipher.
"Hmm, let me think for a second or two," I said.
"Could you tell me why do you need to think about what to do? You may need to do it," said Grey.
"I am going to pretend that I did not hear you say that, brother," said Cipher.
"What did I do wrong here?" asked Grey to the group.
"I will let you think on that for a second or two," said Scáthach.
"I don't know what I said wrong," said Grey.
"Brother, you listen to what the rest of the group has to say." Said Cipher as she shook her head.
"OK, I will be quiet then." Said Grey.
"Back to the matter at hand. What about the quest, then?" I said.
"The fire wolves, right? Setting a trap for them?" asked Scáthach.
"We still need to figure out what kind of trap to set. Since wood will not work for fire wolves at all." I said, as I looked at the rest of the group.
"True, and also metal will not work since they can burn through that as well. Finding what to trap the wolves in is hard," said Cipher.
"This is hard. I don't know what to make the trap with," said Scáthach.
"What about rocks that could work, right?" asked Grey to the rest of the group.
"Rock as on earth, right?" I asked.
"Yes, earth, what do you think about a cage made up of Earth?" asked Cipher.
"Wren, will that work or not?" Asked Scáthach as she looked at me
"That, I think, will work for the trap. As long as we make sure that the fire wolves don't escape at all." I said.
"Just to make sure, the fire wolves are in the Kingdom of Ash, right?" asked Grey.
"Yes, that is correct." Said Cipher as she looked at Grey. "That said, does anyone have a map? That is why we see where we are compared to the Kingdom of Ash."
"Does anything live in the Kingdom of Ash?" asked Cipher.
I thought for a second. "Not that I know of," I said.
"OK, how do we get to the Kingdom of Ash then?" Asked Scáthach as she looked at the group.
"That is a significant question. We can't go back to the village, right?" Asked Grey.
"That is true. For the moment, let us get some rest at the night." I said.
"Good night then." Said Scáthach.
Thinking to himself, "What would we do to get the fire wolves?" I said, as I turned to get some sleep. "What to do? What to do?"
"Is Wren asleep?" asked Grey as he looked at Scáthach and Cipher.
"Yes, it is the case." Said Cipher.
"OK. Then, Scáthach and Cipher let us leave him. He is useless to us. Expert for his summon." Said Grey as he turned away from the tent.
"I would like to make sure that you are making the right decision." Said Scáthach.
"I do not know the answer. We will stay with you and Wren till this mission is over, then we will leave." Said Grey as he went into the tent that I was sleeping in.
"What do you think about, Cipher? Are you sure it is right to go with him?" asked Scáthach, looking at Cipher.
"Even though he is my brother, I don't know if leaving is the best idea," said Cipher as she looked worried.
"I see you are worried. Do you want to talk about it?" asked Scáthach.
"Yes, I want to talk about it to you and the rest of the group," said Cipher.
"Could I ask you something?" asked Scáthach as she headed into the tent.
"Yes, you can. What is on your mind?" asked Cipher, following Scáthach into the tent.
"Could you tell me why do you want to not leave?" asked Scáthach, getting into the sleeping bag.
"I don't want to leave. Before my brother and I met you, we were living day to day," said Cipher.
"I see well. I can't decide by myself. That said, we will get some sleep," said Scáthach as she closed her eyes.
"Yes, let's get some sleep," said Cipher.
"Is it morning yet?" asked Scáthach as she got out of the tent.
"Yes, it is morning. Do you want something to eat?" I said, looking at the fire pit. "Then we can talk about why Grey wants to leave the group."
"Sure. I will like something to eat. What about you, Cipher?" Scáthach looked at Cipher.
"Yes, please I would like to eat something," said Cipher, sitting down on the ground.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" asked Grey, looking at his sister.
"I don't want to leave the group. We are stronger together," said Cipher.
"So, you want to stay with them?" asked Grey, as he looked at the group.
"Yes, I want to stay with Scáthach and Wren. Could you tell me why do you not want to stay here as a group?" asked Cipher.
"Yes, you can know why I want to leave." Said Grey. "I would like to leave the group because we are being chased by someone."
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, looking at Grey.
"It is a feeling like there is someone following us," said Grey.
"Well, what are we going to do about that?" asked Scáthach as she looked at the group.
"Hmm, what to do?" I said, as I thought. "What about surrounding them?"
"Depends on who is following us," said Cipher.
"Who or what do you think is following us?" asked Scáthach.
"I don't know, but I needed to go," said Grey to the rest of the group.
"Though I get the reason, you want to go. That said, we will get a move on." I said, looking around at the group.
"Right, we still need to get the quest done," said Grey, getting up from the fire pit.
"When we are done packing up, we will go," said Cipher, getting up and heading towards the tent.
"Let's get the tent down and packed up. That way, we can leave as soon as possible." I said.
"Heard that. Then what are you waiting for? Let's get the tent down and packed. Then it will be time to head out and finish these quests," said Scáthach.
"OK then, let's do this," said Grey.
Packing up the campsite took an hour.
"OK, that was hard, but now that is done, we can leave for the Kingdom of Ash," said Grey.
"Indeed, let's move on," I said.
"Where do you think the fire wolves are?" asked Scáthach as she continued to walk.
"I don't know at the moment, but we will see," said Grey.
