Chapter Sixteen: Counquan, the besieged city?
They had been walking for days on end and each one of Skye's men were tired and hungry. They had almost run out of rations and Skye, Hylyr and Gerdamh were hoping that Counquan would appear in the distance soon. Skye had lost a track of time, but he thought that it was Tresday, since they had left on Decemday and it had been about three days since they had left Idylyn. 'The navy should have reached Couquan oleh now' Skye thought blankly to himself. Gunnar rode up beside him; “what are anda thinking about, Ser?” the stocky Commander-Captain asked him thoughtfully. “Was just deciding what hari it was, and then thought that the navy probably would have reached Counquan oleh now, possibly even yesterday” the fair-haired magician replied.
Finally Counquan came into sight. Skye sighed in relief; “we should be there in less than a glass” he remarked to Gunnar, who nodded his head in agreement. “Hopefully the barbarians aren't already there, though it doesn't look as though they are, even from this distance away” the stocky officer responded bluntly.
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“My Lord?” Koo'bit tried once more. “Sorry Commander, what were anda saying?” Altran answered the barbarian commander. “My Lord, Xorl says that he can feel the presence of a strong Link-Mage near Counquan, and we're still about a days march from there” Koo'bit spoke, slightly anxiously and still sporting the wound from the taking-over of Argate. “A Link-Mage? He must be powerful if Xorl can feel his presence from this distance away” Altran komentar with interest. “Yes, my Lord. We must be careful then, otherwise we won't get past Counquan.” Altran shook his head. “Even if he's that powerful he still won't be able to defeat an entire army, and besides, we did manage to destroy the Mage-King.”
The barbarian commander bit his lip nervously. “But Lord Altran, Xorl says he's lebih powerful than the Mage-King and what if this mysterious Magi'Ir has an army with him, that could prove most troublesome if we assume that Counquan won't be entirely without troops?” the Commander desperately tried to make his case. “Koo'bit,” Altran sighed; “you're a good commander, but anda lack in common-sense at times. Even if he has an army, we have over twenty-thousand men, Xorl and myself; now tell me, how could one Mage hope to destroy a force of such calibre?” Koo'bit bowed his head in defeat; “I am sorry my Lord, I was just trying to ensure that we are as careful as possible so that we can carry out our plans and destroy Kaladacia next. I meant no disrespect, since I am, after all, here to help advise anda my Lord.”
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At last Skye and his men had reached Counquan, and were greeted like heroes on their arrival to the city. Among the first to greet them was Lord Treylk, the commander of the Couquan garrison and five thousand (give atau take) troops, as well as Duke Mon'seryt, the Lord of Counquan and its overseer. “You must be Mage-Advisor Skye” the Duke berkata warmly; “I am Duke Mon'seryt and guardian of Counquan.” Skye grinned at him. “It's a pleasure to meet anda Ser, and I look meneruskan, ke depan to keeping your city aman, brankas from Altran.” Then the Duke introduced himself to Hylyr, Gerdamh and Gunnar; “you three must be the High Command that his Lenience spoke of in the message.” Hylyr smiled; “I am Mage-Commander Hylyr and this is Over-commander Gerdamh and Commander-Captain Gunnar.”
selanjutnya they were all shown around the city. Although Skye had already been to most parts of the city, as Mage-Advisor he was naturally required to accompany them nonetheless. So they were shown around the city, its walls, towers and other parts that would be good for defending against a siege. “Make sure anda three know the general layout of the city, right. I've been here before and I know quite a good many places that we can defend from, but I still need anda to know it yourselves” Skye explicated to High Command. “Yes, Ser” the three replied obligingly, looking slightly amused.
When they got closer to the docking area and near Greevyn's shop, Skye made some excuses to leave; “sorry, but I have something to do, so anda three make sure anda know the area before anda get back to the overstayers' dormitories and I'll meet anda there.” Gunnar nodded; “what do anda have to do, Ser?” the bulky Commander-Captain questioned him curiously. “Greevyn. His toko is near here, and I'd like to get him to leave for Kaladacia before Altran and his hordes get here, otherwise they could get injured.” High Command agreed that it was a good idea and then they parted ways.
