Dragonsblood, Chapter 11 Vengar was stunned having come almost face to face with the one orc who had caused him and Therion so much anguish. But there was much more to the feelings that were churning in Vengar's heart. He had managed to push aside the emotions and memories of his past that had plagued him when they had first encountered the orcs. The necessities of the tasks at hand, the survival in the wilderness and the war against the invaders of the Barony, the capture and subsequent rescue of Therion and the Elessidels, their flight from the Church of the Redeemer and ambush by the army of Soros, all had served to keep his burning rage and insatiable desire for revenge in check. But at seeing the one creature who had personally caused so much pain to Vengar, both recently and in his early childhood, all that self-discipline vanished. It was time to settle his vendetta with this beast! Still unnoticed by his prey, Vengar's mind quickly flashed several possible attack approaches. He finally settled on a devilishly clever plan that utilized all of Vengar's skills, both old and new. As Gurlith was standing part way down the hill, awaiting the latest battle reports from the top, his eyes started playing tricks on him. The scene of the hill melted and washed away like a painting not yet dry that is drenched with water. As the old scene began to clear, a new one took its place. Gurlith found himself on a small, sandy beach, surrounded on three sides by sheer rock cliffs that rose a hundred feet into the sky. The ocean was pounding heavily on the shore, with angry waves crashing relentlessly with a terrible din. They seemed to be reaching for Gurlith as he stood, surveying the strange scene that was unfolding before him. The sky was dark and overcast, with the clouds boiling and churning in hateful synchrony with the waves. Gurlith quickly realized that this was the act of their mindmage. He remembered that cursed fool's last intrusion into his mind. And yet, there was something slightly amiss about this. It didn't seem quite the same. Calling out, Gurlith shouted, "What is it you want from me, mindmage? I am a very busy man, you know. I am about to defeat you and your sorry excuse for an army." His voice echoed aimlessly off the dark walls that surrounded the beach, and were greeted by nothing but the roar of the waves. Then, with an effect that could best be described as a reverse echo preceding the actual words, a voice that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time answered. "Your confidence is overwhelming, Gurlith. But are you so sure of who your adversary is? After all, the first rule of defeating your enemy is to know your enemy." The voice spoke calmly and firmly. Gurlith could not recognize it. "You are that upstart warlock that should have been burned at the stake back in Montfort! But no matter! Lord Soros will soon remedy that problem, and steal your measely Barony right out from under you even before your body is cold in its grave!" Gurlith was beginning to get agitated, as he scanned the area for whoever was addressing him. He tried to block the intrusion to his mind, but was unable to break the vision that he was forced to see. After another intolerable delay, the same voice replied back, laughing. Then, "You are a fool, Gurlith! Look here, and tell me who your enemy is!" The scene abruptly shifted from the seascape to a small village nestled peacefully in a forest. It was an ordinary village, and at first Gurlith could not recognize it. But then the raiders rode in, and as they ransacked and pillaged the place, he began to remember...it had been so long ago. The point of view began to move through the streets, revealing all of the horrors being committed by the raiders. Finally, it stopped outside of a homestead near the edge of the village. Gurlith watched with curiosity, for while he was remembering the things that he had been shown, he could not recall what was going to happen next. A woman ran from the house, followed by a young orc in pursuit. She was a very attractive woman, with long flowing dark hair and a slender build. Her skin was smooth and fair. And her face was beautiful; her tender lips, her petite little nose, and her bright, blue eyes. Her bright blue eyes, which had normally shone with love and warmth, and were now radiating abject terror. Gurlith watched dispassionately. He was now beginning to realize where this was going. The orc quickly caught the woman. He roughly pushed her to the ground, and proceeded to tear at her clothes. Frightened and panicking, she kicked back ferociously, screaming and crying at the same time. But she was not strong enough. The orc dropped on top of her, and began to brutally rape the woman. Each time he thrust himself at her, she screamed, and he viciously struck her face with the back side of his leather-gloved fist. It got to the point where she stopped screaming, and stopped fighting. But the savage attack continued on, as the repugnant sub-creature sated his lustful and malevolent desires. Realizing that this was an obvious prelude to a revenge attack, Gurlith asked flatly, "So, this was your wife, then?" "SHE WAS MY MOTHER!!" and simultaneously the scene shattered back to the hillside as a bolt of pain rippled up from his entire left side. Instinctively rolling away from the blow, Gurlith was able to minimize the wound, and quickly drew his sword to counter the attack. Vengar's sword had caught Gurlith in his body, but the orc had spun away before the blade could dig too deeply. The chance at the quick kill had eluded him. No matter. It would be more gratifying this way. The two now stood some twenty feet apart, swords held before them and eyes locked on each other. Even though Vengar was staring straight at Gurlith, he had not lost his image on the beach. Imagining one of the plants that 'bush' had employed, Vengar saw a strangle vine shoot up out of the sandy beach and instantly wrap itself around Gurlith's right leg. The giant orc staggered, both in the mindscape and on the hillside, and Vengar lunged at him. Gurlith fell to the ground to avoid the blow, but Vengar adjusted the angle of his swing and caught him in the upper leg, giving him a nice gouge. But at the same time, Gurlith raised up his right arm, the one that had been holding him off of the ground, and he fell onto his right side. But not before his own sword had met Vengar's side, and he graciously gave the assailant a similar wound to the first one he had received. The two injured combatants again separated, but it was clear that Gurlith was on the losing end. He staggered, the pain from the cut to his leg screaming in his ears. He shifted his weight to the other leg, and that helped, but that slight movement was all that Vengar needed. He charged again, berserk with the rage of finally meeting the one he had sought vengence against for all his life. Gurlith swung with his sword in an obvious attack, and Vengar easily parried it. But what Vengar missed was Gurlith's left fist making a quick jab to his face. He reeled back, his sense of balance suddenly knocked a-kilter and shaking his head in a desperate attempt to regain his senses. Gurlith had an opening. But he didn't take it. He had just realized something. Dumbfounded, he stood there for a moment, and then bellowed in uncontrolled laughter. Vengar regained his senses, and Gurlith shouted to him, "I understand now! This is not just some family vendetta against me! I'm actually your father!" Vengar answered angrily, "You're damn right, you bastard! And know this: I will not rest until I see my sword sticking out of your lifeless corpse. This is my only ambition. I have tracked you this far, and now it ends. Now, my mother will be avenged!" "Son! How could you?" Gurlith sneered in mock indignation. Vengar was not amused. Charging again, he wielded his sword fanatically, swinging it all about his body and thwarting any chance Gurlith had to guess where the blow would come. So he cheated. He dropped to his knees and with his left hand scooped up a handful of dirt and flung it at Vengar's eyes. It had been a tried and true tactic of Gurlith's, and was the method he had used to climb to the position where he was. It was his trump card. And he was good at it. Ten feet away Vengar was blinded. He slowed, but his sword continued its twisting dance about his body, now in a defensive stance to deflect any incoming strike. But Gurlith was good. He had to be to get the stature that he had. Despite Vengar's spinning blade, he felt a sharp cut go down his back, from right to left. It was not deep, and while it stung badly it did not break Vengar. He swung around, striking at where the assailant was likely to be to have hit him where he did, but his own sword met with thin air. Finally shaking the last bits of dirt from his eyes, Vengar quickly searched for his nemesis. But there was no one to be seen. The coward had fled! Damn that Gurlith! Rage enveloped Vengar. Rage over what had happened to his mother so long ago. Rage at having met her assailant. Rage for having failed to avenge her. It was more than Vengar could hold. He went mad. From a soft growl and growing into a screaming roar, Vengar charged up the hill. He was possessed. Scores of enemy went down before him. Those few that were able to land blows on the madman were disheartened when they saw that the wounds seemed to have no effect on him. Many were sliced in two, and straight through the body at that. Vengar fought with a strength and a rage and a determination like none he had ever had, nor would he ever have again. As he continued to cut a swath of death and destruction through the enemy, drawing their attention away from the surrounded army on the hilltop, their morale finally broke, and they joined their leader in flight. But Vengar wasn't through. He