"Hey, anyone here knows when we'll go in battle? There's studies to be made, and I'm feeling like stretching my spells a little, it's even more fun in a good group like y'all, anyone else?" Arkhant felt that the silence between the group was broken, and that was the first step for a strong bound between the Reclaimers.

He took a long deep breath, thinking on what he would see, perhaps he would learn new spells from other wizards? Or maybe he would learn a little of Dark Magic, or even see a Wyvern Rider, who knows? There was so much to see, but those thoughs were dissipated when he remembered that in war there is no law, there's those who kill and those who die, and he never killed before, but dying was out of his plans as well, First lesson of war: To make studies possible, you must survive first, even if you have to kill, Arkhant though to himself while adjusting his robe back and forth.

After the man's cocky questions, Lilith prepared to return verbal fire, but then she was surprised by the archer who spoke, answering the man's questions. Then the man had the gall to lecture Kuur on her nationality. "Good bye and good riddance." She muttered when he left. That blasted pirate, the only reason I am not laying his cocky ass out right now, is that is what got me fired from my last job. Lilith thought angrily to herself. Well, that and blood is extremely hard to get out of armor and I would have a long, dreary day trying clean it.

She looked back at the now quiet archer. "Panoply, huh? I guessed as much, I've been there a few times. Its a nice place. When the buildings aren't on fire and the guards don't want to capture and kill you." She said completely deadpan. The woman's gleaming bow that she had been fiddling with caught her attention. "May I see your bow?" She asked. "I just want to test the quality of it."

Kel and Druug walked into the courtyard. Yes, walked. They had flown all the way, and could have flown down into it but a first impression was supposed to be a good one, and flying and possibly crushing someone under the weight of a wyvern were not a good first impression, hence the walking. That is where the first impression ended, however. Kel looked at everyone socializing and then found himself a corner, directing his partner- the wyvern known as Druug- to the corner as well. They passed by magic users showing off or bragging, a thief who claimed to be the best and showing off her old wanted posters and a commander unable to control a horse. Both chuckled at that fact, imaging him trying to wrangle a wyvern. What a crowd he was in. He kept his head down, as well did Druug and he made his way into a sunny patch, where Druug claimed a seat, with Kel resting on him. The two were tired, it was early, and they were going to do their best to relax.

However, some of the other members of the crowd caught their eyes. Druug seemed to be particularly staring down a mage who was proclaiming to be from the cold north. He had a smell about him that Druug seemed to be enamored with, almost enough for him to get up. Kel was simply looking with a bit of joy at anyone who possessed magic ability. Anything to remind him of his sister perked him up. He didn't call out to any, but Druug was so focused on the dark magic practitioner that he felt the need to apologize. But that was only if he chose to approach. It wasn't his way to be the center of attention, regardless of the fact people were always intrigued by him and Druug.

Tim was interrupted from his thoughts when he heard the captain ask for help keeping the horses still so they can be hitched. Immediately, the young priest's eyes lit up. He loved animals, and had preferred animals better than people a lot of the time. Mainly because they didn't talk, and wouldn't judge you. They only needed a little kindness. He slowly raised his hand. "Um... excuse me sir. Um... but, I think I can help with that..." He then walked over to where the horse was, and gently stroked his mane, and whispering softly to it. "Shh, it's okay. Everything is going to be alright. He isn't going to hurt you."

It wasn't every day that Hugh grinned at a horse, but he felt that this one had earned it. This priest certainly had a way with animals. Despite seemed incredibly shy and recalcitrant during the captain's little opening speech, Tim looked totally at ease now. Doubtlessly, the stallion's presence assisted this. Though not personally affected by such a disposition, Hugh knew from his stint in Augus that some people found it easier to interact with animals rather than people. After briefly wondering what exactly would drive a priest to be that way, Hugh decided that he ought not to let his thoughts wander, and seized the moment that Tim was holding the horse still to strap him to the convoy. He clucked his tongue. "Nice! One down, one to go. You're not half bad with 'im. He couldn't sit still when it was me trying to work 'im. Might need your help every time we break camp and pack up the convoy. Ready for an encore, good sir? Horse number two awaits!" He indicated a roan stallion still in the stables nearby.

"Oh... thank you sir..." Tim replied while nervously shuffling his feet and avoiding making eye contact. "It's... nothing really. Animals usually respond well to a little kindness..." He then went over to the other horse Hugh had pointed to, and began stroking and whispering to it like he had done to the first one. As he backed it into place, the knight reached forward with the harness straps, and locked the beast in.

