Mount and Blade-

The Warband of Wolves

By Indogma

Inspired by the Mount and Blade Series, primarily the game: Mount and Blade: Warband.

Awakening to a Nightmare

Haydee let her eyes slowly opened as he shifted lazily in her cot, then gave in the lingering pains of sleep and shut them again. She was loath to get out of the warm embrace of her cot to meet the growing brightness that seemed to be invading her mind like, well, the dawn. For some time she lay in bed, drifting in and out of her conscious mind.

Slowly she grew aware of time, if only to ponder what time of day it was. How long have I slept? She heard herself ask, then the realization sank in, she had slept. It didn't matter for how long, what mattered was that in the first time in the last couple of days she had gotten more than a few hours rest. She slowly stretched and let her back creak and moan as it awoke. It felt good, so she did it again, longer this time allowing the places that refused to move the first time to be awaken this time.

Opening her eyes again, she let out a content sigh. She felt great.

Sitting up in her cot, she was surprised to a large cut in the back of her tent, flapping loosely in a poor morning wind. Frowning, she shook her head and blamed the assassin girl Klethi thinking it was a part of one of her schemes. It certainly fit her behaviour to do something bizarre like that. Maybe she snuck into her tent to see if see was still alive.

Putting the cut in her tent aside in her mind, she got dressed in her armour, including her gauntlets. When she was ready to meet the day, she opened the flap of her tent and met the morning. Shielding her eyes from the sudden glare, Haydee realized it was late morning to early noon.

She had awoken in the awkward time, too late to start cooking her own breakfast fore by the time she was done with her first meal, it would lunch time; and yet it would still be some time before lunch would be ready so she would have to wait for Katrin.

She shivered involuntary remembering the company's cook and her concoction; the taste was still lingering in her mind and her mouth. She would rather go a hundred nights without sleeping then to try that again.

With the unpleasant memory now out of her mind, she felt her stomach churn emptily, reminding her that she had eaten little in the past could of days, much less while she slept. Sighing aloud she decided she would risk asking Katrin for some of food earlier then the assigned time. Maybe she could use her new position of Lieutenant to her advantage.

As he turned to head for the tent, she passed one of the Wolves, the former bandit named Voger, was seated on a small barrel with his weapons in his lap as his head titled to his side in sleep. Haydee merely shrugged and thought little of the Wolf's odd place to rest.

Soon she was at the flap at the meal tent and saw the older woman Katrin already working on the troop's lunch. A sort of chicken broth, although not yet cooked it smelt delicious to Haydee.

Entering the tent, she waited she was noticed by Katrin before giving a sheepish grin. As Katrin was slicing a carrot she noticed the girl and gave a smile, "Well, look like ya got some sleep finally, eh lass?"

Haydee nodded, "I was hoping I could get some food before lunch was ready…" She said awkwardly seeing Katrin holding a knife. There had been a man, called Gergeson who had tried to get some food early from Katrin, to the point where he threatened her. The older woman however was not one to be threatened, and had chased the man around the camp wielding a butcher knife. Haydee had witnessed that scene and was worried it might happen again.

"Aye, I figured ya be hungry." She turned, "Oi Kent!" Haydee noticed that the two former orphans where working with the lady preparing the meal. "Remember that bread I asked ya ta hold, bring it here with that cheese." She looked at Haydee and smiled again, "But I bet ya aren't too picky eh?"

Haydee smiled and nodded, grateful to be getting any food. After Kent brought out the bread and cheese, Haydee found a spot on a barrel next to one of the tables she eat in silence and watched the three as they worked on the meal.

The two orphans were certainly earning their keep. In less then a year most of the troop had accepted them mostly because they helped speed up the cooking time for the meals allowing the men to eat that much faster while doing odd jobs around the camp, cleaning armor and clothes for some of the men and women. And yet they found time to be trained by the other. Bunduk had taken on Kent as some sort of a protégé, teaching him everything he knew about a crossbow to the young lad. While Joan…

Haydee smiled as she saw the small axe on the girl's belt. It was more of a hatchet then an actual axe, but for the young girl it was a large enough weapon for her. Roland had given it to her a few days ago after she had improved in her axe skills. With Haydee now sharing the responsibility of leading the troop, Roland had more free time to devote on projects, and one of those projects was Joan. He had started instructing her in the use of axes, and when he could no longer teach her any more, he gave her to Matheld to further her knowledge, while still teaching her other feature of battle like strategy. She was proving to be a quick study, and Haydee felt a little jealous. In a few years she would know more than Haydee. Maybe.

