"A high wizard? Truly? I know little of magic but I thought the detection of it was apprentice level stuff," Rutilux raises a brow, "My own view is if the witches are powerful enough to spy through her eyes, then they're powerful enough to spy by magic without her eyes and we should check for magics before hand regardless. But as the maps are now scattered, the point seems to be moot. ."
Earlier, in response to Thorvald:
... Finally, Pharasma, should we fall please that our souls are treated fairly. Especially Ana’s for I know that hers is true and good though I know not the deity to whom it belongs.
"I like to hope it is Desna - but in all likelihood it is Lamashtu who owns my soul. Thats why I don't pray much: I'm afraid of who might be listening on the other side." Ana shrugs. "But thanks for saying all these sweet things about me. You almost make me believe in them myself. And that feels good."
~~~~~
Skall looks to Ana and then the rest of the group. "Has Ana been a concern in the past for this group? Has her family attempted such a thing in the past?"
Ana sits up and explains:
"I attacked the others. We don't know what caused it. My sister was there when it happened - and she seemed to understand what was happening. I don't know whether it was a spell she had cast on me - or whether it was something that had been in me all along, that was merely triggered by her presence."
"A high wizard? Truly? I know little of magic but I thought the detection of it was apprentice level stuff," Rutilux raises a brow, "My own view is if the witches are powerful enough to spy through her eyes, then they're powerful enough to spy by magic without her eyes and we should check for magics before hand regardless. But as the maps are now scattered, the point seems to be moot. ."
"Yes, it is simple to detect the presence of magic. Skallangbiorn, would you be so kind to scan for magic auras? Julian here will have more trust in your assessment than in mine."
"See, it's not that I don't trust YOU Ana, or our new priest. It's that the magic or power that overcame you is beyond any of our understanding. I thought someone of even greater power might know more about it. It is not as if anyone's ability to detect magic stopped Princess Ana's previous takeover. This, I thought, was one of our reasons to returning to the great Savol, to research this problem."
"Oh, of course. I know how much you trust ME, dear Julian. Has it ever occurred to you, that with all their undetectably powerful magic they might have put a spell on YOU, Julian? That they are using you to create mistrust and hostility amongst us? You want to have me bound and blindfolded, Julian? Fine with me. But have yourself gagged at the same time!"
"Don't take it personally. If any of us, me included, had lost control and tried to kill us all I'd say the same thing. I know what you think of me, and I don't blame you for what happened, but it did happen. You're the most powerful mage I've met since leaving home. You yourself admitto not knowing what spell or power was used on you. The slightest possibility you are still somehow compromised when looking at the plans is more Iimportant than your feelings towards me. This is bigger than any of us."
Ana gets up to her feet and faces Julian.
"So what now, Julian? Do you want to reserve the right to assault me out of the blue whenever it strikes your fancy? Make a decision: do you want my help in this - with all the risks that are attached to it - or do you not? You can't have it both ways."
She walks towards the exit with as much dignity as she can. When she reaches the door she turns around once more and adds:
"All of you ... make your decision. If you excuse me now, I'll be waiting outside. Go ahead and have me escorted by guards if it makes you feel better."
She leaves the room and climbs the stairs to the top of the tower, where she starts staring at the horizon, wondering how far from her childhood home she still is. If there are tears in her eyes, then only because of the harsh winter wind, not because she is crying. Definitely not.
Julian rolls his eyes. "Bron, do you have anyone that could clear her more definitely from whatever power her family held over her? She's an invaluable ally despite her attitude."
"And good Thorvold, perhaps you can talk to her ...I sense you know the logic of what I've said, and she seems to love you as much as she hates me."
Thorvald glances around the room to take in everyone's reaction.
sense motive
Settling his gaze on Julian, "She is not your true enemy here. I do hear the truth in your words, but I completely disagree with your treatment of her."
Thorvald looks back across the room.
"She can hurl bolts of energy from her hands. She protects us from evil with her magic. We know she can form spears of ice with her mind. If any of the rest of you were suddenly smashed into the ground like that, would you have hesitated to defend yourselves?"
"She constantly shows her courage to us. She returned here from the lands of endless summer to war against her own family. She has had to constantly forgive the transgressions some of you continue to perpetuate against her. She has kept her pledges and shows her commitment to our undertakings. Our King has honored her as one of his speakers. Please honor your commitments to her as a member of our group. She needs our support not disdain and maltreatment."
