In the ruins of the dead village's great hall, a war council has gathered to hear your report. King Garrovic, knights Joric, Garvin, Castellan Rhyan, Jenn-Dai, Yarga, and aides and assistants to each of these. Also present is a newcomer, Ser Thorvic, Castellan of Castle Morin, commander of the reinforcements from the castle to the south of Eryth.
Most of the roof was torn off the great hall long ago. Torches light the scene and snow flutters down through the great rents in the open roof. You can hear the sounds of the camp outside: horses snorting and stamping, men shouting and patrolling, the sound of hammers on metal as they prepare for battle.
The King's eyes are bleary, and he trembles as he speaks quietly to Joric beside him. But no goblets are seen near him.
Rhyan says, "You are the only scouts to return to us. Say what you saw."
Kane spreads a map out on the table. He looks around the group gathered at the table and says, "We have seen the Beast's camp, and know what he has planned for us."
The King sways slightly. A camp stool is brought for him to sit upon. "Go on, Kane."
Yarga snaps, "We have waited long enough! Rugash has decreed that our foes must die this night!"
Khom-Bei leans close to Yarga and whispers to him, "Has Rugash decreed how many Urag must die in the fight, or will you listen to Kane?"
Yarga sneers at Khom-Bei, but is silent. Garvin smirks at Khom-Bei's admonition to the Urag leader.
On the map Kane points to Morden Vale and the creek that runs down it. "The Beast plans to ambush us here in the vale. He has forces massed to either side."
Rhyan says, "Then they've decided to make a stand. If they flee past the vale, we could chop them down piecemeal all the way back to Castle Northspike."
Castellan Thorvic, a tall, dour man with a huge handlebar mustache, leans over the map. "How many forces has he?" he drawls.
Khom-Bei leans over the map, "Several hundred men. But we think that they might be too confident and may fall prey to a trap of our own."
The King blinks, slowly. "Several hundred. And Vorghol?"
Kane says, " He has one hundred Vorghol warriors and another four hundred Reith."
Khom-Bei points to the southern end of the valley on the map, "There is a swamp here. If we send a small force, dragging brush behind them to look like a larger group, the Beast will think we have fallen into his trap. If we then come up to his rear with our main force, we may catch him between us and finish the fight for good."
Rhyan says, "Very risky, Khom-Bei. If discovered, our horses would have little room t'maneuver in defense. And separated, our forces would be easy prey for the Vorghol."
Kane says, "He thinks we must march up from the south. But if the main force moved North East through the forest of Galad..."
Thorvic shakes his head, stroking his mustache. "We'd never get our cavalry through those woods." He seems pretty hard to convince.
Thragga seats himself nearby, listening, and drinking some mulled wine to stay warm.
Khom-Bei says, "Exactly what the enemy will think. The surprise will be overwhelming."
Kane says, "The only other course would be to go around Galad coming down through the hunting grounds."
Khom-Bei says, "And that would take more time than we have. We must move swiftly to catch them."
Kane says, "Is there any here familiar with Galad? Are there trails?"
Yarga nods. "My Yaragai know all the trails in these lands."
Jenn-Dai passes Khom-Bei her lit pipe, filled with fragrant herbs. Khom-Bei takes a deep drag on the pipe before passing it back, nodding in thanks.
The King sets his hand on his forehead, listening.
Khom-Bei says, "If the Urag will lead the cavalry through the wood, it can work, but we will still need a small, quick group for the diversion to the south."
Kane looks from Rhyan to Yarga, "What do you think, Rhyan, Yarga? You have experience moving large forces."
Rhyan shakes his head. "I'd lief as not take my knights through those woods. We would lose mobility. I hear tell something like that happened to King Leonic, in the Second Crusade. And he became easy prey for Valkris."
Kane says, "What would you suggest then, Rhyan?"
"Enter the Vale to the south, in force," Rhyan replies. "Archers first to soften them up, then knights behind. A quick hammer strike on one of the Beast's flanks. Then it is his forces that will be divided, and easy prey for our men-at-arms."
Khom-Bei says, "That is exactly what they expect you to do. And exactly what they are hoping you will do."
Garvin, nods at Khom-Bei's words, and drums his fingers. "We need to think differently, my lords. These men know this foe as well as we do."
Kane looks around to the leaders, "What is our current strength?
Rhyan says, "A century of knights, two centuries of cavalry, and two more of footmen. Plus nearly a hundred Urag skirmishers, and that many more Northclanners."
Khom-Bei says, "And we must not forget about the Necromancer's abomination."
The King shakes his head. "It is not enough..." he mutters.
