Greyhawk: Against the Giants: Return to Hochoch

Ghorenfore lets out a deep breath his patience for the situation being taxed to the limit, as well as his ability to be compassionate to an otherwise obviously oblivious officer.
"I was going to give you a chance to defend your actions from earlier, given the fact I can have you brought up on charges ranging from Threatening of a civilian, disobeying a direct order, and conduct unbecoming of a military officer, and that's just off the top of my head."
He took a deep breath and looked away for a moment.
"However its becoming increasingly clear to me that you fail to see or think that you did anything wrong, that maybe you were justified in your actions. Allow me to dispel that theory and correct you by saying; You are relieved of your command, your are relieved of your duties, and you are confined to your tent until further notice. Do not make the mistake of testing my patience or my resolve any further by opening your mouth, or I will have you escorted back to Hococh in shackles where they can deal with you there at your court martial."
Ghorenfore paused before continuing
"As for your traveling companions I would advise you speak to them as well about keeping their mouths shut and respecting a military command post while their still welcome at any of them."
Ghorenfore stared at him for a moment then said:
"DISMISSED!" very sternly.

MARTIN looks like he just got punched in the gut. With an absolutely crushed expression on his face, his mouth opens & closes a few times about to speak. He then turns & leaves. MARTIN goes back to the tent he had started assembling & sits on the ground in front of it. He still looks crushed & stares blankly at the dirt with an occasional tear falling.

ARLIE is very upset at the sight of MARTIN. He steps over & kneels in front of MARTIN. "I'm sorry, sir. I don't know if you're listening or if you even care or believe what I'm saying, but I was honestly trying to help you. I thought if Ghorenfore were your friend, he would recognize major changes in your behavior since your change in form. I thought he would understand & treat you like the injured soldier you are; not like a blatantly disobedient one. Apparently, my words went over more like trying to light a candle by bashing it with a club... Looks like I've done a piss poor job as your protector. I really am sorry for the problems I've caused you."

ARLIE pauses for a moment looking for some sign of acceptance or recognition from MARTIN, but gets nothing. ARLIE looks at the ground, sighs, gets back up, & looks over at FAWN. They share a knowing glance & FAWN nods. They finish assembling MARTIN's tent & place his pack & weapons inside.

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:47:00
The soldiers watch MARTIN leave the command tent and head back to ARLIE and FAWN. They watch him sit in the grass in front of an unfinished tent.

Marcus looks at MEL
"What in the blazes is going on here?"

MEL snaps at him
"Stowe it, Soldier! That's really none of your concern!"

The armory tent is nothing more than a spare tent with weaponry piled in it. The orc supplies are brought in two people at a time and dumped. MEL makes it a special point to keep the orc armor separate from everything else.
"I do not want to get that stench all over everything. We'll have to clean them all out eventually."

Once all the supplies are dropped in the tent everyone is dismissed.

MEL looks at all six of the FORT TROOPS that assisted and says,
"Good work, today, men. Now I need all of you to take a break. Get some shut eye. Marcus and Terry, you will take the first watch tonight; Kip and Malcolm, you will take second watch; and Jeremy and Aaron, you will take third watch."

All the troops salute
"Yes, Sarge!"
And the troops retire to their tents.

MEL spins around and yells across the island to Jacob. Jacob is just heading back after placing the two canoes on the eastern shore.
"Hey, Jacob, you and your men are on duty for the rest of the day until the night watches. I want the four of you up in the sentry posts. Keep a sharp out!"

Jacob yells back
"Yes, Sarge!"
The four troops start heading toward the ropes that lead to the high ground of the fort.

MEL smiles, pleased with herself. She heads to the command tent, taking a last weary glance at MARTIN.

Ghorenfore mentally scolded himself for allowing the situation progress to a point where that had to be necessary.
That could have been avoided he told himself.
All Martin needed to do was admit he was wrong, apologize and act like a damn soldier.
Ghorenfore shook his head
His Combat Trainer always told him growing up; Grow a set, Get real, or go the hell home, there’s no room for crybabies in war.
Ghorenfore stared at the tent flap for a moment. The time for coddling and mothering had come and gone, this was war. If Martin couldn’t hold himself together now, then how would he ever do it under real pressure? He was a danger to everyone and himself. If left to his own devices there’s no telling what would have happened. Martin certainly wasn’t capable of leading his own troops when he couldn't hold himself together that was for damn sure.
Still Ghorenfore felt bad, but it had to be done. He had given Martin a chance to defend himself and instead he chose to be oblivious and act as if everything was fine. It was blatantly disrespectful.
Ghorenfore shook his head knowing he had effectively ended the man’s career.
Self fulfilling prophecy, he told himself, and Martin did it all to himself.
Ghorenfore’s moment of guilt passed as he realized he had done the right thing. There were just too many other larger concerns at stake to be worried about one man's continued obsessive self deprecation.

