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------- Chapter 32: One Battle Ends ... And Another One Starts -------
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(DM:)
As the ominous grinding noise emerges from the tunnel leading into the
temple complex, Tuft provides Tatiana with some useful information ...

(Tatiana:)
"Tuft has told me that there were no Drow among the natives that fled.
Tuft reported them as weaving through the trees at breakneck speed.
For some reason however, they were all headed SOUTH, whereas we have
all been told that the Native kingdoms are situated to our NORTH ..."

(DM:)
Those who check out the grinding noise from within the temple, see the
granite wall sliding into the ground, and slowly revealed are the
Ardanarzherdar. They look refreshed, full of energy and more powerful
then ever. 

(Arlon:)
As the news from Tuft that the natives are going south and the
reappearance of the Ardanarzherdar, Arlon contemplates the
ramifications of various things and so he is slow to speak.  Arlon
appears to be worried.

(Alien Leader:)
They smile at you, and the leader speaks. "Ahh. We are very grateful
for what you have done for us." 

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana's spells had ended about five minutes before the Ardanarzherdar
came out.  At such a warm greeting from them she smiled graciously and
gave a small bow.  "You are very welcome.  It was much easier than we
had expected.  The savages retreated in an orderly fashion almost as
soon as we pulled the post from the ground."

(Alien Leader:)
"As per your request, we have let our awareness look for the items
borne by the unfortunate expedition that awakened our Saicha."

At this, he holds up his arm, and blinding white energy swirls above
his hand for a moment. When the light fades, you see he holds several
items suspended in air. Among them you see a wand, a silvery
chainmail, a dagger and a long sword. With a small gesture, the items
float gently towards you, and deposit themselves upon the floor of the
broken temple in front of you.

"When you are ready, we will transport you towards Dark Haven. Ah ...
I see some of you are wounded."

At this, the man closes his eyes for a second, and any of you that are
wounded, are now fully healed and rested. 

(Silver:)
When the leader of the Ardanarzherdar heals the party, Silver looks at
him afresh, but with a slight frown.

(Alien Leader:)
At that he waits for you to indicate you are ready.

(Falrun:)
Falrun will ask the leader of the 'gods', "What can you tell us of the
situation at Dark Haven?  We already know that things are not as we
left them and we could use all of the information that we can get so
that we may deal with the events that are unfolding in a more
effective manner."

Falrun stands by waiting for an answer, seeming somewhat unconcerned
for the items that appeared out of nowhere, he will stand by and let
the others pick them up.

(Alien Leader:)
The leader nods and speaks.

"Many things are happening, it may be best I send you there now, so
that you can see for your own eyes that what we speak is true. You
mistrust us still, so we will not cloud your judgment by giving
tinted information or one-sided advice."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana sighed heavily.  "It's not that we don't want to trust you.
But we are so ill-informed and the events are so momentous, we don't
want to make any mistakes that would have serious consequences.  Maybe
our hesitation is a mistake, but I hope you will be patient with us as
we grow and learn."  She smiles hopefully.

"I'm writing a ballad about these events so that they may be
immortalized.  That way, all may know of what has happened here."

(Alien Leader:)
"When you are ready, I will position you some 20 minutes away from the
gates of your village, so you will appear walking back."

(Silver:)
"Is there some message from you that we can give to those back in Dark
Haven other than the book ? We do not even know all of your names -
only that of Saicha S'Zigodd. We also would like to tell them where
you might be traveling to and what you might be doing ..." her voice
trails off slightly.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will nod as Silver asks for a message. After Silver finishes,
"Yes, our leaders would be very interested in what you have to say,
especially our ranking mage who is quite humble and I doubt anything
like the ones that brought sorrow to your people."

(DM:)
The Ardanarzherdar do not give you a message to take back to Dark
Haven, nor do they give their names.

