Dawn approached the Vale of Eagles. The birds echoed through the open window with their joyous morning song. Arrabella was troubled by dreams she had of ogres and evil demons. Talon was troubled by the same dreams. The two emerged from the tiny cabin and prepared for the new day's adventures.

"Where shall we go this day my love?" talon asked through weary eyes.

"Anywhere with you my Knight." she whispered through a smile

Holding hands and taking a path north through the hills. They began the days adventure. As they pressed on and the shadows grew shorter as noon arrived. They found themselves in a remote area of the fills. Lightly forested and a small river could be seen rambling its way through a small valley.

Arrabella was a little behind on the path collecting herbs and roots along the way. Talon was scouting a short way ahead when he heard the sound of an arrow impact the ground close to him.

"Bell RUN! I will hold them off while you get help." he screamed through clenched teeth.

The demon drew back her wicked bow and let loose her poisoned arrow. The arrow had embedded itself in his chest. The tip coated with a potent poison. Arrabella pulled her cloak tightly around her and using the stealth of her elven boots. She quietly slipped closer to Talon and the trouble.

He charged the demon and with a mighty swing severed her hand off. The demon screamed and vanished. Leaving the ogres to finish off the wounded elf warrior.

Talon was outnumbered and the poison was taking its toll. He held off the 2 ogres. He knew his time was short. His shoulder throbbed and his head was spinning from the pain. Bella arrived as Talon dropped the second ogre. And she witnessed him fall to the ground. She saw something out of the corner or her almond elf eye. And cast a lightning bolt at the dark figure. The figure erupted in a glow of white light and faded from view. Bella sensed no immediate danger and quickly ran to Talon and kneeled beside her fallen love.

Examining the wound she saw the poison working its deadly magick against Talon. She broke off the arrow and placed a small bandage she fashioned from her shirt. She knew he would not last long with the poison inside him. She called upon the magick of the forest to slow the affects of the poison. The forest seemed to come alive at her call and power flowed from her loving fingers into the silent body of Talon. Arrabella knew the danger was not over. The ogres lay dead a short distance from Talon. She recalled her dreams and the ogres and demon. She knew she hurt the demon with the spell. The demon in her dreams was wounded but still a formidable threat. She contacted her familiar Arragon and asked him to quickly retrieve the griffon Faloswansei and bring him to her immediately.

The tiny dragon went to fetch the mighty griffon and where soon on their way north into the hills. The pair flew with urgency, as the griffons' comrade in arms lay fallen on the field of battle. The pair where soon approaching the area and quickly landed close by Bella and Talon.

Bella lifted the fallen warrior Talon and moved him under the shade of a sturdy oak. The griffon Falos lies close to Talon. Bella gently lifts and places Talon safely in the griffons' saddle. And straps him in place. Falos rises as Bella mounts the back of the saddle. Falos leaps high and takes flight. Bella and Talon arrive at the tiny cabin a short while later. Arrabella takes Talon into the cabin and lays him down on the bedding of furs and blankets. She gives him some strong medication to further slow the affects but the poison is still coursing through his veins and she can only slow it down and not stop it at all. Talon is out of immediate danger. Bella runs out the door in the direction of Whispers, The Arch Druids sacred grove.

Bella approached the grove of the ancient druid. She saw a battle party of 20 elves all carrying bow and sword. The group started to leave noticed Bella quickly approaching and stepped aside for her to pass through the path and into the clearing. The battle party continued on its mission.

A voice older than the mountains drifted upon the winds of the grove.

"Child of the wood, how might I help in thy hour of great need?"

"My love is going to die unless I can find a cure for the poison. Please my friend, I ask you to help me heal his wounds."

"Young one, take the sap from my ancient limbs. Make him drink it down and I will cast healing magick to stop the demons poison." he said while lowering a limb down near her.

Bella unsheathed a small knife and cut a small gash in the limb. A small quantity of sap dripped within a waiting vial she help in her shaking hands. When the sap was collected she turned to Whispers and said "Thank you my dear friend, with all my heart."

She turned and ran from the clearing, not stopping until she arrived back at the tiny cabin. The door was still open and Falos lay outside waiting and guarding. She entered to see Talon writhing in pain. She went to him and placed the vial near his lips.

