13

A Divine Meeting

Warm rays of sun shone over the bustling town of Lakecross, a merchant city constructed over Lucrona Lake. Halflings, small human-like creatures, about the size of children, with large hairy feet milled about, some larger races mixed in.

Orsik smiled and nodded as an older halfling gentleman thanked him profusely. He wasn’t sure how he ended up in the halfling city. Last Orsik remembered he was falling asleep at an inn over in Embermire. But when he awoke, he was here, and the amulet of his goddess, Ildri, glowed in greeting. She had something to do with his sudden appearance in this city, and that meant he was here for a reason.

It didn’t have to do with this man, though, as much as he’d assisted with healing his ailing wife, and helped many others in the city over the past day. “Ye dinnae have tae thank me. ‘Tis ma pleasure tae help ye. Ildri’s love be fer all.”

He looked down at his amulet when warmth washed over him, to find the large tree with curling roots glowing. The halfling man’s eyes widened. “She’s speaking to you. I shouldn’t hold you up. Thank you again. I would be lost without my wife.”

Orsik listen to the man thank him for several more moments before running off to see his wife. Most would be irritated by this point with the man, but Orsik was a patient man and he was just glad he could help.

Once allowed, Orsik made his way through town, taking in the various sized architecture with ash wood rooftops to accommodate not just the halflings of the town, but the other races that frequently passed through. The blowing breeze brought the scent of the fresh water lake all around the city.

His amulet’s glow faded when he’d go the wrong way. His goddess didn’t whisper to him, to tell him why she called him in a particular direction, but that wasn’t unusual. Like most aspects of life, her domain, she could be direct or vague; spontaneous or deliberate.

Orsik found himself nearing the edge of the city to the northeast side. The population was less dense here, allowing one to hear the lapping of the lake on the nearby shores. A caravan of merchant travelers clogged the road, their wagons poised to leave. Orsik’s amulet warmed and he looked down at it. Daes she want me tae leave wi’ ‘em?

Activity on a rear wagon caught his attention. Two young women, half-elves from the looks of their short pointed ears, though still retaining an unusual amount of angular features for such half-beings, in curious clothing moved about on the vehicle. Though, as Orsik looked around, the clothing wasn’t much different than what the citizens in this town wore. This was the first time Orsik had been in the Karma Wilds. He didn’t know the cultures here, but he surmised, if different based on the towns, some overlaps would be present. In this case, the fashion trends.

The red head woman bounced around and acted all kinds of silly, while the golden-haired woman watched and laughed. The latter appeared a bit older, but Orsik couldn’t say how much. Both women had unusual markings on their forehead, though Orsik wasn’t close enough to identify what they were.

A strong pull pulsed in his amulet and then the glowing died. Those lasses. Whoever they were, he needed to meet them. Orsik tucked his amulet away and jogged for the wagon, his chainmaille armor jangling as he moved.

Drivers shouted and the wagons lurched forward, pulling out of the city. The two women sat down and their wagon moved out with the rest of the caravan. Nae! They canae leave. Orsik picked up his pace, calling out. “Wait!”

The older half-elf turned his way and he called out again, “Dun leave yet!”

She turned and spoke to the driver. The man glanced back at him and pulled on the reins, halting his wagon. Hope leapt into Orsik’s throat, only for it to die when one of his feet caught on the other. He crashed and tumbled on the ground. Blast these clumsy feet of his. Orsik was far from an agility competition winner. He was lucky if he didn’t trip walking at least twice a day.

The red head woman gasped. “Are you okay mister?”

She sounded younger than she appeared, though she didn’t appear older than late teens to early twenties to begin with.

Orsik pulled himself up and smiled. “Dun ye worry, yer wee head. I’ve taken harder falls.”

The wagon driver jumped straight to the point. “Can we help you? We’re trying to get out of here before the next storm rolls in.”

“Aye.” Orsik took a deep breath, trying to recover from his sprint and fall, and approached the wagon. “I neit transportation. Wis told o’ a caravan leavin’ in ma direction.”

As much as he didn’t know what he was doing here, it wasn’t a lie, so Ildri wouldn’t reprimand him. And it kept the negative reactions at bay if he told these individuals he had no idea where he was going, just following a sign to join them.

“We’re heading to Kirdarim,” the golden-haired half-elf woman said. Her blue eyes were kind and welcoming. He got a good feeling from her. Ildri intended him to meet her for a reason.

Orsik nodded. “That be where I neit tae gae. Can I pay for passage?”

Before the driver could speak, the red head woman pointed behind Orsik. “Mister, you drop your shield when you fell.”

Orsik turned to see his shield lying face down on the ground. “By Ildri’s beardless face! Thank ye, lass.”