"And for gods sakes Julian! . . . Despite her powers and outward bearing please remember she is still a lady and should be respected as one. She is just as much of an orphan and dependent on this group as you are. Please start showing her some compassion if for no other reason than to prevent conflict between us."
"Rutilux, with your leave I would like to go see to her."
"You may find this hard to believe, but I have incredible sympathy, even empathy for the Princess. As I said, the violation of her self-control is the most despicable thing I've witnessed. I swear upon my father's sword that those who did this to her will die in pain. I don't get listened to ...I know I'm younger, a foreigner, and mouthy as hell. But our magic detection did not stop what they did to her, or warn us. Why should it now? Perhaps something can be done about it, so we needn't worry about Ana's sister popping up later on. No case needs be made for her value; none could possibly deny it. But this is no battle ...it is war, and it is far larger than any of our emotional concerns. Do you think I enjoy having to remind everyone of this danger? That I enjoy being the outcast? We. Are. Here. For. Savol. Were my eyes shown to be under another's control, I'd pluck them out before I looked at those plans."
Thorvald takes Julian much more seriously once he swears an oath on his fathers sword.
"I thank you for your oath and I believe you will have a chance to keep it. We are here to see if something can be done about it and I hope King Savol or some one of his will have an answer to the problem. Ana's, as well as those of whom we have rescued and brought here."
"Everyone here has value Julian, your own is greater than mine. You have traveled across my homeland there are hundreds of Ulfen like me here in this very camp, but only one like you in Savol's host. The only thing that sets me apart is my blood and knowledge of metal. I don't want you to be an outcast. I want us all to work together or we might as well shed our clothes and walk naked to Whitethrone."
"I am listening to you and I appreciate your oath to pluck your eyes from your head to illustrate your loyalty to Savol."
Skallangbiorn steps further to the side, no intention within him to stop the argument or defuse the tensions. The Lord in Iron had taught him early in his devotion that conflict was like a great purging forest fire. The flames were necessary to clear the undergrowth and make safe the wood.
Instead, the cleric prays to Gorum and follows with Ana's initial request for a magical delving. He remains silent as he studies.
... To analyze what he sees.
Through it all, he finds a new level of respect for Julian.
"Rutilux, with your leave I would like to go see to her."
"You certainly don't need my, or anyone else's leave to comfort the woman you love, Thorvald."
Rutlux tilts his head at Julian's comment, and he gives a soft nod of respect, "I think what Ana gives us outweights the risk her connections provide. What's more, we ARE bound to each other. I can't help but think the Winter Witches might WANT us divided. That is just my view, of course, and I can be something of a sentimentalist." He says with some self awareness
Thorvald gives the cavalier an appreciative smile.
"Thank you for that. I shall keep that directive in mind, Lord Rutilux."
With a curt nod to the rest of those assembled Thorvald begins to head out of the room then stops. It looks as though he was going to say something else, but then lets it go and claims the stairs after Ana.
"What do you mean controlled? When exactly did this happen? Explain to me everything that was going on and what you saw, what you heard. Leave no detail out. If Ana is in danger of something possessing her then we have to figure out who or what is doing it and how."
"Blast it all, what else can go wrong. Savol is running amok behind enemy lines with his honour guard, Nayl's playing cat and mouse with a pack of winter wolves and you lot come back fighting each other. You humans are crazy no wonder my ancestors locked themselves away inside the mountains." turning away to calm himself, "Julianda, please deal wit this quickly and quiet as yo can."
Having stood somewhat quiet to this point, Isham steps forward, clapping Bron on the shoulder. "As you can see old friend, we have had some exciting times ourselves. There are stories to be told by all of us. "
Detecting continuing concern from the veteran, Isham continues, "We are a stronger group than before, with greater trust among ourselves - despite appearances. What concerns us is not out bonds with each other, but interference and influences from the enemies of the Savol - from the Witches, and from a warlord south of here styling himself 'the Margrave'. Each have used divination and enchanting magics to turn our hands for a moment against our fellows. We are now very conscious of these risks. Being here in Savol's command camp makes us even more cautious."
