Wind howled through the cold night, carrying a scent that would change the world. A tall Shade lifted her head and sniffed the air. She looked human except the crimson hair and the maroon eyes.
      She blinked in Suprise. The message had been correct: they were here. Or was it a trap? She weighed the odds, then coldly said, "Spread out; hide behind trees and tall plants. Stop whoever is coming...or die a terrible death".
      Around her shuffled 12 Urgalas with short swords and rounded iron shields with black symbols painted on them. They resembled men with bowed legs and thick, brutish arms made for crushing. A pair of twisted horns grew a few inches above their smaller ears. The monsters hurried into the green plants, grunting as they hid. Soon the forest was left with silence once more.
    The Shade peered around some think leaves of a bush and looked up the trail. It was too dark for any human to see, but for the shade it was like sunshine; every detail was clear and Sharp to her searching gaze. She remained unnaturally silent, a long pale sword in her hand. A thin scratch curved down the blade. This weapon was thin enough to cut straight through a pair of ribs, yet stout enough to cut through the toughest armor.
     The Urgalas didn't have the sight of the Shade; they groped like blind beggars, fumbling with there weapons. An owl screeched,ending the silence. No one relaxed till the bird flew past. Then the monsters shook in the icy night air; one snapped a twig with its heavy boot.