<span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;">~ Kings Road ~</span><br/><br/>The road seemed endless and with the Fog looming at its end every step felt heavier and heavier. It was nothing short of feeling forced to walk off the edge of a cliff. Caspian looked up to the sky; no birds. Even the animals knew their place was nowhere near this accursed Fog. Yet Caspian's steed remained true, carrying on like a normal horse, unable to comprehend that these could very well be the last days of his master. The road stretched on but the scenery began to change. The sky was getting noticeably darker, the landscape deepened into another valley, but more importantly the shadows stirred. Caspian kept his gaze forward using his peripheral to monitor his flanks. The air was dusty and distracting and the familiar scent of death lingered.<br/><br/>The entrance to Fog was close now, Caspian could feel it. But would these shadows let him pass? A feint whistle in the air answered that question. It was the whistle of a loosed arrow that barely missed Caspian's head. A spear shot out from the shadows, landing in front of his horse. It reared back on its hind legs whinnying loudly. Caspian fought to grasp the reins tightly, losing focus and barely dodging another arrow that grazed his cheek. Caspian lost his grip in his horse's panic he fell. Dazed by the impact of the fall Caspian struggled to get his bearings, staggering to his feet. In the distance he could hear his horse galloping away, but nearby he could hear the shuffling footsteps of his attackers surrounding him. Slowly he straightened himself, taking hold of his shield off his back and unsheathed his sword. Five to one; good enough odds for any Forrosian with a little self respect. They were thieves from what Caspian could see. Their light leather armor died black and their short swords gave that away. Yet, there was something else. Their eyes were gone! Hollowed eye sockets with nothing but empty darkness boring into Caspian's soul. Their skin decayed and colorless, save for the slight ugly green hue. They shambled clumsily toward him, moaning and muttering with voices that will never speak words again. Is this what is to happen to Caspian? Is this end product of this horrid curse?! Caspian shook his head. "I won't have it!" He spoke to himself. To lose everything that would make you human, drained straight out of you. To stumble about as a husk, never to tell your wife and children you love them. This is a true death and the farthest from a glorious one at that. Thieves or not, these were men once. They were human. Caspian took a deep breath as they closed in on him. "Come brothers, your suffering ends here."