Yerbol was concerned, that much Arianth could see. And no doubt her young charge was equally so. The older woman expelled the air in her lungs in a half-sigh, and lifted one hand to kneed her right temple. "We cannot tell you much," she began gently, "because we do not know much ourselves. If you're curious why you have not heard much about this expedition, it is because the Council wanted it that way. They have gone to great lengths to keep the main purpose hidden, and believe me, it is not reforestation."

A dark weight settled on Leoria's chest. Never before had she seen that look in her master's eyes, or heard that edge in her tone. Something was very wrong. This was so unlike the previous missions she had played a part in, because the initial meetings had never been this heavy. The air had never been this thin. "What was the purpose then?" she whispered.

"Excavation," came Arianth's reply. "The excavation of the previously mentioned relic. Yes, there are individuals working on reforestation, but the planet was selected for the relic alone."

Now, Leoria's blue eyes narrowed slightly, her mind whirring as it processed this new information. "Master, is this relic dangerous?" That certainly would explain the strange behavior of the older Knights.

First, Arianth nodded. Then, with a half shrug, she corrected herself. "We believe so, based on previous interactions with similar relics."

"There are others?"

"Yes. They all emit similar energy, which is what led us here. And they've all been small, spherical objects, with a circumference of about twelve inches. Smooth, with no noticeable indentations or markings. That, unfortunately, is where the similarities end. Each relic has possessed its own..." her voice trailed, "unique attributes. It is unpredictable. That is why it is dangerous."

"We need you to visit the planet." Now Mansuto re-entered the conversation. "Return the forces to safety, and the relic too, if you find it. Reports had indicated that the troops were growing very near, and that is when communications ended."

Arianth nodded, adding, "two birds with one stone."