Ch 18: Lay of the Land

Kali listened and responded as Rayann finished with her question. "I am not convincing myself of anything mother, and to tell the truth more than anything I am protecting you from using them. Leaving them here puts you and the entire Glen in jeopardy, if they are in my tower this place no longer becomes a strategic target."

When her mother said she would not fight her Kali nodded softly, figuring as much. As her mother spoke of the truth being revealed she simply looked at her. Her mother finished talking and turned, in what Kali considered a rather passive-aggressive manner and left the room. In the time it took to take only a step outside the door Rayann would feel a tremendous pull on the magical field and realize through the scent of burnt ozone and smoking reagents that the books were gone and had been transferred to Kali's personal tower. She would however still feel Kali's presence, but her daughter remained in the top most tower room. Kali barely whispered under her breath as she turned and looked at the portrait of the four family members of the Glen looking out over the room, "You are right about one thing mother, the revelation of the truth is inevitable."

Larrisa had followed Walter and his escort from the room but as was her way she kept her distance. She grimaced listening to Rose's words as she left knowing the commander would regret her choice of wording later. It was of little concern to her at the moment though as she followed to ensure Walter's arrival to the prison. She slipped out ahead of the grou and moved towards the end of the the right end hall and waited. When the group slopped outside and Trystan ordered the escort away Larrisa could not help but lift an eyebrow in curiosity. Walter may be shackled but he was still taking a risk that most men would not. The two guards headed in the opposite direction of her and she could see Trystan watching them as if he were waiting. Her brow furrowed as she hid arround the corner from his sight as she saw his head begin to turn her way.

She remained still and silent until the two men began to talk. Larrisa focused in with her superior hearing and the conversation left in shock as she stepped from around the corner. She honestly could not believe she was hearing such a thing coming from Trystan. He had always upheld the knight's codes and was well respected for his sense of duty and honor. Yet as she watched she saw a righteous man commit a dreadful act. She winced as Trystan's sword came out and swung effortlessly cutting down Walter. She simply stood there staring and when Trystan looked her way she met his eyes as he called for aid.

She closed her eyes and shook her head and began to walk towards Trystan. Her eyes never left the man or his blade until she stood before Trystan. They had been in each others presence many times before but this time was the first their eyes had ever really locked. There was something disturbingly familiar abotu the intensity of her gaze and the emerald color of her iris'. A familiarity that registered but knowledge of the source was fleeting and hard to grasp. Her face was a mask of calm that revealed nothing of what she was thinking. She finally broke away her gaze when she heard footsteps approaching. She saw Ceridwyn coming first and everyone else in the group hit on her heels. She could see Rose pushing past politely to get ot the front as guards began to file into the hallway from the other end.



There was the audible sound of tightening leather as Rose balled up her fist reflexively as Ceridwyn spoke to her. She took in a deep breath forcing herself to not respond. She had already spoken out enough in her present state of anger and it would not do their situation any good to continue to do so. The mage was right that she should have had a better control of the situation but the elf was not her and she did not know how chaotic her mind and spirit had been these last few weeks. None of them new the stress she was under but she was not going to blame them for that. Instead she was going to calm herself and she would talk with Ceridwyn about things later.

Rose was shifting her attention to Rayann when Walter's cry rang out drawing all their attention. Trystan's call for aid was what spurred her into movement as everyone else was heading for the doors to the mess. Rose politely pushed herself past Myth, Ceridwyn and the others and as she passed the elven mage she saw Larrisa and Trystan standing over Walter's lifeless corpse with his throat opened wide. She looked at Trystan and saw him holding his side before she looked at LArrisa. She took in a deep breath walking forward fixing them both with her eyes.

"What in the abyss has happened?"

She looked first at Trystan then to Larrisa and she felt what patience she had regained slipping away as they looked at her in silence.

Larrisa cleared her throat looking at the group behind her lady and then to Rose herself. "Walter had a knife hidden upon his person and tried to attack Sir Trystan. Sir Trystan acted out of self defense and took Si... Walter's life ma'am." Larrisa turned to Trystan enough that her eyes were hidden from Rose and she fixed him with a stare. She did not like telling her lady this falsehood but she was not going to expose Trystan here in the middle of what was left of the knighthood and their guests.

Rose took in a breath looking to Trystan trusting Larrisa's word to be as it always was, truthful. She noted Rayann's sudden departure but kept her focus on the scene before her. She had many questions on her mind and the number of men in the hall was growing. "Someone get this cleaned up..."

She looked at Trystan for a moment and shook her head sighing "You should have disarmed him Trystan... not killed him... I'll want to speak to you in my quarter's later." She said nothing more and moved past Larrisa and Trystan marching her way to the growing group of guards.

"Nothing to see here get back to your duties..."

Trystan looked at Larissa as Rose left, his eyes were already showing the regret in his rash decision and he pulled her aside as the group dispersed. She stared at him with her emerald green eyes and he swallowed hard as he was about to speak, “I uh… thanks for sticking up for me back there. I know you know the real truth, and I will come clean with Commander Rose about it. He was going to get a death sentence either way but…,”

He stopped and squeezed his eyes shut. Moisture formed under the lids and he blinked it away as he inhaled deeply, “I am sorry that you had to lie Larissa, I will see that this I do right by you as well as my honor.”

He looked at her and she was hesitating to speak, but the silence lingered a moment and he simply half smiled and nodded as no more words were exchanged between them.

After visiting the surgeon and getting patched up Trystan went to the Commanders office and the guards immediately stepped aside to let him to the door. He knocked softly and heard his Ladyship’s voice from within, “Come.”

He opened the wide door just enough to enter and Rose looked up, fixing him with a gaze that echoed the one she gave him in the hallway just a few hours earlier. “Sit.”

He moved towards her desk as she looked down and finished working on the parchments before her and then rolled them up and set them aside. She was just about to speak when Trystan interrupted her, much to the her surprise by the raising of her eyebrow.

“Commander, I have always lived my life by the honor and the code of the Knighthood. I have witnessed my fellow Knights doing acts of dishonor and called them out when necessary, I have led the troopers that you have placed under my command to the best of my ability and with all the training and entrustment you have given me. However today my Lady, I have failed you much to my own dishonor.”

