Snippet #2472368

The ash of a once proud Elven city hung heavy upon the air as the frenzied activity of troops going about the business of setting up a fortified camp. The sound of chanting competed with the cries of Overseers as they whipped their slave gangs into motion. And the falling of trees and creating of Earthen walls contributing to a general cacophony familiar to any General.

In the heart of the camp underneath a sturdy canvas pavilion rested a wide and improvised table. Upon it's surface rested a parchment map outlining estimated enemy positions updated from the reports of the constant flow of scouts in and out of the camp None of it was helping the mood of either Vesznar or Solana as they leaned over the map studying it intently.

" We simply don't have enough to go on Matron, we got lucky here catching them with their pants down. We don't have enough spare troops to maintain numerical superior around this camp and launch another attack into the Forest. We're just going to have to wait for The Matriarch to bring up the main bulk of the army." Vesznar argued with as much patience as he could muster. The Eldrich Knight was trying for a conciliatory tone but was aware he was most likely coming across as condescending. His left hand was busy arranging the pins on the map while his right indicated the camp itself.

"The Matriarch is coming to replace us you know." Was the limit of the High Priestress rebuttal as she amused herself with solving a puzzle cube using telekinesis, the map beginning to bore her as the obvious was already known.

" By Loth's sweet rump I'd thought you be happy to see the back of this place Matron."

" Of course my dear Vesznar but I would rather have the Matriarch at arms distance then here watching us with undivided attention. " Solana replied with a laugh as the cube she was working on slid into its finished shape. The clash of arms indicated a changing of sentries even as the cries of acknowledgment made it clear.

"Of course...T'would be rather annoying to have that would be Queen right up the old backside. "

The Psionic Matron smiled once more as the dream of being Queen herself flashed through her mind. But before Solana could reply a sentry strode into the impromptu War Room. Accompanying the Sentry was a scruffy looking man puffed up with false courage.

" State your business here Human before I feed you to a Drider. " She spoke in the tone one reserved for one's inferior.

" I am here on behalf of my commander Tharac..." The messenger didn't have time to finish his reason as the High Priestress cut him off.

" Yes the uglier every time I see him Orc. What does the pig snout fool want that is worth you wasting my time."

" He gave me a letter outlining the details. " The messenger replied with a slight bit of heat not caring for being cut off by a Woman.

Taking the bit of paper Solana studied it in silence for a few moments. The Orc was really taking his vow to the Dark Lord seriously, something she'd never understand. One boy especially a useless human could not change the world.But crossing the Dark Lord held little appeal. And so she was all but duty bound to aid an Orc.

"Vesznar take five companies and link up with the Orc and see what he wants." The Psionic Matron ordered the father of her children. " Oh and make sure to teach the louse ridden whoreson bastard the next time he tries to send such a condescending missive I'll cut off his genitals and feed them to a hobgoblin. "

" It'd be my pleasure Matron." Vesznar answered with a deep formal bow and a grin of delight upon his face.

Vesznar then gathered up a mixed grouping of fast scouts and battle mages from the troops assigned as reserve support. Though he'd only be taking five companies or about a thousand troops the Eldrich Knight still did not like stripping the Camp's defensive support. Especially for some wild goose hunt lead by in his opinion a filthy orc.

The Patron of House Valiner knew though that this wild goose chase was ordered by the Dark Lord himself. While he respected any male that could order a Matron mother around Vesznar did not care for a human above him nor an Orc all but ordering the actions a Drow could take. In the Underdark Orcs were nothing but slaves,often used as fodder to exhaust enemy strength.

Still with the rapid pace a Drow force could maintain the march to Tharac's position would not be a long one. And so once the orders of Solana were relayed and the five companies were on the move the Eldrich Knight let his mind fall into the waking dreams that were elven sleep. Even as he marched alongside his small band of a thousand his mind and spirit found rest.