She Returns

[Morhin]

Rawhide smiled. "Perhaps not having to have to pay taxes ever again." The smile disapeared and he nodded his agreement. "The bodies will be so marked." Rawhide looked out the window into the streets. They were disserted. Good, the less people that see us, the less chance that the Tatteyen learn of us.

Rawhide turned back towards Morwen at her question. "Commander Boris and the Black Dragons are the most elite solders in Rhun. They used to be the worst Chapter in Rhun." A smile began to creap across his face. "Then they got a new commander, me. It was the first command that you gave me when I came to Rhun. I turned them into the best fighting force the Easterlings have ever had. If every other Chapter in Rhun turned against me, they alone would fight for me." Rawhide glanced back out the window and quitely added. "They are my family. I trust them with my life. They are the only Chapter that I know will not fail us."

Rawhide turned back to Morwen, a uncomfterble look on his face. "The Rhuzons have change a bit since you left." He began. "After seeing how efective they were when serving you, and because many young girls were wanting to join the military, I expanded the Rhuzons and formed them into three Chapters. They are all skilled loyal solders, used mostly as the Palace guards. I had hoped that when you returned that you could use them as personal escorts. Most of the origional Rhuzons are spread out among the three Chapters, commanding and training them. But I kept your personal Rhuzons free to travle between the Chapters. They are the ones that asured me that each Chapter was trained and taught the way you would want them." He glanced out the window again, wating for a signal that would tell him that the Black Dragons squad had come.

[Morwen]

"Hmmmmmmmmmm" Though she saw his reasoning for this, Rawhide was a military man no a diplomat. He would not fully appritiate the idea of haveing a group dedicated solely to the more secret arts of war. He would better appritiate an elite gaurd that could train others, it meant the army was stronger and they were no longer al male...it did mean she has lost a group of assasins that answered her her only. Though she had no doubt that the new girls were trained to the highest level, she didn't need escorts or gurds right then. She needed spys and she was worried thier skills may have been blunted from long misuse.

"I see. Well call the old Rhuzons back to me, its not that i don't trust these young girls...I just need the best right now and they were the best. I shall use them as my escorts and spys for the moment, if they recomend any of the new girls to me then i shall use them but for the moment I want the elders back."
All ready in her mind she was envisioning createing a new group, formed mainly of the old Rhuzons and a few of the young. She would recruit from the Rhuzons, but would have a group of spys and assasins as she did before. Maybe this time she would include males. They would be secret of course, seeiming to function as normal Rhuzons, but secretly, they would be her's. But that would come later.

She smiled at his words on the Black Dragons "I thankyou for that then Grande Warmaster, but i knew you could do it. You are the best. I am glad to know you have such confidance in your men" She gave him a broad grin "What is your perpose though in calling an entire chapter here? Surely it will elict suspision?"

[Morhin]

Rawhide returned her smile. "No. It is no secret that, though I have tryed to treat all the Chapters equaly, my favor lies with the Black Dragons. I am always calling them to me. I see how long it takes them to respond to my call. Test their alertness while on duty. Plus, I have seperated them from the normal chain of command. Anytime a Chapter moves, they must report to the General who over sees them. Except my Dragons. They have become my privet bodyguards and army when I travle. No one questions them when they move. That is why they are so effective." A movement outside caught Rawhide's eye. He took a closer look and finaly saw the signal he had been looking for. "They are here." he said. He gestered to Morwen for her to follow him.

Steping out into the night, Rawhide and Morwen made their way to the edge of the city. There was no one to be seen. Smiling beneath the hood of his cloak, Rawhide whisled. Out of the shadows appeared over a dozen figures. All but four could be seen carrying Halberts. The solders spread out and watched the streets and the nearby buildings while the other figures aproched. Two Rawhide reconized instantly, one was the old Sargent that was the back bone of the Black Dragons. Though he should have been retired from military duty, Rawhide knew the man had more fight in him than most other men. The other was a captain that Rawhide had been training to one day take command of the Dragons when Commander Boris was promoted.

