The road to the Tower had to be the easiest that Aldren and Ameni had traveled since they had come together.  The troop of men that rode with them provided for fewer watches at night and the chance of being attacked with a group of this size was not likely.  They were known to Aldren and the ease with which they integrated into the group was amazing.  After what they had endured in the past months, it really felt good to relax a bit.

The first night, they made camp in a site that was used often by men from the tower.  There were supplies cached and plenty to eat along with mead to wash it down with.  One of the men grumbled that since they had a woman with them, she should do the cooking.  Vabryn quickly put a stop to that.  “Any woman who can fight with the speed and cunning that the Lady Ameni has shown deserves respect.  Besides, do you think you can force her to cook for you?”

After dinner, Ameni was oiling the leather in her armor when a huge shadow passed between her and the fire.  She looked up to see the scarred face of Kaldon looking down at her.

“My Lady, I would like to speak with you.”

She smiled at him and bade him to sit near.  Aldren, who was on the other side reading his late mother’s journal, looked up in interest as well.

Kaldon set his great frame on a large flat stone and in his deep gravelly voice started to speak.  “I am not much in the way of smart, but I have to say that there are very few that can best me in a fight.  From what Captain Vabryn said during our journey today, Lord Aldren is probably one of them.  But I never would have thought a woman could have taken me as fast as you did.  I need to know how you could do what most cannot.”

Ameni set down her rag and replaced the stopper in the container.  She thought for a minute before she spoke.  “I believe that it comes from my race.  The Kindred are physically stronger and quicker than the average human.  For all your strength, you would be equal to the average male elf.  Do not feel that you have been bested by a mere woman, for my sire taught me to fight in the elven method of Hanbura since the time I could handle a weapon.”

Kaldon looked a little more at ease.  It had bothered him - a lot - that this young and shapely female could have taken him with no more trouble than stepping on a bug.  His people had been taught that women were always weaker and nowhere near equals with the men.

This was no ordinary woman in his eyes though.  He had been watching her all day, first with anger then curiosity.  Now that she had explained herself, he decided that she simply was more of a goddess than a mere mortal being.  That had to be the explanation.  No woman could do what she did.  Of course to his simple thinking, a goddess should be revered and protected.  He decided that he would do his best to do just that.

Having made up his mind, he stood, bowed to her and Aldren and then took his place in the watch.  Ameni looked over at Aldren.  “Could you tell me what that was about?  He looked at me like I never seen anyone else look before.  It wasn’t lust, I know THAT look.”

Aldren was trying to keep from smiling.  “For some reason, Kaldon worships you.  That was a look of awe.  Of course I worship you but for an entirely different reason.”

Ameni shoved his leg with the side of her foot.  She grinned at her mate, and then went back to her oiling.

They were making good progress and Vabryn figured that they would arrive at the tower by nightfall.  Aldren and Ameni rode together in the middle of the troop but the men were giving them some space.  They both rode in an easy silence, comfortable in their own company and the ones they rode with.  Suddenly, Ameni stopped and cocked her head.  Far off in the distance, Aldren could faintly hear a sound that did not seem of this world.  Deep as though it was coming from far inside a well.

Far in the distance was a creature in the sky.  Even at this distance, they could see that it was huge, probably the length of five horses standing nose to tail.  It circled once then dove out of sight.

The rest of the troop had stopped as well.  The sighting of a dragon in the sky was a rare sight.  It was only thought to happen when the creatures were in a mating flight.  Though there were legends of dragons attacking a group of humans, there were no eyewitness tales since nobody survived a dragon attack.

In the lands of the South, dragons were thought to have died out an age or more ago, if they had ever existed at all.  Now, Aldren had seen the legend in the flesh.  Many things had happened to him since he had left the court of the King, but this was one of the most awe inspiring as well as frightening.

The troop slowly shook off their emotions and once again started up the trail.  As they got closer to the tower the landscape changed.  Gone were the forests, replaced by smaller bushes stunted by lack of nourishment among the huge rocks.  They were now riding close to the northern mountains and the trail was following along the sheer cliffs.  The road was wide enough for four horses to ride abreast and bordered on the side away from the cliff by a low wall of hewn stones set tightly together.

The "tower" was actually two towers built into the face of the mountain.  They were octagonal with two of the sides buried in the face of the cliff.  The massive stones that made up the structures were fit together with such precision that one would have to inspect them closely to see the breaks that defined each block.  They rose over a hundred feet to a parapet that would give an unfettered view of road and the valley below.

