The Plainsman walked through the forest, Nessi at his side.  They
were silent and neither felt the need to speak for the air spoke to them
with all the languages of the creatures of the night.  Amid the rustling
of leaves and the chirping of treefrogs, Essaut felt very out of place;
a stranger in a distant world.  He had seen trees before but not like
this.  The thin beams of moonlight that sank down through the holes in
the leaves, made a patchwork of greens and other indescribable colors
which were masked by the darkness.  Looking to Nessi, he saw that the
other warrior was also gazing around them with wonder at the singular
beauty of this place.  Essaut glanced away and continued his scanning of
the forest as his mind began unraveling the memories of that night.
     They had separated from the others after the attack upon the Baron. =

Niari had paid them little attention and given no orders as they were
escorted out of the Great Hall.  That had disturbed Essaut, especially
after seeing her so obviously discomforted by that elf's presence.  He
had wondered if she were in danger but then satisfied himself with the
knowledge that she could take care of herself.  She was even stronger
than he at times.  Essaut felt his heart beat a bit faster as he thought
of Niari.  Truly, she was a woman worth a thousand horses, with hair
like a running stream, eyes like bright stars and the strength of ten
wild yzas!  If only, she were not so distant.  Perhaps, when they were
together at the kuuza, things would be different.  He had already told
the others that if Niari took the gejo, she was his and no other warrior
was to touch her.  There had been no argument.  Essaut's feelings were
known by his brothers and they would pass the information on to the
other tribes when they returned.
     Essaut began to walk faster and Nessi moved to keep the pace, his
dark eyes questioning at his companion's back but Essaut neither turned
around nor offered an explanation.  Soon the earth beneath their feet
became rough as they turned off the path and ventured deeper into the
woods, becoming lost in world of green and darkness.  The sun would be
rising within a couple of hours and they wanted to explore as much as
possible in the time they had left.

     Niari felt the attack come like a black wind, charging down through
the forest from the wastelands of the icy North and into the heart of
the good Baron's castle.  It had burst into the Great Hall and buried
itself in Therion's mind; she had tasted his shock and his fear.
     They were already out the door and racing down the hall when Niari
remembered what she was wearing.  Evil or no, she'd be no help in a
shift.  Hurrying  back to her chamber, she threw on her breeches and a
shirt and tunic, grabbed the sword, and caught up to Lorendil as he was
rounding the entrance to the Great Hall...but it was too late.  The
Baron was slumped in his chair, surrounded by Eldarion, General Nadeene
and the others, and there were newcomers in the hall; soldiers.  They
wore a uniform unknown to her and their presence was almost as
disturbing as the Baron's dangerously weak field of energy.  A man she
did not know was calling for her.  He looked to be in command.  What in
the pits of the Garne had happened while they were gone?  One of the
foreign-garbed soldiers rushed towards the entrance where she stood and,
upon seeing her, recognition washed over his features.
     "Marshal, you are needed!" he stated.
     "That much is obvious," she snapped and made a bee-line for the
commotion at the end of the hall, which had been mostly emptied of
guests.  For a moment, her mind drifted back to Lorendil.  There had
been no time for that encounter to settle and her nerves still jangled
unhappily.  Now, guilt and frustration added to the tune, creating a
dissonant chord within.  Therion was being gently lifted onto a
stretcher as she approached.
     "What has happened?" she demanded of no one in particular.  The
Great Hall reeked of evil.  She shuddered.
     Zeph was on her knees sobbing, her small arms parted from the
Baron's inert body by the soldiers who were shifting him to the canvas
cot.   The others were engaged in conversations of their own as of what
to do.  The one they called Jones regarded the Kioshu woman appraisingly
as she stood at the edge of the huddle, her question unanswered.  She
waited impatiently until she could stand it no more and sent a questing
current into the hunched figure.  She would find out for herself.  Upon
touching him, Niari instinctively threw up a wall between them.  He was
so weak and grasping at everything around him in his battle for life. 
Quickly, she pulled from the castle, the air, even from the city itself
in an attempt to feed him more strength.  It seemed to help for a moment
as his eyes flickered behind their lids...
---k
     When the Dark One had decided to battle Therion in the realms of
the mind, the ultimate fate of Lord Chadwick was a forgone conclusion. 
For when man and god battle, then surely the man must lose.  And
Therion, though well-skilled in magic, was only a man.
     He fought long and well;  but the Dark One was more subtle, and his
power was far greater than Therion's.  For every step Therion took, the
Dark One took two; when Therion won a skirmish in one place, he lost two
elsewhere.  And so, despite the skill of elves and his own will to live,
at the last he succumbed.   Therion died.
     His mind passed up the bounds of matter, and came to a place where
good spirits could reside until they decided where to go next.  Now
Therion had enjoyed the freedom that wealth had provided, but he had not
become a captive to it.  So he constructed for himself a small cabin,
upon the shore of the sea.  And those with enough skill could contact
him still, in the realms of the mind...at least, until he moved on.
---d
     A sigh escaped his lips and she felt the life-force seep from his
body.  Instantly, Niari thrust out several more currents to encircle and
capture what she could of the Baron's essence.  It flowed out between
the closing cracks like sand through her fingers but she was able to
hold a small part him.  This she pulled in and drank, silently and sadly
feeling the warm gentle presence of the man join with her own.
     She turned away, distancing herself from all emotion, lest it cloud
her judgment in this moment of sadness.  "Is there nothing we can do?"
she asked...
---k
     A voice sounded from the back of the hall.  "I fear that, as noble
as your attempts are, you are too late."  An old man walked into the
hall.  He held a staff in front of him to guide his way.  Right behind
him entered a green halfing and a giant weasel.
---mwf
     Quick as a wink, Jones hissed and barked some orders in a language
which was not understood by any in the hall save his own men.  With
quick, cat-like reaction, Brown, Hall, and Sinclair surrounded the
intruders and pointed strange, crackling weapons at the them.  Walks
began to growl, and 'bush' seemed quite uncomfortable.  Only Garrison
seemed unperturbed, perhaps due to his blindness.
---je
     Niari had to admit she was impressed by the efficiency and speed of
the men.  And their weapons were sources of great power but like nothing
she had ever seen before.  She'd have to get her hands on one of them
and examine it...Then, another thought came into her mind.  Someone had
put this man, Jones in a place of power.  She focused her attention on
him briefly.  He was human.  Another secret of the Baron's perhaps?
---k
     Elana quickly whispered words to General Nadeene, who nodded and
addressed Jones.  "Let them through.  The Lady Elana says they are
friends."  Jones hesitated for a moment in thought, then nodded to his
men, who made some adjustments to their weapons.  The weapons stopped
crackling with power, and the men lowered them.  Being company men, they
did not move away completely, but lingered behind the three, ready for
any subterfuge.
---je
     Garrison made his way to Therion's body.  He laid his hand gently
on the baron's head.  After a moment, Garrison sighed and drew his hand
across Therion's face, closing the eyes of his dead friend.
     Silently, Garrison cursed himself.  If he had been here sooner the
Dark One wouldn't have been able to attack so openly.
---mwf
     Walks-On-Two-Legs stood near by the Old One.  The giant weasel was
not sure what evil had killed the man the guards were taking away, but
it would not touch the Old One or the Warden if he could stop it. 
Beside, he was uncomfortable around so many people.  Already he longed
to be back in the wilderness.
---dw
     The realization hit Zeph that tragedy had struck.  Being of small
stature and having the grace and maneuverability of a thief, she wove
her way through the crowd to be by Therion's side just as he took his
last breath.
     As Zeph began to comprehend that Therion was gone and at the
merciless hands of the Dark One, the fire within her was re-kindled to
new heights.  "Let us avenge him and all who haves suffered because of
the Dark One," shouted the young girl boldly, breaking the silence like
a hammer to glass.  "He must be stopped!"
---ds
     Garrison paused at the young girl=92s anger.  Anger, even directed i=
n
the right way, was never a good thing.  It unbalances and clouds the
mind.  "You are right."  Garrison added.  "He must be stopped."
---mwf
     Zeph looked up from Therion's motionless form to from where the
familiar sound of Garrison's voice emanated.  She could not believe her
young eyes.  Were her emotions getting the best of her or was this  some
trick...or could the gods of fortune and kindness finally be bending
their way?  Could it really be...Garrison - alive?
---ds
     Vengar suddenly felt very alone.  He was a stranger in these
northern lands, and the only two people he had known were Aeryn and
Therion, the two he had met so long ago at the Dragon=92s Inn.  Aeryn had=

disappeared so long ago and so mysteriously, but Therion had been there. =

He had always been a guiding influence, both in the study of mindmagic,
and in the pursuit of the cause of good.  Now, he was gone as well. 
There was no one to which Vengar could turn.  Sure, there were Lorendil
and Niari, as well as the Elessidels and their friends, and while all
had proven their worth and their loyalty in the Battle of Little
Dragon=92s Horn, but he had never really taken the time to get to *know*
these people.  He would have to make that opportunity, but for now,
Vengar was very, very alone...and profoundly saddened.
     He hadn=92t moved from the place where he had first found his truste=
d
friend, even after some of the others began to move him onto a makeshift
cot.  Vengar was not entirely coherent.  Outside, he was sobbing
quietly.  Inside, he was unaware of the environment, either the actions
of those around him or the fact that he was crying.  He was wandering,
lost, without direction, and eventually found himself on the beach.  The
scene was far from what it had been in the past, even when he had
attempted to reach Therion the last time.  It was very dark, and the sea
was very subdued, the waves barely making any sound as the lapped
quietly against the shore.  The details of the rocky cliffs were muted
in a partial blur, partial mist... an effect that Vengar found hard to
discern.  Perhaps it was the tears that were clouding his vision.  He
had spent so much time here with his mentor, and now it seemed that all
was lost.  There had been such hope here, such plans for the future, and
now a cloud of uncertainty hung over the area.  Would he be able to
continue his studies?  Would he even be able to make use of the skills
Therion had taught him, for he had never attempted to use them outside
of the mindmage=92s presence, and for all he knew, the Baron may have bee=
n
aiding him in accomplishing the tasks he was attempting?  Would it even
matter?  There was the extreme possibility that he, and all the others,
would suffer the same fate.  The Dark One was clearly an enemy with a
much greater reach than anyone had feared.  This underestimate of his
strength could prove fatal again.  In desperation, and in a futile
search for guidance, he cried out the name of his fallen teacher. 
=93THERION!!  Where are you?!  Why have you left us?!=94  He knew the
answers, but his heart could not accept those answers.  As his voice
echoed off the far walls, he listened vainly for an answer.
---m
     Therion had not been unconscious for long after his mind and spirit
were irrevocably severed from his body...it had been a good life in many
ways, but it was over now.  And he longed to move onward, to deeper
mysteries and new experiences;  but, there were a few things left undone
that he wanted to help with.
     Vengar's strong emotions reached him, and Therion knew that one of
those undone things was the completion of his student's training.  It
was fortunate that Vengar had developed as far as he had;  it would be
just possible for Therion to contact him.
     He concentrated, and acted within Vengar's mind to create an
illusion;  the illusion that he, Therion, stood before Vengar, appearing
as he had in life.  He smiled and said, "I am as far as the distant
stars, and as close as a thought.  And I had little choice as to whether
I left, for the Dark One destroyed my body's link to my spirit.  But do
not be concerned, for it is a journey all must make some day, my
friend...and I enjoy freedom beyond any you have yet known.  I will tell
you a secret, Vengar...souls and spirits cannot be destroyed.  They may
be trapped for a time, by self imposed limitations...they can even
convince themselves that they have suffered a true and final death, so
that they slumber through countless centuries... but not even the Dark
One can destroy a being's soul.=94
     Therion's image stood, looking at Vengar...
---d
     Vengar brushed aside the tears that were wetting his cheeks.  He
had not expected to reach his former instructor, thinking him dead and
not fully understanding the workings of the trained mind of someone with
Therion=92s magical skill.  He would have been overjoyed at the Baron=92s=

