Zion: Light of the New Moon, Ch 0.1

Story by comidacomida on SoFurry

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Zion - Path of the Moon Mother Chapter 0 Conclusion

Bannihar Blinding Light (Part 1)

A decent sized collection of travelers were gathered by the front of the caravan; Priestess Delier and Lord Raes had several runners find and collect travelers to represent the different groups found in the wagon train. Iskiy Thrush and one of the other guides joined them quickly enough while Elias and Alexander were pulled from among the artisans. Elesin and Roarg were brought to join the committee as representatives of the caravan guard despite Roarg's consistent objection that he would have rather represented the laborers; he was silenced when it was pointed out that the laborers were not being included in the decision-making process. It obviously perturbed the badger, but he kept quiet for the sake of the committee.

"As travelers on the road it is important for all of us to have a say in how we reach our destination," Priestess Delier began, "and to that end, I want to hear from everyone. It is my wish that this journey be one that we may take together and if we are going to succeed together then we will have to make decisions together."

"Usually the Wild Lands don't wait for a committee to meet." Iskiy offered calmly.

"He's right." the other guide noted, "If we stop every ten minutes to talk about what everyone thinks then we'll be dead before we've gone a league past the Periphery."

"Then all the more reason we discuss things now." the priestess pressed, "If we can commit to a course of action then we won't have to worry about indecision later."

"The mountains are dangerous for many reasons and traveling down the cliffs will require all of our attention." Lord Raes spoke up, "We'll need to see to the safety of the wagon teams and the laborers."

"The safety of everyone in our care is of utmost important, Lord Raes." the Priestess confirmed, "All the more reason for us to have two light poles above each wagon." she turned to Elias Hewen, "Master Geomancer, are you able to assist the laborers with preparing our light?"

The armadillo nodded, "Of course, Priestess... I would advise collecting a central core of Moonstone. If we have a base template for--"

"Moonstones take too long to enchant." Elesin interrupted. The kangaroo woman glanced sidelong at the armadillo, "We're looking to leave tonight, not next week."

"I'm glad you're so familiar with my art that you can give me pointers." Elias commented flatly.

"Happy to help." the kangaroo confirmed, then paused as the armadillo pulled a small, thumb-claw sized hunk of Moonstone out of his hip pouch. Elias casually rolled the stone around in his palm and tossed it up into the air. Elesin quickly grabbed it out of the air and opened her paw, wincing as she squinted against the powerful aura of illumination.

"If you're happy to help, go get more Moonstones." the armadillo stated, heading back toward the wagons, "I'm going to have the laborers start attaching the poles."

A loud, ear-splitting screech cut off any further discussion. Perched atop a five story building at the edge of the square, Sebastian sounded his call again, and then roared, "ASSASSINS!"

Thanks to the warning, most of the travelers were quick to take cover as a volley of crossbow quarrels streaked toward the group. Lord Raes raised his shield, stepping in front of the rest of the party, deflecting the incoming attacks.

"They're reloading!" shouted Roarg, pointing toward a rooftop on the opposite side of the square.

"I seem them." Iskiy acknowledged, drawing out his short bow. He knocked an arrow and took aim just as the assailants were cranking their crossbows for another strike, and he loosed his shot (Combat + Offense + 2 dice. Roll equals 23. Foe rolls Combat + Defense + 2 dice. Roll equals 14.)-- one of the crossbowmen wouldn't get another chance to shoot. Taking the arrow in the chest, the assassin disappeared from the roofline as he fell to the street below.

Having lost one of their number, the assassins quickly slid down the back of the building, "They're fleeing!" Sebastian shouted, quickly taking to wing in pursuit.

"They're not getting far." announced Lord Raes, rushing the adjacent alley with Priestess Delier right beside him. Iskiy followed quickly after the champion, slinging his bow over a shoulder as he drew a sword. Elesin was right behind them, tattoos glowing as her paws were bathed in flame. Roarg, warhammer out, was following at a distance, his stout posture not as well suited to the sprint. Elias and Alexander, further back in the caravan were still working to catch up by the time the front runners reached the backside of the building the assassins used as an attack platform.

Iskiy came to a halt beside the body that still bore his arrow. The antlered wolf knelt down and pulled his arrow free. Lord Raes nudged the robe-covered corpse over with his foot. The slain human's eyes were still open staring blankly upward. Kayte took a step back, then paused. She knelt down and moved aside the flowing robes covering his torso, stopping as she observed the gold-and-black circular symbol on his covered tabard.

"Sun Cultists." Lord Raes spoke before the priestess could find her voice.

