Endall Ironleaf stood on his tall wood tower over looking the forest floor. The day was warm with higher then normal humidity; it was going to rain. He cursed softly under his breath knowing the Preservers were mucking up the weather again.

Sometimes he hated trying to keep the peace between the different groups that lived in the Shodor. It was bad enough that the dog like Tenar and the dark elves called the Aramie were making incursions into their lands but with the Preservers, Shaman and Myrmidon causing trouble it made it hard to do much of anything about it. Sometimes he missed being just being a Ranger and not be a leader of men.

“Chief Endall.” One of the more useful voices called to him. “I have reports from the forests edge. It’s not good sir. The Aramie are sending an army south towards the Shatter Rock Jungle with the Tenar. They appear to have gained new resolve.”

“Order Shadow group and Leaf group to cut them off at the dog wood. Send word to the Preservers. They hate undead more then we do.”

“Yes sir.” The ranger nodded. “I was also asked to tell you that Elric has yet to return.”

“I know Ozal.” Endall nodded. “What of it?”

“Well sir.” Ozal frowned. “He’s been gone for three days. The trainers were wondering if we should send out a search party to find him. Master Ondar offered to lead them.”

“No.” Endall hissed. “ He is an Ironleaf. Either he will return on his own or he will not return at all. The only question in my mind is whether he will come back with a pet or a pelt.’

The warning horn blew. Endall smiled as he turned to the other direction looking into the undergrowth. A flash of orange showed from between plants, it had to be an E’nark.

“See.” Endall said grabbing a near by vine. “He will return with either one or the other.”

Endall made it to the ground quickly and headed to the edge of the encampment. The guards stood with Weapons at the ready. Endall shook his head and stepped past them.

“Put your damned weapons away. “Endall hissed. “It’s Elric you fools.”

Shortly after he finished his statement a figure dropped from the trees and landed before anyone could move. “Hello cousin chief. Have I been missed?”

Endall sighed. “ Good marrow cousin. Not as much as you would hope. I hate when you sneak like that.”

“I have to do something to make you jump?” Elric smiled his face showing a thin beard from three days of growth. “How else am I going to get the best jobs around here?”

Endall shook his head. “Well. Did you succeed?”

Elric smiled and whistled. “Roetoph come.”

The large E’nark pushed through the underbrush. Endall was very impressed by his cousin’s new pet. He had rarely seen any student, even one as well trained as Elric; bring in an E’nark quite so large. The beast was truly fantastic. Endall found it hard to hide his pride.

“He says he’s fairly young.” Elric smiled. “Only about one month out of the den.”

“What?” Endall gasped in shock. “You didn’t tame a normal E’nark. Dar E’nark are incredibly dangerous for anyone to train. You are truly stupid. He could have killed you.”

“He nearly did.” Elric cringed reminded of his wounds. “And I nearly killed him. The only reason we both still live is respect we gained for each other.”

“You are either really good or extremely lucky.” Endall hissed.

“A little of both really.” Elric smiled. “The beast talk spell really helped.”

Endall frowned. “I really wish that your mother hadn’t been a Shaman. Most Rangers your age can barley speak to birds yet you can talk to a beast born of the cataclysm. Come, we have things to discuss