At the bottom of the road, at the very foot of Kolvir itself, the nearby
field is muddy and torn up by a recent battle. Close by, the troops of
Amber have been building fortifications.
 
Antonio peers at the map layed out before him on the table in the
command tent.

Martin studies the positions on the map. "It doesn't look good," he
comments quietly.

Antonio points to the beach, "Particularly if they come along here,
which they undoubtably will."

Martin agrees, "Flat, open terrain, hidden from our view. Nothing we can
do about that now, except let them come to us."

Antonio points to the area at the foot of Kolvir, "While the other group
in the west attacks us here."

Antonio glances to Gavin.

Gavin peers at the map, listening. He looks up at Antonio's glance.

Martin considers the map again, deep in his own thoughts.

Antonio says, "You owe me something."

Gavin nods. "The trumps," He murmurs, and slips a pair of cards from a
pocket.

Antonio nods and holds out his hand.

Martin flicks a glance between Antonio and Gavin, saying nothing. He
leans down, scratching at the bindings on his left leg.

Gavin places the cards face up in Antonio's hand, and returns his gaze
to the map.

Antonio pockets the card.

Grimly, Martin asks, "How long do you think we could hold them off?"

Antonio says, "Where? Here or here?"

Martin points to their defences. "Here."

Antonio says, "If we had another ten thousand troops I'd say we could
hold them indefinitely."

Antonio and the others are gathered in the command tent.

Benedict gallops down the trail towards the encampment at the foot of
Kolvir with Bleys close behind.

Soldiers stop and stare as the two princes arrive.

Bleys rises in his saddle as he approaches, grinning merrily at the
surprised expressions on the soldiers faces.

A slow cheer rises up amongst the soldiers as they realise that they won
the war against Chaos.

Inside the command tent, Martin quirks a brow at the others as the
sounds of distant cheering reaches them.

Benedict slows his mount as they near the encampment, a dour expression
upon his face even amongst the cheers and greetings. He waits patiently
until they die down before asking the nearest soldier, "Where may we
find Antonio?"

Antonio returns Martin's expression as he heads towards the tent flap to
peer out.

Bleys' expression is far from dour as he basks in the attention, waving
with a smile to the assembled troops.

Antonio murmurs, "What the..." as he sees the two riders approach.

Martin throws his cloak back over his right shoulder, keeping his sword
arm free as he limps round the table towards the tent's entrance.

Gavin stands. He follows after Antonio and Martin, hand resting absently
at his blade's hilt. "Who?" he mutters after Antonio.

Antonio says, "By the looks of it a deadly scarecrow and a dead man."

"What?" Martin demands warily of Antonio, looking out as well.

The soldier points towards the command tent at Benedict's question, and
the latter's gaze goes to the three who peer out of it.

Hal swings himself atop his horse and grins beamishly. Adds a cheer, and
then maneuvers himself towards the command tent.

Bleys' eyes are drawn to the opening of the command tent's flap, tossing
off a merry salute to the various sets of eyes gathered there.

Benedict moves his steed forward at a slow trot towards the indicated
tent.

Gavin peers out of the tent flap, toward the riders. "Benedict and..."
He blinks.

Antonio emerges from the tent, returning Bleys salute with a faint
smile. He finishes lowly, "The dead man."

Hal comments as he gets closer, "Life is good."

"Benedict!" Martin exclaims, his expression changing to one of
undisguised delight and relief.

Antonio's grin grows at Martin's exuberance.

Martin's attention, for the moment is taken up with the fact of
Benedict's presence, as he hobbles out of the tent to greet his newly
returned uncle.

Benedict favors Martin with a nod and faint smile as he dismounts.
"Martin." He relinquishes the reigns of his mount to the soldier that
comes to take them.

Gavin smiles, minutely, and follows Martin from the tent.

Hal reins in his horse and dismounts. He runs his fingers through his
hair once and then smiles slightly less, looking more sober.

Benedict clasps Martin's hand in greeting, then turns to offer nods to
the rest assembled. He glances over them, his gaze arriving finally on
Antonio.

Antonio chuckles, He mutters to himself, "We... might..." 