continued to charge up the hill, and it became apparent that he intended to continue the fight. Joreen and Niari looked at each other, and they instantly knew what had to be done. The placed themselves between Vengar and the others, and waited for him to get closer. When he was almost on top of them, Joreen's elven reflexes came to play as she dove at the man's feet. Niari lept forward and was quickly able to subdue Vengar's sword arm. She locked her eyes on his. Her deep silver eyes grabbed his and wouldn't let go. She said quietly, all the while grasping him firmly in her gaze (and in her grip), "It is over. Stand down." Vengar fought with them, struggling to free himself. But he could never break his gaze into Niari's eyes. She had some sort of power that kept their eyes locked. Again he tried to twist free, but Joreen and Niari held firm. "It is over. Stand down," came Niari's voice again, with the same intonation as the first. The adrenalin was beginning to wear off. Vengar was beginning to regain his control. The crazed look in his eyes was fading. He blinked twice, and finally saw Niari for who she was. Finally breaking the stare, he looked down at Joreen, who relaxed her grip around his legs slightly. He then looked back at Niari. A faint smile flashed across her lips, but her face remained as stern as before. Vengar's body then visibly relaxed. Gaining his voice, he said in a gravelly and harsh voice, "I-I'm okay. Please, take me to Lord Therion." Niari and Joreen released him, and led the injured warrior to the Baron. They then quickly rallied what remained of the army and began to move them down the hillside to retake the earthworks that had been the defensive line for most of the battle. Therion put his arm around Vengar as he led him down the hill. "I almost had him," Vengar muttered, as tears began to form. He started to sob. "I almost had him, Therion! I almost had him!" He was crying quite hard now. Therion said nothing. There was nothing to say. There was nothing that he *could* say. All he could do was help his friend down the hill, and tend to his wounds, which were revealing themselves to be quite serious. While the adrenalin had been in control, Vengar had been able to ignore them, but the pain was now beginning to catch up to him. But it was minor compared to the emotional agony that he was suffering. By the time they had made it back to the trenchline, Vengar was completely limp and listless. It was clear to Therion that despair had Vengar in its grasp. He feared he would not be able to motivate him to continue the fight. That would be the third of the party that had been debilitated by the fighting. And casualties had been high, too high, this night. They had beaten back the enemy, but it was clear to Therion that they would be unable to resist another attack. It was also clear to everyone else. The end was nigh. ---m As men and orc lay wasted below, Soros had gathered his specialists along with Tinseltown and any other potentates of this side of the battle. His next string of orders were clear and fixed, to the obvious displeasure of all. The plan was to try one last ditch effort to over through Little Dragon Horn before morning broke. Soros had an urgency in his voice that made some of the men uneasy (the ones that new him best). He knew some other force was out there in the dark wanting him hurting. He would keep the eunech close now, more than ever. Leading the general attack were several unwilling participants. A few hours ago they had silently laughed to themselves as they had made the sky glow red and green, exposing not only Soros's enemy atop the tiny hill, but his troops as well. Two mages had paid with their lives for the quip. First, they used what talents they had by clearing the path for the soldiers who followed. All the while, Tinseltown kept watch over their activities, like a professor does students taking an exam. They dared not push their luck now. It was easy enough for a few of the mages to remove most of the plantation from the western side of the hill. To the ones responsible, it pained them as much as a mother pulling a patch off of her young child to do their work. This evil task done, the hill was cleared for the troops. Simultaneously, a great shield was built to protect the men of the front that moved slowly over the bodies of fallen comrades. Arrows, bolts, and magically-propelled missiles bounced harmlessly off the invisible partition that advanced as did the front. Slowly but surely they moved upon the defenders. Again, as usual, things went wrong. The force approached the crest, confidence brimming with every step as men and orc remained unharmed, until for no apparent reason the shield wavered. It did not disappear or weaken altogether at once, but holes began to spring. Arrows found their way to intended prey. Fear re-entered the souls of the advancing troops. Cries for the mages to increase their efforts were made, but they could not. Tinseltown was ordered to execute those responsible, but he found that he could not discover the cause or perpetrator of treason, for there were none. They had reached Elana's domain. ---ds 'bush' ignored the battle around them, as they knelt beside Garrison, trying to figure out how to bring the Old One back. He wasn't dead, the Warden knew that much, but they knew that Flanner wasn't dead either, and they couldn't do anything about that either. They did what they could to make Garrison comfortable, raising a thick carpet of grass for him to lay on, and lying him out flat, 'bush' heard Zeph yelling over the roar of the battle, but couldn't make out what she was saying. It would be just like that kid to get herself killed while they couldn't do anything about it. The Warden tried to mend the Old One's ribs using the plant magic, but his body seemed to be resiting it. The only thing that they could still do was to fall back on techniques that they hadn't used in ages. 'bush' fell into a trance, and those watching over them noticed a distinct resembalence to Therion at this point. They reached into their own mind, and then tried to move into Garrison's body to speed his healing processes. But the divided nature of their mind turned against them, and wouldn't let them out. =F4The Old One's on our side! Let me try to help!=F6 =F4No! It would only hurt us, and we don't need another!=F6 =F4That wouldn't happen this time!=F6 =F4This one is too powerful for us to risk it.=F6 A scream rent the air, and 'bush' could no longer sustain the exercise. They retreated back into the outside world, and looked around at the concerned faces, of which their were very few. The battle was extremly intense. "There is nothing we can do." ---jen Niari had reached Garrison's side to find that the old man was still alive but there was nothing she could do in her condition. Her own senses were rocking like a stormy ocean. One of the n'Sete helped his commander to her feet. She stood and mumbled her thanks but the Plainsman had come to ask her to accompany him. She held her head to keep the world from spinning and followed. They walked a short distance to the edge of one of the ruins. Her guide then stopped and pointed down into the fray below. The enemy was advancing again. By the Gods! The Kioshu woman sobered instantly and called for the archers to prepare what few missiles they had left. Though there were only a hundred or so of the enemy left, they were still more than Therion's men in number and they were moving forward under the protection of some kind of sheild. Damn! Then, the arrows began to break through. Niari looked around her for a Mage and saw Elana also gazing down upon the advancing troops. Of course! The Kioshu smiled and yelled to her mercenaries to keep firing. Then, the arrows were gone. There was nothing else to do but attack and defend the hill and Therion. Shreiking an n'Sete battle cry, Niari charged the enemy, followed by the remainder of the Plainsmen. They hit the western side of Little Dragon's Horn like the avalanche of rocks had, slicing and carving their way through the enemy, knocking down and immobilizing anything that moved in the field of bodies. With the first kill, Niari absorbed enough life-force to send her into a killing rage. It was so much easier to kill when the enemy had evil in their hearts! Fighting at home had never been like this! Her sword, ripping through Orcish bodies, seemed to sing a gory battle song; sliding off metal armor; thudding into sheilds and bones; tearing away flesh and blood with a deadly syncopation. Kiha surged through the mass of bodies around them, propelling his master over the fallen and the dying, his hooves mashing their bodies into a thick, muddy stew. Niari's sword found purchase in the arm socket of a human soldier. Their eyes locked, and the silver in Niari's sockets was reflected in the hate-filled orbs of her enemy. She smiled and twisted the blade, hearing the glorious sound of sinew snap apart as the man's arm was severed from his body. A river of blood spouted from his torso and splashed over a dead comrade, a baptism of life blood come too late. The man howled in pain. Niari twisted in her saddle and caught a mouthful of the hot liquid. It hit the back of her throat and she moaned in pleasure as the energy of the dying man passed into her. More! She would not stop until they were all dead. She brough down three more Orcs and another human. He died with fear in his eyes. The fool should have never become a warrior. Niari searched for another victim but there were none left around her. She spotted an Orc about to take the life of one of her Plainsmen. Galloping quickly into the fray, Niari brought down her blade and pierced the beast's neck though the spine. His head lolled on top of the huge body and then, he dropped to the blood- soaked earth. ---k With a