Despite a whole day of peace and silence, not one of the Defenders is heartened. Cumhal and Inotoul Palhal attempt a desperate rescue of the Bëor Captains, but are themselves detained.

As morning rises Tallia gives a heart-rending speech to those who will fight in defence of the Inner Keep, its promise one of retribution for the future, if not for the present. Almost as her words end, an Edain approaches with news that the Gatehouse is under attack.

A brave group of guards and low-ranking warriors gather to defend the inner court, having heard of the slaughter of the men of the Marnish 52nd rifles in the Gatehouse. None dare hope. As the battle is joined, six die without the chance to raise arms under a hail of murderous rune blasts, each reaching and despatching its mark immediately. The order from superior Talon Officers for prisoners is unheard at the front (or unlistened to), and another dozen die butchered to the floor.

A Psi Master holds the access tunnel, aided only by a Dwarf and a few wounded survivors, as the Air Elf Wardancer breaks a distance for the defenders by throwing himself into the Talon Soldiery. He is swiftly followed by cries of 'Mea Edain' as Lanok Delware proceeds to do the same. But the rune warriors are prepared for desperate actions, so along with Fury Fireblade and more than a few others of renown all are killed save a few incapacitated by runic weakness. The frustrations of the prolonged campaign, with over a thousand fellows dead, drives many young Legionnaires to acts of belligerence in the face of enemy surrender.

A brief respite comes as the Inner Court is secured by the vanguard of the assault, but shortly after Midday William Montague arrives with fresh soldiers (and unbeknownst to most, disturbing news for the Traitors in Blue).

The attack begins in earnest and even the higher-ranking defenders are slaughtered and driven back. Dochim's interference and use of the Choiristas' Song only serves its bare purpose as Montague's personal troops seem more bloodthirsty than their counterparts. Eventually Alex Winter, Tobias, Dracorn, Louis of Edain, Draeath and Dochim are all that stands in the great hall of High Fastnesse, surrounded by two score Talon troops...

Many different accounts are given as to what happened there and then, but these facts are sure: Anton D'Coomhar brought Erith Thane, who struck down the Talon Troops until those that remained fled or surrendered. Flaymax Fireyhand, brought there by Gareth Shequi, struck off Rovien's head and the Traitor Priest is now dead. Krull, as promised, levelled the Talon Fleet so that no reinforcements were able to land and give aid, and Dhahal arrived accompanied by Edward Huntingdon and the Royal Army of Amatyr (or at least those who could be summoned at short notice). Prisoners of all descriptions were freed by surrendering Talon Garrisons.

As to those who opposed our freedom, well... William Montague, a churlish servant, fled and has gone to New Avmar! The Drowh never appeared anyway on that fateful day, perhaps for once knowing better. Prince Thorn, who had repented his deeds and sworn to hold the Gatehouse or die, did; later that evening, attended by Quinatholon and a host of other High Elves, some mercenary adventurers fled. Many surrendered, as did Smoot Corp.'s deadly but ill disciplined Musketeers. With Rovien gone, nearly all the High Elves are free of possession, but a small fraction has sailed to New Avmar intent on Rovien's original cause. No doubt we will hear more of these again!

That night the armies' work was still not finished, and more than a few battles and missions were fought to subdue those Talon Commanders who knew not when to quit with honour. A few Spy missions undermined them, and though Amoriath were summoned to a handful of Incidents, in most cases all availed themselves well and Tal-Anum is free.

Despite all, the Kleetians had carried on their plans for their sacred feast of Ravad-nogla, and all well that they did! Separated for the best part of six years, many members of the Lightening crew took the opportunity to marry, including Tom and Arianwen (although I never could see the point in Evanadae wedding) and Styk and Jenna, though I think Flaymax as ever went too far and nearly got Styk really killed. But all was well and even I was summoned for a short while, and managed to catch up on this news and some other tasty tit bits...

I also came across my good wife for the first time in many centuries, and I nearly understood what has / had / is to happen to Gareth... Six bards in one room, eh! - ah well, off to Lightening and then back home. I hope that all keep the promises they made to themselves and each other and keep the faith...

Until then I may carry on with this account - something of my bit for posterity!