Journey of deception

Rienlest had figured it out in his head on the fly as he excused himself from Ethemilee's halls. He was going to pay a visit to his army on the front lines. He made the excuse that it was to boost their morale, because it was something a good leader had to do. Ethemilee's forces had been trained by Broden's men, and fought side by side with them, but Rienlest's forces had stayed pretty much segregated. They also held a great number of human prisoners of war. It was Rienlest's intention of procuring a set of armor from one of the humans so he could pass unhindered into human territory. Once behind enemy lines, Rienlest would seek out one of the human leaders, and plot the **** of Lethila and Mitri. At least he hoped it would work that way.

Rienlest left that very evening, accompanied by his Royal guardsmen. As the sun slowly sank into the west, the golden full moon peeked over the eastern horizon, casting ominous shadows over the countryside. It was nearly midnight when the Prince's entourage approached the gate to the great forest. Their mounts were tired, and it was decided the forest gate was as good a place as any to camp for the night. They would get an early start in the morning, and arrive at the front lines by mid afternoon. Camp was hastily set up, and a light meal was prepared. Then the entourage settled in for the night around the glowing warmth of the campfire.

Dawn came with the hazy, fiery skyline above the trees stubbornly giving way to bright azure blue. Thin, wispy clouds of silvery gray raced across the tree line to escape the sun's coming wrath. A simple breakfast was prepared while the mounts were tend to and made ready for the next part of the journey. When it was all said and done, the campsite was left as it was found, for Elves have a special bond with nature, and are the greatest of stewards to the land around them.

The small group traveled through the great forest, sticking primarily to the great forest road. It was approaching noon, and the sun sat high in the sky as the reached the other side of the forest. It was here that Rienlest turned the small group toward the southeast, away from Rienlest's main forces.

"Sir" the captain of the guard began. "This will take us away from our men. We're heading more toward the prison camps this way."

Rienlest glared. "I know. Tell no one of this journey. Do you understand? You are easily replaced. And that means all of you. If you like the prestige of being Royal guardsmen, then I must have your loyalty, and your silence."

"Sorry sir, I was just thinking of your safety. That's all" said the captain, quickly covering his tracks. "I meant nothing else by it."

"Very good. Lead on since you know where it is we're going."

The captain urged his mount forward, and off they rode toward the lonely prison outpost. It was late afternoon by the time they reached the small valley nestled between two hills where the prison outpost had been established. The great stone walls of the ancient outpost loomed before them. It had once been held by humans, but now Rienlest used it to house human prisoners his forces had taken.

The guard tower alerted the gate keepers of the arrival of a small Elvish group, and the gates were opened. Rienlest and his men passed through them, and the gates closed in behind them.

The outpost's commander quickly strode forward to greet his guests. He was amazed to see the Elven Prince before him. "Prince Rienlest. This is indeed an honor. To what do we owe this visit, your Highness?"

Rienlest dismounted, and greeted the commander. "I wish to speak to the highest ranking prisoners you are holding here. I need some information, and I need it right away."