FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

So this is my muse I've been writing off and on (mostly on now x3) and I'm finally ready to let people read it! This is a story I've been writing about me, my fiance and our best friend. And how such misadventures uncovered something more than just a mistake. But a serious problem emerging in the lands. Any comments are loved and do let me know for critique reasons as well what you think. I'm currently working on chapter 2 right now so be on the look out!

                In the kingdom of Gulden falls the many different races lived in harmony once again. It was a crisp clear day, but the streets were not filled with the hustle and bustle of life. It was a very important day at Gulden falls; it was the day when the rite of passage would be invoked so the princess would be known as the rightful heir to the throne. As well as recognized as the new ambassador of their kingdom. Inside the large walls of the castle there held countless hallways and stairwells in a large room sat the king and the queen of this fair kingdom, the king sat upon a large seat  he had short dark brown hair that was turning gray, his body was fit after years of service as a loyal knight. His mask was graying but could be shown it was dark brown like his hair, it covered his left eye and his muzzle but his right was white as snow, his wife beside him was white, a slender maiden with long auburn colored hair, her eyes were a forest green, She wore a dark burnt orange dress, whereas the king wore a more bright red coat with brown pants. "This is indeed a splendid occasion!" Razir spoke proudly.

                Morgana smiled turning to her King. "It is a wonderful day for the rites to be done, our young daughter will soon be known by other countries as our ambassador. Do you think she is ready?" Her expression was of concern for her child. Razir shook his head smiling. "Morgana, she is of age. We cannot turn a blind eye to this, it's a rite of passage and she must do so to become the heir of the throne. She needs to learn about the responsibilities of being a true leader." He spoke sternly but with love for his daughter. Not too far up from where the two were sitting awaiting the time for their daughter's inaugural rites. A young Sheltie paced about in her quarters watching out the window and back over to her bed. Anxiety welled up within her; she looked to her wooden sword hanging on her bed post as a smile crept upon her face. She grabbed the sword wagging, her muzzle and face resembled that of her fathers, her eyes were covered in a dark brown mask and she had short dark brown hair and the end of her muzzle was white but her nose was pink. Her eyes the same color as her mother's. She was wearing dark orange and browns, she waved the wooden blade as she took a bladed off position. A knock to her door arrived as a young African cat peeking her head in.

                "Miss Emelyn?" The feline poked her head in farther, only to see the young canine slashing and swinging her sword around as if she were in a sword fight." Emelyn shrieked dropping her wooden sword and turned around to her door. "Amelia! I.. I didn't hear you come in.  How long have you been sitting there?" She chuckled nervously. "Long enough to know you're not getting ready for your rites. Now come on you have to get ready." The feline stepped through the door and stood before her. She wore a dark leather hide that seemed almost scaled look to it, each scale had a steel stud on it, by her side was a wooden crossbow made from a yew tree for a stock and a special threading for the string.

                 Her hair was long and blond tied back in a ponytail, her ears poked out with a slight curve to them.  Emelyn's expression was crestfallen, "I know I have to but...! She sighed softly out of exasperation. "You don't wanna do this do you?" She asked. "I have to; it's not up to me. I have to fulfill my duties as the princess of this castle. Even if it means I have to give up my dreams to be a part of my Kingdom."

                Meanwhile down in the many crowds of people two young men sat beside a stall outside in the streets of Gulden Falls, a spry canine sat in the dirt with his eyes closed. He wore a dark lime green outfit with a dark brown belt; his pants were studded leather and on his belt held a knife in a sheath.  His hair was blond and tied into a pony tail; his eyes were as blue as the beautiful skies above. His companion was a large fuzzy red panda, he had a light tan short and matching pants, he wore leather over it and had a small axe on his back strapped to him. "So I have this plan Al! I think this is the one that will finally make us famous!" Al raised an eyebrow opening an eye to him. "Is this anything like your last plan? This doesn't involve us faking our own deaths and then trying to claim grievances for it? I mean come on!" The red panda looked at him sternly. "Well it's better than starving to death out here now isn't it? We haven't eaten in three days man, and last thing we tried of yours did not go over so well now did it?" The Bernese looked at him with a quiet sigh, "Alright alright I'll listen. What's your plan?"

"What if we sneak into the castle during the rites and sneak into the vault and rob them blind! You're a rogue we can move in quick and leave before anyone will ever know we were there!" Al looked at him and smirked, "Actually come to think of it that's a really good idea, but the question is though how would we get inside? The place no doubt is still gonna be crawling with guards. Keep it up Quinn and you might make yourself a master mind eventually. But for now I'm the brains of the operations you're the muscle. You got that?" He stood up patting his companion on the back walking into the crowds. "There is a spot just west of the castle where the wall of the castle has a secret entrance into a dungeon." Al looked at Quinn and sighed softly.

"Isn't that just a little bit dangerous?? I mean dungeon equals bad! Usually full of axes and sharp things." The red panda smirked. "Well you got good eyes, you can spot a trap pretty easily and if anyone gives ya trouble I'll bash their heads in." He laughed heartily; Alphonse shrugged making his way to the castle with his companion, they walked to the west wing coming across what seemed to be the makings of the west tower. There were no guards around the area, "I guess not even the guards know about the secret entrance, it must be a need to know basis." The Bernese chuckled. "So where is this entrance?" He asked his fuzzy friend. "It should be right around here..." The panda felt around the wall of the castle aimlessly trying to uncover the spot where they would make their great entrance. "This is pointless, we're not gonna get in here like this, might as well just stop while we're ahead." Alphonse grumbled. Quinn leaned back on the stone talking. "Well hold on we can't stop no-!" He paused with a gasp, feeling his body shifting back as a large portion of the wall pushed back and to the left opening a stairwell leading up as well as down.

                "What happened?" He rushed over to the panda seeing the stairs as he pulled his friend closer. "Well done Quinn you really out did yourself this time. Shall we go then?" The two laughed happily walking down the stairwell first into the surrounding shadows of the winding staircase. "Hey, Al?  Why's it keep getting darker and darker down here? I thought they'd at least have lighting down here for when they y'know are gonna be torturing people?" Al shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe they leave the prisoners in the darkness as they slowly go insane from the lack of sunlight.." He shuddered. As the two wandered the dark halls of the dungeon hearing only the breathing of themselves as well as the occasional stepping a puddle, shuffling their hands against the walls blindly trying to adjust to the shadows.

"Don't you have anything in your knapsack that we can use to illuminate this place a little better?" Al turned back at him quirking his brow, "I didn't bring my torch, I wasn't expecting to have to light this place on my own you dope." Quinn grumbled quietly as they fumbled through the halls the faint sounds of footsteps could be heard. It was a metallic sound, like metal on stone. The two continued fumbling hearing as Al held out his hand stopping the red panda. "Do you hear that..?" He murmured scanning around the room seeing the flicker of a torch off in the distance. A large statured being walked the halls of the dungeon, as the sounds became louder the two shuffled away from the sounds trying to remain in the shadows and as silent as they could be, the figure stopped and sniffed the air with a low growl. "I smell intruders.." He growled quietly, pulling out a weapon from its sheath, Alphonse heard him and swallowed hard. "We're in for it now if this person catches us, let's give him the slip and get the hell out of his place!" He pushed his companion gently, "Let's split up and try to confuse him, thinking there are more of us, we leave where we saw him Alright?" The guard's ears perked up hearing the commotion as he snarled. "Show yourself! Cease this cowardice and come forward!" Al grinned thinking to himself. "He slipped through the darkness weaving in and out around the pillars and through the halls. Whereas his companion began fumbling.

                Quinn walked through the halls with a strong sense of fear, his hands trembled as he tried to cling to the wall. "Please don't find me please don't find me..." Quinn mumbled stumbling through the halls and around the pillars. The guard turned himself following the faint steps with a quickened step. Quinn shut his eyes mumbling. "I can't see anyways, so it doesn't matter right? Maybe I'll do better like this." He smiled bumping into the wall; he fell over and just proceeded to crawl through the maze. The guard stepped forward with his torch seeing the hand on the ground. He grinned with the thought. "Fun's over, time to pay." He smirked raising up his arm, Quinn had grabbed his boot. Opening his eyes only to see this was not the boot he had hoped. His body tremored as he looked up at the cold face of the canine standing before him. The panda scrambled to his feet rushing through the near pitch black room trying to escape capture. "Al, run!" He called out tripping on the stair well from which the guard came from, struggling to his feet running up the stair well.