Skye hurried to Greevyn's shop. He got there reasonably quickly and noticed the toko was looking much nicer, as it had been painted and someone had done a good job in repairing the damaged parts. Skye opened the door and walked in to the shop. “Good afternoon, Ser, what may I do for you?” the apprentice asked politely, however Skye didn't know him. 'So Greevyn has a new apprentice, eh?' Skye thought to himself. “I need anda to do something for me, would anda go and get your master Greevyn and bring him out? We're old friends.” The apprentice spluttered, “ah Ser, I think he's busy at the moment, maybe anda could come back tomorrow?” the young man asked nervously.
“No, I need anda to do it right away. There's no time to lose, young apprentice and I intend to lose none of it” Skye said, a little lebih forcefully. “But Ser...” the apprentice trailed off with a whine. “Now! I told anda there's no time to lose, and I'm a Mage, I don't think anda really would like to make me menyeberang, salib now, would you?” Skye growled, chuckling inwardly. “Yes, Ser” the young man sighed and walked out the back to fetch Greevyn. After a moment the apprentice came back with Greevyn. When the Metal-factor walked in to the room, he stared in amazement at Skye and rushed over to the magician and gathered him up in a huge bear-hug.
“Skye, my old friend. It's been quite a time since I last saw you, what's happening and why are anda here? Although on detik thought I think maybe I know the reason to that question” the blacksmith berkata and then added thoughtfully. “yes I think maybe anda do, since I did tell anda when I was here in Counquan. Well, as I told you, Altran has conquered Argate and now he is headed here. I've been in Kaladacia, Mage-Advisor anda know, and they sent me and four thousand troops to defend against Altran. So, here I am” Skye explained seriously. “Mage-Advisor?! Well Lightness knows anda deserve it, Skye. And I'm guessing you're here in my shop, because anda are going to tell me to leave and take Kilana and this young scallywag with me?” Greevyn prophecised rather frankly.
Skye shuffled his feet. “Well, yes and I was also going to tell anda to hurry, because I don't know how far away Altran is and I want anda to get away before he gets here.” Greevyn nodded in agreement, then he looked confused for a moment; “so where's Ferral? Don't tell me he's been injured atau killed” Greevyn berkata with a horrified look on his face. “Oh, no he's in Idylyn.” Skye explained further when Greevyn gave him a questioning look. “Well, some of the liege-lords revolted against the emperor, so Ferral, being the Military-Advisor, is in charge of the defeating the liege-lords and then he will bring our reinforcements here. He has the Lancer Elites under his control, about eight and half thousand of them, as well as a squad of Mage-Lancers, three and half thousand Engineer-Corps and almost five hundred engineers, so they should be fine. Even if Tryht revolts too, the liege-lords shouldn't be able to raise lebih than twenty thousand men and the liege-lords soldiers might outnumber us in quantity, but we outnumber them in quality” Skye told Greevyn.
“That sounds like you've been working yourself hard then Skye.” Greevyn sighed; “really didn't want to have to leave this shop, but I guess we can always come back again.” Skye nodded his head. “Exactly, I'll even have an engineer stay behind and help anda fix it if comes to any damage.” Greevyn grinned. “Thanks Skye, but only if anda can spare one. Well, then. I guess I'd better get Kilana and start packing up and get out of here and it sounds like anda have work to do.” Skye grinned back. “Yes, your right there. Well Greevyn it was pleasure to see anda again, and unfortunate circumstances. Take care my friend” Skye slapped the Metal-factor on the back, with a sad smile on his face. “Thank anda Skye and from Kilana too” then Greevyn gestured to his apprentice to close the toko and Skye took his leave.
Skye had a few platinums, so he found a small eating place and ate a quick meal of fried tuber roots and grilled, smoky charmaine*. Then he paid the server and tipped him, then he made his way out of the eating place, heading for the overstayers' dormitories. The overstayers' dormitories were in the middle of the city and they could anywhere from five to fifteen thousand men. When he reached it, he realised that he had passed it a few times when he had been staying with Greevyn. The building was large and built from brick and mortar, however it looked like it hadn't been done up in a long time, as some of the bricks were almost black and crumbling, while the mortar was cracking in some places.
