Prophecy of Ruin or Salvation (closed for heartofcourage)

[Armphid]

The thin lipped smile that had been on Attis' face since he entered never faltered; nor did his face pale as the towering Baron loomed over him in his rage, threatening and chiding him. He let the man speak, and there was little other choice, he'd rave until he felt he'd hit an appropriate pause point. Until then, there was no point to try interrupting him.

Still, it was useful to listen. The man knew about things he shouldn't. Which meant he'd have to purge Aquaria and his own network of the spies. If he was watching Jasina, that would make her useful as well. And it showed how much trust he had in Amira.

When Baron paused to let him answer, Attis let a beat of silence hang in the air before he spoke. Unlike his fellow conspirator, who let his anger show and used it for intimidation, the Duke was never out of control. Always he was cool and measured. "You could attempt all those things, and likely accomplish some of them, though others would be more difficult than you think," he said in an almost offhand way, "but other than exercising your temper none of them would benefit you in any way."

He glanced over at Amira, "She could possibly convince the counsel if she slept with all of them, which I'm sure she'd be willing to do, but otherwise I'm quite well embedded within the political structure here. Outing me would merely bring the fact that there are traitors to light and they'd begin looking for them in earnest. Even were I to be found guilty and executed, it wouldn't stop there. They'd find your spies and the other traitors you have in the ensuing hunt; our people really are quite capable once they're aware of a threat."

"Attacking Aquaria would similarly involve exposing your spy network, which would be unwise over so trivial a matter," he went on, gesturing vaguely with one hand, "Or require a full commitment of the bulk of your forces since you'd have to go through a few other provinces to get to it. It would show your hand to everyone paying any attention and open you to attack from the rest of Ithilien and from Al'Tir as well."

"You can kill my wife, I'm sure," he shrugged as he said it, "She's a lovely girl but her main assets to me are the political ones I gained by marrying her. I'd miss her in my bed but there are others. However again, you'd have exposed your spy network."

He looked up fully into Baron's eyes with his own cool, green orbs. "You could also kill me now, I suppose. But then the orders and letters I've left to be delivered and followed in the event of my death would go through and all of my hidden resources would attack all of your hidden resources, which would leave neither very hidden at all, really. You'd lose a crucial ally and any secrecy you have. And if you have had my men killed, then the more distant watchers have assumed you'll do the same to me and have already gotten started." He paused for a moment and then added, "I hope you haven't done anything precipitous."

"Sabotaging the Al'Tir alliance was always a long shot and we both knew that. I did all that could be done without outright attempting a military coup or assassination, neither of which I was prepared to do. Even had I succeeded, I would not have been able to hold my gains. That would benefit you, but not me at all." Attis shook his head, "Once Valius had made up his mind and left the capital, there was nothing more to do to stop it. At that point, one had to hope for a colossal diplomatic blunder on either side but both needed the deal too much for it to fail."

He shook his head, "The involvement of the Bryn Alerum was nothing either of us could have anticipated; any alliance was supposed to involve Princess Charissa." Attis then quirked an eyebrow, "That little attack when they were out riding didn't help matters. Surely you knew that once a clear enemy was in sight, both nations would draw up against it all the more?"

The Duke paused again. "It is unfortunate I was not able to stop the alliance. I regret that. But spending time on recriminations over it won't benefit either of us. We must now consider our next step."

[heartofcourage]

Baron listened to the man as he spoke in calm, measured tones. It seemed that Attis had covered his bases and been more prepared then he was given credit for. He admired the man’s cunning but he was also furious that he dared challenge the plans that had already been put into place.

Baron glared for a moment longer before he slowly took a step back, his hands flexing loosely as his fists unclenched. It was true that they needed to think of their next step. Their planned needed to be finalized soon, before the King returned.

Making his way back to his seat, Baron stared at the Duke for a long moment before he finally spoke again. “So, what is this new plan of yours?”

He knew that he would have to suffer through a royal wedding and the subsequent wedding night. The Bryn Alerum was a person of beauty, destined to spend her life in servitude to the Gods. She should have been by his side and if the prophecy meant anything, that day would be coming very soon. The thought of the petulant king treating her as a common whore enraged him to the very core.

[Armphid]

Though there was no outward change in his manner, inside the corrupt Duke breathed a sigh of relief. He'd still half expected Baron to kill him. The man's personal presence was also powerful; it had taken much of his considerable discipline not to simple apologize and beg forgiveness.

He doubted he would have been forgiven if he had. That would almost have assured that he was slain.

His father once told him that when one joined a conspiracy, the people who were most dangerous to you were not the ones you were conspiring against but the ones on your side.

"I have considered a few options that seem to be both expedient and to get us what we both want." He stepped into the center of the room, hands clasped behind his back. "The best new plan I can think of...is her," he gestured to Amira with one hand. "Valius trusts few people but he trusts the rangers as a group more than anyone. He feels he can be comfortable and casual with them; that he is safe. He is sure to entrust the Bryn Alerum's safety to them as well as her training."

Attis regarded the female ranger who was with Baron for a few moments. Gods, she was a sexy and curvaceous thing, wasn't she? Too bad she couldn't just seduce Valius. That would make this all so much easier. But he wasn't the type. "I'm sure the lovely Amira has friends and lovers in the rangers that may be swayed to our side or deceived. We must surround Valius and the Bryn Alerum with as many of them as we can and get them to be trusted. Time will do that, though we can also stage a few incidents to build trust as well."

