In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 888):

Troels does his shift, and waits to hear about the message...

In the morning over tea, Lady Highrocks is excited and says the other kingdoms have agreed to assist her, but they must return to the Vicinity of Highrocks

"So is this where we part ways?"

Why no my dear, I thought you might come with us...  it should be interesting the see the Baron in serious trouble.

"Someone to bear witness?"

Of course, and then sing about it perhaps?

Come morning, everyone packs up, the two wounded men are sure to thank Roahfustion for her healing efforts and then they go back to their patrol while everyone else heads off to the north. It is a two day trek along a well used path through the forests and hills. By evening of the second day you camp on a hill overlooking a wide fertile valley to your north, with a few small villages, a good sized town and a small castle with tower on a rise, with a triangular wall following the hill's shape. Certainly wouldn't be a push over to seize.
Lady Highrocks confirms that the castle is her seat and that throwing the villains out will be easier than it looks.

You make a small fire out of sight and enjoy a trail supper. Guards are mounted and everyone gets some sleep.

Troels is eager to help and asks for the plan...

The bard smiled tolerantly and says very quietly to Blythe, "About time Troels was off the leash. Any in his way are in trouble." She looks at her female companion for any reaction..

Perhaps, but this little group is no threat, so I wish to see more before committing to a thing.

She nods.

It is sometime later when the beating of drums becomes apparent. a slow procession wind it's way from the east to the more open valley.
The whole group looks odd until you realize they are all dwarves, thousands of them!.

The castle is obviously preparing for battle and the forces in the villages and town all form up on the road and with draw to a defensible position on a low hill.

It is approaching midday, as the Dwarves move very slowly.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 901):

"So, when do we help?" Troels is eager fr a fight...

Lady Highrocks smiles I think we'll not get much chance for a bit, watch how this plays out...

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 903):

Troels is visibly disappointed, but says nothing.

The bard captures the beat of the dwarven advance as she starts musical composition.

As you watch the slow development of the Dwarven attack something moving in the sky to your left catches the eye, it's a flash of a reflection, but obviously something is there ... dots appear.
Lady Highrocks starts to giggle  They did come, God help those poor fools.

You can just start to make out wings flapping on the dots which are growing larger as they approach.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 906):

"Birds don't reflect sunlight...dragons?"

Indeed, five extremely large dragons become clearer as they close  in. One dives for the castle tower while the others spread out behind the Baron of Mershall's formed men and close.
The alarm goes up as they are noticed and pandemonium break out, added to by the dragon's flaming breath.  The people on the castle tower are among the first to be enflamed by this act.

Well Captain,I think we should go down and help now. Lady Highrocks announces loudly.

Troels does not need a second invitation....

Roahfustion looks at Blythe and, indicating Troels, says, "I suppose we should go along too. To look after him." She smiles, knowing full well Troeld is sufficiently lethal on his own.

Yes, and our slings may be of us as well.  Likely will need to control Troels some least he kill everything in reach.

She nods theatrically.

The whole group leaves two guards and the remainder heads down toward the fleeing  soldiers of Mershall.
The Soldiers avoid any armed group and keep retreating, the leaders try to get them into some sort of formation, but the dragons attacks any formed unit with a vengeance.
The soldiers with bows fire up at the dragons to try and ward them off, although not too successfully.

The nearest group of 300 or so soldiers with bowmen is about 100 yards/meters away.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 913):

Troels will head down with them, his crossbow on his back and pickaxe and shield in hands. 300 or so is enough to go round...he will walk, and save his energy for fighting, evaluating who the leaders are that present the most threat.