cry, Zeph climbed a crag of rocks. "Hold your fire!" She made an awesome sight. A tiny figure perched atop the highest point of the tiny hill, the sun just breaking behind her, making her more grand than life. Again she cried, "Hold your fire!" Warriors on both sides of the line hesitated and looked up at the young child. She could have been easily taken down with a single shot, but miraculously none came. She had her audience captivated. With a voice uncharacteristic of a young child she continued. "The rite is complete Tinseltown, I name your Status: RO pine. His head lolled on top of the huge body and then, he dropped to the blood- soaked earth. ---k With a cry, Zeph climbed a crag of rocks. "Hold your fire!" She made an awesome sight. A tiny figure perched atop the highest point of the tiny hill, the sun just breaking behind her, making her more grand than life. Again she cried, "Hold your fire!" Warriors on both sides of the line hesitated and looked up at the young child. She could have been easily taken down with a single shot, but miraculously none came. She had her audience captivated. With a voice uncharacteristic of a young child she continued. "The rite is complete Tinseltown, I name your true name: Teneth Reed." Just before he buckled in pain, he saw his true name glow then explode from the tiny parchment that the child upon the crag held in her hand. He fell to his knees and cried helplessly as all his powers flowed from his body in much the same way a dying soldier feels his life blood flow away into the mud beneath him from a hot wound. Her captive audience grew so silent that even her breathing could now be heard. She then continued. Pointing a finger at another mage, she screamed out his true name, then another name and then another. The effect was the same each time. The wizard in question would see their true name on a piece of paper that was held in a tiny hand of some unknown child who stood yards away. Then they were powerless... but free. Soros could no longer use them. No longer torture them. No longer enslave them. They would fight like free men with free hands and by their gods rite, they would over throw him and save their kin. ---ds It took Niari a moment to realize what was happening. The fighting had ground to a halt all around her. Names were being shreiked into the dawn. The Kioshu warrior, panting and shaking still with bloodlust, was amazed and impressed by what happened next as the girl read the names from the burning scroll. She shuddered as Tinseltown and the other Magicians were stripped of their powers. Thanks to the Gods that *she* was no Mage! ---k With the last name spoken, the dam broke.---ds The screams of the few remaining leaders in Soros' army could be heard desperately shouting for an all-out attack. Even Soros himself could be heard bellowing out the orders. Despite the beating that his forces had taken the night before, they were still a formidable, if not bloodied, force. And now they were charging headlong up the hill. Therion, Niari, Joreen, Elana, Zeph, 'bush', and Walks all steeled themselves for the coming assault. This would be there final stand. They all knew that. They only hoped that they could take many of the enemy with them. Zeph had not moved from her perch high on the outcropping of rocks. She watched as Soros' army charged towards her and her friends. She was not fearful. She almost felt a sense of relief, relief that this entire campaign would be drawing to a close. No more running. No more being chased. No more watching her friends suffer. As she watched, she could see Soros staring up at them, up at her, and she thought she could see him smiling. But the smile began to fade. ---m From behind her grew a shadow where no sun could make one. The beat of wings and bugles became deafening. Colonel Brande, some of his Free Company (the veterans) knew all too well the call. The Griffons... ---ds Lorendil had been anxious ever since the First Heavies had taken to the air. The ward that he had put on Niari was screaming, and that could mean only one thing: she was in trouble. While he had full faith in her ability to protect herself, they were fighting a war directly or indirectly against the Dark One, and when that malevolent entity was involved....not wanting to think about what might be happeneing, he urged Eldarion on. All the while, he was scanning the countryside in a magical spectrum, and giving course corrections to Eldarion who relayed them to Commander Acton. There were few that were needed. Niari's ward shown like a beacon, a lighthouse, in the magical spectrum. But there were other lights as well, and it was clear that there was spellfire at play. There was little Lorendil could do but help guide the First Heavy Cavalry Regiment to the battlefield at the best rate they could achieve. It wasn't nearly fast enough. ---m The griffons were pushed as fast as was safe. Pushing them too far would bring them into the battle worn out. It was a couple of hours before dawn when Eldarion turned behind him towards Lorendil and pointed downward. "Montfort...I wouldn't mind making a side trip with the regiment to the church's gates, had we the time!" Lorendil nodded in understanding. The regiment moved onward through the night, being given course corrections by Lorendil. Anxious hours past, and near dawn, the forward scout reported the sighting of the battlefield. Lances were brought into place, and combat spells were made ready. ---je Commander Acton ordered trumpeters to sound the arrival of the Army of Tynntangial, and a military fanfare announced their presence. Lorendil turned to Eldarion and said, "Trust me, my friend. We shall meet again when we have turned this battle and saved our friends." With that, he slipped over the edge of his griffon-steed and began plummeting to the ground below. "LORENDIL!!" screamed Eldarion, but he was already gone. Eldarion was stunned! What was he up to? Then he remembered his words. "Trust me," he had said. "We shall meet again." Lorendil was a powerful mage. Eldarion decided that he must know what he was doing. As Lorendil fell, he began his transformation. It was such a unique experience to transform while diving into battle! In fact, he had never done it before! Quickly he shed his elven appearance for his draconian one. Once transformed, he decided to herald his own arrival to the battle. Letting out an incredibly shrill shriek, he announced his presence. The few orcs from Gurlith's forces that were left instantly broke and fled (the absence of their leader contributing to their low morale). As he made a low, swift pass over the base of the Little Dragon's Horn ("Very interesting name," Lorendil thought to himself), he let loose his fiery breath, and in one sweep had torched a large number of attacking soldiers. Spellfire greeted him (Zeph had not neutralized *all* the mages), but their effects against him were instantly nullified by his own. He didn't even have to think about countering the spells, it came so naturally, so instinctively to him by now. He wheeled around for another pass. By now, the griffon riders were engaging the enemy. They were close in, and another pass would be risky. Still, he found a few hardy souls that were trying to flank the hill and make a sneak attack, and he roasted them on his second pass. Realizing now that he would be unable to continue the fight as he was, he landed beyond the Big Dragon's Horn, and transformed back to his "normal" self. Homing in on the protective ward he had placed around Niari, Lorendil teleported easily to her side. She was startled to see him suddenly standing there, but was quickly put at ease when she saw who it was. ---m Meanwhile, the regiment moved into the formation known as the wheel and began its attack. As massed barrages of forcebolts, lightning, and flame rained down upon the enemy from above, Eldarion steered his mount next to that of Commander Acton. "Our friends seem to be clustered upon the top of that small hill." Breen Acton nodded. "Yes, I've directed the attacks away from there. We will center the wheel on that point and work outwards, though from the look of things, your friends did all right for themselves." Eldarion nodded, and saluted Commander Acton, before diving his griffon down to the hill top. As the griffon alighted upon the hill, Eldarion dismounted and searched for his friends. He saw Therion, seemingly asleep beneath a tree, with several of his troops guarding what appeared to be the Baron taking a nap, in the midst of a battle!? Eldarion shrugged, not understanding, and spotted his friends clustered around the trunk of another tree, further along the hill. Eldarion broke into a dead run, as they were looking down upon a figure in the grass. It was Garrison. Zeph and 'bush' were kneeling next to him, and looking around, he could see Elana, seemingly weeping, far down the hill. She was staying away, for Garrison's sake. 