One thing a servant of Khoronus soon learns is that Time is of the Essence ... no matter what time of day or night it may be ... whether convenient ... or inconvenient ... and when that servant is a Cleric of Khoronus ... then said Cleric automatically knows to Go with the Flow ... wherever the Shifting Sands of Time may Glow.

That Glow awoke Panon Panaw well before sunrise and the Cleric silently, but swiftly gathered his belongings and quietly exited the room so as not to disturb the deeply slumbering Flame Finger.

Panon was amused by the Flame Finger's dual attraction and aversion to Elves. Afterall, being a Half Elf and a servant of Khoronus gave Panon quite a different perspective on things, situations and various races ... not to mention classes of adventurers.

"You must learn to trust the Elven kind young Ulfgar," whispered Panon as he slowly closed the door and made his way downstairs, "if you ever hope to unravel the mystery of your long lost heritage."
Panon drank a hot mug of Elven Tea and feasted upon some herbs and berries that Needlemire brought with the breakfast cakes as was his custom when the Cleric of Khoronus graced Needlemire's Nest with his presence.

Then Panon excused himself and exited through the kitchen where a bag of fresh meat bones was laid in its usual place near the back door. Panon picked up the bag and made his way to a special corral where Surok, his magnificent golden palomino stallion War Horse waited patiently with his chestnut stallion Riding Horse-Pack Horse named Abaga.

Both had been well tended by the stable boy Nutmeg and were ready to embark on another journey ... as were WagTang and Talbog ... his ferocious male War Dog ... and his equally ferocious male Hunting Cat Jaguar.

WagTang stood 3ft high at the shoulder and 6ft from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail in a muscular frame weighing 120lbs. He snapped the first of the fresh meat bones in his powerful canine jaws ... his blazing blue eyes showing affection and gratitude for the treat ... this hybrid gray wolf who served as both a scout and an attack force in service to Panon Panaw and Khoronus through his master the Cleric.

Talbog and WagTang were the greatest of friends. The Jaguar also stood 3ft high at the shoulder, but from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail measured 8ft in length, weighing 300lbs on an equally muscular frame. He too served as a scout and attack force in tandem with WagTang and often deferred the first choice of fresh meat bone treats to WagTang ... as a self appointed guardian over the War Dog.

The Jaguar's reddish-brown fur was covered with exotic rosette patterns with curious spot markings of various shapes and design throughout his body, yet his underbelly was a glorious white as if Khoronus had painted a timeless masterpiece on the underbelly of the Great Cat. His yellow eyes shone brightly, yet another gift seemingly from Khoronus to depict the timeless intensity of the solar rays that penetrate its prey.

While his War Dog and Hunting Cat dined on the feast of fresh meat bones, Panon Panaw spent the next hour in consecrating prayer for Khoronus to bless and guide him and his adventure party companions during this time of travel in search of the cause of the missing unfortunates.

"Come my children ... for it is Time to liberate the lost souls ... by following a hidden trail into the mountains ... and beyond ... for there is more to this mystery than a number of missing street minions!"

Panon Panaw and his children arrive where the party of adventurers are gathering ... just in Time as per Khoronus would deem it so to be ... as Ulfgar approaches Ash ... so the Cleric looks on in amusement off to the Right Flank of the gathered group ... motioning to Talbog and WagTang to wait patiently for the others to decide on a course of action ...
"All in Good Time!"

Before heading off to get his animals, Khalessin dropped one more question in the direction of their supposed employer. "The mountains you say? Mountains tend to be big things, is there anywhere in particular within those mountains that you might suggest we start? Or anything to look for? Something must be pointing you, and thus us, in that direction."
Lyra glanced towards the man, readied herself to answer, but heard something nearby, and instantly was armed and glancing in the direction of the mountains. A cloud of dust was seen at the outskirts of town, and complete silence filled them. Armed with twin blades the warrior stood waiting for what drew near. The suspense was short waited for within moments of hearing the noise their enemy showed itself. The groups animals could sense something as well for the war dog and war cat both started growling/hissing their warning.

It must be an illusion, there is no such thing as Hell Hounds. A voice had spoken from the shadows. And Lyra stood her ground, obviously doubting the voice that said it to be an illusion. Her breathing was steady as she readied herself to fight the pair of Hell Hounds who had appeared from the same area she had heard the faint noise.

