Chapter Six : "Of Oath's and Peace"
The small company as they called themselves, moved down the corridors of the polished marble halls of the Spray palace to the Lords dinning hall. They arrived in ones and two's finally at last all were there. They talked lightly as they broke their fast and when they had finished Lord Pyras came to where Celestae stood beneath Tristan's protective arm. He knelt before them and gave them his oath of fealty. The others, all Lords and Ladies in their own right, pledged also their lands and themselves to their service and that of Ontillae. No longer was the Prince of his title's an empty part of his name, Tristan and Celestae had the beginnings of their kingdom, A dozen duchies having swore them their liege Lady and Lord.
"Let us friends see what aid we can give to the people of Spray this day. I hope we can ease the pain and suffering somewhat." Tristan ran a finger gently along Celestae's jaw and gently tilted her chin up to him before kissing her with such loving passion her skin seemed to glow golden in the morning light. He turned to Sheldon and with a smile led him out into the city.The others moved out into the city as well. The Ladies began to tend the wounded. And the men set about the task of clearing the grizzly scene from the land.
Lord Pyras had his troops toss the corpses of the invaders from the battlements after having stripped them of all. Water was carted up from the sea and used to scrub the battlements and walls clean. The soldiers of Lallae cleared rubble and debris from the streets. Timbers and stones were sorted those unusable ere hauled to the port and loaded upon make shift rafts built by the Ontillian marines. The armies of Raven pulled the logs from the bay and stacked them in the naval enclave. Those of Star Breeze dug graves in a spiral around what had once been a small lake and orchard. According to a plan Duke Pyras had given them. Stones were etched with the name of each graves occupant. The rest of the Breezae and Misty Troops loaded wagons with the dead stripped corpses of the invaders who were burnt on large pyres sending a thick oily smoke up into the sky. The stench of those fires causing even the mightiest warriors to retch. By dusk the battlefield was a scorched upturned meadow. The dead were buried, the invaders burned and sank into the sea. The streets and city were made as right as could be in a days time. Mountains of building materials filled the great square. It would take months if not years to rebuild and repair all the damages. The scars of the war would haunt the residents and the soldiers of the war for Spray till none were left to remember.
Tristan and Sheldon had once more become dragons and used their talons to carve out the spiraling trench that would be the graves of the fallen Heroes and Heroines. Nearby Kalix, Ore, and Ellirinar gathered the corpses of the invaders and piled them on the pyres fueled by the wood of the siege engines and ladders they had brought for the siege. They breathed long and hard on the pyres to speed up the incineration.
Down in the city of Spray, Ripley stood bandaging the broken arm of a young girl. She may have seen her twelfth birthday, if that. The Ranger, had tears well up in her eyes, as she set and splinted it. Only when, she had set the bones in the child's arm, had the small girl winced. No tears formed in those rich golden eye's as she studied Ripley. " I will, be a Ranger, such as you one day Lady Ripley. You gathered me up in your arms from the street that night. My mother and father had been killed and I sat in the doorway of our home. I was trying to get mother to wake up, but she couldn't. You had just carried me out and into the street when a streak of fire came over the walls and engulfed our little house in flames." The girl seemed to consider something for a moment then looked her in the eye. "Will you apprentice me Lady Ripley? I will be a good Ranger, I will listen and learn quickly. Please, Lady, Take me for I never want to feel that hopeless again. Teach me to be calm when boulders and fire fall out of the sky and take your family away. I would be dead now too you know. If you had not taken me in your arms and carried me from that doorway. You saved me. Please, Lady, please don't abandon me too. I do not want to be all alone in the world Lady Ripley. It scares me, but I refuse to cry. I am afraid if I start I will not be able to ever stop."
The Veteran, hardened by many battles, sat there in the dirt and drew the child to her breast and held here close "What is your name child?" She ask burying her face in the child's sandy brown hair as tears rolled silently down her cheeks."Auron, Lady Ripley, my name is Auron" She heard the child reply as the little girl clung to her with her good arm. "Well Auron," she said softly. "It is the custom of my peoples to the west to only apprentice their own children in the way of the Ranger. If I were, to apprentice you child. I would have to take you as my daughter. Of course, you would have to want me to be your mother as well. Do you think I could do that? Think about it for a bit if you need to. I will never be your real mother and father or ever hope to replace them. You think, you might have enough room in your heart for me too?" Ripley asked the child. Holding the girl close to her, uncertain, and almost afraid of the child's reply.
"I will be the best daughter ever Ripley, I'll give you all the room I have left in my heart. I need you Ripley, and you need someone too. I will be your daughter and your apprentice, I will make you so proud of me you'll see. " She tightened her grip on Ripley, and then she cried. In those arms that made her feel safe in a world of recent horror and unimaginable loss. Hope at least was returned to this dear brave child Ripley thought. Then she cried for the innocents robbed from such a sweet brave child. Ripley, cradled the child in her lap, and kissed and rocked her as they sat there in the dirt and wept. When the child's shaking has subsided she asked her, "Auron do you want to help me treat the others?" The little girl nodded and went over to Ripley's herb bag and draped it over her little head. Ripley took the child's hand, and they moved among the wounded. Auron learned the names of the herbs quickly and would hand them to Ripley as she asked for them.
Lady Astrid and Celestae worked to heal cuts and bruises, they set broken limbs, disinfected all types of cuts, piercings, and abrasions. They took turns using the spells Tristan had given Astrid. It was an ancient Dragon spell that would restore a severed or mutilated limb. Each time the sisters cast it they grew a bit weaker. Spring and Wren finally insisted they should take over for a while. Astrid sat against an old oak her golden wealth of hair across her shoulder and spilling into her lap. Celestrae lay on the moss with her head in Astrid's lap as they talked and recuperated. "I think we will ride back with the army as far as the border then swing south and check on the roads." Celestae said as she sat up. "We are trying to show the people we care about them and their concerns. Tristan and I are both trying our best, but we are new to a lot of this. Do you think we have done ok, Sis?" She questioned, a bit worried about her sisters answer causing her to hold her bottom lip between her teeth as she oft did when nervous.
"Under the circumstances Celestae, I would say you two have thus far, performed much better than we could have ever hoped for. When Grandfather sent you to Nicholae we had hoped you would be able to educate him some. My Sister, you have given us a real Ruler. How could we expect more? He reacts fast, and listens to his intuition. You have expanded his mind to the point he is working many problems all at once. You were in love with each other before he ever knew you were to be wed. " Astrid said as she ran her finger through her sister's hair working out a tangle. "He would have done what was prearranged for the good of the people. He did however make a point and was quite vocal about the fact, his heart belonged to you. That told us volumes about his character. I envy you sister, in the fact that you have found the one that completes you. " She leaned down and kissed the top of her sisters head.
"He tries so hard, to give the people not only what they need but some of what they want. He would not ask any of them to do anything he himself is not willing to do. Right now he and the other Lords are out there in the gore of the battlefield cleansing it so the people of Spray can get some of their home back." She said with a hint of pride in her voice. He has a good heart and he listens to it. He takes the time to listen to anyone that addresses him. "He sits and talks with the soldiers, the townsfolk.
He wants to know what they think and how they feel. Tristan is my dream, my hope, and the key to my happiness. Sorry Astrid I am babbling"
"No Sister you are in love with a great man that has the good sense to be in love with you too. Let us go relieve Wren and Spring, Tristan's spell is wonderful but over doing it can be Dangerous." Astrid said, helping her sister up. They made their way back to where they were treating the injured. "Wren, you and Spring go rest a bit. We will take over again, Thank you both, Astrid told them sincerely. Wren gave her a weak smile and Spring nodded. Blowing an unruly lock of hair out of her face.
Spring led them to the great oak the Sisters had just left. They sat side by side leaning against each other. "I know, we set out from Nicholoae with the hope of reuniting all of Ontillae under one banner, Tristan's banner. I never had much faith we would succeed when we set sail I guess all any of us had was a fools hope and a thimble of faith. Wren, I feel, as if we are somehow meant to be here at his and Celestae's side. We freed Breezae, and now we have broke the siege of Spray and destroyed utterly the attackers. The north is free and it seems the last trouble spot is in the southeast. By the Goddess of the woods we are so very close. I never hoped, nor dare dream we would have come so far." Spring said as she handed Wren her wine skin. "Careful, its fire mead." She said with a smile pushing her hair back behind her ears. "Let me fix yours for you." She then took Wrens long satiny black hair and began to braid it for her in a warriors braid.
"I was optimistic about our chances," Wren admitted. "Never did I dream we would accomplish so much. Tristan and Celestae, have shown us how to rule wisely so far, and I am so happy to be sitting here now with you in the aftermath. We have a special bond, our little company. I think of each of you as my family I guess. I will always give all I have for any and all of you. It is good to have hope. I have not had the luxury since I was young. I rather like it and will fight to keep it." She felt Spring tie off the leather string then turned to her and said. "Ok, my sister of the sword my turn to braid yours." As they sat and shared the fire mead their strength slowly crept back into them as the sun warmed them almost with gentle caresses.
