assassins

"We've already encountered troops," Karana explained. "Troops disguised as elves."

"I'm sure there are more stationed at the fortress," Ladreal added, nodding.

"It'll take everything we've got to even get through the gates," Karana continued. "Understand why we're having trouble now?"

**Get into the fotress and i will post agian**
*Out of ideas*

**That's the problem with all of us, I think. We'll try!**

Falcon

"Are we ready to go?" I asked.
"Don't we need a plan first?" Ara wondered.
"On a mission that's impossible to plan? No. We'll improvise," I decided. Ladreal seemed slightly amused that I was attempting to take control and I must admit I was highly irritated when the other two women turned to him for assent. He offered this with a simple nod and together we set off. I guided Mist through the streets with a steady hand and soon the others had collected their horses the neighbouring stable.

Once outside the city, we mounted and Ladreal led us at a gallop towards the forest. Upon reaching the border of the forest where the trees were just beginning, he motioned for us to slow our pace and follow with caution.

_______________
That near enough the forest for you?

"Tell me more about this fotress" said Ladreal



*Continue*

"I think we could all use some of this information, including what happened when you went off with those soldiers," Karana cast a firm, hard look at Ladreal. He smirked at her.

Falcon took a breath before explaining.

Falcon

"You seriously know nothing of the Fortress? Well then it's fortunate that you found me. You know about the war at least I take it? Well, the owner of the fortress is a mystical being. No one's quite sure which. That doesn't matter either. He controls all the forest around his kingdom. Some even say the forest is his kingdom and it's inhabitants his people. He sends forth his armies and dark magic to ravage this land and his ambition is to eliminate the weak, kind hearted race and all who aren't pure of blood. Or so some say."

"Some say. You said that a lot but what do you say? How do you know all of this?" Ara demanded.
"I still want to know what was going on with Ladreal and those elves," Karana added. I smiled and shook my head in amusement.
"Were you planning on telling them?" I asked Ladreal. He shrugged.
"You can probably tell that story better than me. I didn't actually spend any time there but I heard a bit about it." Ladreal shrugged again and resumed his silence.

I took this as an indication that I should continue.
"Okay. I'm presuming the elves you met in the forest were dark Elves," I began.
"What's the difference?" Karana asked.
"The Dark Elves belong to the Master of the fortress. They live in that forest and may not leave but some of us. Some of us wont be his puppets. I for one will not be ruled for him. I left about sixty years ago. When I was nineteen. Your friend, Ladreal, he is half Dark Elf I believe but he could pass for a full blood. I'm guessing he used this to his advantage when you met those Elves. Am I right Ladreal?"

_____________________________
Hehehe. Hope you don't mind the plot expansion...

"I still say they wernt dark elfs. What kind of elfs would die so soon?" asked Ladreal
"Whats more, Dark elfs have black blood" said Ladreal when no one answered.
"Well what are they then?" asked Falcon
"I told you already i dont know." said Ladreal

Falcon

"Perhaps a new race. One easier to control?" I suggested as we made our way deeper and deeper into the forest.
"That's a possibility I suppose. They certainly weren't very intelligent."
"Okay then why don't you two tell them that you're escorting us to the fortress?" Karana asked.
"That's not a bad idea," I agreed.
"But will they believe you?" Ara wondered. It was time to find out.

Suddenly, Elves sprang out from the trees around us and raised crossbows, short bows and various daggers. Casually, I took hold of Karana and Ladreal did the same with Ara.
"Hello there," I addressed the elves with a yawn, urging my horse to retain a steady pace.

"There has been a murder my friends. Some of your brethren have been slain and we are escorting the culprits to the fortress."
"But," One elf protested, "Shouldn't you just kill them? I thought only the master and his private soldiers are allowed in there. Are you two of his private soldiers?"
"That we are my friend. Now back to work. You cannot leave this forest unguarded. You know how displeased he would be," I replied sternly.

Karana tried not to laugh. This was too funny! These elves - or whatever they were - were too easily fooled! Getting into the fortress would be easier than first thought!

She kept her laughter to herself until Falcon and Ladreal had led them far away from the soldiers and closer to the fortress.

"i told you they weren't elf's" said Ladreal smiling.
"Here we go again, what are they if they aren't elf's" said Ara
Ladreal shrugged and walked on.