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Gale huffed for a moment from the kick. Even for an elf, Gale felt it more than usual, as it was unexpected.
King Jonnathan? You've come out of your way for him.. The wind again spoke as Gale drew his own dagger and crossed blades with Teremis, matching him stroke for stroke. He pulled his hand back quickly and a blast of wind blew from behind Teremis meant to knock his feet out from under him. The likes of me? Either you are arrogant or you don't really know who you're dealing with. I won't allow you to take Zakk. So either you leave, or I shall be forced to deal with you more harshly. He threatened.

Teremis laughed mercilessly "Oh please try my friend..I hold no grudge against you, but oh how my status would heighten if I were to Kill the legendary Northern Wind!"

He rushed in again only to have Gale parry his every move. He lunged in to slash Gale across the chest, which Gale parried with the slightest flick of his wrist. While lunging back out from Gales defensive Slash, Teremis does a back flip. Throwing his dagger to the ground in midflight he draws both Longswords and brings them across landing on his right knee with both blades outward.

He lunges foward intending to decapitate Gale. He brings up his daggers and sweeps them across across intending to knock the Longswords from Teremis grap. The blades errupt into flames as the assassin calls forth for his magic. He sweeps the dagger across singing Gales hair. Teremis jumps back.

"Supprised my friend....supprised that I call forth flames as Zakk does.....it seem that Zakk and I share the same fighting style does it not?.....that is ......becuase he was my mentor!"

Teremis eyes glare wickedly"I have come here to kill him....NOW MOVE.....or you will die by the stroke of my Blade!"

Gale spoke to Teremis for the first time. Well, if he was your mentor than I warn you, I have fought him. And if you do not see it fit to leave him be, then I will have to start taking this seriously. I was hoping that I wouldn't be forced to hurt anyone. His last sentence as more of an inward statement than anything else.
Gale snapped his fingers. A large wind picked up and threw sand and dust into the air. It continued to fill the sky until visibility was virtually zero. Now... keep on your toes... and maybe I might let you live.
As Teremis looked around. Gale hit him in the chest as a warning. With no visibility, this was turning out to be more than the assassin was prepared for.

Teremis took the stinging hit. Of cousre Gale was going to use his wind ....after all he was a true coward...he had to hide behind his wind...he would never be able to strike with a dagger as Teremis could.

"Come out from behind your pathectic wind...fight me with blades...I wont use my magic...that is a promise."

"You are a coward....Gale The Northern Wind!"

The wind stopped instantly and seemed to suck all the sand from the air back down to the ground as he blew outward for a split-second. Gale stood a few yards away from Teremis. No magic eh? You don't think I can keep up with your fancy dagger? You wish to test the true speed of a Tyrael? Very well. I will not use my special brand of magic either. Here I COME! He shouted as he charged at Teremis. He quickly produced two daggers and began his merciless barrage of blades. He was ready for counters, and he would see them coming from the millisecond they started moving. Gale struck swiftly but even if the elf had not been able to keep up with Gale's attack, he would have only pushed him as fast as he could go. Tyrael were naturally faster than elves, so Gale expected he wouldn't keep up at full speed, but Gale's aim was to tire him out. Gale had sworn not to kill anyone. And he intended to keep to it.

Gale did exactly what Teremis wanted.....As the tyrael rushed him he dived foward and under the barrage of daggers.

Teremis grabbed his posioned dagger while in the dive. A dive that brought him next to Zakk!

He brought the dagger across slashing Zakk across the chest. Drawing a line of blood. He never stopped though... he completed the roll and ran off into the desert...seeming to run into a tunnel......a bright tunnel...magical perhaps.

"You have 4 hours till that slash kills him...find a way to save him and we shall meet again!" he called out as he ran into the tunnel.

Gale suppressed his desire to swear. He should have seen it coming. He ran over to Zakk. Dang it all... now what? Zakk was unconcious so it wouldn't do well to try and have him eat an herb to slow the poison, but he instead rubbed it into the wound hoping it would have a slight affect. He then removed the arrow from his stomach.