The towers guarded a set of gates made of wood and iron that closed the way into the interior of the keep.  As tall as 5 men and as wide as the road, they looked to be able to withstand any battering ram known to man both ancient and modern.  

The sentries at the top called down from their protected positions and the gates were opened.  The troop rode through the main gate, into a tunnel about 50 strides long and under another gate that was designed to be dropped in case the first was breached.  They rode out into a huge bowl several leagues across, its sides raising several hundred feet and surrounding the entire complex.  Several thousand men could be housed here with room for training, drilling in formations and tactics, and any other needs of a standing army.

At the left side and again built into the cliff was a stone palace with a single tower rising above it almost to the height of the walls of the bowl.  Most of the troop headed to the barracks leaving Vabryn and his second in command, an older and rather surly man named Halicot, to escort Aldren and Ameni to meet the leader of this enclave.

They passed through the open doorways into a long receiving hall.  There were guards standing at their posts at regular intervals along both sides of the hall.  At the very far end a man who looked to be several years older than Aldren sat in a tall and ornately carved chair.  He was average in height and well dressed.  His graying hair was brushed back and held in place by a gilded broach.

Aldren did a quick scan of the rest of the room.  Off to one side was a table that held maps and various other parchments scattered in a haphazard fashion.  There were tapestries on the walls made of rich fabrics depicting the ancient legends and creatures that were once thought to have walked in the lands.  Otherwise, the only other feature was a fireplace large enough to heat the hall and a few chairs surrounding the table and hearth.

The leader, Kendrich, rose to greet them.  “Aldren, late of the King’s garrison I take it.”  He offered his hand in greeting.  As Aldren grasped his forearm he continued.  “Your reputation precedes you.”

“As does yours Kendrich.  But I am not sure how much of what Vabryn has told you is plain truth or embellishment.”

“T’was not just Vabryn, I have sources all over the lands.  I know of why you left the King’s employ, that it is believed that you have earned the wrath of the High Priest of the new cult for the killing of several priests.  I have been told that you are a fair man, honest to a fault, and quick to take retribution when wronged.  Such qualities make you a leader of men.”

He then turned to Ameni and brought his arm across his chest.  “Welcome to the Tower of the Guard, Ameni of the kindred.”

Ameni returned the salute.  “My thanks to you for your hospitality.  May you live long for the span of men.”

“I am sure that you are weary from the journey.  We shall find you rooms so you may rest. I imagine that tomorrow you will wish to stretch your limbs and sharpen your skills in the practice fields.  Vabryn, take them to the captain’s quarters for the night.  After tomorrow we will find more permanent dwellings.”

Vabryn gestured for them to follow.  He led them out of the palace and to the first building to the right of the entrance.  He found a set of rooms that was empty and sent orders that all of their belongings be brought in.  He started to leave when Aldren spoke up.  “Vabryn, stay while we are waiting.  I need to know what is going on.  The invitation to the practice fields sounded more like an order.”

Vabryn turned to his old friend, his face somber.  “There are those among Kendrich’s inner circle of advisors that do not believe you are as good as your legend has it.  Others that believe too much of the gossip they hear and fear you I think.”

“Legend?  Just what legend?”

Vabryn looked surprised.  “You have not heard?  You are supposed to be the one that can defeat the king and the priests then restore peace to the lands.  Ever since you left the king’s employ, rumors have abounded about you laying waste to those that oppose you, and giving aid to those that deserve it.  The wildest tales have you as one of the Ancient Kindred reborn”

Aldren would have laughed if it were not for the seriousness of his friend’s face.  This could be dangerous.  Expectations of this magnitude had a way of getting one killed if they were not fulfilled.  “You know that the only thing that I have done is to survive.  And that is with the help of Ameni.  I am not the long awaited liberator of the legends.  I am just a man.”

“I know that.  But I am afraid that you will be tested on the practice field tomorrow so be at your best.”  Then he turned to Ameni.  “My Lady, you may be challenged as well.  I have seen you fight but the attitude of most here is that women of any race are only good for comfort after a fight.  As well, most have never encountered an elf.”

A knock on the door signaled the arrival of their belongings.  Vabryn took that opportunity to take his leave as well.  Following the packs was a meal of roasted meat, roots, and mead.  The companions ate, checked their weapons and then settled for the evening. Ameni took a look around the set of rooms that had been assigned to them.  There was a large bed, a round-top trunk for their belongings and a small table that held a basin and pitcher of water.  A small room was attached containing the facilities that would be needed.  A constant stream of water flowed through the facilities to remove the waste.  The stonework for these facilities was like that of the towers. Satisfied with their arrangements as well as their safety, Ameni began to get ready for sleep.  Watching her remove her armor and leggings, brought feelings of arousal to Aldren and when he touched his mate he found her of the same mind. They made love quickly and quietly as they were both feeling the long days on the trail.  Afterwards, they settled into a comforting sleep with their limbs entangled.