presence in his mind, but the sadness of his departure was too great to
allow that feeling to emerge.  Besides, he could also see that this was
not the Baron of old=85there was something strangely different about the
man who appeared before him.
     =93You are here, yet you are gone, Therion.  How is this?=94 inquire=
d a
confused Vengar.
     =93My body lies dead, Vengar, that is as unchangeable as Bellatrix
from her daily course.  Yet my soul survives still.  While it is
difficult for me to journey to your mind, it is not impossible, my
friend,=94 answered the late Baron in a reassuring voice.
     Vengar looked about him.  The scene had not changed from its dark,
subdued appearance.  There were few details in what he could see.  =93Wha=
t
am I to do now, Therion?  Without you as an instructor, as a leader,
what am I to do?=94
---m
     =93Vengar=85grieve not, for death is merely a part of the normal cyc=
le
of life.  There are great tasks ahead of you, my friend.  You must see
them through.  You are among friends=85these are good people!  Help them,=

as you have helped me.  Use your new-found skills in mind magic, and
practice!  You are a promising student, Vengar.  I may not always be
available to continue your studies, but you have already taken the first
several steps on a long journey=85you no longer need my guidance.  Explor=
e
you mind, and explore your capabilities, and you will see that you can
accomplish great things.  And, from time to time, I may visit you to
observe your progress.=94  Therion smiled, but only briefly.  =93But do n=
ot
rely on my visits.  They will be rare and infrequent.=94
     =93But for now, Vengar, there is a growing war that you must fight. =

You and Niari must lead our forces to Tynntangial and fight the Dark
Army while Eldarion and his band confronts the Dark One.  Go!  That is
the task that is before you now.  I am in the past=85you must act in
accordance to the future!=94  With those parting words, the image of
Therion flickered and faded out of sight, leaving Vengar alone on the
beach.
---m
     Several of the guards started to take the cot with Therion's body
away.  "Preparations of Therion's body should be made.  After proper
respect is made to this good man, we must start our journey north, to
insure that others don't share his fate."
---mwf
     "Nay!" shouted Eldarion, a dark, grim look upon his face.  He stood
from where he had been kneeling and rubbing his temples.  "We leave
*now*!"  Eldarion resheathed his sword of Xeen with a loud 'klak',  and
walked over to Garrison, putting his hand on the old man's shoulder. 
"Elana says there is still hope, should Therion be taken to the life-
mages at Mt. Kalador as soon as possible.  Commander Acton has already
made preparations, and shall leave soon, as must *we*."  In a near
whisper, he continued.  "These people....the people of Chadwick, have
already gone through great tribulations.  While Therion is secluded in
Tynntangial, there will still be hope in their hearts.  There will be no
funeral here for the Baron today, or in the near future."
---je
     Niari smiled.  Eldarion's words were wise and, in fact, she had
been about to speak similarly herself.  The room was full of anger and
remorse.  Slowly and secretly, she drained some of the energy from the
chamber and sent it through the stones and buried it deep in the earth. 
She was gratified to see several of them shake their heads or take a
deep breath as the effect took hold.  They would need to be clear-headed
to deal with the problems they now faced.
---k
     With a true sense of purpose, Eldarion turned to those he held most
dear.  "Elana, Zeph.....go and retrieve what you will need for the
field.  Pack as if for travel in the Wastelands of Korrh my sister, and
help Zeph to pack accordingly.  I imagine where we are heading will be
quite similar to that icy hell."  Elana and Zeph looked at each other,
then nodded and left the hall.
---je
     With a wave, afraid to touch his person in the fear that he may
disappear like a mirage as her beloved Baron had already, Zeph left with
her cousin as Eldarion had bade.  As she followed, her mind raced with
all the events that had come to pass.  Therion's death, Garrison's
resurrection, the Dark One's presence.  They had come so far, yet so
much, perhaps the most difficult, lay ahead.
---ds
     Elana led her cousin up to their adjoining rooms.  "You know Zeph,
just between you and I, when I see Eldarion get like that.....all dark
and grim....well...quite frankly, it frightens me."  Zeph could tell the
look of concern on Elana's face was in earnest, but Elana soon shook it
off.  "I was going to ask him how the hell *I* should know how to dress
for travel in the Wastelands of Korrh.  *I've* never been farther north
than Skylondor or Kil-Glenfol!" she finished with a grin to her cousin.
     First they stopped in Zeph's room and grabbed all the clothes she
had.  They then went to Elana's room and dumped *all* of their clothes
on Elana's bed.  "Baron Therion was quite gracious in his gifts of
clothing to us, wasn't he Zeph?" Elana said, sad at the memory of what
had just happened.  "If there is *any* spark of life left within him,
the life-mages at Mt. Kalador will find it and keep it lit.  If
not.....Eldarion is right.  At times like these, it is better the common
folk not know what has happened to their lord."
     Elana placed the two elven Legentor cloaks aside.  "We'll wear
these on the outside of the fur-lined wool coats the Baron's people gave
us.  They'll keep out the wet, and help to keep us hidden as well."
     As the two were rolling clothes and putting them into backpacks,
Elana grinned and asked Zeph a question.  "So.....what is this that is
going on between you and the Lord Vengar?"
---je
     At first she thought to deny all.  Then, realizing the futility in
trying to fool her cousin she gave in and answered.  She *had* been too
obvious.  "He's charming is all."
     "Don't give me that, Zephillia Ellesidel!" retorted Elana with an
ever-widening grin.  "You have an enormous crush on the man.  Admit it!"
     Red-faced, Zeph turned to her cousin and launched the roll she held
in her hands.  It hit Elana neatly in the head.  "Hey!" came from a
ruffled Elana.  Then the two fell into a fit of laughter.  The laugh
helped the two alleviate some of the daunting tension that had been
building since Therion's demise.  Zeph felt better anyway.
     "It's just that I think he's so brave and..." she looked up at the
ceiling in contemplation.  "And there's a duality about him.  It's like
he has some terrible burden from his past (which she felt equaled or
surpassed her own) that he carries with him relentlessly, but his
goodness, his chivalry if you will, shines forth like a radiant sun." 
She looked intently at Elana suddenly; who could not help but realize
that her young cousin was maturing before her very eyes, and smiled. 
"It's almost blinding."  A serious silence then overtook  the two girls
only to be shattered by another outburst of giggles.  "Besides, he's got
a cute butt!"
     After the girls finally managed to compose themselves, they
finished their packing and dressing and made their way to the others.
---ds

     Lorendil watched from the back of the hall as Eldarion, Niari, and
many others attempted to aid the Baron.  The druid Garrison, and those
that had accompanied him on his mission from Little Dragon=92s Horn had
returned, but even they could do nothing for the fallen Therion.  He had
seen this before, long ago.  This time, though, it would not go
unanswered.  The Dark One could not be left to think that his actions
would not illicit immediate and comparable counteractions.
     As he slipped into a trance, Lorendil began to consider various
methods of exacting the retribution from the Dark One.  He considered a
direct attack against the foul beast, while not enough to depose him,
certainly enough to wound him and make him take notice.  No, too risky. 
These people had already lost one of their ranks, and while the Dark One
had surely spent a great deal of his power in slaying Therion, he might
still have enough to disable or even kill Lorendil as well.  What about
an attack on one of his servants, an eye for an eye?  As tempting as
this was, Lorendil discounted it as well...for while the loss of a key
and trusted servant would be sorely missed, surely the Dark One would
merely create another in his place.  No, he would have to choose a more
practical, a more meaningful way of seeking revenge.  The Dark One would
have to have vast armies in his bid to conquer Ifreann.  Perhaps a
strike against them would buy enough time for whomever he was attacking
to build their defenses, and throw him off his timetable, and eventually
unravel his plans of domination.  Yes, this would be the counterattack
that would best serve those who would overthrow the Dark One, and
probably would be the one that Lord Therion would have preferred.
     Lorendil began to search for a target.  It did not matter where,
and as such he did not pay attention to the location of his intended
target.  In time, he found one, a column of heavily armored orcs, men,
and ogres.  They were heading for a hidden line of elven defenders, and
while these elves had the element of surprise, they were grossly
outnumbered and the outcome of the battle would be a foregone conclusion
were it not for the intervention that Lorendil was about to make.  The
elven lord concentrated on one of the orcs in the middle of a line of
soldiers walking along the floor of the mountain valley.  He suddenly
exploded in a fiery ball, his armor fracturing and spraying the area
with metal shrapnel which felled more enemy soldiery.  The column
halted, and mages were called forward to find the source of the attack. 
Lorendil laughed...he was far too far away for their puny powers to
detect.  He picked another target, and a scream tore across the valley
as a man incinerated, his armor cutting down his comrades nearby.  With
the second man down, the Dark fighters shrunk to the ground, seeking to
take cover from their unseen attacker.  It made little difference. 
Lorendil now began to target groups that huddled together, enhancing the
effect of his magical strikes.  As explosion followed explosion, the
enemy mages began to become frustrated in their failure to locate the
attacker, and began casting spells randomly in an attempt to flush out
their adversary.  Wasted power.  Blasts continued to roll across the
terrain, pieces of body and armor raking the battlefield and scattered
as far as the eye could see.  Morale was beginning to break, and the
occasional singular figure running from the field were quickly joined by
more and larger groups.
     The elven lord would have enjoyed finishing the job he had started,
but he had spent a great part of his energy, and was at risk at being
noticed directly by the Dark One and attacked.  Instead, he cast a final
apparition above the field.  An image of his head appeared, facing the
elves, and urged them to attack.  After a few moments of pleading for
their engagement, the sound of bowstrings filled the air, and the elven
counterattack was launched.  As the first wave of arrows were claiming
their targets, elven swordsmen began to appear from the brush only a few
yards from where the Dark Army had ceased its advance, and began
attacking the stalwart few who were too brave or too stupid to seek
cover from the magical attacks.  Now outnumbering their enemies, the
elves quickly swept forward, their archers suppressing troops behind the
advancing skirmish line.  The enemy was now in full retreat, the elves
on the ground inflicting gruesome losses while taking none of their own. =