Khom-Bei says, "It can be, Your Grace. If we turn the tables on the Beast and his army by doing what they think we cannot."
Kane says, "It sounds to me that a two-pronged attack will be best. Urag, Northeners, and half of the Ress foot goes through Galad. The horse and the other half of the foot heads up the vale.""
Rhyan and Thorvic look skeptical. They both seem rather conservative in their approach.
Khom-Bei says, "Perhaps the foot soldiers should all move through the forest, Kane. The men in the Vale itself would be best on horseback for mobility. The archers especially will have the advantage of high ground if they enter thought the wood."
Kane says, "Yes, but if there is no foot the Beast may suspect something."
Yarga says, "Whatever the plan, Yarga himself will lead the assault!"
Rhyan ignores Yarga's outburst, and says, "Anyone who enters the vale will need archers for cover. Else the Beast's own bows will pick us off before we can ever charge them."
Khom-Bei says, "Then send only the archers of your footmen with the cavlary and the knights."
The King says, voice tremulous, "It is not enough...."
Kane turns to the King, "Your Grace, would you speak?"
King Garrovic's face is pale, his eyes red. "This attack is ill-advised, Kane." He looks towards his men, then back to Kane. "What is to be gained?"
Kane says, "What would you have us do, Your Grace? Let the Beast lie in wait where he is? Allow him to regroup and perhaps attack again? The Beast's hands run red with the blood of all your peoples. Will you just let him walk away?"
Joric speaks. "He is right, Your Grace. This is the moment when we can end this particular evil."
King Garrovic nods. "Very well.."
Kane says, "Rhyan, Yarga, Jenn-dai, what do you think of a two-pronged attack? Do any of you see a better way?"
Rhyan raises his voice. "Your plan has merit. We will take the knights, the cavalry, and a portion of men-at-arms into the vale, as you suggest. You will lead the Urag and Northclanners, plus a portion of the men-at-arms, through the woods here." He draws with his finger where the woods are narrowest. "Thorvic will lead an assault on the left flank. That will be the signal for you in the woods to strike from behind."
Yarga scowls. "A fool's plan! The Yaragai need no aid to ambush the Vorghol!"
Kane asks, "What then would mighty Yarga do?"
Yarga roars, "The Ress and the Northclanners may bait the Beast from his hiding hole. But it is the Yaragai that will be the last sight he ever sees, as we sweep down on him from the woods!"
Jenn-Dai looks to Khom-Bei. "This fool of an Urag may ruin everything..."
The Ress look unhappy at this braggart of a greenskin, spurning their alliance. They mutter among themselves.
Khom-Bei says, "Yarga, even the Urag cannot fend for themselves against the Vorghol and the necromancer, no army could."
Yarga bellows, "Yarga is the scourge of the Vorghol!"
Garvin murmurs, "This one believes his own daft legends."
Kane says, "Yarga, think of the two forces as a hammer and an anvil. One must have the other to strike hardest. After this battle, Yarga will be known as the Hammer of the North. To you will go the head of the Beast. What say you?"
Khom-Bei leans close to Jenn-dai and whispers to her, "Something is not right. The minds of the leaders in this place seem detached from reason, no?"
Jenn-Dai nods, replying gently, "You are observant. But no magic is at work here. The King's body and mind ache for drink. And the Ress and Urag do not trust one another...a long hatred that detaches them from wisdom. Each suspects the other of some malice. Will their daggers be in each other's backs, and do the Beast's work for them?"
Kane waits for Yarga's response.
Yarga says, "Very well! Let the tale of Yarga grow even more this night! You will all reckon highly in the tale of the Hammer of the North!"
Kane looks to Khom-Bei and rolls his eyes, then raises his goblet and offers a toast, "To the Hammer of the North and to all the heroes that go forth to rid this land of the hated Vorghol Beast."
Khom-Bei raises his goblet and laughs aloud, "And may the tale not be forgotten ot the Anvil of the South!"
Goblets are raised to the toast and cheers given. Garvin asks, "And who'd that be, lad?"
Kane again raises his glass, "To the Anvil of the South!"
Kane says, "Why, that would be the strong shield of Ress!"
The King rises, no goblet in his hand. "Rhyan, we will strike with your plan. A hammer and anvil. Ress on one side, the warriors of the north on the other. And I will lead the forces into the vale myself." He nods to Kane and Khom-Bei. "We ride within the hour," he orders. "Make ready the men." He turns to depart, and the Ressi bow low as he does.
Kane bows as well.
Kane turns to Rhyan and says, "I start to like this King of yours more and more."
