Elana walked away from giving Eldarion a farewell hug.  She glanced
up at Zeph, and noticed that her cousin was staring at her brother with
a strange look in her eye.  Almost a look of hate.  She would have to
investigate this further.
     As she stood by Zeph's side, she looked up and saw Lorendil
speaking with the warrior-woman Niari.  She was surprised to
feel...what?  A twinge of jealousy?  She had never known such a feeling
before, and decided she would have to think about it once she had solved
this mystery concerning Eldarion and Zeph.
     She turned her eyes from Lorendil as Zeph poked her in the side and
followed where the girl pointed.  There was her brother...kissing
Joreen!  Well, well, it was about time.  She looked at Zeph, and the
look on her face had changed to one of joy as well.  They both began
applauding, which in turn made Eldarion turn several shades redder.
     As her brother continued his goodbyes, Elana turned to Zeph "Sit
with me a moment Zeph, I wish to speak with you."  The two moved to a
nearby fallen tree trunk and sat.  Elana continued  "I have noticed
something has been bothering you.  I know it has something to do with
Eldarion.  Tell me.  I want to help."
---je
     An uneasy moment passed between the two. Elana could almost read
the lie Zeph was mentally preparing, then as quickly as the strange
feeling came it disappeared.
     "Yes. Something has been bothering me," she finally stated,
deciding to dispense with the lies. "I don't really know how to explain
it...I think Eldarion -" She stopped suddenly, looked away as if
distracted.
     "Tell me Zeph! What is it with you and Eldarion?" Her tone carried
a melody of sincere concern.
     Zeph slowly turned her eyes back to her cousin. Sadness filled
them. Something deep inside her soul was tearing her apart. "I...I love
you both so very much. It was the happiest day of my life when I found
out I had family. You can't...(sniffle) you can't imagine how alone I
felt -I was- before Edarion found me."
     Elana realised her tiny cousin was crying. Was she vulnerable after
all? She made a mental note -Zeph knows how to cry. Taking the necessary
action in such moments, Elana gave the youngster a greatly needed hug.
"Go on now, let it all out..."
     The tears came slow at first, then as a dam ripping loose.  Zeph
was grateful for her cousin's support and even more thankful her friends
were not nearby to pry. Pride.
     When the flood subsided into a trickle then an occasional sniffle,
Zeph carried on. "I...I think Eldarion k-killed my..." the last word
took her an eternity to spill, "father."  There, she said it. It had
been festering within her mind for days (from the day she had been
rescued from Soros). One moment she would believe that Eldarion could
not and did not perform the deed that she so feared he had, and then in
another, she would be sure of it.
     Elana's tongue was tied. She drew away from Zeph. A look of total
disbelief surrounded her expression.
     Zeph waited for some kind of response. She hoped Elana was not
preparing to lay on a thrashing for what she had disclosed.
     The two sat and stared back at each other for what seamed to be a
millennium.
---ds
     Elana could not believe her ears.  What Zeph had just told her
was...madness.  Eldarion and Selesseri had been the best of comrades. 
It was Selesseri's influence that had shaped Eldarion, made him break
away from court, made him join the Legentors, forming the first break in
the twins' since childhood.
     Yet Eldarion *had* been acting strangely since they'd left
Tynntangial.
     She knelt before Zeph, looked her straight in the eye, and in a low
voice asked "How do you know this, Zeph. What makes you think this.  For
all we knew, Selesseri has been lost to our family for quite some time. 
What makes you think Eldarion could have killed our uncle, your father?"
---je
     Her tongue grew fat. The words needed to explain were lost in a
soup of disorder. Her face took on the obvious expression of her
internal turmoil. Elana waited patiently.
     She wanted to explain to her cousin how she had a vision, a dream,
a feeling, if you will, that Eldarion had killed her father with his
sword of Xeen. Some of the visions told her a terrible story, where
Eldarion had destroyed her father without mercy and others displayed  an
inner torment that Eldarion experienced as a result of the act. The
whole thing was eating Zeph alive, tearing her apart, festering.
     Zeph was just about to poor out what little sense she could muster
out of the whole thing when...
---ds
     Vengar's battle with the poison continued unabated.  Thankfully,
the movement of the ground had come to a halt, but the battle was far
from won.  He was getting tired.  Very tired.  Maybe it would be better
just to stop resisting and succomb to the poison.  Vengar had never
decided if he believed in an afterlife, and this seemed an opportune
time to find out.
     But there was a turn in the battle.  Vengar did not see it at
first, but a solitary figure was engaging the poison-orcs on the far
side of the battlefield.  The person was mounted, and was going through
the ranks of the enemy as though they were little more than
ants...brushed aside as a mere nuisance.  Soon, as the rider approached
the organ-soldiers=C6 lines, a shout went up, and Vengar looked up for th=
e
first time.  He was stunned with who he saw.
     The rider was a woman, clad not in a suit of armor, but rather a
strange golden tunic that seemed to shimmer in the light, bending and
twisting her image.  Her hair flowed freely behind her, and it was the
same tint of golden amber.  As she rode up to the cheering organ-
soldiers, Vengar looked into the woman's eyes.  They were a most
extraordinary color of gold, perfectly matching that of her hair and
tunic.  It was a color that Vengar had seen only once before, but that
one time was not that long ago.
     "Aeryn?" he asked, in complete disbelief.
     Before she could answer, a giant dragon, the same shade of gold
that seemed to define this woman, swooped from overhead and snatched her
from her steed.  Vengar lept for her, but it was too late...Aeryn was
being taken to some distant place.
     A mournful cry came from her as she was carried away.  "Why have
you abandoned me-e-e?"
     Vengar awoke with a start, sat bolt upright, and shouted, "AERYN!!"
startling everyone around him, but most of all, Therion.
---m
     The conversation was over. Several people were drawn to Vengar
while others began to hustle and bustle in preparation to leave. Camp
was breaking up.
     Elana had time enough to return her attentions to her young cousin
only to find her running away to her horse. It would seam that there was
never enough time.
     Zeph mounted, wiped away any remnants of tears from her face and
took on a stolid expression as she waited to follow the group.
---ds
     Saying goodbye to Eldarion was one of the hardest things she had
had to do in a long time.  But now she knew!  She knew her feelings were
reciprocated by him.  Her sadness at his leaving was sharply cut by this
new found joy.
     Once he was gone, she walked back to where the Baron Therion was
discussing their next move with the others.  Her legentor training
immediately made her speak her mind.  "We need to get out of here.  As
quick as we can.  I don't know if someone sent those orcs or not, but
hanging around after a battle is a blatant invitation for trouble. 
Captain Elessidel can find us when he gets back with the First Heavies
regiment.  But for now, I suggest we go, and go quickly!"
     She looked at the others and awaited their reply.
---je
     She seemed eager to move.  Niari knew that the quicker they left,
the quicker the elven woman would be re-united with her love.
     "I agree, we should mobilize and use what is left of the day.  If
we stick to a hard ride and rest the horses every three hours, we could
cover the ground to Chadwick in five days...if Soros does not get in our
way." Niari saluted Baron Therion.  "With your permission, my Lord?" 
Therion nodded and the Kioshu warrior, left the small group to discuss
details amongst themselves.
     The n'Sete had already packed.  It took under ten minutes to inform
them of the plan and get them in the saddle...
---k
     As the group made its plans to depart, Therion helped Vengar to his
horse.  Despite his recent incapacitation, he seemed to be regaining
strength at a surprising rate!  Therion had never seen such a rate in
healing before!  Still, prudence suggested that Vengar rest easy while
he could.
     As they began to depart, Therion began to tell Vengar about the
recent events.  Vengar seemd pleased that Lorendil and Eldarion had
departed to get reinforcements, and he shared the concern that everyone
held that they might not arrive in time.  Still, despite their small
numbers, they seemed to be calling the shots, while Soros had to wonder
where they would strike next.
---m
     As soon as the Plainsmen were horsed and in riding formation, the
group left.  Therion, Vengar, Garrison, Elana, Zeph, and Flanner stayed
to the center of the group.  Joreen and Essaut rode in front were they
could see and were comfortable.  N'Sete warriors flanked the sides and
rear of the party in groups of six.  Niari brought up the rear and
discussed tactics with several of her Plainsmen warriors.  They would
need to know what they were facing.
     In the center of the group, there was little talk.  Their plan was
clear.  Vengar rode close to Therion, who was deep in trance contacting
his forces in Chadwick.  They would be ready for the party's arrival. 
Elana and Zeph shared glances every once and a while, both uncomfortable
with the newly disclosed information, both knowing this was not the time
or the place to talk.  That would come.
---k
     They rode into the night and stopped briefly to rest the horses at
dawn near a stream.  Then, they were on their way again.  Time was of
the essence now.  They had to reach Chadwick before they were
discovered.  They would be passing Soros' forces late that night with
only twenty-five miles or so between them.  That knowledge made Niari
uncomfortable.  There really was no way he could detect them, they were
such a small group.  Yet, it would be best to be prepared. 
     Joreen made it known that she intended to scout ahead once they
came within thirty miles of Soros.  Niari nodded her assent.  It was a
good idea.  She would send four n'Sete in another direction when the
Legentor left, just to cover all bases.  She had a feeling that even
here, in the plains, they might be followed by...something.  The Dark
One's reach was far.  She could feel in in the land now.  It was only a
tinge of wrongness.  The earth was uncomfortable and uneasy with the
trees.  The Kioshu warrior gazed at Walks.  She had a feeling that the
creature could sense it too.  She wondered if he knew he gave off the
same odd energy that she was picking up in the land...in fact several of
them were.  Those in touch with nature were all slightly off keel.  No
need to tell them now.  It would only disturb them further.  She would
speak to Therion the next time they rested...
---k
     The second night found them soon enough. Traversing the crooked
trail that made its way northwestwardly towards Chadwick was proving
itself difficult.
     Throughout the strenuous ride, Zeph kept mostly to herself.  Her
thoughts enveloped her entirely, but her friends were much to pre-
occupied with the venture to notice (the Warden and Walks were absorbed
by their own concerns, Flanner led Garrison's horse and his eye was
watchful for surprises as was, certainly, the blind-one's sixth sense). 
All except, of course, Elana and Niari.
---ds 
     Joreen left the main body behind, intent on scouting around to
their front.  The warrior Essaut accompanied her, but being good scouts,
they did not say much during their mission.
---je
     Niari watched her two companions ride away.  They would sink into
the flow of the land quickly enough and be undetectable, even to her. 
Essaut was an n'Sete warrior.  There was no better tracker in the area. 
Joreen was a Legentor.  'Nuff said.
---k
     During the harried ride, Elana made sure that Zeph rode by her
side.  For lack of anything else to do, she began to instruct her cousin
on the tenets of elven magic.  "...while you are near me, you will not
be able to attempt what I teach, but later tonight, I want you to try to
make some light for  yourself.  Keep it shielded, so that others may not
see.  If that works, we'll start work on something which could prove
quite useful in the coming days ahead:  Force bolts!" 
---je
     Meanwhile, 'bush' fingered the pouch of seeds that hung at their
side.  As soon as they had realized that there was going to be a large
confrontation, they had slipped away and gathered them, having borrowed
a pouch from one of the n'Sete warriors.  Slipping back, they found
themselves on the outside of the group when Joreen and five other
warriors left towards the location where 'bush' could feel Soros's
soldiers on the ground.  That many people made a great impression on the
plants of the area.  The massed evil threw the balance of the region
off, the plants were used to picking up mostly neutral emanations from
people.  After a few minutes, 'bush' realized that this knowledge might
be of some value to Niari, and the others leading them.  They slid
farther in towards the n'Sete leader and the others in the center of the
group.  Running up to her from the side, the tallish and greenish
halfling announced their presence. 
     "Niari, we are 'bush', the Warden of the Plants.  We have not been
introduced.  We saw Joreen and several of your people leave towards
Soros's troops.  We thought that you would want to know that they have
great numbers, equal to approximately ten of our group, possibly more,
possibly less.  With the tents and fires that they have, it is difficult
for us to say."
---jen
     Niari politely thanked the Warden for their information.  The fact
that Soros had a thousand troops saddened her a bit.  Some of her
friends were sure to die.  If only...but this was war.  Until recently,
she had not killed in over a year.  She had no doubts about her ability
to kill but she also had not missed the taste of blood in her mouth, or
the killing rage that threatened to take over her mind.  None of it
pleased her.  The only reason she fought now was to waylay the evil that
had been threatening the land for so long, it's dark bile twisting
through the viens of all things it touched...and, of course, to pay the
bills.  War, she knew well.
     She looked down at the Warden, still by her side.  With her Kioshu-
trained eyes, she could see tendrils of energy woven from the earth,
reaching up and wrapping about their feet.  This must be the direct link
that the Warden had to the plants.  It was a strong one.  Straining her
eyes, Niari noted that the tendrils wove through the grass they rode
upon and trailed out as far as she could see.  The energy was tainted. 
She wondered if it affected the Warden in anyway...what?...there was
something there.  A feeling.  She could feel Soros' forces!  They were
still about sixty miles away.  Gods, the hatred!  And another...not far
away.  A great evil.  Something was happening.
     She needed to get some answers.  She pondered the strange
sensations she had felt for the next several hours...
---k
     With that taken care of, 'bush' glanced around for Walks, but
didn't quit running beside Niari immedieatly.  They would like to speak
to the giant furry animal before the fight, but they had time.  Soros's
troops had only started to move, and then only a portion of them.
---jen
     Walks had travelled ahead of the large group of men for sometime
before allowing them to catch up with him.  He was still bothered by
this 'Necromancy', but there was something...wrong... in the land.  If
he couldn't be among his birth pack, he would seek solace in this
adopted pack.
     He moved quickly on all fours.  At least as quickly as the horses
that so many of the party rode.  He noticed one figure was not mounted -
the Warden - and they were talking to one of the men - one of the female
ones.  Perhaps now the Warden would speak to him.
     The giant weasel waited until the conversation seemed ended and
then drifted through the pack to the Warden's side.  Using his native
tongue, he spoke, "Warden, would you speak with me now?"
---dw
     'bush' glanced over towards the weasel, but did not reply
immediatly.  They still needed to work out what they were going to say. 
After a long pause, they addressed Walks.  =F4Something is wrong.  We
don't know what it is.  The woman,=F6 with a nod in Niari's direction,
=F4has noticed it too.  Surely the Old One knows.=F6
     Again, 'bush' paused.
     =F4This fight is ours to fight.  Such a great number of unproductive=

