'bush' ran up the barren strip Soros had burned off to
the top of the hill, and dropped breathless beside Garrison,
waiting for him to speak.
---jen
     Garrison turned as he felt the familiar presence of
'bush'.  "It is good to have you near, old friend." 
Garrison said through his pain.  Motioning towards the
herbal concoction beside him, Garrison said, "I believe you
know what is missing.  I haven't found silver-root in...many
years.  Perhaps you can help?"
---mwf
     "If there is silver-root here, we will find it.  If
there isn't, we will get you some regardless Old One, but it
may take some time."
---jen
     Garrison rested back as 'bush' came forward.  "I heard
we won.  I have also heard that another army approaches.  I
should be alright to move in a little while.  I'm just so
tired," Garrison said as his eyes closed.  "It's so hard to
say awake."
---mwf
     'bush' motioned towards the guards that were standing
nearby.  "Bring him some water, and keep talking to him. 
Tell him of the battle, or whatever.  But keep him awake!"
---jen
     To the surprise of the others Garrison suddenly sat
bolt upright, wincing in pain.  In an urgent voice he asked,
"Zeph.  Is she alright?  The scroll.  Does she still have
the scroll?"
---mwf
     "The child is much better off than you are, Old One. 
And she still has the scroll.  But the enemy knows that the
nature of the scroll is known to us: Zeph used it to subdue
Soros's mage-slaves.  We have won the battle, but another
army approaches."  'bush' watched Garrison wince, both from
the news and the pain, and helped the Old One lie back on
the ground.  "There is worse news than all this.  Jericho
has taken Flanner!  The dwarf lives, but for how long we
don't know.  Nature's stand must begin here!  And you must
stay awake...we still need you.  We go in search of the
silver-root.  These guards will tell you the tale of the
battle."
     'bush' stood on the slope of Little Dragon's Horn, and
let the grass grow up between their toes, and clasp on to
their ankles.  The Warden began to feel for the plant on
this hill, and then on the other.  Nothing.  There wasn't
any here.  Since the plant was typically found in the pine
forests of the north, they were not surprised.  'bush'
expanded their senses north, searching for the elusive
tuber.  There was a copse of firs not far away, but no
silver-root.  Not much farther off was another, but still
there was no silver-root.  Several leagues to the north-
west, the land began to rise, and there was a fir-clad slope
of a hill, a small indicator of the mountains farther north. 
In that place there was silver-root, at the base of a very
old mountain pine.  All the Warden had to do was get there.
     The squirrel glanced furtively around, and saw no other
squirrels watching.  It wouldn't do to have those other
greedy bastards steal his winter supply of acorns.  And what
other squirrels would look at the base of a fir tree for
buried nuts?  Certainly not that one whose nuts had
mysteriously disappeared last winter.  Yes, he had eaten
well that year.  The squirrel sat back on it's haunches and
chattered contentedly.  And was almost knocked over when
something stepped out of a nearby elm and into the fir where
he was sitting!  Now he had to move his nuts!
     'bush' knelt at the group of small, fern-like leaves,
and gently coaxed a few large roots from them.  There was an
ent guarding this forest, and they didn't have the time to
greet the tree shepherd, but they needed to hurry.  They
could wash the dirt off of the roots elsewhere.
     The doe slowly approached the swift stream.  She was
thirsty, but caution was needed.  The news was that the
cougar had made a kill a few days before, but it was always
a good idea to stay on your toes.  Stupid mistakes was what
got a doe killed.  She found something at the stream, but it
wasn't what she had expected.  The green humanoid seemed to
be washing off something, like the raccoons did.  But she
had a good feeling about this creature.  It wasn't a threat. 
As the doe went down to the bank to drink, the creature
stood and disappeared behind an elm tree.
     The Warden had been gone for almost an hour, but they
had the silver-root.  Garrison's plight must be dear, if he
needed this to help him.  Approaching Garrison's prone body,
'bush' bade the guard that wasn't speaking to go and bring
them some water, as cold as they could find.  Taking up
Garrison's mortar and pestle, 'bush' tiredly began to crush
the ingredients together.  It had been a long day, and
tonight would be longer still.  But soon Garrison's potion
would be ready.
---jen
     Eldarion found both Garrison and 'bush' on the hilltop. 
A smile immediately crept up to his face at the sight of the
old man's recovery.  "Garrison, it is so good to see you are
well again!"  He placed his hands on his friend's shoulders. 
Even though Garrison did not look in the best of shape, it
was a far sight better than when he had last seen him.
     He then turned to 'bush', "We had news that the
plantlife on these hills were soon to become quite vicious. 
Perhaps he should quickly move to a safer spot.  There was
also an alert concerning the approach of another army, but
it would appear that they are forces of the Therion's king,
and are loyal to his cause."
     Eldarion looked skyward and gave a shrill whistle.  He
then looked back at his friends.  "We have much to do in
planning to continue our mission.  For now, 'twould appear
Baron Therion would honor us at a ceremony, but after that,
we must be back about what brought us to all of this in the
first place."  A few moments passed, and suddenly, Dardt
appeared and alighted upon Eldarion's shoulder.  Eldarion
whispered some commands to the pocket dragon, and Dardt was
off again in a flash.  "I have asked Dardt to find the
others, and to lead them to that copse of trees there at the
base of this hill.  Shall we go and await them there?  We
have much to discuss..."
---je
     Zeph slipped silently by one of the attentive guards
upon the hill were Garrison rested.  She slowly crept up to
his side with a tear-filled face and placed a warm hand upon
his cheek.  She sobbed within the silence of the day. 
Memories of the day she had met the old wizard flooded her
mind.  He had been so kind and caring.  He was a dear friend
indeed.
     'bush', then Walks, joined her side.  They were
breathing hard from their earlier toil.  'bush' placed a
friendly hand on Zeph's shoulder.  She turned to see her
friends beside her and smiled a sad smile.  It was returned.
     "You must go," 'bush' whispered to Zeph.  "Join the
others, your cousins, on their quest to free Chadwick." 
Then looking at Garrison's motionless body resting against
the huge oak tree he said, "He will be well again, dearest
child, and then we will be reunited."