Skye entered the building. To his left was a small office, evidently for an office-clerk atau someone of relative position. He walked over and rang the small bell. Almost instantly a young mousy-haired woman appeared; “how can I help you, Ser?” she asked, almost shyly. “I'm the Mage-Advisor of his Leniency's Royal Army and I need to meet with my officers of High Command, can anda tell me where our rooms are located?” Skye relayed back to mousy-hair. “Yes, Ser. I'll tampil anda where your section is and where the facilities are located” the office-clerk replied. “Thank anda Lady” the magician replied nonchalantly and bowed gratefully. The office-clerk opened the door to her office and led him down the main corridor to a flight of stairs, then they headed up two floors and exited into another corridor. “Each floor holds six thousand, so your men are all staying on this floor and there's a toilet room, a washing room and we have a cleaner and a washing person.” Skye bowed once more, thanked the office-clerk and then set off down the corridor to the main hall. In the main hall was a kitchen, lounging room and the entrance to the actual dormitories. Many of the men were already in the main room, preparing food and talking amongst each other. One of the squad leaders, Jetyner, waved him over. “How goes it, Ser?” the sturdy squad leader asked him. “It goes well Jetyner, I think we are almost ready. Oh and later I'll be discussing the plans for defence, so can anda have all the squad leaders and all the other officers gathered in here in about three glasses? I'd rather appreciate it” Skye asked wearily. “Yes, Ser” Jetyner replied. “Thanks, now have anda seen the Mage-Commander, Commander-Captain and Over-commander? Oh and also Logistics-Commander Dayn and the Tactical Commander?” Jetyner nodded. “Yes, Ser, they are all in the lounging room.”
Skye found the door to the lounging room and walked in. The officers from High Command were in there, as well as a few officers from Low Command, Commander Vyrt and Sub-Majer Blynt, plus the Logistics and Tactical Commanders, Dayn and Fledyl. Gunnar and Hylyr both looked up as he walked in; “there anda are, Ser, we were wondering when you'd be back,” Gunnar spoke without conviction. “So how did your intervention go?” the Mage-Commander asked inquisitively. Skye shrugged. “It went as well as expected really, Greevyn and his lady are leaving as we speak” the young magician replied dismissively. “Anyway, we have work to do. I need anda three and Low Command to advise me on the defence plans; I have ideas, but I also want your feedback since anda have all been in lebih sieges than I have.”
Skye nodded to Commander Vyrt. “Commander, I'll get anda to find the captains and sub-captains of Low Command and then we may proceed. The squad leaders will be congregating in less than three glasses to hear the defence plans, so we have a time limit” Skye relayed informatively. All of the officers nodded an acknowledgement. While Vyrt was finding the captains and sub-captains, Skye found that he had a pertanyaan to ask Gunnar. “Now Gunnar, anda were the last to talk to the Dragonlord, Armonath, do have any idea where he went after Trergom?” the magician asked the Commander-Captain. “Yes, Ser. I believe he returned to his halaman awal on Skrath Isle, however I don't know what he is planning to do about Altran.
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On the Isle of Skrath, a certain Dragonlord was making plans to help destroy Altran for good; in fact he and Geltharis were concocting a rather devious plan. There were approximately two thousand Elven warriors and archers on Skrath and none of them had seen any action since the Reckoning, where thousands and thousands of Elven warriors had perished. Therefore they would back up the Kaladacian troops in Counquan and hope that they somehow destroyed Altran.
“Armonath... what are anda doing?” Geltharis questioned bluntly, looking rather displeased about something. “Sorry old friend, I was just thinking about how we're going to destroy Altran. My plan is lacking in that respect” the Dragonlord replied casually. “Then why do anda seem so casual about it? It's no joke, Dragonlord, we have to destroy him atau else he'll be lord of all Kern and then our most esteemed God would most likely be displeased, particularly with me” the elf exclaimed with exasperation. “Then help me come up with a plan to defeat him, because I’m only a half dragon, not some kind of god.” Geltharis blinked and then chuckled; “neither is Altran so between the two us old farts, we should be able to find a way to destroy him magically. anda know, I can still handle a little bit of link-magic, so I can help somewhat and I can still fight with my blade and manipulate the energy from forested areas.” Armonath nodded his human head*.
Suddenly Armonath looked up in panic. “What is it?” Geltharis queried anxiously. “Power. I can feel a huge concentration of link-magic, possibly the largest I've ever felt.”
“Altran.” Then Geltharis cursed; “lightness, he's managed to get to Counquan before us and I was thinking that he wouldn't get there until tomorrow at least.”
