Commander Rose, sat silently for a few moments, obviously lost in thoughts of her own. She looked up and Saul could see the strain and weariness on her face, but there was something more, a deeper and more troubling matter that concerned her. It was not something, Saul could put his finger on, or his mind around, but it was there deep within her eyes. Something extremely troubling had occurred during Saul’s absence. As Saul contemplated what could have happened, Commander Rose dismissed them. Saul rose to his feet, bowed his head slightly, placing the fist of his right hand to his heart and said. “By your leave, Commander.” he then turned and walked towards the door. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Pella slipping to a tapestry. Saul subtlety caught Pella’s eye and gave her a look that said “Pella, we have been dismissed, don’t go poking around looking for at least a month in the stockade. They walked in relative silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts across the courtyard towards the mess hall. As the approached the large doors to the hall, Pella hesitated, then halted abruptly at the doors. Saul observed the expression on her face expression and body language as one of wariness, Saul observed. He was about inquire what was wrong when Pella said ..... ”Go get something to eat. I am not hungry right now. I think I shall go check on your horse to make sure the animal is doing well.” then she turned abruptly and started walking back towards the stables.

As Saul reached for the doors to open them, two knights stepped out, their talk cut short when they saw Saul. The knights gave Saul, what could be taken as a suspicious and reviled look, then walked silently past him as if he did not exist. Saul shrugged and stepped into the mess hall. The cacophony of sounds, within the hall nearly vanished as Saul walked in. Saul walked to an unoccupied table in the corner facing the door. He removed his coat and sat down laying his sword on the table next to his right hand. Looking around stealthily, Saul could have cut the tension in the room with a knife. Thinking of Commander Rose’s demeanor and Pella’s hesitation upon approaching the mess hall, Saul was sure something very troubling had occurred while he was on his mission for Commander Rose. A young page approached and Saul requested some soup and a tankard of mead.

Pela glanced over her shoulder and saw Saul disappear into the room where the Knights ate their meals. After what happened in there earlier she wasn’t about to go in there when it was crowded. She’d wait until later to get her food, when the place was practically deserted. Besides, it would be better all the way around for everyone involved. She couldn’t afford to lose her control again or she’d find herself banished and without Bad Rock, she would have difficulties finding her way back to their humble cave ho9me.

Slipping through the Keep as quiet as a church mouse, she didn’t see the little furry critter scampering behind her. Every now and then it would stop to sniff and explore a hidey hole it happened across but for the most part; it was more interested in following along behind the girl as she made her way away from the more heavily populated parts of the Keep.

Each time she came upon some Knights she would see the way they looked at her and could hear their soft whispers as she passed by. She couldn’t hear what they were saying but she knew they were talking about her or more specifically, what she’d done. She wasn’t stupid to think she played no part in Walter’s ultimate demise. Deep down Pela knew if she had kept her cool, the man would still be alive. For once, she was feeling the moral consequences of her actions and she didn’t like the way it was making her feel.

Finally she made it outside and breathed in the cool night air as it began to settle in on the Keep that was Heartlund. Making her way to the stables, she made sure to take less traveled paths to avoid the condemning looks she was receiving. Again, not that she didn’t deserve them, but she didn’t know how to handle her emotions right now so it was better she avoided any contact with these warriors.

Finally reaching the stables, she slipped in through the back and silently made her way to where Saul had placed the horse he used and slipped into the stall next to it. That particular stall was empty at the moment so she could sit down and rest while she contemplated everything that happened earlier.

She missed Bad Rock. He wasn’t an emotional creature but he did provide her much needed company and she missed the interaction she had with him. As Pela sat there thinking of the creature that had stepped in and became her lifeline, she felt this overwhelming urge to cry and as much as she tried to stop her tears from flowing, they disobeyed her silent command not to fall.

Curling into a ball in the far corner of the empty stall, she wept quietly for something she knew she’d never have again with another individual. Or at least, was just a hair shy of certain she never would anyway. She trusted Bad Rock implicitly. Whatever he told her to do, she did. When she asked him questions, he answered her truthfully, rather she wanted to hear that truth or not. She knew she needed to hear the things she didn’t want to hear as much as she needed to hear the things she wanted to hear. He never sugar coated anything with her and she loved him for that. But now, everyone seemed to keep her at arm’s length and vise verse. Of course, that was only proper. She didn’t know these people any more than they knew her and after this morning’s travesty, she doubted anyone would ever want to get to know her now. Not that she couldn’t blame them, really.


