A sharp pain awoke Hemon to a darkness of which he knew not where he was. It seemed to loom on forever too, winding down whatever area he was in. The smell of earth however told him he was lying on the ground. Or at least should be.

"Wake up runt." A rough voice grunted, shoving his toes into his side. Making the young wizard groan. No one else ever called him by that name, so it was someone he was unacquainted with.

"Good, you're alive." It mumbled, speaking again.

"Where am I?" He weakly questioned in return, eyes still closed.

The voice chuckled. "If you opened yer eyes you'd know." It told him.

Hemon did as he was asked, squinting to see past the darkness. And his eyes did not fail him. "Why on the great goddess am I here!?" He exclaimed.

Whoever it was that held him chuckled. A low, echoing chuckle that echoed throughout the cavern. "You'll see," It responded. "Have patience little wizard. And in time you'll know."

Then it laughed again, disappearing into the chasm below...

****
                 {Back at the inn in Delnaro .....

"Nonsense, that is impossible!" Cirden retorted in disbelief. Not wanting to believe the news. "You lie."

The messenger shook his head, still trying to catch his breath. "This is no falsehood, I can indeed insure you that I am sent by the King. I only wish they were lies."

"You have proof then?" Elam questioned. Getting up.

The man nodded in reply . "I bare his seal." He proclaimed, holding out a rather odd amulet with runes upon it.

The crowd around them gave a gasp.

"Then it is true "..  Cirden said slowly.

"Yes, sadly so. " The messenger calmly replied, though his voice shook just slightly as he tried to balance the emotions in it. "You are both requested by the King to show your presence at Castle Domaan. There, he will give you further instructions."

The Elf's head shook in agreement. "We will leave once you have rested. "

"Thank you, do you mind if I sit?" The man asked .

"Not at all." Cirden replied, gesturing to the table which Elam was already sitting. The two sat down and ordered a meal , as well as two beers. They would need it before their long journey started..

                                      *****

   {Five Thousand miles away from Delnaro...

A man draped in a pitch black cloak stood upon a balcony. The hood well covering his face.

"You will soon learn to rue the day, Delnaro." He murmured, an evil glint in his eyes as he spoke to no one but himself. "And beware wizards, beware. For I will soon be your downfall "....

                                        *****

A/N:
How'd you all like the new chapter? :)