Her thoughts broke off at the sound of horses could be heard entering into camp. Something was happening.

"Now what's that about?" Asked Katrin annoyed.

Haydee didn't answer but walked to the edge of the tent, still working on a small bit of bread and holding the bit of cheese in her hand. It was Alayen with a select few of the Wolves all on horseback and a frustrated look on their faces like a mask. Alayen looked the most grim as he dismounted. Then from where her tent was, Voger came running up to Alayen and spoke quickly to him. He face grew more severe with every word he said.

Remembering she was now second in command, this might be a problem she would have to resolve. As she walked towards the group of men, they did not seem to see her, she was able to Voger saying, "— she's gone sir. I don't know where!"

"Gods," swore Alayen, "first Roland now Haydee…"

"What about me?" Asked Haydee letting her presence be known.

Both Voger and Alayen turned to see her standing with the remaining bit of cheese in her fingers. "Haydee," said Alayen surprised, "You're awake."

"I woke about a little bit ago," she took a bite from the cheese but was aware of the grim expressions on the men's faces. She swallowed, "What is it?"

"We thought you were taken…"

"Why would you think that?" Asked Haydee.

Alayen did not answer right away, but instead looked Voger angrily. "You didn't tell her?"

"I didn't see her pass me, sir!"

"Tell me what?" Asked Haydee more demanding.

"Someone cut into your tent last night." Alayen said quietly. "And Matheld was hurt trying to stop them."

"What?!" So that cut was not from Klethi… "I-is Matheld—?" She could not continue, fearful for Matheld's health.

"She is fine," came another voice. Haydee saw Ymira coming from another part of the camp. "Angry and bruises but other than that her normal grim self." She have a quick nod to Haydee and flashed a brief smile, "I'm glad to see you are alive after taking that horrible drink."

"It did its job," came Katrin's voice, proving she was invested in this conversation although only at the edge of her tent.

"The one who cut into my tent, what did he want…"

Alayen shook his head, "No idea. Jeremus and Roland agreed with Klethi that he didn't enter your tent to harm you."

Haydee felt some of the anxiety leave her knowing she was not the target of some assassin's blade again. Habitually she touched her brow where the scar shown lividly, remembering the time in Reyvadin. But not all of her worries disappeared, "Then what did they want?"

Alayen shrugged, "Jeremus said that Roland had an idea late last night," he exchanged and worried look with Ymira. "But we haven't seen him since…"

"He's missing…" added Ymira grimly.

Haydee felt the pang in her heart as the realization set in, if Roland was missing, she was in charge of the Wolves.

Roland grunted as he shook himself from the darkness slowly. His body was stiff and sore all over, like he had been running all day the previous day. Unable to open his eyes yet, he tried to bring his hand to his eyes and open them forcefully, but he felt his hands were placed behind his back and immobilized by something. Now his eyes opened, and he gasped in fear at the realization he was in a storehouse, fearing he was back in Ibiran, about to be burn on the stake as a witch. Then he controlled himself remembering what had happened the night before, this must be Dugan or somewhere nearby, not Ibiran.

Sighing slightly relieved, Roland turned his attention to his current problem. His hands were bound behind his back and tied together on the other side of the large wooden post. Shifting his hands back and for the he felt the rope was newer and tight. Little chance for breaking those free, Roland concluded grimly.

If there was a silver lining Roland could think of, it was the fact he was still wearing his armour. He had heard when some armies took a prisoner; they would strip him of all valuables, including his weapons and armour. Of course they would take Roland's sword, but since they left his armour it showed that they weren't greedy for loot. Plus it meant he would not have to go out and buy another set, assuming he was able to leave this situation.

The sound of the latch opening broke Roland's thoughts. It was very bright outside, and Roland could only make out a figure entering before the door was closed and the room returned to its regular dim light. When his eyes readjusted to the dim lighting, he noticed a man squatting before him. He had dark skin and a ting beard that covered his mouth that smiled broadly.

"Well my friend, I see you are awake…"

"Where am I?" Asked Roland.

"Dugan," answered the man amused.

"I mean where in Dugan…"

"The town's storage house," said the man, picking away a piece of straw from his clothes. Roland noticed the man was not wearing armour. Instead he wore a nomad robe, with a pair of brown furry boots. He clearly was not a soldier and that made him more mysterious then before. "Don't worry Roland… we are taking good care of you."

Roland stared at the man, "How do you know my name…"

He shrugged, "I have my ways my friend… but that is not important."