Lorendil was satisfied.  The Dark One would know, when he turned his eye
to the fiasco, that the strike had come from Chadwick.  He would know
that it had been in response to his attack on Therion.  And it would
infuriate him!  Lorendil laughed as his conscious returned to his body,
and he slowly came out of his trance.  There were things happening in
the hall, plans being made, and he had to quickly come up to date on
what was going on.
---m
     Eldarion led Garrison, 'bush' and Walks to the table where the
others were now gathered.  "My apologies, Sir Richard, but we must make
way as soon as possible.  What has occurred here today is frank evidence
that no one is safe, and we must be about those tasks assigned to us by
the Highlord.  As was agreed, Lanceleader Sandor shall stay with you and
act as liaison for your Expeditionary Force.  We leave before dusk."
     Sir Richard nodded.  "Can we do anything to help you on your quest? =

Perhaps a company of my best..."
     Eldarion shook his head.  "I thank you, but no.  Our group is small
by the necessity of staying out of our enemy=92s sphere of awareness.  He=

knows we are here, but we should be able to lose his agents and whatever
other means he uses to track us much more quickly in remaining a small
group.  Where an army could not penetrate his fortress of Shadowkeep, we
few may.  Perhaps if we could help ourselves to your stock of foodstuffs
and supplies, and fresh mounts as well?"
     Sir Richard nodded.  "Yes, of course.  Take whatever you need.  You
go with our deepest hopes for success.  Go knowing that while you are
risking your lives, the forces of Chadwick shall be in your homeland,
doing their best to protect Tynntangial from our common foe."
     Sir Richard held out his hand, and Eldarion took it and shook it
firmly.  Sir Richard shook the hands (or paw, as the case may be) of
each of the others in turn.
---je
     As Sir Richard released Eldarion from his grip, Niari swiftly moved
to intercept the elf's hand before its owner could leave.  Smiling
warmly, she shook his hand and wished him safe passage adding in a low
voice, "If you would come to my chamber before you leave, I wish to give
you and the others something that may be of help to you..."  She
hesitated as a puzzled expression passed over the elf's face.  "Trust
me," she added.  As Eldarion tilted his head slightly in acquiescence,
she could tell he was eager to be on his way as soon as possible.  Niari
resolved to finish up here in all haste.  He would need her gift where
he was going.
---k
     Eldarion turned to 'bush', Walks and Garrison.  "I go to see to our
mounts.  'bush', if you could see to the supplies we shall need.  A
great deal of smoked and dried meat, I should say.  There will not be
much to hunt where we are heading," he added, looking at Walks.
     Eldarion began to walk off, then turned and addressed the three
again.  "Not much of a reunion, my friends.  But, you *were*
missed....."  He turned again and made his way out to the stables the
castle.
---je
     Garrison moved from the Great hall as Eldarion and the others made
ready to travel.  He was very tired from returning to his body.  It was
still stiff and slow from being in stasis for as long as it was.  The
Staff was the only thing that was keeping Garrison going.  It kept
infusing him with the strength of the Land.
     As he slowly made his way back to his horse, to make sure he had
everything in order, he heard a noise.
---mwf
     As his allies talked, Walks-on-Two-Legs paced nervously.  He did
not like being in this den of man.  He did not like the smell of these
new men that he had not met before.  Finally, he could stand the waiting
no longer.
     Slipping silently from the room, the giant weasel sought a natural
refuge.  Following his nose, he traced the smell of fresh vegetation
until he found himself in a garden of some sort.  This was still a
construction of man, but at least, here, nature had a part to play. 
Impulsively, Walks dropped to all fours and began rolling back in forth
in the grass, trying to rub of the scent of men.
---dw
     Garrison recognized the sound of Walk's rolling.  Many animals did
that to scratch.  He knew that Walks was doing it for other reasons. 
Walks felt 'unclean' around the taint of man.  Garrison felt that way,
too, at times.  He just wished it would be as easy for him to get rid of
as it was for Walks.
     Finding a relatively quiet place to sit, Garrison sat and began to
meditate and focus himself with Nature once again.  Time passed as he
waited for his friend to become ready to try and face the toughest
challange of their lives.
---mwf
     Walks-On-Two-Legs sensed the Old One as he entered the garden, but
still it was sometime before the giant weasel felt up to talking, even
with the Old One.  When he finally did so, he spoke in the tongue of
animals.  =93Old One, can we succeed?  Do we want to?  Surely, despite
their good intentions, these *men* can't be part of Nature's plan.=94  He=

gestured to the structure around them.  =93They force Nature to conform t=
o
their wishes, rather than building their structures to suit Nature's
design.  I wonder if this war would be necessary at all if only they had
listened to Nature's whispered plans like we do....=94
---dw
     =93My fine friend, the plans of Nature are sometimes hard to
understand, even for us.  You must remember that men *are* a part of
Nature, even if it doesn't always seem that way.  Most of Nature=92s tool=
s
work slowly, Man moves quickly.  Remember that things can't stay out of
balance for long.  If Man overly ravaged the land then it wouldn't
support him any longer and he would have to move on.  Then the land can
change again.  It is too bad that many creatures suffer, but they to
move on when Nature can't support them.=94
     Garrison paused as he gestured to the city about him.  =93Would it
surprise you if I told you that many years ago this was all a desert? 
Herds of wild Klogs stretched as far as the eye could see.  But the Land
couldn't support them and they all eventually died off.  Without the
Klogs, the land began to change to what it is today.  In another couple
centuries Klogs might reappear in some distant desert were they will
flourish again.  Everything is a cycle.  The cycle of man just moves
quicker and changes more often.  As you know, Nature is always changing. =

When it stops, that is when you should worry.=94
---mwf
     Walks continued to look unconvinced.  =93Perhaps.  But then why do w=
e
fight?  If it all but a cycle, than the results of our efforts do not
matter.=94 
---dw
     "We fight to make sure the cycle remains intact.  The Dark One,
like other beings, seeks to destroy the cycles that mean their ultimate
doom.  If the Circle of Nature broke, they could rule forever." 
Garrison responded.
---mwf
     The giant weasel paused and looked at his staff, cloak, amulet and
backpack.  =93I only use these *tools* to travel amongst the world of men=
. 
If men would only make have the effort to live with nature that nature
makes to live with me, I would not need them.  Perhaps with half that
effort, nature would not have to defend them, for they would be aware of
their cycles....=94
---dw
     "Yes, but that isn't the way of man.  The sheep don't ask the
wolves to stop their ways and feed only on the plants and other foods
that Nature provides.  The worms don't try to make the birds change what
they are either.  It is the balance of Nature that everything has its
place.  We may not always see it, or not understand it, but we trust it
to be Nature=92s will."
---mwf
     Walks continued to look unconvinced, but did not press the issue
further.  He sniffed the air.  =93The others will be ready to travel soon=
. 
We should find them and prepare to leave.=94  The giant weasel took a lon=
g
look at his =93tools=94 before finally taking them up once more.
     Silent, except for the rhythmic click of his walking staff along
the cobblestone path and into the stone halls of the castle, Walks-On-
Two-Legs made his way along the scent trail to where the others were
gathering to leave.
---dw
     'bush' watched both of his friends as they left the hall, and knew
where they were headed.  They wished they could go as well.  A garden
would not be such a bad place to die.  They were still waiting for the
pain to start.  They assumed that it would go slowly, a sharp stinging
starting in their toes and fingers, and spreading inwards.  Or perhaps
like a rotting fire, burning in the very middle, slowly, and then
consuming their life-force in a huge orgasmic rush, giving the Baron
back his life.  But there was no searing burning inside, and no pins in
their extremities.  Sharionas was going very slowly.  Hadn't the Baron
been an ally of Nature?  Surely so.  The gods were unfathomable.
     Eldarion had ordered them to find food for the trip.  Dried meat,
and other things.  He obviously wasn't thinking very clearly.  What did
they know about that sort of thing?  Ah well, time to learn while they
wait for the pain.  The Warden grabbed a guard near the garden's
entrance, and went hunting.
---jen

     Sir Richard watched the elven warrior Eldarion walk out of the
room.  These Tynntanglians were an incredibly noble and honorable
people.  It would be his honor and pleasure to insure his old friend
Therion's wishes were carried out.
     Sir Richard held up his hand.  "My friends, I realize much has
happened, but as Captain Elessidel is doing, the time for action is
nigh.  Please, sit down, and let us discuss the plans Baron Therion and
I drew up for the formation of the Chadwickan Expeditionary Force for
the Grand Marche."
---je
     Niari found it difficult to sit.  The conflict with Lorendil, the
death of Therion, the imminent departure of the Elessidels, and the
presence of new troops had all been so closely timed.  Her mind bubbled
and simmered trying to assimilate all the information as her stomach
rumbled noisily, reminding her of how little she had eaten at dinner. 
And what of the n'Sete?  They had been ushered out of the Great Hall
with the others and were most likely bursting with curiosity.  A
deliberately-cleared throat brought her attention back to the meeting at
hand.  She turned and saw both Sir Richard and Lorendil eyeing her
curiously.  A smile flickered briefly on her lips and she claimed a
chair without further hesitation between Major Ventnor and Joreen,
turning her attention to the new Steward of Chadwick.
---k
     Sir Richard waited while everyone took their seats, then continued. =

