Chapter Six
"Hurdles"

19th of Eleasias, 1372

"Good morning, my lord.” Atlantean says as Daekyn steps out from the Yurt. Daekyn looks up and smiles at Atlantean. Atlantean hands him a cup of coffee and a stack of reports. “The patrols had no incidents last night. However two other things transpired in the camp last night that brings me to think we need to hurry construction on the wall.”

      Daekyn grabs the coffee greedily and drinks deeply. “Had bad dreams last night, sleep came to me like a thief in the night.” Daekyn glances through the stack of reports. “What were the two other things happened?”

      Atlantean pauses just for a moment. “We had a defector in the night. Blade Fentadin Huntcrown was missing this morning along with all of his equipment. We found some food stuffs missing as well. We have patrols looking for him now.” Atlantean looks off to the east, towards the morning sun. “The other will require your attention, my lord.”

      Daekyn raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

      “A package was left in a paper wrapped box on the edge of the camp. NO one knows who left it there. I told no one to touch it until you had a chance to look at it.” Atlantean waggles his fingers in an attempt to charade a spell being cast.

      Daekyn chuckles. “Indeed, let’s look at it shall we?”

      The both men walked through the camp. In less than a week the camp had begun to shape up well. The soldiers worked just as hard as the artisans and craftsmen who had come in. The fear of the Stonelands providing enough motivation to move construction along at a fast pace. Daekyn and Atlantean moved along talking and pointing at new projects. Waving at the waking soldiers and shaking hands. Several men didn’t bother to hide their dislike of the mage, but no man dared to ignite his wrath. Reaching the edge of the camp Daekyn saw a small brown paper wrapped box, tied off with string sitting on a dune of sand. Atlantean had cordoned off the area with 4 soldiers. They snapped to attention when Daekyn walked up.

      Daekyn looked at the men. “Dismissed soldiers. Return to your officers and tell them to extend your off duty time by three extra hours this evening. Get some much deserved rest.” The soldiers snapped a salute and turned on a heel and headed back to the camp. Daekyn watched them go. “You too my friend. You may want to step back.” Daekyn began to cast and drew his hand across his eyes, revealing the energies of magic to his sight. Nothing glowed. Daekyn frowned. He turned towards Atlantean. “Maybe a mechanical trap?”

      Atlantean started to respond when we saw Jaervys appear on an eight legged lizard over the edge of then dunes. Daekyn rose a hand at his approach. Jaervys started to descend the dune when a shout was heard behind them in the camp. Daekyn and Atlantean turned and saw Sgt. Stoan and a bare shirted Captain Aeryn wielding large axes and thick spears running through camp. They took a bead as they ran.

      Daekyn dropped his spell and muttered. “They’re aiming for the emissary.”

      “No they’re not, they aim for us.” Atlantean said as his axe flipped into his hand in a defensive stance. Daekyn began to cast, the words flowing easily from his lips. Before Atlantean could raise a defensive stance quick enough or Daekyn prepare his spell the two released their spears. The spears whistled past Daekyn and Atlantean, barely missing them and striking a form which was rising out of the sand beneath and behind their feet.

      “SIR, get behind me!” Yelled Aeryn. His axe already whistling as it spun in the air towards the hulking creature.

      “Master Atlantean. The joints only.” Screamed Stoan as his spear fluttered helplessly after bouncing off the chitinous breastplate of a half-man half-scorpion. The sand erupted in 5 other places. One nearly underneath the lizard mount of Jaervys, which threw the emmissary from his mount. A total of 6 man scorpions rose silently above the sand. A wicked 3 pronged trident with an edged blade at the other end whistled at Daekyn’s head.

      Daekyn managed to throw himself backwards in time. The edge of the blade coming so close Daekyn could see the nicks on the blade. Aeryn leapt over Daekyn inside the swing of the man scorpion and grappled the man scorpion around the waist. Atlantean threw a glance at Daekyn to determine his status and then swept a mighty blow of the axe at the joint between the body of the scorpion and the man parts. Striking a deep blow, the man scorpion scuttle back. Black ichors sprayed outwards, the man scorpion remained unnervingly silent.

      Daekyn bounced to his feet and a green fire shield surrounded him. The morning sun washing out the color of it. Daekyn was already casting again, oblivious to the man scorpion readying a throw from the back. Aeryn held onto the man scorpion as it tried to fling him off. Stoan rolled between the two front man scorpions and under the swing of another to bring his huge axe into play. A smile splayed itself across his mouth. Whistling a lumberjacks tune Stoan sent his axe whistling in a diagonal arc up and across the man scorpions front and catching its spear and sending it flying upwards harmlessly.

      Atlantean began a backhanded swing, only to convert to a thrust that brought the edge of his magical axe to the throat of the man scorpion. Atlantean dodged the head as it rolled towards his feet and leapt over the body to the man scorpion to another behind. Daekyn let the spell he was uttering falter and stop as he saw his friend leap into the radius of the blast effect. Daekyn concentrated for a moment and worked his way around the edge of fight. Aeryn fought to keep a hold of the enraged man scorpion. The things stinger raised and shot forward, just as Aeryn who could not see the stinger went prone against the back of the man scorpion, the stinger shooting over his body and burying itself in the back of the man scorpion. Daekyn glanced over briefly at Aeryn, just in time to see Aeryn grasp the tail and begin to heave with all of his might, his legs wrapped around the body and his arms around the tail.

      Stoan kicked out a foot against the man scorpion and spun around, his axe slicing through the front legs of the man scorpion. Stoan jumped one footed over the front of the man scorpion, landing slightly behind and to the side of the body. The man scorpion attempted to hit Stoan with the edged butt of his spear but missed completely. Atlantean waded into the man scorpion behind the first he felled. His axe twisting and carving a hole through the chitinous plate. The man scorpion swung the spear in a mighty swing like a club down atop Atlantean’s head. A resounding blow that brought a tear to the fighter's eye.

      Daekyn threw out his hand and sent a Starfire exploding against the chest of the man scorpion in back of Stoan. It scuttled back, a blackened oozing wound on its chest. Daekyn wove his fingers with words of magic and readied himself for an opportunity. Aeryn strained and pulled on the bucking man scorpion. The tail was beginning to separate from its body and although it remained eerily silent Daekyn could tell it was in pain. Stoan brought his axe down and through the back of the man scorpion he was fighting. His blow separated the body and buried his axe into the sand. Stoan glowed with sweat across his muscled body. His smile never stopped as he ripped his axe out of the sand and dashed to the scorched man scorpion.