Khom-Bei bows deeply to the King. Thragga bows as well.
Rhyan almost smiles. "Raelere saw much good in him. She spoke of it often. A pity she was not here to see him defeat his demon."
Within the hour, the camp makes ready to move out, the warriors forming into torchlit, columns, the swift horses of Ress, each a magnificent beast, breathing steamy clouds into the night. Mail is tied on, swords slipped into oiled scabbards, arrows stuffed into quivers. Urag warriors shoulder their axes and bows; Northerlings sharpen their daggers. The camp is bustling with activity as you all prepare.
Thragga squats near an old well, sharpening his axe with a whetstone. The battle with Zhalin gave it a jagged nick in the blade and he works to remove it. Kane and Khom-Bei's horses are brought, freshly shoed, fed and watered. The snow has stopped, leaving mostly muddy piles of sleet strewn about.
Kane feels much better after some warm clothes and hot food. He checks the tack on his horse as well as his armor and weapons.
Khom-Bei spends the hour in meditation and talk with Jenn-dai, then rejoins his comrades.
Thragga is saying, "I hope you brought enough food, Kane. My bag is full, and I was quite fond of the cakes they served us at supper."
A page pats Cakilgan's side as he passes the reins to Khom-Bei. "Handsome animal," says the young man. "Would you be willin' t'sell him for some dragons? F'r breedin' stock."
Khom-Bei smiles at the man and shakes his head as he pats the pony on the head, "I'm sorry, but he's not for sale. Though I'm certain he'd be happy to breed some of your mares after this is all over."
Kane looks at Thragga and points to his stuffed saddle bags. He says, "Well I guess it has come to this again. Once again we ride with an army. Today the hunting will be very good."
Thragga grins. "Very good indeed." He works at his blade.
Kane sits down by his friend and allows himself to close his eyes for a few moments. He dozes gently.
The page snorts in amusement, horselike.
As Khom-Bei leads Cakilgan away, the crowd parts, briefly. On the Ress side of the village, you all see warriors making ready, including Ser Joric. Before him, stands Dhar-bo. She smiles up at the handsome young man, and offers him something. From here, it appears to be a clutch of winter flowers. You can see him give a courtly bow as he returns the young woman's smile, then kisses the back of her hand. Then he swings up on his horse, smoothly, expertly, as if he were born to the saddle.
Thragga pauses from sharpening his axe to look at Khom-Bei a moment.
Across the camp, Ser Joric canters away, lining up in formation with the other knights.
Thragga elbows Kane a moment, startling him awake, then points to the little scene across the camp.
Khom-Bei walks to Dhar-bo and speaks softly, "You seem taken with the young man, sister."
Kane whispers to Thragga, "It is a loss, but I do not think Khom-Bei is ready for a new wife yet."
Dhar-bo seems startled, as she watched the knight trot off on his horse. "Good evening, Khom-Bei. Did you say something?"
Thragga shakes his head, and goes back to his axe.
Khom-Bei smiles, leans close, and kisses Dhar-bo on the cheek, as a father would kiss a daughter, "May you find the love that I once knew, sister, and the happiness."
Kane says, leaning back and closing his eyes again, half dozing,"Some wolves must hunt alone."
Dhar-bo smiles, shying away. "Thank you, kinsman, but things will be what they will. And we have much to do this night, do we not?"
Khom-Bei says, "Yes, sister, we do. But do not forget to find your happiness where you can. Do not take it for granted, someday all things will pass to the next world." He stands up as tall as he can, "I will see you when the fight is over, sister. Be careful."
Jenn-Dai emerges from the crowd as well. "Khom-Bei! We dare not go into this battle without asking for the help of the Powers. And you will lead the prayer!"
At these words, Thragga pockets his whetstone and rises, respectfully.
Khom-Bei turns and faces Jenn-dai and the assembled troops, "I would be proud, Jenn-dai.
The other Northerlings cluster about, painted and cloaked for battle, daggers out. Busc is a Power of war and these are his people.
Kane shakes himself awake, looks around, not wanting to get up, but then offers Thragga his hand for a boost.
Khom-Bei steps forward slightly and holds his hands out, signaling for quiet.
Thragga seems genuinely intimidated by Jenn-Dai, for some reason. He quietly offers his hand to Kane.
Kane reluctently stands.
Khom-Bei says, "I am shaman, as my father before me and his fathers before him. I am last of the clan of the Cold Wind. Today we go to fight the great enemy of our fathers and the new enemy of our own days. May the Great Father look down upon us with favor and give us his blessing. May He-Who-Watches give us strength for the fight. May The Protector smile on our struggle. Be brave, my brothers, and falter not."