"Here!" Sebastian screeched from the top of a building. Placing his back against one of the decorative pillars, the gryphon heaved. With a loud, crumbling crack, the pillar fell from its place, landing with a loud crunch on the ground, blocking off one of the doors.

"Only one way in?" questioned Elesin, approaching the front door, "That means only one way out."

"Hold." Lord Raes spoke up, jogging to catch the kangaroo, "We don't know what to expect in there."

"I'm expecting Sun Cultists." the battlemage replied, pulling out a curved short sword.

"We don't know what they're capable of." Iskiy added, readying his own weapons.

"I know they're capable of dying... that's enough for me." the kangaroo answered, and casually slammed her foot against the door, driving it inward.

The rest of the party caught up as the front runners spent time speaking at the entrance. Alexander pulled out a small knife but held his ground, apparently lacking the interest to go inside. Elias reached out to the stone wall of the building, pulling a layer off of it as it wrapped around his body creating a form-fitting suit of stone armor. Kayte took position just behind Lord Raes, who raised his shield and entered the building after Elesin, who didn't pause to wait for back-up. Everyone knew they would be heading for Zion, but nobody doubted that the Sun Cultists would have to be dealt with first.

Doen A Final Goodbye

There were still a few hours to go until noon when we made the announcement: everyone who was prepared to leave had time to say farewell to their loved ones. The arrangement worked well for almost everyone-- most of the caravan could have a little more time with a husband or wife or children or parents or friends, and those who didn't have anyone to say goodbye to (or couldn't bear saying goodbye twice) could use the time however they wanted. I knew I couldn't go back to the temple-- not after leaving it... so I stayed with the wagons and watched.

As expected, Dillan Flynn went off to complete some last-minute errands, most likely to make sure that the manager he left in charge of his business interests wasn't going to cost him significantly. I did hear a series of comments about him looking for one more good chance to satisfy some needs he wouldn't be able to get to on the road. A lot of the travelers seemed to think poorly of the ferret, which seemed strange to me since most folk usually liked traveling merchants. I questioned one or two about him and the only answers I got were along the lines of "You'll understand when you get to know him."

On the upside of Mr Flynn's disappearance, Taggart, his aide had time to clean up after the ale drinkers. The hunting dog looked a little older than me but he went about his work as if he'd been doing it his whole life and he got it done so quickly that he had plenty of time to spare. The hunting dog used the rest of his time to visit a small inn across the way. I'd heard of Arvin's Pub from some of the worshipers at the temple, but I'd never been there myself; I found out later that Taggart had been working there before joining the caravan so goodbyes did seem to be in order.

As everyone slowly filtered out of the square I saw that I wasn't the only one not taking the chance to say farewell. The caravan's Wild Lander guide was busy, in fact, I think it'd been a long time since I'd ever seen someone that focused on preparation. Jasper was circling each of the wagons, one paw rubbing some kind of crushed plant leaf on the wheels while his other paw traced a line along the cabins with some kind of powder. His tail, surprisingly dexterous, was threaded through the draw-strings of a leather satchel, its tip dipping into it and emerging with some kind of black unguent which he dotted on each of the draft animals.

Zeke, one of the caravan master's wild advisors appeared disinterested in everyone and everything. If I had any thought that the fox wasn't from Doen before that moment, seeing him seated atop one of the carriages by himself removed all doubts. If there was one thing I know about the citizens of Doen is that they prefer to spend their time with others, and Zeke was obviously not interested in talking... at least not to anyone specific-- he sat atop the wagon and was completely absorbed in speaking with the beaded necklace he held. The way he cradled it in his lap it was obvious that it meant something to him, but I couldn't bring myself to disturb his meditation... I could always ask later.

Narissa Hearthsinger was by a supply wagon, folding up the last of her belongings and stowing them. Considering how famous she was it seemed strange that there wasn't anybody she had to say goodbye to, and nobody came to say goodbye to her. On one paw I guess it made sense-- the most famous bards and storytellers usually traveled so often that leaving town wasn't any special occasion... but I couldn't shake the haunted-look she had to her, as if she were preparing for her last trip, or maybe that she was impatient for the journey to begin... like she was fleeing something. I didn't have much time to consider it.

"Not goin back into the temple for a few more rounds a prayer?" the gruff, demeaning comment pulled me from my focus on everyone else and brought me back to the present.

"Pardon?" I asked. I'd heard Brother Bronderson well enough, but I had to stall to come up with something better.

"I figured a Priest of the Pregnant Moon'd want a chance to find a few partners for 'prayer' before leaving town." the echidna clarified with as much subtlety as if he'd hit me with his hammer-fist.

