4th-7th of Sarenith: Marching to the Encampment

Anthony gives a shout for the line to begin its march again, and he hands over the reins of his horse to another mounted soldier to be able to walk alongside the group as they join the ranks of the soldiers. As they walk, Anthony relays to the group the status of the efforts to quell the Isidorian forces and gain ground in conquered territories across Nordost. Negotiations with the barbarians of Argus had failed; the new king of one of the tribes, Dangjok is a monstrous orc that has been overthrowing the other tribe leaders to bring the region under his rule. The allied forces were able to retake the dwarven capital, but with heavy losses. There are still Isidorian forces that are being ferreted out, and the dwarves have no one to spare for the effort abroad. The attempt to take Orestus would be too long and drawn out, and they could not afford to take that risk. They decided to concentrate their efforts on this assault instead. The march across Nordost to reach the eastern shores was as successful as it could be, with the gnomes allowing the troops to pass across their lands as swiftly as possible.

The group marches at a hard pace with the soldiers over the next couple of days, making the most of their time with Anthony to learn all that they can about the Isidorian land and the forces they should expect on their side for the final assault. Anthony explains (mostly to Alex) that the Allied forces had done their best to muster the most powerful force that could travel, including siege weapons, horseback cavalries, and the best steel and munitions that could be assembled.

He is plain in his speech as he explains with conviction, "We must come out of this victorious."

With a heavy heart, and all ears on Anthony, Alex asks about Kyus.

Anthony eyes the group, who are looking at him intently, and replies, "He has not presented himself yet...there have been reports of the dragon flying around Enlil, the capital, though. It guards the towers, as if trying to protect the city."

Alex nods an understanding, and then asks, "Is there any way we can enter covertly? We want to infiltrate the city undetected. We wish to avoid bloodshed of innocents, and we do not want to needlessly send in forces."

Anthony nods, but is hesitant to reveal too much of the details of the plans, since not all was known to him, and much would be contingent on how The Seven would play into those plans.

He replies, "We will discuss our options at the main encampment. General Bolshyo Medvistan, along with the other allied generals will be there. We will be able to work out the details from there."

7th-8th of Sarenith: Preparing for Battle

The group senses the enormity of the forces assembled on the edge of the forest as they approach the main encampment of the allied nations. Some of the forest had been cleared in order to make room for the siege weapons and some of the larger tents, while the thousands of small tents for the soldiers are pitched in between the trees.

As they walk through the encampment observing the soldiers milling around, Anthony nods at a few of the soldiers, giving them a salute and turns to the group with a grim voice, "You'll notice there are no campfires. We do not want to give away our position. Of course, this means meals have been cold, which is no comfort when you're about to make an assault on your enemy."

He leads them to a clearing where a large tent has been erected, and lifts the flap to enter, allowing the group entry in his wake. Inside, they see what would normally be standard furniture in a war room: a large table in the center with a map laid out. Various figures and markers are laid upon it, and standing behind the table, deep in conversation of strategy are General Bolshyo Medvistan and General Vyncent Desiosus.

Anthony strides forward, getting their attention with a quick salute and says with barely contained excitement, "Lord Generals, I have found our comrades in the forest. The Seven have returned to us."

Bolshyo smiles at the sight of them, walking up to Alex with his arms out wide and says, "Alexander Shieldheart!" He gives Alex a huge bear hug, the warmth of the Anian general bubbling out as he continues, "We thought you were lost!"

Alex feels the breath pressed out of his body from the general's tight hug, and has to take a couple of stuttering breaths before he can say, "It is good to see you, sir."

When Bolshyo releases Alex from his grip, Alex gives the general a companionable pat on the back and Bolshyo replies, "As is you my friend! It is good to see your comrades alive and well! This changes much of what we were discussing as far as our plan of attack. We were making plans to proceed without your aid, but perhaps we can still save some if not all of our original plan."

Tarian crosses his arms and with a smirk at Alex says, "Oh, we had a plan?"

Bolshyo turns to Anthony and Vyncent and says, "We need Reena to be a part of this discussion. If we want to revive our tactics, we need her here."

Anthony nods and walks out of the tent, and Alex turns to Bolshyo to keep the conversation going in Anthony's quick quest to find Reena, and says, "What of Kyus? Where is he?"