He wiped his head. "Well, there's that done. C'mon." Still charmed by Tim's presence, the horses allowed themselves to be led by Hugh to the main courtyard. The sight of a couple of late arrivals caused him to smile. "Ah, I was wondering when you two might make an entrance! Three, rather...wouldn't want to forget such a stunning wyvern!" Raising his voice, Hugh addressed everyone at once. "Alright! Convoy's hear, folks! This is basically our supply train. If we don't want to be making a mile a day, we'd better make sure that we keep this cart and these horses safe at all times. We've already got some vittles in here, so have a care as you load up your own things. Armor, weapons, everything you don't want to carry for a two-hour march. Five minutes 'til we get started. Break a leg, folks!"

Appearing from the stables astride his war horse, Jakobe took a look at everybody else gathered. There had been a few new additions from his memory, and he decided to acquaint himself with the most abundantly obvious one- the wyvern rider basking in the sunlight, watching the others. Actually, it seemed that the rider was particularly interested in one person- the dark mage Nickolas, the one from the north. What about Nickolas was intriguing this other rider wasn't evident to Jakobe, but he didn't let that stop his approach. As he neared the man, Jakobe carefully dismounted his horse, waving his arm to tell his partner to follow.

"Now that is a hell of a wyvern you've got there. I was never a flier myself, prefer to keep my feet on the ground. Can see the appeal, though. Man wasn't born to fly, but with a Pegasus or a wyvern you can near touch the clouds." As he came within a dozen or so feet, the pair stopped, Jakobe's hand coming to rest on his stallion's neck. "Got a name? My guy here's called Thunderclap."

"Aye aye captain." Kel grumpbled at the 5 minute warning call. He had only just sat down and he already had to stand up. He and Druug continued staring at the dark mage, however. They knew nobody here, but that guy was first on the list to meet, or so he wished. Fate would have it go another way as a man and his horse approached the two. The pair of horse and rider screamed disciplined military officer of some sort, with their muscular fraims and well kept looks. Definitely a cavalier looking for a promotion that he very well deserved. Kel stood up, startling Druug, who spread his wings and lazily used them to prop himself up before following him over to the man addressing him. The two walked side by side closing the twelve foot gap. "This guy?" Kel gestured up at his wyvern, who ducked down to reieve a chin scratch. Kel wrapped his arm around the base of it's neck and gave him a rub with his fist. "He's pretty great." The wyvern seemed to be enjoying the various rubs and pats Kel was providing.

As the gap closed he released his fling companion who shook it's whole body and unfurled his wings. Kel chuckled and began to speak. "Yeah, his name's Druug. He's one of the best there is if you don't pay attention to how often we sleep." He chuckled. "I gotta say, wyvern's are far easier to ride than horses. Turns are easier, and last time I tried to go in a full loop on a horse I got bucked off. You cavs have it tough." He walked right up to him, feeling a bit small both muscularly and height wise. "I'm Kel. Wyvern Rider." He extended a hand to shake. Druug ducked his head down to be the horse' height. "Don't mind him, he won't eat your horse. He's a fruit and steak kind of guy anyways. Ain't that right Druug?" He barked. Druug perked up and puffed out a hot gust from his nostrils.

On queue, some of the soldiers began to load up their things into the convoy. Hugh watched them with pride, still not fully believing that the Basileus had seen fit to give him command over so important a mission. The knight, remembering the details of his destination, produced a roll of paper and examined it for what must have been the hundredth time, attempting to commit it to memory. Its kingly lettering described the riverlands to which the Reclaimers would be traveling. According to veterans of recent battles in the area, soldiers in the field had purportedly witnessed small groups of men hanging around the fringes of the battlefield, atop hills and among trees, who flew no banner and fled if approached. These 'phantom bands' led the Basileus to believe that a third party was out there, waiting in the wings and watching.

Hugh pocketed the paper. No sense in worrying just yet when the first act hadn't begun. He strode over to two of the most eye-catching spectacles in the courtyard: the Cavalier atop his horse, and the wyvern Druug. “Looks like you two have it all figured out. With friends like those, the long walk will be a breeze. My comrades-in-arms tell me that if I persevere in my role, I'll be able to choose a horse of my own and ride it into battle as a Great Knight. What is it like to ride a wyvern, friend?”



