The Dell, Western Wilds.

52nd of Kielat, First month of Summer.

2139 years since the new gods came.

The endless hours of meetings drag on. But unlike before, these are needed things. Securing the supplies, mounts, supply lines. Making sure the back end is is strong. I forgot how much I love and hate this.

Brandywine has elected to stay behind and protect the Dell and surrounding area. Civilians are signing up. I have put a hard limit on recruiting, I've seen too often where a land is stripped of it's hardy folk and have fallen to ruin through starvation. Never again.

We need magical support. I'm only one man, and any senior wizard can cast better than I can. They can also make better items than I ever will. If only Liam and his old crew were available for this. Maybe I should apprentice myself...? Some day. Maybe this will be my time? I will pray for death.

Demonia is making some sort of noise, I can hear it in my sleep. I wish they wouldn't.

*-*-*

“Are the wards in place?” Lord Garnixx the third was standing in the middle of the largest parade field in Demonia, surrounded by several dozen senior wizards. They nod, or answer yes in some fashion. “Alright. Get the gate set up, stabilized, and charged. We move at Noon tomorrow!”

*-*-*

53rd of Kielat,

Demonia is full of assholes.

- - -

Maxwell held his head in his hands. It was throbbing something fierce. “Gods curse it all! What is going on?” He yelled at no one in particular. People looked up from their paperwork, to see what was wrong. No one spoke. As quickly as it had started, the pain stopped.

Brandywine, looking slightly shaken flew into the room, “Max? You really need to come and see this...”

Max slowly stood up, and walked outside, “I'm coming. But if you ran my breeches up the pole again, I'm going too...” He stared at the rim of the Dell. “Well son of a bitch.”

Portals, over a dozen of them, lined the eastern rim, and from them rode the hoards of Demonia. Max shook his head, “Well, looks like we have a proper army now.”

- - -

Most of an hour had passed, and the seemingly endless march of an army had come to a close with the last portal disgorging a pair of green dragons and a full family of Orcs(1). The Dell seemed to have enlarged again, as the 20,000 and more person army that had swept down had plenty of space to maneuver, and make camp. Maxwell stood in the middle of it, shaking his head. Lord Garnixx the third was on his right, the dragon 'Buttercup' to his left, and 'Garnz Bone Cleaver' stood in front.

“So, Demonia has decided to send half it's active forces, and two thirds of it's reserves to fight the invasion?” Max was still shaking his head.

Garnixx was the first to respond, “Yes, my lord. You called, and we have responded, as is our duty.”

Max felt a second headache coming on. “Very well. Coordinate your selves with Lord Michael and the worgs. We're still in the logistics and planning stages of this campaign.” He looked at the three, “And Buttercup, why are you here? I don't remember meeting one of your kind.”

Buttercup tried to imitate a human smile, and failed. “There was a rabbit.” A tear dripped from an eye. “He said you were a good man. So we are here.”

Maxwell just stared at the dragon, A rabbit?!?

- - -

55th of Kielat,

Dragons are useful to have around, especially when they aren't eating your livestock, or burning your fields. Lumber production is up. Orcs and Goblins are better crafters than I had previously known. Weapon and arrow production have tripled. The Bear has filed a 'formal' complaint about the dragons on his hillside.

We have Wizards!

56th of Kielat,

Midsummer festival was tonight. Very subdued. Three days until we leave.

1st of Amsiel.

2139 years since the new gods came.

Preparation is almost done. The wizards are being helpful for once. Several villagers who are 'magically active' are starting training. Wands and swords are being, at least temporarily, enchanted. There are about two dozen of them here. Most are in the military, but some are not. The civilian ones are staying behind to teach.

2nd of Amsiel,

Today was a madhouse. Green man was true to his word, the worgs are back. We have a full flying wing, thanks to the Demonia army. I didn't know there were any full demons left. Tomorrow we leave at dawns early light. I insisted on NO speeches.

The town council is prepared for our absence. The children gave me socks as a going away present. I'd be lying to myself if I said I wasn't worried.

3rd of Amsiel,

There was an attempt at speeches. I shut it down. We left less than hour after dawn. 20 hard miles behind us. We ran into some refugees. No sign of bandits. Things continue.

4th of Amsiel,

Light rain today. A trading caravan passed us. Another 20 miles down. We need some way to speed things up, and I am out of ideas. Got a message from some kings, they are shipping troops by ship around the continent. They might beat us there. Such is.

Including the worgs, we have an army of almost 25,000 soldiers, plus support personnel. And everyone thinks I'm in charge. Ivan just laughed at me when I complained.

(1) As we all know, this would be between 1 and 200 Orcs, plus their charges. In this case the charges are a 'small' village worth of Goblins. Total number? 900 or so people plus livestock.