"Warmaster," The old Sargent whispered. "We reseaved word that you need us. We are at your disposal." he pointed away to the south. "The rest of the Chapter is setting up a camp a mile away. Commander Boris is waiting for you." Rawhide hid a smile. They had come much faster than he had expected. "Very well. Sargent, this creature is my under my care." he said, pointing to Morwen, once again discised as a ragged thing. "It is to be watched and guarded." He looked at the other two figures and was surprised by what he saw. They were two Rhuzons women, and two of the women that Morwen had asked him to find. But he would ask what they were doing here later. Right now, they needed to get to the camp where they could discuss their next move. Rawhide nodded and gestered to those around him. He new each of them my name. They were his family. "Dar and Chin, take the point. Vous, Gal. Cover our rear. Make sure that we are not followed. Captain, lead the way. Dragons, move out." And then like shadows, silent and swift, they disapeared into the night.

[Morwen]

He had his own private army? If she didn't belive in his unquestioning loyalty Morwen would have been worried. Well; more worried than she was already. Much as she liked and trusted Rawhide; he would be watched. She was impressed however at the speed at whitch the Dragons arrived. Speed and secrecy was what was needed here, and it seemed thats exactly what the Dragons had. Maybe they would manage to pull this off.
She stood a short way behind Rawhide, seeming servile and decreped.
"Watched and gaurded? Ha She like to see even these men try and watch her.

Lomith and Thinzil. She smiled as she saw her old Rhuzons. Loyal girls, independant to the last and fearless in battle despite thier soft names. Little Night and Flower, they would have been her first choices to call if she had been nameing people. She noted that they still wore thier old Rhuzons uniform, but now wore light black cloaks around themselves, that comepltly hooded thier faces and hid thier armour. She doubted the other younger Rhuzons would, it would be seen as too impracticle in an army. But her old girls would rate secrey higher on thier agenda. She would reveal herself to them as soon as possible. The sonner they knew the better.

[Morhin]

It took only half an hour to reach the camp. They met no one along the trail and were not questioned by the gaurds standing watch around the camp. As Rawhide entered the camp, the solders seemed to stand streighter and move with an extra step. Their Lord was in camp and they wanted to show him that they were the best. Rawhide hid a smile. I already know that your are the best.

He let Morwen to a large tent in the middle of the camp. Inside, a small fire burned inside a brazer and lanterns hung from the tent poles. There were two wooden tables, one was covered with maps and the other had a few loaves of bread with fruit, meat and wine beside it. The only occupant in the room stood and thumped his hand against his shoulder in salute as Rawhide entered. Rawhide nodded to him. "Well done Commander Boris. But we have very important matters to discuss. First, I want you to double the guard around the camp, no one is to leave or enter without my direct order. Second, no one is to be within 100ft. of this tent." Commander Boris nodded to the Captain and Sargent that had led them to the camp. They saluted and left. Within minets, the Sargent returned and reported that all was as Rawhide had instructed. Rawhide nodded. "Very good." He took a quick look around the room. Besides himself and Morwen, the only other bodies belonged to the two Rhunzons women, Commander Boris and the old Sargent, who was standing by the enterence to the tent.

Satisfied that they would not be over heard, Rawhide turned to Morwen and said, "It is time to reveil yourself."

[Morwen]

Morwen was pleased with what she saw; these men obviousely loved and respected Rawhide and would be quick and unquestioning when obyaing his orders. As she stepped into the tent her body quickly responded to the warmth, although Rhun was much warmer than the Northern Wastes she had been chilled right through for months on end and so any additional heat was welcomed. Her eyes alighted on the food and drink, she hadn't eaten proberly in days; wanting to return to Rhun as quickly as possible, and had drunk spareingly at the inn so that all her sense should be alert. Ah; Dorwinion wine Its heady perfume filled the tent, the strongest wine in all of Middle Earth, she hadn't tasted it in three years. However she could see to remedying that later, and maybe a bath, and bed.