His smile grew a fraction of an inch again, "Seduction would serve us well also; allowing our people to get close to those truly loyal to Valius and his queen to be." It was risky to say that in front of the man; his obsession with the Bryn girl was monumental. "When we feel the time is right, those rangers will bring Bryn Alerum to my people. I will turn her over to you, and let information reach Valius of where she is being taken. He will charge after her and then your forces and mine will have him. We can kill him however you'd like, perhaps after showing him your dominance of the Bryn Alerum and her devotion to you. I'd like that; it's be the perfect kind of suffering."

He spread his hands, "Of course, the final plan is yours to decide. If I may, I'd suggest we use the royal wedding or the honeymoon as our time to act. That way you can also bring in some of the resources you have in Al'Tir that I'm not supposed to know about."

[heartofcourage]

Baron listened in silence and let the silence linger for a few moments longer as he considered this new plan. Waiting for the long weeks that would lead up to a royal wedding wasn’t the best option for his men. The longer they were away from Glaca the more his total power over his people wavered. He would have to go back, regroup and then journey back to Ithilien in time for the wedding.

Still, the idea of corrupting the Rangers was an enticing opportunity. Glancing towards Amira, he knew the girl was as bloodthirsty and ruthless as any man he’d ever met. She could use her charms to seduce the strength that they needed for their plots and it would be easier to kidnap the Bryn Alerum with people of Ithilien’s own army.

“You will be rewarded greatly if this plan comes to fruition. I shall leave Amira here and you shall guide her as you see fit. I expect communications as I travel back to Glaca.” Baron stood up then, his eyes locking on Attis as they narrowed to slits of glittering darkness. “But mark my words. If any harm comes to the Bryn Alerum in this time, it will be your head.”

With that, he glanced towards Amira and nodded once before he turned to leave the building. The two people were left in stunned silence and Amira sucked in a deep breath, grinning slightly at all the plans and plots that were now in place.




Bryn had fallen into a dreamless sleep, whimpering each time Valius shifted and moved. During the night, his hand had roamed along her slight curves and as she woke in the gloom of early morning, she noticed his hand cupping a soft breast over her uniform. She let out a soft sigh, her fists wiping away the sleep as she noticed how sore she was from the previous day’s ride.

“Val?” She whispered softly, mindful of the other Rangers that were still slumbering around them. “Val.”

She shook his body with a hand on her chest, gasping as his fingers flexed around her sensitive mound of flesh. She moaned softly, feeling her nipple harden and press against his palm. Her betrothed was certainly a wicked man, she was convinced.

[Armphid]

Caution was best but even when cautious, one must be bold. It had paid off for Attis this time. He inclined his head as Baron left and then mentally joined her in her sigh of relief. "Well, Amira, we should go as well. There are arrangements to be made if I'm to get you into the group of rangers who will meet the royal couple on their way into Ithilien and the Bryn Alerum's personal guard."

Another benefit of this plan was time to observe her. What her stake in this plot was, he didn't know. Was she a believer in Baron's mad religion? Did she love him? Or was she just a woman who loved treachery and bloodshed? He'd find out, with luck.

And maybe she'd think she could seduce him as well. A tumble or two with her would be pleasant if so. Yet another benefit for him.





Valius had dreamed of his family; meeting them...somewhere, he wasn't sure where. It was familiar but he knew he'd never been there before. He was introducing Bryn to them...and there was someone missing, someone he needed to see...

He woke as he felt Bryn shaking him, whispering her nickname for him in a low, breathy voice. Oh, she was so sweet. And so warm. And her body, so slender and petite but feminine and delicious. His hand squeezed her breast through her clothes and her stifled moan made him smile and answer with a approving groan.

Wait. His hand did what?

The young man's eyes opened sleepily and looked down at where he was groping his fiancee. His eyebrows shot up and he pursed his lips, then grinned. "You see how irresistible you are, my Bryn?" He spoke in a low whisper, not wanting to be overheard.

He then caressed the tempting globe of her tit once more before removing his hand and scooting back a bit from her under the blankets. "Good morning, betrothed," he said a bit louder. "I hope you slept as well as could be expected." It had been a trying day and likely the first time in years she'd not slept in a bed. How much rest she'd gotten was questionable; though fatigue did make it easy to sleep.

Valius flipped the blankets off himself and slowly rose, stretching carefully. "Hnn, not the worst I've ever been from a camping spot." He looked down at her, "If you wish to drowse a bit, feel free, but the dawn guard will call wake soon. I'm sure you're feeling stiff...if you'd like, you could come and walk with me a bit. Moving will stretch many of those muscles and ease your pain."

[heartofcourage]

Bryn let out a breathy moan a Valius’s eyes opened sleepily and looked down to where his hand was cupping her breast. She blushed heatedly under his gaze as he grinned and whispered that she was irresistible.

“As are you, my lord.” She whispered back, a small smile on her lips as they gazed at one another for a short moment as he dared to caress her breast once more before he started to move.

“I slept well, my love. Although, I must confess that I am dreadfully sore this morning.” She said, stretching as he flipped the blankets off himself and rose to stretch for himself.

Reaching her hands up to him, she grinned as he took her fingers in his and helped her to stand. She reached up to smooth a lock of his hair that had escaped in the night back behind his ear. It was such a familiar motion but she felt it was the right thing to do. She loved this man with all of her heart and she wanted to show him that through all of her little motions.

“A walk with you sounds lovely. Then perhaps we can break our fast?” She was starving and her belly rumbled in protest as if to prove her point. “Enna has promised to show me how to wear the rest of my armor today so I must be prepared for her earlier than normal.”

[Armphid]

That feeling of her fingers in his hair, of her taking care of him that way, was heavenly. It was casual and familiar and the kind of gesture that he'd been without for what felt like so long. He gave the hand still in his a squeeze and his eyes shone.

