Disclaimer:
Hello again! I'm back with the fifth part of NNT. First of all, (sigh! not again...) as mentioned before, this story is totally fictional and has no purpose whatsoever to imply that any member of the BSB is gay. Secondly, also as mentioned before, the setting of this story is 100% based on TRS, Inc. Novels, the Forgotten Realms. The story is written purely out of fun and leisure and I have no intention of publishing it anywhere or whatever. Hmm... what else? Oh yeah, this story also contain homosexual elements, so if you got a problem with it, boy, that's your problem. However, if you are looking for some hot sex scenes, sorry dudes, you'll be disappointed. I'm just not good in writing about that stuff :P But if you like stories that goes nice and slow and have more to offer than just sex, oh well, you might like this one (I hope).
Well! Now that is gone out of da way, lets get on with the story. Hope you enjoy it. If ya got comments, objections, suggestions, tips, death threats, boos, tomatoes or cabbages to throw or whatever, just write to me at zan@oceanfree.net
Note from author:
Hey there, guyz or gals. I'm back because I'm in a happy mood. Why? 'Cause I just had smashing birthday present. I GOT A BRAND NEW SILVER 98' BMW CONVERTIBLE!!!! I LOVE YOU ANDY BRO!!! WOO-HOO!!! And here I thought the new laptop I gave ya is good enough a present. Baby bro, I swear I'm gonna find you a boyfriend even if I have to drag every gay guys in the college back home so that they can meet ya!
Anyway guys, here's the next bit of NNT. I apologize if it a tad bit shorter than the rest. I wrote it when I was taking by lunch break. Hope ya enjoy it.
Drew.
In the Sword Coast...
"Morning Nick." Andy smiled when Nick opened his eyes. They were lying side by side in bed in Andy's room, basking in the warmth of the morning sun that came through the windows, though Nick noticed that Andy is washed and fully clothed in his robe. Andy has always been an early riser. Nick looked into his lover's eyes and smiled, remembering their night of passion. They have given their virginity to each other last night and the feeling was indescribable. He sat up and they kissed passionately again. As usual, time and the world vanished when they kissed. When the pulled off from their kiss, they clings to each other, each reluctant to pull away.
"I love you, Nick." Andy whispered.
Nick smiled and gave him a small kiss at his cheek.
"I love you too Andy." He replied just as softly. He stare into Andy's sky blue eyes and grinned mischievously. "I have never seen that particular side of you before, last night. I never thought you could be that wild."
Andy blushed causing Nick to laugh. Nick stood up and winced.
"What's wrong, Nick?" Andy asked worriedly.
"Huh? Oh nothing... just a little bit sore from last night."
"I'm sorry if I hurt you..."
"What? No! No, you didn't hurt me at all." Said Nick as he gave Andy another kiss. He whispered softly, "In fact, it was the best night in my life."
Andy smiled and nodded.
"It was for me too. You are the first person I have ever loved in my whole life." He said softly. "And I can never bears the thought of hurting you."
Nick caresses Andy's cheek softly, feeling the silky smooth skin with the tip of his fingers.
"That's so sweet, Andy. You're the first person I ever fall in love with too."
Their moment were interrupted when they heard Muragh's shrill voice from downstairs.
"Andy, you great lummox! The stew is boiling and there's no one to stir it! In case you still haven't noticed, I have no hands!!"
"Great Mystra! The stew!" Andy exclaimed and jumped off the bed, landing onto the floor with a crash as he tripped over the pile of clothes on the floor. Nick fell on the bed, laughing hysterically at the sight of a powerful wizard, tripping over his own clothes in his own bedchamber. Andy looked at him and smiled. "So you think it's funny, huh?"
He made a small gesture, muttering a chant as he did so. Nick suddenly found himself floating towards the small washroom and before he could say anything, he was dumped into tub filled with lukewarm water. Andy has taken the time to fill the tub with water after he woken up and warmed it.