(Silver:)
As Arlon also asks from information from the tall guy, her voice
trails off for a moment, then she adds "And what should we know of the
reasons for the Gur Rakhar fleeing in yonder direction ..." she says,
pointing south, "rather than toward their homes in the north ?"

(Tatiana:)
"Yes, my friend Tuft says they are heading South, but I guess you
already knew that.  Do you know why?"

(Alien Leader:)
When some of you ask as to why the natives flee south, the
Ardanarzherdar leader looks somber, and answers: "It is the land where
the Evil Ones dwell. Beware them, for they are treacherous and
cunning. It would truly be best if you would go to Dark Haven now."

(Silver:)
If no-one else does so (though I suspect someone will), Silver will
move reluctantly and pick up the items from the floor. Her reluctance
is partly because she would not want to be seen kneeling or bowing
before the Ardanarzherdar.

(Shade:)
Shade goes to examine the items and then he picks them up, but he
knows how to pick something up _without_ making a submissive act of
it.

(Tatiana:)
When the conversation was complete Tatiana went over to help Silver
pick up the Dark Haven Dozen's possessions.  She picked up the Chain
Mail and weaponry.

(DM:)
Shade, Silver and Tatiana all help to pick up and carry the items
salvaged from the lost members of the Darkhaven Dozen. They include a
silvery chainmail, a longsword out of it's scabbard, a scabbarded
dagger, a small crystal wand, tipped on both ends by silver coloured
metal, and a ring that is lying among the items. The ring is a simple
band of gold, with no special marks on it.

(Shade:)
Then the drow goes to stand immediately beside Silver.

(Arlon:)
"I guess we are ready then.  Thank you, Ardanarzherdar, for your
hospitality and generosity - I hope our next meeting will be under
more pleasant circumstances."

He will then bow slightly towards them - a gesture of respect.

(Silver:)
Silver's eyes widen as the leader of the Ardanarzherdar gathers his
energies. She turns to Shade and desperately hugs him for all she is
worth, eyes tight shut, putting her head next to his. It is almost as
if she feels this is the last contact they will get in this cycle of
their existence.

(DM:)
You get a light feeling, and the area around you becomes blurry. For a
short moment, all goes black, and when you can see again, you are in
the middle of the forest. Amidst you the shimmering, fading apparition
of the Ardanarzherdar leader speaks, pointing in a direction:

"But little time away from here, in that direction, you shall find
your home. Go now, and remember. You fight on our side in this
battle."

Keilan looks around himself, and having traveled the woods around
Dark Haven in his spare time, recognizes it. Keilan knows that the
apparition spoke truth, and that Dark Haven is near indeed.

(Shade:)
Shade kisses Silver's eyes gently, then he smiles to her "Open your
eyes dear, we might be at home. Let's go and find out what's become of
our it."

(Silver:)
Silver does indeed open her eyes, breathe deeply and then smile as she
sees that Keilan recognizes the area. "Thanks, Ebu. I didn't care for
that much ..."

(Tatiana:)
*WHOOOOHh!!!!*

Tatiana was disoriented at first, and Tuft screaming in her mind was 
enough to make anyone jump.

*What's the matter?* she thought back with concern.

*A little advance warning before teleportation would be nice!* he 
thought back angrily.   *I nearly flew into a tree!*

*One second I'm cruising just fine, the next I'm dodging through the 
limbs of giant tree*

Tatiana smirked and a snorted laugh escaped, but she soon concerned 
herself with whatever might be happening at Dark Haven.

*Tuft? If you're okay now, fly ahead and tell me what you see at Dark
Haven.*

*Jeeze!  Nearly hit a tree and I'm immediately ordered out on scouting
duty.* He gave a mental huff and flew off as ordered.

Tatiana quickly shed her own chain mail suit and let it fall to the
ground before her.  She put on the Dark Haven's recovered suit.  It
might not fit but she was sure it was magical in nature and would
protect her better than her own.

(Shade:)
Then to the others "Shall we go, now?"

