Longus is the village along the Chiers River, the easternmost village of Theoderic's land.  It is close to Lucimburic to the east, and the Third Ward of the Elven Kingdom of the Ardennes to the north.  The centerpiece of the village is Longus House, a large rustic looking building on the ridge over the Chiers.  Down in the steep river valley, a wooden bridge crosses the Chiers, and there are small houses along the river.

It is here where the "Army of the Three Allies", Human, Dwarven, and High Elven, has been waiting while Heolstor and company made a brief side trek to Lucimburic.

Now he is back, and preparing to move... and Petra is back as well.  The unmistakable shape of the winged horse appears suddenly, out of the rising morning sun, and causes no small commotion as troops hurry to alert the commanders:  Petra has returned!

In discussion with the commanders.

"Perhaps the dwarves are best suited to deal with these warbeasts. We have our artillery and extensive training in fighting giants. If there is a clearing of sufficient size..." Dunduin is cut off as the commotion erupts with the arrival of Petra on a flying Pegasus. The sight of which never ceases to amaze. He anxiously awaits to see what new information may have arrived.

        Arctos finds himself in his supply wagon refilling his flask with Dwarven spirits
whence he hears a commotion outside his wagon . . .

        He quickly re-stoppers his flask after its filled, and returns it to within the
secreted confines of his raiments.  He grabs his helm from his bedding, slings his shield
across his shoulder, and takes his Agnon in hand as he promptly leaves his quarters.
The Dwarven Patre looks all about the encampment in order to discern the cause of the
hub-bub.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:50, Mon 15 Oct 2012.

Though Hermod had spied his steed, Petra did not initially see Heolstor about.  But she did spot the Patre and his officer, Dunduin.   She made her way to them immediately.

"Gentlemen," and then she reconsidered that.  "Gentledwarves," but...reconsidered again. 'Gentle' sounded more the way to hail an Elf. Might they be insulted? "Ungentledwarves.." and that  sounded worse.  She was in over her head. Utterly ignorant of Dwarvish protocol.

"Comrades!" she did her best to salvage.  "I must share what I have recently learned..."

Petra explained to the pair that the Sixth Mark, the large and thinly populated eastern frontier of the Elven Kingdom of the Ardennes, was soon to be under assault by Hunnish forces.  Those were coming up the Moselle river, by barge.

The Elves there dwelled in small, scattered settlements, and she had personally spread word to gather their scattered defenses against the coming attack. The Elves were set up to mobilize in a short amount of time, but still they needed help.  Cirostis had offered Dwarven assistance, and suggested returning to the main force here, so that the Huns could be surprised with reinforcements they were not anticipating.

"The Elves are gathering to fight at Celtanc," she concluded, "The river valley is steep, and friendly for them.  Cirostis, Haakon, and Tawna will stand with them there."

         Upon hearing Petra's new, Arctos is quick to reply . . .

         "Lucimbric must be given warning immediately as well, as they hath a reserve contingent
O' shifters that'll join art allied cause!  It tis a march to the East then!"

         The Dwarven Patre looks to Dunduin as he continues to speak . . .

         "Centurion shalt I give the orders to art Dwarven Legionaires to break camp immediately
and make ready for art march to Cenltanc?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Mon 15 Oct 2012.

Dunduin smiles and gives Petra a raised bushy eyebrow over the greetings. He found it humorous but did appreciate her effort in the matter. More importantly though was the information she brought.

"Well met o flyer of the skies." Dunduin returns the greeting with a genuine smile. "Your information is most timely and appreciated. Let us confer with our joint commander on the matter immediately".

---

"Lord Heostor, it appears we have new information just...flown in" he gestures to Petra. "It would seem that this is an opportunity we should take advantage of. Do you agree? If you do I'm sure our faithful Arctos here will get the troops moving on the double."

Petra inclined her head to the Dwarven Father and lieutenant, or whatever Dunduin's proper rank was.