     She understood 'bush'.  It was their destiny to follow
separate paths now.  If the gods would have it, they would
see each other again.  Stronger for it perhaps.  Zeph then
knelt down, kissed Garrison upon his cheek.  Instantly,
unnoticed by all but the three, his cheek reddened slightly,
if only briefly, where she had kissed.  Standing, she turned
to 'bush', took hold and proceeded to hug the green
halfling. Finally, before heading down the path to join the
others headed for Chadwick, she stroked the huge weasel's
fur, waved a farewell and smiled a smile that caused hearts
to jump into throats.  Then she was gone.  Down the hill and
out of sight.
    Hopping onto her roan, she made for Elana, Niari,
Therion and the others.  They were in formation and ready to
march out.  She glanced up at the sky, a final tear leaked
down her soft face, and watched as a griffon or two sailed
by.  With a sigh she realised there was still plenty of work
ahead of them.
---ds
     Eldarion made his farewells to his trusted friends, and
was soon following Zeph back to the others.
---med
     After Eldarion and Zeph had departed, 'bush' sat at the
mortar-and-pestle for what seemed like an unbearably long
while.  First, they crushed and ground the silver-root to a
powder, and then added a little bit of water, enough to make
some of the powder float on the surface.  This they then
scraped off, and then threw away.  "That part is poisonous,"
the Warden remarked to the guards and Walks, who had just
come up.  'bush' drained off the excess water, and added the
remainder to the hot water the guard had brought.  Handing
the guard a whole dry leaf, 'bush' said, "crumple this
slowly into the water, stirring the whole time."
     While the guard attended to this, 'bush' took a little
water, and added that to the bowl, along with various seeds
and a few different leaves.  These they quickly mashed into
a paste, and taking the ladle from the guard, added this
paste to the rest of the water with the silver-root in it,
and began to mix it well.  The mixture glinted with a silver
sheen in the afternoon sun.  "It will hurt, but the Old one
must be made to sit up to take this potion."  As the guards
helped Garrison to a sitting position, 'bush' fed him
several ladles of the still warm stuff.  When it was
apparent that he could drink no more, 'bush' bade the guards
to let Garrison back down.
     "It should be safe for you to rest now, Old One.  In
fact, it would probably be wise.  But you know your
condition best.  The rest of you, we would advise to leave
the hill.  There is much work to be done, and you would only
be in the way.  Tell Eldarion, the tall elf, that the Old
One will probably sleep till tomorrow.  It is his choice to
stay or not.  If not, then we will catch up with them in
Chadwick, or wherever they go.  We will be able to find
them."
     As the guards retreated back down the hill by the
scorched path Soros had made, taking those of their fellows
with them who still remained on the hill, 'bush' turned to
Walks.  In the language of Nature, he said, =93We have much
work to do before the day is over, and we would appreciate
your help in this labor.  Even then, it may last well into
the night.  Many have fallen on this hill.=94
     =93Yes, I will help you.  I have already sent away my
friends, should I recall them?=94  Walks was concerned about
the Old One.  Walks felt more of a bond with him than with
any other of his allies, except the Warden.  Still, there
was little the giant weasel could do, but do as he was
asked.
     =93No.  They would not be of any help here.  We must
gather the bodies of those who fell fighting for our cause
on this hill, and gather them in a mound above the path with
which Soros,=94 'bush' spat, =93provided us.=94
     Walks sniffed the air.  =93I don't understand your ways
Warden.  I thought that men buried their dead?=94
     =93They do, usually, but we are neither man, nor do we
carry the same allegiances as men.=94  'bush' sighed.  =93Long
have we thought out this matter, and the battle has fallen
in such a way, that what we do may seem strange.  But the
bodies of these friendly warriors will serve Nature, in
their way.  Long shall they guard this grove of Nature's
fury.=94
     =93Let us hurry then.  I smell rain in the air, and the
night falls quickly this time of the year.  Look!  Already
the clouds can be seen in the West, just below the sun.  The
wind has changed.=94
     =93The day will be shorter than we had supposed then.=94 
'bush' glanced at Garrison's sleeping form.  =93The tree that
harmed him will protect the Old One from this rain.  Let us
go to work.  Retreive only the men, let the orcs lie.=94
     As 'bush' and Walks began to drag the bodies of the
fallen from the wooded hillside, a sudden shadow passed over
the sun, and the sky became gray.  The clouds rushed upon
them swiftly, first tumbling, light gray clouds, which
seemed to fill the entire sky in a matter of seconds.  The
wind whipped sharply against the skin and fur of the
laborers, but the pile grew steadily.  The wind chilled them
to the bone, but 'bush' and Walks still atttempted to lay
the corpses in the best way possible, and with some dignity. 
The tree against which Garrison rested, seemed to cower over
him, and to spread it's branches low, trying to block the
wind.  But it swayed with the force of the gusts, and
Garrison's cloak whipped about.  The clouds passed from
light, to dark, to black.  Lightning lit up the western sky,
and Walks and 'bush' were shaken in their grisly work, as
thunder split the heavens.  Rain slashed suddenly down, as
though it had been released from the clouds by the
lightning.  Small pools of red were illuminated at the foot
of the pile in the quick flashes, the dead blood of the
fallen salting the ground.  On and on they toiled.
     Walks had searched the woods extensively for a period,
and found no more bodies of the fallen, but the ground was
still stained with orcs.  The wind had slacked off, and no
longer howled in his ears like a bansee, but it had begun to
hail.  They were now closer to the dawn than they were to
the last sunset, and Walks went back to the top of the hill,
trying to find the Warden.  'bush' stood there in the hail,
standing over Garrison, staring long at his prone figure in
the now intermittent lightning, ignoring the little pricks
of the hail.  =93I can find no more bodies Warden.  We have
gotten the last of them.=94
     =93You are right.  If not, then we have done our best. 