                "Dammit Quinn..." He mumbled sprinting and weaving through the maze and up the stairs into a more lit up area. "We gotta disappear and fast. Should we be found we're as good as dead! There is a second stairwell and upstairs should be our final ascension if my assumptions are correct." Al continued moving upward in the spiral staircase. The guard comes up from the basement; his eyes darted around the room looking for the suspicious people. He wore a suit of plate armor and had a sword by his side, he didn't much care for head gear so he went without, his eyes were dark brown as well as his fur a light tan. "What's the matter Duncan? You look like you either seen a ghost or you were asleep on the job." A voice called out, Duncan turned his head with a low growl. "Always quick to cause trouble Darren. It's no wonder you're still such a low ranking officer. Maybe if you spent less time heckling and more time training the troops properly we wouldn't have so many problems now would we?" The canine grinned. The Jack rabbit glared at the dog and scoffed, "Lazy mutt.. Regardless we need to figure out where the intruders are and eliminate the threat. I tell ya what, how about a wager?" The rabbit asked.

"No deal, I don't gamble, especially if the princess's life may be at sta-"He stopped. "Where is Emelyn?" He asked sternly. Darren looked around, "I.. How should I know? It's not my job to baby sit her! It's the house Carl's!" Duncan snapped at Darren." Find Amelia and locate the princess!" Darren groaned and nodded knowing he was being given an order from his higher up; he dashed off to find the house Carl. Whereas Duncan sighed softly and began walking to the main chamber of the castle.

Al and Quinn began rushing up the stairs to find a locked door. "This is it..!" They huddled around the door grabbing the knapsack pulling out several small tools picking at the lock hearing the thud sound of the lock opening. Al's ears perked up as they heard the sound of success and opened the door quite hap hazardly. "Hello riches" He smiled closing his eyes, Quinn tapped him on the shoulder and whispered softly. "Uh I think we've got the wrong room." He stared at the female staring back at them. "Pardon my rudeness but. Just who the hell are you two and what are you doing in my room?" Her tone and expression were less than pleased. Al opened his eyes chuckling softly, "Th- this is just one big misunderstanding. We, we were looking for the way out of here yes!" Emelyn frowned, "Yeah nice try fellas; tell me why you're really here or either I fry you of the guards come get you and then proceed to bring you to execution." Quinn bent down a little and spoke up. "Maybe we should tell her why we're here. I don't wanna ruin my fuzz and I'd rather not die either." The canine groaned rolling his eyes. "Alright fine! We were here on the hunch that we could have opened the vault and cleaned you guys out during your inaugural rite ceremony; we weren't going to come here to see you rest assured."

"What's that supposed to mean!" The Sheltie snapped, "What am I not good enough to be captured? Am I not good enough to be whisked away and have the adventure of a life time?" Al raised an eyebrow shaking his head. "That's not.. Look we don't have time for arguing! That beast is going to behead us! If he finds us we're as good as dead!" He flung his hand toward the door with a sense of urgency. Quinn seemed rather distressed. "That dog is gonna come and cut us down.." Emelyn thought to herself looking at the two as she grinned. "Alright calm down both of you, Duncan won't harm you if we were to escape. But for you to find the way out without really any problems you're going to need to take me with you, have we got a deal?" She extended her paw. Al looked at her and groaned slapping himself in the head. "I can't believe I'm saying this but what choice do we have? Fine you can come." He clasped her paw tight with a firm single shake. "So we should probably get moving now.." Emelyn rushed over to her door placing a chair to lock under the door. "That should slow them down at least. The only problem is... There is only really one way outta here and it's down." She walked over to the window cringing.

"You mean to tell me we have to jump!?" A knock on the door came firmly. "Lady Emelyn. Are you there?" The door jiggled as the knocking thumped louder. "There's no time to think we gotta get out of here!"  The voice called out more urgent this time. "Who is in there! Open this door now!" The door began to slam, weakening with each strike. Emelyn looked around grabbing several objects walking over to her jewelry box grabbing a silver pendant and several pieces of jewelry, grabbing the sheets off the bed tying them tightly to the bottom she looked down spotting a wheel barrow of hay traveling to the stables. "We've only one chance at this." She hopped from the window into the lofty pile of hay with a thud. It wasn't pleasant in the least but it broke the fall. After staggering from the hay Quinn jumped down, being a more muscular being when he dropped he broke part of the bottom with it and the front left wheel. Al Hesitated looking back at the door and back down. The door broke open splintering in places showing both the jack rabbit as well as the canine behind the door. "Stop right there!" The Bernese simply shook his head backing up and tumbled out the window into the hay and onto Quinn's stomach. "Oof! You're supposed to get out when you jumped you doofus." The panda groaned. "I know but it was just so comfortable." Al scrambled to his feet, "We got company we gotta disappear and FAST!" He took Emelyn's hand and grabbed what he could of Quinn and began fleeing the premises of the castle.

Duncan growled softly watching outside. "Inform the king and queen... I have to speak with the house Carl. This is far from over.." Darren rushed out of the room and down the stairs into the main chamber. "Your highness we have a most pressing matter to attend to." Razir looked to Darren with a stern but worried look. "What's happened Darren, what's the status of the situation?" Darren looked away grimacing. "We've lost the intruders sir.." Razir cocked his head to Darren. "You lost them!? And what of my daughter, is she safe?" Darren kept quiet looking to his king. "It would appear they have taken her, Sir Duncan is on the way to rally a search group to find them." Razir growled, "They what! Find them! By any means, I want their heads on a pike! Leave no stone unturned!" He snapped standing from his seat. "I want them found and I want my daughter back! " The king paced back and forth, Darren knelt before the king apologizing. "Milord we apologize for our failure, please.. We will find the princess at any cost!" He beckoned worriedly, because not only was he pleading for his job he may very well have been pleading for his life as well.

                "See to it that you do. I want wanted posters plastered about the city limits. Send the hounds to find these fools and bring my daughter back unharmed..." His voice was pained and laced with hatred. Morgana covered her muzzle walking out of the room trying to contain her pain. "See to it she is back in one piece or else you'll be leaving in pieces.

                Meanwhile hiding in the stables were the three. Emelyn looked to the two, "You know for bandits you're pretty terrible at this." Alphonse looked to her and shouted. "We're not bandits! We are just a couple guys down on our luck! And now! We're considered kidnappers, as well as fugitives." He whined softly, "I just wanted something to eat.." Quinn grumbled. "Well we can't be hiding in a stable with these things. " Emelyn smacked Al for the remark. "For your information they are called Diamedes. And you will treat them with respect, understood?" The canine growled, "Ow! Alright easy..."  Emelyn looked in the inside of the stable grabbing three blankets from the Diamedes tossing one to each of them. "Here wrap yourselves in these. We will be able to be a little less suspicious if we're incognito." Alphonse placed the blanked over him wrapping up, and looked at her. "This is a good idea and all, but how are we going to integrate? There are guards crawling all over the place. Not to mention also they've probably shut out the gate so we're trapped in." He grumbled. "That's not quite true my fuzzy friend, there is a place where we can escape right around the bend, but only I can open it." Emelyn smiled. So then, you finally ready to leave this place?" Quinn nodded quickly. "Yeah because there's guards coming from the left. " Al eeped pulling them down behind the beasts of burden.

                A loud screech could be heard peeking under the Diamedes seeing the dark gray skinned legs and beaks to the ground. Emelyn covered her muzzle placing a paw over Al's looking over at Quinn silencing him. Quinn nodded smiling. As the hounds vacated the area the three left the stables and made a dash for the western sector of the kingdom, they came across a large meadowed area with several statues of what seemed to be marble, all of which were descendants of the throne, one in particular seemed to stand out the most. Its eyes followed ominously wherever they seemed to move. "Over here!" She said pointing to the statues, "So what they're just a bunch of old geezers that ran this place." He spoke rather unimpressed; Emelyn punched him in the arm for being so rude about it. "Show some respect! These 'geezers' as you so called them were my ancestors as well as the rulers of this fine country! Now pay attention or be left behind." She stood before the statue of the most recent ruler, kneeling before it. "Oh great ancestor, hear my plea." She whispered softly, "Open thy eyes and reveal the path woven with shadows and treachery. Only with thy light may we proceed safely." She placed her palms to the ground ad a low rumble could be heard. The statues began to turn into one another pointing to a triangulated point. On the eldest statue was a ring hooked onto a chain.

                She grasped the loop tightly and pulled down, hearing a stone like mechanism cranking and grinding. Suddenly the grounds below began to rumble and shift, revealing a stairwell below the grasses. "This... Isn't quite what I was expecting miss.." Alphonse stuttered looking to her and to the passage. "Well are we going or are we gonna wait to be killed?" Emelyn walked down the steps into the dark catacombs that awaited them. Quinn grabbed a hold of his axe and walked down beside Emelyn. "I don't wanna die now." Was all he said as he followed the princess. Alphonse looked around frantically and stamped down his foot. "Fine! Just wait for me!" He scrambled to the stairs as the solid cover closed behind him. It was pitch black, as the Bernese called out to his comrades. "Princess! O-malley! Where are you guys!" The Sheltie growled to herself taking two steps back pulling him forward. "Quiet! Do you want to wake the dead!? We're right here." She reached down grabbing a large stick placing her paw at the top gripping and whispering to herself. A ball of fire engulfed the top creating a well-lit torch. "Well then, shall we go?" Alphonse stuck close to the two watching his back worriedly. "S- So, do you have a name? I mean... we can't just keep calling you 'princess' all the time, for one people will get suspicious. And secondly it's only the right thing if we're going to have to travel together."

