Chapter 1: Flamefade

Thalen takes a step back from Ulrich, scowling as he knocks another arrow.

Scrambling backwards from the wild swings, Thalen manages to line up the shot. The arrow strikes the creature straight in the chest, cutting through rusted chain and weather-cracked leather with ease. Ulrich staggers backwards, a low, guttural sound emanating from his throat. Then his hand grasps the arrow sticking out of him, snaps the shaft off, and he throws himself forward again!

Ophira yelps in pain as the club strikes her. She turns and sees Thalen struggling with the strange dead man and turns to run closer to them, though still moving further south, to keep distance between her and the other man. She draws a stone and loads it into her using, letting it fly at Ulrich!

Trying to finally get the bandit to leave Ophira alone, Lirann rushes straight north towards the little pen. While running she taunts the guy. "Hey slowpoke! You're a thousand years to old for this, go home if you know what's good for you!"

The stone arcs across the open field and strikes Ulrich, glancing off the side of his head. He halts only momentarily, then continues his attack. Yet whether it is from the arrow or the stone, his movements seem a little slower, a little more unfocused. The arm not holding the sickle hangs limply at his side, his head lolls loosely from side to side. Whatever is holding him together, it seems to be failing. Yet he still has enough power to lash out again.

The other bandit looks between the young mages, an annoyed frown playing across his face. At first he takes a few uncertain steps towards the wounded Ophira, his attention clearly split. Then he suddenly sees Thea, Beric and Gaelan racing towards them, and panic takes over. With a loud curse he charges, tries to intercept Lirann, and swings his sword in desperation.

Thalen doubles over as the sickle cuts through his midsection. He drops his bow, and his tunic changes color as blood starts to weep from the wound in his stomach. He pulls the dagger from his belt and launches himself at Ulrich, hoping to deliver a killing blow. "Die, you foul monster!"

Ulrich lunges forward just as Thalen strikes, and the dagger sinks into the creature's throat. Ulrich stops dead in his tracks, a low rattling sound escaping as whatever little life animates him flees. All that's left is a years-old corpse hanging off of Thalen's blade.

Beric takes in the situation. "You guys, help Lirann. I'll tend to Thalen." Then he runs towards Thalen.

Weir merely nods at Beric as he speeds towards Lirann and her attacker as quickly as he can.

"Damn it..." As Gaelan barrels down towards Lirann, Thea close behind him, the bandit's eyes flit over towards Ulrich's still corpse, then back again. He looks tempted to make another attempt towards Lirann, but seems to think better of it. "Damn it!"

He raises his sword in a warning as he begins to back away from the group. "Don't think to try anything stupid, boy! That goes for you too, girl! I'm gonna... I'm gonna leave. Peacefully, while you take care of yours. Don't wanna kill either of you, but don't think I won't!" He takes another step backwards, grunting with pain.

Ophira ignores the fleeing bandit and runs to Thalen. She quickly pulls out two goodberries and offers them to him, saying, "Thalen! Are you OK? Here, take these, please!" She says so but winces, because she too in badly injured.

Thalen coughs and chuckles as he doubles over again and slowly eases himself to the ground. "Ask for me tomorrow and you will find me a grave man." He accepts the goodberries from Ophira. "Thank you." He chews and smiles. "At least I'll have a good story to tell, right?"

I think the berries are 1 HP per berry.

"Like hell you will!" Lirann barks at the bandit. She charges at the bandit and attacks him with her staff.

So preoccupied is the man, keeping a wary eye on the imposing Gaelan and Thea, that he notices Lirann's swing far too late. With a thud and a crack the staff slams into his good leg, and he drops to the ground with a shout of pain. He drops the sword and clutches both his legs, whimpering in pain and cursing under his breath.

Thalen takes a few moments to regain his strength. "Thank you, Ophira. Your healing arts are a wonder." He stands, walks over the Ulrich, and begins to search through his effects. "Ugh, could this 'man' be any more disgusting?"