"There is also," she added in a lower tone, "a matter of a Demon-lord.  More than one, actually.  But one in particular.  That threat involves a false peace, though. And there is nothing peaceful, even falsely so, about what travels down the Moselle." 

I think Heolstor's player is out till the end of the week, if I understand right.  I believe we'll need to either wait for a reply, or assume he may have stepped out briefly.  (which is what I've been doing)

          Arctos rubs his chin a moment as his raven hued orbs light up with a thought, which
he promply submits to his Dwarven Commander . . .

          "Sir I hath an idea wot couldst increase the speed O' art mobile artillery units.
We shalt need to quickly request additional rope to accomplish seech a task.  By utilizing
art hobbilars War Ponies to aid in pulling the artillery wagons, we can increase art maniples
pace markedly.  We hath twenty ponies to set to seech a task, until we get to art destination,
that tis if thee should so agree to mine suggestion.  Wot says thee mine Commander?"

Callidus grins. "Barges by river. Certainly a creative bunch aren't they. It seems they're learning from my exploits. Barges are definitely harder to sink than a longboat. Because of their surface area they are likely to stay afloat until they are able to get to shore."

"You either have to snap them in half with siege weapons or burn the surface of the barges and force their occupants to leave the barge via land. You can even set a blockage in the river so that they can't pass the blockade." Callidus says, on the subject of barges and military strategies.

"Arctos, your idea has merit but quite frankly I don't have much knowledge regarding ponies and their capabilities. Some animals may not be suitable for pulling heavy loads even if they are capable of doing so. That said, it's certainly an idea worth pursuing. Please check with Heolstor's cavalry men and see what they think on the matter."

---

"Petra, thanks for the information. I'm sure it will be useful in our strategy planning."

---

"Good suggestions Callidus we'll provide Heostor with all our information and suggestions and let him make the final decision."

         Arctos seeks out Heleostar's Captain of the horse, and when he does find him, he speaks
. . .

         "Greetings I'm Patre Arctos.  I hath an important question for thee. Tis it possible
to use art war ponies to aid in pulling art mobile artillery pieces whence pon the march?
Wilst doing seech a thing cause any undue harm to art War Ponies?  I wish naught any harm
to come to them ye see."

"I am sure the Elves will apply their own creativity and experience to meet the situation.  But I am also sure they will be open to council from experienced soldiers, such as yourselves.  I think that is why it would be best if we can join them as soon as possible. Pre-battle planning is better than just leaping into the fray."

Yet Petra knew there was much involved in routing an army to engage an enemy. She didn't know what else had transpired here, in her absence.  Or what Heolstor's journey to Lucimburic might have yielded.  There may have been other obligations introduced.  She had absolutely no intent to usurp his command by setting this in motion.  But she knew in her soul it was the right thing to do, and Heolstor would likely agree, once he was told.

In reply to Petra (msg # 12):

I have very little in spells that can help with speeding the dwarven artillery along, but  Callidius I may have the Firepower you need with my spells. Demus says while a look of glee crosses his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:29, Thu 18 Oct 2012.

Heolstor had taken up residence in a building on the edge of Longus, its unique nature marked only by a banner flapping proudly above it: the black raven of Lord Strang standing starkly against a field of scarlet. The leaders of his army had gathered there upon his return. To discuss strategy, report the status of their warriors, and to receive his orders.

Word via a runner arrived amongst their number, saying that the winged horse and its rider had returned. Heolstor brought their meeting to an early ending and gave them instructions to return within the hour to confirm their marching orders.

When they had gone Heolstor stood alone in his command post, hands gripping the edge of the table at the buildings centered. He leaned over it, eyes crossing over those few maps he had: precious things, both rare and of great value. The Saxon hoped Petra had returned with news. News that might close the dark gaps between what he knew and what he hoped to know.

A nod. To noone but the emptiness. Then he turned and departed from his post and out into the open air. Heolstor rested his hand easily on the pommel of his blade, feeling its weight as he walked. It wasn't hard to find Petra and the others. A winged horse and cluster of heros, it was like finding a fire in the dark.

