"We can win with any of the strategies that I have just mentioned," Irzen concluded, "Or you can come up with one of your own. But you have to select a strategy that you feel comfortable employing and I leave that decision up to you, Sunrider Elven King."

"Lord Drow, your assessment of our military situation is BRILLIANT!" Birch strode up to Irzen, shook his hand and clapped him on the shoulder, "You, my noble sir, are a credit to your race!"

"Gee, thanks." Irzen replied sarcastically as he gave a look at Willow.

Alyson just sighed and hoped that Prince Birch was just as enthusiastic in battle when the time came.

Finally Lazheros stepped forward and as he did the Alter self spell he cast earlier to lead help with Captain Andaerean and his company faded in full view of everyone. No longer was there an elf but the bronze man. "My apologies for the deception but it was necessary to remain untouched by the Huorns wrath against the skirmish with horde. Captain Irzen had come up with a similar strategy back in Westfall with some minor changes there were very few causalities. The end result drove the enemy back and the return of Prince Yew but more importantly the warlord, Gruumasht is NOT alone, under his command is a half-orc, Barakas. Once a mere torturer, now turned warlock-necromancer, so even if you slay the forces of the enemy, make very sure that fiend cannot raise an army of undead to throw at any of you."

"YOU?! ARE THE BRONZE MAN OF LEGEND!?!" Prince Birch clapped his hands against his forehead in pure disbelief, "NO WAY! OUTSTANDING!!!" The wayward prince immediately seized Lazheros hand and shook it so vigorously that the Cleric thought his arm might fall off, "It is an honor to meet you, noble dragon! AN HONOR INDEED!!!"

Alyson and Captain Lion felt like they had just witnessed a very awkward scene unfold before eyes.

Sunrider and Ash let an audible gasp in the presence of the Cleric of Bahamut. The king had heard many a tale of the Bronze Man and his travels with the legendary champion, Madeous Khyng . "Well, it would seem that my sons have made many allies in their journeys through the long years. Your aid is most welcome!"

The crown prince stepped forward, "Somehow I knew there was more than meets the eye with you, amandil. None of our people serve, the platinum dragon here, at least not to my knowledge but there are dragonborn that have been seen to the north of Winter Marsh, mostly silver I believe but they won't engage unless given a true reason to."

"Ah, just like their draconic ancestry, silver dragonborn are noble and true, however, I think I can persuade them to come to your aid and it would give Gruumasht and Barakas pause just enough for us to gain the advantage." The bronze man surmised.

"The more our allies grow in number," Irzen added, "The more I like our chances for victory."

"Yes and--!!" The elven king was about to continue when the royal guard captain came bursting in, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Sire!" The royal guard captain gasped, "The Enemy is nearly here! It is nothing like anything I've seen!"

Just then the horns of battle rang throughout the capital entire sending the common folk running into the tunnels, and in the far distance drums, drums of the war and death boomed in the distance.

"Lord Irzen, we shall implement all of the tactics you suggested! To arms, may Corellon Larethian grace us with his might and blessings!"

"But which option, Sunrider Elven King?" The Swordsman asked, "You have neither the time nor the numbers to try them all. Which option are you going to use?"

"We will utilize the first option you suggested, Captain Irzen." Sunrider told him giving the go ahead to prepare for combat to his officers. "Captain Andaerean is the cavalry ready?"

"Yes sire."

The elven king turned to the dwarf captain, "Is yours ready?"

"Aye, my lord! My sappers have ambush points all set up as we speak and the tinker gnomes have added a bit of spice to the mixture on the catapults." Mandur gripped his hammer.

The crown prince bowed and left for the front lines with Andaerean behind him.

Lazheros turned to the king, "I will remain on the wall for support and heals. I will not engage unless I absolutely need to while the elementalist can provide support on the front with the crown Prince and Captain Irzen."