The arrows hurtling toward him struck the Tzeentch Divine Spark Shield, forcing Aaron to turn his attention from his memories to the enemies before him.
Shrill barking rang out from the nearby forest. Several large, vicious hounds charged at him, howling madly.
Behind the hounds, several figures slowly emerged from the woods.
Aaron immediately counted four enemies, and a trace of killing intent flashed in his eyes.
He had traveled far and passed through deep forests. It was now November of Dalereckoning 1361. After returning to his territory for a brief, one-day rest, Aaron had wasted no time setting out for Cormanthor Forest.
With Disma and Reynard leaving one after the other, Aaron found that he had no suitable companions for the journey to Cormanthor Forest.
Once he decided to leave Eleanor behind, his options were few. He soon set his sights on his magical adviser, Barrel Moonflower.
As expected, Barrel Moonflower refused outright.
"My lord, you only pay me five hundred gold coins a month. Even if you paid me five thousand, or fifty thousand, I wouldn't take this job." The short, stout Sun Elf shook his head repeatedly. "Spare me. I can offer any assistance short of traveling with you, but accompany you to Myth Drannor to see that junior schoolmate of yours who ran off? I have no desire to send my soul home to Arvandor just yet."
Nothing could persuade Barrel Moonflower to go. In exchange, however, the stout Sun Elf tore himself away from his lovers and pleasure houses and spent half a day giving Aaron a detailed account of Myth Drannor and the history of the elven Cormanthor Empire. At the end, he personally wrote a letter of introduction and stamped it with the Moonflower Family's signet ring.
"If you run into trouble, this