(Falrun:)
Falrun will head for Dark Haven with Keilan leading the way. 

(Silver:)
After waiting patiently for Tatiana to change, Silver walks with the
others toward Dark Haven. Her arm is linked with Shade's.

(Tatiana:)
"Anyone want to use either of these recovered blades?"

(Silver:)
"No thanks, 'Ana. What about this ring, anyone ?" Silver says, holding
up the plain golden ring.

OOC: If no-one else says anything, Silver will examine it for runes of
     any kind, then try it on ... If anyone else wants to look at it
     further, Silver will offer it to them instead.

(Arlon:)
"Mendahl will probably have an idea what the magic of the ring and
wand are.  Lets be off and see him quickly."

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Tatiana carries the Chain mail, Long sword, and Dagger.  The Long
     sword will be placed in her own sheath and she will use her
     recently purchased blade.

Tatiana then followed the others towards Dark Haven.  She walked
closely to Arlon to give him physical protection if he needed it.

(Arlon:)
As they move toward Dark Haven and Tatiana moves close to Arlon to
'protect' him, "You did very well back at the temple. How are bards at
putting themselves in a ballad ?"  he smiles.

(Tatiana:)
"Not very good really.  Maybe Shade can correct any inaccuracies if I
neglect something."

(Silver:)
This prompts Silver to ask Shade "Would you also create an epic, Ebu ?
Or have you put away your skills of the creation of songs since you
left the Underdark ? I believe your tale and 'Anas would counterpoint
each other wonderfully ..."

(Shade:)
"Of course I'll do that, dear, I'm a bard, indeed, even if not of the
kind my family wanted me to be."

(Falrun:)
He will suggest that once they arrive at Dark Haven, the entire group
go see Mendahl and the rest of the town council and inform them of
what we have learned. 

(Keilan:)
"No thank you.  I have other things to attend to."  The shirtless
(remember that fireball?) ranger leaves quickly any discussion of
events or Mendahl and heads off ahead of the others, in the direction
of the groups' headquarters.

(Silver:)
"Well, I could do with a change of clothes ... well, I could do with
some clothes of any sort, actually." Silver looks down at her rather
exposed form under her armour, then self-consciously runs her fingers
through her hair (now considerably shorter on one side).

"If there is no immediate danger, then I think we could spare time for
a change of clothes before seeing Mendahl ..."

(Arlon:)
"I think we should see Mendahl and the other leaders as soon as we can
and make our report.  Events seem to be unfolding quickly."




However, all is not well with Dark Haven, as the party are just about
to find out .... 

(Tatiana:)
Tuft flew back into telepathic range and started speaking almost 
immediately  *Looks like you have some visitors.  A new batch of a
settlers are deboarding.   Strange though, A lot of them come armed.
When you guys arrived, no one bore arms.  You humanoids are a strange
lot.   I would have stayed longer to look some more, but there were
some scary things flying about and I didn't want to stick around.*

Tatiana looked concerned. "We got a strange batch of visitors in our
docks.  Tuft says they are armed."

(Silver:)
"Hmm, perhaps not time for even a change of clothes. I think we'd
better move it.  The Ardanarzherdar certainly have a flair for
dramatic timing ..."  Silver smiles wistfully as she moves quickly to
the welcome sight of the gates of Dark Haven.

(Arlon:)
"It sounds like the re-enforcements have arrived."

(Silver:)
"Yes, of course - that must be it. I am getting too suspicious of
events - I had assumed they also had evil intent toward Dark Haven.
But I suppose it does no harm to hurry there to find out the truth ..."

(Tatiana:)
*Tuft could you give me a mental image of the strange flying monsters
you keep fleeing from?  They way you talk about them leads me to
believe they might be something other than natural fauna from around
here.*

*These flying monsters are not like the ones which chased us when we
were riding on those flying horses*

"I think we better be prepared for a fight or suspicious behaviour
when we get back to Dark Haven.  I'm not too sure how well our story
is going to go over."

