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

As the evening sun dipped low on the horizon, Adgertesse’ sat and watched as Lericanin, Lita and Marian prepared dinner. Having to now fish for something to eat, their options for meals remained narrow as the land had to provide what little was available. As the others cleaned their gear, sharpened weapons and rested, a cool chll ran down her spine and she turned to the northwest to notice a long mounted unit that approached from the north. In the forefront, nearly shrouded in a greenish cloak, the high elf proudly sported her compound bow and sword. Her attention gained everyone’s eyes as the group turned to notice the knights of Kevelaer who stopped as their captain continued on to the center of town to report in. Things had been bad enough with the paladins in Deristan, now she had to endure her vowed enemies without the commanding presence of their queen for protection.
While they ate, she kept her attention to the elven army as they awaited further instructions unti she heard the quiet clopping of a horse approach. Quickly, she concentrated and her white hair turned dark brown, her skin to a lighter tan as well as her orange eyes which melted into a blue as the elven noble walked up to the edge of their campsite which prompted most to stand.

“I apologize for interrupting but, I wished to extend my queen’s wishes for your safety.”

“Thank you, milady,” Lericanin smiled. “Glad that Kevelaer has arrived actually. Any news?”

“Salekhard has emptied and will be here in two days,” she grinned. “Probaby heard that we were here.” Her green eyes scanned the group and locked with Adgertesse’s disguised gaze and nodded. “The best of luck to you in the coming engagement,” she turned her attention to the rest of the group, then led her horse back towards her unit.

“You as well, madam,” Lericanin returned as they sat back down to finish their dinner. “Sure am glad they’re here.”

“Me too,” Allaster added. A sentiment that Tess halfheartedly nodded to as she watched the elves move to the hill to their north and claim it for their own. Now not more than seventy yards from them, she would have to be on her guard.

That night, she curled up underneath her blanket, sword and hammer at her side, and fell into a deep sleep.

Darkness swirled as she stood, awaiting whatever was hidden beyond sight as goosebumps rose along her arms and back. Defensively, she waited for the faintest sign of her enemy as they neared from which seemed like all directions at once.

Suddenly, her hand grabbed her sword and rose it to the throat of a nearly invisible elf who leaned over her, his brown eyes the only visible part of him as the cloak blended into the background. Unflinching, he studied her then turned and moved away as she sat up and mentally kept track of their intruder. Sceva quickly walked to her side as she gripped her sword which lay across her lap and calmed her breathing.

“You okay,” he asked concernedly as he crouched beside her.

Nodding, she turned her attention to the marshal. “Fine.”

“What happened?”

“He wanted to see if the rumors were true.”

Sceva glanced into the darkness beyond their campfire’s light, then back to her. “Who?”

“The elves.”

“They going to be a problem for you?”

She smiled. “If they wished my death, I’d be dead now.”

“Doesn’t claim much for my ability to keep you safe on my watch, does it?”

Tess patted him on the shoulder. “Not your fault but, thanks anyway.” She knew they could assemble a firing squad from the hill they slept on and kill her from there and there would be nothing anyone could do to stop it. Nervous adrenaline pumping, she remained awake until sunrise.