At last darkness had fallen and the somber night sky was filled with stars. The purple moon rose swiftly, and a sliver of it's own full self this time of year. A streak of light fell to the ground to the north. [i]A fallen star?[/i] thought Maren. Another streak of light, fiery and red.[i]It is far to late into the fall for the star-showers...[/i] she thought worriedly. Then hundreds of fires filled the night and Maren heard the war calls of orcish riders. 

She stood mouth slightly agape as the mercenary camp was beset by the nomadic warriors. She heard the screams and cries of battle, carried easily over the fire-fens. From the [b]North Bridge Garrison[/b] came the warning bell. 

"What is going on Cassius?" said Maren. She looked to Cassius to see his reaction. 


[i]"Hello there! Lady Maren and Captain Cassius, correct? I am Annabeth Elliot, a knight errant. It looks like the tide of battle has shifted to our favor! We should sally out and route these brigands while they're still a chance."[/i]

Maren turned to see who had addressed her and posed such an outrageous thing. [i]Who is this woman so eager to shed blood in a battle we cannot yet understand?[/i] thought Maren. 

"The gods peace upon you Lady Elliot," said Maren warily. Her attention returned to the battle on the north bank for a moment. It seemed to be going poorly for the Karsusian mercenaries, and for a moment Maren felt relief. The thought of an orcish army at the gate was a different matter entirely...

Maren turned her attention once more to Lady Elliot. Maren forced a smile. The warrior held an impressive Warhammer. Maren did not doubt the woman could wield such a powerful weapon and instinctively reach into her robes and gripped the pommel of her shortsword concealed there. "Forgive me, but [i]who are you?[/i] I do not recognize your name nor standard. What is your business here?" 

The sounds of battle continued beyond the wall...