"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."

"It's because we're the best!" The fairy gave her a thumbs up.

Serna smiled at Caliaphy.

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 elves all visibly relaxed in the presence of their prince again and some sat back down. One of the elves who was the father of Elbereth nodded, "I am Elbauthin, my wife Filaurel, and father of Elbereth, my daughter there. Your friends have provided us aid in our time of need, my prince. The others here are neighbors and relatives. We ran the winery here in the Southern Valley the one favored by the king until the horde came and leveled it. There is an outpost on the western rise, and hopefully still manned, my prince. That's where we were headed when the ogre picked up our trail."

Willow listened intently to all Elbauthin had to say before he responded, "I know that outpost of which you speak. It is a short distance from here but hard travelling. Though it is a longer distance to reach the capital, you would do better to make for it. You know not if that outpost is manned, at least you know you will have protection at the capital."

"The land has changed since you were here last, my prince. Your father has more than one outpost in each of the valleys that surround the capital." Elbauthin stated. "With one always being out in the open, while the other hidden in plain view except by those who know where to find them."

"And you were heading for the hidden one," The Prince nodded in agreement, "I see the wisdom of your decision."

The elementalist remained where she was keeping quiet and listening for any other danger with the swordsman. She would occasionally glance about the party where Serna and Caliaphy were talking to each other.

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."

Lazheros looked over at Caliaphy, "Small one, keep your voice down. This is not Asylum where you can be as loud as you want."

"Asylum? Did you say you came from Asylum?" Another elf with light hair step forward.

"Yes, that is correct." The bronze man replied.

"Then Emissary Orym came through and was able to get help?" The elf said in earnest.

"He did." Lazheros answered.

"Where is the army, weapons, supplies, food?" The elf looked at the party.

"They are on their way," Willow responded evenly, "We have arrived in advance of it to give aid when and where we can. How do you know, Emissary Orym? We are on our way to the capital. Would you like to join us or do you still wish to make for the outpost on the western rise?"

"Emissary Orym is my grandfather. Before the horde came I would visit him at least twice a year at the capital," The fair haired elf said, "I am Travaran. I am a courier for the royal family and the council. I was on my way back delivering parcels when the horde came. What I do know is the horde has taken control of all the roads leading in and out of the southern valley. As for the other regions, I do not know. Perhaps the wardens at the hidden outpost will know more."

"Perhaps they will," The Prince admitted, "We shall escort all of you there first, then my friends and I shall make for the capital. We will deal with this horde and free our land."

The Swordsman walked back to the others and motioned for the Elementalist to join him, "Your Highness, a word?"

The Prince walked over to the Swordsman and the Elementalist while Irzen said, "If your people can travel, I suggest we do it now. We dare not linger. If what your subject Travaran says is true and if the horde does control all of the roads into and out of this valley, then they will have patrols afoot and in numbers far larger than just one Ogre."

"What say you, Alyson?" Willow turned towards the Elementalist.