"Hurry up and wash, Nick. Breakfast is ready."
"What's the rush?" Nick laughed as he washed his face with a sponge. He felt strange that he is not feeling bashful being naked in front of another person.
"We're going to town today. I need to get some food supplies and also get some new components for my magic." Andy replied as he walked out of the room.
"Cool."
Breakfast is unusual today. Because of the depleted supply of food, they have to make due with the previous night chicken stew leftover, bread and tea. Muragh sat on the table as usual, chattering endlessly, throwing out snide remarks and hints and jokes. Andy and Nick laughed and jokes occasionally but they never seems to be able to take off there eyes from each other. Finally Muragh has enough. He maybe nothing but an empty skull, but he is a very good observer, particularly since it was the only thing he can do aside from talking.
"Oh will you two be done with the staring match and start kissing?!" he asked snidely. "All these staring and secret smiles and stealing glances are getting on my nerve even though I don't have any!"
Andy and Nick looked at him in shock. The look on their face caused Muragh to giggle.
"So, you are finally together." Said Muragh happily. "Thanks Lathander! I never thought this day would come."
"What do you mean?" asked Nick.
"I mean, it's about time Andy here found someone in his life. He has been alone long enough."
"You mean, you knew Andy is gay all these time?" asked Nick.
"Muragh knows everything there is to know about me, Nick." Said Andy. "We are close friends. Hell we considered ourselves brothers. We never keep secrets from each other."
"So that's why you asked me to talk to Andy yesterday evening. Why didn't you just tell me and makes the whole thing easier?" asked Nick.
"Because it is not my place to tell you. Some thrust are very sacred, Nick." Said the skull. "Well, hurry up guys. Finish your stew. It's quite a long hike to Beregost you know."
Muragh waited until both Andy and Nick were in the middle of drinking their tea.
"You could at least have some sense of decency to keep you bedroom activities down a little last night you know." He said in a somewhat smug tone and the reaction he has been anticipating was VERY satisfying. Almost immediately the table was covered with spitted tea. Muragh laughed heartily.
"We... we weren't that loud." Andy grumbled as he blushed remembering how he could do nothing other than crying out Nick's name last night.
Muragh gave a loud derisive snort.
"Your love cries is loud enough to envy the gods." He said snottily. "Nearly drive me crazy too, considering the fact that I cannot cover my ears."
This time, it was Nick who blushed. He practically screamed when he came.
"Ooookay!! Let's get ready. I want to be back home by sunset." Andy said as he got up, red face, and purposely changing the subject, drawing up a laugh from Muragh and then a small giggle from Nick.
Beregost is a small town located south of the great library, Candlekeep, on the Coast Way. It comprises of about 40 central buildings and several larger estates located some distance from the town itself. The town is dominated by a large temple and its attendant buildings. To the east on the low rise overlooking the town is a shell of a ruined castle, now abandoned. Beregost is first and foremost a trading center, a starting and rallying point for the expeditions into the southern kingdoms of Amn, Tethyr and Calimshan.
According to Andy and Muragh, Beregost also is a home of a large temple of Lathander Morninglord, God of Renewal and Birth. The high priest of this temple is one Kelddath Ormyr, once a merchant of note whose ships plied their trade up and down the Sword Coast. The temple is defended by about 200 men-at-arms who also serve as the city guard. Kelddath is also regarded as the town's governor, though day-to-day operations are handled by a five-member town council.
On a hill to the east of Beregost lies the burned ruins of a school of wizardry founded some 300 years ago by the mage Ulcaster. It was destroyed 80 years later by Calishite mages who feared the school's collective power had come to rival their own.
Beregost is also home to several notable individuals in the Sword Coast. One of the foremost smiths in the Sword Coast area, Taerom 'Thunderhammer' Fuiruim, has his estate and shop here. Taerom is a master armorer, capable of forging full sets of plate armor, ornate weapons and using rare and exotic ores.