Pulling out the map. "Looks like we are halfway around the Aler kingdom's side of the Forest of Elvergeen," said Cipher.
"OK then, let's continue walking around the forest," said Scáthach as she hurried ahead of the group.
"Hey, now why are you picking up the pace like this?" I asked, keeping pace with Scáthach.
"What? I was walking fast?" said Scáthach as she slowed down.
"OK, good. Now that you slowed down, it looks like we are almost to the Kingdom of Ash," said Cipher.
"Oh, my bad, let's get a move on," said Scáthach.
"What direction do we have to go to reach the Kingdom of Ash?" asked Scáthach.
"The Kingdom of Ash is towards the north," said Grey.
"Is there a way to get there?" I asked as I continued to walk.
"Yes, it looks like there is a way to get to the kingdom of Ash. If we keep walking on the Aler Kingdom side," said Cipher.
"I see what we are waiting for. Let's keep walking." Said Grey.
"What do you think of the stacker that is following us?" asked Scáthach as she looked around.
"Please, keep walking. We will keep our guards up just in case something happens." I said.
"Got it," said Scáthach as she kept walking ahead.
"Keep your guards up everyone." Siad Cipher as she looked around.
"Do you sense anything around us?" asked Grey, looking at me.
"Not that I can sense. Wait, yes, I do sense someone. Ten feet due south." I said.
"Understood. Let's get moving on. We don't know why we are being followed," said Scáthach.
"Ma'am, I was spotted. What do you think I will do?" asked the shadow.
"Please, keep watching them." Said Elise.
"Understood. I will keep following them," said the shadow.
"Wren, what do you think about stopping around here?" asked Grey.
"Could you tell me why do you ask? It is not like there is a village around here," said Cipher.
"True, that said we have the tents," I said, picking up the pace.
"I still need to know where we are going to put the tents," said Cipher.
"Well then, what do we do right now?" asked Scáthach.
"For the moment, let's continue to walk," I said.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's continue to walk," said Grey.
"Grey, we are walking. You don't need to tell us to continue to walk," said Cipher.
"Right, I am sorry for saying that. I would love to say that," said Grey.
"Wren, what are you thinking?" asked Scáthach as she looked over at me.
"Not much at the moment to think about. Could you tell me why are you asking me that?" I asked.
"I was wondering what you were thinking about," said Scáthach.
"Is it just me, or does it seem more like you two are walking with each other?" asked Grey, looking at Scáthach and me.
"How will the fire wolves be found, trapped, and transported back to the guild? Could you tell me why are you looking at us like that? It's creeping me out," said Scáthach, looking around at the group.
"I apologize for what happened and I am sorry about that. Do we have a plan for the fire wolves? besides the cage of the earth?" asked Cipher looking at the group.
"Cipher, there is no need to worry about it. How will the fire wolves be found, trapped, and transported back to the guild?" I asked.
"Where is the location of the fire wolves?" asked Grey, looking at the group.
"In the southwestern part of the Kingdom of Ash," said Cipher as she looked at the map.
"I see then. That makes sense to me. Do you think you can tell me what we are waiting for at this moment? Let's get these fire wolves of the quest," said Scáthach as she walked faster than the rest of the group.
"Could you tell me why did Scáthach walk faster?" asked Grey.
"She wants to get the quest over quicker. At least that is what I think." I said.
"That makes sense to me," said Grey.
"OK, then what are you thinking of?" asked Cipher, looking at me.
"Let's get a move on and get this quest done. I don't want to waste time when we have a job to do," said Scáthach.
"Roger that. Do we know what the fire wolves look like?" asked Cipher.
"They look like that," I said, pointing to a pack of red, yellow, and orange wolves. The wolves look like they are on fire all the time.
"Wow, they are enormous. If we are not careful, we will be endangered," said Scáthach, looking at the wolves.
"That is true. Let's scout around the area and see what wolf we can get," I said, looking around the area. "Ahh, there's that one," pointing at one of the smaller ones in the pack.
"The only thing is, do the wolf pups have parents nearby?" asked Grey, looking around at the pack.
"Yes, that will be a challenge," I said, looking around for the wolf pup's parents. "Let's get one pup and see what bog wolves come to save the pup."
"That makes sense. Which one do you think we will go after? This kingdom doesn't have any people in it, right?" asked Cipher.
"Yes, the Kingdom of Ash doesn't have any people to my knowledge," said Scáthach.
"OK, that is the thing, since nothing can grow here at all," said Cipher, looking around the group.
"That is correct. Does anyone know why the Kingdom of Ash is called that?" asked Grey.
"Two thousand years ago, there was no ash anywhere. Then a regional war that happened turned the kingdom into what is now the Kingdom of Ash," said Scáthach.
"So, that means that there is no one living here, then?" asked Grey.
"Yes, that is correct," said Scáthach.
"Wait, where is Cipher?" asked Grey as he looked around.
"That is a significant question," I said, looking around for Cipher. "There she is. What the heck is she caring for?"
"Is a fire wolf pup," said Scáthach as she got herself ready for anything.
"That was easier than I thought," said Cipher as she held the wolf in her arms.
"How are you not burning yourself, Cipher?" asked Grey, looking at his sister with a concerned look on his face.
"Don't worry about that now. We need to get ready for the parents, right?" asked Cipher walking behind the group.
Just as she said that, two of the wolves ran at us.
