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    The other soldiers present also spoke words of gratitude and even applause began to clap out for the elves and their magic beasts, whom stood head up and proud to the attention, as Theodas replied in turn, "Please sirs.  We did only duty."  The elves were more humbled in their appreciation as they tried to gather themselves to make leave.


    Their captain continued now atop his owl-like griffin, "This victory may be ours but the Lord Divine is the reason we are still alive."


    It was clear to the humans these elves were about to fly off and THAT was something Marcus could not allow, not now.


    The foreigner seemed to sense this shift in Marcus''s bearing as he imperceptibly said, "I''m sorry but we must get back to our City in due haste.  My superiors have to be informed of these beastmen people and the threat they pose."


    First and foremost, Marcus Evarius was a man of the sword and not skilled with his tongue.  So in terms of politics, even internal affairs, this Vice-Captain''s mindset was not suited for such verbal warfare.  But the veteran knew enough that these three elves (and their magic steeds) were worth more than a kingdom''s fortune and a possible alliance with such a trio alone could help them overcome the doom devouring their lands.


    Thinking fast - Marcus knew he had to appeal for their aid, or atleast make a possible alliance sound attractive enough for them to bite.  This will likely be his only chance, "Theodas-dono, as for what me and my unit is doing out here; we''ve been dispatched on a mission, by our Queen, to scout the countryside for any of our people that might have survived the enemy advance.  We find ourselves... a bit outmatched here."  The head elf of the group paused as he took interest in his honest plea.


    "It is paramount to evacuate these refugees to the closest city.  Arxtu is but a couple days from here and we can accompany you there, or more accurately, you could accompany us there."  The veteran was eying his flying mount and thinking of the aerial advantages that would give their traveling party.  "Once there - I could introduce you to the city governor and in such case, make the first appearance of your people to ours go as smooth as possible.  Can you excuse our restlessness from before – as you can see, we find ourselves in quite a... dire situation."  Marcus finished his proposition hoping for the best.


    Another reason he wanted their company, beyond the tactical advantage, was to also keep an eye on them.  After all, one can not be too careful in these trying times and a new nation of elves in the east could cause future complications if left to their own devices.  The worst case scenario would be for these elves to isolate themselves even further when they might be the only chance for the Draconic Kingdom to survive.  Plus they have a living ''deity'' on their side.


    The elf seemed to think of these merits as he looked to his cohorts who raised no debate on it.  The only thing Marcus heard was, "It''s your call, taichan."  Theodas about it for ten seconds more before amiably agreeing to join in their escort to this city of Arxtu.


    Of course, none saw the invisible seraph slap his forehead or heard his groan to the situation that had developed.


    *** five minutes later ***


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    "I don''t know, Giendine.  I don''t know."  Raymond tried to steel his resolve.  He was the head of the Six Scriptures, the greatest fighting force humanity had to offer.  He could not lose his way now, "But first we need to call a full gathering of the Supreme Council.  Without delay."


    *** not long after ***


    It was a cacophony of sounds as the armored knight in silver and her black cloaked companion strolled through their camp.  Many a beastmen were howling in laughter, while others were snarling or grunting in intimidation and anticipation, for what was about to come to these stupid intruders.  But the two seemed to be looking for something in particular as they kept on walking without a seeming care of their dire situation.  As more howls and jeers sounded out, more of the the beastmen within the encampment made their way towards their growing procession.


    Many of the beastmen were understandably confused by this sight as they hastily made their way here, weapons in hand as if expecting an ambush, only to join in the chorus as they realized it was but two.  Cheers of "meat!" echoed through the clearing but none dared make a move (yet) as their captain had not given the order.  It was one of the few rules their grand army had.  And still the cattle continued to walk, almost if they were being guided by an invisible hand.