Bolshyo sighs and says, "He is dormant, likely hidden in the keep somewhere, but no one has seen him."

"What of the red-headed half-elf?"

Bolshyo carefully eyes Alex, hearing a slight tone of desperation in his voice and says, "We know she is around. We have had a few scouts stake out the capital, and she has been seen, strangely enough, in the gardens of the castle."

Alex continues his checklist and asks, "What of the crystal?"

Bolshyo sighs and says, "We have no information on its whereabouts. We assume it to be somewhere in the capital, but we have not seen it."

Alex gives a smile as he recalls his recruits that he trained so many moons ago in Ano Liosia, wondering about their exploits after he had assigned them to various assaults and war efforts and says, "How have my new company recruits fared? I hope their leadership skills have proven useful, and my calculations for their deployments have yielded good outcomes? I hope no mishaps, especially for some that I have rather fond memories of...the one that calls himself Starlord for example..."

Bolshyo smiles and says, "Ah yes, your companies have been well led, and your Starlord is now addressed as Corporal Ronbox Piperface. He was promoted after a successful battle in Onogoro."

Alex tries but fails to hide his utter shock at the impetuous and high-energy gnome in the rank of Corporal, but smiles as Bolshyo continues, "Yes, and Theldero Draha is the reason we have so much intel on the barbarian king. His small unit has successfully scouted out the area, giving us valuable information on the region and the politics. Mora Nimrinde too made Captain after helping us take back Gangai and then leading another assault in Onogoro. Orin Hammerhall was knighted by the dwarves after his team helped take back the capital city of Cradock. Poters Riggo was given a distinguished service cross for his part in the attempt to take back Cradock. He was struck with shrapnel from a ballista that destroyed a defensive blockade, becoming blind in one eye...but he lived to tell the tale at least. Utlen Enerdar is knee-deep in the new assault on Orestes alongside Mora's troops. He is a Second Lieutenant!"

Alex stands with his mouth agape at the brave tales of his men and women in leading their troops first through a successful take-back of Gangai, then into Onogoro to reclaim the capital city of Cradock, the quiet success of the scouting mission in the north, and the new assault on Orestes. It was more than he could have hoped for to hear that all of his recruits had not only survived their missions but were thriving in their new positions as leaders.

The group turns as they see Anthony return with a figure shrouded in a deep brown heavy robe with a hood.

Bolshyo smiles at the figure and says, "Ah, my dear Reena. Could you please introduce yourself to the company, and how you can help them?"

The hooded figure nods to Bolshyo, and then pulls back her hood to reveal the dark skin and white hair of a female drow. The group gasps as they recognize Namia. Poppet raises her eyebrows to the witch, giving her a nod of recognition.

She gives a dutiful look at them all and says with sincerity, "I will tell you what I know of the castle, and where you may find the crystal that you seek."

Bolshyo ushers them all to the large table, and they all take a seat, with Namia sitting and slowly working out her words.

She finally says, "I know I will never be able to atone for all of my sins while I was helping Kyus...and your forces still hold my Asmodeus…"

Alex examines her closely, not trusting her words of apology and remorse, but as he watches her body language, her eyes, and listens closely to her tone, he is rather shocked to find that she seems to be telling the truth.

Vyncent speaks up from next to Alex and says, "So the original plan was to sneak into the castle and covertly take out Kyus from within. Meanwhile, the main army would create a diversion while you seven infiltrate the main keep and face Kyus there. Namia was once in the care of Kyus, and knows the castle well. Please explain to The Seven their options for infiltrating the castle."

Namia nods dutifully and says, "These are crude ideas that will need some thought, but one option is by river that runs next to the city: there is a gated drainage pipe that feeds into it. We could remove the gate, and traverse the capital by going underneath the city. Those sewers would lead us just outside the keep itself. I could show you a way through the sewers and into the dungeons of the castle. Another option is to disguise ourselves as an Isidorian supply wagon, and essentially bluff our way through the main gates by posing as one of the multitude of wagons that enters the city every day. We could unload near the back doorway of the keep where we would infiltrate via the kitchens and storage rooms."

Alex shakes his head here and says, "I don't like the thought of being exposed by the main gate if we don't pass muster. Are there regular supply wagons that we could hide with...a people that we might be able to approach for this kind of aid?"

