Maskalah took a sip of wine and savored it as he savored the upcoming victory over the Riponian Captain who seemed to be a thorn in his side. He pondered what he would do to the Captain. Sacrifice was too quick and his blood not as powerful as some of the others, but breaking his will and creating a slave might be fun. That kind of task would be especially enjoyable after they conquered Blaire.
The blood mage flicked his fingers at the fireplace. Instantly a blaze erupted and burned warming the room.

--o0o--

“How are you doing today, Nevyre?” Sergeant Galyway inquired.
“Much better than the other day. Thank you, Sergeant.” Nevyre answered.
The Riponian column began lining up and strapping things together since the sun first broke over the horizon. Nevyre kept looking around expecting to see Kadyr riding up and down the line with a friendly smile and advise. He had spotted his friend’s horse but someone else was riding it. The absence of Kadyr’s curly blonde hair and open friendliness created a dead hole in his chest.
Nevyre swung up onto his horse and looked around. He was even missing that scamp, Adiah. She was no longer riding with the Stable master and taking care of the spare horses, instead she was seen stepping into a black lacquered carriage towards the front of the column.
A second carriage behind the princesses looked empty with only the Dwarven Ambassador in it. Word quickly spread as people were getting ready that Ambassador Zareb had succumbed to his burns and passed sometime during the elf attack. That too rubbed him the wrong way. He tried his best to get the Ambassador out of the burning carriage. If only he had been twenty seconds sooner, the old, robed man would still be alive and bitching about the younger generation.
“Nevyre.” Grymm approached. “The Captain would like to see you.”
“Me?” Nevyre questioned.
The young Corporal nodded. The now scarred young man looked to have aged fifteen years since he had seen him last. Three deep scars ran from hairline to chin, crossing over his eye and puckering one side of his upper lip. Dark circles made his eyes look hollow. The story was that the young Corporal had done an excellent job defending the North wall during the attack, saving at least one soldiers life in the process. The front of the Corporal’s hair was singed and half of his eye brow opposite from his scar was gone. Nevyre had heard that he had survived a fire ball during the battle. Many soldiers who once dismissed him for his small size or his youth, now looked at him with admiration and trust.
Nevyre urged his horse to follow the Corporal to the front of the column. The Riponian officers were speaking with the Horse Lords, a Centaur and Captain Dobry.
Captain Kalhoun beckoned him over and gave those around him a few last orders.
“Feeling better, Nevyre?”
“Yes, and no, Captain. I’m sorry for the loss of your Ambassador. I wish I could have gotten to him a few seconds earlier.”
“From what I saw, you prolonged his life long enough to get some valuable information from him before he died. If it hadn’t been for you, we’d have lost him in that carriage fire.”
“Still, I feel a little guilty.”
“No one here feels good about what happened.” The Captain scrubbed a hand through his dark hair. “Nevyre?” he looked Nevyre in the eye.
Nevyre returned the gaze. “What do you know of this part of Blaire?”
“Not a whole lot, Captain.” Nevyre stated honestly.
“Did you have any dealings with certain kinds of tradesmen who took short cuts across the grasslands?”
Nevyre shook his head. “Sorry Captain. If I had a few days, I’m sure I could come up with some information.”
“Well, we only have a few hours to find out what I’m looking for.” Rikki took a deep breath. “Thanks Nevyre. I knew that it might be a long shot, but I had to ask.”
“Sorry, Captain. If I knew a little more about what you are looking for, it might help me dig up some information.”
“We’re leaving in just a few minutes. I wish I could give you more time, but I have to get everyone out of Lyonsgate before the elves decide to bring their whole army down on us.”
Nevyre nodded understanding. With Princesses Tonya as well as Adiah here then add into it the Horse Lord Princess that he hadn’t met yet. It was a wonder that the elves hadn’t sent their whole army to attack last night.
“Captain.” Nevyre had an inkling of an idea. “Let me stay behind for an hour or so and see if I can find out any information. If I find anything, then I can catch up with you with it.”
Nevyre watched as the Captain scratched at his head in thought. He turned “Johnak!” he called. He looked around but didn’t see the soldier. “Grymm!”
“Right here, Captain.” Grymm rode up from the opposite side of the column. “Grab that map from Captain Dobry and bring it to me.”
Grymm spurred his horse through and around people.
“Nevyre, come with me.” Captain Kalhoun led him off to one side and to the entrance of an alley. “What I’m about to tell you can not be repeated.”
Nevyre nodded.
“Your map, Captain.” Grymm rode up and handed the map down to the dark haired Captain.
Captain Kalhoun spread the map out before the two of them and began detailing the secret that he had been planning.
Nevyre nodded after hearing the plan. “I’ll see what I can do, Captain.”
“Remember don’t divulge any details as to why you want the information. You are the only person I have told about this and I have only done so because Kadyr trusted you and you have shown some ingenuity in helping us already.”
“Captain, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
The Riponian smiled and climbed back onto his black stallion’s back. “Don’t stay too long. We don’t have much of an open window.”
Nevyre nodded and watched as the Riponian rode back to the head of the column conferred with his officers then directed the column to move out.

