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."

"Alright I will see what I can do," She placed a finger to her lips as another thought popped in, "I can also summon the Juggernaut, too. Remember the massive earth elemental I summoned back at Stormhaven, Willow?"

"Oh, I remember," The Prince added shaking his head, "I remeber all to well the raw power of that creature. It would serve us well in this war."

****

"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."

"I'm not the one who has a BIG CRUSH on him like you do, Serna." Caliaphy stuck her tongue at the shield maiden, "And besides, I'm just being cute and adorable when I say hello to him anyway."

"So what if I have a crush on Willow," Serna replied reluctantly, "What's that got to do with anything? Cute and adorable when you say hello to him? HAH! You spend more time stumbling for the right words in his presence than anybody I know, Caliaphy."

Lazheros had wandered over to the shield maiden and the kurori quietly talking to each other, "Do you have something to add, either of you, hmmm?"

"EEEP!" Serna jumped nearly out of her skin before she turned towards Lazheros, "Stop doing that! You scare me each time you sneak up on me like that."

"Stop doing what?" Lazheros smirked a little, "Oh, you mean when I merely walked over to you two talking without saying a word. Always mind your surroundings, child then people will have less of a chance of sneaking up on you."

"Point taken," Serna replied reluctantly.

The kurori was startled so much that she shape-changed into a multi-color fluff ball of kitten, "Merrooah! *HISS*"

He laughed at her display, "It's been awhile since you did that, small one."

"I didn't know you could do that!" The Shield Maiden added in wild-eyed disbelief, "Wow! What can't you do?"

*Hissss!* The kurori jumped up into Serna's arms purring away and still growling at the Bronze Man.

The Shield Maiden barely had time to catch the cat but did so and did her best to try and calm her friend down while the Bronze Man talked to them. "To answer your question, we were trying to figure out which one of us wanted to ask Willow and get his opinion on where we would best be needed. We just want to know what to do, that's all."

"Ah and why haven't you asked him?" Lazheros inquired half turned to the others discussing a plan of attack and defense.

"Uh, well, um," Serna hemmed and hawed her response.

Both Alyson and Liliandra had turned in the direction of the shield maiden and the kurori. Alyson wasn't sure how to respond now eyeing Caliaphy as the kitten, however, Liliandra motioned for all of them to come over, "Willow, where do you believe the young one and the 'kitten' would be the best help?"

"By your side," The Prince replied without hesitation, "Unless you have any objections, Lili?"

"No, not at all, Willow." Liliandra smiled warmly towards Serna.

"WHAT?!" The Shield Maiden asked in disbelief, "WHY?!"

The elementalist was surprised by the ranger's reply to Serna.

Willow dropped to one knee and placed a comforting hand upon Serna's shoulder, "Because I can think of no one better to protect my sister-in-law than the one who has protected me all these many months. This is who you are, Serna, you are a protector of the innocent and a defender of the weak. There is evil that lurks these halls, an evil that would do harm to my cause by harming my kin. You have protected me well with your bravery, your cunning and your shield. All I ask is that you do the same for her. Understand?"

"I guess," Serna replied uncertainly before she turned towards Liliandra, "That is, if you will have me, your Highness?"

"I welcome your protection young one, as well as the help of the 'kitten.' When we find out any information regarding the Ancient wards beneath the capital, we will join Prince Willow for the final battle and the defense of my king's land."

"Okay!" Serna replied with a warm smile, "Then you can count us in as your protector." The Shield Maiden looked down at the cat, "Unless, of course, you have any objections, Caliaphy? Well, don't just sit their purring, say something."

The kitten gave the shield maiden the biggest anime eyes full of sparkles and replied, "Mew!"

"I'm afraid Caliaphy is unable to speak when she's like that, child but I'm sure you will find that this particular kurori is full of surprises." The bronze man told Serna.

"Tell me about it." Serna laughed as she gently stroked her friend.

"Willow, since Lord Irzen is going with Captain Andaerean's company, are we to accompany you?" Alyson asked the ranger.

"If you don't mind," The Prince replied to the Elementalist, "Any assistance both you and Lazheros can offer would be greatly appreciated. Although, I would much prefer Lazheros to join Captain Irzen and Captain Andaerean's company than remain with us. Both Captains are going to be in the thick of fighting against the horde and both of them will no doubt need the services of a Healer. Lazheros can not only serve as Healer to that calvary unit but also fight alongside them. That is, if you will give your consent to this, Lazheros?"

"I would surmise that you will be staying in the valley region then, Captain Mandur?" The bronze man inquired.

"Aye! It will be up to my kin and I to slow down the advance of the horde as much as possible and will only fall back to the capital when we have no other choice." The hill dwarf champion tugged his beard.

"Then I will summon the JUGGERNAUT to assist you and your kin, Captain Mandur when we are well outside of the city walls. The Elder Earth elemental will add to the defenses of both your company and to the capital." The elementalist clenched her fist.

The princess turned to everyone, "Safe journey everyone. Westfall and those who have stayed will remain until you send for us, Willow. I hope that my husband recovers enough to join you for the great battle ahead. For now, Serna and the kurori can help me in the great library in the old crypts."

"Sure thing!" The Shield Maiden chirped, "Lead the way."