Go to your rest now Walks-on-Two-Legs.  You deserve it.=94
     =93What about you?  There is nothing else that can be
done in this weather, be you man of Plant.=94
     =93There is something else which we must do.  Much else.=94
     Walks huddled next to the body of Garrison, unable to
rest in the storm.  He did his best to shelter the Old One's
body from the fury of the weather, just as he had done with
his siblings before he left his home.  The flashes of
lightning, now only occasional, and far to the east, did
little to reveal the hill to his eyes, or what the Warden
was doing.  Occasionally, Walks thought that he saw the
Warden bent over the ground, working at some strange task,
but when he looked agian, he was gone.  Slowly, the hail
stopped, and the wind died.  Somewhere in the night, Walks
fell asleep to the steady drip of water from leaves.
     As he slept, Walks-On-Two-Legs dreamt of the genderless
being that seemed to be guiding his journey.  "You have done
well, Walks-On-Two-Legs.  Now, for a time, your path must
part from that of most of your current companions.  The Old
One is important to the battle against the evil which
threatens and you must accompany the Warden when they search
for that which will heal him."  Walks nodded his
understanding and his dreams drifted.
     Garrison also dreamed.  However his dreams were much
more controlled.  His body may be broken but his mind was
still strong.  He reached out to the dreams of 'bush' and of
Walks-on-Two-Legs.  Both had been slepping soundly due to
their effort that day.
     =93Friends.  Have no fear.  The potion of Silver-root has
helped to clear my mind, making me able to speak with you in
this form.  However, my physical condition is much worse
than I had thought.  I'm afraid that my body is dying. 
There is only on hope left.  There is a Staff that was once
given to a Dragon who calls himself Kas.  The Staff has the
ability to re-infuse the energy of nature into my body and
can heal it.  I entrusted it into his keeping many years
ago.  I believe he should still be alive.  We must seek him
out.=94  The image of a bright, almost reflective dragon
appeared in the dream.  It showed the Drake's lair to be in
the mountains to the west near the Sea of Hecate.
     =93It may be possible for me to join you in a limited
manner.  I could inhabit the body of another.  This person
or being must do so of thier own free will.  My body will be
safe in this place while we journey.  I will place my body
in stasis to provide more time for us, but we must still
hurry.=94
     With that said, Garrison returned to his own pain-
ridden dreams.

     The sun broke upon Little Dragon's horn in a blaze of
red.  At its touch, bright grass sprang from the wide path
which Soros had cleaved in the vegetation, and around a
large cairn at the top of the hill, and grew long.  The
bodies were covered completly by a mass of trunks and
branches, revealed bare and leafless in the new dawn,
crawling over the fallen.  Trees burst from the soil in a
wide circle around the wooden cairn, and reached for the sun
with wrinkled leaves, fresh as a spring rain.  Only beyond
the trees did the now impenatrebly thick vegetation
demonstrate that perhaps it wasn't a spring rain, and
rather, was an early winter storm.  Green was the interior,
but the dark green of a haunted forest nightmare, brightened
here and there by bursts of huge red and yellow flowers, and
scented by ashen roses.  Small orange berries hung about the
waving grass, suspended form thick bushes.  Vines coiled
about all the trees, and in some areas, lichen hung from the
branches, thick as though it had been there for hundreds of
years.  And back in the wide, sunny path up the hill, the
grass seemed to move of it's own accord.  Alone, behind the
cairn, and hidden from view, there stood an old, weathered
tree, leafless, unlike anything else in this untimely
spring.  At the botom of this tree, there lay an old man,
asleep, and beside him a giant wet ball of fur.  A little
way away, stood a green-skinned and -haired, androgenous
halfling, wrapped in loose brown rags.
---dw, jen, mwf

     Niari was pleased to see the ruddy-faced General
Nadeene arrive on the scene.  The presence of the King's
cavalry explained why she had felt no evil in the
approaching army.  She felt her body relax as the baner of
Chadwick was raised high on a pole.  Now, there would be no
more delays.  The sooner they were on the road to Chadwick,
the better.
     Little Dragon's Horn had become a lush but unpleasant
place.  Even the bonfire was tapering off with no one daring
to venture near to feed it kindling.  The plants were taking
the hill and creating their own world upon it.  Strangely
beautiful, she thought.
     The Kioshu woman informed the Plainsmen that they would
be leaving for Chadwick within the hour.  Many of them had
found timber in the woods and had set to the process of
replenishing their supply of arrows. They would not be ready
until the next day, but once shaped, could dry and set on
the ride.  They still had the shafts brought by the
Colonel's runner, all eight quarrels worth, which had been
divided among the twenty-six remaining warriors.
     As she inspected the battlefield area and surveyed the
troops, Niari noticed that Elana was missing.  Not wanting
to cause undo alarm, she simply kept an eye out for the
Elven woman as she worked.  When the army was almost ready
to depart, Niari became concerned.  She noticed Joreen
standing not too far away and approached her.
     "My apologies for disturbing you, but have you noticed
that Elana is missing?"  Niari asked as lightly as she
could.  She did not want to appear intrusive or impolite to
the Legentor...
---k

     Scurrying across a field a young girl had no business
scurrying along, Zeph found her cousin, Elana. For the first
time since she had known her she felt the strange sensation
that must course through the other mages when they neared
her null.  Slowing to a quick walk, then a slow step, she
approached a sad and lonely woman.
     Zeph still had the scroll and for the briefest of
moments was tempted to free her cousin of her plight, but as
painful as it was for her, her power to null magics - good
or bad - may come into play.
     There were less then a dozen names remaining on the
parchment.  Of them, she only new those that were in her
realm.  She new her true name was on the sheet of paper -
how strange it was to see her name.  A name she never heard
spoken in an attempt to capture her attention.  Of the
others, she knew a half a dozen names left on the scroll. 
One was Garrison's - never to be told, another was Soros's. 
She could taste the acid on her tongue as she tested it. 
Elana's, Therion's - a name she would cradle in her heart to
her dying day, Lorendil's and a mage known as Vincent, but
his dreaded presence slipped away suddenly.
     With an outstretched arm she softly tapped her cousin's
shoulder.  "Elana...Elana, we must go now."
     Just then, Joreen and Niari road up.  Without delay
they hinted that all was safe, but time was of the essence. 
The wild plants were claiming their prize.
     Zeph suddenly looked nervously about.  "What of those
poor mages that I stripped.  Will anyone save them and their
helpless kin back in Chadwick?"