"Enna's got the chance to play dress up with you? I'm surprised she didn't wake us up then." Of course, he hadn't seen her once they got to camp. He had a suspicion that she and Claudius had slipped away from some private time. That annoyed him, since they both had duties they were supposed to attend to. But if he was honest, it was simply because he was jealous of them.

"Well, a quick walk just to stretch out then." Around them, a few of the rangers had started to move and rise as well. Most of the rest were likely awake but determined to stay resting until the call to wake up was sounded. "There'll be breakfast as well." It would be whatever was left from last night, bread, cheese, and a little wine. Meals on the move were not large or elaborate.

He picked his way among those still slumbering before they made it to the open pathways that had been left to get to the cave mouth. Already the fire had been re-started and a pair of rangers was warming up the leftover stew and slicing up the dried goods for that morning's breakfast. Valius greeted them as he passed.

Mornings were not always something he liked but today felt like a good one. Perhaps it was just a good rest. More likely, it had to do with sleeping next to Bryn. Either way, he hoped the feeling lasted. The sun was not yet fully risen over the desert and the chill of night had not yet fully faded, leaving a dim light that was surprisingly pleasant in temperature for them.

Once outside, Valius let go of Bryn's hand and began to go through a few stretches. "You might want to do these with me," he said. "They help to get everything moving right. I know you'll be sore but it will feel better once you've gotten a little loose."

[heartofcourage]

Bryn took in all the sights and sounds of the cave around them. The men and women were still asleep, resting for a long day of riding. She silently wondered how long it would take to get to Ithilien. She had no idea and it was slightly embarrassing to have to ask.

She greeted the Rangers already up and cooking along with Valius, the smell of cooking divine as her belly rumbled in hunger again. She would have eaten anything at that moment and she cast a look towards the pot as Valius guided them both outside.

“Does everyone take turns cooking?” She asked him as she watched him start to stretch. “Because I wouldn’t mind learning. It’s the least I could do for all the Rangers do in looking after me.”

She followed along with his movements, stretching out her sore and tired muscles. She did have to admit that it made her feel a bit better and as she took his hand again, she sighed softly and smiled at him, allowing him to pick their trail for a morning walk.

“You seem to be in better spirits this morning, Valius. It is very good to see.” She said, bumping against his side playfully as they crested a sandy ridge and afforded them a beautiful view of the rising sun.

It was stunning as it lit up the desert with pinks and reds, the chill of the morning making her breath fog before her as they watched the sun slowly bloom on the dunes. There was nothing to say and she pressed against his side, sighing as his warmth took away the chill of morning.

“I’m not sure how things work in Ithilien, but perhaps we should be married by a sun priest.” She said softly, looking up at Valius as she smiled. “Especially since it’s the only prayer that you know.” She giggled softly, pressing her lips to his cheek to lessen the blow of her comment.

Hearing a cry off in the distance, she turned back towards the sunrise and she watched a great dragon floating along the horizon, his scales catching the light and shining. The sight was stunning and Bryn felt the air catch in her lungs. This was most certainly a good omen.

[Armphid]

Her question about cooking took him a bit off guard. Both in her willingness to participate and that she didn't know how. He felt foolish a moment later; why expect her to know any of the things an Ithilien noble her age would? That wasn't her upbringing.

Valius thought a moment and then shrugged, "You aren't on the duty roster, except for your training times." And those would be done on the move for knowledge and culture and once they'd stopped for other pursuits. "But I think we can add you on for cooking detail at least. One more pair of hands sharing the work is always a help."

It would be interesting to see how the rangers reacted too. They'd be surprised but it would be a good move. It would make her more one of them and less a foreign princess.

After stretching, and it was a delight to watch her shimmy and stretch in those clothes, they walked hand in hand for a time before pausing to watch the sunset. He didn't have much to say to her comment about his mood. It was true, he did feel better. There was no real reason why. He looked down at her as she watched the rising sun and the way it transformed the land around them.

At her jibe, he blinked and then laughed. Valius shrugged, "Perhaps, but the priest will be the one leading the praying, not me, so we have more options." He then sighed, "In truth, we'll probably get married in the High Temple, which was shrines to...well, not all the gods but a lot of them. And the priests there will quarrel and quibble over who gets to officiate. It usually-"

He would have gone on but then there was a strange, brassy cry that rang out over the desert. They both turned and Valius' breath caught in his chest, "It's a..." Another one? The dragon was far away but must have been just as big as the one that had flown over Al'Tir, maybe larger. It shone in the rays of the sun; gleaming and brilliant. "Gods," he whispered.

Another dragon? What...what did that mean? He didn't remember any record of two dragons being seen within a week of each other. He was hardly all knowing, but this...this had never happened before.

"Rot and blight!" Claudius and Enna appeared from seemingly out of nowhere, gaping at the sight as well. Their clothing was a bit disheveled and there was sand on them both. The old ranger's eyes were large as he watching the path of the far off yet majestic creature. "Look at that!"

Nor were they the only others to have noticed. All the rangers on sentry duty, those awake at the cave mouth, Masha, and Dax had all come out of the cave and onto the sands at hearing the dragon's bellowing cry and now stared in awe.

No one moved. No one spoke, save for murmured exclamations and fervent prayers. As one, the travelers watched the dragon soar across the far horizon for minutes before it vanished beyond their sight.

[heartofcourage]

All was quiet as the Rangers gathered around them in a tight circle to watch the dragon float across the sky. He was a majestic beast as he called out over the sands, the brassy sound of his growl floating down like a strange music. Bryn sighed softly, her eyes following the brilliant animal as he moved effortlessly out of view.

“I dreamed of dragons.” She said softly, knowing that a few heads turned towards her. “But never in the desert. I was always floating in water, the rain falling around me as a dragon lazed in the sky over head. He was brilliant browns and green, his scales reflecting both the water beneath him and the blue sky above him.”

