"I thought the lure of treasure could draw forth a red dragon regardless of terrain," Willow mentioned with a quizzical look, "The wealth of my kin is legendary in these parts. Mayhaps that could be what the dragon is seeking?"

"That is true. Perhaps, someone in their travels mentioned to others, word spread of the wealth here," Lazheros nodded in agreement with the ranger, "and a dragon of vile nature decided to see if the rumors and stories were true."

Alyson finally spoke up, "Willow, how well do you know the lady elf? The one you were betrothed to, and have you even met?"

The Prince sighed, "I was bethroed to her while I was still in my mother's womb. We met once, fifty years ago, shortly before I departed my father's kingdom. Our fathers arranged for our meeting as part of an official state visit. Eilionwy, Princess of House Fern, was third in line for the throne of the Kingdom of Aconitum. She was beautiful enough for my tastes and quite fetching to the eye. But her eyes were locked onto my eldest brother, Ash, or more importantly the crown that would one day be his upon our father's death."

Willow added, "For the entire evening during that state visit, I tried to talk to her to learn more about the she-elf that I was destined to marry. All she talked about was my eldest brother, his accomplishments in statecraft and his acumen in battle. Though my brother was bethroed to another, I knew then that she coveted him and his position more than she could ever possibly love me. Once the state visit was over and she returned to her kingdom, I declared to my father my opposition to our union. Over my objections, my father decreed that I was to marry Eilionwy in a fortnight. I responded by exiling myself from my father's kingdom and I have neither seen my lands nor my people until now."

Alyson was stunned by Willow's revelation and sighed, "Wow. I am so sorry I didn't know, Willow but now I understand why you truly left. I've known people just like her back on Earth, and the outcome is always the same, usually. They're called 'Black Widows,' young women preying on wealthy men to marry and then through some nefarious means, they die suddenly. The 'Black Widows,' will continue until their schemes fall apart."

"How ironic," The Prince smiled sadly, "The name of a deadly spider being used to describe a female of deadly intentions."

"Hmm," Lazheros shook his head sadly, "She would make a great candidate for attracting power hungry magic items."

"True," Willow admitted, "But as Alyson always says, 'There are two sides to every story. You've heard my side but hers still needs to be heard.'"

"It's very noble of you to say that, Willow," Serna walked up to him and comfortingly patted him on the hand, "You were bethroed from birth. You never really had a chance to choose who you wanted to love. I'm sorry!"

"Do not pity me, Serna," The Prince placed a comforting hand upon The Shield Maiden's shoulder, "Pity my people for all they are enduring at the hands of our enemies. My kin have long known peace and plenty. Wars such as these are rare for us."

"Then we will do our best to make them rarer still in the future," The Swordsman walked up confidently, "Once we turn back this horde, your people will know peace and plenty again."

"I hope so, Irzen," Willow sighed, "For the sake of my kin and for all of our sakes."

The captain of the riders nodded, "These people cannot stay here, my prince. Westfall is close enough for all of them to make the journey there. If I may, I would ask your companions to aid us in bringing them to safety?"

"Agreed," The Prince nodded, "They cannot remain here. And since Westfall is nearby we will make the march now."

"He need not ask us to help you and your people, Captain Andaerean," Irzen stepped forward, "That is half the reason why we are here."

Both the elementalist and the bronze man nodded with Captain Andaerean.

Caliahpy flew up and around, "Umm, sir, I can ask the forest animals to help carry the children if you like?"

Captain Andaerean blinked, "One of the faerie, the gods show us favor this day! Yes, by all means please do!"

The kurori giggled, "OKAY!!" She snapped her fingers, and danced to and fro like a bee and the sounds of deer and elk entered the town.

"Not bad, Caliaphy, not bad at all," Serna took note of the deer and elk approaching, "How often will these kids be able to say they got to ride a stag or a deer? That's a great idea and I'm sure the kids will enjoy it too."

All of the children were carefully placed on the backs of the deer, while the elderly and the adults rode the elks. Dragolem assumed all fours again to allow Serna on is back. And lastly a horse was provided for the ranger since its rider fell in battle against the raiding orcs.

Lazheros shook his head, "I will not be riding any of these creatures, however, I will take the elementalist with me." As he polymorphed into a rage drake.

~That's a new one, Lazheros.~ The elementalist said climbing on his back. "Ready whenever you are Captain Andaerean."

The elven cavalry riders looked at each other for a moment and awaited for their prince to mount up on his horse.