The search for Tariq

I again stood in the place where my town had once been. I could still almost smell the burning. Here and there I could see the last of the sun light glinting off pieces of glass, masses of sand that had been fused by the intensity of the weapon used by the spires. I had first come here to look for my friend, Tariq. Speaking with my old friend the fletcher, however, told me that many had fled before the actual battle had taken place. She did say, however, that a few had stayed behind to try and ward off any attack that might come. She did not know if Tariq was among them. And so, I had set out from the husk of Tufa, and set off to find some answers. I went south, to Qalaba'r.

Getting into Hamund's chambers hadn't been easy, but the loss I had sustained feed my rage, allowing me to overcome the few shadows in the outer rooms. Hamund had been sitting, almost carelessly, at his desk when I had entered. He looked up slowly, and regarded me with disinterest.

"I seek information, foul Shadow," I stated.

"Leave this place...before I become angry..." the thing that had been Hamund hissed at me.

I strode over to his desk and overturned it, knocking the shadow to the ground. I quickly drew an arrow, knocked it, and aimed directly into the things red eyes.

"Do not test me," I growled.

Hamund smiled up at me. "What information...do you seek, mortal?"

"My friend was at the battle of Tufa. I wish to know what happened."

"Battle? As I understand it....it was a killing. But, if you must know.... The spires moved in...and destroyed the town..."

"Were there any survivors," I asked.

"A few were taken...but many were simply...eliminated..."

My hope was dashed, as I stood astride the grinning shadow. I let loose the arrow, piercing Hamund's grin. He screeched, and I fled his accursed halls, returning again to the light.

And so, I had returned here, to my town. I looked out at the horizon, as day turned into night. I could almost see Tariq standing in town, after all the others had fled. His spear gripped tightly, a look of defiance in his eyes, ready for battle. A small tear slipped down my cheek. I had know that I had made the right choice, in making Tariq Captain of this place. He had defended it to the end. But, perhaps he was still out there.

I hope to call upon Bael'Zharon, and take revenge for what he has done to my town.

I hope my friend will be there when I do.

I hope to see him again one day, and to shake his hand.

I hope...