Ronin shot Gaius a dirty look, as if to say, 'how the hell did you know?' After a slightly mocking bow, he lumbered off, dragging his axe behind him. After a moment of watching him go, Sanguin was surprised to see a small but brilliant burst of fire alight near the group's youngest member. Though not quite close enough to make it all out, the myrmidon caught snippets of Nickolas's ensuing response. From what he said, it seemed like the girl had power impressive even to fellow mages. Sanguin furrowed her brow; she'd always been somewhat envious of mages. To have special powers that set oneself apart from and even above others, to be able to fling magnificent lightning bolts and swaths of razor-sharp wind from a distance while swordsmen like Sanguin were helpless to retaliate...it inspired no small amount of respect, and no trace inkling of jealousy, from the wolf warrior.

With the convoy approaching, Sanguin found a good excuse to leave the freakishly tall Gaius behind. One of the horses snorted as she passed by, and instinctively the woman bared her teeth in a snarling grimace in response, before placing her personal knapsack in the convoy. She also took the opportunity to remove her shield, unbuckle her cuirass, and place both in the wagon for safekeeping. If Hugh told the truth, a long walk awaited her in the coming hours, and even with wolflike endurance Sanguin did not relish the prospect of marching in full combat gear. Backing up from the vehicle, she bumped right into Arkhant, and her mask clattered to the cobblestones. “...Oops,” she frowned, “Uh, sorry...”

Whew, disaster adverted. Gaius thought as the axeman seemed to take the comment with some grace. While his attention was on the departing axeman, and a newcomer with a wyvern, the red haired myrmidon walked away. What an odd woman... He turned, intending to talk to a mercanary and an archer in the corner he had not met yet.

When the call of five minutes came Gaius started in surprise as realised he has to get his stuff quickly. With out a word, he dashed out of the courtyard, his robes flapping behind him. He was running, not because he was panicking, but because he was exited. He had a monuments feeling, like something big was going to happen and he wanted to be there every step of the way.

Five minutes 'til we get started! The call intrupted her conversation. I don't mind marching in my armor and I have little in the way of personal effects. She sheathed her sword and noticed the tactition running pell-mill out of the courtyard. She smirked Looks like some one wasn't prepared. "Sorry Kuur, maybe another time, hey?" She said to the archer. She turned and slipped into the crowd.

She got to convoy and put a few necessary things she had brought with her, her tent, her bedroll, a blanket, a hunting bow, a change of clothes, and her cooking gear. Its always good to have some extra stuff on hand just incase. She also tucked a few candies in her pockets to snack on while marching. She then leaned against the side of the convoy and waited until it was time to go.

Syrena took several steps back intending to leave Nicki to his devices. She could so easily have burned him. Though his natural magical resistance had no doubt saved him all but a slight irritation Syrena hated think what could have happened if the flames had continued to grow.

Nicki laughed jovially and insisted that it was quite alright. As a way to put her at ease he went through the smells given off by different mages. Hot iron, burnt wood, clean dirt. Each brought a refreshingly clean and sterile look to the magic unlike the reality. The reality was that this was not some talent or some unrefined gift, it was a monster.

Syrena could feel the flames beneath her skin, like a living creature constantly searching for a way out. Sometimes when she was upset she could even see her veins glow the same as her eyes. Controlling it was like being shackles to the leash of large and violent dog. The fire never hurt her but she couldn't exactly say that to be true of those around her.

She couldn't use anything but the flames either. When Syrena had come to the castle he'd been so used to living with the fire in her skin that it hadn't occurred to her that there might be other types of magic available to her. That had been the first thing the Arch mage wanted to test. He'd given her a Thunder tome, taken Arma Infernum with him and asked her to channel her magic through the book. She should have been slightly worried when he left the room afterwards.

Holding the Thunder tome had felt wrong, like when you know you're supposed to be somewhere else or you realize there is something you have neglected to do. Syrena had opened up the book and summoned her magic. From what she understood the tome acted as a catalyst for those with magical abilities letting them focus and channel there magic, the two working as one towards a common goal.

When Syrena tried to use Thunder however it felt more like two fighting each other over the same goal, her magic and the tome's at war. There was a great explosion of lightning shooting out in every direction. It ricocheted around the room scorching the room black. At the same time flames burns to life consuming the pages of the Thunder tome and as it burned there was a loud sound like a thunder strike and Syrena found herself thrown violently into the air. The impact broke her arm and there was nothing left of the Thunder tome but ashes and the cover. Afterwards the Arch Mage decided that it would be best that Syrena stuck to training her fire magic.

"I-I can't use o-other e-elements. B-bad stuff h-happens when I t-try other t-t-tomes."