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:47:18

Mel stepped up to the command tent and pushed aside the tent flap. She paused, took a deep breath, and stepped in, uncertain what to expect.

She was caught off guard as she saw Lieutenant Ghorenfore staring at her. Uncharacteristically, she choked up a sloppy salute.

She regained her composure and saluted a second time.
"The orcs' supplies are stored in our armory tent, Lieutenant. I have Jacob and four others manning the sentry posts. The other troops have retired to aid in watches during the night."

She finished her report, but continued to stand at attention. Ghorenfore suspected that she wanted to ask something more. Her eyes gave her away.

"Thank you Sargent"
Ghorenfore nodded and looked at her
"Permission to speak freely granted Mel, Out with it!"
Ghorenfore crossed his arms and smiled

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:48:00

MEL stammers as the lines are face flex with bewilderment. She takes a deep, aggressive breath, trying to control her confusion. She relaxes her stolid posture.
"Lieutenant, I wish to know what is going on here. The troops are losing their resolve and morale. Lieutenant MARTIN has not spoken a word to his men since his arrival, apart from a "Yes, Sir". Not a single soldier has been knighted, Lieutenant."

Her eyes widened at her mistake.
"My apologies, Lieutenant, that was out of turn. I am worried about the troops. What happened out there; except for the obvious and disturbing change in form?"

She turns away from GHORENFORE, unable to look him the eye. MEL continues
"MARTIN's place is in a tent next to yours, Lieutenant. He is part of the command structure of Fort Olvewater. The way things are now, looks very bad."

She adds, very slowly, carefully, a sudden unwelcome idea invades her mind.
"Is Lieutenant MARTIN in command anymore?"

Ghorenfore's face turns into an expression of stress mixed with frustration
"No apologies needed Mel, but no, he's not"
he looks at Mel and shakes his head
"He disobeyed a direct order, threatened a civilian, and his conduct leaves a lot to be desired."
Ghorenfore shakes his head
"He's in no shape to be in command. I hate to say it, but his mental state is in serious question, and that being the case, he's a danger to himself and everyone around him. Whats worse is I think he genuinely believes he hasn't done anything wrong, there's a complete lack of remorse."
His eyes pass over her and look down for a moment as he takes a deep breath.
"He'll be going back to Hococh for court martial, he cant stay here. He's to much of a liability."

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:49:30

Sergeant MEL is stunned. Her eyes move rapidly as she tries to put it all together. She takes quick breaths and opens her mouth several times, but words will not exit from her lips. She rubs the back of her neck and closes her eyes.

She opens her eyes and looks at GHORENFORE
"What do I tell the men? And will we be forced to abandon the fort? Who will be in charge in your absence, if we are staying here?"

Ghorenfore cocks his head thinking for a moment,
"Tell them he's taken ill." he says after a moments thought.
"I have no intentions of abandoning this fort. As for who's in charge when I'm gone, I have to have a few conversations on that with some other people, when I know more you'll know more."
Ghorenfore looks at her for a moment,
"I know its a mindblow, and I'm sorry for that. But we have a job to do. The important thing with Martin is that he's alive. The healing process can begin, but its going to take time, time we don't have here. I intend to make certain were ready if anything happens."
Ghorenfore pauses thinking for a moment
"For now though, they'll be your troops--" Ghorenfore pauses, emphasizing his next words "--MASTER SARGENT Melissa Lanse, I trust you won't let me down. As for Martin; I can forgive his actions, but I cannot and will not forget them."

Ghorenfore waits for her reaction then says
"Thank you Master Sargent, that'll be all"

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:50:48

MEL's eyes are wide with awe and trepidation. She was originally at this fort strictly to improve the abilities of the FORT TROOPS to forage and scout. Now, she was getting a field promotion. An unshakable smile then crosses her face.

She gives a strong salute
"Yes, Lieutenant! Thank you, Lieutenant! I will serve 'till my last breath. I shall not let you down, Lieutenant!"