Finally it was only her, Rawhide, Commander Boris, the Sargent, Thinzil and Lomith. No one else was close enough to hear them.
"It is time to reviel yourself." With a slight nod she pulled off the ragged cloak covering her identity and shook out her chesnut locks. She sat down on a chair and looked at them with old eyes in her young face. Thinzil and Lomith fell to the ground.
"Your magesty! You have returned, we had all but given up hope of your being alive!" Thinzil ferverntly gasped her black eyes wild with joy.
"My Lady" Lomith was too overcome to say anymore, but Morwen got up and stooped down raiseing them back to thier feet. "Come now sisters, be happy, but do not waste time in these displays of affection." she laughed "You are Rhuzons, not mere women." They both nodded and stood, giveing a military saulte they vowed themselves to her.
She sat back down gave a small smile. "I'm sorry i'v been away so long gentlemen; it was unavoidable."

[Morhin]

Rawhide watched the reactions of those in the room. The Rhuzons reaction removed any doubt that remained in his mind that the was indeed Morwen. He was not suprised with Commander Boris' salute and droping to one knee, that was the custom for officers when they met with their lord. What did surprise him was the old Sargent's reaction. He had been leaning agaist the side of the tent, watching outside. Instead of bowing to her like the others did, he suddenly stood up streight and rigid. He picked up his halbert and held it with both hands in the gaurd stance. He said nothing, but Rawhide caught sight of a single tear run into his beared. Rawhide understood. The Sargent had been a solder his whole life, and knew nothing but how to be a solder. His love for Rhun ran deeper than most, and he knew who cared for Rhun as much as he did.

Rawhide quickly informed them about what had happened to Morwen, leaving out a few parts that he felt she wished to remain secrit. He and Boris then quickly discussed where the diffrent Chapters were stationed. He found were the three Rhuzon Chapters were stationed and turned back to Morwen. "I have found where your personal Rhuzons have been stationed. By your leave, I'll sent these two to gather them and meet you here or where ever you want them." Rawhide then knowtest how tired Morwen looked. He looked at Commander Boris and said, "Commander, put half the men on watch, rotate the watch by quarders." The Commander saluted and left. Turning back to Morwen, Rawhide said, "Perhaps we should continue our plans in the morning. You look worn through." He held out his hand to her for support. "Eat something and then get some sleep. You must be at your best if you are to reclaim you throne."

[Morwen]

She was more touched than she could say but the old sargents simple action. This was why she had to reclaim Rhun from them. Men like this would be trampled at the wayside. She did not speak to him directly, not wishing to embaress him. Instead she spoke to them all "Thankyou, your loyalty to Rhun touches me deeply, I know that over the comeing days and weeks i can reley on you in both secrey and war to defend your land against the enemies in our midst."

Morwen greatefully took his hand but did not let her tieredness show even now. "Excelent, Thinzil, go round up the old girls, you know the crowd I mean." Within the Rhuzons there had been a select group of around twenty, they were not seperate, but they were her freinds. She would speak with them first and then the others. "Get your seconds to cover for you. Lomith go to my rooms and find my black light armour and another dress and..."
"and a cloak and a hairbrush and soap and a book" Lomith interupted with a smile
Morwen gave a grin, they knew her well. Two women made a low bow before exiting the tent.

Only then did Morwen give Rawhide a ruff embrace before sinking back onto the wooden chair, her entire upright posture falling away to reveal just how deathly tired she really was. "Thankyou Rawhide, for everything." Her eyes were full of unexpressed gratitude "Tommoro shall be the day it really starts. If i'm not awake by sunrise have me woken." By her estimation that would give her 7 hours sleep, mor than she had had in about a month or so.

[Morhin]

Rawhide nodded, "You can sleep soundly tonight. No harm will come to you and no one will disturb you." He walked to a corrner of the tent and drew back a currtain. Inside was a simple cot and chair. There was also a small table with several old books laying atop it. One of the books were open and was writen with Elven letters. The room was normaly where he slept, but he offered it to her. "You can sleep here. Don't worry, I've had enough sleep to last me." He added with a smile.

