| 226 With the Horde possibly close by you decide against lighting a fire. Deep sleep is elusive, the cold wind howls around and over the scattered boulders of the outcrop. Like the Ring of Stones the sound of the rushing wind conjours too many imaginary spectres in the night. Lying amongst the rocks with Pallenten close, and the wind whistling its own song, you find you cannot help but think about the events of the past days. In the main your thoughts lie with the Kalboreans. Your captors at Maenum, by their words and deeds proved they know a considerable amount of the history of the Dwarvendim and the circumstances that led to the loss of the Tellandra. It was equally plain that they do not fully understand how the EarthMagic works, nor the place the pillar of stonewood has in being able to control it. The Kalboreans sent you on this journey. They have ensured you reach your goal by the use of the metal collar that rubs uncomfortably at your neck but you know the act of fixing the Tellandra will forever take it out of their hands. Over the years you have heard more than one learned voice echo the suspicion that the magic the Kalboreans wield with the Tellandra is only a pale reflection of its true power. It is something they have never experienced, and because of this will be wholly unprepared for its restoration. If you are indeed successful in returning the Tellandra to its former potency, the resulting surge in energy will rise like a tide to overwhelm whoever attempts to control it. In their desperation the Kalboreans will try and maintain their hold on the EarthMagic, but it will escape them as surely as tethering a wild horse with twine. Then the Dwarvendim will be able to take back its vast power for themselves. Since the demise of the ancients only the Dwarvendim have attempted to determine the real power of the EarthMagic and having done so, have respected it enough never to use it to its fullest extent. The secret to harnessing its great power lies not in control but in moderation and respect. It is true that the Kalboreans sent you on this quest, but you do it because you know what it will mean to your people. There is of course the matter of what will happen to you once the pillar is restored and the Kalboreans realise what has happened. But you've never been one of their favourite thieves anyway, and you feel sure that no matter what happens you will be little appreciated. They placed the wheels in motion. They will bear the consequences of their actions. Lying amongst the stones you look to the sky and consider the flowing tapestry of swift low cloud and darkness above. For a short while you listen to the wind, but then the fatigue of the day finally takes hold and you fall into sleep. The morning brings with it a clearing sky and lighter winds. Deep reds and orange colour the horizon as you look out to the east and the first of the rising suns. To the west you can hear ground birds running through the tall grass in search of insects but you take no notice. The stiffness in your cold joints takes up your full attention as you try to stretch your muscles after a restless sleep. Deciding to now risk a small fire you find a few pieces of wood and make yourself a hot meal. As you eat you can hear Pallenten grazing on the plains beyond the entrance to the outcrop. After clearing away your eating utensils you walk out into the field and call her. At first you cannot see her and a small measure of anxiety creeps into your voice as you call again. Almost immediately an answering whinny comes from behind a pile of large boulders. After a moment the big horse trots out from behind the rocks and breaks out into a gallop before coming to a halt before you. As the horse stands there you can sense that something is wrong. She is motionless, a look of unease in her eyes. Suddenly, as if by some distant command, she rears on her hind legs and turns and races for the far off forest road. For a moment you do not understand what has happened, but then you remember Tak Lovar's words. Pallenten was only to take you as far as the foothills. Now the horse was gone, and the rest of your trek must continue on foot. For some time you watch the great horse disappear into the haze of the morning and the forests beyond. Your task will be all the more difficult now without her strength to aid you. It is easy to admit to yourself that you had come to depend upon that horse a lot. Collecting your belongings you strap your sword to your waist, shoulder your pack and begin the last leg of your journey to Stoneholme.
| The fitful sleep does not return much of your strength but the hot food makes you feel much better. Restore four points to your endurance rating and then turn to section 107.
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