                "My name.. I'm Emelyn Crescend. And you two are?"  Quinn turned to her with a smile as they wandered through the dark stone halls, deeper and deeper into the ancient passages. "I'm Quinn O-Malley, and this is my friend Alphonse, He's the brains and I'm the brawn." He chuckled. The catacombs were thick with stagnant air. Dust and cobwebs purveyed the walls and floors. In small holed area there were indents in the walls, coffins lay inside there. "Heh, I guess you weren't kidding when you used the term 'waking the dead.'" Alphonse said wearily. "This 'short cut,' is not just an exit. It was also the mausoleum of my family and our ancestors. So please do your best to keep your grubby paws off of virtually ANYTHING in here, lest you wish for the consequences most dire." She shot a glare to Alphonse with an utmost serious vibe. He held up his hands looking away. "I will do my best to not disturb the remains of your ancestors or whatever. Can we just get outta here!? This place creeps me out..." He groaned keeping close to Quinn.  "Aw don't be scared, if you need you can hold my hand." O-Malley chuckled as the three walked through the winding hallways, small amounts of dirt would sometimes fall from the ceilings above causing small sound effects here and there, creaking sounds could be heard in the distance. "What was that..." Alphonse turned his head perking his ears. "Will you relax! It's nothing, alright? Gods, for someone who is this big bad adventurer you really are a wimp."

                "I'm not a wimp!" He shouted resentful. After the commotion settle what sounded like a stone slab grinding against stone could be heard in a corridor. Seconds after a loud thud sound as if it had hit the floor. "You've done it now..." She whispered. "I wasn't kidding when I said that!" Alphonse's body trembled. "Wh- what do we do?" Quinn gripped his axe, "What can we do? We have to fight our way through now." The corridor fell silent as the sounds of iron clanking and metal on stone cleaving across the ground could be heard growing ever closer to them. "Crap..." Emelyn grabbed the torch tightly and closed her eyes holding out her free paw whispering to herself. An orb of light flew across the room and lit up the area. "We have to prepare for the worst." When she fell silent a loud bellow could be heard, almost enough to tremor the entire catacombs. Coffins began creaking and skeletons began to arise from their deep slumber. "Crap.. Oh crap this isn't good we're screwed...!" Alphonse panicked. "Just pick up your weapons and fight; if we stick together we will make it out of this all right. Skeletons began shambling their way over to them in the light. Emelyn cast a fireball destroying one of them rather quickly. Whereas Quinn swung his axe striking the body of two frail shambling corpses.

                The creaking skeletons began to surround the three, tattered clothing of exquisite design. Now moldy and torn apart, the undead guardians picked up anything around them, some held legitimate weapons on them when they were buried. The clash of metal, and the sparks of the strike. Alphonse holding up a knife backed up against the red panda, parrying the blade kicking back the reanimated corpse. Once the bodies were disassembled and put back into the ground, the three continued walking forward with caution. "That was a little too close for comfort.." Alphonse groaned worriedly. "I'm sorry about that guys, I guess I kinda lost my head back there." Emelyn glared to him. "Well you almost did lose it!" Alphonse growled. "I said I was sorry alright! Look, let's just get out of this place as soon as we can, because the longer we stay down here the wearier we will be." Al sighed softly looking to his fuzzy comrade. Quinn simply shrugged looking to him continuing walking, as the three came to a large open area. Pillars held up the area as three coffins stood upon three separate pedestals. The room was ornate and unlike the others, seemed to be less guarded than the rest.  A stone tablet stood before a stairway up to each of the pedestals, and behind them was a large stone doorway. Alphonse ran up to the door trying to budge it. "It's not movin princess, what do we do?" He began meandering back to the two; Emelyn was looking at the stone tablets. They were written in an ancient language. Quinn stood beside her scratching his head trying to read the strange inscriptions. "I can't read this gibberish! It's some kind of strange language." Alphonse looked at the two walking over to the second plaque looking at it seeing the strange markings.

                "You're right, I guess we're gonna have to bust the door down then." He sighed softly and walked over to Quinn. "You know what to do buddy." Emelyn held up her paw still reading. "Now hold on you two. I don't think we're gonna have to worry so much about brute strength against that door. From what I've been able to decipher from the ancient text of the Theban Alphabet. It says here something about a trial. Three coffins, two of which certain death awaits. Only Royal blood can find the truth shrouded in the darkness." Alphonse looked to her and swallowed hard. "So which one is it princess? Coffin number one two or three??" Emelyn groaned looking at him. "I'm getting to that. Just be patient, do you know how hard it is to read this crap? It's a very trying process!" She walked over to the second tablet and ran her digit along as she quietly read to herself. "So this one here tells of the path of the blind, if we are to open this coffin we would wander for days in endless night... Until we eventually perished..." Quinn's ears fell flat to his head. "I don't think I like that option." "Try the next one!" Alphonse shouted to her. Emelyn walked over to the second slab reading, a shiver went down her spine after reading it. "This one is the trial of the deceit. It says... That through this path you will be pushed to the extreme, the rewards are great at the end but falsehoods and betrayal lie in wait for all who enter. Friends turning upon friends, for scraps of rations and greed..." Alphonse smiled and rushed over to the final slab. "So this must be our ticket out of here!" He began walking up the stairwell.

                "Wait! Alphonse don't touch that coffin!" Emelyn pleaded rushing over. "Didn't you learn anything from what I just spoke about? Let me read it and see what has to be done!" Alphonse sat down on the stairs waiting for her, "Okay, so this is the last tablet. It says this is the one we must open but there is a trial we must face before we can finish this ordeal." She grimaced. "We are going to be faced with the guardian of redemption. The final trial is the Trial of Redemption." She walked up the stairwell placing her paws upon the coffin. "Oh ancient guardian of Castle Gulden! Hear my cry and awaken! Come forth and try me for the truth! We seek passage safe through these catacombs!" As she called out the final words a dark purple light shone from the cracks of the coffin, the lid flew off of the casket falling to the lower floor shattering into pieces.

                Emelyn stepped back as a large statured figure rose from the grave. The creature wasn't nearly as decayed as the skeletons. It wore a golden three pronged crown; the prongs were shaped as if they were the fingers of a skeleton, curling inward around its skull, Black straggly hair clung to the decayed skin on its head. Its eyes were void of life, but two orbs of red glowed bright, its mouth was ajar. Its teeth cracked and broken, it wore vestiges fit for the court magus. Its clothes were a dark violet, trimmed with a pale gold color. Its fingers and hands were skeletal pointing towards Emelyn. I am the guardian of Gulden Falls. I am the one whom you've beckoned. Who hath awakened me from my eternal slumber?" Alphonse trembled staggering his way down the stairs looking before them at the monster. "Wh... What is that thing!" He whimpered frightened. Quinn looked up from below and gripped his axe tightly. Emelyn knelt before the creature bowing her head in respect. "Oh guardian of the tombs! Hear me, I am Emelyn Crescend. Of the Crescend bloodline, I seek passage through this tomb safely! Will you let us pass through?" She beckoned looking up to the skeletal figure before her. It seemed to wheeze when it spoke, its raspy voice purvey the chamber. As if it spoke directly into their minds. "Your call has been answered young Crescend... But to prove your bloodline and your intentions you must defeat me..." Its chilling voice spoke out. But its mouth never seemed to move.

                "I hear you and agree to your terms oh guardian of the catacombs." The lich rose from the grave levitating down to the ground floor floating holding out his hands. "Come! Prove your worth. I am Morcant! Arch magus of the Crescend family! I was the first guardian of the family blood line. Show me your true power!" Alphonse stood up rushing down the stairwell to his friend Quinn grabbing his knives. Emelyn unsheathed her short sword and sprinted down the stairs to the others. "Be careful. This isn't any ordinary undead creature, since he is the arch magus, he's become a lich." Quinn looked at Emelyn curiously. "You mean he's that mossy stuff you find in caves?" Alphonse shook his head. "No, it means he's gonna be a pain in the ass." Emelyn growled in frustration. "He is a powerful wizard when he was alive and has become even more powerful in death!"