He retrieved it and dusted it off. The mid-morning sun gleamed off the polished surface. When he faced his audience again the driver’s interest in him had changed. “You’re that cleric that’s been helping out the locals with sick family, aren’t you?”

“Aye.”

He waved Orsik up. “No fair for you then.”

Orsik shook his head. “Nae, I can pay.”

The wagon driver shook his head. “Nonsense. Now hop in so we can get moving again.”

“You can sit with us,” older half-elf offered. She then winked. “I don’t bite… hard.”

Heat rushed to Orsik’s face. Seemed this woman, while nice, wasn’t innocent. Though, the way she dressed, he should have guessed. It appeared she chose clothes to specifically accentuate her figure, not that it needed that kind of treatment.

Her companion on the other hand, while dressing of similar style, was more modestly dressed. And based on the confused look, far more innocent.

Someone in a wagon in front of them shouted out a request to finally move on. This spurred Orsik to climb up with his new travel companions. Unfortunately, he misjudged the heaviness of his shield on his back and lost balance, falling flat on his backside. His audience cringed.

“Are you okay?” the golden-haired woman asked.

“Aye.” Orsik picked himself up. “Just lost ma balance because o’ ma shield.”

The driver chuckled. “You got him all flustered he couldn’t stay up!”

The woman laughed raucously before getting up. “Let me help you.”

Orsik thanked her and handed over his metal shield.

The red head woman noticed the engraving of a large tree with curling roots on the metal. “That’s the symbol of the goddess of life, Ildri!”

Orsik nodded as he situated himself in the wagon. “That be right, lass. I be a cleric o’ ‘ers.”

Her brow furrowed. “But you’re not wearing robes.”

The other woman chuckled. “Not all clerics wear robes. Those who travel or see battle favor heavier armor to protect them.”

Temperance nodded. “Oh, okay.”

The wagon lurched forward without warning, setting off for their next destination.

The younger half-elf focused on Orsik. “What’s your name, mister?”

He smiled. “Orsik. Orsik Stranheim.”

She smiled wide in return, a common reaction to his cheerful demeanor. “I’m Temperance. Temperance Remenia. And this is my big sister Aviana.”

The golden-haired woman placed her hand on her abdomen and bowed a bit. An unusual gesture to him, throwing him for a slight loop, especially when Temperance’s eyes went wide and also did a bow, as if she’d forgotten her manners. “My name is Aviana Xenre. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Temperance held up a blue dragon toy. “And this is Kyanite!”

She was an unusual woman, but Orsik liked her. “Well, it be a pleasure meetin’ all o’ ye.”

“So, what brings you on this trip to Kirdarim?” Aviana asked.

Orsik couldn’t lie, and he got the feeling if he told the exact truth, this woman would be able to handle it compared to most others. “Nae sure, yet, tae be honest. Ma matron told me tae gae, sae that’s what I be doin’.”

She nodded. “Gods like to play their mysterious games with us sometimes.”

He regarded her for a moment. Sounded like she familiar with the habits of gods. It was possible she even had personal contact with one or two. This assessment of her made him aware of the marks on hers and Temperance’s foreheads. Now in better view, they resembled dragon heads, if they were facing you. Aviana herself had three sparkling gemstones imbedded into her forehead to compliment the mark. He didn’t know how she got them there, but he suspected it wasn’t a painless process.

“Where ye two be from?” he asked.

“Starglade!” Temperance beamed.

He’d never heard of the place. Aviana seemed to read him well. “Our town doesn’t have much contact with the outside.”

That explained it. “What brings ye this way?”

“We’re on an adventure!” Temperance said.

“An adventure, eh? Well that sounds fun.” Orsik couldn’t tell if that was some sort of cover, or they really were just traveling for the sake of traveling. He could believe the latter, since Aviana said their town was reclusive. Wait. A reclusive town an’ strange forehead markings? Realization dawned on him. “Ye be Shikala, ain’t ye?”

Aviana nodded. “That’s right. I’m surprised you know of us.”

“I heard stories here an’ thare.” Orsik adjusted himself in his seat. “But thought ye wis a legend.”

Aviana laughed. “No, we’re very much alive and well.”

“Then, ye must be workin’ as a hired guard here.” Orsik looked around the moving caravan. “Stories say ye were formidable fighters.”

“That’s true, but I’m not a hired hand right now.” Aviana’s eyes cut to a few men on another wagon. “Unfortunately there were some bruised egos when I offered back in Windshire.”

“Just wait,” Temperance said. She kicked her feet excitedly. “If we run into trouble, Avi will show them show stupid they are.”