Responding to Julianda, Isham says, "Step aside with me for a brief moment Julianda, and I'll tell you what has transpired. I'm sure there's a deeper struggle Ana has been waging, but Ana will have to tell you herself." And Isham takes Julianda aside for a briefing of the events at the Keep, and the Witchs' stealing the book of prophecies, and also of the incident on the road, in which Ana struggled so hard with the influences of the Witches. "So you see there is some connection between the Witches and Ana - whether kin-bond, or something established in her younger years."
A bit more loudly, for everyone, "Julian's cautions are well founded, and his urgency a rebuke to the rest of us for not considering the issues earlier. Thank you, Julian."
Again to a broader group, but specifically to Bron and Julianda, "We also have... guests... with us, with afflictions similar to Ana's, but traceable to the Margrave and his lieutenants, and embodied in tattooes. We have concern that the Margrave would do mischief to the Savol. We should find some accomodation for them as well."
Hearing footsteps from behind, Ana says:
"You were fast in making your decision."
When she turns around and recognizes Thorvald, she smiles and adds:
"Of course YOU would be fast in your decision. Come here." She rest her head on his shoulder and puts one arm around him, as she leads him to the railing. With the other arm she gestures to where she thinks Whitethrone would be. "Somewhere over there, I was born. You know I was born as a princess of Irrisen. If you were to marry me, that would make you a duke of Irrisen. How would you like that? Quite an ascension for a mere blacksmith from a forest village, don't you think?"
She's obviously saying the last thing as a joke, to lighten the mood. But, equally obvious, you can see that it doesn't succeed in lightening her own mood.
(Bron)"Blast it all, what else can go wrong. Savol is running amok behind enemy lines with his honour guard, Nayl's playing cat and mouse with a pack of winter wolves and you lot come back fighting each other. You humans are crazy no wonder my ancestors locked themselves away inside the mountains." turning away to calm himself, "Julianda, please deal wit this quickly and quiet as you can."
"Savol is fighting behind enemy lines?" Rutilux looks to Julianda (Once Isham explains things to her privately and she returns) realizing that Bron probably needs another moment. He's not sure whether his liege lord in such activities makes him nervous or envious. He does feel sympathy for Bron though, it was Bron who taught him much of his shield work, and the Cavalier will never forget that kindness. "What else transpires in the battle? I am still curious about my cousins, but Ana was right that if there's time for pleasantries OR strategy, then we need forgo the latter."
So many things I wanted to discuss with my liege, many of them small and selfish. And thus they should wait.
As Thorvald walks up behind Ana she speaks.
"You were fast in making your decision."
When she turns around and recognizes Thorvald, she smiles and adds:
"Of course YOU would be fast in your decision. Come here." She rest her head on his shoulder and puts one arm around him, as she leads him to the railing. With the other arm she gestures to where she thinks Whitethrone would be. "Somewhere over there, I was born. You know I was born as a princess of Irrisen. If you were to marry me, that would make you a duke of Irrisen. How would you like that? Quite an ascension for a mere blacksmith from a forest village, don't you think?"
She's obviously saying the last thing as a joke, to lighten the mood, but doesn't succeed in lightening her own.
Thorvald returns her embrace, smooths her hair and hands her on of his aunties handkerchiefs.
"I made my decision when I first laid eyes on you Ana."
Thorvald looks off in the direction that had gestured towards as she spoke of her heritage and titles.
"Well Duke sounds pretty impressive my princess, but here in the north even a lowly blacksmith may rise to become a Linnorm King. So, if we were to get married you could become a queen. Uh, the castle might not be as fancy as you are used to though and we might have to save up to afford a horde of minions."
Thorvald jokes with her before gently turning her face towards him.
"Despite everything else that goes on and regardless of any titles we might hold, I want you to know that I always feel like an emperor when you are by my side."
"The others have made their decision as well. Julian even swore to help you upon his father's blade and to pluck his eyes from his sockets should be betray King Savol. Rutilux has affirmed his support as well. I believe every member of our party wants the best for you. . . Well, maybe not Jediah. He may still harbor some ill will towards you, but he didn't elaborate much. You know because he doesn't talk much?"
" Heh, that was supposed to be a joke. Uh, just the last part about Jediah---you know,to cheer you up. I guess I should leave the witty comedy to Zethyris huh?"
"The fact is the others and I really want you here. I think they are just worried for you. We will find a way to shield you. I know in the old tales they have amulets and such that save people from the prying eyes of your sisters so something like that has to exist."