With a quick turn, MEL leaves the command tent. She had a purpose again, she had clarity, she had a promotion.

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 14:50:00

It is now mid-afternoon and all the tents are up and all supplies are stored. During this time, FORLIN moved his tent and erected it near KISA and her elves. The FORT TROOPs and CLARA's BANDITs have been trading shanties and stories in an attempt to unwind. MEL has been checking and double checking the inventory and her men on watch.

The Oytwood has remained silent.

Taking advantage of the down time, MARILYN has been reading sacred scriptures on both Mayaheine and Pelor. TANYA has secreted to her tent, no one has seen her for the entire hour.

CLARA has kept to herself walking the east side of the island, looking longingly at the shore to the east.

KISA, FORLIN, and FENNIGAN have been deep in conversation. They conclude their conversation and head to the command tent, while Lieutenant GHORENFORE is still inside. LOWLYN and NYDENT follow the trio to the tent at KISA's command.

When they reach the tent, KISA, FORLIN, and FENNIGAN step in, while LOWLYN and NYDENT stay outside.

GHORENFORE is greeted from his musings by FENNIGAN, KISA, and FORLIN.

KISA eyes are vibrant, quivering with determination and a bit of trepidation.
"Lieutenant GHORENFORE, it is time we had a much needed talk. I am a noblewoman of the elven town of Lynlai. I am on this journey to negotiate an alliance between the nobles in Hochoch and the elven people of the Oytwood. My duty is to arrive in Hochoch, no matter the cost. The citizens of Geoff lived in cooperation with the Oytwood for 900 years. I would like to keep our relationships just as sacred, especially since everything has nearly been taken from our peoples."

KISA lets out a deep sigh. She has to say something she finds uncomfortable.
"Therefore, I request an escort to Hochoch, personally, from you. I will not settle for anything less."

Ghorenfore looks a bit surprised as he responds to Kisa.
"Is there no other arrangement we can come to?"
he asks her politely
"We have had some very serious--" Ghorenfore pauses for a moment "--personnel issues that leave me in a rather awkward situation. I have been forced to relieve the only other commander of this fort."
Ghorenfore interrupts his own train of thought, The exhaustion and frustration of the days events clearly evident by the stress lines on his face. His next question coming from sheer curiosity.
"Why insist on me? you have come so far already without me, I doubt success or failure would hinge on weather or not I accompany you?"
Ghorenfore looks into her eyes directly,
"I'm sorry if I am being to forward M'lady"

Kirak goes looking for Clara when he has a moment...

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 14:51:24

KISA stands straight, her trepidation has vanished. Her eyes sparkle as she speaks.
"I appreciate your candor, Lieutenant. Understand that I do not doubt my safe arrival in Hochoch with or without your aid. I believe that Lieutenant LOWLYN, alone, could guide me to Hochoch. And if you do not agree to escort me to Hochoch, then that is the avenue I will take."

FORLIN is about to speak, when KISA interrupts him
"With Brother FORLIN as well."

KISA smiles warmly at FORLIN and returns to GHORENFORE. Her smile fades; she is quickly all business.
"FENNIGAN informs me that you are of noble blood from Keoland. That being the case, politically, it would be much more beneficial to the both of us if you were to escort me to Hochoch. It sends a strong message of unity from the start. Also, I do not feel that I can rely on ARLIE and FAWN in my current mission. They would rather threaten or insult those the town of Lynlai may make an alliance with. They cannot grasp the larger picture and the whole reason I am here. I cannot tolerate a single infraction from anyone traveling with me that may represent the Oytwood. Because of recent events it would be perferable to put this mission under Hochoch military command. And you are the only military commander."

She pauses and adds
"If you have a better option, please share it."

Ghorenfore smiles and nods
"Please forgive me M'lady, your absolutely right."
Ghorenfore mentally scolds himself
"Your safety is of paramount importance. I will do everything in my power to insure it."
Ghorenfore rubs his left temple slightly nursing a growing headache that has been building since the battlefield, and just climaxed with his own innate stupidity.
"I would be honored to escort you to Hococh."
You've been hanging out with Kirak to much he thinks silently your slipping.
"I apologize for any stress we have caused you here, your trip to Hococh has no doubt been hard enough without having to deal with in-fighting and bickering. I assure you the rest of the trip will be easier, at least in that respect, anyway."

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 14:52:06

KISA waves off GHORENFORE's apology.
"I have no time for apologies, Lieutenant. I need action. I plan on leaving in the morning for Hochoch."

