As the Shadow Grows...

[Alkapwn21]

Magic is dying. Civilization has entered a new era. Science is now the life-blood of society. The mighty Mage Towers, which once occupied every major city, are now few and far between; its members are even fewer, it seems.

Technology is this world’s salvation. It has generated a means to protect, to aid, and to serve. Engineers and inventors are mankind’s new magicians.

Now, the shadow of war is looming over your lands. It started the year before with rumors, which were denied quickly by the government. However, evidence quickly piled up: trade routes blocked, ships “commandeered,” and several outlying villages have been ransacked or occupied by other nations’ soldiers. Still, your government does not wish for war, but tries to push a fragile peace as long as possible. Your neighbors now live each day in the dark, never knowing if the flames of war will burn their home to the ground.

Yet, life goes on. Throughout the anxiety of the unpredictable future, the citizens must manage their day-to-day lives. The story of three of these citizens is about to unfold…

Sir Baristan Selmy, a retired knight, prepares to escort a diplomat on her journey to a neighboring nation, to further discuss the situation at hand.

Aayan Farr, an up-and-coming engineer, has pleaded with the local Mage Tower, now only housing six lonely magic users, for aid in his research and experiments. The combination of technology and magic could do wonders for the world. After three years of rejection letter after rejection letter, the Tower finally yields, and sends the young Chronomancer Maxwell Rentul to aid Aayan.

Having fully exhausted all possible resources, Aayan learns others lie in the nearby nation of Denmar, the very same nation that threatens peace. Aayan and Maxwell have decided to travel to Denmar, which, as luck would have, is Sir Selmy's destination as well. They seek him out, asking for permission to accompany him, for the only way to continue their research lies in the depths of this very nation.
----
The Cambion engineer, Aayan Farr, knocks on the door of the home of Baristan Selmy. Aayan stands at six feet flat, and has a rather lean build. He has short, pointed horns that sprout from his forehead and curl upwards. His hair is short, dark, and shaggy, and a pair of goggles are resting on his head behind his horns, with the strap stretching behind his head. He wears simple leather and cloth clothing, with a belt that has many leather pouches, like a utility belt, that holds various items. A revolver is secured safely in a holster on his right hip, and the sounds of glass clinging together can be heard from under his coat if he moves roughly enough. A thin tail sprouts from his back end, and whips quietly back and forth through the air.

Aayan turns to his mage friend while waiting for an answer at the door. I was told he should be home right about now.

[CaylynEsuzam]

I'm sure he's just taking his time. Maxwell smirked at his companion. His dark hair was windswept and gravity defiant while his bright blue eyes seemed to tick as almost you could see a clock in them. Beyond that, there hardly seemed anything unusual about the boy. He was a pale human, obviously pure blood and city raised. He wore a simple blue tunic and black slacks with good sturdy boots. On forehead rested a pair of goggles with two lenses, one for magnifying and one for protecting his eyes. His long bow was unstrung and resting on his back while a quiver of arrows hung at his hip.

If he takes too long though, I might get upset. Maxwell gripped his quarterstaff lightly, accustomed to using it on those who wasted his time.

[Dustfinger]

The door opens beforethe two companions and a tower of a man stands in front of them. He wears loose cloth clothing and rests his weight on the longsword in his left hand. He gives the two men a grim look and shifts so his broad shoulders almost block the entire doorway as he clears his throat.

Morning to you lads, I'm sorry but I believe you have the wrong establishment, the bar is three doors down and I wasn't expecting any company.

[CaylynEsuzam]

Sir, I do not believe that you are that unobservant. Most people would think to give people that look like the two of us directions to a library than a bar. I'm Chronomancer Maxwell Rentul and this is Aayan Farr. If you are Sir Baristan Selmy, then we have much to talk about. Maxwell gave the tall man a smile trying to be as formal and noble as a knight would expect.

[Dustfinger]

Ser Barristan gives the duo a quick look up and down.

My apologies lads, but please, don't patronize me. Why are you two here?

[Alkapwn21]

Aayan rubbed his dusty hand on his pants, to remove the dirt of tinkering earlier in the morning, and offered it to the knight.