                Morcant looked at the three with a laugh. "The time for talk is over! Show me your true strength!" He held up his boney hand hurling a large ball of fire at the three of them. Emelyn shouted, "Everyone! Move! NOW!" She dove from the vicinity giving Alphonse a push. The two men dove as the fireball struck the floor with such intensity the ground began to rumble "Oh gods help me what've I gotten into!" Quinn rolled across the floor looking at his tail seeing it was singed he quickly patted it with a whine. "You're gonna pay for that!" He growled holding tight to his axe scrambling to his feet with a wind back swinging full force at the lich. Morcant held out his hand stopping the axe dead in its tracks. "Pity, is this truly the best strength you can muster?" Giving a gentle push of his hand jettisoning Quinn back into a pillar. Quinn cried out in pain laying there in misery. "Quinn! You bastard! I'll make you pay for that!" Alphonse yelled readying to full out charge the monster. Emelyn stopped him thinking for a second. "No! It would seem normal weapons won't work, hold out your blades. I have an idea." She gripped onto the blades one of which glowed a bright orange color and the second one shone a bright white. "What did you do?" Emelyn grinned strafing to behind a pillar. "Foolish mortals!" He bellowed making two open palms clapping them together as a thunderous clap echoed in the room. Emelyn set down her blade imbuing it with the power his left dagger held as well. "Go for it Alphonse!" She called out.

                Alphonse nodded looking at the two daggers in hand and charged at the lich before him jumping and raising up his hands making two diagonal slashes at the creature, the white blade hit first. Causing the lich to screech in pain. The orange blade singed the clothing cutting deep into the fetid flesh of the monstrosity. A large X was made on the foul guardian. "Fools... Do you think defeating me will be so simple?" His body seemed to inhale as a cloud flowed from its maw. "Princess get back!" Alphonse rolled from in front and slashed at the creatures back repeatedly.  Emelyn rushed the lich with a flying kick knocking it to the ground raising her short sword. "This is for my father!" She thrust her sword through the skull of the lich. Alphonse looked at her shocked at her bold move. "Emelyn..." The lich's body seemed to contort upward as souls seemed to be being ripped from its body. The eye sockets went black and it lay still before them. "Quinn!" Alphonse ran over to his friend patting his cheek gently. "O-mally. Speak to me Quinn!"

                The red panda groaned quietly looking up at Alphonse. "Al..?" He smiled. "Did... Did we win?" The Bernese chuckled softly and smiled. "Yeah buddy... We won.." A spirit descended before Emelyn and spoke most benevolent. "Well done child of the Crescend blood. You have taken your first step towards your true destiny." The man was of canine descent, he had the marks of her father. But his clothes were much different. "This is but a small stepping stone in a great journey ahead of you. From here you must seek out the Seer Makara, she will give you your next point which you must go. Go forth to the lake Ossic..." Emelyn looked to the apparition with confusion. "Wait... You knew this was going to happen? What do you mean a great journey?" "You will be forced into great hardships I am afraid, but fear not. You will not go empty handed from this trial my child. I shall bestow upon you a power passed down from arch magus to arch magus. Close your eyes my child and open your mind..." Emelyn closed her eyes taking a few deep breaths, holding out her arms, as the canine lifted from the ground and orbs of light manifested and absorbed into her body.

                Her paw lifted into the air as a large ball of flame stay floating just above her paw. "This spell is much stronger than your basic bolt spells, though if used at such a novice stage as yourself. You will be drained very quickly; it will take some time to conjure it. So do be mindful of when you choose to unleash such fury my child." The apparition dissipated, melting into thin air. Emelyn slowly descended from the air slumping over herself and collapsing to the ground afterwards. Alphonse ran to Emelyn's side and propped her up. She looked up at him wearily, "We did it." The bernese chuckled shaking his head. "You're the one who did all the work; I'm just the guy who distracted the ol' bag of bones long enough for you to flying kick it in the face." Alphonse smiled. "Can you stand?" The sheltie nodded wobbling her way up from the ground. "Where's Quinn?" She asked bleakly.

                Quinn hobbled his way over smiling a little roughed up. "I'm not dead yet, I'll be better. Just gotta get outta here first." He coughed laughing heartily. As the three stood looking at the doors, the stone doors began to slowly open, leading up the stairs was a faint light "Come on you guys, we're almost out!" He grabbed a hold of Emelyn's arm helping her over his shoulder helping her walk up the stairs. As the three began ascending and exited the catacombs behind them. They looked around the area being surrounded by forests, once the three stepped off the stone stairwell the slab slid back melding with the earth below. There was but one sign written in the same language.

                "If safety is what you seek head north, landmarks: Knight's Ossic Lake, east: Rochchapel." Emelyn read a little further down. "Remember the spirits guide you and watch over you, you whom read this." Emelyn's tail seemed to wag a little bit. "Okay, so why don't we start heading off to Knight's Ossic Lake." Alphonse smiled weakly. "Can't we rest a minute? We kinda just beat a giant monster, and-"Emelyn looked at him a little worried. "It's a good idea, but the bandersnatches aren't going to sit and wait, they are still probably hot on our trail, we gotta keep moving. At least until nightfall, so just a little farther all right? Quinn grunted nodding. "Being sore is better than being dead I guess." He hobbled behind the sheltie. So which way is north?"

                Alphonse smiled pointing, "This way my fair lady, let us beat the path for you." He said jovially. Emelyn rolled her eyes playing along. "Oh thank you my kind knights, and how ever shall I repay you, my hands are much too frail to lift a finger at such trivial grunt work." She scoffed standing beside Quinn helping him along. "Come now you two, we gotta keep moving." As the three slowly trudged forward through the forests, the sun was half set when they had left the tombs. As it became too difficult to see the three stopped in the forests and sat down in a small clear area and relaxed. "I've got a few supplies; the princess can make a fire. And Quinn you just sit there and relax."

                Alphonse reached behind him dropping his bag to the ground with a thud. Pulling out a blanket, a water skin, and a cloth that held some bread. Emelyn grabbed some sticks placing them in the middle digging out a small spot for them and held her paws close to the sticks. The sticks began to smolder they quickly caught flame thereafter, "So now that we are situated.." Alphonse coughed, "I will grab some larger pieces to keep the fire going for a little while." He stood up walking out into the woods surrounding the three. Emelyn looked at Quinn with a smile. "How are you feeling Quinn?" She asked him politely; Quinn looked at her rather perplexed. "Me? You wanna know how I am feeling? I- I'm fine. A little tired, got a bit of an appetite. But I think I'll live." He chuckled. Emelyn smiled nodding.  "That's good to hear. Say Quinn.. Why is it Alphonse comes off so..." She paused, "So rude?" He laughed. "Ah just give him a little time. He isn't one to trust anyone too quickly, He is one of those kinds of guys that is rude in the beginning but if you can tough it out, he's the kind of guy you want by your side any day of the week." He smiled reminiscently. Alphonse returned with some larger logs placing one onto the fire, hearing the crackling of the fire, the heat was a pleasant feeling aside from the cold darkness of the catacombs. Alphonse took the water skin and took a sip from it passing to Quinn. "Here, you guys need this as much as I do." He grabbed the piece of blue cloth on the ground opening it up showing a half a loaf of bread inside.

                He looked down at the bread splitting it into three even pieces passing one to each person. "Here, this is this is the last of our food so enjoy.." He said with a bit of remorse to his voice. Emelyn smiled and took the piece graciously, Quinn followed suit. "Thank you." They said with a smile. "Yeah well we still gotta think what we're gonna do next, and what we're gonna do about the food situation." Emelyn looked to Alphonse. "Didn't you hear Morcant? He said we should head towards Knight's Ossic Lake." Emelyn stated clearly. Alphonse bit into the bread; it was a little stale sadly. He groaned at the taste and feeling. "Ossic lake? What's there that we could possibly ever need?" Emelyn spoke up. "Well there is fresh water for one, we can fish there, and the spirit told us to go there. So something good is bound to happen." Her tail wagged happily. "Alright I guess going to the lake isn't such a bad idea after all. We set out at first light though, that guard of yours still gives me chills down my spine.." Alphonse shuddered. Emelyn laughed. "You mean Sir Duncan? He isn't as dangerous as you would think, he's really quite charming." Alphonse glared at her briefly. "Maybe for you, but you aren't the one that was being threatened with a long sword across the neck." Emelyn chuckled softly, "Well maybe you shouldn't be sneaking into a young woman's room you little perv." She grinned looking at him. "I am not a pervert! I am the one who honestly thought it woulda been safer to do something else."

                He turned his face trying to hide his obvious embarrassment. "Besides, it's not like we came to kidnap you, it just... Kinda happened that way, and by the time we knew what was going on. We were fighting skeletons and an undead mage that almost torched us! You're a lot more trouble than I am princess, so don't give me that." He leaned back with a hint of frustration to his voice. Quinn laughed watching the two. "What's so funny there fuzz ball?" Quinn stopped and looked at him. "Nothin! Just enjoying the night, it also appears like we've got a lover's quarrel." Alphonse groaned and walked over to him latching onto him. "It's not like that and you know it!" Quinn just continues laughing, Emelyn soon following suit. The two laughed heartily as the mood finally settled once again.

