Emissary Orym spoke up, "The legend of the Crimson Dragon is true, then I invite all of you to lend us your aid. Any more details will be given at a later time by order of your father, Prince Willow."

"First you beg for my help, then you tell me to know my place, now you go back to begging for my help once more," Irzen wistfully announced to the Emissary, "I wonder which are you going to do right before Gruumasht reaches down your throat, rips out your heart and laughs at you while your dying in a pool of your own blood?"

The Bronze Man looked at the Swordsman, "Enough of this petty business of who knows who, swordsman. We get the point about Gruumasht and your personal experience with him which will serve you and the others well. Had this been your homeland that was under attack, it would only seem fair that you take the lead but it is not."

"Point taken," The Swordsman responded with a firm nod, "But my business with this emissary is far from petty. It's about respect."

Alyson sighed, "Irzen, if you have a problem going to Willow's homeland just say it. Stop beating around the bush, good grief."

"I have no problem going to Northaven," The Swordsman responded, "I would follow my friend anywhere if he needed me to be there. My quarrel is with a certain emissary who seeks to denigrate a nobleman with whom he is not familiar."

The Swordsman turned towards The Emissary, "I am Dy'var Irzen, Lord of House Sylvar, Captain of The Shadow Riders and Defender of Naermon Nithron. In the Common tongue, my homeland is known by the name Shadows-By-The-Lake or Shadow Haven. And you, Emissary, will afford me the respect that is due my rank and station whether you like it or not!"

The emissary gave the swordsman another wary look, "Be that as it may, Lord Irzen your advice has been noted. Mind you, not all of our people will look kindly on you even in the company of Prince Willow, unless he can vouch for you personally."

"And I do vouch for him," The prince immediately retorted, "Lord Irzen is both an ally and a friend. And any ally and friend of mine is also an ally and a friend of the Crown. We have shed blood together, fought together and saved each others lives more times than I can count. As I vouch for him now, so I will vouch for him before our people and my father, the king."

Alyson rolled her eyes wishing that her uncle was still here. At least he had the patience to put Irzen in his proper place without incident. ~ This is getting ridiculous between who's noble and where from!~

The Bronze Man sighed, "Very well, Lord Irzen, you have the floor. Say what you wish to say. Either way, this is a matter for the ranger, you and your friends may accompany him if he chooses."

"I've said my peace and I've made my point," The Swordsman replied confidently, "All we need do now is leave for Northaven."

"Okay," The elementalist grumbled, "What's the fastest way to go to North Have from here?"

Lazheros narrowed his eyes at the Swordsman for a moment lost in thought. Shaking his head he turned to the elementalist, "There is a portal that connects to any of the Elven kingdoms within the Realm at the Ancient Oak. The colossal tree just east of Asylum. Speak with the Elder there and he may show you the way to your homeland, Prince Willow."

"Thank you, Lazheros," Willow turned towards the Bronze Man, "We will leave at once."

"You sound like you're not joining us, Lazheros," The Swordsman quipped, "What's the matter? Don't you want to go all draconic and electrocute some Orcs? We really could use a heavy-hitter like you on our side, especially if things are as bad as the emissary says."

Alyson just stared at the swordsman, "What?! What do you mean by that exactly?"

"I mean't every word I said, Alyson," Irzen replied flatly, "There is no hidden meaning beyond what I am saying. Take it all at face value."

"He has a very good point," The Bronze Man nodded, "It has been awhile since I've traveled throughout the Realm. It would be my pleasure to accompany you on your journey, Prince Willow."

The Prince extended his hand in friendship to Lazheros, "Your aid would be most welcome. Thank you!"

Caliaphy giggled with excitement, "Teeheehee! Yeah, the Bronze Man is coming with us!"

"That's good to know," Serna whispered to Caliaphy, "We're sure to win with a dragon on our side."

Armendes stepped back and bowed before him, "Safe travels my friend. Asylum will be in safe hands. I will inform Knight Commander Owen, and Knight Captain Martuk of your current status."

The wizard looked over towards the emissary, "May the gods show you favor this day, Emissary Orym. Safe travels."

"And good fortune to you, Armendes," The Prince looked over to the wizard, "Thank you for the kindness of your company."

Turning to the rest of the group, Prince Willow addressed them all, "My people are in danger and I will answer the call to return home. But I take heart in the fact that I will not return to Northaven alone. I will have friends and allies by my side. And together we will defeat this horde that threatens my people and bring peace to my lands. Thank you all for your aid in this endeavor. Now, let us be off."

"Wow!" Serna whispered to Caliaphy, "Those are the most words I've ever heard Willow say at one time."