I've gathered that you are leaving for Denmar soon. If it's not too much trouble, Mr. Rentul here and I would like to accompany you. I do not trust these roads, anymore.

Aayan talks with a calm and suave demeanor.

We are willing to offer you a generous amount of gold for your services, of course.

[CaylynEsuzam]

Patronize? Oh no sir, that was not my intention. I was trying to show the proper respect a knight is due, even when retired. Maxwell smiled before continuing on. Besides gold, we can also offer our assistance in your travels as well.

[Dustfinger]

You heard correctly I am heading to Denmar soon, I cannot give permission for you to travel with the group I am escorting. Good day lads.

The knight leans his sword on the table next to the door and turns his back to close the door. He then looks over his shoulder at the two boys again,

But a true knight could never let lone travelers on the road be harmed.

[Alkapwn21]

Aayan claps his hands together with a smile, and rubs them together firmly as his tail whips a few times. Great! It's settled! When do we leave?

[CaylynEsuzam]

Aayan, I do believe that it may not be that easy. Sir Barristan implied he doesn't have the authority to allow us to accompany him. We have to go talk to someone else about it, don't we? Maxwell frowned at that before clearing his face back to a warm smile. No matter. Whatever we need to do, we shall.

[Dustfinger]

I'm sorry lads but it would be unprofessional of me to tell you what time I was leaving through the Gate of Kings tomorrow morning. Now if you'll excuse me I have to pack my things, good day.

Baristan closes the door behind him and continues to pack for the up-and-coming trek to Denmar.

[Alkapwn21]

And it would be clumsy of us to accidently drop a bag of coins into a traveling knight's pocket.

Aayan turns to Maxwell.

Strange things do happen all the time you know.

-------

Aayan awoke early the next morning. He made sure his tools were all accounted for, and that his pistol was fully loaded. He threw on his leather trench coat and headed to the Gate of Kings.

The sun had barely peeked over the horizon as Aayan shut and locked the door to his lab. As he reached the gate, the groggy and yawning night-shift guards were being replaced by the well-rested day-shift ones.

Huh, earlier than the time mage, even...

[CaylynEsuzam]

You are here early. Maxwell grinned at his companion, knowing that Aayan thought he was there first, as he stepped out from the wall he was leaning on wrapped in a dark blue cloak of with the Mage's Tower symbol on the right breast. I expected you to be here around the same time as the knight. Nobles are known to be early risers though I decided to be early just in case they wanted to make good time or possibly had the chitters. I had our horses saddled and I figured you'd want to load your own pack. I hope you don't mind.

[Alkapwn21]

Aayan approached his horse with caution. They always made him feel uneasy. Such mass and power, but such very little intelligence... quite a deadly combination. They were nothing like a machine. If something is wrong with a construction, you can simply turn a few knobs and pull a few levers and bam, it's fixed. Animals, on the other hand, cannot be "fixed" so easily.

He attached most of his supplies to his horse, but kept his most valuable possessions on his person.

Easy boy... err... girl.

[Dustfinger]

Baristan reaches the stables as the sun is rising dressed in his newly polished plate with his tabard hanging loosely over it. He finds Stranger his steed the stall where he last left him.

I hope you're ready for a trip old friend.

The lightly brushes the horses mane before putting on his saddle and trying some equipment to him. He feeds the horse an apple before mounting and heading towards the palace to meet up with the diplomat he is escorting.

[CaylynEsuzam]

Maxwell smiled in amusement at the engineer while patting his dark gelding. He wasn't going to pretend he was more experienced in riding than his companion but he wasn't afraid of his horse. Cool, calm and a good walker. What's your's called? Mine is Tempest. Maxwell kept an eye out for the knight they were meeting.

[Alkapwn21]

Umm... I don't know... it's not my horse. She's just a rental. Aayan looked around, hoping he hadn't missed the knight.

-----

Baristan reaches the palace, finding his protectee, an elf, in the grass under a tree, flanked by two guardsmen. Her white horse was nearby, picking at the fresh grass. She was beautiful, her golden, silky hair fell to her shoulders with a lively bounce. Her eyes sparkled with divine radiance.

