Just as the sun is setting behind the mountains, the group emerges from the forest to behold the walls of Arborin. Khemir stops and so does everyone else. Judging from the sky, it is about 6:30 PM. The group is able to see two guards standing nobly at the entrance to the city, and the sound of wagons rolling and people shouting is audible. A small flock of birds fly overhead, looking for a perch for the night. The town seems to be closing down for the night pretty soon as well.

As the group gets closer to the gates, the guards spot them and say, "Hail travellers!"

When they reach speaking distance the guard on the right says, "Welcome back Khemir. I see you have friends with you today."

"Aye, friends of Khemir are always welcome in Arborin," adds the left guard with a thick accent.

The right guard speaks again, "Well, you are just in time. We's were gonna close the gates in twenty minutes time."

Khemir answers the guards' greetings, "Thank you my friends. I had hoped we would make it in time; we have been traveling quickly to make it here. What news have ye? Any suspicious people come to do business?"

The guard on the right answers Khemir's question, "Well, there is no important news as of late, just the regular hustle and bustle."

The guard on the left chimes in, "Well, actually, we did let a strange elf man in earlier. Said he was a traveling merchant. Tall feller he was, must be 7 foot! Seemed harmless though."

Darius adds cynically, "They all seem harmless at first."

Herrol speaks, "Alright, enough of the small talk, we are here to see the King. You must take us to him immediately."

Khemir answers, "It's okay, I can take us there."

The guard on the right speaks, "Is this true Khemir?"

"Indeed. We've been sent by Tinton from Mulard. We have critical information for the King."

"Yeah, and if this merchant happens to be our runaway 'friend', we must be quick about it! I fear evil has entered this city. Lead the way!"

"Follow me boys, I know the fastest way there."

The guards step aside and allow the group entry to the city. Everyone begins to run and the guards bid them farewell. As the group runs through the city they realize how large and magnificent the city is. There are many buildings, both large and small. There are people all over the place. They are mostly human, but there are also many other races present, some that are unrecognizable. Aromas of fresh bread and meat come from a tavern on the Northeast side of the street. After about 8 minutes of running, Khemir slows down to a halt.

"We are there."

The group gazes up at the large castle. The beautiful stone glistens like crystal as the golden rays of the sunset splash onto its front. Everyone stands amazed at this wondrous building except for Khemir who begins to walk towards the castle's entrance which is paved with cobblestones. He turns back and motions for everyone to follow him.

As the group approaches the huge castle doors, they begin to open as two guards carry out an old man dressed in rags.

"And we better not see you on castle grounds again!" yells one of the guards as he throws the man onto the ground. The guards both look up to see a group of 5 rugged individuals standing in front of them.

"And just who are you?" asks the other guard. "What are you doing here? It is getting late, and I'm too tired to have to deal with five more unhappy peasants."

At the same time as the guard is speaking, the man on the ground crawls over to Herrol's feet.

"Surely, you will help me," cries the man wearily, "Please, I need food."

"Silence, filth!" commands the first guard to the skinny, dirty old man. "You better get yourself away now, or else I'll have you thrown away to rot in your stench."

"Please, show me mercy," asks the beggar as he reaches up for Herrol's hand.

The guards seem to be infuriated with the old man, and almost infuriated with the fact that the group has shown up as well.

"You five! You should just leave and go back to where you came from... and take this begging wretch with you."

Herrol takes the old beggar's hand and raises him from off the ground. He seems very weak, and as Herrol catches his eye he can see that the man is grateful.

"We must see the King. We are on important business from Mulard," says Herrrol.

Darius covers his blue face from the guards view. "I pray thee, our news is of urgency to the King."

Chasiarm replies as well, "That is correct. We have been sent by Tinton Berrywater with an important message from the king." Chasiarm turns to the beggar and reaches into his bag. He pulls out 15 silver pieces and a morsel of food and puts them into the beggar's hand. He then turns to the guards and says, "Do not cast this man from your sight so quickly. He may yet have a role to play in this world."