Says the man who is not tied up, Roland debated on saying. Instead he asked, "Since you know my name, what is yours?"

"Nizar…" smiled the man.

"You the one who fought Matheld," said Roland aloud.

"Yes," sighed the man, "And I must apologized for harming the Nord… Although I must say she was able to handle herself." He stood and grunted in pain that seemed to come from his left leg. "She left a very deep bruise with her axe."

"She is hard to get along with…" said Roland at length. He added, "You work for Arwa then…"

"One could say that…" replied Nizar ambiguously, it sounded like he meant to say, 'not really.'

Roland frowned at the man's non-comitial answers, he was getting nowhere with him. "I want to talk to Arwa."

Nizar nodded and smile, "Oh, I am sure of that. And she is eager to interrogate the spy she found in her camp."

"I am not a spy…"

"I'm not the one you have to convince, my friend." He took a quick glance at the sound of a small group of riders rode past at a fast pace.

"What was that?" Asked Roland concerned it was the Khanate come to end the siege.

"A few of your men, Roland." The smile appeared again. "They have been combing the countryside… looking for you it seems." He then added triumphantly, "They stopped earlier today asking if we had seen you. The villagers said no, so they went off."

"If they find me here—" Started Roland.

"Word will get back to Emir Dhashwal…"

Roland froze as he realized what Nizar was hinting. Even if his men found him, they would find him at Arwa's camp and word might get back to the Sultan that he had visited very person who was threatening him for the power over the Sultanate. And if Emir Dhashwal got wind of this he could distort it to his advantage and end this campaign within a week, even less; long before siege was over. They might never get Francis out.

"So it is in your best interest to stay here, my friend… if not for your campaign's sake then for your own. We have a several good riders from the Khanate with us, they could mow you down in a heartbeat and shoot you dead a mile away."

Roland glared at Nizar, but he saw that the man was not lying. "When can I see Arwa?" His only hope is to talk his way to return to his men.

"She'll come in her own time…" said Nizar turning to the door. "But I will let her know you're ready." And with that Nizar left the room.

Roland sat quietly for a moment and looked at the door. He weighed his options, Nizar sounded quite sincere when he warned Roland about the men that would be sent after him. Plus he had no horse, it was a long run to where he left his horse, if it was still there, and even if he stole one in the village, the Khanate riders could outride him.

Roland shook his head, he should of told someone in the company that he was going to Dugan, Ymira, Jeremus, someone. But now they were wasting time looking for them where they should be trying to take the castle instead.

Roland looked up in shook, with him away from the company Haydee was in charge. He sighed; she was new as the second in command. And she had a lot on her mind right now. Hopefully she could manage it, Roland sighed, for herself and the Wolves' sakes…

Haydee sighed annoyed as she walked through the tents towards Emir Dhashwal's strategy tent. As the second in command she had to go to the meeting of the Emirs to discuss the plan for assault in place of Roland. Several hours of searching had turned up empty, it was as if vanished… Haydee gasped, Did he go back to his world? Haydee shook her head, no. He would never leave in the middle of a battle, or without saying goodbye…

She shook herself and walked all the more firmly towards the tent. She needed to be strong, especially to Dhashwal. Any sign of weakness and he might attack. Or she might retaliate as well. Although it was hard to say, Haydee knew that the Emir was needed, his men apart from the Wolves made up the bulk of the assaulting army, plus they had just as much experience as the Wolves did in fighting. Losing them would be the end of this assault, and Haydee could not let that happen.

It was some relief to Haydee that she might only need to postpone the meeting for a day. It would allow the men time to search for Roland, and with luck he would be found in the valley somewhere, alive and unharmed, and he could deal with Dhashwal not her.

But for now, she had to deal with the Emir. Looking up, she saw the Emirs banner in front of a tent, and she knew this was the place. Stopping just in from of the tented she took several deep breathes trying to calm herself. She muttered, "Forget he killed your family. Forget that he tried to kill you…" She exhaled a final time, "We need him…" And with a firm nod, she opened the flaps and entered the tent.

"Ah, finally," came Dhashwal's annoyed tone. He had been standing with his back to the flap, but as he turned, he slowed and his lips grew into a frown. "What are you doing here?" He growled.

"I'm here for the meeting," she said surprisingly firm. Then she saw the two other Emirs on the other side of the table with the map of the Asugan Castle placed on it. They exchanged a quick look to each other. She turned back to Dhashwal and added, "Roland said I could handle this meeting for him." It was surprising how easy the lie came.

"Did he?" Asked Dhashwal unconvinced.