people deserve the battle they are going to recieve merely for the
crimes they do to the plain.  We know little of this method of fighting
though.  From observing the Dark Guard in the void, and from listening
to what these have said, these people will fight in the same way that
the wolf goes hunting.  One pack of wolves that is strong, against
another pack of wolves that is much larger.=F6
     'bush' paused once more.
     =F4Our role, we do not yet understand.  Be assured, that you will no=
t
die in this battle, though many will.=F6  'bush' grimaced involutarily. 
=F4Our pack must succed over the other.  The fate of nat...  We would lik=
e
to give Nature a more visible role in this battle.  People quickly
forget who their allies are, we learned that lesson long ago.=F6
     'bush' looked straight at the giant weasel for the first time in
their running conversation, a look of confusion on their face.  =F4Any
ideas that you might have Walks, would be of great value.  We aren't
sure what to do.=F6
---jen
     Now Walks was confused.  The Warden was asking him for advice?  But
he was a mere animal and the Warden was... something more.  There was
hesitation in the giant weasel's voice as he spoke in his native tongue,
=F4I am uncertain, Warden.  I too sense the...wrongness.  I...we must
fight this battle, and others, until the wrongness is gone.=F6  He paused=
. 
He had not answered the Warden's request for aid.  =F4Could you not turn
Nature against this other pack?  Perhaps free the plants to entangle and
trip the pack?  Maybe call on the memory of life in their wooden weapons
to turn those weapons against them?=F6  He paused again, uncertain whethe=
r
he should speak more.  =F4I have been...told that the mighty amoung the
animals will aid our cause.  That the predators will turn their
attention to those we must fight.  I fear for them, for they know not
the ways of war, but I have been told that this is their role.  Surely
some good will come of this battle?  Surely men will begin to remember
their brothers and sisters - the animals and plants?=F6  The weasel
sounded unconvinced.
---dw
     When Joreen and Essaut began to separate from the group to scout,
Vengar nudged his horse forward to join them.  Therion briefly closed
his eyes, and the horse slowed until it was abrest of the Baron's steed. =

Vengar again coaxed the horse forward, but it would not go.  Therion
said softly, "Vengar..."
     "What?  Are you *kidding*?  I am an accomplished and experienced
tracker.  If anyone should be scouting, it should be me!  I've spent my
life learning how to recognize ambushes and traps, and the signs of
others' passing.  And if there are orcs involved, there is no one here
with greater knowledge!"
     All the while, Therion nodded his head solemnly and looked
compassionately at his friend.  He knew this was hard on the fighter. 
He knew that his arguments were right.  But it was too soon after he had
recovered from his poisoning, and there was no telling what might happen
in the next minute, or the next hour, or the next day.  It was best to
keep Vengar behind, where the group could offer assistance if any became
necessary.
     Vengar saw that his arguments were going nowhere with the mindmage. =

