There were only three of them in the party, two warriors and a cleric, but it was as if they were an army on their own. They carried no crest, but they were otherworldly and  wore the same mysterious armor, a metal that looked as if it was crafted from pure moonlight. The warriors walked ahead, their eyes focused ahead. The cleric followed, keeping in time with the steady footwork of his companions.  He, however, did not show the same focus.<br/><br/>The voices of the forest elders were still very clear in Jiro's mind.  Their instructions were clear: identify the dark power below, neutralize it if dangerous. The stoney look in the council' eyes sent chills down his spine.  It was very rare for them to encounter any true danger, and even in the past he could not remember a time when they looked this troubled.<br/>As the council looked down at their party the agitated rustling of the frightened spirits only darkened the shadows on the faces of the council.<br/>Jiro could feel it as well, under his feet.  There was a presence who's energy was wafting up from under the soil.  It was something that he had never felt before, but he was more curious than he was afraid.<br/><br/>The party of three reached the entrance to the castle. Jiro was unimpressed by cold, lifeless stone and did not care to look at the castle.  Instead he looked to the people.  There were two parties that had arrived ahead of them, all waiting to be let in.  From his pack, Jiro pulled out his summons.  The two warriors turned to him, their eyes heavy and flashing.<br/>They too were worried.<br/>"I will be fine." The fox said, smiling at his companions. "If there is indeed danger, the forest will need you more than I will."<br/>The silent second continued for an eternity,<br/>"We will wait with you until you enter the castle." His brother's voice was hard.<br/>Jiro nodded and approached the castle guard, waiting for them to finish their business with the other parties.