Defenders of Draulath

Chapter 2: Journey to Shadowfen

Mifrith, Norlamin and Eldak are all sitting at a round table inside the nearest dining hall, it is crowded and loud as can be due to the countless number of people inside. The three are discussing this nearby town that Mifrith had mentioned and the man who Norlamin and Eldak need to find. "His name is Martiln Shieldheart." Mifrith says to Norlamin "He does not appear as much of a fighter but I guarantee you that he can do a lot more than people would presume." Mifrith continues, with great reassurance in his voice.

Norlamin asks Mifrith "What does Martiln look like?" Mifrith replies with slight hesitation "I... I do not remember." Norlamin looks at Eldak and laughs somewhat heartily "How can you not remember what this man looks like?" Mifrith retorts simply by saying "I have not been to Shadowfen in years, I only remember that Martiln was a great fighter whom everyone loves dearly." Mifrith hangs his head in shame because he feels useless for not providing Norlamin with a sufficient answer to his question. Norlamin sees Mifrith's shame and tries to consul him "Ahhh, not to worry sir Mifrith, if he is a fighter he mustn't blend in with a crowd all too well. They are as noticeable as a lion in a sheep herd." Mifirth gives a slight smile at Norlamin's kindness "The town is not far from here, only about 100 miles to the west." Mifrith informs the two travelers as they both seem eager to start this new journey "Good luck to you two." Mifrith says sitting at the table waving goodbye. As Norlamin and Eldak get up, Norlamin looks at Mifrith who is now sitting all alone at the table, there is slight sadness in his face. "Come Mifrith, join us on this quest, you seem so eager for us to attack this Xazumun why don't you tag along so you can fell the satisfaction of saving Draulath?" Norlamin extends his arm as a sign of saying he is welcome to join the two. "No no no I can't, I am too old to be venturing out on such great tasks, but thank you for the offer." Mifrith says with happiness in his voice and hope fills his eyes "You truly have my gratitude and I hope you and your team can stop this great evil that lurks over us all." Mifirth stands up and hugs both Eldak and Norlamin. Norlamin smiles and proceeds to walk out of the dining hall with Eldak by his side.

"Well then, off we go to find this new fighter." Eldak says, rushing to the open land of Draulath. "Not yet." Norlamin says putting his arm out in front of Eldak in order to stop him from moving any further. Eldak lets out a slight grunt from the force of Norlamin's arm stopping him "What do you mean not yet? What else do we need?" Norlamin says nothing as he walks with determination, every step becoming more and more forceful, back to his house. "Norlamin where are you going?!"

When Norlamin arrives at his house he storms through the door causing a slight chip of wood to fall off, he walks to a back room in his house where a large wooden chest lies. The chest has rust on the locks and dust that has clearly been collecting for several years, Norlamin brushes off the chest and opens it. Inside sits his sword, a steel blade, shiny enough to see a mans reflection and still sharp enough to cut through diamonds, a wooden handle and a nice polished finish to it, with an amethyst jewel sitting in the center of the handle to give it a nice personal touch. "There she is Eldak, it has been so long since I have been able to use my blade." Norlamin begins to tear up, he is making this moment more emotional than it should be. "Yes yes I see it." Eldak says awkwardly patting Norlamin on his shoulder as Norlamin slightly weeps with joy. "Come now my liege we must be on our way, we have a good two days travel ahead of us." Eldak says with a slightly rushed and hurried tone as he sorts out the groceries that he bought earlier to use as rations for the trip.

When both travelers have gathered their equipment, they proceed out the door to the land of Draulath. After setting foot out of the village they see how beautiful the landscape truly is, grass as green as an emerald and trees taller than any giant imaginable. Both heroes take a deep breath in and they look at one another, "Are you ready Eldak? A great new adventure lies ahead of us." Norlamin puts his arm around Eldak. "With you my liege, I am always ready for adventure." Eldak says with glee and anticipation residing somewhat hidden in his voice. The two begin to walk the course of their journey, the first few hours are an easy walk but as time progresses, they realize how long it has been since they have been out like this. They both stop for a water break that takes up a significant amount of daylight from them. "My my, I've forgotten how long it's been since we've had some actual exercise like this." Norlamin says to Eldak, having to pause every few seconds just to catch his breath. "Lord Serpenthelm we've only been walking for two hours." Eldak looks back and points, and you can still see Everwinter in the distance, "Goodness Eldak, maybe we aren't as prepared as we thought we were." Norlamin has a great sense of worry and doubt filling his throats as he speaks. "Do not speak like that Norlamin!" Eldak exclaims "We can do this , will it take time for us to get adjusted to our new surroundings and way of living? Yes of course, but we can do this." Eldak says as he grabs Norlamin's shoulders, shaking sense into the man. Norlamin takes a second to hear what Eldak just said and think on it, "Yes, yes you're right Eldak! I am Norlamin Serpenthelm! I am a warrior! This is what I do, come trusty friend we have a city to get to!" Norlamin stands up with great pride, he grabs his sword and straps it to his back, he walks off with a heroic stride in his step. "That's the Norlamin I know!" Eldak jumps up and runs after Norlamin with childlike ambition.

The two proceed on their journey for a duration of two and a half days. Nothing to stop them but a few rabid wolves and wild bears, but Norlamin easily takes them out with his sword. As nightfall approaches on their second day of travel, they walk up a steep hill, they're legs shaking from the hole and their faces tired and dirtied from the harsh grounds that they have slept upon the night prior. When they reach the top of the hill they see lights, hundreds of lights all from torches or lanterns, so many lights that they can feel the warmth from miles away, the two have reached Shadowfen. Eldak looks at Norlamin "WE DID IT! We really did it!" Eldak exclaims running to the town and almost tripping over his own feet in the process.

"Yes.. yes we did Eldak, we did it." Norlamin looks out at the city, he knows their journey was not a long one, but it fills him with hope that he can accomplish so much more for the future to come. He is finally starting to realize that he is becoming the hero that he used to be. Norlamin looks down at Eldak and chuckles, he runs down the hill chasing after him.