Sandy and Sopaul led their crews in the gruesome task of netting the floating corpses in the bay. They sailed them out into deeper water where they stripped them added rubble from the cleanup and sank them to the bottom. As they began to return the crews first smiled then laughed, as they each began to race for the docks. As the sun began to set they tied off and Sopaul bought the first round announcing his defeat.
A few hours after the sun set they gathered for quiet meal in Lord Pyras dinning hall and discussed their departure plans the next morning. No great silver set table, nor gaily played music accompanied this meal. They dinned from plain tan ceramic dinnerware. No large feast was served just simple fare of roast ox, cheeses, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Most of the resources of the Duke's pantry and kitchens was going to ease the suffering of his people.
"Some of you will be returning to your duchies in the west and a few of you will be journeying back to Breezae with me. Once we cross into Breezae, the army will go on to the city while myself and what remains of the small company will journey the roads with me. I have, about, two lunar cycles before I must begin the march south. I shall meet you at the southern most crossing of the canal. And from there we will begin our march south, and we will meet up with Lord Sheldon and those Lords and Ladies of the west. We shall come at the remnant of the evil that has terrorized all of Ontillae and destroy it. My plan is to encircle them and grind them into nothingness from all sides. I will show no mercy for this enemy, for they have shown us none. They have destroyed and defiled all in their path. Now must they pay the price for what they have done. As Prince of all Ontillae, I have decided their sentence, and I sentence them to death. Never again will they commit such vile crimes against my people." Tristan finished. He took a long draw from his tankard. His eyes were like bluest aquamarines as they searched the faces of those assembled. "I have, I think, proven myself as Lord of Breezae, now however I must prove myself as your Prince. Coming here to Spray was but the first step in that great chore. Lord Pyras sent to us for aid and we came. I want to ensure no other Duchy has to suffer as they have this past century. I shall bleed and ask you and your peoples to bleed with me as we give back the sense of safety, the right to hope and faith as well as pride in their kingdom. My titles say this kingdom is mine and it belongs to me." Tristan paused a moment as he searched himself before continuing on. "I ask you, how can I be the Prince, let alone the King, if my people do not know me and have little reason to trust me and give me their loyalty? I shall rely on each of you to be my envoy to your peoples till I can myself address them. I know not what strength and wisdoms are within me, but I will use and give all that I am to prove myself to your and our people." Tristan drank deeply once more. He felt the familiar form of Celestae worm its way under his arm as her familiar fragrance of honeysuckle and jasmine reached his nostrils.
Celestae, her raven hair cascading over her armored frame took a deep breath causing her bosom to rise and fall. "I shall stand with you my Prince, as your Princess, your Queen, and most importantly your mate and wife. I think we should discuss tonight what is to be done with the treasures recovered from the invading armies. Each of the Ladies and Lords here has a claim to a share of those spoils. I personally release my claim to the peoples of Spray. Let it be used to rebuild cloth and feed the victims of this war."
Celestae looked up at Tristan from her favorite place beneath his arm. "What say you my Lord? Let us conclude all our business this night if we are to depart with the morning sun." Her emerald eyes searched the stormy blue of her husband seeking his approval as he had as a student often sought hers.
"It appears my beloved is not only beautiful but wise as well. I too, shall relinquish my claim as well, the contents of the three pirate ships I ask be sold and the profit given to the naval enclave here. I shall leave behind some two hundred marines and which ever of the Osprey and its crew Lady Sandy selects to oversee its refurbishment and the building of ships. I will also leave word they are to assist the people of Spray in the rebuilding process. What say the rest of you my Lords and Ladies?"
One by one each of the Lords and Ladies stood and released their claim to the hoarded bounty of the now destroyed invading army. Lady Ripley spoke last. Her long hair in her warriors braid lay across her armored shoulder. Her newly adopted daughter lay in her lap clutching to her even as she slept. "I too, release my claim to any share of the spoils, I ask humbly my share be used to build an orphanage called the House of Auron. Let no orphan ever be turned from its door and it must be staffed with those that will give them the love and compassion every child deserves. I ask one boon further that every child be tutored in the ways of the Ranger. I shall upon my return home send these tutor's here to begin their training. Once trained they shall take their place as Auron's company. Know in my adoption of her this poor child I plucked from the door of a collapsing burning house became my heir and as such shall need her own company to assist here once I am in the other realm. Is this agreeable to you Lord Pyras?"
"It is indeed agreeable and most generous Lady Ripley. Your compassion for this child shall be an example to us all. I have a barrack compound near the Naval conclave I shall have altered at once to house these poor orphans and I shall match your donation. It in times past housed dignitaries and their guard when they visited Spray. It is not quite a palace but is far above what most had before being orphaned." The Duke crossed to her and placed a hand upon her shoulder as tears welled in the eyes of the small gathering. "I know not the outcome of this war, in truth I know only that our Prince and Princess are alive and well. They have gathered about them Lords and Ladies that are compassionate and caring. Not calloused, and hardened. None better could I have wished for. You, all of you do me honor in allowing me to count myself among your number." After a short period of awkward silence the Duke trusted himself to speak again." I shall see to your provisions personally for not only have you saved myself and my peoples but you have given us the means to be whole once more.
Tristan and Celestae sat in their apartments writing correspondence they were sending back with Lord Talon. The bulk of the armies of the North would stay on in Spray to help the City in its recovery for one lunar cycle then they would meet up with the forces of Breezae at the southern canal crossing into Meadowbrook. They wrote letters of greetings to all the Duchies of Ontillia, accompanied by a call to war. Instructions to clear and repair all roads and to ready the naval enclaves for the arrival of Marines and Osprey with their Captains and crews. Finally, sometime in the wee hours before the dawn they sought reverie in the embrace of one another.
Tristan awoke to a sea of silky raven hair spilled out across his chest, a small warm face lay upon it and her essence filled his nostrils. Gently he untangled himself and with great protest led her to the balcony where they stood unclothed as the suns first light lay its warm kisses upon their skin. Arms outstretched like great wings with their heads tilted slightly back and their chest pushed out they embraced the suns warm caress as their fingers intertwined. On nearby balconies stood the rest of the small company. Taking the sun's warmth, as one might take their morning tea. They felt it seep into them their skin, tissue, and bone. As it filled them, they became refreshed, energized, and comforted. As the city came awake they retreated inside once more, to prepare for their departures.
Celestae helped Tristan don his armor and buckled his sword about his waist. She rose up on her tiptoes raising her self to his lips which she kissed as her arms entwined his neck. Tristan returned the warmth and passion of her kiss before helping her don and adjust her armor and weapons. The lovers had a quiet meal that morning to break their fast then joined the others in the courtyard.
The little company split up, some going west, and some going with the Breezae armies as the headed east. The sun began to set when they reached the bivouac in Breezae at the northwestern crossroad. Celestrae took in the view of the Emerald Pavilion with its golden banners dancing upon the breeze. It was surrounded by row upon row of emerald and gold tents that encircled the hill upon which it had been erected. Great corrals and supply dumps lay near the base surrounded by stone works and log palisades. They made their way up the granite steps to the hills summit and entered the great Pavilion. Vast oak timbers supported the ceiling from wince hung many brass chandeliers, a large fire pit filled it with warmth and light. The floor was granite the soil and earth moved away. Celestae moved to the armchair Tristan held out for her she lay her hand for a moment upon his as he helped slide her chair back beneath the Oak table.
Tristan took his seat beside her, He studied the faces of his diminished company. Lord Talon sat to his left, his stern face hard to read. Beside him sat Lady Astrid Her golden hair reflecting the firelight even as did her lavender eyes, her hair drawn up in a ponytail for convenience. To his right sat Spring, Lady of Meadowbrook, her stiff military bearing and coppery warriors braids a contrast to Lady Wren who sat next to her with her wealth of ebony hair laying in curling locks about her warm face that always found a way to offer up a smile. Tristan poured a tankard full of firemead and ladled some of the venison stew into a ceramic bowl and lay some honey buttered rolls upon his plate. They ate in silence. The weariness of travel and the war laying heavily upon them.
"Lord Talon, at first light have a Calvary detachment of a dozen sent to every cross road in Breezae. They are to work on building permanent post at each cross roads. Send two ranger squads behind them to each crossroad for reinforcement. Each post will relay reports every day to you in Breezae on their progress as well as any significant findings from the ranger patrols. I will likewise use them to send word to you. This will allow us to stay in contact with one another should something arise. I will return to Breezae before it is time to begin the march south. Celestae, Lady Wren, Lady Spring, Dear Astrid and myself will travel the roads in the meantime that we might familiarize ourselves with Breezae better." Tristan drank deeply from his tankard. He felt the warmth of the amber liquid wash down his throat into his body and out into his extremities.
"I ask, I fear, so much of you Lord Talon. Rely on Niles and the others. I would also ask to take three rangers with me that are the most familiar with the countryside. They must be ready at dawn."
