Chapter 3

"Well, Haldir, you ready for another days journey to Avalon?" Tobes smiled as he mounted his horse, Haldir already having done the same.

"Yes." He scanned the horizon, seeing riders in the far distance closing in, "We may have guests shortly.

"Where?" Tobes looked in the same direction, but did not see them.

Haldir smiled a bit, "My people see things at greater distances then most."

"Impressive, my friend. However, can you tell me who they are?"

"5 men total. One is a younger man, the rest are soldiers."

"I'd have to say that is really impressive."

"Do you have an idea of their identity?"

"No, no…if you'd said one was a woman, I might think it was the Queen, but at best guess it might be her wizard."

"A wizard? I'm surprised she would have one come here."

"Well, you didn't say he was an Elf, so the only other person she might have come meet you would be the wizard. His name is Aron, I believe."

"Shall we ride to meet them?" Haldir looked to his companion who nodded and they were off and riding.

First meetings

Within the hour they came up on the group, "Welcome to Aquetiri." Aron greeting first.

"Thank you. Might you be Aron?"

Aron was surprised, "Yes, did Tobes tell you?" He relaxed, 'Of course Tobes told him.' Haldir smiled and nodded, "The Queen asked me to come welcome you and escort you to Avalon."

"Well Tobes has already agreed to that."

"Yes and Mister Tobes will be rewarded for his service. The Queen has stated that the military will be purchasing all the horses you are willing to part with, Sir."

"Wonderful. She is a gracious lady."

"She heard about your techniques and has kept and eye on your work. She's impressed." Tobes bowed his head, "We will escort you and your stock to Avalon. Perhaps our guest will be so kind as to answer a few questions I have."

Haldir bowed and rode next to Aron as they made their way toward the city. "Are you a wizard as Tobes said?"

Aron nodded, "Are you from the same peoples as the lady who was here not long ago?"

Haldir nodded, "Her name is Galadriel, Lady of the Light. Our home is the woods of Lorien."

"She is well?" He smiled seeing Haldir nod, "Good, M'Lady will be happy."

"Is she?" Haldir was pleased seeing Aron nod, "She was not injured?"

"Oh she was, in fact we had to watch her for nearly 5 days while she recuperated. Had it been anyone else they would have died."

"She's immortal then?"

Aron nodded, "She took the full jolt. Her "energy" didn't allow the Evil to enter into her, where it would have done for your Lady."

"I'm not certain I understand."

"The Evil, in order to remain in this existence, needs a host; it chose your Lady because she would remind my Queen, The Lady Alya, of someone dear. M'Lady would have refused to kill her, giving the Evil an advantage, but she refused to allow it, so the Evil put it's "essence" into her and her strength and light didn't allow it to remain." Aron paused a moment, "It sounds odd, but if you were from here, you'd understand it better."

"Why was she able to fight it?"

"Her family was chosen, she struggled and sacrificed like her family, she just survived it and now she's in power. They agreed to take power for the people, give them the opportunity to live and thrive, she's made some changes many here love her for and she's made decisions that many either fear or do not like. Regardless, everyone agreed to follow, like myself and like Navarre."

"He is an Elf, I'm told."

"Yes, but he differs a bit from you. Maybe because he's been here for so long or maybe it's because he's from a different world, I'm not sure. You will meet him; he took up a march against one of our enemies." Aron laughed softly, making Haldir give him a questioning look, "Sorry, the reason he went was to keep M'Lady from going. She doesn't like the military going anywhere without someone who's capable of comprehending strategy. Navarre does and that kept her home." Aron leaned towards him, "She's not happy though. She hates not being there, she thinks being there will allow her some control over the battle."

Haldir smiled, "But she is your Queen, she could go regardless."

"Yes, but she shouldn't. She was weakened by the Evil and needs rest still. Though she is probably…" Aron thought for a moment, "As M'Lady would say, 'Wearing a hole in the rug.'"

Avalon

"Jora?" Alya was looking under books and even knocked the board pieces over in a hunt for some unknown object. "JORA!"

"Yes M'Lady?" Jora rushed in, frazzled.

"Where is my parchment from last night? It had important information on it." She began looking over the map on an opposing table.

Jora moved over to the podium and grabbed up a parchment, "This one?"

