Chapter 16: A Crossing of Destinies...

It became apparent to the Heraldic Circle and the other military strategists of Valdemar that as time went on, the bandits were acting as 'stooges' or 'puppets' of the Karsites and their insidious plans. It was also becoming even more apparent that the time to act needed to be very soon, perhaps even before they were all truly ready. The bandits were doing the dirty work, the more outrageous and appalling the better, in an attempt to lure in the fine and heroic Heralds loyal to King Theran along with the Lord Marshal's best soldiers. The Karsites knew that the Valdemarans would not sit idly by while civilians were being murdered and their homes were being looted. It seemed that in each succeeding war that the Karsites became more intent, cruel and ruthless in their attempts to subjugate the Kingdom of Valdemar.

This time their intent was deception and delay, to make it seem like the bandits were the enemy, while the Karsites continued their massive build-up just behind them on the southern border of Valdemar. In this way, the Karsites figured the enemy would come to them unaware of their presence. The Valdemarans would be sitting ducks; while they were attacking the bandits and defending the humble little villages and farming country of the lowborn along with the neutral Holderkin down there, the Karsites would then attack mercilessly at the right time. As well, the Sun-Priests would be devising heinous means via the evil inspiration of the Sunlord Vykandis to inflict as much widespread torture as possible upon the advancing Valdemaran armies. Vykandis' influence and directives, coming from the Throne of Vkandis in Sunhame, were as a dark magic sowing subliminal messages in the people of Karse. In this way, most of them would act as automatons, mindlessly carrying out the edicts issued by Vykandis without question, acting almost as one large unit, with one common mind directing them. The employment of mob psychology was nothing new to the Karsites. Their subjects would carry out their orders blindlessly and faithfully no matter what, even if they were being slaughtered one by one and their comrades were falling down all around them...

Of course the Valdemarans had foreknowledge of this through the tireless efforts of their rugged and faithful Scouts. The efforts of those who had the far-sight and of those who were the fore-seers contributed as well. Their mind magics and talents weren't omniscient however so the strategists were hard at work devising a counter strategy; this plan combined with the knowledge of the Scouts and the fighting skills of the Heralds leading the soldiers on with their noble valor and sacrifice would save the day for Valdemar. King Theran, the Lord Marshal and other talented Heralds were burning the midnight oil in an attempt to put an end to all this as quickly as possible.

In Haven, near the Palace and the adjoining Collegium, Rowland was pacing restlessly outside gazing at the stars as if in an attempt to receive some kind of divination from the heavenly hosts, or at least a favorable omen there from. Tensions were becoming somewhat high and people were restless and busy making hasty preparations. The bandits and then the Karsites had to be stopped no matter what. In the most recent council meeting at the palace with King Theran, Jedin, and the Lord Marshal being in attendance, Rowland had informed them of the many new promising recruits, some with exceptional talents and some with as yet inchoate mind magics waiting to be further developed. Time was short, yet Rowland had informed them also that the new recruits would be very welcome reinforcements later in the war because of their sheer number and the more talented of them should be ready no later than the onset of Winter. They discussed strategies as well and left the meeting with profound feelings and a sense of urgency too; yet with King Theran's inspiration they also felt ready to prepare and meet the challenge.

Continuing to pace, and watching the full moon as it began to rise, Rowland thought of some of the new recruits, and in particular at this point, one Aine Myst who had just recently arrived with her Companion Xirthan. She had slightly surprised Rowland with her early wisdom when she had left earlier after recuperating in the Healer's Hall in an attempt to reconcile things with her family. She had known that, in order to be accepted and then be among the Chosen at Haven, she would have to put principal first ahead of her own immediate wants and desires. Only in this way could she fight valiantly and thus dedicate her services to Valdemar most efficiently and powerfully. There were many more recruits as well ready for schooling. The Collegium was exceptionally busy now with the training proceeding at an unprecedented pace. Yet, anxiety and fear did not seem to dominate any of these preparations at all. Rowland felt only pride and somewhat a sense of exhilaration amongst the people of Haven and the surrounding countryside of Valdemar. There was too long a valiant history, too much of a proud culture to not give the defending of it all its' most sincerest effort. The Bards would continue to tell the story of victory, inspired by heroics, love, and sacrifice. The pages would continue to turn...

In her room at the Collegium Aine gazed out the window at the rising of the full moon. Such tranquil and luminous beauty always inspired her to dream, to think of reaching new heights. Though not yet fully comprehending the full magnitude of all that was going to take place, she nonetheless felt an inescapable tug at her soul, an as yet indefinable thrilling and tingling of her nerves thinking about what part she was going to play in this vast drama of life and the struggle to defend it at all costs. She felt herself being slowly woven into the fabric of destiny, where the threads thereof would cross with many others. Soon, the excitement of it all would be felt.

As she continued to watch the ascension of the luminous, ethereal beauty of the moon, she felt an inward song being sung, and it was sung by her inner spiritual voice...soon it would take flight to soar amongst the stars. Soon, other voices would join in on the song... and the song would eventually return to her. As yet however, the song was not yet fully written...but it had begun. Nothing could stop any of it now...