abjabber

THE STORM BEGINS

Basim rode along the banks of the Tohrnstain River on a warm summer day. He had journeyed for several hours by horse to find a secluded fishing spot. His uncle Nilmere allowed him to take off for several days because it was the perfect time to catch lots of migrating Khulmin trout. After all, Basim had just graduated a long apprenticeship.
Fresh fish would be a welcome addition to all their diets and he planned to catch as many as possible. However, what his uncle didnt realize was that he had brought along Ausdew. She was supposed to be with her father on a trip to Hawkstone, but had secretly decided to stay behind.
The journey had taken the better part of the day and it brought them through the beautiful hills of the eastern Angel-wood Forest. Spruce and pine had slowly given way to oak and cypress as they descended from the hills and reached the spawning pools. They had finally found a spot they liked and dismounted, enjoying the warmth and spectacular views.
Basim, I need to go for a dip. She said in a playful voice. Its hot.
She jogged toward the rivers edge, pulled off her shirt and turned around, smiling at him.
Im coming, baby. Just let me tie the horse. He spoke while she took off her riding pants, threw them aside, and dove into the calm, cool water. The splash of her naked body violently broke the tranquility of the river.
Hows the water Aussy? He asked as soon as she resurfaced.
Wow, it feels great. Hurry in!
He ripped off his shirt and plopped down to pull off his boots. He threw them over his head wildly, then jumped up and tore off his pants. He quickly dove in and swam after her. She screamed and laughed, trying to get away.
He caught up to her and whirled her around to face him. She had the most beautiful green eyes and he stared into them deeply as she giggled and put her arms on his shoulders. Her dark hair was long and the ends of each strand floated atop the water like exotic kelp. Her breasts were like buoys, moving gracefully with the gently swaying current as he kissed her.
The cool, relaxing water calmed them while they shared the sweet moment together. She had a breathtaking smile that made his heart race. His muscular arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as he began to explore and massage her body. She was beginning to freckle on her small, slender nose and shoulders. Any longer in the sun and she was sure to burn. They enjoyed the water a few more minutes and then rested under a large oak tree for a nap.
Honey, he whispered as she rubbed her eyes in confusion. Im gonna see if the fish are biting. Wanna come?
Start without me babe, I didnt get much sleep last night. You know all the excitement of the trip. She quickly shut her eyes again and returned to her dream.
Basim got up and grabbed his pole, still watching her as she slept. Ausdew was perfectly slim and had stirred passions in him he never knew he had. He stood over her before he left, admiring her nude form as she rolled onto her stomach, exposing her wonderfully pale backside.
The fish were biting and he caught a dozen or so before she finally got up. The spot they had chosen was shallow and a half mile wide. It was one of many breeding areas that dotted the five thousand mile length of the river. Basim was waiting patiently for another fish to bite when Ausdew awoke. She quietly came up behind him and kissed his neck tenderly.
Hey, look at all those! She hugged him and he felt her cool breasts press against his back. He turned and they kissed slow and softly. He sat her on his lap and they embraced. Suddenly a cool breeze whipped around and startled them from their mood.
Whats going on? She yelled as a thick fog quickly began to blow in and engulf everything without warning.
I dont know Aussy. Basim was rushing to dress and shivering from the bitter wind that gusted relentlessly.
A downpour soon started and they were soaking wet instantly. Basim struggled to pack up the horse as they fled in search of shelter. The temperature had already dropped almost thirty degrees and they were wet and freezing when Basim saw a rock formation. Several huge boulders blocked the rain that blew horizontally. They both fell from the horse and struggled to sort through the hastily packed gear. They needed a fire quickly.
His numb fingers struggled with the flint and steel but he finally got a small fire started. He had brought dries moss as a starter and Ausdew had gathered up small sticks and twigs that remained dry behind the shelter of the giant rocks. He then erected an elk skin and they had shelter. Ausdew began to sob as they huddled together to stay warm.
Basim cleaned and cooked several fish and dried their gear by the fire. They ate uneasily as night fell. The unnatural weather scared him and he hoped it would end soon. They both were exhausted and eventually fell asleep.
In the morning, sunshine dominated the sky and they were both relieved.
Good morning love. Ausdew said as she put her arms around Basim. He was lying next to her and gave her a kiss.
That was not a natural storm. He looked at her seriously while she avoided his glance and kissed his chest. Look at me. he said, putting his hand under her chin, raising her gaze to his. I have a bad feeling. I think we should head home and tell my uncle what happened. They agreed and quickly packed up to journey back to Dinoor.
Basim rode with Ausdew clinging to his back. The road they traveled gave them a spectacular view of the forest floor from over three thousand feet. They saw a huge patch of fog that continued to grow, changing shape and direction as it slowly moved toward the city of Feruce. It seemed to swallow trees and hills as it crept outward, expanding in all directions. They scanned the landscape and eventually looked to Dinoor in horror.
No! She yelled as she got off the horse and stood watching their home burn.
Who could have done this? Basim said as he dismounted and put his arms around her in consolation.
Why, baby why? She mumbled as she began crying uncontrollably.
Dont worry, Im gonna take care of us. He kissed her wet lips. She looked at him through tears while he gently stroked her forehead and ran his fingers through her hair.
I love you but Im scared. She spoke with a lump in her throat, sniffled and then wiped her nose with a rag.
Others will have survived, we're not the only ones. Basim said as if trying to convince himself. She became silent and calmed down slightly. They got back on the horse and continued on cautiously.