Seconds later a Wyvern and his rider walked into the courtyard. Apparently not interesting in conversation they sat down in a corner not far from where Nicki and herself were talking. The Wyvern itself made Syrena nervous, nervous enough that her arms quivered. She could feel it again. Clutching Arma Infernum closer to her chest Syrena glanced at the dragon and was startled to see that it was also looking in her direction.

Syrena wasn't normally a shy girl, she had a bit of a problem talking to people because she feared her magic but action never normally impeded her. She would climb trees, fall out and break her arm, she'd run the furthest outside the village and look through the deepest part of the ruins, in fact that was were her problems began. At this point however she was a lot more nervous than normal. Wyvern's made her jumpy, she wasn't exactly sure why. It wasn't the scales or the wings or the teeth. It wasn't even the fact that there armor gave them a natural resistance to fire. She'd just always felt a strange need to hide when she saw them.

Quickly Syrena darted around Nicki, clutching his cloak so she could see if it was still looking at them. A moment later she realized that she was hiding behind a human being. She took a few more steps back from Nicki. "S-sorry, I d-don't like Wyvern's." Moments later their captain gave the five minute call for deployment and asked everyone to load there things onto the convoy. Syrena as one of the few people present who actually came from the castle had already had the chance to pack her things on the convoy hours earlier. That of course didn't mean that Nicki was also ready to go. "D-did you n-need to store anything?"


In response to the thief queen's questions Marcus planted his staff in the ground and the crystal on top began to glow lightly. He wasn't actually doing any healing magic. He'd merely excited the crystal enough to give off light. Despite this is still looked suitably impressive. "Indeed, I am the resident healer. I was told that there was another among our party with similar talents but I have yet to meet him."

The Captain gave the five minute call and Marcus became aware that though he didn't own that much he certainly didn't want to be carrying it for two hours. "I suppose we will see each other later. I have to pack my belongings at the moment. Perhaps we can march together." he said to the thief before making his leave.

As a Monk Marcus's belongings were sparse but he still had some things, a bedroll and blanket, a natural healing kit as sometimes magic wasn't enough, extra robes and though it wasn't exactly sanctioned by his order some sweets. A man could abstain from a lot but candy wasn't one of those things for Marcus.

"I have the same issue with light and healing magic." He grimaced exaggeratedly, glancing around and spotting the curious wyvern in tandem with his young companion's skittish jump behind him. Nickolas stared at the offending beast thoughtfully before glancing down at the cowering girl. His expression changed back the reassuring grin. "Don't worry, little miss. I'm sure that he's a big softy on the inside, he won't bother you." He winked. "I'll be sure to tell him off if he does." The dark mage stood up at the last call for storage, careful to keep himself between the young girl and the wyvern. He gasped in mock suprise at her stammered question.

"Oh, yes, I nearly forgot! The convoy!" He dusted himself off, glancing around at the collection of people stacking their things inside the covered wagon. "I brought all my research materials down with me, placed them in the corner over there. Don't want anyone to trip on them, would we?" A tall sheaf of papers stood unsteadily in the aforementioned corner, coupled with both tomes that Nickolas could claim ownership of. Beside them, a lumpy pack lay lopsidedly against the tall stone wall of the courtyard, giving off the same musty scent as the one that was near permanently ingrained into the dark mage. Nickolas gestured to them and sheepishly grinned. "Big pile, I know. I might need some help with all of the papers." His pale eyes twinkled. "And I have tome over there that reminds me a lot of you, little miss. Perhaps you'd like to see it?"

He kept his cloak as wide as possible to keep the girl covered from the draconian beast as he wandered over to collect his luggage, leaving the Dying Blaze tome in the area for the nervous mage to grab.



Kuur didn't make another comment to the pirate before he left off, but her eyebrows unknitted halfway through his speech about nationality and remained uncrossed even as he left. She turned back to Lilith as the latter mentioned Panoply's decency in its non-burning state. "Agreed." She pulled out the bow and examined it for imperfections(Which she knew there were none) and prepared to hand it off as the Captain gave his last call for putting stuff in the convoy. The tall woman nodded slowly, still fingering the inlay of her weapon as Lilith walked off. "See you...later."

She had surprisingly little to pack onto the convoy save for extra arrows and blanket dyed in rather rare and expensive colors, along with a small pack containing the barest essentials and tiny trinkets from her home. Once certain that all of her belongings were either on the convoy or on her person, Kuur nodded, seemingly satisfied. She headed off toward the front of the convoy, stretching in preparation of walking alongside the wagon when they set off.

