After learning from ArchDruid Fitheach that she and the Mage Gabriel had finally had a breakthrough in brewing the potion to revive the Cheshire Cat, she was anxious to visit her friend, Audrey and see for herself if the Cat was regaining strength.
Preoccupied with her musings, she stops suddenly as a guard emerges from the shadows to take up position near the pathway leading up to the walled city. He inclines his helmed head slightly in recognition and watches her as she crosses to join the track leading to the many towered city.
Jaek had been gone for well over a fortnight now and with no news as to where he had gone, or when he would return, the Lands may be left in the capable hands of the Elven Council, but as they rarely left Calenhad to dwell among the townsfolk, the citizens were becoming restless and uneasy without the reassuring presence of their beloved Druid King.
She hurried onwards, noting the large number of guards and soldiers gathered at their camp, practicing with swords and lances or standing close together, deep in conversation. As she approached the walls of the city, her eyes swept the ramparts, counting the guards stationed on the bulwark and each tower and settling on the nearest tower, where the figure of the Captain of the Guards stood surveying the area.
On a whim she decides to pay him a visit and listen to his account of the present situation, hoping that his valiant, unflinching manner would calm her nerves.
Amethyst McMahon frowns and draws a deep breath as she hears the report from the taller guard, his information about increased Drow sightings towards Taibreamh, Hobbit Shire and Calenhad doing nothing to allay her fears. Apparently there had already been numerous chases by the Rangers patrolling each border, but as yet, the bands of Drow had sucessfully fled back within the Shadow Lands and the Elven Council had given strict orders that no one was permitted to enter the Underdark until further resolutions were announced...
She coughed loudly to warn the guards that she was about to enter the courtyard and they both turned hastily towards her, an awkward silence falling until they perceive who has interrupted them and their tension easing as she passes them with a soft greeting.
Both men reply with a respectful, "Good day, Lady Amethyst", and stand to attention as she starts up the stairs leading to the tower.
Captain Archer glances over his shoulder as she opens the heavy wooden door and moves across to stand beside him by the parapet. They exchange greetings, the soldiers eyes constantly roaming the land and sea before him.
Amethyst McMahon glimpses the soldiers at their swordplay way below and takes in the sheer number of armed men in sight from the tower.
She turns her attention to the battleworn soldier and asks him directly about the rumours of nightly Drow encounters all across the Lands. Never one to mince words, the Captain's rough tone conveys the impatience of his men, "Aye, M'Lady, the Drow are encroaching further into the Lands each evening. We have orders not to enter into hostilities with them, but with each encounter my men are put into peril and the danger increases for each of us who call these Lands their home."
Amethyst crosses her arms around her small frame and nods mutely, words escaping her as the realisation of the menacing threat to the River Lands settles grimly upon her consciousness. She murmurs a few encouraging words in parting, barely comprehending Captain Archer's parting warning about not roaming the Lands alone and unattended until the King returns to her side.
She descends to the courtyard and leans against the cold stone wall at the bottom of the tower, reflecting on the fear and tragedy that the Drow had caused the Lands in the past and sending a silent plea to the gods to return the Druid to his people and to her as soon as possible.
She collects herself and taking a deep breath begins walking along the sloping path leading to the home of Audrey and Gabriel...
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