“No,” Armonath spoke forcefully; “it's not Altran, this power is both orderly linked and chaotically energetic and that's something that I've never heard of before.” Geltharis gaped disbelievingly; “he's what? But that is literally impossible, otherwise Jakyro'yah would have known about this.”
To speak of the devil, the mentioned Jakyro'yah appeared out of the sky right before their very eyes. “Geltharis my old friend, and Armonath too; it's great to see anda both again.” Geltharis and Armonath were both grinning this time. “Impeccable timing as always” Geltharis grinned, having recovered from his joy at seeing his old friend once more. “You two need to get to Counquan, else it falls and then Kaladacia would be next” the God spoke urgently. “Actually we were ready, just waiting for the elves to ready their weaponry. Have anda felt a particularly strong link-magic aura recently?” Armonath questioned. “Yes, and Geltharis thought it was Altran no doubt. Actually the person with that link-magic concentration is called Skye, who is a Link-Mage from Argate and is currently Mage-Advisor to his Lenience in Kaladacia.”
“Oh. Well that's a certainly a stroke of luck, and since anda seem to know everything, how many are with him?” Geltharis remarked teasingly. “He has maybe five thousand men at the absolute most with him and they are all highly trained in the ways of link-magic. The Mage has been teaching Kaladacian troops to use and feel link-magic concentrations. Oh and Altran's horde is less than a hari away from Counquan, so I suggest that we leave now” the Stardust Dragon added thoughtfully, being the God of Wisdom. “What do anda mean we?” Geltharis wondered. “Exactly what the word means, you, me and Armonath; in other words I will be coming with you, whether anda like it atau not.
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The magician glanced out the window of the dormitories, wondering how Ferral was doing and if Kleryssa was okay. He missed them both a lot, even though he had only known Kleryssa a few Decemday's and Ferral had usually always been with him, so the swordsman not being around was taking some getting used to. He also wondered if they were both aman, brankas and how defending Idylyn was going, since they had to deal with all of the traitors from Tryht, Bron and Mylar. After a period of looking out the window in silence, Skye turned to Gunnar; “I wonder how it's going in Idylyn” Skye berkata thoughtfully, still thinking of Ferral and Kleryssa. “I'm sure everything will be fine, I mean, we may have had losses, but I doubt that the liege-lords will be able to defeat our whole army” the stocky Mage-Lancer spoke firmly.
Suddenly one of the captains ran up to them. “Ser, a messenger just arrived with this, and he berkata anda must read it” the young fair-haired captain cried. Skye took the proffered message, opening it quickly and membaca the words even quicker; “well this is good news, but we have to wait till tomorrow” the magician grinned cheekily at Gunnar. “What is it, Ser?” the Commander-Captain asked curiously, wondering what Skye wasn't saying. “Well, we have help. The Dragonlord is coming, along with Elven warriors and he says that they have a special acquaintance, whom we should all know... but the message didn't say who it was.”
“Hmmm,” Gunnar thought. “It must be someone powerful, especially if they know the Dragonlord and they know you. But, why?” Gunnar wondered blankly. “What do anda mean, why?” Skye asked with a frown on his face, he wondered what Gunnar meant. Surely there was no other reason than to rid Corath of Altran. “That's not what I meant, Ser Mage. I mean what are their motives, and why are they suddenly just joining us now, when they obviously know what Altran is up to and could have made their own plans to stop him themselves” the stocky commander replied bluntly. “Oh, right. I should've thought of that myself actually, since I am the Mage-Advisor.”
Hylyr joined them. “Gunnar's right. We don't know what they are up to, but tomorrow we'll find out so we must be on our guard.” Skye nodded; “there's one other thing. Altran should be here tomorrow, at least that's what the Dragonlord berkata in the message. “How does he know when Altran is going to be here?” Hylyr wondered curiously. “Armonath can sense concentrated link-magic presences, that's how he would know where Altran was, but I don't know how he would able to feel Altran's concentration from Skrath Island.” Skye suddenly clicked. “Skrath Island right? Is that where Armonath berkata he was going when anda last saw him?” the Mage asked Gunnar quickly. “Yeah,” Gunnar responded after a moment; “but what does that have to do with anything?” the Commander-Captain questioned back. “Because that's who their acquaintance is, a being from Skrath Island!”