A reserved smile spread across Aviana’s face. It piqued Orsik’s interest. “Dae ye nae have confidence in yer abilities, Aviana?”

She laughed. “Oh, on the contrary. While, I’m not the most skilled from my clan, I’ve got plenty of battle experience. I could outfight any of these hired boys. I just prefer less violent means if I can help it.”

“Got a silver tongue, dae ye?”

She smirked. “More or less.”

Orsik got the feeling Aviana wasn’t always noble. He knew it best to drop it now, else he’d run into conflicts with his own morals. He had faith in Ildri and if she said he needed to meet these two, then there was a reason. Besides, they didn’t seem like horrible people, even if they weren’t always good.

♦ ♦ ♦

Temperance sat upside-down kicking her feet into the air, reflecting on everything that’d happened lately. The long ride to Lakecross had been average. Well, except for the day they stopped at that cool mage academy. So many people knew magic, it was amazing! She even got to see a few people mess up their spells and understand some of the dangers around it.

But the real fun for her came when they arrived in Lakecross. A city suspended over a lake! Starglade was on a lake, but made of several islands. This city had been a whole new thing. And she got to meet halflings!

They were interesting people—incredibly nimble for their small size. And they didn’t wear shoes! But, she figured, if she had large feet like them, she wouldn’t wear shoes either. Not that she didn’t have fun running around barefoot as it was, much like Aviana preferred to.

They had spent three days in Lakecross. Aviana taught her about bartering, exposed her to neat things you could only find in this city, and even introduced her to people she knew in the town. It wasn’t many, but a majority were wealthy merchants.

A black bird flitted across the dark cloudy sky, thunder rumbling in the distance. As much as she enjoyed her time in the halfling city, she was glad they were heading to a new place. She had read so many books about some of the towns in Alaria, but those texts and pictures didn’t come close to how exciting it was to actually go to them and experience their rich cultures. Though, I think someone sabotaged my books when I wasn’t looking.

Her books were mostly right about the towns they’d visited, but there were so many things that also didn’t match up. Of course, she might just be remembering wrong. It was a lot to keep track of sometimes, and she’d only been allowed to bring two books with her. Aviana laughed when Temperance had tried to stuff over ten books into her travel bag when there wasn’t any room to. In the end, Temperance to chose to pick an animal compendium so she could identify all the neat new animals she’d see, and one of her many tomes on dragons. Naturally she wasn’t going to leave that one behind. If they got to talk to a dragon she needed to be sure she could impress them so they would want to be her friend!

Kind of like what she was doing with this nice dwarf man they now traveled with. She’d also only read about dwarves in books too. They were short in stature, like halflings and gnomes, but the tallest of the three, and were built like orcs. They liked to drink a lot and most prided themselves on their ability to craft. Aviana had once shown her a maul that had been made by a dwarf and Temperance agreed, it had real impressive craftsmanship to it.

But this Orsik man was different than the stories. He had long pale hair and beard with some red tint, a bulbous nose, and cheerful demeanor that got everyone in the wagon to smile. Temperance liked him—a lot. She hoped they’d be traveling with him for a while. Temperance didn’t have many friends. Only Kyanite and Aviana. Her life had been a bit lonely because of it. Maybe Orsik wanted to be her friend.

Temperance turned her attention to Aviana and Orsik. They engaged in conversation, not in a language Temperance knew. Dwarven if she remembered right. She didn’t like it when they spoke this way, because she wanted to know what they were talking about, but she understood why Aviana did it.

Her sister once told her that if you wanted to impress someone, you should speak their language. It showed dedication and respect. Temperance could tell this dwarven conversation made Orsik happy.

Temperance smiled. This was why she listened to Aviana and learned some less than common languages. Some really cool creatures could speak the ones she’d studied, and if she could impress them, maybe they’d be her friend!

Wait, is their conversation any different than the ones I have with Avi? She and Aviana would engage in their own home languages of Elvish and Draconic when having private conversations. Common was interesting for her to speak, but Temperance understood how much nicer it was to speak one’s native tongue if they could.

The wagon driver pulled the cart to a stop, grabbing Temperance’s attention, as well as Aviana and Orsik’s. She sat up to find all wagons had stilled, but glancing around, there wasn’t a town in sight. I wonder why we stopped.

Aviana moved closer to the wagon driver. “What’s going on?”

He peered forward. “Looks like we have a group blocking out path.” The driver bobbed and weaved his head, and then reeled back. “Oh, by the gods! It’s a pack of orcs!”

Temperance perked up. Orcs? She only knew of one clan in the Karma Wilds, the one Krax said he was from—Thunder Blood. Such a cool name.

