World Revolution

[Brian]

The Storm-riders slowly gather around and hail Phil as their new king.  Once it's clear that the violence is finished, the priestess heals Phil and Markham's wounds, and the former king is sent away after his brother, his torc given to a cousin in his family.

"Okay," Farwell sighs, rubbing at his temples.  "Now what do we do?"

[Rezantis]

"Well," Rez looks around for Mattias . . . and realizes he's still not reappeared.

"Mattias, if you're still around, could you show yourself?  We've planning to do, and not much time to do it."

[Dracos]

"There are four things that must be dealt with.  First we must collect those who are at the temples and add their strength to our own.  Second we must ensure that the women and children are safely escorted to the mountains so that they are safely out of the way so that we may all battle with a clear head and heart.  Thirdly, we must free loremaster Eske.  Fourthly, we must begin our attacks on the dreadmarch."  Dracos demands.

Dracos looks over the map in the table, swiftly planning.

"Hmmm...  Most of us should stay together, forming a raiding group to head out.  A second group with the women and children should head swiftly as possible to the southern mountains.  It must be as small as possible.   Mathias, I'd like you to go with this group and help hide them as well as rescue Eske and try to bring down the seal.  Farwell, I would like you to lead this second group."

Dracos

[Dracos]

Dracos nods.  "We'll have to get our supplies on the way.  Do our scouts have any idea where the current enemy supply line runs?"

Dracos

[Brian]

Farwell nods.  "Not a problem, cousin," he agrees.  "Mattias?"  The loremaster finally reappears after a moment, peering about warily.

"That's fine ... once I free Eske, we should be able to move the women and children to safety, and bring the remainder of the forces to meet back up with you," the loremaster says.

[Dracos]

"Good luck, cousin, and may your feet move swiftly.  Now, who is in charge of our scouts?"

Dracos

[Brian]

"Mmm,"  Farwell grunts.  "I'll see to it.  We'll leave in a few minutes, but leave behind a few wagons and supplies for you.  The rest, we'll take into this pass," he says, indicating a spot on the map.  "If that's not open, we'll continue down the range until we find one that is.  Peace be with you, cousin, and remember, Hamar watches over us all."  He salutes, then, one fist over his heart, and wheels about, calling out orders before he's even left the immediate area.

"We will stay with you," the priestess volunteers.  "It seems likely you'll be in need of our aid far more than they."

Mattias nods, and bows low to the ground before following Farwell.

After a moment, the man you encountered in the advance guard ... yesterday?  Time is screwy, here ... approaches.  "I'm in charge of the scouts," he says, nodding.  Liandrall sizes him up, then nods approvingly.  "What would you have us do?  And will you send any of us ahead with Lord Farwell?"

[Dracos]

"What is your name and how many scouts do you command?" Dracos quickly asked.

Dracos

[Brian]

"I am Erik," he says, bowing again.  "One hundred and twent-- er, one hundred and nineteen scouts run with me."

[Dracos]

"Pick out one trusted commander and fifty of your fleetest.  Know that while they will not face as great danger as those who stay, their eyes and speed will be the matter of life and death for the families of all here.  Gather them with Sir Farwell before they move out.  Go now, Eric and when you are finished, return here."

Dracos

[Brian]

He nods, and runs off.  The priestess cursties, and excuses herself, her guards following like loyal watchdogs.  It's just you, Nathan, and a handful of storm-riders hanging around in case you have any other orders, now.

[Dracos]

Dracos hmm'ed, glancing at one of the other soldiers.  "You there, go among the troops that are staying and make sure they are ready to move out.  Everyone should be ready to move within the hour.  When you are done, return here."

Finishing that, he turned towards Liandril.  "A busy day.  Would you do a favor for me, Liandril?"

Dracos

[Brian]

Two of the soldiers run off, each of them crossing the camp in a different direction.

Liandral raises an eyebrow.  "What do you require?" he asks.

[Dracos]

"This is a large force to command, therefore I will need people I trust to help manage it.  I need you to find out what we have to work with.  Sir Farwell will take those who can't fight, but I need to know what resources we have in terms of combat and tactical potential.  What is the current organizational scheme, how many archers we have and how skilled you think they are, how many swordsman we have, any other forces or combat groups I am unaware of that are around here.  I need to know who the commanders of various squadrons are, their names, and generally how trustworthy think they are.  Take another soldier to help you navigate and get done what needs to be done.  I also want to have twenty fighters specifically assigned to making sure nothing happens to the priestess.  It can't hurt to have the favor of the gods with us.  Can you handle that for me, Liandril?"

Dracos

[Brian]

"I couldn't if I needed to sleep," he says dryly.  "Consider it done, though."  With that, he runs off.