to the envoy and was about to speak when the messenger cut him off.  His voice changed from a low voice to a higher voice, like one who was about to sing.

            “Baltheis, the Dragon captain, the news I bring from Jenika is from first-hand experience.”

             Baltheis’s eye brows raised and he lifted the envoy’s hood that he had worn during the fighting.  Golden-brown hair fell from within.  The light revealed sky blue eyes and fair face of a young woman in her twenties. The Dragon captain let go of the hood. 

            “Princess Kellan,” he said, showing no surprise in his voice.

            “Kellan?” said Curn. “What are you doing here?”

            Kellan waved her hand to her remaining soldiers. “We are here to tell you what is really happening in Jenika.  The real envoy was supposed to depart for When tomorrow.  We managed to sneak past the borders and reach you.”

            The princess sighed.  “King Veavles of Jenika is planning to wage a war against all of the free people and become the tyrant of the conquered. That is the reason he ordered you to turn over your military formations.”

            Curn looked at Baltheis aghast at this news. 

 

 

            “The king is raising an army while spreading lies of you, Baltheis, because of your plainsdweller background,” said Kellan, worried that this might anger the Dragon captain.  “Many rallied behind him others rebelled.  Those who did were put to the sword.”

            Baltheis shook his head sadly; his black hair and bloodied face adding to his sorrow. 

            Just then horns sounded in the distance, and both Baltheis and Curn looked up.

            “When we are at When, may we talk freely,” said Curn, sheathing his sword. 

            The princess nodded and went to join the rider and survivors who were on horses.

            Baltheis stood alone on the hill beneath the now blood-red sun.  A soft mourning breeze lifted his cape and made it flutter.

            What he said next was only heard by Balto who stood not far from where he stood.

            Forienia soulia haria camr.  Vierimor festa quiliuan zegusta lorian.  Hirda conwelisa colian. For my fellow brothers who have fallen here, who had families to return to, who cannot return to them anymore.  Rest in peace, now and forever, my brothers.  May the wind take you back to them then to your fore fathers.

            Then the Dragon captain, Balto, Curn, princess Kellan, and their soldiers took their leave of the battlefield and returned to When.

 

 

             

              

                

                 

  

                         

                           

                       

 

              

 

                  

                           

 

 

 

    

             

 

                   

              

                           

             

 

             

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