"Who has earth magic?" I asked, looking around at the group.
"I have earth magic," said Grey as he walked forward and chanted," I call upon the earth spirits. Please answer my call. I seek to trap these monsters. Come forth rock prison." As he said the last words, the surrounding earth started to shake and pillars of rock came up and enclosed the adult fire wolves entrapping them.
"Wow, that was amazing, Grey. How did you do that? I didn't know that you could use magic," said Scáthach, looking at Grey in awe.
"There was no need to show that I could use magic till right now," said Grey.
"Well, I am not complaining. That was amazing. Now that question is how are we going to get the fire wolves back to the guild?" I said.
"True. Now that we have them here, how are we going to transport them back?" asked Scáthach, looking at the group.
"Let's see if what you are saying makes sense," I said as I thought. "I can't think of anything."
"OK then, is there any way to get a cart that can transport the fire wolves?" asked Scáthach, looking at the fire wolves that were trapped.
"First, we need to make sure that they are ok," I said, investigating the cage made of earth.
"That makes sense to me. That said, how are we going to get the fire wolves out of the earth cage?" asked Scáthach as she looked at the group.
"Lift them using earth," said Cipher.
"That could work if we still need that transport," said Grey as he thinks.
"True, what is the best transport to take the fire wolves?" I said.
"What about a transport made of metal?" asked Scáthach, looking at the group.
"You know, the wolves could melt that cage," I said as I looked at Scáthach.
"True, now that you said that makes sense to me then," said Scáthach as she looked around the area.
"Scáthach, what are you thinking about?" asked Cipher, staring at Scáthach.
"About how we are going to transport the fire wolves," said Scáthach.
"Then let's figure it out together and not by yourself," I said as I looked at the group.
"OK, that makes sense to me now. That said, we still need that transport," said Scáthach.
"I might know a way that we can transport back to the capital," said Grey as he looked at the fire wolves.
"Like teleporting them with us?" asked Scáthach, looking at the group.
"Yes, like that. That said, does anyone know how to teleport?" I asked, looking around.
"No, I don't know teleportation magic," said Cipher, looking around the group. "So, yes this is difficult."
"I don't know teleportation magic as well," said Grey.
"Neither I. I don't know teleportation magic," said Scáthach.
"OK, then we still need to figure out how to get the fire wolves to the capital," I said.
Everyone looked back further. "Successful, no one knows teleportation magic," said Grey as he thought to himself.
"What are we going to do, then?" asked Cipher.
"We could do the same thing that we got here walking," said Grey.
"Yes, that will be the best course of action at the moment," said Scáthach.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get a move on," said Cipher.
"OK, then let get the fire wolves on the move," I said, turning towards the earth cages.
"Alright then. I agree with what you are saying. That said, getting them out of the ground is going to be a challenge," said Grey.
"True, that will be hard since we made them on fire," I said.
"OK, then what is the plan to get them out of the earth cages?" said Scáthach.
"I can use my earth magic to take them with us," said Grey.
"OK then, that is the plan. Let's get to work so that we can get back to the capital," I said.
"You don't need to tell me twice," said Scáthach as she worked.
"Wow, that is fast. Could you tell me why do you think Scáthach is so energetic right now?" asked Cipher as she looked at the rest of the group.
"It is because she wants to get to the capital right away," said Grey as he shook his head back and forth.
"What are you doing looking at me?" asked Scáthach, looking at the rest of the group.
Just as she said that, dark clouds appeared. "We need to move right now," said Cipher, looking up at the clouds.
"True, we don't know when the clouds will thunder, lighten, or rain," I said, looking at the rest of the group.
"OK then, what are we waiting for? Let's get a move on," said Grey.
All the rest of the group got to work to get the fire wolves ready to be transported back to the capital. Just as we got the fire wolves enclosed in the earth, the clouds rained, lightning and thunder.
"We need to get a move on right now," yelled Scáthach as she picked up the pace.
"OK, then that is done. Does anyone have a way to get the fire wolves to the capital?" I asked the group.
"Let me think," said Scáthach as she thought. "Does anyone have a cart or something that could be used for the transportation of the monsters?"
"No, but I think our parents will help in that regard," said Grey as he looked over at Cipher.
"That makes sense to me. Let's see what they have to say." Said Cipher, looking over at the fire wolves.
"So, we are going to go back to your village, then?" I asked.
"Yes, we don't have a choice in that matter," said Grey.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get a move on," said Scáthach as she walked.
"OK, then let's get a move on then," said Cipher, who also walked.
"You heard her. Let's move," said Grey.
"Right, you are then," I said, also walking. "It took us two days to get here from your home village."
As we were heading back, the group was on edge.
"Does anyone sense that?" asked Scáthach.
"Yes, I agree with, what is going on," I said.
"Should we keep our guards up just in case?" asked Cipher as she looked around the area.
"That would not be an idea," said Grey as he thought about what to do. "Oh, hmm. What about we keep walking, then?"
"Who do you think is following us? Is it a ghost or something?" asked Cipher, looking around the area.
"No, it is not a ghost. Let's get a move on," said Scáthach as she walked.
"OK, then follow you there," said Cipher.
"What do you want to do when we get back to the capital?" I asked, looking at the rest of the group.
"I would like to train," said Grey, looking at the group as he continued to walk.
