Chapter 5: Breaking Tusks

"Pakano!" Tomas exclaims "We know him. What is doing besot by fire and attacking rav-en-ishing woman? It doesn't make sense?"

After a deep breath "Elder Shaggy Shemven says hello, btw"

Koram stands with Haitith by his side, holding a look of respect for the raven-woman. It seemed clear she was not there with the intent to harm them or overly disrupt their travel, yet at the same time caution and respect would drive him - for they knew not what magic she might possess. "We are no friends of Pakano. He is a traitor, and a kinslayer. If he has gone ahead through your pass, I worry what sort of trouble he may be preparing as we follow. Was there anything else odd about these travelers, or what they had with them?"

At Tomas's mention of Shaggy, Koram recalls the story their diminutive, fey friend once told them. "Yes, a friend of ours, Shaggy, once told us a story of a woman such as yourself. You don't happen to be the same, are you?"

Iroven's eyebrows furrowed, "Oh no! Pakano got ahead of us? Damn! That means trouble. We need to catch up to him and see what he is upto." He bowed down and spoke, "Great one, we have been travelling for a longtime to reach this pass. However, it looks like our enemy has managed to proceed before us. With your approval and guidance, we can proceed and comprehend them who has done wrong towards you."

"Please, Great One. We need your aid."

Koram sighs, "Alright. We appreciate the information you've given us regardless. Is there anything you'd like of us, passing through your land, so as to do so respectfully?" He pauses, then pulls out the gem Shaggy had given him so long ago, a token of their friendship, and holds it up, "Just curious, is this something you recognize?"

"Of course," Koram says, placing the stone back in his pouch. "Let us go, friends, and see what we can make of Pakano's treachery."

"Agreed"

Artesia is still entranced by the raven-lady, but follows the others, occasionally looking back to see if she is still there.

Iroven followed others when they were given the permission, "So, the raven lady warned us about the avalanche. Is there going to be one? We better be careful. Not to mention that even Pakano has beat us in finding the pass. We better be prepared and hasten our pace. Who knows what he is doing here?"

Iroven tried squint his eyes to get a better look. "Looks like something is moving over there." He pointed out to his companions to notify them.

Artesia peers in the direction indicated by Iroven.

"What is it? Is it a cool bird?"

"What are you gawking at! Move!" Koram shouts, "If that's them, breaking that ice wall could mean trouble!" Koram begins to run.