The Challengers

Elsewhere

Melandra Avalloc sat by the fire as the sound of thunder echoed across the sky and land. The clouds turned dark. She lifted her head up and saw the three approaching her camp.

She was surprised the girls were escorted by the boy, Toman. Part of her wanted it to be the assassin, so she could vex him some more. She shrugged. Maybe there would be one last opportunity for her to spit in his eye.

One of girls was only a child with features like Oshar, the other, older sported a full head of red hair. She had never met her but had seen her around the Keep after that awful business with the Cult of Slivikhi.

When the three were in hear shot, Melandra stood up.

She was dressed in her usual flamboyant garb of reds and purples, with two slender swords at her hip. Her wild mane of dark hair escaping from her attempts of stuffing it beneath her elaborate plumed hat. Her earrings, chains and jewels sported sparkled in the light of herow fire.

She looked at the three. No point in wasting time. What was coming next was not going to be pretty, she thought looking mainly at the small child. There was a time for flair and for the dramatic and there was a time for getting straight to the point.

"A leader must have skill if they wish to survive the coming storm of war." A sword and a dagger appeared in Melnadra's gloved hands and she threw them at the feet of Madaya and Islana.

The two looked at the weapons and each other unsure what was coming next.

Before they could move the sound of laughter came from behind them and Toman moved to stand next to Melandra.

Approaching were two men Islana recognised, whom she loathed and feared in equal measures. Holding wicked curved red stained came Alcuin and Stram.