"Yes!" Alya grabbed it up, "Thank you." She rushed back to the map to verify something before heading toward the remaining General's, who were awaiting her in the courtyard.

Jora stayed behind and looked over the map, moving one small flag inward. She then trotted over to the chessboard and arranged it as it was before it was upended by Alya; upon finishing she moved to a wall bench and waited.

"Gentlemen, I have a few ideas that I want you to look over for the next campaign." She handed them the parchment. "I also should have exacts from Jora on the size of the area we need to focus on." The General's bowed and headed out, with the exception of one who waited for the others to get out of earshot.

"M'Lady, may I speak?"

"Of course."

"The men would prefer if…"

"The men?"

"Sorry, I and some of the General's would prefer if you didn't come along. We understand your need, but…"

"But you are afraid I may die?"

"Yes, M'Lady."

"Death happens, General Fallet. We cannot control it, I could slip on a step coming down in the morning, or fall on a blade. I understand your worry, but you must understand mine."

"Of course, forgive me."

"Nothing to forgive, you spoke, I appreciate that. Now please, look over the parchment, and if I chose to stay behind I will make certain all are aware of the plan I have in mind." The General bowed and headed out.

Alya made her way back in and headed into the library, seeing the change on the map, she smiled. "And how many?"

"In just that area? I saw 400."

"How close are their allies?"

"Not allies, not really, they would assist, but only if directly threatened. They are no better than animals, but they believe the less of them there are the more food there will be for them to eat."

"Disgusting, but okay. Will 2 legions do the job?"

"If you lead, yes. But, if you lead you might meet your end." Jora frowned, "Might. I'm not sure; you could just be injured again."

"How?"

"Not certain, I just saw you falter."

"Meaning I could have slipped and fallen, but that's it."

"If you doubt me, then don't ask."

"I didn't ask that." Alya smiled, "Look, should I tell you what I told the General."

"I know death happens, lots of things happen, but…"

"But nothing. If I'm meant to die then I will. End of story." Alya turned to her, "Now we will be having a guest arrive. I…"

"An Elf, same as the Lady from the tower. He's already met up with Aron."

"When did you see this?"

"An hour ago, maybe more. They are coming with Tobes."

"Tobes was bringing the visitor here?" Jora nodded, "Make certain we purchase all he'll give us then. All if possible. Even if they aren't suited for the military they can be used by the caretakers at the Temple of the Faiths."

Jora smiled, "It's strange to me what people will believe."

"People sometimes need it. It allows them some measure of peace. So long as they don't allow it to control them and the caretakers do as they've agreed I don't care."

"You don't believe."

"My belief is no one else's business. It's mine and mine alone."

Jora bowed and rushed toward the door, "Navarre is coming home, too." She smiled skipping out of the library.

Alya shook her head just as Maeve walked in, "Jora is a strange child."

"Were I not Queen you'd say the same of me."

"I'll never admit to it." She smiled. "So what shall we have tonight?"

"Mix it up. We have a guest and I'm not sure his taste."

"He's an Elf, or so I've heard."

Alya nodded, "He may be similar to Navarre, but I'm not sure. So a bit of everything."

Maeve nodded and walked out, this time followed by Alya. "Did you make croissants?"

"You know I did. You can smell them." She made her way into the large kitchen and picked up a large plate of croissants. "Here, but don't wolf them down like before. Have some decorum."

Alya laughed and sat on a stool; the entire staff curtseyed and rushed back to their jobs. "Can I have a coffee?" Just as the last syllable was uttered a mug was placed before her, steam rising from it.

"There's a bit of chocolate in it, as you always like."

"Thank you, Maeve." Alya ripped a piece of croissant off the main roll and put it in her mouth, setting the roll down before grabbing up the mug and drinking some of the hot liquid down. "Wonderful."

"I do not understand coffee, but whatever you like, M'Lady." Maeve smiled and sat across from her. "Are you planning…?"

"Don't start." Alya stopped her, "I've explained and I won't again. It's my life, my choice and my decision. I understand the worry, but honestly if I do, then I have reason."

"But you have more reason to stay. Not for just the soldiers, they do need you, but those who aren't need you more. They look to you, like they looked to your family and they expect you to be here." Maeve saw that Alya was about to comment, "I won't be intimidated by your position. I respect it, but you are here for the people, all of them and don't say that's why you are going. You enjoy the excitement and the danger and that is your real reason."

