The party and their surviving families have regrouped at Kirkwell Monastery. Durban and Carley Farroth, the Duke of Sutherland's daughter, have finally managed to consumate their relationship. The party have agreed to travel to the west and warn the King of a traitor in his midst.
Durban woke early as usual. Today he and his friends were to set off with the dwarves, a journey deep under the earth, a dangerous journey. It was still early and dark outside. Durban got out of bed and wandered across the cold floor to the shuttered window. Pulling aside the thick tapestry he cracked open one of the shutters. It was snowing again and had been all night.
Durban heard rustling behind him and light footsteps pattered across the floor behind him. A body pressed up against his back and a pair of slim arms slipped around his chest. He could feel her nipples pressing into his back. It was cold!
“Is it time to go already Durban ?” she asked, “It can't be morning yet. Either way it's cold!” She closed the shutter and dragged him back to the small bed they had shared for the last four nights.
“You need to be going soon,” Durban sat on the edge of the bed, “I'm amazed we haven't been found out yet. The gods know what your father will do if he finds out, or should I say when he finds out. And I'm getting sick of my friends dirty looks and comments.”
Carley sat beside him and clasped his hand. “ Durban , I had another dream last night. One of those dreams.” she shivered, “This was worse than the others. I saw blood and death and war everywhere.”
She looked at you intently and squeezed your hand, “But we can make a difference Durban . We can make the world a better place; bring an end to the suffering. I just don't know how.”
With a sob, she flung her arms around his neck and burst into tears. “Hush, don't worry,” Durban cradled the crying girl in his arms, “You'll not come to any harm. We'll protect you from anything. I'll protect you.”
“I'm frightened Durban . The dreams scare me.” She sniffed and rubbed tears from her eyes.
“They are getting worse. Something is coming and we will be drawn into the conflict. I know it. We will be tested but we will win through.” As she spoke, Durban realised that her voice had changed, she sounded different: older, more confident. “Our children will see the dawn of a new age: the age of men. We will free mankind from tyranny and superstition.”
Carley giggled, suddenly childlike again. “Must you go so soon Durban?” She ran her hand down Durban 's chest, gently caressing his bare skin. “Just once more Durban ,” she kissed him tenderly, “We won't be together for weeks. Give me something to remember you by.”
With a groan Durban grabbed her hands and pulled her back onto the bed.
Back to Part 7 of the Campaign Chronicle.