He paused and inhaled deeply before continuing, “I waited until I was alone with Sir Walter, I faked the injury using the knife that he did indeed have hidden in his boot, and I murdered him. The worst is I took great delight in it. After what he did to Lady Kellan, how he dishonored even her death, how he has done everything to disgrace and disrepute our guests, how he has created immense and most likely irreparable damage among the ranks as he bullied and harassed his fellows to insubordination under your command, and most importantly how he left you for dead on the battlefield… enough was enough.”

He paused again and blinked his eyes as tears began to form once again. He squeezed his eyelids shut and forced himself to stop crying. He looked up at her and spoke, “I am making this confession to you, because I still believe in the code of the Knighthood, and I still believe in protecting the weak, the innocent and the needy. I still believe in the code of the Knights, and I would prefer that you hear it from me rather than it come out over time. Larissa was around the corner with the other guards when I committed this act against Walter, from her point of view her statement was true in the hallway outside the Mess. With all this said, I submit myself under your authority to judgment for my actions, at minimum I will face your response with a clear conscience rather than being drug to my fate in manacles.”

How much more? How much more can they all take? Wasn’t it enough that they were pulled apart and set adrift from one another? Wasn’t it enough for a mother to watch her daughter walk away from her of her own free will? Wasn’t it enough to see her best friend reduced to tears as she finally gave way to the emotions that tore at her? Wasn’t it enough her husband was forced to walk a very thin line between honor for his people and his desire to let his wrath lose upon those deserving of it? Wasn’t it enough a young girl lost the only being that had ever been a family to her? Wasn’t it enough a noble band of Knights had been reduced to barely enough of a force to defend the Keep and citizens they had taken a vow to protect? Wasn’t it enough she had to send her infant son away to insure he had half a chance of surviving to live a long life?

No.

The answer was as plain to her as the nose on her face.

As Rayann stood there looking out over the peaceful lands of Glen Durel, she could hear her Goddess’ words still ringing in her ears. It wasn’t what Rayann WANTED to hear but it was what she HAD to hear. And for the first time in her life, she had placed all of her trust in the words of a celestial being when she was told not to try and protect the books her daughter would come for.

Why? She asked. Because it is all in the course of things to come, she had been told. But what things were to come? It will all be revealed in time, Rayann, she was told. And when will that time come? When it is time, she was told.

Things looked very dire from where Rayann stood right now. Her daughter was now in the presence of the powerful beings that had erected strange towers and the guardians of the towers had decimated a large force of Knights. The towers themselves were unnatural yet there they stood. The mages in the towers were unlike anything she’d felt before yet there they were. Where were those checks and balances the Gods put in place over mortals long ago? How were these beings and now her daughter able to gather so much power and use it yet still live? Any other mage or magic user would have been reduced to nothing but a shell of a being.

How was that fair?

It didn’t have to be fair. And why not? She still had yet to receive an answer to that question and she doubted she ever would. Rayann sighed heavily and glanced at the ceiling knowing Kali was still in the room at the top of the Tower of Glen Durel. Would she ever be able to hold hr daughter again? Tell her she loved her? Tell her that no matter what she would always be her daughter and her love for her daughter could never die? Even if it meant she would have to kill her own daughter or her daughter would kill her?

She wanted so desperately to call out to Kali and vent her frustration and anger at her but she swallowed that urge down and turned to look out over the rolling grass of Glen Durel once more. Things were forever changed yet they were no different than when they first came here. They were still so close yet still so far away from each other.

How does one build a bridge between a chasm so wide the other side can’t be seen?

Rayann had yet to receive the answer to that question as well. Even though she could see it just beyond her reach, it still evaded her everywhere she turned.

Kali turned and looked down at the floor. The bond with her mother was still very strong and she could feel the struggle going on in her mother’s mind. She inhaled deeply and then looked up at the empty shelves. Turning, her robes fluttered in a twisting trail of smoke and she disappeared from sight and appeared in her tower once again. She looked at the books now lined along her shelves and she smiled softly. She walked along and traced her finger lovingly along the spines of the vast amounts of knowledge.



She felt Fifth’s presence behind her and she turned slowly to gaze upon his silver orbs. He smiled a twisted grin and spoke, “Very wise to take away the knowledge that was so dear to them Kali. Neither Piramay or myself thought that far ahead, of course you do have an advantage in that arena, it was after all your former home.”

Kali nodded and looked at the books before looking back at Fifth, “It matters not, nothing within these volumes can stop us, the magic within them is obsolete and out dated. The magic of the divine is the past, the magic of the three towers is the future.”

Fifth smiled and nodded as he walked up and looked at the vast libraries of books, “Indeed you are right. Your acclimatization to the magic of the towers has happened quickly, as well as your knowledge of what this means.” He turned and looked at her, “I am pleased to see this.”

He walked over to her and stared into her eyes, “Piramay does not trust you like I do, of course this is natural, you barely know her and I watched you grow from infancy.”

Kali looked at him with a slight furrowing of her eyebrows, “And you had a hand in my shaping as well.”

Fifth chuckled softly and nodded, “Yes, that I did. Do not let the actions of my own youth cloud your thinking, everything I did was done by order of Her Dark Majesty, you were to be forged into a weapon and I only did what I had to do in order to keep her trust, as well as do my job. Your Uncle of course wanted to take the softer road, you are after all his niece.”

Kali quirked a brow, “You speak of him as if he still lives.”

Fifth only smiled and turned to walk towards the balcony. Kali reached and felt a jolt as she touched his robes. Withdrawing her hand and rubbing it as if to move the pain from her skin she spoke, “Is Rorie… alive?”

Fifth turned and looked at her with a sinister sneer, “Not as such Kali. Of course he died at Glen Durel, the spell Ceridwyn hit him with would have incinerated a young dragon, no, he is quite dead I assure you… at least, in the sense that you knew him.”

She looked at him and furrowed her brows, “Stop playing with me, what do you mean!?”

Fifth walked to her again and reached out touching her shoulders gently, “Tahkisis is the ruler of the Abyss, you do not really believe that she would allow him to truly die after failing her so immeasurably do you?”

Kali looked at him with confusion and curiosity. He patted her shoulder and spoke, “Death is not necessarily the end, not if Her Dark Majesty wishes that you remain under the torture of her own punishment. Death is a release from suffering, she can insure that you don’t feel release for a very, VERY long time.”

Kali inhaled deeply and spoke, “So he lives, but in the Abyss?”