      Atlantean nearly dropped his axe from the blow to his head, but then brought it up swinging into the lower body of the man scorpion. Where it buried itself and wedged itself in between the chitinous plates.

      Daekyn yelled. “Atlantean watch OUT!!” as the man scorpion thrust his spear towards Atlantean’s unprotected throat. Atlantean smiled and spun, his neck actually rolling across the shaft of the spear as it barely missed. Atlantean wrapped the spear under his arm, and with one smooth motion broke it cleanly in half and continuing his spin he thrust it deeply into the man scorpions head. It fell at Atlantean’s feet. Daekyn blasted the same man scorpion again. The afterglow of the Starfire searing against his eyes. Stoan threw a disapproving glance backwards at Daekyn. Aeryn pulled and heaved mightily and with a wet sickening sound the tail withdrew from the main body. The man scorpion crumpled, twitching in shock, while Aeryn rolled off breathing heavily. Stoan ripped into the man scorpions blackened carapace with his axe. The man scorpions eyes rolled up and then glazed over in death.

      Stoan whooped loudly and yelled. “FOR CORMYR!!!!” Atlantean rotated slowly, half crouching, looking for more enemies. Aeryn wiped his hands free of the black ichors. Jaervys, who was thrown form his now dead steed, picked himself up. A look of horror played across his face as he looked at Daekyn. Daekyn spun to see the raised stinger of the final man scorpion descending towards him. Daekyn spoke one word and a blast of fire erupted at his feet. The rolling fireball engulfed him and the man scorpion. Sand sprayed outward in chunks of molten glass. The flames licked outwards hungrily. The heat singed and burned the hairs on Aeryn's eyebrow's.

      Aeryn sprang forward his hands outreached. “NO!!!!!!!”

      Atlantean smiled and yelled. “Hold Aeryn!”

      Stoan, breathing heavily, loped down the sand dune with his axe ready. After the sand died down and the ash settled, the charred corpse of the man scorpion lay at Daekyn’s feet. Daekyn stood there grinning, his black staff in his hand. Not a single speck of ash or sand marred Daekyn’s robes. He looked up at the other three.

      “Good morning everyone. I trust everyone is awake and ready to start the new day?” Daekyn smiled. “I expect your reports on time, of course. Have a good day gentlemen.” Daekyn turned and noticed the small crowd of soldiers who had come running after arming themselves. Daekyn raised his voice. “Excellent work Captain Aeryn and Sergeant Stoan. Allow yourselves some time to clean up before reporting to my yurt.” Daekyn said over his back as he strode off. Moving through the crowd Daekyn parted a large path for himself.

      Atlantean laughed heartily and shouldered his axe. “No worries Captain, Sergeant. You did great. He is pleased.” Atlantean looks backwards at the box, his eyebrow raised in question.

      Aeryn shrugs and says. “A trap…famous for these creatures.”

      “Yes. Well, I am sure Baron Firehand will expect it in detail in a full report.” Atlantean clapped Aeryn and then Stoan on the back. “Don’t worry about coming to the yurt until after lunch." Atlantean laughed again before continuing. "Oh and step up the patrols at night ok?”

27th of Eleasias, 1372

Curren Kel-Righ approaches Daekyn early one morning. He has a look of consternation. Stepping aside. Curren shakes his head.

"That's everybody Daekyn." Curren says. "Nothing."

Daekyn nods his head. "Hmmmm. It's too pat. Search again."

Curren lowers his eyes and nods.

Daekyn pats him on the shoulder. "I think I have an idea to help."

19th of Eleint 1372

Alusair sat in the darkened window sill. The quarter moon lit the city below faintly. It sprawled across Alusair’s face lazily and reached her desk where the piles of papers stood in neat little stacks. A solitary candle sputtered so feebly it barely illuminated the papers next to it. Reports of crop plantations, rebuilding plans, troop movements, and piles of missives. A few lights still twinkled this late as Alusair stared longingly at the sea beyond Suzail. A crumpled note still clutched in her hand. Alusair, once named the Steel Princess for her battle prowess in battle against the Tuigan horde, did not know how to battle the conflicting emotions in her heart. Her skills in battle, strategy and mastery of horses could not prepare her for these emotions.

Alusair whispered under her breath. “He’s just so far away.” Her hand clutched the note tighter. Caladnei, who had been in the shadows of the room for some time, decided to interrupt her Regent and friend.

“Who my lady? The Baron Firehand?” Caladnei softly asked.

Alusair quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeve and straightened up. “How long have you been here?” Alusair snapped.

“Long enough my lady, my regent. Your tears woke me and your emotions have played like a twelve piece band in my head. I came to reassure myself that you were ok.” Caladnei walked out of the shadow. The gibbous moon barely illuminating her face, but her eyes shone with compassion. “What would your old companions say of the Steel Princess crying tears for a man?”

Alusair hung her head, a small smile. “Of course you would know…” She whispered very softly. “No, I did not mean the object of your obsession. I meant Jander. He affects me far more than I am willing to accept.” Alusair tossed the note on the table. Caladnei reached for it and read it. “He minimizes the danger, I know it. A castle and a Lich? Trade disagreements? Disagreement in warrior terms usually means blood spilt.”

Caladnei raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips. “He calls you his light. The light he looks for in the heavens every evening.” Caladnei hugged the note to her chest.

Alusair started pacing. “Doesn’t he remember I once wrote these damn reports myself?” Alusair spun and punctuated every word with a jab of the finger, her other hand on her hip. “I used the very TERM ‘disagreement’ when I wrote to my father about the peace ‘disagreement’ with the Horde.”

Caladnei grinned impishly. “How does he trouble my lady? Does his exploits trouble the regent? Does his adventures make you jealous? Do you wish to escape and ‘quest’ with him?”

“No…..” Alusair said her rant pierced by Caladnei’s questions. A small blush colored her cheeks.

“Oh?” Interrupts Caladnei. “Does he affect the trade negatively? Does he affect the future of the Crown?” She sarcastically asked.

“NO, Caladnei. He affects me as a woman” Alusair admitted. “I am affected as a woman. Not a warrior, not a princess, not a Regent.” Alusair paused and looked back to the window. “I don’t know what to do. It’s not something I can easily take care of, like more and more things in my life lately. I want to see him.” Her face cast a ghostly reflection on the window and though silent Caladnei saw the tiny tear escaping from her eye. “I want to ride through the night and bring my sword arm to his side.”

“Excellent, my lady. I know what we shall do. We tour the Realm with a focus on the expanding territories and agricultural prosperity. We shall make a holiday of it.” Caladnei clapped her hands together. “We shall tour the Realm on Harvest Tide.”