"May I speak now?" She swallowed more coffee. "The people have become self sufficient, they've learned to fight for themselves and on occasion they've fought for me and others. They don't need a Queen, just someone to lead them. They really don't even need that so long as someone keeps a clear head and an intelligent mind for tactics."

Maeve shook her head, "I disagree."

"Disagree all you want, but look back, before we got here. The people hid and didn't do a damn thing for themselves. Now they actually grab weapons when the need arises." She watched Maeve shake her head. "Listen, I don't want to argue, it's not worth it." She finished off the last of the croissant and got up, swallowing the last of her coffee. "I'm heading out, you have a problem we'll discuss it another time." She walked out meeting the messenger Navarre sent back.

"We lost two men, M'Lady. They died with valor." The messenger bowed.

"But did they die for nothing?"

"No, we destroyed them, in a quick manner." The messenger smiled, "Brogia and Thorfil."

"Damn, Thorfil's wife is expecting."

"Yes, M'Lady." He was surprised she knew.

"Can you gather her parents and his; it will make the news easier?"

"Yes, M'Lady." He bowed and raced off.

She made her way down and walked over to Brogia's father who was a Colonel with the military, as she spoke he wavered a bit, but never broke. Instead he bowed and she ordered, "Take some time, a week or more, if you need."

"No, Ma'am, I…"

"It's an order, Colonel." She watched him bow again before she made her way to 4 people awaiting her, the women were both in tears, a thing that made Alya struggle greatly. From there they went toward the second soldier's home and his awaiting and expectant wife.

The rest of the staff in the kitchen whispered. "Oh…get back to work." Maeve shouted and grabbed a croissant.

Road Home

"Lord Navarre. We have word, there are none left." Levane rushed towards his commander, bowing and out of breath. "They found hundreds that were scavenged on, but by evaluation they said they had been wounded previously and fed on by their own."

"Good, have they done more than one sweep?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good, then have everyone gather the stores, we will be heading home." Navarre moved over to the medics who were still cleaning up. "I've sent report to the Queen about the deaths."

"We attempted all we could, but…"

"No one is saying you did anything wrong. Just make sure they are given problem burials." The doctor's bow and move back inside. Navarre looks out onto the horizon again, disappointed that he lost anyone before looking back to the men that were readying to leave. "Men! Before we go, we will bury our fallen." He waved his hand to have some men build two funeral pyres.

Several of them rushed into action, building up a four-sided cross beam structure that ended in a platform at the top; it was nothing extravagant, but it was massive and each body would receive one. Inside would be kindling and dry wood for a faster ignite and the bodies which were being prepared by the doctors would be set on top. Not long after the doctor's assistants came out, 4 men carrying a stretcher with the men on them, they raised them up and onto the built platforms, followed by a priest reading an ancient text in their traditional language. The men were covered head-to-toe in a gauze-like material which was wrapped tightly almost like a baby being swaddled; the smell that permeated, as they moved by, was of many herbs and oils. At the end of the reading the men they were closest to in their units lit the pyre and stood back, watching their friends somberly go into the next world.

Avalon

Alya walked back into the palace, her eyes stained with dried tears, she entered the kitchen and took another croissant. "May I have...?"

Maeve had a mug ready for her, "You should have taken me with you." Her accent was strong, an Irish brogue that told of her home.

"It's not your responsibility."

"And how many nobles would do what…?"

"I'm not noble."

"That's not what everyone believes. They see you as being more a noble than any royal." Alya rolled her eyes, only to be met with a slap to the back of the head. "You are. You brought these people hope. That's more than any. Besides they follow you, if you are willing to walk into a battle, they will."

"Because they don't know I'm suicidal." Alya smirked and ducked another smack, laughing. "Come on, everyone has this grand idea that I'm…"

"Like your father and you are like him. He wouldn't order anyone into battle, he'd lead them."

"Yes I know. I fought for him over several years." She sipped more of the liquid, "He raised us to be that way, Maeve, its not unusual." Maeve nodded, "It's who we are."

An announcement rang through the palace, "There's a rider coming!"

Alya looked around and jumped up, heading for the hall, almost being knocked over by the rider, who'd jumped off his horse and rushed in. "Sorry M'Lady. They're missing." He attempted to catch his breath.