"I know of three siblings, they work as one together, Lord Tristan. The Eldest of them Hunter is not the most sociable but his hunting and tracking skills are as natural to him as breathing. The mid sibling Haley is said to be able to speak with animals, she is a fearless Ranger, my lord. The youngest Haden, is skilled in magic's and tactics he is also the most serious." Lord Talon informed Tristan. "It is in these three I would place my trust to guide thee my Prince. They were raised in the old traditions and have spent many lunar cycles outside the city walls at a time. Their reports are greatly informative and have been our best source of information for the last decade or so. I shall have them sent to you at once My Prince. If I am excused? I have to prepare the army for its march in the morn."
"Of course Lord Talon." Tristan stood and took Lord Talons arm. "You serve us well My Lord, Thank you."
Lady Astrid rose and kissed her fathers check on the one side even as Celestae kissed the other. Lord Talon held them both close in a loving embrace. He felt as if his heart would burst with pride over the daughters he held so close to him. Yet his heart also felt torn at having to part from them. "I would have you know my daughter's I am as proud of you as any father ever could be. I love thee more than the words of any poet could give air too. Be safe my beautiful daughters and know my love and thoughts go with you." He drew them tight one last time before releasing them and going to resume his duties.
Three Rangers entered, One stood tall and heavily muscled, the second a blonde haired beauty whose eyes twinkled in the fire light she too was lean and muscled. The third stood tall and lean wisdom showed in his eyes. The eldest spoke as they came before Tristan and Celestae, "My Lord and Lady, you have need of us? I am Hunter, this is my Sister Haley, and our youngest brother Haden. How is it we may serve the royal family our nation?"
"Stand come sit and join us, I am Prince Tristan and this is my lovely wife Princess Celestae, This fire haired Lady with the stern look is Lady Spring Meadowbrook, the Warrior next to her with the wealth of ebony curls is Lady Wren of Willowdawn. Last but not least is Lady Astrid heiress of the Dukedom of Celestae and mine dearest sister-in-law." Tristan poured them each a tankard of firemead before filling his own and retaking his seat. " Before the rising of the sun we shall depart south to Lake Isil. From there we shall travel northeast to the Heart crossroads, south to the great causeway where we shall turn south to Meadowbrook before returning. Then north along the canal we shall cross briefly to Willowdawn then north again along the canal till we turn west on the coast road back to Breezae. We shall depend heavily upon the three of you. Serve us well and each of you will be given your own Ranger Company and the rank of Commander in the Royal Rangers of which your three companies will be the first. You shall be the leaders of my Elite Rangers. All of Ontillae will be your responsibility. You shall be my eyes and ears among our people my personal envoys among the masses. Will you each except this charge I lay before thee?" Tristan reached for the warmth of his beloved mate under the table seeking the warmth and comfort he received from the touch of her hand in his. "Take you a moment and discuss amongst yourselves the current task before you, as well as the future of what I offer thee."
The three sat in silence for a time before Haley stood and addressed them. "We will of course serve thee and thine companions my Prince as scouts, guides, and protectors. Knew ye Lord and Ladies we would serve thee till our last breath without reward. Our loyalties lay with thee, Breezae, and all of Ontillae. At the end of this journey if it is still your intent to promote us, so then we shall strive to meet your every ambition of us. On the other hand at the end of our journey you have reservations we shall not hold you to the promised rewards. Agreed my Prince?" Haley said as her two brothers rose to either side of her.
Lady Celestrae rose from her seat pulling Tristan up as well. " My Husband and I accept. We would ask we bind this oath in blood between your family and ours that we might be one family of a single purpose." She made her way around the table coming to stop before Hayley. Celestae removed the dagger from her belt and sliced open the palm of her hand. "I offer thee Hayley, Hunter, and Haden, My blood for thee, wilt thou also offer your blood to me?" She watched as the trio drew their own daggers which they drew across their own palms. The Eight bound themselves one to the other pledging "My blood for you, Your blood for me, Together might we make Ontillae free."
Lady Astrid spoke, "Come let us find you a place to sleep, You three are a part of us now. We take our meals and rest together. The dawn comes soon let us get what reverie we can from this night." She showed each of them to a partitioned room taking their hand and kissing its palm. The siblings looked in amazement as they watched the cut close and fade to a fine white line as she withdrew her lips. "Sleep well my sword brothers and sister."
Hunter and Haden gathered in their Sisters room. "I know not what has brought about our good fortune. Perhaps it is our skill and prowess, perhaps it is our fate, no matter the reason we shall bring honor to our family to ourselves and our Prince and Princess who have for whatever reason chose us. Check your gear, make sure your sword edge is sharp and your quivers full. I am proud of you dear sister and brother. May our family's magic serve us and our nobles well." Hunter hugged both his siblings and then returned to his room to make his preparations.
"Don't let me make to many mistakes sister." Hayden said as he pushed back his hair. "I know I do not have your and Hunters experience, I will do my best to make you both proud. It has not been easy growing up in the shadow of you two. I want to pull my share and make you both proud of me." He said looking into his sisters eyes.
"My Haden, you can not disappoint us. We are and always shall be family first. We get our strength from each other and draw our courage from one another, as long as we stand together I believe there is no obstacle we can not overcome. Hunter is a master tracker and archer, I have a way with horses and the animals of the forest. You see things in yet another way and have a knowledge of the plants and elements we can not begin to grasp. Our true strength is not anyone of our gifts but all three working together to overcome a hurdle. Now go see to your gear little brother and take your reverie for soon our greatest task begins." Hayley kissed his forehead hugged him close. She smiled as she drew her whetstone over the edge of her twin longswords and checked the fletching of her arrows.
A few hours before dawn they ate a light meal of fruit and bread before mounting and taking the road south. Hunter and Wren road ahead about midday Hunter returned with a freshly killed stag which he and Hayden quartered as Haley cooked the tenderloin over a small campfire that was built up against a boulder so it gave off little to no smoke. Astrid and Spring gathered berries and some wild sweet potatoes. Celestae, Tristan, and Wren watered and put a small grain bag on their picketed mounts. When the meal was complete they remounted and continued south as the sun began to set they arrived at the next crossroad. A small camp greeted them some were the cavalry and ranger dispatched last night others were part of the work crews for the road.
Tristan took note of the great stacks of logs that had been gathered from the clearing of the roadsides. A small town had been created of log homes with wooden palisades and stone breastworks. A small sign read "Ash Dale". In the center of the newly built town was a small map board marking other newly built towns. "Hayden would you be so kind as find the engineers and get us a dozen copies of this map. The rest of us will make camp near the log yard."
"At once my Prince." Hayden replied. He disappeared into the street returning about an hour later. "They had them already made My Prince by order of someone named Niles. The administrator I spoke to told me each crossroads is commanded to build a settlement such as this. A messenger is about to ride east to Redbud Crossing if you have any correspondence to send. It should reach the capital by nightfall on the marrow if I understood correctly."
"Thank you, Hayden, you done very well." Tristan said clasping his shoulder. "Let us get our rest for we have a long ride to Borderton. If I recall correctly there was once a great statue and shrine to Willowleaf goddess of the forest there. I would like to inspect it and see if it requires any repairs." Tristan added as he ran his fingers through his long dark hair. Celestrae sat at his feet her chin resting upon his leg.
Lady Astrid handed each of them a plate of ham steak potatoes and fresh peasant bread. Wren pored each a tankard of firemead and the eight of them sat talking enjoying the fellowship of their companions new and old. Hunter and Wren talked of tracking and hunting. Spring and Hayden's conversation dealt with the magic of the elements. Astrid and Hayley spoke of animals and the Drelven. Tristan and his love Celestae retired early to their tent where they listened to their friends outside as they lay in each other's arms, legs and hearts intertwined.
They rose early, a few hours before dawn, and packed their camp as Haley checked over their horses. Astrid and Summer hovered about the campfire baking biscuits, frying the fresh eggs that Hunter and Wren had collected. Celestae fried strips of side meat as Tristan studied the map once more. Finally all their morning chores complete they sat on the logs around the fire and broke their fast.
"Be vigilant today, the further south we go the wilder the wilderness." Tristan said as he returned with the water to wash their utensils. His dark hair braided into a warriors braid. He stared at each of them with those icy blue eyes that seemed to penetrate to the very heart of their soul. " I would not loose any of you My Sisters and Brothers of the sword. Hunter and Wren, I would have you scout ahead along the tree line to either side Celestae, Hayley, Astrid, and Summer will ride in the center keep your bows ready. I shall ride to the rear with Hayden. The local engineer of this post has informed me we should be able to proceed to Borderton at a gallop. Let us save the horses till sunrise then we will quicken our pace."
Hayley mounted her steed in a single leap sending her long golden hair bouncing down her back. With practiced precision, she came to a stop in her saddle with her bow ready and attached her quiver to the front of her saddle. "We are ready when you are my Lord" she said.