---ds
     Niari was pleased to find the Elf alive.  She glanced
at the child, Zeph, and replied, "That is precisely what we
plan to do."  She offered her hand to Elana who turned and
regarded her with empty eyes.  Niari took the expression as
a rebuff, shrugged and focused on reining in Kiha.  The
stallion had developed a nervous behavior, probably due to
the changes in the plants around him.
     "We will be leaving within the hour.  Our army is
mobilizing for departure to Chadwick even as we speak."  The
large stallion kicked irritably at a tuft of grass that was
tickling his fetlock.  Niari patted him on the withers and
looked around.  It was mid-afternoon already.  The sun was
beginning it's steady fall into the horizon, filling the sky
with a hazy glow.  The land was restless.  Leaves rustled,
grasses stirred and even the birds sang like they knew
someone was listening.  The disturbance happening on the
Dragon's Horns was throwing the currents in the area out of
whack.  It made the Kioshu woman uncomfortable.
     Joreen seemed a little edgy too.  She sat in her saddle
like a cougar watching a field mouse.  They were all ready
to be gone from this place.  Niari looked down again at Zeph
and Elana, unconsciously comparing the youth and the adult
and noticing for the first time how truly unhappy Elana
seemed.  The elf woman's energies were a dull, slow pulse
like that of the elderly who are ready to die.  How strange. 
A closer probing of the miserable woman revealed that
something was indeed out of sync in her life patterns. 
Instead of a clearness, her internal currents were as hazy
as the humid sky. 
     Her gaze fixed on Elana, Niari asked, "Joreen, would
you be so kind as to help the Lady Zeph back to the others?" 
The Legentor opened her mouth as if to speak and then simply
helped Zeph onto her horse and rode away leaving Niari and
the elf woman alone.
---k
     Elana faintly noticed her cousin's leaving with Joreen,
and also noted the presence of the warrior woman Niari.  The
one Lorendil had picked instead of her...
---je
     "Elana, I would speak with you if I may..."  Niari
spoke kindly as she dismounted from her stallion.  Once
again, she offered her hand to help Elana to her feet. 
"Could you tell me more about this problem you are having
with using your Magic?  It may help to talk about it."  She
stood there, her arm extended, waiting for Elana to respond.
---k
     Elana stood, grasping Niari's proffered hand.  She then
brushed off what dirt had accumulated on her backside, and
looked up at Niari with reddened eyes.
     "I...I appreciate you offer of assistance.  I have been
cursed with an unheard of magical malady."  Elana didn't
know what to think of Niari, but it felt good to talk to
someone, and the words came pouring forth.  "In fighting a
mage's duel upon arriving at Soros's manse, I threw
everything I had into a final burst which gave me victory. 
I did not know it at the time, but that victory was quite
costly.  Somehow, I used up magical energies I did not
possess at that time!  I became a negative battery of
magick!  From that
moment on, not only have I not been able to cast any spells,
but even the most powerful of mages about me become
powerless in my presence.  *That* is why Garrison was hurt
in that battle with Jericho.  *That* is why I am a pariah,
not able to give my friends and family any help, lest I do
more harm than good."
     Elana looked back at Niari, and tears were once again
streaming down her face.  "There is evil all about, and I
can do nothing to help aid our cause!  I am nothing but a
hindrance, and should just stay away from you all so that no
one else gets hurt."
---je
     The Kioshu warrior could feel the pit of self-loathing
churning in Elana's body like a dark seed.  Even as the
Elven woman spoke, the seed shuddered and sprouted a tendril
bud.  This had to be stopped.
     "Lady Elana, forgive me...," Niari took the woman's
hand, "but you are wrong."  Her eyes warmed to a slate grey
and she sighed.
     "You have done so much for us already that I cannot
believe you do not remember!  The wall of force that Soros
placed before his army this morning in battle...remember,
Lady?  Our archers were wasting precious arrows on that
protective shield that could not be seen.  I did not
understand it but I knew we were in danger.  Then, suddenly,
the wall began to dissipate and the arrows got through...I
looked around and there you were, standing at the edge of
the Horn, your new gift making Soros' magic shield
ineffective!  You saved us then you know.  Think back for a
moment.  Are there other times when your new power helped
you like that?"  Niari stopped and smiled.  Elana looked
doubtful but there was a ray of hope in her now and the
tears were drying on her cheeks.  Niari reached into a pack
on Kiha's saddle and pulled out a piece of cloth.
     "Here."
     As the cloth passed into Elana's hand, Niari sent some
of her own energy into it; a taste of her own strength. 
Elana wiped her face and eyes.  When the cloth came away,
she was wearing a little smile.  Niari took the cloth and
smiled back.
     "Besides," said Niari, "You cannot be the Pariah you
think you are because I can still do this..."  Her hand
passed through the air in front of Elana, lighting a trail
of tiny sparks.  They crackled and danced before her eyes
with an innocent joy, like baby fireflies toying with the
breeze.  Drawn to Elana's energy, they encircled her,
teasing her hair and alighting upon her skin, too pleased
with themselves to be polite.  Flying about the Elf, they
multiplied and surrounded her with a tingling, bright glow,
tickling her fingers, her lips, and her Elven ears with
their feathery touch.
     Niari grinned broadly at the look of wonder on Elana's
face.  The Elf was beginning to come back to the land of the
living.  The coussants were doing their job!  Then, the
Kioshu woman reached out and called to them.  Each tiny
light flickered for a moment, hearing her silent voice, then
flashed brightly and dissappeared. 
     "Do you see, Lady Elana?  You have been given a gift. 
You may not understand it yet but in time, I think you will
learn to use it."  Niari unlaced a water skin from Kiha's
saddle and offered it to her new friend.
---k
     Elana did indeed feel better, and with a sheepish smile
wiped the tears from her face.  She took the water skin
offered to her by Niari and took a drink.  "Perhaps you are
correct, Niari.  Perhaps I *am* being too hard on myself. 
Its just that...sometimes...I feel all alone.  It can even
happen at court, when there are people all around me.  It
hurt the worst when Eldarion left to join the Legentors.  We
had been so close, but then he caught the wanderlust from
our uncle Selesseri and left.  It is hard being a twin," she
said, with a look towards the soaring griffon riders above.