For several seconds, he just stared at the man, shocked and dumbfounded,
his mouth hanging open in disbelief.  Then, he shook his head as the
full realization that he would *not* be taking part in the scouting
exercise impacted his mind.  He was not a happy person.
     Vengar was very quiet for the rest of the journey.  *He* knew that
he was all right.  Why couldn't the others accept that?
     As they rode, Vengar's final dream while under the influence of the
poison intruded on his thoughts.  He was haunted by the image of Aeryn
being carried off by that huge Golden Dragon, her trailing voice echoing
softly in his ears.  Therion and Aeryn both had said that Golden
Dragon's were good creatures.  Why would he see one taking away a woman
against her will?  What was the meaning of the dream?  There had to be a
meaning?
     Resolving the issue occupied Vengar's mind for most of the journey. =

He never found an answer.
---m

     It was immediately apparant to both Joreen and Essaut that their
party was being shadowed to the west by a large group of scouts,
probably belonging to Lord Soros.  They made sure that they kept
undetected.  Soros would know where they were, but he wouldn't know that
they knew he knew.
     The two quickly (and stealthily) rode back to the main body.  The
fact that Soros' scouts were so many and so near told her one thing: 
The battle would be coming soon.  Perhaps too soon.
---je

     Eldarion sipped at the hot tea offered by Commander Acton.  He had
arrived at the gate with Lorendil some hours before.  Quickly relating
the events occuring half a world away, he had convinced his superior
officer of the immediate need for assistance to a friend of Tynntangial. =

     Commander Acton had dispatched one of his scouts immediately back
to Daventry with a request for orders, and a personal message from
Eldarion to Highlord Eventyne.  Now all they could do was wait.
---je
     Lorendil could see that Eldarion was anxious, and he couldn't deny
feeling some of that emotion himself.  He had promised himself that he
would insure the safety of Niari, and being in Tynntangial while she was
off in the wilds of Ifreann was not the best way to do that.  And
obviously, Eldarion had similar feeling, although stronger, for Joreen. 
A swift return to the others was imperative.
---m
     Eldarion handed Lorendil a tin of steaming tea.  "I am positive the
Highlord will grant permission for the First Heavies to go to the aid of
your Baron.  Tynntangial never deserts her friends.  I'm sure Lordholder
Daven will have a fit when he finds out, and I for one, would love to
see it.  But by the time he finds out, we'll be at your Baron's side
with the most powerful heavy cavalry regiment Ifreann has ever known!"
---je
     Lorendil sipped lightly at the tea.  The drink itself was
acceptable, but the vessel was, well, rather mundane.  Lorendil was not
used to military field gear, and while this seemed perfectly normal to
Eldarion, it was a strange and new experience for Lorendil.
     Answering his host, he said, "I am glad that you expect that
permission will be granted.  I only hope that the message to proceeds
arrives in time for us to aid our friends.  There is no way to predict
what our enemies have in store for them, nor when they plan to deliver
it."  It was clear that Eldarion shared the same notion as Lorendil, for
he said nothing in reply.
---m
     Eldarion drank down the rest of his tea, and waited for the return
of the messenger.
---je

     Therion said to Vengar, "I have been thinking about your dream...of
Aeryn being taken away by a Golden Dragon.  You ask about such a being
taking another by force...it may be that such actions are only symbols
of the mind.  For example, curiosity about her lineage could be the
force that drove her on;  it is only in your thoughts that the curiosity
takes on the image of the Dragon.  Or, it could be that her mind, being
of mixed parentage struggles with itself, the draconic portion pulling
her in one direction, the human in another.  If the draconic half of her
being were to take over, then the symbols would be quite apt!
     "However," Therion continued, "I fear we have greater problems
closer at hand.  For unless I am badly mistaken, our strategy to avoid
Soros has not been a success, and our enemies are numerous.  Your bow
may soon be needed, my friend..."
     Therion looked at his small force, and felt the surface thoughts
emanating from others regarding the numbers of their enemies, and
decided that the final stand would soon take place.  He knew something
of the Church and it's Proctors..knew he could never let himself be
captured again..and that his loyal followers would be better off dead
than captured by the evil Church, or it's foul friend, Soros the
Betrayer.  He adopted a confident air and said to Vengar, "Let us join
Niari, and learn more of what news the scouts
may have..."
---d
     Joreen and Essaut returned and delivered their information.  Soros
had scouts to the West, trailing them, possibly keeping them on track. 
Was it a trap?  Soros knew they were coming, trying to avoid St.
Valaran's.  That had to be it.  Night was coming quickly now.  There was
always the chance that they would try to herd Therion's group towards
St.Valaran's once the city came close.  Or they would attack.  But that
made no sense.  They would be killed in no time.  There weren't enough
of them to do damage to the warriors in Therion's company.  So, they
were just scouts.  Niari was still unsettled.
     She pushed the group on into the night.  They had to get past the
area of St. Valaran's.  If there was to be an attack, they needed to
have an escape route.  She also wanted to be as close to Chadwick as
possible before resting.  Therion's forces would be needed in the battle
that she knew would soon come.  Soon, it was too dark to travel any
further on the ever-precarious trail at all due to a cloud cover that
passed over the moon and refused to give way. The order was given to set
camp.  It was about three in the morning.  St. Valaran's was now about
forty miles to their east and slightly south.  No fires would be lit for
warmth, even though a chill hung in the night, cold enough to shiver an
Eskimo.  Sentries were posted and the camp fell silent in the dark. 
Morning approached.  It came with a light blanket of mist that gave no
warmth or comfort.  There had been no ambush.  What the next day would
bring was anyone's guess.
---k&ds
     Just to be safe, Niari set warning nodes in the earth.  If they
were approached, she would know it.  Almost at the same moment as she
engaged them, one alarm sounded in her head.  Damn!  Then k'reaha,
posted as sentry, shouted...it was Therion's men!
---k

