"Well depending on how the horde chooses to advance on the capital, there will no doubt be casualties. Still our people are resourceful and know the land better than any outlander. There's a forest line of old treants that runs from the northern city to Westfall. All those who traverse through there have a deep respect for the old trees there. Huorns also dwell there." Liliandra paused looking about the group, "Huorns are trees that move on their own along the ground on their roots and they go deep into the earth, so if the horde is moving towards the northern city, the Huorns will be giving them hell so to speak."

Captain Mandur nodded in agreement, "Any Huorn can go head to head with those giants and ogres easily enough. They don't like anyone that not an elf or fey, so Captain Andaerean your company would have allies among them. I've sent word for the catapults to go to the capital, they'll help ward off any long range artillery that the horde has."

"Knowing Gruumasht like I do," The Swordsman added, "The horde is going to have both long range artillery and every siege weapon imaginable. That Orc leaves nothing to chance when it comes to war."

"If Captain Lion has brought the Tinker gnomes with him, their clockworks skills along with the elven magic can create a magical barrier over the capital." Lazheros traced the entire perimeter of the city.

"Like in Asylum?" Alyson asked.

"Yes but that barrier is a combination of Wild, Arcane, and the help of Alchemist guild." The bronze man told her.

"How long can you maintain such a barrier?" Irzen asked both of them, "Depending upon the option we take, we might have to keep it up for an extended period of time."

"Depends on how much magic the ranger's kin are willing to add to it. It does help to have some Divine magic added to it as well. Would the clergy of elven pantheons be willing to that, Prince Willow?"

"To save the lives of our people, I have no doubt they would," Willow responded, "Most of their Heirophants are old friends of my father. If for no one else, they would give their aid for him. All he need do would be to ask."

The princess pondered a moment, "I will ask some of the acolytes here if they are willing to participate. There might be some knowledge about the old warding stones that lay dormant beneath the capital as well in the library here."

"Does anyone else have any other ideas or stratagems they would like to share?" Willow asked the room in general, "Our time grows short and the hour grows late."

"I can honestly say lets work with what we got and we still have to contend with the current threat of what just has happened," The bronze man concluded.

"Should the party split up again in the hopes of stalling the horde from getting to the capital?" Alyson added her thoughts.

"There is also the matter of your elder brother, Willow. I know he is charge of the armed forces there but if he's cut off from getting to your father, that could be very problematic." Liliandra pointed out the current threat.

"Agreed," The Prince sighed reluctantly, "There is much to be done and little time in which to do it. First, we must do all we can to slow the advance of the horde. Second, we must contact my father and tell him of our current military options in engaging this enemy. Third, we must do all we can to safeguard Westfall should any future attacks by the horde may come this way. And fourth, we must get to Ash before he is completely cut off from the capital. And to accomplish all of this, we must split up. Unless anyone has a better idea?"

Lazheros nodded grimly, "Who wishes to go with the cavalry, I would suggest you, Lord Irzen since you have the dark fey bloodline and two, the Huorns would not attack you."

"I'll do it if Willow wishes me to do it," Irzen replied honestly.

"I do wish it!" Willow responded without hesitation.

"But I thought you would need me to explain my military options to your father," The Swordsman began to explain.

"It is better he hears them from me than from you, my friend," The Prince replied sheepishly, "Unless my father's nature has changed since last I saw him, I recall quite vividly that he has a strong distate for Drow."

"I see," The Dark Elf answered simply.

"But fear not, your words will be spoken," The Prince concluded, "Though I know not what his answer might be."

"Then I will join your calvary and take the war to the enemy," The Swordsman replied with a firm nod.

The elementalist thought for moment then looked at everyone, "This might be a long shot but I recall my uncle telling me that if things became dire wherever I was in the Realm and needed help, I could call him."

Liliandra looked directly at the elementalist, "Would the legendary Platinum Knight come to our aid?"

"I believe so. Madeous Khyng is a man of his word when called upon and he does know of King Sunrider's kingdom. Perhaps, his arrival would be the miracle that you so desperately need, Prince Willow, for you and all of your kin."

"I would not object to you summmoning him," The Prince added, "His aid would be most welcome."

"So where do you think we're going to be?" Serna whispered to Caliaphy.

The kurori shrugged, "Beats me. I thought we might end up going with the cavalry but the hill dwarf is right about the Huorns not liking people that aren't of fey ancestry. So, I don't know. Maybe you should ask the ranger, Serna, this is his home."

"Well why don't you ask him?" Serna playfully nudged Caliaphy forward, "The last time I checked you had a mouth too. And you like to use it a lot as well."