Well it's about damn time! Her voice was surprisingly shrill and demanding. Well let's get this over with. It's a shame they didn't hire someone young and charming to escort me... this trip could have been a lot more "fun."

With a sigh she dismissed her guards and mounted her horse. In case you didn't hear, or your old mind forgot, my name is Lileth Fayrva. You can call me Madame Fayrva.

[Dustfinger]

Sorry for the delay Madame it won't happen again. And as for especting a younger knight, I've bested half of them in tourneys and the one's I havn't I personaly trained. And for the jab at my charm, it's without equal.

Baristan winks at Miss Fayrva before turning his horse away and motioning her forward.

Madame, if you please.

[Alkapwn21]

Madame Fayrva scoffs. Just shut up and lead the way. With a flick of her hair, she followed closely behind.

You make your way to leave the city. You pass several men along the road who stop to admire the natural outer beauty of the diplomat. You approach the Gate of Kings, and can clearly see Maxwell and Aayan readying their horses.

Aayan turns to the knight, and gives a subtle nod, but nothing more.

[CaylynEsuzam]

Maxwell glided into his saddle with ease and fixed his cloak to cover him. Let's be on our way Aayan. We need to make good time towards Denmar. Maxwell's cool gaze smoothly passed over the knight and his companion without a sign of recognition. Time is something I do not like to waste.

[Alkapwn21]

Aayan turned his horse and walked towards the gate, exiting the city with his companion. The duo rode about 100 feet in front of the knight and the diplomat.

Lady Fayrva turns to the knight.

Look at those two. I think they're up to something.

[CaylynEsuzam]

Maxwell resisted the urge to look behind him and continued to ride, maintaining the haughty, calm and confident appearance expected of him by the Mage's Tower. With magic dying, all the mages would have left would be their intellect, priceless knowledge and reputation. Some mages hoped that when magic is dead they would continue on as a source of information and advice to all the nations. Maxwell disagreed thoroughly.

[Dustfinger]

Just keep a steady pace milady. Theyre two young lads barely off their mothers teat, they look as if they wouldn't know battle if you threw them in the middle of it, they could be no harm.

Baristan continued throw the gate at a canter,

There's no time to waste, if you'd like me to go speak with them and judge their colorsyou need only ask.

[Alkapwn21]

Don't bother, but when they cut your head off in the middle of the night don't come crying to me.

As the diplomat and her knight pass the guards at the gate, she turns to one of them and smiles.

Have a lovely day, sir.
--------
As each duo travels the road, the sun begins to set and the blanket of night falls across the sky.

I think it's time we stop for the night. I'm sure the horses could use a break.

Aayan slows to a halt and dismounts the beast of burden to begin setting up camp. He finds a clean area on the side of the road and starts unpacking his supplies.

There is just enough light for Baristan and Madame Fayrva to see this occur.

[CaylynEsuzam]

Maxwell dismounted and unloaded his pack to the ground. Set this up. He tossed his tent over his shoulder and continued to unpack and unsaddle his horse as the tent put it self up. Maxwell snapped his fingers and Tempest shivered as his mane and coat were cleaned. The tent finished setting up and Maxwell looked up from his bag. Collect firewood. A pile of firewood began to form as an unseen force collected it.

We made good time Aayan. This trip is looking promising.

Unseen Servant and Prestidigitation

[Dustfinger]

Mi'lady I do believe those lads have the right idea. We shouldn't be traveling on the road too long after dark, we should make camp as well.

[Alkapwn21]

Aayan looks over to his companion. "Well that's a neat trick," he said, Remind me to never do any physical work again when you're around." He gave a smirk and set up his own equipment for the night.

As the stack of firewood was stacked by the unseen servant, Aayan took a bottle from inside his coat and took the lid off. He took a small swig of the clear liquid and then poured the rest onto the wood. He lit a match, and threw it onto the stack, and watched as the flames came to life.
-----
"Hmm, they've already got a fire going," Lady Faryva said to Baristan, I'm so cold and tired, do you think they would share? They better share. I'll be damned before I have to wait for you to set up an entire camp. I'll wait here. You go talk to them."

