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

Candlelight burned from many points in the large, well appointed room as Kailee rested her eyes. It had been two days since Allaster and Lina's funeral and she had just wanted some peace once returning, but she was beginning to learn that the life of a monarch was never quiet for long. Soon the shuffling feet of Eliane entered the room from the far right and approached.

"My lady, I've been given insights to an invasion to the south of Lamar." A revelation that prompted the queen to open her eyes and sit up.

"Who?"

"I'm not totally sure, but their heraldry and appearance seem to be those of the far eastern kingdoms. They're nearing the southeastern town of Rhyl as we speak."

Kailee nodded. "We have to help Lamar then."

Eliane's already creased face became even more pronounced. "Why?"

"This is our opportunity to gain their trust. I have to pen a letter," Kailee announced as she rose and headed to her lavish desk and sat down. As she removed a sheet of parchment from the top right drawer, she took the quill and dipped it as her oracle stepped closer.

"My lady is aware that Wroclaw and the Beastmen have been fighting for many decades as well? I'm not sure how this correspondence will be received."

"Friends of mine fought alongside them at the battle of Donovan against the legions of Sater."

Eliane nodded, "Correct. I forgot that." She turned and headed back towards the throneroom. "I'll notify your council and have the Count prepare the men."

"Thank you, Eliane."

Turning, the elderly sage bowed stiffly, then exited the room as Kailee went back to her letter. Sometimes things happened for a good reason, hopefully this was one of those times.

* * *

Once the messenger's horse thundered from the front gate, Kailee joined Count Gamardin and her advisors in the throneroom.

"Your Highness is certain of her course of action," the statesman queried. His tall, strong frame displayed within elegantly adorned coat and pants. A large, gold clasp attached a maroon cloak over his left shoulder as he leaned on the large table. "Much progress has been acquired with Kevelaer, but they are at least distant cousins. The Beastmen of Lamar share no such consanguinity."

"I understand your reluctance, sir. But, these people are under attack and unless we help them now, these people will command our southern border. I'd rather fight them on foreign soil than our own. This action could also entrust Lamar to Wroclaw in friendship. They admire their forefathers for their military prowess, how much more the Masters of the Wind to their rescue?" Golden eyes scanned the other four lords and ladies who contemplated the implications of this move, then turned to eye the Count in turn for his final approval.

Gamardin grinned as he straightened. "We've been given a little time to train the newest recruits, perhaps they're ready for their first action."

"There will be great risk," Eliane began. "These foreigners don't engage combat the same way as we're used to. They're trusting to fast maneuver on their horses and their archers can fire extremely fast."

"We've engaged the Kevelaerian outriders for millennia, madam. No human can outfight an elf. Of any race."

A comment that gained Kailee's interest as the dark elf had never been complimentary of their western neighbors. "It would be good to not underestimate our enemy though," she mentioned as she eyed the older female. "Any evidence of high level mages in their ranks?"

Eliane shook her head. "No madam. Only healers."

"Alright." She glanced to the staff seated around the table. "Are you all in agreement to help Lamar?"

In turn, they each nodded as her eyes reached the count. "I think these days have already honored our ancestors, why not add more pages to those accolades." He bowed, spun on his heel and headed out through the large double doors and to the assembling army.