Eternal Beasts

Into Darkness

Despite their determination, it took nearly an hour to put everything in place for the impromptu expedition to Tara Hill. Mostly because the assembled commanders had to first plan, then carry out the first phase of Findias's defense, the Tuathan Fáil's lack of participation notwithstanding. Beginning with the occupation of Tor Branath and the Sisters.

Jeremiah nodded with satisfaction as he watched the last of his regiment march through Branath's main gates behind the provisions and baggage wagons. That fortress, the most powerful of the perimeter fortifications, was now fully garrisoned with battle-hardened Denai troops. Which was the best case scenario as Branath would be the first to be attacked and he'd rather it be his troops holding it than any other Lightling force, the Traveling People included.

"That's the last of them, war leader," his second in command, Major General Minari Snowshadow reported as she stepped up beside him to give him a nod in greeting. Having served together for nearly fifteen years, they were more friends than comrades. Jeremiah trusted no-one else to command his war party in his absence.

"All tucked away and ready for a fight." An attractive denai woman in her early forties, Minari leveled a green-eyed gaze at him. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with, Jer? Nobody has your back like I do. And Obediah is ready. He can command the regiment in garrison, no problem!"

"To be truthful, I'd love to have your sword with us on this one, Min," the broad-shouldered denai war leader said with a frown. "But the darklings are going to hit Branath first. I need you , not Obediah, here in case they discover the magic to transport their Legions across the whole of the western Cael Nerath in days instead of weeks. Not knocking around a bog, looking for a lost Master Library."

Minari returned his determined gaze for a moment before nodding, the veteran denai officer reaching out to thump the top of his shoulder with a gauntleted fist.

"I'll hold it until you get back," she promised. "Just don't be too long. I can't promise we'll save any for you!"

"Ha!" Jeremiah grinned despite his grim mood. "You better. I'll need a proper enemy to take my frustrations out on after hacking through a swamp for Maker knows how long!"

Just then Bithra and Ezekiel appeared, striding towards them, determined expressions on both and full field packs on their backs.

"That looks like your cue, Jer," Minari said, looking back at him. She held out her hand, which Jeremiah immediately took.

"Good hunting, old friend."

"Keep them on the path until I get back, Min," Jeremiah replied, giving her hand a firm shake. "See you soon!"

"We ready here?" Ezekiel asked as he and Bithra drew up. He nodded in greeting to Minari.

"Min."

"Zeke," Minari replied with a nod in return. "Bits."

"Min," Bithra replied with a smile. "Wish you were coming. We could use that cholim cleaver you call a sword on this one."

"You and me both," Minari replied with a wry smile of her own. "But somebody has to mind the shop while you three are getting your armor rusty in some swamp!"

"That's why I packed extra oil," Ezekiel smugly indicated and Bithra rolled her eyes.

"That's because you didn't have enough to begin with," she deftly retorted, her words and expression making Jeremiah snort with amusement and Minari smile.

Before either war leader could continue the conversation, a warm 'thrum' of gathering magical energy drew their attention to Caer Esdraelon.

"Time to go!" Minari declared.