Re: MARQUIS OF THE FIFTH WARD
”Glory, Heolstor.. not for me,” says the old Elf. “This is my last campaign. This is my last battlefield. My eyes can see no more of this. I will leave the barges to Islyan and younger and less faded Elves. And.. a small force that might volunteer… they would not be turned away. A small force, though. We need speed and stealth in the forest, to get back to the barges. They are a day away.”
”For the remainder of your force.. my counsel is this: not far to the south is the Human town of Treverorum. It is the home of a great temple of healing, and healing is much needed. I will send those of my own there are well… I do not ask you to join in our battles, but I will ask that you go with us to Treverorum, because a column of wounded Elves could so tempt the Huns that they might overcome their fear, and turn around, to take the opportunity. From Treverorum, there is a good road to Lucimburic to the west, and there is the Moselle river to the east.. we can choose our further course when we hear of what happens with the barges.”
When Arctos brings up the fate of the staff, Goylan Greenstag immediately sends messengers to seek out Callidus. For a moment, the Marquis’s attention seems to fade, as if his thoughts are on something far away… and then he is back.
”Arctos… I do believe you are correct. You came here with your Dwarven Steel to fight an enemy that did not expect it. But your enemy expects it. Instead you will bring him peace. I think… for the moment… rest your warriors. Send them on to Treverorum. They have won, enjoy the victory. You have a very different kind of struggle ahead of you.”
When she has a moment, Anakri whispers to the non-Elves present. “What the Marquis means by this being his last campaign… Elves do not age like you do. It is not time that turns us old and gray, but the strains on the soul.
Islyan speaks and proposes a quick move to the barges, in the night, led by the Elves. He wants no more than a small, elite force, aided by their spell casters. This one will be done “Elf Style”. He wants speed above all.
Heolstor and Dunduin collect reports- the Dwarves were in the thick of the fight, and they are very tired. They would not be good candidates for Ilsyan’s move. Heolstor’s men are tired too… but not the ones he kept as a reserve. Those only got into the battle at the end. And by good fortune, he had the troops, even the cavalry, fight dismounted (for the most part). He has well over a hundred well rested, ready, war horses. And the Dwarve’s war ponies are also available.
But those who are not too tired for the night move to the river, are still capable of making the trip to Treverorum, and/or watching over the Hun prisoners. They agree to have the Hun prisoners kept by the Dwarves and Humans.
The Elf (and allied) force will depart in the middle of the night. They expect to reach the barges in the morning. Whomever is going to go on that mission had best be getting all the rest they can, in the time left.
(those PC's that will join that battle- whomever wants to- will be using this thread.)