The Heart knows a thousand ways to speak.

Two hours had passed since Tony and Pepper rescued Happy from the Chonsario. They had observed the village, gone back to the Keep to collect the necessary items and had returned to the village's outskirts. They were waiting for Happy to join them.

Tony's thoughts were grim.

They've got the women and children captive. Of course they would, those are the best bargaining chips. Why have the Chonsario come? This land is far away from their traditional hunting grounds. And what do they want with this village? This seems like an impossible battle. Normally, I wouldn't care if I live or die but with Pepper..."

He looked at her quietly. She was touching her new armor in awe. Tony had given her a chain mail chest hauberk and greaves. She had a small chain mail hood as well and carried her short sword.

He sighed.

I tried to get her to stay behind. Of course, she didn't listen to me. But I must admit, her excitement is endearing. She really doesn't want to be the damsel in distress any more. I hope my training helps her. If something should happen to her... I don't want to think about that.

Anthony, for a man who didn't want attachments, you seemed to be very attached to your squire, chortled the dragon. It was always happy before a battle. Perhaps it missed the feeling of going to war.

Tony took Peppers hand and she looked at him, smiling.

"Pepper, you are going to be careful out there. No rushing into things. Please take care."

She nodded seriously.

Don't frighten her, Anthony. She's going to be fine.

He put his hands on her shoulders comfortingly. "I am confident in your ability. Just be cautious and do not hesitate to strike." Then before he could help himself he cupped her cheek.

She looked at him, eyes wide in her face, then smiled that impish grin of hers.

"You be careful as well, Tony. Don't use your new toys too much."

He chuckled at that. He was very eager to try his new flame gauntlets in the field.

The plan was simple: most of the Chonsario were in the middle of the village, guarding the town center. The entrance to the village was heavily guarded by an armored unit of horsemen.

Tony would take on these guards and draw the attention to him and Tigilath.

Happy and Pepper were going to sneak into the town center from the back entrance. Their aim was to get the women and children far away from the town. Magdalene would be nearby with the horse cart and sled, helping with transportation.

Happy came jogging over the lake, puffing heavily. He gave Pepper a skeptical glance.

"You are going to fight? You?"

She raised her sword in a mock threatening manner at him and he backed away.

"OK, someone's excited to fight. What about your mythical friend? Is he coming? Or did he see all the mustaches and get scared?"

Tony grinned. This man's snark is amusing.

"Yes, he is coming, the Iron Knight will come as planned."

Happy nodded. "Then should we start? Ten minutes from now, you and your knightly friend meet the guards. Me and ..." he looked at Pepper inquiringly.

"Pepper." she said.

"Pepper? OK then." He shrugged. "Me and Pepper will handle the town center and free the men after the women and children. Let's go, Pepper."

Pepper made to turn then Tony said quietly "May your blade meet every target true."

She smiled and said the same to him. Then with a wave of her hand, she followed Happy quietly towards the outer wall of the village.

Time to suit up.