--o0o--

Grymm took up a position a hundred or so paces behind the Princess’s carriage as the parade of Riponians began moving through the still muddy streets of Lyonsgate and out into the grassland by way of the east bound road heading to Evalynton. He looked off to the North but didn’t see any elven bodies. The ground was black in some areas where fires from the battle had burned. The grass trampled into mud, but arrows littered the ground so think in areas, that they looked to be long thick blades of grass. Half a dozen older boys worked on plucking the arrows from the ground and sticking them into barrels for future sorting and use in defense of the fort at a later date.
His body ached all over from falling off of the battlements during the night’s fight. His eyes burned from lack of sleep and his face felt raw from exposure to multiple fire balls as well as his healing scars. As Gemma had warned, he felt drained from the healing last night. Knowing what his face looked like, the bandages covering his wounds didn’t bother him as much. He still drew looks, but at least people weren’t staring at him with horror or pity
“How are you doing? Corporal?” one of Galyway’s men inquired.
“Sore and tired.” Grymm admitted.
“Thanks for tackling me last night, Corporal.” The soldier looked the Corporal in the eye. “You saved my life.”
Grymm didn’t know what to say. He just nodded.
“I didn’t break your ribs or anything did I? when I landed on top of you?”
“No, just knocked the wind out of me.”
“I’m sorry, Corporal.”
“I’m fine. We are soldiers. It comes with the job.” Grymm shrugged.
As soon as they were away from the city, Captain Kalhoun sent scouts out to each side and forward.
The painted Horse Lord, So’ryn stayed at Rikki’s side while the Horse Lord Princess Ka’mya followed the Royal carriage and was ringed by soldiers and centaurs.
Grymm rode forward as Sergeant Galyway reined in next to the Captain. The Corporal turned his face away from the royal carriage, not wanting any of the Princesses to see his bandaged face. He eased his mount to fall in to pace ten paces behind the Captain.
“Grymm!” the Captain called.
“Right here, Captain.” Grymm answered.
Rikki reigned his mount to the side of the road and watched as the column began passing by.
“How are you doing?” the Captain asked.
“I’m fine, Captain.”
“I heard that you saw some fairly intense action last night.”
“It was just the diversion that you said it was.”
“I’ve been approached by cavalrymen all morning who have said that you handled your first command in battle very well.”
“Sir, I didn’t do much but tell them what they already knew.” Grymm admitted.
“Sometimes that is the best way to lead. Sometimes soldiers need confirmation that what they are thinking is what needs to be done.” Rikki smiled. “I heard that you saved one of Galyway’s men from a fireball and almost broke your ribs in doing so.”
“That is a bit over exaggerated, Sir. I fell off the battlements and he landed on top of me, knocking the wind from me.”
Rikki smiled. “Even some of the towns people and Lyonsgate guard have commented on your leadership, Corporal.”
“Sir, I really didn’t do much.”
Rikki lowered his voice “Scary isn’t it.”
“Sir?”
“Being in command, having everyone relying on your decisions.”
Grymm nodded before he realized what he was doing.
“It never goes away,” Rikki scrubbed a hand through his hair. He looked out across the rolling grassy hills then up to birds circling in the sky. “I heard my old Captain say that it never gets easier, you just become more callused to it.”
“Did you vomit after?” Grymm asked.
“Every time, for the first year.” Rikki smiled. “Every once in a while I still do.”
Grymm looked at his Captain in a new light.
“I just wanted to let you know that you did a good job. Elves didn’t get over the wall, and no one was seriously injured or killed. That is about as good as it gets.”
“Thank you Sir.”
Rikki urged Sefu to join the column as it began moving again.