As Pela sat in the corner feeling sorry for herself, the little furry creature that had taken such an interest in her followed her scent to the stables and as it made its way cautiously through the hay and straw, it played with whatever it could find to play with. It’s favorite game was hide and seek. If it wasn’t hiding it would find things to hide and watch as people went looking for what it hid.

Burying itself under the straw of the stall Pela occupied, it began to slowly inch its way towards her. Every now and then it would pop its little head up out of the straw to see where it was and if she was still there. Of course it was all a part of the bigger game it was playing. It just had to wait for her to catch on and when that happened, the game would definitely be a foot.

Saul sat silently as his mind replayed both Commander Rose’s and Pella’s demeanor, the more he thought about it the more he knew something was amiss. Soon a page brought a bowl soup, some fresh baked bread and the tankard of mead. Saul thanked the young man, took a pull at the tankard of mead, sat the tankard down, picked up a wooden spoon and slowly stirred the soup. ............. After about three minutes, Saul stopped stirring the soup, stood, leaving the spoon in the bowl and picked up his sword and coat. He put his coat on, rested his sword across his shoulder and left the mess hall.




Saul could hear the mutterings of several knights, but was unable to discern what was actually said. He made his way across the courtyard and to the stables. Quietly opening the stable door, Saul walked silently to the now empty stall where he had left the stallion. He assumed that a groom had taken the stallion outside, it was then he heard the muffled whimpers. He looked over stall door and saw Pella, curled into a tight ball, lying on the hay. “I know the pain of loosing one that was the only parent and mentor in your life. The one person that had the ability to be both loving and stern. Whose teaching, although seemed harsh at times, you will carry with you throughout life’s journeys and adventures. The void left in you heart and life, by their passing can never be filled. But remember this Pella, and remember it well. If you keep them affectionately in your heart and alive in your mind, they are never truly gone and their wisdom and guiding voice will forever fill your soul.” Saul said quietly then added “All you need do is listen closely to your heart, their voice and laughter will be there. ..... If at anytime you wish to talk about it, I will listen. Until then know Bad Rock smiles down upon you and watches over you.”

With that said Saul, picked up his saddle and placed it on the stalls side wall. He picked up his back pack and bed roll, slung them over his shoulder and started out of the stables.

Pela was unaware anyone had entered the stables let alone had gotten close enough to hear her. And to make it worse, it was Saul. As she heard his voice speak softly to her, she hushed her crying and wiped the moisture from her face and eyes. As she regained her composure, she finally turned to look at him but he wasn’t there anymore. She got to her feet and headed for the end of the stall, turning the corner when she saw him just a few feet away and stopped.

”I do not understand what that means.”

When she saw Saul stop and turn slightly to listen to her, she took a small step towards him then stopped and put her arms down by her side letting her hands grip her leggings to keep them still. She was nervous about something and for a moment it seemed as though she was going to turn and speak no more of it when she finally looked at him again.

”This…..love….you speak of. I do not know what it means. At least, I did not think I did. Bad Rock provided for me and taught me everything I know. Is that what love is? I hear people speak of it often and I even see how people interact with each other when they say they love each other but…..”

She felt her emotions welling up again and she swallowed hard several times before she felt she could speak again.

”Is that why I feel this overwhelming need to cry? And just so you know, I detest crying. It gives me a headache and makes me sniff more than breathe. But…..I…..I cannot seem to stop it when it starts. And I do not want to be like this the rest of my life.”

She turned her back to him then and lowered her head. Her shoulders rocked gently up and down as another wave of grief and longing washed over her. Raising her head, she angrily wiped the tears away from her eyes but she still didn’t turn to face him. Instead, she turned her head to see him from her peripheral vision.

”Why must I feel this way? Just this morning I lost control of myself and because of me, a man lost his life. If…..if I had practiced more restraint the would still be alive right now. But he is not and I am the one to blame for his untimely passing. Just like Bad Rock’s. If he…..if he had not been trying to protect me…..”