The others were soon mounted as Haden drown the fire and leaped to his saddle beside Tristan. He lay his hand over his mouth and mimicked the call of a barn owl and the little column moved out onto the south road. At about thirty minute intervals the siblings would use bird calls to mark their position to the others. They encountered an occasional bear or stag who quickly disappeared into the interior of the vast forest to either side of the roads clear cut. Shortly after the sun reached its peak the settlement of Borderton came into view.
Celestrae took note of the natural use of the surrounding terrain. "Quite clever, the way the palisade runs along the ridge lines and the stones have been stacked halfway up the logs. It appears they cut a road around the outside deep into the ridge adding a good ten feet to the height of the walls. Quite clever indeed.
"I see they intend to continue with the stonework" Summer made note as she pushed back her coppery wealth of hair before re-securing it with a leather strip. "It would appear the peoples of Breezae have taken to heart the dangers of the past century." She added pointing as they drew nearer. " Their appears to be three terrace levels to the walls with the upper being the highest."
"Siege weapons would have little to know effect against the lower walls since they have the mass of the ridges to stand behind the stone of the lower walls." Haden said approvingly as he brushed a stray lock of hair back behind his ear. "It appears they have great gates built into the mid terrace as well."
"Judging by the locations of their towers, or at least I assume that's what they will be." Hunter said pointing. "They will be able to cover every tower by no less than three of its neighbors. Not quite as secure as Breezae but overall a good design. It also gives them control over the crossroads that I think would be very Defendable." His serious face showed he studied the Defenses as if he were an attacker seeking a weakness.
The small company rode through the gates and into a small village of stone faced buildings built into the sides of the ridges with the road running on the valley floor. Folk of many races scurried around like worker ants. Loads of large stone were being offloaded while at the other end of the heap of stone cut blocks were being reloaded. Near them a massive pile of logs were being processed. Some were being sharpened on the end and others were being cut into planks that were loaded into near by kilns to dry. Dozens of stacks of planks sat in great piles to air dry till their time in the kiln arrived.
The telltale ring of the blacksmiths hammer told of the many forges that were producing tools, weapons, and other metalwork. Around the walls tilled earth sprouted a variety of vegetables and grain. Knights of Breezae ride in through a nearby gate past another column on their way out to patrol the newly restored roads. Militia train with sword and bow. Not all is so serious, minstrels play and laughter and singing float upon the air to intertwine with the martial and industrious sounds of Borderton.
The small company move to a place near a small lake enclosed within the palisades bottom level. "Lets make camp here, once we have tents raised, bathed and eaten we will meet by the fire pit and discuss our next move. Near dusk the small company noticed a soft green glow coming from the island in the lakes center. It seemed to beckon to them. They ate and gathered near the shore. Some individually and others in small clusters till the small company all found themselves together on the shore looking out at the forested isle. While they watched a marble arched causeway shimmered into existence. "Come to me Noble ones, I so wish to have words with thee, Come" A female voiced spoke inside their head. Whether compelled, or out of curiosity the small company walked the causeways length and continued up the marble path to the hilltop.
A temple of green marble emerged from the oak forest with high arched walls In its center stood a massive oak reaching so high into the sky they lost sight of its top. Near its base roots supported marble bench slabs clustered about a large statue of an elven maiden. She had oak leaves nestled in her hair and acorn earrings adorned her ears. Seated near the feet of the statue sat a living breathing copy of the statue. She giggled as a young Unicorn foal chased fireflies nearby. "Thank You for coming Lord Tristan and Lady Celestae, and Nobles of Ontillae welcome one and all. It has been some time since any have come in search of me. I am Willowleaf Matron of the forest. When the darkness grew in Ontillae, I withdrew my causeway. But I heard you Prince Tristan speak my name and watched for your arrival. Welcome home Lords and Ladies."
Tristan and the small company dropped to one knee in respect for the goddess that now addressed them. "Rise please, come sit here on the moss about me. I must admit three of my most devout have wanted to tell you of me for some time. They spent their adolescent years here on the shores of my isle. Come children and great me" Her laughter was like a breeze ruffling the leaves gently.
Hunter, Hailey, and Haden moved quickly to embrace her and were hugged warmly and kissed soundly. "These three were so excited when I told them the time of your return drew near. At last, I relented and sent them out to assist you in any way they can. I thank you and your company for driving the dark shadow from the forest even now its remnants withdraw almost completely into the swampy bogs to the south. My priestess's report your armies drive the darkness before them like the coming of the sun as it chases away the shadows of night. I have watched through the eyes of my children here and observed thee each as you have journeyed south. I and the others are well please. Welcome home Lords and Ladies may your rule bring forth an enlightened era of peace and prosperity. I am asked by Kalix to ask for your return to Breezae some things require your attention there." The lovely goddess had an immense presence as she came forth and lightly kissed the forehead of each of them. She hugged the three siblings once more then faded into the green pulsing light of her statue.
"We should return tomorrow then," Tristan said at last as they sat in the little glade around the goddess shrine. He let his body absorb the feelings of love and comfort that seemed to pulse in waves upon the air. He closed his eyes and inhaled the sweet air. A familiar scent of jasmine and honeysuckle filled his senses, Causing him to wrap his arms about his Celestae and draw her back closer to him till he felt the warmth and tickle of her hair against his cheek. He finally helped her to her feet and the small company bowed to the Goddess Willowleaf likeness before returning across the causeway to their camp.
Each of the little company had a pleasant reverie filled with unicorns, butterflies, and the soft song of a feminine voice they knew to be the Goddess. The awoke well before dawn and went about the chores of picking up there camp. Lady Astrid and Summer made them a light breakfast of eggs and venison. Celestae brewed and invigorating tea. Wren's ebony hair was braided into a warriors braid and hung around her neck where she had wrapped it as she tended fresh biscuits.
Tristan and Hailey feed and groomed the horses while hunter watered then and Haden secured their saddles and packs. Then the four of them checked their hooves and shoes for looseness and stone bruises. As they finished, the familiar sound of a hawk came from the area of the fire. Happily, they obeyed Astrids call to breakfast. Tristan watched the efficiency of the little company as he retrieved water from the lake and washed the cooking utensils and dishes before returning them to their pack. Just as the first rays of golden light began to race like spears across the sky they moved onto the great central road that ran north and south.. " Hunter and Hailey, scout ahead, Haden and I shall ride rear guard. Let us make for Breezae at a quickened pace as soon as the road is well lit." He rode closer to Celestae laid a hand gently to her cheek then leaned in his saddle to kiss her soft lips and inhale her essence before spinning to catch up to Haden who moved to the rearguard.
The swiftness of their pace brought the walls of the now bustling port city of Breezae into sight. Returning patrols added to their number so Tristan brought his small company back together as they rode into the gleaming city of Breezae. Its massive stone walls were freshly white washed. Patrols rode out from the camps about the city walls. As they rode through the first gatehouse trumpets announced their arrival as they echoed before them to alert the castle of its Lady and Lords return. Brightly painted cottages with well maintained gardens lined the streets. Citizens gathered below iron street light globes that shone with their magical light. Music and laughter could be heard from the doorways of inns pubs and eateries.
As they entered the main market place smells of fresh bread spices and incense greeted them. Folks moved with purpose about the thriving market as merchants called out their wares. They rode past the posted silver and gold armored sentries they greeted with the customary "Kinsman" to be answered in kind. Grooms awaited them in the courtyard. Niles and Amelia stood at the top of the stairs awaiting them. "Welcome home Ladies and Lords, I have ordered your baths drawn and food sent to your chambers. I am sure you are tired from the rode and shall not bother you with affairs till the marrow as nothing is earth moving at the moment. Celestae gave the slim aging elf a big hug that cut short his rehearsed speech and had him saying instead " I have missed you to child and tears of joy welled in his eyes as Amelia embraced Tristan. For a full minute before she started scolding him. "My Lord, take your young bride to the baths immediately. I'll personally see to your dinner now get the pair of ya before i have to get my broom and drive you before me. All of ya look under fed. Don't stand their gawking at me move along, move along. Tristan caught the laughter in Celestae's emerald eyes. With a mischievous wink at his bride he bent and scooped Amelia up in his arms kissed her soundly and proceeded to carry her inside and set her gently down in a cushioned chair. "We have missed you and Niles just as much little mother hen. Now to cart of your charge to the bath's." Tristan kissed her noisily on the cheek causing her to blush as she clutched for her vast store of reprimands to scold him with. Tristan taking advantage of catching her off guard scooped up his giggling wife and kissed her just as noisily as he carried her off to their quarters. Celestae lay her head against his muscled shoulder and snuggled in to him.
They quickly discarded their clothes and soon sat in the warm scented waters of their great bath. The soothing water relaxed tense muscles and leeched the cold from their bones. Celestae sat on Tristan's lap with her head nuzzled between his chest and chin. The pair embraced one another like that till their fingers and toes became wrinkled. At last with a sigh almost of regret he carried Celestae into their bed chamber and sat her by the roaring fireplace as he retrieved towels for them.