Aviana patted the man on the shoulder, her posture relaxed and calm. “Easy. There’s nothing to worry about.”

She jumped off the wagon and ran to the front, calling out, “Hold! Hold any fire.”

Temperance looked around the wagon driver to see all of the hired guards ready for a fight, either with bows or some sort of martial weapon. Beyond that, stood five burly individuals with brown skin. Those must be the orcs. At this distance it was hard for her to say for sure, since she’d only ever met Krax, who had more human in him according to Aviana. Movement of gray with them caught Temperance’s eyes. She almost gasped at the sight of the four-legged creatures. Are those doggies?

Aviana jogged past all the wagons, continuing to shout out her command. Most of the hired guards sneered at her words. Temperance’s lip curled. She didn’t like these people. They were mean to Aviana when she offered her help to protect this caravan. They’re just stupid and jealous of her superior skills! Even Kyanite agreed with her when they talked about it on the trip.

Aviana began shouting something in another language. This one was different than Dwarvish. It was far more guttural, though not in the same way Draconic was. Can she speak orcish? Temperance now wondered how many languages her sister knew.

Excitement rose up from deep inside her. If her sister could communicate with them, then she needed to see this!

Temperance jumped out the back of the wagon.

“Lass, where ye goin’?” Orsik asked.

“I’m getting a closer look!”

He moved to the edge. “Nae wi’out me, ye ain’t. Dinnae want ye gettin’ intae trouble while Aviana handles this.”

Temperance cringed when he tumbled out of the wagon. “Are you okay?”

Orsik sighed and picked himself. “Aye, just a wee tumble.”

He looked fine, so she’d take his word for it. She skipped off with Orsik hustling behind with his shorter legs. By the time they’d caught up to Aviana she already made it to the front of the caravan line. Temperance took in everything.

The caravan drivers and other travelers looked afraid. The guards looked ready for a fight. And the orcs… her mind went blank. They were such massive creatures. Their arms could be tree trunks! They had the signature protruding tusks she read about, theirs much larger than Krax’s, and had low jutting foreheads. They also were the only ones to appear at ease. Actually they looked quite lively, even friendly, with Aviana as she interacted with them. She even pet a dog of their like she knew it.

That action drew Temperance’s eye, allowing her to take in the canine creatures with them, only to realize they weren’t just dogs. They were direwolves! As large as the horses pulling the wagons, these creatures looked similar to wolves otherwise, though had elongated upper canines. I really want to pet one!

The interaction between the orcs and Aviana ended with all of them beating their chest, including Aviana, and all but one of them leaving, a woman with long braided black hair and pale eyes. Aww, don’t go! Temperance wanted to get to know them somehow.

Her sister turned to face the lead wagon driver. “You’re lucky. This is Chief Thurok’s strongest hunting party.”

Bodyguards exchanged glances and the lead driver swallowed hard. “Safe to guess you know them.”

The orc woman let out a boisterous laugh, and spoke in common. “Know her? She’s an honorary member.”

People gasped all around. Even Temperance’s eyes went wide. She didn’t tell me that! Her books told Temperance about that title. It was bestowed to someone from a clan that would be a member if they were an orc. Aviana had to have done something amazing to impress the orcs that much. How dare Aviana hold out on her.

A guard snickered. “Sure she is.”

The orc woman stepped forward, her upper lip curling, exposing her impressive tucks more. “Watch it soft skin. Do not—”

Aviana placed a hand on her shoulder. “Easy, Yaz’gash. They get satisfaction from riled up reactions. They’re far too young to understand what I’ve done for the clan over the decades, and they have no intention of learning. Best to ignore their ignorance.”

The man shot Aviana a dark look that made Temperance want to fix with a dagger. It had no effect on Aviana though. How does she ignore stuff like that?

“There has been a lot of bandit activity around here,” Aviana announced. “Yaz’gash has offered to act as extra security through the grasslands.”

Yaz’gash nodded. “We know where they usually wait in ambush, so I can assist with avoiding most possible locations.”

The lead driver rubbed his chin. “That would be helpful. But I’m not sure how to pay you. I’m well aware your clan has no need for coin.”

“If you have leather and pelts, that would suffice,” the orc woman said. “Otherwise, Aviana can owe the clan a favor.”

Someone farther back in line spoke up. “I can pay that. If it means I lose less on this trip, I’ll happily pay.”

“As will I,” said another. “I’ll split the cost with you.”

Aviana clapped her hands together. “Then it’s settled. Yaz’gash will travel with us until we near the mountain.”

Temperance was bored now. And she really wanted to pet the wolf with this orc lady. She had to get her attention and flatter her enough to get her to say yes. But how?

