"It was imperative I distract her," Shaluhk replied, "or else she might have caught onto my ruse."
"If she was so powerful, how did you defeat her?"
"I unleashed a spirit animal to drain her of her essence."
"Her essence?"
"Yes, just as the living have their limits, so, too, do spirits. We call it stamina, but it is a physical manifestation. In the world of spirits, we call it essence."
"You know so much," said Voruhn. "Uhdrig taught you well."
"Even so, there is much we, the living, do not know," replied Shaluhk.
"You have done our tribe a great service," said Zahruhl. "How can we ever repay you?"
"Stand with us," said Kargen, "and let us put our differences aside. Together, the three tribes can face anything the Humans send against us."
"Your words are wise," said Zahruhl, "and yet I know little of these Therengians of which you speak."
"They are a scattered people, much like our own race. Once, many generations ago, they were a powerful kingdom that ruled much of this Continent."
"What happened to them?" asked Voruhn.
"They were destroyed from within," said Kargen.
"As we nearly were," added Zahruhl. "It seems the Humans are not the only ones who must beware such things."
"Indeed," said Shaluhk. "There is much to learn from the fate of the Therengians."
Kargen passed the bowl to Shaluhk, who drank of the milk of life. The ritual complete, she handed it back to Voruhn, who carefully set it aside.
"How can we help?" asked Zahruhl.
"Your tribe is strong," said Kargen, "particularly in the realm of magic. Your master of earth can help us prepare for battle."
"We can do more than that," said Zahruhl, "for we can also provide the perfect place for battle."
"Tell me of this place," said Kargen.
"It is the ancient gateway we spoke of on your first visit."
"Would that not be dangerous? If we were to lose the battle, it would fall into the hands of our enemies."
"True," said Zahruhl, "and yet the benefit to our shamans would be substantial. Not only that, but the terrain can be used to our advantage."
"Is Kirak aware of its location?"
"He is," said Zahruhl, "for we have used it as a meeting place for many years."
Kargen thought for a moment before continuing. "Might I ask how many hunters can you field?"
"Two hundred, half of them archers."
"An impressive number."
"Will it be enough?" asked Voruhn.
"That largely depends on how many warriors the Humans send against us. I expect the army will be larger than the one that attacked Ord-Kurgad."
"What of these Therengians?" asked Zahruhl. "How many warriors can they provide?"
"I do not know," said Kargen, "but they have five villages, and they train their warriors regularly."
"Just how big are these villages of theirs?"
"I have only seen Runewald, but if it is any indication, I would say we could expect a few hundred at best."
"So there is the distinct possibility we may, in fact, outnumber our allies?"
"Quite possibly," said Kargen.
"And who will command?"
"Each chieftain will command their own people, but I would suggest we plan the battle under the eyes of Nat-Alia."
"The Human female?"
"Yes," said Shaluhk. "She is a battle mage, trained for such things. Her expertise could well make the difference between defeat and victory."
"And you would trust our people under her command?"
"I would," said Shaluhk. "She is my tribe-sister."
"What of this Therengian Fire Mage, Athgar?"
"He will command his people," said Kargen.
"And has he experience in such things?"
"He fought beside us at Ord-Kurgad."
"Yes, but from what you told me, that was a siege, not a battle. The fight we must face is a far different thing than any of us has seen in the past."
"The Ancestors favour him," added Shaluhk. "It was their words that sent him and Nat-Alia here."
"Then we must trust in their judgement," said Voruhn.
"My bondmate speaks with wisdom," said Zahruhl. "Very well, we shall make our preparations. When shall we march?"
"I can not say," said Kargen, "for we have yet to learn details of the enemy's plan. Do not fear, as soon as we hear, I shall send word. In the meantime, make your arrows, and sharpen your axes."
Zahruhl stood, reaching out to Kargen. In answer, the Chieftain of the Red Hand did likewise.
"We shall stand or fall together, Kargen of the Red Hand."
"You honour us, Zahruhl of the Stone Crushers. Now we must be on our way. Kirak will be awaiting word."
Prisoner
Autumn 1104 SR
Natalia awoke to the sound of dripping water. Shifting, she felt the heavy chains that bound her ankles. Her head pounded from the effects of a high dose of magebane, and she wondered how long she had been unconscious.
Opening her eyes to complete darkness, her first instinct was to panic, but then her intellect took hold, calming her. She was still alive, and Nikolai was likely to keep her so for the potential reward. Taking a deep breath, she tried to stand, but the familiar ice in her stomach caused her to double over once more, the pain excruciating.
Natalia willed herself to relax, only to hear the rattle of chains. It appeared she was not alone! She thought back to her capture and suddenly remembered the body that had lain upon the stage.
"Stanislav?" she called out.
"I'm here," the old mage hunter called back. "Is that you, Natalia?"
She moved towards him, reaching the end of her chain. "I'm here."
He shuffled closer, then a moment later, she felt a hand on her arm. "I'm so sorry," he said. "Nikolai used me to capture you."
"How is it that you find yourself in Ebenstadt?" she asked.
"It's a long story," he replied.
"It appears we have a lot of time."
He sighed. "So be it. After your escape, I was taken to the dungeons beneath the Volstrum. There, I rotted until Illiana Stormwind showed up to visit me."
"Let me guess," said Natalia. “She wanted me dead."
"No," he said. "Quite the reverse. She wanted me to find you and keep you safe."
"Safe? From whom? She's the matriarch of the family for