Aldren awoke just as the rays of the sun kissed the tops of the walls of the bowl.  Ameni was already dressed in her full armor with her knives in her belt and her bow and quiver draped across her back.  Aldren dressed quickly, checking his own weapons.  They then left the rooms looking for the dining hall for something to break their fast.

The hall was serving hot cereal with honey and roasted meats that had been spiced.  Warm bread and a brewed herbal tea completed the meal.  When they had arrived there were few in the hall, but before they were finished, the place was full of warriors of all types.  Even with the crowding and fighting for a place to sit, Ameni noted that one and all gave them plenty of space.  As she looked around at the faces, she noted that the expressions ran from the friendly smiles of Vabryn’s troop to some of actual fear.  Aldren had also seen this and they finished quickly and stepped out into early morning light.

The walked over to the large field that was used for practice.  The area was deserted except for an old man sitting on a rock shelf wrapped in a cloak. His covered head was bowed almost to his chest. He completely ignored them, and they soon forgot about him.  Ameni set her bow down and slipped her knives from their sheaths as Aldren pulled his sword from its scabbard.  They faced off and started a set of Hambra movements that would loosen their muscles and focus their senses.  Soon they were moving in the grace of the exercise, each motion beautiful but very deadly.

After they finished, Ameni suggested that Aldren work on the control of his ‘gift’.  He had been quietly bringing up the feelings often only to push them down.  Each time, he would feel the power become stronger, but at the same time his control was even better.  He whispered the words of the ancient tongue in his head and felt the now familiar tingle as he drew the fire of the elements to him.  Ameni was standing back watching intently.  He seemed to gain a shimmer, almost a glow that surrounded him.  He moved into a defensive position and started to battle an imaginary foe.  As he moved the aura became stronger and he moved even faster.  Like a voice in the distance, he heard Ameni shout to him to control it at that level.  He concentrated and found he could stay at this level without losing the thought needed to fight effectively.  He forced it back down before anyone showed up.  He felt the tingling fade as he returned the power back to the elements.  He noticed with delight that the muscle cramping was nonexistent now and the fatigue dissipated faster than before.  He was restored after only a few minutes of rest.

Sitting back, Aldren glanced over remembering the strange old man.  He was still there wrapped in his cloak, but the hood was thrown back revealing a head of long white hair and a pair of dark eyes that were dancing as he nodded and smiled at the pair.

Aldren was back to his normal energy level when others showed up on the field and began to pair off for practice.  Ameni wondered off to the archery range with her bow while Aldren stayed where he was.  Vabryn approached and asked if he would spar for a bit before training of the younger men started.  They squared off and had a friendly match, both remembering a time many years ago when they were both being taught by the swordmaster in the King’s garrison.  Aldren had always been the better of the two because the swordmaster pushed him harder than anyone else.  After all, Harcon would expect nothing less from his only son.  They were soon sweating even in the cool of the morning.  Lowering his sword, Vabryn moved to Aldren and clasped him on the shoulder.

“Aye Aldren, it’s been many a moon since I have had someone who could make me work in a sparring match.  It feels good to be challenged, my friend.”

Aldren smiled at his friend.  “We both have come into our own, I believe.  No longer are we the young boys under my father’s eye.  Experience has taught you well.”

They noticed then a rather large group had gathered to watch them.  As the pair turned to face them, there were cheers and congratulations on such a fine display.  There seemed to be a look of awe in some of the younger faces.  They had just seen a pair of court-trained swordmasters prove their skill, and the newest realized just how far they had to go to attain that level.

But now it was time for Vabryn to start working with the inexperienced troops.  Aldren followed Vabryn as he began pairing recruits together to measure their progress.  As the pairs would spar, Vabryn would correct mistakes and cajole those not working to their potential.  After being asked to help, Aldren started to teach as well. Many of the mistakes he remembered committing in his youth were to be found in these troops today.  Sometimes correcting a problem was as simple as changing the grip they had on the sword or perhaps showing them a better way to stand.