"Drink this my love" she pleaded "This will heal your pain."

Talon let the sap pass his lips and down his throat. His face drained of blood, his body wracked with spasms, and Talons pain started to ease as the potion of sap and Whispers healing spells started to take over and weaken the poison. After an hour of convulsing he lapsed into unconsciousness.

Bella was relieved as Talon drifted off into a deep slumber. The strains of the day seemed to fade away. She could see a little color return to his face and limbs. Arragon flapped his little wings and glided over to Bella and perched himself lightly on her shoulder. One thought passed between the dragon and elf woman "its going to get worse before its gets better"

Part 2

The elven war party arrived at the location their leader Whispers said to wait and set an ambush. They had all they needed and enough magick to protect themselves from the most powerful of demons. The party was lead by Arylin Lightbow.

(The battle… elves take a beating but the demon gets forced to retreat)

The war party had forced the demon to retreat. Casualties where heavy and they had made camp for the night. Four guards were posted to patrol the area for enemy forces.

*****

Bella left soon after Talon was sleeping peacefully. She wanted to make sure the elven war party was not in trouble. She took Arragon and made a good pace northeast into the hills close to the edge of the mountains. Her journey led her to the edge of a small valley called Ravens Bluff.

Arragon had gone with her to lead the way. He knew the area the elven war party had entered. The night sky was ablaze with starlight. Within hours they were standing just outside the perimeter of the elven encampment.

"Halt." a guard whispered.

She halted at once. "I am Arrabella" she whispered back.

"What are you doing here?" the guard asked.

"I have come to help you with the demon." she said.

The guard showed her into the camp and took her to the guard captain who was under a small enclosure. The guard then went back to his patrol.

Bella approached the guard captain.

"I can help you with this demon." She said.

"We can use all the help we can get. Many of my warriors are gravely wounded and need healing magick."

"I have some healing spells and skills"

"Go to the wounded and tend them. We will need them come tomorrow to fight. I have a scouting report. Fifty ogres are on the move and will be in this area tomorrow."

"I will stand with you on the morrow and meet these creatures."

With that Arrabella went out and into the enclosure with the wounded. She placed her hands on a wounded warrior and cast her healing magick. The herbs and medicines she brought were used to heal these brave warriors. After performing the healing she found a comfortable piece of ground to lay down. She sat there a while until she finally was overcome by need of rest.

The forest path was narrow and Bella found herself

(Bella is confronted by the demon alone, and is nearly defeated. Talon arrives and fires a magick arrow that forces the demon to retreat)

*****

Talon awakes the next morning feeling very good and very hungry. He has a plan. The warrior grabs some bread and apple juice. He leaves the cabin and takes Faloswansei on a flight back to the battle site. Talon looks through the area for the one most important piece of his plan. After some searching he finds the shriveled hand of the demon. He scrapes it into a bag never touching it. With that done he takes the griffon back to the cabin. He then travels on foot a few miles to his friend Baldin the armorer. Baldin is a powerful weapon craftsman and grumpy old dwarf.

"Baldin my most gifted friend. I have a big favor to ask of you."

"Talon, you're buttering me up for something. Lets have it, what do ye want from an old craftsman?"

"I need an arrowhead made from this piece of the demon. Can you do it?"

"Does Nuradin drink beer? Let me see this demon part."

Talon dumps the contents of the bag on the dwarf's workbench. The demonic hand lay on the bench. Light from the lanterns seemed to be absorbed by its presence.

"Lad I can make ye 5 arrow heads from this hand. Give me a day and a keg of Fire Brandy. And laddy the fire brandy's for drinkin when the demon is dead. Not a second before."

"May your beard never fall out."

Talon left the armory and quickly went back to the cabin. He sat and began to fletch the 5 black arrow shafts he would need. Working into the night he finished the shafts just before dawn.

*****

Arrabella awoke at dawn. The camp was being cleared and all the warriors were preparing for the coming battle. Only one pass would allow passage into the elven realm. Only fourteen elves remained battle hearty. Arrabella made the fifteenth warrior. The warriors took position in the trees along the pass.

(The ogres fall into the ambush and are mowed down with ease. The demon lay in waiting and as the last ogre falls, hellfire is released upon the elves)

The elves stared helpless as the flames ripped through the trees toward them. The elves we totally defenseless against the onslaught of flames.