"I would like to do some shopping around the capital," said Cipher.
"What about you Scáthach," I said looking at Scáthach.
"Do you know if the Capital has a place of worship?" I asked as I looked at the group.
The rest of the group thought about my question.
"There is a church near the castle," said Cipher.
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"What do you think the vault that we saw earlier was about?" asked Grey, looking at the group.
"That is a significant question. Let me think about it for a second," said Scáthach as she thought. "Crap. I can't think of anything at all."
"Well, we have four days to get back to the capital. So, then that said what to do?" asked Cipher, looking at the group.
"I see, hmm. I know what to do. We continue to walk to the capital." I said.
"OK then, why is it so loud?" asked Scáthach as she looked back at the earth cages.
"What are you looking at? It's not like I can make these silent, right?" asked Grey, looking annoyed at Scáthach.
"Could you tell me why are you looking at Scáthach with an annoyed look on your face, bro? What did she do to you?" asked Cipher.
"I was well…" Grey's voice trailed off into nothingness.
"Could you tell me why did you stop talking, Grey?" I asked.
"Well, I didn't know what to say," said Grey, walking faster.
"Jeez, why are you speeding up?" asked Scáthach.
"Because I want to, that is all," said Grey.
"OK then, that will do for now," said Scáthach, looking at Grey.
Whispering to Cipher. "It's like she knows that something is going on with your brother," I said, looking over at both Grey and Scáthach.
Whispering back. "True what do you think they are both thinking about?" asked Cipher.
Again, whispering to Cipher. "I don't know, but do you want to find out?" I asked.
"What are you whispering about?" asked Grey, looking at Cipher and I.
"Oh, that why you were talking about?" I asked.
"I see what you are talking about," said Scáthach as she looked around the area.
Grey laughed. "You two asked the same question," said Grey, bending over and laughing.
"I see it makes sense," said Scáthach, looking around.
"Come on, let's get a move on," I said
"OK. OK. we are on our way then," said Cipher.
"Why are you going to the church when we get back? Could you tell me why?" asked Grey.
"To go to the church, that is all," I said.
"OK, that makes sense, right, Grey?" said Scáthach, looking at Grey angrily. "Wren can't tell us the reason to visit the Church at all."
"Oh, sorry, Wren." Said Grey as he looks up at the sky. "Looks to me like the sky is getting dark out. Do you think we should set up the camp for the night?"
"OK then, let's set out for the night. We are halfway to the castle ruins that we were at," said Scáthach.
"What do you want to do about the fire wolves?" asked Cipher looking at the earth cages they were in.
"For the moment, nothing," I said, looking at the fire wolves. "That said, we will feed them, so that nothing happens to us when we sleep."
"OK then, what do we get for the fire wolves to eat?" asked Grey.
"Could you tell me why don't we ask Silen about it?" asked Cipher, looking around at the group.
"Did someone say my name?" asked Silen, coming out of the woods.
"Wow, you surprised me there," said Cipher as she jumped up off the ground.
"Sorry about that, I did not know that you are moving fire wolves," said Silen, looking at the cages of Earth.
"That is OK. What brings you by here?" I asked Silen.
"Could I see the fire wolves?" asked Silen.
"Since we have nothing to put them in at the moment," I said.
"I see. What about if I ask the forest to help you out? Only if you want me to?" asked Silen.
"Let me think about that, and will get back to you when I think of something," I said as I investigated the forest.
"OK, I will yell my name into the forest," said Silen.
"OK, then let me think and I will get back to that," I said, looking at the rest of the group.
"Understood. I will be around if you need me," said Silen as she bowed and left into the forest.
"Thank you for telling me. I will let you know." I said, waving my hand at her.
"Could you tell me why are you friendly to Silen who is a slave to your house?" asked Grey.
Everyone looked at Grey with angry faces.
"What did I say something wrong?" asked Grey looking at everyone.
"Yes, you did something wrong! You put her in the same line as a slave," I said, looking at Grey.
"Oh, then I will say sorry to her?" asked Grey.
"Yes, do that, since she is not an ordinary elf. She is the chief elf's daughter. That said, even if she was not the chief's daughter, if you don't apologize, it could mean war!" I yelled at Grey.
"Crap, what should I do then?" asked Grey, looking at the rest of the group.
"I will call for her and see what she has to say about that," I said, shaking my head at Grey. "Hey, Silen, do you have time to talk?"
"When you called, what did you want to talk about?" asked Silen.
"Well, it is not me that wants to talk to you. It's him," I said, pointing at Grey.
Looking over at Grey, "What did you say about the elves?" asked Silen.
"I might have accidentally called you a slave," said Grey, with his head down. "Is there anything that I can help make it to you?"
"You did what!" Yelled Silen, looking at the rest of the group. "So let me get this straight so that I understand what is going on. First, you called me a slave to the Sirn household. Then when Wren yelled at you for what you said, he called into the forest for me to see what I want to do, right?" asked Silen.
"Yes, that is right. You said that correctly," said Grey.
Silen walks back and forth between the stops. "I have an idea, that said Grey will need to come with me," said Silen as she grabbed Grey by the hand and left for the forest.
"What was that all about?" asked Scáthach as she looked at both Cipher and me with a confused look on her face.
"We need to go with him. Who knows if he will be endangered or what!" exclaimed Cipher as she got up and headed into the forest.