Heolstor smiled as he closed in on their group. Though the talk he heard as he arrived helped him counsel his face to impartiality. Huns. Attacking via the river Moselle, aboard vessels designed for war. "Bold of them, but we will turn it to folly." He said simply. Then to Gallus, who had joined them. "We march. Tell my officers to have their men ready to leave. Not tonight, but now." The Roman offered him an abrupt salute and about-faced to depart.

"Commander Dunduin and Anakri marshal your warriors to readiness too."

"Callidus, I'll require your service again. Ride to your people. Tell them of this new danger, and tell them we march now against it in their defense." Heolstor said, voice urgent. "And if that rooster of a steward gives you any trouble, tell him I'll pluck his feathers."

"I need to know where they are on the river now, and where they will be tomorrow." Heolstor said to Petra. The Huns would die on their boats, and he would take them if he could. "Tell me everything you can. Especially of this demon and his poisonous peace." Feathers dangled from the broach of his cloak, stirred slightly by the breeze. "Oh, and welcome back." The corner of his lip turned up briefly and subtly.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Fri 19 Oct 2012.

Petra had turned and smiled as Heolstor strode up to them.  She very nearly greeted him by that name...which would have been the first time she had ever done.  But, whatever had passed briefly between them when they'd parted, this was not the time or place for any new degree of familiarity.  That barest of smiles that accompanied his welcome was somehow enough for her, just now.   She noted the brooch and that pair of feathers, and decided she well liked them there, close to his heart.

"Thank you, my lord," she answered.  And after just a brief pause, while meeting his eyes with a grave look, she began, and wasted no time with any preamble:

"It was Cirostis and Haakon who brought news of this attack to the Elves. According to them, it is an army of thousands of them with war beasts on land, as well as the barges on the river. It is an unsubtle and all-out strike to visit death upon the Elves.  With perhaps a secondary intent to pass on and strike the Humans at Treverorum, afterward. The Elves do have their own defenses, as I had explained, which are mobilizing and preparing.  According to Cirostis, the enemy is yet some way from Celtanc." She related to Heolstor all the detail she had in that regard. 

And as to the matter of a certain Demon-lord...

"Abigor is the name. A military strategist, from the bowels of the Abyss.  He commands legions there, and his name is called by conquerors, and would be conquerors, willing to give their souls for victory. His shape here on Midgard is said to be an elegant and comely one.  But in one hand he bears a sword, and in the other a particular staff.  Of which we need to be wary more so than any blade he might wield.  It is of braided olive branches; a Celestial artifact he thieved from the mountain the Romans call Olympus.  There it was used to inspire and create true peace -- but in his hands, that has been twisted to baneful ends.  It must be taken from him, and restored to its proper place, if we are to truly defeat him. So I have been told, by those whose word I have faith in."   

"By your command" Dunduin says in his best Centurion commanders voice pounding his plated armored chest with his fist making a solid metallic thunk sound. There is no sarcasm or jest in that voice however but rather acceptance and acknowledgement of a 'good' leaders decision. He quickly departs to inform his own officers to make preparations for departure if they haven't already been done so by Arctos or others.

"Happy to hear it, newfound mage-friend. When targeting the barges aim your most powerful spells at the center of the barge, that will do the most damage to its structure. With weaker spells or spells that cause fire aim at the deck. If you have spells that can cause large holes target the sides of the barge closest to the water, so the hold will fill with water." Callidus says.

Callidus nods to Heolstor and proceeds to commandeer a horse for his ride back to Lucimburic. He checks the barding on the animal to make sure it is fit comfortably on the horse and uses leverage to lift himself onto the saddle, making his way towards The city of Lyvanthropes.

In reply to Callidus (msg # 17):

Demus replies to Callidus Note taken Callidus then thinks for a few moments And I believe I have a few spells to get in, out, and leave them burning, Before they even notice.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Sat 20 Oct 2012.