Fifth turned and looked out across the landscape, “It matters little, but to answer your question, yes. He can’t return to Krynn, not unless the Dark Queen allows him to, which she won’t. No one holds a grudge like she.” He turned and smiled, “Of course I am sure you know about that.”

Kali shook her head and spoke, “No, I don’t. The Dark Queen has never caught up with me.”

Fifth’s smile twisted into a sneer and he whispered, “Not yet.”

She furrowed her brows and looked at him as he continued, “It matters not, the power you now possess is far beyond anything her armies can throw at you. They wouldn’t even penetrate the warding if we concentrated enough on it. The elementals would move forth from the sphere and tear them to shreds, we pull them from Krynn’s very core, their numbers are limitless.”

Kali nodded softly and looked out over the lava beds at the molten rock laying in a kinetic state of ready. She recalled the battle, the way they seemed to just materialize and come out of nowhere. Her eyes drifted across the plains to the South where the army of reinforcements was only half a days march from Heartlund. She spoke to Fifth as she gazed over the horizon, “And what of them coming?” Fifth walked up beside her and looked in the same direction, “It matters not, from the opposite comes a force ten times their numbers, the Solamic Knights will become a thing of the past, and we won’t have to lift a finger. Then the force will throw themselves on the wardings of this tower and we will drive them back, Tahkisis will have no option but to sue for peace and truce, legitimizing our place on Krynn.”

Rose had retired to her office once people had dispersed and Walter's body was taken away to be dealt with. Something nagged at her about the entire situation and she couldn't put her finger on it. There had already been two knights she knew to be loyal to Walter at her door demanding to know what had happened. They were informed that an inquiry would be made but until then she was not discussing the matter. Their response was less than pleasant and it resulted in one being dragged to the stockades and the other knight being placed on outer perimeter patrol duty indefinitely. When she heard a knock at the door she sighed wondering how it would be this time as she bid her visitor enter.

She took a moment to look up and despite her less than pleasant appearance was glad to see Trystan. However questions still plagued her mind and she knew that it showed on her face as he sat down. Finishing her work she was about to speak when Trystan cut her off and spoke. This was surprising considering his usual adherence to the codes of conduct, and because of that she listened and said nothing.

Rose sat in silent shock as Trystan explained what actually happened in the halls. It was taking every ounce of her will to not show any kind of emotion as Trystan finished his tail. All she could do was sit their and stare at the man before her. He was a shining example of what a knight should strive to be in every aspect, and to hear this from him was earth shattering. Rose took in a deep breath as she tried to organize her thoughts and decide what would be best.

When she spoke it was very controlled and quite flat. "Trystan... please sit down."

She waited patiently with clasped hands until he sat down her eyes remained locked on his. She could see the regret deep in his eyes and she also understood what led him to his choices. However she could still not condone what he did to Walter no matter how much the pompous ass deserved it. She sat in silence before speaking in the same controlled tone.

"You leave me in a very tough place Trystan... the act you committed has clear consequences, but at the same time I have to take into account your record of service and your worth as a knight. Your service has been exemplary and your adherence to the codes of the knights flawless in every aspect. Yet you struck down a relatively unarmed man in what some would argue to be cold blood."

She took in a breath shaking her head

"By the abyss Trystan... I would ask you what you were thinking but you've already made that clear enough. It is hard for me to judge you for this when I am not even sure what I would have done in your place."

She sighed sitting back in her seat taking in a deep breath. "I am going to have to put some thought into this Trystan. There are to many conflicting issues to consider for me to pass judgment upon you... I will need to take this night to rest and pray to Paladine for guidance. We will meet again after noon mess to discuss your future. You are dismissed"

He had heard his lady right, she had stated that she was going to pray for guidance. Rose was a well practiced paladin of the god paladine but she was not very open about it. Adherence to her belief's as a paladin mixed well with her duties as a Knight of the Rose. She was considering the issue as both a commander and a paladin. Punishment by the knight's code alone would mean Trystan's death but it conflicted with everything she knew of the man. As a paladin she could not condem a good man to death for one act made at a time of emotional instability.

Rose said nothing more and let Trystan see himself out before she stood from her seat with a heavy sigh. She crossed the room and opened the door which brought her guards to attention. "Come we go to the chapel."

Silently they followed Rose as she walked her mind mulling over the issue before her as she navigated the halls. There was a chill on the evening wind and the scents of the evening wafted by. Soon the doors of the chapel drew closer and she stopped outside looking at the two guards who only nodded their heads and took up post outside the door. They had been with her before to the chapel and knew she was going in to seek guidance from her god. They would see that she was not disturbed.

Rose entered and walked down the center aisle till she approached the dias and altar at the far side. She looked around and sighed as she dropped to her knee. She reached into her tunic moving aside the necklace of her dead love and produced her holy symbol. She took in a breath holding the item in her hand bowing her head in reverence. Her voice was soft and low but echoed in the quiet halls."

"Great paladine... your servant seeks guidance this night seeking your divine wisdom where my own fails. Am I condemn a good and righteous man for an act of passion?"

Outside the guards felt a pressure fill the air minutes after Rose had gone inside. They did not question what it was and never looked inside. They remained vigil ensuring Lady Rose's privacy. It would be late into the evening before she would appear again.

Dawn was just breaking, as Saul crossed the border of Solamnia and rode steadily across the plains. Although he had not seen anything strange or signs of enemy forces, he felt uneasy. The hairs on the back of his neck bristled, as if there were eyes upon him that he could not see. Often he would double back on his track and take an alternative path. Only to circle back a proceed towards his ultimate destination. Tucked beneath the shield in one of his saddle bags was the map, upon which he had chronicled his route to the edge of Estwilde and the Dragaard mountains. As dusk began to fall, Saul could see the walls of Heartlund and the West Gates.

As darkness fell and a bolt of lightning split the sky as the sun slowly set, Saul approached the gates where he stopped thirty feet from the gates, held up his gloved hand and hailed the guard. “Open the gates, it is Saul Larus, I have information for Commander Rose of great importance!”

Saul stood mounted, on the stallion that had borne him faithfully across many leagues, as the horse nodded his head and pawed at the ground.

Trystan listened to his Commander’s words and nodded as she finished. He stood and looked at her, grasping desperately for something to say. He found no words and turned walking to the door. Grabbing the knob he twisted it but then released, letting it catch again. He turned and looked at her. He could see how much she had aged in just the last month and he spoke, “For what it’s worth Commander, no matter what you decide, I still implicitly trust your decision. I understand the law that I have broken, and should you see it fit to garner a punishment against me, I will not ever regret you or hold it against you.”