Beregost is also the abode of the wizard Thalantyr, a conjurer of great repute. Interestingly enough, the casterian school was also a school of conjurers and summoners. Thalantyr is aided by Taerom in creating magical items.
Andy and Nick arrived at the town at around noon. Muragh sat dangling on a small net at Andy's belt. Back in Nick's world, such thing would be very out of place, but in Faerun, it is not for wizards are well known for their eccentric habits to carry various odd things with them. The streets of Beregost were crammed with people. Merchants lined the streets, eagerly displaying their goods. Wizards, mostly older than Andy walked grimly and quietly through the throngs of people, stopping occasionally at certain merchant wagons to purchase rare components for their spells. Fully equipped warriors walked along the streets, some laughing jovially with their companions, others swagger arrogantly. Traveling adventurers added to the crowds, seeking for various items or inns to rest in. Farmers and city guards bustle about with their jobs.
"Come on Nick. We'll rest first at one of the inn. I know a good one where I usually hang around whenever I came here. The innkeeper is my friend." Said Andy. Nick, who is looking around the city curiously, nodded.
They made their way to through the crowds, past the town square where the town crier made his stand, towards an inn called 'The Burning Wizard'.
"Fancy name." Said Nick.
"Eh? Ah yeah. It's a long story. Come on in. The food here is great." Said Andy.
"Will you hurry up?" Muragh groaned. "These crowds give me a headache and believe me, it is not a good thing if you are only a head."
"Will you be quiet?!" Andy grumbled. "I'm going as fast as I can."
Nick chuckled at the antics of these two. Muragh simply amuse him to no end. They entered the inn and went straight to the innkeeper.
"Thaldorn!" Andy cried out. The innkeeper, a huge, middle-age man with deep brown hair, turned towards the young mage and grinned widely.
"Andy Elbereth! How good to see you again!" He roars as he swipe the mage off his feet in his great hug. Andy just laughed.
"And hello to you too, O Master of Belly!" Muragh piped in.
Thaldorn laughed heartily as he pulled Muragh out of the net and sat it on the bar.
"Aye, sarcastic and rude as ever, my annoying little skull friend." He laughed. "I see that you haven't drove young Andy here to his early grave with your incessant chattering yet."
"Don't worry, old friend. He will be the death of me soon enough. Enough about the irritating skull. I would like you to meet my good friend, Nick." He places his hand on Nick's shoulder. "Nick, I would like you to meet a very old friend of mine as well as my ex-adventuring comrade, Thaldorn Ulbrent."
"Well met, Nick. Any friend of Andy is always welcomed to my table and roof!" said Thaldorn.
"Pleased to meet you too, sir." Said Nick politely.
"No, no, no!" the innkeeper protested. "None of that sir nonsense now. You call me Thaldorn, like everyone else."
"Or Master Belly. He earns it because he is a very good cook." Muragh piped in.
Thaldorn just laughed.
"Come my friends. We will go to my own private dining room. Then I shall whip you up some of my best dishes and we will talk and laugh just like the old days. Come, lunch is on the house." Said the innkeeper.
They walked into the private dining room, talking and laughing all the way. None of them noticed a sinister looking man with a scar across his cheek looking at them steadily from the shadowy corner of the room - looking at Nick in particular. The man slipped out of the inn quietly, seeking his superior. The boy, Nick, fits the description of one of the boys given by Sememmon to all of the Zhentarim agents. His superior is going to be pleased.
In the city of Westgate...
Thud! Thud! Thud!
"Nice shot, AJ!" Beth said admiringly as she looked at the three throwing dagger sticking out from the middle of the target board on the wall. "See? I told you that you can do it if you try hard and well enough."
AJ took off his blindfold and look at the target board.
"Woo-hoo!!!" he whooped and danced in joy when he saw his achievement. He jumped on the bed and cried out at the top of his voice. "I'm the king of the world!!!!!"