Alusair shook her head sadly. “No, I cannot risk Azoun on a trip to serve my whims. It would be a logistical nightmare. We would have to leave with a small army of Dragons to ensure the safety of his majesty.” Alusair turned towards Caladnei.

Caladnei glanced conspiratorially around. “Not necessarily my lady.” She said as she stepped towards Alusair. “We go to the Dragon Coast for some trade inspections. From there we can jump to the Stonelands, using a little flash in the pan, and nobody will even know we were gone. Anonymity is the best disguise anyway.” Caladnei reached out and gently captured Alusair’s tear on her fingertip. “Then back before the holiday is finished with a flash and a puff of smoke we could ‘inspect’ the men, uh I mean the new territories before anyone even knew we gone. It would give us the opportunity to see the advancements first hand and to see them both.” Caladnei was rubbing her hands in conspiratorial glee.

Alusair smiled and whispered. “A little Henry in the night?” Alusair giggled and then stopped. A look of surprise across her face. ”I haven’t done that in years.” Alusair held a hand across her mouth.

Caladnei laughed and grabbed Alusair’s hand and gently lowered it. “I promise I won’t tell anyone….in front of you.”

“You had better not!” Alusair attempted a stern look and then broke into laughter. Caladnei embraced her as their laughter wound down. “I dont want to take Azoun, the possibilities are nightmarish. I think if we left a small conitigent of War Wizards and Dragon Knights with Queen Filfareil that they could watch Azoun. So long as we are secretive about leaving. I’m not worried about Azoun in the company of Jander, and certainly not in the company of Daekyn. You saw his reaction when we tested the Geas. I just think it woud be better if we left him. Do you agree?”

“I agree my Lady. Jander is an opportunist and Daekyn...well he is more than what he appears.” Caladnei smiled impishly. “He writes in such beautiful script and his casual invitations send shivers through me. But his eyes are curtains drawn tightly across his soul and his ultimate goals.” Caladnei looked downwards at the table. Her hand shot forward and unerringly snatched a paper from halfway down the pile. Her eyes scanned it quickly and she smiled. “He wants something more. I know it. I just hope it is what I want too… and not something… darker." Caladnei paused. "I shall stay behind my lady, with a double of you. A little smoke and mirrors, and a convenient stomach flu for anyone important, should answer most questions about you. I shall do my own 'inspections' in the night."

Alusair smiled and rolled the plain ring on her hand. "It think your plan has the best merit. I am going to go. I hear that Quaslin will be holding the Grand Festival. Do you remember Quaslin?"

Caladnei sighed and poked Alusair. "Your getting soft in the head already and you haven't left yet." Alusair managed to blush. "You mope and whine for awhile here...I have got some favors to pull in and some questions that need answered. I'll be back my lady." Caladnei strolled to the door where she turned back. "Oh and my lady? I want all the details...the juiciest ones."

Alusair let out a strangled cry and threw a handful of papers at Caladnei, who smiled and disappeared out the door. When Alusair was alone again, she walked to the window, the plain ring in her hand, turning it over and over as she stared out to the sea.

30th of Eleint, 1372

"My lord?" A voice came from outside Daekyn's yurt. Daekyn immediately opened his eyes. His sleep receded like an ocean wave. Instantly awake and alert, his instincts engaged and without thought, he summoned a magical warding. His breathing continued rhythmically until Daekyn was assured the spell was unnecessary.

"Are you awake my lord?" The voice came again.

"I am. What is it Aeryn?" Daekyn sat up and slipped into his robe. The wrinkles straightening as Daekyn threw a hand over them. With a slight gesture of his hand, Daekyn lit a candle on the desk.

"Sir, may I?" Aeryn poked his head in. He was out of uniform, and his hair was ruffled.

"Of course Captain. Would you like some tea?" Daekyn started the pot of water boiling with a glance and pulled out a chair for Aeryn. Daekyn sat in another himself.

"No sir, I need to talk to you. I had a dream, a very bad dream." Aeryn no longer carried the demeanor of the well-trained Purple Knight that he was, but that of a child whose dreams were real.

"Continue Aeryn, but please sit and be comfortable." Daekyn said, and with a flick of his finger, the pot and the tea tray floated over to the table. Aeryn swallowed hard and sat down. "Tell me my young Captain, what dream troubles you so that you wake your Baron at this late hour?"

"I'm very sorry sir, but it's, well let me start at the beginning. As you know I share the yurt with the platoon lieutenants." Daekyn nodded as he stirred his tea. "The other morning I woke my bunk mates from screaming aloud. They told me I had begun muttering 'she is walking' and 'the giant follows' and soon had begun to scream. They shook me awake and it seemed ok, since I had no recollection of the dream. However this evening I had the same dream." Aeryn paused.

"Go on Captain. I am listening."

"Yes sir. I dreamt I was being carried on a great beast, far from the ground. I was being carried in a giant's hand. The desert rock was very far below me. A great sense of dread filled me, but not by the thing carrying me, but by our destination. My heart slowly filled with trepidation the longer we walked. I heard myself muttering the phrase 'eddies in the wind' over and over." Aeryn shook his head, as if to clear it of mental webs.

"Hmmm, interesting Aeryn, but surely such a dream as this would not be enough to cause one such as you such distress, what was it about the dream that caused such alarm?"

"Sir," Aeryn spoke with great dread in his voice, as if a thousand hands were pushing against his very soul. "The destination sir. The destination was Fire Haven, I know it, and." Aeryn paused, the silence after his words grew long into eternity. "Tonight is when it arrives. Tonight is when the wind blows." Aeryn looked confused as he said the last.

Daekyn stopped sipping his tea. "Tonight you say?"

"Yes sir." Aeryn's face was troubled and showed years of concern; years far beyond the few he had lived. Obviously disturbed by his own words and revelations of what his premonitions might mean.

Daekyn closed his eyes and put a finger to his forehead. Slowly through the depths of his mind and spirit he searched. The many dreams he himself had experienced the past few months played over and over; could this dream of Aeryn's be related? Was this simply a coincidence? "No." Daekyn thought to himself. If there was one thing he had learned through all his years of adventuring, it was that, when it concerned him, rarely were things as simple as a 'coincidence'. Daekyn opened his eyes to see the young Captain starring intently into the Wizard. However, for the briefest flash of a moment, it was not Aeryn. A wisp of something…something not quite clear in the corner of Daekyn's vision. An almost suspicious, rather more guarded tone came from Daekyn's lips. "You are dismissed Captain, I suggest you get some rest. I give credit to your premonition, as would be reasonable in my profession. That being said, it is likely tomorrow will be eventful. I will need you to be rested and ready." Aeryn raised an eyebrow and paused but soon snapped into a salute and left the yurt.

