Re: Marcodurum
Aelasuria mentions the Unicorns, and the other Elves around Leiki look around hesitantly, and exchange glances.
No one ever said Unicorns were brilliant scholars or strategists. But everyone knows, they are as pure hearted as anything that walks the Earth. Where so much has an evil, corrupt core, Unicorns are spotless. They can always be counted on to know right from wrong and good from bad, at least.
As if called, one appears... not Spica.
"Canopus," Leiki says, greeting the creature. "You are timely."
"You look glum, but another of my kind is paying a visit," the Unicorn says. "That is never a sad occasion. They come with the daughter of Procyon, who is the wisest of us all, it is said."
"You have council for me, then, from the Unicorns?" Leiki asks.
"You know we cannot advise in matters of war," the Unicorn says. "But what they say, they say from honest hearts. And they take no ones lives lightly. I see this king, and this queen, and he would never lead but to do what is right, and for the fallen, even for your own kin, she would shed more tears than you. The man with the crow-friend speaks the truth as well, and though his words may be bitter to you, they are far kinder than the words of one who would cloak the bitter with sweetness."
"It is a bitter choice, then, but, you say, the best choice to make," Leiki says.
"I only say that what was said to you, is said with the purest intent. And I will go with them. Tho more of us there are, the less risk for all, and as you do not wish to see Elven lives risk, I do not wish harm to the Unicorn mare who accompanies them. For that alone I would make this cause mine."
“There are two other issues we must bring to you,” Theoderic says, sounding hesitant, fearing that he might be giving Leiki too much at once. “One is an Elven attempt at diplomacy with the Huns.”
“Had not a Unicorn just vouched for your honesty I would says there could be no such thing,” Leiki says. "How can this be?"
Theoderic explains what was found. And mentions the name. Therill Heayzan.
The Elven Wizard considers. “It is a quiet clan. They don't go outside the Kingdom and are rarely even seen close to the edges. They do not have the same experience as we here do. But last year, they lost three during the deepest Hun incursion of the winter. It is possible they see this as a way to get their clan members back... but it must be a Hun trick. To gain even more prisoners.”
One of the other Elves tells Leiki: "We've heard nothing of this!"
"No doubt, the Heayzans feared their efforts would be spoiled if knowledge was shared," Leiki says. "I wonder how far this has gone."
"If the enemy is employing tricks, the enemy has a plan," Theoderic says. "We must move against him."
"You know our ways," Leiki says. "I must share this, tonight, and ask. I cannot command this. It is not our way. But I will ask. What is the other thing you wish to discuss?"
"At Aquae Grannis, some weapons and armor that may be of your people were found. And we wish to return them, if they are."