She looked at him and he could see she was fighting back her emotions. She nodded softly as she always did and Trystan gave her a sharp salute before exiting the room. As he walked past the guards they came to attention and the door closed behind him. He walked along the small receiving room and as he came to the entrance he noted the emerald green eyes of Larissa staring at him from the shadows. He smiled and nodded, letting her know non-verbally that her name was clear in all this, as it should be, she had nothing to do with any of it and she didn’t deserve to have her position with Commander Rose compromised nor her name drug through the mud.

He made his way to his room and was stopped by two men outside. He recognized them immediately as two of Walter’s Lieutenants, “We know there is more to your story than you are letting on Sir Trystan, and by Paladine we will see to it that you are brought to justice.” Trystan looked up at them, his face was as solid as a rock and he spoke, “If Paladine sees fit to answer the prayers of your plee, to see that justice is brought to THAT man, I will resign from the Knighthood.”

He brushed past them and went straight to his quarters, stripping his armor and sat in the chair beside the fireside. He watched the flames a while before picking up his journal, and began to write.

Pela made herself scarce after the confrontation earlier in the day. She couldn’t say she was sad at the news of Walter’s death but she wasn’t happy either. She didn’t think she’d ever be happy again at this rate. What was she supposed to do? She had invitations from both Ceridwyn and Rayann to join them but she was still undecided. Both of them had come to her defense this morning and Pela took that to heart knowing it wasn’t something they tool lightly either.

She wondered the Keep for a while until she found her way to the battlements and sat looking out over the land. She was facing North most of the day but as evening approached, she made her way to the Southern wall. Like she did when she visited the wall, she tucked herself into the small opening used for firing arrows.

As she sat looking at the towers she and Bad Rock had agreed to attack, she felt a sense of longing fill her. She missed him terribly. They had several conversations and he would always make her use her mind to figure out the answer to what ver they were talking about. Or he would teach her that her mind was more powerful than any spell she could have wielded and she had to admit, he was right.

But now, as she sat and felt the chill start to fill the air letting her know darkness would be on the land soon. As she sat there, tucked tightly into place she watched the darkening sky and saw the bikt of lighting suddenly illuminate the sky, she caught sight of a little furry figure skittering along the wall and heard a soft chittering noise coming from the thing. Before she could investigate further, she heard the guards call out there was someone approaching.

Curious, she slipped from her hiding spot and walked closer to the gate and as the rider stopped, she heard he voice of Saul call out. She was glad he made it back in one piece and she had to admit she was curious as to what news he had for the commander. Slipping quietly down the steps of the battlements, she stood near the gate and waited for it to be opened. Just as Saul and horse made it through, she was stepping out of the shadows when she felt something skittering up leg.

Squealing, she jumped out in front of Sauls horse causing the poor thing to stop suddenly and snort looking around with wild eyes.

”Get off me your crazed creature!”

The crazed creature, that was a ferret, jumped off the screeching woman and skittered under a block to hide and observe with beady black eyes. Pela suddenly realized the guards that had gathered and Saul looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. Swallowing hard, she slowly stood up straight and looked around letting her eyes raise to Saul last.

”You…..you said you have news…..for the Commander….urgent….news?”






As Kali’s presence left Glen Durel, Rayann closed her eyes and bowed her head. She wanted to break down. She wanted to scream. She wanted to hit something. She wanted to just find a place to go away to and never return to face the reality of her life right now. But she could do none of that now. There was still too much to do and she had to collect herself and get back to Heartlund.

Before she left, she walked through Glen Durel. It was so quiet without anyone there. As she walked to each room, she stepped inside and let her memories fill her. The home she’d grown up in with Rorie had become a haven for her own family. Something she longed to return to but knew that wasn’t to be the case now.

She stopped by Kali’s room and walked in sitting on the bed. Her hand lovingly caressed the soft coverlet and she took a deep breath letting Kali’s scent that still lingered fill her. She missed Kali desperately but knew her daughter had chosen her path. While she was sad, she knew Kali had to follow her own calling and Rayann prayed her daughter would be strong enough to handle the life set before her now.

That caused Rayann to smile slightly. If anyone was strong enough to handle it, it would be Kali.

She stood up and walked out of Kali’s room then walked to the room she had set up as a nursery for Shaer. Waking to the hand made cradle The Speaker of the Stars sent for his grandson to use, she picked up a soft blanket and brought it to her face and closed her eyes. Inhaling her son’s scent, she held the blanket to her chest for a moment and wondered how her son was doing without her. Like Kali, Shaer was strong but in his own way.

With another sigh, she set the blanket back down in the cradle and turned. Walking out of the room she made her way to the room that was he and Myth’s. She stood in the doorway leaning up against the frame. One day, she promised herself, they would come back here and not leave this room for a whole week. That caused a smile to ease over her features again. She knew her husband wouldn’t argue with her on that.

Seeing the hour grow late, she knew she had to get back to Heartlund. Walking back to the main room of the castle, she looked around the place once more then blinked herself back to Heartlund. The startled Knight that was close by when she appeared jumped slightly and she quickly apologized. Walking through the Keep, she felt Myth’s presence and started heading in his direction. Once again there was much to discuss between them.

The gate opened just wide enough for Saul and the stallion to enter, then closed quickly with a creak and the sound of sliding timbers and metal hasps closing. Just as he and the stallion were inside, Pela appeared and let out a shriek. Saul reined the stallion in as he stepped sideways, and reared up upon his hind legs, coming to an abrupt stop. Saul looked down at Pela and muttered, barely audibley under his breath .."Mani naa lle umien? Anin n'rangwa edanea ..... dolle nae lost?" As he brought the horse under control, he dismounted, rested his sheathed sword on his shoulder, looked again at Pella and said "Jumping in front of a spirited horse can be dangeous, even for a sorceress. ........ Yes, I have urgent news for Commander Rose, Pella, Do you know if she is she in her quarters?" Saul asked as he led his weary stallion towards the stables.

Pela gathered as much dignity as she could and raised her head proudly as she looked at Saul then glanced at the horse.

”Yes…well….when you have some sort of furry, vermin infested creature crawling up your leg, you cannot help what you do or where you do it.”