I finally thought of the perfect thing to say, "A wise priest once wrote 'Pleasures of the flesh are no more a prayer to Tah'aveen than reciting a hymn by reading it from a page. True worship comes from intent and not action.'." It was a quote from the manuscript I knew Brother Bronderson wrote, and I could tell he knew.

"So does parroting an old fool's unpopular musings on religion." his scowl got even deeper than before and he turned around and stormed off.

I wasn't about to let the discussion stop there, "Right!" I added, following after him, "Understanding comes with intent. I read your dissertation, Brother Bronderson, and--"

"Rust." he growled, "It's Rust. Brother Bronderson died after they lopped off his hand." he held up the metal block at the end of his right arm, "They said any fingers that could write such blasphemy were cursed and that I'd be better off without em." he accentuated the comment by slamming the metal block against the top of a low stone accent wall.

"They didn't understand." I explained.

"No... of course not" he laughed scornfully, "And I suppose you do?"

"Bro--" I paused as his back-spines stood up, "Rust... have you noticed how the priests aren't involving themselves with the city anymore?"

"They barely ever did in the first place." he countered, finally turning around to face me.

"I know... I'm a priest and I've seen it." I confirmed, "And I've watched as all of the higher ranking priests have disappeared deeper into the temple. At first, the citizens barey ever saw the High Priest... and then the Inner Circle stopped leading prayer and left that up to the 4th Tier priests... and then they stopped showing and the third tier priests handled all of the day-to-day activities."

"You'll haveta forgive me if I didn't notice... you kinda stop attending services after they take your hand." he waved his metal block back and forth.

"Somethings wrong, Rust." I said.

"It's been wrong for awhile, kid." he countered, and turned around, "Do yourself a favor... forget about the manuscript. It only brought me trouble and it'll do the same to you."

Looking out across the caravan's wagons I saw that people slowly began to gather back up. I reached to the satchel at my hip, gripping the thick collection of papers (probably the only remaining copy of Brother Bronderson's challenge to the temple). Watching everyone make ready to leave I wondered if Rust was right about the trouble thinking against the grain could cause. I didn't have to think too long on it; making a change for the better was worth any amount of trouble... I had to believe that or I'd already damned myself from the beginning. The caravan would proceed... it would succeed... any alternative would prove Rust right, and Brother Bronderson wrong.

Personally, I liked Brother Bronderson's point of view better.

Myre By Her Grace

It took the priests only a matter of minutes to assemble the caravan into suitable prayer groups. A handful of priests and priestesses were spread out throughout the hundreds of faithful in the square as Lady Marion led the gathering in hymns, chants, and prayer. The whole gathering was awash with the glow of faith and a sense of purpose... well... almost the whole gathering.

A collection of some travelers had excused themselves from the prayer. They kept busy checking the wagons, inspecting the draft animals, or otherwise doing whatever they could to look like they had important activities worthy of excusing them from the veneration of the Moon Mother-- of course, no activity is important enough for that, but I suppose it's impossible to explain that to a Wild Lander like Bahrla... or an individual with Liam's background-- as expected, he was avoiding the prayers. My guess is because he didn't want to be seen, but, based on what I've been told about him I suppose a lack of faith in the Moon Mother would account for a lot of where he went wrong.

I had left my wagon and went to join the prayers but I kept an eye on the fox nonetheless-- he was still too busy with his own affairs to pay any attention to a human guard woman, which worked to my advantage. I went to join Keeland by the priests, taking position with the rest of the guards. Not only did it provide me a place closer to the sermon but it also afforded me a great view for keeping an eye on Liam. The Shepherd exchanged a smile with me and I offered him a formal "Sir". I'm pretty sure he didn't recognize me but I couldn't help but feel a little giddy at the thought that he might have.

Lady Marion began the sermon speaking of the duties of all faithful. She led a prayer to Tah'aveen asking for guidance and success (Religion + Half Moon + 2 dice. Roll equals 31. Success!); her words were as beautiful and meaningful as always, eliciting reaffirmation from the crowd and quiet cries of approval and devotion. If you remember hearing her lead the Three Fold Prayer in the temple before I left you have an idea of the stir her prayer brought to the caravan-- everyone seemed reinvigorated and uplifted.

Other priests within the square took their turns to lead the group in worship but none of them brought forth the devotion of the followers like Lady Marion. As the prayers came to a close, the young lion with the priests, Josh, was brought forth to engage everyone in the hymnal "Close to Midnight"-- one of my favorites (Religion + Half Moon + 2 dice. Roll equals 28. Success!); in his own way he was just as amazing as Lady Marion. I don't think I've ever heard a voice as beautiful, true. and pure. I think just about everyone in the square lifted their voices toward the heavens in praise of Tah'aveen, joining Josh in the hymn.

