Tarithnesti - The Battle Begins

07 Deepkolt 349 AC

EN ROUTE TO TARITHNESTI

Knowing the only invisibility magic that he has left protects only himself; Kysek protects his steed. He keeps to the shadows of the treetops, concealing his outline as he approaches. Leaning in close to Dusk's neck, he murmurs to the griffon, directing her to weave between the trees and beneath the canopy. Staying low so as not to present a target to watching archers or wizards.

Kysek sends Bubo ahead to scout the area and look for enemies prior to his arrival. The owl flies ahead on silent wings. The further the familiar moves toward Tarithnesti, the more signs he sees of possible enemies passing through the area. Rowboats abandoned on riverbanks, pulled up onto the shore and out of the water. A broken branch here, a scuffed patch of moss or partial footprint left in the snow.

Something, or, more specifically, a lot of somethings moving through the forest toward the city. And it looks like Kysek isn't going to get there before the enemy.

Kysek sends yet another message to Ornforithalas, “They’ll be there soon! I am coming to assist; I’ll be later than the enemies arrival, but I am coming! Others know to come as well!”

Back at the farmhouse Kysek left just minutes before, Romulus sets his half of Ra'ziir's scouts in motion. "If we hurry, we can make it back to the city in four hours. Hopefully, we will be in time to help with the defense."

ON THE EASTERN RIDGES

Ornforithalas and his troops continue to hunker down on the ridge, watching the river and the far bank for signs of the enemy. His scouts lay camouflaged in their cloaks, blending with snow and shadow watching the northern approach. The far side of the river remained still. Too still. The captain rose slightly, moving along the ridge, checking on the troops he had worked so hard to train. Njigba anchored the far end of the line.

To south, birds suddenly took flight, scattering into the air. The captain and the sentry both turned. The other scouts were slightly slower but all of them hear it.

A low, distant thrumming, similar to thunder fills the air. Guttural roars join the thunder.

Ornforithalas's eyes widened as he spotted the dragons. The wyrms, sleek and terrible flew over the treeline in a wide line. Sickly greens and emeralds reptiles wove between the trunks while pale, frosted dragons rode on higher currents. Upon their backs, rode armored figures armed with long spears.

The captain shouted to his men, "SHIELDS! Turn south, NOW!"

THE PROTECTOR'S TOWER

Commander Parnitha leaves the dock and heads back to the Tower. Lieutenant Fenar follows along behind her. Eilra remains near the boat, waiting for the arrival of a mage.

AT THE FIRST FARMSTEAD

With the enemy giants buried and his decreased comrades ready for transport, Grotto is ready to move on. "Let's have one scout mind the captured wizard and the fallen to town as we move along to where our enemies are to rendezvous." He says to the others. "We must hurry.

Raven exhales slowly. "And, if our one scout comes across an enemy patrol along the way? Then what? That wagon is a large and slow-moving target. We'll be signing the death warrant of whomever we send."

Grotto nods, "Good point, then let the funeral procession begin. At least we have a clue to the next target"

Ra’ziir and Redclaw take to the sky. Staying near the treetops they will survey the surrounding area in a circular pattern, attempting to locate any enemies before the group on the ground get near them. Ra’ziir randomly alternates the direction and speed of his search pattern to keep any that may spot him uncertain of his movements.

AT THE CRYSTAL QUARRY

Cedron scratches his head befuddled by his own adulthood. He smiles at the little girl and reaches into his cloak pulling forth a gold coin. “Here, take this as a thank you for bringing this note … and in exchange for your tooth, of course.”

The little girl accepts the coin, flashes a gap-toothed smile, and turns to walk away. Cedron looks down at the note again, debating how to proceed when a masculine voice speaks from behind him. Cedron turns and finds a messenger dressed in tower livery standing before him. "The Commander requests your presence, sir."

MEANWHILE, IN SILVANOST

Shadow asks Alara, “Are the woods manicured as these others or are they wild?  I am wondering if we can use them to attack their flanks once they advance. Would these woods offer us any cover?”

"The Charmed Woods were never meant to be tamed." Alara crosses her arms over her chest, her gaze becoming distant and unfocused, as if she is recalling a passage from one of tomes her caste records. "Long ago, before even my grandmother's time, it was decided that that stretch of forest would be left in its natural state. The trees grow close there, roots wild and uneven. Dense underbrush with thorns and brambles and low-hanging branches blending together to make an impenetrable mass."

She pauses, "So, yes. There is cover. A dedicated band of defenders could hold the woods for a long time - until the Red Dragonarmy set it alight."

“I hope it doesn’t come to that and if does let’s hope they send the Greens and not the Reds,” he says to Alara. “If we have to escape on foot and cannot make it south, we will head to the Charmed Woods.  The Elves will fare better there than the goblinkind.”

Shadow sees to the last of the gathering of supplies and the placement in the “Sack of Bigness” and thanks all the kids for their support. He will take a quick look around to see if anyone has volunteered but aside from Cor, nobody stands ready to join them on a journey back to Tarithnesti.