Taking Valius’s hand, she squeezed it tightly and looked up towards him with a small smile on her face. “Blessed be this day that we have seen such a rarity.”

“Blessed be this day that we have seen prophecy.” Came Dax’s answer, the soldier well versed in the lines from the Temples. Wrapping his own arm around Masha’s shoulders, he pulled his female Ranger firmly against his side, glancing over at Valius and nodding in acceptance of whatever would be would be.

“Blessed be this day and all the happiness it brings.” Bryn finished, bringing Valius’s hand to her lips and kissing the back of his reverently.

Enna watched the dragon with the awe of a child. Never in her life had she seen something so brilliantly beautiful. Even Claudius was speechless and it seemed that the Rangers around them were just the same. Elbowing Claudius in the side to gain his attention, she motioned with her head back towards the caves and the tasks that needed to be completed before they could leave. There was much work to be done and dragon or no, they had a schedule to keep to.

[Armphid]

Silence reigned for a few more moments after the Al'Tir natives finished what was some kind of prayer or invocation. Valius looked down at Bryn with wondering eyes and then back up in the direction the dragon had gone. Prophecy? What prophecy? There were not words that he could hear and the only sign was the dragon itself.

He also felt a little catty and wondered again about whether Masha could do her duties as singulare if she were attached to Dax's hip. But that was jealousy and grudge speaking and he knew it.

Claudius cleared his throat, after giving Enna a thankful nod, "All right, snap out of it, rangers of Ithilien!" The men and woman around them snapped to attention and even Valius went stiff and turned to look at the older man. He'd served as a ranger as well, after all. "There's work to be done and miles yet to go underfoot today. We spend it all gawkin' at some great bird-lizard thing and none of it gets done! Back to your tasks, all of you! And all of you should be shamed for being so damned distracted!"

He pointed at Valius and Bryn, "We've the king, who has no heir, and his means of making one right here! Suppose someone took a shot at them while you were picking your jaws up off the sand or playing snuggles? If we didn't have somewhere to be, the lot of you would be getting stripes. Now, get to your duties!"

"SIR!" The rangers chorused the word together, smashing their right fist above their heart. They then broke up, jogging in different directions to begin the work or preparing the day's journey.

Enna wandered over with a smile, "My, that was an exciting start to the day! I hope you had a restful night, Sire, Your Grace." She smiled, "I must borrow Her Grace now, Sire, it's time to finish her outfitting as a ranger." Oh, this would be fun! And she couldn't wait to see the men's reactions!

[heartofcourage]

Bryn pressed one last kiss to Valius’s cheek as Enna pulled her away. She glanced over her shoulder to see Dax left behind as Masha dashed off to finish her duties. She hoped that her dear friend didn’t make a fool of himself as he approached Valius.

Standing face to face with the king of Ithilien, Dax should have been reverent and bowed, but they stood as soldiers, staring one another down. It took a few moments before Dax finally bowed his head, his hand crossing over his chest as a mark of apology.

“I ask for your forgiveness, your majesty. It seems that I over stepped myself last night yet again.” He didn’t dare look up at Valius as he spoke. In Al’Tir that very action would have gotten his head separated from his shoulders by a more bloodthirsty chieftain. “Bryn has been my charge for many years and I forget myself. She is no longer my concern and I should not have stepped in and forced you to part last evening.”

“If there is no forgiveness to be had, I understand. I, however, would like to speak on behalf of Masha. You, yourself, are a man in love. This emotion makes one do crazy things and when I’m with her, I feel like the most bloodthirsty, empty headed man in the world.” He let out a long sigh. “I understand how you feel about Bryn. I truly do. If any punishment should come to Masha, I would ask to take it in her place. It was not her that wished to part you and Bryn.”






“Enna, please…I’m so hungry.” Bryn pouted as she was pulled past the food line and back to her tack, a scowl on her pretty lips making her face pull in a petulant look.

Enna simply laughed and shook her head. “I’m sorry, dear, but a Ranger must be dressed and ready for action before they are allowed to eat. You are no exception.”

Bryn let out a sigh as she stood there, waiting for Enna to begin explaining the complicated looking leather armor. First came the heavy chest piece, cinched tightly on the sides with pieces of soft, pliable leather. It was decorated in a beautiful pattern of darter feathers, each one delicately etched into place by a true artist.

The leg armor came next, again tied into place with a piece of soft leather. She could still flex and move in the armor despite how heavy it was. Her blue under armor shown through the gleaming leather, denoting her position among the rangers. Bracers were tied onto each wrist, buckled until they were snug and a pair of leather gloves were tucked into her belt, ready for her when she went to ride.

Bryn looked over her shoulder as Enna began to buckle other pieces to her chest piece. A quiver was attached, again etched in a beautiful feather design. On her belt was attached a sheath for a knife, one that she had yet to see. Enna noticed the frown on her face as she looked down at the empty piece.

“Valius has your knife. He spoke of wanting to give it to you himself.” She sigh with a shrug of her shoulders.

Attached to the chest piece were shoulder guards, etched in the symbol of her station. She was a duchess in her own right and soon they would be changed to those of a queen. In the meantime, artistic flames were placed on each piece, the house of Al’Tir fully represented along with her new Ithilien heritage.

“Can you move?” Enna asked, taking a step back to watch the young girl move.

Bryn tested out the armor, able to move easily despite the weight. She was sure that she would be tired by the end of the day, but she couldn’t complain. Every other person there was wearing the same and none were complaining themselves.

“Perfect. Now you may join the line for breakfast.” Enna said, laughing at the light that suddenly sprang in Bryn’s eyes.