They had been walking for days on end and each one of Skye's men were tired and hungry. They had almost run out of rations and Skye, Hylyr and Gerdamh were hoping that Counquan would appear in the distance soon. Skye had lost a track of time, but he thought that it was Tresday, since they had left on Decemday and it had been about three days since they had left Idylyn. 'The navy should have reached Couquan oleh now' Skye thought blankly to himself. Gunnar rode up beside him; “what are anda thinking about, Ser?” the stocky Commander-Captain asked him thoughtfully. “Was just deciding what hari it was, and then thought that the navy probably would have reached Counquan oleh now, possibly even yesterday” the fair-haired magician replied.
Finally Counquan came into sight. Skye sighed in relief; “we should be there in less than a glass” he remarked to Gunnar, who nodded his head in agreement. “Hopefully the barbarians aren't already there, though it doesn't look as though they are, even from this distance away” the stocky officer responded bluntly.
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“My Lord?” Koo'bit tried once more. “Sorry Commander, what were anda saying?” Altran answered the barbarian commander. “My Lord, Xorl says that he can feel the presence of a strong Link-Mage near Counquan, and we're still about a days march from there” Koo'bit spoke, slightly anxiously and still sporting the wound from the taking-over of Argate. “A Link-Mage? He must be powerful if Xorl can feel his presence from this distance away” Altran komentar with interest. “Yes, my Lord. We must be careful then, otherwise we won't get past Counquan.” Altran shook his head. “Even if he's that powerful he still won't be able to defeat an entire army, and besides, we did manage to destroy the Mage-King.”
The barbarian commander bit his lip nervously. “But Lord Altran, Xorl says he's lebih powerful than the Mage-King and what if this mysterious Magi'Ir has an army with him, that could prove most troublesome if we assume that Counquan won't be entirely without troops?” the Commander desperately tried to make his case. “Koo'bit,” Altran sighed; “you're a good commander, but anda lack in common-sense at times. Even if he has an army, we have over twenty-thousand men, Xorl and myself; now tell me, how could one Mage hope to destroy a force of such calibre?” Koo'bit bowed his head in defeat; “I am sorry my Lord, I was just trying to ensure that we are as careful as possible so that we can carry out our plans and destroy Kaladacia next. I meant no disrespect, since I am, after all, here to help advise anda my Lord.”
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At last Skye and his men had reached Counquan, and were greeted like heroes on their arrival to the city. Among the first to greet them was Lord Treylk, the commander of the Couquan garrison and five thousand (give atau take) troops, as well as Duke Mon'seryt, the Lord of Counquan and its overseer. “You must be Mage-Advisor Skye” the Duke berkata warmly; “I am Duke Mon'seryt and guardian of Counquan.” Skye grinned at him. “It's a pleasure to meet anda Ser, and I look meneruskan, ke depan to keeping your city aman, brankas from Altran.” Then the Duke introduced himself to Hylyr, Gerdamh and Gunnar; “you three must be the High Command that his Lenience spoke of in the message.” Hylyr smiled; “I am Mage-Commander Hylyr and this is Over-commander Gerdamh and Commander-Captain Gunnar.”
selanjutnya they were all shown around the city. Although Skye had already been to most parts of the city, as Mage-Advisor he was naturally required to accompany them nonetheless. So they were shown around the city, its walls, towers and other parts that would be good for defending against a siege. “Make sure anda three know the general layout of the city, right. I've been here before and I know quite a good many places that we can defend from, but I still need anda to know it yourselves” Skye explicated to High Command. “Yes, Ser” the three replied obligingly, looking slightly amused.
When they got closer to the docking area and near Greevyn's shop, Skye made some excuses to leave; “sorry, but I have something to do, so anda three make sure anda know the area before anda get back to the overstayers' dormitories and I'll meet anda there.” Gunnar nodded; “what do anda have to do, Ser?” the bulky Commander-Captain questioned him curiously. “Greevyn. His toko is near here, and I'd like to get him to leave for Kaladacia before Altran and his hordes get here, otherwise they could get injured.” High Command agreed that it was a good idea and then they parted ways.
