image of a little girl thief

The Thief

Back where the soldier began his journey, the streets of Calarium are choked with the dust from passing horses and carts. A small child weaves through a crowd of merchants and soft skinned gentry. Spotting her mark, she approaches confidently. With practiced ease she feigns a trip and bumps into the unsuspecting gem cutter. With an apology she pushes away from the man, but not empty handed. The concealed blade in one hand has liberated a purse of its strings. Stepping casually away from the crowd she slips into a darkened alleyway to assess her work. Only five gold coins. Not bad, but not enough to get her to Ku'Than. That will have to wait, for now.

image of a young witch with a fairy in a bottle

The Witchling

A three week journey away the beggar's sister stifles in the humidity of Ku'Than's forested canopy. Insects constantly gnaw at her ankles and the sweat stings her eyes. Her companion, a small white owl, hoots impatiently. She bends down to retrieve the bottle that is the focus of her task. Inside, a tiny winged creature flutters and bashes the glass in frustration, its lips mouthing silent curses. The Witchling wonders what will become of the fairy; her mistress and mentor is oft cruel. "I won't be like that when I'm a full witch", she tells herself.

The Warlord

A lone adventurer steps off the longboat that has taken him to the necropolis of Dargav. The aging jetty creaks underfoot and the forest seems to mimic the sound. A crow lands on a nearby branch to judge the visitor. It caws, perhaps in approval? Clutching the urn he has brought here, the warrior takes a deep breath and steps forward. This place is hallowed so he must tread carefully.