Daekyn sat back in his chair. His brow knotted in thought. After a minute, he sipped his tea again. "Did you get that?" Daekyn said, addressing the air.

Atlantean stepped out from behind a heavy tapestry. He was ruefully smiling. "Yes I did my friend. I was awake from his first knock. Sleep does not come easy to me these days either. Do you know what his dream means?"

"I haven't a clue actually." Daekyn said with a puzzled look on his face. Atlantean raised an eyebrow when Daekyn said this. It was unusual for the wizard to admit to not knowing something. This actually troubled Atlantean more than if Daekyn had said he knew exactly what Aeryn's dream had meant. "What is the time?" Daekyn asked as he looked at the darkened entrance of the yurt.

"Twelve bell sounded not long ago. It is the middle of the night. The moon hides her face behind a veil of clouds." Atlantean shouldered his axe and leaned effortlessly against a post.

Daekyn looked up at Atlantean. "You're spending too much time with the emissary, you're waxing poetic."

Atlantean hung his head and smirked. "Perhaps, today was the Oration of the Ballad of Hyrcanus the Foolish. Although not to my tastes, some of the soldiers liked it. The emissary is quite a speaker; he serves as a decent distraction. Although the tavern equipment and supplies will be adored upon their arrival."

"Yes, well… You might as well get the other's up, it's going to be a long night." Atlantean threw a shirt on and stepped to the entrance. "Oh and Atlantean?" Daekyn added before Atlantean could leave, "Will you make sure Aeryn finds his bed? We should provide him his own tent soon." Atlantean nodded and left. Daekyn sat in the yurt sipping his tea. His eyes danced in deliberation. After a few minutes the candle sputtered out. The darkness enveloped the oblivious Daekyn. In his mind's eye he searched his memories, his experiences, his teachings. Anything that would shed the remotest light upon the premonitions of Aeryn Dauntinghorn. A quarter of an hour later Daekyn's four companions stood at the entrance. Daekyn waved some more candles into life and bid them enter. J'zan, Curren Kel-Righ, Vecktyr, and Atlantean came in and sat in chairs around the table. Of them all, only J'zan still looked bed rumpled.

"Thank you for heeding my call gentlemen." Daekyn began. "Tonight we have a situation. Information has been brought to my attention that we shall have a visitor this evening." Daekyn looked at each of them in turn. "We must prepare for something we know little about. This may be an unpleasant incident or it may be innocuous." Curren closed his eyes and concentrated. Vecktyr began to mumble a spell and Atlantean looked in his belt pouch. J'Zan looked bored and his eyelids soon began drooping. Daekyn looked at him and fought the urge to smile.

Curren snapped his eyes open his mouth flung wide petrified in terror. Daekyn darted to his side. "Curren? What is it?"

"She walks, SHE WALKS..but it's not her we should fear. Its He who watches from friendly eyes. She brings failure and doom of our plans like a cloud trailing behind her. The storm!! THE STORM!" Daekyn shook Curren who slumps against his chest. "She is only a tool. She doesn't know." Curren's voice faded into silence. Daekyn looked over at Vecktyr, who was just finishing his spell. Vecktyr wove his soundless words into his fingers which reshaped the weave and let the spell loose. Daekyn knew it was a spell to allow Vecktyr to search across the distances. Suddenly a flare of incandescent light blazed through the eyes of all the companions. Daekyn threw his hand up too late to block the flare. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes, trying to recover his sight. As he did so, he glimpsed a vague reptilian eye in his minds eye. Daekyn started to utter a spell when the vision faded and normal sight returned. His companions were rubbing their eyes and shaking their heads.

Vecktyr looked livid. "A SURGE??? I have never lost control before. This is unheard of, I never.."

"It's ok Vecktyr. Did anyone else see that?" Daekyn looked around.

"See what?" Atlantean asked. His axe in his hands. "The flash?"

Daekyn looked at the confused looks on his companions faces. Daekyn shook his head. "No, nothing, never mind. Obviously we need to get some fresh air." Curren moaned and lifted a hand to his head. 'You ok Curren?"

"Sure, I think." Curren opened his eyes laboriously. "What happened?"

"A surge of some sort, must have affected your abilities as well." Daekyn laid a hand on Curren's shoulder. "Come we have work to do.."

A scream echoed outside the yurt. Something solid struck the side of the yurt, shaking the entire structure. All of the companions leapt up, J'zan and Atlantean were the first out the door. Atlantean grunted as a large rock slammed into his side. He was flung to the ground. Vecktyr and Daekyn were the next to go, both of them floating upwards into the night sky. Curren melded into the darkness and waited for his opportunity.

The camp was in chaos. Dark indistinct forms flitted between the Yurt's. Several yurts' were on fire. Daekyn's Cloak grew into massive bat like wings and with a thought he rose high into the air above Fire haven. Vecktyr's face gleamed as a lightning bolt streaked from his fingertips and blasted into a small group of the dark forms. Smoke swirled into the night sky from the charred remains.

Atlantean and J'zan waded through the avenues between the yurts. Leaving corpses behind them. Daekyn looked out to the edge of the camp where dark forms flowed in through a gap in the stone wall. A large assemblage of creatures waited outside the gate. Several war machines clunked stones into the sky raining down silent devastation. A half dozen giant humanoids worked the great machines. Daekyn estimated several hundred strong in the group outside the gates.

Daekyn lifted an enchantment to his lips, and in a great booming voice that echoed down across the camp, he yelled. "TO ARMS! TO ARMS KNIGHTS OF CORMYR! DESTROY THE GOBLIN INFIDELS! FOR THE GLORY OF AZOUN! TO ARMS"! And with that battle cry Daekyn called upon the power of his staff and was engulfed in a green aura of fire. From his illuminated figure rained a hail of Fireballs.

Thauglor the famed dragon of Cormyr floated far above Fire Haven on an updraft. He followed the progression of the battle with interest. Daekyn was an enigma to Thauglor, a human capable of spinning such vortexes in the winds of time, but relatively unknown to Thauglor. He watched as Daekyn raised an invisible barrier across the gap in the wall, protecting the barely awakened soldiers and then flinging fireball after fireball down into the small army of goblins. His companions organized a thorough sweep of the camp. Mopping up the scattered raiders. Daekyn hurdled devastating magic's down upon the goblins from the sky above, a tactic Thauglor himself was partial to. Thauglor sailed up even further and swung around towards home, his curiosity sated for now about this Daekyn character.