Skye hurried to Greevyn's shop. He got there reasonably quickly and noticed the toko was looking much nicer, as it had been painted and someone had done a good job in repairing the damaged parts. Skye opened the door and walked in to the shop. “Good afternoon, Ser, what may I do for you?” the apprentice asked politely, however Skye didn't know him. 'So Greevyn has a new apprentice, eh?' Skye thought to himself. “I need anda to do something for me, would anda go and get your master Greevyn and bring him out? We're old friends.” The apprentice spluttered, “ah Ser, I think he's busy at the moment, maybe anda could come back tomorrow?” the young man asked nervously.
“No, I need anda to do it right away. There's no time to lose, young apprentice and I intend to lose none of it” Skye said, a little lebih forcefully. “But Ser...” the apprentice trailed off with a whine. “Now! I told anda there's no time to lose, and I'm a Mage, I don't think anda really would like to make me menyeberang, salib now, would you?” Skye growled, chuckling inwardly. “Yes, Ser” the young man sighed and walked out the back to fetch Greevyn. After a moment the apprentice came back with Greevyn. When the Metal-factor walked in to the room, he stared in amazement at Skye and rushed over to the magician and gathered him up in a huge bear-hug.
“Skye, my old friend. It's been quite a time since I last saw you, what's happening and why are anda here? Although on detik thought I think maybe I know the reason to that question” the blacksmith berkata and then added thoughtfully. “yes I think maybe anda do, since I did tell anda when I was here in Counquan. Well, as I told you, Altran has conquered Argate and now he is headed here. I've been in Kaladacia, Mage-Advisor anda know, and they sent me and four thousand troops to defend against Altran. So, here I am” Skye explained seriously. “Mage-Advisor?! Well Lightness knows anda deserve it, Skye. And I'm guessing you're here in my shop, because anda are going to tell me to leave and take Kilana and this young scallywag with me?” Greevyn prophecised rather frankly.
Skye shuffled his feet. “Well, yes and I was also going to tell anda to hurry, because I don't know how far away Altran is and I want anda to get away before he gets here.” Greevyn nodded in agreement, then he looked confused for a moment; “so where's Ferral? Don't tell me he's been injured atau killed” Greevyn berkata with a horrified look on his face. “Oh, no he's in Idylyn.” Skye explained further when Greevyn gave him a questioning look. “Well, some of the liege-lords revolted against the emperor, so Ferral, being the Military-Advisor, is in charge of the defeating the liege-lords and then he will bring our reinforcements here. He has the Lancer Elites under his control, about eight and half thousand of them, as well as a squad of Mage-Lancers, three and half thousand Engineer-Corps and almost five hundred engineers, so they should be fine. Even if Tryht revolts too, the liege-lords shouldn't be able to raise lebih than twenty thousand men and the liege-lords soldiers might outnumber us in quantity, but we outnumber them in quality” Skye told Greevyn.
“That sounds like you've been working yourself hard then Skye.” Greevyn sighed; “really didn't want to have to leave this shop, but I guess we can always come back again.” Skye nodded his head. “Exactly, I'll even have an engineer stay behind and help anda fix it if comes to any damage.” Greevyn grinned. “Thanks Skye, but only if anda can spare one. Well, then. I guess I'd better get Kilana and start packing up and get out of here and it sounds like anda have work to do.” Skye grinned back. “Yes, your right there. Well Greevyn it was pleasure to see anda again, and unfortunate circumstances. Take care my friend” Skye slapped the Metal-factor on the back, with a sad smile on his face. “Thank anda Skye and from Kilana too” then Greevyn gestured to his apprentice to close the toko and Skye took his leave.
Skye had a few platinums, so he found a small eating place and ate a quick meal of fried tuber roots and grilled, smoky charmaine*. Then he paid the server and tipped him, then he made his way out of the eating place, heading for the overstayers' dormitories. The overstayers' dormitories were in the middle of the city and they could anywhere from five to fifteen thousand men. When he reached it, he realised that he had passed it a few times when he had been staying with Greevyn. The building was large and built from brick and mortar, however it looked like it hadn't been done up in a long time, as some of the bricks were almost black and crumbling, while the mortar was cracking in some places.
