Character

         "It's called a ballista," claimed the owner of the high screechy voice. He was tall and thin, and looked like the recoil from shooting a crossbow would be enough to knock him over. "We cut down trees and use this to shoot them at our enemies. I don't expect a savage like you to understand the complexities of a real war. I don't know why the General brought you here..."

         The large man standing just behind the officer was unimpressed. He had to look down to look the man in his eyes, and his long black hair flowed out, almost touching the officer's face. "I don't understand. Would it not be better to trim the branches off the tree first to gain a more controlled flight? And would it not be a better idea to sharpen the trees to points so they could pierce their targets? And I could see firing them on your enemies if they were giants or dragons, but aiming at a man or even a horse, not possible. Far better to use them against the towers and rams and other seige weaponry of your opponents. But what I most do not understand," said Gerran fingering one of his great twin bladed axes, "is why you would stand here and insult me. It would take your crew a good few minutes to load and aim this thing, while I could easily separate your head from your shoulders with a single..."

         Gerran felt a huge hand fall to his shoulder from behind him. He tensed, but did not lash out. These people were his allies, and he saw no reason to antagonize. Besides, he had only seen one man in this army with hands that big, and he was the...

         "General!" the officer called out. "You heard him. He was threatening me! I order you to flog him!"

         The voice from behind him could likely have reduced the ballista to flinders if it's owner so desired. Now, it was a low murmer, much like a bear's growl, just before it roars and lashes out. "You order me, Captain? I am the senior officer here. You may be Duke Fetalan's third son, but in a military situation, I am in command. While I've seen no evidence, I do believe you would not confuse the army encamped around this city with the attendants of a ball would you?"

         The officer shook his head back and forth so fast, it was a wonder it didn't fall off. Gerran turned and faced the General, seeing him eye to eye. Even with his quick eyes, he nearly missed the smile that flickered across the man's face as he said, "Now, Gerran, I have told you to be courteous to the soldiers. If you were to cut the captain's head off, someone in the army would have to clean up the mess and bury the body. If you want to kill an officer, be good enough to take him out into the woods where the scavengers can dispose of the remains.

         Back to the captain, Gerran let a smile break his countenance. This was a man who had not gotten his commission due to an accident of birth. He had fought his way up through the ranks and knew what war was about. This was a man Gerran could respect, and maybe even consider a friend. "I don't think that will be necessary now General. If I did it now, I might meet this army camped about, and then I'd have to kill them too. Your men seem so excited about this skirmish, I wouldn't want to deprive them of it."

         "Very considerate of you Gerran. Let's retire to my tent and examine our situation." The pair of giants walked off, leaving the captain sputtering in frustration.

         Entering the large command building, Gerran was taken by the model on the the table. It was a very good likness of the lands surrounding the city. Very helpful if you were not in tune with the land as his people were. The opposing army was laid out upon it, surrounding the city.

"It looks bad." said the general. "We are outnumbered four to one, and they have many seige engines. They also have twelve wizards to our four Magi. I know the training is different, and our magi are better, but still, I don't think they can handle a dozen by them selves. We need to get you and your sister out of here, you should never have been dragged..."

         "My friend, we were not dragged anywhere. We came of our own free will. My sister can assist your magi, and I will do what I can to help your soldiers. Your king is a good man, and a truly noble ruler. I will not stand by while this renegade Baron overthrow him."

         "Even so, do you think there is any chance of getting your sister out of the city before the fighting starts? War is no place for a woman."

         "Feel free to ask her if you wish. I'd wait until I no longer wished to sire children before you do though. Our people do not feel the same as you about the roles of men and women."

         As Gerran said this, the guards at the door spoke up. "The General is in conference now, and cannot be disturbed. If you wish to leave your name, he can arrange a more suitable meeting place. A conference of war is no place for a defenceless woman."

         The General's face took on a look of stark terror as he heard the reply. "Is that so? Well, perhaps this may convince you that I am not defenceless then."

         The General cried out, "Dear Gods I thought I warned the guards about..." Then the door burst asunder, and both the guards hurtled in to the room. They were followed by a tall, regal looking woman in long white robes. She was brushing dust from her silvery hair. Her eyes were the only hints of color about her, green like a fresh Dragon scale, just like her brother, Gerran's.

         Her voice was like an artic breeze. "I'm sorry General, I guess I forgot my own strength."

         "Um...entirely my fault, Sharrelle. I had thought I warned the guards that you were to be admitted freely to our conferences. ALthough I'm not sure what help it will be. I do not think we can win this without a miracle."

         "Hadn't you heard General? That's why Gerran invited me along. And I believe I've found one for you. You know how your enemy has been boasting that their wizards are more powerful here than they were before?"

         "Yes, and it seems they are correct."

         "Well, you don't need to worry about that. The four Magi you have here, and I, can deal with them, and Gerran will be able to put the fear of the gods into the opposing army."

         Gerran looked over at his sister. "Perhaps you could save us all time if you told us what this miracle is."

         "Gerran, only you could sound bored at the mention of a miracle."

         "I've grown accustomed to them with you around, my dear sister."

         "Flatterer. Anyway, the reason the wizards outside are more powerful is because they are standing on Dragon Roads."

         The General's eyes widened. "If they control a Dragon Road, then the war is lost. We may as well..."

         "Not so fast General," said Gerran. "Sharrelle offered us victory, and I'm sure she can deliver it. I've seen what she is capable of."

         "Thank you brother. Now as I was saying, They control Dragon Roads outside the city, but the builders of the city knew what they were doing. The castle in the center is atop the largest convergence points I have ever seen. At least eight Roads form a nexus. With that kind of power at our command, we will win this war."