---je
     Niari nodded.  She knew the loneliness that Elana
described.  Her own brother had died very young, her mother
in childbirth, and her father had been assasinated just four
years ago.  She had no peers, no true friends, and only
shared her bed on rare occasions...then Elana's voice
brought her out of her momentary malaise.  Kiha began
rubbing his head on her shoulder, scratching an itch on the
edge of her pauldron-guarded shoulder and she reached up to
relieve the irritation for him.  He nickered happily at her
touch.
---k
     =93But life at court...well, there are so many fake
friends at court. Sometimes I would look out the window and
wish a simpler life.  One without court intrigues and
suitors from House Daven."  She made a face as if she had
just sucked upon a lemon.
---je
     Niari had to chuckle a little at the Elf's beautiful
face, twisted abnormally into an expression of extreme
distaste.  She was beginning to like Elana.  She'd have to
make a point of talking to the woman more during their
journey to Chadwick.
---k
     Elana began to giggle after that, and it felt good to
her.  "Come, Niari.  Let us join the others and see what
they are about.  I am anxious to see this Chadwick of
Therion's."  She handed Niari back her water bag, and the
two began to walk back to rejoin their friends.
---je
     Niari resisted the urge to clap Elana on the back.  It
would have been totally inappropriate, not to mention
painful to the delicate Elf.  The Kioshu warrior thought to
herself that she had been in the company of men for too
long...well, it came with the job, didn't it?
     They found the others gathering at the bottom of Little
Dragon's Horn.  The Free Company was assembled and
apparently awaiting orders, as were the King's forces.  As
they approached, Niari saw Therion striding purposefully
towards her.  She waved to Elana, smiling warmly, and headed
towards her employer.
---k

     Therion felt more relaxed than he had in some time. 
Still, there was a problem...what to do with the now
powerless mages?  For some time, he had wanted to establish
a decent school in Chadwick, so that the people could read,
write, and do simple arithmetic.  And, since the magic users
would certainly need employment...
     He went to Zeph and her magic users, and mentioned the
idea, hoping for some degree of enthusiasm.  Then, he
gathered the troops, and they proceeded to Chadwick;  the
sooner the hapless and innocent prisoners were freed, and
the rest of Soros' foul deeds reversed, the better!
     The next item on the agenda was something he had to
discuss with Vengar.  He knew that Vengar was more at home
with fighting directly...or commanding a small group...than
with large scale field operations.  And so he asked his
friend's advice, saying, "Vengar, I would like your opinions
on two matters;  first, we both know that Soros has planted
a pernicious weed in the Barony.  I wonder if you would
consider creating a small, very mobile unit of rangers that
would circulate through the barony?  They would work
individually, or in small groups;  and, they would fight
crime and assure that all was right within Chadwick.  During
time of war, they would fight behind the enemy, spreading
havoc amongst any invaders and delaying their movement."
---d
     Vengar frowned a moment.  He did not like the idea of
acting as constabulary for the Barony...he barely tolerating
being nobility!  Still, he did have a skill that would be
very valuable to such a task, and he offered instead a
counter-proposal.
     "Lord Therion.  I regret to inform you that I must
decline your offer.  However, I would propose that instead I
may train such a unit, and its leaders, in the skills that
you desire such a force to have.  During peacetime, I am
sure that they will be quite adequate to the job, and during
wartime, I can certainly take to the field in the defense of
Chadwick!  What say you to this?"  Vengar did not have the
heart to tell Therion that it was likely that he may not
even *be* in Chadwick should another war threaten it.  Once
this business with the Dark One was concluded, he would
again be on the search for Gurlith (assuming they survived
the encounter, and if they didn't, the point was moot). 
Then he realized that Therion would probably be able to read
this anyway, and he felt better at having not *really*
withheld anything at all.
     Therion smiled, and answered, "That is a generous
offer, *Sir* Vengar!"  The slight emphasis on the man's
title did not go unnoticed.  "Please, make arrangements upon
our return to recruit men for your rangers and their
leaders.  I will leave the details of their training in your
capable hands!"
---m
     Therion paused, then added, "And, I need your advice on
something else as well.  I believe Niari would make an
excellent Marshal of Chadwick.  She would train..and, in
case of war, command...the armies of the Barony.  Do you
concur in this appointment?"
---d
     Vengar was very surprised with this!  He had never
imagined Niari as commander of an army...but with the
thought before him, he saw no reason why not!  Still, the
fact that she was a mercenary by trade could complicate the
matter, he thought.  First, she might come out and simply
refuse.  Second, being a mercenary, she was never required
to show loyalty towards anyone or anything save gold. 
Swearing loyalty to the Barony of Chadwick, and to Lord
Therion himself, might be entirely foreign to her.  And,
while she might accept, what guarantees would there be that
her loyalty would be robust or genuine?  Would the first
enemy to offer a large treasure lure her away from her
duties to the defense of Chadwick?  These would have to be
issues resolved by Therion, and, after all, the final
decision rested with him.
     "Lord Therion, I see no reason to withhold such an
appointment to the warrior.  She has proven her skill in
battle, both individually and as a leader of others.  If you
feel that she would serve you and Chadwick loyally and
honorably, then I would endorse her as Marshal of Chadwick."
---m
     Having secured Vengar's agreement...for Therion had
great respect for his judgement...he approached Niari and
said, "You showed great courage...and skill...in what seemed
a hopeless battle.  Your efforts went far beyond the
mercenary; and, if you are willing, I would ask you to take
command of the armed forces of Chadwick.  There would be
much training to be done, I fear, since I have never been a
military strategist; but they are good folk, and with a
capable hand such as yours, I am confident they can defend
themselves against such as Soros.  Will you accept the
office of Marshal of Chadwick?"
---d
     Niari blinked...twice.  This was certainly not what she
had expected!  Recovering quickly, she said, "Baron Therion,
you honor me with your offer!  I would be greatful to
receive such a position, however, I must tell you that once
we arrive in Chadwick, and our contract is completed, I must
return to the n'Sete homeland to make resitution for the
dead.  It is my duty as their commander under you.  If I did
not go, they would expect you to do it...naturally, that is
not acceptable since I am quite capable of taking your
place.  Besides,"  she grinned, "I know what to expect." 
