The first four hours of your rest have passed uneventfully... aside from the random mutterings of your sorcerer. Two hours ago, Vex went to bed. It is now exceptionally dark, as if to suggest that dawn is only a few hours away.

I chuckle at the stone sleeping sorcerer snoring, wrapped snugly around my leg. I whisper to Falchion, trusting he hears every word. Even if I was further away,

"4 hours have passed, Sir Steel. Dawn is not far off. I take my leave now."

I enter "sleep". The ghost light of my Jack-o-lantern, fading until only darkness remains in the motionless head.

As the last hours of your rest slowly drift past, a haunting melody begins to fill the air, almost as if an anthem hearlds the rising sun. The haughty string melody starts to swell as your group comes alive. It's source is nearby.

I sit and allow myself to come to full consciousness, just to be sure this music isn't just part of my dreams. Once I'm sure I'm not imagining it, and I've got the general idea of the music, I pull out my pipe flute and start playing a harmony with it.

The metal brute has not moved since Jack "awoke" him. But he has been listening and watching, his red eyes peering into the night. Then song filling the air, though haunting, does not feel him with dread or fear. He feels no emotion, only a logical inclination that one should not idly wait for trouble to arrive.

"Mithanos, stop it, and make sure the dwarf is awake. Jack rouse Vex, if she needs it."

The metal joint turn and twist inside his body as the giant returns to his full height. Now that they were well oiled again, the group could not hear them, but Falchion knew exactly what they were doing. He was pleased at the silence of his body.

I awaken Vex. I listen to the melody. Wishing I had the power to create such music. I do an arcana check on the music.

As your camp breaks up, and a you prepare for whatever encounter awaits you, a voice adds to the music.

Forward peerless soldiers,
Elund, your heart of light,
No power make you kneel,
No might shall shake
your fearless heart,
Kethesis, most hidden of souls,
What arcane arts lie beyond your grasp,
What mysteries by your great eyes,
Dare remain unseen?
Kantaur, wisest of minds,
No enemy a outshines your plans,
No warrior survives
The darkness of your night.

The music and words begin to fade, almost as if a dream were passing.

"Aw... the pretty music went away..." Wait a minute... that music was pretty strange... I wonder if there's anything going on around here... Hmm... I'd better check...

"The Republic of Verbena is a federation composed of nine different subdivisions - seven Kingdoms and one Province. The capital city of Port Sarvin is in the kingdom of Merkoth, a medium size kingdom on the western coast. North of Merkoth, seperated from it by a river, is the kingdom Bellanon, a small kingdom. Further north of Bellanon is the smallest kingdom, Elunsine, the northern-most kingdom - and the source of the River Elund. East of Elunsine is Ravnarel, the largest and most powerful of the kingdoms. South of Ravnarel is Verreaux, a large kingdom. Venaine is a medium size kingdom south of Verreaux, and is one of only two kingdoms to line the southern coast. The other, Albane, is the second largest kingdom in the Republic. The area in the middle of the entire nation is the small province of Taebarn, which is ruled over by a council, instead of a king or queen.

The government of Verbena is divided into the offices of President (who leads the nation and government), Chancellor (who oversees international affairs), and Prime Minister (who tends to the daily necessities of the nation), in descending order of importance. Traditionally, a leader of one of the kingdoms is elected to an office for a predetermined number of years by the noblemen of the entire nation in an assembly called the Claives. Currently, the President of the Republic is Cestus Dalga, Premier of Taebarn. The Chancellor is King Auldine of Verreaux, and the Prime Minister King Ravinborne of Elunsine. President Cestus's term has, for the first time in history, not been limited.

The area you are in is the southern lands in Bellanon. The area you find yourself in now has always been particularly blessed with a peaceful existence. However, its inhabitants have not. The Elundari are exiled beast-men from Elunsine. No one is sure as to why they were exiled, but they keep this area under their control with blessings from all the heads of the kingdoms and the province, including the king of Elunsine himself. The Elundari are descended from legendary warriors from the Tribal Lands far to the East," I narrate dutifully as if repeating the words a voice whispered to me.

"Also... I'm hungry!" I then proceed to stroll off a few feet in the woods to take care of a little issue.

"Damn, its like taking care of an 8 week puppy. Little sorcerer, do not go into the woods, do wake the dwarf, and then we all are returning closer to the road. the sound is coming from the north, and I do not wished to be ambushed in the middle of these woods. Same formation as last time."
 
Falchion starts heading towards the road.

Heading the call of the mechanical man, I pause. Then, grinning, I decide to take care of two problems at once. "Monsieur dwarf sir... Wake up!" I shout as I take care of my number one problem. On the ground right next to him.

'Come Young One, if we can't wake the dwarf, I guess we'll drag him. It seems he's relieved himself nearby. Do watch your step.'

I follow Falchion, pushing the sorcerer along and dragging the dwarf.

'Where is the Claw Creature? Ah, wake up! It's time to go.'