[Armphid]

Valius face grew stoic and controlled as Dax approached. The man's attitude and actions towards him veered wildly. He was determined not to act on the spur of the moment or a flare of temper at whatever the man had to say but nor would he take anymore threats or disrespect.

He was surprised by him again however and made no attempt to hide it. Blank shock was on his face was the former general bowed his head and apologized, then went on to plead for mercy for Masha.

The young king was silent for a few moments. He knew what he was going to say, mostly, but he wanted to school his thoughts and explain properly. He also didn't mind letting Dax sweat a little. "Raise your head, Sir Dax. You do yourself a disservice. You acted to protect Bryn's dignity; your intent was good. After my temper cooled, it was not that that I objected to but the manner in which you did so. I respect your judgment and your abilities, I will want your counsel in the future. I only ask that, unless we are in private, you act with the respect my position deserves, even if you feel my actions are unbecoming of it."

So he was in love with Masha. Strange how it had happened; he, Claudius, Masha, Enna, all finding love in the desert. He'd left Magnus and some rangers behind as Ithilien's embassy...would the old courtier find love? He'd have to see if he could get the man to talk about personal items in his reports as well as political and intelligence items.

"Love makes us all fools at times. I no less or more than others." He shook his head, "I intend no punishment to you or to Masha. I am considering re-assigning her but that would not be a punishment. I had thought of making her our liason to the new ambassador of Al'Tir, or perhaps his personal bodyguard." He smiled, "If you think that both of you could be in those positions and still focus. I know well that it is...difficult to think of more than your love and your want for her."

He reached out a hand to Dax, "Let us join hands and put this in the past. We will have much to do together in the future, you and I."





As Bryn joined the line for breakfast, her new attire did not escape notice. There were approving looks and appreciative murmurs among the assembled rangers; those serving, those waiting, and those already eating. She wore the uniform and armor well and moved easily in it; naturally, as though she had worn it a dozen times before.

Again some of the rangers exchanged glances and murmured whispers of "And she shall know your ways as though born to them..."

But those were in the minority. And many of the murmurs did not stay that way for long. Taldir called out to her as he passed with a full bowl, "Well the gear suits you, Your Grace! I'd mistake you for a veteran the way you move in it."

"And you look good in it," the ranger in front of her in line commented. It was the raven haired woman who had been so merry last night. "I think they design it to make any woman look dangerous and sexy but on you, Your Grace, it's very, very nice."

[heartofcourage]

Dax looked at the man before him as he asked him to join hands to seal this new agreement. With a deep breath and a nod, he clasped Valius’s hand tightly, shaking it as was tradition to bind a new arrangement. He was happy that there would be no punishment, but he was even more intrigued that Masha would have to work with him closely now. It seemed that the young king was very wily.

“I’m sure that I can come to an agreement with Masha, your highness.” He said, nodding his head as he finally let go of Valius’s hand and took a step back. “She will not let you down in her duty. That I can promise you.”




The looks of the men and women around her were a bit strange, but her with her hunger ruling her senses, Bryn set her sights on the front of the line. She could smell the stew that had been reheated and practically taste the bread that had been baked. She didn’t want to think about the whispers and stares that she was gaining.

She was stunned when the Rangers from the evening before made comment on her armor. She glanced down at the glossy leather, taking in the feather designs and struggled to see what they did as well. A blush stained her cheek as the female Ranger told her that she looked nice and she murmured a quick thank you as the line for food slowly crept forward.

When her turn came, she took her bowl and bread, thanking the servers profusely. “You have made my morning better by far. Thank you for your service.” She said with a smile, noting the way that they looked between one another and smiled in return.

[Armphid]

"She never has," Valius answered. Before, he added mentally. There was no point in saying it. But Masha deserved another chance if she wished to remain singulare and try to be Dax's liaison at the same time. But as he said, they could come to an agreement.

"Sir Dax, let us go and break our fast. The day is yet early but there is little time for leisure. There are many miles we must ride today." He nodded to Dax and set forth back towards the cave entrance. As they neared it, they could see leather clad rangers eating with the kind of swift but not overly fast precision that experienced soldiers learned to use when they were able to eat.

As they entered the cave, Valius' pace slowed. His eyes went wide and his lips pursed and then parted to let out a slow, appreciative breath. Bryn, her hair still up in the Queen's Knot that tormented him so, was wearing her new armor. The armor of the rangers was meant to protect but also to not impair mobility at all; Ithilien's fighting styles all prized movement and speed. As such, armor was also custom made and fitted to the point that an experienced ranger could move just as well in full gear as they could without it.

All of that meant that Bryn's slender and petite yet temptingly feminine form was on display in a way it had never been before. The way it hugged her body highlighted her curves and her natural grace. "Gods be praised," he heard himself saying.

He stared a few more moments, hearing a few chuckles as his reaction was noted, and then lurched into movement again. Valius waved to Bryn as she moved away from those serving breakfast, "Your armor fits well, I see. And it does you great justice, my Bryn." His eyes were shining. "I will join you when I can but do not hold eating for me, I know you are famished."

[heartofcourage]

Bryn blushed at the compliment that Valius paid her, smiling at him as she held her bowl of steaming stew and crusty bread. A soft laugh escaped her lips as he talked about eating while he got his own.

“You will learn, my lord, that I do not wait for anyone when it comes time for food. A Bryn with a full belly is a happy Bryn indeed.” She joked as she moved past him to take her seat next to Masha and beginning to eat her meal.

The hot meal seemed even more flavorful from the night before. Perhaps it was because she was famished or maybe she was truly beginning to enjoy the meals that the Rangers had prepared on the road. She wasn’t sure and she certainly wasn’t going to look down upon a wonderful, filling meal.

