Chapter Eight, 'The sprites of Sickle Ear lake'

"Of course we'll let you in traveller. Our inn is welcome to all who pass through these lands, Fireblood or Ga-Vok makes no difference to us."

Alicea found the welcome suspicious. It was one thing to have a town greet you cautiously, especially considering the penalties if they were reported for doing so. The Sickle Ear clan, however, seemed to have no concern for the edicts of the Alpha. That alone indicated to her that they were either criminals already, planning something, or needed something; possibly all of them. Hospitality was not a Ga-Vok custom, as a rule the race was not prone to warming up to newcomers over even a single visit. Perhaps after several months they would acknowledge you as an ally, but it was rare that they would simply invite a stranger with open arms.

"On second thought, I don't think I should stay here. It's too risky."
"It is indeed traveller. The warlock's raiders prey upon those wandering alone such as yourself."
"I sympathize with your struggles, but a few raiders are hardly my problem."
"Then you think you could defeat him? It is impossible, none of us are able to defeat him."
"Maybe you should look to the other towns for aid, has your shaman consulted the spirits about the warlock?"
"The warlock was our shaman. Traveller, if you are strong enough you need not fear him surely you can defeat him. We will reward you greatly."

Of course, It was a fairly large town. If enough of them had read they may have gotten the idea into their heads that every wandering traveller was looking for a villain to slay, a fortune to obtain, and a quest upon which to embark. The fact that She more or less was that sort of traveller made her feel disappointed to reply as she did.

"No."
"No? But we need you traveller. Our hunt is fruitless, our people starve, and those who do not perish in his raids. Would you turn down a begging village?"
"Yes. If you have not taken the steps to accomplish the task as a clan; consulting the spirits, beseeching the powers that be, and seeking aid from your neighbors. How can my aid truly help your clan? You must learn to defend yourselves, if you truly need help than help yourselves."
"Then we have no need of you fireblood. Get out of our town before we arrest you and turn you over to the Alpha's men."

Alicea shook the dirt from her boots and walked out of the town. She made it nearly a mile up the road before she noticed a distant plea for help. She made her way into the forest and was met by a band of nymphs surrounding a weak dryad.
"What happened?"
"She vanished. Endiel sensed that there was a magic-wielder nearby who could help her. When we went to the road to lead her back we found Svalia here collapsed in the forest. Quickly, We'll take you to Endiel; she'll know what to do."

To be continued...