Beth laughed at his antics. They have been through a lot of heists in the past few nights, and the amounts of loots they have amassed are great enough to last them for months. But Beth and AJ didn't do it for the loot; they did it for the fun of it.
"All right, that's it. Get down from there before you destroy the bed." Said the older thief.
AJ flipped off the bed and landed before the dartboard, picking out the daggers.
"So, what are we gonna do tonight? More heist?" he asked eagerly.
Beth laughed again.
"Whoa, down boy!" she said in between the chuckles. "I know these whole thing is fun and all, but we really got to stamp it down a little."
"Why? It has been fun."
"That just it, AJ. Thieving can be addictive. If you can't control your urges, and keep on doing it night after night, you will overdo yourself and when it comes to that, you will eventually slip. Then, the next thing you will find out is you're in jail." Beth explained patiently. "Anyway, the Night Mask will be annoyed if we take things too much. They don't mind us doing a little heist on our own, but they will mind if we do too much. Best if we rest for a couple of weeks."
"But what should we do? We've been through every inch of the city already." AJ moaned.
"Why don't we take a little vacation? Visit another town? We can always try Cormyr though we have to be extra careful there. The guards of Cormyr are very vigilant and their war-wizards are even worst." Said Beth. "Or we can travel the rest of the Realms. We can visit Baldur's Gate, Waterdeep or even Neverwinter."
AJ looked at her thoughtfully.
"Why not? At least I can see more of this world. Hey, maybe I can even come across the rest of the guys."
Beth grinned widely.
"Yeah! See what a good idea that is?"
"I agree it is a good idea, Beth. But I'm afraid; it is not a matter of choices. You have to leave the city whether you want to or not." Said a new voice from the window.
Out of instinct, Beth and AJ flipped a dagger towards the direction of the new voice as they recoiled and turned. They saw a dark haired man wearing dark brown leather armor over his dark green tunic. The man moved light lightning. He snatched both dagger from the air and smiled at them.
"Marek! Damn you!" said Beth in irritation. "Don't sneak up on us again. You might get hurt!"
Marek, a member of the Night Mask High Council smiled at them and returns their daggers.
"My apologies, Beth and AJ. But I simply couldn't resist. I simply need to see how time has affected your skills. As I can see, it is better than ever."
Beth and AJ smirked. Then Beth smirked turns into frown.
"What do you mean we have to leave whether we want to or not?"
Marek face became serious.
"Some dangerous people have approach the Council asking for our services." He whispered softly looking at AJ. "They are looking for you, and it is our best guess that they want you dead."
AJ's eyes widened and Beth looked at him sharply.
"What? Who?" asked AJ.
"Believe me when I say you wouldn't want them to get their hands on you, AJ. They are the Zhentarim."
Beth gasped loudly. AJ turned to look at her only to see her eyes were wide open with fear and terror. Sliver of cold begin to creep up AJ's spine. In all his time with Beth, he has never seen a slightest hint of fear in Beth eyes. She is one of the bravest, daring and skilled woman he has ever met in his life. But to see such terror in her eyes simply unnerved him.
"What... what could the Zhentarim want with AJ?" She asked hesitantly.
Marek shook his head, his usual answer to questions he didn't know the answer to.
"Did anyone in the guild gave any indications that AJ is here?" she asked sharply.
"No. And you should be thankful for that." Said Marek, looking more at AJ than Beth. "In all your time here, you have made a great impression to the guild and also made friends with all of the guild members."
"Perhaps it is because of that friendship that we secretly agreed to warn you." Marek continued. "The Council sent me here to do just that. But know this, AJ. Whatever your business is with the Zhentarim, we want no part of it. We decided to turn blind eye on you and let you go. But we also decided not to aid you, for in doing so, it would means that we are on your side to the eyes of the Zhents and thus they will destroy us. When I leave, it will be with the knowledge that we have never met and have never become acquainted before. My suggestion to you right now is to leave Westgate, now. Tonight."