Masha watched as Bryn ate hardily and she grinned, knowing that the duchess was adapting well to life on the road, but the day before them would be a true trial.

“Your Grace, if you would allow me, I would like to go take care of your darter and its tack.” She could see the young girl’s blue eyes glance towards hers, the protest already forming on her lips. “Please hear me through. There is much time for you to learn about riding and darters, but today will be trying and I would hate to see someone so unprepared for the road become overly tired. It leads to illness and none of us would like to see that.”

Bryn was quiet for a long moment, considering the words before she nodded and gave Masha a slight smile. She watched as the female Ranger returned her smile and stood, giving her bowl to another passing ranger before she went to take care of Bryn’s tack.

[Armphid]

He bit back the answer he was about to give Bryn. It was not suitable for mixed company; he had been about to say that he would eagerly fill her belly at every opportunity and keep her very happy indeed. Given Dax's protective tendencies, even with their recent understanding, it was best not to push it.

Instead he smiled and joined the line. As usual it was moving briskly, the rangers who were on this trip were all experienced and knew the value of an early start. The stunned slowness that had surrounded them at the dragon's appearance had faded to be replaced with a quick paced though unhurried rhythm to the tasks at hand.

Valius approached Bryn as his radiant fiancee was finishing the remainder of her meal with gusto. Gods, she could eat all right! He'd never noticed that in her at the banquets they'd been to...but then he'd been paying attention to other things about her at those times.

As he was tempted to now. It was like she'd just been coated in leather and it took willpower not to just stare at her or start embracing her in a most undignified fashion.

"You do not exagerate, I see," the young monarch said with a grin as he approached, spooning stew himself. He swallowed and sighed, "It's always better the second day; I'm not sure why."

He turned to sit next to her, "You would be pleased to know that Dax and I have spoken. There is peace between us, and an understanding, I think." Valius took a few more bites before speaking again. "So that is one worry mended."

"There you are, Your Grace! And you as well, Sire." Enna was smiling as she approached. Her eyes were bright as she noted how Valius seemed almost unable to look away from Bryn. The countess was carrying an earthenware mug. "Your Grace, you should drink this." Her smile grew wider and a trace naughtier as she held it out for the redheaded beauty to take. "You forgot to ask Masha about it but I thought a nice hot drink would help start things off right."

[heartofcourage]

“My father and brother learned very early to not get in my way when I was hungry. I have been known to bite.” Bryn teased, smiling as Valius told her that he had come to an understand with Dax and peace would now reign between them.

“I am happy to hear that, my lord. Dax is a dear friend to me and you are the love of my life. It pains me to know that either of you are upset.” She said softly, reaching out to touch Valius’s hand. “I do not like to see dark thoughts settling upon your shoulders. It breaks my heart to know that you are not a peace.”

Squeezing his hand tightly, she let him know silently that she was there for him. It would be a struggle and both would have to give and take what they could, but she was certain that she could be good for Valius and guide him through the dark times. Her betrothed was a man that liked to brood. She would make it her mission to ensure that he never did that again.

As soon as Enna appeared with a mug in her hands, Bryn started to blush. She knew what it was for and she glanced towards Valius with a look. It seemed that all of the Rangers would know what it was for since all of the women already drank it. Would it cause problems for Valius in the future if his subjects knew that she was waiting for a child?

“Thank you, Enna.” She said softly, taking the mug and bringing the pungent brew to her lips. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t sweet either. It had an earthy taste that would take some getting use to.

[Armphid]

Valius knew what was in the mug, as did anyone who was paying attention, not that too many were. After Claudius' chewing them out earlier, the rangers were doing their best to be duty focused for the moment. But the fact that Bryn was drinking maiden's tea wouldn't be a secret for long.

There could be some political fallout.

He wasn't worried about what the nobility would say, or even what the commoners would. Having children was women's business; if Bryn didn't what a child now, that was her right and her decision. It was a matter of both law and culture; and the fact that the country had several well known Queens who had rules had well cemented it. The oldest child of the royal family, regardless of gender, was the heir. There was more than one queen who had put off bearing children until a few years into their reigns.

None of them had been in a situation like his though, where there wasn't even an extended family of heirs left. Which meant that even with that tradition, there would potentially be pressure and certainly worry.

And everyone who worried could go to hell. It was her life, and his, and they'd decide, damn it!

While he'd been thinking, Enna had watched Bryn drain the cup. "It's not bad, a lot of girls actually start to like it." She smiled and took the empty mug back. "Tonight or tomorrow morning, I'll give you some of my supply and show you how to brew it. You'll want to drink it every day and it takes about a week before it takes effect, so...you two are going to have to be good kids, okay?"

Valius quirked an eyebrow at his friend, "Countess, are you insinuating we aren't well behaved?"

"Hmm, well, I did hear that someone almost put on quite a show last night," she said with a salacious grin. "So maybe it bears repeating."

"Really." Valius gave her a grin right back, "That's funny, because I also heard from the sentries who were on last night about something that happened out on the sands. Some noises they heard."

[heartofcourage]

Enna simple raised an eyebrow as he spoke of hearing about her escapade from the sentries. She grinned at her dear friend and stuck out her tongue before taking the mug from Bryn and flouncing off to finish her morning duties before they could leave.

“It’s nice to see her in love.” Bryn said as she watched Valius finish eating his breakfast. “And Claudius too. He doesn’t look so sad any longer. Al’Tir seems to have been good to the Ithiliens.”

Bryn was startled as a call was given from the front of the cave. It contained three words shouted and she had no idea what was going on. The Rangers around them seemed to respond as one, each one returning back their bowls and grabbing their tack, moving towards the entrance of the cave.

