“Ok I guess.” Isabel said.

“Then I will finish my story.” Elyas said. “Glorfindal and Moraine acted all calm. Then one of the soldiers tried to get at Moraine. She resisted and Glorfindal just stood there. So the captain asked if he was going to help. Glorfindal said, “That”s the problem with your type. You think that everyone will peaceably submit.’ Glorfindal drew out his sword and killed a soldier. Moraine slit the one holding her throat, and killed two more. In about 10 seconds everyone but the captain was dead.”

“Wait, are you really that strong?” Isabel asked.

“Well I’m a captain-general in the 4th division, and the captain of a fist of Ruca’hall riders.” Glorfindal replied. “And Moraine, well she is a Maiden of Steal and a corporal of the 4th.”

“Wait, a corporal and a captain? And what are Ruca’hall riders?” Isabel asked.

“You ask so many questions that if we answer all of them we will be here until next summer.” Glorfindal answered with a laugh. “The jist of the story is we protected you from a band of Imperialists. As for your questions were in an army so we have certain ranks, those are the ranks of higher level people. And Ruca’hall are… well… you have to see them to understand.”

“Well since my story was finished for me I say that we get some sleep since you two probably want to get some where quickly.” Elyas said looking at Moraine and Glorfindal.

“How far is it to Zurgal?” Moraine asked Glorfindal.

“Thirty five miles give or take.” Glorfindal said. “But I would know for certain if someone hadn’t lost the map.” Moraine blushed and turned away. “But regardless we will have a long ride tomorrow. I hope to make it all the way there tomorrow. I don’t want to be in the que lands any longer than I have to.”

“To answer your unasked question Isabel,” Moraine began. “The que lands are the home of a species of people that are part bird. Some have wings instead of arms; others have claws, or even beaks. They don’t like people on their land and they serve no one.”

Ivo who had been silent for a time spoke up. “Is there any other way other than to go through their land? These people sound too menacing to me.”

“No there is no other way.” Glorfindal said with a smile. “In fact we are already in their land.” Seeing the look on their faces he reassured them. “Don’t worry they don’t have that good of smell and since they fly a lot they don’t have very good tracking skills. Their borders actually encompass your village. Though I doubt that any of them have been over to your village in at least 2 decades.” He waited for a little while and then said, “we should rest there will not be much time to rest tomorrow.”

“I’ll take first watch.” Moraine said. “I have something to do anyway.”

“Yes.” Said Glorfindal, “I have to pray too. Everyone should go to sleep now.” Isabel laid down and started to drift into a deep slumber.