                "So Alphonse, you haven't told me anything about you. I am curious as to where you come from, who your family is. I wanna know about the 'brains' of this whole operation." Alphonse looked at her with a smile. "You really wanna know? I guess I can tell a little bit about me." He sprawled out by the fire and smiled looking into the flames. "I was born in the kingdom of Durastia; I was never anything special there. I lived in a small home, but it was and will always be what I call home. I have a brother; he and I were inseparable when we were pups. My father was a swordsman, me and my brother used to try our best to be just like him." Emelyn looked to him and tilted her head, "What happened to your dad?" Alphonse turned his head. "He abandoned us for his search to become a better swordsman. When he left, my brother and I had to fend for ourselves."

                "He and I came to our place we call home, the place he and I train and hone our skills. The dojo where our master taught us respect and discipline as well as how to wield a blade." Emelyn's ears drooped. "I'm sorry to hear about your father.." She turned to the sky thinking of her family, how worried they must be. "It's late... I'm goin to bed." Alphonse groaned turning over lying down by the fire closing his eyes. Quinn looked at Alphonse shaking his head, "He has a lot of trouble when it comes to talking about things that pertain to his family. His brother wasn't related by blood, he actually is a part of where he trains, the two were young and grew up together. So he sees him as his little brother." Emelyn looked down and to him. "I guess there is much to learn about this world than I ever realized." She laid her head down watching the fire mesmerized by it. "Forgive me father.." She closed her eyes lulling into a soft sleep. The minutes turned to hours as the sun rose once again.

                Emelyn awoke to the sun warming her cheeks; she sat up from the ground beneath her and looked around. Quinn was still fast asleep, but Alphonse seemed to be up and about. The fire was put out, and his stuff was already packed up. She stretched and stood up looking around for Alphonse. "Where did he..." She mumbled to herself. Off a few yards away there was a large rock, staring off at the sunrise, atop it was a figure sitting.  Emelyn walked closer to the rock with a smile. "Come here often?" She jested. Alphonse looked back at her with a small smile. "Yeah, it's my favorite place in the world." He chuckled, "Look, about last night." She paused apologetically. "Don't mention it. You didn't know, and I don't expect you to understand it honestly. You come from a completely different point of view in life than I do. You've had everything you've ever needed given to you, me I had to do whatever it took to get by."

                He hopped from the boulder lowering his body and rolling into a full stand, absorbing the shock of the drop down. "It's getting late in the day. We should get moving." He gave her a smile. Emelyn looked at him with somewhat of a concerned look. "Bu.. Ok." The two headed back to where Quinn lay still sleeping soundly "I'll have another slice of your bread with honey ma'am and all the mead you can give. What? It's on the house? Well then by all means.." He grumbled rolling over. Alphonse crouched down pushing on his shoulder gently at first. "Hey, wake up sleeping beauty." Suddenly his arm came swinging by, grabbing Alphonse leaning closer. "What's that you want a kiss? Well how can I refuse?" Alphonse looked at him with an utterly terrified look. "Wake up fuzzball!" He pushed against him groaning.

                Emelyn looked at this trying her best to stifle a laugh. Quinn slowly opened his eyes. "Alphonse? What happened to the beautiful woman with the mead?" He released the canine as he sprang free from the panda's strong grasp.  "Well then... He brushed himself off glancing to the Sheltie. "What're you laughing at?" She snickered shaking her head trying not to laugh. "Well, then let's head out of here. We set our course for Ossic Lake!" The three stood proud walking north. "So I wonder who this Makara person is. Maybe she is some crazy witch who lives all by herself on an island in the middle of the lake. Alphonse shuddered at the thought. Quinn smiled looking up. "Maybe she's a fair maiden whom has love for all of us." Alphonse looked back at him grinning. "And maybe the woman with the mead will be there too." Quinn's ears perked up. "Really! Hey wait a minute!" The group laughed heartily along their travels.

                The hours passed as the sun rose to the highest point in the sky and began its slow descent into darkness. The three weaved through a trail in the forest, looking at the foliage and the small creatures of the forest along the way. As they wandered, a light could be seen in the far off distance of the woods. Like a doorway opened up to them and showed their travels in these woods would soon be over. "I think I see the exit." Emelyn pointed running up ahead. "Hey wait! Don't go running off it's dangerous!" Alphonse ran after her. Quinn chased after the two as they closed the gap to the opening seeing a beautiful landscape, a gorgeous lake stood before them. A downhill descent was all that stood in their way of it. The lake was surrounded by trees and seemed to glimmer like gems across the very surface of it. "By the goddess it's beautiful!" Emelyn exclaimed. Alphonse and Quinn came running down the hill after the princess of Gulden Falls. Alphonse unfortunately tripped on a rock along the way down and tumbled the remainder down.

                His vision blurred a moment and was shaky but as he came to his complaints stopped before they even started. "By the gods above, this is truly a beautiful sanctuary.." Quinn's tail flicked voraciously. Alphonse stood up looking around the scenery in awe of the beauty. The shimmering lake before him, the lush green grasses. It was truly paradise. "Well I suppose we can stay here for a little while. But we gotta find that crazy witch Makara and get this done and over with!" He grumbled. Emelyn was quick to dismiss him, "Yeah yeah, don't worry we won't stay too long. Besides I don't think Sir Duncan will find us here." She looked up at the clear blue skies above. The three walked along the waters, they walked through the clearing spotting a small caravan sitting out in the distance.

                 "Travelers perhaps?" Quinton spoke up. "Let's go check it out." Emelyn replied with a chipper sound to her voice. The three wandered to the caravan hearing music getting louder as they came closer. People with tambourines and elk skin drums playing a rhythmic beat, while the women and children danced to the music. There were several caravan carts sitting, Diamedes were chained up relaxing after a long haul. Emelyn, Alphonse and Quinton came to the caravan before them watching. Quinn grinned huge. "This looks like so much fun!" Quinn ran towards the dancers joining in the merriment that ensued. Emelyn chuckled watching the red panda; she grabbed Alphonse by the paw pulling him with her. "Come on! He's got the right idea!" "Wait a minute, we don't!" He was yanked along as she spun him around letting go and clapping along to the beat.

                Disoriented he watched her and everyone briefly with a smile. He bobbed his head to the music slowly, his body slowly moving to the rhythm. As the moments passed and the minutes flew by as the rhythm slowed, the sun was already beginning to descend from the top of the skies. Quinn was sitting back at the caravan and Emelyn and Alphonse walked along the caravans looking at everything, there were humans, elves, even kännande. Out just a little farther there was a small tent set up beside the caravans with a woman sitting before them. She beckoned the two canines over to her. Emelyn looked to Alphonse and pointed to them. The woman nodded beckoning; Emelyn grabbed Alphonse and pulled him forth. Before them sat a Pharaoh hound, clad in purples and blues trimmed with the color of gold. "You my dear have an interesting aura about you." She smiled sweetly behind her little table.

                Alphonse raised an eyebrow a bit unsure of how he should be taking this. "My aura?" Emelyn asked. The canine smiled nodding. "It moves and sways about you different than most people. Care to receive a fortune? It is no charge; you and your friend here may for free. I can give you insight on your past present as well as your future." Emelyn wagged her tail furiously. "I don't see how it could hurt." The hound smiled and presented a seat to her. "Please take a seat, and relax, I want you to clear your mind." She pulled out a red pouch releasing from it a stack of cards. She shuffled them laying out three cards. "Each card represents a moment of your life. In some way shape or form."  Placing her paw over the farthest left card. "This card represents your past." She smiled and flipped over the card. "This card is the Empress." It is showing you are from royal blood.." The second card being flipped was. "The Chariot. You have a long and arduous road ahead of you," She turned the final card. "The Tower.." She looked to Emelyn with a look of worry.

                "What's the tower mean?" She looked at the hound puzzled. "The tower is upside right, and it means that great disaster is certain in your future, you'll have no grounds to stand. If proper action is not taken then everything you know can very well be destroyed before you..." Her voice quivered. Emelyn looked at the card before her. A tower being struck by a bolt of lightning and crumbling to the grounds below. Alphonse looked at the two. "That can't be true; it's just to scare you Emelyn." The hound's eyes narrowed to the boy. "You there! Come closer, you whom disbelieve... I have a special reading for you."  Emelyn stood from her chair mumbling to herself walking back to Quinton. "Could it really be true..?" She mumbled. Alphonse plopped down in the chair. "What do you need from me?" He looked at her with disbelief. There can't be any way she can predict these things.