--o0o--

His eyes closed, Maskalah sat in a chair with his fingers to his head in concentration. He was soaring on thermals above the plains of Blaire looking down through the eyes of an eagle. Even from this height he could see details that no human or elf would be able to make out. A long column of soldiers and a few carriages made its way along the eastern road from Lyonsgate to Evalynton. Scouts were deployed out around the caravan, but not far out enough to encounter his scouts north of the road.
The blood mage released his hold on the bird of prey’s mind and opened his eyes. The servants had removed the sacrifice that he had used to power that particularly difficult spell. He hated wasting such valuable blood, but he had to be sure that the Riponian princess and her entourage were moving in the direction that he was directing.
The hooded blood mage summoned a messenger to approach. The nervous elf fell to his knees before the elf mage.
“Send a message to two companies of skirmishers.” The deep raspy voice sounded like death. “Inform them that they are to set up an ambush at the ford just before Evalynton. I want all of the Princesses and the Riponian Captain captured alive. Kill all of the rest.”
“Yes, Maskalah.” The messenger bowed to the floor then crawled backwards before getting to his feet.
The blood mage’s heart pumped with excitement. There were at least two princesses in that column and he was about to capture both of them. One he would kill in a sacrifice to power his upcoming battle. The other he would break the will of to become his pet, his constant source of royal blood to power his spells.
Maskalah took a sip of wine and savored it as he savored the upcoming victory over the Riponian Captain who seemed to be a thorn in his side. He pondered what he would do to the Captain. Sacrifice was too quick and his blood not as powerful as some of the others, but breaking his will and creating a slave might be fun. That kind of task would be especially enjoyable after they conquered Blaire.
The blood mage flicked his fingers at the fireplace. Instantly a blaze erupted and burned warming the room.

--o0o--

Ka’mya trudged along behind the Riponian carriage. She had been up most of the night. So’ryn wouldn’t let her participate in the defense of Lyonsgate so she stayed in her chambers and contacted the minds of servants and soldiers to watch and get first hand information of what was going on in the defense of the walls and of the sneak attacks conducted by Horse Lords and Centaurs behind the Elven lines. Unfortunately So’ryn had shielded his mind so well that she couldn’t see or understand what he was doing. It was just like him to order her to her chambers and to stay out of battle. She was supposed to get battle experience out here on patrol, not hide in her room.
::Are you still pouting?” So’ryn inquired.
::I just don’t understand why I couldn’t participate in the battle last night.::
::Your mother would kill me if anything happened to you. Your light coat practically glows in the dark and you were sore and still mad at me for the morning’s exercise.:: So’ryn explained.
::Your coat is whiter than mine.:: Ka’mya protested. ::Well, usually.:: she looked over at the painted Horse Lord.
::I had a servant rub soot into my coat to darken it.:: So’ryn explained. ::Would you really allow someone to do that to your beautiful coat?::
Ka’mya shuddered. She blew out her nostrils.
::I thought not.:: So’ryn stated.
Ka’mya was quiet. One person she hadn’t checked in on last night was Tonya. ::What did you do last night?::
::Shhhh. Not so loud. I got drunk and then was locked into a room with Adiah and two body guards.::
::Why?:: Ka’mya asked. ::I don’t understand humans and drinking. Horse Lords don’t get drunk.::
::It has been a difficult few days. I thought it might relax me enough to get some sleep.:: Tonya had the drapes on the carriage closed as well as her eyes to block out the light. Her head would not stop pounding and the road, not being the smoothest she had been on, made her already tender stomach want to flip flop.
::Did it?::
::After a while, yes.:: Tonya sighed then blurted out. ::Rikki kissed me again last night.::
::He did? Did you kiss him back? What was it like?::
::Yes, and it was fantastic, but then he stopped and said that he couldn’t do it anymore.::
::Why not?:: Ka’mya inquired.
::Something about being below my station.::
::Well he is.:: Ka’mya agreed. ::But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little fun. Why didn’t you order him to continue?::
::What?:: Tonya’s voice was aghast. ::I couldn’t.::
::Why not. You are a his Princess. He has sworn to obey you.::
::It just isn’t done that way.:: Tonya stated firmly.
::Why not?::
::It just isn’t. Besides, you want someone to kiss you only if they want to. If it is forced, it isn’t as magical.::
::Humans are so weird.::