"It's good to see you," Martin says, quite inadequately, as he returns
Benedict's clasp.

Bleys smiles at Antonio as he dismounts, casually handing control of his
horse to the nearest soldier. "Got a bit of a pest problem, have you?"

Antonio glances at Hal before answering Bleys with a grin, "A small one.
Care to join the fun?"

Martin's gaze flickers over to Bleys, and holds, narrowing. "Bleys," he
greets politely, taking into consideration that Bleys appears to be
neither dead nor a prisoner.

Hal smiles silently, simply nodding once, and glancing at Martin once.
Benedict gestures to the tent. "Let us adjourn inside to discuss your
situation."

Antonio nods and opens the flap of the tent.

Bleys's smile widens as he replies, "Hell yes. I'm tired of fighting
tentacled creatures from the abyss. Give me some nice, normal enemies
who don't bleed fire...." His voice trails off as he turns to face
Martin directly, inclining his head with equal politeness. "Martin. We
should talk, after this business is settled."

Martin turns also, keeping Bleys within his field of vision as he limps
back towards the tent. "Clearly," he agrees. "After you, Uncle." He
indicates the tent.

Benedict enters the tent.

Hal steps back once, not following.

Bleys follows Benedict into the tent, preceeding Martin without a qualm.

Martin follows after Bleys, settling in place around the table near the
tent flap.

Antonio waits for Gavin to enter before entering the tent himself.

Gavin nods absently to Antonio, and follows Martin into the command
tent.

Benedict stands over the table and gives its contents a cursory
examination before saying, "What is your situation?" He clearly
addresses Antonio.

Antonio gestures about as he enters, "Everyone know everyone else here,
I gather?"

Catching Antonio's eye, Martin glances to Gavin.

Bleys peer curiously at Gavin, shaking his head. "I'm afraid I don't
know this man."

Gavin steps to the edge of the table. He shakes his head at Antonio, in
response, "By name and face only..from the trumps."

Antonio says, "Gavin, this is Princes Bleys and Benedict. This is Gavin.
He's currently acting Captain of the Palace Guard."

Benedict waits patiently for introductions to be made, offering a faint
nod to Gavin.

Bleys nods quietly to Gavin, returning his attention to Antonio. "And
the situation?"

Gavin returns each nod, and turns back to the map.

Antonio points to the map, "Now that that's over, we have encampments
here in the valley west of kolvir and another to the south. We're not
sure how many they have in the west encampment because they've got a
trump and are bringing through troops all the time. The ones to the
south arrived mostly by ship. They number about forty thousand."

"They have non-human allies, but we seem to have driven those off. It's
only Virgan legionaries and their mercs we have to worry about for now,"
Martin adds.

Bleys nods his head slowly, peering at the aforementioned positions on
the map. "You say they're Trumping in troops?"

Martin nods to Bleys.

Antonio nods, "I did." He points to the map again.

Benedict considers the map with an analytical expression as he listens.

Antonio says, "They started a diversion in Arden before they began
trumping in behind us."

Benedict says, "What have your losses been?"

Bleys purses his lips, his brows furrowing in thought as he gazes
intently at the map.

Antonio says, "In the initial ambush we lost about a third of the
Rangers, Horse Guard and Cavalry. In the subsequent three engagements
we've lost an additional ten percent."

"Too much," Martin replies.

Benedict says, "And theirs?"

Antonio says, "We've hurt them. We've mostly wiped out their mercenary
units and I'd guess their legionnaires are down perhaps fifty percent."

Benedict says, "Have you identified their non-human allies?"

Bleys nods his head slowly. "Not -too- bad, considering the situation."

"Except they keep bringing in fresh troops to replace their losses,"
Martin points out to Bleys. He shakes his head to Benedict. "Never seen
them before. Big, buglike, nasty."

Antonio gestures to his wound, "Well and truly identified," he says with
a wry smile.

Benedict nods, glancing at Antonio. "By your assessment, where do you
require reinforcement?"

Antonio points to the harbor area.

Bleys' eyes flick to Benedict for a moment before turning once again to
the map.