*****

A loud knock on the door awakes Talon from his slumber. Baldin has arrived with a leg of mutton for Falos and the arrowheads for Talon.

"We have only begun this journey my stout friend." Talon said.

"I wish I could go with ye lad, but I fear my old bones wouldn't make the journey. Me prayers are with ye. Me young elf friend."

Talon took the arrowheads in hand and began to fix them to the black shafts he prepared during the night. Each arrow as it was finished began to glow with an eerie green fire. Each was placed within his quiver as they were completed.

*****

The woods are the solemn home of the tree herders. This job they take very seriously. Fire is their worst enemy. The forest was ready for the hellfire attack. The flames tore through the branches and the powerful magick protected the elves from the assault. Arrabella pulled Mystphyre from its sheath and landed deftly on the path. The Demon Mystyx was stunned by this attack. Bella slashed into the demons armored hide. Mystyx staggered back from the attack. With a flash the demon was recalled to its layer deep within the Crags.

Cheers went up from the boughs from the elf band. Bella held her cheers for she knew the battle was won this day. This war was far from over.

The elves took the ogre bodies and hauled them into a pile and burned them to ashes. Arrabella started back to the Tangles. She needed to tell Talon what had happened. Was a long journey back to the cabin and she arrived just before nightfall.

*****

Talon was outside under a large oak finishing the arrows he had painstakingly been working on for many hours. He became aware of a presence behind him.

"Greetings young one." The voice from behind him seemed to drift across the afternoon breezes

Looking about Talon knew it was the Arch Druid Whispers.

"Greetings Whispers" Talon said continuing to finish up the lethal arrows.

"Your path leads you and your love into the heart of the Crag Mountains."

"What are we to do there?"

"There you must destroy the demon Mystyx and lay waste to the Fortress Grymharod."

"How are we to find this Fortress? The Crags are too large to search them all."

"The fortress lies between the Furnaces. There you will find Grymharod, the Fortress of Despair.

"Who else can we take on this journey?"

"The party to defeat this evil will be four in number. Of course you and your love Arrabella. The majestic Griffon Faloswansei and the unshakable dragon Arragon."

"I understand Whispers. Everything will be ready to leave tonight."

Whispers presence faded from the oak. Talon began packing for the long journey. Mountaineering equipment and enough food for three weeks of travel. Talon knew if needed, they could forage for food and water in the mountains.

Arrabella arrived at the cabin before sunset. Talon was just finishing up packing the backpacks. Weapons readied and the Black Arrows safely in his quiver. Arrabella came closer to her love and took him by the hand. Leading him inside the tiny cabin. She closed the door leaving Arragon and Falos outside to guard the equipment.

A dimly lit lantern cast is shadows about the small cabin. Bella lead Talon to their bed of furs and blankets. She sat him down and began to remove each garment she wore with slow graceful movements. Her weapons and armor placed on the table. Her tunic shed to the floor. Her breasts caught the light from the lantern. Talon breathed a longing sigh as she began to remove her silken hose. The lantern light danced off her legs as she knelt before Talon. Talon sat in awe of his love. Bella began undoing the buttons of Talons lose fitting tunic. Removing his shirt with ease. She pressed herself tightly to him. Kissing him deeply on the lips. Her breasts swelled as they touched his chest. He felt her nipples so hard against him. Putting his arms around her and crushing her to him. Always holding her left him in awe. Her radiant beauty and a smile that outshines the great north star. The love they share goes beyond anything definable. Their love is magickal as a Unicorns horn. Arrabella pulled back from her love. Taking hold of his leather breeches. She began to slowly unfasten them. Helping him remove the restraining garment. They embraced with crushing force against each other. Their bodies entwined and moved in perfect harmony together. They are the perfect compliment for each other. Their love for each other will last long after the stars in the night sky fade into oblivion. While the evening gazed upon the two so in love. The stars above lit up the heavens as the lovers laid rest their troubles and strengthened the bonds of adamantium love they share. They fell deeply asleep in holding each other tight. Each thanking the other for the others strength and love. Evil did not dare invade their dreams that night.