THE SPLENDID CITY OF FERUCE

These crowds are dangerous so watch your back. Mrossard shouted. The men he commanded were getting more nervous as the streets began to fill with people. A cold fog swept the city and made an otherwise normal day anything but. A drizzle seemed to promise more rain and a terrible energy aroused the crowd. Many became berserk and attacked the city watch openly with their bare hands. Mrossard had already arrested dozens of people and his caravan was filling fast.
Mrossard was a burly man, not exactly fit but strong as an ox. He was the Feruce Watch Captain and was taking a group of criminals to the palace to be executed when the storm broke. Prisoners from the four corners of the giant city were transported in large barred carts pulled by a dozen oxen.
All of his units had just converged at the city center marketplace and now tried to make it to the Feruce dungeons down the main thoroughfare. Mrossard had brought reinforcements and now they all steadily fought through the streets to get to the palace. The crowds around them were bustling and rowdy as citizens poured into the city walls from all over the countryside.
Protect the front first and foremost. Stay together and try to keep the train moving. Mrossard began the march and had a small group form a wedge to part the crowd at the front. His biggest and fiercest watchmen took that position to make the mob less eager to engage them.
Grab that man! Mrossard shouted as someone launched a projectile in his direction. Darius grabbed a hold of him but the man was fairly strong and yanked from his grip. Darius was determined to catch him and bolted through the alley after the brigand. Stop, Darius, its not worth it.
Darius was already in pursuit. Mrossard had only known him for a few weeks but they found friendship immediately. Darius was young, ambitious and honorable. As a Xanzril warrior, Darius was training for knighthood and was enthusiastic about proving himself. Mrossard was becoming a mentor and teaching Darius much about a career as a soldier.
Darius chased the criminal down a side street and lunged just before the man ducked into an ally. He smashed into the outlaw and knocked him sideways from his feet as the criminal let out a sigh, expelling all his wind. A knee to the neck and a slight pummeling ended with shackles and a quick walk back to the wagon train.
I was only gone two minutes, what happened? Darius returned to find the crowd sizes had tripled. They were no longer able to part the foot traffic and continue moving toward Feruce Keep. A foggy downpour, mixed with a huge drop in temperature, created even more panic among the people.
The end of the world came. Cant you see? Mrossard shouted back.
Darius added his recent catch to the prison ranks. At a standstill, the beasts of burden panicked as a barrage of debris was hurled in all directions.
Mrossard tried to defend the lead car with pikes because it contained the most wanted and dangerous murderers and ruffians. He only succeeded in driving the masses back for a few minutes and then was forced to order a retreat. The mob began to rock all the cars back and forth. One by one they toppled over like dominoes and the chaos was complete. The streets of Feruce had been taken from Mrossard in the matter of an hour.
Mrossard fought his way on foot as the group ducked into a side alley and took backward streets toward the palace. It was more than a riot and Mrossard was alarmed at the organization of this mob as they attacked his fleeing watchmen. It felt more like war as the crowd angled to cut off their retreat and even women joined together and began to throw heavy items from the second and third story windows.
Flames flew through the air as an iron stove, fully lit and burning, came crashing down in the middle of Mrossards group. Three watchmen were killed and two others were badly burned. An hour of terror passed slowly as they fought for their lives. Seven watchmen were slain by the mob in transit to Feruce Palace. The royal fort was finally reached where hundreds of archers fired volley after volley to keep the masses back. After Mrossard and his men were inside they shut and secured the palace gates.
King Antef has already fled through the royal tunnels. Mrossard told Darius as they rushed to prepare the rest of the evacuations from Feruce Palace. I gave strict orders to only defend if you feel there is hope of victory. Otherwise, retreat to the royal tunnels before we seal them shut.
I cant believe we may have to destroy the tunnel. Darius said.
King Antefs War Mage, Xaeroz, concocted some explosive rune or trap that will detonate in the presence of the enemy. If we dont retreat while we can we will be trapped on the wrong side of the tunnel when it blows up. This cause isnt worth your life. Too many have already died as a result of this insanity.
The men will fall back before its too late, sir, said Darius.
I fear for all our fates. This conflict is already much worse than the War of Asgrahl. Mrossard had a look of despair. In a hundred years an enemy has not penetrated our eastern border, the thousand mile expanse was crossed in less time than natural forces require. I have never been surprised before, but today my shock taught me it was our lack of magic that failed us in our preparation. Darius felt empathic as he listened to Mrossard.
Darius came from Xanzril, where magic was embraced. Feruce was on the verge of banishing the practice and this did seem to be the cause of their downfall at the moment.
Will you now join King Antef at Eltrakyn? I will gladly accompany you there. Darius said.
Im honored that a knight wishes to ride under a nomad. They both laughed.
I am far from a knight. Darius answered. I feel I owe the world my best but I still have much to learn. I'm inspired by the ideals and as a knight I will be best served, helping others by defending them and seeking justice in the realm.