As the prayers began to wind down I caught sight of Liam making his way through the wagons, most likely looking for a good place to stow himself. After being told-off by Valda, Liam obviously thought better of trying to join the red squirrel in her wagon, and ended up returning to the one he had previously chosen. That worked well enough for me since Anor-Roc had reserved my spot in his wagon in my absence.

"You didn't take part in the prayers?" I asked him as I climbed back into the carriage.

"I have too much faith in the Moon Goddess to ruin a hymn by inserting my voice into it." he offered with a grin and a wink.

"How well you sing isn't important if you sing with your heart." I told him. I'm not usually so concerned about people taking part in prayer, but, I'll point out, we were about to journey forth into the Wild Lands and our faith in Tah'aveen is what would keep us safe... without that we'd be as good as dead.

"And, considering the amazing response from the congregation, my voice would have probably been drowned out anyway." he nodded, "Alright... next time the caravan stops for a hymn I'll join you in singing." he held up a carefully manicured paw, "You have my word." Something about the casual, well-meaning, genuine nature of the words made me smile.

"Thank you." I acknowledged, "It means a lot to me knowing that Tah'aveen is watching over us... it gives me hope."

Anor-Roc nodded thoughtfully as he gently tugged at one of the many small charms on his bracelet, "We all have something to help us in our time of need." he affirmed, eyes taking on a far-off gaze.

It was my turn to nod, and I let the conversation slowly drift off into a casual silence. I heard the sounds of the caravan making its final preparations as the congregation got back into position. With scarcely a half hour until our appointed time of departure I knew that there would be no turning back-- within two hours-- maybe three, I'd be able to continue with the task that Lord Dalton sent me to accomplish. I kept my eyes on Liam in the mean-time; he was busy ignoring Bahrla's calls to him. The minotaur woman stood beside his wagon, providing him specific orders I couldn't manage to hear over the noise of the preparations taking place all around me.

She must have repeated the request at least twice but the black fox continued to ignore her. After a third attempt, the minotaur woman gripped the wagon by its wheel and gave it a firm shake, jostling the fox around inside, "Alright, woman! ALRIGHT!" he finally confirmed, yelling loud enough that I could make the words out clearly. The moment she moved on, Liam lowered his ears and began looking around, apparently realizing just how much of a commotion he had made. I quickly focused my attention elsewhere so he wouldn't realize I was monitoring him.

The wagon behind mine had a good amount of disorderly conduct and it was as good a place as any to observe. Valda, the red squirrel with a gigantic attitude, was wielding it with both paws, lashing into the temple servants who were apparently very adamant about Lady Marion traveling with her. If the situation had been different and the option were feasible I would have gladly accepted the priestess into my own wagon but, truth be told, between the coy-wolf already with me and obligations to Lord Dalton still prominent in my mind I had no choice but to remain quiet-- something that the squirrel apparently lacked the ability to do.

Once the caravan was fully secured and the primary guards interspersed throughout the wagon train, the caravan leader and the wagon master sounded the whistle identifying the beginning of our journey. I heard Keeland Reilly's commands clearly above the noise near my wagon-- he was barking out orders to the guards nearest the front. Unlike many of the other guards in the caravan he was not riding in a wagon; he had his own mount.

As we traveled down the main street and approached the central gate I swallowed a knot in my throat. My heart was racing in anticipation, not just for the journey, and not just because I would have my first view of the Wild Lands, and not just because I was that much closer to my appointed task-- not until that whistle sounded did the significance of the journey finally begin to sink in; despite anything and everything else that was happening, I was in a caravan that was going to Zion.

I hope to keep adding to this journal as the journey continues. Hopefully sometime in the next few pages I will be able to write about my success in Lord Dalton's appointed task. I continue to pray for the well-being of the caravan and ask Tah'aveen to guide us. Next week is your birthday, Miri. I'm sorry I'll miss it.

All my love, Leijh

Myrh It Favors the Prepared

I was not surprised when the planning group disbursed and orders were given for the laborers to gather extra supplies. I'd heard enough stories about Captain Rakken to know that he rarely relied on good fortune or positive turn of events to get him through; more provisions and another supply wagon seemed to be something of a hallmark of his-- the lion was rarely unprepared. It made me smile to think about how much I knew of the caravan's leader. Even though I'd have to avoid him for awhile, knowing what to expect from him would get me a long way... assuming I was right, that is... and doing any assuming around Yearl Rakken was a dangerous prospect.

