A Story, add your line

[WizardofOwls]

After playing with the dog for a few minutes, Ashleigh got up and looked seriously at Killian. "I had a dream last night and it reminded me that I am supposed to be learning the old ways. Can you teach me some as we travel?"

[ghost]

Killian had a few reservations about the lad and with good reason, he had not really proven his mettle, and their situation would only become more perilous. Still he could not fault Ashleigh, he had a good soul. "Aye, the time has come for a lesson boy. But first we go see a friend!"

[WizardofOwls]

Ashleigh was eager to be on the road again. The time he had spent in Killian's company, though frought with danger, had been some of the best of his young life. Having never known his father, it was nie fo have an older man in his life that he could look up to. Soon, though, they would have to start looking for the shroud. And he could not have asked for a better travelling companion.

[ghost]

They set a fast pace along the winding dusty path. The air was sweet and the countryside graced them with an open landscape dotted with wild flowers of many hues and accompanied by the sound of a brook nearby. Schultz who had been running about chasing anything that moved was the first to find it and did not waste time in announcing its presence the only way he could. He howled.

[stoirmeil]

"Killian," said Ashleigh, smiling at the dog's exuberance, then becoming sober. "Teach me. I know it's not chance that brought me to you."

The older man regarded him for a long moment. "So," he said at length. "As you wish."

[WizardofOwls]

After a quick lunch, Killian took a couple of hours to start showing Ashleigh some of the various types of herbs that grew near the brook, and to teach him their uses. Ashleigh, who had an excellent memory began memorizing all of the information, and vowed to buy a blank book in which to record it.

[stoirmeil]

Though he did not remember ever paying any mind to herbs and grasses before, he discovered that there was something in the shape of their leaves and the smell of them lingering on his hands that seemed familiar.

[ghost]

Killian noted the slight gleam of recognition in Asleigh's face and his heart quickened, he thought, "Maybe the lad has a chance afterall." He quickened the pace a little. "Kalen will know what to do."

[ghost]

They followed the winding dusty path as mile after mile dissolved under their seemingly tireless feet. They fell into a comfortable silence.

[WizardofOwls]

Killian was greatly anticipating seeing his sister Kalen again. It had been a long time since he had last seen her. Perhaps, he thought, since she is a seer, she might be able to help them locate Ashleigh's mother's shroud.

[ghost]

Schultz who has disappeared for some time, joined the fold. Ashleigh noted that the trail ahead curved around a large hillock and was becoming narrow and less travelled, tufts of wild grass covered it.

[ghost]

Now they were forced to walk in single file and after just a few paces, with a low growl Schultz stood in a defensive stance with lowered head and hackles raised.

[ghost]

A mist seemed to rise from the ground and slowly encircle them until they were surrounded.

[Eiric]

From the grey mist an overearthly voice said; "So the ancient ones have gathered again" then showing a body dressed in a black mantle made of stormy weather and an old, forgotten spell.

[ghost]

A faint piercing noise like a high pitched whistle occurred in their midst and without warning a bright light filled the glen.