"Meeting a bunch of gods and not being influenced in some manner is a
bit hard to believe.  Others may doubt our word, or our loyalty.  We
may become the one's they become suspicious of, if we are not
careful."

(DM:)
As you begin to approach the city of Dark Haven, your hearts are
filled with dread. As you look at the noon sky, you see several manta
shaped things fly in lazy circles. 

(Keilan:)
OOC: What a surprise... Never a moment's rest!

(Silver:)
Silver shields her eyes from the sun, looking up at the flying
creatures. "Strange ... like nothing I have ever seen before. What
sort of creature are they, Keilan ?" she asks.

(Keilan:)
Without looking up, Keilan replies, "They are magical.  Not creatures
at all.  And evil is borne upon them."

(Silver:)
Silver looks at Keilan quite sharply, then back up at the creatures.
She nods in agreement. "Powerful magics must be at work here, then"
she says, mainly to herself.

(Tatiana:)
*Tuft?  Why don't you find a safe place to hide for a while.  I'll relay
what's going on to you.*

*No problem, I've been up forever it feels like* he responded with
concern.

Tatiana grew more worried, thinking about the flying things.  *Find a
safe place Tuft.  I'll call you when things start acting up again*

(DM:)
From the city come the excited voices of a great gathering. When you
near, you spot many pennants and banners winding their way from the
docks. A veritable forest of masts can be seen in the background. The
reinforcements asked for after the first native attack have arrived,
and companies from the various cities stream ashore. You spot many
standards of companies who fought bravely during the Tuigan Wars, and
to your surprise even spot the dread emblem of the Zhentilar displayed
openly and proudly on lances carried by troops in black armors.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana continued towards Dark Havens gates and her face fell ashen
when she saw the Zhentilar banner openly displayed. Tatiana was
uncharacteristically quiet for a very long time.

(Falrun:)
Falrun surveys the standards as if he is sizing up each group based on
their reputation, or possibly on past experience.  As his eyes catch
the standard of the Zhentilar, openly displayed no less, you can see
his expression change to one of anger and disgust but it quickly fades
as the party continues on its way.

(DM:)
You would estimate some five thousand troops have arrived. Some
emblems are those belonging to the bodyguard forces of powerful mages.
Also some groups of martial priests can be espied.

When you reach the gates, an alert guard spots you, and tells you that
Lord Kael and Mendahl are waiting for you, together with a great many
others, interested in the tales you bring. You ask the guy what is
going on, but the guard refuses to tell you. Also there is a
disgruntled looking shirtless Keilan who was stopped by the guard and
asked to wait for the rest of you. The very air is filled with a
pervading sense of 'wrongness'.

When you have all gathered at the gate, the guard speaks: "Wait for
Lord Kael to explain that to you."

You wonder at the absence of the mention of the lord of Dark Haven,
Lord Talon Clasp. However, you are led towards the keep, and wind your
way through all the newly arrived troops, who are assembling in the
market square between the gate and the keep. The faces of the newly
arrived beam with sure belief that anything this savage continent can
throw at them is as nothing, and you hope they are right. They talk
among themselves boasting of the fights they fought in, and of other
exploits of prowess and valor.

(Silver:)
Passing through the crowds, Silver seems to move closer to Shade,
hating the jostling and noise of so many people. "I hope we get out of
this crowd soon ..."

(DM:)
When finally arriving at the keep, you pass a group of scribes and
officers who are dealing with sorting out the various groups of
soldiers, and deciding where to laager them. Also outside the gates of
the keep you see a group of strange alien men. They have pale
complexions like Saicha of the Ardanarzherdar, but their facial
structures lack the grace and regality of those of Saicha, from what
little you can see peeking underneath a hood which shields the eyes.
These men look cruel and evil to you, and you shudder by merely
looking at them.

