The Norkari Mountains

Ildesias would march at the front of the hundred man company, which would have been forced taken a column formation by this point in order to climb the narrow path that led up into the mountains. The temperature was slowly dropping as the evening approached, but the sky was clear and the moon and snow both helped to illuminate their surroundings.

The path climbed the side of the mountain range, with the Bell Mines situated just at the end of the pass that would lead them into it. For now, however, their current track would take them higher, until the stone of the mountains opened to let them through.

"I cannot yet fathom what is the cause of our trouble," he mumbled to himself. "Goblins, perhaps? They are from this area.. But how would they have breached the defences? Seasoned soldiers were stationed at those mines and goblins are weak except in number."

Forced to take the same actions as the company before them, the Phoenix State Grand Army company was now about an hour or so behind. With no interference, they made good time through the lands. If the other company reached their destination, the Grand Army wouldn't be too far behind.

In this company was one hundred men also. There was thirty archers, forty sword and shields, twenty pikemen, and ten glaives, all lead by the Grand General Sinn. Their armor casting little reflection off it's brass colored plates allowed their linen like undergarments and covers to blend in with the land.

He didn't like that he had to change the formation to a less defensive one, but he had to make due with what the surrounding. "Men, keep a close look out for anything or anyone suspicious!" He ordered to the men. "In an unknown area with unknown enemies, anything could be lurking out there!"

he looked around as well, looking around towards the sky, seeing anything abnormal. At a first he had thought he saw a figure on the ridge above them. He blinked and saw a flash of wings, which left as soon as they appeared. "Stay alert!" He ordered and worked his way towards Illdesias. "There had been someone or something on the ridge, though I only saw one. It may be only a scout, though it could be a messenger to a war band. They wouldn't be able to get into here much for the same reason we have....too little of space." He informed him. "We should quicken our pace to get out of here. We are trapped mice here." He stated.


(Sorry for the late reply, had family business to attend to)

He nodded and relayed the order. He Proceed with caution, looking out ahead. He could see the entrance to the mine for there, though he say black figures near it as well.

<Exit to The Bell Mines>

"My lord; report!"

Enlidil turned, having entered the grounds of the castle where several groups of soldiers were going through drill practice under the orders of their superior officer. He faced the soldier, who had come racing across the bridge and through the fortress gate on the back of a griffon mount. The soldier lowered himself to the ground, then made his salute - right fist pressed lightly against the open palm of his left hand, with both raised in front of the chest.

"Speak," the Draxis Lord ordered, folding his arms to listen attentively.

"Battle, my lord! Norkari forces are besieged and engaged at the outsider's mine."

"Battle?" Enlidil questioned, looking somewhat annoyed. "A siege? I ordered no such thing. I ordered no battle to be drawn, no troops to be stationed there. I ordered the death of the trespassers and the return of those soldiers to their regular duties. Who has gone against my will?" After speaking, he paused, a silent rage growing. ".. Beserk?"

The soldier nodded. "Yes, my lord. Commander Owa supplied men as support and Mariah was spotted in the area. The enemy marched in force, with at least a hundred men to liberate the area."

"By the rage of Draxenssehs..." Enlidil whispered, an anger pulsating through him like blood. "Gather the Griffon Guard and the Expedition Force. Send the Griffon Guard ahead and tell them to provide support until I arrive with the bulk of our troops. We will take Hakkon's Pass, the Griffon's can take the sky."

Enlidil marched away to gather his troops, while the soldier ran to the stables to provide his lord's message. The Griffon Guard were a fast reaction force, most often used against the other Draxis Lords when action needed to be taken before a suitable infantry force could be raised. As such, it took barely ten minutes until a hundred armoured soldiers took to the skies on the backs of majestic griffons, each wielding a lance-like spear and a large, powerful bow designed for picking off enemies from the sky.

At the head of a column of soldiers, Enlidil crossed the mountains towards the fortress and then passed over the stone bridge, where several guards opened the portcullis and allowed them through.

Horns were blown to signal their lords returned, and all those who were on duty stood to attention and saluted as standard bearers raised the flag of the dragon high. All would know that the draxis was home in his tower once more, along with the soldiers who served him loyally.

"At ease," he told them, dismounting from his mount and allowing a stable-hand to walk it away. "Have anyone of rank commander and above meet me immediately in the dining hall. Bring spirits and meat."

He looked across towards Bru'Hoho and all but turned his nose up at the gorilla, though the words he spoke were far more polite. "Who is this creature? How may we assist him?"

Bru'hoho noticed Enlidil and made his way towards him. When he reached Enlidil he would stand on his legs, nearly eleven feet tall. Looking down at the man, he would flare his nostrils.

"My people call those frozen caps home. We had adjusted for the presence of the men in the mines. We left them alone, they leave us alone. Then you bring battle into the lands and put my people in danger. What am I to do now? Why are they there?"

Bru'hoho was used to just existing. Eat, sleep, reproduce, and play. Capable of battle they were, but they wanted nothing to with it. Battle was for the military, not his tribe, and he wanted to keep it that way.

Mariah approached Enlidil and did the salute, right fist pressed palm of her left hand, raised in front of her chest. "My Lord, I'm here to report in. I personally eliminated an enemy officer and some of their supporting fire. When I scouted their forces initially I didn't see their reinforcements as they must have been an hour behind.

"As Owa commanded I initiated an avalanche to cover our ground force's retreat, staying behind a short time to watch for survivors. I witnessed two taken captive by the intruders, Owa and his daughter I believe."

Mariah awaited Enlidil's orders on what to do next.

"Yes my lord." Mariah would meet him at his office, "What is it you have to discuss?"