The Sergeant had been knocked down by a boulder and was slightly stunned. Only recovering enough to realize that there was an ogre standing directly in front of him, Stoan's sword lay mere feet from his hand. The sword might as well have been in Araebel Daekyn flung his last Starfire burning into the face of the Ogre that was about the cleave Stoan's head off. With a thud that transcended the noise of the battle, the ogre fell at Stoan's feet. Stoan looked up to see the phoenix like figure of his Baron floating high above him. He nodded respectfully to his liege and picked up his sword and continued the battle, thankful for having been saved, but wishing that he had been saved by someone, anyone, else in the realms. Daekyn had little time to take amusement in the thoughts he had of Stoan and his moral dilemma, His hand already glowing in the backwash of magical energies. Several flung rocks spun past Daekyn as he pointed his finger. Daekyn dodged a rock and glanced to the north as he noticed a trio of purple worms being ridden by desert trolls moving to towards the gates. Daekyn knew the gates could never handle that assault, and as he began to utter a spell that would bring him closer to the gates he noticed a lone humanoid giant loping from the east, on a direct intercept course for the trio of worms. Daekyn watched anxiously as the humanoid came into his view better.

The giant humanoid was a faceless warrior who carried a great sword wearing full ceremonial plate mail. A female human rode in a basket harness on its back. The human stood on the jogging behemoth with her arm extended holding a sword. A staggering bolt of lightning leapt from her sword towards the trio and then followed almost immediately by another from her fingertips. Faster than any casting Daekyn had ever seen before. The arcing bolts of lightning exploded against the side of the first and second purple worm. While the behemoth she rode plunged its huge blade through the third. Raising her hand above her head a ring on her hand flashed and a dozen balls of lightning came crashing into the trolls. The arcing light of the electricity illuminated the face of the human. The woman was exquisitely beautiful. A porcelain white face framed by pure black hair cut short. She had a red tattoo over her left eye and she was dressed in stylish clothes. Her eyes flashed from the magical energies flying from her fingers. The giant she rode swung its blade in a sweeping arc in front and to the side of them. Goblins were blasted aside three at a time as the blade fell. Soon the defenses were assembled and the thump of multiple catapults strummed in the night. The whistling chunks of rock blasted craters in the army of goblins. An ogre managed to catch a rock and prepared to hurdle it back at Daekyn who floated above it. The rock shattered into a million smoking shards of rock as a lightning bolt ripped through it and fried the ogre's head. A whoop of joy came filtering over the sounds of the battle. The woman raised her fist triumphantly.

Daekyn looked towards the camp. A line of soldiers with crossbows lined the walls. Daekyn swooped down and landed beside Atlantean. Atlantean had corralled several wounded, but living goblins in a ring of soldiers.

Atlantean smiled thinly at him and said. "Questions?"

Daekyn looked down at the goblins, who were spitting and kicking at the swords. "None. They won't talk." Daekyn said dryly, " Send the rest a message."

Atlantean smiled again. "Yes sir."

Moments later the heads of the Goblins were loaded into the catapults and flung into the broken lines of the raiders. Daekyn strode to the gates which opened at a glance. The woman who aided the battle was squatting over the steaming entrails of a purple worm poking at it with a stick. The metal giant stood above her, sword ready. She was mumbling. Daekyn watched her methodically lift pieces of the contents of the worms stomach and lay them out beside the carcass.

“Lots of mineral, but look at these bones. A large animal, probably a grazer looking at its teeth. Shioun? Look at this! Vestigial….gills!!! Wow, just imagine the size of this beast unfettered by gravity! Imagine a 100’ worm cruising the depths of the ocean, swallowing large fish and mammals whole!!” Daekyn cleared his throat as he stepped closer. The woman looked up. “Oh yes. Daekyn Firehand?”

“Yes. I am Baron Firehand. May I have the pleasure of your name?”

“She dimpled and lowered her eyes. “He said you would be excessively polite. I am Miyae Kaede, this is Shioun, and little Tion should be running around here somewhere.” She held up a red coin the size of a gold crown. "He bade me give this ot you, as a sign."

Daekyn smiled and said. “He? My lady? Who are you referring to?”

Miyae cocked her head a tad as she listened to Daekyn. “You have a most intriguing lilt in your voice. As if an accent…learned not born with. Hmmm. I was referring to Waylon Eriss the merchant that hired me to help you build a portal here in the Stonelands. He told me you were expecting me. I am sorry I didn’t get here sooner, but my horse went lame and I had to walk the last few miles.”

“Oh? I’m sorry to hear that. Let’s step inside, just in case there are any lingering goblins. Shall we? Where did you say your horse went lame?”

“Elversult, on the Dragon Coast.” Daekyn nearly choked. Elversult was over 440 land miles away. Daekyn nodded and led the way into the camp. He was intrigued by this woman, but apprehensive of her effect in the camp. Aeryn’s dreams were not to be taken lightly.

1st of Marpenoth, 1372

The morning light thaws the dull gray-blue of the horizon. Slowly defrosting the cold jagged harshness in Daekyn’s heart. The battle the night before has rent the softness from Daekyn’s demeanor. Low fumes obscure the camp into hazy indistinguishable forms. Daekyn stands on the low hill rising above the camp. Drained and tired Daekyn feels the frustration and anger boiling inside of him. Already the word has spread and only the bravest of the messengers venture close enough to report. Most report to Vecktyr. Vecktyr is standing nearby Daekyn with a bulky sheaf of papers. Reports of the damages and casualties of the battle from the night before hastily written.

Vecktyr holds a blood stained report out from the rest. “It’s actually quite minor, less than we expected. Only 10 are dead, but more than 30 are wounded seriously enough to require healing.” Vecktyr shuffles the paper back in. “It seems only the two War Wizards and the newcomer are able to provide some comfort to the wounded. All of the senior officers are of course trained in minor healing techniques. Limited to bandaging and cleaning. Most of the 30 will be down and out for a few weeks, maybe longer to retrain and keep fit.” Vecktyr shakes his head. “I hate to say this, but we need to sponsor a church, or even a small kirk for the men. A divine healer would be a tremendous asset.” Daekyn turns and looks at Vecktyr. A blank look on his face is the only response. Vecktyr looks at another report. “Outriders have reported a small accumulation of the humanoids to the southwest. They drug what dead they could find to a small valley there…perhaps for burial.” Vecktyr motions vaguely to the south west.