A light seems to shine from Khom-Bei's brow as he speaks these words. Jenn-Dai says, "As it is spoken, so let it come to be!"
Northerling voices rise. "Cold Wind! Night Mask! Red Claw! Clans of the North! One people, in vengeance!"
Thragga bows his head in due respect for the prayer, then raises his axe. "Kai Hunters!"When the prayer is finished Kane looks up from the ground and quickly mounts his horse.
Khom-Bei thrusts his hands into the air, "Kai Uraga!"
Khom-Bei turns to face Garvin and the other Oathkeepers as he salutes them, "We guard!"
The assembled warriors cheer with one voice at Khom-Bei's words. Even from the columns of the Ress warriors, voices echo. "Forth the Northclanners! Kai Yaragai! We guard!"
Pully the reigns of his horse Kane looks over to Thragga and says, "Time to hunt." then clicks his tongue and moves into formation.
Khom-Bei leaps onto his pony and kicks it into line behind Kane.
The woods of Galad, as you've learned, are dark and deep, but the way is clear. The Urag and the Northerlings move like the wind through these forested hills, leaving almost no trace. The Ress men-at-arms have a harder time of it, stubbing toes and twisting ankles on the hidden tree roots that more experienced feet can find clear of.
Thragga helps one Ress warrior to his feet. The man looks up at the Urag, terrified, takes one step forward and howls.
Thragga squints at Khom-Bei. "His ankle must be broken. And I will not carry him. Shall I kill him?"
Khom-Bei frowns at Thragga as he climbs down from his mount, "It's simple enough to fix."
The warrior looks about to faint. One of the Yaragaii says, "No, let me." He moves forward, sharp spear ready.
Khom-Bei kneels and takes the man's ankle in his hands, "Great Father, heal this soldier in your fight against the Dark Ones that he may send many to their final rest."
The Urag protests, "If you keep weaklings alive, it strains all the rest of us."
As a warm light suffuses the wood, Khom-bei straightens the man's ankle.
Holy light soothes the man's pain. The swelling diminishes and he can rise on it, eyeing the greenskins warily. He offers a bow of thanks to Khom-Bei as he takes up his bow.
The Urag says something scornful to Thragga in Urag-ta."These softling Reith!" Thragga shrugs in sympathy and agreement.
Khom-Bei frowns at the Urag as a group and answers them in Urag-ta, "Every axe fights, every bow, even a child can land a killing blow to a weakened enemy."
The warrior looks astonished that Khom-Bei can speak his tongue. Now he throws back his head and laughs. In Marreith, he says, "Well said, Northerling! Zukag likes these words!"
Turning to continue the march, Zukag's laughter echoes off the snowy woods.
The Yaragai keep up a furious pace, with the relentless energy of sprinting Urag. The Northerlings, some on ponies, many on foot, are hard pressed to keep up. Behind them, footsore, slower, but steady, come the Ress men-at-arms. Soon, across a broad clearing, near where you battled Zhalin, is the rocky ridge that forms the westernmost shelf of the hills on the west side of the Morden Vale. It is still night here, a strange, dead, unnatural darkness like you found in Camars.
Yarga stands near Kane, eyeing the Vale. "On the far side, we will find the Beast?"
Kane says, "Yes, but remember we must wait for the anvil, Hammer."
Khom-Bei nods slowly, "The best smith knows that all must be right before he swings."
Yarga silently gestures to a small squad of his men. They race out into the clearing to scout the site. Shouts across the way are heard. Swift, unseen arrows strike down two of the Urag, who topple backwards, dead. The others hurl themselves flat. The arrows seem to have come from a grove of trees towards the top of the rocky ridge, about a hundred yards distant.
Reith and Urag alike seek cover along the treeline.
Yarga, crouching beside a tree, says to Kane and Khom-Bei, "They wait for us. Someone must end them." He draws his nasty-looking Tol Nedran blade.
Jenn-Dai says, "There cannot be very many....that grove is not large."
Kane says, "Hopefully these are just scouts, and we can deal with them before the main force is alerted."
Khom-Bei says, "It must be quick, it only takes one to sound an alarm.""
Kane says, "True, however these Vorghol are arrogant. They live for the fight."
Thragga gives orders to Zukag. "Take twenty warriors. Go off that way, towards the right flank. Kill all you find."
Kane adds, "None must get away."
Jenn-Dai says, "I will send warriors towards the left flank. Hammer and anvil..."
Kane smiles at Jenn-Dai.
