The forgotten

Part 3 Cont.

Doubt instantly filled Broland's mind,but when he turned to voice his concern Joseph held a hand up to hush him. Closing his eyes, joseph raised his arms toward the howling and Brolan felt the power surging forth.

"We don't have much time," joseph said, turning to Brolan as his arms fell. " I know this will sound strange, but for now less is more. Untrained magic is instinctual, don't think about it and it will come. Get ready, here they come!"

At his words, Brolan's eyes fell upon the beasts stepping out from the undergrowth. Just like the earlier beast, these were blacker than night. Even in the mid-afternoon light, they seemed unusually dark, as if they were absorbing light itself. Trying to use joseph's advice, Brolan focused his attention toward the attackers, clearing his mind of thoughts about magic. Realizing with a start that he had no weapon, he looked back hurriedly and spotted a scabbard nearby,

'probably dropped by a townsmen in their retreat' he thought. Thanking the gods, he rushed to pick it up only to find it laying empty. Sword nowhere in sight, Brolan cursed loudly and cast a hasty glance back towards joseph only to see an empty field. Stopping and spinning a full 360, Brolan was dumbfounded at the lack of man and attacking beasts, but didn't waste his oppourtunity. He carefully searched the area for a blade or some form of protection knowing full-well that there would be something helpful nearby. His eyes roamed the clearing, not knowing what exactly he would find and tried to decide what his plan of action should be. He didn't know where joseph was nor the demon wolves. He also didn't know the fate of the villagers that retreated, or for that matter, the fate of the village. Uncertain of how to proceed, he decided to continue his search for a weapon.

Walking in the direction of town, Brolan found a small club and quickly grabbed it up for protection. Armed at last, he turned back toward the hole and felt the hair on his arms stand. Brolan could feel a power surrounding him, like a lovers caress. Gentle but firm, it ebbed around him and filled him with relief. Not knowing what this new sensation was, Brolan raised his club, searching around frantically. He became aware of a faint crackling sound, and with a sharp report several robed men appeared before him, their hoods raised. Eyeing the three nervously, he started as the middle man spoke.

"We have been waiting for you,"

Brolan's jaw dropped as he recognized the voice, and confusion lit his face as the man stepped forward removing his hood.