"It was the Baron's intent that a force be sent to the Grand Marche to
help our elven friends in Tynntangial.  Lanceleader Joreen Sandor here
has been appointed by her chain of command to be the liaison officer
between the C.E.F. and the Royal Army of Tynntangial.  As for the
command of the C.E.F., when last we discussed it, the Baron had not made
a firm decision.  He was going to lead the C.E.F. himself, but as for
his executive officer, it was between his newly appointed Marshal of
Chadwick, Niari, and his prot=E9g=E9 Vengar.  As the two of you know each=

other's strengths better than I, I shall leave it to you.  Though
perhaps some sort of co-command can be arranged between you two."
---je
     A look passed between Niari and Vengar.  She wasn't terribly
comfortable with the arrangement but would make the best of it,
wondering to herself what kind of training Vengar possessed.  He had
never appeared to her to be any kind of leader; skilled in battle, yes,
but not a leader.  Still, he had been valued by the Baron and was
therefore, worth giving the benefit of the doubt.  She turned away from
the current train of thought before further prejudice could set in. 
They would, no doubt, have time to discuss this on their own and at a
more appropriate time in privacy...as long as there was enough time.  No
doubt they would be departing in the morning.
---k
     Vengar wasn=92t as comfortable with the idea of sharing command with=

this newcomer Niari any more than she was in sharing it with him.  He
had met her glance, and wasn=92t terribly pleased with what he had seen i=
n
her eyes.  A wave of mild anger rolled over the man.  =93How *dare* this
upstart come here and claim command of Therion=92s forces!=94 he thought =
to
himself.  It was an unreasonable response, but Vengar was very
distraught at the loss of his friend, perhaps more so than anyone else
in the hall, and his mind wasn=92t thinking rationally.  After all, it wa=
s
the Baron himself who had appointed her Marshall of Chadwick.  Despite
this, his jaw clenched as the council continued.
---m
     Sir Richard stood, unrolled a large scroll, and placed it on the
table, weighing down the ends with some tankards.  He motioned for
everyone to come closer.  "Here is the table of organization for the
C.E.F.  Three regiments shall make up the force.  First, a regiment of
Baron Therion's very own Home Guard.  Second, his recently hired
mercenary regiment, the Free Company.  The third regiment shall be made
up of two battalions of the heavy cavalry I brought with me from the
capitol.  Each of these regiments is understrength by roughly a
battalion's worth of soldiery, though the Home Guard and the Free
Company have both been very actively recruiting in the last week.  What
say you, Colonel Brande?"
     Replee Brande was somewhat taken aback.  His newest employer had
been struck by forces unknown, and now the baron's steward was sending
them to fight at the side of the elves?  Though his regiment had been
decimated during the Battle of the Little Dragon's Horn, what veterans
remained were also veterans of the Imperial Karrantine Army, and had
fought vicious, pitched battles against the elves of Tynntangial.  Such
memories were what made Replee leave the Imperial Army in the first
place, to form his own mercenary band, well *away* from the elves.  Now
he was heading back into Tynntangial....to fight on the side of the
elves against some evil army out of legend....
---je
     Her Kioshu eyes surveying the map, Niari noticed two things. 
Firstly, they were dealing with a total force of approximately one
thousand troops.  Secondly, she had a sneaking suspicion that the elven
homeland was quite a distance away.  They were going to need a very good
way of moving the regiments such a long distance in enough time to be of
help to the elves.  Images of portal travel sprang into her mind,
unasked, sending her stomach and other organs into cries of indignant
protest.  She wondered briefly, if Lorendil had spent any more time
considering her difficulty with that mode of transport.
---k
     Somehow, whether through some magical means, or through observation
of Niari=92s posture, Lorendil did sense her discomfort.  With a quick
glance to the map, he correctly deduced what was troubling her.  He
began to think about another way to transport Niari to Tynntangial, one
that wouldn=92t upset her Kioshu rhythms.
---m
     Replee was deep in thought, when Major Ventnor gently jabbed him in
the ribs.  He looked up to see everyone looking at him.  "Yes, General
Nadeene.  With heavy recruiting and generous sign-on bonuses, I've been
able to bring the Free Company back up to around eighty-five percent
strength.  My counterpart in the Home Guard has stated similar
recruitment levels."
---je
     At the mention of the Home Guard, Vengar casually looked up to see
who was commanding Chadwick=92s only military force.  He was surprised to=

see the familiar face of Lieutenant Addison, now wearing the rank of
captain!  Vengar=92s spirit raised somewhat at seeing someone that he had=

known prior to the battle against Soros, the rescue from the Church, and
the addition of Lorendil and Niari.  To an extent, he felt a little less
alone at Therion=92s demise.  Where had he been all this time?  Vengar ha=
d
been quite busy during the flight from Chadwick and the Battle of Little
Dragon=92s Horn, and had consequently lost contact with the leader of tha=
t
original detachment of the Home Guard that had accompanied Therion and
him through so much tribulation.  He would have to talk to the man and
catch up, see what had happened to him and the remaining men of his
unit.  He smiled and nodded his head towards Addison, who noticed and
reciprocated.  The smile of Vengar=92s face continued...his spirits were
significantly lifted.
---m
     Sir Richard nodded his approval.  "I know with more time, you could
both reach your goals of one hundred percent strength.  However, there
is *no* time.  The C.E.F. will have to march as is, with whatever
recruitment you can accomplish along the way to the elven homeland."
     Sir Richard bade everyone to be seated again.  "Well then, there
you have it.  Are there any questions?  Anything I haven't covered?"
---je
     "I have a few questions, Sir Richard," spoke Niari as General
Nadeene and the others turned their attention to her.  "Though I have
never journeyed to the homeland of the elves, I guess by this map that
the journey would require at least two or three month's travel time by
horse.  Is this accurate and if so, would a more feasible path not be to
travel by portal if the Dark One's attack is imminent?  Surely, the
Baron still has some mages of power left in his employ that would be
capable of such an undertaking..."
---k
     Sir Richard smiled warmly at the recently appointed Marshal of
Chadwick.  How she reminded him of his own daughter, Nala, before her
untimely death.  The same strength of character, the eyes which
commanded respect.  This Niari even looked like his Nala, or what he
supposed Nala would have looked like had she reached Niari's age.  He
was brought out of his ruminations by the elven liaison officer, who had
said something to him that he missed.  "I beg your pardon?" he said,
being remiss in his duty of leading this discussion.
     Joreen smiled.  "I said, if I may, I know of a way to get the
entire C.E.F. on Tynntanglian soil in a matter of days."  At Sir
Richard's nod, she continued.  "Less then a day=92s ride due south of her=
e
is the manse which until recently belonged to the scoundrel Soros. 
Beneath the basement of this manse is a chamber with an erected elven
portal which actually brought Captain Elessidel's party, including
myself, to this land.  With a bit of tuning, I know I can get it turned
to the gate due south of our capitol of Daventry.  It would take some
time to move so many troops through such a narrow portal, but still, it
would only takes some days where travel by other means would take, as
Marshal Niari has mentioned, months.=94
     Sir Richard was somewhat disturbed by the knowledge that such a
portal was so near.  If *they* could use it to take them to the other
side of Ifreann, then *others* could, and probably *had* used it to come
here.  Yet it was a brilliant plan, one which would save them a great
deal of time.  "Indeed!  Here is some good news at last!  If there are
no objections, you will move the C.E.F. through this elven portal,
though I wish for you to leave a platoon of the Home Guard to guard the
portal on *this* side whilst the C.E.F. is in the elven kingdom.  And
should Soros' manse be damaged in any way while you move the C.E.F.
through....." Sir Richard grinned and shrugged his shoulders.  He then
turned to Marshal Niari.  "Is there anything else?" he asked.
---je
     "Yes," she continued, "I had made arrangements with the Baron prior
to this evening's unfortunate events, to be away from his company for a
period of two weeks, to honor the tribal customs of the n'Sete warriors
who gave their lives at Little Dragon's Horn.  I would ask that this
deal, made in faith between the Baron and myself, be upheld by the
Baron's Steward.  I would be responsible to catch up with the army when
my duties to the tribes had been resolved but I can see no way around
what I have promised."
---k
     Sir Richard frowned.  The Marshal was needed in moving the C.E.F.
to the elven kingdom.  Still, if the Baron had made such a promise in
good faith, it *was* Sir Richard's duty to carry out the Baron's word. 
"Of course you may go, Marshal Niari, with my good graces.  I only ask
that you try to minimize the time away from your command down as much as
possible.  I'm sure Lord Vengar here can see to the movement of the
C.E.F. in your absence.  I am unfamiliar with your customs, but there is
an old saying from where *my* people come from:  'There is a time for
mourning, but there *must* be time for living, as well!'.  I am not in
any way trying to belittle your customs, my dear Marshal.  I guess in my
own way, I am trying to tell you that there is still much 'living' for
you to do before this is all over...."  Sir Richard stopped there, not
wanting to preach to the young woman.  He hoped he had not insulted her
in any way.  "Are there any other questions...."
---je
     Niari smiled.  "I assure you, good Sir Richard, I intend to live a
very long time even after this war is over.  But Kioshu customs are not
at stake here.  I represent the Baron as liaison to the n'Sete tribes. 
If he were able, he would be required to go.  Since he is not..." she
sighed and said softly, "I must go in his place to consummate the deal
which was struck between the House of Chadwick and the n'Sete."  And
then in a more confident voice, "Lord Therion was an honorable man.  I
would not wish to strip him of this honor with dishonorable actions.  I
assure you that I will not be away any longer than necessary."  Done
with her speech, Niari sat back in her chair but did not miss the eyes
of Vengar, studying her like an enemy.  She hoped they would not come to
words here, before the assembled party, over the conflict of command...
---k
     Vengar stood.  =93General Nadeene.  I am sure that I will be able to=

lead the Expeditionary Force while Marshall Niari attends to her
duties.=94  He cast a sidelong glance to the Kioshu warrior, almost
challenging her to question his command abilities.  Half satisfied, half
disappointed at seeing no reaction, he turned back to Sir Richard and
continued.  =93There is, however, one other point of order I would like t=
o
address, and that is the command of the Home Guard Regiment.  As all
here know, there are three elements of the Home Guard that need to be
addressed.  First are the survivors of the original detachment that
accompanied Therion and I through the wilderness against Gurlith prior
to our rendezvous with the Elessidels in Montfort.  Second are the units
which joined our forces after the rescue and flight from Montfort who,
along with the first group, fought gallantly on the slopes of Little
Dragon=92s Horn.  Third are the additional units that have joined us here=