"And one more thing that has bugged me since you said it. Your soul can't possibly belong to Lamashtu. She is a demon. If you were beholden to her you could not feel anything towards me or anything else other than hate and the urge to torture and destroy. You left your people because those are the types of things they did and you left out of disgust."
"Not to mention, her minions and followers are ugly and misshapen. You know that you are the most beautiful woman most men will ever meet in their lives right? I am being serious."
"Even is Lamashtu did have an interest in you Desna is her chief enemy and seeks to help people change for the better of all. Offer prayers to her and she will help you. A small boy who would someday become a village blacksmith did. You should see where he is now. Not every blacksmith gets to date a princess you know."
"Then how comes all my dreams ever are is nightmares? No Thorvald, as much as I would like to believe you: I am a monster born from a monster. I have hag blood flowing through my veins. I've tried running away from it, tried living in a big city, surround myself with beautiful things, trying to forget what I was. But still, I've got acid seeping from my hands - and things I touch get covered in slime."
"You know, that evil part of me, that haunts me in my dreams - she thinks all of you are dim-witted gullible fools. Except for Jediah and Julian."
"Some things about ourselves we cannot change. Look at me for instance. When I am in the throws of combat my blood transforms me into a bear, but I am not a lycanthrope. I suppose I have some of the blood of one. Your powers are not what make you unique Ana. It is how you use your powers that sets you apart."
"I am not an expert on nightmares, but the person that invades your dreams at night isn't you."
"You know it is beautiful up here and for once we are alone. Just look at that view. Winter has its own deadly allure doesn't it. The land becomes one of long shadows cloaked in the white and silvery frost of her breath. Some day though, I would like to see the lands of Summer with you and know what it is like to bask in the sun and warm waters."
The evil Ana certainly knows the high quality attributes we possess, Julian.
Ana can't help but genuinely smile as she hears Thorvald speak about the winter landscape. "Amazing. Doesn't your optimism ever run out?"
More thoughtful again, she adds: "How do you think this is going to end, Thorvald? Savol might not realize this, but you don't just take a big bite out of Irrisen and then continue to live on good neighborly terms with them. Even if all he wants is to reclaim his ancestral homeland, he can't stop there, He will have to go all the way through and do a full assault against Whitethrone. And even on the off chance that we succeed on that and liberate all of Irrisen - do you really think when Baba Yaga returns that she will just cackle and pat us on the shoulders and then leave again?"
"I don't know how it will end. Prophecy tells us there is hope out of war and ruin. Our ancestors demand a reckoning. My people have known one day all out war would to us again. The difference is some fight because they believe that it is better to ride out to face our executioners than to be caught and drug screaming from our beds. I, and others, believe that if we are to go to war then we must fight to win. If we carve out a realm for the Kodiak, then the North will rally to him. He might be the first High King in thousands of years, If Savol were to carry our warriors to the halls of Whitethrone that would glorious. If we were to recounqer all of our lands . . . well, then I guess I might put forth efforts in thinking of how we could hold them from your grandmother."
"Keep in mind we are not alone Ana. There are fey in the great forest that will not suffer your grandmother taking their domain. The elves and dwarves will protect their homes and this time the giants cast a wary eye back on their former masters the White Witches. Should we start caving in the western front the Mammoth Lords will flood in from the east to take back lands that were once theirs. We have people from the south with us, the gods themselves have taken notice of us and we have you. Yes, there are many factors that are different this time that could effect our outcome."
"Besides should we fail it will be a good death. Fighting for one's home and loved ones is honorable. Should we sit back and allow Irrisen make the first move and invade . . . I don't have to tell you what your sisters do to the children. I plan on standing in their way."
"Besides, Ana you are here and you have made this fight your fight. We can stand together side by side in the most daring venture undertaken in the north in 1200 years. I doubt any skald could write a more compelling northern romance. The curtains are drawing open, the actors are ready and the stage is set. Glory is there for any that reach for it."
<sigh>
"Alas, I don't just want to just die a good death anymore. I used to crave nothing more than my own legend. To change the hearts of those who saw me as nothing more than an ugly man that became a blacksmith or the strange child who lived amongst the fey of the woods. Now I want to live and be with you, if only fate could be so kind to me."
