From out of the past, from a place far across the globe comes a warrior, Pheronitus, a commander of the Spartan army. Welcoming him to Fae Valley is Riecar, the Loik mage. Pheronitus: Where am I and who or what are you? Riecar: Welcome, Pheronitus, to Fae Valley. I am called Riecar, I'm first a mage and second a Loik. Pheronitus: Where is Fae Valley? is it far from Hot Gate? I must be there to lead my men. We must avenge the death of our king, Leonidas. Riecar: Hot Gate, as you know it is very far away, both in space and time. Be assured though, that Sparta and Greece turned back the Persian Army. Your King was avenged. You are here to help us fight a foe that is just as implacable as King Xerxes was in your time. Pheronitus: My wife! My son! What of them? What of my men? Riecar: Please, be of peace, Pheronitus. They have returned to the dust from whence they came. Pheronitus (sadly): what of me? Who shall I go home to at days end. Who will greet me with a warm smile and warmer embrace? Why, Riecar? Why me? Riecar: I know not all of the why or the who that brought you to us, other than you were chosen to assist us. You know something of Tactics and strategy, am I correct? Pheronitus: yes, of course! Elsewise I would not be a commander in the Spartan Army. Riecar: that is good, we can use you and your knowledge in the days ahead. As I said, we face a foe that desires to return all to chaos! To destroy the ideas of love and reason and a positive purpose in life. would you be willing to help us, commander? Pheronitus (quietly): My family is gone, my men are gone. I am here away from everything I know and hold dear to my heart. (looking around) where are my weapons? My shield? Riecar: they are, shall we say, hidden from sight for the time being. They shall be returned to you when we know you are ready. Please have trust in me. Pheronitus: I feel I have no choice, you are most powerful and wonderously strange. Riecar (chuckling): I have been called may things in my long life, wonderously strange is most different. Thank you. If you are ready, I will lead you to the rest of the leaders of Fae Valley where you will learn of our dreams and hopes as well as our fears. There you will see that you will have a new purpose in life. A new family to defend. Are you ready, then Pheronitus? Pheronitus (rising): I am! As promised, I've brought the Freak into Fae Valley. However I have to admit that the dialogue was not my original plan. as with all other scenes dealing with the members of Fae Valley, they tend to write themselves in a direction that is for the most part, a surprise to me. I have a feeling that Pheronitus will be a very valuable addition to Fae Valley. Thank you for all the wonderful comments and faves. I hope that everyone has a great Tuesday. Mike