     Flushing slightly at her own joke, no doubt not
understood by Therion, she quickly said, "I mean you no
disrespect but my obligation to these people reflects upon
my honor.  If your Lordship still desires my alliegence, I
would be pleased to return to Chadwick after my journey and
take the office of Marshal.  My presence in the n'Sete
ne'haru is required for only one week.  I expect the journey
to and from the Plains to take the same amount of time so I
would only be gone for two weeks.  Is this acceptable, my
Lord?"
---k
     Later, talking with Niari, Therion was delighted to
have a new Marshal for the Barony, and replied to her
request for leave of two weeks, "After the return to
Chadwick, please satisfy this debt of honor.  And, if you do
not feel it unwise, tell your courageous plainsmen that they
are welcome in the Barony;  without their efforts under your
leadership, we would surely have been undone.=94
---d
     After speaking with Therion, Niari made her way to the
group of n'Sete Plainsmen, sitting atop their horses and
watching her eagerly for the sign that they were ready to
ride.  Now that the battle was over, they were impatient to
get back to their ne'arhu and ready for the festival of
Kuuza.  If they were lucky, they would see the golden-brown
thatched rooves of their huts before the moon was cut by
S'hanas' black rystife.  The air was already becoming
chilled with the snap of Autumn.  Soon the fires would be
burning all day and all night with their wonderful scent...
     As the Kioshu woman joined them, she saw Essaut staring
at the sky.  She looked up and saw the Griffon Riders soar
majestically overhead towards Chadwick, scouting the safest
route for Therion's army.
They were so inspiring in their flight; so graceful and
terribly beautiful as they glided through the air, dark
jewels displayed for the sun's amusement.  Niari found
herself wondering if she would ever feel the exhilaration of
flight.  It must be wonderful to dip and glide, the air
currents playing in your hair and moving through your being!
     Movement brought her back from her daydream.  They were
riding out at last.  Therion and his Chadwickian soldiers
led, followed by the Kingsarme and General Sir Nadeene.  The
soldiers of the Free Company were placed in the middle,
followed by the last of the n'Sete and other members of the
party who did not choose the front of the line.  They rode
at a good pace and soon the Dragon's Horns, as well as
Garrison and his friends, were far behind them.  Niari sent
out a feeler along the ground currents.  The hills were
almost completely overtaken by plantlife but human lifesigns
were nearby.  She silently wished them luck and severed the
link.
     After several hours of riding, in between rides around
the perimeter of the army to relieve boredom, Niari found
Elana and struck up a conversation about the Elven city. 
Elana spoke for a time about the city's politics and social
structure as Niari listened attentively, asking a question
now and then which was quickly and succinctly answered by
the elf.  Though they had little in common, the two women
were soon laughing and sharing stories about court intrigue
that were strangely similar.  Even over the leagues that
separated their societies, some things still remained the
same.
     "And there he stood, Lord Questrille of the 14th House
of Skarne, naked as the day, up to his knees in a vat of
wine grapes!"  Niari's face was pink with mirth.  "But as if
that wasn't bad enough, the Earl actually walked over,
dipped his gold flask into the vat, tasted *it* and said,
`Keep going, my good Questrille, I think this may be your
finest vintage yet!'"  Niari nearly dropped her reins
laughing.  Wiping her eyes, she said, "Of course, the wench
hiding *in* the grapes nearly drowned before the nobility
left and she could sneak away..."  At this, it was Elana who
laughed out loud and Niari joined her, remembering the
absurdity of the whole situation.
     She finally stopped when she realized Elana was no
longer laughing.  The elf was distracted by something to
Niari's left.  The Kioshu woman turned to see Lorendil
riding by to catch up with Therion's group in front.  He
smiled warmly at her as he passed and she waved in return,
feeling too good to be completely formal as usual.  When she
looked back at Elana, the elven Lady was somberly gazing out
at the horizon.  Feeling the walls that had been suddenly
thrown up between them, Niari begged her leave of the elf
promising to seek her out later, and rode back to the n'Sete
to check in with her warriors and think on the strangeness
of the encounter...
---k
     Lorendil delighted in the joyous revelry of the
soldiers!  Their victory had been exhilerating, and was one
of the most exciting things that he had participated in for
centuries!  From the angst over Niari's welfare, to the
desperation of the climactic last attack, to the jubilation
of watching the enemy beaten back from the field of combat,
to the euphoria of such an impossible victory, Lorendil had
thoroughly enjoyed the past few days (though many times he
did not know it at the very moment)!  And now, on the
triumphant march back to Chadwick, there would be a
celebration and a ceremony marking their triumph!  Oh, how
Lorendil longed for the pageantry and splendor of court!  It
had been too long since he had last been entertained by
nobility, and the thought of returning to the grace and
elegance of that lifestyle appealed greatly to him.  It
occupied his mind on the journey.
     Nudging his steed to a faster pace, he endeavored to
approach the Baron and discuss whatever details he had
planned for the ceremony.  As he moved up through the long
lines of soldiery, he passed by Niari and Elana.  Ah, Niari! 
It was so reassuring to see that she had come through this
unscathed!  He shouted a greeting to her and smiled.  Niari
did not turn right away, but he continued to smile warmly
until she finally did so.  She waved and smiled in return. 
Lorendil's heart jumped a moment, though he payed no
heed...Therion's ceremony was at the forefront of his
thoughts.  Still, he wondered longingly at how Niari would
look in dress for the court of Chadwick...would she come in
the attire of a warrior, or would she take a more feminine
appearance?  He had never seen Niari as anything but a
hardened soldier, how nice it would be to see her beauty
displayed in the accoutrements befitting an appearance in
the royal court!
     Lorendil continued forward as he sought Therion
somewhere to the front, his excitement over the coming
celebration again gaining the full attention of the man.
---m
     Niari did not puzzle over Elana's reaction to Lorendil
too long.  The sensations she had felt in the elven woman
were simply too vague for the Kioshu warrior to decipher
without the ability of empathy.  Walls had been quickly
erected and there had been a flash of bitterness in Elana's
eyes but then, there was nothing but distance and her normal
elven aloofness.  It simply wasn't worth pondering over.