                She took his paws closing her eyes. "You were deserted when you were a child, I see a wandering swordsman, and his marks are quite similar to your own are they not?" Alphonse's eyes widened. "How could you know this.." He gritted. The woman chuckled, "These eyes can do more than just see. I am a prophet, I am Makara Faust. And my caravan has been traveling from place to place. I had a dream that you and a young princess would come seeking my aid. Your fate is much darker than you perceive... You have to make a very important decision later on, or risk the very lives you hold dear to you."  The Bernese looked at her in shock that she knew more than she ever could have led on. "So you're... The one Morcant spoke of.. Tell me, please. What is the meaning behind her reading?"

                The hound shook her head, "That much I cannot say, it is her fate not mine. Stay close to her, she will need you and you will need her. You never know, even love can blossom on the battlefield." She smiled trying to lighten the mood. "wha..?" He shook his head. "She would never fall for a rat like me, I mean come on." He looked down. Makara took his paw gently once more. "If the seed is properly nurtured it will grow, but be mindful." She smiled shooing him away. "Bring the young Crescend to me, I have to speak to her. "O-okay." He blushed walking to Emelyn, "H-hey, the fortune teller wishes to speak to you." He placed a paw on her shoulder. Emelyn stood up and gave him a smile, "Oh, okay then." She tilted her head. "Are you feeling okay? You look a little flushed." Alphonse chuckled. "Yes! Perfectly fine! I just need a good long rest."

                "Alright then." She walked back to the fortune teller; she sat back down and smiled. "You wished to see me again?" The fortune teller smiled. "Yes dear, I have to speak with you alone, just as I did with your friend. I must reveal to you my name and I must tell you a little of your true fate in this world. I am the prophet Makara Faust. I only have a moment, so I must make this brief. Your country is in terrible danger. There is a blanketing darkness slowly taking root at all corners of bordering countries and it's making its way towards Gulden Falls as well as neighboring allies." Emelyn looked shocked but wasn't sure what to think of such a large jump of conclusion. "Well how can we prevent this disaster?" She asked worriedly. Makara looked at the sheltie with a look of utmost seriousness. "There are several masters of different magicks, in order to stop this blight. You must learn from each of them, and when you have learned, you will be able to unlock the true potential inside of you. There exists a spell that can stop this horror, but I do not know if they still exist in this realm I'm afraid. To find out, you must seek out each master. You will have several people joining your entourage; your next companion will be a pugilist. You will be accompanied by many followers but the three of you, your fate is forever intertwined. Do take caution. Protect those whom you love and care for." She smiled pointing to her heart. Emelyn looked to the hound and smiled nodding. "The next place you must go is a small village by the name of Talys; there you will find the next person to join your cause. Go now my child. You haven't much time to be here." She shooed the sheltie away. "Where do we head for Talys?" She questioned before being sent out. "Go west, and as you venture further into the forests. Your path shall become clearer."

                Just coming from the woods above the lake was the oh so familiar face of the royal guards.  His usual shiny armor was dusty and covered in smudge and dirt.  And his expression was none too happy, "When I find those fools I'm gonna put their heads on a pike!" He snarled. "No one dares touch the princess! Not on my watch." He ran down the hill, his armor clanking all the way down. He walked along the waters looking for the thieves and their captive. Walking closer to the caravans he noticed the fortune teller and he looked left and he looked right to make sure no one was watching him. He ran over to the fortune teller and placed his gauntlets down onto the table clearing his throat. "E-excuse me madame. I, need to find someone very special.... If you could just give me a little bit of your insight it would really be appreciated.." His eyes looked down pleading her. Makara looked at him chuckling. "Arise sir knight; I have much to tell you." Duncan's eyes lit up as he looked to the hound before him. "Thank you oh gracious traveler!" Makara put up her paw as to show there were no thanks necessary. "The one you seek is closer than you may think sir knight. But I cannot allow you to stop her... You see, she has a great duty to this world and in order for her to protect those whom she loves and to ensure this planet sees the light of another day she must continue this pilgrimage with her faithful knights."

                Duncan's eyes narrowed as he snarled. "Those thieves!? They're nothing but scum of the earth! Were it not for them kidnapping princess Emelyn I would not be tracking her down!" She looked to him shaking her head. "They are not the ones who took her; did you truly think she was happy there? Better yet, was she truly safe?" Duncan stopped his ranting pausing quietly. "If you want to protect her you can't stop her... This is something that you must allow; fate has called upon your stars as well as hers. You must follow her but you can't let your duties get in the way of this." Duncan simply nodded to her. "I shant let you down miss.." He paused. "Makara, a pleasure sir knight." He stood up proud and chuckled softly. As he turned from the fortune teller he looked off in the distance seeing the group of three walking off along a trail. He let out a big sigh of relief. "Time to make you proud." He spoke softly placing his paws on the table once more, lifting his gauntlets leaving her five gold shills.

                 He walked along the trail following the three. The troupe walked through the forest, their waterskins full of fresh spring water. Food graciously given to them from the caravan, wrapped up nicely. "That was really nice of them to have given us all this food!" "If it weren't for your feverish dancing Quinton, we probably wouldn't have been so accepted." Alphonse laughed. Emelyn chuckled softly and smiled at the two as they walked. "So princess, we can't have you walking around in such regal clothing. For one you stick out like a sore thumb and two you're a prime target for brigands, thieves and pick pockets.. So when we get to where ever you're taking us, we need to find a clothier, or find a new outfit for you." Alphonse noted. Emelyn looked at herself and looked at the two of them; she stuck out pretty bad in comparison. "Alright, well we're out on our way and probably won't see a farm anytime soon. So we might as well keep our eyes peeled." Emelyn spoke up.

                The three walked the path in the forests for what seemed like hours, until they came across an opening out of the forest noticing a small village ahead. The buildings were made of bricks of mud and the roofs of lumber and straw, there was a small fencing around the place as to keep out intruders. It was a very hum drum area, but it's what they called home. "This is Talys..?" Emelyn spoke up. "This is Talys; this is where you have brought us. Now we have to find this person you were talking about." Emelyn's face looked disappointed. Quinn looked to her with concern. "What's wrong princess?" She shook her head. "It just, wasn't what I was expecting.." The three walked into the village, Emelyn thought to herself. "People really live in such poverty...?" The three wandered in the village seeing all the bright and shining faces. Not a person in the village seemed to have a single frown; Alphonse smiled and waved to the people as they passed, looking at the signs in the village. Spotting a sign with the words "Blue Spirits Resthouse" Alphonse reached into his pocket looking around to see not a single shill in hand.  He turns to Quinton with a glare. "Do you got any shills on you? We can get a hot meal and some rest for the day. We gotta find this person who's supposed to join us or whatever it is you've gotten us wrangled into. And I don't care to do so without proper beauty sleep."

                Quinn emptied his pockets with a gasp of joy. "Did you find any shills!?" Alphonse exclaimed. "Nope! But I did happen to find a bite of bread with a little of the stew absorbed into it." He laughed happily eating it. Alphonse covered his face. "How about you Emelyn? Got any shills so we can at least afford a room?" Emelyn rummaged in what pockets she did have, pulling out her locket and several semi-precious stone jewelry. Leaving it in pocket, "Nothing here, you kinda didn't give me much time to actually prepare myself to leave thank you." She gave him a sneer. Alphonse groaned slumping down into the dirt; I don't wanna sleep in the dirt again." He groaned. "Maybe we can talk to the inn keeper for a room in exchange for work?" Quinton replied.

                "That's not half a bad idea my fuzzy friend. Let's see what we can scrounge up." The three walk into the small hovel of an inn and look about, there were several patrons sitting at oak tables, eating a bowl of what appeared to be porridge. There was a tall human standing at the counter of the inn. "Hello, travelers I presume?" He had short dark brown hair and brown eyes that seemed very serious, but his demeanor was almost completely different from his form. "You must be tired, have a seat and relax. Care to rent a room? It'll be ten shills for the lot of ya." Alphonse looked down to the polite gentleman. "We were actually curious about possibly being able to get some work for a room around here. We're actually broke right now.." He mumbled. "The man looked at the three and chuckled. "Sorry my friend I haven't got any work right now but if you wait about an hour I know someone who might be willing to pay you for a little 'work'." He smiled.

                "Really!? That sounds almost... Hey wait a minute; what do we have to do?" Alphonse leered at the inn keeper." The inn keeper laughed cheerfully. "Relax, all we want is for one of you to entertain us with a test of strength. "Our pal Chance is the strongest one here, been living in Talys as long as I can remember! He teaches people the ways of Pugilism." "Pugi wha?" Emelyn asked curiously. "Pugilism. It's the art of strength and bare knuckle fighting. "So this Chance guy is a real tough guy huh?" Alphonse said. "I bet my buddy Quinton here could stand a chance." Quinton looked at him rather shocked at what he was suggesting. "Are you sure this is such a good idea? I really am not super muscly, I'm just fluffy.." He whined. "Cyrus is the name fellas, a pleasure to meet you! Why don't you relax and I can tell ya more about this test of strength."  Emelyn sat down in the chair before the man and watched her companions follow suit. "I'm E- Enthom, M-my name is Enthom." She stuttered, Alphonse looked at her and smiled. "I'm Alphonse." And the panda scratched his head for a minute, "Quinton, a pleasure!"