They looked at each other in silence.
"These... Zhentarim. Are they looking for me... as in me... alone? Or are they looking for other people too?" asked AJ.
"They are looking for you and four other people... your friends I believe, though we have never seen any of them before." Marek replied. AJ nodded. He is thoroughly frightened now, for the rest of his friends more than himself.
Beth broke the silence by rushing around the room, packing their stuff. AJ looked at her in surprise.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Hurry up and pack. We have to be miles from this place by morning." She said crisply.
"You're coming too?" asked AJ hopefully.
Beth glared at him.
"And what kind of question is that AJ? Of course I'm coming with you. You wouldn't last a minute out there without me." She smiled wistfully. "Anyway, we did planned to travel the realms together right?"
AJ smiled and moved to pack his stuff.
"Good luck, both of you and safe journey." Said Marek as he slipped into the shadow of the night. "Take care of Beth, AJ."
Beth snorted.
"Don't bet on it Marek. I'll be taking care of him instead."
"Beth?" AJ asked hesitantly. Beth looked up from her packing. "Who or what is the Zhentarim?"
Beth looked at her sadly.
"They are a very evil and powerful organization, AJ. More evil and cruel than all the assassins of the Night Mask combined." She said softly. "Their reaches are far and cruel. I will tell you more about them later. Suffice to say at the moment that if the Zhents is out there to get you, we must run as far and as quickly as possible and find a powerful ally as soon as possible."
They gathered their backpacks and peered outside the window.
"Come, follow me. We have just enough time to catch the last boat bound for Suzail," Beth whispered so softly that AJ could barely hear her.
Silently, the made their way over the roof, blending with the darkness of the night. AJ looked for the last time at the city of Westgate below him, the city that has become too dangerous for him to stay.
In the Sword Coast...
"Woo-hoo! I had a blast today, Andy!" Nick cried happily as he burst into the living room. As he leaped onto the couch in front of the fireplace, he gently concentrated on his spell to float the huge leather bag containing their purchases onto the table. Having done that, he gently made specific gestures and uttered a word.
Casilda
Suddenly, the fireplace is burning merrily before him. It was long past sunset and they have hiked through the forests for nearly six hours before they finally reaches Andy's place. While the journey has been long and tiring, the day in Beregost has been great. After having their lunch at the Burning Wizard, they made their rounds through the town, making all kind of purchases and exploring the merchant's carts and wares. They also made friends with some of the adventurers and met various people from many races, the gentle elves, mischievous halflings, surly dwarves, curious gnomes and graceful half-elves. It amazes Nick to no end whenever he talked to these people, and even further when he listen to the stories of their latest travels and adventures. It is almost like tales from storybooks except that this time everything is believable, from snowy-white winged pegasi to the gruesome beholders to the cruel dragons. They have also visited Thalantyr's magic shop where they made their purchases of rare spell components and new spells. Nick has bought loads of new and some of them rare spells to be added into his spell books. He also bought some wands and several magical items. Andy bought even more stuff from there. However, something struck into Nick's mind when he watched Andy. He realized that he has no idea as to exactly how powerful Andy is. He is 25 years old, which, according to Thaldorn, too young for a mage to be powerful. But he has seen Andy deals with a very powerful spell before, spells only wizards of great power could cast. So, Nick was puzzled as to how Andy could have achieve such high level of power at his very young age. He tried to ask Muragh about it, but strangely enough, Muragh prefer not to discuss about it, very untypical of him. Nick put a mental note in his mind to asked Andy about it later.
Andy walked into the room, holding Muragh in his hand. Another leather bag filled with the stuff they purchased from the town floated behind him.
"Glad to hear it Nick," Andy beamed at him before pulling him over and gave him a deep and passionate kiss.
"I've been longing to do that for the whole day," he said softly when they parted.