She glanced around at the guards as they began to break up and start making jokes about the unseen urry vermin ridden creature Pela supposedly had on her leg. She glanced back at Saul and shrugged her shoulders slightly as she started to walk towards the stables with the young man.

”I do not know if she is or not. We could go see if she is.”

As they got to the stables Pela helped Saul with his weary horse. As she watched him closely, she talked to him.

”I never realized horses took so much work. I suppose it should not come as any surprise. They are a lot like people only hairier and they walk around on all fours all the time. So what sort of information have you discovered? You look very tired. Have you had anything to eat? Perhaps you should stop by the mess…..”

She stopped herself then and the look on her face changed. She glanced away then before she looked back at him and changed the subject.

”Are you ready to go see if the Commander is in her quarters now?”

Saul led the stallion to an empty stall, revoved the shield, leaning it against the rail of the stall, then removed his sadlebags, bed roll and finally the saddle and blanket. He finished brushing down the stallion, when Pella said ”I never realized horses took so much work. I suppose it should not come as any surprise....." he walked over, filled a bucket with oats and grain and spread them in the trough of the stallion's stall. Pattying thr horses neck tenderly he said "This noble steed have served me faithfully for several days and across many leagues. What I do for him now, I do not consider work. It is an act of gratitude and affection. Did not Bad Rock provide for your needs as you his? There is little difference, we do for those that are dear and faithful to us." He saw Pella's expression change and when she asked ... ”Are you ready to go see if the Commander is in her quarters now?” .... Saul laid the bucket down outside the stall, walked out and closed the stall gate. Picking up the shield , covered it with a grain sack and his saddle bags he said ....... "Yes Pella, let us go and speak with Commander Rose ...... Then we shall eat."
Saul then started out of the stables and across the courtyard.

Pela listened to how Saul explained the trade off with the horse as he compared it with the way she and Bad Rock had provided for each other. When he made it as simple as that, she completely understood. As he took care of the horse, she watched carefully. When he stated he was finally ready to go see if Rose was in her quarters, she nodded and walked along beside him.

She noticed the shield before he put it in the feed sack. As they walked along the Keep and the chilled night air began to overtake the area, Pela could see their breath starting to steam, the air. She still wore just a short sleeved tunic, trousers and boots. As always, she was more comfortable in the cool air than she was anywhere. She glanced at the feed sack containing the shield then looked at Saul.

”Where did you get that?

As they started making their way into the main part of the Keepl, Pela noticed Rose’s guards standing outside a set of doors. She placed her hand gently on Saul’s arm, she nodded her chin towards the guards then spoke softly to Saul.

”Those are the Commander’s guards. Where ever she goes, they go as well. I believe it is safe t say she is within those doors. Come. We shall talk to her there.”

As they approached, Pela made to go past the guards when they stopped her from making it to the doors. She blinked and glanced at them then looked at Saul before she looked at the guards again.

”The Commander is not taking guests in this room?”

The guards furrowed their brows and the one on the right shook his head.

”It’s the chapel, Pela.”

Pela blinked not understanding what they were meaning then she looked at Saul for some guidance in this matter.

Saul felt the chill of the evening as they walked and their breaths filled the air, about their heads with small clouds of steam. Although he did not particularly enjoy the cold, he at learned to show no sign of discomfort, he had long ago learned to endure the elements of nature under Omninus’ tutelage. He instinctively looked around for some snow to place in his mouth, to chill his breath and hide the puffs of steam; another lesson learned from Omnimus. When Pella asked where he had found the shield, he only said “On my journey back from the north.” Saul was determined to reveal as little information as possible before speaking to Commander Rose. “I would ask you not mention the shield to anyone, until we speak with Commander Rose, and only then only if she thinks it wise. I must admit, I am at a loss as to its significance.” he added.

As they made their way into the keep, several of the knights, glanced at them, then looked quickly away and muttered something under their breath, neither Pella nor Saul could discern. When the approached two guards, standing before an ornately carved wooden door, Pella said “Those are the Commander’s guards. Wherever she goes, they go as well. I believe it is safe to say she is within those doors. Come. We shall talk to her there.” Saul stood silently as Pella spoke with the guards and they replied that the chapel lay beyond the doors. As Pella looked quizzically, at Saul he said softly, “Commander Rose is at evening prayers? ...... We shall await her here outside this Holy place.” Saul then stepped back against the wall, opposite the ornate door, leaned the grain sack against it and slowly lowered himself onto the floor until he was sitting on his heels. He placed his sword on the floor infront of him, slowly brought both his palms together at the center of his chest and stared at the door, a calm serene expression upon his face.

The doors to the chapel groaned in protest as they opened. Stepping out into the cool air of the hall Rose took in a deep breath with closed eyes and sighed. She stood there for several moments before her eyes opened again. She looked to each of her guards a moment before her eyes settled on Saul and Pela standing ahead of her. She managed a pleasant smile as she approached the pair and bowed her head slightly.

"I am glad to see that you have arrived back in Heartlund safely Saul..."

Rose looked around before motioning for Saul and Pela to follow her. "Let us find a more suitable place to talk with less ears hanging about. I am assuming you have something to talk to me about that you feel could not wait until the morning"

Rose was silent as they walked through the halls heading to her quarters. Her guards took up their post to either side as she went inside with Saul and Pela in tow. Rose herself remained quiet for the most part her mind obviously preoccupied with other thoughts. Sitting at her desk she asked them to sit before sitting herself. She smiled slightly and looked at Saul.

"What news do you bring?"