     As Eldarion and Lorendil quietly sipped their tea, there was
suddenly a great deal of commotion outside the tent.  When he heard the
continued shouts of "Attention, regiment!" he turned back to Lorendil
with a smile upon his face.  "I think the orders have come through!  The
regiment is preparing for movement."
     Suddenly, the tent flap was lifted back, and Commander Acton took a
step into the tent, turned to the right, and took a step backwards.
"Attention!" he commanded, and Eldarion immediately stood up and stood
to as ordered, as did the rest of the Legentors who had been working in
the command tent. 
     Through the lifted tentflap walked Highlord Eventyne Elessidel
himself.  "Please, as you were..."  He called out to the soldiers
standing at attention in the tent.  The Highlord of Tynntangial had a
bearing that was the trade mark of great kings.  He personally greeted
every soldier in the command tent, until finally coming to Eldarion. 
"How now, my nephew?"
     Eldarion nodded, "It is good to see you again, sir.  May I
introduce an  emissary of Baron Therion of Chadwick...this is Lorendil."
---je
     Lorendil was quite surprised that the Highlord himself would
personally deliver the orders.  As was befitting his stature, when
introduced to the elf, Lorendil bowed very deeply, expressing his
sincere honor in meeting such a man.
     When he stood, he was surprised to see that Highlord Eventyne was
standing with his hand outstretched, as if in greeting an equal. 
Lorendil, still somewhat taken aback by this noble's uncharacteristicly
humble offer (uncharacteristic as most nobles were concerned, that is),
responded by extending his own
---m
     Eventyne grasped Lorendil's hand in a firm handshake.  "A pleasure
Lorendil.  I do not recall ever meeting one of our kindred with your
coloring.  You must be from a distant clan, across the great sea."
---je
     Lorendil blushed mildly.  This would not be the time or the place
to explain.  He simply answered, "Indeed, I am often asked about my
kindred.  It would seem that my appearance is most unusual in these
parts!"
---m
     Eventyne smiled at Lorendil, then turned his head towards Eldarion.
"Your message disturbed me, nephew.  The tidings of war you bring from
Chadwick closely match our own.  The Dark One's forces have already
overrun the barbarians of Korrh, and the icy wastelands are now in their
hands.  The Third, Fourth and Sixth Legentors are currently fighting a
delaying action, but soon the dark army will be at Tynntangial's
borders.  I am hard pressed to allow the First Heavies to go to the aid
of this Baron Therion, but Grand Marshall Sandor has assured me that we
still have a week before our full force needs be brought to bear. 
Therefore, I *am* granting permission for this regiment to go to the aid
of Chadwick.  Get back as soon as you can, Captain Elessidel, Commander
Acton.  You will be sorely needed in the next couple of weeks. 
Lorendil, it has been a pleasure.  You *must* come to visit Tynntangial
again, in more pleasant times.=F6
---je
     "My lord, it would be both an honor and a pleasure to benefit from
your hospitality.  If the land is as magnificent as the wine that I have
been so fortunate to partake of, then the memories of even one such
visit will last a lifetime!  I shall endeavor to return here, and the
sooner the better!"
---m
     Turning to Eldarion, the Highlord said, =F4Captain, walk with me" 
With a final nod to Lorendil and Commander Acton, Eventyne led Eldarion
outside the tent.
     "Tell me Eldarion, how fares Elana and Zephillia in all of this?" 
the Highlord asked.  This had been a question Eldarion had dreaded.  How
could he relate *all* that had happened to their family in the short
time left them before they had to depart.  How could he quickly tell his
uncle of Elana's loss of magic, of how Selesseri died, and of Zeph's
actions since running away from Daventry?
     "They are both well, Highlord.  I vow to see they come to no harm,"
was all he could think of saying.  Eventyne looked like he wanted to
continue the discussion, but merely nodded and said "That is well.  Take
care of yourself, nephew.  Remember you are an Elessidel, and act
accordingly.  Give my greetings and well wishes to this Baron Therion." 
     Eldarion nodded and saluted his uncle, who nodded back in turn.
Then Eventyne rejoined the waiting members of the Black Watch, and
mounted the griffon they kept ready for him.  With a final wave, the
Highlord and his personal guard swept into the sky, back towards
Daventry.
     "Is everything alright?" called Lorendil from behind Eldarion.
     Eldarion turned and smiled.  "Indeed, everything is grand.  Let us
get back to our friends..."
     After the Highlord left, the regiment's field camp was quickly
broken down and loaded onto the pack griffons.  Commander Acton and his
staff were studying a map of the engagement area, asking Eldarion and
Lorendil questions about the area.  "...So, the force we will engage
lies in and around this town of St. Varalans?" Acton asked Eldarion.
     "Yes sir.  As best that we knew before we left, that is where he
is.  We *don't* have any information about his army's strength, though."
     Breen Acton nodded and thought a moment.  "If I were going to
attack a force as small as you say Baron Therion has, I would do it
here..."  He pointed to a point to the west of St. Varalans, and
southeast of Chadwick.  "..stop him before he could reach Chadwick,
where more help could be found.  Also a fight on the open plains is much
easier than having to hunt them down through a city.  Depending on how
many men I had, I would try to envelop Therion's forces on these plains. =

Now switching to Therion's command, if I were to be attacked on this
plain, with only roughly fifty men, I would fight a delaying action and
move towards these two hills called.."  He squinted at the map  "...the
Dragon's Horns.  There's this big hill called Big Dragon's Horn, and a
smaller one called Little Dragon's Horn.  Depending on the cover and
defensibility of these hills, I would pick one and dig in."
     Eldarion was amazed at Commander Acton's strategic sense of how a
future battle he was nowhere near, would go.  It was no wonder that he
was in charge of one of the royal army's three heavy/shock Legentor
regiments.
     Breen Acton continued.  "Given the point where our portal brings us
through, and the time it would take to move the entire regiment through
it, reform, and fly from that point to the battlefield, I'd say we could
reach it by dawn, three days hence."  Breen's troop commanders nodded
their agreement in the time it would take to actually get to the
battlefield.
     "Three days..." Eldarion said aloud, with a look of concern on his
face.  He turned to Lorendil.  "Could not your ability to portal get us
nigh immediately to these hills?  Does your ability to gate work with a
force as large as this regiment?" he asked, hoping his new friend would
have a positive response to offer.
---je
     Lorendil did not.  He thought for a moment, his brow wrinkled at
having to disappoint Eldarion.  Finally, he answered.
     "It is true that I could transport the regiment to the hills and to
Baron Therion.  But there would be a price, and I fear that that price
would be too high in the long run.  You see, no matter who uses magic,
no matter how skilled, the power used in the spell bears a certain
signature.  This signature can be easily seen by those who can peer into
the plane of magic.  The greater the magic use, the brighter this
signature shines.  The amount of magic that I would need to employ to
move the entire regiment would cast a beacon so bright, that I fear that
the Dark One would instantly recognize it.  As far as I know, and if I
have been careful enough, the Dark One does not even know that I am a
player in this coming conflict.  The longer that this knowledge can be
kept from him, the better.
     "Also, we do not know for certain that Soros is aware that our
friends are on the move.  While I agree with Commander Acton's
assessment of the likely course of a battle, do we know that there is
one brewing?
     "In light of the indefinite need to arrive quickly at the risk of
the my early discovery by the Dark One, I must most humbly request that
we take the more mundane approach.  I am sorry, Eldarion.  I know how
much you wish to get back to them."  Lorendil was careful not to mention
his relationship with Joreen in front of the other Legentors.  "I assure
you that I share in your feelings.  But Fear is going to be our worst
enemy, and an ally to the Dark One.  It has always been that way.  We
must not let our fear of what might happen betray us to what will.  Our
friends will be all right.  Trust me, Eldarion."
     Lorendil was confident that not only would his ward protect Niari
in the event fo an attack, but also that he would be notified if the
ward were discharged.  As yet, he had received no such notification.
---m