"It will be unwise to go into the forest," I said, looking at Cipher.
"Could you tell me why is that?" asked Cipher as she sat back down around the campfire.
"First, that is the elf nation, so if we are not careful, we will anger them," I said, looking at the remaining two people at the party.
"OK, that makes sense to me. That said, what about the second reason?" asked Scáthach.
"The second is simpler than the first one. It's that you will get lost in the forest without a guide to help you through the forest. You will get lost." I said.
"I see, and since your family has the chief's daughter to guide you. Your family will not get lost in the forest," said Cipher.
"Pretty much what you are saying is that we can't follow them into the forest at all," said Scáthach.
"Yes, that is pretty much it," I said, looking at the rest of the group. "Now if you please excuse me, I am going to sleep."
"Is it just me or did Wren seem to you a little harsh?" asked Cipher as she investigated the forest.
"Yes, he seemed harsh to me," said Scáthach.
"OK, I have decided, I am going to save my brother," said Cipher as she got up again.
"May I ask if you noted here what he said?" asked Scáthach, looking more worried to see what might happen.
"Yes, I did, and all that I need is a guide to get me to the village inside the forest, right?" asked Cipher.
"Yes, and do you know a guide that could guide you to your brother?" asked Scáthach.
"I don't think she will want to guide me into the forest to find my brother," said Cipher.
"You are talking about Silen helping you to find your brother, right?" asked Scáthach.
"Yes, I am talking about her. Could you tell me why is that wrong?" asked Cipher.
"You know she is the one that took your brother away. Also, she can't, since she is the guide for Wren's family. We can only wait for your brother to come back to us," said Scáthach.
"That is true that I have now to choose, but to wait then," said Cipher.
"Yes, and now it is getting late. If you try right now, you will get lost," said Scáthach.
"OK. OK, I will not go after them then," said Cipher as she got up and headed into the tent that was established for the girls.
Thinking to myself.
(I heard everything that was said by the girls, and it looks like Scáthach handled it.)
"Crap, I can't get any sleep at the moment, and I don't know why," I said as I rolled around in the sleeping bag.
As night fell, we were in our tents. The wind picked up, and we could hear a howl.
"What was that noise?" asked Cipher as she looked around the tent.
"No clue. That said, it is interesting to see what it is," said Scáthach as she got up and out of the sleeping bag, she was in.
"But you said that we shouldn't get to my brother and now you want to see what the howl was?" asked Cipher, looking at Scáthach.
"These are two different things. That said, I would like to see what Wren has to say about the howl," said Scáthach as she got out of the tent.
"May I know if you two hear that howl?" I said, looking around to see where that howl came from.
"Yes, both Scáthach and I heard it. What do you think it was?" asked Cipher looking around to see where the howl came from.
"Sounded to me it was a wolf," said Scáthach as she investigated the fire. Just as she said, the howling grew louder and louder.
"OK, what the heck is going on? It's like whatever is getting closer and closer to us." I said as I grabbed my bow and quiver from the tent.
"Do you hear anything?" asked Scáthach as she looked around the area.
"No, but I see a wolf staring right at us," said Cipher.
"That is right, I am a wolf," said the wolf. "Well, not a wolf."
"So, who are you then?" I asked.
"You do not think that I am a god, but I am one," said the wolf.
"OK, if you are a god. Then what god are you?" asked Cipher, looking at the wolf with a skeptical look on her face.
"I am Zep, the god of the Sky. Will I not be here? This is like one familiar that I have," said the wolf.
"OK, so then that means that you need to go back to the rest of the gods, right?" I asked.
(laughing) "I can't do that. There is something that I did that makes sure that I can't return," said Zep.
"Do you think you can tell us what you did, or what can you not?" I asked.
"No, since it will put you and your group in danger," said Zep.
"What do you mean endanger!" I asked.
"It will endanger you and your group," said Zep.
"OK, then that makes sense to me. That said, well what else can be said?" asked Scáthach, looking at the wolf.
"No, there is nothing I can say at all, or do to tell you," Said Zep as he turned away from the group and left.
"OK, that was weird to see. Does anyone else think what the god of the sky said was about?" asked Scáthach.
"Yes, that was weird. That said, at least right now we can't do anything," said Cipher.
"What time is it right now?" Scáthach looked at the remaining two party-members.
"It's daybreak. Could you tell me why do you ask?" I asked.
"So, we only slept four hours!" yelled Scáthach, stomping away.
"Is the case in that regard," said Cipher, going after her.
"So, I am here alone?" I asked, looking around. "Successful. I have all of this camp to clear by myself. This is going to take me a while to clear. I better get to work."
"Hey Scáthach, I don't think to leave Wren alone by himself," said Cipher, looking back toward where I was.
"I know that, but please don't tell him this," said Scáthach.
"Tell him he is not my type of person. I think of him as more of a brother than a lover," said Scáthach.
"I see, but that said, you have to think he is working hard," said Cipher, turning around and walking back to me. "What are you waiting for? Let's get back to Wren. We don't want to let him pack up by himself."
"Yes, that is true. OK then let's get a move on then," said Scáthach.
"What do you think he is doing right now?" asked Cipher as she continued to walk towards the camp.
"Getting the camp ready to go," said Scáthach.
