Chapter 2

The air on the coast of Nynrah was thick with fog, and visibility was low. A small convoy was marching quietly along the coast, under the cover of darkness.

The head of the convoy watched the fog closely, his face fixed in concentration. Time was of the essence. If he managed to reach the Brotherhood stronghold two islands north, he would be paid double the agreed rate. But if he failed to deliver on his mission then his very life would be taken. Yet it was neither the threat on his life nor the handsome reward that spurred him. The treasure he carried terrified him, and the sooner it was out of his hands the better.

He glanced to the left. Through the fog, he could vaguely see the ruins of an abandoned garrison. Despite its dilapidated exterior, it was still highly defensible. He had even considered camping there for the night but rejected the idea. He could still squeeze two hours more of marching out. If he kept going, he would be well ahead of schedule.

The leader stopped abruptly. He held up his hand, and the convoy stopped.

Something was wrong.

The earth trembled and shook, even as the air grew thick and noxious. The leader reeled, but managed to send a signal. Dozens of Rhotuka spinners flew from the defenders of the convoy into the darkness of the fog.

Nothing. No shout of pain. No bellows or grunts. Nothing.

Then--a staff swept from the darkness, striking the leader and weakening him. Hordika dragons snarled and ran out of the fog, and the convoy’s exhausted protectors struggled to hold them off. Within minutes it was over.

The Dark Hunter, Seeker, lifted the weakened convoy leader and dragged him to the center of the convoy. Spinner had already reached the center and found the case that the warriors had given their lives to protect.

“Is that it?” grunted Seeker. “Try it.”

“No!” the leader gasped. “You don’t know what that is! You can’t--”

Spinner cracked open the case and pulled out a large golden crystal.

“Put it on the ground,” Seeker said.

The leader broke free of Seeker’s grip and shot forward. “No!” he shouted. Seeker brought his staff down, cracking it hard on his head. The leader fell to the ground.

Spinner’s eyes narrowed as he lowered the crystal to the earth. Within moments, the night air was filled with the chilling sound of Visorak screeches -- those few wild ones scattered across the island.

Spinner looked up. “We’ve got it.”