The next day was a return to a daily norm. Morning consisted of the usual ritual with Caelis cursing the dawning sun, and waking up the heavy sleeping Faith. The journey itself was mainly silent except for the occasional small talk or comment. In fact, Caelis had grown accustom to use the time to reflect, think and meditate on his life or sometimes to just enjoy the sounds that came from the forest. The birds chirping, the squirrel scurrying about, and one particular annoying mosquito that had been following the caravan for the past hour. It seemed to enjoy whizzing back and forth from different points of the group, driving Caelis slightly insane. Thus, he was relieved when the mosquito finally left, and let silence befall the caravan.

Unfortunately, this was a very short lasting relief because Caelis then soon realized how silent the entire forest had fallen. Something was amiss. It was only a few moments later that the wood elf had rapidly went on, past the caravan, as if death were chasing her. Caelis would remain confused by her sudden decision to go ahead all of a sudden for a few seconds later when Caelis received the distinct, acrid scent of smoke. A several seconds later Caelis slightly gagged. He was hit by a smell that he didn't smell often, but he knew it because it had seared itself into his memory the first time that he smelled it. The smell of burning people.

Faith's face contorted in disgusted from the smell and she asked "What is that?" Caelis reached into his bag and pulled out a scarf that he usually used for cold days. He handed it to Faith and said "Cover your nose with this. It should help." as he also silently prayed for he already knew what laid ahead. Despite all the mental preparation, Caelis was still somewhat taken back when the scene had come to view. Faith gave a quiet gasp and then muttered "W-w...wha is this?" Caelis said "You don't have to look. Wait in the wagon if you want to." He then walked forward to get closer to the scene. Caelis felt somewhat thankful for his poor eyesight. The sight of mutilated bodies was something that even the most hardened criminals would be taken back from. So, Caelis was immune to the sight, but his nose was being violated by the putrid stench. 

The smell was all that was needed for Caelis to understand exactly what had happened. Caelis came upon the remains of a body. He got to his knees and began digging with his hands. The soil was brittle and dry. Without a doubt it was because of the fire, but this made it pretty east to dig. While he dug the others talked about what had caused this travesty. Orcs were brought up, and it was a reasonable answer, but not all orcs were savage beasts. He had in fact met some civilized orcs during his travels, and even once met a proud, noble orc chieftain once who was far from being a brainless murderer. On top of that, orcs typically dislike the daylight, so unless there was something very important then most orcs wouldn't fight in the middle of the day. Trolls wouldn't even try to fight in the light. It seemed to burn them physically, or at least that's what Caelis had heard.

Vordan then mentioned that whatever attacked was probably not even of this world. That was a bit more outlandish answer, but it still made some sense. Regardless, what ever did this was little more than an animal. Caelis finally stopped digging, and then pulled the mutilated body into the shallow grave. He then did his best to cover the body. Caelis closed his eyes and offered a moment of silence in respect. During his short vigil, Caelis heard someone come right next to him, and get on their knees. Soon, he heard a very familiar voice muttering a quick prayer. A moment later, Caelis opened his eyes, and moved on to the next body. It was already too late for these people, but there was still something that they could do for them other than to try and figure out what had happened.