laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

After several long days of marching through rain soaked forests, they found themselves paralleling a wide river which she determined ran from the Abor Mountains far to the northeast and would lead them to the Bay of Salavat where it emptied. Sloping downward, the forests soon gave way to the wide open plains which rolled gently as green penetrated the thin veil of snow. Warming, they walked southward as the river soon led them to a distant town whose dark rooves peeked above a low hill. As they approached, an armed group on horseback approached as Lericanin, Allaster, Sceva and Arthur rode to meet them. It didn’t take her long to recognize the heraldry of the Order of the Golden Scepter and their allies who had apparently ridden down here to also join in the fight. From a distance, she and Alandria waited for the outcome which they were sure would lead to the eventual bivouac near the already established camp.
Turning, the quartet returned and Lericanin nodded as they passed and went on to the dwarven kings to inform them of their discussion. Sunlight cast a swaying, golden hue to the tall grass around them as the established knights of Arhus also turned and rode back to their men. To the east, another river cut through higher hills which hemmed in the wide valley which stretched for miles to the west. She could also tell their horses would enjoy a run now that they had finally reached their destination as she turned to Alandria.

“You’re going to have to let Soulfire stretch her legs,” a comment that gained the horse’s attention as the silky black head turned and looked back to her.

“I know,” the ranger patted the strong neck. “They’re all going to enjoy that I think.” The thunder of hooves prompted both to spin in their saddles to turn their attention to Justyn as he and Kevin approached.

“Lericanin said to go ahead and lead us into the town,” he informed as he joined them, riding up to Adgertesse’s right. She soon realized why as they spurred their mounts and approached the large encampment full of paladins and templar. Their eyes scrutinized her as the trio guided the large dwarven army into the small fishing community whose cluster of buildings were never meant for a population that it had now received.

“This place is indefensible,” Justyn commented as he studied their surroundings. Low hills protected the northern and southern edges of the small community with another large hill across the river on the southeast where the dwarves now marched and gained access via a ferry. As the rest of their group rode up to join them, she finally realized that there were no locals in sight. Had they locked themselves within their homes?

“Has anyone seen any civilians,” Adgertesse’ inquired.

“No,” Marian replied. “I wonder where they went.” A comment that gained the attention of a trio of knights as they walked by.

“They left when we arrived three days ago,” one answered. “Perhaps part of the Sauqiran pirates which I’m sure didn’t want anything illegal discovered. They sailed south as we approached, probably headed back home.”

Marian nodded as Sceva cleared his throat. “What’s the conditions for lodging?”

“Encamp wherever you wish,” he motioned to the wide open plain beyond them. “I’m expecting more than this to arrive before this starts.”

“Oh? Have you heard word from anyone else?”

“No but, something this important draws many,” he glanced to Tess. “We’ve also heard reports from Salekhard that the orcs are on their way also. Should be arriving in a few days.”

Sceva nodded. “Thanks, friend.”

“No problem.” They eyed to the dark elf as they walked away and she knew the tensions wouldn’t subside until the battle was over. She had gotten used to the attention. They dismounted and walked their horses through the small town to the river and noticed a long dock which had apparently been built for large ships as the width looked broad enough for them to turn, continue north or northeast as she noticed the town of Deristan had been built at the fork where another river joined the one they had followed. As they cleaned up, washed down the horses and drank, Lericanin returned.

“We’ll have to find a place to camp, I guess the houses are all full of knights and the dwarven kings,” he stated forlornly. Adgertesse’ knew that with all the declines of knighthood to a barony and enjoyment of his independence from politics that the large knight of Arhus still wished to be recognized for all that he had done for the people.

“That’s to be expected,” Sir Hanlen commented as he filled his waterskin and capped it. “There’s plenty of land to the north and west.”

Soon, they moved to the north at the foot of a long, low hill which bordered the Jodar River which lay to their east. Adgertesse’ unstrapped the saddle and gear from her horse and carried it over to border a low fence of stone and dropped it as the others used their gear to soon frame out a round area which was centered by a fire. She looked beyond them and took in the surrounding openess as a gentle breeze tossed her long white hair. Nervous adrenaline pumped with the thought that this would be the place where it would all come to a head. Finally.