Legends Lost Tesnayr

  Chapter XIII

  In the Mountains

  Arnin entered the tent where Tesnayr, Turyn, Nigilin and Jarown had gathered. “I thank you all for coming,” said Tesnayr. “Turyn informs me that up the mountain, not far from here lies an orc encampment. This report has been validated by Sarwyn. Like us they have bedded down for the winter. These winter storms have made it impossible for them cross the mountain pass into Belyndril. We are going to give them a warm welcome.”

  “The orcs have camped three hundred feet underneath a precipice covered with icicles and snow. The slightest noise will send it falling on top of them,” said Turyn.

  “That will make our job easier,” commented Arnin.

  “Perhaps,” said Tesnayr, “The orcs know nothing of snow and ice. They have none of it in their own land and remain unaware of its dangers. But do not underestimate them.”

  “Nelyn is there now with Nedis and five others,” said Nigilin. “They have placed the rocks in position.”

  “Their presence remains unknown?” asked Tesnayr.

  Nigilin nodded in answer.

  “She will do her job,” said Jarown sensing Tesnayr’s doubt. “She has never failed.”

  Tesnayr drew a map. “Here is the overhang of snow and icicles. Above it Nelyn and Nedis have placed a pile of rocks the size of this tent. They have rigged it so that a person sitting a couple hundred yards below it can release them.”

  “Won’t it kill him?” asked Arnin.

  “No,” replied Nigilin, “The ensuing avalanche will fall away from him towards the east.”

  “We will attack the east end of the camp,” said Tesnayr, “That puts us in the path of the avalanche. We will draw the orcs there putting them in its path as well and keeping their attention away from Nedis as he releases the rocks. Once he gives the signal, we need to get out of there.”

  “It does not take long for snow and ice to fall three hundred feet,” said Jarown.

  “No, it doesn’t,” replied Tesnayr. He knew that this mission was as much a suicide mission as a strategic one. “If we do not do this, then, when the pass clears, the orcs will enter Belyndril providing reinforcements to the ones already there.”

  “When do we leave?” asked Nigilin.

  “Sundown,” replied Tesnayr.

  “Where are the two fairies,” asked Arnin.

  Tesnayr smiled. “I sent Sarwyn to Belyndril and Serein to Sym’Dul. They are gathering information about the situation in both places. They will give weekly reports.”

  Jarown chuckled at Tesnayr’s last statement. He knew that Tesnayr could give them a time limit, but the fairies did not always abide by it. “It is the nature of a fairy to be unpredictable.”

  “If only they were less so,” said Tesnayr.