Most of the travelers took the opportunity to check their gear; it was mostly nerves, I'm sure-- everyone already spent the whole morning stowing their equipment so it seemed like a wasted effort. The black wolf sleeping across from me was wearing a well-polished amulet that provided a reasonable view out of the window and it rotated across the horizon with each of his measured breaths. It was a convenient alternative to looking out the window; the less I was seen the better... and, given long enough of living the right kind of life, there are certain tricks you learn.

I smiled to myself when I caught the occasional glimpse of Yearl and Anya speaking. What they were discussing, I don't know, but based on the lion's aura of command, it was obvious that he was acknowledging himself as the higher rank-- quite a challenge to a priestess of Myrh. Interestingly enough, the jackal didn't seem to care. I saw her nodding through most of their private meeting, which was a good sign in my opinion; let Captain Rakken keep her at heel. Upon the completion of whatever they were discussing, Yearl Rakken left my field of view and Anya proceeded back to one of the lead wagons. My monitoring of her ended there as the bearer of my 'looking glass' cleared his throat.

"Have we met?" he asked. The question implied that he knew I was staring. My focus went to his face, more than anything else, and a set of eyes that gave me pause for thought. At first glance, the wolf's eyes looked as pure black as his fur but, as we sat staring at one another, I saw that there were little hints of detail that identified them as normal eyes, tiny variations in the darkness there.

"You almost look like a demon." I answered, hoping to halt any chance of familiarity or introduction; I knew I hadn't met him before... I never forget a face.

"Wow... that's a nice thing to say." he huffed, hackles fluffing in indignation. He stuck his tongue out at me; it too was as black as his fur.

"You're younger than you look." I commented. His build and the casual slump of his unconsciousness hinted that he was still young, but his mannerisms once he awoke really gave away his youth. As he sat up, the belt he had on gave away even more, "Have you even passed your Five Trials?"

"Five Trials?" he questioned, "I thought those were only in Shra--" he cocked his head to the side, one ear falling as the other stood up, "How did you know I'm from Shrad?" he questioned.

"You give away more than you let on, young pup." I explained, and pulled the cowl of my cloak further over my face; he seemed harmless enough but I wasn't about to become too familiar to anyone-- it wasn't safe.

"I'm not that young... and I would have passed my Five Trials if I'd stayed." he countered indignantly. He remained quite for awhile, his eyes going back and forth between me and his books, then to the window, then back to me before he spoke up again, "My name's Beo... Beo Kyr."

"In Myrh we introduce clan name first." I answered, "So is your name Beo of Kyr, or Kyr of Beo?" I asked.

"My family name is Kyr... you can call me Beo. And you are....?"

"Secretive."

He laughed at my response, and opened his muzzle as if to say something, then thought better of it, "Alright... I get it." he relented, and focused his attention elsewhere. Resting his elbow on the arm rest of the bench he propped his muzzle up and began mumbling to himself, drawing faint runes in the air-- my earlier assessments had been correct... he was a magus of some sort. The thought concerned me at first, but I quickly dismissed any sense of worry-- he was young and inexperienced, and I'd had plenty of success in dealing with magi far greater than he.

"Oh!" he spoke up, apparently interested in starting a conversation again, "Did you hear that the Demon of Ashlai is part of the caravan?"

"Yes." I answered.

"I think the human who was announcing it was really scared..." I didn't miss his pup-like tail wag, "he was all white."

"A Moon Pelt human." I explained, "I saw him too."

"Really?" Beo asked, ears going up, "I've never seen a Moon Pelt human before... I didn't know they came that way."

"They do." I confirmed.

"Well he was the one talking about the Demon of Ashlai." Beo restated.

"And from the way he was proudly announcing it, I'm willing to bet that he was more interested in worrying people than giving them any sort of information." I pointed out.

"Why would he do something like that?" the black wolf asked.

"Because some people enjoy making others' squirm." I countered.

"Like you?" he challenged. It wasn't an insult, at least, it didn't look like that's how he meant it. His ears were up and curious... he just didn't realize that the comment might have been taken in a negative light.

"You should be more worried about Priests Fanewatcher." I changed the subject.

"She's a priestess of Tah'aveen... she's here to keep us safe." the magus noted... poor, poor naiive pup.

"Nevertheless..." I looked out at him from beneath my hood. Maybe it was the confidence in his gaze or maybe the innocent hopefulness on his muzzle, but I realized that I wouldn't be able to continue my argument, "nevertheless," I continued anew, "remember that we have two bearers of divine shields, and the traveling priest will be protecting us as well."