(Silver:)
Silver makes as if to speak to the small group of alien men, but
thinks better of it. She stands awkwardly, waiting for the group to
move on past them. 

(DM:)
You are shocked even more when you see a drow warrior run up to one of
them and speak (in drow, so only Shade will hear, but I will assume
that he will relay the info to the others as soon as he can).

"Master! The Grand Magus has sent our telepath the news. The False
Ones have broken through the shield put up! Also, the Great Emperor of
the Gur Rakhar is amassing his armies. It will be but weeks ere they
will have smashed the Faithful. The last protection between us and
them will be these newly arrived. The Formian nations have been
warned, as well as the kings of the Yuan-Ti empire."

(Shade:)
Shade will shiver slightly at the sight of those 'people' remembering
the mind flayer in the under-dark but will not show any emotion.

(DM:)
The proud drow behaves as a common slave before these men, and when
Shade passes, he hears the drow slave hiss in his native tongue at
him.  "Foul Renegade!"

(Shade:)
The bard will try hard to think as if he never heard anything of this,
concentrating on simple ballads and rhymes."

(DM:)
The pale men look angered at the drow for speaking in your presence,
and though you do not see any of them make any move or sound, the drow
suddenly clutches his stomach and grimaces in excruciating pain.
Through clenched teeth the drow works out the words: "Sorry Master!"

(Silver:)
She looks aghast at both the drow "slave" hissing at Shade, and at the
pain he undergoes because of it. She links hands with Shade, and looks
at him to see how he reacts to these events.

(DM:)
Shade is dumbfounded, and unable to understand how one of his cruel
but proud people could ever stoop so low as to act as slaves for
another race. You are led into the castle, and through the great hall,
and wonder to yourself what could have happened that such beings would
be allowed within the walls of the city.

Finally you reach a set of double doors, and are motioned to enter.
Inside, the air is heavy, and the mood grim. Upon a large table maps
are spread out. At a glance, you recognize them for maps of this
continent, but the artwork is totally alien to you, and you are unable
to read the small markings and symbols explaining items of note.
Standing in a loose circle around the table are some whom you
recognize. Mendahl, Kael, Rhuleck, Loromar and Calypso. Also some you
do not know by name, but whose insignia you recognize, commanders of
the newly arrived armies and their mage and priest advisors. Then
there is also a delegation of the pale men and a small retinue of drow
servants. The pale aliens look at you with strange eyes, globes of
pure silver.

They speak, and their voices seem to drift to you as though on a
gentle wind. "Sssoo. Theess musst be the vaunted Eidolon."

(Silver:)
"Ah well ..." starts Silver in an almost accusing tone, but is
interrupted by Mendahl and Lord Kael speaking to us.

(Lord Kael:)
Looking up from peering over the maps, Mendahl and Kael look at you
and speak. "Ahh it is so nice that you are back. Much has happened
since you left, and little of it good. Native assassins crept over the
walls, and managed to slay some of our most prominent people. I am
afraid to say that both Lord Talon Clasp as well as the Lady Shilara
are no longer with us."

(Silver:)
"Nooo" comes the anguished cry from Silver, and she stands aghast at
this news. "Not the Lady, no ..." and she catches Mendahl's eye and
sees the grief within. She has not felt such deep sympathy for a very
very long time, and silent tears come unbidden. The next part of the
conversation is lost to her as she looks long at the mage.

(Lord Kael:)
"This tragedy happened the day you left. This morning the ships with
the reinforcements were sighted, and now they are disembarking."

"These gentlemen......" At that Lord Kael motions with a sweeping
gesture at the strange new men and drow, and you see that he has
difficulty hiding his disgust for the aliens "... are ambassadors sent
to us from a vast empire to our south."

(Silver:)
"The south, yes ..." Silver repeats, softly.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana mouth dropped open slightly with shock as she looked to the
alien ambassadors.  She lowered her head and swallowed the lump
growing in her throat, she seemed to mumble something under her
breath.