'bush' was working on the druid, and Zeph looked up at Eldarion and said one word. "Jericho." Eldarion's face darkened, and he was about to leave to remount his steed when his cousin put a hand upon his shoulder. "Flanner's gone too! Jericho took him." A sense of rage filled Eldarion's being. "Which way?" He asked Zeph. Zeph pointed towards the north, and Eldarion ran back and remounted his griffon. He sped the mount northward, pushing the griffon as far as he could. But even using his elven eyesight to the fullest, he just could not pick up any trail in the air. Jericho had escaped, and Flanner was gone. With a cry of rage, Eldarion turned back to the battlefield. A tear streamed down his face. He had grown quite fond of that dwarf! The two had developed a closeness since Flanner had joined their band. And now he was gone, and possibly Garrison too! As he came back to the battlefield, Eldarion drew forth the sword of Xeen, and threw himself into battle. ---je Walks-On-Two-Legs was pleased with his =F4troops=F6. Though a couple had fallen - two wolves and a bear died at the point of a sword, and a third wolf had apparently died of disease - the predator army had taken many more lives in the battle than it had lost. Now the griffons were arriving! The wolves and bears howled greetings to their winged brethren and began their attacks anew. They worked their way into the various camp sites of the enemy, stalking through them to be certain none remained behind. More than one would-be deserter from Soros' army had found themselves face-to-face with a snarling wolf and ran screaming from the fray. A number of orcs, thinking to catch the humans by surprise, were themselves surprised at how quickly full-grown bears could run, and how deeply their claws bit. The giant weasel himself had drawn back to the top of the smaller hill. There he could guard his allies, as well as direct his troops. ---dw Elana sat next to a tree, crouched over and weeping. In her rush to go to the aid of Garrison, she had forgotten that with her null, she was now more of a hindrance than help. Her null stole away the old man's powers when he needed them most, and now he lay dying. How she wanted to be with him now, but what he needed most was for her to stay away, so that 'bush's powers might have a chance to work. She was so overwhelmed by her emotions, that she failed to heed the trumpets of the approaching Legentors. After a moment, her tears beginning to subside, Elana looked up, in hopes of seeing Garrison recovering. What she saw was her brother Eldarion, having returned, was remounting one of the First Heavies griffons, and soared away into the north. He was undoubtedly going after Jericho, to rescue their dear friend Flanner. *That*, had been her fault as well. She had declared the dwarf an elf-friend, and given him the Elessidel signet ring to mark him as such, yet in the end, she caused the events which culminated in Garrison's fall and Flanner's capture. Elana so wanted to talk to Eldarion, but now he was gone. She so wanted to check on Garrison, but that would endanger any chance he had of recovery. Elana stood, pulled out the glassteel dagger from her boot, and walked down the hill. The First Heavies were all around, mopping up the orcs, and tightening the shrinking lines of the enemy left on the bigger hilltop to the west. As Elana wandered she spied someone whom she felt she could talk to. There was Lorendil. She was beginning to have feelings for him, that could not be denied, but she had not had any time to investigate those feelings further. Lorendil was speaking to the warrior-woman Niari. She started to approach them to ask Lorendil if she could speak to him privately, when she stopped dead in her tracks. ---je When the Griffon riders had come, the battle was over. Niari rode to the top of Little Dragon's Horn to get a better view of the field. The ground was littered with bodies. Only a few warriors remained. Essaut and two of his brothers were finishing off the survivors of Soros' great army: two humans, trying to flee into the woods. The Kioshu was aware that some new living thing was suddenly next to her before her eyes could inform her. Still, she jumped when the Elf Lord appeared by her side. Would she ever get used to Mages? Probably not. ---k Lorendil could not help but embrace the woman. He was so relieved to see that she was all right! ---m She felt Lorendil's arms thrown around her body as he crushed her to him in a joyous embrace. Thanks to the Gods for her armor! She had not known the man was so strong. Then, it sunk in that Lord Lorendil had his arms around her. Niari's brain nearly exploded in confusion. She could feel his life-force shining all around her. She could feel the fingers of their energies touch and explore each other. Where the skin of his cheek touched hers, there were sparks. It was not unpleasant but was rather disconcerting for the normally reserved Kioshu woman. This did not seem like the Lorendil she knew. Well, she guessed that winning such a ill-favored battle could do that to a man. ---k Parting, Lorendil could see that, while healthy, she was the worse for wear. Looking past her, he could see Therion tending to Vengar and Garrison. He also spotted the others: Joreen, Elana, 'bush', and Walks. It was clear that it had been a terrible fight. Few of the soldiery who had started on the trip to Chadwick had survived, and yet there were others who had not been there when Lorendil had left. ---m Niari could think of nothing to say as he turned his attention back to her and was glad when he spoke first. ---k "It is good to see you again, m'lady," Lorendil said in greeting to Niari. Just then she realized how out of place Lorendil looked. He was, as usual, dressed in his fine attire, clean and completely unscathed, not even a hair out of place. Everyone on the battlefield was filthy dirty and covered with mud, soot, blood, and gore to some degree or another. Lorendil noticed Niari looking at his clothing. He looked down at himself, and back at her. "Is something amiss?" he asked, a confused look upon his face. ---m The man should have been covered in gore from contact with the Kioshu woman. Blood soaked her hair and armor but did not stain his beautiful clothing! Niari realized she was staring and lowered her eyes. "I beg forgiveness for my rudeness, my Lord Lorendil. Your sudden appearance caught me off guard. It shall not happen again." Her composure regained, the silver eyes raised again to lock upon his own. Then, she began a detailed account of what had taken place since his departure, using very professional, succinct wording, the embrace quickly filed away in the back of her mind. She hoped the raggedness of her own appearance would not offend him. ---k Elana turned away. There would be no future for her there. She wandered aimlessly around the battlefield. She walked right into the midst of some of the plants which 'bush' had enchanted. A vine tentatively stroked her ankle, and began to wrap around it, when it grew brown, and whithered and died. She was a pariah! Everyone she came near, everything she touched, was doomed. Tears welled up again in her eyes, and streamed down her face. As she stood there, she watched all of the poor enchanted plants slowly turn brown. Elana began to run, for 'bush's plants were not immediately affected by her, but the longer she stayed in one place, the quicker and greater the damage she did. Finally, she found a spot which was clear of the enchanted plants. She knelt in the wild grass, put her head down, and continued to weep. A shadow disturbed her solitude. "Excuse me, m'lady. The battlefield is still not fully secured. You should not be alone, there is still danger about." Elana looked up to see an elf in a Legentor uniform. A lanceleader. Behind him where the others who made up his lance, and the griffons they rode. Elana stood and wiped her face. "Indeed, Lanceleader. There is still danger on the field, and surely I am it." She turned and walked back up the hill. The lanceleader had no idea what she meant, but decided it would be best to keep a eye on her while she was in such a state. He ordered his men to follow, and followed her up the hill. ---je The command tent was a madhouse. Aides were running back and forth with dispatches, reports continued to come in from the battlefield. It was during all this confusion that the tent suddenly went silent at the sound of trumpets. Replee Brande knew those trumpets. Knew them all to well! Major Ventnor threw open the flap of the tent and entered, confirming the sounds of the trumpeteers. "Gods, Replee! Its not only the Legentors, but its one of their heavy units: griffon riders! They're raining hell on our men!" Colonel Brande's face darkened, and his voice took an edge. "What of our employer?" he asked. Cliffton Ventnor shook his head "I don't know, sir. He wanted to lead the final assault personally. Our men had pulled back somewhat to regroup, and Lord Soros led his men, and Gurlith's orcs onto the hill. He was pushing them forward when I spotted the Legentors in the sky. I immediately ran back here. From the reports I got along the way, and from seeing with my own eyes, it would appear that the what remains of the orcs have fled, as have the forces of our employer. The Legentors have now turned towards us, being the only viable opponent left on the battlefield." Colonel Brande spoke his next question carefully. "So...by all intents, our employer is either dead, or has fled the battlefield?" Major Ventnor knew where this was heading, and nodded "Yes sir!" Colonel Brande quickly walked around the map table. "Orders! First, have a white flag drawn up the top of this tent. Second, bring our troops in and have them stand down, and go into defensive positions around this tent. I hope that the Legentor commander will want to parlay, but just in case, we may have to fight to the death. We defend *only*. From this point forward, no offensive actions are to be taken. Third, I want you personally to seek terms with the Legentors. Do you understand?" Major Ventnor nodded. Col. Brande turned to all his aides, "Does *everyone* understand? Our contract is over, and I will now do whatever I can to save this regiment. You men take my orders to the company commanders now, and quickly! There is not much time." The white flag was flown from the top of the command tent, and the soldiers of the Free Company disengaged from battle as best they could. Soon, the Legentor attacks began to discontinue. Colonel Brande was outside the command tent, observing the defensive preparations, when Major Ventnor rode in, a white flag fluttering from a spear he carried. He dismounted, and approached his commander. "Sir, the Legentor