"He's a wolf, and I'm a Husky." Beo nodded, "We have a strong species bond... practically pack brothers and all that." he smiled, reinforcing the almost childish image I had of him in my mind. I'd heard wolves talk about their so-called species bond but, in my experience it didn't amount to much... and though I had thought Beo WAS a wolf, it was likely that a lupine wouldn't make the same mistake-- they'd still kill each other if they thought they could get further ahead. Then again, just about everyone would.

I put on a plaster smile, not that he could see it beneath my cowl-- I suppose it was for my own benefit, "Yea..." I explained, tugging the cloth down lower as I folded my arms, "You're a lucky one, that's for sure." His smile wasn't forced, and it wasn't long before Beo got back to studying his own glowing marks that he drew in the air as if it were on a chalk board. It was cute, in a way... much more pure than most of the magi I'd known in the past... but I could tell there was something more to the husky... with magi, there always is.

Shrad Looking Before You Leap

Majh, dismissed her two guards as she approached the gathering of the caravan leaders. She stopped just short of joining the circle and waited patiently while they continued their argument. It was obvious that everyone had a different idea about the best path to Zion and they were all perfectly happy to instruct the High Priest on what their particular advice would dictate.

"Your Eminence,, the direct route is and always has been the best way to reach where you're going." the wagon master explained, pointing to a large, tattered map that was laid out on a large folding workbench. "We can take the Shradian Highway south," the portly elephant traced the line on the map, "and we end up in Zion with Tah'aveen's blessing the entire way."

"Bad idea." a young voice spoke up. Majh couldn't see Nori Bahn due to the size (both vertical and horizontal) of most of the leaders in the circle, but she knew it was the ferret speaking.

"And why's that, young master Wild Lander? Too afraid of the Goddess' goodwill?" the wagon master scoffed.

"No," Nori countered, "I just like keeping my tail stuck squarely on my butt, and the Orgs that camp here," he pointed at a spot on the map, "would probably want to eat it."

"Your tail, or your rump?" questioned a finely dressed arctic fox. His comment spoke volumes of the carefully veiled contempt he had for the Wild Lander but, as with most denizens of Shrad who were from a high ranking family, he did a good job of not specifically coming out and saying it, but he did throw in for good measure, "Either way, it would seem like a waste of chewing... such a meager meal."

"I appreciate your interest in our guide's posterior, Mr. Kriabnish," Lord High Priest Tenge's rumbling voice called attention to the bear, "but I take his council at face value. What is the use of having a Wild Lander if we do not at least take his advice into consideration?"

"My father had a party last month where we invited a Wild Lander... but that, my Lord, was generally for the purpose of levity, and not advice... your Eminence,." the fox bowed in a courtly manner.

"We are not in your father's manor, Loric." the High Priest explained, "If anything, we are about to visit our guide's home."

"Of course." the fox bowed again, "then I shall be certain to wipe my feet."

"Good of you to join us, Lady Blackpaw." High Priest Tenge spoke up, cutting Loric off in his casual dismissal of the Wild Lander. By this time, Majh had stepped up to join the circle, inserting herself just behind Nori, across the circle from Gaerid. The close proximity made her fur gnarl, but she simply chose to ignore him, even when she felt him eying her, practically feeling them crawling over her like two amber-colored spiders.

"mm." she acknowledged casually, hoping that the rottweiler's attention would finally go elsewhere; few people could manage at their worst to give her the ill-feelings he was capable of with merely a glance.

"We were just discussing the best paths to consider for our journey." the polar bear continued, apparently quite aware of Majh's discomfort, "Would you care to add something?"

"Listening to one's congregation has always been a sign of strength for a divine leader." Majh offered calmly. Loric smiled at her words, and she continued, "And so has taking the advice of one well-suited to give it." she casually rested a paw on Nori Bahn's shoulder, "Of course, I would also say that only a fool takes the advice of one." and, with that, she left the circle, smiling to herself. She could feel the many eyes glancing at her as she left, knowing that both Loric and Nori were most likely confused as to whose side she was on; she felt comfortable with that.

"Guardsman Darkfang." she said quietly as she leaned against the closest wagon. A dark silhouette detached itself from the rest of the shadows. As the black-furred wolf emerged into the waning afternoon light, he pulled back his robe, casually resting his paws on the swords at his hips; the motion revealed the soft blue glow of the mystical striped fur that ran down either side of his body.

He bowed deeply, "Captain." he affirmed. Like most of the guardsmen, Shadow Darkfang referred to her by her military title; she was content to have it that way.