Oh, right! Orcs cared about strength. It was so deeply ingrained in their culture, some clans were known to cast out anyone at the first signs of weakness. Even chieftains!

Temperance tugged on a loose leather tie on Yaz’gash’s arm. “Strong Yaz’gash, can I pet your dire wolf?”

The taller orc woman turned and gaze down at Temperance with a keen eye. “Who’s the pup?”

Temperance cocked her head. “I’m not a puppy. I’m a personses.”

Everyone laughed around her. She didn’t know why though.

“This is my sister,” Aviana said.

Yaz’gash nodded. “I like her.” She reached into a pouch tied to her hip and pulled out a slab of red meat. She then handed it to Temperance. “Feed this to Techul. If he accepts and eats it, you’ll be allowed to pet him.”

Temperance’s eyes lit up and she took the meat, though she didn’t like the feel of it. She faced the beautiful dire wolf, the canine’s golden eyes now focused on her and the offering. Temperance held it out. “Be my friend?”

Techul took a step closer and sniffed the meat. He licked his chops and snatched the offering so quick she almost jumped. The dire wolf swallowed the slab of flesh in one gulp. Temperance wasn’t sure what to do now. Yaz’gash said if he took the meat she could pet him, but she also knew animals could be finicky. She decided to hold out her hand and wait to see what he’d do.

Techul sniffed her offered hand and then licked it. Temperance giggled, her eyes going wide. That had to mean he accepted her! She reached out and touched his head. Techul tilted it down, giving her better access. She dug her fingers into his thick, coarse fur, a smile never leaving her lips. “I like him.”

When he’d had enough, Techul pulled away. It disappointed, but she wouldn’t push it. She knew better.

Temperance turned to Aviana. “I’m gonna go tell Kyanite I got to pet a dire wolf!”

Aviana gave her an amused smile before speaking with the wagon owners and Yaz’gash. Temperance ran off to talk to Kyanite, Orsik opting to stay with Aviana.

As Temperance rushed to the back of the line, a whistling sound caught her sensitive ears. She skidded to a halt and whirled around when something hit the wagon behind her with a thunk. An arrow stuck out of the back end of the wagon.

Temperance’s brow furrowed. “Hey! Who’s the meanie shooting arrows at me?”

No one looked at her. Instead, heads turned out beyond the caravan’s right side, the merchants and wagon drivers murmuring, and the guards on alert. Even Aviana and Yaz’gash scanned the open area.

Temperance’s back straightened when various whistling sounds screamed through the air. Then someone shouted, “Arrows! Everyone take cover!”

She didn’t have much time to react before dozens of arrows rained down on them from above. Temperance dove under the nearest wagon, the driver jumping down with her. Her body tensed with each thunk of an arrow making mark in the wooden structures. She squeezed her eyes shut when people cried out in pain. King Akorith, I’m scared.

Then, everything went silent. Temperance cracked her eyes open and gasped at the sight of all the arrows sticking in the ground or in the wagons. Even people too. Some of them moved, groaning in pain. Others… didn’t. She swallowed hard, her breathing intensifying. She and the others were alive, but for how long?

Temperance’s eyes widened when the ground shook, and thunder rumbled over the grasslands. Only, it wasn’t thunder. Her eyes snapped out beyond her hiding spot, to see a large dust cloud approaching.

“Bandits!” someone shouted.

“I’ve got it,” Aviana called out. “Orsik, help the wounded. Everyone, either stay hidden or help get the wounded to our cleric.”

Temperance watched her sister rush toward the approaching attackers. Avi, what are you doing? She stopped several feet away from the wagons and held her hands up, her head falling back as she muttered something. Oh!

Above them, the clouds gathered at a rapid pace. Lightning cracked across the skies and thunder boomed in its wake. A lone bolt crashed down in front of the approaching bandit hoard. Aviana controlled it to only startle the horses, and frighten them she did. They reared up, throwing many of their riders and running in a different direction. Poor horsies.

Temperance didn’t get much time to focus on that though. The lightning didn’t deter their invaders. They had the numbers on their side to feel confident. Temperance guessed there to be at least twenty of them. This caravan only hired eight guards. Them, plus Aviana and Yaz’gash, it would be a hard fight to win. I guess… I guess they have me too.

Temperance knew how to fight. Aviana trained her to use many types of weapons—telling her she may need to use them one day. Even though she enjoyed using daggers, she never understood at the time why it was so important for her to learn. The attack on the beach taught her that reason.

She didn’t mean to kill that pirate woman. She’d only thought about protecting her sister. Temperance executed the correct placement, hitting vital organs. It scared her how easily someone could die from a stab wound.

