The griffon was wild, snapping and clawing at brave human, his skilled shield-play keeping a metal barrier between the claws of the griffon and himself. The wild life had all scurried back into their respective homes, the river, the forest, underground, anywhere to escape the truly terrifying cries of the mad griffon. This particular beast was starting to gain ground on the human Eld, as the mighty creatures huge strength was sapping the young man's stamina and caused him to fall a few times. Just as the griffon was starting to salivate thinking he had the human in his grasp, a mighty shadow appeared.

A wizard cast a darkness spell that was entrenching around the griffon and the effects were not physical, it was plaguing the creatures thoughts with darkness and despair, the insanity was setting in as it fell to the floor, now unable to take flight, but still thrashing around trying to snap at its new opponent. But the effects of the mind rot were powerful, and the griffon's thoughts were now an open target to any who wanted to infiltrate it.

[i][color=662d91]The bishop isles will have this one....[/color][/i]

The voice seemed to come from nowhere but both the heroes heard it....

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On the merchant ship, the half elf knight Kaite responded to the captain, the conversation was intrugiung but very civil, the merchant liked Kaite as she reminded him of one his daughters. He decided to bring her up as he finished his tanker and ordered a shipmate to bring him another flask.

[i][b]If you dont mind me saying, you remind me very much of my own daughter, Malorie Vayne her name is, also of mixed elven blood, her mother was librarian in Ispar. My daughter actually fought very well in the colliseum, she was a master with the pike and shield and slew many opponents, the family used the winnings to fund my merchant business, I actually bought this ship with the gold that I bet on her. I always bet on my beloved Malorie.[/b][/i]

The shipmate came back with a fresh tanker, it was frothing delicously, but another man also entered the room with an equally frothy brew, he sat down near the captain, he was a studious, thin looking man holding a large scroll with him and a quill to go with it. The merchant captain nodded to him and began to speak again.

[i][b]Ah please excuse my guest, this man is call Theo Linegom, he is a book keeper at the proving ground coliseum i was telling you of, he kept the records of all my bets on my daughter malorie. Ive brought him here so we can discuss my business with you, I'm sure you will be excited.[/b][/i]

The thin man turned to face Kaite, completely expressionless and opened a small book and began to write. The captain cleared his throat and continued.

[i][b]I never told you what my 'cargo' for this ship was, or my business, but my business is the coliseum and YOU are the cargo. I knew from the moment you saved me you would be an excellent addition to my roster of fighters, you see Malorie was a skilled fighter but she grew tired of the life of bloodshed and wanted to start a family of her own, obviously that could not work as my business relied on her winnings, so we had a bit of a.....falling out. But that is no matter now as you can take her place and win me all the money i need to stay in business with these people, like mister Linegom you see here. We will get to Alvion in a few hours, I trust youll comply with us?[/b][/i]

The Captain remained jolly and happy and Mr Linegom, lowerd his eyes at Kaites weapons, and began to murmur to himself.