---

Jeanne nodded at Marcus, as the priest turned and left.

Jeanne noted that they were beginning to load the convoy. She shrugged. Heck, she could take things out of caravans just fine, she could probably pack 'em in just as well. Scratching her chin, she made her way towards the convoy and noticed some small gaps in which certain other materials may fit. "Hey, if you sheath this," Jeanne said, placing a sword on the ground into its scabbard, "then it'd probably fit into this little narrow space..." Jeanne picked up the sheathed blade and slid it into the slot between two pieces of armor. "I guess you kinda--have to--wriggle it around a bit," she added, finally getting the blade securely in between the armors.

Jeanne stepped back. "As for myself, I can probably carry my own stuff. If I can travel through the treetops with this sword on me," she declared, patting her blade, "then I'm not afraid of a little hike. Or a big one, either.

To each their own, I suppose; understandable, as Jeanne was in good physical condition (no use for a thief that can't move in limber, fluid motion).

---

---

Habeen certainly did not want to lug around three or four textbooks for two hours. Though she did have a bag for the books, the tomes were nevertheless quite heavy and somewhat uncomfortable. Though Habeen did like to keep her folk magic tome on her in case she ever needed it. Habeen tied her remaining texts together as Jeanne the thief shoved someone's sword in between two armors.

Habeen eyed the convoy, pursing her lips as she looked for a place to tuck her texts.

"Looking for a place to put those books, my nomadic friend?" asked the thief. "I can probably help you out."

"A thief asking to hold my belongings?" Habeen asked, her smile unwavering.

"Quite often a terrible idea," Jeanne replied. "Not so in this case. Don't worry. I'll let you watch where I put it; you'll have your textbook troubles taken care of, instead of your textbooks taken."

Habeen couldn't help but let out a little laugh. Her expression didn't change; she was always cheerful. "If you say so, Miss Robina," Habeen said, handing the bound times to the thief. "And I believe this is the part where you declare me a 'sucker' and pawn my texts for profit?"

"Quite the opposite, actually," Jeanne declared, fitting the textbooks into just the right spot in the convoy. "Contrary to popular belief, there do exist moral thieves. I'm no petty pillager, nor a brash, brazen brigand. I'm a highwaywoman with a heart. Though I cannot imagine that these fellows are likely to quickly trust someone who falls under the category of 'thief.'"

Gaius returned, with a big, bulging bag and his arms full of papers, tomes, and writing utensils. He proceeded to pack away each thing in the convoy so they wouldn't roll around. He also put his one of his spare swords in the convoy, but he kept a tome on him too. Going around unarmed is just foolish. He thought to himself. He checked to make sure he had everything. He did. He got out of the way of the others coming in to store their stuff and waited. Time to head out! He thought cheerfully.

Kel perked right up as Hugh apprached him. He wasn't expecting the guy who was giving him orders to all of a sudden pick him out of the crowd. And Hugh wasn't the only one. He heard a voice coming from the direction that Druug kept staring at earlier. Something about those two mages just came to Druug's liking, maybe it was just the one who smelled so... strangely sweet. Druug DID enjoy fruit a lot, maybe he thought that man was food. That'd be something Kel was blamed for. He couldn't hear what the two were saying but he caught the word wyvern tossed around. He payed no mind, however, as Hugh was now talking to him. He caught the tail-end of his sentence "...into battle as a Great Knight. What is it like to ride a wyvern, friend"

"I-i-i-i-it's uh, well, it's incredible sir yes incredible." He spoke as if his mouth was tripping down a flight of stairs. "He uh, he's pretty good at tricks too, you could ride him if you wanted, but uh, I don't know if you'd know what you were doing... He might be the one driving and he's not so kind with the whole 'slowing down before making sharp turns' concept. And uh, well if you fall off we miiiight be needing a new captain." He chuckled, patting Druug on the neck. He kept staring back and forth between those mages from before and Hugh.

Everyone around them seem to be loading the caravan. Kel brought some things of his own, a few changes of clothes, a warhammer, a few rabbit carcasses (he made a mental note to find an archer as soon as he could to keep Druug happe), and a box full of letters from his sister. Before he left from camp he had informed the postal service that they should foreward it best they could out to the expedition. He didn't carry much because he didn't need much. His biggest item he brought, however, was a bunch of blankets and pillows. He didn't know if he was to bring his own tent so that was lacking, but at least he had someway to sleep if all else failed. He stopped looking to the caravan after a few seconds and returned his gaze to Hugh.