"Umm..." said Nick, his eyes still closed. He pulled Andy over and kissed him deeply again, longer this time, their tongues eagerly exploring each other's mouth. When they parted, they stared into each other's eyes. "I've been waiting to do that too."
Andy smiled and they kissed again, this time their hands are exploring each other's body passionately. Their moments were broken by Muragh.
"Wow, now this is the first time in my undead existence that I really feel like I'm going to be sick."
They parted from their kiss and begin to laugh hysterically at that remark. The remark struck to them to be so funny that their laughter increased and soon Nick was rolling on the floor, laughing uncontrollably while Andy sat on a stool and then stumbled back and fell backwards onto the floor, which further increased their laughter.
"Oh cut it out you two!" said Muragh.
Soon, Andy and Nick settled down, weakened by their own laughter, though sudden giggles and chuckles escaped them once a while, which some times degenerates into full blown laughter again. Muragh rolled at the edge of the tables to stare at them.
"The gods must have a huge sense of humor indeed to make me live with these two jesters!" He mumbled under his breath.
"All right, maybe we should go to bed now. I'm beat." Andy announced at last.
"Me too." Nick said quickly, grinning at Andy. Andy caught his meaning and grinned back. "I'm totally beat."
Muragh snorted.
"Yeah right, and the Nine Hells freeze in winter." He said sarcastically.
Andy and Nick giggled and rushed up the stairs.
"Don't do things I wouldn't do!" Muragh called after them.
"If we do that, where's the fun in it?" Nick shouted back. Andy laughed beside him.
About two passionate hours later, they were fast asleep in each other's warm embrace.
In Lurkwood Forest, south of Icewind Dale...
The hawk circled in the sky above the Lurkwood Forest where the Company of the Red Wolves rested. They have traveled through the Spine of the World for nearly two and a half months now, on their way to Silverymoon. They stopped at the town of Mirabar for a couple of days to rest and replenish their supplies before continuing on. The journey has been more or less uneventful, with an occasional encounters with the natives of the Spine of the Worlds, such as goblins, orcs, lizardmen, ogres and winter or mountain wolves. The companions combined their skills and effort to overcome these obstacles and move on forward - such is the life of adventurers. There is an old saying amongst adventurers: 'Adventurers and fools walk together, but which is which?'
"Clear your thoughts, Kevin. Let your mind be together with the hawk." A soft voice spoke at Kevin's side.
Kevin and Ken were high up in the trees, perched on one of the branches. The rest of the Companions are resting for the day a little distance away. They have been traveling hard for the whole day and stopped at sunset. They did this out of necessity for according to Keres and Ken, there is no town or villages between Mirabar and Silverymoon. Only miles and miles of desolated moorlands and forests. Silverymoon is still far away, which according to Lamelle, would still takes more than a month to get there. They have to go through Lurkwoods, and then on through the trolls filled Evermoor. Beyond that they have to cross the elven forest, the Moonwood, which surrounds Silverymoon.
Through their travels, Kevin developed more skills, thanks to Ken, and eventually reaches the level to become a more or less skilled ranger. The two tends to wander off into the surrounding regions when the Company made their camps, honing their skills and try to develop new talents. Under Ken's guidance, Kevin became quite good in using the bows. Keres and Delg however took turns to teach Kevin in melee fighting.
Traveling through Lurkwood increased Kevin's skills further. Ken would take him off into the forest, running with the animals through the trees and brushes and flipping from one branch of the trees to another. Ken also thought him how to interact with the animals and the surroundings.
In this particular evening, Ken is teaching him one of the basics of a ranger's life, and that is how to adopt an animal follower. Every new ranger has to bond themselves with an animal of their choosing, and these two must travel together for as long as they needed too. This is necessary as part of their studies in order for them to understand the world in the animal point of view.
Kevin held out his hand before him as he focused his feelings and mind onto the hawk. The hawk circles a few time before breaking off from his flight path and flew towards the rangers. It hovered near the rangers for a moment or two, observing them carefully before finally landed on Kevin's forearm.