She couldn’t finish her sentence as her emotions grew beyond what she could contain once more. Lowering her head once more, she had no choice but to let her tears fall down her pale face and flushed cheeks once more.

When Pela said that she had lost control and because of that a man was dead, Saul realized that whatever had happened and whoever had been killed, was the reason for the tension that had been added to the mood of an already tense situation. He kept walking until Pella said it was because of her that Bad Rock had fallen in battle. It was then that he stopped abruptly, turned on his heals and glared at Pella. She could see the anger in his eyes, although his expression showed only calmness and control.



With a measured yet stern quiet voice, he said "How dare you blame yourself for Bad Rock's death. What arrogance gives you the right to demean the sacrifice he without question or hesitation, he made for the affection and esteem he had for you. .... You say you know nothing of the love and devotion to another, yet you saw that love and devotion, not more than a few days ago, played out before your eyes upon the field of battle. Not only in Bad Rocks actions. But in the actions of every knight, soldier and page, whose life was laid down upon that hallowed ground." as Saul spoke his eyes softened as he calmed himself, as Omnius had taught him. ... "Not only was it shown by those who fell valiantly and with honor. It was and is shown by those who have come here and remain to stand with these people in their time of great need. .... Why do you think Myth, Rayann, Aeolis and even Ceridwyn remain when the mages could, with but the movement of a finger, whisk then all away to safety?" Saul said then added "Why do you think Kellan, sacrificed herself so others could escape?" Saul stood silently for a moment looking into Pela's bloodshot eyes. It was at that moment he saw a small furry head peak out from under a stall door then dart back out of sight. He reached into his pocket and removed a piece of dried meat, tossed it to Pela who stood just a few feet away. "I think your little furry companion is hungry. If you should feed him, he might become a strong ally. ..... Pela, you stand at a crossroad now. You have to make a choice, either you stay upon the path you now stand, remain mired in self pity, regret soon to fall into the abyss of bitterness only to wither as a wild flower shrivels with the breath of the winters frost. Or step upon the path I think Bad Rock would have wished for you. To live a full productive and useful life. You have tremendous talents and potential yet untouched, Pela. It would be a slap to the face of the grace, if you did not use what the gods have given you for good." Saul once again turned and started out of the stable, the fatigue that had been stayed, was finally demanding attention.
As Saul reached the door, he stopped and turned to face Plea ...... "That decision you alone must make." Saul said with a tone and meter that would be hauntingly like Bad Rocks. Saul then turned back and walked out of the stables and over to the coral where the Bay stallion stood.

It was just as the door to the stable closed that Pella heard faintly as if carried on the wind the voice of Bad Rock call her name "Pela my daughter .........." as she stiffened slightly, her eyes daring around, Pella's eyes would fall upon the young ferret standing in front of a stall gate.

Pela actually flinched as Saul spoke to her. No one had ever spoken to her like that and for once, she was seeing things outside of her own little world. He made her feel ashamed for her self pity party and while any other time she would have words to say back to him, now she had nothing. Instead she stood there, mouth slightly agape and eyes wide as she listened to what he told her.

He gave her food for thought and right now, her plate was running over. She didn’t know anything but the life she lived with Bad Rock but now, he wasn’t there for her and she had to decide what path her life was going to take. And she had to decide quickly. Things were, to say the least, volatile and it was only a matter of time before a spark found its way into the powder keg.

As Saul walked out of the stable, Pela heard the familiar sound of Bad Rock’s voice in the distance but when she turned to see him there was nothing but the little furry creature that had been stalking her all along. The thing twitched its nose at her and chattered but Pela simply gave it a look of disbelief.

Looking into the things black eyes, she thought how they reminded her of Bad Rock’s only smaller. Glancing back to where Saul stood just moments before and how he fed the thing, she looked back at the creature and sighed.

”I do not see how you could be a strong ally to anything as puny as you are, but Saul is right. You do look hungry. Or do you always look like that? If I promise to feed you, will you promise to not climb up my legs again?”

The ferret blinked at her and gave her a curious look. With an exasperated sigh, Pela turned and headed towards the back of the stable, calling to the ferret.

”If you wish to eat, follow me. I will give you something in my room.”

The ferret lifted its head , when Pella spoke, chattered and blinked its eyes then scampered after Pella, skittering in and out between her steps and running circles around her as she walked.