By the time Franky figured out which of the immaculately dressed men was the leader of this military excursion team, he was amongst the building group of people crowding a convoy near the stables. He wasn't just concerned by the appearance of a convoy, but by the itinerary others were nonchalantly loading into it.

"I can't help but ruse that the presence of a convoy be-a sure tell sign of a journey long in tooth," remarked Franky to Hugh as he approached him. "I have no problems risking me-life what-for-ending this war, I just figured I'd-be risking it... sometime today," he added, playfully sarcastic. "I'm a pretty big man all things being equal, and this-ere war has the brass expecting me to be somewhere. Somewhere else to be exact. And I'm not sure just how long that expectation will be enough for them not to check. It be the reason I brought nothing more than the clothes on me-back. I figured whether in death or victory, I wouldn't be in this long enough to change."

As he paused to give Hugh time to respond, Franky's glance moved to the Wyvern being played with by its rider. He had seen Wyverns before, and even men on top of them no less, but it was a first to see a pair that weren't trying to kill him. Although it was one of the many hazards the sea could throw at him on any given wave, it was a chance encounter that didn't seem likely to happen here on land.

Chuckling as he shook the wyvern rider's offered hand, Jakobe gave Druug a good look. He wasn't particularly worried about the massive creature eating his horse, and each of the pair gave off that impression. "Jakobe, Cavalier. First time I ever saw a wyvern rider I damn near shat myself. And I'd say the same about riding those things. I feel quite comfortable on the ground, thank you. Even if I do get knocked off...it's a short fall." As Hugh approached, Jakobe gave a silent nod and looked at the convoy preparing itself. In reality, the group was rather small, especially considering their goal to investigate the war and the allegations of a shadowy third faction.

As long as they managed to avoid the bulk of any armies coming their way, however, he was confident they'd not face much serious trouble. For Kel and Jakobe, that was an easy task, but the others would have quite the time trying to evade their enemies. Hugh mentioning the possibility of him taking up a mount as well made Jakobe hum in satisfaction. "It's quite the feat, to fight from atop a companion. I've no experience with wyverns, but as our friend here says, it looks to be quite the experience. I'll have to make sure to do it sometime, even if it's not in combat." Nodding to the two, he got back on top of Thunderclap and made his way towards the rest of the Reclaimers, again giving the group a look over, before riding over to the convoy and coming to a stop.

As he had all of his necessary belongings on himself or Thunderclap, the pair was already prepared for the go-ahead. Rubbing his steed's neck, Jakobe took a deep breath to try and calm his nerves. This was it.

The dark mage was a very interesting fellow. He seemed to do a lot of things for show and Syrena got the impression that he took very little seriously. He acted almost, well like an actor. When he reassured her that the Wyvern wouldn't hurt her she nodded. Except it wasn't exactly reassuring because she wasn't worried about it hurting her. It was a large dragon like creature but Syrena wasn't scared of it. Except it made her nervous in the worst possible way. It was like it was... watching her.

Becoming suddenly aware of the fact that his things needed packing Nicki jumped to his feet, wiping the dust from his robes and running to a side corridor from the courtyard. Tucked into a corner was a truly impressive number of pages stacked to an unimaginable height. Syrena considered that they were breaking some law of reality just by balancing like that.

Nicki started to cart off his papers in loads to the convoy somehow managing to keep himself in between her and the wyvern the entire time. Syrena smiled slight. He was odd, most definitely odd but he was a gentleman and a bit of an eccentric. When most of his things were moved to the convoy he invited her to have a look a one of his tomes which he claimed reminded him of her.

She picked it up. It had a red cover marking it as a fire tome so she decided it was safe to touch. It had a curling white flame emblazoned on the front. As Syrena touched the pages she felt something inside her stir. It was like something inside her was reaching out for the book. Without knowing why she cracked it open. Though the runes contained within where completely unknown to Syrena they all seemed to speak of a burning sky and flames snuffed out.

Then it was like a voice whispering in her mind. Just one spell. It was as if it became harder and harder to breath. Syrena's hand started to shake. One spell, what could it hurt. After all fire was her medium. She would be completely unfazed. Why not, the army would enjoy the light show. It could be fun. All at once Syrena dropped the tome and it clattered onto the ground. Her breathing was a little uneven. "I-It might be b-better if I d-don't t-touch your t-tomes." she stuttered.

