The altar

Soon, Zagan is swallowed by the thickening trees, the underbrush reaching out at his paws, trying to grab him- but his steps are deliberate- his trained senses searching for the prize he desires. The raven skull wasn’t just a relic- it would symbolize the element of air- the essence of air moving in the wake of death or phantoms- a connection to the spirit world.

Reaching a small clearing, Zagan stops, his gaze moving upward to scan the trees. With a click of his tongue, he summons his raven companion, and instructs it to help him. It doesn’t hesitate to help its master- moments later, its back in the sky, searching for the skull of a fallen comrade.

Zagan waits for its signal- a sharp caw that signifies success. When it comes, he tears through the forest with restless energy, finding his raven standing on a log and flapping its wings at the underbrush. Success. Collecting the skull, and taking a feather from his companion, he makes his way back to the altar.

"Zagan Saxe"