--o0o--

Monyka looked out of the carriage window to see Mistress Gemma ride up to Captain Kalhoun.
“Captain, might I take Monyka off a little ways to work with her on her control of her gift?” Gemma inquired.
Rikki scanned the grassland then looked to So’ryn. “You may take her, but only with two soldiers as body guards.”
“But we will be using the gift. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.”
“I’ll go with them.” Galyway volunteered.
“Thank you, Sergeant.” Monyka smiled.
“I won’t take them too far, Captain.” Markys promised.
“Just far enough away so that the others aren’t watching and distracting her.” Gemma nodded.
The three slowly rode parallel from the column. The Sergeant guided his horse to ride between them and the column blocking off some of the view. At first it garnered a few looks but people went back to minding their own business.
“Anchor your core.” Gemma instructed. “Good, good.” She nodded as she probed Monyka’s shield.
“Thank you for coming with us.” Monyka smiled.
“You still have a lot to learn before I introduce you to Kaniel.”
“Who is Kaniel?” Monyka asked.
“He is kind of the leader of sorcerers in these parts. He is the most powerful, well, he was the most powerful. You are much more so than he. He will help you to learn your potential.”
“So how can I use this gift for anything other than healing?” Monyka asked.
“I can only show you a few things and describe a few more. Kaniel will be able to teach you much, much more.”
“What all can I do? I can heal and I can move objects.”
“You can project energies. You will probably be able to summon lightening and throw fireballs someday.”
“Really?” Monyka sounded excited.
“With great power comes great responsibility as well as great energy drain.” Gemma reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a candle.
Monyka looked at her with interest.
“first watch, then do.” Gemma smiled. A green aura sprang up around her. Monyka watched as small red threads leaped from her aura to ignite the candle wick.
“Whoa.” Monyka breathed.
“Your turn.” Gemma prompted.
Monyka made sure that her core was anchored and concentrated on the candle wick. Nothing happened.
“You shouldn’t have to force it, dear.” Gemma instructed. “Watch me again, I’ll do it more slowly.”
Monyka watched again as red threads of her aura spun off and followed a projectory to the candle wick. The wick smoked and then burst to life.
“Think hot and reach out with your mind. Create a bridge of sorts between your mind and the candle wick and allow your aura to flow along the bridge.
Monyka concentrated again.
“That’s it.” Gemma encouraged. “Think hot, think flame, and keep the bridge open.”
The wick burst into flame.
“Wow, that is hard.” Monyka panted.
“It’s like exercising a new muscle.” Gemma explained, “Once you strengthen it. You’ll be able to light a candle, lantern or fire with barely a thought.”
Monyka nodded understanding.
“Now, take the fire away.” Gemma nodded.
“Take it away?” Monyka inquired.
“You can either take the heat away from the wick there by extinguishing it, or you can put it out. I’ve found it easier to take the heat away.”
Monyka watched as Gemma created a bridge with her aura and pulled the heat from the candle.
“Oh!” Monyka explained. “Let me try.”
“First light it.” Gemma held the candle out.
Monyka concentrated and the flame appeared. It was a bit easier this time knowing how exactly it was done. Keeping the bridge, she pulled the heat out of the wick and the flame went out leaving a trail of smoke floating up through the air.
“Very good.” Gemma nodded approval. She handed the candle to Monyka. “Now start practicing until it becomes second nature.”
Monyka held the candle out in front of her and began creating the bridge and pushing and pulling heat into and out of the candle wick.
“What other kinds of things can you do with this?” Monyka asked.
“I’m not powerful enough to do much more than that.” Gemma sighed. “You however. Well who knows?”
“How does one make fireballs?” Monyka asked.
“I don’t know, dear. I’m a healer not a warrior.”
“Lightening?”
Gemma shook her head. “There is a dead shrub over there.” Gemma pointed. “See if you can ignite it.
Monyka followed her gaze and began creating a bridge. She forced heat along the bridge. Nothing happened. She pushed more. A branch began to smolder. Encouraged, Monyka forced a bunch more heat along the channel. The whole bush erupted into a giant fireball scaring Monyka and snapping her bridge back to her aura.
“Whoa. Pull it back Monyka. That was too much.” Gemma’s voice was full of nervous energy.
“Are you doing that?” Markys sounded scared.
“She is.” Gemma beamed.
Monyka just nodded. she thrust a bridge back out to the bush.
“Don’t take it all at once. It could rebound on you and engulf you.” Gemma warned.
Monyka nodded again with understanding and drew the heat out of the bush, leaving it smoking. She took a deep breath and panted.
“That was hard.” She commented.
“The larger the distance between you and your target, the more energy you’ll use.” Gemma handed her a waterskin. “Here’s some tea, drink up.”
“Did you really just light and put out that fire?” Markys sounded bewildered and a little bit scared.
Monyka finished her swallow of tea and beamed at him.
“I think we should head back. That should be enough for today.” Gemma decided.
“I can go longer.” Monyka protested.
“I’m sure you think you can, dear.” Gemma sympathized. “Remember the headaches, the lack of energy? The constant hunger?”
Monyka nodded.
“All of that comes from using too much of the gift.”
“Can I practice lighting the candle?” Monyka asked.
“Just don’t over do it.” Gemma nodded. “You’ll be the one to live with the consequences if you do.”
Monyka beamed as they rode back to rejoin the Riponian caravan.
Kadyr’s friend Nevyre rode up to the Captain. His horse’s sides heaving from having been ridden hard and fast.
Monyka gave up her mount and joined Tonya, Adiah and Annyka in the royal carriage.

