[HQ Ignorance] Scene 71: Desperate Measures

[Lev Lafayette]

Scene 71: Desperate Measures

The Fellowship headed eastwards through the endless and bitter snow.
Through Karala's negotions a small number of Telmori had also joined the
group, acting as both scouts for the Fellowship and as ambassadors for
when the Telmori and Satarites met. How strange it would be that the
Telmori, touched by chaos itself, would seek an alliance with the people
of Satar. How would the followers of Storm Bull, dedicated to destroying
chaos whenever it is encountered, react to this circumstances. These
thought troubled Miranyth The Purple Sage, and he was more than prepared
to let his thoughts be known to any who cared to listen.

Miranyth also explains the Iron Ring, led by King Broyan, true King of
Sartar has called for all those loyal to the rebellion to meet at the
Auroch Hills*. Travelling down the famous Durulz Valley, the Fellowship
encounters many Satarite refugees heading to the hills, their passage
somewhat protected by Duck skirmishers, loyal Orlanthi, despite
everything they have suffered, to the very last.

Turning southwards, the party heads into the Amber Fields, lands of the
Yelmalio the son of the Sun God and their temple of Vaantar. These are
Lunar allies, of a sort, but most have sought refuge in their heartland.
Along the icy river, the Fellowship espies at a distance a number of
Satarite refugees heading in the same direction as they; but they are
being chased by Lunar soldiers, dedicated to break and cut down these
rebels. Spear and sword clash, the Lunars are fewer in number, but their
magic still works and their armour is stronger. Two of the Satarite
vanguard spearman fall to the ground and others overwhelm the line.

In an instant, two Satarite women fall upon their downed comrade with
axes. One can feel the shock on Miranyth's face - have they women
betrayed their own men in this war? The Lunars seemed just as shocked,
and give these mad women a wide berth. As the fallen Satarite soldiers
shake in their death-throes the women drop their axes and plunge their
arms into the bloody bodies. With a howl they raise them and clap their
hands together. There is a rumble like thunder. A transluscent red ghost
appears over the bodies of the fallen which sets themselves upon the
Lunar soldiers.

The women see the approach of the Fellowship and turn to them with grim
eyes. "Make them bleed. We will do the rest."