"You are loyal to our Lord High Priest, are you not?" she questioned him.

"To the death, Captain." he confirmed without hesitation.

"Why is that?" she asked him.

"Ma'am?" he paused, greenish-blue eyes glimmering with the knowledge of her question of which he feigned ignorance.

"You are a soldier, Shadow... subtlety of word does not become you." she explained, reaching out a paw to touch the side of his muzzle. Her thumb hooked underneath his chin and she gripped the end of his snout, carefully, almost gently moving his face first one way then the other, looking at the interlaced scars of the wounds he had suffered before he found his way to Shrad, "You are not even from this city, and yet you are willing to lay down your life for the Lord High Priest... I ask you again: why?"

"Duty, Captain." he responded without hesitation, "The same reason as you."

Majh slowly released his muzzle, a smile spreading across her own. She was unable to hold back her chuckle, and she didn't even try to stop her full-force laughter. "Good... very good, Shadow." she rested a paw on his shoulder as she leaned in and pressed her muzzle to his, then broke the kiss, pulling away from the startled shoulder "Tah'aveen blesses you just as she does the Lord High Priest-- he is given loyalty and you are given purpose." She walked off down the wagon train back toward her own carriage leaving the confused soldier behind, idly touching his lips with his fingers.

Majh climbed up into her carriage as she saw Shadow do the same. The white fox-head sticking out of the window made the hyena smile; it was obvious that Tolen had heard the discussion and undoubtedly had some questions for the wolf. Majh didn't mind stirring things up a bit; in her mind life needed some chaos... at least, the right kind of chaos... her kind of chaos.

The hyena looked across the distance where the heads of the caravan were finally breaking their circle. She saw the elephant wagon master rolling his map back up. Loric was already well on his way back to the wagon that was obviously his-- if the Kriabnish clan flag wasn't enough of a hint, the veritable army of servants and soldiers surrounding it certainly reinforced the image. Nori, the Wild Lander ferret went to join the rest of the guides and trail blazers at the front of the caravan; considering the spring in his step she was fairly confident that Armenius Tenge had taken his advice to heart.

Majh Blackpaw continued to smile even as the wagon train started its slow paced trip toward the town gates. There was still snow on the ground so the travel would be hampered further. She could feel it in her bones that the sky was far from clear and the next few days would likely bring even more of it, but she didn't mind-- she was finally on her way to Zion. Pulling her head back into her wagon, she greeted the journey simply, "Let the games begin."

* * * * * *

Welcome back to Zion: Light of the New Moon. What is posted here is the very first results scene based entirely on the votes provided by you, the readers!

This is the second part of Chapter 0 and provides everyone a view on the last activities undertaken by the caravans before leaving their respective cities. Many groups also have a mid-week deadline for their Event Arc bonus challenges and/or story events.

Champions of Bannihar, since you are now about to engage in combat I will require a Stance from each of you. Stance is given on a rating of 0-5 where 5 is full offense (as Elesin in the narrative above), 4 is aggressive (as Lord Raes), 3 is neutral (as Iskiy), 2 is conservative (as Kayte Delier), and 1 is reserved (as Alexander). A rating of 0 indicates that the character will NOT be taking part in combat (not even in a support role). Please bear in mind that these ratings will increase your Offense the higher your Stance number and increase your Defense the lower your Stance number (or, in the case of 0, have the character try to avoid combat altogether)-- the opposite sub-trait decreases conversely (Defense goes down if the number is high; Offense goes down if the number is low).

I will also require a Utilization number for those characters that have an 11 or higher in combined Magic + Sub-Trait or Faith + Sub-Trait. Like Stance, Utilization ranges from 0-5. Utilization is a numerical equivalent of how free your contributed character is with their magic and/or prayers-- a charater with a higher Utilization is more inclined to use their abilities often and more powerfully while a character that elects a lower Utilization is less likely to depend on them (Utilization of 0 will result in the character foregoing any such abilities). Bear in mind that the higher the level of Utilization the more likely a character is to suffer from fatigue. Characters with higher Attribute + Sub-Skill totals are able less likely to be affected by fatigue unless they use a higher score of Utilization.

Bannihar Contributing Readers have until Wednesday at midnight to declare their Stance and Utilization. For an example of how to declare Stance and Utilization, please view the actions taken by the Author-Contributed characters below.

Myrh has the chance to gain additional benefits from their Event Arc but they have to rely on their ability to gain support from readers somewhere out there! Readers from both Fur Affinity and So Furry are able to help by merely posting on this submission and showing support for Myrh with a "They're prepared!" statement somewhere on their comment. The catch, however, is that their supporters cannot be contributing readers on either site! The more support Myrh gets the more bonus Luck they will get-- at the moment they get +1.

