<HEAD>
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2873" name=GENERATOR></HEAD>
<BODY>
<P>When the party regroups with the tracker, Strie'bog will tell them fully about the vision he had. "Friends, this slaughter has happened before. I asked the Gods of Life to teach me the stories of the Zen'da, for the village that was attacked had lost their storytellers. At this past village, I remembered another village that was destroyed by animals. Even the horses turned against the villagers. This is why the claw was buried and forgotten; forgotten at least by most. In many stories, items of such great power could be used for great good, or unthinkable evil, it only depends upon the person who wields the item. Many times, there is also a price that must be paid. As we ride, we must consider two things. Our horses could betray us, and what do we do with the item once it has been reclaimed?"</P>
<P> </P>
<P>At the village, after saying a quick prayer for the safety of the villagers, "I wonder if the thief truly has control over the item." Looking to Caladan and Z'leyra, "You have shown more understanding about magic than I possess. Stories only tell a part of those mysteries. Could the claw have a purpose of its own? Can an item have a will to do things in excess of what the wielder desires? There are stories in which the weak of will were consumed by relics of great power. I am loathed to think that one man could have this much contempt for life without some type of influence."</P>
<P>Later, as we get closer to our objective. "When we encouter the thief, or when it looks as if our horses are being influenced, I will sing a song to calm them. Hopefully this will soothe their spirits against the influence."</P></BODY><PRE>
</PRE>