Antonio says, "It sounds as if they've heard of your return upstairs."

Benedict ignores the bells. "Very well. You will receive the majority of
reinforcements there, and the remainder here. What is your plan of
attack?"

Antonio says, "How many men have you got with you?"

Martin nods, after glancing up at the distant bells in brief puzzlement.
"We didn't have the troops before to stage an offensive, but if we've
got more troops coming..."

Benedict says, "We will be able to transport 32,000 troops to Amber."

Antonio says, "Then we can begin a plan of attack."

Martin smiles, somberly, "About time."

Bleys allows a lopsided grin to cross his face. "So, what do you
suggest?"

Benedict watches Antonio.

Martin turns to Benedict, "Where are your troops now?"

Antonio who has been peering at the map the entire time, his brow
furrowed with concentration, lefts his gaze to Bleys, "Did you happen to
bring the Jewel back with you by chance?"

Bleys nods, his grin widening as his eyes flicker towards Martin. "King
Random should be in the Castle by now, bearing the Jewel on his breast."

Antonio's mouth drops open.

Gavin blinks.

Benedict foregoes answering Martin's question in favor of allowing
Bleys's news to sink in.

Martin considers Bleys a long moment without comment. His glance
flickers to Benedict.

Gavin nods at Bleys, after a moment. "King Random?"

Antonio regains his wits and says, "You let him play poker for it didn't
you?"

Bleys chuckles at Antonio, shaking his head. "Nothing so mundane. The
Unicorn herself made the choice, and delivered the Jewel to Random
personally."

Antonio is impressed.

Benedict says only, "His Majesty King Random was ordained King of Amber
by the Unicorn. And HIS troops are still in Chaos, awaiting final
preparations to arrive in Amber at points delegated by you, Antonio."

He says, "I suggest you not keep the King waiting, and become more
expedient in your delegation."

Antonio nods and points to the map.

Martin just looks at Benedict. "You're kidding," he says at length.

Antonio says, "Then we'll use the jewel and drive them here. That's
where we'll wait for them. That's where we'll crush them."

Bleys cocks his head to one side, eyeing Martin curiously. "Benedict?
Kidding?"

Gavin shakes his head at Martin, "Somehow I doubt that." He returns to
staring at the map, muttering a distracted, "King -Random-."

Benedict eyes Martin. "Do you get the joke?"

Martin mutters "Yeah, it's a good one," as he turns his attention to the
map on the table, swallowing hard.

Benedict says, "Then you need to work on your sense of humor. I do not
jest."

Bleys' brow furrows, one hand idly stroking his beard as he studies the
map. "We still have to block them from Trumping in reinforcements, one
way or another."

Antonio comes to Martin's defense, "He's been through a lot of late. His
horse fell on him."

Antonio smirks.

"Forget it," Martin murmurs to Benedict, shaking his head, and ignoring
Antonio.

Antonio says to Bleys, "That will require us to find where the trump is
and remove it from them."

Bleys eyes Martin for a brief moment, very pointedly -not- grinning.

He returns his attention to Antonio. "That won't be simple, but it's
definitely possible. You say they're Trumping in here?" He points to the
map, indicating the spot previously pointed out.

Gavin glances at Antonio. "Finding a needle in a haystack, or something
of that sort."

Antonio nods, "Its the same place as the standard Amber trump."

"We know where they're coming in, we don't know where from exactly."
Martin says deliberately, not looking up from the map. "Somewere in
Virga's a general guess."

Antonio nods to Gavin, "We know they're coming out of Virga. There's
only a few places where they'd have that many troops assembled. I've got
some more spies trying to make their way to Virga now but it may be
difficult to get information if they've managed to control the shadow
path."

Benedict says, "The removal of the Trump is irrelevant at this point.
The fact that the Virgans have waited for an absence of the majority of
Amber's defending forces indicates that their numbers are limited, as
does the recruitment of non-human allies. They are counting on the speed
of their attack with a Trump as transport as well as our supposed
absence to aid their attack."

He says, "A reinforcement of our defending forces as well as our arrival
makes that advantage negligible. The Trump is no longer an aid."