Haydee nodded, "Yes, he did." She moved and looked over the map. "Shall we begin?"

"No we will not!" Said Emir Dhashwal.

Haydee turned to face him, "Emir Dhashwal, what is the matter?"

"I will not discuss tactics with a young girl!"

"I am the Wolves' second in command, Emir. I am versed in tactics to help plan this siege. I have every right to make sure my troops do not get killed."

"I think not!" Said the Emir angrily. "You have no grasp on out plans! Nor of how to take a castle! How can a woman possibly know that?!"

"Emir Dhashwal," said Haydee her eyes flashing but her voice level, "Roland of the Wolves entrusted me to the wellbeing of the troops for now."

"Where is he?"

"Away," said Haydee turning back to the map trying to hide her face and her lie. Dhashwal saw through it.

"Where?" He added his tone calmer, more controlling.

"I said away!" Haydee repeated angry.

Dhashwal said nothing right away, but instead looked at Haydee making her uncomfortable. "I've noticed that a group of your men are riding out into the valley as if looking for something…"

"They are foragers…" said Haydee still looking at the map.

"Roland is missing?" Asked Emir Dhashwal.

"No he is not!" Said Haydee firmly.

"Where is he then?!"

"In his tent!" She said quickly, regretting it immediately.

"Then take me to him, I will discuss our plans with no one but him." He smiled an evil smile. "Or can't you because he is not there."

Haydee clenched her fist and bit back a: Damn you Emir!

Dhashwal didn't need and answer, instead he turned to the others and said. "I believe I have my answer… Emirs we are leaving this castle."

Haydee swung on her heels, "What?"

"Roland is not here. That means he probably ran away knowing this was a fool's errand. And I will not be a part of an assault where one general has run away with fear."

"He would not do that!"

"Forgive me if I do not believe that…" Emir added spitefully. He looked at Emir Hiwan, "Emir you will have your men destroy the siege tower."

"Keep it!" Countered Haydee trying to keep them together and save the situation. "Roland will be back!"

Dhashwal ignored her, "Emir Quryas, have your men begin packing the supplies to be ready at dawn to leave. My men will join you."

"Please," said Haydee loudly as if she was in pain, "Give us time we will find him!"

Dhashwal shook his head, "Without Roland, the siege is not our concern." He opened the flap adding, "And I am sure without him the Wolves are nothing." And he was gone.

For a long moment the two Emirs remained in the tent unsure of what to do. It was Emir Quryas who broke the silence, "Well I guess I should get to work…" his voice trailed off at Haydee's stillness and left the tent quickly.

Emir Hiwan however moved to Haydee's side and tried to look into her eyes that where looking down. Not able to see her eyes, he said mournfully, "I'm sorry… I can have my men stay and keep the tower—"

"You have your orders Emir," she replied hotly.

Emir made to reply but closed he mouth, as he took a toward the exit he turned and added, "I barely knew your father, Hayah Deema… But from what I heard he was a brave man. And your mother as well must be strong woman to try to take on the Sultan…" His voice trailed off, seeing his words where having no effect on her. "So, you come from strong people…"

When the Emir was gone, Haydee's eye finally noted the map on the table before her. It was like the castle was mocking her. She clenched her fist again, "Strength doesn't take castles by itself."

Inside the small grain shack in the village, Roland had managed to get on his feet by way of some careful wiggling up the post and a few splinters in his arms. Now standing he was able to let his legs stretch from their inactivity the whole day. The problems that sitting down would cause could wait awhile, Roland decided.

There was a faint sounds of footsteps outside the door followed the latch clicking opening, warning Roland that he was going to have company. The door opened, and the bright early afternoon sun shown into the room. There in the doorway, stood Arwa, the Pearled one.

She was taller than Roland would have suspected, and was about as tall as Roland if not taller. She had short midnight black hair which was cut short, but not like Haydee's, it still could be gathered behind her head like it was now. Underneath the hair was a very fair but tough face that still held on to its former beauty that age had not claimed yet. No wonder Haydee's father had fallen in love with her, Roland thought. But her eyes, they were a dark green, and flashed with anger, and her mouth seemed to be tilted into a small frown. It was little wonder why she looked so cross, being the blunt end of so much bad news in her life. But as he looked hard at the face, he saw that there was a lot of Haydee's features in her. There was no doubt that she was Haydee's mother now.

