Waiting in the snow

Balar was glad of the break. Having no magical ability he saw only black stone rising from the snow. He stared at it for a time wondering at its origin but at last settled down to a meal from his rations and swig of mountain water.

The past few days had been bizarre in the extreme, even by his standards. The group had almost doubled in size. Tiella sat next to him and places a hand on his shoulder. She looked concerned. Unlike him she did have a head for things magical and the import of the black spire was troubling her.

"What do you make of it?" he asked at last and she shrugged,

"I can sense its power like the others," she offered, "but little more. It is... dark."

"There are many shades of darkness." he mused and she smiled grimly. "Some are like the shadow of moonlight on a summer glade." he indicated Luna as he spoke and then their newfound companion Caligari as he continued, "and some are as black as murder at midnight."

"Things are happening so fast." Tiella looked over at the strange woman and shook her head, "She came out of nowhere and aided us, she seems to know of us and..."

"Why are we trusting her?" Balar asked.

"Because the alternative is to end up like Majvoc." she replied, "trusting no one and walking alone through the darkness."

"She dabbles in necromancy and appears half mad." Balar threw up his hands, "I suppose I had better talk to her, we can not take too many chances."

And with that Balar rose and made his way over to where Caligari stood. She turned to look at him as he approach and his stepped faltered. Gods she was terrifying...

"I.... we were wondering why it is you journey with us. Why you sought us out, you speak of visions or prophecy but we have had no such visions concerning you." he faltered briefly not sure whether to press on or not...

Tiella came to stand by his side as he spoke, "He does not mean to insult you... we just need to be sure of your intent, and you of ours."

***

Majvoc crouched in the thicket watching the pair approach. Gods, another new face, and riding a bloody giant wolf. He thought the north lands were supposed to be deserted! Silently he waited as they came closer. He would let them pass and follow on behind.