Vyncent speaks up and says, "There are the peoples of Kopuma to the south, they have been oppressed by the Isidorians for years. They have supply wagons that come up from the southern fields."

Lo grins, pulling aside his shirt a bit while he says, "All we need are some distraction tactics to walk in with a wagon."

Vyncent misses the bard's meaning and says, "Well we could send a small attack to force the wagons through inspection faster…"

Tarian shakes his head and says, "How long would it take for a supply wagon from Kopuma to reach the capital?"

"Over a week on foot… slower with a caravan. They bring shipments every five days."

The group begins to realize that they cannot wait for a caravan, and out loud Lo says, "We need the element of surprise… we can't wait. We need to act now. I say we try the front door on our own."

Alex violently shakes his head and says, "We cannot risk being taken so easily. We would be trapped and rooted out before we could even reach the keep. I say we go through the sewers."

Tarian and Mastodon both voice the opinion that the front door would be best, but as Roth, Poppet, and Myne think about the logistics of keeping all of them under wraps, they begin to see the plan of underground infiltration as the safer option. Namia puts in her opinion that the sewer would be safer, and the fact that she would aid their attempt makes the group sure that this is the better option.

Bolshyo nods and says, "You've decided then? We'll have you head out tomorrow, under the cover of darkness. So, gather your strength tonight and tomorrow be ready. Namia will lead you to Enlil, and into the sewers to the dungeons of the castle. You'll have the full force of the allied armies at your back. We shall bring down that castle and all the denizens within!"

Alex nods and says, "So say we all."

Tarian smiles, "I need a nice Isidorian dungeon guard outfit for this expedition...it will match my eyes."

8th-9th of Sarenith: The Journey to Enlil

The military camp of the allied forces of Nordost is bustling with activity, and the atmosphere is tense. The early Sarenith afternoon is warm, but light clouds were gathering in the west, and scholars are predicting rain for the days ahead. The group had 30 hours to prepare for their departure in their various ways, and they watch their military counterparts equally prepare: checking their armor, running blades over whetstones, and in the blacksmiths' forges shoes are made for the warhorses. Roth purchases two quivers of arrows, while Tarian, finally being away from Coronal and Kamara, feels like he can put on the ring that he stole from Kamara. He also purchases arrows and two potions of Mage Armor. Poppet distributes some of the potions that they had acquired and purchased, giving Alex a potion of Mage Armor, Cure Serious Wounds, and Stoneskin. To Mastodon she gives a potion of Cure Serious Wounds and Enlarge Person. To Roth she gives a potion of Cat's Grace. To Roth, Lo, and Tarian she gives a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds each. Myne purchases a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. After making their purchases, they attempt to rest in order to prepare for their upcoming trek and final confrontation.

Night comes quickly, and the rains arrive with it. The party gathers near the edge of the military encampment with Namia. Two squires drape heavy brown cloaks over each of the party members, and they quickly put up the hoods of a thick cotton weave.

The generals come out to see the party off, and Vyncent nods at each of them grimly as he says, "I don't think I have to tell you how much is at stake here…"

Bolshyo adds, "You must make haste. The armies of the alliance will not be far behind you!"

Namia nods at the group, and they each shoulder their packs with determined looks. Myne touches each of them, casting Pass Without a Trace to ensure their path does not leave tracks nor a scent. She also casts Nature's Path on Namia so that she would find the fastest and easiest path through the forest. They set out with Namia taking the lead, Roth and Myne keeping a close eye beside her, and Tarian bringing up the rear to watch their backs. They push forward through the forest, heading north. They travel in silence, keeping a wary eye out for danger, and after about 20 minutes of hiking they find the forest thinning, and step out slowly into the tall grasses Niknes River Floodplain. Roth looks ahead through the grasses, and spots smoke rising from a quiet village that must be Cela. They look off to the east and see vast fields of corn and wheat growing amongst the muddy mess of the field. The rain falls harder on their hoods, and they can tell that the way through the vast fields would have been an impossibility to consider if they were not aided by magic.

As they carefully head for the fields, Namia smiles at Myne and says, "If not for you, we would have to go around this...we would have left deep tracks in the mud, and skirting these fields would have set us back hours. Let's press on!"

The group pushes through the muddy mess, and with the aid of Myne's spells are less hindered by the terrain, and happy to see that their footprints in the tilled muddy mess leaves no trace.