commander, a Commander Breen Acton, refuses to parlay with you. He says he is not the commander of the field. He will make arrangements, but apparently, we must surrender to the Baron Therion himself, if we wish to cease this battle." Colonel Brande nodded. He had hoped the Legentors would have taken their surrender. They were notorious in their forgiveness and good treatment of losing opponents (except for orcs). The Baron Therion however, he was an enigma. How would he treat the mercenary force Soros had hired to destroy him? "Very well. Give my compliments to Commander Acton, and tell him that I *do* wish to end any further hostilities. I ask for normal terms only, the life of my men. Ask that he would he arrange our surrender to Baron Therion. We will cease all hostile actions as of this moment." Major Ventnor saluted, and rode off to treat with the Legentor commander. Colonel Brande looked around at his men. So many injured, so many dead. He had lost seventy percent of his regiment since the battle began. His officer corp had been cut to the bone, and many who were sergeants yesterday, now found themselves as company commanders. He *had* to save the rest, whatever it took. Even if he had to forfeit his own life. ---je Colonel Brande's orders were met solidly and a barrier was quickly built surrounding the tiny tent that made the Free Company's headquarters. To the dismay of Soros's retreating troops, they found themselves between a rock and a hard place. Several of the orcs and paid mercenaries lost their wits at this point, dropping their weapons and running uselessly in all directions. Some ran straight into the waiting weapons of their enemies. Others either made for Soros's hill or ran towards the bush for refuge and found death or captivity awaiting them by means of strange and powerful plants. Terror was found everywhere. Madness became the rage of Soros's now diminished army. Those still capable of retaining their control in such desperate times made for safer ground (Soros's camp) or in the some cases, made for cover and escaped in the shadows of the early dusk. Many were never seen alive again. The combined elite troops of approximately two hundred were practically wiped out by the onslaught served up by the First Heavies. All that remained were enough soldiers to make a platoon or two. Making their retreat was no easy task. Soros's bowmen, more from luck than any skill they possessed, managed to strike down nearly a half-dozen griffons that were making sweeping attacks to their south. Other hardy soldiers within their ranks managed to beat off the never ending attacks from the ground with the hacking of sword and axe. It was if they were cutting down a great jungle in reverse. ---ds Floating.....Falling......a gentle breeze brushed against Garrison. Garrison drifted in the weightless-ness, calm, at peace. He opened his eyes to the darkness all around him. It wasn't an oppressive darkness, it was the darkness of the Void. Garrison was home. Garrison searched back. He didn't remember how he came to this place. Images started to fill his head. He was a teacher. Classes of elves listened to his every word. They wished to gain the knowledge that he possesed. He lived upon a great Mount, which overlooked a grand city. He was a healer. He came upon a group of travelers. They were broken and left for dead. He brought them back. One was a dragon, another an elf, a third a human from a far away land, the last was plagued with =F4moon sickness=F6. He was an advisor. He stood behind the kings throne as he meet with their blood-enemies. I truce was to be signed, an alliance. Centuries of blood shed for a long forgoten cause would end. He was a warrior. He stood on the plain of battle. Evil creatures were all around. He used magic to destroy them. The dead lay everywhere. the stench of death was thick. It was a high cost, but they were victorious. He was a student. He develed through the library, searching for long lost lore. The smell of must assaulted him as he opened a ancient tome. Many more images filled his mind. None of them explained why he was here now or how he got here. He was a ruler. He had taken control of the country in an hour of chaos, when no other ruler had enough power. Order was restored. The land began to prosper again. People lived in happiness. He was a friend. A small child hugged him and others surrounded him. They all cared much for him and he felt for them also. Something seemed odd about the last image and Garrison fought to hang onto it. He found the girl in a muddy puddle outside an Inn. He met others there. Searching.... an old friend, yet he had never met him (them) before, an elf who had the look of another he had known. The faces became clearer. Names started to appear. Zeph, 'bush', Eldarion. He remembered. It was Jericho. Elana had gotten too close and his magic failed. Jericho had thrown him causing him to... Pain streaked across his body. Garrison called out into the emptiness of the Void. "No! I cannot leave them. They need me still." Garrison fought with all his might to pull himself from the safety and comfort of the Void. The peacefulness kept trying to keep him there. With a snap, Garrison's mind was flodded with pain as he hurtled back to his body. With a spasm, Garrsion body came to life again. He opened his eyes to see freinds about him. "You had us worried old friend. Rest now. We are safe. Help has arrived," a voice said, as Garrison relaxed into a painful sleep. ---mwf Therion regretted that there was so little he could do for Vengar. Truly, he had a noble spirit! And, without his sword and arrows, the battle might not have been won. Niari, the loyal Chadwick troops...and others...all had suffered grievous losses. Perhaps, in time, the joy of victory would be felt; and, before that, the pain of so many partings would have to be accepted. For now, there was little more than numbness. He hoped he could somehow show sufficient gratitude to those who had given so much! Notified of the surrender of the Free Company, he fought an internal battle of his own. He, and those who had fought beside him, had been in great danger - partly due to these soldiers. Many who had followed him had met death by their swords. Despite his training in controlling emotion, he thirsted for revenge; to lash out at any who had allied with Soros. However, he had a higher duty than his own satisfaction. Chadwick was now weak and largely unguarded; and, much work needed to be done. Much mischief had to be repaired. He asked those of his inner circle..Vengar, Niari, Garrison, Walks, and others - to accompany and advise him, assuring them that there was no dishonor in not doing so. He made a point of inviting Zeph as well; her magnificant stand would surely make it's way into the bard's songs! ---d Major Ventnor felt very uncomfortable in the tent full of elven officers. They could be so quiet, and he had always thought that their eyes penetrated down to the soul. In the distance, a trumpet sounded, and through the tent flap came another Legentor officer, this one a captain. The officer walked accross the tent and reported to the elven commander. "Sir, Baron Therion of Chadwick, and his retinue are right behind me. They are here to give the terms of the surrender of the Free Company. Commander Breen Acton nodded. "Thank you, Captain Elessidel." Turning to his =F4guest=F6, he said, "Your wait shall soon be at an end, Major." Cliffton Ventnor's eyes went wide when he heard the familial name of the Legentor captain. The Elessidels were the ruling family of Tynntangial!! What *had* the Free Company gotten themselves mixed up with?! If Soros counted the Highlord's family and Tynntangial amoung his many enemies, he was indeed much more foolish than even *he* had thought! He nodded at Commander Acton's words, and stood when the tent flaps were pushed back to reveal the Baron and his party. "Commander Acton, Major Ventnor, I present the Baron Therion, Commander of the field." announced the Elessidel Legentor. ---je Therion used his mind magic to trick his body into believing itself to be strong and rested, and entered upon Major Ventnor briskly. ---d Major Ventnor put on his most officious face, and saluted Baron Therion, as befit the victorious commander. "Baron, I have come to ask your terms for the surrender of the Free Company. As our 'employer' is either dead or has fled the battlefield, our contract with him is finished, and we wish an end to this conflict without further bloodshed. I have been sent to seek your terms by the commander of the Free Company, Colonel Replee Brande. He asks only for the normal terms of surrender." ---je Therion listened to what the Major had to say, and looked within his mind; a bit impolite, perhaps, but Chadwick hung in the balance! He then sat, apparently in deep thought, as he likewise probed the mind of Colonel Brande. Seemingly satisfied, Therion fixed Major Ventnor with his gaze and said, "I know that your losses have not left you untouched. You and your regiment fought with courage; something I cannot say for your vile employer." Therion paused... "I will not deny that my first instinct was to encourage Nature to continue the attack against you, since you were allies of the traitor Soros; yet, there may be a better path for the Free Company, as well as the people of Chadwick. I *know* that you have suffered 70% casualties. And, that sergeants now command companies.