Standing before the group, in the middle of town, was two giant three headed hounds. Their eyes showed nothing, no pupils or anything, just fire. When their maw parted to release a howl, again all that was seen were sharp canines, and fire. The Hell Hounds stopped when they seen Lyra armed and ready to fight them, for every other trip the pair had taken to town, everybody ran in fear. Growling lowly, the ground rumbled gently beneath their feet, as Lyra stood her ground, staring the beast down. Twin red peaks flat against the beasts crania as four massive paws scorched the city streets wherever the Hell Hounds where. The beasts body was pure muscle, and their breach was hot on the open flesh.

The group had only minutes warning, and some where already on horse back. The horses where whinnying and snorting, bucking to try and find shelter away from the ferocious Hell Hounds. Doors and windows were barred shut, and anyone who was awake would run into hiding as quickly as they possibly could. The animals fled the streets in fear of these mythological creatures. Massive creatures, standing 5 feet tall at the hither and all three heads bore sharp canines ready to tear flesh from bone. The middle of the heads raised high into the sky to release an ear piercing howl. Both Hell Hounds stood side by side eager to feed on the flesh of those who stood against them.

At the sound of commotion in the distance Khalessin allowed his fighters instincts to take over. He let his falcon fly, put on his helmet, grabbed his shield and drew his sword. As the commotion drew closer, Khalessin was ready for combat.

When the 3-headed beasties stepped into the open he was a bit surprised to see them so openly in the center of town, yet not shocked. Clearly this adventure had a lot more to it than a few missing beggars. Hell Hounds? Khalessin resolved to make sure that their benefactor did not disappear during the commotion. He certainly had more questions to ask.

Resolved to know what Lyra was up to, Khalessin moved up next to her ready for a fight. Situations like this made him happy he had a ring of fire resistance. He doubted it would offer full protection from the hound’s heat, but it should help.

**Khalessin stands armored and armed with shield and longsword, ready to fight the hellhounds. He is not charging them, but holding back to allow others to use ranged weapons/spells first. He will fight whichever one is closest. He will also try to prevent their getting to spellcasters.

The last note of Vaskar’s song had barely faded away when there was a sudden noise, followed by an uprising of earth that appeared to be preceding something much worse. And oh did it!

A monstrous, three-headed beast, breathing fire from its shell of a skull brimming with the same, emerged from the billowing dust.

It was all Darlthenia could do to calm her horse. She drew her sword and leaped from the back of the beast beneath her. She moved to stand on the opposite side of Lyra, poised and ready to fend off the beast’s attack.

Sitting atop of his horse, Ulfgar was still waking up from his nap. Just about to yawn, Ulfgar opened his mouth wide, but instead of hearing himself, he heard an infernal howl from the mountains they were journeying to. This woke him up in a snap. The horse he was on bucked and threw Ulfgar off the saddle. And he lay there writhing in pain for a few seconds. He got up gingerly to see two massive three headed beasts standing in front of the group. Covered in fire, Ulfgar realised his various fire spells probably wouldn't be the most effective against these dogs.

Two people were already heading to fight the intruders and Ulfgar thought he might do the same. Though his first thought was to send these beasts into an icy lake, he didn't want to get close to those sharp, shiny teeth of theirs.

So he rummaged through his mind and tried to find a suiting spell to cast: Cloudkill.

OOC: Preparing to cast the spell, Ulfgar makes sure to not hit any of his friends and tries to encompass both Hell Hounds.

“…Mountains tend to be big things,” Spider heard Khalessin state, trying still to get more information out of Lyra. He stopped his progress toward the stables for a moment and, grinning wryly, turned to listen. “Iis there anywhere in particular within those mountains that you might suggest we start,” the fighter pressed, “Or anything to look for? Something must be pointing you, and thus us, in that direction.”

As he suspected, Lyra’s response was ambiguous at best. Nevertheless, Spider couldn’t help but shake his head. “Disappearing beggars aren’t even the half of this,” he whispered to Darli, turning for the stables once more, “I can almost assure you of that. And this girl, Lyra; despite her elusive responses, I think, has given us more to work with than the others might realize.

And,” he grinned, taking Darli’s hand as they entered the stables, “I’m sure that our cave in the hills is far from the only secret place in those mountains.” He winked at her, then his eyes flitted away to scan the stables. Spider’s own horse, Mithollo – a light war horse less than legally acquired from a cavalry scout in Cragmoor several years ago – whinnied and looked expectantly in the Shadowblade’s direction. Spider smiled at Darli, then padded towards the stall and reached out to pat the beast on its muzzle.