"Who is?" Alya was startled, but his announcement.

"Two towns in the Northwest. Langhelm and Jordele."

"What? How? Who?"

"There were no bodies in Langhelm, it was deserted, but Jordele there was a body, Asim Al Farooq. He was tied to a cross and burned; we think he was alive when it happened." The words were startling to Alya, she swayed a bit. "The unit was going to stay in Jordele, but then members of the unit started to disappear."

"Disappear? No sign?"

"None, M'Lady."

"Ok, did the commander attempt to locate the cause?"

"He was the first to be taken, the lieutenant took charge and he ordered us to leave."

"Good. Who do you think it was?"

"The cannibals." The man spoke the words with disgust. "That's what you called them, right?"

Alya nodded, "Ok. There are no villagers left?" She saw him shake his head. "Ride out, tell them I've ordered the ENTIRE unit home. Understand?" The soldier nodded. "Good, go." The man ran out faster than he ran in and rode off on his horse. "Taen?"

"Yes M'Lady?" A man entered, seemingly from nowhere.

"Order all the General's here, now."

"Yes, M'Lady." He bowed and rushed out.

Road Home

Navarre and the 2 legions road home after the ceremony, they had as much dust flying off them as what was coming from the horses that were riding through the dust; The dead received all that should or could have be done. They were honored and would always be considered a jump point for what everyone would strive for. A red cast glowed brightly on the horizon of the setting sun, an ominous glow that startled Navarre, he then ordered everyone back on double time. Their horses could be heard from miles. Unfortunately, they had witnesses to see their ride home, witnesses that were eager to take advantage of the retreat.

The men's minds went to what was bothering their commander and they were focused on the return home.

Avalon

The Generals walked in, bowing to Alya, "I need every possible scenario for attacking our enemies in the Southwest. I need it now. They're the possible reason behind the disappearance of everyone in 2 different towns."

The words were startling and the Generals did as they were ordered, they bowed and left quickly with one thing in mind; to find the best way to combat the enemy.

"JORA!"

"Yes M'Lady."

Alya jumped, "I need."

"Already working on it, but I can't guarantee visions." She bowed and left fast, before hearing another word.

Alya's look of frustration was not difficult to see, but she knew Jora would do everything she could to assist the military in the upcoming battle, and within minutes all the General's walked in, the surrounded the map and bowed their heads in near unison. "Thank you, General's. I'm sorry for calling you in this way, but with the news I've heard we MUST go after this enemy. I will not lose anymore villagers or military to these things." Her disgust was visible and strong.

"Will you be joining us, M'Lady?" The original General who'd voiced concern jumped in.

"Yes, but I will stay back and allow the bulk of our military to do their jobs by your lead." She saw the General smile, "BUT, I want to see the beasts dead, I want heads on pikes, I want bodies burned. I want to know exact numbers and I want them all wiped off the face of this world. I want to personally count them. Understood?" The General's nodded,

"What if they have children?" Another General chimed in, but it was enough to stop Alya in her tracts, she hadn't considered this and that was troubling.

"I will consider that later. Make certain we have 3 legions going, plus my person guard." She turned her back to the map, "Let the men know exactly what we are marching into. Let them know what the enemy is capable of. We will go in as ancient tribes did, massacre the enemy; no one survives, unless I say otherwise." The General's bowed and headed out. "Damn it!" She turned to the hall that Jora left through; she paused outside a large door for a moment and then went to knock.

"Enter, my Queen." She entered, but before Alya could comment Jora responded again, "I will try to see if children are present."

"Thank you." Alya turned and left, quickly, knowing she could do no more. She just hoped that Navarre would return quickly.

Nearing Home

Haldir noticed that Aron seemed jumpy, "Is there a problem, Master Aron?"

"Yes, I sense some urgency and feel a need to return quickly." He smiled their visitor.

"Then we should ride quickly. Leave a man or two with Tobes and his stock and make our way to Avalon."

"I do not wish to rush."

Haldir shook his head, "You have reason to believe you may be needed, that is enough. I do not wish to put anyone in jeopardy if it can be helped."

"Thank you, Master Haldir. I would like to get back quickly." He kicked his horse into a gallop, followed by the other men, leaving two with Tobes and the horses he was selling in Avalon. At this rate they would be in Avalon within a few hours.