Aviana took the death like everyone else. Like it was some sort of good thing. Temperance didn’t understand. She only ever wanted to be a good person. And killing didn’t fall into that, right?

“Sometimes good people do bad things to save those they care about.”

Her mother’s words rang through her mind. Was that why Aviana had been so okay with killing the pirates? Was that the reason she now faced these raiding bandits? They’d already killed people. Temperance couldn’t deny that with how they still didn’t move from where they lay.

Her eyes snapped back to the situation at hand when a wolf howled and Yaz’gash let out a bone chilling roar. She rushed in, a large war axe at the ready to cleave her enemies in two. Aviana brought down another strike of lightning on their enemies, targeting those on foot. The sound of the false storm seemed to invigorate Yaz’gash.

“I heard the Thunderblood orcs thrive in conditions like the one your sister made,” the wagon driver said beside Temperance, her voice quaking. “It’s said storms improve their fighting ability. Let’s hope that’s true. We need a miracle to survive this.”

A miracle? Was that really what they needed?

Half of the guards joined the two women, engaging in battle with the raiding hoard, while the others hung back, using the arrows the bandits unleashed on them to keep the raiders at bay.

Aviana pulled another feat mid-battle. Thick gray hair grew all along her skin, her body twisting and contorting until a metamorphosis tore through her and she changed into a dire wolf. Amazing! She’d seen her sister take forms before, but every time she did, it sent amazement and yearning through her. She was learning this ability from her sister, but she wasn’t as well practiced. She hadn’t even been given the okay to try yet, Aviana telling her she needed to study a bit longer.

Her sister tore into a raider, his cries of pain piercing the air, mixing with the rumbling thunder above.

Unfortunately, this defensive force only worked so well. Bandits still got past, climbing up into some of the wagons. People screamed. Temperance flinched when some of them were cut short.

The woman beside Temperance shook, trying desperately to stay quiet and keep her fear from drawing attention to them. She needs comfort… Temperance decided then to go against Aviana’s wishes and try to shift.

She closed her eyes and concentrated, picturing a dire wolf in her mind, not thinking about the size implications. She’d studied them in her book enough she figured she could take it now. Aviana told her she also needed to spend a significant amount of time with the animal beyond book research to take a good form, but she was going to try anyway.

A tingling sensation fell over Temperance, the image of the canine creature strong in her mind. She prayed to nature to allow this transformation. A quiet, ethereal snarl passed her ears, and then, her body twisted in such an uncomfortable fashion she almost stopped trying. No, this woman needs comfort!

The sensation continued and then suddenly, it ended. Temperance cracked open an eye and almost squeaked when she noticed how strange the world look now. Her other eye opened and she looked around, her sense of smell also altered. Everything looked so big! But w—oh no!

Temperance looked down at the stubby little paws she had. She swiveled her head around to find the little body and tail to go with her new form. She’d turned into a puppy!

Wait, this can work. It wasn’t a good battle form, but it could help this woman calm down. She liked puppies, right?

Temperance crawled over to the driver and slipped under her arm. The woman gasped, but then seemed to realize what was going on and calmed down. Temperance hoped the woman’s outburst didn’t call attention to them. She didn’t mean to startle the woman.

The driver pulled temperance closer and murmured a thank you into her sensitive ear. Unfortunately, she still shook with fear. This didn’t work at all! Looked like she needed to take another approach. One she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

Temperance wiggled out of the woman’s arm and asked nature to release her from the form. It took a moment, but she eventually found herself back as a half-elf. Now the new plan.

She took a deep breath and drew two large daggers she carried on her hips. She could still be good. Killing people was bad, but letting innocent people die was worse. She’d protect them.

Resolve clamped around Temperance as a bandit rushed up to the side of the wagon she hid under. She crawled closer to him, allowing him to slip behind the cart, before leaving safety. The bandit peered around the side of the cart, looking for guards. He didn’t notice her creeping up behind him until it was too late.

As the bandit whirled around, she thrust a dagger into his back, following up with a cut down, jamming the second blade behind his clavicle. The man choked and then collapsed. Temperance looked at the blood on her blade, her breath quickening. Her heart thundered in her ears. She did it. She protected someone.

“Hey, Jeremiah,” a feminine voice whispered. “Did you find anything useful?”

Temperance looked about for a place to hide. Her options weren’t great, so she chose to duck between the horses of the wagon behind her, praying they didn’t startle more than they already were. She hopped up on the wooden tongue and crouched low so she wouldn’t be spotted. Temperance held her weapons at the ready.

A woman came around the side of the wagon she hid on, and peered around the horses. She gasped and rushed to the fallen bandit. Temperance’s heart clenched as the woman mourned the man. No, I can’t. She steeled herself the best she could. Even thought they were people, they weren’t showing any mercy to those in the caravan. They didn’t care about those left behind who would have to mourn.