"With any luck, they don't know you're back yet," Martin says, listening
out for any more of those damned bells. "They'll be in for a bit of a
surprise."

Bleys nods his head at Benedict. "If it becomes neccessary, that Trump
can be blocked off."

Antonio nods to Martin, "For all they know Gerard has taken the throne.
That may be an idea. Start circulating that he has."

Bleys smiles at Antonio. "A little misinformation can go a long way..."

Martin glances up at Bleys and Antonio with a quirked brow.

Benedict says, "No."

Gavin glances to Martin, "They want to make the Virgans think victory is
assured, I think. Trick them into getting sloppy."

"Won't work," Martin answers Gavin. "The Virgans have dealt with Gerard
before."

Bleys spreads his hands, shrugging slightly. "Just a thought."

Benedict says, "You will not soil King Random's return in that way. If
necessary, you may keep the information from the troops entirely. But
you will not misinform his soldiers after he has arrived to his
kingdom."

Antonio nods.

Bleys nods acquiesence to Benedict. "Let's do that, then."

Martin doesn't add any comment to what Benedict says. Instead, to Bleys,
he points out, "We don't want to give away any more than we have to what
our capabilities are. If you.. close off the Trumps, sure, it'll trap
the troops they have here, but we won't know much more about who and
how."

Benedict says, "Your quick actions will account for whatever information
they may receive with their spies. Based upon the positions on your map,
they are too far entrenched to make use of information of our arrival,
except to begin a retreat. Their retreat is an acceptable result."

Antonio shakes his head, "They can't retreat. Not enough ships."

Benedict says, "Then news of our arrival has no bearing upon them,
except to lower the morale of their troops."

Bleys listens to Martin, shaking his head slowly. "My intention is to
backtrack along the Trump itself to remove it from their grasp, though I
take your point as to when would be the best time to do so."

Antonio is considering the map.

Martin just nods a reply to Bleys, regarding him in silence, then turns
back to the map on the table.

Antonio says, "Unless there is anything else to add or questions then we
should begin."

Martin senses Bleys' eyes resting on him for a brief moment before
turning towards the map once more.

Bleys senses Martin's thoughts are not entirely on the matter at hand,
but whatever they are, he's keeping them to himself for the moment.

Benedict nods. "You will notify me when you begin your offensive."

Antonio nods, "You will notify me when your troops are in place?"

"You will know."

Bleys stretches his arms, his shoulder-joints popping audibly as he
turns towards Benedict. "It'll take a while to ferry through that number
of troops, we'd best get started swiftly."

Antonio says, "It'll take several days for us to sneak into position in
any case."

"Gavin, show Prince Bleys where to bring his men through," Martin
suggests.

Antonio turns to Martin, "How's the leg?"

Benedict nods. He steps away from the table and produces a case from
beneath his tabard. Withdrawing the top card from within and replacing
the case with a deftness of his one hand which has obviously been
practiced, he holds up the Trump.

Martin shakes his head to Antonio, "Not good enough."

Antonio frowns and nods. "You get to miss all the fun."

Gavin smirks. "I'm sure he's terribly disappointed."

"Not by choice," Martin answers his cousin, smiling thinly.

Benedict mutters to himself, "... will need you... Jewel... Judgement
to..."

Antonio grins at Gavin and grasps Martin's shoulder, "He's a Prince of
Amber. They like nothing better than hacking down the enemy all day."

Gavin chuckles.

Bleys rises to his feet, eyeing Antonio with a smile. "Some of us also
enjoy other activities, but you're essentially correct."

Martin looks to where Benedict is studying a Trump, and his expression
slips back into neutral. Turning to Antonio, he grasps him by the
shoulder. "Get some for me."

Bleys turns to face Martin. "Can you ride?"

Martin senses Benedict gives him a questioning glance, as if to say
"Ready?", from the trump contact briefly.

Antonio grins, "Gladly." He moves out of the command tent.

Martin doesn't bother to answer Bleys, catching Benedict's glance. He
shrugs a reply.

Benedict extends the hand with the trump forward.

Bleys' lips purse, his own shoulders rising and falling in a slight
shrug.

