Wind Rider (Return of the Dragons 2)

Erik nodded. They are strong and wise beyond their years. I trust them to be a strong addition to your voyage.

Elias nodded, and Woltan too. I could see why: just a look at their auras and you could see how strong and pure they were, the one just like the other.

All those who approve their departure, please stand.

Erik stood and his people stood with him. But one girl was left sitting.

It was Ulrike.

All eyes turned to her.

I would be heard.

Erik nodded, and we all sat once again.

Just as I do not worry for my own life, I worry doubly for my cousins, and since there are two of them, perhaps four times more.

There was a ripple of amusement.

But I too approve their departure. They are strong, and we will be stronger yet together.

Erik nodded once again. I risk now my daughter and my twin nephews. But there is much to gain. And more is at risk than their lives. Let all now stand who approve their entry into your group.

We stood.

Erik smiled once more. There then, are our three. We wish you swift success in your quest.

There was a long pause, and I thought that was it, that there would be no one else in our party. But then someone stood. He was tall, broad shouldered, bigger than anyone else in the room. There was something strange about him. Not just his height, but his features — they seemed rougher, somehow. I opened my third eye. I could barely look at the man now — his aura was so bright, and pure yellow, like a flame, like a sun. There was some pride there, but mostly strength, and intelligence, and good will.

Elias met my gaze as I turned away. He is part giant, I think. I have never seen a real giant, but I think they must look like him, only around twice as big. Look at his aura!

Woltan looked at me too. We need him. He is incredibly strong.

I thought nothing back. I just looked at the man’s face. And found the man smiling back at me, and I couldn’t help it — I smiled too.

My name is Hans Arboris, and I do not belong here among you folk. When I was but a baby, you adopted me. No one approved of my parent’s union when they were alive; not the tree folk, nor the tree giants; but you took me in after they were killed, and this has been a good home to me. I have felt love here, and my heart which should have been a cauldron of hate and malice towards the dark lord has grown up to be good and pure. I thank you all for this. I seek vengeance, but it is not only personal — my strength is needed. I would help this group meet their friends, and help them defend themselves against the dark lord.

Erik nodded. I feared Hans would want to go. He is strong and good of heart. If he goes his absence will be missed. Please stand to approve his parting.

The tree people stood as one around their adopted son, who towered above them, even stooped as he was to not hit the ceiling.

Let the visitors stand if they will have him in their party.

We stood again. Our party had almost doubled in number. But perhaps we had more than doubled in strength. Having four more people who could fight and were nearly invisible filled me with a sense of hope, something I had lost out on the trail under the storm clouds the dark lord had sent to harass us.

Anyone have anymore surprises?

There was a short pause.

Then we will quickly provision these men and women with food and weapons, and give them of our clothes. And then we will say farewell.

I stood up. There is something I must do.

Everyone turned to stare at me.

Elias was looking at me quizzically. Anders, what are you playing at?

VI