Temperance slipped off the wagon and crept closer. She just needed to hit the right spot and she could put this woman out of her misery. Until a twig snapped under her feet. Dragon dung!

The female bandit turned, drawing a blade as she moved, and Temperance went for her swing. The bandit deflected most of the blow, Temperance’s blade only nicking her.

The woman’s eyes burned with intense anger. “You’re the one who killed my brother!”

Temperance’s nerves shook, but she did her best to hide it and be strong. “All you meanies are killing my friends!”

The woman bared her teeth. “You will pay for that.”

“You’ll pay first!”

The bandit swung her sword and Temperance shrieked, diving away. The sound she made, startled the already fidgety horses and they reared up in their panic. One landed a blow on the angered woman’s side. She hit the ground hard, doubled over in pain. But her quest for vengeance spurred her back on her feet before Temperance could gather her wits.

The bandit swung her sword. Temperance scrambled away, but wasn’t quick enough, and the blade sliced across her leg. She cried out in pain and held her leg where she crouched. It hurt so much.

She looked up as the bandit lifted her arm for another attack. Temperance’s body locked up, fear taking over. No! No it can’t go like this! She had so much she still wanted to do. So many adventures to have. A test to pass. She couldn’t die here.

But her body wouldn’t move, her terror rooting her in place.

Heavy feet thumping the ground and deep panting his Temperance’s ears. Then Techul came into her vision, barreling into the bandit and clamping his maw around her torso. The woman screamed, the sound blood curdling.

Blood and other viscera splattered all over the ground and wagon as Techul clamped down and thrashed his head. The woman went limp and the dire wolf released his victim.

Temperance breathed heavy, her eyes wide. Her stomach did several flips, threatening to rise up against her. She hoped she would never see something so gruesome again.

Techul turned and gazed piercing golden eyes at her. Temperance’s lip quivered, and she found the strength in her legs again. She threw herself into Techul’s neck, not caring how reckless it may be. “You saved me!”

She nuzzled her face into his plush coat. “You’re the bestest, Techul.”

The large canine stood there while she used him to calm down. It was exactly what she needed.

When she was ready, Temperance pulled away and looked up at the dire wolf. “Let’s go save more people.”

Techul sniffed the air and let out a deep howl. Temperance howled with him, the action bolstering her resolve. Now that she had someone to fight alongside her, she’d fair better.

They took off for the front of the caravan, where most of the action remained. A pair of bandits engaged with one of the guards became their first target together. Techul lunged for one, while Temperance drew one of her few throwing daggers and tossed it at the other bandit. Both hit their mark, Temperance’s dagger sinking into the bandit’s throat. The guard took advantage of their strikes and cut her target down. Techul had no trouble taking out his target on his own.

Temperance rushed passed the battered guard, retrieving her dagger and smiled at him. He nodded a bewildered thanks before Temperance and Techul set their sights on another bandit.

Temperance readied to throw her dagger again when she spotted a bandit climbing up on a wagon. Another guard stood up there, shooting arrows at the hoard Aviana and Yaz’gash engaged with. The world around Temperance slowed as she watched the bandit lift his weapon for a swing at the guard who noticed his new opponent too late. Temperance needed to change targets.

Her throwing dagger poised, she lined up her shot and tossed it as hard as she could.

The small weapon whistled through the air. The bandit’s swing came to its height, but before he could swing it down, the dagger pierced his eyes. An ear splitting scream pierced the air.

The bandit dropped his weapon and held his face, thrashing around. The guard, now aware of his situation, pivoted and sunk an arrow into the attacker’s chest. The bandit choked and fell off the wagon, unmoving.

Temperance wanted to get her weapon back, but there wasn’t time. She’d have to retrieve it later.

She and Tachul fought side by side again, though the battle took its toll on Temperance. Not only did she have some close calls, and take on a few new marks on her skin, she didn’t have the endurance to keep this up. She wasn’t battle experienced like everyone else fighting. She needed a miracle, just as that wagon driver said.

When it felt as though she couldn’t go on, and the bandits may over power the guards she fought with, a symphony of wolf howls carried across the grasslands. Temperance turned to see a pack of dire wolves charging for them. Panic rose in her chest. They couldn’t take on wolves too! Then, she spotted the orcs sprinting behind them. This wasn’t a dire wolf pack—this was Yaz’gash’s hunting party!

The dire wolves launched themselves into the fray, taking out bandits in the same gruesome manner as Techul. But when the orcs attacked, savage and ruthless, the wolves’ way paled in comparison.