“What’s going on?” She asked Valius, her eyes wide as she watched him stand as well. “Is it time to leave already?”

[Armphid]

Valius was about to answer when the call went up and his head jerked towards it as it yanked by an invisible cord. He was on his feet in an instant, his unfinished breakfast set aside. "No," he answered Bryn, grabbing her hands and pulling her to her feet as well. "It's an alarm, there's a dangerous animal headed this way."

The call was made up of three parts; the alarm signal, a second intensifier, and a third that described whatever the threat was. The words were from the Old Tongue of the ancient people who had lived in the heart of Ithilien thousands of years ago; it's mere existence was unknown to almost anyone outside of the forest kingdom. Which made it an excellent code.

But there was no time to tell that to Bryn.

"With me for now, fast!" He ran to where his tack was, pulling it up and then making for the cave entrance. Masha was outside, rapidly finishing putting on Rubido's tack. Blackavar was beside the red bird and Valius immediately began to strap everything in place. "Masha, call Bryn's guard over; I want you to take the lead with them for now."

The experienced officer saluted, banging her fist to her heart, "Sire!" She turned and bellowed, her voice easily carrying over the sounds of the darters and the rangers saddling them, "Fire Guard on me!" There were a number of answering calls.

Valius finished saddling Blackavar and hauled himself up onto the great beast, "Bryn, stay with them." She didn't have any training yet in fighting mounted or even much in riding. Her unnatural skill with both riding and the bow might not go together. And either way, he wanted her safe from whatever was coming.

He did not wait for an answer but kicked Blackavar into a leap that cleared the birds still being prepared and landed among those already riding forward to observe.

A moment later there was a rush of feathers and a strange, unnerving clacking as Claudius pulled up on his right and Dax on his left. The old ranger looked furious, "And just what the bloody hell do you think you're doing, Sire?"

"Responding to the alarm as I was trained," he answered, "fighting as a king should if I must, and protecting my bride in either event!"

Before the captain of the rangers could respond, the trio came to the top of the ridge where the posted sentries waited. One of them saluted as they came up and pointed, "Sire, Captain, there!"

What he pointed at was nothing any of the Ithiliens had ever seen. There were three clearly visible large, swift moving shapes moving in a straight line towards their position. Each looked like a compact bodies lizard with six fast moving legs ending in powerfully clawed feet, a neck a fourth as long as their body, and a head with heavy, thick jaws that reminded Valius of the snapping turtles that could be found in the rivers of his homeland. Each had a long tail that started out thick and tapered to a devilishly thin end whipping around behind them, their tails fully as long as their bodies. The smallest of them was perhaps 20 feet long.

"Rot and blight," Valius swore, "What are they?"

"They are called "Al'gular," the name taken from the nomads who first encountered them our histories say," Dax answered. "It means "one who eats endlessly," he went on. "They are vicious predators who are known for pursuing prey for days without end and eating everything living they come across. They will gorge themselves on what they find and eat until they are swollen up to three times their size."

Claudius was frowning, "Can we outrun them?"

"Probably," Dax answered, "but they will give chase and they will not stop chasing until they have caught us. Now they have our scent on the wind and have felt the motion of us, they will not give up until they have eaten their fill."

Valius had already unslung his bow and was stringing it, "Then we'll have to kill them. Any advice?" More rangers were riding up and taking in the rapidly approaching beasts now, readying weapons.

Dax didn't look happy. "They are strong and thick skinned. Their bite can snap off limbs, even cut a man right in two. The ends of their tails can lash and cut as well and their claws are lethal. They run quickly in lines but their heavy scales make them slow and awkward to turn."

Claudius nodded, "Heavy cavalry tactics then." He turned back to those assembled, "Fire and wheel, don't get close if you can help it! No group bigger than a Leaf!"

"They're almost here!"

[heartofcourage]

Bryn gasped as Valius stood and took her hands, pulling her to her feet and pulling her after him. She was concerned that an alarm had been given about a dangerous animal heading that way. The desert was full of dangerous animals but she wondered what was coming towards them.

She followed as he ran to his tack and gathered it up, pulling her behind him towards the cave entrance. Masha was just finishing Rubido’s tack as Valius began to strap his into place. Everything was happening in a whirlwind, Valius insisting that Masha call for her guard.

“Val…” She started, cut off as he told her that she was going to stay with her guard. She wanted to shake her head, telling him that she could help, but the way that he looked down at her told her that she needed to stay.

She watched as he kicked the bird into flight, Blackavar leaping clear of the other darters and landing among the other Rangers already riding forward. She lost sight of Valius after a few moments and she let out a sigh as the Rangers formed in a tight circle around her, Masha leading the guard.

“Be safe.” She whispered, her voice a murmur as she pulled herself into the saddle on Rubido’s back, following the guards as they led her to a safer spot a distance away.



Dax glanced as Claudius as the call was given and he nodded. Pushing Xand forward, the spider practically vibrated with the energy of the action. He was ready, his fangs dripping deadly venom. He could handle one of the beasts, but the rest would over run him as he feasted. The best solution would be to tip them on their backs and stab the soft under belly.

“Get them to expose their bellies. Make you shots true!” Dax ordered out, knowing that Claudius trusted his judgment. “If you do not see blood, keep firing.”

[Armphid]

The Fire Guard, a Leaf of five rangers, now joined by Masha led their darters not out to the sand but up onto the rocky plateau. The great birds jumped up, their clever claws catching hold of rocks and digging into earth while their wings beat to steady them, allowing for another jump, and another. They finally came to a flat ring of rock about sixty feet up, large enough for the darters to stand beside one another.

Masha held up a hand, "Hold here." At this height, they could see what was happening and the fight about to start. "Rot, what are those things?"

