[h2]Kalla[/h2]

"It does seem a bit... excessive for a small caravan town," Sev agreed, nodding towards the cluster of dead mages. As far as Sev was concerned, any magic user who couldn't hold off a guy with an axe wasn't worthy of the title 'mage.'

"I doubt this town has enough wealth to justify this kind of loss of life," Sev continued to Maeve, "any normal bandits would have given up the moment they got a bloody nose, not push into that meat grinder. Meaning they are hear for something or someone in particular. I'm hardly a person of much import, but if they truly were after one of us travelers they would have devoted more to rushing the inn than a couple hooligans."

The warrior-mage pondered as Allard headbutt another mage hard enough to cave the 'mage's' skull in. Coming to a decision he spun his staff conjuring a bit of fire at its tip to light his way in the night.

"I don't know if you are skilled in healing, but I am not. Don't suppose you could look after our barkeep and tavern while I go... retrieve someone who is better able to answer our questions."

Before waiting for an answer he vanished around the side of the tavern.

-----

"Idiots," the varuk mage spat, watching from a safe distance as one of his fellows was thrown aside by the berserk innkeeper, "never let a warrior get that close to you."

"That chain spell was reasonably impressive," one of his cohort said.

"Not if it couldn't hold one man in place."

"Greetings gentlemen!" Sev called, walking around a corner to where the small group stood, small flame still burning over the tip of his staff, "I don't suppose any of you are willing to answer some questions?"

"Get him!" the mage yelled, rapidly chanting a spell to constrict the man who'd foolishly announced his presence, grinning as the chains close around Sev, "rule one of sneaking up on someone, don't announce your presence."

Ofcourse that grin turned to surprise as the first man slashed at Sev, only for the blade to pass clean through the Sylve without leaving a mark. Moments later the image dispersed revealing that the chains had closed around an illusion.

"Rule one of magic: control where your target's attention is," A voice whispered in the varuk mage's ear just as a hand closed over his mouth.

The other men, after a moment of confusion turned to look back at their leader, who appeared to be looking around in confusion but not saying anything for several moments before he too dispersed like an illusion.

"So," Sev said two streets over where he'd half drug the Mage, "you can either answer my questions, and tell me why you are here, or..."

Rather than finish the warrior mage lifted his staff and tapped it on the ground. The polished wood seemed to crack and split, falling away starting from the top to reveal a shining spear blade, wreathed in fire, and continuing down the weapon seeming to turn it from a wizards staff to a magical spear of some power. Sev pointed the weapon's tip at the mage's heart while placing a foot on the other man's knee to keep him seated.