“This time you rest, my friend,” he muttered to the faithful gray, “our employers have seen fit to put their own horses in harms way.” While Spider trusted Mithollo more than he might have an unfamiliar horse, he wasn’t beyond taking what was offered for free – if nothing else, it would be someone else’s animal that would need to be replaced should the worse come of it, and, in the best case scenario, the Shadowblade figured, once all was done, he might be able to barter the loaner horse for more useful items at some point. He did gather his own saddle and riding gear, though, and, after having secured his gear to the horse provided by Lyra and whomever it was she represented, cantered the heavier equine up alongside Darli and made for the gate.

Tristan couldn’t help but smile as he heard Vaskar’s voice pealing on the morning air and, as the Skald crooned out the lyric that spoke of reunited lovers, he turned to catch Darli’s delightful smile and offered a wink in reply. “A fine song, Dragonslayer,” Tristan nodded to the northman as he reigned his horse in near the gate, “Treat us to more of the same throughout the course of this and I’m sure morale will remain high enough.”

It was then that the eerie howl of hellhounds shattered the serenity of the early morning. Tristan, having just leaned forward in his saddle to reach down and clasp Vaskar’s arm in a gesture of appreciation, snapped bolt upright at the sound, his head swiveling around in hopes of sighting the beasts. The woman, Lyra, he saw was already standing with swords drawn and readying herself to face down the vile creatures. Khalessin and Darli, too, had seen fit to stand at the woman’s side and readied themselves to do battle with the hounds, head on… What in all the shadows is she thinking, Spider wondered, seeing Darli poised to do direct battle with the flaming beasts, Hells but this should be interesting!
The Shadowblade spurred his horse forward, his blade whispering from its sheath as the horse’s hooves churned up dust from the streets and galloped along the thoroughfares. Rather than charge headlong towards the hellhounds, though, Spider directed his mount down one alleyway, across a side street, and along the length of another lane, hoping to find a suitable angle from which to attack the creatures while their hellish focus was on those who stood directly before it.

((OOC: Okay… Even though it might look to the others like he's running off to hide, Spider’s looking to flank these boogers and give them what for from the flanks or the rear as possible… If, while he's travelling, he can find a suitable spot to make use of his cloak, he'll use the spiderclimb abilities it provides to get to a roof top and attack from above with a crossbow if the rest are engaging from close in... otherwise, he'll circle around and attack as possible with his sword.))

Panon Panaw steadied his golden palomino stallion War Horse Surok and spoke to him to lead Abaga the chestnut stallion Riding Horse-Pack Horse out of harm's way.

WagTang and Talbog bristled and growled their respective warnings at the abominations that had invaded the early morning peacefulness and the quiet reverie of the small band of adventurers.

While his War Dog and Jaguar Hunting Cat occupied the attention of the nearest Hell Hound, the Cleric Panon Panaw braced himself with a prayer on his lips "Khoronus Guide My Aim!" as he hurled a Cause Fear Spell against the nearest Hell Hound.

"Run Away In Terror Thou Foul Creature!"

Ash launches the falcon into the air for safety andsteps forward. "Ainu Eru, Amin kyerm saun lle valya lav'amin tel val tanya sinar astald ohtare naa Amar." (Holy Corellon Larthian, I pray for your divine authority (Grace) to grant me the power so that these warriors are Blessed.)

In her left hand Ash holds out her holy symbol, and in her right is her blade glowing with a holy light.

These Hellhounds must be killed, they are of the Darkness and she is a Warrioress of the Light. There is no fear as she strides forward.

A hand signal sends her Cath Shee to cicle round the back of the second Hellhound, from there the cat will make lightning like strikes against the Hellhound, trying to hamstring it.

Amiri was not sure about this woman Lyra. She certainly knew more than she was telling them. Who would offer such gratuities to unknown adventurers to get them to take this quest. This kept her skeptical of the whole affair. And she wasn’t the only one.

Khalessin asjed one more question of the young woma,. "The mountains you say? Mountains tend to be big things, is there anywhere in particular within those mountains that you might suggest we start? Or anything to look for? Something must be pointing you, and thus us, in that direction."

Lyra glanced towards Khalessinm ready to respond to his question, but was distracted by something nearby. The young woman armed herself, as cloud of dust was seen at the outskirts of town The horses and war dogs and Cath Shee responded even before the group could see anything.