As they dried one another they aroused each other and soon found themselves entwined as they continued to caress and worship their soul mate. Quite a bit later Tristan helped her into her robe before dawning his own. They sat down to the lavish meal sat out for them.
"Let us friends see what aid we can give to the people of Spray this day. I hope we can ease the pain and suffering somewhat." Tristan ran a finger gently along Celestae's jaw and gently tilted her chin up to him before kissing her with such loving passion her skin seemed to glow golden in the morning light. He turned to Sheldon and with a smile led him out into the city.The others moved out into the city as well. The Ladies began to tend the wounded. And the men set about the task of clearing the grizzly scene from the land.
Lord Pyras had his troops toss the corpses of the invaders from the battlements after having stripped them of all. Water was carted up from the sea and used to scrub the battlements and walls clean. The soldiers of Lallae cleared rubble and debris from the streets. Timbers and stones were sorted those unusable ere hauled to the port and loaded upon make shift rafts built by the Ontillian marines. The armies of Raven pulled the logs from the bay and stacked them in the naval enclave. Those of Star Breeze dug graves in a spiral around what had once been a small lake and orchard. According to a plan Duke Pyras had given them. Stones were etched with the name of each graves occupant. The rest of the Breezae and Misty Troops loaded wagons with the dead stripped corpses of the invaders who were burnt on large pyres sending a thick oily smoke up into the sky. The stench of those fires causing even the mightiest warriors to retch. By dusk the battlefield was a scorched upturned meadow. The dead were buried, the invaders burned and sank into the sea. The streets and city were made as right as could be in a days time. Mountains of building materials filled the great square. It would take months if not years to rebuild and repair all the damages. The scars of the war would haunt the residents and the soldiers of the war for Spray till none were left to remember.
Tristan and Sheldon had once more become dragons and used their talons to carve out the spiraling trench that would be the graves of the fallen Heroes and Heroines. Nearby Kalix, Ore, and Ellirinar gathered the corpses of the invaders and piled them on the pyres fueled by the wood of the siege engines and ladders they had brought for the siege. They breathed long and hard on the pyres to speed up the incineration.
Down in the city of Spray, Ripley stood bandaging the broken arm of a young girl. She may have seen her twelfth birthday, if that. The Ranger, had tears well up in her eyes, as she set and splinted it. Only when, she had set the bones in the child's arm, had the small girl winced. No tears formed in those rich golden eye's as she studied Ripley. " I will, be a Ranger, such as you one day Lady Ripley. You gathered me up in your arms from the street that night. My mother and father had been killed and I sat in the doorway of our home. I was trying to get mother to wake up, but she couldn't. You had just carried me out and into the street when a streak of fire came over the walls and engulfed our little house in flames." The girl seemed to consider something for a moment then looked her in the eye. "Will you apprentice me Lady Ripley? I will be a good Ranger, I will listen and learn quickly. Please, Lady, Take me for I never want to feel that hopeless again. Teach me to be calm when boulders and fire fall out of the sky and take your family away. I would be dead now too you know. If you had not taken me in your arms and carried me from that doorway. You saved me. Please, Lady, please don't abandon me too. I do not want to be all alone in the world Lady Ripley. It scares me, but I refuse to cry. I am afraid if I start I will not be able to ever stop."
The Veteran, hardened by many battles, sat there in the dirt and drew the child to her breast and held here close "What is your name child?" She ask burying her face in the child's sandy brown hair as tears rolled silently down her cheeks."Auron, Lady Ripley, my name is Auron" She heard the child reply as the little girl clung to her with her good arm. "Well Auron," she said softly. "It is the custom of my peoples to the west to only apprentice their own children in the way of the Ranger. If I were, to apprentice you child. I would have to take you as my daughter. Of course, you would have to want me to be your mother as well. Do you think I could do that? Think about it for a bit if you need to. I will never be your real mother and father or ever hope to replace them. You think, you might have enough room in your heart for me too?" Ripley asked the child. Holding the girl close to her, uncertain, and almost afraid of the child's reply.
"I will be the best daughter ever Ripley, I'll give you all the room I have left in my heart. I need you Ripley, and you need someone too. I will be your daughter and your apprentice, I will make you so proud of me you'll see. " She tightened her grip on Ripley, and then she cried. In those arms that made her feel safe in a world of recent horror and unimaginable loss. Hope at least was returned to this dear brave child Ripley thought. Then she cried for the innocents robbed from such a sweet brave child. Ripley, cradled the child in her lap, and kissed and rocked her as they sat there in the dirt and wept. When the child's shaking has subsided she asked her, "Auron do you want to help me treat the others?" The little girl nodded and went over to Ripley's herb bag and draped it over her little head. Ripley took the child's hand, and they moved among the wounded. Auron learned the names of the herbs quickly and would hand them to Ripley as she asked for them.
Lady Astrid and Celestae worked to heal cuts and bruises, they set broken limbs, disinfected all types of cuts, piercings, and abrasions. They took turns using the spells Tristan had given Astrid. It was an ancient Dragon spell that would restore a severed or mutilated limb. Each time the sisters cast it they grew a bit weaker. Spring and Wren finally insisted they should take over for a while. Astrid sat against an old oak her golden wealth of hair across her shoulder and spilling into her lap. Celestrae lay on the moss with her head in Astrid's lap as they talked and recuperated. "I think we will ride back with the army as far as the border then swing south and check on the roads." Celestae said as she sat up. "We are trying to show the people we care about them and their concerns. Tristan and I are both trying our best, but we are new to a lot of this. Do you think we have done ok, Sis?" She questioned, a bit worried about her sisters answer causing her to hold her bottom lip between her teeth as she oft did when nervous.
"Under the circumstances Celestae, I would say you two have thus far, performed much better than we could have ever hoped for. When Grandfather sent you to Nicholae we had hoped you would be able to educate him some. My Sister, you have given us a real Ruler. How could we expect more? He reacts fast, and listens to his intuition. You have expanded his mind to the point he is working many problems all at once. You were in love with each other before he ever knew you were to be wed. " Astrid said as she ran her finger through her sister's hair working out a tangle. "He would have done what was prearranged for the good of the people. He did however make a point and was quite vocal about the fact, his heart belonged to you. That told us volumes about his character. I envy you sister, in the fact that you have found the one that completes you. " She leaned down and kissed the top of her sisters head.
"He tries so hard, to give the people not only what they need but some of what they want. He would not ask any of them to do anything he himself is not willing to do. Right now he and the other Lords are out there in the gore of the battlefield cleansing it so the people of Spray can get some of their home back." She said with a hint of pride in her voice. He has a good heart and he listens to it. He takes the time to listen to anyone that addresses him. "He sits and talks with the soldiers, the townsfolk.
He wants to know what they think and how they feel. Tristan is my dream, my hope, and the key to my happiness. Sorry Astrid I am babbling"
"No Sister you are in love with a great man that has the good sense to be in love with you too. Let us go relieve Wren and Spring, Tristan's spell is wonderful but over doing it can be Dangerous." Astrid said, helping her sister up. They made their way back to where they were treating the injured. "Wren, you and Spring go rest a bit. We will take over again, Thank you both, Astrid told them sincerely. Wren gave her a weak smile and Spring nodded. Blowing an unruly lock of hair out of her face.
Spring led them to the great oak the Sisters had just left. They sat side by side leaning against each other. "I know, we set out from Nicholoae with the hope of reuniting all of Ontillae under one banner, Tristan's banner. I never had much faith we would succeed when we set sail I guess all any of us had was a fools hope and a thimble of faith. Wren, I feel, as if we are somehow meant to be here at his and Celestae's side. We freed Breezae, and now we have broke the siege of Spray and destroyed utterly the attackers. The north is free and it seems the last trouble spot is in the southeast. By the Goddess of the woods we are so very close. I never hoped, nor dare dream we would have come so far." Spring said as she handed Wren her wine skin. "Careful, its fire mead." She said with a smile pushing her hair back behind her ears. "Let me fix yours for you." She then took Wrens long satiny black hair and began to braid it for her in a warriors braid.
"I was optimistic about our chances," Wren admitted. "Never did I dream we would accomplish so much. Tristan and Celestae, have shown us how to rule wisely so far, and I am so happy to be sitting here now with you in the aftermath. We have a special bond, our little company. I think of each of you as my family I guess. I will always give all I have for any and all of you. It is good to have hope. I have not had the luxury since I was young. I rather like it and will fight to keep it." She felt Spring tie off the leather string then turned to her and said. "Ok, my sister of the sword my turn to braid yours." As they sat and shared the fire mead their strength slowly crept back into them as the sun warmed them almost with gentle caresses.
Sandy and Sopaul led their crews in the gruesome task of netting the floating corpses in the bay. They sailed them out into deeper water where they stripped them added rubble from the cleanup and sank them to the bottom. As they began to return the crews first smiled then laughed, as they each began to race for the docks. As the sun began to set they tied off and Sopaul bought the first round announcing his defeat.
