She was about to continue when she belatedly registered Brogan's presence. They glared at one another a moment in stony silence.

"You have obviously made each others' acquaintance," said Belloc, ironically. "However, I think we should be paying attention to more pressing matters. We have been evading pursuit."

The elf woman's eyes flashed as Belloc's words sank home. "Evading pursuit? Fifty armed men and a wizard?"

"We are away to Lund," replied Belloc, "and I would prefer the enemy not be aware of that fact. This escort is to prevent ambush only, not for hunting down servants of the enemy. We haven't the time for that."

Dorain needed only a moment to digest the implications of this. Turning, she called out in her elvish tongue. Five more soldiers left their places of concealment. "Come," said Dorain, "we will escort you to the Bridge Fortress. It is unlikely that there are so many of the enemy that they would dare to attack us here."

When they reached the hill's summit, they were greeted by an elven encampment of nearly eighty. Elven archers who had been invisible before came out of the Wood. Some of Brogan's men muttered in surprise and appreciation at the elves' stealth.




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