[CaylynEsuzam]

You have to respect hard work before you can use tricks to make life more convenient otherwise convenience becomes commonplace and hard work becomes exhausting. Anything worth doing is worth doing yourself from scratch. Maxwell smiled at his friend before lowering his voice. Besides, showing off for the Lady might get her to join our two parties so we can forget this separation.

[Alkapwn21]

"Isn't that the truth," Aayan said, taking out his revolver he made from scratch. He quickly put it back in his holster, and sat on the ground next to the fire. He pulls out a strip of jerky from his bag, and starts gnawing on it. "Would you like a piece?"

[Dustfinger]

Baristan turns Stranger around and heads towards the duo behind them on the road. He clears his throat as he draws closer.

Excuse me lads but the noble Madame Fayrva would be ever so kind if we could share a camp. You obviously have already started to set up and it would be my pleasure to help. I could offer my help defending the camp as well, in case something happens. You have it on my honor as a knight that no harm could come to you on my watch.

He shoots the lads a wink and waits for a response.

[CaylynEsuzam]

Maxwell turned his head toward Aayan as if he was considering the quest before arcing a look past the night to the noble woman, as if he was summing up her worth as an individual.

Very well Sir Knight, your lady shall grace us with her presence on two conditions. Maxwell spoke, making sure his voice would carry to the lady. One, I am not a lad. You will refer to me as Chronomancer Rentul or Sir Magus as is a proper way to address a member of the Mages' tower. And two, I would have both of your full names and titles for my own knowledge should anything come up in the future. I'm sure you understand the precaution.

Maxwell gestured to Aayan, while standing beside the knight so his back was to the Lady. This is my companion, the engineer Aayan Farr. He will receive the respect a companion of a mage deserves. Please, join us. Maxwell winked back with smile before accepting the jerky from Aayan.

[Alkapwn21]

Although Aayan was not entirely fond of being notioned to as the "companion of a mage," he did not feel like arguing his worth.

The black of night covered the area, and the only light given now was by the fire at the campsite. The diplomat was now engulfed in darkness. "By all means, please, join us," Aayan said, taking another bite of jerkey. He waved his hand to where the diplomat stood in the night.

From the black, a scream of fear comes from the diplomat, only to be cut short. Whether her mouth was muffled or she simply no longer breathed, you cannot tell.

Aayan stands abrubtly, drawing his revolver. "Looks like the night shift starts early."

[CaylynEsuzam]

Maxwell bit back a curse and lashed out with his arm with a bark of draconic. Four glowing blue orbs raced away from his outstretched hand in a fan, illuminating as much space around where the noble stood just moments before in eerie blue-white light.

[Alkapwn21]

The lights venture from your location to the diplomat's last known position. The four orbs find her horse and surround it, dancing around the animal. The horse lies dead on the ground, with a pool of blood slowly growing larger. For a sliver of a second, you can see a large humanoid figure before it disappears into the shadow beyond that of the light. Although you cannot see it at this time, you know the figure ran perpendicular to the path, towards the forest that lies to the north.

[Dustfinger]

Baristan spins his mount around charges toward the light, as he gets to them he veers north and takes off into the forest,

Madame Fayrva! If you can here me call out! We're coming to get you!

Baristan draws his sword and slings his shield from his back.

[CaylynEsuzam]

Maxwell curses and chases after, trying to keep the light around Sir Baristan. Rushing off unprepared like a brute will do you know good. Aayan will be no help if we are left in the dust and then you'll be lost, unprotected and your charge could be breathing her last breath. Think man!

[Alkapwn21]

Baristan quickly outruns the range of Maxwell's spell. His human eyes cannot see through the veil of night. He must either continue blindly, or wait for the mage with his lights. As of now, he can tell he is surrounded by several trees, but there is no distinguishable path.

Aayan takes off in a full sprint towards Maxwell, his revolver ready and his buckler on his opposite arm.

----
Baristan:
You hear a twig snap, as if something had broken it, but cannot tell where the sound comes from.