"Blast it all, what else can go wrong. Savol is running amok behind enemy lines with his honour guard, Nayl's playing cat and mouse with a pack of winter wolves and you lot come back fighting each other. You humans are crazy no wonder my ancestors locked themselves away inside the mountains." turning away to calm himself, "Julianda, please deal wit this quickly and quiet as you can."
Zethyris is intrigued by Bron's parting comments, though the mention of the party's division dampens his mood.
Bron seems to be under a considerable amount of stress. It is unfortunate that we seem to have only added to it. Hopefully we can start lending a hand soon and take some of that off of his shoulders.Zethyris waits quietly to hear the response to Rutilux's inquiry.
"Yes, I have made this my fight. And I will see it through to the end. Its just that I never realized that this is a suicide mission. Until now. And now that I understand, I also understand why all of us will see it through, anyway:"
"Dagmar wanted to find meaning in dying for the same cause as her brother. Skallangbiorn and you prefer a honorable death in battle to living with a shameful defeat. Isham is a good soldier. You tell him to go to death - he goes without questioning - and will make sure to keep up the morale of the troop while doing so. Jediah knows he is a monster, just like I know I am. He's in this for the same reason I am. Rutilux just thinks about what an awfully big chivalrous adventure dying will be. Zethyris ... well I have no idea what his motives are. But he seems destined to be here - and to be unable to truly die until he has finished whatever he has to do."
"Only for Julian I feel bad. He is so young, and seems so ... easily impressed by the grandness and importance of our mission. He really shouldn't die with the rest of us. Of course, there is no use in telling him that. Young and eager as he is, he won't understand. He won't stay behind while the rest of us go on."
"I really wish we could live happily together. In another plane of existence, or on a far away star. But if we can't have that, then yes, let us fight together. Even if we stand no chance of winning, let us not give them their victory for free! Let us make them pay a high price for even the smallest victory! Let us make them remember us!"
Awww..A woman after my own heart.....Best get better armor.
"That is troubling indeed. I'll have to discuss some of that with Ana when she returns. Thankfully though, scrying is something that can be dealt with. Mages have long had the ability to not only prevent people from scrying upon themselves but they even have spells able to detect when someone is attempting to Scry on them. The details are beyond my purview but I will see what I can dig up on the matter."
"Aye, it happened two days ago. He was fighting near the border and then the battle shifted. One of our units collapsed while a portion of theirs broke and fled. In the confusion he got cut off and we lost sight of him. I doubt the enemy has anyone committed nearby that would prove to be any danger to Savol but I wish he wasn't quite so eager to take the fight to them. Yur kin are fine, Eustace is running messages for me right now and Noeva, well..., she's fine too aside from becoming a tad too popular."
(Julianda)"That is troubling indeed. I'll have to discuss some of that with Ana when she returns. Thankfully though, scrying is something that can be dealt with. Mages have long had the ability to not only prevent people from scrying upon themselves but they even have spells able to detect when someone is attempting to Scry on them. The details are beyond my purview but I will see what I can dig up on the matter."
"Anything might be of help, and the idea we can block this 'scrying' is most comforting. It may mean we can focus our attentions outwards more instead of inward. Thank you, Julianda."
)"Aye, it happened two days ago. He was fighting near the border and then the battle shifted. One of our units collapsed while a portion of theirs broke and fled. In the confusion he got cut off and we lost sight of him. I doubt the enemy has anyone committed nearby that would prove to be any danger to Savol but I wish he wasn't quite so eager to take the fight to them...."
"So it was not his intent originally, but since it has happened, he'll make hell along their inside lines. Yes, I can see some sense in it if he thinks the return more defended against than forays deeper in. Still, we must try to get him back. He's more than just one man whether he realizes it or not. He's the very reason for the rest of our unity...something the witches surely know. I hope HE is shielded from enemy scrying somehow?"
Yur kin are fine, Eustace is running messages for me right now and Noeva, well..., she's fine too aside from becoming a tad too popular."
Rutilux smiles at mention of Eustace making himself useful. The lad might be eager for the sting of battle, but thanks to Isham's suggestions, and Bron's training, he had matured to know that he might be needed in other tasks.
Too popular? the second part of that has him raising a brow, "I'm sorry...Noeva is too popular...how? Are Ulfen mashers besieging my cousin??"
