Travis decides to also stop and have a bite to eat. Consumes some of his dried rations. Then drinks from his water-skin enough water to quench his parched throat. He takes out some oats and feeds his mare as a treat by hand. Then takes some time grooming her mane.

"The trading post sound like a good place to visit. Where are we headed to now," Travis says. Then gets himself ready, mounts his horse so they are ready to ride off when requested. Near the rear of the pack but not the last.

A hour has gone by and so far you have not seen any response from the Stronghold as the group of potential enemies get closer and closer

I sigh, "Okay, lets get moving out of the way, we don't want to make contact right now. Let's shadow them for a couple of hours, then if there's still nothing, we'll assume help's not coming and make for that outpost."

"I would say if they don't show, head for the lake, set up a base camp, prep the traps we were talking about and scout out at night or early morning to scout the outpost. With a known stone-holder there, we can pretty much guarantee they're allied with Merklin."

You begin to move out when the scouts report that something big is flying towards you from the SW It is moving pretty quickly.  As it gets closer the Scouts will report that it looks like a red dragon.  They also state it looks like there is a figure on the dragon.

I let the others know what Ping is seeing and grin, "Well now, I suppose that puts an end to that. We asked for a show of force, that certainly qualifies I think. Let's make sure they know where to go." Relaying instructions to Ping, I send the scout up to provide the dragon and its rider both groups' current location, and relay back any messages they might have for us.

"I know I'd be impressed, if I knew that a dragon was on the other side. Now the trick is to get them to negotiate, and not just run away in fear." I say, as I rise up and mount, ready to move out. "We still don't know for sure that these searching groups are Merklin's, but I'd bet that way. If we could find what they are looking for, that'd be a bonus. Do you think we may have picked it up when we took down the other groups, and just not know it?"

I situate myself in the saddle a bit better to be ready to head out with the others in the group. My mind keen to anything that may look like it may harm any in the party. I tell the elf teens to stay close by  but somewhat hidden from site of the approaching company and keep an eye and ear to any trouble. Only take action if need be.

"A red dragon, flying towards us oh my god with a rider,"? Travis swallows hard on his saddle. He instinctively reaches for his light crossbow. A futile attempt in hiding his fear. He reaches for his nerve stimulant in his back pack. Takes, a swig of the solution and feels less anxiety, but strangely calm. But some of his muscles twitch involuntary as a side effect of the potion.

Travis, asks the teen's in quietly, "Hey, you guys I may need your help in restocking some herbs when we get a bit of down time ok,"? He asks.

Travis clutches his "ray of enfeeblement stone," That is on a pendant around his neck. A gift from Jason some time back. "I wonder if I will need this,"? He wonders.

"Travis, chill, a red dragon is what the elf lady at the base turns into. She SHOULD be on our side. Now, if you see another black dragon, don't fight, hide, run. That crossbow isn't gonna do much to a real dragon."

The red dragon approaches until it is right above you then it disappears and Rachel and LYwenta drift down to you like a feather.  As she alights She immediately moves south and finds a place to open a gate.  As the gate opens Cesaer comes through to be at Rachels side as KElvin and Calvin both enter followed by Sir Eklon, The commander and 20 fully armed guards.  THe Lord walks through last along with his wife all in full battle gear except for the lord who is in his purple robes.  They all move forward as Lywenta drops the gate spell.  The Commander will ask you where the group is located.

I bow as Lord Douglas makes his appearance. "Greetings sir. We've been keeping track on their progress. They're that way." I point and double check with Ping before giving a distance. "If they don't change course, they'll arrive in this area in roughly a half hour.  Regrettably there aren't many decent ambush points along their course, what are your orders sir?"

The lord looks around the area.  "This will do.  Take Let-us and go make first contact.  From there escort them to this area so we can set up a nice meeting.  If they want to be hostile then they will suffer for it.  Goody go with them."  Sir Eklon salutes the lord and steps up towards the front as Let -us moves with him and waits for your group to form up and move out towards the band that your scouts have been watching.

I join the envoy group and head out, happy to maybe be a part of something that doesn't result in violence. "This should prove instructive, as well."

I nod to the others, "Lets mount up, we want to be mobile if they're not in the mood to talk."

Turning to Let-Us as we move, I ask, "How do you wish to make the approach? To be honest with you, I wouldn't trust this group to respect a peace for any length of time."

Let-Us smiles up to you and simply says,  They will either be friendly or die.  The choice is theirs to make not your, not mine but theirs alone.  We will walk up to them and see what their choice will be.  Goodie please lead the way."  With that Sir Eklon starts walking forward next to the lead horse.

"I cannot argue with that logic my lady, but if they choose not friendly, I would rather not give them too much in the way of a chance to cause harm before they die. Give me a moment if you would, there's no need for you to walk the distance, either of you."

I spend the next few minute infusing a pair of rocks. Tossing them to the ground nearby, they grow with a flash of light. Soon a pair of horses stand there, complete with saddles and tack. "They won't last forever, but they'll serve you as well as a natural horse for the moment."

In the meantime, the scouts keep an eye on our target, as well as any other potential sources of trouble in the area.

Travis, decides to mount up and get ready to move off in a minutes notice in case the group decides to be hostile. Preferring to stay with the main group instead of the envoy group that forged on ahead.

I hear of the  red dragon approaching and wait for them to arrive, knowing it is an allie. Once she and Rachel approach and see the gate portal open and having Cesaer and then the others come through, including Kelvin, Calvin, Sir Elkon along with the his troops as well as Lord Douglas. I am surprised as well as pleased to see those I have to come to care for. I nod or bow as best as I can in my saddle as there is a grin on my face seeing my beloved. To be able to be in possible combat with him brings me a joy I would not of expected. 

I do hope things go diplomatically, but from what they have shown so far, I feel like Jason does and they will not be. Only our meeting face to face will we all know what will transpire. I will be at the ready for whichever may occur. I will place myself in the marching order wherever I am instructed to go.

  I still have a hige grim on my face as i rejoin the others. " I can die happy now. That was amazing. The wind in my hair, the creaking of her wings the only sound . .." I smile as Caesar and the others come through the gate. " I'm confident we can handle an army now.  They will be beyond foolish to start trouble.   " I walk along beside Caesar at the rear of the envoy group. " No attacking Caesar unless we are attacked, ok?" He thumps his chest and grins at me. 

  My eyes widen at what Jason does. " That's very impressive Jason. I had no idea you could do that. "