Battle 


When at last Fax fell, the way was opened for Ecthalion's forces to 
make a two pronged attack into the Welkwood against the Crystal Temple 
of Ehloona.  As these armies would pass very close to Celene, it was 
decided that the time had come for the elves to come out of hiding.  
	Adaz and Sutekh were with the orcs nearly every step of the 
way.  By the time the vanguard passed under the first trees of the 
forest, Celene's leaders knew everything about the enemy; forces, 
formation, supplies, leaders, exact intent, and even the resources of 
the spell casters.  Using this information, the elven army set up an 
elaborate ambush employing unicorns, sentient trees, and the Jewel 
River.  Although over ten thousand orcs and allied creatures pushed 
into the Welkwood, only a fraction of them ever left.  The day after 
the massacre the fore runners of Celene's army were headed toward Fax.  
The city would soon be besieged again.  

During the battle Adaz was separated from Sutekh, who was delighting 
in his part of the slaughter.  It was not until the battle was over 
and the day neared its end that she found him.  He was kneeling at the 
edge of a field of bodies, the bloody Sword of Lyons plainly visible 
in his hand.  His face was blank.  
	"What's wrong," she asked when her presence did not prompt a 
response.  Still not receiving any indication that he knew she was 
there, she let her gaze follow his.  In the middle of the field, 
splendid even in death, was a unicorn; its glossy, white coat 
disspoiled by the shaft of the spear that protruded from its breast.  

With his failure to take Greyhawk and the destruction of his orcish 
army in the Welkwood, Ecthalion's momentum was checked.  Only then was 
it discovered just how far his will had spread.  Several rulers had 
been beguiled by Ecthalion's magic and riches, betraying their lands 
as Duke Llwen had tried to do.  There were even a few rulers who had 
been replaced by doubles, their lands staying neutral in the war while 
their resources were drained away by Ecthalion.  Slowly Ecthalion's 
pawns were found and dealt with.  
	The march of the armies had slowed and finally stopped.  Now 
armies were on the march again, but this time heading south and east, 
converging on the Pomarj.  


						Jeff Stehman