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[Temptation Waits]

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The cool spring air had a sweetness to it, dew glistened in the early morning sun as Tempt and Kor Ama set forth on their morning ride. These trips had helped her reacquaint herself with the territory and she wanted to go to a different location today. The forest was quiet with the exception of chirping birds as they meandered further west.

About an hour passed as they gently plodded along. In the distance, a small camp fire could be seen and some other odd noises could be heard. Curious, Tempt and Kor Ama turned in it's direction to see who was there. As they came closer, the noises were more like strange voices, grunting as it may and human like figures walked too and fro. She wanted to get a bit closer to see more. Her horses hooves made little noise on the soft earth and the figures were now less distant. The features she saw were not like humans or even elves, dark green leather-like skin and twisted faces. Not wanting to get any closer she began to turn Kor Ama eastward. The horse let out a loud snort alerting the beings near the fire.

One seemed to come from nowhere whirling a large axe and lunged at the pair. Tempt froze, she could not explain it but was absolutely terrified, now that one of them was so close. Kor Ama reared and knocked the monster down with her hooves. This snapped Tempt back to the moment and she urged her mount into a gallop. They made a quick straight run for the Temple. She was pale and panicked by the time the temple loomed in the distance and still was not getting there fast enough. Moments seemed like hours until Kor Ama skidded to a halt, sending grass and dirt into the air.

Setnakht came out of the temple quickly as he heard the commotion and saw the elf was visibly shaken and extremely pale. He helped her from her horse and ushered her inside and up to the dining area. "Take a seat while I start some tea." He watched as her breathing began to slow, "What in the name of Isis has happened?", he finally asked.

She turned to look at the priest and managed to say, "I...I...went on my ride. Horrid things, green and ugly...attacked and...and...I froze...then we were on our way back here."

He placed a cup before her and filled it before he responded, "It sounds like you ran into orcs. Though considering your progress I am a bit surprised you did not kill them yourself. You seem to be rather frightened of them. Now, to relax, drink this herbal tea, it will help you sleep.", he pushed it closer to her before taking a seat.

"Orcs.", she spat the word, "I do not know why I froze.", she looked at the tea and took a sip. It was sweetened with honey and was rather soothing.

The priest looked at her as she drank more, "Scar will be here tonight. Perhaps we can ask him or I will speak with the lady Ishtar about this. I feel you may have remembered something to react in such away. Now finish that tea and go lay down."

Tempt just nodded and obeyed, a few more sips and the tea was gone. In silence she stood, then walked up to her room. Not even bothering to change she collapsed on the bed, she was instantly very sleepy and dozed off...
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"Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead."
Benjamin Franklin

[Temptation Waits]

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It was late after noon when she awoke, and rubbed her eyes. The tea the priest gave her must have knocked her out for a while. Slowly she got out of the bed and changed into a dress to be more comfortable. Scar must have found more of her clothes, because there were more in the trunk than earlier that day. Letting out a yawn, she made her way downstairs to get something to eat.

The priest turned after stoking the fire a bit and motioned her to a chair. A bowl of stew was already waiting for her along her favored goblet of wine. She never understood how this man just knew when shed be hungry or tired, he just did. Quietly, she began to pick at the stew.

The priest took a seat near her, "You slept well, I would take it. It has been many hours since you went up to rest.

She paused, "Yes, I did and I feel a lot more relaxed, thank you."

He smiled and pushed the bowl closer to her as a hint she needed to eat more. "Master Thrax was hear asking about what you saw. When you finish he would like it if you go speak with him, if you feel up to it."

"What I saw this morning?"

"Yes, the orcs."

"I will go after I eat then."

The color seemed to drain again form her face at the mention of the word. She could feel it and still did not understand why. Feeling better and less groggy on a full stomach she rose from the table and was on her way to Whitehall...
_________________
"Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead."
Benjamin Franklin

[Thrax]

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Thrax saluted Tempt as she entered his study. She noticed a large blueprint lying on his desk, and he was busy writing something into a small book. "Ah, Lady Tempt, good to see you," he said, putting the pen into the inkwell. "Please be seated," he said, pointing to a chair and she complied. "What is on your mind?"

She told him about her encounter with the orcs. He wanted to know every detail, and she recounted everything she could remember. His face became grave. "How close were they to Alderglen?"

"No more than a few leagues," she replied. "It was a war party, but I am not sure what their destination was," she added.

"We are an easy target, no doubt. Only my brother, the priest, and occasionally Scar do any patrols whatsoever. We have not had any need to since our reconciliation with the King of Yew and the dissolution of the Armunn Empire. I have pledged to support Sid in any war that threatens Yew, and I would imagine he would do likewise, though I am loathe to ask him. I do not want him to think our renewed friendship was based upon a threat that I knew was coming to Alderglen, and the need for his protection."

"It was just one war party. It could have been sent to probe our defenses," Tempt replied.

"Astute observation. If so, then they will have gotten the message that we are quite prepared and are watching them closely."

"I will stay on guard around here as long as I am needed, and wanted."

Thrax smiled. "Very kind of you. You are both needed and wanted. I will talk to the priest and make sure he knows your room is to be permanent, at least as long as you wish it to be, and that you have the run of things there. As you can see, I have transformed the temple into the Academy of Alderglen," he explained, pointing to the blueprint. "Construction is complete. All I need to do now is to plan for the classes and locate experienced teachers. Having someone like you to guard the area would be most helpful, and greatly appreciated."

"What is my status with the others who will be guarding it?"

"I will speak to my brother, and Scar. The three of you can work out patrol times. Neither have asked me for an appointment to the task; they do it randomly. I will, therefore, appoint you to oversee the defense of the town and they will answer to you if they wish to continue serving in that capacity. Does that sound fair?"

Tempt nodded. "I will speak to Scar about that myself, but I had rather not have anything to do with your brother. No offense, m'lord, but when I am around him, the hairs on my neck rise. If I didn't know better... that is, were he not your kinsman, I would tend to believe he is sinister and evil."

Thrax grinned. "I take no offense. You are quite right; he is not someone fond of the virtues... but he is mostly harmless, at least around here. I will talk to him about this."

Tempt rose. "I will take my leave of you now. Thank you for talking to me."

"Thank you for the report, and your continued devotion to Alderglen. We are most grateful," he said, bowing his head respectfully.

She smiled and left, feeling more and more like she had a purpose and a place to call home.