[RamDez]

Chapter 16: Emerald Defiance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The battle for the West was won, but the Legion's celebration was short-lived. All among the SpiralHorns knew that the tasks set before them many months before in the heat of the Summer's end were not yet completed.

The Legion again prepared for battle. A new power had risen, Tigris Warriors brash and unrelenting, and this upstart force commenced its march upon the Legion's Homeland.

As the SpiralHorns again prepared for battle, a parallel campaign was being waged to the East. The Emerald Raptors, the fierce enemy of the Legion, sought supremacy in their region.

Prevailing through the Legion's Council was the premonition that, as had been the case in the past, the doorway to the ultimate prize would be guarded by this foe. Most believed that such a battle could be won within the Homeland. Many, though, feared that the SpiralHorns might meet their end if forced to lay siege upon the Emerald Raptor's stronghold to the East.

AvengerRam addressed the Legion, and said:

"The thoughts of many are upon our rival to the East, but that is a battle for another day. Today, we must defend the Homeland, as a Tigris assault is imminent. The Emerald Raptors must fight their own foes as..."

"Fools!!!!!!" ..... a voice from the hills interrupted the Bard's words. "Your meager triumphs in the West will not place you upon any path but the one toward ultimate demise!!! The Raptors of the East have no fear of your Legion, and we wait for your fatal visit to our lands!"

The Legion waited for a response from AvengerRam to this voice calling from the hills. But, to their surprise, AvengerRam was silent.

The Council sent sentries to find the source of this defiant voice, but the speaker disappeared into the night.

As the shroud of darkness descended upon the Homeland, TexRamaes and Dez Urbanos called upon AvengerRam.

"Why, my friend, did you offer no response to the challenge of this scout of the Raptors?" Dez inquired.

"It is difficult to explain." AvengerRam replied.

"But explain, you must." Texramaes interjected. "For in these days none can waiver as we move forward toward battle. Who could this defiant one be that he would stay your tongue?"

"His name is AvengerEagle." AvengerRam answered. "He is my brother."