Gale paused for a moment. He had been practicing his healing magic. It seemed that every time someone needed it, he was the only one there, and he couldn't use it at all. Gale's hand glowed as he whispered a bit. The light passed from his hand to Zakk's wound as it started to heal. But Gale still wasn't a master healer so it didn't heal all the way. Gale reached into his pouch and found an herb that rejuvenates energy so that he would sooner be able to transport Zakk to a place for treatment. Hold on Zakk.

It only took a matter of seconds to travel the hundreds of miles from the Desert to the Mountain Cave where Teremis now sat. Of course all this was possible with the help of the Mage's Magical tunnel.

Teremis Looked about the Magical Cave. Scattered about were rolls of parchment(that no doubt contained ancient arcane magic), various jars that containted animal limbs,herbs and types of powder.

Teremis sighed and leaned heavily back into his chair." I can't beleive I almost killed my former mentor Zakk Killvah, it seemed so surreal. but it had to be done.....we had to test them.....see if they were truly worthy companions."

A door creaked open, Teremis turned his head to regard the man standing before the door. The man was bare chested, the only thing that lay on his chest was a tattoo shaped like a Flaming Skull...which represented his immunity to Fire. His face was pale, his head was completely bare of hair except for a Black Goatee that looked oddly out of place next to his Pale head. He wore black leggings,made up of some unknown material. The Mage spoke...his voice booming

"Did you posion the Corrup?"

"I did as you desired"Teremis swiftly added.

"Good....then we must wait....3 and a half more hours by my count......If The Northern Wind lets the Corrupt perish......then we know that they are not the ones that will help vanquish the leviathon that has laid wate to all the villages this side of the country.

The mage looked to Teremis..."Pray to whatever god you worship Teremis.... for the towns need them.....If Corrupt does not make it....then all is lost....and everything you hold dear will perish"

Having taken a short breather, Gale was ready to blast back to town. He heaved Zakk up onto his shoulder, which would have been easier if not for the Tyrael's natural lack of physical strength. The wind built up for a moment until, in a quick explosive blast of air, they were hurtled skyward. Gale went around where the rock giants where, they wouldn't catch him now. The wind was blowing as quickly as Gale could muster, and they reached a nearby village in very little time, all things considered. On the way Gale pondered the strange man. That doesn't make sense, if his goal was to kill Zakk, he wouldn't have just scraped him with the tip of his dagger. There was a hidden motive for doing this... he thought.

As Gale arrived in town he quickly took Zakk to the local doctor. Gale knew this wouldn't do anything for him as it was most likely a rare toxin. Fortunately all of Gale's years as an assassin for hire left him with a vast knowledge of such things. Gale could only think of one poison that had a four hour delay. Gale hurried out of the hospital. He had to find the antidote quickly, but he knew where to look for the ingredients. Gathering various herbs and weeds from the market and in other areas he knew he would have time to reach, he returned to the doctor hoping that he could deliver his cure-all. Even with his skill with enhancing the healing abilities of the herbs he gathered, he was still worried that it was a different toxin, but it was the only one he could think of.

Zakk awoke with a stir.....he felt confused and quite delirious. The room around him swirled as if it was located on the ocean. He felt very sick all of a sudden. Closing his eyes he tried to remember what had all transpired since he was cut down by a well shot arrow.

He remembered Gale.......Gale!....what had become of him.....speaking of that where by the three was he?

He slowly opened his eyes, the colors of the room rushed about his head once more. He quickly shut his eyes.....afraid of what would happen if he kept them open.

He slowy focused his thoughts on his surroundings....he knew that he was laying down on a quite comfortable feather bed. The room smelled of various herbs and mixtures. He must be in some type of healers care but if that were true then where was Gale?

He brought his thoughts back to when he was in the Desert......He was running through out the barren wasteland...when he had collasped....that was where he had met Gale.....They fled only to be caught once more by the Giants....I had explained to him of blinding the Giants when"..........he reached down to his belly......he had been shot by an arrow....(which was not there anymore)...then passed out.