     That first night's rest period (for it was truly the first night
that any of them had the chance to get any rest), Zeph went away from
Elana, and thinking back on what her cousin had taught her over the
ride, began to concentrate. She was soon rewarded to a slight glow in
her cupped hands, as if she held a firefly within.  Excited, she ran
back to tell her Elana of her success. She walked into a conversation
between Elana and Flanner.  "...Don't give me that Flanner!  Something
has been bothering you since we escaped from Montfort.  You've been
acting far too gloomy, even for you."
     The dwarf was slowly puffing on a pipe.  Removing the pipe from his
mouth, the dwarf looked into Elana's eyes.  "Very well, Elana.  I have a
very bad feeling on what is going to happen.  Ever since the fight in
Montfort,  I've felt I've escaped death, so death is now stalking me. 
Had your brother not found me 'neath that pile'o bodies, I *would* be
dead!  I feel...... I feel like my luck's deserted me."  Flanner closed
his eyes tight and shuddered. 
     Elana knelt before her friend and took one of his hands in her own.
"Flanner, you are amongst friends here.  For what you did for Zeph, I
count you as an elf-friend, and a friend to House Elessidel."  She
reached with her other hand and removed her signet ring.  She then
placed it on Flanner's hand.  Even though Flanner's fingers were nearly
twice the size around as Elana's, strangely enough, the signet went on
easily and became a snug fit.  "You will always be welcome in
Tynntangial, as a guest of House Elessidel." she said with a smile.
     Flanner looked at the ring, than at Elana.  "I don't...don't know
what to say, Miss Elana.  Never heard of a dwarf being named an elf-
friend before. Th..thank you." he said, seeming to get misty eyed.
     "It is a well deserved honour, my friend."  Elana said, giving
Flanner's hand a final squeeze.  Standing, she noticed Zeph standing off
to one side.
     "How now, my cousin?  Did our lessons bear fruit?"  Elana asked.
---je
     With a smile that had not shown its glory in a long while, she
moved forward and told her cousin and Dwarf friend of her
accomplishment.  She stood tall and proud until Elana grabbed her with
sisterly affection and gave her something short of a bare hug. Flanner
shifted from foot to foot, slightly at odds with the bonding. He alas
snuck away to leave the girls to themselves.
     What little time the two had they used as best they could. Not a
word was spoken of Eldarion or Zeph's father. There would come a time
for that serious talk.
     Zeph asked a million and one questions about her hidden powers.
Elana did her best to answer. Hopefully there would come a day when she
could tutor her young cousin in the arcane art.
---ds
     Elana was more sure now than ever.  Zeph had a great talent.  She
learned very quickly, and reminded Elana of...herself.  With each tenet
of magic she  explained, she could tell Zeph was absorbing every word. 
Elana began to explain the casting of the elvish 'force bolt', which was
a mainstay spell for the elven army.  "It is related to the light spell
you were taught  earlier, but it is clearly offensive in nature.  It is
called many things in many lands:  magic arrow, mage's missle, spell
bow.  But we call it the force bolt."  She then went into the specifics
on the casting of the bolt.
     Garrison moved up next to them, taking an interest in the lessons,
but never saying a word.  There seemed to be a heavy weight on the mind
of their friend. Elana decided she would speak to Garrison about
endorsing Zeph for the mages college at Mt. Kalador.  With both of them
endorsing her, as well as her being the neice of the Highlord, they
would *have* to accept her.  If she could  pass the entrance exam, that
is.
     It was near the end of their lessons for the day that the human
Vengar gave the alarm of the force behind them.  Elana looked at Zeph,
and once again felt totally helpless.  The lessons had been keeping her
thoughts away from her helplessness, but now the feeling was back full
force.  She noticed  Garrison moving his mount away from her, and though
she understood the reasoning, and that there was no ill will, she still
felt like a pariah.
---je
     Therion was delighted that some loyal forces of Chadwick had
arrived;  for, in truth, it sorrowed him that Soros might have turned
the people against him.  He greeted them warmly, and spoke to several of
the yeomanry that he knew from happier times.  There was a certain
foreboding, for it was no secret that Soros had fielded a powerful
force, and had perpetrated many atrocities.
---d
     It was midafternoon on the third day of their hurried trek towards
Chadwick.  Joreen and Essaut were once again scouting to the front of
the group.  Riding along, looking for any signs of enemy troops, they
came over a rise, and soon spied two hills in the distance, growing as
they approached.  The two hills, one higher than the other, were the
only things to mar the otherwise flat landscape in front of them.  The
hills went up and turned towards each other in such a way that they
looked like horns.  As Joreen took out her map, she was suddenly pulled
off her horse by Essaut.  "Whaaa.." she began, but saw that Essaut was
making the universal sign to keep quiet.  He pointed to the hills and
said one word:  "Soros"
     Joreen saw what Essaut had seen.  There, on both hills, were what
looked like hidden, entrenched troops.  She saw that the trail they were
using to get to Chadwick led between those hills.  Trap!  The wily Soros
wanted them to walk into a trap.  It would take much time to go around. 
First, they slowly led their horses back behind the rise, and tied them
to a bush out of the sight of both hills.  She and Essaut then got as
close as they dared, and Joreen used her farseeing tube to count the
emplacements she could see.  They then moved to another vantage point to
verify her count.  They then moved back around the slight rise behind
which they had hidden their horses.  "All told, I make it over two
hundred men.  That not counting what may have been on the slopes away
from us.  All told, possible three hundred plus. And that's more than
enough there to cause us difficulties." Joreen said as she stashed her
farseeing tube back in her saddlebag, and pulled out her map and began
making marks on it.
     Essaut thought for a moment and asked "Go around?"  Joreen studied
the map for a moment more, then looked up at the warrior.  "Yes, though
it will lengthen our trip somewhat, I think that would be for the best. 
Let's get back and report what we've seen.  Great job spotting them!"
she said with a grin and a friendly pat on the shoulder.
     The two rode hard back towards the main body.  In less than an
hour, they had been waved through by the skirmishers set out by Niari
and Therion, and got to where they could see the main force.  What was
disturbing was the fact that things already seemed in an uproar, which
was what Joreen felt would be the reaction *after* she told them about
the trap to their front.  Either they somehow already knew, or something
else was happening. 
     Something very bad!
---je
     As the group had been progressing along the trail, anticipating the
return of Joreen and Essaut, something caught Vengar's attention.  He
wasn't sure if it were a sound, or a smell, or if he had seen something
moving just beyond normal sight, but a funny feeling had definitely come
over him.  It was a feeling that he had felt before.
     Turning to Therion, he said, "Stop the march.  Therion, there is
something afoot here."
     The Baron looked at Vengar strangely, but did as he asked. 
Meanwhile, Vengar had already dismounted his horse and was silently
creeping into the brush.  Therion didn't even have the time to protest.
     Within minutes, he was gone from view.  Carefully making his way
through the grasses, many times crawling flat on his stomach to stay in
cover, Vengar inched his way deeper and deeper into the underbrush and
away from his friends on the trail.  Ahead, there was a thin line of
trees, likely indicating a creek bed.  The base of the treeline was
shrouded in heavy brush, obscuring any attempt to discern what may lie
beyond.
     Vengar crept closer.  Then, a small flock of birds took to the wing
from the trees ahead, and he dropped to the ground.  He couldn't see his
companions due to a slight rise that he had crossed.  He hadn't even
noticed the rise, it was so slight!  Carefully, patiently, Vengar
strained to hear any possible cause that would have spooked the birds. 
After what seemed like hours, he again began to close on the creek bed.
     When he had finally crossed the few score of yards to the creek
bed, Vengar slithered over the edge like a snake.  He pressed himself up
against the cliff-like side of the waterway while his eyes quickly
scanned the area for any signs of occupation.  There were none, but he
did notice a nice tangle of briars and vines that would serve as an
excellent look-out post.  It had a concealed entrance, and appeared to
have a wide field of view.
     Vengar quickly scampered to the secluded hideaway.  It was better
than he expected!  The vines were not so thick as to block his view out,
but were just the depth needed to block the view in.  He quickly looked
over the entire area that he could see, but found nothing that would
give him cause for alarm.
     Nothing immediately, that is.
     Not long after he had climbed into the lookout spot, he saw a
figure on the ridge of opposite side of the creek bed stand slowly up. 
He then lifted his arm straight into the air, and moved it forward as if
to signal to others behind him to move forward.
     Vengar wanted to ready his bow, but the trouble was his ideal
hideout - while it was just the right size to observe, it was far to
small to ready any kind of weaponry.  Just as he was realizing this,
more figures started coming into view.  He would first see their heads
as it cleared the ridge, followed by their torsos and finally the entire
bodies.  He could see several dozen in this area alone, and as he
counted them the smell suddenly came upon him as if the wind had
suddenly changed:  they were definitely orcs!
     Vengar had only one option: wait and hope that they didn't see him. =