The beggar lifts his head up to Chasiarm, and with a confident voice says, "Thank you friend. I shall not forget you." After this the beggar turns and walks gleefully back into town.

Khemir, and everyone else, watches the beggar until he is almost out of sight. Khemir turns to see angry looks on the faces of the guards. The group, except Khemir, advances towards the doors, but the guards do not move. The guard speaks up, "I don't care where you be from. The King has no desire to speak with filth like you."

Furendithas lets out a threatening grunt, and the guards shift their halberds into position. Luckily, Khemir speaks up to his comrades, "You men should tread more softly. These guards do not know you. They could no more let you pass on your word that you are sent by a servant of the King than they could let this poor beggar enter. It is no wonder you have not already caused more trouble you have." Khemir turns authoritatively to the guards, "I, however, do have authority to enter the King's presence. I have been in the woods a while, and would now like to commune with my father. These men are with me, and they also have reason to commune with him. The two of you appear to be new, as I do not know you, so I will forgive you for needing to verify with my father. Tell him his son Thaetenos Haldrim Vardumbar wishes to enter his presence with a group of men with an important message. He will instruct you to let us enter."

After Khemir finishes his speech, there is silence until the guards let out a boisterous laugh.

"YOU expect US to believe that a dirty forest man is the King's son?!" laughs one of the guards.

Khemir steps towards the guards and lifts up his right sleeve revealing a circular tattoo. The others peer in to see what it is. The tattoo is a picture of a large bird on fire, surrounded by a snake with a head on each end that is positioned in a circle. The guards' eyes light up when they see this. The guard that just spoke begins to stutter, and the other one turns red in the face.

"I... We... we are terribly sorry Sire," says the stuttering guard, "I will have your presence announced immediately." He runs inside, and the other guard stands by the door and salutes awkwardly as the group walks inside. The group stares at Khemir in amazement because of their new knowledge.

Khemir walks down the red carpeted pathway towards the large, stone staircase while the others gaze around in amazement at the beautiful interior of the castle. The room is lit both by beautifully crafted lanterns, and the fading sunlight from the large stained-glass windows. The castle appears to be empty except for their presence. Khemir turns back and tells the others to follow him into the King's chamber.

The guards at the chamber doors smile when they see Khemir and begin to push open the heavy metal doors. The group advances into an even more beautiful room than the last. They behold the King sitting in his decorative throne at the other end of the room. This room is livelier than the first. There are many other people in the room. It appears that a meeting had just been taking place. Other important men line tables on both sides of the king. A trumpet is blown and a fancily dressed man announces, "Hail Prince Haldrim!" The King smiles widely as his son and his friends enter the room. Khemir approaches the King and kneels in respect. The other's follow his lead.

"Welcome home son," says the King merrily, "I see that you have brought friends. Let them speak."

The King nods his head indicating that the group should speak. Khemir rises from the ground and the rest follow his lead. He turns back and also nods at the group.

Furendithas speaks up first, "Your Highness, please excuse us for intruding on the affairs of the kingdom, but we have a message from Tinton Berrywater, from the mine near Mulard."

The King cuts in immediately, "Have you found the diamonds? Wonderful! This is excellent news, though I'm not sure why he needed to send the four of you to deliver such a simple message."

"My apologies again, your Highness," interrupts Furendithas, "but this is not the message we were sent to deliver. The diamonds have been discovered, but we have made another discovery as well."

Herrol opens his mouth to speak, but Darius begins the story, still with his head covered. Herrol nods in acknowledgement, as do the rest of the group.

"That is correct, we come with important news..." begins Darius. Darius recounts story of the "Dark Man" and his evil tendencies. He mentions that they tried to stop him, but the man used powerful magic. He also speaks about how the man was able to change his form into wolf, dwarf, and hawk.