"Rock Giants do not wield bows....let alone able to use them!........then who shot me? he pondered.

.........................A few minutes passed................

He had not been able to piece together what had happened after he had passed out. The rest came to him in vivid flashes...ones that he could not explain.

"Im not going to find out just laying here"his mind voiced silently

He slowly opend his eyes, the swaying of the room had seized but the colors around him were more vibrant then ever.

"Damn"

He slowly pushed himself to a sitting position. looking down to his naked torso.....he noticed that he had been stitched and bandaged.....his arrow wound seemed non exsistent...only a dull ache issued from it. He then noticed a long thin cut running across his breast. This cut concerned him....it had taken a greenish tint to it. He brought his hand up and across it. Wincing in pain well doing so. It burned to the touch....a sign that meant infection.

Slowly he swung his legs around....then stood up. The sheet covering him fell to the ground. revealing his leggings. He isssued a sigh...well at least they had not undressed him completely. for his clothes were no wear to be found.

He slowly made his way to the door. Pulling it open he stepped out into a bright room. Laying about were various items. Mostly books and magical powders. Gale sat across the room talking to a man in a White Wizard Robe.

Zakk walked towards Gale........"What has all happened my friend?" he asked confusion clouding into his voice.

Gale turned his head for a moment. Zakk could feel the air tense a little around him as Gale focused on him intently for a moment. So good to know you're up and about Zakk. He smiled and stood up walking over to him. After you were shot the archer, apparently a student of yours, came down to try and take you away. I'll spare you the details, but he managed to get past me and left that mark across your chest. Fortunately, it seems the makeshift antidote to the poison he had on his blade has taken affect. Your still not out of it yet though Zakk... He frowned slightly and reached over to the table, picking up two small objects. You need to take these and relax. I'm not sure what the deal is, but I suspect that the archer did not actually come to kill you, otherwise there is no reason you would be alive right now. He said as he handed Zakk two pellets of something, apparently another antidote. It smelled like herbs and mints as Zakk picked them out of Gale's hand.

Zakk took the pellets gratefully. His mind began to race with questions all at once.

"His Student".....Only one name came to his mind as he pondered....."Teremis Fangorn" he said aloud

Gale looked at him quizcally

"Aye.....I know him.....as well as his dagger and bow. The best of my students,none were a better marksmen or more skilled in short blades as he was."

Zakk leaned back...grunting in pain."It makes no sense on why he would want to kill me....like you said he could have too. It just makes no sense.

The pellets had seemed to take an affect on Zakk for his eye lids seemed to be getting heavier and heavier as he stood there.

"Gale it seems that.....those antidotes are making me tired....I feel....

Zakk suddenly passed out. he would have hit the ground....hard. If Gale wouldn't have caught him.

Carefully he helped Zakk back over to his feather bed, where he layed him down.

Zakk opened his eyes......"Thank You my friend" then he fell into a deep and dark sleep.

Gale stood over the sleeping elf. How strange to see him in such a remote place, he would have to ask Zakk about that when he woke up.
Rest Zakk Killvah, no need to run yourself into the ground. He smiled briefly, but the expression quickly left his face. Teremis Fangorn... what could possibly be motivating this man... Gale said aloud. His thoughts wandered to the last thing he remembered him saying. find a way to save him and we'll meet again. Gale waited, this Teremis would surely be able to find them if he was of any skill. Gale pulled a small knife out of his pouch and began to fidget with it, allowing it to float above his and and he spun it around and flipped about in the air like it was being tugged by invisible strings. Gale hummed a relaxing tune as he sat.

Teremis Fangorn sat in the wizards quaters. It seemed as if each minute had been hour. Oh how time went slow when you awaited for something......


