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

The warmth of the living room invited Kailee to a nap as the others ate their supper in the great halls and dining rooms within the city to the victorious. She felt this moment was theirs and allowed them to enjoy it. Laid out along the plush couch, she listened to the silent cracking and popping from the hearth, it's light the only enjoyed in the room as Tess sat curled into a large chair nearby. They hadn't had this kind of opportunity since arriving nearly a year ago.

Soon, the door opened from the throneroom and Kailee noticed Eliane's signature labored breathing and beating heart as the oracle closed the door and approached.

"Madam, I have some news for you that you requested." A greeting that prompted her to sit up while Tess straightened also. "Zariva was taken by the enemy ten days ago. They also have Newcastle and Kecel as well as several towns on the eastern border. I couldn't tell if your friends were safe or not. I'm sorry."

News that caught Kailee flat footed. "Alright," she replied quietly. "I'll see what more I can find out, thank you."

"Yes, ma'am. I'm sure they're fine if they're as resourceful as his father was."

She nodded. "No doubts there." Knowing how Michael was raised, she had no fears that he was alive or that he would do all he could to keep the rest of the family there safe. Although, he was Lericanin's son which meant he would be as deep into the fighting as his nobles would let him. A fact that didn't sit well.

"Was there anything else that you needed?"

"No, thank you. That was my primary concern."

She smiled, bowed and exited the room as Kailee sighed. "I guess we're not done yet after all."

"Joining the Beastmen and Kevelaer is one thing, getting humans to accept our help is going to be another matter altogether. You know that, right?"

Kailee nodded. "I also can't allow their children or grandchildren to be harmed either."

Adgertesse's lips pursed nervously, agreeing wholeheartedly. "Very true. So?"

"We find out what is going on and decide from there. That means leaving here."

Orange eyes turned towards the door, knowing the duke's ears were quite attuned to this room as Kailee also knew she would have a hard time selling this idea to her personal bodyguard. Motioning with her head, she led Tess into her room and closed the door. They dressed in plain traveling clothes and soon gated to Purbeck's outskirts.
Being dark, the small farming community was tense from recent conflict. Kailee could feel the inhabitant's emotional state from the forest that lined the northern part of the highway that led towards Lanelli. Reaching out, she sifted through the minds within the town and soon found Michael. He was organizing an assault to retake Zariva with several of his barons and others who had come to join him.

'Michael, it's Kailee. Tess and I are outside the town to the north. I just wanted to ensure you and your families are okay.'

'Aunt Kailee,' he thought, surprised. 'Breeanna will be glad to see you also. Give me a few moments to finalize something and I'll ride out to meet you.'

'No. We just wanted to make sure you and everyone were safe. We can't stay long but, I wanted to offer my help if you need it.'

'I wish I could see you, but everyone's fine. They've been here for several weeks now. As far as help, I'm not sure it's needed right now but, I'll definitely keep you in mind. Stay in touch.'

'I will. I love you and let everyone else know I miss them.'

'I love you too, stay safe. And I will.'

She let the link remain for a moment, then dropped it as the presence of nearby paladin from the Order of the Golden Scepter alerted her to the fact that they were now detected. "We have to go." Soon, they were within the master bedroom again and Kailee turned to notice the angry look from her captain. "Otnel, hello."

"Your Highness has great ability but, my job is to ensure your safety and I can't do that if milady insists on sneaking out on her own."

Smiling, she tried to find a way out of this but, realized nothing she said would help. "You're right. We just checked in quickly to a friend and his family. Having all of us there would've gained more attention than we needed, sorry."

His concern undiminished, he bowed, turned and left them alone as his guards followed to the throneroom. As they removed their boots, Eliane entered the doorway.

"The queen of Kevelaer wished me to inform you that her dragonriders destroyed many of the Sauqiran ships not a few days ago. What remained headed south so, whatever reinforcements or supplies they were bringing are at the bottom of the Straits now."

"Fantastic," Kailee smiled. "Hopefully this war will be over sooner than I thought."

"Perhaps."