<font color='black' size='2' face='arial'><br>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="374">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The first view of Thrush
Castle was impressive. The massive Sathmore mountains loomed up in front of
them. Towering over everything. It’s tall peaks casting long shadows across the
ground below. Partway up the side of one particularly tall mountain were the
walls and towers of a castle. They were at least five hundred feet up and
surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. The road leading to it wound its way
up the side of the mountain switching back and forth in a dozen turns before
coming to the castle gates.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“From here we walk,” The
Knightmaster commented.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a long, slow climb up
the road. The horses pulling the wagons worked hardest of all. A half dozen
knights and lay brothers had to help push each one. Working the wagons around
each turn was a major effort as the turns were sharp and the wagons long.
Everyone was relieved when the massive, iron bound gates of the outer gatehouse
came into view.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Standing in the gateway was a small
group of people. All were wearing the blue of a Protector. Some were wearing
armor and were obviously Knightbrothers. The rest were either lay brothers or
servants. All were standing on either side leaving the middle open. Standing in
the middle of the gateway was a single knightbrother in full armor and tabard. The
tabard was the standard dark blue with a gold cross in the center but the edges
had a gold strip. There was the gold symbol of a tower on the front on the
right shoulder. That marked him as the Castellan or castle commander.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Good afternoon Grandmaster
Kenward, Brother Harrick,” the castellan said and bowed. “Welcome back to
Thrush castle.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal">*********************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The causeway was indifferently
maintained. It seemed to be constantly wet with moisture and large parts were
green with moss, fungus and all sorts of plant life. So in addition to being
slick with water and plant life they had to watch for rotted or missing planks
or beams. They spent three long hours cutting trees and reinforcing a section
before the rotted wooden causeway was strong enough to hold up under the weight
of the wagons. Even so they made their way past that point one at a time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For all their worries the trip
through the marsh went slowly but quietly. Stealth was amazed by the sheer
abundance of life around them. Fish, otters, crabs, lizards, racoons, opossum
and an astounding array of birds. Less welcome were the insects. There always
seemed to be something buzzing around his head or trying to crawl up his leg.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stealth peered down at the
marsh beneath him. “Are there any alligators in there?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I don’t think so,” Emile
answered. “It’s too cold in the winter for them.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Edmund walked up to the two
scouts. “It’s late afternoon. I’d like a place to laager for the evening.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“There is a large enough island
up ahead,” Emile replied and pointed to the south.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal">****************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fortress was built on a spur
that stuck outwards from the mountain. It was separated from the rest of the
range by a deep, wide moat. The inner ward of the castle occupied the top of
the hill with the lower ward around and below that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Being on a mountain meant that there was no
naturally level ground. So it seemed that no matter where a person was headed
it always seemed to be uphill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A curtain wall encircled the
bottom of the spur on three sides. Tucked against the wall along most of its
length was a wide range of buildings. Workshops, storage, granaries, several
cisterns, armories, living quarters, stables and even a small chapel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Towering over all of that from
the top of the ridge was a long line of stone buildings at the end of which was
a tall, massive tower.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The only level ground had been
laboriously carved out of the rock. The largest was an area around one hundred
yards long and half that wide. It doubled as a cavalry training area, infantry
training area and a landing area for the order’s various flying creatures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fortress was alive with
activity. Sentries walked the battlemented walls and guarded the few gates. The
group passed a small level area where a score of men were going through close
quarter sword and shield training. Learning to moving and fight as a group.
Further along and upslope a dozen men were practicing on an archery range that
was really long but very narrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Are all Knightbrothers
trained here?” the legate asked. The group had gone through the outer gate and
were slowly making their way through the outer ward and uphill to the inner
gate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Yes. They might be initially
recruited elsewhere and will take different training in other locations but all
will take their final vows here,” the Knightmaster said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“How long is their training?”
The legate asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Four years,” the knight
answered. “From first arrival to taking the final vows and adding the gold
cross to their tabards. For paladins there are another two years before they
take their vows.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“That’s a long time to become
a knightbrother,” the legate commented.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“We prefer it as it gives the Knight
Initiate time to consider in detail the new life they have decided on,” the
knight explained. “And also to sample what that life will be like.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Do many change their mind?”
He asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“A few,” the Knightmaster.
“But we do not want to force our lifestyle upon anyone.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate looked up at the
large Keep and the massive hall attached to it. “The order built all of this?”
the legate asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Not all of it,” the
Knightbrother answered. “We got it from the Order of the Mountain Protectors. When
the Protectors was created the older order was absorbed into ours. But their
records speak of ruins up here when they first arrived.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate nodded. “That makes
sense. This is an easily defended place.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Brother Heddwyn who is the
order’s historian says the ruins are post Suielman but it has some Suielman
elements,” the knight commented.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate stopped. “What does
that mean exactly? How can it have Suielman elements if it’s post empire?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“There was a good-sized empire
settlement in the valley before the invasion in 150,” the Brother explained and
pointed downhill. “When the castle was first built they scavenged the ruins for
good stone.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“What’s wrong with that?” The
legate asked. “Good stone is expensive.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Nothing wrong with it. Saved
us a lot of time and effort. But he was most upset about it,” the knight
laughed. “He says it confused his timeline of the castle’s history.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate gave the knight a
quizzical expression. “Your order continues to surprise me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The knight smiled. “You’re not
the first to say that. We do tend to attract the unusual. But consider this.