As the doors opened with a groan, Saul rose slowly, slipping his sword into the belt on his coat, placed his right fist to his heart and bowed his head in respect. When Commander Rose finally spoke, Saul raise his head and said quietly and calmly. “I thank you, Commander for you greeting ..... I beg your forgiveness for this intrusion, however, I felt it imperative that I give you a full report upon my return. If you wish to wait until morning I understand, but I feel strongly that this information is of vital importance.” ........ When she stated “Let us find a more suitable place to talk with less ears hanging about.”, Saul bowed his head slightly in agreement, reached down picked up his saddle bags and the grain sack and followed Commander Rose and her guards, with Pella falling in behind. When they entered the commanders office and the doors were closed, Saul remained standing just inside the doors. When the commander told them to sit, he remained standing until the Commander had sat at her desk. Only then did he set the grain sack down, leaning it against his chair. Setting his saddle bags down on the chair, he opened one side and withdrew a folded, weathered, leather pouch. Stepping to the commander’s desk he asked ... “May I commander.” When she nodded tiredly, Saul spread the map upon the desk. He then traced his journey to the Dagaard Mountains. Indicating where he had observed the smoke from Throt Keep then his winding track across the spine to where he observed smoke rising from the direction of Dragaard Keep. Saul then indicated the positions of the gathering forces along the base of Dargaard Mountain on the Estwilde boarder. Saul spoke quietly, calmly and slowly as he made his report. Saul then added “I assume Tepes arrive with my message regarding my return and the evidence I found of a small party of Doppelganger at the base of Dargaard Mountain on the boarder of Nightlund.” Saul then traced his trek across Nightlund with his finger. Until he reached the Vingaard River at the boarder of Vingaard. It was then That he stepped away from the desk over to the grain sack, slipping it off the shield, he lifted the blood splattered shield, carried it back to the desk and set it on end the face towards Commander Rose. “This I found upon what was obviously either a battlefield of a track of retreat, two or three weeks old. East of Vangaard Keep about a league to a league and half from the Vingaard River. There were twenty to thirty bodies, in various stages of decomposer. It was impossible to determine who or what they were ..... There was also evidence of the bodies being disturbed by wolves and other scavengers. ........... I encountered no other forces for the remainder of my journey back. I doubled back several times and averted my track as to not leave any evidence as to where I was going.” Saul said, then added in conclusion. “Commander I did have a sense that I was being watched, not closely but from afar.” Saul only then stepped back leaving the shield facing against Commander Rose’s desk, to his chair and sat down silently, locking his eyes upon Commander Rose. Even though his face was calm and relaxed, Commander Rose could see the fatigue in his eyes and the dark circles under them.

Gregor was eager for battle and victory, he paced slowly near the fires. His soldiers were dry enough now, it was time to march the short distance to Heartlund. Gregor had Wolfe tell the standard bearers raise the banners. The men saw the long gray banners rise high and quickly fell into formation. The mounted soldiers climbed into black saddles and what was left of the Draconians prepared themselves as well.

Gregor had seen Nevaeh awaken but had not spoken to her. Now as the army was preparing to march the general approached the mage woman.

"You did well at the Black Lake Nevaeh, I did not expect anything less."
Gregor's eyes looked the woman over, they paused at her face. Gregor lingered on her tattooed face, the general could not have imagined that his Queen would send such a woman. Gregor began to think about what times could be had in the cot in his tent with such a woman, a true equal sent to him by the Dragon Queen.

"It is said that a soldier in the service of the Dark Queen is worth a hundred of any other soldier in all of Krynn and I know this to be true. The men and women that wear the black robes and serve our Lady are priceless as well. We are the wolves that prowl the forest Nevaeh, we are the wild beasts that take all that we see. We are like a storm of fire, our enemies feed the flames and are turned to ash and forgotten for all time. The memory of their pathetic lives shall be extinguished so that it no longer offends our Queen. It is our great honor and responsibility to do this."

Gregor stared at Neveah, his eyes were burning red as he spoke, his bloodlust was intoxicating, it was like a spell of it's own.

"It is time to begin." Gregor said as the army marched near him and Nevaeh and Nidhug. Wolfe brought Gregor's horse and the general sat high in the saddle.

Gregor nodded to Nevaeh and kicked his horse and galloped quickly to Nidhug.Gregor pulled his hood up around his head, his eyes seemed to glow brighter in the small darkness of the hood and Gregor knew the importance of forcing fear into the hearts of his enemies.

"I would not know a smile if one ever crossed your face Nidhug, be satisfied, we ride to absolute victory."
Gregor taunted. The sour lizard seemed even more so than usual , he seemed to have much to say.

"Your troops are ready are they not?" Gregor said seriously.
"Perhaps it is difficult to have your kind counted among our soldiers, we could destroy them all if it helps to clear your mind of worries and woe and allow you to focus on the battle at hand." Gregor glared at the Draconian.

"Simply ask and I will see them all destroyed, it would take but a thought. We will win with or without your precious pets." Gregor sneered.

Nevaeh listened to Gregor’s voice as he spoke to her and her gaze never wavered from his. As intimidating as he was, she knew that deep down to his core, he was a man. And from the way he was looking at her, a man with an appetite for more than just magic and power. She tucked that tid bit of information back into the recesses of her mind knowing there would be a place and time for it to surface once more.

As he finished speaking, she could see the glow in his eyes and knew his speech had fueled his own need as well as her own. At least, for now. As Gregor mounted his steed, Neveah stepped up and took a firm hold of the leather tether of the reins on the left side of the horse and held his gaze a moment longer then narrowed her own and gave a simple but unmistakable nod.

What was the nod for? The fact she knew he would expect nothing less form her than to use her abilities to aid her General like she had already? Or she was as priceless as he was? Or was it she knew she was as much a wolf on the prowl as he was? Or was it she felt the same sense of honor and responsibility to perform her duties for her General as he did for his Queen? Or, was it the unspoken communication that passed between them as they stared into each other’s gaze after admiring the dark tattoos that adorned their faces?

Whatever it was, there was no doubt she was rested and ready for the battle ahead. Reluctantly releasing the hold she had on the leather strap of his reins, she finally stepped back and watched as he rode up to Nidhug and spoke to the lizard. Slowly reaching back and bringing the hood of her cloak up to obscure her head and face, she narrowed her gaze once more as she glared at the Draconian. She didn’t like him but she knew better than to engage him head on. He was quite powerful and she had to make sure she treaded lightly where the lizard was concerned.

Glancing back to Gregor as he sat proudly in the saddle of the anxious beast of a horse he rode, she saw the glow of his eyes from inside the folds of his hood and the look on Nidhug’s features. Whatever the conversation was, it didn’t seem to be going well for the lizard. With the slightest of smirks on her lips, she lingered behind knowing she would bring up the rear of the troops once the attack started. The ‘ace in the hole’ so to speak. So when she arrived in the heat of the battle, the combined skills and abilities of Gregor, Nidhug and herself would indeed be a force the enemy would not be able to handle.

Oh the sweet taste of victory would soon be at hand. And Neveah could already taste Gregors hard kisses on her lips.

