Tobias had been on watch for six hours now. The air was still and sweat trickled down his back. What he wouldn’t give for a breeze about now. It was night time, but with the light coming from the encampment North of the city you wouldn’t believe it. Stood at Ilac’s Northern gate, Tobias had an uninterrupted view of the Scourge camp. They had arrived two days ago and set up camp, a sprawling mass that covered several miles just outside of trebuchet range. And that was all. No attacks, no attempt to parlay, just sat there waiting. If their information was correct, then the army was awaiting the arrival of a second army coming from the south. It wouldn’t be long now, another couple of days and then the fighting would begin. Tobias shifted his weight to his other foot and shook himself a little to wake up. The sound of footsteps brought renewed life to his actions as he immediately proclaimed “Who goes there” alerting his fellow guardsmen. The footsteps stopped just outside torchlight range and a hissing voice came from the darkness, “I am Chukolma and I am a friend”
“Step into the light friend and be identified,” proclaimed Tobias in a steadier voice than he felt he could
The figure stepped into the light and as its hood dropped Tobias could see the Sauran scales glint in the flickering torchlight.
“I have travelled far seeking friends. Please, take me to those in command here in Ilac”
Tobias had two men step forward and search the Sauran, removing a short spear and a dagger from his possession. He then agreed to take Chukolma to the military council himself.
Chukolma explained to the military council that he came from Mon Zixa, a village North of Dukada in Sauropsida. The village was remote and had managed to remain undiscovered by the Scourge for some years after the invasion. By the time they were stumbled upon they had built a network of defences that kept the small numbers of Scourge and Escari out of their village. They were so remote as to not be worth the effort of a larger force and so to this day have remained unconquered. The village is home to around 500 Saurans, all capable of defending themselves. Hearing rumours of resistance, Chukolma had been charged with seeking out allies to see what support each could offer the other in the war against the Scourge. He had merged with a large force as it headed towards Ilac and found this opportunity to break away in the night. Should the Resistance wish it, the residents of Mon Zixa are willing to join up and bring the fight to the Scourge. They ask only for medical supplies and any equipment that can be spared to reach them. A large force moving towards the village would be noticed, however if a small group were to take the supplies they could move through the Scourge and Escari patrols much easier. Chukolma awaits in Ilac to lead a willing party to his home