In the Shadows

I can see something, but just can't seem to make it out.... Is it bars, chains? Can this be a prison of some kind?

The images are just to fuzzy...

What is this...that sound.....someone, something is moving closer.. Slowly a feeling begins to grow in me, I have never felt this way before.... I turn to run, no where to go.

Turning back towards whatever is approaching, this feeling grows even greater... Its too close....there it is.....oh my

Sitting straight up in bed, reality sets in. It was a dream, only a dream. "No" Giant says out loud, "it's not just a dream. Just look at me, I am sweating, and shaking so bad." Then true reality hits him. "I am afraid, of what I do not know. Even the dreaded stick has never caused fear to rise so much in me." Thinking silently to himself now, Giant begins trying to figure out this dream."What can it be?" After a few moments, and no answers, the squire decides to take a walk. For he knows sleep will not come easy this night. Quietly dressing and walking down the corridors, Giant soon finds himself leaving the gates of Camelot and silently wandering, lost in thought. Startled by a sudden noise, Giant comes out of his trance going immediately to the ready. After realizing it is only one of Lord Nasher's trusted guards, he lowers his defenses. Looking around Giant sees he has wandered straight into the city of Neverwinter. "Well since I am here, I might as well see what is going on" Giant thought to himself. Nothing, absolutely nothing of interest was going on any where in the city. Home was where he was headed when he met him. "Greetings" came a voice from the shadows.

Startled by the voice, Giant turned quickly, his hand going immediately to his sword. "Ye are a quick one" came the voice again "but if I wished to do you harm, would I have ruined a good surprise attack by spreaking?" "Perhaps not, forgive me" stated the squire "but if ye wish ta speak, come out here where I can see you" "Of course" said the voice. Soon a figure came into view, but it seemed to carry some of the shadows with it. "Much better" said Giant "now greetings, I am Giantklr, and you are?" "Xilon" said the mysterious figure. "Hmmm....Giantklr of KORT" "Aye squire to The Lady Gonesha, but might I ask how you know?" Starting to chuckle, Xilon says "Your shield, you carry the colors of KORT on it" "Aye, I do" adds Giant.

"Well Giantklr, I am in need of some help this evening, will you help someone whose path leads them in a different direction than you own?" says Xilon. "I will do what I can, what is it that you need?" answers Giantklr. "Seeing how my master has just teleported me to this realm, I am in somewhat of a weakened state. Would you escort me around these parts until my strength has returned?" "I believe I can handle what you ask, but in return all I ask is for an ear" states Giant. "An ear!!! Are all the good in this realm so demanding? says a startled Xilon. Laughing, Giant simply adds "I do not really want your ear, I wish for you to listen" "Oh, is that all, I thought there was hope for you yet, guess I was wrong" says the mysterious one. Still laughing, Giantklr says "maybe so, but shall we be off?" "Aye, let us. I hunger for my returned strength"

With that, the two headed off to the wilder regoins of the area to see if Xilon's strength could be regained.

Many a battle did the two wage together, and all the while Xilon grew ever stronger. Giant noted his lightning fast reflexes and the cruelty with which he swung his balde. Giant said nothing of this, for Xilon was upholding his part of the bargain, and listening to his words. One day, Giant knew, that this one would be a worthy opponent and may even gain the skills to make his fight against evil a lot tougher. Still he said nothing of this, for the only words he wanted to tell this mysterious one was ones of good and of what good can achieve. Not hoping to convert this evil (he has lived this life long Giant knew this would never be done so quickly) but rather to plant a seed that someday would grow and turn this evil to the side of good. The two continued on....many more battles, and more talk from Giant, and only silence and listening from Xilon. Suddenly, Xilon stopped.

"It is time for me to go, the sun begins to rise" he says breaking his long silence "I am a creature of darkness and the sunlight would only serve to sap the strength I have gained" "I wish you only luck in your journeys" continues the shadowed figure "but next time our paths cross, it may be under more dire circumstances" "I understand, I am just glad we had the opportunity to talk" said Giant. A simple exchage of looks was all else that was done and the two parted ways. But in that look, a sense of mutual respect was conveyed, and giant then knew the seed had been planted.

His questions on the dream had never been answered this eve, but Giant had seemed to forget all bout it. No need to worry about that anymore, for he felt too good about all things that were done. As he heads for home, the sun peeks into the sky. Giant stops to admire the beauty of the sunrise and this beauty brings one thought into his mind...the thought of his lovely bride to be, Kierra. Rushing on his way, Giant soon had Camelot within his sight and knew he was home. "Ahhh..there is no place like home" thought Giant as he entered the gates and set about to do his daily duties.