Why was her magic so different from everyone else's? Every mage she'd met from those that came to have there tomes repaired at her father's shop to the ones that worked out of the castle required a tome to cast any sort of serious magic. Most could manage parlor tricks without one, some sparks here, a small flames there. She'd never met another mage who required a tome to contain there abilities. Or one that cause some tomes to explode when used. Exactly where did her magic come from? She smiled slightly, she supposed that was one of the reason that she was going on this mission. In all the world there must be other mages like her, or at least a reason for why she was the way she was. There had to be.

After packing his things aboard the convoy Marcus saw a man on horseback make his way to the front of the supply train. This was there leader and he looked much more impressive on his mount than he had while giving the company a speech. Marcus decided that he may as well greet the captain seeing as they would eventually be in battle together. It was good to know and trust the one who was giving you orders.

Marcus walked up to the cavalier slowly as befit a Monk. The crowd seemed to part around him allowing easy access. When he got closer to the man on horseback he planted his staff and leaned on it. "You must be our leader, I am Brother Marcus. Your healer and resident priest. It is good to make you acquaintance.

Nickolas had just finished taking his last armful of papers to the cart(Nodding agreeably to the massive tactician and his load as he passed by) when he heard the young girl's squeak and the dull thud of his tome impacting the ground. He rapidly snatched up the sickly sweet-smelling Flux tome as he turned around, making his energetic way over to the fallen grimiore and the stuttering girl. He listened with a neutral smile, nodding in understanding at her plight.

"Ah, alright, little miss. I'll just pack it right up." He picked up the tome, dusting it off and placing it next to the mount of papers that made up his contribution to the organized disaster that was the back of the convoy. He returned back to the corner moments later to retrieve the hulking lumpy pack, and hauled it onto his back. He tucked the Flux tome under his arm as he grunted at the sudden change in weight nearly overbalanced him. Slightly panting, he straightened up and proffered his hand toward the cart. "I take it that you're already packed, little miss?"

Kel's stuttering gave rise to an oddly amused expression on Hugh's face. Was the man simply of nervous disposition, or did the knight's scarred countenance truly arouse that much terror in the hearts of men? Jakoke presented a more mature and proper appearance by far. Stifling any laughter, he replied, “I think I'll leave the high-flying to you, buddy. Wouldn't want to deprive this show of a director...particularly to a fate so inglorious as plummeting off a dragon's back.” Hugh then decided to leave the wyvern rider to his own devices, wanting to make sure that he'd get enough time to load his various bits and bobs -was that an entire bed?- into the convoy.

A husky voice marred by nautical colloquialism garnered Hugh's attention next. The knight found himself looking at a large man, swarthy of complexion and lacking in shirt. As Hugh listened to Franky's lubberly discourse, he couldn't help but wonder where this vagabond of a warrior had heard that this would be a short mission. “Sorry to disappoint you, matey! Wars may start in a day, but they take a little longer to end, especially when we've got only a couple of leads. If you require a change of costume, I'm sure we'll be able to suit you up with some of our spares. Clothing gets damaged in battle, so having back-ups is wise. Regardless, this is not going to be a short performance. Fortunately your contract, like a strap of tanned leather, is binding, so I needn't worry about a walk-off, eh?”

Getting the feeling that Kel was looking at him, Hugh made his way back to the wyvern rider and the accompanying cavalier, just in time to hear a priestly-looking fellow mistake Jakobe as the expedition's leader. Hugh snorted with derision at first, but had to admit after a good look at the horseman that he did look the part far better than Hugh did. A coat of gleaming metal and a well-bred horse did wonders for a knightly image, particularly given Hugh's own decidedly Augusian getup. “Sorry, my good man, but you've pegged the wrong persona. It is I who will be leader the Reclaimers. Don't worry about apologizing, sir, it is an easy mistake to make...and we have little time to waste!”

Hugh walked to the convoy and pulled himself up onto one of the horses, the only one saddled. “Alright ladies and gents, it's time to pull back the curtains and get this show on the road! Our two youngest charges will be permitted to ride in the convoy with our items if you so choose, but take care not to squash anything! Ready yet, folks? Forward...march!”





The walk so far had been uneventful save for the terrain crossed. This time of year, the flowers that had risen in spring's first month were now in full bloom, and the landscape was dotted in wildflowers and overgrown grass. As was signature of Bravura, the country also hosted a great deal of small villages scattered around, most currently involved with the cultivating of land and planting of crops, or of managing livestock. Few of the towns had walls or stone roads, and a many lay on or very close to the cobble highway that the Reclaimers now traversed—the Westroad, leading from the capital straight to the riverlands and, eventually, Panoply.

