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Once deep into the forest, beyond quiet farms and private homes, Adgertesse' stopped and turned to make sure no one was on their trail as Brittany halted beside her. Listening to the owls screech in the distance, crickets and other life, she never felt as liberated as she did now. Turning to her companion, Tess wrapped the vampire in her arms, hugging her tightly.

"I'm happy we're free also," Brittany returned the joyful celebration.

Tears of relief streamed down Tess' face. "Next time I tell you to keep from starving," she backed. "You do it. I was only thinking of you."

"I know. But, it's not that easy, especially when friend's are involved."

Adgertesse' nodded. "I know."

"No, you don't know," the vampire chuckled lightly. "We all vowed to never harm a friend or take from someone we care about, no matter what. I can't betray their trust and I won't."

Releasing her arms, Adgertesse' wiped her cheeks. "I think they would understand. Do you think that Idanac is feeding them regularly?"

Sighing, Brittany's gaze lowered as she turned away.

"Sorry. I didn't mean..."

"It's okay. We both fear the same things," she began, returning her gaze. "I know there's a possibility that they could die. That I'll never see them again. But, that's the danger with life in these times anyway, you understand that. I don't have to remind you of what you and Kailee have been through together. I'm just tired of all the things that He's putting us through, that's all."

"Aren't we all." Sighing, she hoped the group arrived soon, she wanted to try and make up the time they had lost, somehow. "Problem is, according to the prophecy that we were given, the one who can rid us of this problem is now in the hands of the enemy."

"For now."

Smiling, Tess enjoyed having one of like spirit around. Soon, they heard the thunder of hooves and she mentally touched the minds to notice their friends arriving. Stepping out into the small clearing, they waited as their horses stopped. Dismounting, Allaster, Lericanin, Selyria, Sceva and Marian joined the awaiting duo as the rest of their friends began to set camp.

"How are you two feeling," Allaster inquired.

"Fine," Tess informed. "We have to get moving tonight," she stated, noticing the dawn breaking in the east, then turned to Brittany.

"I'll be fine, see you later."

"Okay."

Turning back to the group. "Don't count on Bernard any longer for help."

"What are you talking about," Lericanin asked.

"He's told me that his mission with us is complete. Now that Kailee has denied her destiny, he can't help us any more. We're on our own from here on out. I told him to go to Nurmes, that we didn't need him anyway," she stated, feeling her anger well again.

"Hmm," Allaster commented. "I was told that questions to our problems would be answered in Fletcher's Point so, we rode up here to instead find you. I'm glad that you're still alive but, I'm not sure what was missed that will help us find Kailee."

"She's being held by a demon named Idanac in the Shadow Range. Brittany and I were on our way to rescue her when we were captured by the lich."

The revelation hit the group hard as they eyed her quietly.

"Then we'll prepare," Lericanin stated.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Adgertesse' began. "Brittany and I have talents that allow us to get into places unseen." She allowed the point to settle in.

"Perhaps we could skirt the borders of their territory, be a diversion to allow you to a way in," Allaster suggested. "Hopefully, their efforts will be to fight us taking some of the pressure off of you while you get in to his fortress."

Tess nodded. "Okay. Like I said, we'll leave tonight."

"Once that's done, we still need to get more star iron to create that sword. We can meet you on the road west towards Jarna."

"I'll contact you once we get them out."

"We'll be waiting."

As they rested from their long journey, Adgertesse' chose a spot in the thick grass as she unrolled her blanket and laid down to notice Lericanin eye her. "What's on your mind?"

"I don't like this plan. You're going to need our help in there and you're not the only one that cares about her."

"I know," Tess smiled as she placed her backpack at the head of her makeshift cot. "But, three knights of Arhus and two of Elminoir are beacons that this mission doesn't need. If He's watching you, then this whole venture could turn into a trap that would rid him of his thorn once and for all. Kailee and all of you deserve better than that."

Sighing, the large knight eyed her for a long moment. "We win either way and if it takes my life to free hers, then so be it."

"Lericanin, being a diversion in this mission is just as important to our safety as being beside us. He has a large army and the more you can pull from our path, the better." She watched him as thoughts ran through his mind, eyeing the ground between them and finally rise to claim his own spot to rest. Laying back, she enjoyed the cool breeze tinged by a hint of salt from the Valga which lay not a mile north of them. Soon, sleep took her into it's embrace.

As late afternoon waned, her eyes awoke to the warm day as sunlight poured through the thin veil of clouds overhead. Stirring in their camp prompted her to turn over and notice that most of the group probably never went to sleep as Lericanin and Marian occupied the cookpot suspended over a blazing fire while Allaster tended to the horses. She watched quietly as they performed their normal duties and smiled knowing that some things never changed. Sceva's light snoring accompanied periodic huffing from their mounts as they shaked their long manes and she realized she had no idea where Starfire was. During their entire flight from the cave to Laksay, she had completely forgotten the black steed altogether. Hopefully it was safe. Soon, she sat up and stretched.

"About time," Lericanin greeted in his usual way.

"Yeah, yeah," Tess smiled then rolled up her blanket, then tied it underneath her backpack then carried the leather sack to a neighboring tree near the fire.

"How'd you sleep," Marian inquired.

"Alright," she nodded. "You?'

"Fair. You'd think I'd be used to sleeping at odd hours but, sometimes it doesn't work that way." Hazel brown eyes turned to soak in their surroundings. "Hard to miss such a beautiful day anyway. Amazing how often we forget to enjoy the beauty that the Lady has blessed us with."

Adgertesse' admired the marshal's peace with the world and wished she could feel that, accepting instead to picture it through Marian's eyes and smile.

Lericanin grinned, glancing to her slumbering husband. "Too bad you haven't rubbed off on him."

Marian grinned, following their eyes. "He's earned this rest, as have all of you." Tess noticed the serious gaze to the knight of Arhus. "How are you feeling by the way?"

"I'll be fine. Just a little upset stomach, that's all."

"I'm sure it couldn't be from all the stress you've been under these past few years," Adgertesse' joined in.

Shaking his head, he intently continued stirring. "We've all endured the same things and have come out fine. This is the life I was given and I have no regrets."

"Sometimes mental stress effects the body. I'm going to keep on you and Allaster until this goes away," Marian promised.

"I'll be fine."

Tess knew arguing with the hard-headed man was pointless. "How long until dinner time? I'm starving."

"Soon."

As darkness fell, Brittany emerged from the forest and Adgertesse' was more than ready to get underway. She had enjoyed the visit with her friends but, was eager to get moving. Moving to her pack, she lifted it and shouldered her gear as the group, all awake now joined them.

"You two be careful," Allaster began as he hugged Tess, then Brittany. "We'll see you soon."

"Alright. You too." She then made her rounds to all of them, even the newest addition as Af'Ring stood by quietly. Adrenaline began to rise knowing this could be the last time they meet but, tried to push those thoughts from her mind as she rejoined the awaiting vampire. "We'll be off, good luck."

"Arhus go with you," Allaster and Lericanin bid out of habit.

Adgertesse' smiled as the duo turned to head west. "You too." Soon, they were speeding through the forest towards the Black Mountains.