"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 the 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."

"Be safe, Lili," The Prince placed his hand over his heart, "I long to see you and my brother again both well and whole."

"Okay!" Serna smiled as she began to follow the Princess, "Off to the crypts we go."

"That makes sense I suppose," The elementalist glanced to the bronze man next to her and then back at the ranger, "So, with both captains keeping the horde busy, you believe that would give us a short window of riding to the capital?"

"Yes!" The Prince replied flatly, "Any delay they can secure us will give us more time to arrive at the capital. Hopefully we can reach it unattacked and unmolested."

Lazheros walked away from the group and motioned the ranger over, "I will go and assist the riders, Prince Willow and I trust you will do what is right with Alyson by your side on your journey to capital."

"I have always done what is right by Alyson," Willow responded honestly, "Even during those times when she did not see that herself. But I make you this promise as both a Prince and a Ranger, Lazheros, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you will see your love whole again."

The bronze man gave the ranger a respectful bow and walked to the elementalist, ~Be safe Alysiane, my precious companion.~ "May Bahamut protect you and the prince on your journey to the capital." He embraced Alyson briefly kissing her before he departed out and to the stables.

"I will need to summon the JUGGERNAUT once we're outside the city and then we can make haste." Alyson headed towards the door.

"Agreed!" The Prince strode towards the exit, "We must make haste for we have little time to spare."

Willow strode towards the stables with purpose and intent as he sought a horse for the ride ahead.

*******

Captains Mandur and Andaerean bowed before Princess Liliandra and Prince Willow followed by the Swordsman heading to the stables.

Irzen gave a curt bow to both the Prince and the Princess as he followed Mandur and Andaerean.

When they reached the stables, orders were sent to mount up and intercept the advancing horde. They would be joined by the heavy cavalry also.

Irzen prepared his wargoat for what he knew would be a long and hard fight.

Captain Andaerean motioned to the lead rider and the horn blew signaling for the company to head out towards Wintermarsh. Lazheros reluctantly altered his form to that of an elf and quickly mounted his horse catching up with Irzen easily enough. He looked back at the elementalist one last time as he rode away.

"You really don't have to become an elf in order to fit in, you know," The Swordsman smiled with a mischievous grin, "Just give everyone those life-saving heals when they need it and you'll more than earn your keep. And don't worry about Alyson, she's a big girl now. She can look after herself easily enough when the tough gets going. You'll be back in her arms in no time."

Alyson was given a horse for the long journey to the capital with the ranger and once outside the city walls where Captain Mandur and his kin waited. She dismounted briefly to summon the Elder earth elemental, the JUGGERNAUT. The hill dwarves were in awe of the large creature but felt a strong kinship to it as well.

"AH! MY LADY, I HAVE HEARD YOUR SUMMONS AND ONCE AGAIN I WILL HELP YOU AND YOUR ALLIES AGAINST A MIGHTY FOE!!" The Elder elemental's voice boomed across the open fields.

"I am glad to see you again, JUGGERNAUT. Captain Mandur and his kin require the expertise of the earth as a defense against the Horde." The elementalist commanded the elemental.

"AS YOU WISH, MY LADY!" The JUGGERNAUT turned half a step towards the hill dwarven army and bowed low enough for Captain Mandur to become comfortable with its presence.

"AYE! We shall keep the Horde at bay!" The hill dwarf captain rallied his kin and the sound of the heavy march began with the defense of the city.

Alyson mounted her horse again, "Alright Willow, let's go!"

"Follow me," The Prince rode towards the head of the column that was on its way to the capital.

*******

Princess Liliandra led Serna with the kitten down into the inner most center of the city itself through a vast archway into the ancient library of the people of Northaven. Sprites and pixies flitted about excitedly between the rows of bookshelves. Most in pristine condition and some so large that it took an Ent to hold. The tree creature blinked slowly with its amber eyes inquiring about the princess's guests, "Whooooo, arrree you?"

"Hello!" Serna replied seemingly unphased, "I am Serna the Shield Maiden. And this is my friend Caliaphy. We're here to help the Princess find some knowledge that she is seeking. Who are you?"

"Are they halflinggggss, Princesss?" The Ent asked Liliandra bending down to her level.

She laughed a little, "No, Sir Gideon, they are friends of Prince Willow and they're here to help us defend against the Horde."

"I'm a Human," Serna began to explain, "And Caliaphy here is a fairy. Although she doesn't look like one right now, but she is. And your name is Sir Gideon, right? What is your job here?"

"I am the Grand Caretaker of the library little human, and that creature appears to be some sort of feline not a fairy as you sayyyyyy," Sir Gideon stood back up and placed the heavy tome back on the high shelf.

"Oh, she can be a fairy when it suits her." Serna laughed, "And so much more besides. Can't you, Caliaphy?"