--o0o--

Rikki looked up and down the road then south across the grass waving in the soft wind. “Thanks Nevyre.”
“Not a problem, Captain.” Nevyre met a stable man with a fresh mount on the side of the road and transferred his saddle and saddle bags to the fresh mount.
“Grymm!” Captain Kalhoun called.
“Right here, Captain.”
“Round up the senior officers I want them up here with in five minutes.”
“Yes, Captain.” Grymm was already wheeling his horse around.
Rikki looked up to see two large birds circling high over head. He scrubbed his hand through his hair and looked out over the grasslands to the south again.
Sergeant Takoda rode back up the line with Grymm. Markys was already nearby and So’ryn was never very far. Even when he was, the Horse Lord could keep in contact with his mind speech.
“What is it, Captain.” Takoda asked coldly.
“I’ve been planning something out for the past few days.”
“Are we finally going to be let in on this secret?” Markys asked.
“As soon as Skot gets here.” Rikki scanned down the line and found the Yeoman racing up the side of the column.
“What is going on, Captain?” Skot asked.
Four faces eagerly looked to him.
“We are going to be leaving the road and cutting south.” Rikki stated.
“What?” Takoda nearly shouted. “Have you gone mad?”
“Listen.” Rikki demanded. “The elves have been leading us into a trap.”
“How do you know?” Takoda asked.
“The attacks on the farms and villages of Blaire have all been South. None were made along this road.” Rikki explained. “The elves attacked Lyonsgate last night but not in force. Just enough to make us uncomfortable being there, forcing us out to where they can get at the princesses.”
“Makes sense.” Markys nodded.
Skot nodded agreement.
“If I was an elf, and I wanted something that was protected there, I’d do the same thing. I’d also set up another ambush, but this time with over whelming odds in my favor. There is no better place than at the ford crossing the river to get to Evalynton.”
Sergeant Takoda was listening now.
“I sent out eight scouts last night before the attacks. Four to Evalynton and four to Spruce springs. . . “
“We aren’t doubling back to Spruce Springs, are we?” Takoda demanded.
“No.” Rikki was trying to keep his temper regarding the Sergeant at Arms.
“The Ozara River cuts north just south of here. I’ve ordered the scouts going to Spruce Springs to hire some boats to ferry across to the other side. We are going to make a run for it. That is why I wanted everyone to pack light. Even Princess Tonya is only bringing the bare essentials. I’ve made arrangements with Captain Dobry to have everything else follow us in a few days and be delivered to us in Malden. We’ll take the wagons as far as we can. If it gets too difficult or they get stuck, we can move what we can to the spare mounts.”
“What if the scouts didn’t get to Spruce Springs or couldn’t get any boats?” Takoda asked.
“Worse case scenario, we swim across the Ozara.” Rikki shrugged. “The Ozara is the main river to the North West Passage. There should be plenty of boats on the river.”
“Have you sent scouts south to find a path?” Takoda asked.
Rikki looked up at the sky. “See those birds circling up there?” The other four looked up. “Have you known hawks to circle a town and caravan almost non stop for two days?”
“No.” Markys shook his head.
“I think the blood mage is some how using them to spy on us.”
“You’re paranoid.” Takoda scoffed.
Rikki glared at the Sergeant at Arms. “They have been circling above us since yesterday morning. We’ve left Lyonsgate way behind us. If they were circling prey around the fort then they would have stayed there.”
“So that is why you’ve asked for us to shoot them down if they come with in range.” Skot understood.
Rikki nodded.
“When are we making a break for it?” Markys inquired.
“There is a hill up ahead covered with oak trees.” Rikki stated. “We’ll head under them for a mid day break and rest the horses. Change out the ones that have been pulling the carriages. If the elves are using those birds for spying the trees will give us some cover. We can lighten up and tighten up and then make dash from there. The Ozara is south east from there. It’ll take a few hours to reach it and hopefully the boats will be ready for us.”
“There are an awful lot of maybes in that plan.” Takoda still wasn’t buying it. “Did you gather any information on what is out there?”
“Nevyre did some asking around in Lyonsgate.” Rikki told the Sergeant at Arms. “As far as anyone knew it was just rolling grassland until you get to the Ozara.”
“I still don’t like running blindly out into the unknown; especially with four Princesses to protect.”