OOC: For those close enough to hear, and it will be very difficult as
     it wasn't intended by her to be heard, it just slipped out.
     "Gods, the Evil Ones are amongst us."

(Lord Kael:)
"The aerial ships you saw flying in our skies are the means by which
they arrived.  They bring dire news. They say that their flying ships
have discovered that the native armies are stirring again. It seems as
though we have merely been dealing with a small splinter kingdom.  Now
the Emperor himself is angered at our presence. It would appear that
the natives from the small kingdom are evacuating, unwilling to face
the destruction wrought by the vast imperial armies moving through
their territories.  These gentlemen assure us that the beasts and
magics seen employed by the natives we faced will be as nothing
compared to the might wielded by the imperial troops."

At this, the tired looking Lord Kael shakes his head, and he looks at
Mendahl. At this cue, Mendahl takes over the explaining, and his eyes
flash a warning at you. It would appear he knows something he is
unwilling to disclose at the time.

(Silver:)
Silver notices this, and wipes her eyes, trying to compose herself in
front of all present.

(Falrun:)
Falrun takes the hint from Mendahl but seems more wrapped up in the
battle planning and, like Keilan, the battle map.

(Arlon:)
As Mendahl looks at the group when speaking, Arlon will give a slight
nod as if to say 'I understand' - Arlon is a little uneasy about the
'Sons of the Empire' as well.

(Mendahl:)
"We realized that it would be impossible to face these troops by
ourselves. The arrival of these ambassadors could not come at a better
time.  They explained to us that they have no wish to see the native
empire replace us as their northern neighbours, and are willing to give
unto us military aid as well as help us gather intelligence on the
native troop movements with their sky ships. It seems as though these
people are a gift from heaven, allowing our colony to survive and
prosper here. These people, calling themselves the Sons of the Empire,
have assured us that they do not mind our presence at their northern
borders, and will support any efforts towards colonizing the lands
farther inland and to the north."

Mendahl looks around the military officers, and speaks to them.  "I
think I will be of little further aid to this council, it may be best
if I busy myself with the debriefing of these people."

(Lord Kael:)
Lord Kael nods absentmindedly, his worries about the oncoming invasion
occupying his mind completely. Even before Mendahl has stepped away
from his position, and motioned to you to follow him, Kael points to
some spot on the map and asks to those surrounding the table.

"What of this river. Would it be possible to stop them here?"




Mendahl moves to leave the room, beckoning the party to follow ....

(Shade:)
I will kindly and as nonchalantly as possible bow to everyone and then 
silently follow Mendahl.

(Falrun:)
Even though he would rather sit in on and help plan any battles,
Falrun will follow Mendahl to the location of debriefing.

(Keilan:)
Keilan steps nearer to the map table as Mendahl leaves, his arms are
crossed and his features set in a grim fashion.  To the rest of you,
"I will remain here."

(Silver:)
Silver looks once at Mendahl then back at Keilan. Studying his stern
expression, she nods at him once, then follows Mendahl out of the
room. 

(Arlon:)
Arlon makes no reaction when Keilan decides to stay for the 'war
meeting'.

When Mendahl motions for us to follow, Arlon will grab Tatiana's hand
-tight- and give her a serious look, not angry or anything just
concern, and whispers "Be slow to speak."

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana responded only with a depressed nod. She followed the others
out with Mendahl.

(Arlon:)
Arlon will try to cloud his thoughts with far past memories and
emotions, especially those of Tatiana, in hopes of scrambling any
mental contact.

He will then follow Mendahl to wherever we are going.

(Silver:)
Silver will move over toward Mendahl as they leave. She will at some
time, probably after they leave the presence of the aliens, hold his
arm to stop him, then embrace him. "There are no words, Mendahl.  She
was so beautiful. If there is anything ..." Silver's voice trails off.