That didn’t matter to her though. They had their miracle. And that meant they’d make it. Thank you, Akorith!

With their added ranks, the battle didn’t last much longer. Most bandits found themselves bleeding out on the green grass. Those few who managed to evade death, took off.

“Yeah, you better run!” Temperance picked up a rock and tossed it at the fleeing bandits, though it didn’t go far. “Stupid meanies!”

Rumbles of laughter echoed through the defenders, lightening the otherwise tense situation.

Then the cleanup began.

Those injured were gathered into one place, while the dead were laid out in rows. Aviana, now back in her normal form, and as hurt as she was with all her deep gashes and smeared blood, assisted Orsik in the healing. The dwarf looked absolutely exhausted, but Temperance understood healing took a lot out of someone, and Orsik did a lot of it just now.

Temperance received some healing from the kind dwarf before standing out of the way with Techul, stroking his neck to keep herself calm and distracted from counting the number of people who didn’t make it. It was too sad to think about.

“Temperance, please go get the rest of my vitality potions,” Aviana called out. “We’re going to need them.”

“Okay.” She kept her tone even. As much as she tried to be happy all the time, it felt disrespectful to be too bubbly right now.

Temperance retrieved Aviana’s stash of potions and handed them out. There wasn’t enough for everyone, so most chose to consume half in order to share. It’d reduce the healing effect, but at least it’d keep everyone’s life force out of danger. She kept one full one for Aviana. She could tell her sister would need it. And typical of her, she’d focus on the needs of others before her own.

Aviana could be selfish sometimes—a lot of times. But when people were hurting around her, she become so selfless it was probably unhealthy.

Aviana took the potion without a fuss when she finished her task. “Thank you, Temperance.”

“You did so much, I didn’t want you to forget about yourself,” she said.

Her older sister smiled. “I appreciate you looking out for me.” Aviana looked her over. “How are you feeling? I caught glimpses of you and Techul fighting together. And heard you two engage in a victory howl.”

A wide smiled spread across Temperance’s face. “I’m okay. Orsik healed me so I’m just tired now. It was much easier fighting once Techul started helping. I stabethed a lot of people.”

Yaz’gash chuckled as she approached them. “She did more than that. Techul has told me how brave this little one fought. Just a pup and she fought with the ferocity and cunning of any wolf. She will make a fine fighter one day. You should be proud, Aviana.”

Aviana smiled and patted Temperance on the head. “I’m always proud of her.”

This praise made Temperance so happy. She looked to Yaz’gash. “You can speak to your wolf?”

The orc woman nodded. “All we Thunderblood can communicate with our partners. It’s part of the bond we share with them.”

Temperance’s eyes went wide. “That’s so cool. Can you tell Techul I love him, and he’s the bestest dire wolf?”

Yaz’gash chuckled. “He knows that’s how you feel about him.”

Just then, a wet, slobbery tongue slid across Temperance’s cheek. She groaned and wiped her hand across her skin, looking up at Techul. Aviana and Yaz’gash laughed. Temperance stroked Techul’s head, happy he liked her. She wished she could take him with them on their adventure. Or have her own dire wolf! But Aviana would probably say no. And she doubted the owlcats back home would be too thrilled. Maybe I can make them be friends and then it’d be okay.

While she plotted, the mess around her was cleaned up. Some of the wagons would go back to Lakecross and Windshire to bury the dead. The rest would continue on, taking any supplies of the fallen so as to sell and bring back the profits for their families. Temperance liked that. Most merchants would be selfish and steal all that gold.

The orcs would go with that group of wagons, though only to Lakecross. Yaz’gash chose to say with the main party to help them through the grasslands as promised. And the main wagon leader promoted Aviana as a body guard. No one protested this time, having proven her worth and earned more than their respect. Temperance even got paid a few gold coins for helping!

The bandits were buried, to reduce the risk of someone coming by and raising them as zombie puppets, and Temperance got to keep some of their gear. She got some new belts with special dagger pocket modifications—new daggers included. She didn’t know how she’d incorporate it on her body without looking silly, but she’d certainly try. Can never have enough daggers on hand. She liked collecting daggers. She had all kinds back home.

Yaz’gash allowed Temperance to ride on Techul’s back. This excited her so much, she almost forgot to grab Kyanite to enjoy the experience too.

The woman wagon driver Temperance saved insisted they move their belongings to her wagon. After Temperance saving her life, and Aviana’s performance, she felt safer with them around. Unfortunately the driver and merchant they left Lakecross with didn’t make it, so they didn’t have much reason to say no.

Temperance settled herself on Techul’s back, and took in this new experience with wide open eyes. I wonder what this adventure will bring next!