She wore a thin metal Khanate breastplate with a dark blood red wool surcoat with a chainmail underneath. A warrior's outfit, and it seemed to fit her like a glove; clearly she was prepared to fight. On her belt she had a sword, but Roland could not tell what kind of blade it was. But the most noticeable feature of her clothing was a gold and red scarf that looped around her neck, no doubt from her past life of being an Emir's wife.

"So you are Roland of the Wolves…" she said slowly. There was the wisdom with what seemed like silent power in her voice again like the night before, which only added to the severity of the situation.

Roland nodded slowly his eyes not leaving Arwa's face, "And you are Arwa the Pearled One."

She took a step forward and the door behind her closed shut quickly. It was then Roland noticed she was not seeing him alone. Nizar was present with another man. A big burly man with a small beard and a ponytail that stuck up from the back of his head.

"I had a feeling we would met when I heard that my daughter was traveling with you…" she folded her arms, revealing a sword on her belt that her arm had hidden.

Roland hid a grimace and the worrying thought that she came armed to see him. "So did I… but I never would have thought it would be like this…"

"Nor I," she still was not smiling. "I want to know Roland why were you sneaking around Dugan at night."

"I got lost?" Said Roland teasingly. She glared angrily at him, not amused. His humoured tone faded as he added. "I wanted to talk with you…"

"About what?"

"About Haydee." Roland said sternly.

"Her name is Hayah Deema…" Countered Arwa sternly.

"We all call her Haydee," shrugged Roland.

"That is not her name!" She said angrily. "And you will not mutter her name while in my presence!"

Roland looked at her and saw her eyes were flashing with anger. Why was she so instant that name? "Have I done something wrong?" Asked Roland cautiously.

"Don't try to play yourself off as a fool in front of me!" She growled. "You know what you are guilty of."

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Replied Roland defensively getting frustrated with her empty responses, and Arwa was not enjoying Roland's apparent ignorance. She glanced to the unknown man and gave a curt nod. The gruff looking man stepped forward and punched Roland in the face. Fortunately the hit did not jar loose any teeth, medieval dentistry was anything but efficient, (medieval in other words).

Roland looked at Arwa, "What was that for?"

"Playing coy with me." Replied Arwa. The man how punched Roland gave a wicked smile, he clearly was enjoying.

Roland caught a glance Nizar, unlike the other man. He then stepped forward, "Perhaps it is best if we remind Roland of what he did instead of playing this cat and mouse…" He did not wait for an answer from Arwa. "What she is," he paused struggling for a word which seemed foreign to him, "reminding you of is that you are holding her daughter prisoner in your camp…"

Roland scoff, "What?" the man did not wait for the signal to punch Roland again with a heftier punch kissing Roland's check. This time there was blood in his mouth and he had to spit to clear his mouth of the fluid. He looked at Arwa angrily, "You're wrong." He had to spit again to clear his mouth. "She's not my prisoner, she's my lieutenant."

The other man stepped forward to punch Roland again, but Arwa waved him off, "Hold on Baheshtur…" She looked at Roland and put her hand on her sword, the first step towards aggression. "That is not what I have been told." Her voice was level, but Roland could hear the bite in her words. "It has been told me that you have forced her into your company. Plus you always post a guard on her," she shot a glance towards Nizar, "Such as last night."

"It's not what you think…" protested Roland.

"Isn't it? I get word that my daughter," her voice grew louder, "My only living family in this land is walking around your camp like a prisoner! I have spies in your camp Roland, and they say my daughter looks sickly!"

Roland shook his head, what could he say? She was stressed form knowingly work with Emir Dhashwal and finding out Arwa was alive; and she was not much sleep because of it? Roland looked at her eyes, they still where angry and assured. Anything he said might, no, would be ignored out right. All he could reply, "You're wrong." Which in hindsight was not the most tactful thing to say.

But Arwa did not have Baheshtur punch Roland again. Instead, in one quick motion her blade was drawn and at Roland's neck. Roland now could see the blade in pristine detail. It was a Nomad Sabre, very fine and very new from the shine on the blade and little signs of blood on it. Maybe his would be the first blood on the sword.

"I am not going to lose my only child to a monster like you." Arwa said monster was much like the night before.

Roland instinctively craned his neck away from the blade, feeling the cool metal caress his skin like an icicle. He looked at Arwa and still saw the anger still in her eyes. Anything Roland said now, even an omission of what she believed would do little now.

Again Nizar spoke out, "Perhaps it would be better to ask her yourself, my lady…" For a moment, Roland saw a brief look of confusion in the woman's eyes before the mask of anger took over once more.

"What do you mean, Nizar?" Asked Arwa.