Daekyn turns back to the camp. Among the standardized purple in the soldiers uniforms below, the brightly dressed Miyae Kaede and her silent metal guardian stand out. They walk amongst the damaged camp. Miyae directed her guardian to lift heavy chunks of stone to clear the camp. She is also giving what comfort she can to the wounded. Daekyn watched her lower a hand to a stretchered soldier. His groans audible even to Daekyn. Soon his eyes droop in slumber and Miyae starts to clean his face from the blood.

The gates swing open to admit a caravan flying Whaterdhavian flags. The symbol of Daekyn’s Tavern flying below them. Daekyn slips a small smile to his face. The soldiers cry out in a spontaneous cheer, lifting their weapons. Dulcia, riding on the lead wagon, dressed in a busty gown lifts an oversized pewter mug high into the air. Foamy ale froths over the lip and runs down her forearm and spills across her bosom. The men cheer and then cheer even louder when they notice that every wagon in the caravan has a serving woman or two on each. Each lifting a mug above her head letting the foam spill down over them. The cheering continues for several minutes. While Dulcia informs the drivers and serving wenches to break open a keg or two and whet the “Dry and dusty throats of these brave men.” A chant of Dulcia’s name commences. She begins to make her way up the hill towards Daekyn. A rueful grin upon her face. Daekyn tries to drop the smile so he can grumble at her when she gets to the top. She wasn’t supposed to come but nonetheless deep inside he is warmed by her presence.. Daekyn turns to hide the errant smile and spots Atlantean walking up to Daekyn. A smug little smile on his face.

Atlantean manages to say. “Surprise.” Just before Caladnei steps out from behind his back and looks down at the disheveled camp.

Caladnei raises an eyebrow and says. “Well kept camp you keep here. Very orderly and……clean.” She eyes the torn and disordered yurts and the smoking piles of burnt yurts. She manages to look amused at the soldiers wildly cheering at the buxom wenches and drinking ale while in uniform. Caladnei lets a small smile creep to her face. “I am sure the Regent would be pleased to see that discipline and order are your top priorities. A trivial but highly amusing piece of information don’t you think,” Caladnei steps close to Daekyn and raises a hand to his face caressing an errant strand of his hair from his face. “Daekyn Firehand?” She breathes the last into his ear her lips barely touching his ear. Daekyn shakes his head and steps back away from her touch. To see Dulcia standing to the side with her hands on her hips.

“Am I interrupting anything? BARON Firehand?” Asks Dulcia penetratingly. Her look is beginning to sour.

“Of course not….” Begins Daekyn.

“Absolutely, my dear!” Says Caladnei in a quick tone. Her eyes flashing. “But nothing we won’t finish later, I’m sure.” Caladnei turns to Atlantean and smiles broadly. “I will accept your offer of refreshments. I am parched, but then I will go to the men and see what help I can render while your Baron finishes his business and has time to ready a report. I shall be here for a few days, through the holiday I am sure.” Atlantean nods curtly and gestures towards the camp. As Caladnei passes he permits a small grin to flash towards Daekyn. Daekyn sighs and looks over at Dulcia who now has added a tapping foot to accompany the annoying look on her face and hands on her hips.

“Quite a warm welcome. Do I get the same greeting?” Dulcia asks. Her left eyebrow arcing towards the sky.

“Nonsense. It’s business.” Daekyn says. “Anyway why are you here? Who is watching the tavern? This isn’t what I asked for.”

Well its obvious I have come just in time. Someone needs to do something about the men’s morale. Since you don’t know the first thing about morale, I decided to handle it.” Dulcia looks down at the departing Caladnei. “Plus the tavern is shut down.”

Daekyn sputtered. “What? Wh…but….how?”

Dulcia sighed and rolled her eyes. “An agent was running from the Lords of Waterdeep, and I mean running, they were on his tail. The dog broke the agreement and busted into the tavern. Where he grabbed me at knife point and insisted he be taken to the ‘safe room’ Once inside he used the portal and left the upper floor of the tavern crawling with city guard. I had barely enough time to use the Negation Rod you left to make it look normal. I had just removed my shirt when they busted in. All they saw was the ‘apartment’ I lived in.” Dulcia paused. “However they have put am injunction against us pending an investigation.”

Daekyn sighed, his anger seething. “It seems I must have a small talk with our ‘friend’ about the behavior of his agents.”

Dulcia smiled. “Oh I wouldn’t worry. On the trip over I had a visit by our ‘friend’ In the seat next to him on the carriage was the agent drooling on himself. Your ‘friend’ apologized profusely for any inconvenience I suffered and promised me we would not be bothered by any brigands along the way. I don’t know what he did, but we saw nary another wagon on the whole trip.” Dulcia handed Daekyn a small sealed missive. "He also bade me to give this to you."

Daekyn looked at the missive and grimaced. “Still.” Daekyn was interrupted by an urgent cry from the base of the hill. “Well I need to get back to work. Set up where you think is the best. See me in my yurt this evening.” Daekyn turned and walked off.

Dulcia rubbed the make-up that hid the horrible bruise, still dark after three weeks. Daekyn hadn't even noticed. She frowned at his back and whispered. “But will you be alone?”

1st of Marpenoth, 1372

Dibell-Ram Sandtucker the king of the Goblins stood on the hill to the southwest of Firehaven. His champion Marketh One-Tooth stood beside him. Both were injured badly, but ignored the pain.

“King? What you see?” Asked Marketh.

Dibell-Ram stood for a moment before responding. “The humans get their horses and ride to the canyon. They pr’olly thinkin’ we bury them. Ha, let them thinks what they thinks. We know the power of Asbaron. He brings us an army of deady goblins.” Dibell-Ram turns and looks at Marketh. “A big-big mission we have for yous. To the west is water on ground, the stinks will guide you. Friends of friends and kin will greets yous. Tell Hunser Toe-Gone that Dibell-Ram needs him for war. Tell him to bring all of his pals.” Marketh saluted in goblin fashion and went to his hYungwaerth and leapt on. Soon the rambling gait sped Marketh off to the west. The king turned back to view Firehaven. His fists clenching at his sides.

1st of Marpenoth (evening), 1372

Daekyn walked slowly into his yurt. The men were gradually getting themselves together and repairs were proceeding. Atlantean and the others had been working feverishly through out the day tending to the men, the camp and the tavern girls that Dulcia had brought with her. Now Daekyn needed rest himself. The long battle had all but spent most of his magics, and he would need time and rest to replenish them.

