Dolen turned to the sounds of shouts to see the nobleman's bodyguards charging towards the scene. Call's were being shouted to the town guards and an alarm seemed to rise from everywhere. There was no time, he could slip into the jungle and perhaps recall away, but only if he moved now.

A hand grabbed his arm and he turned to see the terrified face of the noble he had attacked. The poison had no doubt been delivered for the man's face contorted in a look of agony. Dolen moved to pull away as the man's other hand reached out and grabbed a handful of his hair. The guards would be on him within a few moments. Dolen kicked out hard with one boot into the man's chest and pulled them apart. He could feel the tear of hair separating from his head.

Just as he turned to run he caught sight of the black skullcap he had been wearing lying on the ground. No time to fetch it now he thought as he ran as hard as he could into the thick trees of the islands jungle terrain. Once under cover of the jungle he opened his runebook and preyed that his brief study into the arts of magic would pay off.

An arrow landed with a hard thunk into the tree beside him as he incanted the final word to his spell. The air around him shimmered blue and crackled with energy, then he was home.

He leaned heavily on the door of the small tower. The feel of cool metal against his sweat coated face did little to refresh him. He had been growing progressively weaker over the past couple days. If the nobleman's bodyguards managed to cure the poison before it finished its work, he doubted he would find the strength to make another attempt.

He opened the door to his tower and slipped inside, closing it quietly behind him. Then the surge came. Energy seemed to suddenly pour into him and fill him as an empty cup might be filled with water. He gasped at the sensation and fell hard to his knees on the fur covered floor. His head swam for a moment longer before he was able to rise to his feet again. He composed himself another moment and slipped silently up the steps.

She hadn't heard him. She was resting quietly still in the bed they shared. He looked at her for a long moment before he felt the first tears begin to well up in his eyes. Quietly he made his way to the roof.

He lay himself down on his back on the cold stone and looked up at the stars above him. He had a better understanding these days of what was happening to him, but was no closer to solving his dilemma. He did know that he couldn't stand to be a slave to this curse for much longer.

He made his decision then. He wasn't certain if they would believe him, or if they would even be able to help much if they did. He would worry about that when the time came. He gathered the remainder of his pride and set it aside, swallowing hard. He would go to the elven council...and ask them for help.

I have been told of your recent “predicament”, and I believe that I believe that a meeting would be mutually beneficial. I live not far from the glade that you call home. Just travel west a ways, and you will find the crypts — I have no doubt you are familiar with them. Make your way there this evening, and I will find you.

With fortune on our side, we may find a solution for you yet.

Regards,
~Trenton~

Indeed I know who you are and where you reside. I accept your offer of a meeting. I will not, however, go to the crypts. You may meet me this evening if you desire at my tower. If that is unacceptable then I suggest a neutral site.

I await your reply.

Dolenamo

A neutral site is not necessary. We have nothing to fear from one another. As an act of good faith and good will, I will meet you at your tower this eve.

May the day bring you good fortune.

Signed,
~Trenton~