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"You're not going to leave me behind to do your jobs!"
    "Someone has to stay behind and run things here." Damion pointed out. "The people of Sevria know and respect you. They w ill follow you much quicker than they would Veren, who's only been here for a few weeks." He gave his old friend an apologetic look. "I'm afraid there isn't any other option."
    "And what the hell am I supposed to do if there's a problem?"
    Damion shrugged. "Have everyone fall back into the castle. In the meantime, I'd suggest reinforcing the outer wall. Have the masons build it up as high and thick as they can, and lay in a store of food in case of emergency."
    "With preparations like that, the peo ple will know that there is something wrong. They'll want answers." Lady Skie had composed herself, and was now thinking quickly.
    "Then give them answers. " He told them grimly. "The people should be aware of the danger, and some of them may have some ideas on how to help protect the town."
    "I can lend some aid." Tempest rumbled. "I shall have my brethren watch o ver this place in your absence."
    Damion smiled, then nodded his thanks.
    The great serpent rose to her feet. "I must go now. If you discover anything of significance, use the Dragon Sword to summon me." She looked around. "I must bid you farewell, my friends. There is much still to do." She launched herself into the air with a thrust of her powerful wings, then disappeared into the night.
    Damion looked to Lady Skie. "Do you think Damarius would leave the valley to come help look after things?"
    Lady Skie smiled. "He will when I tell him that I'll shave his beard off in his sleep if he refuses!"
    Damion laughed, then looked around at his friends. "That settles things then. I would suggest that we all get our preparations made."
    Sly gave him a dirty look. "I still don't see why I have to be the one to stay behind. " He complained sourly. "I'm sure we could find someone else to look after things!"
    Lady Skie shook her head. "Damion was right when he said that the people trust you. You have to be the one that stays behind."
    He gave her a withering look. "Thanks for your help." He said in a flat voice.
    Damion looked at the little man and smiled. "Look at it this way, at least you won't have to explain to that mule why you are leaving."

Chapter 4
     
     
    It was an hour or so un til dawn when they gathered near the stables to say their farewells. The stable hands had readied the horses for their journey, loading down a packhorse with supplies and extra provisions, while Storm stood close by prancing eagerly, clearly happy to be free of the confines of the stables.
    Lady Skie's face was somber as she embraced Damion , who was dressed in the scaled armor that he had received as a gift from the King of the Dwarves, then she wordlessly stepped back as he climbed atop the prancing warhorse. She knew Damion better than anyone, and she knew that arguing about his decision would be useless. He had made up his mind, and no amount of whining, screaming, or crying was going to make him change it, and though it made her sad, she understood his reasons for leaving.
    Sly , on the other hand, stood to off to one side with a sulky look on his face. He had made sure that Veren understood the consequences if he allowed Damion to be injured or killed, emphasizing his point with the edge of his sword against the dark skinned man's throat.
    Veren climbed atop a chestnut mare that had been prepared for him, glancing nervously from time to time at Sly, then waited for Damion to finish his farewells.
    Damion looked to his old friend and teacher. "You know what needs to be done?"
    Sly sighed, then nodded. "Aye. I'll take care of everything." He walke d over and reached out and took one of his hands, grasping it fiercely.
    "And you?" Damion looked to Dar, who stood silently next to Lady Skie.
    "I'm going to pay a visit on your old mentor, Damarius." The red haired boy replied. "Lady Skie has asked me to deliver our request