FENNIGAN speaks
"However, we can not simply abandon Fort Olvewater. If MARTIN was in better shape, he would be perfect for the command of the fort. This puts us in a difficult position."

KISA nods in agreement
"Certainly the fort is very important. It will be an important waypoint for both groups of allies to meet and launch attacks on giant supply lines. So we need to see who will remain here and who will go to Hochoch."

KISA calls out of the tent
"Lieutenant LOWLYN, Brother NYDENT please come in!"

FENNIGAN looks at GHORENFORE
"Lieutenant, we will need a new comannder at the fort in your stead."

LOWLYN and NYDENT enter the tent. They both stand at attention.

KISA continues
"Those who are coming with me will be FORLIN and Lieutenant LOWLYN."

NYDENT stammers; his young eyes are filled with sorrow and confusion
"You wish me to stay here? Did I do something wrong, Lady GLASSBLOWER?"

KISA shakes her head, smiles, and place a hand on NYDENT's shoulder.
"No, dear Brother. You have done nothing wrong. You have acted exceptionally. But I need someone here who can mediate to the elves of the Oytwood. You are my choice for that."

NYDENT's eyes widen.
"I do not believe I am ready for this assignment."

KISA replies
"You are ready, Brother NYDENT. You will be the beginning of an alliance between men and elves here at Fort Olvewater."

NYDENT bows, concerns of inadequacy are shown in his roving eyes and the creases in his forehead.

FENNIGAN looks at GHORENFORE
"Lieutenant, I will need to return to Hochoch as well to advise the LynVale family to support the elves."

KISA nods in agreement
"Including you, Lieutenant, that is four souls that must accompany me. I think we could spare four more to accompany us to Hochoch. Preferably, heavy combatants. I suggest that we wait until this evening, during dinner, and ask to see who wishes to stay here and who wishes to come to Hochoch."

[Ghorenfore]
Ghorenfore listens to Kisa carefully, then looks at Fennigan.
"I have a pretty good idea already who I'm going to leave in charge, that is, if she'll take the job. It's a conversation I was planning on having after we were done here."

Ghorenfore looks at Kisa matching her 'down to business' tone
"As for who is coming, Martin will have to come as well. He's to much of a liability and cant stay here. The confusion for the troops may be detrimental and he may end up doing more harm than good. I need him where I can watch him and possibly help him. Plus he needs to return to Hococh for his court martial. I'd like Sargent Alex to come as well. Fawn and Arlie will either stay and help or be sent back into the Oytwood, I refuse to fight with them and their attitudes from here to Hococh."

Ghorenfore pauses before continuing, looking at Nydent and Lowlyn
"I appreciate the help from you gentlemen as well, if you have any suggestions on how to better our tactical standpoint here at the fort I am all ears. A few of the Orc's got away, and I'm expecting them to return in full force, I want to make sure this fort is ready when they do. The cold water may stop a few of them, but without some sort of a plan of action I'm not convinced it'll be enough to hold all of them in the event the decide to resourceful. If your staying I want to make sure you have the ability and AUTHORITY to work closely with whoever I leave in charge. As such I'll make sure your recognized as a lieutenant here as well."

Ghorenfore turn's back to Kisa
"As for leaving in the mourning, I whole heartily agree, The sooner we get you to Hococh the better. Forlin was briefing me earlier on some of the events that have lead you here. Some of which i am..."
Ghorefore shifts at the thought of traitors selling out the elves
"...a little more than uncomfortable with. Urgency will be a top priority, but not at the cost of your safety Lady Glassblower."


[Kirak]
Kirak walks around for a little while before finally running into Rebekah.
"It's Rebekah?" he asks politely holding his hand out
"Right?" he smiles at her
"The names Kirak, Kirak Oathbound. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Kirak's eyes twinkle slightly
"You look as if you have seen some better days? Care to get a drink?"

Rebekah looks to Kirak and takes his hand to shake, "Yes, thats me and I would love to go and get a drink. How long have you been stationed here?"

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 14:55:30

KISA straightens her form and nods, pleased with the results so far. She does have one troubling issue, however.
"I cannot simply abandon ARLIE and FAWN as easily. I do not understand their blazingly rebellious and threatening actions, nor am I really surprised. They have had low opinions of the nobles at Lynlai as well. However, they returned our kidnapped children. I think they still deserve the opportunity to prove themselves, provided they remove their opinions from matters dealing with military command. FAWN is a druid, and with some serious improvements she may be able to aid us with other druids and the forest. Perhaps if we make it clear about who is in charge from here on out, we can get more cooperation from them. Though I know you will dread me saying this, but I want FAWN with me. The little girl has much to learn. ARLIE can stay at the fort. The separation should be good for them. Before you disagree, let's just try it out tonight at our fort meeting."