They travel through the night into the early morning light. Rain had pelted them with every step, and they gratefully reach a small wooded area where they feel some relief under the shelter and quiet of the trees. Fatigue begins to set in from their travels, and they decide that now is as good a time as any to rest before they continue on. Namia mentions to them that they have another eight hours of walking ahead of them, and they knew that resting any closer to Enlil could put them in a lot of danger. In a clearing, they find a site for worship with a small altar.

Alex recognizes the symbol of Erastil, and says, "This must be a site for local farmers and villagers to worship and pray for a good harvest and hunt. This might be as safe as we can get considering our peril."

Poppet nods and says, "Then I can make us a shelter to rest safely in. Give me some time."

She begins to chant as she focuses her energies on her surroundings, and the group watches in amazement as she conjures a stone cottage, complete with two shuttered windows, a front door, and a chimney. It takes her ten minutes to create it, and when she completes the incantation she shivers and sits down to rest after the effort. The group enters and inspects the cottage in amazement as they take in a table and chairs, eight bunks, and a writing desk.

Roth looks to Tarian and says, "We should scout around now that we have our resting place for the night. I don't want anyone taking us unawares."

Tarian nods, and the two elves head out to wander in a perimeter, finding only a small farmhouse to the west with a field full of sheep. Nothing else is to be seen in the early afternoon light, and the elves make their way back to the cottage, satisfied with the status of their surroundings. Once inside, the group decides on watch shifts, with Tarian taking first watch, Alex second, and Roth third, with Myne volunteering Rauros to be on watch with Roth.

On Roth's shift, as he sits quietly next to Rauros, he hears a knocking on the door that startles him. As he sneaks up to a window to try to peek out, he notices that all but Alex have also been woken up by the noise. He motions to them all to be silent, and his eyes widen as he sees Isidorian troops in armor knocking at the door. Since no one is answering the door, Roth watches as one of the soldiers tries to look in a window. Myne wordlessly encourages Lo to approach the door as a 'normal Isidorian citizen' to get the soldiers to go away, and Lo decides to summon a horse outside, behind the soldiers for fun. The soldiers look around wildly at the horse's sudden presence, and the group all giggle to themselves as they listen to the soldiers' shock and confusion.

One of them says, "Where the heck did the horse come from? There is that farmhouse we just came from I suppose…"

The other soldier gives a blank look at his comrade who says, "I'll return the horse. You stay here, and see if you can get someone to answer the door."

As the soldier attempts to take the reins of the horse, Lo decides to spook the horse, causing it to rear back and neigh in alarm. The soldier curses to himself, and with exasperation chases after the horse as it gallops away. The remaining soldier knocks loudly again on the door, and Lo decides to answer it now that they only had one soldier to fool.

Lo opens the door, and the soldier gives him a surprised expression and says, "Oh sir, you are home. We've been trying to get your attention for some time…"

Lo nods and lets the tiredness and weariness of actually being woken up from sleep shine through his performance as he says, "Yes, well I was asleep."

The soldier gives him a confused look and says, "It's a bit early in the day for sleep, isn't it?"

Lo nods with a look of frustration as he says, "For some! I've had a hard day! What is it that you want? And why are you interrupting my sleep?"

The soldier seems apologetic in the face of the frustrated but outlandish citizen as he says, "We are doing patrols in the area. Have you seen any peculiar individuals? They are wanted by the Isidorian government."

Lo bristles at the question and says, "No, I don't know what you're talking about."

The soldier nods in thanks for the response and says, "I see. If you happen to see anything, please contact the local patrols. I apologize for disturbing your sleep."

Lo nods as he begins to close the door and says, "Yes, yes. Come back at a more reasonable hour."

Lo closes the door, and turns to grin at the rest of the group that are stifling laughter and giggles at his marvelous performance. Roth peeks out the window, and sees the soldier heading off in the direction of the other soldier, and Myne gives Lo a high-five for the performance.

With the soldiers gone, they decide to leave the cottage behind to continue their trek towards Enlil. They were able to rest for long enough, and the day was waning. Myne casts Pass Without a Trace on the group again, and they head out, leaving the cottage abandoned, knowing that the magic would wear off in a few hours' time, leaving no trace of it behind.