     Riding the perimeter of the lines once more, Niari
caught the gaze of Baron Therion who smiled and waved a
half-salute.  She saluted back and continued.  He seemed
confident and relaxed but his back was a bit too straight
and his body slightly too stiff.  Her training told her that
her employer was nervous; perhaps afraid of the condition
that he would find Chadwick in.  She needed no empathy to
tell her that he felt guilty for having left his people in
the hands of Soros.  He would need to make amends.  She did
not envy him the task ahead.
     Kiha carried his rider back to the rear of the lines. 
The beast was tired and his head drooped so that she nudged
him with her heels to move him along.  She passed Elana who
was looking stonily ahead of her, lost in her own thoughts,
and she left the elf to them.  She felt Major Ventnor's
attention focus on her as she passed the Free Company lines
and showed her teeth as her eyes snapped up to catch his. 
She relished the look of surprise that ran over his features
and was quickly hidden.  "Do not underestimate me, Major,"
her grey eyes burned as she thought of all the friends this
man had killed as if with his own sword.  She knew he was
just a mercenary, but death was death and many n'Sete would
never feel the sun again.  In Kioshu, he would have been
executed immediately after the battle but this was not
Kioshu and the Baron had his own agenda.
     She broke eye contact but saw him exhale out of the
edge of her vision as she rode away.  Good.  His
intimidation would be useful.  Let Therion welcome the Free
Company with wide arms.  She would not be so trusting.  For
a moment, she remembered the taste of arterial blood in her
mouth and wondered if it had been one of Ventnor's men that
had died on her blade...then she dismissed the thought with
a shrug of her eyebrows and guided Kiha over to Essaut's
side, turning her thoughts to a lighter place.
     The Plainsman looked a little worse for wear.  He
carried two scars on his body to remind him of the Battle of
Little Dragon's Horn, one crossing his forearm, the other
worn under his collar bone like a badge of honor.  The
latter was just visible above his leather tunic.  In both
cases, the one to inflict the wounds had died on the point
of an obsidian blade.  Essaut followed Niari's eyes and
said, "S'Ora, if you would like a closer look, I offer
myself for your inspection in camp tonight."  Niari chuckled
softly and responded, "Ke'ente, Essaut...you don't want to
spoil your appetite for the Kuuza."  Essaut grinned, his
dark eyes sparkling like stars.  It was good to see her in a
joking mood again...
---k
     Eldarion was sad at the departure of Garrison, Walks
and 'bush'.  He rode alone, deeply in thought, thinking on
what the future held for them all.  He looked up ahead at
the sound of a woman's laughter.  It was his twin, Elana. 
She was sharing a good time with the warrior woman Niari. 
That was good.  Elana had been quite glum of late, and
Eldarion didn't know what to do to bring her out of her
fugue.  He was only a soldier, and not well versed at
matters of the heart.
     He quickened the pace of his griffon, and it took to
the sky.  Most of the First Heavies had retired back to the
gate, and should now be in the process of returning to
Tynntangial.  Commander Acton, and the 2nd Company remained
behind:  Acton, at the request of Baron Therion, The 2nd
Company, to scout ahead and insure the commanders safety. 
They would also represent the entire regiment at Therion's
ceremonies.
     It was good fortune indeed which brought Therion
additional forces.  He could see that the commander of those
forces, a General Sir Richard Nadeene, was even now
conversing with the Baron.  Eldarion swooped down and
saluted the two, before soaring ahead and coming upon
Commander Acton.
     Breen Acton smiled at Eldarion's approach.  "You did
well in battle, Captain.  I could use officers like you in
the First Heavies."  Eldarion saluted the commander, and
returned the smile.  "My thanks sir, but I am one for the
light Legentors.  A horse to take me to battle is all my
wont, and due.  If I puchance get knocked off a horse, I
only have a few feet to fall!"  Breen Acton laughed at this,
then turned to more serious matters.  "I want you to relay
to the Baron the importance of our quickly completing the
mission here.  I love military ceremonies as much as the
next soldier, but our country is preparing for war.  By all
accounts I have heard, even *we* will not be enough to stem
the dark tide which even now flows down through the
Wastelands of Korrh."
     "Has not Karrantine decided to enter the fray on our
behalf?  Surely their emperor knows that, should we fall,
they will be next."  Eldarion asked.
     "They have sent their ambassador stating that they have
no interest in our conflict.  There is still bad blood
betwixt the Royal Army and the Imperial Legions.  They will
wait, and store up strength.  If we lose this war, they
shall meet the Dark Army in time.  Should, by a stroke of
fate, we win, I daresay the Karrantines will look upon our
degraded forces as the perfect opportunity to take back the
lands they lost in their last two forays into Tynntangial. 
The Dwarves of the Mare, on the other hand, *have* sent
three companies of their combat engineers to come to our
aid.  We are *not* alone in our defense of the free
peoples."  Breen Acton said with a look of hope.
     Eldarion nodded, then added "I will not be going back
to Tynntangial with you when this is all done, sir."  At
Commander Acton's raised eyebrow, he continued  "We still
have a mission of our own, assigned to us by the
Lordholder's Conclave.  We have to see what we can do behind
the Dark Army's lines.  We shall be taking the battle
directly to Shadowkeep, to the Dark One's very doorstep."
     Breen Acton was silent for several moments, then said
"I understand, captain.  We all do what we must for
Tynntangial.  I assume the Lady Elana shall be going with
you?"  Eldarion nodded  "I think that she must."
     Commander Acton nodded.  "Please give the Baron Therion
my compliments, and relay to him that which concerns the
rest of the regiment quickly returning to Tynntangial.  And
Captain...you are a credit to the Legentors."
     Eldarion saluted, and turned his griffon away, soaring
back towards where Therion was still in discussion with his
old friend.
---je
     As the victorious group made their way towards
Chadwick, Therion's long time friend and comrade, General
Sir Richard Nadeene, rode up beside the baron.  "Therion,
perhaps we two could ride away from the others for a while? 