As the orcs came to the ridge, they all stopped.  Once they had all
formed a line parallel to the creek, they began to advance down the side
of the creek bed in unison.  Vengar pressed himself farther back into
the tangle of vines that was his only protection against discovery,
careful not to make any sound that would betray his position.  Closer
they came, jumping across the creek rather than splashing through it. 
This was not normal for orcs...usually they didn't care how much noise
they made.  It dawned on Vengar that these orcs were not a typical
raiding party.  They were a scouting party.  Undoubtedly scouting for
Soros!
     Closer they came, and yet they did not seem to notice the owner of
the eyes that were watching them.  They passed by Vengar without even a
hesitation, scrambling over the side of the creekbed and up to the field
that would lead them to the others.
     Vengar waited for several seconds after the line of orcs passed. 
Then, he unsheathed his dagger and slowly crawled out, aware that there
might be an orc who had doubled back and was waiting for him to emerge. 
Thankfully, there were none.  Peering over the edge of the creekbed,
Vengar could see the line moving away from him in no great hurry. 
Within moments, they would be over the rise and would be able to see the
rest of the group.
     Again, Vengar had only one option.  He quickly readied his bow,
took aim at the lead orc, and let fly the arrow.  Silently it sliced
throught the air as it sped to its target.  It landed with a soft thud,
finding the back of the neck and penetrating it easily.  The orc fell
without uttering a sound.
     How fortunate.  Vengar let loose another arrow, and it, too, found
its mark, but this time not as silently.  The orc screamed briefly,
expending the last bit of energy as death descended on him.  The other
orcs froze in their tracks, unsure where the attack had come from.  They
began to crouch behind the rise, mistakenly believing that the attack
had come from the front.
     This only allowed Vengar to dispatch several more arrows, each
claiming their victims who were inadvertantly exposing their backs to
their assailant.  Finally, one of the orcs saw where the rain of death
was coming from, and screamed a warning to the others.  They all turned
and began to charge where Vengar was.
     With such a wide target before him, Vengar was able to grab
multiple arrows and send them into the onrushing horde.  As he did,
holes began to open, and behind the orcs he could see another line of
figures fast approaching his postion.  But these were not orcs.  These
were the n'Sete plainsmen, led by the Kioshu woman Niari.  But the orcs
were not aware of this.
     Just before the orcs returned to the creek bed, Vengar slung his
bow into his hideaway and drew his blade.  Then, he spun to his left and
ran down the creek, trying to buy time for the n'Sete to catch up to
him.  He had only run a few feet when an orc came crashing down in front
of him.  Vengar's blade came swiflty around from his left and buried
itself deeply in the right side of his adversary.  The orc looked down
at the blade for a moment, seeing his own blood spreading quickly across
the flat of the infintely dark blade, the red wispy mist-flames dancing
along its edges and up the side of the victim.  He looked back up to
Vengar, shock and surprise in his eyes, and fell to the ground, dead.
     But what this sacrifice had managed to do was buy time for the
other orcs.  Vengar was now in the midst, with orcs to either side of
him, front and back.  He quickly jumped to the other side of the creek
bed and found a small bend in the sides of the creek bed that would
offer protection to the rear.  He ran to it, spun about, and prepared to
make a stand, knowing that it would not be long before the n'Sete
arrived.
     The orcs, seeing that they had cornered their prey, slowed their
advance.  They were savoring what they thought would be an easy kill. 
As they approached, some even laughing at each other, Vengar could see
Niari and the n'Sete warriors crossing the crest and entering the creek
bed, their obsidian blades glinting in the sunlight.
     There was no dramatic standoff.  The n'Sete were far too methodical
for such superfluous effect.  When they had closed the gap between them
and their prey, they proceeded to hack at them.  The orcs were taken by
complete surprise by the unexpected attack from behind, attributed to
the stealthy approach of the plainsmen.  As the orcs turned their heads
at the sounds of their comrades falling to n'Sete blades, Vengar lunged
forward and quickly dispatched several that were standing before him. 
Trapped between Vengar and the n'Sete, the orcs were doomed.  In a
matter of seconds, the slaughter was over.  There were no survivors.
     Vengar, panting from the exertion of battle, turned to Niari and
said, "Perfect timing!"  He then walked back to his hideout to fetch his
bow, and then climbed back to the field to retrieve his customary war
trophies (the right ears of the vanquished) and any arrows that did not
break.  Most had survived.
     As Vengar was pulling one arrow from the body of a fallen orc, he
noticed that the orc had a black bandana tied around his arm.  He looked
around at the other bodies, and noticed that they all had similar
bandanas.  It was clear in his mind that these orcs were scouting for
Soros, but there was more: the black bandanas were the same as had
belonged to the orcs that he and Therion had been fighting so many days
before.  These orcs were under the leadership of Gurlith!
     The realization that Gurlith and Soros were working together
horrified Vengar.  He hurried past Niari and the other plainsmen as he
ran back to the rest of the group, intent on relaying this revelation to
the Baron.
     When he got back, he saw that Joreen and Essaut had already
returned.  They had grim looks upon their faces, which did not bode
well.  Locating Therion, Vengar shouted to him, and jogged over to where
he was talking with Joreen, Elana, and the others.
     "Baron Therion," he huffed, "the orcs that attacked us just now. 
They are Gurlith's troops, I know it!  Gurlith must be working with
Soros!"
     He saw the others' faces turn even more grim.  Vengar was at a
loss.  "What news?" he asked.
     Therion answered, "Soros has been found entrenched on the hills
before us.  We are blocked."
---m
     Niari and the n'Sete ki-och disposed of the remains of the sixteen
Orc bodies. They were buried in a large pit, not for honor, but to
prevent disease. Their flesh was not worth eating anyway, even for
flies.  Before this was done, however, she took the liberty of stripping
the bodies of clothing  and gear.  Then, more gruesome souvenirs were
taken from the Orcs.  The  Kioshu warrior had an idea.
     Once they rejoined the group, they were informed of the small army
in the hills blocking their way to Chadwick.  How the Chadwick forces
had missed the army when they came through the hills, she didn't know. 
They must have moved very quickly.  And that meant that Soros' forces
were not terribly  prepared.  Good!  They would have only minor
structures set up and only  temporary, though perhaps magical, defenses. =

This could be dealt with if  properly planned out.  She had faced odds
like this in Kioshu many times.   This was what she knew best.
     Approaching Therion, who was talking with Vengar and Joreen about
what  to do, Niari greeted him with a bloodied strip of Orcish barding,
thrown  at his feet.
     "They are all dead, my Lord Therion," she reported. 
---k
     As the tired soldiers of Chadwick took a short rest, Therion turned
to Niari and said, "Well done!  It is good that you have removed these
orcs, so they will no longer torment the land"
---d
     Niari continued.  "If you will permit me, I believe they may have
given us just what we need to surprise  our enemy."  She hesitated as
Joreen shifted her weight.  Looking at the  Legentor, Niari continued.
     "I have seen to it that the Orc's clothing, weapons, and a few
tokens of  flesh have been removed.  I believe between the two of us, we
could send  several warriors directly into their camp as spies to create
confusion and  spread disinformation between the hills.  With these
disguises and your  mind magic, my Lord, we could safely send several of
our own troops to one  of the hills as a returning scouting party.  My
own abilities may be of some  use in this.  We could easily convince
some of the lower members on the  chain of command to set up our spies
as night guards, messengers and so on. These spies could then deliver
incorrect information, talk to other members of the army to spread fear
or overconfidence...anything your Lordship  desires!"
     Therion was smiling, and others were nodding as Niari spoke.  She
held up one hand.
     "However, my Lord, whoever goes must expect that they will not be
returning to us.  Being surrounded by enemy forces wears on a disguse in
many ways and the truth will give a man away the more time he spends
among those he wishes to kill.  The final decision will be yours, of
course, my Lord."
     Niari bowed and waited while her companions began asking questions
and pondering the possibilities of her idea...
---k
     Therion nodded and replied "Yes, it is true that those who do this
may die...but then, if Soros is the winner, we will all surely die
anyway.  And...=F6 Therion smiled, for the first time in several days,
=F4there is something I can do to help prevent the truth from coming out.=
 
It is the darker side of my form of magic...it's misuse would be
deplorable.  However...it would be possible to convince the spies that
they are truly loyal to Soros.  They would in fact believe they were his
faithful soldiers, and would act accordingly. Except...=F6 Therion smiled=

again, =F4...they would remember what I asked them to remember.  By
entering their minds...perhaps during their slumber...I could learn what
they learned, and see what they saw.  At an appropriate time, I could
lift the clouds from their minds, and they would be as they were
before..."
---d
     Niari nodded her understanding of the idea.  "I doubt any of the 
Plainsmen would wish to remain permanent members of Soros' army, my
Lord.  I will speak to Essaut and find suitable candidates."
---k
     Therion added "Of course, I would only do this with their
permission... to do otherwise would be a perversion of my magic, and an
insult to a free man.  But, if they want to truly blend with the enemy,
it is possible."
---d
     "I shall see to it, Baron Therion."  Niari turned and went to find
Essaut.  He was resting against a tree with two other n'Sete.  She
approached him and he smiled grimly.
     "What is next, s'Ora?" The Plainsman's dark skin was still covered
in dirt and some blood.  He looked unnatural.  Such was war.  He would
enjoy getting home to the Plains and rolling in the clean grass with the
Yza...if he survived this battle.
     "Therion has an idea, Essaut.  I need you to find me five members
of your k're to send into the enemy as spies."  Essaut opened his mouth
to speak but Niari cut him off.  "Not you, Essaut.  I cannot risk 
loosing a warrior of your experience."
     The Plainsman made a signal to his two companions and one raced off
to gather his fellows for a meeting.  Essaut turned back to Niari and
replied, "s'Ora, tell me what is in store for them.  I cannot order a
man to his death.  That is the choice of the man.  I can only tell them
what I know and let them decide."
     Then he leaned closer so that the other n'Sete would not hear, and
whispered, "Seta=B1'o l'kre-era'ote, s'Ora...re-t'sea kuuza."  Niari
shrugged, a slight pink color creeping up on her ears.
     "Then, I suppose there will be quite a few compromised Orcs if you
do not return to your ne'haru in time!" Niari grinned wickedly and
pulled away.  Essaut burst into laughter, which startled several of
their party nearby.  Luckily, Tesse returned with several n'Sete at that
moment and Essaut had to be satisfied with sending Niari the evil eye
rather than tossing her over his shoulder and carrying her down to the
stream for a good dunking like he strongly wanted to.
     Once gathered, Niari quickly relayed Therion's idea and several
Plainsmen volunteered for the mission.  It was difficult to choose. 
Finally,  Niari and Essaut decided on a six-man n'Sete k're.  They were
painted  with a stripe of Orc blood across their left breasts, then
dressed in  Orcish clothing and given Orcish blades.  Their arms were
dressed with Gurlith's black band.  Orcish ears, tusks, claws, and
patches of skin  were grafted to their bodies by an age-old Kioshu
technique and they were  coated with a bucket of mud each.  Pronounced
satisfactory, they were marched before Therion for inspection.  Two were
farily young but strong.   The others were brothers, not wanting to be
separated even in this.   Therion's spies were ready for departure.  Now
it was up to the Baron to do the final touches and send them on their
way.
---k
     Therion entered the men's minds, and one by one, they changed.  The
intelligent eyes of a warrior and free man of the plains acquired a
bestial look.  The language changed, and the behavior became more
aggressive.  Their posture became less like men, and more like orcs.
Therion smiled, a touch sadly, as the spies became in mind as they
appeared to be in body.
     The group was sent forth, and they soon broke into subgroups, and
finally to individuals...except for the brothers..so that some might
succeed even though others failed.  And, as they proceeded, their
memories changed too.  Therion, Niari, and the others were erased. 
Instead, wild raids, cruel tortures, and other orcish norms were
introduced.  As the spies began their missions, they not only looked and
acted like orcs...they thought like orcs.  They wanted the same things,
had the same attitudes, and so forth...
     Therion turned to the others and said, "Now, we wait, while our
eyes look about."
---d
     Vengar watched as the spies headed for Soros' lines.  In a way, he
wanted to be one of them.  There was a score that Vengar wanted to
settle with Gurlith, a score that his poisoning and the battle with the
church had not made him forget.  It was personal.  And, being a spy
would have given him an perfect opportunity to get in close to Gurlith. 
There was one skill that Vengar had not revealed to his comrades, a
skill that he had used in the wars to the south and in his campaign
against the orcan race.  He had learned the ability to infiltrate an
enemy camp and assassinate a target.  Such skills, though, were rarely
accepted, and the person who possessed such skills was generally treated
as an outcast.  But in war, as in revenge, there are often needs that
have to be fulfilled, and an assassin can often be the best person to
fulfill those needs.
     Still, as Therion had said, the task was extremely dangerous.  He
did not know if Therion would have allowed him to go without the mental
"adjustments", because with them it would be clear that Vengar would
lose the desire for revenge.  Perhaps it was best that he stayed behind. =