"Yes, that is right. Let's help him pack if he already gets things packed up," said Cipher, walking faster to get back to camp.
"Yes, what are we waiting for? Let's get a move on and help him out," said Scáthach, walking to catch up with Cipher.
"What do you think he is up to at the moment?" asked Cipher.
"Packing up the campsite," said Scáthach.
"That is true," said Cipher, walking toward the campsite. "Wow, the campsite is all packed up!"
"I packed it all up. May I ask if you would be taking it," I said, looking at both Cipher and Scáthach. "Could you tell me why are you looking at us like that?" asked Scáthach.
"I am reaching out to wonder why you didn't help me pack up the campsite at all," I said, looking at the two of them.
"We were talking to each other that is all," said Scáthach.
"OK, then what about getting ready to get out of here?" I said.
"What do we need to do to get a move on?" asked Cipher.
"Don't worry about it. I brought down everything," I said.
"OK, then what are we waiting for? Let's get a move on," said Scáthach as she walked back to the village of assassins.
"What are you going to say to your mom and dad about your brother?" I asked.
"That I don't know at the moment," said Cipher. "Let me think about it and get back to you soon."
"OK then, think about it," I said.
"Hey Wren, what are we going to do when we return to Cipher's home village?" asked Scáthach.
I said as I lifted my pack, which was heavier than before. "Tell that we are one person done from the start of the quest that is for sure."
"Yes, that is the case," said Cipher.
"Do we know what Seble will say to us when we get to the village?" asked Scáthach, looking at the group.
"What do you think about the talking with wolf?" I asked the rest of the group.
"That was weird talking to a wolf. Expertly, since wolves don't normally talk at all," said Cipher.
"Let's talk to my mom and see what she says about all of this," said Cipher as she walked past the ruins of the castle.
"It looks to me like you are back for what looks to me like the Kingdom of Ash," said Elise, walking up to the group. "Cipher, where is your brother?"
"He got taken away by the chief daughter of the Elvergreen Forest," said Cipher, bowing to her mother.
"What did he do to make her mad at him in the first place?" asked Seble, shaking her head.
"He called her a slave of my family. Which is not the case at all," I said.
"OK, this is what I am getting from this. My son called the chief of the Forest of Elvergeen, a slave and then got taken away by that elf?" asked Elise, looking at the remaining three people in the group.
"Yes, that is correct, that said now that he is there at the moment and there is nothing we can do," I said.
"Could you tell me why is that?" Seble asked, looking at me.
"The only way to get him back is from an elf guiding you through the forest," I said.
"OK, that makes sense to me. That said, how do you know this information?" asked Seble.
"One elf guides my family through the forest," I said. "Though I can't say who, since what is stopping me from saying it unwillingly is a blood pact with that elf."
"So that tells me that the only reason that he will come back is if they let him go," said Seble, as she paced back and forth.
"Yes, that would be the best course of action. Though I see another outcome. One that is not the best outcome of the two," I said, looking at Seble.
"OK, let's hear this outcome that you alluded to," said Seble, crossing his arms.
"I warn you now, what I am about to say is the terrible outcome, well to an extent it is. They made him into a slave because of what he said." I said.
"OK, yep, that is significantly worse than the first one that you said," said Seble.
"It can also be none of the two that I mentioned," I said.
"OK, on another subject are those fire wolves?" asked Elise.
"Yes, they are fire wolves. How do you know that?" asked Cipher.
"Your dad was an adventurer before he met me. That was the beast that we were on a quest together," said Elise.
"OK, that is interesting, but not what we are here for," said Cipher, looking at her mom. "We are wondering if there is something that can take these wolves with us back to the adventurer's guild?" asked Scáthach.
"Fire wolves, right?" asked Elise, looking over at the wolves. "Let me see if there is anything that we have to take them in." To herself, "I wonder if they are the same people as those scumbags."
"May I ask if you heard your mom say something?" Scáthach said, looking at Cipher.
"No, I didn't know what my mother was talking about. That said, it will be best if we follow her to find out what she is up to," said Cipher, running off in the direction that her mother left.
"Should we follow her in the direction that her mother went in?" asked Scáthach as she ran.
"Yes, that would be a radical idea," I said.
"This place, Mom? Could you tell me why in these run-down stables?" asked Cipher as she looked around.
"You will see you and your friends," said Elise.
"OK I will wait here for them and will get to see what you have to transport the monster?" asked Cipher.
"Yes, sweety, now what for your friends to get here?" said Elise as she turned around and walked to the back of the stables.
"OK, we are here. What is this place?" asked Scáthach, looking around the run-down stable.
"It's a dilapidated stable that no one uses anymore," said Cipher as she turned and walked to the back of the stables. "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go."
"All right, what are we going to do? Are these boulders that the fire wolves are in? Since the person who brought them away is gone? It was a pain in the neck to push them here!" Exclaimed Scáthach, walking to the back as well.
"OK, let's figure out what to transport these fire wolves in," said Elise, looking around the stable for a suitable transport vehicle.
"Do we even know what kind of vehicle can transport these fire wolves?" I asked.
"It can't be metal or wood since they burn in the fire from the wolves," said Elise, looking around for a vehicle.
"That is true, but Grey was the one that knew earth magic. We can't lift it at all," I said.
"I see, then let me see from what you told me. Also, for the Earth magic user, let me see. Seble, get your butt over here now!!!