It must be an illusion, there is no such thing as Hell Hounds. A voice had spoken from the shadows. Amiri heard it clearly. And then the cause of all this appeared--two giant three headed hounds. Their eyes showed nothing, no pupils or anything, just fire. When their maw parted to release a howl, again all that was seen were sharp canines, and fire. The Hell Hounds stopped when they seen Lyra armed,, the ground rumbled gently beneath their feet. Twin red peaks flat against the beasts crania as four massive paws scorched the city streets wherever the Hell Hounds where. The beast’s body was pure muscle, and their hot breath could be felt even from where she sat on her Moon Steed.

If this was an illusion it was a masterpiece and Amiri knew that illusions could kill as quickly as the real thing. Amiri lifter her hands and intoned the ancient words in the language of the arcane while the creatures were still before her and no others had moved in. (Casting Color spray at the Hell hounds)

The hell hound was the first creature to attack. It readied itself and the first two heads used fire breath. Khalessin, Lyra and Darlthenia were the only ones hit with the first two attacks. The third head just snapped at Lyra biting her hard in the arm. After their attack they released another howl and their stance changed to a defensive one.

Darlthenia, Khalessin, Vakar and Velkyn all remained defensive for the first round, for what reason nobody knew. Did they fear to go near the beasts? Did they assume it was naught but an illusion? Whatever the reasons they did not attack the Hell Hounds.

Spider had fled from the scenes as soon as he had seen the creatures. Yet in this moment he snuck along side the creature and back stabbed the hellhound who had attacked his companions. The Hellhound snarled in pain as spider's blade met its mark swiftly and deeply. He now found himself beside his love Darli, waiting for his next turn.

The second hellhound's attack was more fierce. The first head used fire breathe which hit Lyra, Darli, Khalessin and spider. The second head snapped hard against Spider but the wound was not deep. The last head delivered another fire breath, dealing a great deal of damage to Lyra,Spider, Darli and Khalessin. Their injuries were quickly adding up together. Lyra having taken most of the injuries, yet still they stood strong.

Next it was time to for the magic users to cast their spells. Ulfgar had to make a quick decision and cast magic missiles on the second hell hound. The magic of the missles causing the creature to growl and release a whimper.

Amiri didn't waste time as she cast Color spray. The spell hit true and the hell hounds fell unconscious, but still alive. Their breathing had slowed and nobody knew when they would wake. The group could probably slip away during the time they were unconscious, but would the team leave the hellhounds to wake in rage and destroy the city?

It was Lyra who attacked last, dealing a devastating blow to the first hellhound. A slash sliced into the flesh of the beast, a deep wound. It was in this moment that the group seen Lyra's true strength. Though she looked much younger than her age, she was obviously older than all of them, and her strength was incredible. There was no question that she had what it took to probably take on both hellhounds herself and still remain alive.

Lyra understood that there would probably be a great deal of questions to follow after the fight, she was certain. The woman shouldn't have fought, but she did not wish for the town to crumble around her while she hid from the adventurers.

The Paladin of Corellon moved forward as the beasts fell, to check each one and deliver a coup de'grac to them, making very sure that they were very dead.

Only when she was sure of there demise did she raise her hand and call the bird that Lyra had given her back to her wrist.

Asheera look to the others and then back to Lyra, to whom her nods to in deference, the young woman was more than she seemed. Seeing Lyra wounded Asheera goes to her and does a Laying on of Hands.

"There is an enemy within this city," she announces gravely to her comrades. "I have a feeling that these beasts were summoned to keep us from learning what is behind the disappearances. I am afraid that when the city is out of its paupers that any citizen could be in danger of being taken."

At that point Asheeera used her Detect Evil to survey the area looking for the traces of the one who had summoned the creatures.

"Lyra, while we deal with what is in the mountains, you will need to search for those in the city who are aiding in the kidnappings. Take care, for the power behind all this is Evil and can summon or is in league with fell beasts."

After making sure that the Hell Hounds were dead, Khalessin turned to Lyra. He waited for his comrade to finish with her statement before adding his questions.

"Well, those little dogs prevented you from answering my earlier question - why the mountains? Also, these dogs seemed to know where they were going. Either they were after us, or they were simply targeting the city and we didn't get out of their way. Either way, they should not be here in the middle of town. Have such attacks happened before? What do you know about such evil beasts?"

