Book Tour Featuring *The Birth of Death* by Joseph P. Macolino @evorath @xpressotours #giveaway

As the embarrassing exchange concluded, Goldenchest left Irontail alone with the two elves. He felt uncomfortable after being scolded by his elder, but he was mature enough to ignore the shame. His habit to think about every little order before executing it was proving to be quite a nuisance lately. Still, he had a job to do, and he wouldn’t let his embarrassment interfere.

Fortunately for Irontail, both elves were much too shocked to ask any questions as their eyes traveled across the giant chamber. Even Irontail could not believe that all this was possible, but somehow the elders had gathered a druid from every sentient species of the forest.

He spotted the satyr druid he had escorted across the hall and watched as he conversed with a beautiful lamia. Not far from them were a group of lizock who seemed intent on being isolated, a practice common to their race. To the other side of the room there were felite conversing with a pair of barghest and a rather small troll. This was a gathering to be proud of and knowing that it was his elders who had organized this event reassured Irontail of their infinite wisdom. Never before had all of these races united for a single cause.

“I don’t believe my eyes,” Artimus exclaimed as his gaze passed over the felite and fixed in on the troll.

“Is that a troll?” Savannah asked.

“Yes it is,” answered Irontail full of pride.

“What are all of these people doing here?” Artimus questioned. “And what is that dog looking creature?”

“I believe you mean the barghest, sir.” Savannah interjected matter-of-factly.

“Yes, it is a barghest,” Irontail confirmed. “Their elders claim that at one time they were more numerous than both our species put together.”

“There are many legends about barghest being around in the age of demons, before elf, dwarf, centaur, or any other common race even existed,” Savannah added.

“Don’t stories also say that barghest fought on the side of the demons?” Artimus asked.

To that, Irontail had no answer. History was not one of his strong points.

“I don’t know,” he interjected, “But enough about the barghest. You asked why they have gathered. I shall give you an answer.”

Irontail paused for a moment, trying to figure out exactly what to say. In all honesty, he wasn’t even sure of the exact reason these races had gathered. All that he did know was what his elders had told him in the meeting he attended just after escorting the satyr courier. He just needed to make it look like he understood more…

“Well. You see. These nine races that are gathered represent the greatest species of the woods. These nine, including both your race and my own, will perform the first perfect druidic ritual. With your help,” he said turning to Savannah, “all nine races will be present and the ritual will be done.”

“Wait,” Savannah began, her face losing color. “Are you talking about a Xyrloom?”