--o0o--

“Okay, everyone mount up!” Rikki called. A few of the servants finished watering the horses. While the horses spent the last candle mark resting, the Riponian entourage worked quickly to secure their loads. They deposited anything that they didn’t need into a cache which So’ryn notified Lorcan of it’s where about’s. The Centaur would have someone from Lyonsgate gather it up in the next day or two and add it to the other goods to be shipped to Malden.
“Okay, let’s move out!” Rikki called. “Scouts, go and range ahead. May the Gods shine upon us.” He saluted them. “Nothing faster than a canter right now.” He instructed the entourage as they passed him and out from under the shady canopy of the oak trees. “Keep her with in sight, Markys.”
The Sergeant nodded as he rode a hundred paces after the carriage.
Rikki waited until all of the entourage and servants had left the cover of the hillock before spurring Sefu to join them.
As soon as he was clear of the canopy himself, he looked up into the sky to find the two dots circling in the sky over head. It would only be a matter of time now before the Elves would find out what he was doing. He just hoped that they were too far away to catch up with them.
Rikki stayed near the rear of the column watching for any one who might stray too far from the group or be falling behind. Only a hand full of spare horses were bringing up the rear under the watchful eye of the two stable masters and four of his cavalrymen. They were to help anyone who’s horse was too tired or came up lame.
Seeing the column moving quickly and efficiently through the tall grass, Rikki gave Sefu his head and enjoyed the wind as the horse stretched out his legs. He passed Skot who was to stay with the servants most of who seemed to be riding very well. A few not so confident riders hung on as the wagons bounced and jarred along the uneven ground.
Next he came upon the retinue; Markys rode along beside Ambassador Kalgar’s carriage, his eyes scanning the horizon of the grass to either side as they made their way.
“How are you doing, Kalgar?” Rikki greeted.
“I feel like small rock being rolled along the bottom of a river bed.” Kalgar’s speech was every bit as jarring as his body looked. “I’ll be alright.”
Rikki gave him a nod then rode further up the line. Grymm rode just behind the carriage carrying the princesses. Kama Takar jogged effortlessly along beside the bouncing buggy.
“There is no shame in hopping onto the back step of the carriage if you get tired.” Rikki told the Mul.
“I’ll be fine.” Takar gave the Captain a nod.
“If you start lagging behind, I’ll have you tossed over the back of a horse, Kama.” Rikki threatened.
“How are you faring in there, your Highness?” Rikki raised his voice.
“Wishing I had my special carriage.” Tonya called back out. “This tossing about is not helping my hang over, Captain.”
“Captain, may I please ride?” Adiah begged. “This is horrible.”
“When we rest the horses in a bit, I’ll let you ride but only on my terms.” Rikki warned.
“What ever you want. I just don’t want to be bounced around in here any more.” Adiah complained.
::Captain.:: Ka’mya’s voice entered his mind.
::Princess?::
::I am willing to take Princess Tonya on my back. We discovered the other day a way that can change my gait so that it won’t hurt her too bad.::
::You’re willing to allow someone to ride you?:: So’ryn questioned.
::She’s a Princess.:: To Ka’mya that explained it all.
::It is alright with me as long as you follow orders.:: Rikki relented.
::I will, Captain.::
Rikki nodded. “Adiah, do you want to ride Comyn when we stop?”
“Ooh, could I?”
“She will.” Tonya answered before Rikki could open his mouth. “We need to find a horse for Monyka.”
::Captain, I’ll take you if Monyka can handle Sefu.:: So’ryn offered.
::Works with me.::
“Monyka do you think you can handle Sefu?”
“Sure, Captain.” Monyka called.
“What about me?” Annyka’s pitched voice was frantic. “I don’t want to stay in here.”
“I’m sure we can find a horse for you to ride, or you can ride double with someone.” Rikki assured her.
“Should we leave the carriage then?” Grymm asked.
“Not yet. We might need it.” Rikki was reluctant to give something so valuable up so soon after purchasing it. Once they were across the river, the princesses could be more comfortable in it.”
Rikki scanned the terrain to the south then looked up. The birds were still circling them. That seemed to prove his theory in his eyes. the birds had changed directions three times today and not once did they swoop or dive for prey.