Watching one pair he suddenly stopped them.  “Do not over extend your sword arm when you thrust.  Your balance is off and it is harder to protect yourself.  Let your opponent come within range of your sword, don’t try to extend your range to them.  Let me show you.”  He drew his own sword from his back and asking the man’s partner to come at him, he demonstrated just what he meant.  “Learn your range and then you can keep anything out of that area.”

As the two went back to sparing, Halicot came striding up.  The pair stopped at his approach, as did most of those in the area. He sneered at Aldren for a moment.  “You talk a good fight, but can you do what you talk about?”

Aldren knew this was the challenge he had been expecting.  “Is that a challenge?”

“It would be if I thought you would really be a challenge.”

Vabryn came running up to them.  Turning to Aldren, he spoke quietly.  “Besides me, Halicot is the best swordsman here.  You showing up with your reputation preceding you, he is afraid that you will take that honor.  He will come at you with everything he has.”

Aldren just nodded.  Again Vabryn spoke but this time loud enough for all to hear.  “The challenge has been given and accepted.  The bout will continue until one is disarmed or calls for quarter.  This challenge is not to be to the death.”  This meant that the battle was to follow strict rules and traditions that had been followed for generations.

The students formed a rough circle about 15 paces across with the two men in the center.  The combatants stood 5 paces apart swords pointing down, their tips touching the dirt.  There was silence all around as Vabryn stepped into the center of the circle.  He raised his arm to start the battle, but Halicot ignored tradition and charged Aldren before the signal was given to begin.  He took a huge overhead swing designed to cleave Aldren into two pieces.  Aldren’s own sword easily blocked the blow and the battle was on.  

It was soon clear Aldren was playing with Halicot, easily blocking the series of blows and countering with moves that had Halicot scrambling to defend against.  It was also quite clear to all watching that Halicot was getting frustrated and angry.  His best moves were being turned and his opponent had done nothing but an unhurried defense.  He was now past the point of trying to beat this man and now was ready to kill Aldren if he could.  He stepped back and grabbed a knife from his belt intending to bury it in Aldren’s gut.

“Enough of this!” Aldren growled, and moved in.  Before Halicot could realize what had happened, he had to block a blow so vicious that his sword was torn from his hand.  The next instant, Halicot felt the tip of Aldren’s sword pressing against the base of his throat.  He let the dagger drop from his upraised hand. 

 “Say it!” Aldren snarled in a voice just loud enough for those closest to them to hear.  Halicot swallowed, his eyes filled with surprise and fear.  “Quarter!” he managed to get out.  Aldren lowered his sword and backed away the required three paces.

Vabryn called the match done and declared Aldren the winner.  He also sent Halicot from the field in shame for disregarding the rules of the ritual challenge.  The students made way for Halicot as he stomped off defeated and humiliated.  They went back to their pairings, but were more interested in discussing what they had seen than actual work.

Aldren was feeling the effects of the battle so he moved off to try and calm himself down.  He was moving toward the archery range when a cheer rose from the crowd that had gathered there. Peering through the crowd he realized that Ameni was busy proving herself as well.

She was standing calmly with her back to the target.  Her opponent took careful aim and let loose with a shaft that hit the man-sized dummy in the middle of the chest.  There was a cheer from the crowd as he turned to the elf wearing a satisfied smile.  Ameni returned the smile.  Then, in one swift movement, she drew a shaft of her own, notched, spun around and fired hitting the dummy in the head.  Before the crowd could react, she had fired again leaving the shaft sticking obscenely in the dummy’s crotch.  There was a loud gasp and then wild applause as her opponent conceded the match.  He extended his hand, which she grasped.

The crowd started moving away and Aldren moved toward his mate.  “That last shot was a little overkill wasn’t it?”  He grinned down at her.

“I was running low on arrows so I wanted to end the competition.  How did the challenge go for you?”

Aldren’s face clouded with concern.  “I had no problem beating him, but he tried to cheat and I ended up shaming him.  I think I have made a dangerous enemy.”

“Then we will have to watch for him.”  She went to the targets and pulled her arrows and replaced them in her quiver.  They walked off the field together heading on to their rooms.

Aldren and Ameni emerged from their rooms for the evening meal.  They arrived at the dining hall as most of the troops were coming in.  In a complete opposite of the morning, there were numerous offers for them to come and eat with a group.  They settled with a group that included the man Ameni competed against, and several of the students from the archery range.  Ameni was blushing from all the compliments and the retelling of the match.  One of the younger ones told of the gossip that grew from Aldren’s battle.  He had to inform them that it was nowhere near the tale that they had heard. Nonetheless, the tales just kept growing. The conversation soon turned to more enjoyable subjects, talk of the games of chance that were going on that night, the possibility of trying to find some pleasure in the arms of one of the ladies of the camp, although this talk was stopped as soon as they remembered Ameni was sitting there.