Random blinks as he's pulled through, dropping Benedict's hand and
nodding to the others.

Random is not a tall man, nor, at first glance, a terribly impressive
one. Sandy blond hair falls randomly over his forehead and down over his
collar, shifting restlessly with him, and bright hazel eyes watch the
world with mingled suspicion and humor. A thick chain hangs around his
neck, the Jewel of Judgement hanging from the end of it. His face is
angular, thin and vulpine, a few lines gathered around the corners of
his eyes and across his brow that seem to hint at the burdens he now
carries, those burden set into form by the gold coronet around his
forehead.. Lean and agile are the proper words for his form, even down
to his narrow fingers which dance restlessly about him. Never does he
seem to still, though sometimes he can almost achieve that fragile state
through a dint of will, a finger or toe will inevitably betray him. 
He is garbed in an overcoat of brown shot with red and orange loose
enough to conceal a nice set of armor. Loose red pants are tucked into
his tall brown boots which gleam slightly as if freshly polished. A worn
sword hangs from his right hip, two daggers on his left.

Martin watches Random come through on Benedict's Trump, without much
expression.

Outside, Antonio can be heard calling over his officers.

Benedict replaces the card beneath his tabard, inclining his head to
Random after the rainbow sparkles fade.

Random smiles, faintly, at Martin. "Son," he says. His eyes, a moment
later, pause on Gavin.

Bleys returns Random's nod with a faint smile.

Gavin nods at Random, slight smile evident. "King Random," He murmurs in
acknowledgement.

Martin doesn't answer. Then, quite slowly, he draws his sword, lowering
his gaze, and folds awkwardly down on his knee.

Random frowns a little as Martin begins to kneel, stepping forward.
"There is time for that later, Martin," he says, hands out to help him
rise. "For now, getting the troops is important."

Benedict takes a step back as Martin kneels.

Martin ignores Random as he lays his sword at his father's feet. "My
liege," he says, loudly and clearly.

Gavin nods, again. "I'll take my leave, then," he says, and heads out of
the tent.

Random sighs a little, then smiles. "Thank you."

Bleys remains silent, watching father and son with a bland expression.

Random sighs a little, again, "Rise, please, Martin?" He looks to
Benedict. "Who are we contacting in Chaos, Fiona?"

Benedict says, "That would serve best, yes."

Bleys smiles, producing a Trump of his favorite sister with a flourish.
"Shall we, then?"

Martin remains kneeling, as he puts his blade away. Wincing, he hauls
himself heavily back up onto his feet again.

Random nods, one hand rising to the Jewel around his neck. "Wouldn't it
be better to be outside?" Random does not move to aid his son, though
something in hisposture says he wishes he could.

Benedict nods. "We will move to an area outside the temporary barracks."

Bleys nods agreement, stepping towards the tent's entrance.

Benedict waits for Random to proceed before following.

Random moves towards the exit, taking the lead casually. He is frowning,
thoughtful, as he emerges.

Antonio is gathered with a group of soldiers, officers and NCOs nearby.

Bleys holds by the tent-flap, following Random and Benedict outside.

Martin lets out a long breath after reagaining his feet, and is the last
to leave the tent.

Gavin is on his way towards Antonio's group. He shrugs his cloak back
from his shoulders, as he walks.

Benedict gestures towards Antonio and the gathering.

Bleys keeps pace with Benedict and Random, glancing around at the
emcampment as he walks.

Random nods to Antonio as he nears him.

Soldiers begin to turn and stare openly as Random exits the tent.

Martin holds back, calling some runners over to him and quietly giving
them orders.

Random's lips tighten a bit, but he bears it all. "Wherever is best," he
says to Benedict in an undertone.

Antonio points at his hand, "...and then B company comes through here."
He stops as he notices Random.

Antonio bows, "Majesty."

Random nods to Antonio. "Antonio," he replies. "I've heard good things
about your defense of Amber."

Antonio bows his head a flicker of a smirk on his lips, "His Majesty is
too kind."

Bleys suppresses a grin at Antonio's comment, merriment dancing in his
eyes.

