"Has Nezzer reported back?" Tontal Drave asked.
"No, he has not," a High Engenium replied.
"That is unusual behavior for Nezzer. I fear the worst," Tontal said, bouncing along the road on a white mare. "We should arrive at Galdarath soon, definitely before sundown. Inform our troops to mind their manners inside of the Human city. Tell them if anyone misbehaves, they will be put to the blade."
"Yes, Sestian Drave," the Engenium said. He broke formation to spread Sestian Drave's orders.
As Tontal galloped along the road, his mind could not help but to offer suggestions on the fate of Nezzer and Alexander. Nezzer was one of the most formidable warriors he had ever encountered. Tontal doubted that any ordinary bandit might have robbed him, or even worse, but still a sickening feeling filled his stomach. Any other time he would not worry about Nezzer, but with the Dark Wizard's minions roaming the lands, he could not help but to worry.
Kraeson Dazzen, a General in Lasticall's army, rode up alongside Tontal.
"So, how do you think our dealings with the Humans will go?" Kraeson asked.
"I am looking forward to fighting alongside them. They have always proved to be mighty warriors," Tontal said. "As long as we do not exhibit the arrogance that we sometimes do, we will be able to work cooperatively with them."
"Do you really think the Dainties will emerge from underneath the mountain?" Kraeson asked.
"That I am not so sure about. Sebastian Buxton assures me of their promised allegiance," Tontal said. "Just a few days ago, all of Calencia believed them long dead. This will be a special meeting."
"I am excited to meet them. I have always been fascinated with their story," Kraeson said.
"I have as well," Tontal added.
They rode in silence for a moment giving Kraeson time to muster up his nerves and asked the question lingering on his mind.
"Can we win?" Kraeson asked.
"I do not know," Tontal said. "Hasbarie may not even march his troops against us. Then again, he may. If he sends his forces to meet us, I am sure he will send great numbers. Only time will tell."
"We have no other choice, do we?" Kraeson asked.
"If we want a future for our children, then no, we do not," Tontal answered.
They rode on in silence until they entered Galdarath's borders. As soon as they crossed over into the boundary of the Human kingdom, a company of riders met them and lead them to the castle in the capital city of Ravendale.
"I cannot believe that you lasted almost four hours on the surface!" Zulp exclaimed.
"Well, I do not want to brag, but," Golgar paused. His plump cheeks rose to meet the bottom of his eyelids, and the corners of his mouth stretched to his ears. "That was impressive if I do say so myself."
"I will best your time tomorrow," Olaf boasted.
"It is always tomorrow," Golgar said.
"You barely lasted two hours today," Zulp interjected. "Most of our women lasted longer than that."
"Who are you to talk?" Olaf grumbled. "You cheated!"
"I did not! I had to blink," Zulp replied in an attempt to defend himself.
"By shielding your eyes?" Olaf asked.
"Shielding your eyes, eh?" Golgar asked. "Zulp, you should be ashamed of yourself."
"I did not cheat!" Zulp cried in protest.
"And you did it after only an hour!" Olaf added.
Zulp looked as if he would explode. Deciding diplomacy would not work, Zulp stomped on Olaf's foot.
"Yeahoowww!" Olaf cried.
He jumped up and down on one foot, squeezing the other. Zulp doubled over in laughter, enraging Olaf. Olaf charged Zulp, grabbing him by the ears and spinning him around and around in tight, fast circles.
"Put. . . me. . . down!" Zulp cried in-between breaths.
"If you say," Olaf said as he let go.
Zulp tumbled across the ground. He popped up on his feet and bolted toward Olaf.
As the two Royal Guards rolled back and forth in the dirt, Golgar caught his breath long enough to step in and calm them.
"Okay," Golgar said. "That is enough. Stop it, you two."
Standing on Olaf's head, Zulp asked," Is that an order?"
"Yes, that is an order," Golgar replied.
Zulp and Olaf jumped to their feet and stood in attention.
"We have another hour before we return to the surface. I suggest you rest. It will be midday, the sun will be at its most intense," Golgar stated.
"Do you think we will all be ready?" Zulp asked.
"I think so," Golgar replied. "Our battle against the sun does not worry me."
"What does?" Olaf asked.
"That we do not have enough numbers." Golgar let out a sigh. "We have one hundred and five Dainties to bring to the battle. What kind of impact will that make?"
"One hundred and five Dainties equals one thousand Humans," Zulp reassured him. "One hundred and five Dainties will make a great difference."
"Especially the three of us," Olaf added.
"I am proud that the two of you stand next to me in this. I only wish Erimack was here," Golgar said, tears swelling in his eyes.
"He is here," Olaf said, touching his heart. "He will always be with us."
"I am sure he is watching over us right now, smiling," Zulp added. "He always was fond of you. You have proven to be a good friend to us. The only other Dainty we would stand alongside is King Stonefist."
"Thank you, my friends," Golgar said, wiping the tears from his face. "Let us rest. There is much preparation left."