Nidhug watched the exchange between the black witch and his general. They spoke for a while and he could not see Gregor’s face but he could see Nevaeh’s and the look she was giving him was one of pure physical desire, she wasn’t even trying to hide it. His tongue flicked irritably as he narrowed his eyes on her and he finally broke his stare when one of his Draconians came and whispered in his ear. He turned and looked at him and nodded whispering back in their guttural tongue, motioning to the others and the Draconian saluted before he turned back to his own equipment, pulling the drawstring tight on the leather satchel he always carried.

He heard the approach of his General and he stood, saluting sharply and with shock listened to the words exiting his Lord’s mouth. He listened, stone faced, not daring to show his emotions. As Gregor mentioned killing the remainder of his Draconians the corner of his mouth flinched ever so slightly. As he continued and the taunts become more abrasive and his Commander all but said none of them were of any value, Nidhug simply stared at Gregor with his yellow eyes. He spoke softly through his raspy voice, “My troops are ready sire.”

As Gregor mocked him with his laughter and turned his mount to walk away, Nidhug stared at his back. His tongue flicked again, this time it was as much irritated as it was saddened by the manner in which he was just treated. Something had changed in his Commander, there was a deeper disregard for life, even in his years under Gregor’s command he had never personally been disregarded with such prejudice. He turned and looked at Nevaeh who was staring at him with a smirk on her face, his mouth moved ever so subtly and he snapped the satchel closed, turning and moving into formation with his Draconians.




Trystan was sitting on the Battlements. He had risen early and was inspecting what was left of the city guard. His heart had sunk low this morning but he did the best he could to encourage his troopers. As he sat alone in the shadows of the archers towers he felt his eyes well up. He whispered softly, “Paladine, I know that I don’t pray enough to you, and I am sorry about that. I know that it is often that you only hear the prayers of your people when we are at our lowest, and for that too, I apologize. We are desperate, we are on the brink of defeat, and I would ask that you would bring us a miracle, something that would give us the hope we need to endure this, and that we won’t be wiped out. I made a vow to you, and though I have pursued my studies of swordsmanship, soldiery and tactics, I have lost my focus on the patron of our just cause. Please see it in me to grant this prayer, even if I am still to die, please see it in your mercy to save the remaining citizens of Heartlund that I have sworn to protect.”

He inhaled deeply and opened his stinging eyes. Blinking away the tears he stood back up and walked to the edge of the outer wall. A sound filled his ears and he saw six men on horseback coming swiftly over the hill. A banner of the Knights of Solamnia was fluttering from the lead riders saddle and Trystan could hardly believe his eyes. He looked up into the early morning sky at the fading constellation of Paladine and felt a smile cross his face. He dashed to the main gate and ordered it opened. As he ran out the men came to a halt, their armor was battle scared and showed the expertise of their abilities. One saluted sharply at seeing Trystan, “Sir Ordin of Fort Gall.”

Trystan immediately noted the insignia of the Order of the Rose on Ordin’s breastplate and saluted sharply before responding, “Sir Trystan of Heartlund.”

The man’s face broke into a smile that could melt ice and he dismounted, “Ahhh, Sir Trystan, we have heard about you. Tales of your bravery are wide and far.”

Trystan shook his head and responded, “No, my tales are nothing more than a service to the Knighthood.” Ordin smiled and nodded, “As are the deeds of us all.”

Trystan looked at the five men who were now dismounted and he saluted to them, they all saluted in kind and Ordin spoke again, “Well Sir Trystan, let’s see about getting an audience with Commander Rose, I have an army of 15,000 who will be here in about 30 minutes, and being that this is her Keep I need to know where she wants them to set camp.”

Kali sat in her room, twisting a small iron coin in her hand. She stared as it passed repeatedly over her knuckles and her eyes focused. The coin began to glow softly and the right side of her mouth twisted upwards slightly. She could feel the power of the towers moving through her, the rift above poured power down on her and she flicked the coin upwards. The iron sung with a metallic ring as it left her thumb and she focused on the movement. Time slowed down as she was able to follow each knick and imperfection in the metal as it flipped end over end and from a pin sized spot the iron suddenly turned yellow and spread over the surface of the coin. As the coin fell into her hand with a gentle slapping sound she looked at it. The now gold coin glistened in the firelight and she exhaled with a happy satisfaction.

