Zelis

Zelis picked up the raw chunk of boar meat and slapped it down on the oval tin

plate. Using his small knife, he began to carve the still warm flesh into bite size

pieces. He was mindlessly thinking to himself that it had been quite some time

since he had last used a tether of any sort to control his now trained, prized raptor,

Triceptaplot.

As the hunter tossed a bloody hunk towards the beast he noticed what at first appeared to be a large firefly, hovering ever so lightly next to his pet.

Curious, Zelis moved in to get a closer look.

Spore bats were common in Zangarmarsh; however, tiny spore bats were kept only by inhabitants of Sporeggar, and those who came to know those inhabitants as their own. Those select few, who kept these small creatures outside of Zangarmarsh, were rare indeed. This animal was different, it bore a brand upon it’s back, an unmistakable letter “T” with curls and flourish, identifying it’s master as none other than Tazeria.

Zelis slowly stretched a stubby, right index finger out toward the creature as an invitation for the little bat to perch upon, all the while pondering that something didn’t feel quite right about this encounter. The animal accepted the offer quickly, as if tired of flitting about and in need of rest.

The smell came slowly at first to this hunter, and in surprise, the familiar putrid odor emitted from the little bat brought horror-shock to Zelis.

There was only one place in this land where that smell was present…gut tingling, he realized this tiny bat had been inside the depths of The Black Temple. He knew then, beyond doubt, that Tazeria must be within the Temple and separated from this pet only by force.

Realization dawning, Zelis stood quickly, grabbed his knapsack and the rolled up map from the small table inside the tent and quickly exited toward the four figures circling the campfire outside.

“Odage!” he addressed the rogue authoritatively, handing the map to him, “Take Azzarakk, Pounders and Frigne. Tazeria is in trouble. I know not who else may be with her. Fly to The Black Temple, I will meet you there. Stop for nothing along the way, we have no time to spare.”

With that, Zelis turned and emitted a low whistle from a curled tongue behind rounded lips. A large buffskin colored Ram, saddled and bridled with fine basilisk leather tack, appeared from behind a low hanging, willow type tree. To the left of the ram, a large black hound, Sheba, and to the right of the ram, a solid white, unusually large lynx, Cassana; and to the rear of this trio, the ground shook with thunder as Triceptaplpot joined the group.

The four Horde watched Zelis depart, hidden behind the low branches of the wispy tree.

Virtuous grinned at Phoebus.