As the door to Commander Rose's office closed behind Pella, a small furry, grayish white ferret, scampers thru the closing door, unseen, hidden by the shadow of the door, scurries across the floor in the shadow where the wall meets the floor, sliding across the stone floor, slipping under a wall tapestry, hanging behind Commander Rose’s desk. It stick it nose and eyes out from beneath the tapestry’s edge and surveys the room with its black beady eyes.

Pela followed along behind Saul and when she stepped into the Commanders office, she stood well behind Saul and let the Commander and the young man have their meeting. She knew the only reason she were here was because she was in Saul’s company at the time the encounter took place so she wanted to make sure she stayed as invisible as possible.

As Saul recounted his mission to the Commander, Pela listened carefully. Bad Rock always told her there was much a person could learn by simply letting their ears open more than their mouth and she found that advice to be quite rewarding. Such as now.

When Saul brought the shield out of the sack, Pela dared to peek around him and look at the design of it. Her brows furrowed together and she saw the Commander’s look take on similar characteristics as her own. After a few more words were exchanged, Pela glanced around and saw one of the tapestries moving and she furrowed her brows once more. Had a spy somehow gotten into the room?

Before she could check to see the meeting had come to an end and Rose dismissed Saul and herself. Saul quickly nodded and exited the office and as Pela grew closer to the tapestry she saw moving, Saul glanced back at her with that look that spoke volumes so she dropped her quest and took up following him again.

As he approached the mess hall, Pela’s stepped slowed and when Saul looked back at her, she was looking past him at the ominous doors to the place the confrontation had taken place that morning. Swallowing hard, she looked to Saul again and nodded her chin towards the hall.

”Go get something to eat. I am not hungry right now. I think I shall go check on your horse to make sure the animal is doing well.”

Commander Rose, sat silently for a few moments, obviously lost in thoughts of her own. She looked up and Saul could see the strain and weariness on her face, but there was something more, a deeper and more troubling matter that concerned her. It was not something, Saul could put his finger on, or his mind around, but it was there deep within her eyes. Something extremely troubling had occurred during Saul’s absence. As Saul contemplated what could have happened, Commander Rose dismissed them. Saul rose to his feet, bowed his head slightly, placing the fist of his right hand to his heart and said. “By your leave, Commander.” he then turned and walked towards the door. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Pella slipping to a tapestry. Saul subtlety caught Pella’s eye and gave her a look that said “Pella, we have been dismissed, don’t go poking around looking for at least a month in the stockade. They walked in relative silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts across the courtyard towards the mess hall. As the approached the large doors to the hall, Pella hesitated, then halted abruptly at the doors. Saul observed the expression on her face expression and body language as one of wariness, Saul observed. He was about inquire what was wrong when Pella said ..... ”Go get something to eat. I am not hungry right now. I think I shall go check on your horse to make sure the animal is doing well.” then she turned abruptly and started walking back towards the stables.

As Saul reached for the doors to open them, two knights stepped out, their talk cut short when they saw Saul. The knights gave Saul, what could be taken as a suspicious and reviled look, then walked silently past him as if he did not exist. Saul shrugged and stepped into the mess hall. The cacophony of sounds, within the hall nearly vanished as Saul walked in. Saul walked to an unoccupied table in the corner facing the door. He removed his coat and sat down laying his sword on the table next to his right hand. Looking around stealthily, Saul could have cut the tension in the room with a knife. Thinking of Commander Rose’s demeanor and Pella’s hesitation upon approaching the mess hall, Saul was sure something very troubling had occurred while he was on his mission for Commander Rose. A young page approached and Saul requested some soup and a tankard of mead.

Pela glanced over her shoulder and saw Saul disappear into the room where the Knights ate their meals. After what happened in there earlier she wasn’t about to go in there when it was crowded. She’d wait until later to get her food, when the place was practically deserted. Besides, it would be better all the way around for everyone involved. She couldn’t afford to lose her control again or she’d find herself banished and without Bad Rock, she would have difficulties finding her way back to their humble cave ho9me.

Slipping through the Keep as quiet as a church mouse, she didn’t see the little furry critter scampering behind her. Every now and then it would stop to sniff and explore a hidey hole it happened across but for the most part; it was more interested in following along behind the girl as she made her way away from the more heavily populated parts of the Keep.

Each time she came upon some Knights she would see the way they looked at her and could hear their soft whispers as she passed by. She couldn’t hear what they were saying but she knew they were talking about her or more specifically, what she’d done. She wasn’t stupid to think she played no part in Walter’s ultimate demise. Deep down Pela knew if she had kept her cool, the man would still be alive. For once, she was feeling the moral consequences of her actions and she didn’t like the way it was making her feel.

Finally she made it outside and breathed in the cool night air as it began to settle in on the Keep that was Heartlund. Making her way to the stables, she made sure to take less traveled paths to avoid the condemning looks she was receiving. Again, not that she didn’t deserve them, but she didn’t know how to handle her emotions right now so it was better she avoided any contact with these warriors.

Finally reaching the stables, she slipped in through the back and silently made her way to where Saul had placed the horse he used and slipped into the stall next to it. That particular stall was empty at the moment so she could sit down and rest while she contemplated everything that happened earlier.

She missed Bad Rock. He wasn’t an emotional creature but he did provide her much needed company and she missed the interaction she had with him. As Pela sat there thinking of the creature that had stepped in and became her lifeline, she felt this overwhelming urge to cry and as much as she tried to stop her tears from flowing, they disobeyed her silent command not to fall.

Curling into a ball in the far corner of the empty stall, she wept quietly for something she knew she’d never have again with another individual. Or at least, was just a hair shy of certain she never would anyway. She trusted Bad Rock implicitly. Whatever he told her to do, she did. When she asked him questions, he answered her truthfully, rather she wanted to hear that truth or not. She knew she needed to hear the things she didn’t want to hear as much as she needed to hear the things she wanted to hear. He never sugar coated anything with her and she loved him for that. But now, everyone seemed to keep her at arm’s length and vise verse. Of course, that was only proper. She didn’t know these people any more than they knew her and after this morning’s travesty, she doubted anyone would ever want to get to know her now. Not that she couldn’t blame them, really.


As Pela sat in the corner feeling sorry for herself, the little furry creature that had taken such an interest in her followed her scent to the stables and as it made its way cautiously through the hay and straw, it played with whatever it could find to play with. It’s favorite game was hide and seek. If it wasn’t hiding it would find things to hide and watch as people went looking for what it hid.