Skye entered the building. To his left was a small office, evidently for an office-clerk atau someone of relative position. He walked over and rang the small bell. Almost instantly a young mousy-haired woman appeared; “how can I help you, Ser?” she asked, almost shyly. “I'm the Mage-Advisor of his Leniency's Royal Army and I need to meet with my officers of High Command, can anda tell me where our rooms are located?” Skye relayed back to mousy-hair. “Yes, Ser. I'll tampil anda where your section is and where the facilities are located” the office-clerk replied. “Thank anda Lady” the magician replied nonchalantly and bowed gratefully. The office-clerk opened the door to her office and led him down the main corridor to a flight of stairs, then they headed up two floors and exited into another corridor. “Each floor holds six thousand, so your men are all staying on this floor and there's a toilet room, a washing room and we have a cleaner and a washing person.” Skye bowed once more, thanked the office-clerk and then set off down the corridor to the main hall. In the main hall was a kitchen, lounging room and the entrance to the actual dormitories. Many of the men were already in the main room, preparing food and talking amongst each other. One of the squad leaders, Jetyner, waved him over. “How goes it, Ser?” the sturdy squad leader asked him. “It goes well Jetyner, I think we are almost ready. Oh and later I'll be discussing the plans for defence, so can anda have all the squad leaders and all the other officers gathered in here in about three glasses? I'd rather appreciate it” Skye asked wearily. “Yes, Ser” Jetyner replied. “Thanks, now have anda seen the Mage-Commander, Commander-Captain and Over-commander? Oh and also Logistics-Commander Dayn and the Tactical Commander?” Jetyner nodded. “Yes, Ser, they are all in the lounging room.”
Skye found the door to the lounging room and walked in. The officers from High Command were in there, as well as a few officers from Low Command, Commander Vyrt and Sub-Majer Blynt, plus the Logistics and Tactical Commanders, Dayn and Fledyl. Gunnar and Hylyr both looked up as he walked in; “there anda are, Ser, we were wondering when you'd be back,” Gunnar spoke without conviction. “So how did your intervention go?” the Mage-Commander asked inquisitively. Skye shrugged. “It went as well as expected really, Greevyn and his lady are leaving as we speak” the young magician replied dismissively. “Anyway, we have work to do. I need anda three and Low Command to advise me on the defence plans; I have ideas, but I also want your feedback since anda have all been in lebih sieges than I have.”
Skye nodded to Commander Vyrt. “Commander, I'll get anda to find the captains and sub-captains of Low Command and then we may proceed. The squad leaders will be congregating in less than three glasses to hear the defence plans, so we have a time limit” Skye relayed informatively. All of the officers nodded an acknowledgement. While Vyrt was finding the captains and sub-captains, Skye found that he had a pertanyaan to ask Gunnar. “Now Gunnar, anda were the last to talk to the Dragonlord, Armonath, do have any idea where he went after Trergom?” the magician asked the Commander-Captain. “Yes, Ser. I believe he returned to his halaman awal on Skrath Isle, however I don't know what he is planning to do about Altran.
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On the Isle of Skrath, a certain Dragonlord was making plans to help destroy Altran for good; in fact he and Geltharis were concocting a rather devious plan. There were approximately two thousand Elven warriors and archers on Skrath and none of them had seen any action since the Reckoning, where thousands and thousands of Elven warriors had perished. Therefore they would back up the Kaladacian troops in Counquan and hope that they somehow destroyed Altran.
“Armonath... what are anda doing?” Geltharis questioned bluntly, looking rather displeased about something. “Sorry old friend, I was just thinking about how we're going to destroy Altran. My plan is lacking in that respect” the Dragonlord replied casually. “Then why do anda seem so casual about it? It's no joke, Dragonlord, we have to destroy him atau else he'll be lord of all Kern and then our most esteemed God would most likely be displeased, particularly with me” the elf exclaimed with exasperation. “Then help me come up with a plan to defeat him, because I’m only a half dragon, not some kind of god.” Geltharis blinked and then chuckled; “neither is Altran so between the two us old farts, we should be able to find a way to destroy him magically. anda know, I can still handle a little bit of link-magic, so I can help somewhat and I can still fight with my blade and manipulate the energy from forested areas.” Armonath nodded his human head*.
Suddenly Armonath looked up in panic. “What is it?” Geltharis queried anxiously. “Power. I can feel a huge concentration of link-magic, possibly the largest I've ever felt.”
“Altran.” Then Geltharis cursed; “lightness, he's managed to get to Counquan before us and I was thinking that he wouldn't get there until tomorrow at least.”