=F6 Therion paused to let that sink in. =F4Subject to the advice of these, my loyal allies and friends, I offer you a choice; you may leave the field, abandoning all weapons, equipment, money, banners and supplies, save a small dagger and three silvers for each man, as well as a week's rations. Or, you may enter my employ, and help to protect and rebuild that which Soros would have used you to destroy. I will pay the usual rate for your services; but I warn you, I have suffered enough treachery. Do not think I will be so easily deceived as I once was by foul Soros; and treachery I will never forgive nor forget." ---d Vengar was surprised at the offer Therion was giving the vanquished, but realized that rationale behind it. For once, he was actually thankful that they were dealing with mercenaries; as mercenaries, they had no more loyalty to Soros than they would to Therion. Their's was a loyalty to the purse, and nothing else. ---m Major Ventnor was at a loss for words. This particular turn of events had not even occurred to him, or Col. Brande! Perhaps something good and honorable could come from this tragedy after all... ---je Therion looked at his allies and the Major, and said, "What say you all?" ---d Vengar was first to speak. "Baron. Their loyalty should not be taken for granted. I would warn that if you take them for hire, that they be watched closely. Let us not dismiss the possibility that Soros has ordered them to surrender to us as an attempt to infiltrate our forces and betray you. I would suggest that you not forget that Soros is indeed a clever adversary, and that he has already betrayed you, and the people of Chadwick, once." Therion thought for a moment, mulling over Vengar's words. The fighter did not have his insight into the minds of the Major and his superior. He had found no indication of deception. "So noted. Thank you, Sir Vengar!" A brief hint of a furtive smile crossed his face. The reference to Vengar's knighthood did not go unnoticed by the fighter. ---m Niari had taken a posture of seething quiet during the brisque walk to Major Ventnor's tent. Once inside, she positioned herself to the left side behind Therion, arms crossed, silver eyes intent upon scrutinizing every facet of Ventnor's lifeforce. She was a hungry carnivore, caged by bars of discipline and diplomatic necessity. In her past, the enemy had always been killed to the man. Leftovers were messy and left room for future disputes. She understood Therion's need for trained soldiery in Chadwick, but her instinct was to kill the men before her with her bare hands. They were still "the enemy" in her eyes. They had killed so many of her Plainsmen. They deserved to die. Niari stared directly at Major Ventnor from behind Therion, a murderous shadow of the Baron, reflecting Therion's own desire to see Soros' forces punished and his position of power over them in this moment of official surrender. She noticed Ventnor's eyes flitting occasionally back and forth between Therion's face and hers. She kept her face impassive but she knew that her eyes would be burning in their sockets. The image could not be comfortable for the Major. ---k The Major was not the only one who was not comfortable with the image that Niari was projecting at the surrender negotiations. Lorendil had noticed the stance she had taken, the mask she wore on her face (he hoped it was but a mask!). It was unnerving. He actively concentrated on the proceedings and not on the strange transformation that seemed to have occurred to the Kioshu woman. ---m Still, as she did her best to intimidate the man, she felt that the currents his body rode were not so malicious as she'd thought them to be. This man was a mercenary and a good one at that. He took pride in his work and was an honorable man. He did not fear death. As the blaze in Niari's eyes cooled, Therion finished with his altematum. She found his terms more than generous. He was a wise ruler. A voice echoed inside her head. "Make the conquered people respect you and make them part of you." It was Grissan, her history Nade. Kioshu tactics usually followed their teachings. She guessed that this one had slipped through the cracks; at least when it came to the conquered *armies*. "Baron Therion, if I may?" Niari spoke, partially to break the silence that had fallen over the room. She stepped forth slightly and stood even with her employer. Her armor had been polished but she had purposely forgotten to clean out the grooves in the filagree of her breast plate. The pattern was outlined in dried blood. "I would suggest that these men first surrender all equipment, uniforms and banners suggesting any alliance to the traitor Soros. I would also respectfully suggest that they be regimented to a separate company of only themselves and their animals, if any exist. We can escort them back to Chadwick where they can be officially hired as your men and properly uniformed as such." This said, Niari stepped back into her place. ---k "My lady..." Major Ventnor attempted, hoping she did not take offense. "We bear nothing which could be seen as representative of our former employer. The Free Company wears our own uniforms, and flies our own banners. That which *did* mark us as under the employ of Soros was his banner, which *did *fly upon our command tent, near the top of the Big Dragon's Horn. As you can see, *that* banner has been replaced with the white flag of truce. Our employer betrayed us, and broke contract. I daresay that Colonel Brande is saving the banner of Soros to clean horse filth from his boots." ---je Therion smiled in spite of himself...it had been many days since he had permitted himself much humor. ---d Turning to Baron Therion, he continued. "Baron, your offer is gracious indeed! On both respects. Colonel Brande authorized me to seek something akin to the former, but the latter...your seeking our contract, we did not even speak of. If I could be allowed to return to our command tent, I am sure that Colonel Brande would return with me to formalize the surrender, under your offered terms." Commander Acton looked to Therion, who merely nodded. "Very well, Captain Elessidel, please take a lance of troopers and escort the Major back to his lines. Return him, and his commander here with all honor." Eldarion saluted, and did as he was ordered. Half an hour later, the two re-entered the tent, accompanied by the commander of the Free Company. The man had greying hair and beard, and piercing grey eyes. Even in defeat, this man commanded a sense of respect. He looked questioningly at Major Ventnor. With a gesture towards Therion from Major Ventnor, Colonel Brande walked before the Baron, and knelt to one knee. "Baron, I am Colonel Replee Brande, commander of the mercenary regiment known as the Free Company. I agree to all your terms of surrender." Colonel Brande brought up his hands, and profferred his sheathed sword to Therion. ---je Therion accepted the sword, looked at it reflectively for a moment...then said, "Rise, Colonel Brande. And please accept the return of your sword; for, if you would serve Chadwick, you will soon have need of it.=F6 Therion returned the sword to the Colonel, then paused. He continued, "I would not have you enter into this contract unaware of the risks. For we do not fight merely for justice and honor, nor even the lives of the people of Chadwick. We fight for the soul of Ifreann. Colonel Brande, there is a great and terrible power that seeks to rule of the world...and Soros is but the least pawn on his infernal chess board. Though I have cast my lot with those who oppose the great Enemy, the outcome of the battle is by no means certain. It may be that you and your Free Company would live longer, and better, if you did not enter my service." Therion looked intently at Colonel Brande and waited a moment, then finished, "Colonel, I can promise only that I will ask no more of those who do battle on my behalf than I ask of myself; and that I will never call on you to commit a dishonorable act. Victory is not assured; but if final defeat is our doom, then I shall not hesitate to share it in full and equal measure. If victory comes, then those sweet fruits will be likewise shared." "Colonel, knowing this, you again have the choice...do you wish to march beside us, or do you prefer to depart?" He hoped Colonel Brande would remain...his own meagre forces had been decimated, and the Plainsmen might not be inclined to stay on garrison duty for any great length of time... ---d Lorendil's eyes went from Therion to Colonel Brande and back again. It was a very tense moment. He knew the importance of this moment. The Dark One was on the rise. It would take everyone that could be mustered to oppose him, and even then it wouldn't be an easy battle. The Free Company, as battered as it was, could still serve well in the coming fight. Lorendil had seen this before. He waited anxiously as the Colonel considered Therion's words. ---m Colonel Brande smiled, the first smile he allowed himself in days. "Baron Therion, never have I met so gracious a victor as yourself. To have the understanding of the ways of the mercenary as you do is a great boon as well. When Major Ventnor brought the news of your offer, I was stunned. But I do believe in your words, and though we are no longer a regiment in size, but more a company as our name defines, I accept your gracious offer of contract." Major Ventnor brought forth a standard company contract, as Therion had defined in his offer, and Colonel Brande signed it, then passed the quill to Therion. Turning to Major Ventnor, he ordered, "Major, go back to our lines and tell our soldiers to stand-down completely. We are now in the service of Baron Therion of Chadwick! Wherever he leads, we follow!" With a smile and a salute to their new employer, Major Ventnor left to relay the orders. ---je Lorendil was ecstatic that Colonel Brande had accepted Therion's offer! He clapped his hands together and announced, "This is wonderful, gentlemen! An alliance in the face of a coming battle! Come, let us celebrate this moment, while we still have time and reason to celebrate!" ---m While his allies attended the negotiations with the enemy, Walks-On-Two-Legs reviewed his troops. He