in Chadwick.  While Lord Therion maintained direct control over these
forces throughout the campaign, there had been no official hierarchy
established regarding who was to answer to who.  I would like to
establish formally the Commander of the Home Guard Regiment to serve in
the Chadwickian Expeditionary Forces.=94
---m
     Niari's gray eyes flashed for a moment.  Already he was making
decisions without consulting her.  Was the man power-mad or just
incredibly spontaneous?  No, he was too intelligent to have done this
thing without considering how it would look.  Very well then, she
thought to herself, this attitude will need to be corrected here and
now...tonight.
---k
     Vengar motioned to Captain Addison to come forward.  Warily, yet
with a hint of a smile beginning to curl the edges of his mouth, the
veteran Guardsman approached and stood before Vengar.  =93I, Sir Vengar,
Knight Companion of the Order of the Silver Star as appointed by Baron
Therion of Chadwick, do hereby promote this man, Reginald Addison, to
the rank of major, with all the benefits and responsibilities of such
rank.=94
---m
     Niari's left eyebrow raised.  Vengar thought to flex his authority
before her.  Had he forgotten that the Baron had also Knighted her this
very evening?  They held the same rank, the same powers, except for the
fact that Niari was not just a Knight of the Order of the Silver Star,
she was also Chadwick's Marshal and technically in charge of the
military forces of Chadwick under Therion's regent.  She was mildly
surprised by the audacity of her compatriot but allowed the moment to
pass as Vengar continued.  She was truly interested in what he would do
next.  A quick look to General Nadeene informed her that the Regent
approved of the promotion but a stern bent behind his eyes told her that
Sir Richard was also a bit surprised by Vengar's actions.
---k
     It was the first time that Vengar had used his title as given by
Therion.  He was grateful to have the authority to make this
appointment.  "Furthermore, I appoint Major Addison to the position of
Commander of the Home Guard Regiment to serve in the Chadwickian
Expeditionary Forces, reporting to the Commander in Chief, Chadwickian
Expeditionary Forces.=94  Vengar knew that the command arrangements
between Niari and himself had not been resolved, and this was not a
place to make a bid in a power struggle.  Therefore, he used a
positional title rather than his or Niari=92s name, neither claiming nor
conceding command.  He knew, however, that experienced leadership was
going to be critical in the upcoming battle in Tynntangial, and Addison
had proven his worth time and again.  He would need such reliable people
in positions of command.  The further breakdown of the command staff of
the Home Guard would be resolved later in conference with Addison, and
probably the Marshall of Chadwick as well, as a professional courtesy. 
Vengar still chafed at the idea of sharing command, but his original
reaction was beginning to wear off.  =93Perhaps Niari will not be so bad
in command, after all,=94 he thought.  =93She did command the n=92Sete, a=
nd
already has an established reputation as an excellent troop commander. 
I have been too harsh...I must seek out this Marshall and talk with
her.=94
---m
     As the last words of appointment settled on the group, Niari stood
and allowed her lips to curve in the manner of a smile but her eyes were
cold.  Speaking directly to Vengar she said pleasantly, "Sir Vengar, a
most excellent choice.  As Marshal of the forces of Chadwick, I
wholeheartedly condone your selection."  A second passed as she allowed
the meaning of her words to sink in.  Vengar would have to learn what it
meant to take on someone who had been in command of armies all of her
adult life.  She continued in a new, more jovial tone.  "I myself have
witnessed Captain..."  she smiled and turned to Addison, "forgive me..."
then back to Vengar, "Major Addison's excellence in battle.  He will be
of great use to us and I have no doubt that he will live up to his new
position in the coming days.  May I be the first to congratulate you,
Major Addison, on your promotion."
     She raised her tankard and gestured in the direction of Addison,
who stood uncomfortably before Vengar, causing the others to follow
suit.  "My thanks, Marshal," he managed to say, bowed in spite of
himself, and then returned to his seat amid claps on the back and polite
congratulations.  Taking the moment of distracted good-humor to
punctuate her intent, Niari gently raised her ale to Vengar, who sat
across from her; an enigmatic expression on his face.  "Let's not go
through this again," she thought to herself and projected the sentiment
as best she could through the space between them.  They were allies and
she hoped they would continue to be so for Therion's sake...then Sir
Richard was speaking.
     "Excellent well!  I see the two of you are working well together
already."  The Regent of Chadwick gazed meaningfully at both of them,
his charismatic face full of both hope and admonishment for the two
Knights.  "Of course the rest of the C.E.F. will need to be organized,
but I will leave that in your capable hands and expect divisions to be
drawn up by morning.  Now, if there is no further business..."  Sir
Richard gazed around the table expectantly.
---k
     Vengar's promotion of Captain Addison to major had given Lorendil
the time he needed to figure out an alternate method of getting Niari
back to the C.E.F.  He wasn't sure how she would like his solution, but
after considering many possibilities, he couldn't think of anything that
was better under the circumstances.  After what had transpired in her
room before Therion had been attacked, it would be a dicey solution at
best...and yet, there could be incredible rewards.  However, he banished
such optimistic thoughts, instead preparing for the worst.
     As Sir Vengar finished his speech, Lorendil stood slowly.  "Sir
Richard," he began, purposefully not looking towards Niari, "please
leave the issue of Lady Niari's transportation to Tynntangial to me." 
Turning now to her, and motioning with his right hand, he said, "I'm
sure we can come to a mutual agreement that will have her in the elven
kingdom only a few days after her obligations to the n'Sete are
concluded...plenty of time to rejoin the C.E.F. before it comes before
the face of the enemy."  Their eyes locked briefly, and he could see the
questions piling up in her mind.  He would have to tell her his plan
after the council...and hope that she was agreeable, for it was the only
way.
---m
     Turning away from Vengar, Niari gave her attention to Lorendil,
whom she had avoided looking at throughout the meeting.  Now, she was
only reminded of the words that he had spoken not long ago; words of
love.  The memory brought a tinge of pink to her ears but she managed to
keep any further signs from leaping into the realm of the obvious. 
     "I would be very interested in speaking with you further on the
matter," she answered lightly.
---k
     Sir Richard nodded, relief evident on his face.  "If you say you
can do this, than I believe it to be so.  My thanks go to you, Sir
Lorendil!"
---je
     "And mine as well," added Niari.  "Perhaps we could meet at
breakfast and discuss your ideas.  I appear to be rather busy this
evening sorting out this matter of the organization of our forces..."
---k
     =93Of course, m=92lady!  Breakfast, then!=94  Lorendil said cheerful=
ly. 
Still, at the back of his mind, he wondered just how Niari was going to
take his proposition.
     Sir Richard was smiling.  He stood, and addressed the conference. 
=93Very well!  We have concluded our business here.  There is much to do
before tomorrow.  For those of you who I may not see, fare thee well! 
This meeting now stands adjourned.=94
    As the members of the council stood and departed, Vengar made a
concerted effort to find Lady Niari and discuss his feelings of joint
command with her.  There was quite a bit of jostling going on, as many
people were seeking out others to say their good-byes, discuss
strategies, and other business of the coming campaign.  He nearly
stumbled on the woman, who was apparently moving towards him in a
similar gesture.
     There was an awkward moment as Vengar apologized for nearly running
into her.  He smiled uncomfortably, as did she, and the two stumbled for
something to say.  The Marshal gazed at Vengar coolly, allowing him to
find his voice.  Finally, Vengar said the obvious.  =93Lady Niari, I wish=

to discuss the matter of our joint command of the Chadwickian
Expeditionary Forces.  I must admit that I have
certain=85reservations=85about this arrangement.  I=92m *sure* that we ca=
n
come to some mutual agreement over how to handle the command structure. 
Shall we sit?=94  He motioned to a pair of nearby chairs that had been
vacated at the adjournment of the council.
---m
     Well, that was a welcome change.  Niari nodded and waved her hand,
signaling that Vengar should be seated first.  He hesitated but then
acquiesced; not wanting to offend her.
     Settling into her seat, Niari cleared her throat.  "Sir Vengar, I
am no more comfortable with joint command than are you.  However, we
each have advantages over the other which I believe can be of great use. =

I suggest we put our personal prejudices aside and learn how these
advantages will best compliment each other.  Are we in agreement?=94
---k
     Vengar was surprised at the conciliatory approach that Niari had
taken, readily admitting that there were undoubtedly skills that he had
that she did not.  He *had* misjudged her.
     =93Yes, I agree.  Only through maximizing *all* of our skills can we=

expect to successfully face that which lies before us.=94
---m
     When Vengar had finished, she continued.  "Excellent.  Now, I am
very experienced in leading large forces and in strategy, defense,
constructing weapons of siege..." Niari=92s eyes rolled sideways.  "I eve=
n
had some small experience in gathering intelligence," she leaned
forward, "But not as much as you, I think."  Her features had grown
brighter; rather excited by the ideas running through her mind.  She saw
a side of him that was dark; stealthy and crafty.  If she could only
convince him to use it...
---k
     He made no comment, instead choosing to hear more of what Niari was
proposing.
---m
     "Vengar, you strike me as a man capable of great cunning as well as
possessing battle experience and the ability to creatively handle
yourself in a constantly changing environment.  I saw how you fought at
Little Dragon's Horn.  I propose that our command be divided in a way
that would make use of both our strengths.  I would be located in a
central command status, directing the major limbs of the C.E.F. with you
as my co-commander and advisor.  You certainly know these Northerners
better than I..." she shrugged, conceding the point readily.
---k
     Vengar interrupted.  =93This is true.  At least with a few of them, =
I
have fought with them.  Even on Little Dragon=92s Horn, you were mostly
isolated from them, surrounded by your n=92Sete warriors.=94  He saw her
shift, in preparation for a challenge in her defense.  Continuing, he
said, =93I=92m not saying that you should have been anywhere else, but fr=
om
the perspective of the men of the Home Guard, I am more one of them than
you are.=94  He hoped he hadn=92t sounded too arrogant with his
observation=85it was certainly not his intent.
     =93One other note.  I must tell you that, while I have certainly see=
n
and heard of your accomplishments, you are, when all is said and done, a
mercenary, as are the n=92Sete.  Granted, you have maintained yourselves
in nothing but a professional manner.  However, in my experience,
mercenaries cannot be trusted past the length of a coin.  I am not
accusing you of being disloyal to the Baron.  However, my loyalties are
*unquestioningly* to Lord Therion, and if there were something that I
thought could be a threat to his safety, or in this case to the safety
of Chadwick, I would be remiss in addressing the potential problem,
would I not?=94
---m
     Niari considered the points Vengar had raised and responded
quickly.  "Sir Vengar, up until this time, we were paid to assist Lord
Therion.  I am a warrior.  It is what I do.  I take coin for my
services, it is true, though I would not place myself in the same
category as the Free Company.  *I* only fight for the cause of justice. 
You may ask Lord Lorendil himself how he acquired my services for the
Baron if you deem it of interest.  I would not be insulted.  As for the
n'Sete, I arranged that they be paid for their time from the House of
Chadwick's coffers, but they, even more than I, are far from the
mercenary type.  If anyone other than I had asked them for their aid, no
doubt they would have refused.  It was the chance for glory and the
opportunity to kill Orcs which convinced them to leave their beloved
Plains in the end."
---k
     Vengar stiffened when the word =93Orcs=94 passed from Niari=92s lips=
.  He
could certainly understand the desire to slay those foul beasts, and he
could now more closely identify with the n=92Sete warriors.  He began to
see them, and through them Niari, in a new light.
---m
     She stopped for a moment, gauging Vengar's reaction to her lengthy
refute of his accusations.  She opened her arms, palms to the ceiling. 
"I explain because I thought it might be of interest to you...it is
certainly of no importance to me what you think of my profession.  One
must eat, after all."
---k
     Vengar made no reaction, giving no hint to the changing opinion
within him of her.
---m
     Her tone became more serious; lower with the words clearly
enunciated, as her arms folded before her, not unlike a crouching
spider.  "But know this!  I am no longer being paid for my time.  I
serve the Baron as Marshal of Chadwick and Knight of the Order of the
Silver Star for as long as there remains a need for me to do so...and
because it is *right*, NOT because it fills my belly."  She seemed to
fade away for a second, her words coming from someplace other than her
surface thoughts.  "There are things happening here that I cannot
disregard.  I must be a part of it."
---k
     Vengar was taken slightly aback at the intensity of Niari=92s words,=

