Warmer air in the evening informed the attackers that Onebro would soon be waning as the sun colored the high, thin clouds vibrant oranges and reds amidst a golden backdrop that slowly turned purple as her golden eyes arced upward, then down towards the rising smoke from Rhyl. Fighting for the past three weeks had been fierce while no one came to the defender's aid - at least not passed the dark elven pickets. Count Gamardin stood to her left and watched as the Beastmen streamed over the stone merlons and into their home. Finally.
"They certainly have an odd sense of nobility."
"What do you mean," Kailee queried.
"We've saved their army more than once and aren't allowed to share in this moment of victory. I just don't understand that."
"Would you want them possibly taking the enemy commander's head before you reached him yourself," she asked, knowing the answer before turning to him.
He smiled and remained silent. As they watched, she heard the thunder of hooves approach and turned to notice one of the king's messengers rein in his chestnut colored steed. "His Highness says that a group of the enemy's cavalry escaped southeast along the coastline and asks that you pursue them while we take the city."
She nodded, "Tell him it's done".
The younger warrior nodded, spun his horse and spurred it back across the open field.
"We have a mission, it looks like," she glanced to the count who then motioned to his own messenger.
"Send Duke Alcuin to assist the eastern unit and we'll be along shortly."
"Sir," the dutiful bow and the dark elf disappeared into thin air as he teleported to the noble's last known position. Having mages in an army became a great advantage sometimes. Quietly the wind tossled the nearby thatch as the distant battle raged within the town and she wondered what the king's next move would be. Would he continue to Stolac and should she accompany him?
"Alright," Gamardin interrupted as he turned to her after receiving his mental update. "The escaping unit is riding hard east along the coast."
"How many?"
"They number it somewhere around fifty, not large at all but, the heraldry on their tabards indicates someone of import," he grinned.
"Looks like you get your moment after all," she watched as he yelled orders to the men at the camp to assemble and then hand picked a group to accompany him. Soon, they turned to her as he approached.
"I'll keep you apprised of the progress and let you know once we have him."
Kailee nodded. "Good luck." They vanished and she knew these fleeing enemy soldiers wouldn't get much farther now and almost felt sorry for them as she turned her attention to Rhyl.
* * *
In the company of Prasutagus and his men within the town, now littered with bodies and the refuse of war, she had to contain herself as the scent of fresh blood filled the air. That desire had been muted for some time though, or so she thought until walking into the narrow streets.
"Congratulations on your victory," she smiled as he stepped down off of his golden chariot, armor and beard splattered with blood from those that fell at his hand.
"May our father's be honored this day. Rhyl is again ours," he yelled as his men cheered to the point of roaring. She wondered if Jilahd had ever taken part in something this grand as the thought of the large prince that she had only met once came to mind. Gamardin had only reported a few caught during their pursuit and also stated that their enemy had some control of magic as well.
Once she finally got a moment to talk to the elated king, she neared him as he cleaned off. "Those that escaped are still running and have some command of spells, it seems. I was going to join my general in the pursuit and make sure we catch them."
"We'll be on to Stolac anyway, you can come with us. Tonight, we celebrate," he smiled broadly and walked into the great hall and left her standing there with Tess and her men.
Mentally, she contacted the count. 'Do what you can, he wants us to travel towards Stolac with him.'
'As you wish but, we can end this when they encamp. Their energy is waning.'
She sighed, knowing an advantage would be lost if they didn't act but, she also didn't want to offend her new ally either. If it truly was the captain of the invading army, his capture would boost her own men's morale but, may insult the Beastmen who still didn't see the dark elves as full brother's yet. 'Just keep them in sight,' she acquiesced. 'We'll be along soon.'
'I understand.' Kailee could sense the count's frustration and understood perfectly.