He sat down in his large high backed chair at the main conference table. He leaned back and closed his eyes. Suddenly he was aware of a familiar odor. Cinnamon, hazelnut,…and…

“Coffee?” His eyes opened to see Dulcia walking out from behind a tapestry with a tray of coffee and biscuits. Syd squawked joyously, recognizing the human woman who so often had brought him treats. She had one now and fed it to the noble bird.

“You don’t think that I would forget my most important cargo would you? She said sweetly as she poured the dark liquid into a large cup and handed it to Daekyn.

“My dear, you spoil me.” Daekyn said reaching out and affectionately grabbing her arm. Dulcia hugged Daekyn and they embraced much more passionately then they had earlier.

“Where did you get the bruise?” Daekyn asked as he hungrily swallowed the divine drink.

“I almost thought you hadn’t noticed. I did my best to hide it from you.” She said in a low voice, nearly trembling.

“My dear, in all the years I have known you, the only time you have ever worn your make-up that heavily was when Chiron slipped on the floor and you caught the tray he was carrying with your forehead. Dulcia grinned slightly at the memory of the now laughable incident. Finally after a long silence, Daekyn said, “I am happy you are here. I have missed you.” Dulcia looked longingly into Daekyn’s eyes.

“You look tired Daekyn. Not just from the long night that I hear was fairly impressive, even for you. But more a tired of the soul.” She said sitting on the arm of the chair. Daekyn closed his eyes and leaned his head into Dulcia’s lap.

“I am tired Dulcia. Everything is falling apart. All my plans…The treaty with the Orcs hasn’t progressed. There’s trouble on the Eastern border, and now this attack.” Daekyn’s voice tapered off.

“And then there is the tavern.” Dulcia remarked.

“Oh thank you,” Daekyn said as he sighed sarcastically. “I had almost forgotten about that, thank you for reminding me of it. Yes, the tavern.”

There was a long silence. Finally, Dulcia asked; “Daekyn, in all the years I have known You, I have seen you do some pretty impressive things. You have dealt with everything from lizards to liches, from dryads to dragons. You remember that dammed vampire that nearly got the better of you?”

Daekyn grinned, “Ah yes, what did he call himself? ‘Baron Von Karzikoff’? Nice little pile of ash he made. Do we still have that urn?” “Still on the mantle at the manor in Waterdeep.” She said leaning into him and caressing his shoulder.

After another period of long silence, Daekyn finally spoke. “I am signing over the tavern to Fzoul.”

“What?” Dulcia said as she sat up. “You can’t be serious!”

“Yes I can.” Daekyn said with a renewed vigor. “He can have the whole bloody thing. It will be his problem to deal with. Our attention needs to be focused here.”

“Our attention?” She asked.

“Yes. Yes our attention. Dulcia, I want you to move here, permanently. At least as permanent as it gets. I have decided that what this plan needs is a new focus!” Daekyn said standing up and pouring another cup of coffee. Dulcia opened the top of the pot and looked in.

“What the hell did I put in this stuff?” She said. Daekyn laughed. “What about the manor? Surely you are not going to sell it off too, it was your family’s manor.”

“No of course not. Chiron is nearly of age; he can look after the place, indefinitely. Besides, I will need someone to stay in Waterdeep and keep their eyes and ears open for me. Nobody could do it better then him. We will take care of the details later. Dulcia, you are going to have the most elaborate tavern this side of Araebel when I get done with things. Or even better,” he paused slightly, “A castle!” Dulcia nearly dropped her cup. “But first, you are going to have to promise me something.” He said.

“What?” Dulcia was so stunned by the last statement she nearly missed putting the cup on the table.

“You are going to have to put up with me flirting with the regent’s sorceress. And remember, it is ONLY business.” He said pointing a finger at her. She grabbed Daekyn’s finger and pulled him closer to her.

“For a castle? I think I can do that….how much flirting?” She said with a smile.

“Just enough to accomplish whatever I have too.” He said, breaking away from her and turning to go towards the Yurt entrance. He opened the flap and spoke to the guard at the entrance. “Soldier!” Daekyn barked as the guard snapped to attention.

“Yes Sir!” He shouted.

“Go get my advisors, and Captain Dauntinghorn. Tell them there is a meeting in ten minutes, and don’t be late!” Daekyn said sternly.

“Yes sir!” The guard said and then departed hastily. Daekyn turned and looked at Dulcia, “We are going to take things up a notch.” He said with a grin that would have sent a more sane man scampering off in search of windmills. Continued

All were gathered in Daekyn’s yurt about ten minutes later. Everyone was tired and bedraggled from the day. The worst of the lot was Atlantean. He had taken a beating during the battle, but didn’t immediately tend to his own wounds. However, being up all night and day, the battle finally was taking its toll on him. Dulcia hovered around pouring refreshments for everyone. It was amazing how the presence of the women in the camp had eased the tension among the men, and the advisors. Daekyn entered out of a side room and everyone came to their feet.

“No, please, be seated my friends. All of you have had a hard day, and need not be troubled by protocol at this meeting.” Daekyn himself took his seat.

“Baron, I have the latest number on the damage from last…” Daekyn interrupted Vecktyre before he could speak further.

“This is not a meeting about what happened last night, but rather a meeting on a new direction for our mission here in the Stonelands.” Before Daekyn could continue, the Regent’s Sorceress, Caladnei, entered the Yurt.

“I hope I am not interrupting anything Baron Firehand. I was hoping to meet with you, and discuss your, uh, progress here in the Stonelands.” Caladnei glided into the room and took a sit on a sofa across from the conference table. With passionate distaste Dulcia offered some refreshments, which Caladnei took gracefully. “I hope that this wasn’t some sort of clandestine meeting that I shouldn’t be privy too.” She said taking a sip of some wine.

“Not at all good lady Caladnei. Perhaps out of all, you should be witness to what takes place here at this table tonight.” Daekyn said this and stood. “Gentlemen, ladies, “ Daekyn added as he nodded in the direction of Caladnei and Dulcia. “Last night we suffered losses against a force of superior numbers. I spent much of today surveying the damage, not only to the land, but to the men. It is clearer to me now more than ever that the Stonelands are more of a challenge than I had originally anticipated.” There was a short pause while everyone looked around at each other, wondering what Daekyn was going to say next. All that is except for Atlantean, who had known the wizard far too long to be surprised by what was happening. “That being said, I have decided that this operation needs a new direction. A stronger direction.” Daekyn took a sip of hazelnut coffee and relished for a moment in the aroma. The residents in the Stonelands need to understand something; Firehaven is here to stay. The Humans are here to stay. The Banner of Cormyr now flies above the Stonelands, and nothing, I repeat nothing, will bring down.”