and wondered about the strange effect that seemed to accompany her last
statement.  Perhaps there was more to this woman than met the eye? 
Since meeting Therion, Vengar had come to understand that there was much
more in the world than could be beheld with the senses.
---m
     She sat back in her chair and turned her head to regard one of the
tapestries on the wall.  "I am the Baron's man, Sir Vengar.  It is
important to me that you understand that."  She turned back and saw
Vengar gazing back at her, slightly abashed.
     "Now, if you are satisfied, I would like to discuss what troops we
have available and how best to organize them.  I think we should start
with sub-commanders for the three main groups.  If I remember correctly,
Sir Richard will be remaining in Chadwick?"  She waited while Vengar
organized his thoughts...
---k
     =93I believe that is correct,=94 he answered.  =93And, unless you ha=
ve
serious reservations against Major Addison, I have already appointed him
to head the Home Guard contingent.  It would seem, then, that the leader
of the Free Company=85what was his name?=85head that contingent.=94
---m
     "Colonel Brande?=94 Niari offered, remembering how the company's
Major Ventnor had tested her mettle in the past in true mercenary
fashion.  The Free Company would be a boon to them; experienced,
ruthless, and efficient...as long as they were paid.  She made a mental
note to commandeer bonuses for the officers from the treasury to secure
their allegiance.
---k
     "Yes, that's it!" said Vengar.  Then, continuing, he added, "As for
the third arm, that of the Kingsarme, perhaps we should leave that
appointment to Sir Richard?"
---m
     "I would certainly place my faith in any man that Sir Richard
selected, Sir Vengar," Niari answered, inwardly pleased that he had
taken so easily to the direction in which she had steered the
conversation.  "And I also place equal faith in the decision to appoint
your man Addison to lead the forces of the Home Guard."  She was ready
to trust Vengar this far.  He would not have made such an appointment
lightly.  The Major must have proved his worth to the Knight in the past
and he had certainly appeared a capable warrior at Little Dragon's Horn. =

She continued, "As for the Free Company, their structure is clearly
delineated already.  I doubt they would appreciate or require our
interference there."  She smiled faintly.
---k
     "I concur," answered Vengar.
---m
     "I suggest that we meet with the commanders of each branch at dawn
for final appointment.  This will allow each of them to meet in an
official capacity and also to pose any questions they might have." 
Niari shifted in her seat.  By the Gods, she was getting tired.  It must
be past the high moon already.  There wouldn't be much sleep tonight. 
"I will also require a briefing on the organization of the Elven
Kingdom, as I am currently in ignorance of much of their politics and
customs.  A map of the Kingdom wouldn't hurt either.  I'll try to obtain
one in the morning and study what I can on the way to the Plains..." 
The Kioshu woman stopped when she realized she was getting off track and
quickly reorganized her thoughts.
---k
     Vengar was slightly confused at the tangent Niari had taken.  "I am
afraid that I cannot assist you on this matter," he said.  "I would
point you to our liaison, Joreen Sandor, or Eldarion if you can catch
him.  They would know much more about the Kingdom than I."
     Niari smiled.  "Of course...you are correct.  Now then,---m aside
from these issues, there still remains the question of our own status as
co-commanders.  Sir Vengar, I simply cannot abide an army divided.  If I
give an order, I expect it to be carried out and not questioned or
contradicted due to a simultaneously-issued order from you.  I will not
have the Baron's forces castrated by the chaos that conflicting orders
can create.  I'm sure the idea is as displeasing to you as it is to me. 
There has to be some way that you and I can come to terms."  She ran her
hands through her dark hair and clasped them behind her head, stretched
and then focused on her companion, who was looking uncomfortable with
the conversation again.
---k
     Forcing the words while holding back the discomfort of surrendering
command, he answered, "I understand as well as you that the command of
the C.E.F. must be unified.  I am as aware of the disaster that can
occur when conflicting orders are given as well as you are.  Please, do
not assume that I have less knowledge or experience in this as you do."
---m
     "I mean no attack upon you, friend Vengar," Niari sighed, her voice
clearly pleading with him to just listen to her.  "But, as I have said,
my own abilities would be most useful in the position of central
command.  I have been in charge of armed forces since I could lift a
sword.  It is in my blood.  I realize that you are also used to command
but are you comfortable leading an army of this size?"  Her gray eyes
earnestly questioned the soldier.  "I'm not saying that you should
surrender all command to me, but I am suggesting that I serve as the
figurehead Commander of the C.E.F.; with yourself as my co-commander and
advisor; with orders being issued in my name.  If this sounds
presumptuous, I assure you Sir Vengar, I take no perverse pleasure in
assuming the seat of...," she made a motion in the air of placing an
invisible crown upon her own head, "...high command."  Smiling with
tired eyes, she continued, "I am thinking only of the Baron and the best
way in which to lead these men to victory..."
---k
     Vengar shifted in his seat.  What she offered was not entirely
palatable, but there was nothing specific yet that he could protest.  He
would listen on to hear everything that she had to say, and then make
whatever protests were necessary.
---m
     "If you will indulge me for just one more moment, I will tell you
another reason why I believe that you should be freed of command." 
Niari continued softly before Vengar could argue further, trusting that
he would see the merits of her ideas.  "I also propose that you would
hand-pick a force of perhaps thirty men, highly skilled in weaponry,
hand-fighting, and stealth.  You could then lead these men in a more
concentrated manner, hitting the enemy where they were most vulnerable,
gathering information, taking out key personnel...striking and
disappearing with the wind, like an invisible hand of justice. 
Something you would be unable to do from the command tent."
---k
     A slow smile was creeping across Vengar=92s lips as he listened to
her plan.  Niari was quite the strategist, to be sure!  His mind flashed
with several tactical ideas spurred from the suggestion, and also with
the faces of those he would like to have by his side.  He would have
liked to have Addison, but he fully recognized the need to have combat-
experienced leadership at the helm of the Home Guard.  Major Addison
would stay where he had been assigned.
---m
     Niari raised an eyebrow.  "I think it would be most effective, and
I really wouldn't fully trust anyone but you.  I know how loyal you are
to the Baron and to this cause..."
---k
     =93Agreed!=94 said Vengar in a loud voice.  "However, I would ask th=
at
I be included on all strategic discussions when I am available.  Orders
will still be issued in your name, as you said, but I would at least
like a hand in generating those orders."  Actually, he *insisted* on
having that influence, but he chose the softer tone.
     "Of course, Sir Vengar," Niari replied.
     "Then it is done!"  He then stood and offered his hand to Niari. 
She followed, a smile on her face, and shook it.  Both greeted each
other with firm, strong grips, signifying the strength of their
personalities, and the strength of the bond that had been achieved that
night.
     =93With your approval, Lady Niari, Marshal of Chadwick, I will confe=
r
with Major Addison and draw up an organizational chart for the Home
Guard, and begin selecting members for my skirmishers.  I understand you
are busy this evening, so I will present my results for your approval in
the morning.  By your leave, Marshal.=94
     The fact that Vengar had used the title that the Baron had given
her for the first time was not lost on Niari.  She granted Vengar her
leave, and he dashed off to find Major Addison.
---m
     She left the Great Hall, satisfied that she and Vengar had come to
a meeting of the minds.  Though he had initially been stubborn, she
could understand why he had been so.  It was hard to lose one's friends
*and* feel threatened by the presence of an outsider...a mercenary,
nonetheless.  In a way, she felt sorry for him.
     Now she made her way through the dimly lit hallways and back to her
chamber.  She feared that Eldarion had already come and gone in her
absence and quickened her step.  The sound of her footfalls echoed off
the stony walls as she walked, lending a hollow feeling to the night. 
As she climbed the wide spiral stairs to the guests' chambers, she
thought back upon the evening.  So much had happened and so much was yet
to occur.  Essaut and his n'Sete warriors would have to be found and
made ready to return to the plains in the next few hours.  Hopefully
there would be some time for sleep but Niari didn't expect she would be
resting in Therion's castle again for a long time.
     Eldarion was not in the hallway.  Her room at the end of the hall
beckoned to her tired body like a mother's arms and Niari went gladly
towards it.  Once inside, she took inventory of the chamber.  Her armor
laid strewn upon and around one of the chairs near the windows.  The
other chair held some clothes that had been cleaned by the maids.  These
were quickly stuffed into Niari's knapsack.  The armor was hurriedly
buffed and placed in the far corner for the morning.  She also noted
that the bed linens had been changed and the bed made.  Everything else
looked to be in order.
---k
     Eldarion had picked some fine horses for everyone in the party,
save for Walks and 'bush'.  They were of a good, hearty stock, which
would do quite well in the frozen tundra they would be crossing.  He
also picked a good replacement mount/pack horse for each member as well. =