FENNIGAN makes a quirk
"Just take her wands away."

KISA's eyes narrow as she looks at FENNIGAN. KISA seems to growl, but not at FENNIGAN precisely. Between gritted teeth, KISA says
"That situation will indeed be dealt with."

KISA turns back to GHORENFORE, her mood changes quickly, again.
"Well, Lieutenant, if there isn't anything else, we shall take our leave."

FORLIN looks at GHORENFORE with a smile. FORLIN is holding his holy symbol lightly.
"What would you and your troops like for dinner, Lieutenant?"

[Ghorenfore]
Ghorenfore looks at Kisa
"Thank you Lady Glassblower I will see you at dinner."

Ghorenfore looks at Forlin, completely missing his point, thinking to himself.
We have Rations, what does he think were going to have?
"Steak and Ribs, with a little bit of the famous elven whine and maybe a peach cobbler would be nice..."
He looks at Forlin with a bemused and confused look like
what are you talking about? then returns to his table looking over a few maps.

[Kirak]
"Ive been stantioned here about 3 weeks, I have a debt to repay the lieutenant for saving my life,"
Kirak looks Rebekah with a questioned look
"What about you? what's your story?"

Rebekah smiles a thoughtful smile as she thinks back several months, "Well lets see, a few months ago a friend of mine Quentin and I set out to see what kind of adventures we could land ourselves into. It turned out that our very first adventure let us into some swamps somewhat south west of here if I remember correctly, but dont quote me on it as I'm not really good with figuring direction. Anyway as I was saying, we were traveling through this swamp when we were set upon by a tribe of lizardmen. We were captured and the chief told us that if we could survive his testing ground they would let us go. Seeing this as our only way out of our situation we agreed. Our test would be to slay this very large crocodile. Well we slayed that beast though we barely survived and I pulled this here tooth out of Quentins leg." She reaches into her chainshirt and withdraws the crocs tooth hanging from a leather cord around her neck. She takes of the souvenier and hands it to Kirak to look at and takes a drink out of her waterskin.

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 14:57:54

KISA bows and exits the command tent with elves in tow.

FORLIN watches GHORENFORE sit down
"The wine will be a bit of a problem, but the rest can be handled simply enough. Consider it a 'thank you' for your assistance today."
FORLIN bows and leaves.

KISA heads out of the tent and meets her elves outside.
"NYDENT I want you to help FORLIN with any preparations he needs. LOWLYN you will come with me to speak with ARLIE and FAWN before tonight. I want to talk with them in private about their actions."

LOWLYN sighs heavily
"I hope you know what you are doing. They have been belligerent."

KISA snaps her head to LOWLYN. Her eyes narrow again. Her speaks slowly and her tone is deep.
"That will end today."

FORLIN and NYDENT head back to the elven tents. LOWLYN and KISA go to speak with FAWN and ARLIE.

FENNIGAN watches them all leave and turns to GHORENFORE
"Lieutenant, Lady GLASSBLOWER may just be tough enough to get exactly what she wants from the nobles in Hochoch. She will be able to rally the displaced nobles from Geoff without a doubt; it's the ones from Gran March and Keoland that I'm worried about."

GHORENFORE is familiar with FENNIGAN's worries. Many of the nobles supporting the liberation with troops were not originally from Geoff. They have been granted promises of land from the Grand Duke for their assistance. The contention between the displaced Geoffites and the new nobles has been the fate of the timberlands in Geoff. For 900 years the forests have been basically autonomous, with lumberers, druids, and elves balancing the needs of the Geoffites with the health of the forests. New nobles in a liberated Geoff could hamper the old ways if not probably reigned in. Unfortunately, none of this has anything to do with the moment at hand: the giants. However, it is unlikely that the elves would agree to any alliance without a promise to uphold the forest's health.

FENNIGAN also smiles as he looks out the into the fort.
"By the way, Lieutenant, you do realize FORLIN can conjure food through Fharlanghn--"
FENNIGAN turns to stare at GHORENFORE
"--right? He's been doing it since we met him."