"Damn big and ugly looking is what," one of the other rangers said.

"They're after 'em now," another offered as below the gathered force of men and beast suddenly shot off in different directions.




The rangers and their steeds flew over the desert sands, spreading out into groups of five as they did so. The Leaf was the smallest unit of a force of rangers; a five-man team. They ran towards the approaching monsters but then fanned out and away from them; as they did so, there was a massive thrum of bowstrings and a black rain of arrows sheeted down on the desert predators.

They bellowed in challenge and shock more than pain. Many of the arrows thumped in and stuck but were caught int he thick scales that plated the creatures' backs and sides. It caught their attention though and the beasts ponderously broke their charge, trying to swerve to snap and lash their tails at the quick moving prey about them. The rangers did not get close to either end of the Al'gular; their quick footed mounts keeping them away as the rangers turned and twisted in their saddles to launch more shafts with practiced skill.

"No joy, Sire," one of the rangers in the Leaf Valius had joined called out. The young king nodded, looking back behind them. One of the Al'gular had decided to pursue them directly and was gaining. "They're damn fast on the straight away; we should wheel right."

"No!" It was a testament to the rangers' discipline that they did not balk or even look that surprised. Valius shook his head, "Keep going straight!"

"Sire, it will catch us!"

"I'm counting on it!" He looked back and the beast was indeed gaining. He fitted an arrow to his bow, "Ready but do not shoot yet!"

The huge reptile clawed up the sands as it pounded onward toward them, growing larger and more massive the closer it got. The ground under the darter's feet began to shake as it drew near. That almost beak-like mouth suddenly opened-

"Loose!" Six green feathered shafts shot in the instant it started to snap forward and buried themselves deep in the soft tissues of the al'gular's tongue and mouth. It bellowed and shook it's head as it's most sensitive area exploded into six different points of agony. The al'gular stumbled and crashed into the ground, rolling from its own momentum. The darters leaped up, wings beating, and the mammoth reptile crashed past and underneath them.

It ended up on its back, legs thrashing wildly, and before it could move, there was a chittering hiss and the many legged bulk of Xand crashed down on its stomach and his fangs pierced deep into the behemoth's soft belly.

The Leaf landed and Valius felt a surge of excitement and horror as he watched Xand and Dax get to the serious business of killing one of the attacking monsters. He shuddered and wheeled Blackavar around, "Two more to go, rangers! Let's see who needs help! Yah!"

[heartofcourage]

Bryn was not prepared for Rubido to join the others in climbing up the steep rock face. She let out a startled scream and wrapped her arms around the great bird’s neck, squeezing her eyes shut as the bird didn’t miss a step and climbed with the greatest of ease. She didn’t open her eyes until the movement stopped and she found herself staring down at the whole of the desert below, Rangers rushing towards a great swarm of many Al’gular.

“They are Al’gular.” She said in a shaky voice, still trembling as Rubido warbled and rustled her feathers. “If they are not killed, they will kill us all.”

She had heard many stories of entire villages being destroyed by waves of the lizard creatures. They would eat mercilessly, gorging themselves to three times their size on anything in their way.



Dax was pleased as Xand went in for the kill, his sharp fangs and venom sinking deep into the Al’gular as it struggled in its death throws. His steed had the killer instinct that would serve them both well, but he was still loyal to his rider. It was what made the soldiers of Al’Tir so brutal.

“Hut!” He cried out to the spider, pleased when the lizard was released. Commands were short words, easy for the creatures to remember and the one given had been a release command. There was much more work to do with the remaining creatures.

“Hup!” The other cry came and Xand lurched forward after the rest of the darters as they went after the remaining two.

Enna rode with her own group of five, her bow and arrow at the ready as they came alongside one of the beasts. “To me!” She cried out, telling the others to send the creature towards her darter.

The arrow was knocked, ready to let fly and she didn’t miss as it found its way into the beast’s eye. A mighty screeching sound came from the lizard as it wiggled back and forth, trying to dislodge the arrow that had blinded it. She wasn’t expecting the speed of the beast’s tail as it whipped her darter’s legs out from under it, sending her tumbling into the sand as her bird gave a cry of pain.

[Armphid]

Enna's head rang and the whole world seemed shaky and distorted as she scrambled in the sand. She was seeing double and could not find her balance, stumbling as she tried to rise to her feet and lurch towards her stricken darter. She could hear sound but it seemed not to come from any one point but emanate from all around her at once.

She tumbled to the ground beside her darter and reached for the beast's reins just as the shadow of the Al'gular fell over them. Still missing one eye, it could see and hear well enough to move in on the downed and weakened prey.

Valius and his Leaf rode under the foreclaws of the other beast as it reared up after taking one of Claudius' arrows in one of its sensitive nostrils. They fired as they shot under the beast and their arm long shafts pierced deep into the soft underside, three of them disappearing completely inside the monster as it's roar became suddenly shrill in pain.

The old ranger gritted his teeth. Damn his king was a reckless fool! It was a nice bit of riding and shooting, true, but he had to take better care! At least Bryn and Enna were safe.

He then looked over and his face paled as he saw the snapping beak-like maw of the Al'gular shoot with horrible speed towards his beloved as she sat on the sand, "ENNA!"

Her eyes went wide as there was a rush of fetid, hot breath and then there was the snapping of bones and a high, shrieking wail as the monster's jaws closed on the darter at her side. She felt the rush of air from them as they snapped closed, feathers and blood spattering her and the ground; hot and vividly red against the stark whiteness of the desert.

The darter shrieked again, feebly, before the jaws worked again and mashed the broken and dying bird into and down the Al'gular throat. The head shook and it turned to focus on the now petrified with terror woman on the sand.