**********************Four Hours or so have passed***************************

Teremis had dozed slowly of to sleep as the time crept by. Then the fateful hour had come, It was time to go see Gale and Zakk. Teremis called forth Toban from his room. Where he lay sprawled across a table reading parchments. "It is time to go...draw your portal so we may go to their side". Toban arose from his postion. Stretching he let out a yawn, followed by a tired groan..."You are right Teremis, it is time that we go. I do wonder how Zakk has faired."

Slowy Toban came forth from his quaters. Raising his hands he began to chant. A light slowly developed in front of him, slowly it spread across the room lighting everything it touched. Slowly the light took shape, forming into a type of Oval. Toban spoke loud and clear to Teremis, who stood behind him wide eyed....

"This portal will transfer us to the city where he is being kept. I will follow you this time, to make sure that Gale does not harm you." Teremis nodded then stepped foward into the oval where he dissapered from sight...followed by Toban. They left his room behind them, traveling the hundreds of miles to where Zakk lay dozing.

A bright light came forth in front of Gale, out stepped Teremis and his Mage friend Toban. Gale stood ready to fight them...Teremis waved him away..."I will not hurt him...you can trust me"....slowly Teremis drops all his weapons to Gales feet. Including his dagger. Stepping past Gale he rushed to Zakk's side...then he ushered words that no one would have thought....

"How are You?.......My Father"

Gale felt a strange rift in the room, then from out of nowhere, in
stepped Teremis. Gale quickly threw his knife past his head almost
clipping his ear. He quickly drew another and was about to throw it
when Teremis dropped all his weapons and rushed into the room to see
Zakk. Gale followed quickly, the knife he stuck in the wall flew back
into his hand and he put it away.

"How are You?.......My Father"

An expression of intrest mixed with slight confusion crossed Gale's
face as he realized what was going on. Teremis is Zakk's son? Why in
the world would he risk killing his father? Gale looked on as
Teremis sat by his father's side.

Well, isn't this interesting, but would one of you mind
telling me what this is all about. You wouldn't risk killing your own
father for no reason, if he really is your father. Gale said
doubtingly. He wasn't sure if he was really being honest or not, but
Zakk did say that he knew Teremis, perhaps he wasn't just trying to get
closer for a kill... after all, why go through the trouble of poisoning
him only to kill him later.

Zake woke from a touch of a hand as whoever stroked his face. Slowly he opened his eyes, the room was not a sea of colors he could finally focus and what he saw scared him. "Teremis"he gasped.....

Slowly he pushed himself into a sitting postion,with the help of Teremis who was handleing him with care..... Zakk looked into his eyes then to the man standing behind and lastly to Gale, who had quite a bewildered look on his face.

Zakk sighed, "Yes this is my son....I had but one relationship along time ago..his mother was an Wood Elf....she died shortly after giving birth to him...He was taken from me when i was but a young adult, still studying the arts of an Blade Slinger under Lizu.....I saw him once more when i worked for Johnathan....." he sighed. Then looked to Teremis...

"Teremis what are you and Toban doing here....and why did you make an attempt on my life?"

Toban looked upon Zakk and Teremis as they reunited for the first time in over a hundred years.....wow had it been that long?

Teremis was about to awsner Zakk when Toban stepped in. "I can awsner that for you my old friend. A leviathan has been attacking our cities, we are in need of your assistance. I know that does not tell you why we attacked, well we attacked to seeif Gale and you were a true team. One that would do anything for each other, Both of you have proven that. I know ask you to fight against the levitan, it will take great teamwork. That is why I tested you...."

Toban turned to Gale....."Please take a second to take all this information in. You have learned that your best friend has a son...and that you are to help take out a giant Levithan.....After you take a moment to yourself....tell me your awsner"

Toban leaned back waiting the awsner of Gale.

Gale contemplated for only a moment, the answer was quite simple. If his help was needed he saw no reason not to assist. And although he was still slightly puzzled at why they would put Zakk's life in such serious trouble, he was glad to see that it was all just some over elaborate test. Well, I will certainly lend my aid. There is nothing to divert my attentions from the task.