[ Eptian LI ]

Eptih managed to evade the pursuing search party staying just ahead of them, but as he got closer to his town he began to realize that he was leading this band of henchmen to his very doorstep and thereby bringing with him a great danger.

As he approached his town he made the decision to lead the Queid following him into less inhabited parts nearby and there lose them. What Eptih did not know is that the band following him also contained Siradyt and so was more capable then Eptih had expected, not just the typical Queid drones. As Eptih doubled back and forth trying to confuse and disorient the Queid they surrounded him and unexpectedly attacked him, forcing him to fight. Eptih easily killed all those that challenged him but a few, realizing they were defeated retreated back to the Velidian stronghold near the coast.

This was a disaster for Eptih, he knew he had doomed his town and that the Velidians would be back in force. Eptih returned to the edge of his town not sure whether or not it would be wise to enter, he figured there might be spies within that would offer information to the Velidians, and he was right in this line of thinking as a large element of Narcirogen had been planted in the city, as it was with most cities, by the Velidians. When Eptih approached the outskirts of the town he recognized a young woman as a childhood acquaintance named Reyam and he figured he could trust her or at least he hoped he could. Eptih approached the farm with caution trying to avoid the rest of the family but get Reyams attention. Eventually Reyam noticed Eptih off in the distance and Eptih waved for her to come to him. She was reluctant and Eptih could tell she was about to announce his presence to her family so Eptih began walking toward her. Reyam recognized Eptih as he came closer and her apprehension subsided. Reyam was stunned to see Eptih alive as it had been assumed he was dead and so she was happy to see him alive. Eptih told Reyam he did not yet want to be recognized so to meet him out in the Forest secretly and with that he withdrew back into hiding. Later when it was convenient Reaym went out to meet Eptih.

Eptih was shocked at how beautiful Reyam had become in the years he had been gone but he had little time for those considerations now and instead enlisted her to bring Thmascuid to see him. He was putting much faith in the girl not knowing whether or not he could trust her but it was a gamble he was willing to make.

That night Reyam snuck away and went to Thmascuid’s house and related the message Eptih had given her. Thmascuid was dismayed to learn Eptih was alive and had suspicions as to Reyams intention figuring she might be a tool of the Velidians, but he had to know if Eptih was alive or not so went to where Eptih was supposed to be.

Upon arriving he did not find Eptih and feared he might be in the midst of a trap, just them he saw figures approaching him. It was a small group of Narcirogen and Thmascuid attempted to flee but they had already seen him and a fight ensued. As the fight played out Eptih came and joined in and the Narcirogen were slaughtered.

At first Thmascuid did not recognize Eptih as he was no longer a child but upon further inspection he realized it was in fact Eptih and as such he embraced him, welcoming him home. After they had reestablished their familiarity Eptih told Thmascuid what the situation was and how he was sure a large band of Velidians were sure to be coming. The two planned what they would do agreeing that limiting the destruction of the town would be the best action.

It was decided that for the time being Eptih should remain outside the city hidden away and so Thmascuid went to (Reyam’s family) to seek asylum for Eptih which (Reyams’ family) granted.