Nizar gestured to Roland lightly, "Since Roland is no long at his camp to keep an eye your daughter, she can move far more freely now then ever is that correct?" Added happily, "Why not bring her here to she can speak her for herself?"

Arwa looked at Nizar, and then back to Roland. Slowly she returned her blade into its scabbard with a snap. "That is a good idea…" She crossed her arms, "That way Hayah Deema could face you without fear." She stepped forward and lowered her voice, "And if she says one word, one word that you harmed her, I will be the end of you."

"I have never harmed her," said Roland defiantly, suddenly more confident with the prospect that Haydee would soon clear this up.

"We'll see." Said Arwa wryly. Then she turned to Nizar, "You will ride to the camp and—"

Nizar held his hands up to his chest, "That is not a good idea, my lady. My identity has been revealed through the company." He shifted and grunted in pain as he shifted weight on his injured leg. "And they might cause me more then a bruise."

Arwa seemed to turn to berate the man, but stopped before she said anything. Slowly she nodded and turned to Baheshtur, "You will bring my daughter here." She glanced to Roland and added, "You will not mention that we have him here. It might scare her from coming."

"Haydee does not scare that easily." Replied Roland. He found it odd that Haydee's mother would insult her daughter's character like this. But then again, she had not seen her daughter in several years, and her source was very questionable.

But Arwa did not notice Roland's reply, "And before you do, give a message to the Emir." She looked out the door trying to gauge the time, "It is now approaching dusk, tell Hayah Deema to be here by early night, and the Emir, tell him we can meet late tonight and discuss our plans with my daughter."

"As you wish my lady," spoke Baheshtur for the first time, and was gone.

With the word being sent Arwa looked at Roland, "When she gets here…" she did not have to continue. Her tone alone was enough to say the threat. Roland said nothing. Slowly Arwa walked out of the room, "Keep an eye on him," ordered Arwa leaving Roland alone with Nizar.

Surprisingly Roland could relax with Nizar's presence, and as he thought about it a thought came to his mind.

"Well, my friend," sighed Nizar, "That was a meeting I well not forget."

"Why…" asked Roland hoarsely, "Why did you help me?" Nizar shook his head denying it, but Roland persisted, "Every time Arwa was about to snap with anger, you interrupt and stop her with reason…"

"So you noticed…" smiled Nizar.

"It's hard not to when every time you open your mouth, Arwa holds off on hurting me again." He looked Nizar directly in the eye. "So why?"

"I have my reasons," smiled Nizar. "And I have no intention of telling you what they are… at least not yet."

Roland frowned, it seemed like Nizar was keeping his motives a mystery. And what was even more frustrating was that Nizar seemed to enjoy being mysterious, like a spy… Roland tried a different approach, "I don't suppose you know who this Emir is?"

Nizar shrugged lightly, "I do not know myself… he only stopped by last night. Who ever he is, he is very cautious only revealing to Arwa herself in a private room…" he looked around the storehouse, "Here in fact…" He smiled amused, "I had indented to use the window you where under to look at the Emir when I…" he chuckled, "Ran into you…"

Roland almost joined him, he was amazed that Nizar was so honest with him, at least when he chose to be. When Nizar's chuckle ended he looked at Roland, "Do you think she will come, Arwa's daughter?"

Roland looked down, "You guess it is as good as mine…" His eyes met Nizar, "I hope she is alright…"

"Why won't she be?" Asked Nizar.

"This is her first time in charge of the Company completely, and she has to work next to a man who tried to kill her… it might be too much for her." He reached for something positive that might work in her favour, Hopefully she was well rested, but he kept that to himself.

Any benefit, any good mood that a full night sleep had given Haydee in the morning was now gone. Instead they were replaced by anxiety, and a combination of fear and being overwhelmed by the sudden responsibility she was given added to her cluttered mind.

Inside the Wolves' own strategy tent, Haydee, Ymira, Alayen, Jeremus, Matheld, Katrin, Bunduk, Firentis, Klethi, Deshavi and Artimenner all gathered around a small table with a rough sketch of Asugan Castle spread across the map. The search parties who had been sent to search for Roland had been called back to rest, and it was clear Roland was not going to be in charge of this meeting.

Haydee had only mentioned a meeting, and had put off telling the bad news until the meeting. And now that the meeting was called she was hesitant to say anything at all. Her first meeting in command, and she would be sharing the worst possible news. But that was the price of command; even Roland had to give bad news to the company this way. She had seen it several times herself, and she now realized he must have felt this way as well. But that did not make this any easier.