--o0o--

“Maskakah.” A blood mage approached his face white and his voice shaking.
“What is it?” the hooded mage asked impatiently. He was preparing a spell to travel to the Evylonton ford.
“The Riponians.” The blood mage flinched. “They’ve changed direction.”
“What do you mean?” Maskalah’s voice was full of venom.
“We’ve been tracking them through the birds like you have asked.” The white-lipped blood mage began sweating. “They’ve left the road and are heading south at a very rapid rate.”
Maskalah paused in his preparations and turned towards the blood mage. “They what?”
The messenger closed his eyes. He was the weaker of the blood mages keeping tabs on the Riponians therefore he was nominated to inform Maskalah of the change in events. “They have left the road and are moving rapidly south, great one.” He was afraid to look at the dark elf. Too many have died at his whim.
Maskalah sat down in a chair and closed his eyes. his blood was already charged with power from earlier sacrifices so it was easy to slip out of his body and project his mind into that of a hawk’s. Another blood mage was already occupying and controlling the bird. Maskalah tossed the imbecile’s conscious aside. The air was warmer than it was this morning’ the thermals easier to find and easier to ride. He focused down onto a dark column of horses riding two and three abreast. A few wagons bumped along int
rspersed with the bright blue uniforms of the Riponian soldiers. Furious, the hawk called out
Why were the Riponians heading south? Why had they changed direction so suddenly? What had tipped them off? He had his skirmishers concentrate south of Lyonsgate to discourage them traveling that way. The Ozara River was a wide barrier like wall. It led right back to the ford where as they spoke, his elves were starting to get into place to spring the trap.
Breaking away from the circle, the hawk flew quickly to the north and east it’s keen eyes searching for any elven spies that might be in the area. The nearest skirmishers were too far away to catch up with the Riponians even with the aid of magic. The hawk screamed again.
Maskalah opened his eyes in his chambers He flung his hand with a thought behind it. The stupid weakling of a mage flew against the far wall, the back of his head caving in. In a second’s notice Maskalah was beside the crumpled body soaking in the power from the blood mage’s death.
“Send for the mage circle!” Maskalah’s yelled at a servant. The elf didn’t even bow, but took off at a dead run. “I want three virgins, now!” Maskalah directed at another servant. “Have twenty more scarifces under the age of thirty brought as well.” The servant’s feet barely touched the floor as he ran to do his bidding. He needed the more potent blood of the virgins to transport the mage circle to catch up with the Riponians. The others would be used to power their spells.
Maskalah finished absorbing the magical essence from the dead blood mage and began pacing the length of his chambers trying to figure out what the Riponians were up to and how to stop them. He needed to get a hold of those princesses.