Morning arrived in the Tangles. Bella awoke beside her love. His arms held her close throughout the night. She kissed him lightly upon the lips. To her surprise Talon kissed her back. Pulling her against him. After a long while they got up from bed, prepared for the battle to come.

*****

The four heroes began the quest when the sun was high overhead. Faloswansei the mighty griffon took flight with Bella and Talon saddled to him. Arragon flapped his tiny wings alongside them.

(Night of the hill giants. The hill giant chief saw them land. He told his warriors to go and slay the intruders. Five giants went out into the cloudy night. None returned to tell the tale of death.)

(The wounded Mountain giant. Arrabella sees the wounded giant and has talon land the griffon. Arrabella heals the poor giant and he is able to get on his way. They tell him they are going to destroy the demon Mystyx at the Fortress of Despair. The giant wishes them well and thanks them for their kindness.)

(Lost in the Mountains, a gnomish holiday. Phineus is a gnomish engineer. Not lost but stuck in the mountains. He has been on an expedition to find the architectural ruins of Auris'maag. The heroes rescue Phineus from certain doom by stopping a group of Ogres.)

*****

The Furnace range loomed in the distance. The white plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the active volcanoes. The group lands with a day's journey left ahead of them. They set up a small camp and settled in for the night.

Thunder from the volcanoes echoed through the camp. Arragon went hunting for plants to munch upon. Falos preened himself waiting for the battle about to come. Arrabella and Talon set up their small shelter and held each other. They would need to work perfectly together in order to defeat the creature. Confronting the demon in its layer and destroying it utterly would free them from the evil dreams. They sat in solemn silence this night for they knew well the next day, may well be their end and not the demon. The heroes broke camp and left the tiny mountainside clearing before dawn.

The sun was high overhead as the heroes descended toward the Fortress of Despair. They landed in the main courtyard. This deep in the mountains there was no need for many scouts. The demon had become complacent and thought its awesome fortress was safe from intrusion. Mystyx was dead wrong.

Talon dismounted Falos, readied his bow and knocked an arrow. Arrabella unsheathed her magickal long sword Mystphyre and scanned the surrounding walls for enemy troops and the dark demon Mystyx. The fortress walls were completely empty and the courtyard barren. Arragon sat atop a tower and scouted the area from a high vantage. Falos followed Bella to protect her flank from attack. The outer walls clear they all met and entered into the main keep.

The stench of death and decay flooded them. Falos was too large to traverse the catacombs of the inner keep. He would stay outside and remain on guard. Talon took the lead as they entered the inner keep. Bow with Black Arrow knocked and ready. Arrabella with Mystphyre drawn was ready to strike the demon. The paths of the keep lead them lower into the dungeons below the Grymharod. Heat from the volcano could be felt as they pressed on.

They found themselves in the lowest chambers of the dungeon. Talon emerged into the dimly lit chamber of Mystyx. He could see the demon standing before an altar of bone. Holding high a sacrificial dagger. Mystyx was about to plunge the dagger into the heart of its victim. Talon realizing what was about to happen unleashed his first Black Arrow. Striking the demon full in the chest and slamming it back. The demon released a burst of flame at Talon. Diving quickly out of the way he was partially caught within the flames. Arrabella emerged into the chamber wielding her long sword. She charged the demon jumping over the bone altar and connecting with a savage blow from Mystphyre. She felt herself lifted and thrown back into the bone altar. Pain ripped through her back as a shard of bone pierced her armor and embedded itself in her. Talon came up to one knee knocked an arrow and fired. The Black Arrow found its mark in the demons' shoulder. Bolts of light sprung from the demon's fingers and assaulted the elf archer. Knocking him to the floor. Bella ignoring the pain once again moved to strike the demon as it was busy with Talon. Striking it from behind. It screamed a foul curse. Its skin sprouted needle sharp spikes, which fired at the swordswoman. She dodged the projectiles and rolled up and struck the demon again. Talon regained his feet, firing his third deadly arrow. Finding its mark in the chest of the demon. Arrabella sliced the armored hide of the demon again. Sending the demon falling back. Talon sent his fourth arrow flying. Sinking deep within the stomach of the demonic creature. Talon was lifted off the ground and slammed against the far wall as if a hand grabbed him a flung him there. He slumped to the floor crippled by the ruthless attack. Arrabella once again slashed at the demon finding an opening in the creature's defense. The ichor flowed from numerous gashes suffered from the swordswoman's vicious weapon. She knocked the demon down with a series of attacks. Bella pressed forward to finish the attack when she slipped upon the cloudy ichor the demon spilled upon the floor. The demon saw its opening and crawled over to the stunned elf woman. It was about to thrust its only hand into the chest of Arrabella when from the lethal bow of Talon. The fifth and final arrow found its mark. Burying itself deep inside the skull of the doomed demon. The demon flailed about in pain and agony. Writhing and screaming its curses. Until it was silenced. Never again will the demon be able to disturb the dreams and lives of innocent people.