Harrion, the Ress Captain, a mustachioed man in quilted armor and a hood, orders his archers into position, to give covering fire.
Khom-Bei nods, "I hope they are so arrogant to think they cannot be beaten. It will make our victory that nuch sweeter."
Kane says, "You know them as well as I do, what do you think?"
Khom-Bei says, "The Beast of Northspike allied with a necromancer that can darken the sun and you ask what I think, Kane? I think that these are strange times."
Thragga steps forward, axe in hand. "Well? What are we waiting for?" he asks Kane, as Urag and Northerling war parties form up.
Kane says, "We must be in position when Rhyan arrives... let the scouts handle it this time."
Zukag and twenty Urag slip off through the woods to the right, headed for the grove. In a moment, they are lost to the night.
On the right flank, Dai-thon and his kinsmen stalk the woods, headed for the rocky ridge as well.
Thragga sulks. He gnaws an old hamhock from yesterday's stew.
Kane nods and says, "We must form up, the hammer must be ready when the anvil arrives."
As your small force forms into columns, Yarga says, "You are not like any Nedri I have met, Kane. What sort of Nedri hates his own kind?"
Kane says, "I hate not my own kind. It is the Vorghol who I hate. True, they have badly injured your peoples. I say my people have been hurt ten fold. I will die fighting the Vorghol."
Yarga says, "Yarga foretells that you will." Then he's silent as shouts and noises echo from the grove ahead. In the distance, you can see Zukag, who steps from the grove and waves to you the all-clear.
Jenn-Dai signals the clansmen forward. Harrion orders a double-time march to the grove. And Yarga's warriors race forward, hooting in glee.
Kane says almost furtively, "Quietly, you are apt to rouse the dead, literally."
The small force swarms forward, up the ridgeline towards the grove.
Khom-Bei pats his pony once on the nose and tells him quietly, "Stay here. I'll call you if I need you." He turns and follows the others up the ridgeline.
Zukag is signalling excitedly to Yarga. As you enter the grove, you see bits and pieces of Tol Nedrans hurled about. Arms, legs, and heads. Zukag's warriors are passing one head around like a child's toy. One puts the head on his shoulder, mimicking the dead man's expression and his companions laugh cruelly.
In the center of the grove, from a point that clearly overlooks the approach you took, is Zukag's prize. A Vorghol warrior, an old man in life, now pale of hair and skin. He has been fastened to a tree bole with a spear through his midsection. A dagger has been driven through each of his eyes, and a long poniard through his jaw, pinning his mouth closed. The Vorghol would scream if he could, but he cannot. Instead, the creature whimpers in terror.
Yarga chuckles, baring his fangs.
Harrion blinks. "Y'bloody savages.." he hisses at the Urag.
Kane approaches the Vorghol and stakes his heart.
The Vorghol is consumed in a cloud of dust. The weapons pinning him drop to the snowy ground.
In rage, Zukag hurls himself at Kane, aiming an open-handed strike at him but Kane dodges the slap, easily. "Calm yourself, Zukag, there are plenty more for you to play with," Kane snaps, and then looks to Yarga.
Yarga scowls. "If you hate the Vorghol, why did you give that one an easy end?"
The Ress look about, aghast at the bloodshed on display here. There are no intact Tol Nedran dead.
Kane says, "In life many of these were my countrymen. I wish to see them die, I will not sink to the level of a Vorghol and torture."
Zukag snarls, "Torture is what they deserve!"
Kane says, "I will not deny it, but neither will I act as if I am one of them."
Jenn-Dai dismounts from her pony, and orders her clansmen into positions on the ridge, where they can overlook the vale.
Kane again looks to Yarga and say, "Will the Urag be ready to strike Hammer of the North or will we play games here instead?
Yarga warns, "You are marked by some fate even Yarga cannot see. But do not again cheat us of what is ours, Kane. For Yarga's fate is clear!"
Kane accepts that this is the best he will get from the likes of Yarga and his men and so he nods.
Jenn-Dai signals to Khom-Bei to approach.
Khom-Bei walks to Jann-dai and leans close, "Yes, Jenn-dai?"
Jenn-Dai points. She seems unruffled by the ways of the savage Urag. "The Ressi enter the valley, to the south." You can see their armor glinting in the scant starlight.
Khom-Bei nods, "It has begun."
On the far side of the valley, a Tol Nedran force, led by a huge Vorghol on a white horse, swiftly advances down the hillside, towards Morden Creek, a broad, shallow flow that heads south.
Thragga asks, "Now what?"
Kane says, "We wait for the signal."
The warriors around you tense in anticipation, eyes fixed on the scene below.