Evil drew Light with a simplicity belying its nature.

Prior to the White Stone of Unity being retrieved from its lofty nest atop the Leviathan, events were taking place within the westernmost extent of Chardon that would sorely test its denizens in the days to come. Events that would confirm the Seers prophesy of perilous times ahead, had the insolated residents of the Valley knowledge of their existence. For even as the Creed struggled to ease the internal dissent threatening to bloody their land, external forces were conspiring to make their current crisis but a momentary diversion in the overall scheme.

Most ominously, a renegade Elf of the Blue Woods had chanced upon the Black Stone of Enmity while scavenging for food inside the bleak and inhospitable wilderness named the Wasteland. Had he known what atrocities were to be released with this ill-fated discovery, most assuredly he would have discarded the pebble immediately. Unfortunately, he lacked insight into the appalling events to come and quickly became ensnared by the dark Magic of the Stone.

Briefly, he did profit from this dubious acquisition, gaining control and dominance over the wretched wanderers and outcasts inhabiting the desolate region. But even as his lust for power intensified, so too arose a ruthless determination to seek vengeance on those friends and foes that might oppose him, whether the perceived threat was real or imagined.

Eventually though, the Black Stone would betray him as well in a most unpleasant and vicious way.

* * * * *

Pylo Eversong motioned for silence.

His friends were being too noisy in both step and chatter. Did they not realize the seriousness of their situation? If seen, Pylo had few doubts what the penalty would be. There was still time to back out, to go home hungry yet again. But he feared if he did quit, the trio with him would surely be caught. He would never forgive himself if they were punished due to his refusal to help. And should they somehow pull off the theft without his assistance, he would never hear the end of it. Nor would he share in the spoils of their efforts.

But even with his help, what chance did the four of them have?

Then again, long days had been spent under the hot sun irrigating the crops and tending to the harvest. The four of them worked harder than most, especially the old and crippled. Did that not entitle them to more food than the other Elves received? they mused in secret. Did that not grant them a bit of leniency if caught? Such questions were more easily answered while formulating their plans than they seemed at the moment, now that the scheme had been set in motion.

Why had he let himself be talked into this foolishness?

Still, the empty feeling in his stomach played keenly on his mind the past nights and made it all too easy to agree. This is, until Pylo returned home and realized the risk involved. His friends did not know his father as well as he did. As Chieftain of the Blue Elves, Kerki Eversong was responsible for maintaining discipline and order in the forest -- a task that was becoming increasingly difficult to do.

For the Elves inhabiting the Blue Woods were in dire need of better days. Consecutive years of poor harvests had depleted their reserves of grains, nuts, and berries. They were not alone in their need. Tribes adjacent to the forest suffered from the same shortage of food, which made for fragile relationships among the various Races inhabiting the area. Minor skirmishes had already broken out between neighboring clans. Unless the weather changed for the better, such clashes would only get worse.

Fortunately, the Dwarves and Humans clustered nearest the forest were kept at bay due to an ancient spell that protected the Blue Woods from intruders. Another Chieftain might have been inclined to take advantage of this benign incantation, but Kerki felt maintaining good relations with the tribes around him would be more beneficial in the long run than an extra morsel of food at night. Which is why he expressively forbade any raids upon their neighbors stockpiles.

To his credit, Pylo decided to honor his fathers directive. Eventually, he convinced his friends that stealing from the Elves own stockpiles was less risky than a foray into the reserves of a neighboring tribe. Even so, such a raid held its own perils. For Kerki also warned of dire consequences should anyone be caught doing exactly what the youths hoped to do tonight.

He went so far as to voice the word expulsion several times.

Again urging his friends to make less noise, Pylo placed aside the risks and turned his focus to the matter at hand. The storage hut they were approaching was the furthest removed from the guardhouse. Should an alarm be raised, they hoped the added distance would benefit their escape. As long as they were not caught committing the theft, Pylo figured they could bluff their way through any questioning that might take place.

He paused before entering the lighted space of the sentrys warming fire. Quietly signaling his friends to wait, he went to check out the row of houses nearby. Initially satisfied that their inhabitants were asleep, he delayed his return by stopping in front of a dwelling that he knew was occupied by an inquisitive female, whose age allowed her ample time to pry into the affairs of others. She had gotten Pylo in trouble with his father before and he did not intend to let it happen again, especially tonight.

But his friends grew impatient waiting for his return.