"Haydee?" Ymira asked braking Haydee's thoughts, "What is happening in the Emir's camps?"

Haydee looked at her first and then met all of their eyes seeing the concern. No doubt word had spread through the camps that the Emirs where packing their gear and supplies in abandoning the siege, but to the Wolves they might just be rumours, until Haydee confirmed or denied them.

Taking a deep breath, Haydee started, "Emir Dhashwal has ordered an abandonment of the siege. They are packing up to leave first thing in the morning…" She could not look at their nervous glances and could only stare at the table as the nervous chatter filled the tent.

"Why are they doing that?" Asked Alayen.

"Because Roland is not here…" replied Haydee. "And the Emir refuses to be here as long as Roland is not present."

"He could not have gone far," stated Bunduk, "Roland could be still around the castle. Spying on the guards."

He also could be dead, thought Haydee sadly. "It might be too late…" protested Haydee, "Even if Roland arrived late tonight, the Emir will used his absence as a excuse to abandon the siege and leave us on our own."

"Then it is over?" Asked Deshavi.

Haydee did not say anything, but the answer had been said by her silence. The tent was quiet for a moment, and slowly grew louder with everyone arguing about what they should do.

Haydee only heard their voices as white noise and not actually making sense. Her thoughts had been reliving the meeting with Dhashwal and his final line that haunted her to her core. Could she be hopeless? Could she nothing with out Roland? Then it flashed before her eyes, the dream, and the young girl crying. Herself. Was she still that young girl who would cry so easily?

She slammed her fist on the table and said, "No!"

She was now fully aware that the entire tent was now looking at her. She had said that aloud, and now they were waiting for her to continue. For a moment, nobody said anything, until Ymira asked, "'No' as in we are not leaving?"

Haydee looked at Ymira and gave a slow nod. In truth she had not even touched on that thought, her mind had been preoccupied with other ideas. But it now she needed to worry about the Wolves and not about her dreams. They could wait.

She took a breath in, "That is correct," she could not believe what she was saying, but only used that phrase because it was easier to explain than that she was not in the moment. But as she realize she was committing the Wolves to continue the siege she felt it was the correct decision. "We are staying here."

Artimenner stammered, "But without the Emir's reinforcements… without the siege tower—"

Haydee looked at the siege expert, "We do not need the siege tower!"

"But there was a plan—" Protested Artimenner.

Haydee shook her head, "There was no plan, Artimenner. Roland told me he and the Emir could never agree to a plan."

"So," said Matheld placing her hands heavily on the table, "What is the plan?"

All ten look at Haydee who was looking at the map. She gulped, so this was what it was like to be in command. Why did Roland put her in this position, why was she his second in command, when one of these ten might be far better then her. "Because you are the most capable…" his voice rang in her mind. She looked at the castle map on the table and said firmly, "We attack the castle tonight…" as the words left her mouth she heard concern mummers from the others but ignored them as she tried to think of reasons to support her idea. "Tonight is the only night we have the Emir's armies to back us up… and there is no moon tonight."

"Why would the Emir's armies back us up?"

Haydee shook her head, "They might not… but the castle does not know that they are leaving…" then she looked at the other side of the perspective, and realized an even better point, "Or they have, and they might think the entire army is leaving and lower their guard."

Some of them nodded seeing the point, while others looked at the map grimly. "But it would only be the Wolves making the assault in the end…" noted Artimenner grimly.

Haydee nodded, "Yes, I am afraid so…" and there came another chorus of mummers. If Roland was here there might be less worry or concern but now that he was gone the Wolves were less than sure.

"How do we attack the castle?" Asked Alayen looking at Haydee.

She did not look to him, but focused on the map of Asugan Castle trying to find the answer. But it remained hidden to her, she needed help. But from who? She looked at each one in turn trying to see their strengths. Ymira would no nothing about seizing a castle. Alayen was a good field officer, but he did not have any experience in seizing a castle. Jeremus was wise, but not in this situation. And so on, until her eyes fell on Klethi. It was more a curiosity then knowing what she thought rather then any tactical reason. She might surprise Haydee again.

"What do you think Klethi," all eye turned to the red haired assassin, "What would you do to get into this castle?"

Klethi seemed to consider the question while looking at Haydee. Then she took out a small throwing knife and began to pick at her teeth casually, and if there was no worry in her mind at all, and there certainly none on her face. "Well," said Klethi gesturing with her knife, "I avoid usin' the main gate. It is well lit, and the guards would see me from the camp. And I could not take the east path. The high keep walls there I can't climb," she looked at Haydee, guessing as what Haydee was getting at, "Nor could ladders reach it easily."