OOC: Silver will get this in before the others are fully assembled, so
     as not to waste any time. She is _really_ cut up about this.

As they walk, Silver will say to Shade "I can imagine what he is going
through, Ebu. It is as if I had lost you.  She has gone ... and I
never had the chance to ..." and Silver starts her grief once more.

(Shade:)
If Silver tries to speak I will shut her gently but firmly "Usshh,
dear. There is a time for everything, now is time for silence, and try
to think only about your childhood."




All but Keilan have left the chamber, following Mendahl. Keilan is
left alone with Lord Kael and the Aliens ....


(DM:)
The group minus Keilan leaves the chamber, but shortly thereafter, one
of the group comes back in, sent by Mendahl to pick up the errant
Keilan

(Keilan:)
Keilan waves off whoever comes to fetch him with a hand and a bothered
look.

Keilan moves up to the war table listening to the Lord but sizing up
the presence of our "allies" to the south.

(Lord Kael:)
Lord Kael is pointing to a river depicted some four days to the North.
It runs straight through some symbols, which an officer standing next
to you from the Sembian Lancers contingent explains is a village of
the natives who were responsible for the earlier invasion, and who
have fled under the onrush of the Imperial native armies.

"It would take us four days of forced march to get there, that would
leave us two days to set up palisade and earthworks. With the newly
arrived troops, we can put three thousand troops in the field. Pray
tell ambassador, how many troops could you send to our aid?"

(Ambassador:)
The alien ambassador looks as though in thought, and then speaks in
his hissing voice.

"Whell. I am shhure that my emperor would conshenth to shupply you
with a thoushand of our finesht wharriorss. We sshall alsso send you a
shquadronh of our flyingh forcess."

(DM:)
Lord Kael nods, but you concentrate on discerning anything on the
alien ambassador and his crew. It is hard to read his facial
expressions, and the reflecting silver orbs as eyes are startling, as
they only show you the mirror image of yourself. You cannot get any
depth from the guy, except that the guy and his entourage radiate a
palpable feeling of power and confidence. Among the party you spot two
women warriors, who look dressed for war. Business-like armour and
swords, and a fierce expression on their faces leaves you in no doubt
that they would slice you in two without a second thought if they felt
like it. One guy is garbed in heavy armour, and has an air about
himself that seems haughty even by their standards. You guess this
must be a Knight of sorts, his armor intricately decorated, and a
large two-handed sword strapped across his back with a golden handle
inset with a huge green gem. Others seem civil types, or maybe mages
or priests.

For a while discussion digresses towards the health of the troops and
their ability to function well in the hot weather, especially if they
are looking towards a four day forced march with some excavating and
building of walls at the end of the trip. The commander of the
Zhentilar, a small sneaky looking woman with an angry red scar on the
left of her face heats up the debate with condescending remarks about
the abilities of the other troops and assurances that the Zhentilar
can do 'anything'.

It is clear that the planning has been going on since early morning,
and tempers are flaring.

(Keilan:)
First to Lord Kael, then to the aliens, "My Lord, if I may be so bold,
I wish to know what service the drow provide to the Empire.  The dark
elves are not often so helpful.  How is it that they now fight on our
side?"

(Ambassador:)
At this, Lord Kael looks a bit aggrieved/guilty, but one of the alien
ambassadors interjects.
 
"Sir Ranger, iss youhr companionh not alsso an elfh of the dark kind?
Know you not by now that generalizationss are for foolss, and there
are alwayss exceptionss? Your own Drow Mage, Daermon I believe his
name was, was alsso one of that 'vile' race. Yet until his unfortunate
assassination, he wass not sseen by any of you as one of the vile
oness. Judge thee not on visual observation alone."

