"We'll see, Heidi, we'll see!" replied the Dark Elf with a smile.The small party of adventurers didn't have to ride too far to reach their destination. The Drow encampment was indeed located in a grove of trees, however, they were not more than 300 yards from the eastern gate of the City of Yarfell. As they rode up to the camp, more than a few of the Shadow Riders came out to greet them.
"So what's the word, Captain?" asked one soldier.
"Yeah, we're gonna' get paid or not, sir?" inquired another one.
"Shut yer' mouth! Of course we're gonna get paid!" answered a third, "I just want to know when we're going after those Orcs!"
"Why?" quipped the first soldier that spoke, "You lookin' for a lovemate or a pet?"
"Nah!" answered the second soldier, "He's probably lookin' for both!"
A loud raucous laughter went up as the Drow playfully pushed and shoved the victim of their sarcastic humor around--at least until the Captain rode up with the others. Nightrunner came out to greet them as well, and almost immediately brought himself to a stop when he noticed that his master had a serious countenance about his face.
"Draw near!" announced Sterling openly as most of his men all but surrounded them, "I have good news for you and bad news for the Orcs! The good and bad of it is that we have a commission, we are going to be supplied, we are going to go to war, and we are going to get PAID!!!"
"Hooray!!!!" Was the cry that went up from the Shadow Riders as the Swordsman smiled at their amusement. Suddenly a clear sign of their appreciation went up, as a few of them began to chant, "SYL-VAR! SYL-VAR! SYL-VAR! SYL-VAR!"
For a precious few seconds Sterling basked in the glory of the moment, however, he knew that he had a war council to attend and still more business to settle before this day was done! As he did in his dream when he met D'yvar Irzen for the first time, the Dark Elf looked down at his war wolf and gave him a friendly nod. Nightrunner responded by giving a long low howl that immediately brought his men to silence!
"We are going to be paid fifteen silver--half now, half when we win the war!" announced the Swordsman.
More than a few whistles of disbelief went up as some of the Drow shook their heads over the amount of money they were going to receive for the bloody and dangerous mission that lay ahead!
"We should be receiving supplies shortly, and with it, your pay! However, until our war council has ended, you will remain in camp and on your guard! There will be plenty of time to enjoy the wine and women of Yarfell later! But for now, you are to be on your guard at all times! Is that understood!?!"
The Shadow Riders cried in unison, "Yes, sir!"
"Good!" replied Sterling, "Dis-missed!"
As his men broke up and went about their business, the Swordsman said to his Chiurgeon, "Doc, I want you to get the Standard Bearer and four men together and send them over to Yarfell. They are to hang our battle flag from the city's ramparts. Then I want you to deploy sentries, give us a thousand yard perimeter--sweep pattern--nothing gets in or out without my say so! Also, have the sentries keep an eye out for those supplies and a nobleman by the name of Lord Tolan. He is the founder of our feast, and is to be afforded every courtesy that we can manage, understood?"
"Yes sir!" replied Doc getting ready to ride off and fulfill his Captain's orders.
"And one more thing, Doc. When you're done, I want you to join us in the war council," added the Swordsman in conclusion.
"Well, hell sir, why don't you just ask me for gold fillings in my teeth while you're at it!?!" replied Doc sarcastically.
Sterling gave him an evil smirk saying, "Just do it, Doc! Besides, I'll be nice and let you beat me at cards later!"
The Drow Chiurgeon just rode off mumbling something about being a doctor and not being the company gopher.
Dismounting from his steed, Sterling immediately helped Heidi down and walked over to his tent which was the largest and darkest among the rest. "Now, it's time to get down to business!" Noticing that the High Wizard was walking off, the Swordsman asked, "Gareth, are you going to join us?"
The Wood Elf only answered, "No! Psilorabbit and I have matters to discuss! Perhaps later! Would you care to join me, my young friend?" asked Gareth walking off into the woods.
Sterling looked at Heidi and asked, "So what do you think that's all about?"
A Point To Ponder
