Submitted: 24 August 2000

Return of a Lost Mage

by The Keeper

Baresh, thinking he is being addressed replies "you did ask for a pint of ale, right?"

The young man nods and says he did not mean the drink but to something he had witnessed. Baresh raises his eyebrow and can't help himself, he asks "well, what did you see son?"

Taking a sip of his drink he tells his tale.

"I had set camp outside the marsh tonight, clear of any visible danger, or so I thought. I had taken my armor off and placed it and my weapon in my backpack. As I was nodding and yawning laying down ready to go to sleep i heard a noise. I lift my head to see four faenrae reavers come out of the darkness and surround me! I jump up fast and reach for my backpack...but it was not there. I look around and I see my backpack...behind one of the faenrae reavers. I try to find a way to escape but they block my path in every direction...they come closer...I see their glowing green eyes and withered gray flesh, they show me their fangs and claws...my death was certain, their victory assured without any way to defend myself.

I stood there just waiting for their deadly strike, and then I hear a raspy voice from the within the darkness "Excuse me, do any of you have a berry tart?"

The faenrae reavers turned looking for the possible opponent, I tried to reach for my backpack but I was blocked and then I saw a claw come down upon me, I closed my eyes hoping my death be quick and painless.

The strike never came, instead I heard a series of what had to be spells flying all around me, screams, explotions and things breaking. I could smell burned wood and flesh near me, and within seconds there was silence. I slowly opened my eyes and saw all the faenrae reavers dead...ripped apart and burned almost beyond recognition, some trees were black, one tree split in half and even a few small bushes were on fire.

I heard the voice again "Sheesh, we can't have a forest fire now can we kid?" and saw water appear out of nowhere and the fire was extinguished. I stood and tried to look as respectable as I could in my underwear. I looked for my backpack but it was gone. "You looking for this?", he stepped into the campfire's light out from behind one of the trees and threw my backpack to me. I barely caught it and then opened promptly to get my armor and weapons out, I wanted to get dressed and go straight to Riverhaven. "May Meraud's light shine upon you" he said, I stopped and looked up to thank the stranger, all I saw was his hooded robe and his hand waving as he was walking back into the darkness. I wanted to know who had saved my life so I asked him as he was walking away, his answer was most surprising, he said...'Wyndguard, and you're welcome'."

Baresh's eyebrows raise in surpise. "Are you sure he said that? Maybe you dreamed this son, you're talking about a man who has been missing for over a decade, there are still stories of his dissapearance"

"I know sir, I've heard some of the tales when I joined the Warrior Mage Guild not long ago. I thought them tall tales and...well...I thought they were a creation of a drunken bard, nothing solid, nothing I could learn from. Yet the description of the tales and the man who saved me are close enough...gods, I can't believe it...well, I can, well, you know what I mean."

Baresh nodded understanding the young man's confusion mixed with disbelief. "The ale is on the house, thank you".

"Uh...thank you for what?, I just told you what happened to me, I can afford the drink."

"I know son, but your tale brings me a bit more hope into my heart, if the man you saw is the man I knew you have no idea what it will mean to some old adventurers I know. A lost friend, found. Now drink and relax, you're safe here."

Smiling the young fellow takes a sip of his ale and begins reflecting on the barkeep's words.