“No,” Armonath spoke forcefully; “it's not Altran, this power is both orderly linked and chaotically energetic and that's something that I've never heard of before.” Geltharis gaped disbelievingly; “he's what? But that is literally impossible, otherwise Jakyro'yah would have known about this.”
To speak of the devil, the mentioned Jakyro'yah appeared out of the sky right before their very eyes. “Geltharis my old friend, and Armonath too; it's great to see anda both again.” Geltharis and Armonath were both grinning this time. “Impeccable timing as always” Geltharis grinned, having recovered from his joy at seeing his old friend once more. “You two need to get to Counquan, else it falls and then Kaladacia would be next” the God spoke urgently. “Actually we were ready, just waiting for the elves to ready their weaponry. Have anda felt a particularly strong link-magic aura recently?” Armonath questioned. “Yes, and Geltharis thought it was Altran no doubt. Actually the person with that link-magic concentration is called Skye, who is a Link-Mage from Argate and is currently Mage-Advisor to his Lenience in Kaladacia.”
“Oh. Well that's a certainly a stroke of luck, and since anda seem to know everything, how many are with him?” Geltharis remarked teasingly. “He has maybe five thousand men at the absolute most with him and they are all highly trained in the ways of link-magic. The Mage has been teaching Kaladacian troops to use and feel link-magic concentrations. Oh and Altran's horde is less than a hari away from Counquan, so I suggest that we leave now” the Stardust Dragon added thoughtfully, being the God of Wisdom. “What do anda mean we?” Geltharis wondered. “Exactly what the word means, you, me and Armonath; in other words I will be coming with you, whether anda like it atau not.
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The magician glanced out the window of the dormitories, wondering how Ferral was doing and if Kleryssa was okay. He missed them both a lot, even though he had only known Kleryssa a few Decemday's and Ferral had usually always been with him, so the swordsman not being around was taking some getting used to. He also wondered if they were both aman, brankas and how defending Idylyn was going, since they had to deal with all of the traitors from Tryht, Bron and Mylar. After a period of looking out the window in silence, Skye turned to Gunnar; “I wonder how it's going in Idylyn” Skye berkata thoughtfully, still thinking of Ferral and Kleryssa. “I'm sure everything will be fine, I mean, we may have had losses, but I doubt that the liege-lords will be able to defeat our whole army” the stocky Mage-Lancer spoke firmly.
Suddenly one of the captains ran up to them. “Ser, a messenger just arrived with this, and he berkata anda must read it” the young fair-haired captain cried. Skye took the proffered message, opening it quickly and membaca the words even quicker; “well this is good news, but we have to wait till tomorrow” the magician grinned cheekily at Gunnar. “What is it, Ser?” the Commander-Captain asked curiously, wondering what Skye wasn't saying. “Well, we have help. The Dragonlord is coming, along with Elven warriors and he says that they have a special acquaintance, whom we should all know... but the message didn't say who it was.”
“Hmmm,” Gunnar thought. “It must be someone powerful, especially if they know the Dragonlord and they know you. But, why?” Gunnar wondered blankly. “What do anda mean, why?” Skye asked with a frown on his face, he wondered what Gunnar meant. Surely there was no other reason than to rid Corath of Altran. “That's not what I meant, Ser Mage. I mean what are their motives, and why are they suddenly just joining us now, when they obviously know what Altran is up to and could have made their own plans to stop him themselves” the stocky commander replied bluntly. “Oh, right. I should've thought of that myself actually, since I am the Mage-Advisor.”
Hylyr joined them. “Gunnar's right. We don't know what they are up to, but tomorrow we'll find out so we must be on our guard.” Skye nodded; “there's one other thing. Altran should be here tomorrow, at least that's what the Dragonlord berkata in the message. “How does he know when Altran is going to be here?” Hylyr wondered curiously. “Armonath can sense concentrated link-magic presences, that's how he would know where Altran was, but I don't know how he would able to feel Altran's concentration from Skrath Island.” Skye suddenly clicked. “Skrath Island right? Is that where Armonath berkata he was going when anda last saw him?” the Mage asked Gunnar quickly. “Yeah,” Gunnar responded after a moment; “but what does that have to do with anything?” the Commander-Captain questioned back. “Because that's who their acquaintance is, a being from Skrath Island!”