Arrabella began to feel the poison course through her. She cried out to Talon and collapsed. Talon quickly raced to his loves side. He knew the deadly poison very well. He looked for the pouch containing the druid's potion that would neutralize the poison inside her. He fumbled through her belt pouch and found the potion vile tucked inside. He unstopped it and placed it against her lips, encouraging her to drink of it. The syrupy liquids' magick began to combat the demon's poison. As it did, Bella lapsed into a deep and restful sleep. Arragon laid himself near his friend, and watching over her. Talon attempted to bind the wound on her shoulder and stopped the bleeding. Being very careful to not further damage the shoulder he managed to stop the bleeding. She would survive the trauma he was sure. The potion was having the desired affect. The bleeding stopped and no longer life threatening. He placed his cloak under hear head and made her as comfortable as possible.

Talon allowed Bella to sleep for a while. He then became aware that there was a motion coming from the altar of bone. He Moved closer and saw a small child tied down upon it. He moved quickly and released the small boy from his hold. In the dim light the young boy could barely see his savior. The human child dropped to his knees and begged for his life. Talon gave the child a little food and a tiny taste of water. The boy was malnourished from his capture. Talon allowed him small amounts of food and water.

"How long have you been here?" Talon asked.

"I don't know Lord. I don't know where I am." The boy finished.

Talon had a problem. Talon thought a minute and made it two problems. Two people who had no way of making a long trip through the mountains. Would be some time before Bella or the boy would be in shape to make the trip. Food was not a big problem. Falos could round up mountain goats for extra food. Mountain lakes were plentiful. They could survive that way. His only fear was ogres and giants.

"There are more of us." The young boy whispered.

"Where?" Talon gasped.

"Cells in the next chamber."

Talon followed the boy's directions and found the location of the cells. None of them where locked. After checking them all. He rounded up thirty-two other people. The prisoners were all human, all ages, both male and female. Talon thought for another minute and came to the realization. He has thirty-four problems. The solution of marching these people to safety was not looking feasible. He had to come up with a better answer. Quickly!

Talon picked Bella up and transported her to the keep entrance. Followed by the prisoners. The stronger ones helping along the weakest. Faloswansei greeted them as they emerged. The first thing Talon noticed was the dead ogre parts strewn about the courtyard. The mangled ogre corpses reminded him he was glad griffons were too large to follow through small corridors.

The prisoners where in various stages of health. A few had just arrived and where in relatively decent shape and could still get around. They were sent off to find the food pantry for the fortress. Soon their was food cooking in the kitchen and the prisoners where being fed. The wounded were tended too. Things were looking up by the time night approached.

Talon went to the makeshift infirmary that night and lay beside his love. She is sleeping soundly. He feels the aches and fatigue of the day's combat finally overcome his senses and he fades off to sleep.

The next day brought much needed relief from the previous day’s endeavor. Arrabella rested the next day and regained much needed strength. Talon pondered the situation at hand. Leaving these people would be simply wrong. These prisoners were untrained in combat and would most likely be killed by the local ogre and giant population. Someone had to go back to the Vale and get help. There was but one choice he could think of. He waited until nightfall to speak to Arrabella of his plan.

"You must take Falos and Arragon back to the Vale and get help." Talon said.

"I can’t leave you hear my love."

"Fear not for me, love. I will take care and protect these people. I have charged Falos to defend you on your journey."

"I can’t do this alone."

"Bella, you must for all of us to survive. Bring Baldin back with you on Falos. Get the warriors on the march. We can hold out for a month at least." Talon swore as an oath.

"I will return to you my love." she promised.

