Zoom is best. ***** “Glad ta see yer still in one piece, lass!” Beren told Lali as he materialized beside her on the wall. “What about Kyli an’ Kelly?” Lali pointed behind her into the village proper. “They’re down there, fightin’ off those made it inside. Damn mage blew the doors open, but he di’ nae make it inside. One o’ Morgan’s mages took him out. They’ve got it under control, more or less. It’s them out there concerns me. I see the rest of y’are comin’ back this way. Things went well, down there I take it? I see fire in the sky. Must by ma baby, Gorm,” she smiled. Beren laughed, “Aye, good for us but not for them. Your husband and Gorm made rather short work of ‘em.” This pleased Lali to hear that Gwidion had been instrumental in halting additional troops joining those here. Beren then filled her in briefly on the events at the bridge. All the while below, the Dark Army became aware of the new arrivals and started moving to the south away from the village to meet the newcomers. Their exodus revealed the true extent of the damage they’d suffered at the hands of the fianna, the UnDead who remained behind and the villagers themselves. “There any folk in the longhouse there? Can ya ‘look’ for me?” Eulali bent her gaze there and closed her eyes for a moment. “Maybe a dozen or so – mostly young ’uns an’ a few women. We should go get ‘em outta there! Oh my, I’m glad ya asked! I hadn’t given it a thought!” Beren didn’t take telling twice. He jumped down from the wall, and Lali followed. At the base of the wall, he grabbed her by the arm and fast-travelled with her to the balcony of the longhouse. Their sudden arrival surprised a couple of rogues, who’d just managed to make their way up there. The rogues were quickly dispatched and they entered through the upper floor. The women and children were huddled in a dark corner, terrified out of their minds. Beren took two children at a time back up to the balcony and fast-travelled with them to the village tower, which seemed relatively secure. It was also being guarded by a mage – an UnDead mage whom Beren knew well and trusted. Lali stayed behind to protect the ones left behind until Beren could clear them all out…and none too soon, for the front entry was starting to smoke and burn. That was too close for comfort. ***** In a way, this is possibly the most awesome of all Art’s backgrounds for this series and his last. That’s not to say they aren’t all awesome works. I asked him for some dead lying around. That’s all I said – “We need some dead guys”, and when I saw what he did I was *very* pleased. Mostly, as I think Art has explained, I just gave him an idea of what I wanted and let him run with it. I was never disappointed in the end result. I have to say that was a fantastic experience to work with him on this and have these turn out as they did. Kudos and thanks to Art for all these fabulous backgrounds, which stand alone as images by themselves. I hope you’ve enjoyed them too! Thanks for coming by and your comments dear friends. May your week be a good one! Until next time :* Rayvn