He took one of the books off his desk and a pouch of pipe tobacco before he left Morwen to sleep. He then seated himself beside the small brazer inside the main tent and glance over at the currtain behind which Morwen slepped. "After five long years, my Queen is finally back." He smiled and whispered, "Sleep well my Queen." Rawhide filled his pipe and lit it. Setting his feet up on the table, he opened the book he had taken and fliped through to the part he was looking for. Every now and then he would draw on the pipe deeply and then blow out a smoke ring. He muttered a elven word or two to himself and then turned the page. Outside, the gaurd was changed and the night was quite. For the first time in years, all seemed right in Rhun.

[Morwen]

Morwen gave him a greatful smile as he left and drew the curtian behind him. She swiftly changed and collapsed exhausted onto the cot falling imidately into the sleep of the weary.
She slept soundly and deeply, untroubled by dreams till a black figure, hooded and with an air of forbodeing stalked though her mind.
"Ratha..." It was an acnoledgement "Leave me alone, i have fufilled any supposed debt." The figure gave a harsh laugh and faded from veiw only to be replaced by the image of a golden dragon stareing at her intently. "Why do you sleep when I am unavenged mother?"
She had no answer, was unable to speak, the fear brought by Ratha and the sorrow by Bamini choked her voice so she could only stare mutely at him, tears running down her face.
"Do not let me have died for nothing..."

Morwen sat bolt upright, her hand instantly going to the place where her dagger should have been, but had not resided for months.
"Goodmorning my lady" Lomith gave her a wary smile takeing a step backwards quickly.
Morwen gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry...Is it dawn?"
"Yes my lady, I have..."
"Lomith we're old freinds, call me Morwen in private" she interupted. Lomith grinned before carryinging on.
"Sorry Morwen, I'v brought the things you wanted and Thinzil will be here with the others in an hour."
"Excelent, help me dress in the armour."

Lomith produced a dark blue tunic, black leather sandels that tied up to the knee and a black leather halbert. On the breastplate was the golden engigner of a styalised dragon. Morwen swung a black cloak around it all and tied her hair into a knot. "Here" Lomith handed her a dark blue headscarf that would be worn with the dragon helmet. With this on she looked like any other senior Rhuzons. Not finding Rawhide in the tent she went to look outside.

[Morhin]

Rawhide had reamained sitting where he was for most of the night, silently smoking his pipe and reading his book. Close to dawn one of the Rhuzons returned. He stood up and streched then motioned the Rhuzon to him. "You have returned much sooner that I would have thought." He said. Their was no threat in his tone, but he was cureous as to how she got to the palace and back before dawn. The girl smiled tightly and answered as if the question was most oveous. "I am one of the Rhuzons. One of the Queen's personal Rhuzons. We move quickly and silently. The return of our Queen has resparked our desire to be the what we once were. The greatest and most deadly fighter in Middle-Earth." She smiled again, inticpating his next question. "No one saw or heard me enter the paclace, and nobody saw me leave. I have brought my lady's armor and garb." Rawhide noded, a little iritated at the girls attitute, but he shook it away. He knew what the Rhuzons were capable of. He had seen it and respected it. But it was his duty to the queen to make sure that no one found out about her; a duty that he did not take lightly. "Very well." He said, "Wait untill sunrise then wake your lady. I must see to my men." With that, he left the tent and walked outside.

The men had already risen and were going about their vareous tasks. Some ate and talked quitely. Others were sparing. A sargent had a showing his squad how to counter knife attacks only using your arms and hands. Everywhere Rawhide went, the men would pause and bow slightly, then return to their activity. In any other Chapter, the men would have stoped compleatly and saluted untill givin permision to return to thier activities. But Rawhide's men knew him well. Rawhide was treated as a fellow solder around the camp and base. Any solder could walk up to him and ask questions about a counter move, or advice with life. It was one thing that made his solders so dear to him. They were his family.

The sun had risen so Rawhide headed back to the main tent to await Morwen. Before he reached it though he found her. Smiling he noded his aproval. "You look like you should again. Like a warrier of Rhun." He almost bowed but caught himself. If he bowed to her now the entire Chapter would know who she was. They knew that Rawhide had never bowed to anyone in his life, safe one woman. "Did you sleep well last night?" He asked.