Burying itself under the straw of the stall Pela occupied, it began to slowly inch its way towards her. Every now and then it would pop its little head up out of the straw to see where it was and if she was still there. Of course it was all a part of the bigger game it was playing. It just had to wait for her to catch on and when that happened, the game would definitely be a foot.

Saul sat silently as his mind replayed both Commander Rose’s and Pella’s demeanor, the more he thought about it the more he knew something was amiss. Soon a page brought a bowl soup, some fresh baked bread and the tankard of mead. Saul thanked the young man, took a pull at the tankard of mead, sat the tankard down, picked up a wooden spoon and slowly stirred the soup. ............. After about three minutes, Saul stopped stirring the soup, stood, leaving the spoon in the bowl and picked up his sword and coat. He put his coat on, rested his sword across his shoulder and left the mess hall.




Saul could hear the mutterings of several knights, but was unable to discern what was actually said. He made his way across the courtyard and to the stables. Quietly opening the stable door, Saul walked silently to the now empty stall where he had left the stallion. He assumed that a groom had taken the stallion outside, it was then he heard the muffled whimpers. He looked over stall door and saw Pella, curled into a tight ball, lying on the hay. “I know the pain of loosing one that was the only parent and mentor in your life. The one person that had the ability to be both loving and stern. Whose teaching, although seemed harsh at times, you will carry with you throughout life’s journeys and adventures. The void left in you heart and life, by their passing can never be filled. But remember this Pella, and remember it well. If you keep them affectionately in your heart and alive in your mind, they are never truly gone and their wisdom and guiding voice will forever fill your soul.” Saul said quietly then added “All you need do is listen closely to your heart, their voice and laughter will be there. ..... If at anytime you wish to talk about it, I will listen. Until then know Bad Rock smiles down upon you and watches over you.”

With that said Saul, picked up his saddle and placed it on the stalls side wall. He picked up his back pack and bed roll, slung them over his shoulder and started out of the stables.

Pela was unaware anyone had entered the stables let alone had gotten close enough to hear her. And to make it worse, it was Saul. As she heard his voice speak softly to her, she hushed her crying and wiped the moisture from her face and eyes. As she regained her composure, she finally turned to look at him but he wasn’t there anymore. She got to her feet and headed for the end of the stall, turning the corner when she saw him just a few feet away and stopped.

”I do not understand what that means.”

When she saw Saul stop and turn slightly to listen to her, she took a small step towards him then stopped and put her arms down by her side letting her hands grip her leggings to keep them still. She was nervous about something and for a moment it seemed as though she was going to turn and speak no more of it when she finally looked at him again.

”This…..love….you speak of. I do not know what it means. At least, I did not think I did. Bad Rock provided for me and taught me everything I know. Is that what love is? I hear people speak of it often and I even see how people interact with each other when they say they love each other but…..”

She felt her emotions welling up again and she swallowed hard several times before she felt she could speak again.

”Is that why I feel this overwhelming need to cry? And just so you know, I detest crying. It gives me a headache and makes me sniff more than breathe. But…..I…..I cannot seem to stop it when it starts. And I do not want to be like this the rest of my life.”

She turned her back to him then and lowered her head. Her shoulders rocked gently up and down as another wave of grief and longing washed over her. Raising her head, she angrily wiped the tears away from her eyes but she still didn’t turn to face him. Instead, she turned her head to see him from her peripheral vision.

”Why must I feel this way? Just this morning I lost control of myself and because of me, a man lost his life. If…..if I had practiced more restraint the would still be alive right now. But he is not and I am the one to blame for his untimely passing. Just like Bad Rock’s. If he…..if he had not been trying to protect me…..”

She couldn’t finish her sentence as her emotions grew beyond what she could contain once more. Lowering her head once more, she had no choice but to let her tears fall down her pale face and flushed cheeks once more.

When Pela said that she had lost control and because of that a man was dead, Saul realized that whatever had happened and whoever had been killed, was the reason for the tension that had been added to the mood of an already tense situation. He kept walking until Pella said it was because of her that Bad Rock had fallen in battle. It was then that he stopped abruptly, turned on his heals and glared at Pella. She could see the anger in his eyes, although his expression showed only calmness and control.



With a measured yet stern quiet voice, he said "How dare you blame yourself for Bad Rock's death. What arrogance gives you the right to demean the sacrifice he without question or hesitation, he made for the affection and esteem he had for you. .... You say you know nothing of the love and devotion to another, yet you saw that love and devotion, not more than a few days ago, played out before your eyes upon the field of battle. Not only in Bad Rocks actions. But in the actions of every knight, soldier and page, whose life was laid down upon that hallowed ground." as Saul spoke his eyes softened as he calmed himself, as Omnius had taught him. ... "Not only was it shown by those who fell valiantly and with honor. It was and is shown by those who have come here and remain to stand with these people in their time of great need. .... Why do you think Myth, Rayann, Aeolis and even Ceridwyn remain when the mages could, with but the movement of a finger, whisk then all away to safety?" Saul said then added "Why do you think Kellan, sacrificed herself so others could escape?" Saul stood silently for a moment looking into Pela's bloodshot eyes. It was at that moment he saw a small furry head peak out from under a stall door then dart back out of sight. He reached into his pocket and removed a piece of dried meat, tossed it to Pela who stood just a few feet away. "I think your little furry companion is hungry. If you should feed him, he might become a strong ally. ..... Pela, you stand at a crossroad now. You have to make a choice, either you stay upon the path you now stand, remain mired in self pity, regret soon to fall into the abyss of bitterness only to wither as a wild flower shrivels with the breath of the winters frost. Or step upon the path I think Bad Rock would have wished for you. To live a full productive and useful life. You have tremendous talents and potential yet untouched, Pela. It would be a slap to the face of the grace, if you did not use what the gods have given you for good." Saul once again turned and started out of the stable, the fatigue that had been stayed, was finally demanding attention.
As Saul reached the door, he stopped and turned to face Plea ...... "That decision you alone must make." Saul said with a tone and meter that would be hauntingly like Bad Rocks. Saul then turned back and walked out of the stables and over to the coral where the Bay stallion stood.

It was just as the door to the stable closed that Pella heard faintly as if carried on the wind the voice of Bad Rock call her name "Pela my daughter .........." as she stiffened slightly, her eyes daring around, Pella's eyes would fall upon the young ferret standing in front of a stall gate.