She threw the coin onto the desk and leaned forward, scribbling the words of the spell that she had just created into the large book, the book that was growing daily as she harvested as much knowledge from the rift as she was capable. Hissing words of magic as she closed the third volume the cover crept across the pages and locked itself against the back cover, a shimmering scribbling of rune shapes sealed the seam and she picked it up, placing it on the shelf.

Inhaling deeply Kali stared at the endless spines of her Papa’s books. She knew her mother must be grieving over their removal from Glen Durel, but were they to have remained her ancestral home would have been destroyed. Kali was not a sentimental person, but she did not want to see Glen Durel razed to the ground by Piramay or imploded in shadow fury by Fifth. The removal of Papa’s library and all the ancient magical items eliminated the Glen as a strategic target. Rayann and Myth did not pose a threat to be a target of opportunity, and though she had joined with Piramay and Fifth deep down she hoped they would just fade back and avoid confronting the three wizards, though she knew that confrontation was most likely going to be the end scenario.

With the Glen off the map so to speak she knew that Fifth would be targeting the four towers of High Sorcery at Wayreth, Palanthas, Istar and Daligoth. The elimination of the “old” ways of magic would aid in ushering in the new magic introduced across Krynn by the rift. Ultimately Piramay, Fifth and Kali would become the masters of magic, and their students would not even learn about the magic of the moons. Eradicating all texts and evidence of the old magic was foremost on the list, but Kali could not allow the life work of her Grandfather to come to ruin, even if it was obsolete. Fifth didn’t protest and allowed her this however she did not know how Piramay felt. Frankly in this matter, she wasn’t worried about it, she would work in cooperation with the fire mage, but when it came to her families books, she would have her way in keeping them safe.

Kali walked to the window and looked out at the Fortress of Heartlund. She could see that the troopers she had seen from the air were no arriving and setting encampments all around the area. The force was much larger than she had originally seen, and she nodded her head in contemplation. Her eyes traced the long black line of marching soldiers over the hills until she could not see it any longer, “Very well Knights, ruin and mayhem is what you have chosen.”

It was two candle marks past dawn as Larrisa was let into her commander's quarters. Rose had left her instructions just in case she didn't awaken herself. Looking around she knew the forethought was most accurate. Rose was snoring softly wrapped under the covers of her bed. Larrisa noticed an empty wine bottle next to the bed. With a sigh she shook her head knowing why Rose insisted on telling her when to arrive. Muttering something beneath her breath as she approached the large curtains in the room. She took a moment to look at Rose before a devilish grin settled upon her lips just as she yanked the curtains wide upon.

Rose lifted herself from her bed her right arm lifted to protect her face from the light of the morning sun. Her head pounded and she grumbled beneath her breath looking at Larrisa and her sweet devilish smile. Perhaps the bottle of wine before bed had been a bad idea after all. She could tell Larrisa was enjoying this rare chance to make the her suffer for overindulging herself. With a sigh Rose ignored the woman and got herself ready for the day. Rest and meditation left her feeling full of energy despite the drink induced headache she was dealing with.

She emerged from her room with Larrisa and guards in tow, It was the beginning of a new week and she had inspections to conduct around the keep. She anticipated being busy for the better part of the day as she conducted a visual inspection of facilities and man power. She wanted to know what they had and what they were in need of if matters came down to a siege. She sighed heavily knowing that it was simply an eventuality at this point. The queen would come for the mages and she would come through Heartlund to get them.

As the group made there way up the hall to the mess a runner was sprinting down the hall towards them. The man was surprisingly un-winded bringing himself to his full height saluting Rose. She nodded her head responding with her own. "Six rider's bearing solomnic flags passed through the gates m'lady." He smiled slightly "It appears reinforcements have arrived."

Rose nodded her head and smiled "Best news we've had in days... I will be there to greet them shortly." The man nodded and bowed before dashing off presumably to tell their guests she would be there soon.

Rose made a side trip to her office to grab a couple of her formal belongings such as her rank insignia and blade before she headed to the main gates meeting Trystan and Sir Ordin as the entered the doors. Rose put on her best smile nodding first to Trystan and then to Sir Ordin. "Welcome to Heartlund..."