That promise would keep Talon from giving up no matter what odds he faced. He knew not even a giant would bother with a griffon in the wilds. He had twelve days to hold out before Bella would return. Bella would leave before dawn the following day. Talon would start to set trap around the fortress and get the humans armed and trained enough not to kill themselves while trying to defend the fortress. A few men and women were familiar with using a bow. They were allowed a bow from the armory and a quiver. Those people were allowed to practice in the courtyard. Others were trained in the use of a staff. Training with a sword would take too long and these people would wind up hacking off their own limbs before hurting a giant or ogre.

Arrabella left the fortress just before daybreak. Falos and Arragon where with her to keep her safe from the denizens of the high mountains. Six days past without an incident. Arrabella was about to arrive at the Tangles and speak with Whispers the Arch Druid.

Talon was about to see how well his defenses would stand against the mighty giants of the Crags. Two guards were placed on the towers at all times. Three days past in the fortress without any sign of impending doom, yet Talon knew the dangers lurked out there someplace. That night an alarm went up from the north tower. The bowmen ready their bows and knock arrows. On Talons command all arrows took flight and tasted deep into giant flesh. The giants were pushed back. Talon took three men and ordered the rest of the men to keep firing at the attacking giants. He and the other three would guard the south wall. He had a bad feeling in his gut.

They made their way along the main wall and came to the south wall just in time to see several giants attempting to climb over. Talon released three arrows into the creature’s face before it could react and it fell to its death below. The other archers let lose their arrows to sting the other two giants and sent them into retreat.

Talon mused at this. He called all the would-be warriors to the central keep and told them.

"We are to be attacked this night or the next. The giants know our number and will come back in greater force to over run us. We will take today and ready more traps in the courtyard. We will make our battle line at the central keep. Let’s get to work!"

Talon showed them where to dig ankle breaker traps. Place pit spikes at irregular places. These were intended to slow the giant advance and wound as many as possible. Late that evening the men and women were tired from a long day. Guards were posted along the walls again that night. Not one giant was spotted. Talon had bought them another day. He just needed to steal them about eight more.

Four days passed without sign of giants. The fortress took on a new name. It was called Argus’impetor, Citadel of the Silver Warrior in honor of Arrabella and Talon. With the new name brought a glimmer of hope for the desperate people. Talon wondered what exactly happened to those giants. Surely there must be more coming.

The next day clouds rolled in and began to rain. Lightning flashed thunder rumbled through the valleys and off the peaks. From the north wall the shout went up, "GIANTS!"

All the wall guards returned to the inner keep and took up positions in arrow slits. Bows ready and waiting to fire upon the attacking giants. Talon watched from the top of the keep. The giants stood far off and began to assault the walls with stones. Massive boulders crashed against the outer walls. The walls stood against the assault.

Seeing little damage to the walls the giants stopped their attack after a few hours and regrouped. The giant chieftain noticed the boulders where piled up along the wall. He thought and thought about this. Finally he came up with an idea. The next morning the chieftain ordered the giants to keep throwing boulders at the north wall. When the boulders became piled high enough. The giants would be able to get over the wall and attack the inner keep. The boulders kept pounding the walls and piling up higher and higher. The chieftain called a cease-fire since the boulders where piled high enough and the giants could jump over the last few feet. That night the giants would make their final assault upon the keep and destroy the warriors within.

The storm raged across the land throughout the day. Lightning flashed and lit up the grim faces of the warriors inside the keep. They waited in silence for the final attack to come. Night approached and the men and women watched as the giant’s approached from the north side of the fortress. The giants approached enraged, carrying clubs and huge swords.

Talon gave the order to fire as soon as the first giants appeared over the walls. While he slipped silently and quite unseen over the east wall. Talon had to take care of the chieftain. Without him the rest of the giants would not be able to make another counter assault. This would buy him enough time for Arrabella and help to arrive.