Sanguin, however, didn't feel much inspiration when confronted by her surroundings. Every village was another potential tragic ruin should the war reach this far, and every person a potential corpse. It still filled the myrmidon with a macabre wonder how two sides so devoted to the idea of finding peace could so eagerly lay siege to one another's people, and leave their bodies to mingle with the soil.

The line of Reclaimers came to a halt as a the dragon Druug swooped down to deposit its rider by the convoy, where Kel could talk with Hugh. Though only an hour had passed, the wyvern rider had been quickly purposed as the miniature army's scout, given his mobility and ability to avoid grounded obstacles like trees, ditches, and rivers. Sanguin watched with interest, for this time Kel displayed a sense of urgency that he'd not yet exhibited, and as Hugh dismounted his horse to climb atop the convoy, Sanguin sensed that something was wrong.

Hugh raised his arms for attention. “I've received word that the next village ahead is occupied by invaders. They could be Bravuran bandits or Panoplian pillagers, but we've barely entered the riverlands, so it is doubtful that this is our quarry. Still, we cannot just ignore people in need...and what better way for me to get a taste for your skills in battle? Gaius!”

He waited for a moment as the Tactician made his way toward him. “Our very own cunning strategist! Listen carefully to what Kel has to say about the village's layout and our enemy's locations, then figure out the best way for our forces to engage. Keep in mind this tidbit from my knightly training: warriors paired together will be able to accentuate their strengths and cover each other's weaknesses. I'll pop in with advice if I deem it necessary.” The captain pivoted around, facing Sanguin and the rest. “As for you all, grab your gear from the convoy and suit up. If you have a good idea of who'll you be best off working with, let Gaius know. Time to shine, people!”

Sanguin shrugged before pulling her armor and weapons from the convoy. Her mask had gone on long ago, right after recovering it from her collision with an uncaring Arkhant, but now it was joined by cuirass, scimitar, and shield. She wondered if it would be worth the trouble to ask one of the mages if they'd be able to cover her in the upcoming fight.

Kel and his wyvern swooped in at rocketing speeds, with the former hopping off and landing from a short five foot fall next to the tactician Gaius. He wrapped an arm around him and plucked a stick up off the ground. "Ok, here's what I got, see there are about ten buildings in this village, there's a forge and a shop here on the east side, seven houses and well, a few tents over here that were selling odds and ends, looked like an outdoor market. I saw a few bowman, maybe five or so all around the forge to the right. I tried to get out of there fast so not every detail is gonna be perfect here. There were these two guys who caught my eye, they were all by themselves corralling almost the entire village into some of the houses while the rest were just stationed around. I counted a few guys with axes. About thee or four. There wasn't anyone in armor so we can count magic out of this, but maybe some were inside looting the houses. They had a few guys with spears, couldn't tell if they were javelins or not maybe ahh... six or seven all stationed near the entrance we were headed to. If they saw me hopefully they didn't think much of it." He took his arm off of the tactician's shoulders and knelt down on the ground and let out a sigh as he tried to recall the village as best he could.

Kel had given out all the information he could. He used the stick he grabbed to draw a crude map on the ground. It was a rectangle shape, with one of the longer sides holding the trail they were headed in on. To the back right corner was the forge/armory, he drew 3 circles around it, labeling them the archers. He placed the other two circles by the tents to the far left, along with seven triangles labeling the ax wielders. A few more marks were made, some small lines representing cloaked but still armored figures. Must be thieves or some other light class, three of those scattered about the houses that occupied the grid like city. A river ran through the western side, with a single bridge leading to another path that he didn't see where it went to. A few more squares were placed representing the lance or javelin wielders. "Again, I didn't see if anyone was inside the houses. I was too far up to see that. But with the uh..." He counted heads slowly, got to about 7 and gave up. "We have a lot of people and that guy." He pointed to the cavalier Jakobe as if the man was a grizzled war veteran. "I'd say we got this unless there's something up with those two over there" He pointed to the two X's in front of two of the houses that were labeled 'FULL OF CIVILIANS' "Both of those guys looked scary in their own ways. The one was gigantic, and the other seemed to frail to be terrifying enough to scare an entire village to listening to him." He finished.

He stood up and walked over to Druug and hopped on his back, grabbing his hand ax. "That's all I got. there's 21 of them outside in the open at least. I'm sure you know a way to handle this mister tactician sir." With that he pulled down his flight mask that kept his eyes from drying out in the wind and leaned back on druug awaiting for the strategy to be laid out.