Saul, , awoke just before sunrise, as usual, spent an hour of meditaion and then another hour of excersises, before steping out into the early morning. Crossing the courtyard, he climbed the stone steps to the ramparts. There he gazed out over the plain watching the advance of a long line of soldiers, taking the spyglass from his coat and assembling it, Saul looked out and saw the Solomnic banners as the fluttered in the morning wind. A slight smile crossed Sauls face briefly as he saw the reinforcements approach.

He the walked along the parapet tp gaze out over the towers, that stood threateningly and his face turned dark and solem. There he stood for several minuites deep in thought.

Sir Ordin turned to Trystan as Commander Rose welcomed them to Heartlund and spoke, “I thank you for the escort Sir Knight, if it be your Commanders wish you may stay.” He turned and looked at Rose who nodded and he smiled with a charismatic charm, “Very well.”

Sir Ordin stepped forward and smiled at Commander Rose. He was approximately 55 – 60 years of age by her calculations and in his light armor she could tell that he was as hard as a rock from head to toe. He bore the insignia of Lord of the Rose on his lapel indicating that he was only two ranks from the highest position possible in the order, and it was unpolished and tarnished, indicating that he allowed his deeds in the field to live with him. Though he was older than the average field Commander it was obvious that he could still hold his own against anything that got in his way. His face was kind and honorable, every line seemed placed by the gods as badges of honor for his experience in their service and when he smiled it was infectious.

He noted the insignia on Commander Roses lapel and he nodded with approval as he spoke, “Word had not reached us in the South of your promotion, congratulations. We have never met but word of your leadership and honor has reached us. I also would like to extend my condolences over the events at North Keep, unfortunate that so many had to die. We would have rallied sooner but the Dark One’s troops are swarming all over but once we heard of the rise of the towers, we came as fast as we could. I have an army of 15,000 marching into positions around your Keep. We brought what we could but as it is the end of winter there was little to carry. I hate to burden you with so many more mouths to feed, but I think we would both agree that filling the men’s bellies is part of our duty to the cause.”

He half smiled and looked around Roses office a moment before locking eyes with Larissa. He nodded noting the insignia of service to the Commander and smiled as he turned to look back at Rose, “There is more that I am to tell you. I am a Lord of the Rose, and by our code I can command no more than 10,000 men. Our other Commander, Sir Leslin was killed a month back and with no other high ranking Commander in our region I have done the best I can. I am however requesting that you take command of five thousand of the soldiers that I have brought, and that the rest who arrive over the next few days will also move in under your Command. I do not wish to step outside the boundaries of the Measure, even in these dark times. By my rough calculation there are approximately three more thousand that will arrive as conscripts over the next week.” He stopped and smiled with a ferocious grin, “They will need to rename your keep to Fortress Heartlund I suppose.”

Rose chuckled as they walked as she commented on rumors. "Many are the tales of the valor and honor of the Velvet Hammer." She looked to Sir Ordin for a moment "I try not to pay attention to the rumors that flow across Krynn Sir Ordin. I am a simple commander serving the order to the best of my ability." Her eyes shifted ahead once more as they moved though the halls.

"As to your request I will gladly assume command as needed. Fret not about the extra mouths to feed. Do to unfortunate circumstances we were sitting on a something of a surplus of goods. Things will be a little tight but we will manage as best we can. We shall do what we can wit what the gods have seen to give us." She slowed as they approached the door to her office. Her guards moved ahead taking position to either side before Rose entered the room.

She motioned Sir Ordin to one of the chairs before she walked around to the rear of her desk. She stopped pivoted on her heel and waited for Sir Ordin to seat himself. "You'll pardon me whilest I address a small detail before we begin discussing things."

Her eyes shifted then to Trystan "The matter that you brought to my attention last evening will be handled once the crisis of the towers is over. Right now I am need of every able bodied soldier I can get my hands on and I need people I can trust handling certain details. You know Heartlund better than most so I want you working with the commanders getting the army set up around us properly."

Rose was sitting down at her desk and looked up with a grim look. "Your arrival is fortuitous because I was just informed there is a rather substantial force of troops that has gathered and is now moving towards us. Likely to send a message to our friends in the tower but they will gladly divert themselves to go through us first while en route."

