"I'm staying," Neven concluded, "Had I known about this before I made my decision, I might have thought otherwise. But, my mind is made up, I'm staying. Sorry Willow."

The elementalist's jaw dropped, "You're staying here, Neven? Really? I mean like wow!"

"There is no need to apologize, Neven," The Ranger replied, "Be of good cheer. You made the right decision and it appears that you made it at the right time."

"And to you, young man. I welcome you to Asylum. There are many who come to find a place to call home for one reason or another." Lazheros addressed the thief.

"Thank you, sir," Neven bowed a little to Lazheros, "I'm happy to be here. And yeah, Alyson, I'm staying. I've found a home here" The Thief turned towards Seri, "And someone to share it with as well."

Again Caliaphy cooed, "Awww! How sweet, so when are they gonna make it to home plate?"

The elementalist face palmed herself, "Hey! Small pint. Cool it!"

The fairy stuck her tongue out at her.

Serna giggled a little before the seriousness of the moment settled in once more.

Just then a courier from the Embassy walked in from outside. The man gave the Bronze Man a scroll and left.

Lazheros unfurled the scroll and frowned, "It seems that Armendes has finally made some head way with the emissaries. According to the information they gave him, a great and terrible horde is on a path of conquest and destruction made up of primarily orcs, ogres, and hill giants. The horde have leveled any and all villages that lead to the capital city. Most of your people have fled to safety, some have been captured, and there's mention of a possible traitor."

Willow sat in silence while The Bronze Man read the message.

"And who leads this horde?" Irzen spoke, "Does the message say anything more?"

Alyson glanced over at the scroll, "Sorry, it does not say anything more, Irzen."

"A cryptic message coming from Wood Elves, why am I not surprised?" Irzen turned towards The Ranger, "No offense."

"None taken," Willow responded with a nod.

"Bring me to these emissaries, Lazheros," The Ranger rose to his feet, "Though they have revealed much, there is much more they have withheld, such is the ways of my people. But while they will not entrust you with everything they know, they will reveal all to their prince."

"Very well," The Bronze Man stood up from his seat in the tavern, "That requires magic and since Mertul doesn't like magic in her tavern, I suggest we exit out into the street."

"As you wish," The Ranger headed toward the exit.

The elementalist motioned for everyone to follow her outside as she saw Mertul watching the party from the bar with her arms crossed. "A couple of things to be mindful of, Let Willow, or Lazheros do the talking unless otherwise asked when we arrive at the Embassy. Not really a place for children, take it from me who once and only once visited that place when I stayed here as a kid."

"Fair enough," Irzen smiled at Serna, "That goes for you too, Disturber of the Peace."

Alyson smirked but said nothing.

"I hear you loud and clear, Captain Irzen," Serna gave Irzen a military salute and smiled, "I have learned my lesson. I won't be disturbing the peace around here no more."

**********

The Bronze Man waited for everyone to gather near him. He then raised both arms high and mass teleported the party up into the Embassy which floated directly above the center of Asylum. Dubbed the castle in the sky by the locals, it really was a tower sitting on a floating island. They were greeted by Armendes who was waiting for them in the lobby of the vast and elegantly decorated room.

"Welcome to the Embassy of Asylum," The wizard gestured to party, "I've been unable to gleam any more information from the emissaries from your homeland, Ranger. Perhaps you shall have better luck."

"I WILL have better luck," Willow declared with a newfound command in his voice, "They may not heed you but they will heed their prince. Now, where are they?"