(Remember, Beren is a day-walker.... How that is will be revealed in time.) Beren had always been a point-man, even in his fian days. He wanted to teach Angus the ways of being such a scout, so they took off ahead. Fast-traveling was a new and exhilarating experience for Angus, who'd only practised it a few times and short distances before they'd left. No one was as fast as Beren - being a vampire - but Angus nearly managed keeping up with him. They came at last to the hill that looked down into the valley of the Lands of Men where Angus had once lived. The sight of the Caeravon River and his old village brought back a flood of memories from his childhood. Many yarens had passed now, since he'd been in with the Fey. He doubted his brother still lived, for he'd been gone for decades - only a few months in the Fey Realm. The village had itself a wall now. The buildings were a bit taller and newer. He had no doubt that the whole place had succumbed to fires more than once since he'd been gone. The old bridge across the river was still there. "Tell me about this place, Angus," Beren said. "I know it fairly well, but I want ta hear your version of it." "That be the Caeravon down there. Starts up there in the Campsie Fells." He pointed to the moutains lying to their extreme left. "Then way down there where it broadens out is the Firth o' Forth an' the town o' Falkirk. The road on the other side o' the bridge goes down there an' on ta Falkirk. The other branch goes to Alloa, Clackmannan an' Tillicoultry. That be where Mog is, aye?" "Aye, that be correct lad!" Beren smiled. "So, they'll be coming down that way most likely. Love the forest but pity can't see through all them trees, eh? They could be down there right now. Don' look like there's any towers or gates at the bridge. That's gonna be our weak spot there in defendin' the village. If they make it across - an' I've no doubt some will, there'll be a battle there. The bridge is our main thrust but we'll keep some troops nearer to the village. I think mostly fianna would be best an' when my vampires arrive I'll put 'em nearer the bridge an' away from the humans so much. Ya got ta fight fire wi' fire an' I'm sure Mog's rounded up as many rogues as will join 'im. The bad part about rogues is they're vicious an' they don't follow no rules o' battle. Then again that can be their weakness. They'll scatter an' my warriors know that." "Nah, no towers an' no gate. That bridge is wide open. The river's a bit deep there - why there's a bridge an' not a ford. Used ta be a ford down there further where ya see the dunes along the bank, but the river kept washin' it out. Big surprise, eh? Just glad they had the sense ta build up 'ere an' not further down where it snakes toward the Firth. There's bog-land o'er there where the bank's washed out 'cross from the dunes. Tis where I met Moira." It was a night he'd never forget. "At least all's quiet for now," Beren observed. He patted Angus on the back. "Good job, lad. We got the lay o' the land now. Let's get back ta the others." "I want ta go down in the village in the mornin' an' meet with 'em. Let 'em know we're here ta help an' give 'em warnin'," Angus replied. "Of course, ya do an' we shall." ***** Art (adorety) was wonderful enough to volunteer to make this background for me in VUE. It came out absolutely fantastic and I'm delighted with it. We worked on this for about a week altogether. Thank you so much for this Art! Take a bow :) The plants, tree, etc in the foreground were added by myself and are from Lisa's "Witch House" props. There will be a couple more backgrounds from Art in the near future, so stayed tuned as we finally get down to the big battle with Mog's Dark Army and then Mog himself. Thanks for looking, your comments and support dear friends! Cheers, Rayvn