"Rutilux, Noeva is coming of an age - perhaps we might want to set about determining an appropriate dowery, and vetting some of your 'mashers'. This is also a time of war. People grow up early in such times. If there's serious risk of inappropriate goings-on, we can relocate her back to the town, where she might find some things in common with the orphans we left there. And with your blood, she'll fend off the night boogey-men with relish."
Rutilux sighs, seeing Isham's point"In truth, Noeva is very close to my OWN age, and if anything might be considered overdue for courting and the like but she is also my kin, and I am...protective. I don't know if arranged marriages occur in these lands, but I believe mother and father expect to make one for their niece one day. Noeva has, thus far, seemed to face that possibility with dignity. Perhaps this land is changing her more than I suspected. It has certainly changed me."
Skallangbiorn grins like a winter wolf and chuckles. "I'll be glad to...inspect them for propriety, if you wish, Sir Rutilux."
Thorvald stood quietly enjoying their embrace and taking a moment to reflect on what Ana had said. The reality of their situation rested heavily on him, but he made sure of his own thoughts before replying.
"I guess I never thought of it as a suicide mission. Incredible odds to be sure, but never without hope. . . "
Skallangbiorn grins like a winter wolf and chuckles. "I'll be glad to...inspect them for propriety, if you wish, Sir Rutilux."
Rutilux looks uncertain, "If you're volunteering to look over any would be suitors she's attracting and then report back to me, I'd welcome your views on them, but I suppose I should keep any true interference to a minimum until I hear what her own desires are." Rutilux doesn't look like he's convinced himself however.
Realizing that the knight was taking his comment a bit too seriously, Skallangbiorn simply folds his arms and inclines his head. "If she is anything like you, she will approach the prospect of marriage with a measured mind. Or she may ignore them flatly and follow your example of duty to lord and land. In either case, you are her example, Rutilux, take confidence in that fact."
Then to BRON, Skallangbiorn thought on something he'd mentioned earlier about a man named Nayl. They had encountered that pack of wolves hot on their scent a few days back. A coincidence? Then there was the concern of Lord Savol being cut off from his main host.
"As I said before, master Bron, if I can be of service in getting the wounded back into the fight, I am at your service." Skallangbiorn moved to the map table, gathering up those that had been scattered when Julian had fallen upon Ana and replacing them to the table top. "But what manner of plan has been put in place to bring Savol back to the host? I would think that priority? Also, has contact been attempted with the Blackravens? I would think Castellan Darkwine would be eager to coordinate with Lord Savol."
Julian bows. "This was an ugly but necessary deed. I await further orders, whatever they may be."
Thorvald stood quietly enjoying their embrace and taking a moment to reflect on what Ana had said. The reality of their situation rested heavily on him, but he made sure of his own thoughts before replying.
"I guess I never thought of it as a suicide mission. Incredible odds to be sure, but never without hope. . . "
"I never saw it that way either, as long as it was still an abstract threat. But now, so close to the border, seeing all the wounded people, now all I want is to be invisible."
Just as she has finished saying that, Ana vanishes.
"So Bron, we have brought burdens and complications. For making your duties all the harder, our regrets. Tell us what we may do to lighten your load. I see you have wounded - some of us have talents in that direction. I can certainly assist in ordering the camp, and ensuring that the men are prepared and well ordered."
"These things are certainly needful, though I'm certain that some of us would strongly desire some opportunity to strike down some of the enemy, if you have some use for strong arms and keen eyes."
"Aye, your healing arts would be a deal of help. Thank you. Rutilux, I doubt you need worry for your cousin, ha, young Eustace all but guaranteed that any man interested had to go through you." he moves to collect some of the scattered notes and maps before he sighs, "There's far too much to do and not enough to do it. Thankfully, now yur back." he turns back and smooths a large map out on the table. "For the time being we need your strength distributed throughout the army. To start, Julian, Binar has need of someone crafty like you so I want you to meet up with him. Rutilux there's a wide plain to the north that's perfect for horseplay, I want you to make up a squad from the soldiers that are decent in the saddle and patrol this area," running his thick finger across a wide open section of the map, "We should be able to manage twenty heavy mounts so plan around that. Jediah. South, here, is a tower we recently lost that I want you to take back. I have thirty veterans already making preparations to leave and I want you to lead them." his finger stabs down on a dark blot marked Coryss right beside a large river, "This tower guards one of the few rivers in this area that don't freeze in the winter. Without it our supply line spreads thin and Irrissen can use the river to bypass our army and strike the interior." he then points to a nearby town marked Greyson landing, "Zethyris, I want you to take charge of reinforcing the town and defending it. Your experience in cities in the south should help you there..."