This journey would not be easy.  Satisfied, he left the grooms with
instructions as to the saddling of each horse, and re-entered the castle
proper, going directly up to Niari's room, as he had agreed.  Checking
his uniform out of habit, he then reached out and rapped firmly on
Niari's door.
---je
     Lorendil, who had returned to his quarters some time earlier, took
note of the knocking.  Using a simple spell, he looked into the hall,
although he neither moved nor opened the door.  He saw that it was
Eldarion, undoubtedly come to discuss this mysterious =93gift=94 that Nia=
ri
had mentioned before.  She probably didn=92t realize it, but he had
overheard her invitation to the Legentor captain.  He hadn=92t spied
intentionally, but his draconic hearing often picked up what the others
missed.  He put aside his curiosity about what this =93gift=94 could be, =
and
continued to ready for the coming journey.
---m
     Smoothing her leather tunic and leggings, Niari opened the door and
waved an arm backwards to invite Eldarion inside.  As she closed the
door, an image of Lorendil flashed into her mind.  Unsure as to why, the
image was quickly buried and her full attention was given to the
Captain, now gazing at her pleasantly but expectantly.
     "Thank you for coming, Captain Eldarion," she smiled, "You are
probably as anxious as I am to leave this place and get on with your
journey."  She walked over to the mantle where the servants had placed a
pitcher of cold water and two wooden cups.  She poured some of the water
into a cup and handed it to her guest, then poured a cup for herself. 
     "Do you plan to leave tonight or at dawn?" she asked, quaffing the
drink and pouring another.
---k
     "I was thinking that it would be for the best if we left in the
deep of the night.  There are fewer eyes about so late, and it will be
harder to see us.  Any enemy we may need worry about is just as powerful
by day, so there really is no reason we should not travel in the cloak
of the night."  Eldarion said, sipping the water Niari had given him. 
"It is good to see you fully recovered, Lady Niari.  I think that this
enterprise you are about to embark, that of going to the aid of my
homeland, is quite gracious and noble of you.  I give you my thanks, and
the thanks of House Elessidel."  Eldarion took Niari's hand and gave it
a gentle squeeze.  "You spoke of giving me something, something which
would help on our quest.  Well in turn, I have brought a gift for
you...."  Eldarion slipped a cloak brooch into the hand he held.  "This
is a Legentor regimental insignia from my own regiment."  The brooch was
made from elven truesilver, and held an enameled blue elven rune for the
number seven, on top of a seven pointed star with wings as its device. 
"When you face the forces of the Dark One again, know that this brooch
will vibrate whenever his dark magicks are in use, or if there are
Darkguard about.  The stronger the vibrations, the nearer the danger.  I
thought it would be good for one of the commanders of the C.E.F. to have
such warnings of possible danger."
     Of course Eldarion did not know of Niari's own =93alarm mechanisms=94=
,
but his gift was given in good faith, and in the spirit of camaraderie,
just the same.
---je
     The Kioshu woman eyed the beautifully crafted brooch resting in her
hand.  It was truly a lovely gift and attested to Eldarion's nobility. 
She had not expected a gift in return but was honored to receive such a
token of friendship.  She would never need it to sense oncoming danger
but it was of great value all the same...a brooch from Eldarion's own
regiment.  Niari picked up the dove-colored cloak that the Baron had
given to her from it's resting place on a bed post and pinned the brooch
to one side of the lapel.  Then, she smiled broadly at the Legentor and
held up the first finger of one hand.
     With a mischievous grin, she began rummaging through her knapsack,
her hands searching for a lone leather packet which contained her two
last punic stones.  It lay at the very bottom, under various oddities. 
Niari lifted it into the air with a flourish and gingerly slipped the
leather thong loose from it's catch, plucking a thumb-sized oval stone
from the packet.  The surface was smooth and colored a dark green with
thin, jagged veins of black and white running through it.  She held it
up before Eldarion's face so he could get a good look at it.  To the
elf's surprise, the stone seemed to move...no, not the stone itself, but
the veins.  Almost imperceptibly, they had shifted, leaving a different
pattern of light and dark, but he hadn't seen it actually happen, as if
he had blinked and missed the whole thing.  Then, it happened again.
---k
     Eldarion almost dropped the stone in his surprise.  The stone
reminded him quite vividly of the sword he carried at his side.  His
black blade, somewhat translucent, but with veins of silver and gold
twisting and mingling about, like marble which had come alive.  He self-
consciously rested his hand on the pommel of the sword at his side.
---je
     Niari saw the confusion on her guest's face and her grin grew
wider.  "It's a punic stone," she offered, "and it's alive."  This did
not seem to make her guest more at ease.
     "Well, it's not alive in the sense that you and I are alive," she
corrected, thinking to herself "well...not like *you* are alive!"  And
then, out loud, "This stone is like the lodestone that senses Ifreann's
magnetic poles, thus, pointing out direction, but instead of sensing
magnetics, it senses energy..."  Niari saw a light beginning to dawn in
Eldarion's eyes.
     "The punic stone is highly sensitive to energy.  It will store
energy and it will absorb it.  Right now, it is fairly empty...have you
anything that casts spells?  If so, I can show you how it might be of
use to you against the Dark One.  Besides," she shrugged, "it appears to
be hungry..."
---k
     ...Just as his sword was currently hungry.  This was most
troublesome to Eldarion.  Still, the gift was from someone he had grown
to trust and admire.
     Though he was still uneasy with the gift, Eldarion nodded. 
"Indeed, yes!  Please continue....if this can help in our quest, it will
be a prized gift indeed!"
---je
     "The punic stone can be of great use to one who knows how to use
it," she responded.  "But if you would just cast a spell towards me, I
will show you just how useful it can be..."  Niari took the stone from
Eldarion's hand, stepped back and held it in front of her.
     "What type of spell?" asked the Legentor warily.
     "Try to kill me." Niari said seriously and when Eldarion's eyes
widened in disbelief, she added, "Trust me."
---k
     It wasn=92t long, although it seemed like hours, before Lorendil=92s=

concentration was disrupted.  He finally couldn=92t resist any longer! 
Eldarion had been in Niari=92s quarters for what seemed (to him) an
inordinately long period of time to be merely exchanging a gift!  Under
the guise of curiosity, jealousy began to enter the elven lord=92s mind. =

He began to fidget, and then to pace.  He was tempted several times to
walk across the hall and demand to know what was going on, but his honor
stopped him each time.  Lady Niari was a free woman, and could do as she
pleased.  She had made no commitments to him, hadn=92t even responded to
his revelation to her that he loved her.  Not knowing what she felt, and
not knowing what she and Eldarion were doing, were beginning to tear at
him from the inside.  It was so unlike Lorendil to be so out of control
of his emotions!  He sat down, and took several deep breaths, and began
forcing himself to relax and calm down.  All the while, as he struggled
to maintain control, he kept a mental vigil on the hall, not daring to
enter Niari=92s room, even magically, but all the same watching, and
waiting, for Eldarion to leave.
---m
     Eldarion readied a forcebolt, hoped she knew something about Elven
magic and let it fly...a bit to her left, just in case.  The bright
light of the forcebolt flew towards Niari faster than the eye could
track and for half a second, the elf almost believed she had played an
awful joke on him as he saw her move with lightning speed to intercept
the bolt with her body.  His mouth opened but before a shout of warning
could leave his lips, the bolt flashed and was absorbed by it's target.
     Niari stood before him, apparently unharmed, holding the stone
slightly to her left side.  The white lines in the stone were shifting
more clearly now and they pulsed within the stone like thin molten
streams.
     "As I said, the stone is drawn to energy.  Thank you for trying to
keep me from harm's way, but as you see, the stone simply pulled me into
the path of your attack so it could feed.  You don't have to worry much
about magical strikes with this around."  She handed the stone back to
Eldarion, who noted the warmth it now emanated.  "Don't worry," said
Niari, seeing his reaction.  "It won't get any warmer than that so
there's no need to insulate it with cloth."
     "How much can it eat...or absorb?" asked the elf, turning the stone
over in his hands.
     "Quite a lot," answered the Kioshu woman.  "I'd say about ten of
those spells you just cast at me would fill it's belly nicely.  After
that it would start relieving itself of the energy...which is another
useful trait about it."  She moved closer to the elf and pointed to one
end of the oblong stone.  Barely visible, was a pock mark in the
surface, a vein of black staunchly surrounding the hole despite the
constant shifting of the other lines.
     "That is the punic's =91ortra=92.  You'll know when the stone starts=
 to
get close to the point of..."  Niari's brow furrowed and she moved to
the other side of the elf, away from the sword, and continued as if
nothing had happened, "...point of expulsion.  The =91nuva=92...the veins=

will begin to move very rapidly and pulse like bubbles in the surface. 
That is when you turn the ortra towards an enemy or, if none is nearby,
into the earth.  Remember not to point it into water or the sky, the
force of the energy is more quickly deadened by the earth.  You may harm
yourself or others if it's released elsewhere.  Learn to find the ortra
quickly..." she warned.
     Eldarion was nodding with enthusiasm.  Niari smiled, pleased that
he was finding the punic to his liking.  She wished she could have given
each member of the party their own protector but that was impossible. 
She risked too much already by giving this one away but in a battle
against the Dark One, some sacrifices had to be made.
     She put her hand on his arm and he looked up.  Niari looked at him
earnestly and said, "It is very important that this stone not fall into
the wrong hands.  When you are done with your quest," she hesitated,
hoping the Legentor would not think her rude, "when we meet again, I
would like to have the punic returned to me.  Please understand I hold
you in the highest regard, but the stone has many secrets and, for
reasons I will not share with you, it must be returned to my
possession."  Her gray eyes held Eldarion until he agreed to her terms.
---k
     "Verily, I shall endeavor to safeguard this stone, and to return it
to your possession when my quest is done!"  Eldarion promised.
---je
     "Now, in order for the stone to work for you, rather than against
you, I'll need to `introduce' you in a way it understands,"  She smiled
and said, "This won't hurt a bit..."
---k
     Eldarion wondered why she would say something like that.  The very
words *implied* the possibility of pain.  Still...Eldarion nodded for
Niari to proceed....
---je
     She hadn't wanted to go into the full explanation of what she was
about to do, thus, she was glad that the elven warrior hadn't questioned
her further.  They really didn't have the *days* it would have required
to discuss details and get him accustomed to the stone.  She'd just have
to trust that Eldarion was made of strong enough mettle to learn on his
own what she had given to him.  Looking appreciatively at the Legentor,
she knew he would be able to handle the shock.  Even so, Niari hesitated
for a moment and considered forgetting the whole thing; asking Eldarion
to leave.  No.  He would need the punic.  She was very sure of that.
     Her right hand remained on Eldarion's arm and her left hand closed
around his own hands, now cupping the punic tightly.  Closing her eyes,
she began to concentrate, feeling the energy of the elf beside her;
allowing her own energy to submerge in his.  Once she was comfortably
aware of him, she sought out the spirit of the punic and brought the two
forces together.  As the comparatively small energy signature of the
punic stone touched that of Eldarion, it shivered, like a candle in a
gentle breeze.  Then, fed by the life of the Legentor, it began to burn
brightly.  Niari, as the "ambassador" for the two energies, felt her own
awareness hovering on the edge of time and watched it all happen.  For
her, the moment was sublime.  She felt all that was Eldarion join with
the current-aware punic; felt the Legentor stiffen as the new sensations
coursed into him.  She opened her eyes, and saw him looking at her in
wonder, his eyes shining.  He was gazing around him with new insight,
seeing things he had never before seen, like an animal suddenly granted
the ability to see color.  He turned to her and a smile beamed on his
face.  Of course, she thought, he would be seeing another entity's life
force for the first time.  She could still remember the beauty of her
first awakening into this world.  It would be very hard for him to give
it up... 
     He was looking all around him again, watching invisible waves fly
through the air, through himself, through walls and floor.  They moved
at different speeds in an infinite variety of shapes and colors that he
had never before seen, all rolling over and around each other in a
passionate dance.  He was adrift in a sea of currents and energies that
none other but the Elite could see...and those who were Joined.  Niari
closed her eyes again and the wove the two energies together, hearing
Eldarion say something unintelligible.  The two essences wrapped around
each other and became a brighter, more beautiful shade of light and heat
and sound...and something that was simply indescribable.  Niari smiled
in spite of herself.  She had almost forgotten how powerful the Joining
could be.
     It was done.  Niari opened her eyes again and steadied Eldarion,
afraid to let him go, lest he try to fly out the window in a state of
euphoria.  She could still hear the fluttering of his heart as she
withdrew from his lifeforce.  The sword at his side was buzzing angrily. =