SEBLE GET YOUR BUTT OVER HERE NOW!!!" Yelled Elise.
"You wanted to see me, dear? Oh, Cipher sweetheart you are here," said Seble as he walked into the stable.
"You saw the enormous boulders that were moving around, right?" asked Elise looking at her husband.
"Yes, I saw the big, howling boulders. What is in there?" asked Seble, looking at the boulders.
"Partly. What inside the boulder are fire wolves," said Elise.
"Like the ones that we got when we met?" asked Seble looking at his wife.
"This is not about the time or place for that. Now let's see what we can do about the transport for the fire wolves," said Elise.
"Let me see what we can get you three to transport the fire wolves," said Seble, heading out of the stables.
"Do we follow him?" asked Scáthach, looking toward Seble.
"You can, but he will be back shortly," said Elise.
"OK, then what do we do? Will we wait?" asked Cipher looking at her mom.
"Please, wait here. He will be back soon," said Elise.
"OK, that said what do we do while we wait for my father," said Cipher, looking at the front door of the stable.
"She told us to be patient and wait for your father, so we wait and see what he brings back with him," I said.
"OK, this is heavy. Can someone give me a hand with this?" asked Seble as he pulled what looked like square objects into the stables.
"What are these square objects?" asked Scáthach.
"These square objects can well transport the Fire Wolves," said Seble as he opened one of the square objects.
The three of us that remained in the group investigated the square objects. Then we looked at Seble.
"So, this is to help us with what, exactly?" I asked, looking at Seble with a confused look on my face.
"Want me to show, you have to operate this?" asked Seble as he walked to one of the square objects and put one of his hands on the object. The square object opened up and revealed what looked to be a cage that we had made of alabaster.
"What are these cages used for?" asked Scáthach, walking over to the square objects.
"Scáthach, be careful. You don't want to get too close," said Cipher.
"Could you tell me why do I need to be careful with the square objects?" asked Scáthach.
"Those are closed at random times," said Cipher just as she said that the square cage closed. As she said that, we could hear a scream coming from Scáthach.
"What was that for?" asked Scáthach angrily. "Could you tell me why didn't you say something in time?"
"She said something you didn't listen to," I said as I shook my head back and forth.
"Yes, I said that you need to be careful, but did you listen? The answer is 'no', you didn't listen at all," said Cipher.
"Could you tell me why don't I remember that at all?" Scáthach said as looking at Cipher.
"She told you two minutes ago," said Elise.
"Oh, she told me that," said Scáthach, looking at the rest of the group.
"That is what we were telling you," I said, looking at Scáthach.
"OK, then what are we going to do?" asked Scáthach.
"You are going to move them into the squares," said Cipher.
"Me!! Could you tell me why do I have to move them with no help?" asked Scáthach.
"No, you will not be doing that by yourself," I said.
"Thank you," said Scáthach, walking back toward the spheres.
"What is the matter with her?" asked Seble, looking over at Scáthach.
"She needs time to herself to think," said Cipher as she walked over to her mother.
"OK, leave then," said Seble as he walked off toward the house the Cipher and Grey grew up in.
As he left, I thought to myself ("I don't want to leave her alone in case something has happened to her,")
"OK, no one is here. I am sitting here and thinking for a bit of myself," said Scáthach as she sat down on a chair that looked partially broken on one leg.
"Ahh," said Scáthach as she fell to the ground.
"I got you. What were you doing sitting on a seat that was broken?" I exclaimed at Scáthach.
"Let go of me," said Scáthach, pulling herself away.
"Could you tell me why did you push yourself away? You are way too strong," I said, looking at Scáthach, breathing hard, and collapsing on the ground.
"Wren! Wren! Stay with me!" Yelled Scáthach .
"So, what were you thinking? You got a demigod!" Yelled Ser looking at Sho.
"What is weird about it is not like he can use his powers right now. He still thinks he is normal," said Sho.
"Um, excuse me," I said.
"Drycor, what do you think? Isn't it the rule that we don't interfere with humans at all?" asked Grud.
"Yes, we don't interfere with humans now. That said, when did you go down there?" asked Drycor looking at Sho.
"Hello, can you hear me?" I asked what looked to me like gods and goddesses. Looking around what looked like twelve chairs one of which was empty.
"Um, everyone, can you please be quiet? We have a guest," said Bren.
"Where is this guest?" asked Warren, looking around the room. Then looking right down at the ground, "Oh, is this person who you are talking about?"
"Yes, I am talking about that person," said Bren as she pointed at me.
The gods and goddesses looked down at the ground.
"Oh, humans, what do they want from us?" asked Ser.
"How did I get here? What is this place?" I asked as I looked around the room.
"To answer your first question, I don't know how you got here," said Ser. "As for the second question this is the realm of the gods."
"How did I get here?" I asked.
"Let me show you," said Sho as she turned towards a mirror.
The mirror shimmered, and an image appeared in the mirror.
"Is that me?" I asked as I looked at a body that was lying on a bed.
"Yes, that is you," said Drycor, looking at the ground from his chair.
"OK, well, the rest of the group except for one is around me at the moment," I said.
"Yes, back to the matter of why you are here," said Sho.
"OK, I am listening to what all of you need to say," I said.
