"But for now, you should be thankful that a period of respite will be afforded you. This very afternoon I am taking my army due north, before the enemy begins working his way south and west.

"That said, what will you do, Palindor? Where do you go?"

Palindor, who leaned against the doorjamb in thought, raised an eyebrow at this.

"For reasons known only to Belloc, Anest, Lily and myself," the elf soldier told him, "Belloc has charged me with holding this area as a mustering point. Beyond that, Anest and Lily, with an escort of fifty, will follow you as far as the Marshes of Morag."

Triel gave him a shrewd look which took in Anest and Lily. "Should I await the outcome? I would know whether future concern awaits me at that quarter. The Marshes comprise a vast tract that will affect future manoeuvrability. At present, it favours the enemy and hinders ourselves. Should that condition change, it would afford our forces far greater range and speed."

All eyes turned to Lily, whose purpose lay in the Marshes of Morag. She seemed unaware of their scrutiny, though the tension in her small frame and the stubborn set of her jaw told a different story.

"I am not sure what the outcome will be," Anest told him quietly, watching his young wife with concern. "Yet I would caution you to keep a safe distance. The peril will be great."




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