"What side would be the least guarded?" Asked Haydee directly.

"The north side, Haydee," shrugged Klethi quite sure of herself.

"How do you know that?" Asked Artimenner.

"'Cause I've been to the walls of the castle," smiled Klethi, "Twice in fact."

"For what?" Asked Ymira.

"To kiss the north wall…" said Klethi as if it was normal for her, "it is good luck in a siege."

"You said the north wall is not well guarded?" Asked Haydee bringing the assassin back on topic.

"One guard, that's all they have." She pointed to opposite wall. "They have three on the opposite wall."

"Why the difference in the guards?" Asked Ymira looking at the map.

"'Cause the south side is more easy to get to," She pointed farther north of the wall, "there's a deep trench about eight feet deep and seven feet wide. It goes almost a half a mile to the east. No army could get around that quietly."

"And on the south side," finished Deshavi, "Is a cluster of rough rocks. Difficult to get through... bit more accessible then walking around the trench." Haydee nodded seeing the logic in what they where saying.

"So the north side is our best bet," sighed Haydee.

"Didn't you hear?" Protested Artimenner. "We can't get across the trench! We'd need a bridge of some sort."

"A bridge…" said Haydee in thought. Then something in her mind clicked, and a plan was coming together. She leaned in and spoke in a low yet firm voice, "I know what we must do…"

For the next half hour, the plan came together, and when the final details where decided, dusk was falling on the camp fast. When they where ready, Haydee gave a brief glance at each of them, the looks of worry had been replaced or covered with a look of silent confidence. Now that they had a plan.

With a brief nod Haydee asked, "Is the plan clear?" All ten nodded. "In formed the men, we leave when night is upon us… not a moment before." She looked at Deshavi, "Take as many arrows as you need."

Deshavi gave a quick nod, and Haydee felt the need for some sort of speech, some sort of encouragement to get their blood going. But instead she merely said, "You all know what to do, so do it and be safe."

That was the signal for the other to leave, as they filed out, Ymira remained seeing Haydee remaining in the tent. "Are you coming?"

Haydee looked at her and lightly smiled, "In a moment… I want to think a little…" Ymira nodded, and soon the tent was empty, Haydee have a deep sigh and rubbed her eyebrows nervously.

What was she doing? She had made a plan that would put herself and some of the Wolves into danger. Some could be killed, in the morning half of the troop could be dead on the ramparts of the damn castle… she herself could be dead… She shook herself from the thought. Thinking that would only could her mind.

She took one final glance of the map of the castle, closed her eyes in quiet dismay, "Why are you missing now Roland?" Then she opened her eyes. It was not his problem now, it was hers; and this was why he had Haydee appointed to second in command, so the Wolves could still function without him. She had accepted knowing this might happen, and now that it did there was little point in claiming she was not expecting this small possibility to happen at some point.

"Excuse me, Hayah Deema?" Came a voice from behind her. The name almost seemed foreign to her, like a stranger's name. She turned slowly, with her hand on her sword at her belt, just in case. She saw a gruff man with a tall ponytail sticking up from the back of his head standing at the tent's entrance. The man had a mean look on his face like a mask that had Haydee believe he was an assassin until he continued, "My name is Baheshtur, ma'am. And I was sent here from your mother Arwa the Pearled One."

Haydee turned fully to face the man, "My mother?" She asked as if she miss heard.

Baheshtur nodded, "Yes, she asks to see you tonight in the village of Dugan, I am to escort you to her when you are ready to leave."

Haydee felt the tent begin to close around her like a trap. Her mother was here? So close to her? A quick ride and she could see her mother for the first time in years. The prospect of seeing her mother made her heart beat more rapidly.

But who would lead the attack on the castle if not her? Could she expect the Wolves to be fine on their own without her? And without Roland?

She looked up and the man, who was waiting anxiously for an answer. "Are you ready to leave for the village?" He asked.

Haydee shook her head slowly, "I am sorry, But could you tell my mother I have business I must see to before I can see her."

"I-it would not take long…" the man protested not expecting the young lady to turn down the his request.

"I will be engaged most of the night I am afraid." That was only half the truth, by dawn she could be captured in Asugan's dungeons, or dead.

"But she will insist…"

Haydee raised her hand, "I'm sorry…" she walked to the flap of the tent and added, "But this is something I have to do," she stopped and added, "for the company… and my self…" and she was gone.