The battle was drawing close.  There would be plenty of opportunities to
seek his revenge.  The coming days would see to that.
     Vengar was the last of the group to break away from watching the
spies depart.  He had stayed there long after they were lost from view,
normal and infrared.
---m

     Lorendil and Eldarion were the first two through the portal back to
Ifreann.  There, they observed the deployment of the First Heavy Cavalry
from Tynntangial.  It was going very slowly, as the portal was barely
big enough to get the griffons through, even without the rider. 
Eldarion was sure that Commander Acton was doing the best on his end to
move the unit as quickly as possible, but his anxiety was obvious by his
pacing.
---m
     Eldarion stayed near the gate and busied himself in directing the
newly passed-through Legentors on where to go to join their troop to
form up.  He was so busy he didn't notice Lorendil's pacing, nor when
his friend walked away.
---je
     Lorendil had separated a bit from the others.  He sensed something,
and the activity of the troopers was disrupting his ability to
concentrate on the feeling.
     After a few minutes, he identified it.  His face gradually changed
from his normal calm to one of profound urgency.  He quickly walked back
to Eldarion.
     "Captain Elessidel," he began.  Eldarion was alarmed that Lorendil
used his military title.  Speaking in a low voice so that others would
not here, he said, "I must inform you that I believe we must make haste
when the Regiment is across.  I sense that the others may be heading
into danger."
---m
     Eldarion turned his head towards Lorendil, while simultaneously
pointing out a direction to go for a newly arrived Legentor.  "Indeed! 
I also have had feelings of foreboding.  But this gating with an entire
regiment is a  slow process, one I do not believe has ever been done
before, at least not by us."  Eldarion did his best to smile "We can
only do our best, my friend. Do our best...and hope!"
---je
     Little more needed to be said.  Lorendil knew how the news that
Joreen might be in trouble would inspire his companion.  But, as long as
the First Heavies were in transit, there was little they could do but
wait.
---m
     Eldarion glanced to where the newly arrived Legentors were forming
into their  troop.  Nearly twenty-five griffons and riders had come
through so far.  One  troop, with three more to go, followed by
Commander Acton's command lance.   Thoughts of his friends and loved
ones made the slow process excruciating.
---je

     Niari watched the Plainsmen transformed into something else.  Proud
warriors.  They did not deserve to die, however, they had offered
themselves to the cause.  Freely.  If they did die, Niari would have to
personally make recompense to their ne'arhu.
     She remained in contact with them as long as she could, their
energy new and tained by dark images of a recreated past.  Their life
force was so dark.  She shuddered in reaction to the bad taste that had
risen in her mouth.  Rolling her tongue did nothing to lessen the
bitterness.  Her mouth felt dry and filled with sand...
     Suddenly, there was a huge release of life.  It was far away. 
Death.  Instant.  So many.  She glanced up at Therion with a thousand
questions in her eyes.
---k
     Garrison grabbed firmly onto his staff.  His knuckles turning
white.  The world spun around him as his knees buckled under him.  It
took a moment to right himself again and to make the vertigo stop.
---mwf
     Therion looked up sharply, glanced at Vengar and Niari, and
commented, "Did you feel that?  As if a great many people cried out,
then died, all at once."  Therion paused.  "I fear matters are getting
worse, here in Ifreann...we must move soon, lest by hesitating, all
might be lost."
---d
     "Is it possible that we are already too late?" Garrison said to
himself. 
---mwf
     Niari shook her head.  What could be said?  She tried to clear her
mind of everything but the coming battle.  They would need a plan of
attack.  It would help to have feedback from the spies but if they were
discovered...moments passed.  Then, Therion spoke and broke her train of
thought.
---k
     He looked about, then lay against a tree and closed his eyes.  A
few minutes later he said to his friends, "I do not think the orcs will
be in the best fighting condition.  I have entered the cook's mind, and
have seen to it he will prepare a spicy dish that has a few extra herbs
added.  It is a rare soldier that can fight when he is doubled over with
cramps!"
     Therion chuckled and added, "And, you need not worry about our
spies...the commander has gotten it into his mind to send them out on
picket duty, with some bread to eat.=F6  Therion chuckled again.
---d
     Niari did her best to smile at Therion's attempt to lighten the
mood.  She feared that the quick half-lift and release of the corners of
her mouth had not been sufficient but Therion did not seem to be paying
much attention anymore.  He was probably back in trance, tracing the
movements of his spies.  She approached Vengar.  
     "Sir, a moment of your time?"  Vengar looked a little surprised and
she realized that she had never spoken directly to him, even after his
rescue.  Well, this was war.  There was little time for fraternizing. 
He followed her to a copse of trees where several n'Sete were building
an arsenal of arrows and dipping them into small bags.  The arrows came
away with tips shining, covered in a thick, black syrup.  If he was what
she sensed he was, Niari suspected that Vengar would have no doubt what
the syrup meant.
     She waved to Essaut.  The Plainsman's face was tight.  His black
hair, like the other warriors, worn back in a battle braid.  He
immediately put down his arrows and approached at her signal.  She
introduced Vengar formally to Essaut, who took the fighter's hand in a
warrior's lock.  Vengar responded easily to the sign of brotherhood in
desperate times.  Then, they broke and waited for Niari to speak.
     "We must plan our attack.  I see no reason to interrupt Lord
Therion until we have come up with a decent strategy that he can work
with.  He has already informed me of his relative unease in military
planning so the task goes to us.  Are there others you would have
present?"
     Essaut fetched two of his warriors, one older, one a serious-
looking youth with lines come too early to his face.  Vengar mentioned
Joreen who was then found, and they proceeded to discuss ideas...
---k
     Joreen brought with her 'bush' and Walks-On-Two-Legs.  'bush=C6 bega=
n
by giving a brief summary of all that had been learned thus far.
---med
     'bush' crouched in the middle of a circle, surrounded on all sides
by the people who had or wanted a say in the war council.  The circle
was clear of the impenetrably thick fog that had risen inexplicably over
the entire army.  'bush' drew two oblong circles in the dirt before
them, almost at right angles to each other, and they rose off the
surronding ground, like minature hills..
     "Joreen's report and Vengar's suspicions are correct.  On each of
these hills there are approximatly two or three times our numbers of
what are apparently Soros's troops or his allies.  They are hidden, but
that is
all  we can tell you.  We are here ('bush' pointed to a spot not yet in
between the two mini-hills that was covered in a deep fog).  And here
('bush' pointed to another spot where the dirt was being kicked up in
little dust clouds) is a larger group of people encamped.  Probably four
times our numbers.  Maybe more.  None of these groups are currently
moving, including ours."
     'bush' stepped back out of dirt, and looked around the circle. 
"That's all we know.  If you need a very fast and undetectable scout,
let us know."  'bush' ducked out of the middle of the circle, and
slipped in besides Walks-on-Two-Legs to listen to the plans...
---jen
     Walks-On-Two-Legs was restless as he watched the preparations for
the battle to come.  He had difficultly understanding what was going on. =