Random shakes his head, "Never too." His tone becomes more serious,
"Where would more troops be to the best advantage for you?"

Antonio says, "Here would allow us to see what we have and where our
weakness and strengths lie."

Random nods, glancing around to gauge how much room they have to work
with. "Good enough." He turns to Bleys and Benedict, one eyebrow rising.

Benedict walks on, indicating to be followed as he moves outside of
camp.

Random nods and moves after Benedict, swiftly, catching up so as to walk
next to him.

Bleys strides along after Benedict and Random, forming a rather
unlikely-looking trio.

Soldiers keep an eye on precedings while they continue with their work.

Antonio continues his briefing if the officers.

Martin considers, after sending the runners off, and limps over to join
Antonio.

Gavin moves to join Antonio and the officers, as well.

Antonio bows as Martin approaches, "Highness."

Random, along with Benedict and Bleys, are soon out of sight.

Antonio almost keeps a straight face.

Gavin chuckles.

Martin shoots a dark glance at Antonio. "Cut it out, or I'll do it for
you." Then, he grins.

Several minutes after the departure of Random, Bleys, and Benedict, new
soldiers begin to arrive in camp. The wear upon their uniforms along
with the full marching packs on their backs indicate that they are just
arriving from Chaos.

Antonio flashes a grin, "Certainly, Highness."

Gavin hmms, "I didn't think Benedict was a practical joker," He murmurs.

Antonio chuckles, "Gavin, make sure these new guys know where we want
them. We'll camp them over there for now." He points.

Martin's grin gets a nasty edge to it. "Let's talk about that later,
cousin, eh?"

Gavin nods at Antonio, and sets to briefing the new troops.

Martin senses Antonio turns to look at him. He chuckles, "You look as
though you've just swallowed a nasty tasting cat."

Martin indicates with a glance the direction the King went. "Really
now?" he asks archly.

Antonio chuckles, "It could be fun."

Martin shakes his head, returning a chuckle with considerably less
humor, "Can't see how, right now."

Antonio whispers "I'm sure you'll figure something out."

Martin snorts, resigned. "Maybe," he shakes his head again, manages a
laugh. "First things first, eh?""

Antonio nods. "I think we've got them now. Unless they've got a trump
home I don't see how they have a chance in Chaos of getting out alive
other than by surrendering."

The troops continue to sweep in, a veritable wave of them.

Martin nods his agreement. "Oh, we've got them now, for certain. But I
thought you didn't want to take prisoners..?"

About 8000 troops arrive. It takes about 3 to 4 hours.

The troops are camped and busy preparing for the assault.

Random returns, looking tired. His hair is darkened somewhat with sweat,
the Jewel now tucked under his armor.

Antonio is chatting to a ranger.

Benedict follows behind Random, appearing similarly fatigued.

Bleys mops sweat from his brow, somehow managing to look reasonably good
despite his obvious fatigue.

Antonio glances across towards Random and co as they approach.

Random heads for Antonio, the humor in his features replaced with
exhaustion. "Is all well?" he asks Antonio as soon as he is within
reasonable speaking distance.

Antonio nods to the Ranger and dismisses him.

Martin looks up from near the command tent as the Princes and King
return. Quietly, he dismisses the officers he was speaking with, and
keeps a couple of runners on standby.

Antonio nods to Random, "We're ahead of schedule and the Virgans to the
south haven't started moving yet. I'm expecting a report from the west
in about an hour."

Random nods, "Good." He glances at Benedict, then asks Antonio, "I did
not think to check before. You are willing to continue to command the
troops?" His tone seems to imply he expects an affirmative.

Bleys allows himself a tired smile, his gaze flicking from Benedict to
Antonio and back.

Benedict remains silent, neutral expression.

Martin watches the exchange from where he stands.

Antonio flashes a grin, "I am."

Random nods, grinning as well. "Good, I hoped so." He adds, idly, "If
you are willing, Benedict will act as an advisor. Gerard has taken
control of ...what remains of our Navy."

Antonio nods, his expression suddenly serious.

Random frowns slightly, "Gerard mentioned that Wayland might have talked
to Gavin before he vanished."