A few hours after the sun set they gathered for quiet meal in Lord Pyras dinning hall and discussed their departure plans the next morning. No great silver set table, nor gaily played music accompanied this meal. They dinned from plain tan ceramic dinnerware. No large feast was served just simple fare of roast ox, cheeses, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Most of the resources of the Duke's pantry and kitchens was going to ease the suffering of his people.
"Some of you will be returning to your duchies in the west and a few of you will be journeying back to Breezae with me. Once we cross into Breezae, the army will go on to the city while myself and what remains of the small company will journey the roads with me. I have, about, two lunar cycles before I must begin the march south. I shall meet you at the southern most crossing of the canal. And from there we will begin our march south, and we will meet up with Lord Sheldon and those Lords and Ladies of the west. We shall come at the remnant of the evil that has terrorized all of Ontillae and destroy it. My plan is to encircle them and grind them into nothingness from all sides. I will show no mercy for this enemy, for they have shown us none. They have destroyed and defiled all in their path. Now must they pay the price for what they have done. As Prince of all Ontillae, I have decided their sentence, and I sentence them to death. Never again will they commit such vile crimes against my people." Tristan finished. He took a long draw from his tankard. His eyes were like bluest aquamarines as they searched the faces of those assembled. "I have, I think, proven myself as Lord of Breezae, now however I must prove myself as your Prince. Coming here to Spray was but the first step in that great chore. Lord Pyras sent to us for aid and we came. I want to ensure no other Duchy has to suffer as they have this past century. I shall bleed and ask you and your peoples to bleed with me as we give back the sense of safety, the right to hope and faith as well as pride in their kingdom. My titles say this kingdom is mine and it belongs to me." Tristan paused a moment as he searched himself before continuing on. "I ask you, how can I be the Prince, let alone the King, if my people do not know me and have little reason to trust me and give me their loyalty? I shall rely on each of you to be my envoy to your peoples till I can myself address them. I know not what strength and wisdoms are within me, but I will use and give all that I am to prove myself to your and our people." Tristan drank deeply once more. He felt the familiar form of Celestae worm its way under his arm as her familiar fragrance of honeysuckle and jasmine reached his nostrils.
Celestae, her raven hair cascading over her armored frame took a deep breath causing her bosom to rise and fall. "I shall stand with you my Prince, as your Princess, your Queen, and most importantly your mate and wife. I think we should discuss tonight what is to be done with the treasures recovered from the invading armies. Each of the Ladies and Lords here has a claim to a share of those spoils. I personally release my claim to the peoples of Spray. Let it be used to rebuild cloth and feed the victims of this war."
Celestae looked up at Tristan from her favorite place beneath his arm. "What say you my Lord? Let us conclude all our business this night if we are to depart with the morning sun." Her emerald eyes searched the stormy blue of her husband seeking his approval as he had as a student often sought hers.
"It appears my beloved is not only beautiful but wise as well. I too, shall relinquish my claim as well, the contents of the three pirate ships I ask be sold and the profit given to the naval enclave here. I shall leave behind some two hundred marines and which ever of the Osprey and its crew Lady Sandy selects to oversee its refurbishment and the building of ships. I will also leave word they are to assist the people of Spray in the rebuilding process. What say the rest of you my Lords and Ladies?"
One by one each of the Lords and Ladies stood and released their claim to the hoarded bounty of the now destroyed invading army. Lady Ripley spoke last. Her long hair in her warriors braid lay across her armored shoulder. Her newly adopted daughter lay in her lap clutching to her even as she slept. "I too, release my claim to any share of the spoils, I ask humbly my share be used to build an orphanage called the House of Auron. Let no orphan ever be turned from its door and it must be staffed with those that will give them the love and compassion every child deserves. I ask one boon further that every child be tutored in the ways of the Ranger. I shall upon my return home send these tutor's here to begin their training. Once trained they shall take their place as Auron's company. Know in my adoption of her this poor child I plucked from the door of a collapsing burning house became my heir and as such shall need her own company to assist here once I am in the other realm. Is this agreeable to you Lord Pyras?"
"It is indeed agreeable and most generous Lady Ripley. Your compassion for this child shall be an example to us all. I have a barrack compound near the Naval conclave I shall have altered at once to house these poor orphans and I shall match your donation. It in times past housed dignitaries and their guard when they visited Spray. It is not quite a palace but is far above what most had before being orphaned." The Duke crossed to her and placed a hand upon her shoulder as tears welled in the eyes of the small gathering. "I know not the outcome of this war, in truth I know only that our Prince and Princess are alive and well. They have gathered about them Lords and Ladies that are compassionate and caring. Not calloused, and hardened. None better could I have wished for. You, all of you do me honor in allowing me to count myself among your number." After a short period of awkward silence the Duke trusted himself to speak again." I shall see to your provisions personally for not only have you saved myself and my peoples but you have given us the means to be whole once more.
Tristan and Celestae sat in their apartments writing correspondence they were sending back with Lord Talon. The bulk of the armies of the North would stay on in Spray to help the City in its recovery for one lunar cycle then they would meet up with the forces of Breezae at the southern canal crossing into Meadowbrook. They wrote letters of greetings to all the Duchies of Ontillia, accompanied by a call to war. Instructions to clear and repair all roads and to ready the naval enclaves for the arrival of Marines and Osprey with their Captains and crews. Finally, sometime in the wee hours before the dawn they sought reverie in the embrace of one another.
Tristan awoke to a sea of silky raven hair spilled out across his chest, a small warm face lay upon it and her essence filled his nostrils. Gently he untangled himself and with great protest led her to the balcony where they stood unclothed as the suns first light lay its warm kisses upon their skin. Arms outstretched like great wings with their heads tilted slightly back and their chest pushed out they embraced the suns warm caress as their fingers intertwined. On nearby balconies stood the rest of the small company. Taking the sun's warmth, as one might take their morning tea. They felt it seep into them their skin, tissue, and bone. As it filled them, they became refreshed, energized, and comforted. As the city came awake they retreated inside once more, to prepare for their departures.
Celestae helped Tristan don his armor and buckled his sword about his waist. She rose up on her tiptoes raising her self to his lips which she kissed as her arms entwined his neck. Tristan returned the warmth and passion of her kiss before helping her don and adjust her armor and weapons. The lovers had a quiet meal that morning to break their fast then joined the others in the courtyard.
The little company split up, some going west, and some going with the Breezae armies as the headed east. The sun began to set when they reached the bivouac in Breezae at the northwestern crossroad. Celestrae took in the view of the Emerald Pavilion with its golden banners dancing upon the breeze. It was surrounded by row upon row of emerald and gold tents that encircled the hill upon which it had been erected. Great corrals and supply dumps lay near the base surrounded by stone works and log palisades. They made their way up the granite steps to the hills summit and entered the great Pavilion. Vast oak timbers supported the ceiling from wince hung many brass chandeliers, a large fire pit filled it with warmth and light. The floor was granite the soil and earth moved away. Celestae moved to the armchair Tristan held out for her she lay her hand for a moment upon his as he helped slide her chair back beneath the Oak table.
Tristan took his seat beside her, He studied the faces of his diminished company. Lord Talon sat to his left, his stern face hard to read. Beside him sat Lady Astrid Her golden hair reflecting the firelight even as did her lavender eyes, her hair drawn up in a ponytail for convenience. To his right sat Spring, Lady of Meadowbrook, her stiff military bearing and coppery warriors braids a contrast to Lady Wren who sat next to her with her wealth of ebony hair laying in curling locks about her warm face that always found a way to offer up a smile. Tristan poured a tankard full of firemead and ladled some of the venison stew into a ceramic bowl and lay some honey buttered rolls upon his plate. They ate in silence. The weariness of travel and the war laying heavily upon them.
"Lord Talon, at first light have a Calvary detachment of a dozen sent to every cross road in Breezae. They are to work on building permanent post at each cross roads. Send two ranger squads behind them to each crossroad for reinforcement. Each post will relay reports every day to you in Breezae on their progress as well as any significant findings from the ranger patrols. I will likewise use them to send word to you. This will allow us to stay in contact with one another should something arise. I will return to Breezae before it is time to begin the march south. Celestae, Lady Wren, Lady Spring, Dear Astrid and myself will travel the roads in the meantime that we might familiarize ourselves with Breezae better." Tristan drank deeply from his tankard. He felt the warmth of the amber liquid wash down his throat into his body and out into his extremities.
"I ask, I fear, so much of you Lord Talon. Rely on Niles and the others. I would also ask to take three rangers with me that are the most familiar with the countryside. They must be ready at dawn."