In nature, if animals fought, it was not a planned thing.  It happened
because it was necessary at the moment - to defend one's home or mate or
the like, to determine relative strengths.  If one animal was clearly
stronger than another, the weaker beast merely gave way to the greater. 
Yet the giant weasel's allies seemed to be making plans to attack a
superior force.  Yes, he understood the need, but it still made little
sense.
     He paced quietly near the Warden.  For now, Walks would content
himself with defending the diminutive being.  Soon, Walks would enter
battle to defend all of nature.
---dw
     As the small group discussed moves and counter-moves, Zeph fidgeted
restlessly in her saddle.  The whole affair was making her a little
nervous to say the least.  She had the strongest desire to pee.
     A short argument that was quickly sequestered by Therion's calming
manner brought the anxious girl a little closer to what imitated
composure.  While trying to regain herself she happened to glance
Elana's way.  The two locked eyes for an instant, but within that brief
moment the two shared their worries, forgetting the problems of the
past.  There were bigger things ahead...
---ds
     Vengar's mind had been racing with all the information that had
been gathered; a plan was forming!  Once all had been gathered, and the
last details were coming together, Vengar addressed the group.
     "Friends.  Our situation is grim, but I do not believe that it is
hopeless.  There is a possibility that may allow us to improve our
position greatly.  But there is tremendous risk involved, and it relies
on audaciousness and cohesion.  Without either, the plan will be doomed
to fall to pieces, and we would be in a far worse position then than we
are now."
     He looked at each person in turn.  Seeing support in their eyes, he
continued.  "It is clear to me that the option to withdraw is no longer
open to us.  If there is one patrol out, then there are many.  And, with
the one destroyed, we can be sure that they know of our whereabouts, or
will soon enough.
     "It is also clear that we cannot stay here.  While the streambed
provides some cover, it is by no means adequate defense to withstand a
prolonged assault, which is the task we face 'ere Eldarion and Lorendil
return with reinforcements.
     "It is a well known tenet of war that often the best defense is a
strong offense.  It is this course of action that I am proposing."  This
statement aroused murmurings between many who had gathered for the war
council.  Hearing these, Vengar said, "Let me quell your concerns, for I
have thought this through and do believe that we have an opportunity
here that the enemy has probably not intended to afford us.
     "With more of the enemy's forces being dispatched to engage us
here, there defense will be weakened.  Also, Lord Therion should be able
to inform our sentries over there that an attack is being launched on
their flank...away from where the real blow will land.  This will draw
even more of them away.  Once this is done, we can strike!
     "The place to strike will be this smaller hill here," Vengar
pointed to Little Dragon's Horn on the ground where 'bush' had made the
improvised battle map.  Looking at each in turn, Vengar said, "From the
intelligence reports that Joreen and Essaut gave us, it is less defended
than the larger.  But, even with the forces thinned from the increased
scouting and our diversion, they will still at least match us in
numbers, and we cannot afford to fight a war of attrition.  We must be
able to win decisively and without loss if we are to survive!  To
accomplish this, we use tactics!
     "We must use the fog of war, and 'bush' has been gracious enough to
supply that to us literally," Vengar smiled at the Warden, "to our
advantage.  We must remain cohesive while the enemy falls apart.  We
must do the unexpected, because his lack of sight and hearing will cause
him to rely on reason and anticipation.
     "We cannot attack their position directly; it would be too risky. 
But, what I propose is for a tenth of our force to strike their lines,
grab their attention, and then retreat back down the hill.  This will
draw them out of their emplacements as their bloodlust urges them to
pursue.  Our first group will then retreat, at a full run, past where
the rest of us lie.  As they do, they will shout...they will shout
'Alicia'," Vengar remembering the name of the poor girl whom they had
rescued from these orcs so many days ago.  "This will be the signal to
the others to slay all who come next, as the only ones who would be
following would be the enemy.
     "This will be our advantage:  surprise.  Surprise at the audacity
of such a strike.  Surprise at the sudden turn from retreat to attack. 
Surprise when Soros awakens tomorrow morn to find that we hold Little
Dragon's Horn in spite of him!  There, in the entrenchments and
positions that they have already prepared, we will dig in and await the
arrival of Eldarion and Lorendil with the reinforcements from
Tynntangial.  And at that time, we will turn the tables on Soros the
Betrayer, and erase that scourge from this land once and for all!  What
say you?!"
---m
     Niari nodded.  The thick fog stirred up by 'bush' would make for an
excellent cover.  They could easily slip in among the enemy and begin to
slaughter without much fear of hitting their comrades.  Groups of three
to four, positioned back to back, could easily wipe out a disorganized
onslaught.  She made her thoughts known to the  others.  Vengar smiled. 
They thought alike.
---k
     There were more questions from the others, and Vengar answered them
quickly and completely.  When all concerns had been addressed, Vengar
announced, "Very good!  It is early evening now.  I suggest we get some
sleep this night, and strike before dawn.  The darkness and the fog will
rob the enemy of his eyes while we move into position, and once the
light of day breaks, we will already be safely on the Little Dragon's
Horn!"
---m
     Suddenly, Niari stiffened.  "They're moving.  Coming towards us. 
Rally the others."  Essaut raced off to gather the n'Sete for battle.  A
few of Therion's home guard saw the commotion through  the dense air and
assumed correctly that the time had come.  The word was spread and the
Chadwick army made ready.  The tension in  the air became a palpable
mirror of the fog.
     Essaut returned and looked to Niari.  "When s'Ora?"
     Niari closed her eyes and seemed to be smelling the air.  Then, she
opened them, looked at each of their group and said, "They have sent a
large part of their force.  The energy approaching is  strong.  But they
have left some behind; perhaps half their force or more is still on
those ridges."  She paused.
     "They are moving to our left...they're going to herd us!  We must
move!  NOW!"  The Kioshu warrior sprung onto Kiha and waved to the
Plainsmen, barely visible around her in the fog.
---k
     Vengar said aloud, but to himself, "Perhaps we will not get the
rest I had hoped for."  Then, he sought Therion to have him tell the
spies to create the diversion.  They would be to the base of the hill in
only a few minutes.  It was critical to get the diversion going first.
     Vengar heard the mindmage's voice, though he was nowhere near.  "It
is already taken care of, my friend."
---m
     As the plainsmen and other warriors who sided for the good of
Ifreann discussed and prepared for battle, the clanging of metal on
metal and the roar of approaching evils could be heard.  Ears perked and
nostrils flared as the sounds and smells of the enemy approached from
the rear. Zeph's horse whinnied anxiously and she reflected the animals
disposition in her own expression.  She sought out familiar faces for
re-assurance, but found none.  Flanner stood fast by Joreen's side
within the enclosed council along with the likes of Garrison and
Therion. Grim expressions were plastered upon their faces. The time for
talk had reached its close.
---ds
     'bush' stepped into the circle leaning their throny staff.  "The
enemy approaches."  They gestured to the southeast with their free hand. =

"They come in a wide line, but are not very thick.  Make your plans
quickly, you have but minutes."
     Flanner couldn't shake the odd sensation of looking up to a
halfling.  This is what he had left the antique business for?  "Enough
of this talk.  I want a good solid fight," he murmured to Joreen. 
Flanner clutched the sword that he had bought off one of the n'Sete. 
=F4And maybe I'll be able to hold onto this weapon long enough to do some=

good with it,=F6 he thought.
---jen
     Suddenly shouts and cries from both angry and dying men filled the
plain. The fight had found them...
---ds
     This was not the place for the fight.  The enemy was merely
skirmishing the defense lines that the Home Guard had set up, but it was
clear that there was a much larger force to contend with coming soon. 
Vengar ran along the line, shouting, "To Little Dragon's Horn!  We take
the hill tonight!"  Slowly, gradually, the men of the Home Guard began
to withdraw.  Under cover of bowfire, Therion's men disengaged from this
enemy, soon to redeploy and engage elsewhere.  With luck, this attacking
force would have to regroup before it could pursue, by which time they
would already be on the Horn.
     The plan was in motion.  Would Eldarion and Lorendil live up to
there part?
---m