"OK, down to business then. What are we going to do about humans?" said Zana.
"Could you tell me why do you talk about me like I am not here?" I asked.
The gods and goddesses talked to themselves again.
"OK, is that all? Let's get back to the matter at hand," said Arso.
"Right, the fact of the matter at hand even if we could take Zep's place among the gods," said Wirze.
'`Does anyone know where Zep is at the moment?" asked Grud.
"I might have something," I said, looking at the gods and goddesses that were around the group.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Sho with a shell-shocked look on her face at what she heard.
"Yes, he talks to me and the rest of my party members like a wolf," I said, as I continued to look up at the gods.
"Wait, that means that you talked with him. What did he say to you?" asked Sho.
"He said that he did something that makes it so he can't return at all," I said.
"May I ask if you asked why he can't return?" asked Bren.
"He couldn't say or it will put me and the rest of my group in danger or something like that," I said as I bowed my head.
"Wait, you talked to Zep! Could you tell me why would he say that?" said Ser as he thought.
"Not just me, the people that were in the same party as me," I said.
"Why did he contact you and not us I wonder?" asked Zana, looking at the rest of the gods.
"Weird as it may be, that doesn't take away the fact that humans were contacted," said Sho as she looked down at me.
"Is it just him, or do the humans down there look similar to each other?" asked Bren as she looked back and forth between the two other gods.
"Yes, you are right, but we will get back to the subject at another time," said Drycor, looking at me.
Just as the gods were continuing to talk, I could feel myself being shaken up.
"Oh, so I will need to go," I said, looking up at the gods and goddesses.
"OK, we will continue talking when you are back in the capital," said Sho.
"OK, see you then," I said as I opened my eyes.
"Good, you are awake. What were you dreaming of?" asked Scáthach.
"The gods wanted to talk to me about something," I said.
"The gods wanted to talk to you about what?" asked Cipher.
"The thing is, I don't know what they wanted to talk about. That said, I told them about Zep," I said.
"I see, what they say about that?" asked Scáthach.
"I didn't get the chance to ask about that," I said.
"OK then, shall we get going? The fire wolves are in the spheres," said Cipher.
"Yay, now that they are in the spheres, can we get a move on back to the capital?" said Scáthach as she got up from one chair.
"Yes, we can get a move on. Since someone wants to get back as some as possible," I said as I got up from one of the beds.
Scáthach and Cipher left to get ready for the rest of the trip back to the capital.
"Those two are noble spirits. I wonder why they are so eager to go. Oh, while it doesn't do too much to worry about it at all," I said as I got up from the bed that I was lying on.
"Hey Wren, what are you waiting on?" asked Cipher.
"Oh, not much. I am on my way," I said as I walked faster.
"Could you tell me why are you walking so fast? It's not like we will get to the capital in one day," said Cipher, keeping up.
"What is incorrect about getting back quickly?" I asked.
"You don't want to take your time to get back to the capital?" asked Scáthach.
"OK, you have a point. Then let's continue to walk," I said.
"Hey Scáthach, what do you want to do when we are back in the capital?" asked Cipher looking at Scáthach.
"Seeing how my parents are, then I am going to train," said Scáthach.
"That is typical of you," I said.
"What was that for!" Yelled Scáthach as she spread up her face. "Well, are you coming or not?"
"Don't we need to go to the adventure guild to turn in the quest as well?" asked Cipher looking at the group.
"That is true. Then what are we waiting for? Let's get a move on," said Scáthach. "I wonder what training I could do?"
"What do you think the adventurer's guild will do about Grey?" asked Cipher, looking at the rest of the group.
"Since Grey is an adventurer, the adventurer's guild can get involved, right?" asked Scáthach.
"They can look into it to see if they can or not," I said.
"Well, that makes sense," said Scáthach.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go to the adventurer's guild," said Cipher.
"How long to the capital?" asked Scáthach as she looked around at the nothingness.
"We still have a day to get to the Capital," I said, looking around the area. "Oh, let's stop here for lunch,"
"When did we get something to eat?" asked Scáthach, looking at the group.
"My mom made some food for us," said Cipher, grabbing a sandwich and green juice.
"When did that happen? I didn't see her make the food," I said, also grabbing a sandwich.
"You were still in the bed when they were made," said Scáthach.
"Oh, I see then. What should we do after we have lunch and pack up?" I asked the rest of the group.
"We continue to walk until nightfall. What else are we going to do?" said Cipher.
"OK, that makes sense to me. Then what are we waiting for when we are done? Let's get a move on," said Scáthach as she got up from the ground. "Well, come on let's get a move on,"
"Getting up, OK. Could you tell me why do you need to make everything a race?" I asked as I got up from the ground.
"I agree with Wren with this one. You don't need to rush into things at all," said Cipher.
"Yes, I need to rush into things. It is in my nature to do so," said Scáthach as she looked at the other two people who were shaking their heads. "What did I do wrong?"
"No, you are fine. Let's move on and get to the capital. Remember, we are still on our first quest. Well, at least two of us are," I said.
"I wonder why we could do the fire wolf quest when it is two ranks above us normally?" asked Cipher, looking at the group.
"It could be because you had me in the group," said Scáthach.
"That could be, but I am not so sure about that. Cipher, do you still have the quest paper?" I asked.
"Yes, I have it. Do you want it?" asked Cipher.