Groaning in pain, the warden commander managed to say, "I yield! I yield! I do not expect your forgiveness on how I view your allies, my prince. IF you see fit that I am longer worthy enough to retain this position, then I will step down and let another take my place."

"Your opinion about my allies is YOUR business, Warden Commander," The Prince replied coldly, "My plans to save our people are MY business. You liken this struggle to that of a game of chess. Fair enough! I am a white bishop while you are a white rook. And you may keep your position and rank as Warden Commander. I need experienced leaders such as you for the fight ahead and I do not easily dispose of my chess pieces as you might think. Have I made myself clear, Warden Commander?"

"Yes, my prince. Very clear. As for the ridge line along the pass it is the only way out of the valley now leading to the capital but it is not secure enough for civilians to make the trip." Commander Irvan replied in earnest.

"Then they won't make the trip," Prince Willow looked towards the exit before he turned back to Commander Irvan, "Warden Commander, I charge both you and your rangers to form search parties. Go to every hamlet, village and town in The Southern Valley; search for survivors and bring any you find back here so they can be fed, healed and protected. Move in small teams, stay off of the main roads, take only game trails and paths known to our ilk. We need to save our people as much as we need to save the land. In the meantime, my allies and I will make for the ridge line along the pass and push on to the capital. Any questions?"

The warden commander nodded in agreement, "You have a good point, my prince. The common folk would not make it unseen by the horde and the ridge line pass is wide open in any direction. I know Elbauthin and his family are very familiar with the Southern Valley area. He may even have a map for you and your allies to use. If you will allow me to talk with him about staying here, my men and I will do as you ask."

"Good, I will inform our allies about our current situation," The Prince departed the Warden Commander's station and approached the others calling them to gather around. As they did so, Willow informed them of his conversation with the Warden Commander and held absolutely nothing back.

********

Down below in the yard everyone heard the ranger raise his voice. The elementalist and the bronze man quietly looked at each other. Caliaphy buzzed back over to Serna and hid underneath her hair from being startled.

"Don't worry, Caliaphy, I'm sure Willow is just having a little misunderstanding while he is getting re-acquainted with one of his men, that's all," Serna reassured the Fairy.

"Well, it was rather sudden and two, you wouldn't like the Bronze Man when he's angry. I have and that was a loooooooooooooong time ago. Scary. Just plain scary!" Caliaphy said with a dramatic flare.

"I'll take your word for it," Serna whispered back to Caliaphy, "Dragons can be scary when their not even angry. Trust me, I know."

The Bronze Man raised an eye brow at the fairy but said nothing.

Irzen grinned a little but said nothing.

*****

"Now you know what I know," The Prince concluded, "What do you think?"

"Excellent idea, my prince," Elbauthin came back over to the ranger and his friends, "My friends and family have been on the run for the last few days and were nearly out of food and water until the timely intervention from your friends. We might be able to make the journey if we weren't hounded by the horde. I would rather my family and I stay here while the wardens and rangers scout and patrol looking for more of our kin."

"Our Rangers would be glad for your company, Elbauthin," Willow announced, "And any aid that you and your family can offer them."

"I'm going to miss Elbereth," Serna confessed sadly, "But she should be with her own family especially in these dangerous times."

The Bronze Man had time to take in the feel and surroundings of the hidden outpost, "I understand your position, Elbauthin and the need to protect your family, a wise choice."

"Agreed," The Swordsman nodded, "Family first. But if you have a map or could draw us a map that would help us take the ridge line to the capital, we would be in your debt."

"Willow, did the warden commander mention anything else about the area?" The elementalist asked the ranger.

"Nothing more than what I have told you, Alyson," The Prince concluded, "You know all that I know now. If you wish to ask him a question or speak with him, a meeting can be quickly arranged."