Nevvyn’s feelings guide me across the bog to the clearing where the obscene tableau is taking place. While I am sure my dogs follow me, except for the Brigantes and his wolves I am not sure if the war party yet follows. As I approach the scene I hear the old wizard ask Mac if the men followed him. Just as I am about to announce my presence and warn the wizard of Morran’s follower’s positions, I hear the sound of arrows shot with skill enough to kill said threat. With a word from both me and the man call Brigantes, our animals pan out, encircling the obscene stone and the woman lying just near it on the ground. A group of people stand by transfixed, as though they do not know what to do next. To encourage them to let their peaceable natures rule the day, I strike the ground with my drawn sword and it begins to glow an eerie fluorescent green-gold. I touch it to a pile of brush and the brush immediately catches fire. I hold my palm out towards the fire and speak the words of enchantment. The fire ceases. I speak to the group.

“If you have had no part in harming the Rian of Clan Niafer, then go in peace, but also with haste. If you have had a part in harming her, then prepare to die!”

As if to second my words, the Brigantes’ wolves begin to growl and my hounds begin to bark. All in all it is enough to strike fear in any intelligent person. All of us are standing still as stone statues, save for Nevvyn who is ministering to his daughter. I hear a sound in the brush and look. Thank the gods! The war party has arrived!