The others add in small details every once in a while and the King listens to the story intently. The other men in the room listen as well, some in abhorrence, some with curiosity, and some with disbelief. Chasiarm gazes around the room at the beautiful furnishings. Gold tableware, gold candle stands, ivory, jewels, and more cover the room. He runs some quick calculations in his head about how much this room alone must be worth, but then snaps out of his thieving tendencies when Darius mentions the Kobolds.

"Monsters? In my forest?" asks the King disbelievingly, "That's impossible. These forests have long been protected and maintained."

"It's true father," adds Khemir, "This is how I found them. There must have been around twenty of the little beasts. They were a hunting party no doubt, but we made short work of them."

"Lies!" yells one of the men at the table, "They speak lies. No monster has set foot in the forests of Arborus since your Majesty became King."

This apparently starts uproar among the nobles. The men at the table begin arguing with each other. After a few moments the King raises his hand to silence the men. "Now, now, we have no reason to believe their story is false. I trust my son. His word is as good as my own." After this he turns back to face the group. "Tomorrow morning you must go see the Wizard's guild and inform them of this matter. It is likely they may know something about this "Dark Man". However, tonight we shall make rooms for you. You are tired, wounded, and hungry. Khemir, will you show these men to the kitchen? I will summon Archbishop Tartonis to heal their bodies and spirits."

"Thank you, my Lord" answers Herrol respectfully.

"Yes, thank you father. We will all appreciate a night in the castle." Khemir moves closer to the King and speaks more softly, "Father, it is good to see that you are in good health. I need to discuss some things with you later tonight, but right now I should go and speak with the head of security to relate to him this story. I would be happy to take any instructions to him for you."

"Yes, thank you, tell Captain Marcus to keep watch out for mysterious people or animals. Also inform him that your associates are cleared for security. Come to my bedchamber at 9 o'clock."

Khemir and two guards escort the group to the kitchen. On the way out of the throne room you hear the sound of the nobles arguing once again.

Everyone enjoys a nice large meal and visits cheerfully with one another. All is well and the "Dark Man" is not mentioned. After dinner the group meets with Archbishop Tartonis. He is a rather queer old man, but very jolly. He places his hands on each person and heals them one by one. After that, everyone is shown to their beautifully prepared rooms in the upstairs of the Northwest wing. Darius and Herrol are in one room, and Furendithas and Chasiarm are in the one across the hall. Khemir bids everyone goodnight and goes to his room on the other side of the castle.

The rooms are both identical. They have two large beds, a beautifully crafted oak closet and cabinet, a table with one chair, and red velvet curtains. The bedding is fresh and a vase of wonderfully smelling flowers sits on the table. By this time the night approaches 9 o'clock.

"Herrol, my friend," begins Darius, "I think we should go for a little stroll."

"You can do what you want, I am going to sleep," replies Herrol. He turns and heads back into the room.

"Fine, I hope you dream of large women... riding ostriches!" retaliates Darius, as Herrol closes the door behind him.

Herrol removes some of his less comfortable belongings before he lies down in the very comfortable bed. He has not felt the comfort of a real bed for a long time. Within minutes he is in a deep, restful sleep.

"Right, well, I think I shall sleep as well," says Chasiarm as he turns around and heads into his room.

After removing some of his less comfortable belongings, he lays down to sleep in exhaustion, still contemplating how close he was to death only one day earlier. Normally Chasiarm is a light sleeper, but tonight his exhaustion puts him in a deep sleep with pleasant dreams of his youth.

"I will go wherever you like," chimes Furendithas, "You know that you need my protection."

"Well, I say we go try to find out what Khemir is saying to the King… I still can't believe that he is the King's son."

"Yeah, and this castle is amazing. Let's go exploring!" answers Furry.

Darius and Furendithas head down the hall and out into the main corridor of the Northwest Wing. The castle is dark. The halls are lit by hundreds of candles that seem to never go out. The corridor is decorated by weapons, suits of armor, and paintings of past kings, wizards, and even a few princesses. Most of the princesses do not appear to be very aesthetically pleasing, and the men are all old and wrinkly. Soon they reach the entryway into the upper floor of main room where they first entered the castle earlier that day. Darius pulls Furendithas back as he spots two guards sitting in front of the entrance to the throne room. They listen, but cannot hear what the guards or talking about.