They mumbled embarrassed apologies to her, but she laughed and stated that she was going to retire for the evening so they could discuss the night’s activities.  She stood, and they all said their farewells.  Aldren also rose from the table and bade them a farewell.

The two walked out into the cool night air.  Away from the noise of the dining hall, the bowl had a serene quiet.  The only sounds were from the sentries by the palace, and the scuffing of their own boots.  Aldren stopped and looked up at the sky.  The stars were clear showing as bright points of light.  He felt like he was safe for now, not having to press on to another destination, not having to watch for enemies during the night.  He wrapped his arm around Ameni’s shoulder, pulling her to his side.  She gave him a squeeze and then moved back so they could continue on.

They had made it to their rooms and were removing their weapons when there was a quiet knock on the door.  Ameni had her knives at the ready, and Aldren unsheathed his sword before giving permission to enter.  The door pushed open and in the frame stood the old man that they had seen that morning.  He motioned for permission to enter the room and Aldren gave it putting away his sword.

The old man moved with a speed that they would not have counted on considering his years.  He moved into the room and took a seat on the large chest that stored their belongings.  They both stood expectantly waiting for him to explain his appearance in their room.

“I am Kal-angurr.  I know your names and where you come from.  I have lived here for more than three of your lifetimes, making my home in the tower and studying the ways of the old magic.  I knew you would come here.”

Aldren was wary even though he could feel that this Kal-angurr did not mean them any harm.  “How would you know that we were coming here?”

“The voices in the tower spoke as you approached this place.  I came tonight to take you there so you may learn of the things you are troubled about.”  He rose, expecting them to follow.

They followed Kal-angurr across the courtyard and to the side of the palace.  They stopped against the outer wall.  There were no visible lines within the wall but with a touch, Kal-angurr released a catch and a low door swung back silently on well-oiled hinges.  The old man led the way using a torch that was by the entrance.  They ascended a flight of stairs that wound around the inside of the wall, until they found themselves in a large chamber at the very top of the tower.  It was octagonal and made of a polished stone.  All around the outside walls were openings that would look out over the bowl and to the tops of the cliffs.  In the center was a firepit that contained only embers.  

Kal-angurr bade Aldren to move into the chamber while he and Ameni remained at the head of the stairs.  Aldren walked around the perimeter looking out then returned to where the other two were standing.  He was about to ask what he was supposed to do when a breeze came into the room from the outside.  It almost seemed to carry words within its very air.  Barely louder than a whisper, Aldren could tell that the voices were speaking to him.  He sat near the firepit and listened closer.  It was then that he was drawn into the web of their chanting.

He listened enraptured as the voices spoke of the coming of the ancients, the first ever to inhabit the land. They told of the coming of the Elves and of the alliances and intermingling of their races.  How the Ancients taught the Elves to harness the power that was within all things, the strength of the elements: the earth, air, fire and water.

They told of the coming of the other animals including the dragons as well as the harmony of all the races that lasted for winters uncounted.  How with the coming of humans, their greed started the disharmony that eventually brought the downfall of all the old alliances.

Most important, they whispered what he would need to know to survive what fate was holding for him.  Words of the ancient tongue that would allow him to control those elements.  And they revealed to him that he was of the Dragon Clan, the last of his kin.  He alone held the secrets that could bring peace and harmony back to the lands.

Lastly, it spoke of a journey, which he would soon have to make to receive the power that would truly make him the leader of the Dragon Clan. This journey would not be measured in leagues traveled: rather within his mind and his very soul.  He asked how he would know the path, but the only answer was that he would have to follow what his heart told him.

As the words started to fade, Aldren found himself lying on the polished stone floor. He was not hurt, but unsure how he got into this position.  Once more, the chamber was silent.  He lifted his head to see Ameni moving towards him.

Ameni had stood by the top of the stairs during Aldren’s ordeal.  She heard the wind come through the openings around the wall, and watched as Aldren had been lifted up by them and carried around the room.  She too had thought she heard voices contained in the wind, but she did not understand what they said.  The noise had risen to a level that was almost unbearable.  She had started to enter the room but was restrained by Kal-angurr. When Aldren settled on the floor, she took him for dead and started toward him.  He raised his head and looked at her before rolling on his back.