"I know of three siblings, they work as one together, Lord Tristan. The Eldest of them Hunter is not the most sociable but his hunting and tracking skills are as natural to him as breathing. The mid sibling Haley is said to be able to speak with animals, she is a fearless Ranger, my lord. The youngest Haden, is skilled in magic's and tactics he is also the most serious." Lord Talon informed Tristan. "It is in these three I would place my trust to guide thee my Prince. They were raised in the old traditions and have spent many lunar cycles outside the city walls at a time. Their reports are greatly informative and have been our best source of information for the last decade or so. I shall have them sent to you at once My Prince. If I am excused? I have to prepare the army for its march in the morn."
"Of course Lord Talon." Tristan stood and took Lord Talons arm. "You serve us well My Lord, Thank you."
Lady Astrid rose and kissed her fathers check on the one side even as Celestae kissed the other. Lord Talon held them both close in a loving embrace. He felt as if his heart would burst with pride over the daughters he held so close to him. Yet his heart also felt torn at having to part from them. "I would have you know my daughter's I am as proud of you as any father ever could be. I love thee more than the words of any poet could give air too. Be safe my beautiful daughters and know my love and thoughts go with you." He drew them tight one last time before releasing them and going to resume his duties.
Three Rangers entered, One stood tall and heavily muscled, the second a blonde haired beauty whose eyes twinkled in the fire light she too was lean and muscled. The third stood tall and lean wisdom showed in his eyes. The eldest spoke as they came before Tristan and Celestae, "My Lord and Lady, you have need of us? I am Hunter, this is my Sister Haley, and our youngest brother Haden. How is it we may serve the royal family our nation?"
"Stand come sit and join us, I am Prince Tristan and this is my lovely wife Princess Celestae, This fire haired Lady with the stern look is Lady Spring Meadowbrook, the Warrior next to her with the wealth of ebony curls is Lady Wren of Willowdawn. Last but not least is Lady Astrid heiress of the Dukedom of Celestae and mine dearest sister-in-law." Tristan poured them each a tankard of firemead before filling his own and retaking his seat. " Before the rising of the sun we shall depart south to Lake Isil. From there we shall travel northeast to the Heart crossroads, south to the great causeway where we shall turn south to Meadowbrook before returning. Then north along the canal we shall cross briefly to Willowdawn then north again along the canal till we turn west on the coast road back to Breezae. We shall depend heavily upon the three of you. Serve us well and each of you will be given your own Ranger Company and the rank of Commander in the Royal Rangers of which your three companies will be the first. You shall be the leaders of my Elite Rangers. All of Ontillae will be your responsibility. You shall be my eyes and ears among our people my personal envoys among the masses. Will you each except this charge I lay before thee?" Tristan reached for the warmth of his beloved mate under the table seeking the warmth and comfort he received from the touch of her hand in his. "Take you a moment and discuss amongst yourselves the current task before you, as well as the future of what I offer thee."
The three sat in silence for a time before Haley stood and addressed them. "We will of course serve thee and thine companions my Prince as scouts, guides, and protectors. Knew ye Lord and Ladies we would serve thee till our last breath without reward. Our loyalties lay with thee, Breezae, and all of Ontillae. At the end of this journey if it is still your intent to promote us, so then we shall strive to meet your every ambition of us. On the other hand at the end of our journey you have reservations we shall not hold you to the promised rewards. Agreed my Prince?" Haley said as her two brothers rose to either side of her.
Lady Celestrae rose from her seat pulling Tristan up as well. " My Husband and I accept. We would ask we bind this oath in blood between your family and ours that we might be one family of a single purpose." She made her way around the table coming to stop before Hayley. Celestae removed the dagger from her belt and sliced open the palm of her hand. "I offer thee Hayley, Hunter, and Haden, My blood for thee, wilt thou also offer your blood to me?" She watched as the trio drew their own daggers which they drew across their own palms. The Eight bound themselves one to the other pledging "My blood for you, Your blood for me, Together might we make Ontillae free."
Lady Astrid spoke, "Come let us find you a place to sleep, You three are a part of us now. We take our meals and rest together. The dawn comes soon let us get what reverie we can from this night." She showed each of them to a partitioned room taking their hand and kissing its palm. The siblings looked in amazement as they watched the cut close and fade to a fine white line as she withdrew her lips. "Sleep well my sword brothers and sister."
Hunter and Haden gathered in their Sisters room. "I know not what has brought about our good fortune. Perhaps it is our skill and prowess, perhaps it is our fate, no matter the reason we shall bring honor to our family to ourselves and our Prince and Princess who have for whatever reason chose us. Check your gear, make sure your sword edge is sharp and your quivers full. I am proud of you dear sister and brother. May our family's magic serve us and our nobles well." Hunter hugged both his siblings and then returned to his room to make his preparations.
"Don't let me make to many mistakes sister." Hayden said as he pushed back his hair. "I know I do not have your and Hunters experience, I will do my best to make you both proud. It has not been easy growing up in the shadow of you two. I want to pull my share and make you both proud of me." He said looking into his sisters eyes.
"My Haden, you can not disappoint us. We are and always shall be family first. We get our strength from each other and draw our courage from one another, as long as we stand together I believe there is no obstacle we can not overcome. Hunter is a master tracker and archer, I have a way with horses and the animals of the forest. You see things in yet another way and have a knowledge of the plants and elements we can not begin to grasp. Our true strength is not anyone of our gifts but all three working together to overcome a hurdle. Now go see to your gear little brother and take your reverie for soon our greatest task begins." Hayley kissed his forehead hugged him close. She smiled as she drew her whetstone over the edge of her twin longswords and checked the fletching of her arrows.
A few hours before dawn they ate a light meal of fruit and bread before mounting and taking the road south. Hunter and Wren road ahead about midday Hunter returned with a freshly killed stag which he and Hayden quartered as Haley cooked the tenderloin over a small campfire that was built up against a boulder so it gave off little to no smoke. Astrid and Spring gathered berries and some wild sweet potatoes. Celestae, Tristan, and Wren watered and put a small grain bag on their picketed mounts. When the meal was complete they remounted and continued south as the sun began to set they arrived at the next crossroad. A small camp greeted them some were the cavalry and ranger dispatched last night others were part of the work crews for the road.
Tristan took note of the great stacks of logs that had been gathered from the clearing of the roadsides. A small town had been created of log homes with wooden palisades and stone breastworks. A small sign read "Ash Dale". In the center of the newly built town was a small map board marking other newly built towns. "Hayden would you be so kind as find the engineers and get us a dozen copies of this map. The rest of us will make camp near the log yard."
"At once my Prince." Hayden replied. He disappeared into the street returning about an hour later. "They had them already made My Prince by order of someone named Niles. The administrator I spoke to told me each crossroads is commanded to build a settlement such as this. A messenger is about to ride east to Redbud Crossing if you have any correspondence to send. It should reach the capital by nightfall on the marrow if I understood correctly."
"Thank you, Hayden, you done very well." Tristan said clasping his shoulder. "Let us get our rest for we have a long ride to Borderton. If I recall correctly there was once a great statue and shrine to Willowleaf goddess of the forest there. I would like to inspect it and see if it requires any repairs." Tristan added as he ran his fingers through his long dark hair. Celestrae sat at his feet her chin resting upon his leg.
Lady Astrid handed each of them a plate of ham steak potatoes and fresh peasant bread. Wren pored each a tankard of firemead and the eight of them sat talking enjoying the fellowship of their companions new and old. Hunter and Wren talked of tracking and hunting. Spring and Hayden's conversation dealt with the magic of the elements. Astrid and Hayley spoke of animals and the Drelven. Tristan and his love Celestae retired early to their tent where they listened to their friends outside as they lay in each other's arms, legs and hearts intertwined.
They rose early, a few hours before dawn, and packed their camp as Haley checked over their horses. Astrid and Summer hovered about the campfire baking biscuits, frying the fresh eggs that Hunter and Wren had collected. Celestae fried strips of side meat as Tristan studied the map once more. Finally all their morning chores complete they sat on the logs around the fire and broke their fast.
"Be vigilant today, the further south we go the wilder the wilderness." Tristan said as he returned with the water to wash their utensils. His dark hair braided into a warriors braid. He stared at each of them with those icy blue eyes that seemed to penetrate to the very heart of their soul. " I would not loose any of you My Sisters and Brothers of the sword. Hunter and Wren, I would have you scout ahead along the tree line to either side Celestae, Hayley, Astrid, and Summer will ride in the center keep your bows ready. I shall ride to the rear with Hayden. The local engineer of this post has informed me we should be able to proceed to Borderton at a gallop. Let us save the horses till sunrise then we will quicken our pace."
Hayley mounted her steed in a single leap sending her long golden hair bouncing down her back. With practiced precision, she came to a stop in her saddle with her bow ready and attached her quiver to the front of her saddle. "We are ready when you are my Lord" she said.
The others were soon mounted as Haden drown the fire and leaped to his saddle beside Tristan. He lay his hand over his mouth and mimicked the call of a barn owl and the little column moved out onto the south road. At about thirty minute intervals the siblings would use bird calls to mark their position to the others. They encountered an occasional bear or stag who quickly disappeared into the interior of the vast forest to either side of the roads clear cut. Shortly after the sun reached its peak the settlement of Borderton came into view.