Everyone sat in silence, knowing that what Daekyn was saying was more show than anything else. Yet, there was resolve in his voice that none of them doubted.

“I have spent far too much time neglecting my duties here as Baron.” Daekyn continued, “From this point on I will only be leaving Firehaven and the Stonelands if it is absolutely necessary. My will shall be enacted through you. And enacted it shall be. From this point on, no quarter what so ever. Atlantean, tomorrow you shall leave for Baldur’s Gate; you will hire as many men-at-arms as possible. “ Aeryn interrupted Daekyn at this point.

“My Lord! Surely we are not to populate the Purple Dragons with mere mercenaries? Should we not ask for reinforcements from Cormyr sir?” Aeryn was genuinely concerned.

“Thank you Captain, however I have given this considerable thought. With the trouble we are having on the Western border, and the losses we suffered last night, it is clear that we will need more men. However, the Regent’s offer was for two platoons of Purple Dragons. I cannot in good conscious ask for continual re-supplies of men. No, I said that I would take care of the cost of running the Stonelands beyond the initial resources the Crown supplied. However,” Daekyn raised his hand to quiet any further interruptions. “I am also aware that this may cause dissention among the Purple Dragons, therefore, I have decided that the new mercenaries will not be integrated into the Purple Dragons, they will be a separate police force, the Crimson Guard of Firehaven. They will eventually take over all security for Firehaven, leaving the Purple Dragons to be free to maintain the security of the border and the interior lands. Firehaven will still maintain the barracks for the Purple Dragons of course, and be their main base of operations. But we cannot take control of the Stonelands if the current forces have to be continually divided amongst base security and patrolling the interior AND the borders.”

“My lord Daekyn,” Atlantean spoke up, “While agree with your proposal, because it is clear that we will need more men, you are talking about a huge amount of men in order to do what you are asking. While I do have certain contacts to call upon in Baldur’s Gate, you are still talking about a lot of money.” Daekyn pointed over to a chest and snapped his fingers. The chest immediately appeared in front of Atlantean and flipped open. Inside there was what could only be described as a horde of gems.

“This should cover the initial costs. In addition to that, I have decided to sell off my tavern in Waterdeep, and the tower in the Cloud peak Mountains. I am prepared to liquidate all my resources to carry this project out. Money will not be a problem Sheriff Atlantean.” This last statement was the only one that seemed to surprise Atlantean.

“Sheriff?” Atlantean asked.

“Yes, you Atlantean will be in charge of the Crimson Guard once it is set up and running completely. Which is why I want you to pick out your initial deputies personally.” Daekyn said.

“But we are not finished yet. All of you will be leaving tomorrow on various missions. Except for Vecktyre and Myself.” Daekyn said.

“All of us?” Asked Aeryn.

“Yes. All of you,” Daekyn said. “ Captain, you have already sent reinforcements to the Western borders, I want you personally to over see that operation, and report to me as soon as you have assessed the situation, Take what ever resources you feel are appropriate, and take whatever action you deem fit once you get there to secure the Western border.”

“My Lord, surely I should stay here to over see the base operations as Oversword, shouldn’t I?” Aeryn asked.

“No Captain. I want my best man on this operation, and when you get done with this, we will see about dealing with this Lich. We will take care of the rest of the details after the meeting. Lets move on.” Daekyn began handing out scrolls to everyone at the table and Dulcia as well. “Curren, you will leave for the Forests in the East, there you will find a Druid named Rhaebben. You will tell him that I wish for him to bring his circle to Firehaven, for negations on establishing a permanent presence here. And tell him, tell him I hope his leg is healing nicely. He should cooperate. You should probably take J’Zan with you, but that is up to you. Vecktyre, your job will be to get this fortress finished, use all your available magics to get it done, and I will back you up with mine as well, but finishing this base is of paramount importance. And finally, Dulcia, although I am extremely pleased at your presence here,” Caladnei raised an eyebrow at this, “I need your negation skills in Cormyr. You will leave tomorrow and go into Cormyr to procure more supplies. Your specific skills at negotiating with merchants will be of inestimable value. Now, read your detailed instructions, they should answer all your questions about particulars. And make sure you get some needed rest tonight; you will need to be at your best over the next few days. Captain, make sure that Sergeant Stoan understands that he will be in charge of the troops until you return, and he is to take your place in reporting to me daily. Now, does anyone have any questions?” Daekyn sat down and leaned back into his chair with his cup of coffee. Everyone sat in their chairs slightly stunned. Finally, Aeryn spoke up again.

“My Baron, I am not sure of your plan, but I am sure that your orders will be carried out.” And with that, the advisors stood up and slowly started exiting. Atlantean lingered after for just a moment.

“I have known you for years Daekyn.” Atlantean said standing up, “And in all that time I have never known you to act with such resolve. I hope you know what you are doing. I cannot believe you are going to sell the tavern. That was your first business. The first place that was truly yours. Where ever did you find a buyer for it?”

“A mutual friend. I am going to offer it to a mutual friend of ours.” Was all Daekyn said. Before Atlantean left, Daekyn added “And Atlantean, tell Aeryn that I wish to address the camp in about an hour.” With that Atlantean nodded and left the tent. Dulcia had already left, tears were in her eyes at having to leave so soon after arriving, but there was also a sense of pride in your demeanor, as if she knew how important this was to Daekyn, thus making it important to her. Caladnei was the only one left in the Yurt with Daekyn.

“Most impressive Baron.” Caladnei said as she slid into the chair next to Daekyn.

“You sound as if you do not approve My lady?” Daekyn said with a nod as he took another sip of coffee.

“Lets just say, I find this new, direction as you call it, intriguing to say the least.” She said putting her finger on her temple and starring deeply into Daekyn’s eyes. “And I am not sure that the Regent will approve of this police force idea of yours.”

“Ah, that.” He said.

“Yes,…that.” Caladnei grinned.

“Other cities have their own police force. I don’t see why Firehaven should be any different. Besides. I need to expertise of the Purple Dragons for other matters.” Daekyn said.

“And the Druids?” Caladnei asked.

“The Druids are neutral, they are allied with no one except for nature. They are the perfect neutral force to assist me in making this region prosperous. Besides, I will need healers, and like it or not, they are the best.” Daekyn stood and started to put on his most noble looking robes.

“I am glad I made this trip Baron, it is proving to be more interesting than I would have hoped.” Caladnei said as she too stood.

“My dear Lady Caladnei, you haven’t seen anything yet.” Daekyn said as he started to exit the Yurt.

"Maybe not, dear Firehand. Maybe not." Caladnei whispered under her breath. "But I want to see more."