(Keilan:)
"I do not judge men or elves on their skin, but I do judge them with
whom they ally themselves.  Dark elves have been seen with the
natives.  I ask myself 'Why would the drow choose such?'.  I find more
drow here and again the same question arises.  Where do so many drow
come from?  I had thought they preferred the dark of the underearth,
but now they brave the sunlight to fight on both sides of this war.
That I think is reason not to trust them."

(Lord Kael:)
At your mentioning that you saw a dark elf among the natives, many of
the human officers look at you startled, the aliens displeased. Lord
Kael speaks first.

"You saw Dark Elves among the Natives? (turning on the aliens) What do
you know of this?"

(Ambassador:)
The aliens regain composure fast enough that you are sure none of the
others, who were looking more at the map and each other, noticed. The
ambassador speaks.

"Hmpf. The elvess dark are their own people. Ssome have come to ssee
the light and sserve usss. Not all are thuss enlightened." Turning to
Keilan, "As you ssaid yourselfh (at you), the elvess darkh are largely
of evil bent. That ssome of them aid the enemy can be expected."

(Keilan:)
"Yes.  I suppose so..."

(DM:)
Lord Kael and most of the others seem to expect this, only the leader
of the Waterdeep contingent and some of the Sembian representatives
still seem a bit startled and have their alertness raised, but talk
reverts back to war planning.

(Keilan:)
Keilan lets the subject go and listens quietly as plans continue.

Keilan watches the discussions of battle tactics continue with
interest for some time, but contributes nothing to the general
discussion.  After an hour or so, he excuses himself from the war
room, "Lord, if I may, I would find my friends now."

Keilan leaves the keep and heads directly in search of Raoh and the
old hunter who was keeping him.

(DM:)	
You exit the keep, passing unimpressed and unhurried through the
throngs of messengers, officers and officials, all hurrying on trips
of utmost importance - according to themselves from the way they
almost collide with you and each other. Outside, the field is still
filled with troops, but now they sit around in relatively orderly
groups, some preparing tents and such to camp right there, others
making ready to head out to wherever it has been decided to quarter
them. At the steps of one of the houses on the edge of The Wide, you
spot the old forester, and see the man looking to amusedly, while one
hand absentmindedly ruffles the ears of Raoh, who almost purrs
contentedly.

(Old Hunter:)
When you near, stepping through and around the hordes of soldiers, the
clear and penetrating eyes of the old man look at you, and the man
smiles.

"Soo. You made it back, now didn't ya. That is good. There is too much
evil around these parts these last few days. We need more people who
see such things with a clearer eye."
	
When you get near, Raoh smells the air, and seems to recognize you.
With a small growl of pleasure, the small beast scampers over to you.

(Keilan:)
Keilan scoops Raoh up as he runs up and rubs him roughly, "You were a
good boy, I hope."

Keilan moves over and sits by the old man with Raoh in his lap.  A
tired sigh escapes him as he sits, "Aye, but it was luck that brought
me back.  And maybe part of the evil that has yet to come here.  I
fear for this place.  A war is days away.  A war fought with sorcery
as much as with swords.  I do not know if you can but it would be best
if you sailed away from Dark Haven.  Given the choice, I would.  Dark
Haven is going to be a place for the brave, foolish and bloodthirsty
ere long."



Not knowing what has happened to the others while he was with Lord
Kael and the aliens, Keilan sets off to find out where they are ....

(Keilan:)
Keilan returns to the group HQ and relieves himself of most of his
possessions for the time being.  Not finding the group there he goes
back out in search of The (ick) Eidolon.

Figuring the keep will be the best place to start he heads off in that
direction stopping off to buy a fresh white shirt.  At the keep, he
grabs an idle page and relays his need.  After several minutes and
more than a few "I saw them headed...", Keilan heads towards Mendahl's
Pentagon. Before he arrives there, he sees the group, without Mendahl,
walking towards him along the street. 

"Ah, there you are...What have you learned?"  Raoh is once again
trotting alongside Keilan happily.



Now Keilan is in for a surprise or two as he finds out what has
happened to the others ....