Celestrae took note of the natural use of the surrounding terrain. "Quite clever, the way the palisade runs along the ridge lines and the stones have been stacked halfway up the logs. It appears they cut a road around the outside deep into the ridge adding a good ten feet to the height of the walls. Quite clever indeed.
"I see they intend to continue with the stonework" Summer made note as she pushed back her coppery wealth of hair before re-securing it with a leather strip. "It would appear the peoples of Breezae have taken to heart the dangers of the past century." She added pointing as they drew nearer. " Their appears to be three terrace levels to the walls with the upper being the highest."
"Siege weapons would have little to know effect against the lower walls since they have the mass of the ridges to stand behind the stone of the lower walls." Haden said approvingly as he brushed a stray lock of hair back behind his ear. "It appears they have great gates built into the mid terrace as well."
"Judging by the locations of their towers, or at least I assume that's what they will be." Hunter said pointing. "They will be able to cover every tower by no less than three of its neighbors. Not quite as secure as Breezae but overall a good design. It also gives them control over the crossroads that I think would be very Defendable." His serious face showed he studied the Defenses as if he were an attacker seeking a weakness.
The small company rode through the gates and into a small village of stone faced buildings built into the sides of the ridges with the road running on the valley floor. Folk of many races scurried around like worker ants. Loads of large stone were being offloaded while at the other end of the heap of stone cut blocks were being reloaded. Near them a massive pile of logs were being processed. Some were being sharpened on the end and others were being cut into planks that were loaded into near by kilns to dry. Dozens of stacks of planks sat in great piles to air dry till their time in the kiln arrived.
The telltale ring of the blacksmiths hammer told of the many forges that were producing tools, weapons, and other metalwork. Around the walls tilled earth sprouted a variety of vegetables and grain. Knights of Breezae ride in through a nearby gate past another column on their way out to patrol the newly restored roads. Militia train with sword and bow. Not all is so serious, minstrels play and laughter and singing float upon the air to intertwine with the martial and industrious sounds of Borderton.
The small company move to a place near a small lake enclosed within the palisades bottom level. "Lets make camp here, once we have tents raised, bathed and eaten we will meet by the fire pit and discuss our next move. Near dusk the small company noticed a soft green glow coming from the island in the lakes center. It seemed to beckon to them. They ate and gathered near the shore. Some individually and others in small clusters till the small company all found themselves together on the shore looking out at the forested isle. While they watched a marble arched causeway shimmered into existence. "Come to me Noble ones, I so wish to have words with thee, Come" A female voiced spoke inside their head. Whether compelled, or out of curiosity the small company walked the causeways length and continued up the marble path to the hilltop.
A temple of green marble emerged from the oak forest with high arched walls In its center stood a massive oak reaching so high into the sky they lost sight of its top. Near its base roots supported marble bench slabs clustered about a large statue of an elven maiden. She had oak leaves nestled in her hair and acorn earrings adorned her ears. Seated near the feet of the statue sat a living breathing copy of the statue. She giggled as a young Unicorn foal chased fireflies nearby. "Thank You for coming Lord Tristan and Lady Celestae, and Nobles of Ontillae welcome one and all. It has been some time since any have come in search of me. I am Willowleaf Matron of the forest. When the darkness grew in Ontillae, I withdrew my causeway. But I heard you Prince Tristan speak my name and watched for your arrival. Welcome home Lords and Ladies."
Tristan and the small company dropped to one knee in respect for the goddess that now addressed them. "Rise please, come sit here on the moss about me. I must admit three of my most devout have wanted to tell you of me for some time. They spent their adolescent years here on the shores of my isle. Come children and great me" Her laughter was like a breeze ruffling the leaves gently.
Hunter, Hailey, and Haden moved quickly to embrace her and were hugged warmly and kissed soundly. "These three were so excited when I told them the time of your return drew near. At last, I relented and sent them out to assist you in any way they can. I thank you and your company for driving the dark shadow from the forest even now its remnants withdraw almost completely into the swampy bogs to the south. My priestess's report your armies drive the darkness before them like the coming of the sun as it chases away the shadows of night. I have watched through the eyes of my children here and observed thee each as you have journeyed south. I and the others are well please. Welcome home Lords and Ladies may your rule bring forth an enlightened era of peace and prosperity. I am asked by Kalix to ask for your return to Breezae some things require your attention there." The lovely goddess had an immense presence as she came forth and lightly kissed the forehead of each of them. She hugged the three siblings once more then faded into the green pulsing light of her statue.
"We should return tomorrow then," Tristan said at last as they sat in the little glade around the goddess shrine. He let his body absorb the feelings of love and comfort that seemed to pulse in waves upon the air. He closed his eyes and inhaled the sweet air. A familiar scent of jasmine and honeysuckle filled his senses, Causing him to wrap his arms about his Celestae and draw her back closer to him till he felt the warmth and tickle of her hair against his cheek. He finally helped her to her feet and the small company bowed to the Goddess Willowleaf likeness before returning across the causeway to their camp.
Each of the little company had a pleasant reverie filled with unicorns, butterflies, and the soft song of a feminine voice they knew to be the Goddess. The awoke well before dawn and went about the chores of picking up there camp. Lady Astrid and Summer made them a light breakfast of eggs and venison. Celestae brewed and invigorating tea. Wren's ebony hair was braided into a warriors braid and hung around her neck where she had wrapped it as she tended fresh biscuits.
Tristan and Hailey feed and groomed the horses while hunter watered then and Haden secured their saddles and packs. Then the four of them checked their hooves and shoes for looseness and stone bruises. As they finished, the familiar sound of a hawk came from the area of the fire. Happily, they obeyed Astrids call to breakfast. Tristan watched the efficiency of the little company as he retrieved water from the lake and washed the cooking utensils and dishes before returning them to their pack. Just as the first rays of golden light began to race like spears across the sky they moved onto the great central road that ran north and south.. " Hunter and Hailey, scout ahead, Haden and I shall ride rear guard. Let us make for Breezae at a quickened pace as soon as the road is well lit." He rode closer to Celestae laid a hand gently to her cheek then leaned in his saddle to kiss her soft lips and inhale her essence before spinning to catch up to Haden who moved to the rearguard.
The swiftness of their pace brought the walls of the now bustling port city of Breezae into sight. Returning patrols added to their number so Tristan brought his small company back together as they rode into the gleaming city of Breezae. Its massive stone walls were freshly white washed. Patrols rode out from the camps about the city walls. As they rode through the first gatehouse trumpets announced their arrival as they echoed before them to alert the castle of its Lady and Lords return. Brightly painted cottages with well maintained gardens lined the streets. Citizens gathered below iron street light globes that shone with their magical light. Music and laughter could be heard from the doorways of inns pubs and eateries.
As they entered the main market place smells of fresh bread spices and incense greeted them. Folks moved with purpose about the thriving market as merchants called out their wares. They rode past the posted silver and gold armored sentries they greeted with the customary "Kinsman" to be answered in kind. Grooms awaited them in the courtyard. Niles and Amelia stood at the top of the stairs awaiting them. "Welcome home Ladies and Lords, I have ordered your baths drawn and food sent to your chambers. I am sure you are tired from the rode and shall not bother you with affairs till the marrow as nothing is earth moving at the moment. Celestae gave the slim aging elf a big hug that cut short his rehearsed speech and had him saying instead " I have missed you to child and tears of joy welled in his eyes as Amelia embraced Tristan. For a full minute before she started scolding him. "My Lord, take your young bride to the baths immediately. I'll personally see to your dinner now get the pair of ya before i have to get my broom and drive you before me. All of ya look under fed. Don't stand their gawking at me move along, move along. Tristan caught the laughter in Celestae's emerald eyes. With a mischievous wink at his bride he bent and scooped Amelia up in his arms kissed her soundly and proceeded to carry her inside and set her gently down in a cushioned chair. "We have missed you and Niles just as much little mother hen. Now to cart of your charge to the bath's." Tristan kissed her noisily on the cheek causing her to blush as she clutched for her vast store of reprimands to scold him with. Tristan taking advantage of catching her off guard scooped up his giggling wife and kissed her just as noisily as he carried her off to their quarters. Celestae lay her head against his muscled shoulder and snuggled in to him.
They quickly discarded their clothes and soon sat in the warm scented waters of their great bath. The soothing water relaxed tense muscles and leeched the cold from their bones. Celestae sat on Tristan's lap with her head nuzzled between his chest and chin. The pair embraced one another like that till their fingers and toes became wrinkled. At last with a sigh almost of regret he carried Celestae into their bed chamber and sat her by the roaring fireplace as he retrieved towels for them.
As they dried one another they aroused each other and soon found themselves entwined as they continued to caress and worship their soul mate. Quite a bit later Tristan helped her into her robe before dawning his own. They sat down to the lavish meal sat out for them.