I have news from the king, as well as a message to pass on
to you."
     As they rode, several of the elven griffon riders
passed overhead.  "They are truly majestic, are they not?" 
Richard remarked to Therion.  "Would that the Kingsarme had
such a force.  My friend, it *is* so good to see you again. 
Riding together like this, in the midst of an army, it feels
like we are back in our youth, when you and I were young
officers hunting down bandit highwaymen together."  Richard
said wistfully.
     But the time for remembrances could wait.  There was
royal business to discuss.  "Therion, the king has converted
to this new church which now holds the land.  Much of his
action in the last month went towards the support of this
Church of the Redeemer.  Certain elements of this church
have denounced you as a heretic and a warlock.  It was only
your long time friendship with King Duarte which stayed his
hand from immediately ordering your arrest and stripping you
of your rank as a royal peer."  He paused to allow the
totality of what he was saying fall upon Therion.
     Sir Richard then smiled  "But you had friends at court,
Therion.  We took the evidence provided by the church and
took it apart.  It took us near a week, but now the king has
doubts about his faith.  He does not believe his church
would purposefully try to mislead him, but he does feel
there is a great evil going on in the land, and thinks
perhaps *that* had something to do with your denouncement. 
He has sent you a mandate."  Sir Richard hands Therion a
scroll closed with the royal seal.  "He wants you to find
out what evil plagues the land, and do what you can to
overcome it.  This mission would also serve another purpose,
which would be to take you out of contact with your peers
until this foul church business blows over."
     Therion nodded at Richard's words, broke the seal, and
read the mandate.

	My Dear Baron Therion,

		It is Our wish that you go forth and investigate
the
	evils which now plague the lands.  Whatever form this
evil
	takes, it must be stopped.  You are one of the few We
can trust
	with such a task.  Do what must be done, whatever it
takes,
	but stop this evil.  That is Our wish.
=09
	We have placed Our old trusted friend, and friend to
you as
	well, General Sir Richard Nadeene, under your command. 
With
	him comes a full regiment of cavalry from Our
Kingsarme.  Use
	him, and them, as you see fit.
=09
	We cannot stress how important this is to Us, dear
Therion.
	We know you will not fail Us.  Enclosed, you will find
the
	normal letters of intent for you to raise whatever
additional
	funds, or troops, which your mission may require.
=09
	May the Redeemer protect you in your mission,
=09
	Duarte II, King of Claremont

     Therion looked, and indeed there were both letters of
intent, and credit, attached to the mandate.
     Sir Richard waited silently as Therion thought on the
mandate.
---je
     Therion looked at the mandate from his Lord, King
Duarte.  The King spoke truly, there was a great evil
abroad...to free the land of the darkness, that was a quest
worth the life of any man;  and, if it could be done, there
would be no greater good for the King and the People.
     Therion nodded and said, "I pledge my honor, my life,
and all that I possess to fulfill the King's command. 
General Nadeene, I owe a great debt of gratitude to you and
my other friends at court;  the first installment will be
the fulfillment  of His Majesty's order!"
     Therion had decided to give Vengar further instruction
in some of the methods of Mind Magic...given the enemies
they would face, everyone would need to be well
prepared...and said, "Vengar, my friend, it is time for you
to know more of the secrets of Mind Magic...one of the dark
secrets, I'm sorry to say...you have seen me kill orcs and
men by overwhelming their minds and taking control of their
bodies.  But, it is possible to act more subtly, and achieve
the same result, if more slowly.=94  Therion paused.  =93Each of
us has appetites...wants, needs, gluttonies...yet, to
survive, we must control these.  Those who drink alcohol to
excess may be neither bad, nor weak, but rather suffer from
a sickness that causes the normal restraints to disappear. 
Other problems, whether gambling too much, eating too much,
or whatever function likewise.  Vengar, you have seen
Gurlith's mind, and you know his inner weaknesses.  Align
yourself to his unique vibration, hunt him, and find
him....then, strengthen his appetites and weaken his
resistance.  And, when the final battle occurs you will have
a much weaker opponent than otherwise.  Guard well to
protect yourself from him, should he too know this method!"
---d
     Vengar had ridden along the road to Chadwick in
silence, surrounded on all sides by soldiers from various
units; most were rejoicing their astounding victory against
such overwhelming odds, but a few were as quiet as he was. 
Despite their victory, Vengar was troubled by matters that
meant more to him than the battle at the Little Dragon's
Horn.  He had faced Gurlith, his long-time enemy against
whom he had sworn his revenge to his mother...and he had let
him escape!
     He had lost his head on the hill.  Why hadn't he
tracked the cursed orc when he ran?  Vengar was the best
tracker on this side of Ifreann, if the beast could have
been followed, he would have been the one to find him!  It
was the best opportunity in his life for him to exact his
vengeance, and now that opportunity was gone.  And now, duty
was dragging him away from the area where he knew that vile
creature was still lurking, slipping farther and farther
away, and undoubtedly plotting yet more evil to inflict on
the innocent and undeserving.  Oh, he knew that it would be
a simple matter to disengage from the troop column that now
wound its way towards the seat of the Barony, but he had
promised to stand by Therion's side, and he knew also that
there was still evil to be dealt with.  Clearly Chadwick
itself would have to be secured before Therion was
rightfully put back in power.  And despite his incredible
desire to hunt down Gurlith and finish the fight that he had
started, Vengar refused to break the committment he had
given the
Baron.  His honor was at stake, and his honor demanded
nothing less.
     But that did not change how he was feeling.  Vengar had
the sinking feeling that he would never again have the
chance to face Gurlith in a duel to the death.  He had had
his chance, and now it was gone, possibly forever.  He sank
lower in his saddle, his head hanging in the deepest
melancholy and sadness.  Vengar could not share in the
rejoicing and happiness expressed by many of the others.  He
wondered if he would even be able to participate in the
victory celebration that Therion was planning after his
return to Chadwick.  Perhaps he could impose upon the
mindmage to force a more positive air for the night, so as
not to ruin the mood for the others.  Vengar saw no need in
spreading his gloom to the those who did not share it.  He
decided he would ask the Baron this favor when next he saw
him.
---m