"I'm on point," The Swordsman returned to his previous position and began to lead the way back towards the others.

"Right behind you with Caliaphy. This thing is really starting to stink the longer we stay here." The elementalist said hiking back up the hillside.

"I agree," The Prince covered their rear as they moved away from the dead Ogre and back towards the spot where the Elves were hiding.

The four of them made it over the steep terrain without slipping or falling down. Caliaphy buzzed ahead of the swordsman to the clearing where the bronze man and Serna were with the survivors.

*******

The Shield Maiden then asked somewhat sheepishly, "We heard that there are rangers and wardens who protect this valley. What happened to them? Do you know? Where did they go? And why weren't they here to help you and your family?"

"The wardens and rangers protect and patrol the furthermost regions of North Haven. They're supposed to send word if there are invaders like the horde," Elbereth told the shield maiden, "I do not know what happened to them, Serna. We heard a loud roar from the advancing horde into the valley and..."

"Serna, that's enough asking for now. Let her be with her parents for now, please." Lazheros said quietly.

"I'm sorry," Serna apologized to Elbereth, "I'm always asking questions and getting chatty when I meet new people. I just need to learn when to stop, like now. But are there any questions that you would like to ask of us?"

Elbereth stayed near her family for now and merely nodded a silent reply to the over eager human girl. The bronze man offered some of the water to the shield maiden to drink, "They will ask their questions when they feel comfortable, Serna. For now just keep watch for the others to return."

"Okay," The Shield Maiden gladly took the water, drank some of it and waited until the others returned.

******

"The ogre is no more Bronze Man!" The fairy declared buzzing into the opening and settling down on Serna's shoulder.

"Good job, Caliaphy, I'm glad you didn't get hurt," The Shield Maiden told her friend, "Besides we made some new friends while we were waiting for you. This is Elbereth. Her family owns a winery in this valley and they were on their way to the capital to escape the Ogre you guys took down."

Lazheros stood up when the others came into the clearing, "Good. These people are still tired from fleeing from the monster. I was able to provide them with healing, food, and water."

"Thank you, Lazheros," The Prince strode up to the gathering, "I'm glad we were able to stop the Ogre before it got this far.

The elven girl came back over and stopped in her tracks when she saw the ranger, "Father, it's Prince Willow."

"What?" Her father said getting to his feet as the rest of them looked at each other in surprise.

Willow raised his hands, "Sit and be at peace. There is no need to rise or bow in my presence. Though we are in my lands, we are not at court. How do you fare? Are you up for travel or do you need to relax before you continue your journey?"

The Swordsman declared to no one in particular, "I'll keep watch to make certain nothing else or no one else tries and sneaks up on us."