"Actually, I was hoping to borrow Zethyris for some investigating of my own. There's more going on here behind the scenes."
"Sir yes sir! "
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Indeed, I am sure Thorvald's help, we will take back the tower in no time. Jediah begins to perspire.
Bron looks between the old man and Zethyris,
"There's more than just this war?" he pauses and scans the map again, "Alright, you two do what you need to do but be careful and don't take too long.Ill have Thorvald take care of Greyson, wait..." he looks around, "Where is Thorvald and Anastasiya?" he sighs and moves his attention back to the map, "The Second company lost their captain this morning so I want you to take over Isham. They're currently defending our southern flank here and harassing the enemy with night raids." he circles an area of the map then looks at the big cleric, "I hadn't planned on your presence but this does provide us with an opportunity. I'd like you to head north to Trollheim and seeing if you can get any help from them or the ravens."
Thank you. Rutilux, I doubt you need worry for your cousin, ha, young Eustace all but guaranteed that any man interested had to go through you."
I'll have to remember to thank Eustace. He nods, some relief on his face. After all they've faced, some overly amorous Ulfen warrior trying to 'prove himself' would be almost a vacation.
Then he listens to the tasks they're each given.
Rutilux there's a wide plain to the north that's perfect for horseplay, I want you to make up a squad from the soldiers that are decent in the saddle and patrol this area," running his thick finger across a wide open section of the map, "We should be able to manage twenty heavy mounts so plan around that.
Rutilux overlooks the map at the wide plain to the north and nods, "I may try to stagger them, never too far, but far enough to give them a fighting chance should any spells engulf several yards at a time. Mmm...each should be outfitted with a signal horn of some sort if we have the equipment. A potion of healing between us would be welcome should the worse happen, but I understand if its needed elsewhere. Good riders and good eyes. If Valto is still among your troops I'll probably take him as my right hand."
After the others get their assignments, he looks to them, "It feels odd dividing after all this time together. I have grown to rely on each of you and shall miss your strength, but I also have faith. Today we will prove worthy of the trust our Lord has put in us and that Bron is showing us now. May the gods favor us today."
"Zethyris, I want you to take charge of reinforcing the town and defending it. Your experience in cities in the south should help you there..."
"Actually, I was hoping to borrow Zethyris for some investigating of my own. There's more going on here behind the scenes."
"There's more than just this war?"
"Indeed. When we met up last outside Hadnior, we told you about the message I was given while in Elysium. This," Zethyris says as he gestures to Montulo, "is the man we were to find. We rescued him from the bandit lair successfully, but he brought dire tidings."
"It seems that a Demon Lord, styled The Lord of Mirrors, may be manipulating this war for his own means. Montulo has been studying this demon for years, and with the cryptic warnings I received while... dead... it seems that the Lord of Mirrors needs to be dealt with - somehow."
"I believe it is important that we find more information about this Demon Lord, and try to find some way to keep him from meddling. We can hardly afford to have another power acting in this conflict. With your leave, I would like to help Montulo with his work."
"Alright, you two do what you need to do but be careful and don't take too long. Ill have Thorvald take care of Greyson, wait... where are Thorvald and Anastasiya?"
"I think they went outside. I'll get them for you."
Zethyris heads out the door where they left, and follows the stairs to the top of the tower.
Arriving at the top, he is surprised to see Thorvald alone.
"Thorvald? Was Ana up here with you? Where did she go? Bron would like to see you two about new assignments."
An irritated voice that seems to originate from right next to Thorvald:
"I am right here in front of you, Zethyris. What are you talking about?"
Julian looks for Binar.
"whoa! Ana I can feel you in my arms, smell your perfume, and hear your words, but my eyes cannot see you. Have you mastered the art of invisibility?!"
Thorvald recovered from the suprise of Ana's new powers as what Zethyris said sinks in.
"New assignments? Bron wants to talk to the two of us? Are we going to be separated from the group or something?"
Still not realizing that she is indeed literally invisible, invisible Ana laughs.
"What? I don't get what this is about - but very funny, both of you. Haha."
You can hear her footsteps going towards the stairs.
Then Ana's voice, from next to the stairs: "Are you coming or what?"