Alexander studied the map a moment more before waving a dismissal for Laurent.
"Thank you for your report, Laurent. I expect I will be needing your services and expertise again at some point. Good day."
He stepped towards the map again to consult with others, when a call went up nearby. Hearing his name, Alexander quickly surmised what it was about and made his way to see his friend's return.
"Commander!"
Duncan leaped off his horse and rushed towards the Colonel, saluting. "Colonel, sir. Returning from scout duty at the Breach."
Alexander stood with his hands clasped behind his back. "Report." With interest he noted Theerin and Kilroy also dismounting, Theerin showing blood stains on his tunic.
Commander Duncan nodded, seeing the look from his commanding officer over his shoulder. "The lads are alright, Colonel. A little brush with some Gnolls, is all. They took the worse of it."
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You were not to engage, Duncan."
"Aye, and we didna, 'cept the poor bastards who ambushed us on our return trip." Duncan nodded to his fellows. "Most o' that blood is from the mountain devils, I assure you. As for the rest of the report, we were not able to get too close to the town. There is a good number of undead roaming hither and thither. We avoided any direct contact, but there was simply too many about for us to get an accurate look of any detail. The one thing we noted is that the lights are out. No fires. Smart, hide their numbers better, or perhaps as undead they simply dinna need them.
"The end o' the matter is what counts, sir. The Breach is overrun, there is no doubt about that. We met up with some of the Rovani on our way in, they were escorting some farmers, surname Makefield if I recall, out of the area. We didn't stop to chat, and they seemed just as happy to speed along their way as well."
"Is that all the news you have?"
"Just one other, sir. A small Fey creature caught up to us while resting, a day out of the Breach on our way back. He had a message he wanted me to relay to you: 'The Satyr Lord and his kin are leaving. He gathered as many as he could of the Fair Folk whom She had not already corrupted, and fled to their own land. He'll not be back until the taint is removed from the land.' Then the little bugger disappeared so fast, you'd think he was smoke in a stormy wind."
Alexander pondered this news for a few moments. Other soldiers had gathered to listen to the news, waiting for the Colonel's reply. He seemed to lose track of time and himself, and was shaken out of his deep thought when Commander Duncan coughed loudly.
"Right," the Colonel said, clearing his throat. "Commander, you are taking control of the East March, fifth through ninth regiments. The seventh is still here, waiting for you to lead them, while the others are already on route to their rendezvous with the Elves in Thysyrael. Theerin, Kilroy, go with him, he'll need your skills for communication lines, most assuredly."
Alexander was aware that everyone nearby was listening to him, intent on relaying the news and his orders to everyone else in the Barracks in moments. "The first, third and fourth regiments are going to remain here in Calanhelm, taking shifts for coverage between Brightmoor through to Pinedell. Commander Lucious is staying here to command them. The second regiment is to report to Ironridge as rear guard and liason for your troops. The tenth...they are to remain on their current status, Commander. See to it they get the word."
It was Duncan's turn to raise his eyebrow, questions obviously boiling in his mind. He stowed them away for another time, however. "Yes sir!" He began to move away to gather his gear and troops, when a thought occurred to him. "Sir, wait. That means....none of the Home Guard are returning to the Breach with you?"
"Those that call Parson's Breach their home are travelling there. Unfortunately, we cannot afford any more than what we have, as the situation in Rocholm is grave - you will understand more when you speak to the Lieutenant of the Seventh. You have your orders men. Commander, make whatever preparations and leave when you are ready, but no longer than three days hence. I will be leaving tomorrow morning to return to the Breach."
The men saluted each other once more then got down to their respective duties.