How are we to deal with the future if we do not understand the past.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Good point,” the legate
agreed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kenworth stepped closer to the
legate. “To understand us. To understand our order you need to understand the
Midlands and the people in it. I have four thousand knight brothers and Lay
brothers to help maintain the peace in a third of the continent and home to as
many as half a million people. We could not maintain the peace by sword and bow
even if we wanted to. We must think in different ways. Use our finest gift and
weapon – the minds The Great One gave us. Our problems are unusual and require
unusual answers.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Nine years ago a town near
Gwaron in Delavia was plagued by an outbreak of strange creatures,” the knight
explained. “They seemed to just erupt out of the ground at random intervals.”
He gestured with his hands.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“They had disturbed a burial
ground?” The legate asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The knight shook his head. “No.
A gate was opening and the creatures were coming through.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Is not Delavia mostly
Lightbringer?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It is,” the Knightbrother
answered and gave a wry smile. “The Lightbringers were able to contain the
problem but not stop it. There was a Follower village nearby and they sent word
to us. Thankfully Brother Heddwyn was part of the group sent to help.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“He had an old Suielman map
that had the word ‘ruins’ on a spot some one hundred yards from where the gate
was opening,” the knight explained. “So Heddwyn took a large group of people
there and they dug up the ground. They carefully stripped away the earth and uncovered
the remains of a very old structure. It included a summoning circle. A mage was
called in and the circle was carefully taken apart. That closed the gate
permanently.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“We are not supposed to take
pleasure in other people’s difficulties.” The knight said. “But it was a good
day for the order.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate gave a nod of the
head and a smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“A lot of what the order does
is similar to that,” the knight explained. “Small issues. Bandits, raiders,
feuding nobles, guilds and families. Issues that require only a few
Knightbrothers to deal with. A large part of the order are Wandering Brothers
for that reason.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Does the order fight full
open battles?” The legate asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You mean a major battle with
hundreds or thousands of combatants?” The knight asked. “The last was back in
623 CR at the battle of Aizkraukle. There was over two thousand in the Sathmore
force alone. The order defeated a major Sathmore raid. It was the orders first
real battlefield victory.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“The only place of seeing
actual major battle is along the border with Sathmore. The Lightbringers used
to stage major raids into the Northern Midlands but the order put an end to that
at Aizkraukle. Now it is limited to smaller raids and harassment. Usually a
score or less seeking to steal or rustle cattle. We do have the occasional
raiders from the Flatlands but that is more of an annoyance. We are seeing
various things coming out Elderwood. Those are a growing threat. The last
creature was the size of a large wagon and took almost fifty Brothers to defeat
it. We still don’t know what it was.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate nodded his head.
“What of Aelfwood?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“The elves?” The knight asked.
Surprised. He was silent a moment. “To be honest we haven’t had any contact
with them in a long time. The have always been reclusive to one degree or
another.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Elderwood is a threat to be
considered and brought to the Patriarch’s attention,” the legate commented.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“What happens next?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“After we unload the wagons we
care for the animals and the people,” the Knightmaster responded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“And the Bishop?” The legate
asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Then we go to Kelewair,”
Kenward answered. “Things must be settled in the order before we travel away.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate was about to speak
when a small bird landed on the pommel of his saddle. The little animal was
barely seven inches tall with brown wings, head and back and a gray underbelly.
The bird flapped his wings and twittered loudly at the legate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The knight laughed. “I’d like
to introduce one of the local residents. This is a Mountain thrush for whom the
castle is named.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“He seems to be upset,” the
legate commented, unnerved by the animal’s unusual actions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You’re new,” the knight
responded. “The birds know who is supposed to be here. You are probably a
little too close to his nest and he’s letting you know he’s not happy with it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“A lot of people are unhappy
with my presence,” the legate answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I wouldn’t worry,” the knight
answered. “They’ll get used to you. It’s supposed to be good luck to have one get
this close to you when you first come here. Usually it takes several weeks for
the birds to grow accustomed to a new arrival.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The thrush, evidently having
made his point took off and flew a short distance. It landed on a battlement
where a dozen thrushes were perched.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You should be here in May and
June during the nesting season,” the knight commented. “Then they are
everywhere. They have nests in every nook and cranny imaginable.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Seriously? How many?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The knight shrugged. “We’re
not sure. But ten to twelve thousand would be a safe guess.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Ten thousand?” The legate
asked in surprise. “That must cause a disruption.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It does. We had an expert on
birds come from Kelewair a few years ago. To see about how to get them to nest
elsewhere. He says that this hill has been their nesting grounds for thousands
of years. Then the order came along and build a castle on their homes. It
seemed only fair we share it with them. And the fact is that all attempts to
remove them have failed,” the knight added with a smile. “It seems the Great One
wants them here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate looked at a group
of birds who were busily swooping and flying overhead. Then they landed and
started to forage amidst the stones and grass alongside the path. A mere five
feet from them. “They don’t seem to mind all the people around.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“No, they don’t,” the knight
answered. “The birds have thrived here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legate looked at a thrush
who was perched on a battlement and was ignoring the Sword brother who was
walking back and forth past her on sentry duty. Within arm’s reach. “They
certainly have the safest place. No predator will come anywhere near here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal">“They were here long before the Protectors arrived and they’ll be here
long after we’re gone,” the Knight said solemnly. “That fact keeps a person
humble.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal">****************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Calling the small hummock of
sand, mud, marsh grass and trees an island was an exaggeration. It was barely
above water level and only just large enough to fit everyone. They placed the
three wagons on either side of the trail in a rough circle. Sentries were
placed outside them keeping the campsite safe. Stealth and Dasan wen went up the
road to see what awaited them. Mairsil and Adelyte went back the way they had
come. To see if anyone was following them. The rest settled in to eat, relax
and find enough space to lay down and sleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was still early evening
when Stealth and Dasan made their way into camp. They were not alone. “Edmund.