"How we going to get past them?" whispers Furendithas, "I don't think they will appreciate us wandering around here after everyone has gone to bed."

"You're right. There's no way around them. This is the only way between us and the other side."

They gaze around to look for any ways around them, but the path to the other side of the castle is right through the guards. Looking over the edge, the ground seems to be about 18 feet down.

"So Darius, what's your big, wise idea now?" prods Furendithas jestingly.

However, before Furendithas even finishes his sentence, Darius has already started walking towards the guards. "Just follow me," he whispers. When they are about 50 feet from the guards, they stop their conversation and look towards the two curfew breakers. Darius continues walking towards them.

"Where are you two off to this evening?" inquires the strong looking guard on the left.

"Good evening gentlemen," begins Darius politely, "We are just going to visit our friend Khemir."

"Oh, that's right," says the guard on the right. You are the ones that came with him today. Don't worry, we have been told to let you go wherever you please."

"Thank you," replies Darius with a smile. As soon as Darius and Furendithas are about 50 feet down the other hall, the guards pick up their conversation where they left off. After a bit of walking they reach the entrance to the Southeast Wing.

Darius hears a voice down a hall on the right and motions for Furendithas to follow him and be quiet. They can barely make out the conversation between the two voices behind the semi-open door.

"...We have to get rid of him now, while he is here. We've taken enough risks already."

"I know," answers the second voice, "But we must be careful how we do this. There are still so many loyal to the king."

"Well, we have been successful upon weeding them out, but it won't do us any good if we don't get rid of the elf."

"Indeed... Well, I must be off. I will inform the others."

Darius and Furendithas run back around the corner just before the man with the second voice steps out of the room. He is a skinny, but healthy looking man, and dressed in exceedingly fine maroon robes. His body is decorated in gold jewelry. He has messy, dark blonde hair that is pulled back into a very short ponytail. He seems fairly young looking, but his tough and weathered, tan skin makes him appear to be at least 30. He has a mysterious aura about him, and as he steps outside the room, he looks around for a few seconds, closes the door behind him, and walks off hurriedly into the opposite direction of Darius and Furendithas.

As soon as the maroon-robed man is out of sight, they hear a noise coming straight towards them. They turn to find Khemir approaching them.

"Why are you on this side of the castle?" asks Khemir curiously.

"Uh, we..." stammers Furendithas.

"...We were just looking around. This castle is so nice," responds Darius coolly.

"Very well," answers Khemir, "but you should head back to your rooms and get some rest. We have much to do tomorrow if you want to find the dark man."

Khemir, Darius, and Furendithas all return to their rooms for a good night's rest.

Khemir comes and awakes the rest of the group to a beautiful morning. Everyone is well rested and ready for the day. Khemir instructs everyone else to follow him downstairs to the armory where they will be able to receive some supplies. As the group walks into the main room of the castle, the morning sun fills the castle with divine light from the stained glass windows. No one noticed before, but the windows depict many different scenes. One shows a large fiery bird crying, and one other displays a snake curled up into a ring shape. As the group is walking towards the staircase to the armory, they see another stained glass window depicting a man holding a really large sword.

"That's my grandfather," says Khemir informatively, "He was one of the strongest knights in the whole kingdom when he was in his youth. The people loved him so much that he was made King. My father inherited the throne when my grandfather was murdered by a sorcerer."

As the group enters the armory, a rather short, funny-looking man with huge glasses approaches them.

"Ah yes, the King has informed me of you. You are each to choose one item from the armory; however, the armaments located in the knight's area and in the experimental area are off limits. Oh, and if you would like to sell anything extra that you don't want, we could give you a good deal if it is in good condition. Please inform me of what you need."

The group splits up and looks around for what they want.