Larrisa was pouring tea for the three knights. She set the glasses down upon the edges of the desk and as she placed Roses she was pulled close to the commander who whispered in her ear. Larrisa took in a sudden breath before nodding her head giving her lady a questioning look before she stepped away bowing before she exited the room with some haste. Rose sat there and smiled noticing the questioning looks. "I sent her to gather one more person for this meeting. I think he will prove to be a most valuable addition to our discussion."

The screech of the falcon, brought Saul out of his trance of thought, and he looke skyward. Tepes circled, stood on one wing and then seemed to fall from the sky just as Saul raised his arm. The falcon flaired his wings and landed gently upon Saul arm. Saul reached in the pocket of his jacket and removed a morsel of dried meat, feeding it to the falco. "Well my friend what have your eyes told you this morning." Saul asked the winged raptor as he turned to walk to the battelment that overlooked the gathering Solomnic force and their brightly colored fluttering banners.

To say the night had been restless for Rayann was an understatement. With everything that had happened and all she could feel pressing towards her and the rest of Krynn, she found rest to be rather elusive let alone the precious escape sleep offered her. Even with Myth’s tender touch and soft words she found only momentary solace from all the things that troubled her heart and mind. So when the first rays of the dawning day began to lighten the night sky, she was up and dressed. As Myth set out for his morning routine on the training grounds for exercise and meditation, Rayann set out on her own.

Dressed in her usual attire of a soft tunic and leggings with her soft boots and her red, velvet robes draped over her form, she opted to wear her hair pulled back from her face at the sides and twisted so it could be pulled back and clasped together at the back of her head with the rose hair pin Myth gifted to her. Her lavender eyes showed her lack of rest but they also showed something within their depths that seemed to be lacking over the last few days; determination.

She slipped out into the cool, Spring, morning air and weaved her way across the grounds of Heartlund to Pela’s quarters. She knocked politely then stepped in without waiting for an invitation. She saw the young girl just waking from slumber and Rayann knew it was because she had wakened her. As Pela blinked looking at Rayann curiously, Rayann walked around her quarters and observed how the girl was living. To say the least, Rayann knew Pela was suffering from the loss of Bad Rock worse than anyone realized. With hands on her hips, she turned to Pela and leveled her eyes on the girls as Pela sat up from her sleeping mat.

”No more wallowing in self pity, Pela. Today we start over. That means you too. Like it or not, you are on your own now and as such, you need to start learning how to take care of yourself and your things. That includes where you live as well.”



Pela blinked and looked around at the disarray her quarters was in and frowned then looked to Rayann and opened her mouth to say something. Rayann quickly cut her off not giving her the opportunity for rebuttal.

”Excuses are reasons for failure. I know things have been difficult for you lately but you haven’t exactly made it easy for yourself either. Get up, get yourself ready to face the day and we’ll start getting your area cleaned up and presentable in case you have guests stopping by.”

Pela blinked again and looked around then grudgingly got up and made her way to her dry sink. After washing her face and changing her clothes behind the dressing screen, she emereged in a clean pair of leggings, short sleeve tunic and boots. She took the brush and brushed her hair out then pulled it back to braid it in a single plait then curled it onto the crown of her head and pinned the mass of hair in place. Turning, she looked at Rayann and nodded.

”Very well. If you insist.”

Rayann did her best to hide the grin that formed on her lips and with a nod she and Pela set out cleaning up Pela’s quarters. Pela needed little instruction and a little more guidance on certain things but overall the girl worked tirelessly in getting her place cleaned up. On occasion Rayann spotted a pair of beady black eyes spying at her from under things and when Rayann questioned Pela about the owner of the eyes, Pela shrugged her shoulders and said it was nothing but a ferret that seemed to take a liking to her and she didn’t have it in her to make it leave. Just to be on the safe side, Rayann cast her detect evil spell and when nothing came back to her, she was satisfied the ferret was nothing more than a furry critter that was looking for a warm place to live.