Antonio shrugs, "I wouldn't know."

Gavin nods at Random. "We talked for a short time before the recent
battles.' He shrugs, "Prince Gerard had asked me to..ah, teach Wayland
how not to stab himself with his rapier."

Random shakes his head, slightly, turning towards Gavin. "Did he mention
anything about where he was taking the fleet, or why?"

Antonio coughs suddenly into his hand, trying to his a grin.

Bleys's eyes widen slightly at Gavin's comment, his curious gaze
travelling towards Antonio.

Gavin says, "I got the impression that he was planning to deal with the
Virgan fleet..I gather he didn't?"

Martin senses Bleys may well have caught that amusement, judging by the
look on his face.

Antonio regains his composure, muttering something about spring chill.

Random lifts a handkerchief from his overcoat, magician-like, and mops
at his forehead and temples. He shakes his head. "Apparently not," he
replies. "Make it known that from here on out, the Navy is under Prince
Gerard's command. If Wayland is seen, please have him brought to me
immediatly."

Gavin nods.

Antonio grins, "Alive?"

Gavin chuckles. "He might make an adequate doorstop, I guess."

Benedict scowls faintly at the commentary.

Random nods, "Alive." He adds, after a pause, "though bruises wouldn't
be a problem."

Antonio smiles, "Very good, Majesty."

Gavin nods.

Random asks Antonio, then, "How good does our situation look?"

Antonio says, "Much better than when the sun rose this morning."

Random grins at that, albeit wearily. "How good is much better?" he
asks.

Antonio says, "Good enough that you can begin planning your coronation,
Majesty."

Bleys chuckles softly at Antonio's comment. "Confidence. That's nice to
hear."

Random smirks, "I'll leave /that/ to more capable hands," he replies,
then nods. "Very good. Is there anything else that happened in our
absence that I should know about?"

Antonio says, "We've had a few attacks in Arden before the Virgan
invasion. The usual wanderings in from shadow."

Random frowns slightly, nodding. "I assume they were repelled without
incident?"

What could have been mistaken for a distant bird, descending from on
high, begins to resolve into something larger as it approaches from a
southerly direction.

Antonio says, "Not without incident but they were repelled with little
loss."

Benedict flicks a glance to the south, and there his gaze remains, eyes
narrowing.

Random nods, "Good. Is there anything more?" His own gaze follows
Benedict's, though his words seem aimed at Antonio.

Antonio says, "When the Virgans attacked in Arden they began by creating
a firestorm, used it to lure us out, and then attack us from behind. It
seems as though they've managed to dig tunnels under Arden without any
of the Rangers discovering it."

Benedict says, "Bleys, is that the aforementioned dragon?"

Martin glances up, squinting into the southward sky, then calls towards
Antonio to draw his attention to the returning scout.

Benedict points towards the descending large object.

Bleys glances skyward, a wide smile creasing his face as he nods his
head to Benedict. "It is indeed, Brother."

Random frowns at that, eyes snapping back to Antonio. "Have any of the
tunnels been discovered?"

Antonio glances up briefly before continuing. "A few. We were unable to
follow them though because we were attacked soon after their discovery."

Random nods, "They are guarded?" It is barely a question. Random's eyes
return to the sky and the object therein.

Antonio says, "They were."

Random arches a brow, "Not enough troops?"

Mordacious's nature and size becomes readily discernible as it glides
down towards Amber's forces.

Antonio says, "Spider-like creatures five feet at the shoulder."

Benedict tracks Mordacious's arrival with a careful gaze.

Random makes a disgruntled sound, "Gerard neglected to mention those.
How much of a threat are they?"

Bleys raises one arm in a cheerful wave to the descending Mordacious,
making a broad sweeping gesture towards the nearest clear section of
ground.

Antonio says, "We haven't seen them since our retreat from the mountains
to here."

Random smiles, faintly, "They can wait, then," he murmurs. "The Virgans
are more of a danger at the moment."

Bleys chuckles softly at Random. "I rather think the Virgans are more
-in- danger at the moment, your Majesty."