"Well done Kevin. Meet your new animal follower." Said Ken happily.
Kevin smiled and uttered a phrase of sound from his throats just the way Ken has thought him before. The hawk looked at him curiously and cocked its head to the side. It gave a loud squawk before jumping and perched onto Kevin's shoulder and squawked again. Kevin smiled and looked happily at his mentor.
"I understood her!" he exclaimed. "And she likes me!"
Ken laughed.
"You are a very talented young man, Kevin." The half-elven ranger remarked, "Very few rangers have ever made a hawk as their animal follower as quickly as you did. Mielikki must have blessed you."
"What's your animal follower, Ken?"
"A winter wolf. We were best buddies for many years and traveled everywhere together. But I let him go a couple of years back. He decided to return to his pack and hunts once more."
They sat on the branch looking at the sunset. The hawk decided to take into flight once more and Kevin marveled at its grace as it soar through the sky, its wings outstretched, reflecting the sunlight from its gleaming feathers.
"You know, I've always wished I could do that." Said Kevin.
"Do what?"
Kevin nodded at the hawk.
"Soar in the sky, with nothing to worry about. Be free from everything in the world. No fear, no problems, just complete freedom."
"Aye, who wouldn't want to have all that?" Ken smiled.
Kevin's heart beat faster as he stares into Ken's eyes.
"Ken, there is something I... need to tell you."
Ken looked at him with concern.
"What's wrong Kevin?"
"I... For the last weeks, for the... I mean..." Kevin stammered as he tried to think of a way to explain.
"Calm down, lad." Said Ken gently.
"I... I just want to let... I mean... I... I need to let you know that... I... I think... I think I'm in love with you," Kevin whispered, as he looked down, unable to meet Ken's gaze.
They sat in silence for a moment or two. Kevin's eyes begin to well with tears. But then he felt a finger lifting his chin up. He took a deep shivering breath and looked into Ken's deep blue eyes. To his surprise, he saw the blond half-elven ranger is smiling.
"I know." He whispered softly. "And I love you too. I have been in love with you ever since I first saw you when you fell out of that portal. For a moment, I thought you were an angel who has fallen from the sky."
Kevin stared at the older ranger in shock. He never thought...
His shock turns into pure relief and happiness, one that Kevin has never felt before. Soon he found himself in the most passionate kiss he has ever felt in his life. The kiss went on for a long time, each men lost in their own passion as they explore each other's mouth hungrily. Kevin moaned through their kiss, his heart racing as if he has been running for hours. They parted at last, breathing heavily.
"You have no idea how long I have waited for this moment." Ken whispered.
"You... knew." Kevin whispered. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because I was waiting for you." Said Ken. "You don't seem to be ready to come out to me. I wouldn't know how you might react. So I waited until you're ready instead."
"Oh Ken," said Kevin before pulling into another kiss.
"Come on. Let's get back to the camp. It's getting dark." Said Ken.
They jumped down to the ground and landed gracefully. Kevin gave a series of whistle and clicks. Soon, the hawk landed on Kevin's shoulder, squawking happily. Kevin smiled at the hawk with fondness.
"I'm gonna call you Sabre." He said.
They walked through the woods slowly, enjoying the peace of the forest. They joked and laughed as they walked, taking their own time. But the peace shattered when six armed men stepped out before them, blocking their path. They also noticed a dark robed figure standing in the shadows of the trees.
Kevin and Ken tensed immediately as they looked at the men before them.
"Who are you, strangers and what do you want from us?" said Ken warily.
One of the warriors, a giant of a man whom Kevin assumed to be the leader, stepped forward.
"You are Kevin Richardson, one of the Five," said the warrior. "We've been searching for you for so long now. Lord Manshoon of Zhentil Keep has sent orders to capture all five of you, dead or alive."
He took out his sword and almost immediately, the air is filled with sounds of metal being pulled out of scabbards as the rest of the warriors followed their leader.