Shrad's Event Arc will provide the contributing readers with a say in what heir next Event Arc will be. In addition, it also puts them on the spot with a Wednesday deadline, though in their case it is the first Reader Challenge of Zion. For this Event Arc, we will start simple to provide Shrad with an opportunity to get a say in the next TWO Event Arcs (instead of just one). Reader Challenges are specifically for the Contributing Readers of the group in question and will provide them an opportunity to use their own skills, perception, and intellect to help out their characters.

The Shrad Reader Challenge is fairly simple in this case: before midnight (PST) on Wednesday, May 25, I will need a Shrad Contributing Reader to post a link on this submission. The link is a specific Zion post that has a very specific error. The error is obvious and requires very little proof-reading; if you have to look hard for it then you probably haven't found the right one.

Of course, anybody could possibly scan past Zion posts for spelling or punctuation errors, but that's not what I'm looking for-- when I say OBVIOUS I mean that it is a purposeful oversight. You only get one chance to get the post right so make sure you know what I'm looking for. Now go get it!

Since this is not a "real" chapter, per se, no groups were charged a Luck point, but keep in mind that future chapters can and will cost a Luck for each group. Incidentally, Shrad won the bonus luck point for Chapter 0. Due to the Event Arc chosen for Myrh, they are awarded three bonus Favor! All characters in Doen's party receive a bonus +1 willpower.

The current breakdown of Group Favor and Luck are as follows: Bannihar has 5 Luck and 18 Favor. Doen has 5 Luck and 21 Favor. Myre has 5 Luck and 19 Favor. Myrh has 5 Luck and 24 Favor. Shrad has 6 Luck and 21 Favor.

Please note: no Luck vote this post.

The next set of Event Arcs are now votable again to contribute to the storyline for the various 5 groups. You may vote for which group gets what Event Arc but, if you are a contributing reader you may NOT place a vote for a group in which you have a character; you may only vote for other groups. The exception is the Shrad group, who, thanks to their prior Event Arc DO get to vote on what direction their path takes them. (Note: not all Event Arcs will be used)

1) This Isn't a Game Children in the Temple Cities grow up hearing stories of Zion and all of the wonders therein. Despite the fact that any number of the little ones might want to see the legendary city the fact of the matter is that the Wild Lands are too dangerous a place for them... so what happens when one such child won't take no for an answer? Complexity: 0 Success: + Willpower Failure: Nil Story Seeds: + Earth, + New Moon Modifier: Nil

2) A First Taste Most of the caravan has never been beyond the protective walls of their city. Now, finally out in the Wild Lands, it only makes sense that they will eventually come face-to-face with what it means to be a traveler. Complexity: 1 Success: +Willpower Failure: - Luck Story Seeds: ++ Wild Modifier: Nil

3) Sundered Haven Waysides have always been a place for travelers to seek safety while out in the Wild Lands, but even Waysides are occasionally overcome by the malevolence of the world outside the protection of the temple cities. Complexity: 1 Success: +Willpower, + Favor Failure: -1 Favor Story Seeds: +Earth, +New Moon Modifier: success at this Event Arc also allows the removal of all minor fatigue

4) Some Bite Back Within the temple cities plants are sources of food, decoration, and beauty... outside of the cities they can be just as dangerous as the beasts. Be careful what you try to taste because some plants bite back. Complexity: 1 Success: + Willpower, + Treasure Failure: - Luck Story Seeds: ++ Wild Modifier: nil

5) When the Going Gets Tough... The dangers of the Wild Lands don't always involve beasts or magics or flesh-eating plants... sometimes the landscape itself does a fine enough job causing problems. Complexity: 1 Success: + Willpower Failure: - Luck Story Seeds: ++ Earth Modifier: nil

6) Did You Hear That? Just because you managed to survive a day in the Wild Lands doesn't make you a veteran yet. What happens when the night watch hears a call for aid? Is someone in trouble or is it a ploy that'll assure the party soon will be? Complexity: 2 Success: + Willpower, + Favor Failure: - Willpower, - Luck Story Seeds: + Dawn, + Sun (x2 if successful) Modifier: a party that succeeds in this Event Arc will gain bonus story seeds

So now's your chance to vote for what Story Arc should go to which group. If you're not a contributing reader you have even more power-- make use of it! Votes must be posted before midnight (PST) on Friday, May 27th. Also remember that the contributions of Bannihar, Myrh, and Shrad are all due by midnight (PST) Wednesday, May 25th!