She came to him and cradled his head while he regained consciousness.  He leaned against her as he was still a little dizzy, but very grateful for her presence and caring.  As soon as he regained his balance, they started the descent.  They remained silent until they were safely back in their rooms.  Kal-angurr remained to hear what had transpired. Aldren told them the basics of what he had seen and heard in the tower.  The ancient words he kept to himself because he somehow knew they would not understand them.  The old man told them that the voices would speak to him, but this was the first time that he had ever witnessed such a powerful exhibition.

Kal-angurr took his leave to return to his own chambers.  Aldren and Ameni pulled off their armor and fell exhausted onto the bed and did not stir for the remainder of the night. 

It was late in the morning before the pair finally emerged from their quarters.  From the time they awakened, they talked of the events of the night before.  Aldren was concerned about what had happened and what he had learned, especially what he had learned about himself.  He never wanted power, only to be left alone to live his life.

“It is hard to believe that the blood of an ancient clan still flows through me.  I wonder if my mother knew of this.  Why didn’t she prepare me for what she must have known would come to pass?  She had the gift of foresight, you know.”

Ameni embraced her bondmate.  “We have no answers.  Tales were told of very old clans that had died out generations ago.  Perhaps your mother did not speak of this to keep you from having to bear the responsibility at an age when you could not handle it.”  Then she looked him in the eye and gave a little grin.  “Perhaps soon we can repopulate your lost clan.  That would mean many children and much practice in order to conceive them.”

Aldren laughed, relieving the tensions in his mind.  “Well my mate, if we don’t revive the Dragon Clan, it won’t be from lack of trying.”  Then he leaned down and gave her a kiss that carried the promise of doing just that.
They ate a light meal then went exploring the rest of the compound.  They discovered the smithy and the armories, and spent time getting to know some of the people that were supporting the rebels.  This was a self-sufficient village inside the bowl, able to live for years without having to venture out, and safe in the knowledge that no enemy could invade.

They settled into a routine.  They were on the practice field shortly after the morning meal, sharing their knowledge with the new recruits and keeping their own skills sharp.  They quickly became popular with most of the troops and the support people.  A few of the recruits became favorites of Aldren’s and he spent extra time honing their skills.
There were those in the camp that cared little for them. These people were either jealous or had hatreds that were ingrained in their hearts.  They were easy to spot and avoid however.  Their evenings were often spent within their rooms talking, reading, caring for equipment, and of course, making love.

They had been there for a several sevendays when Kendrich requested that Aldren join him in the palace.  He went into the palace hall to find Kendrich along with several of his inner circle of planners.  Kendrich spotted him and motioned him to come closer.  Aldren could see several maps marked with the movements of different troops on them.

“Aldren, I have a request.  I need someone to take a small force and travel down this valley to see if we could set up an outpost in there.  We need to have our troops out patrolling and living in the surrounding area instead of just living within the tower.  Spring is coming and we believe that the king will be sending troops out to feel out our strength.  I am also hoping that we will be seeing more warriors coming to join us.  We will need another place to bring them to.”

Aldren studied the map carefully.  He had learned much of the territory by going out with Vabryn and his troop a few times.  He could see the reasoning for wanting an outpost, but there were several other places that would suit, all of them better than in a valley without an exit.  

Aldren told Kendrich that he would go there and check the site for everything they would need for an outpost.  Kendrich asked him to be ready to leave in two days and to only take a small force.  They were supposed to be just a scouting trip.  Aldren took his leave and went to assemble his group.  

He picked Vabryn, and two of the newer troops that had showed promise.  Ameni was going along with or without his say, and he knew as much.  Kaldon insisted of going along as well.  He would not allow his Goddess to face danger without him to protect her.  Ameni tolerated the worship of the man since he did not directly approach her.  They made their necessary arrangements to get food and were ready to depart.  Out of habit, Aldren and Ameni packed all their belongings, which got some teasing remarks from the rest of the group.

The group set out at dawn.  Aldren and Ameni rode in the lead looking for any problems along the way.  Vabryn and Kaldon stayed in the rear to keep watch as well.  This put the newer recruits in the middle.  The riding order changed often so they would all remain alert.  They would first head further west over a series of hills and valleys then south into what looked on the map like a small valley that was enclosed.  It looked to be an easy ride of three days.  It was still early enough in the spring that natural enemies should not yet be roaming freely.  The unnatural enemies had not ventured this far north as of yet.  It was not long before the group was out of sight of the tower and once again into the wilderness of the northern lands.