Charity's Diary

Into the fray

It took longer to "hand over" my army to Allaghan, who constantly whinged that he didn't have this or that, so after threatening him not to screw it up, I left him with my Generals and hoped he could follow a simple instruction.

Back at the Tower, Deirdre briefly filled me in on who was around, and deposited me outside the tower. Though I had planned to use this quiet moment to explore the layout of the city, I brought up the pattern to sense who or what was about. I immediately sensed the Unicorn and Alfred. And it was Alfred who I encountered first.

He was, as usual, badly injured, having lost various important bones in his shoulder, and then gone "primal". There was little I could do, other than suggest rest. I did briefly consider attempting to shape change him through the force of my own will, but I really wasn't quite good enough for that. Yet. I put it on my "to-do" list. Having failed to make any progress with his health, he wandered off to Deirdre to try and beg for clothes. It was off to the Unicorn next. Perhaps it would make more sense.

It/he was quite interesting, being the only unicorn I have ever seen. It (Lucifer) seemed a little pissed off. Perhaps it sensed its imminent demise. During our chat, it reminded me that Rodian had mated with Titania (Oberon's sister) and as well as dieing while producing a hoard of demons; she had also created Tar-Rodian. Other than this, Lucifer offered little positive advice, so I bid it good day and went of to the Abyss to do a deal with Habakkuk. I did think briefly that Tar-Rodian's Amber-blood inheritance might be useful, but I had no idea how just yet.

As well as the knowledge that Habakkuk could no longer sense the Abyss taint in Brand, which usually meant the death of the initiate, it sent me back with seven warriors and the promise of an army. I have my suspicions that they aren't just there for my protection.

Leaving them in the castle (where they assured me they would make themselves comfortable) I had a quick chat with Cordelia and Sorcha. Cordelia seemed fine, Sorcha seemed pregnant.

The foetus' father was by all accounts, the unicorn, Lucifer. It was more likely a by-product of the ceremony rather than any physical mating that may have happened - at least I hope so - I didn't go into the details with her. Undoubtedly she was with child / foal / god knows what. I'd be worried about the birth if I were her. I hope her mother might be able to help with the transition when the time comes.

I then (foolishly it would later appear) thought I might have a few hours to kill, so, as Brand now seemed out of the picture (and numerous trump call having safely been made) I thought I could practise my trump making skills, so I shadow-walked off to look for some suitable materials. As a practise, and to assist my returning to my army, I created and used a trump of Allaghan to return to him and continue my role as Queen.

He'd apparently split the army up, to take the quicker element off ahead, to the tower. Had he brought them too far ahead? Only time would tell. At the time I was not too impressed by this turn of events, having entrusted him to follow a simple request, but I bit my tongue at the time and hell-rode to the rest of the army, and led them down into the valley.

No sooner had I made it there, that I saw a dark shape off to one side, in the distance. A dark ominous shape lay on the horizon that made me instantly reach for Deirdre's trump, to give warning that we were finally under attack. She sent out her own senses and confirmed my fear, and broke contact to warn the others to make ready for war. At one point I felt a presence searching me and my area, but I fought it off easily using a Pattern defense technique and returned to the job in hand. I'd worry about who that was, later.

So, visibly outnumbered, we rode towards the chasm at high speed, hoping that we'd outrun our enemy. Some airborne and fast running demons had split from the rest of the pack, to try and block us off. If they were the same creatures that made a meal out of Cordelia and the rest of the crew, at the Unicorn Grove, then I had no intention of pitching my men against them on a level footing.

With my troops nearly all on their way down the chasm, I thought we had better try and delay them by dismounting from our horses and letting rip with the artillery. It had, unfortunately, a minimal effect. So, as the best Generals say, we "legged it" down the track, to catch up with our mounts.

I took up the rear, not only as it was befitting of a Queen, but in the off chance that Orac could discover a weakness in the path that could be exploited. Orac was taking his time.

Allaghan's forces were taking their time as well. I hoped they were making their way to help us, but I hadn't heard anything yet.

The enemy drew near. It was going to be tight.