[Ghorenfore]
Ghorenfore pauses for a second placing his head in his gloved hand, and covering his eyes.
"That never even occurred to me. I was slightly at a loss when he said it, now I understand."
Ghorenfore laughs
"I must have looked very stupid--" Uncovering his face, his eyes look to Fennigan "--Oh well, win some loose some"
He shakes his head still laughing
"As for Gran March and Keoland, Perhaps if I spoke to my father; he may be able to offer some assistance. He may know some of the right people and may be able to pull the right stings and convince them to do the right thing, when the time comes. I'm not sure if he even knows anyone or can do anything but it certainly wouldn't hurt to ask."
Ghorenfore laughs still thinking back to how dumb he must have looked. Standing up he makes his way to the front of the tent and puts a hand on Fennigan's Shoulder
"Now if you'll excuse me I need to go see a disciple of Mayaheine, about taking over for me while were gone!"
Ghorenfore winks at Fennigan

[Kirak]
Kirak looks at the tooth carefully and smiles. He notices her fiery red hair and blue eyes and pauses a moment admiring her beauty.
"Sounds like quite the adventure, where is this Quentin now?"

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 14:58:42

KISA moves quickly across the camp on her mission. Her eyes are steeled and her face has taken on the contours of a stalking predator. In her hand, she is holding a small lump of wax.

KISA steps up to ARLIE and FAWN. The tone in her voice is suppressing an anger that flashes in her vibrant eyes.
"I need to see the two of you privately in one these tents, right now!"

LOWLYN casually opens the tent flap to the tent behind KISA. KISA steps aside and motions for them to enter. KISA follows them as they walk in.

KISA enters and LOWLYN lets the tent flap fall back. KISA mutters something quietly to herself and throws the lump of wax on the ground at the tent flap. The lump of wax disappears. LOWLYN stays outside of the tent.

KISA closes her eyes and exhales deeply. A moment of aching silence passes and KISA opens her eyes. She stares at FAWN and ARLIE
"I need to make myself perfectly clear, so listen up. I am not interested in any lip from either of you; you will simply listen, closely. Lieutenant GHORENFORE will be taking over command of the entire operation. Now, you can accept this, or you can leave. I really do not care which path you choose at this point. The two of you could have limited my chances of working with leaders from Hochoch with your antics earlier. From this point on every action has the added weight of being potentially disastrous with regards to my mission of forging an alliance with the humans in Hochoch. Your complete disregard for this mission will not be tolerated. If you are confused about my meaning, let me elaborate. First of all, any actions taken by FENNIGAN or Lieutenant GHORENFORE in response to Lieutenant MARTIN has absolutely nothing to do with the two of you. You will not involve yourselves in Hochoch military matters, unless you plan on joining the army.
"ARLIE, you will never again challenge the honor of an ally, especially when you have no idea what his honor code may be. You can disagree with your ally, but you will not insult your ally. Insulting does not help my mission. Afterall, we are all here because my mission is of vital importance to all concerned with kicking the giants out of the Oytwood. If there is a disagreement, you will discuss it like civilized people. You will not claim that they 'have tarnished' their 'honor this day.'
"FAWN, you will never again point a wand at an ally while under duress. That is a threat of violence. Unless the wand is a Wand of Peace and Harmony you will not use a wand to bring conflicts to a more friendly conclusion. That idiotic move could have ruined any alliance and may left more bodies for FORLIN to give last rites to. Think before you act, FAWN, you are not a little girl anymore.
"Now, tonight, we will discuss our next move. I will be heading to Hochoch with Lieutenant GHORENFORE and several others. Lieutenant MARTIN will be coming with us. One of you will be coming with me and the other will be staying here. Whoever comes with me, I will keep under my wing. Whoever stays here at the fort will be on their best behavior as a representative of the Oytwood.
"Lieutenant GHORENFORE's opinion of both of you is very low. I am amazed he allows you to stay here. I am going out on a limb so he will give you both second chances. I want him to see the heroes the people of Lynlai believe you to be. Do not let me down!"

KISA rolls her neck as she finishes; a resounding series of cracks are heard from her neck. She turns and steps toward the tent flap. She pushes it open, letting in the afternoon light. The tent flap then closes; the sound of a large wooden door slamming follows in sync with the tent flap.

*****

Elsewhere in the camp those outside can hear FORLIN exclaim
"By the hells!"

END SCENE

NEXT SCENE: BATTLEFIELD