After getting what he can from Lyra, Khalessin turned to the party's cleric and suggested that perhaps this trip should start with a healing spell or two if the cleric was willing. He saw no reason to start the trip with the party already weakened.

(This might need a quick clarification of injuries by the DM so that those with healing spells can figure out what is needed.)

Amiri did not move after the beasts dropped, nor did she take part in slaying them. However knowing these wer summons creatures she cast detect magic and looked around the area to see if the perpetrator were around looking on to see what happened to them.

Amiri turns around examining the area as thoroughly as she could. while the other finished them off.

"Wow," Ulfgar said a bit let down, "that was quick". The flames disappeared from his hands, somewhat reluctantly. He slouched on his horse, a bit miffed that his first major encounter was so insignificant, but decided to go along anyway.

He listened to what his fellow companions had to say, and decided he didn't need to add anything else.

He then walked over to the dead hellhounds, a delivered a swift kick to one of the heads of the one he attacked. Not good enough for us, eh? Lousy beast. He began to walk back to his horse and mounted it, waiting for the rest of the party to finish the talking.

The Paladin of Corellon moved forward as the beasts fell, to check each one and deliver a coup de'grac to them, making very sure that they were very dead.
Only when she was sure of there demise did she raise her hand and call the bird that Lyra had given her back to her wrist.
Asheera look to the others and then back to Lyra, to whom her nods to in deference, the young woman was more than she seemed. Seeing Lyra wounded Asheera goes to her and does a Laying on of Hands.
"There is an enemy within this city," she announces gravely to her comrades. "I have a feeling that these beasts were summoned to keep us from learning what is behind the disappearances. I am afraid that when the city is out of its paupers that any citizen could be in danger of being taken."
At that point Asheeera used her Detect Evil to survey the area looking for the traces of the one who had summoned the creatures.
"Lyra, while we deal with what is in the mountains, you will need to search for those in the city who are aiding in the kidnappings. Take care, for the power behind all this is Evil and can summon or is in league with fell beasts."

"Well, those little dogs prevented you from answering my earlier question - why the mountains? Also, these dogs seemed to know where they were going. Either they were after us, or they were simply targeting the city and we didn't get out of their way. Either way, they should not be here in the middle of town. Have such attacks happened before? What do you know about such evil beasts?"
After getting what he can from Lyra, Khalessin turned to the party's cleric and suggested that perhaps this trip should start with a healing spell or two if the cleric was willing. He saw no reason to start the trip with the party already weakened.

Amiri did not move after the beasts dropped, nor did she take part in slaying them. However knowing these wer summons creatures she cast detect magic and looked around the area to see if the perpetrator were around looking on to see what happened to them.
Amiri turns around examining the area as thoroughly as she could. while the other finished them off.
Lyra glanced towards Asheera as she had used a spell on her she raised her right hand to her chest in a fist and when it rested upon her heart she bowed down in gratitude "Thank you Mi Lady Asheera" her words were simple yet sincere. Soundlessly she listened to the woman's words and she shrugged slightly "perhaps it is true that there is an enemy within the city limits, I will investigate it once you have set off. I also assume that perhaps they are not lurking within the city, but perhaps they are operating from outside the city. My search will begin in the city, and will not end until the attacks and disappearances have ceased. I plan on staying here and protecting the city, while still investigating the causes. Sometimes during the night you can see shadows in the sky near the smoke of fire, it worries me, so I warn you to be safe."

While a couple members of the group used spells to try and figure out who was behind it, the woman shook her head slightly and listened to the words being repeated to her anew. As soon as his words had finished she replied "The mountains seem to be the most likely place for them to bring them. I'm thinking that the folks who are behind this are not of our kinds. I would assume that they do not walk amongst the light of day, all the disappearances have occurred during the night. Putting small clues like that makes me think that those behind this evil doing cannot walk in the light of day." she shrugged away the rest of her answer for she did not wish to delay their journey any longer. The sun had rose high in the sky and would soon begin its descent. They were all loosing precious time and perhaps would end up paying for such things later on in their journey.

Lyra glanced over her shoulder towards the mountains and she shook her head "nothing has happened like this in all the moons of my life, though my sick agely father has heard of such tales, but I know not if he is simply losing his mind, of if perhaps he knows more than he will reveal to any of us. But we are all losing precious daylight. Let us part ways and perhaps good fortune will lead us to the same fate." her words were both wise and encouraging.