Kryos raised his eyes when James brought over the small container. He left Anne’s trembling body, and after sheathing his blade, took it from James’ hands. It was light, so there wasn’t a very big chance that it was dangerous. Still, he held it away from the others as he undid the tie at the top, and opened the bag. Nothing happened. Relaxing, he brought his arm toward him, and peered inside. The sun, now directly overhead, pierced the canopy and lit up the contents. Inside was a beautiful gem. Kryos reached in and pulled it out to examine it in the light. The others leaned in to see it as well. The dark surface seemed to swirl, as if vapor was trapped on the inside.

“Hey, what’s this?” Lucas reached into the previously thought empty satchel, and pulled out a small piece of paper. The human scanned the message. Suddenly, his eyes widened and his face drained of color. He passed the note to Kryos, who grabbed it with his fourth and fifth fingers, since he was still holding the stone and the bag. He looked at the elegant words and read.

Scourge,
The creature has been completed. Now awaiting your orders as to where to attack. Please send instructions via these minions. Also, the Corruption Stone, which is included with this message, has been finished. The owner of the gem will be able to turn living beings into the minions easily. It is a gift from Morian.
Always ready to serve,
Rashilan Penna’ak
Kryos’ eyes widened like Lucus’ had and stepped back, holding the gem away from him. “The power to turn a living person into a zombie.” He turned to Lexxum. “This stone is dangerous. It must not fall into the wrong hands.” He paused, thinking of other options. “Actually, it would be best to destroy it, though by the looks of it, that won’t be easily done.” He replaced it back in the bag and tied the top shut. He turned and approached Allaria. She was softly singing healing songs, while her hands carefully looked over the burnt flesh. He knelt down next to her and placed the bag by her side.

“Take a look at that when you have time. Find out what you can. It’s a Corruption Stone, so be careful.” She nodded once and then redirected her attention back to the wounded girl. Kryos stood and looked at the two men and Lexxum. “Well, Lexxum. We lucked out. Apparently this Rashilian Penna’ak is the one behind this. Judging from the direction that the zombies were coming from, she’s to the southeast. But we need to be careful. I’m a little worried about what this ‘creature’ is.” He walked over to the group of warriors and faced the southeast. He pulled his weapon out, preparing himself for the danger ahead. They were out to get a necromancer. He shook his head and grinned, surprised that things would turn out this way.

“Well, then. Let’s go.” He began making his way through the trees yet again. Only this time, he and the others were the hunters, instead of the hunted.