was saddened at the damage they had suffered during the losses, and each death was like a physical blow. Still, he and they were proud to have served nature so well. After thanking his fellow predators for their aid, the giant weasel dismissed them. Then with one last look at the battlefield he returned to his allies to seek the Warden and to see how his =F4troops=F6 fared this day. The giant weasel seemed somehow troubled, though it was hard for the humans in the group to know for sure. ---dw Broken bodies and weapons lay strewn about the hill. The carnage was breath taking. It took all her inner strength to refrain from weeping. So many good men/women, dead, nature defiled and perverted, and to what end? Zeph dismounted her perch and began the task of herding the once opposing mages. They were helpless now and seemed as blind as newborn kittens. Reaching her first victim, she lent a gentle hand and helped the blue-robed man to his feet. He waned a smile and followed her to the next fallen mage. Soon they had formed a small gang, then a large group, until finally she had with her nearly eighty men and woman. Zeph led them towards Therion's position. Reaching him she saluted him and commenced to report the surrender of the men and women that were behind her. In some detail, she explained how they became enslaved under Soros ruthless tyranny and how they still had many loved ones imprisoned in Chadwick, held within the dungeons of Therion's once peaceful house. ---ds Slowly, Garrison began to awaken. The world around him moved and rocked, as if he was on the rough seas. After a moment, the feeling settled. Garrison let out a moan. "Take it easy old man. I'm surprised that your still alive. A blow like the one you took would have ripped a younger man in half," a voice spoke out. "What happened? Where is every one?" Garrison asked. "They went to take the terms of surrender. They left us two to watch over you. That little green guy left a short while back," another voice spoke. "Get me some hot water. And see if.." Garrison stopped as he was taken by a fit of coughing up blood. After a moment he rested back and continued. "See if you can find 'bush', that little green man." Garrison wished he could hear the voices of his dear friends. Wished he could make sure they were all safe. He reached inside, into the bond between him and Eldarion. It was weakened by the ordeal, but still there. At least he was still alive. Garrison's mind began to spin again from the exertion. "I'm sorry I can't ask your consent, my friend." Garrison said as he slowly started to tap some of Eldarion's strengh. It wouldn't be enough to adversely affect him, but it would help keep Garrison awake for awhile longer. As the hot water was brought, Garrison pulled some herbs out of his pouch. He didn't have all that he needed. He hoped that the Warden would be able to supply him with the missing ingredients. ---mwf Joreen quickly made her way to Commander Acton's command tent. She entered, and saluted both the Commander and Baron Therion. "I'm afraid I am the bearer of some bad news." She handed the dispatch to Commander Acton, who quickly scanned it, then turned to Therion. "Baron, it seems one of my scouts has spotted another army approaching. He estimates the size to be at roughly one thousand men, cavalry in nature. Full armour, lances, etc. He estimates their arrival on the field in an hour." ---je Niari paled, as much from shock as from the fact that she was tired to the bone. She closed her eyes for a moment and sent out feeler currents to touch the approaching army. It took sometime since she didn't know what direction they were approaching from. Ah! There. From the Northeast...they were human and not terribly malicious, but they *were* many. Niari wasn't sure if they could stand against this new threat. ---k Lorendil could sense the sinking feeling Niari was feeling. He wasn't sure how he had sensed that, but did not bother himself with the technicals. He knew what she felt and that was all that was important. To be honest, he was quite surprised. This was very blatant, very open on the part of the Dark One. Very uncharacteristic. Still, it would be a very bold and shrewd move on the Evil One's part to strike so early when so many players were together. If he won this battle, it could seriously jeopardize the resistance to his conquest. Lorendil steeled himself against this possibility. He would stand by his friends in battle, lending his magicks to their defense. But if the battle turned against them, he would teleport them away to safety. He knew this would be hard on Niari, but there would be no alternative. The Dark One would not catch his quarry this easily. Not like he had before. Not like he had with Elorolin. Lorendil noticed that he had turned towards Niari. She glanced over and saw him looking at her. Feeling embarassed for some reason, he quickly focused his attention back to Joreen and what she was saying. ---m As Therion thought on Joreen=C6s report, she added, "I also have brought some disturbing news from friend 'bush', which could severely affect the plans to meet this unknown army. To my understanding, it appears that the forces of nature shall continue to corrupt the area, and that the Dragon's Horn Hills will be untenable come nightfall. He asked me to pass on to you that it would be extremely dangerous should we have to stay here past nightfall." ---je The Kioshu woman opened her eyes at this new information. Things looked rather bad at the moment. They would need the Free Company down to the man. ---k 'bush' had been gazing at the sleeping body of Garrison when they realized that the instructions which they had given to Joreen may not be well recieved amoung the others. They descended the hill, and entered Therion's command tent, where they found the various leaders discussing an approaching army. 'bush' took up a position out-of-the-way in the back of the tent. ---jen "Can 'bush' not control his creations? We may still have need of these hills!" Eldarion asked, unwilling to believe his friend could not handle the plants. Joreen shook her head. "I do not know, Captain. I can only tell you that 'bush' seemed very disturbed by the growing danger from the plantlife. He specifically said that if we are we not off these hills, we may die..." ---je The news of the large force headed their way was disturbing, and the Warden started to reconsider their decision. But the will of Sharionas could not be denied, somewhere a stand would be taken. If not here, where? They listened to Eldarion's pleas to 'bush's=C6 abilities, but the Warden simply stood unnoticed in silence. Eldarion knew better. ---jen Niari could not help but smirk at Eldarion's question, despite the circumstances. Was he really so naive? Any time nature was messed with, there was a price to pay. One might as well expect the sea to serve you breakfast every morning.... "Baron Therion," Niari raised her voice to be heard by all in the tent. "I've found the approaching army. They are human. The scout's estimation of one thousand or more is accurate. They ride from the Northeast." She hesitated. "I sense no evil in them, any more than a normal man, but they do seem to be headed straight for us. We must make ready if we are to have any chance. What are your orders?" She noted that the Major had raised his eyebrows at her knowledge of the army. Therion, however, simply nodded his thanks and addressed the group... ---k The Baron thought carefully. Some 1,000 heavily armed cavalry were due to arrive within an hour or so. The hill would become untenable. And, the troops were tired...however, there were yet some tactics to be tried. He had been touring quite a few military minds of late, and had learned a few things. Now, to test those lessons... He called for Vengar, Niari, Colonel Brande, his loyal allies the elves, and the others who had helped to win the battle. After reports had brought the assembled company up to date, Therion said, "I propose a plan. It would seem that we must call upon our honored comrades who have fallen to fight again. Not with necromancy; rather, let us build large fires, and put bodies of some of the fallen horses upon them to create the odor of roasting meat. Then, perhaps we can tie a few men to trees or other supports, so it will appear that a small number of drunken guards protect a camp during revelry. I can deceive some of the enemy into believing that noise and movement exists within the camp...thus, we will make it appear that we can be taken easily, and by surprise. With luck, they will remain amongst the plants..." Therion smiled grimly. "And, we will raise my banner in victory over the field, to encourage them to charge.=F6 ---d Eldarion listened as the Baron of Chadwick made his plans. This ill treatment of the dead did not sit well with the elves, but in war, such things were taken in stride. ---je "Also, I propose that we withdraw to the southwest, keeping the hill between us and the enemy. Thus, we can attempt to conceal our path unless they come over the hill; which is exactly what we want them to do. Perhaps, in our withdrawal, we can further infuriate the plants?" Therion looked questioningly at =E6bush=C6. ---d 'bush' almost laughed aloud when Therion suggested their adding malice to the plants. They would be doing all they could as it was. The Warden felt a light tap on their shoulder, and turned to see a young member of Therion's force looking around in what appeared to be awe of the inhabitants of the tent. "I-I-I don't mean to interupt," he whispered, "but the wounded m-m-man on the hill, he-he's awake." Garrison was awake. 