Pela picked up on the magic Rayann used right away and asked the older woman what she had done. It dawned on Rayann at that moment this was as good a time as any to start teaching Pela how to use more than her affinity to ice magic. Rayann discovered that Pela’s mind was like a sponge. While she knew Bad Rock had done a good job with her in some regards, she found there was a great deal the girl had no knowledge of. She couldn’t blame Bad Rock. He had limited contact with the outside world for obvious reasons and as Rayann worked with Pela she knew this young girls potential could be limitless if she were tutored correctly. Perhaps she and Ceri could teach the girl together. Something Rayann would definitely discuss with her friend.

Rayann was getting ready to show Pela another spell when she heard some commotion outside and opened the door to Pela’s quarters to see what was going on. The first thing she noticed was all the soldiers that were now walking around the grounds of Heartlund. The large numbers alarmed her and she glanced back at Pela.

”We’ll continue later. Come. Let’s see if we can find out what’s happening.”

Pela had walked up behind Rayann and peered over her shoulder to see what was happening and she too noticed the number of soldiers now walking around the grounds. When Rayann looked back at her she was more than ready to go see what was happening.

As the two women left the building, they were greeted with curious glances. And some suspicious glances. In fact, Rayann saw there were more of the latter than the former and she furrowed her brows but ignored them as much as she could. As Pela walked behind Rayann she heard a screech from overhead and looked up to see a bird of prey flying around and coming down close to the wall of the keep. As she followed the bird she saw it light on Saul’s arm and she blinked. Did the man have some sort of connection with animals?

Weaving her way through the armored bodies, Rayann made her way to the stairs to the battlements and climbed them. When she reached the top of the wall she looked out and saw the numbers in mass and gasped.

”By the Gods…”

Squinting her lavender eyes against the bright sun, she looked out at the soldiers as they set up camp then glanced towards the towers then back to the soldiers. There was an ominous sensation about the place and she glanced at the towers once more knowing the mages within were taking some interest in what was happening outside their protective wardings.

Looking at Pela, Rayann clenched her jaw then turned and whisked down the steps once more. Pela had climbed the battlements with Rayann and when she stood next to Rayann she glanced over to see Saul a little ways away with the bird on his arm. Blinking, Pela then glanced at the army then glanced at the towers like Rayann had and she too furrowed her brows. Were these soldiers thinking of attacking the towers? Were they daft? As quickly as Rayann departed the battlements, Pela joined her.

As the two women were making their way towards the main building of the Keep where Rayann knew Commander Rose was housed, she saw Aeolis helping get some of the soldiers situated in the stable. He looked over at her and she could see the worry lines across his forehead as well. Diverting her path to him, she called to him and he approached, glancing over his shoulder before he looked to her.

”Aeolis….please tell me these soldiers aren’t considering attacking the towers.”




Aeolis glanced around then to Rayann and shook his head keeping his voice low.

”I cannot say for certain why they are here, Rayann. They are rather tight lipped about their intentions. I pray it is simply for fortification and not an assault they have come. But as I look into the eyes of these proud men, I see the fire in their eyes to avenge their fallen brethren. I pray someone can talk to these leaders and help them understand the danger they would put themselves in , and all who reside witnin the walls of the Keep along with the citizens they have sworn to protect if they went down that foolish path.”

Rayann glanced around then back to Aeolis and nodded.

”I pray the same thing, my friend. Where is Ceri?”

Aeolis pointed towards the main building.

”She is equally concerned and went to seek out Commander Rose to hopefully get some answers to the questions we all seem to have.”

Rayann nodded then turned and thanked the Elf over her shoulder as she started towards the main building once more. Pela was close on her heels and while the girl had not said one word, Rayann could feel her burning curiosity and feel the trepidation beginning to creep up on the girl. Reaching over at taking her hand gently in her own, Rayann squeezed it tenderly.

”We’ll find out for certain in a few moments, Pela. One way or the other.”

Pela would have normally pulled her hand instantly from another’s touch but not this time. There was something comforting about the touch and she let her hand be held by Rayann’s until they entered the building. At that point Rayann seemed to take on a more professional air about her. Shoulders square, back straight and head held proudly, Pela mimicked her older companion almost exactly. As Rayann turned the corner, she saw the familiar white robes of Ceri and called out to her friend.

”Ceridwyn….”

When she was close enough, Rayann reached her arms out and embraced her dear friend then stepped back at arms length to exchange looks with the Elfess.

”Aeolis said you were on your way to see Commander Rose. Mind if Pela and I join you?”