                "So what exactly is this test of strength?" Emelyn asked. "The test of strength..." Cyrus closed his eyes leaning in closer. "Do you really wanna know?" Alphonse Emelyn and Quinton stared at him silently and moved in closer nodding. The inn keeper looked left and right with an eerie look. "The test of strength is deemed worthy in an arm wrestling contest.." Alphonse looked at Cyrus as if he was joking. "You're not serious are you?" Cyrus nodded as if he were talking of a task of utmost importance. "This ain't no joke, no one has ever beaten him. Ever since he came to town he's been helping out here, and people have challenged him time and time again, they've even placed bets that they could best him. So I just tell people, if they can beat him they can stay here free of charge. Actually, speak of the devil himself, Chance! Come here!" As he shouted the three turned to the door seeing a red nosed pit-bull standing before them, He was well built but he wasn't what they had come to expect from the stories. "Chance it seems you have yourself a challenger again."

                Chance walked closer to the three and gives them a cheery smile. "Hello there! I'm Chance; it's nice to meet you." Alphonse held out his paw to the stranger shaking, looking down at his obviously large biceps. "I'm.. Alphonse, this here is.." He paused backing up. "Enthom, a pleasure." Quin gave him a smile shaking hands soon after. "Quinton is the name, and I will be your next opponent good sir." Chance looked up at him with a caring smile. "My you're quite the big fella; I might be in trouble with you." He gave a soft laugh sitting in a chair placing his large muscled arm down onto the table before him and held out his hand. "Do you know what we're doing? If you need a quick rundown I would be happy to explain." He wagged his tail; Alphonse stepped in with a nervous smile on his face. "H-hold on there champ, I-I will go first if I may try?" Chance blinked looking at the Bernese before him, he chuckled happily. "Of course, I don't mind a great challenge!" Alphonse swallowed hard and looked to Emelyn with a somewhat concerned look on his face. He wasn't sure what he just got himself into.

                His eyes focused on the pit before him and grasped his paw with a firm grip. "I'm ready when you are Chance." The canine nodded to him, his arm flexed slightly as he gripped the Bernese's  paw tight as the two battled a test of strength, they stayed as if struggling a moment at the middle both sides unwavering.  "I can't wuss out.. Not in front of Emelyn.." He muttered under his breath. "What did you say?" Chance spoke up. "N- nothing!" Breaking his own concentration, having his hand slammed into the table with a loud thud! Alphonse groaned looking at the canine in defeat. "Don't feel bad friend, you fought hard and that's quite admirable!" He turned to his fuzzy panda pal and offered him the seat.

                Quinton looked at him with a look of concern looking at the two beckoning him to come a little closer. Chance looked at the mustelid confused and leaned in. Quinton cupped his paw close to the canine's ear whispering something inaudible to the pit bull. His face wrenched and churned, turning back into a smile. "Alright that is an interesting perspective on life. Okay." Quinton put his arm down on the table grabbing Chance's firm paw. Chance flexed his arm once more as they began to struggle with one another. Fighting with sheer strength between the two, Quinn began waning. Only to bring it back up to the middle. Sweat began to bead atop the two's heads, slowly bringing Chance's paw down lower. He looked to the table flexing his arm fully jutting it back to the middle; you could hear a growl escape as the ferocity began to show of the master Pugilist. Quinton's arm dipped nearly touching the table below, using what seemed to be a reserve of strength to bring it back to the middle. Both parties were exhausted, heavily breathing as they struggled for the lead over the other. The panda summoned the last of his strength slowly bringing the canine's paw to the table.  The two looked at each other panting heavily; they smiled to one another and laughed patting the table as if they've been friends for ages.

                "You put up one hell of a fight Quinton, Cyrus! They've got it, let it be known he has bested me." Cyrus looked at the panda in shock and amazement. "By the goddess, how on earth did you ever muster the strength to defeat Chance!" Quinton blushed chuckling embarrassed. "Aw I don't know. it was just dumb luck and sheer will to sleep in a comfy bed as well as a hot meal. Al's meals aren't really the best and it certainly beats sleeping in the woods." Cyrus shook his head in shock and amazement. "Well I am a man of my word. A deal's a deal. You get free room for as long as you need. Just don't go tellin everyone you beat our champ, we don't need people getting all high and mighty you know?" Quinton nodded to the keeper and walked to him with a smile. "Here are the keys to your rooms, I will have our waitress come get you when dinner is prepared. Pleasant dreams!" He smiled waving to the three travelers. 

                Emelyn looked at Quinton in shock, "That was absolutely amazing. By the way.. What did you tell him? Did you say something to psyche him out?" The sheltie's tail wagged in excitement. Quinton shook his head laughing. "I told him that I didn't want our lady friend to have to sleep in the dirt again, and I also told him if he let me beat him he could tag along on our adventure! I mean we needed to find someone in this town who was really tough right? He's the toughest guy in town so it had to be him!" Alphonse looked at him with a less than pleased look. "You... Idiot! You can't just be asking people to join us! In case you forgot we're considered fugitives of the law in Gulden Falls because of the crime of kidnapping!" He spoke in a hushed voice. Emelyn looked at Alphonse and over at Quinton shaking her head taking a key from the panda. "I'm going to my room; if you need me you know where to find me." Emelyn walked from the two arguing and opened a door shutting the door without a second thought.

                Alphonse and Quinton sighed. "I'm sorry alright? I was doing what I thought would be best for us. After all she did tell us we needed help here.. You don't need to be a complete ass all the time." Quinton walked off tossing him his key going into his room. Alphonse looked at the key in paw and gripping and placing it in his pocket, walking downstairs. He sat at a table looking out the window at the small village. Chance looked at him sitting by himself as if he were in a daze. He walked over to Alphonse speaking up. "It's a beautiful sight isn't it?" Alphonse looked up to see Chance standing beside him. "Huh? Yeah.. It's a nice view." Chance smiled to him and asked, "May I sit down?" He nodded quietly to the pit bull and just watched outside.

                "You seem down, what's the matter?" Alphonse let out a quiet sigh, "I feel like all I've done so far is get everyone aggravated and angry with me, how am I supposed to be a guardian if I can't even keep the people closest to me from wanting to get away from me..?" Chance closed his eyes leaning back in his seat thinking to himself. "Your attitude has a lot to do with how people see you. I mean, look at me? I've not a penny to my name, and the whole village knows me and I know them. I would do anything for them if they asked it of me. If I was gruff and aggressive, they would be afraid of me. They wouldn't have given me a chance to even say hello my name is." Alphonse looked to Chance quietly, "Your friend told me everything, why you're out in these parts and what's going on. I'm not going to turn you in, I know it sounds crazy but I've had dreams of the day we would meet. It's not something I can say proudly to people, but I've been dreaming of some serious things going down. People I know and love being torn asunder, the grounds turning black as ash... I don't know what it means but when I saw your friend I knew these dreams had some ring of truth to them. Alphonse, you can't give up on this, and I know you can't be letting everything get to you. You're strong, you need to show it. Not just here." He pointed to his body, "But here as well as here.." Pointing to his heart and to his mind.

                Alphonse paused for a moment, looking at chance. "You're truly wiser than I ever could have imagined.. A..Are you sure you want to leave Talys behind for something that might not even be true?" Chance nodded to him quietly and looked at him with a very serious expression. "It will hurt to leave my home so sudden, but if there is a chance I can save my home and my family. I will take it without hesitation. These people raised me like I was one of them and if I didn't do everything I could to ensure they were safe, than I would be a failure." Alphonse smiled to the canine holding out his paw to him. "Thank you Chance, for talking to me. You really are an amazing fella, and. I'd be happy to have you along with us!"

                Emelyn sat in her room on her bed, there was a blanket which seemed to be made of fine wool. On the bed, she looked down pulling out a locket from her pants pocket and opened it up. Inside was a piece of paper folded up just enough to fit inside the locket. She opened it up; inside of it was a letter from her father. "Dear Emelyn, I hope you and your mother are doing well, master Kain has been keeping me updated on your progress with your magic and I'm very proud of you! It would appear that your birth day is coming up soon; I hope to be home in time to see you on your special day. Know that no matter how far apart we are, you'll always be on my mind, you're not just a princess to me.. You're also my daughter. Please don't give Sir Duncan a hard time either.. He's been telling me you've been getting distracted in your training.  Well I must say my goodbyes for now my sweet little Emelyn. Please know I'm always watching over you.

Sincerely,

Your loving father.