'bush' hadn't expected the Old One to wake up so soon, and they hurried out of the command tent. ---jen Therion continued. "Colonel Brande, since they are cavalry, we must obtain an advantage in our battle. I believe that if we carried strong ropes and cords, we could string them in trees across our enemy's path, slowing their pursuit. If you have caltrops, that would help..failing that, do you have shovels so that we can dig some holes for their horses' hooves?=F6 ---d Colonel Brande thought a moment. Then replied, "Aye, sir. Each soldier carries a thirty foot length of rope. We can tie these low to the ground to trip their horses. The rope is too thick to catch their necks. They'd see it coming. We also have some camp shovels which we can use to dig gopher holes." The Colonel turned and addressed Major Ventnor. "See that it is done." Then, he listened as the Baron continued. ---k "Niari...we are tired, and our troops near exhaustion. Our enemy does not suffer from a like disadvantage; a situation we need to address. Do we have sufficient light cavalry with bows to fight a harassing action? If we could have two or three small units, whose purpose would be to fire a few arrows into the enemy camp each night if they survive the plants; our troops would avoid any serious engagement, but would quickly withdraw. Hopefully, the enemy will soon be even less fresh than are we. The teams would share the duty, so while each of our units fought once per night, they would fight three times. And, I doubt their armored horsement would be able to catch a nimble plainsman!=F6 ---d Niari smiled at the compliment. "I doubt it either, my Lord. I will organize strike teams immediately, but as for arrows, I'm afraid that the Plainsmen will have to search the battlefield for anything not broken. Their quarrels were exhausted during the last battle. Perhaps if the Colonel would kindly take up a collection among his own achers, we could forgo that process..." She looked sideways at Brande who immediately sent a runner to collect all extra missiles from each of his archers. "My thanks, Colonel." Hopefully, the arrows would not be too different from what the n'Sete were used to. "If you wish it, my Lord Baron, I will also attempt to relieve our warriors of some of their weariness. It won't be much, but will certainly help, considering the condition they're in." She stopped, not wanting to give away too much in the presence of the Colonel. Therion would understand well enough. The Baron nodded and Niari left to carry out his orders. She found most of the n'Sete already gathered on the hill. The Warden's plants were becoming unruly and had begun lashing out at anything that moved. They would not be able to stay on the hill for long. Once all were accounted for, Niari surveyed the damage. Out of forty warriors, twenty-three remained. By the gods. The Kioshu woman sighed and divided up the survivors into teams of two, pulling Essaut asside to be her runner. Then they set about building a pyre for the "feast". Within twenty minutes, a blazing effigy to the battle was erected and two carcasses were dragged over to the edge of the flames. Two n'Sete were left to tend the blaze. The rest, with the help of some Chadwick soldiers, quickly propped up a number of the dead who were not too terribly maimed and arranged them in little campsites around small fires. Some also were leaned against trees. By the looks on the Plainsmens' faces, Niari did not envy them this task. Then, they were done. Dismissing the soldiers of Chadwick to mend their armor and sharpen their blades, the Kioshu warrior called the Plainsmen to her and quickly explained what she was going to do. While the Plainsmen placed their weapons on the ground and relaxed their bodies, Niari reached out with everything she had and pulled. Energy from the earth and the air washed upon her like a shore and she allowed the waves to take her. The energy grew until her flesh began to feel like a hive full of bees. Opening herself, she released the power into the Plainsmen, who rocked on their heels from the suddeness of the impact. There was no time to do it gently. The air shimmered and every pore on the Plainsmen soaked in the essence of earth and air. The warriors smiled and their eyes opened. They began moving about and dancing like fireflies, filled with the life of Ifreann. Niari called to them and they forced them to concentrate as orders were given. The enemy was coming. It was not a time for play. ---k Back in the command tent, Therion continued. "Vengar; during our friendship, I have perceived that you have great ability to move quietly. Are there others that you can find with like skills? The reason I ask....our opposition has a long, well-stocked supply train. They expect a direct engagement, which we would surely lose. Were you, and a picked team, to attack that supply train some night, and destroy it...our enemies would be reduced to living off the land. A land which, I'm sorry to say, has already been nearly picked clean." ---d Vengar thought for a moment. Most of the soldiers from Chadwick were very capable soldiers. But, in his mind, they did not appear to be particularly skilled to special operations such as Therion had in mind. Then he rememberd how Joreen had approached him on the far side of Little Dragon's Horn without his detecting her. She would be well suited for this mission. He then remembered the original members of the Home Guard that had accompanied them throughout the initial phases of this ordeal. He wondered how many had survived. Lieutenant Addison would also make a good addition to the strike force. Perhaps some of the others. "Lord Therion. I shall endeavour to assemble such a strike team. When I have selected them, I shall seek you for orders." ---m Therion turned to Eldarion and continued, "The arrival to the Legenators was the greatest good fortune ...yet, I sense they cannot remain here much longer. Can they assist us further, or must they go? And, if they must go, could they remain upon this hill for the one hour Joreen tells us it will take before they arrive? If they could make noises, as of a victory celebration, it would help to lure our enemies. Then, the griffon riders would withdraw to the southwest..." He paused, then said "What say you all? Or, is there a better plan?" ---d Eldarion looked at Commander Acton, who shrugged somewhat and shook his head. "Our orders were to see you safely returned to your throne, sir. Then we were to return in haste to Tynntangial. As the first has *still* to be accomplished, I am sure the Highlord would want us to stay until we fulfilled our orders. Our duties to our friends are paramount to us." Afterwards, Eldarion watched as the plans were carried out. He wondered where Joreen had gone to, and wished he could spend some time with her. Looking about, he spied his cousin Zeph behind him, staring into his back. He turned to walk over and speak to her, but she suddenly shook her head as if waking from a dream, and turned and ran the other way. Strange. ---je As the troops prepared for yet another battle, Therion decided to look into the mind of the enemy commander. He reached out and found them; soon, he located the leader. For the first time in what seemed a long while, he was able to smile in genuine relief and pleasure. It was his old friend, General Nadeen, commanding one of King Duarte's heavy cavalry regiments. Fortunately, the General was well aware of Therion's mind tricks...they had, after all, come up with some interesting ways to get extra money during their youth with a bit of poker...and he recognized the mage's mental voice. The General ordered his troops to avoid the hill, and gave them new commands on a meeting point with Therion and his troops. For his part, Therion quickly notified Niari, Vengar, Colonel Brande and the others that this was no enemy, but a friend. For any scouts or other troops already sent forth, Therion used his mind magic... death due to friendly fire was something that needed to be avoided, for the forces of good were weak enough already! Therion commented, "They flew no banner, because the King is in great danger from the Church. Yet, he may bring news from Court...and perhaps further help in regaining Chadwick." ---d As the preparations were under way, news was brought from Therion that the approaching army was not an enemy after all, but rather, a close friend of the Baron=C6s. Eldarion was happy to hear this, and after gaining permission from Commander Acton, stood down, and left to find his friends. There was much to discuss. ---je For the second time, perhaps not the last time, Zeph let out a loud sigh of relief at hearing Therion's news. Understanding there remained no longer a danger of battle, she told her small following of ex-mages that they were free to leave. Many shouted at her the question: "What about our friends and families in Chadwick, still held prisonner in Soros's dungeon?" Zeph looked sadly into there faces and turned to Therion for guidence. Would he be able to save their loved ones? ---ds The column rode around the Little Dragon's Horn and approached the spot where a giant pyre had been built. At the head of the column rode a large man in full plate mail. The man gave a signal, and from within the column came the sound of trumpets. A banner was lifted at the head of the column, and once unfurled, it displayed the broad, unfurled wings of the Royal Eagle of the Barony of Chadwick. The column halted, and a small group broke away from it, and approached, with the standard bearer and the commander amoung its rank. The large man with the beard saluted, and dismounted. "My lord, tis good to see you again," he said, with a smile, offering his hand to Therion. To the rest, he announced "General Sir Richard Nadeene, at your service. The King has heard from loyal sources that you could use some assistance. So I have brought the newly renamed First Cavalry of Chadwick in support of your efforts," he said, punctuating with a hearty laugh. ---je