Mordacious banks in the direction of Bley's gesture, and Daneel becomes
visible clinging to the its back with the aid of some ropes; a few
moments later, and the dragon's wings flare upwards to bring it to a
relatively gentle landing on the ground near the assembled nobility.

Martin wanders over, unhurried, to the assembled group watching the
dragon's descent.

Random grins at Bleys, slyly, "Have oyu ever heard about not counting
your chickens before they've hatched?" he asks. He turns towards the
dragon and it's rider, raising a hand in greeting.

Mordacious settles closer to the ground, allowing Daneel to disembark.

Bleys returns Random's grin as he turns to approach Mordacious and his
rider. "I've never believed in that proverb, brother."

Benedict follows Bleys towards the winged creature.

Daneel manages a clumsy bow to His Majesty while untying the ropes. He
lowers himself to the ground shortly afterwards.

Antonio follows too.

Random laughs, briefly, "I wouldn't think you would, Brother," he
replies as he waits for Daneel to move within casual speaking distance.
She acknowledges the aforementioned's bow with a nod.

Bleys' eyes trace the outline of Mordacious' collar, his head nodding
slowly. "Mordacious. It's been quite a while since last we met, hasn't
it?"

Antonio makes introductions, "Majesty. May I present my assistant,
Daneel, of the Rangers, and Mordacious."

Random nods, "Greetings Daneel, Mordacious."

Daneel bows deeply. "Your Majesty."

Mordacious says, regarding Random with some curiosity evident also in
the deep bass of its voice, "Your Majesty."

Benedict studies the dragon silently.

Random smiles slightly, "We greet you both," he says, with some attempt
at formality. "We are grateful for your aid in this time of trouble."

Bleys steps casually to Random's side, murmuring quietly as he
approaches.

Random nods slightly as Bleys speaks to him, the smile remaining on his
lips.

Mordacious says, with perhaps the very faintest hint of irony as its
gaze briefly rests on Bleys, "I could do no less, Your Majesty."

Random inclines his head, acknowledgement perhaps.

Daneel remains silent.

Random says, after a pause, "We would ask if there is aught you could
tell us about the situation as it currently stands."

Bleys chuckles softly at Mordacious' words, his eyes drawn once more to
the golden collar around the dragon's neck.

Martin joins the group quietly, observing.

Mordacious says, "The Virgans to the south are perhaps a half-day on
foot from here, and appear to be making effort to fortify their
position. I believe there are twice as many as were fought in the last
battle. There is a smaller force to the west, perhaps a quarter of that,
in the valley."

Random nods, glancing aside to Antonio as if inviting him to question
further.

Antonio says, "Are they still building the siege engines?"

Daneel nods at the dragons words. "About 40000 to the south and a little
less than 10000 to the west."

Bleys strokes his beard, nodding slightly. "About what we expected."

Daneel says, "Yes, they are, Lord Marshal."

Benedict speaks for the first time. "You may address Antonio as Sir or
Lord. He is no longer acting as Lord Marshal." Antonio arches his brow
at Benedict.

Bleys' eyes flick from Benedict to Antonio, a wry grin forming.

Martin quirks a brow, says nothing.

Random frowns, slightly, but does not disagree with Benedict. Instead,
he says, "Antonio is in charge of the forces in this matter, however."

Antonio says, "Anything else unusual about their camp?"

Bleys' attention focuses upon Daneel's report, with the occasional
glance towards Mordacious.

Daneel shakes his head. "Nothing out of the ordinary. They are cutting
down the forest around their camp to set up temporary palisades around
their camp and building catapults, ballistas and other siege equipment."

Antonio nods. "Very good. Unless his Majesty or their Highnesses have
need of you, why don't you go get some chow and some rest."

Random smiles slightly, "I have no further questions," he says, simply.

Benedict only shakes his head.

Bleys says, "By all means, take a break. There will be plenty of
activity soon enough."

Daneel bows deeply. "Your Majesty, Your Highnesses."

Random says, "Daneel, Mordacious, good evening." His smile is mostly
faded, and again his hand rises with a handkerchief to brush against his
temples and brow.

Benedict turns his attention back to the large creature before the
gathering.


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