"Kill the ranger, try to keep the boy alive. If he resist, kill him." The leader said quietly.
With that, the warriors charged towards the two rangers. Behind them, Kevin saw the robed man begins to chant a spell.
Ken took out his sword and shouted as loud as he could before rushing forward to face the charge. His voice echoed through the forest.
"Red Wolves! To arms!!!!"
He blocked the swing of the leading warrior with his sword and ducks the swing of another warrior. Kevin aimed carefully and releases an arrow towards one of the three warriors coming towards him. The arrow pierced his chest and the warrior fell down dead in mid-charge. In the distance he saw Ken fighting two warriors simultaneously. Sabre is attacking the other one with its claw. He dropped his bow and drew his own sword, seeing that the other two warriors are too close to him. Ring of steel clashing with steel filled his ears as he met the slash of one of his foe with his sword and dodging the thrust of another. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Ken moving gracefully as he parried off the attacks of both of his foe.
Suddenly there was a flash and soon he found himself thrown back onto the ground. Jolting pain wrack his being as a bolt of electricity hits him. He screamed in pain and frustration. The wizard! He has forgotten all about the wizard. He regain his sense quickly enough to quickly block the thrust of one of his foe with his own sword. While locked in the struggle, he thrust up his feet into the warrior's belly, throwing him back. He flipped his body back up and parried off the other warrior's attack. In the distance, he saw Ken charging towards the wizard angrily. One of the warriors he has fought was on the ground, but the leader is close at his tail. But the wizard was faster. He pointed towards Ken and snapped a spell. Three magic missiles streak through the air to hit him, causing the ranger to flew back and hit the leader squarely, causing both of them to fall on the ground. Ignoring his pain, Ken rolled sideway and stood. He was forced to ignore the wizard as almost immediately, he is in a furious battle with the leader. The other warrior however managed to chase Sabre away with his sword.
Kevin however was having problem of his own. Weakened by the electric bolt, he slowly backs away from his two foes, blocking and dodging their thrust frantically. He saw the wizard looking at him as he chants another of his spell. Kevin knew he wouldn't survive another bolt.
But the wizard didn't have the chance to unleash his assault. Three pulsing magic missiles streaks out from the forest and hit the wizard squarely on the chest, foiling the spell he was casting. A huge battle-axe appeared before him, blocking the thrust of one of his foe. Kevin also saw a shadowy figure appeared behind his other foe. There was a flash of steel and soon the warrior fell to the ground, dead, with a dagger sticking from his back. Alvin winked at him as he pulled his dagger from the corpse. Delg is furiously battling his other foe, who backs away uncertainly from the furious dwarven warrior. Magic flashes in the distance as Lamelle and the Zhantarim wizard lashes out at each other with magic.
"Hold lad, ye're hurt too badly from the lightning bolt. Hold still while I healed ye. The others will deal with those Zhentarim dogs." Kevin turns as he felt a hand grabbing his shoulder. Garth sat him down beneath the trees and started to mutter a healing prayer. He looked over at the battle. Keres is fully engaging the warrior that has chased Sabre away. The hawk were still attacking him though, scratching whatever it could with its sharp claws. Ken was still furiously battling with the leader, though this time, Alvin is with him. In the distance, he saw Lamelle unleashed her own lightning bolt towards the wizard, though the wizard hastily created a small shield before him, turning the bolt away. Delg is fighting a winning battle; the warrior is now backed against the trees.
Suddenly, there was a load roar and an explosion. Kevin looked up in time to see the fireball Lamelle has cast flew past all of the Zhentarim wizard's magical defenses and exploded. When the fire is gone, the wizard is nothing but a twisted charred corpse. At the same time, Garth hands glowed with soft blue light and the light spread across Kevin's body. The shrieking pain in his body was swept away, leaving behind a cool, warmth and sweet feeling. Soon, he felt his eyes closing and he fell out of consciousness.