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the closed in feeling he was having the day before. With
the widening of the tunnel also came more danger as his light
failed to light up both walls. Thad didn’t really mind the
increased danger. At this point he would almost welcome an attack.
It would get rid of the constant boredom of staring into the
endless darkness as well as giving him a chance to test out some of
his new toys.
    Thad placed his hand in one of the
pouches on the side of his pack eagerly rubbing his fingers over
one of the plum sized magical slugs he had made. He had used them
on the slow moving lizards in the caves but that had hardly been a
true test of their ability in battle. His request went unanswered
as his trek through the endless darkness went
unchallenged.
    As the day wore on the hope of reaching
the underground river began to dwindle. Beginning to tire but not
wanting to give up if he was getting close, Thad stopped for a
brief moment. It didn’t take long to use his staff to search for
the river which showed up as a massive blue glow to his magical
sight. It was still a few miles away and while above ground that
could be made in under an hour even at a slow pace, underground it
could take three times as long depending on the terrain he would be
forced to cross.
    With the uncertainly of reaching the
river soon, Thad decided to stop for the night. Using his three
magical walls he set up a quick room. Safe behind his metal walls
Thad used his staff to search the paths up and down the river. He
had tried before back in his cavern but because of the distance it
had been extremely hard and time consuming for every inch he had
checked. Now that he was close he could easily search about four
miles in either direction with only a minor drain. One way ended
after a few miles but the other seemed to stretch on for far longer
than he could survey even as close as he was.
    Thad had hoped that when he reached the
river he would be able to quickly trace its roots to an exit but
that seemed less likely. Now all he could do was either turn back
or follow the only direction left to him and hope it led him to an
exit. The second the idea of turning back shot through his mind it
was quickly followed by a barrage of dissenting images from his
staff.
    Looking down at his staff Thad silently
longed for the days when it was just a simple tool for his use. The
staff obviously not enjoying the current thoughts sent a jab of
pain into his head. What Thad figured was its equivalent to a
slap.
    Thad couldn’t help himself and laughed
lightly at the object held in his hand. “Who am I kidding? If I
haven’t gone insane yet, I sure would have if I was left alone with
only my own thoughts. While you’re a pain in the ass sometimes at
least you’re something to talk to.”
    The staff answered back with a warm
feeling. Even though Thad had gotten used to talking to his staff,
lately it had gotten a little more intense. At first it had only
been able to send him pictures when he opened his mind and started
the communication, now it could do so at will. It had even moved
beyond that lately transferring feelings and emotions as
well.
    With little else to do, and not wanting
to turn in just yet Thad pulled the last letter he had received
from the princess. He had read the letter many times, each time
hoping to find the reason to why she had gone silent.
    Thad it is good to hear you
are doing well. I hope you will find your way home to us soon.
Things have been a little hectic around the palace since you have
been gone. Mother has got all but two of the nobles in line with
the new laws. Lady Demit, and Lady Spencer are proving to be the
most difficult.
    That aside, the black
cloaked man has continued to return and mother’s spies informed her
that a large number of his friends are staying at one of the local
inns. He still refuses to tell us what he wants with the
information. He just demands that mother release all knowledge she
has of you and your current