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The rays of sun peeked through the tree tops and caused Ariphex to stir. He opened his eyes to the world and sat up. He looked around, expecting to see his familiar room, but instead was greeted by the tall sturdy trees. He touched his arm where the glass had cut him when he jumped through his window. He soon realized that it wasn't a dream. He looked over at Xyla, her lips in a cute smile. For some reason she seemed to be able to sleep soundly, where as Ariphex had tossed and turned all night. He extinguished the fire and gathered his stuff. Once it was ready he awakened Xyla. He awoke with out much hassle and scanned the forest confused. She didn't remember much from the night before, all she remembered was a lot of smoke and then Ariphex's face. "Where are we?" "You don't remember, do you?" She shook her head. "Well, our village was destroyed. I'm afraid that we were the only two survivors." She gasped and her eyes became clouded with tears. "They had come for this." He reached into his bag and removed the guantlet. "Why were they after some mock up?" "You see, it's not a fake. This is the real thing and I'm the last dragon speaker. The stories were true." He tried to make light of the situation, but he knew it wouldn't help. "Come on, let's get going. We need to find some place safe. If I remember correctly there is another small village a little ways from here. We can stock up on food for the journey ahead. There's a large city that we can take refuge in, but it's far away. We should go now." He hefted his pack onto his shoulder and helped her up. Together they carried on through the forest. After a little while they arrived at a small village in the middle of the forest. The area was cleared out and houses were layed out in no particular pattern. They walked along the street, but couldn't see anyone. Ariphex peered into a house, but there was no movement from within. Suddenly he heard Xyla whimper. He turned to see what was wrong. Xyla was standing there with a man behind her. A knife held to her throat. "You-!" "Disarm!" The command was short and poweful. Ariphex dropped his pack and kicked his bow aside. "Now, what are you doing here?" "We are simply trying to get some supplies. We are currently on our way to the city. We are just passing through. Now please, let her go." His voice shook with fear, despite his best efforts to calm himself. The man removed the blade from her throat and pushed her towords Ariphex. The man put the knife away and lifted his hand into the air. A second man stepped out of the shadows of a house carrying a decent sized pack filled with food. "Now leave our village." Ariphex accepted the food and nodded to Xyla. Together they left the small village, a new stock of food now on hand. They were not far from the village when Ariphex found out the reason for the villages odd behavior. A strange beast stood before them, clinging to the trees with sharp claws. Its' mouth opend slightly and drool dripped from its' teeth. It's dark green eyes locked onto Xyla and Ariphex. Ariphex was not sure what to do. The beast lunged at Ariphex. "Put the guantlet on." A strange voice said inside Ariphex's mind. "Who said that?" "Put the guantlet on." It repeated. Without a second thought, Ariphex pulled out the guantlet and slid it onto his arm. He could feel a strange force flow through him. Words began to form in his mind. With out knowing, he said them aloud. "DRAGON FLAME!" He aimed the guantlet at the beast and it's body became consumed with white flames. It cried out in pain as its flesh boiled and fell from the bone. It fell to the ground and before long it was reduced to nothing, but a pile of ash. Ariphex stood and stared siliently at the remains of what he had killed. Xyla covered her mouth to prevent herself from screaming. Ariphex looked away from the charred remains. Trying not to think to much about it. "It had to be done, Xyla. Let's get going." He grabbed her by the wrist and led her around the pile of ash and bones. Her eyes remaind locked on it the entire time. Once it was out of view, Ariphex turned to Xyla. "You must understand that it would have killed us if I hadn't. I hope you forgive me." She nodded, still looking pale with fright and sickness. "Thank you, now let's get moving. We have a long ways to go before we reach the city. Be prepared." With that the two of them continued on their way.