Snippet #2575815

The Rangers had already begun preparing for departure long before Icarus would return. Elijin had already awoken those that would be going with him on the woodland trek towards the castle. They planned on moving in as straight a line as possible in a south western direction through the woods. Their path would have them crossing a river a few minor streams before getting within sight of the castle at the edge of the forest. The small band of 40 Rangers stood waiting in the clearing where Icarus was before all standing around talking in whispers to each other while fixing gear or catching the last little relaxing nap they could.

Most of the rangers shared a few things in common besides the weaponry of the bow. They each had a pet they had trained from a juvenile age and accompanied them as they went. Some had eagles, ravens or hawks while other had jaguars, leopards, or lynx's. The bigger of the rangers had trained bear cubs that even towered above them now whether it was a grizzly bear, black bear, or polar bear. A few others kept the usual pets of a dog and with the exception of the shortest ranger Ehren Holt who happened to have tamed a pet monkey which sat on his shoulder.

Now with everyone gathered Elijin stood up on the downed tree his own dog Scout, blue heeler in front sitting happily.

"My friends thank you for gathering here today for this will be a day in which us Rangers make history once more. We make war on the darkness that has spread from the Moors. We may be few in number now from the retreat but we have grown stronger because of this. The friendship and camaraderie that has bound us together for these dark times is what will conquer this senseless evil. We have been blessed by our ancestors for this village and the skills we hold. Now is the hour in which we go and the hour in which our names will live on history so long as each one of us live!" Elijin jumped from the downed tree landing as Icarus came floating down from above to land on the tree behind him.

Elijin took the note from the bird tossing the eagle a bit of meat which he happily accepted. He unrolled the parchment smiling after reading through it.

"Perfect Timing I would say. Icarus scout ahead for us we move out now!" With that the small troop began their fast paced trek through the woods. Being of little gear and able to survive they could travel light.