[Alneyan]

I know I am not exactly in advance. *Kicks silly connection*

The Kingdom of the Vale, Spring:

"All archers, draw!" Silbertain, the commander of the Vale forces yelled at his troops. His only merit in the eyes of Ilneoa was his mighty lungs, hardly enough to secure a position as officer by her standards. Still, she surmised his powerful voice would be more helpful to carry out orders or galvanise the troops than the wits he must have left in a cup of ale.

"Fire!" The first volley of arrows flew towards their intended target, but the bowmen were already busy reloading their weapons. "Draw! Fire!" Again the bows sang, but this time more than a few projectiles were off course. "Fire! Pull back! Draw! Fire!" More soldiers failed to send their arrows with any accuracy, and a few could not keep up with the hectic pace imposed by Silbertain. Truly, it did not bode well for the outcome of the battle.

As the archers finished emptying their quivers, Ilneoa came among her defenders. "This is your Last day in the Fair Land; at dusk, you are to move southwards, for the defence of the Vale requires your arms and your strength." Her crystalline voice rang clearly in the camp, but there was still a hint of worry in her words. "But today, you are free to rejoice. Let the feast fill your hearts with gaity, as you deserve no less." Her troops cheered at her proposal, and already drinks and meet were shared freely.

This evening, they would still be spring lads, but on the morrow they would have to face an unknown foe. The southern lands they were attacking were run by a minor lordling, a vassal of the Earl of Syzran. Rumour has it that his county had been overrun by the savage warriors thriving in these barren lands; either way, his estate was surely weakened and unable to repel a major offensive. Thus did her good hearted-men walked at twilight, leaving the bountyful Avalon for the hostile Kostroma.