                Emelyn held the paper tight in her paws fighting back the tears, knowing how much she must have hurt her father and mother. "I'm sorry..." She sniffed. Hearing a rustling outside, a loud crash could be heard from her window. Emelyn put down the letter walking over to the window with curiosity. Opening it up looking outside seeing Duncan, trying to escape the clutches of a bush that had entangled him. "Duncan! What're you doing here!?" She shouted down in a hushed voice."

                "Emelyn! There you are! I've been sent to find you. What are you doing in this place anyhow! Where did those criminals go to!?" Emelyn shushed him "One second.."  She unlocked her door and walked back to the window.  She crawled from the window sill down to him. "Keep it down! Do you want the whole place to worry?" Duncan stifled himself hushing to the princess. "Emelyn, your father is worried sick, please come with me to the castle." The sheltie turned her back to him with a huff. "There is no way I am going back, I have to protect this world Duncan.. Something out there, is upsetting the balance in the world.. I don't know how to explain it, but there is something or someone who is causing the planet great distress... When I had fled the castle I took a sacred route for the Crescend blood line..."

                "You did what!?" He snarled furiously. Emelyn did not falter. "Please! Listen to what I have to say...! As we went through the catacombs, we were attacked by a lich by the name Morcant... He was a descendant of one of the very first arch mages that was here in Gulden Falls... He told me of a dark force coming to this land and that I must unite the powers of the different schools of magic, only then will we have a fighting chance against this force that wishes the world to wither...." Her ears flattened to her head. Her voice began to crack. "If anything were to happen to mother and father because I didn't heed these words..." Her paws clenched to fists. Duncan looked at Emelyn placing his paw against her head softly pulling her closer to him. "Your father and mother are worried about you... For some time now your mother has been trying her hardest to repress these premonitions... She knew something was going to happen... But she didn't know when.. Or how it was going to happen.." He turned his head closing his eyes, "I...I didn't come here to stop you..." Emelyn looked at Duncan with eyes full of tears.

                "I'm your guardian...My job is to guard you with my life lady Emelyn. No matter the cost." Emelyn smiled to Sir Duncan. "Let's talk to Alphonse and Quinton and we shall eat and rest for the night." Duncan looked at her. "Th-those two crooks!? Have you gone daft! They tried to kidnap you!" He exclaimed. "Actually... They didn't even know I was up there, I kinda coerced them to take me with them.." She spoke embarrassed. "Lady Emelyn..." He placed his gauntlet to his face in disbelief. "I did it because I didn't want to be forced to be an ambassador! I didn't wanna have my life ruled by schedules and by the fact of my status, I want people to treat me like I'm one of them! Not put me on a pedestal because I'm the heir to the throne!" She spoke rather irritated. "Lady Emelyn, I can't condone what you did or the fact you choose to hang around these buffoons but for your sake, I will hold my grudge for the time being.." He muttered to her kneeling before her out of respect.

                "Stop it Duncan! People know me as Enthom here as well by the way... Unless you feel like explaining to every person where the princess has gone..And how you let two bad thieves 'kidnap' her?" The mastiff sprang up from kneeling shaking his head. "N-not at all ma'am!" Emelyn smiled. "Good, now let's get something to eat. I'm sure dinner is ready by now." The two walked back into the Inn seeing Alphonse and Chance sitting at a table waiting for dinner to be served. Alphonse locked eyes with Duncan, and all the color seemed to drain from his face. "E-E-Em..? W-what is he doing here?" Duncan lowered himself down to his level speaking quietly. "Just so you know, my orders are to protect Lady Emelyn at all costs. That doesn't mean I have forgotten what you did, you've been pardoned for kidnapping on my behalf. But don't think I don't know of your motives scum. You and your friend..." He growled standing back up."

                Chance looked at Alphonse giving him a gentle nudge. "Hey, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost. He a friend of yours or what?" Alphonse shook his head silently standing up from the chair. "I'm gonna go get Quinton.." He mumbled fumbling up the stairs knocking on the door to Quinton's room. The panda soon after opened his door only to have the door fly open and slam shut again. "He's here!" Alphonse told Quinton. "Who's here?" He asked quite clueless. "The guy with the large sword. The one who tried to kill both of us!" A shiver went down Quinton's spine, "You mean to tell me that crazy guy found us!?" Alphonse closed his eyes looking sighing softly. "He's coming with us..." Quinton looked to Alphonse with worry. "He isn't going to try and kill us again is he?" He shook his head. "We're safe on the kidnapping charges. But we can't let our guard down around him.." His ears perked up. "Food! That's right, that's why I came up here! There is food ready! Come on!" He rushed out the door of his room and down the stairs.

                The earthy smell of the stew filled the room. It had a strong smell of spices, large chunks of potatoes and carrots could be seen in it. Pieces of meat could be seen in the bowls, though what species was used to create this dish none knew. Alphonse sat down at the table looking at the wooden bowl before him. There was a wooden spoon beside the bowl, a small amount of heat coming off of the stew in front of him, as if it were just coming from the fire. Alphonse takes a whiff of the meal in front of him and smiles with joy over the hot meal. Quinton soon follows suit of Alphonse scarfing down his meal with great gusto. Emelyn and Duncan look at the meal in front of them with a little bit of concern. "What's in this?" Alphonse looks at her like she was a little crazy. "It's stew, it's high in carbs and starches so it will keep you full longer." Quinton blinked looking at Alphonse. "Wow Al, I didn't know you knew about things like that." "Well when you have to think about what you eat you kinda need to learn a little bit about the foods and what's good and what will keep you fuller longer."  Duncan leaned to Emelyn whispering. "Don't worry, miss it doesn't seem to be volatile. Considering these two are eating it like it's going out of style, and they seem to be fine." Emelyn looked to Chance and over to Duncan with a scowl. "I can handle a simple meal like such."  Chance looked at his meal eating quite casually, not minding the flavor or the commotion around him.

                "Let me know if you folks want a second round or not." Cyrus commented. "What's in this?" Quinton asked.  Cyrus thought for a second, "well there are several herbs like guam and marrentil to give it that spicy flavor, there is hare in it. There are potatoes, several indigenous mushrooms and carrots, simmered in a pot for several hours. It's honestly the house special. Not very often we get hare, and when we do it's prepared in a way where the meat is tender and makes for a nice meal." The gentleman spoke with pride.

                As the crowd finished their meals Alphonse, Quinton, Emelyn, and Chance walked up the stairwell up to their rooms shutting the door behind them. Duncan looked to Cyrus with a pleasant smile. "Thank you sir, for giving us a wonderful meal. If I may pay for a room I'd be happy to for the remainder of the night." Cyrus thought to himself. "We do have a room in the attic, if you don't mind sharing with our friend Chance?" Duncan shook his head. "That's perfectly fine." He smiled handing over one hundred shills to the inn keeper. Cyrus looked at the amount he gave to him. "S-sir this is far too much." Duncan smiled halting his hand. "Don't worry about it." He smiled walking up the stairs. Cyrus looked at the money in hand utterly shocked and smiled.

                Duncan walked upstairs to the attic, finding Chance sitting in his roll out bed looking out at the night sky. "I take it you're Chance?" Duncan asked. "I am." Said the pit bull, "So you and I are gonna be bunking tonight?" His tail wagged happily. He paid no mind to the company, he was just happy to have friends. "Yeah, is that okay by you?" He questioned a little worried about his answer. "Of course, I have no problem sharing." He chuckled. "Let's get some shut eye; we have a long ways to go tomorrow." Chance spoke up rather excited. Duncan looked at him walking over by him laying out a bed roll and dismantling his suit of armor laying it out. Leaving his body with an under shirt and his undergarments. He crawled into the bed looking up at the ceiling, slowly drifting into a quiet dreamland.

                The hours burned away as the sunlight chased away the night. Cyrus walked up to the different doors knocking on each one. "Rise and shine folks!" Alphonse rose from the bedding and yawned smiling, feeling refreshed from the meal and the good night's rest. He grabbed his bag and looked around. He walked out the door and down the stairs. Chance was already downstairs, and Duncan was hopping putting his boots on. "Wait for me!" He fumbled, Quinton walked from his room and walked down the stairs to see Chance and Alphonse. Duncan soon following, Emelyn grabbed her cloak wrapping it around her neck and walking out the door. The group followed suit, everyone watching Emelyn walked down the stairs. Watching everyone, she began to smile as the five of them left the inn and off to their adventures. "Where are we going next?" Alphonse asked. Emelyn's ears drooped looking to everyone. "I honestly don't know.. I've only been given the order to go to Talys. We need to think of where the next place would be best." Duncan looked at Emelyn with concern. "If what you said is true, than we must inform the many kingdoms we have treaties with and try to get as much help as we can! We have to get you more formal training princess. In the state you're in we can't have you wandering by yourself!"