Niari knew it was furious with her somehow, but it's master would have
no difficulty controlling it now that he had the aid of the punic.
     "Eldarion?" she said his name aloud to focus his mind.  "Can you
talk to me?"  His eyes took a moment to find her.  He seemed to be
unsure who she was.
     "Eldarion, you will feel disoriented for a few moments.  It is best
if you sit down."  Niari looked at the chair near the windows and
decided against it immediately.  The last thing he needed right now was
to look out the window and see everything out there with this new
vision.  She had no doubts that he would have hit sensory overload and
collapsed.  Instead, she helped him over to the bed.  He fought her a
little, obviously proud and not wanting to need her help, but she did
not have to apply all her strength to maintain contact.  She backed him
up to the side of the bed and he sat slowly, not totally confident in
his balance.
     Then, he shook his head and his eyes seemed to become unglazed. 
Promising!  She was glad he was so strong.  His recovery time had been
exceptionally quick.
     "Eldarion?"  To the elf, her voice was like the rush of water, her
eyes were bright points of light.  He could see her but she looked *so*
very different.  He looked down at himself and held up his hands.  His
skin was shimmering and there was some kind of aura around his skin. 
The punic was visible even through his closed fist and the waves
of...light?...no, something else entirely...coursed through it all. 
     "Do you know who I am?" he heard that voice again.  It was the
sound of all the leaves of a forest rustling in the wind.  The speaker
looked different than he did.  She was no longer a solid being.  He
could see her and all her features; her leather tunic; her hair; but
everything that was a part of her was like a shade.  Whereas his hands
were solid, beneath *her* skin, she was a shadow of moving shapes, held
together by some kind of magic.  Why hadn't he noticed this before?  It
was *so* beautiful!  If he concentrated, he could even make the shapes
move closer to him.
     "STOP!  Never do that!"  Niari cried and clutched her chest.  She
eyed him through narrowed lids.  "You learn quickly."  She hesitated and
took a few deep breaths.  "I must insist that you learn a few things
before I can let you leave this room...and the first lesson will be to
learn some self-control!"
---k
     No there wasn't time.  She'd have to reverse some of the threads.
     Eldarion opened his mouth, spoke the words, "My apologies...I..."
and stopped, fascinated by the sound of his own voice, which now reached
his ears on the back of a most delicious skin crawl.  "El-dar-i-on" he
said slowly and his skin prickled again, elvish accent seasoning the
air.  He laughed, wrapping himself in a tingling blanket of sound as
Niari snatched the opportunity to rejoin with him while he was
distracted by experimentation.  She created a looser weave between the
lifeforces of the elf and the punic and withdrew, seeing a look of shock
wash across Eldarion's face.  He turned to her.  She was still a cloth
before a flame, flickering shades playing beneath her transparent skin,
but the effect was dull compared to a moment ago.  Everything was
duller, not the symphony of movement and sensation that it had been. 
Then again, his head was much clearer...
     "Eldarion?"  She spoke with a concerned voice.
     "I'm all right now, Lady Niari...almost normal," he grinned and saw
her sigh in relief.  "What is next?  Are we finished?"  He realized he
was sitting on her bed and stood quickly, straightening his uniform.
     "Almost," she replied, noting his uncomfortable stance.  "I want to
test if the sensitivity is right."  Niari moved to the far side of the
room, near the clothing closet.  "I want you to use your arm to point to
the area where you feel the energy...you'll know what I mean when you
feel it."  Eldarion nodded.
     Niari sent a tendril out into the courtyard and pulled at its tip. 
As an energy force grew there, Eldarion's arm raised in the direction of
the buildup.  She smiled.  "Good!  Now try this."  Dissipating the
courtyard energy, she fired up several of the stones in the room in
quick succession.  The elf pointed to every one.  Niari smiled wickedly
and ignited a spark on the tip of his nose.  He jumped back and looked
at his tormentor with a wry grin and growling, "Not fair."  She laughed. =

"Okay, last test.  Tell me where it is and what you feel."  With that,
Niari reached inside to where she kept her prisoner Aureliano and sucked
a bit of his essence, creating a ball of energy, tainted with evil, in
the midst of the room.  Eldarion's face twisted into an expression of
disgust and his jaw worked as if there were a bitter taste on his
tongue.  He pointed to the energy ball and said, "Ug, it's awful!  It's
a sulfurous stench and it tastes like griffon dung smells!"  He moved
closer to it, gazing at the globe of evil with his new eyesight.  "It's
thick...murky.  What is it?"  Niari grimaced, not immune to her own
creation. "That, my friend, is evil in it's most diluted form.  You'll
feel everything you're feeling now, amplified a thousand times when you
meet the Dark One."  She allowed Eldarion to study the ball for a few
more seconds and then snuffed it out, returning the polluted lifeforce
from whence it came.
     "Well, I'm satisfied."  She walked over to Eldarion and clasped her
hands on his shoulders.  "Just remember what I have told you and be
careful.  The punic is a weapon of great power, but you are used to
handling such things," Niari said, gesturing to the sword that hung at
his hip, "and I know you'll be able to control it."  Releasing him, she
stood back and waved towards the window.
     "Are you ready to go outside?"  She winked.
---k

     How long could this be taking?  What was going on?  Lorendil=92s
emotions were again threatening to override his self-control, and his
mind began to wander.  He thought back to their approach to Chadwick,
when Aureliano was making his escape.  Hadn=92t Eldarion been all too
eager to offer to fly Niari after the fleeing man?  He remembered how
close they were also upon their return.  Yes, Niari had been wounded,
but Lorendil=92s jealousy could not discount the possibility that Eldario=
n
had taken some perverse pleasure in positioning her limp form in the way
that he had for the return flight.  He began to fabricate
interpretations that had the elven captain eyeing the Kioshu warrior,
despite the fact that he obviously had affections for Joreen.  This
further fueled a burning hatred in Lorendil=92s mind towards the
Elessidel.  He wondered if perhaps he had taken the opportunity to
attack Niari, and had already crossed the floor and opened the door when
he paused.
     What if Niari had wanted this?  In his centuries of life, Lorendil
had heard many cases where, before a doomed battle, a woman would give a
warrior her =93favors=94 as a charm.  Was it possible that this was Niari=
=92s
=93gift=94 to Eldarion?  He reluctantly admitted to himself that the
Legentor captain was a handsome man, a very charismatic figure.  His
mind burned with the image of the two of them in a lover=92s embrace, and=

he quickly forced the image away.  He slowly closed the door, careful
even to make sure the latch made no sound as it finally closed.  His
heart sank.  It would explain why she seemed so stunned at his
confession of his feelings.  She was so enamored with Eldarion, that she
couldn=92t see the affection that had been building inside him for her.
---m

     Niari grabbed the dove-gray cloak which now displayed a Legentor

regimental insignia and threw it over her shoulders, expecting that the
weather outside would be rather chill this time of night.
     Eldarion nodded and smiled, beginning to feel more like himself
again.  He opened the door and gestured for Niari to lead.  She shook
her head.  "I think I'd better be to the side or behind you so as to not
block your view."  He shrugged and walked out with Niari walking close
by his side.  Again, an image of Lorendil reared up in her mind's eye
and she angrily shoved the image back into the shadows, irritated that
she would think of the elf-dragon at a time like this when Eldarion
needed her help.  Then again, he didn't seem to need her much at all. 
He was moving slowly but surely down the hall, gazing around him at the
new patterns that were winding through the stones and the air.  She
followed him past the doors of the companions, down the stone steps, and
through the hallways to the courtyard.  Eldarion hesitated at the door,
allowing his eyes to drink in the beauty of the night, visible from the
threshold of the castle.  The stars!  Lost in the black night...it was
indescribable.  He looked back at Niari and smiled.  Turning again to
the door, he stepping outside into a new dimension of sensation,
floating on the ancient currents of the earth that rose through the
flagstones of the courtyard and swirled around his feet like a soupy
mist.  The clear, cool air washed around him and through him; a myriad
of currents that whispered of ageless energies
and timeless power.
     They made their way to the stables in this same manner.  Eldarion
in front; Niari slightly behind; both absorbing the beauty of the place
that they could now share.  Before they entered the shelter of the
stables, Niari laid a staying hand on Eldarion's arm one last time and
said, "Please do not share anything more than you have to.  My gift of
the punic is not to be made common knowledge.  If you are asked, only
let it be known that I gave you a Kioshu weapon and leave it at that. 
It may be tempting for you to speak of your new senses but..."
     Eldarion took her hand and answered, "On my word, Lady Niari, you
have nothing to fear.  And it will be returned to you when we next
meet."
     "Safe journey, Captain.  You carry my hopes with you," Niari said
in a Kioshu farewell.  Eldarion smiled, "Good luck to you as well." 
Then, he stepped into the light of the stables and through the door
where the others were waiting anxiously for his arrival...
---k