[Morwen]

(Sorry i was ill and then my internet broke for a week and i'v been unable to access )

"It is a pity that Rhun needs to be saved in this way." It was obviouse that she disliked the killing that was to take place. "I slept well" she lied swiftly, he did not need to know the nightmares that plauged her "Better than I have in months" That at least was not a lie.
"My name is Mongosa, Rawhide." She instructed useing the old Rhunish word for mongoose, that this was her name bore no good to her enemies.

"Tell me, what have your spies discovered and have the Tatteyen made any movement dureing the night?"

[Morhin]

Rawhide smiled and nodded his understanding. Mongosa, Rawhide thought, The old Rhunish word for mongoose. An animal who kills poisenous snakes. How very appropreout since we're going to attack a viper's nest.

"No one, save the Rhuzons and the rider I sent left the camp last nigh. And nothing, animal or human, save the Rhuzons entered the camp. The rider I sent to gather the Tatteyen has yet to return, but I do not expect him to return for at least another day or two." It was a long ride to the were Rawhide suspected some members of the Tatteyen were hiding. All his messenger had to do was inform one of them and they would tell the leader that Rawhide, GrandWarmast of Rhun, wishes to speak with them. That was all the messenger was told to say. Anything more would have arossed instant suspision. Let them worry about what sort of trap he could come up with. There would be no trap, untill he reveiled that the true Queen of Rhun was alive.

Commander Boris steped forward, "Warmaster, we are ready to brake camp and march on your orders." Rawhide nodded and then turned back to Morwen. "Mongosa," he asked in a tone that would make the men of his Chapter that this woman was just another Rhuzons and not the Queen herself. "Would you march streight into a viper's nest? Or go somewhere else and gage the strenth of the nest before you marched in?" Rawhide was refering to the capital as the viper's nest. "I would think marching streght in, so you don't give the viper a chance to see you watching him and make plans of his own. What would you do?"

[Morwen]

Morwen inclined her head slightly, a bow one gives to ones superior yet she cultivated in her voice the arrogance that many Rhuzons had. Something she would change and soon as she secured the country. The Rhuzons were no longer what they were and had not done as much to keep the country as they could in her absance.
"In normal times i would wish to know the strength of the viper before i entered its nest. But our armour is strong and the viper is only stireing. He dose not know what awaits him. I would advise a surprise attack; one that matches him in speed and ferocity if needed. Soon he shall wake, better to have him by the throat before he does. My sisters are already waiting for you in the very center of the nest (by this she meant the hyermali and the palace). But of course it is your choice my Lord" she bowed again

[Morhin]

Rawhide smiled at her answer. Morwen could fool anyone with her discises and maner. "Then we shall march streight to the capital. No one will question the Grand Warmaster returning to the capital, even with the Black Dragons following behind him." Rawhide turned to Commander Boris, "Break camp Commander. We march in five minets." The commander bowed and left. Suddenly, the whole camp was being taken down and packed onto wagons. Within minets, all the tents had been packed away and the men were lined up in marching formations.

Horses were brought for Rawhide and the Rhuzons. Rawhide mounted his mare and rode up and down the lines of men. They were ready. He smiled to himself, You solders are the best and I am prould to command you. Commander Boris rode up beside him and said, "We are ready to march, Warmaster." Rawhide nodded and rode up beside Morwen as the Black Dragons began to march. "So it begins, we march to the vipers nest."

The marched in silence for hours. They stoped only once during the heat of the day to rest. As they began to march again, one of the solders suddenly cryed out, "HI-HO!" Another solder several lines behind answered, "HI-HO!" Then two more from the frount cryed out "HI-HO!" Suddenly, have the men were calling out "HI-HO!" And then as one, the men began to sing, "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's off to war we go!" They began to whistle and then picked up the song again, "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's off to war we go!" Rawhide turned to Morwen and smiled, "Listen Mongosa, these men are ready to fight and die for their Country. And for their Queen, when she finaly reveils herself." They continued to march, still singing "Hi-Ho" to war we go.