We have a visitor.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With the cheetah scout was a
tall, gangly looking young man dressed all in green and brown. On his back was
a bow and in his hands was a long spear. Edmund noticed that he had a complex
swirled pattern tattooed onto both cheeks and a pair of dark blue lines arched
over each eyebrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“My name is Deryk Glendower,”
the man said in way of introduction. “I want to know why you are in our
territory. Been a long time since anyone tried invading.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Invading? We are just passing
through,” Edmund said and gave a chirp of laughter. “As clichéd as that may
sound it’s the truth.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Where are you headed?” Deryk
asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Fulgar,” the paladin
responded. “A few miles north of Komley.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You are a long way from Komley,”
the new arrival responded. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Edmund pondered his answer. “We
are taking a circuitous route to avoid unwanted trouble,” the Knightbrother
answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Trouble?” Deryk asked. “Who
are you running from? Who? Lord Thomas?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“We’re from Metamor but we are
not of Metamor,” the paladin answered. “And we are on good terms with the
Duke.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The man scowled. “It’s kind of
easy to tell you were from the valley. But what do you mean you are not OF the
valley.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Edmund pointed to the fire.
“Come. Sit down with us. We’ve already eaten but you are welcome to enjoy some
refreshments and we can talk. I will explain everything.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cautiously the man made his
way over to the small space surrounding the fire. Edmund handed the visitor a
wooden mug filled with a brown liquid. “This is coffee. A drink imported from
the south. I was recently introduced to it at the Keep.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The man took a sip of the
liquid. “Strong.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“So,” he said and took a drink
of the coffee. “Why are you here? Who are you avoiding?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Let me introduce myself.” The
paladin bowed to the man. “I am Sir Edmund Delacot, Knight Brother of the order
of Protectors.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I’ve heard of your people.”
Deryk commented. “What brings you this far north?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You don’t care what we look
like?” Edmund asked avoiding the question.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The man laughed. “No. We’ve
heard all about the curse. That is your problem. Not ours. We don’t care what
you look like. What we are worried about is why you are moving through our
land.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“The order was recently gifted
a castle in the town of Fulgar and we are headed there to take possession.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Deryk leaned forward. “Is that
the only reason? Why are you traveling through our marsh?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Edmund shook his head. “The
Lutin invasion during the Yule brought to our attention just how badly we have
neglected the Northern Midlands. Not just the threats to the north but also
political issues and threats to the peace.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You mean Lord Donel in
Midtown,” Deryk responded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Yes,” the paladin responded.
“Among other things.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>”Deryk smiled and laughed. “You’re up here to keep watch on Donel.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Has Midtown pressured you and
your people?” Terrant asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The man shrugged. “They have
tried to make us pay taxes and tribute.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Have they succeeded?” She
asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He shook his head. “No.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“And they’ve accepted that?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The man smiled and laughed. “No
but what can he do to make us pay? If they come here we’ll rip up the causeway
and let them wade through the mud and water for a while. Eventually they’ll get
tired and give up. Like all the others.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Edmund gave a chirp of
laughter. “It’s an old tactic but it works.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Stealth,” Adelyte said softly.
“Those markings on his face. They’re Lutin markings.” The two were standing
nearby. Close but far enough out they that could talk without being overheard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“A lot of cultures use tattoos
and ritual scaring,” Stealth commented.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“No,” she countered. “They do
not look like Lutin markings. They ARE Lutin. The markings on his cheeks
represent the Day Traveler and the Night Lady. The sun and moon.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Really?” Emile asked. The
surprise plain to see on his face and in his voice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Adelyte nodded her head. “I’ve
seen them often enough.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Stealth looked closely at the
man. “He doesn’t look Lutin. Could he be part Lutin?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I’d heard rumors that a tribe
of Lutins lives deep in the marsh,” Emile said. “But I never believed it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“If they have Centli and
Suielman hiding in here,” Stealth said. “Why not Lutins as well.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
</font>