Subject: Looking down on Huss

Blackness lies across the isle. It is not the gentle darkness that is respite from the power of the sun; darkness that gives the plants time to grow and recover from the heat, and lets small animals feed and sleep. It is the heavy, oppressive blackness of a demon's heart, manifested on the world with unholy power.

Shekalkin-sa, whose name means 'Thunderous sound of Bright Wings', drifts over the island of Huss in great pain. He can see the terrible thing the demon has wrought; can hear the steady cries of those who fall forever into the hungry red light. But his Lord has set the limits on what he can do, and the Solar is incapable of even considering taking forbidden actions. He is aware of the concept of free will, and knows that the mortals who crawl across this island have it, but has no idea what such s thing is like. No more than the blind man knows color.

Below him, the last cries of the dying fade. Many of the townsfolk have fallen, or been carried off. The Solar drifts low, looking on the remains of the battle. He chooses not to be seen, so even though he is a light as radiant as the sun, no one sees him as he passes over what is left of the townspeople. He takes time to check on each of those who passed through the mountain with his brother Cadfael. He holds a special place in his heart for each of them.

They are all alive, though several are badly wounded. Garyth shines like a star, his spirit as pure as any the Solar has known among men. His despair and grief are palpable, but the Solar touches him in passing, easing his thoughts putting a memory of warm summer days with his family in his mind. The men you lose should cause you grief, Garyth. The death of any should cause grief. But remember these warm days, and remember that the battle is worth it in the end.

Near Garyth is one of the silver folk, his soul shining with the cool white light of his people. The Solar smiles to see him there, but does not touch him. Other Gods watch his people, and the Servant of Pelor will not overstep those bounds.

The priest works nearby. Unseen behind him is the flaming sword, avatar of the fierce war-god Hieronious. Shekalkin-sa greets the Power of Hieronious as he passes. The priest Osred has drawn the good countenance of his powerful God. The Solar hopes he can feel it. It will be a great comfort to him.

The forest hunter, Rennik, squats some distance away on a small hill, looking into the darkness alertly. By his side is the wolf. To the Solar's eyes, Halfling and wolf glow with the same green light, and an umbilical of light connects them. It is the soul connection that can only be severed by death. The forest kin has the blessings of his green gods, and the physical manifestation of the blessing pants toothily by his side. Of them all, the Halfling is most sure of his place in the world, and of the hands of his gods in his affairs. The Solar says, "Toka ma Meilikki," as he passes, paying his respects to the green god of this place. His answer is a vision of many forest hunters moving toward the resting town. These are not the black souled hunters of the demon, but green and healthy forest folk, come to give the camp aid. "Meilikki is merciful and wise," the Solar replies.

To the North, the other forest kin is being drug away to the mountain by the demon's servants. The Solar reaches into her deep and injured slumber. Do not let them feed you to the demon's red light. If you can not escape, you would do better to end your own life than let the demon take it. If you can not get away, you can still die. The servants of the demon and vicious and impatient. If you fight them enough, they will kill you. Meilikki waits to take your spirit. Do not give it to the demon. Then the Solar puts what peace he can in her dreams. Her thoughts turn to her brother.

He drifts away, moving across the island to a small camp where three more of the chosen rest.

The holy warrior sleeps fitfully, his slumber plagued by doubts of his own worthiness. The Solar touches his dream lightly, showing him an honorable future with the sigil of the White Hart on his armor, and their holy powers in his hands. Many who already had both badge and power were fall less worthy, in fact. Pelor will shine his countenance down on you, and Helm with cover and protect you.

Nearby, the wizard Sa'id sits wakeful in the dark. One hand rests on the chest of his fallen companion, alert for any sign of weakening. The Solar can feel the past wash off of the man. Another vigil, another loved one whose chest rose and fell weakly, and then stopped. Tendrils of light reach up from Sa'id, groping in the dark. His spirit calling out to Pelor for aid, or at least for answers. The Solar pauses, listening for Pelor's voice. Answer his prayer, comes the voice of his Lord. Shekalkin-sa reaches out and touches Sa'id's groping spirit. Pelor hears you, beloved one. He hears and grants you this respite. Your friend will not die this night. Tomorrow he will wake. You must sleep, and recover your strength. The road will be long and hard. Your friends will need your strength.

The Solar, settles down over the sleeping Farron, spreading his bright but invisible wings over the wounded man. He can feel the terror in the stricken wizard. How he gropes to find his way out of darkness. How he feels the hand of the Wraith clutch at his heart over and over again, stopping it. The Solar banishes the wraith from his mind with the same ease the sun has in banishing shadows. Your aunt and uncle live, he tells Farron. Garyth has protected them. Sleep now, and wake in the morning.

Shekalkin-sa, Solar and Servant of Pelor, covers his three holy warriors, and keeps the night at bay.

Rennik awakes with a start. He had fallen asleep on his hunkers, sleeping lightly like a man on the hunt. By his side, Tichenor is instantly awake. There is a slight rustle of the bushes ahead of him, and several Kalama hunters step out. The leader grips arms with Rennik briefly. "The Belneth saw you fleeing from darkness. He has sent us to lead you to our camp. It is a strange time when the stone builders and the forest folk must take up arms together, but such were the words of the holy man. Meilikki must be obeyed."

Rennik takes him to Garyth.

Sa'id wakes up to two pleasant sounds. Kasen is cooking something that sizzles and smells of pork and spices. And by his side, Farron is breathing deep and strong, no longer unconscious, just asleep.

Subject: Re: Looking down on Huss

Not a lycanthrope yet. :)

Mark