Talon reached the base of the wall and made his way north. He heard the giants shouting and cursing as arrows found their marks. As he rounded the corner tower he saw a giant standing there unaware of his presence. Staying low to the ground and in the shadows he pulled his cloak tightly about him and crept along further north. That’s when he saw him. The great giant chief was watching the battle from a high point about a half-mile away. Talon made his way closer to the chieftain. Coming up behind him he found an outcropping of stones to hide behind. He readied his bow and 3 arrows. The first arrow took flight and bit deep into the giant chief’s arm. The giant turned and another pierced his chest. Within a blink of an eye another two arrows buried themselves in the giants abdomen. The giant howled from the pain and charged the elf. Talon used his talents hid himself within the protection of the shadows. The giant approached and talon drew his blade. The giant slung his club in the dark shadows to no avail. Talon moved slightly to the giants left and tossed a rock to the other side of the giant. It spun to see what the noise was and Talon swung with his sword slicing the creatures hamstring and crippling it. The giant fell in agony writhing on the ground holding its leg. Talon again came from behind and ended the creature’s life quickly with one stroke across its neck.

The giants pressed their attack against the keep. The traps laid in the fields caused many of the giants to lose footing and injure themselves some impaled feet on spikes others sinking and breaking their legs. And all the while the arrows continued to fly. Giants fell from the constant stinging of arrows. The defenders suffered from boulders that struck the walls and shattered sending debris into the arrow slits and injuring many of the humans inside.

Finally the defenders were out of arrows. There were still many giants outside. The defenders pulled to the inner most area of the keep as they were told. A flash of lightning streaked across the courtyard and into the midst of the giants sending them into disarray. A minute later another bolt sent the remaining giants scattering back across the walls and out of the fortress. Arrabella had returned and not a moment too soon. She road the mighty Faloswansei with her friend and companion Arragon at her side. The keep defenders head the commotion and looked out of the arrow slits and witnessed the giants in full retreat.

Talon stood off in the shadows and heard the cries of giants below him. As he gazed in the distance he swore he saw flashes of lighting reach out and strike the giants. It couldn’t be he thought. Hoping indeed that it was. He took a breath and raced back to the eastern side of the fortress and climbed back over and into the courtyard below.

Once inside Talon saw the bodies of many giant’s dead and dying upon the wet ground. Blood stained the earth as the rain tried in vain to wash it away. Talon walked to the entrance of the inner keep. As he pushed the door open. Light from torches flickered and danced across his face.

Talon walked into the main hall of the inner keep. Arrabella met him and greeted with a warm smile and a gentle hug. Falos lay in front of the hearth with Arragon next to him. Neither moved as Talon entered. They both had enough excitement for one day.

Arrabella pressed herself against Talon and kissed him deeply. She missed her knight these past days. Wanting him to hold her through the night. Feeling him move his arms around her and pull her closer. For many minutes they stood and embraced, kissing each other. Bella took him by the hand and lead him off into the west wing of the keep. Finding an out of the way place to be alone. They both entered the darkened bedchamber. Rich tapestries were hung on the wall. Talon sat himself on the bed. Bella with the assistance of a small cantrip lit several candles on the night table near the bed. The storm outside was subsiding. The winds could be heard outside calling out to whoever would listen. As the candles burned and cast their magick spell Bella and Talon held each other. They peered within each other’s eyes. No words need be spoken between them. Each knew the others thoughts and desires. The candles danced as a breeze found its way into the chamber and each moment the flame licked the air and wax dripped down the sides. With each passing moment shadows played upon the dusty tapestries and watched the lovers embrace.

The next morning Talon awoke. Bella safely held in his arms. He remained there for a while until he felt Bella stir.

"Good morning my love" she whispered.

"A beautiful morning it is. Shall we rest here a bit longer?"

"Yes." was all she said.

The pair emerged from the bedchamber many hours past sunrise. They went into the main hall and had the rest of their party gathered. Bella informed them she talked to Whispers and he would send a band of warriors out to lead them back to safety. The elven warriors should arrive very soon. Bella also told them Whispers transported her, Falos and Arragon back to the fortress using one of his powerful spells. She guessed just in time as she had cast her lightning spells against the giants.

Two days passed when the guards on the outer walls spied a band of elves moving in from the west. The elves arrived with much food and supplies. The following day the entire troop was ready to move out.

The march took many days but during the entire trip nothing attacked or even bothered them. They soon where safe within the Vale of Eagles. Bella and Talon hid away in their tiny cabin on the hill. The humans went back to their villages to regain their lives that had been given back to them. None of them ever forgot the elves that saved their lives. Arrabella and Talon had many more adventures ahead of them, but those are left for another time.