"I'd like ta thank you all for comin' here on such short notice, as well as for includin' me in this. I'm sure it must feel a bit awkward fer some o' you - but I hope not. I bear noone here ill-will in any way, an' I assure ya that ma only intention in this is to see that ma father's terrible death is avenged, that 'e is restored 'is soul, properly buried an' released from this hell Mog 'as made fer 'im." He stood before the great hearth, a imposing noble figure of true fey nobility. He was Morgan mac Connor and had there never been a Concord of the Clans, he would be the Wolf King of the Banshee: Morgan Madath-Alliuth. He wore fine clothes and wore them well, but his feral grace as he moved back and forth said that he was other than a gentleman of leisure. "I know today 'as been a long one for all o' ya, an' a special one fer Laird Angus." He gestured toward the new lord and bowed slightly to him. "Know that ye 'ave my support an' access ta the fianna anytime, milaird." Morgan looked about the room and smiled. "If yer hungry, there is food an' drink in the back o' the room - some very fine honey-pumpkin mead, as well. Feel free ta eat yer fill. Tis a bit late now, so let us go over our numbers from each o' you - how many troops ye can commit and their strengths, as well as some minor details. I've plenty o' rooms an' beds an' yer welcome ta stay the night, then we can 'ave breakfast on the morrow an' start discussin' this in earnest. I shall begin wi' my bit in this: "After ma father's death, I made a point o' keepin' an eye on Mog. I saw what 'e were doin' - creatin' an army o' dark souls who've no love fer light or life. When the Concord were established, the fianna faded inta legend, mostly because they was ma father's elite warriors. Ten yarens ago, when I saw what was goin' on wi' Mog, I decided ta re-establish the fianna. I've been scoutin' an' recruitin' the best warriors the Fey Lands have ta offer. Sadly, I'm missin' two o' ma father's best. But perhaps I'll be seeing one of 'em more now thet he an' his lovely Queen 'ave deigned to become part o' this battle," Morgan smiled at Beren. "Good ta see ya again, ma friend. I've missed ya, brother. The other...," Morgan paused, inhaling with deep sadness, "well we thought he'd never be replaced but from what I hear, perhaps tis just an ugly rumor! Angus, I hope you'll join us - soon. "As fer ma numbers, I've two hundred an' sixty very fine warriors who are worth at least two ordinary warriors each. Their greatest strength is that they are insane," he laughed. "They aint scared o' anyone nor anything. Most importantly, they are in control o' their berserk states. There'll be no turnin' on allies. They're all well seasoned an' skilled in many different weapons. Fifty of 'em are archers - snipers ta be more precise wi' great patience an' aim. The rest are skilled wi' the great-sword, daggers, battle-axes. maces an' various other sorts o' weapons. They're all well armed. I've four an' twenty battle-mages. I'm willin' ta split up the fianna an' distribute them amongst the clans. Present company excluded, they are the best o' the best." "Thet's very generous o' ya, Morgan," Brianna answered. "Sounds like a good idea. We've seven hundred an' fifty warriors - possibly more - but only five battle-mages currently. I just lost one in Mog's last ambush...along wi' milaird. I'm sure you've heard thet news." "Aye, milady an' I'm truly sorry fer yer losses. Truly. As I said, you an' Angus have my support any time." He looked to Magnus and Mab. "And the Forest Clan...? What of them?" "We've about a thousand warriors," Magnus answered. "I think we keep 'em in the woods an' moors. They know 'em best. Keep the Banshee in the vales, burns an' hills, where they know best. I can foresee this happenin' on several fronts. Don't you, Morgan?" "Aye, definitely." Morgan turned to Kyli. "An' you lovely Lady Kyli - what brings ya this distant place?" ***** tbc in War Council - Part II

this is getting better all the time! the build-up is wonderful and lends a depth to the story. Most excellent in telling and showing

Great introduction for Morgan in this image. You can see the brotherly connection. Excellent chapter. I agree with faemike with the build up to this battle. I myself am imagining some epic battle scenes with these characters, weres, vampires and undead spirits in woods and Scottish highlands. I wonder what Mog is up to right now? Spying? Awesome work.

Yes, this is a super build up... as I said before it takes you back to when the clans wouldl be plotting wars against each other. Like Arthur I am anticipating some epic action when this all comes to bear. I do wonder where you have been getting your wonderful celtic patterns and woodwork. Not that I need any celtic at the moment for my storylines but they are wonderful pieces.

Amazing character and a fabulous story, hight quality work as usual, marvelous work!

Those textures are fascinating! Very interesting characters. It seems I say the same all the time but it's becauseof the constant quality of your images :))) Well done,Rayvn!

Excellent work & story.

wonderful as always...sorry i missed a few of your works my friend, xmas got in the way !!!...

Fantastic =)!!

I have a fondness for all things Clan-ish..The battle mad Celts of the woods fascinated me..So i look forward to the up coming installments..Reading your words is like sitting and watching a series on TV something i look forward very much to every day..If you ever need a skin that's unique to your story..i'd be honored to create something just for this..Thankyou sweetness..Huge Hugs T (mutedbanshee)

Beautiful Image,

wonderful work!!!

An excellent image, and a most engrossing tale. I'm holding my breath as this martial crescendo builds. Bravo!

The textures are beautiful and the characters interesting, nice work!