A silence fell among those in the circle, and from the encampment they could hear in the distance someone singing.
Finally Coron Ruar sighed, then said, "Well then, what of another plan?"
Long the discussion lasted, as plan and counterplan were put forth, and often ire flared between Bekki and the Daelsmen, for they had been entangled in a bitter dispute ere Modru's war had come raging, and hostile words came easily unto their lips.
And always each plan turned on whether or no the Dwarven army could be brought to bear.
The sun set, lanterns were lit, and still the allies came to no resolution.
Finally:
"Kruk!" exclaimed Bekki. "I say we array ourselves on opposite sides of the hoide and attack them head-on."
"We've gone over that a hundred times, Dwarf," said Tain, "and it seems the best way to lose all. They will simply shift their forces to meet each of us with overwhelming odds."
But then Tipperton's eyes flew wide and he blurted, "I say, Bekki, that's a splendid plan."
"Waldan, haven't you heard a single word we've said?" snarled Tain. "They outnumber us four to-"
Tip pushed forth a hand, palm out. "No, no. Listen to me. What Bekki said is right, but with a small change: can we hold their attention, we take them head-on from hindwards."
Bekki frowned. "Head-on from-?"
"Yes, yes, Bekki. You said it yourself when we defeated that squad of Spawn. And what you said applies here as well."
"What are you getting at, Waeran?"
"Just this, Bekki: a full frontal attack from the rear."
It was after mid of night when Tip and Beau finally unrolled their bedrolls and prepared to bed down. "I say," said Beau, yawning, "what's all this about you and Bekki defeating a squad of Spawn? And what did he mean when he said he wouldn't trade you for a full regiment of Daelsmen?"
"Ah, Beau, it wasn't just me and Bekki, but Loden and Loric were there, too. And though I didn't know it before tonight, there's bad blood between the Daelsmen and Dwarves, and I suppose Bekki was just feeding off that ill will when he said a Warrow was worth a regiment of them."
Beau sat on his blanket and yawned again, then pulled off his boots and said, "Oh, I dunno about that. He seemed sincere to me."
Tip shucked his own boots as well and drew his blanket up to his chin. Now Tip yawned. "Perhaps so, Beau, perhaps so." Tip yawned again.
"Tell me about this fight with the Spawn squad," said Beau. "I mean, this noontime you merely said that it was a minor tangle, but now I find out it was more."
Beau waited, but Tip remained silent. "Well, bucco," said Beau, "if you don't want to-" Beau looked across to discover Tipperton fast asleep.
The council met again the next morning to make final the plans, and much yet needed deciding, but at last in early afternoon their war plan was finally set.
Ruar looked 'round the circle. "Is there aught else to do?"
"Just this," said Tain smugly, "and that is to choose an emissary to accompany Lord Bekki to his DelfLord and represent all of us."
"What?" exploded Bekki, glaring at Tain. "You must be a fool to think I would take anyone, much less a Daelsman, through the secret way."
Tain smiled disdainfully. "But someone must go and represent Prince Loden, Coron Ruar, and Chieftain Gara."
"I need no representative," rumbled Gara.
"Nor I," said Ruar.
Again Tain smiled. "Then that leaves-"
Loden started to shake his head, but Bekki said, "I will take Tipperton Thistledown." Tipperton's mouth fell open as Bekki went on. "He is neither man, Baeron, nor Elf, and so can represent all the Lords and Ladies here."
Bwen guffawed and exclaimed, "Well done, Bekki. Well done."
"A Waldan?" protested Tain, turning to Loden. "My Prince, this is unreasonable-"
Loden threw up a hand to stop Tain's words. "Bekki is right, my Lord Counsellor. The Waldan is the best choice of all. It is his plan we follow, and he can explain it well. Too, he has no advantage to gain as would someone of Dael."
Loden looked 'round and received nods from Ruar, Gara, and Loric and Phais, and even a nod from Beau.
And so it was decided: Tipperton Thistledown would go with Bekki and speak for all Dylvana, Baeron, Daelsmen, Lian, and Warrows… as well as explain the plan.
As twilight settled over the plateau, Tip finished packing that which he would take with him.
"Well, Beau, it seems I'm ready. I'd feel a bit better though if you'd but take the coin."
Beau shook his head. "Look, bucco, you know how I feel about that. Besides, the coin is likely to be safer with you than with me. I mean, you'll be in a fortified mineholt, whereas I'll be out there in front."
"Yes, I know. And I'm worried about you."
"Well don't be. And I won't worry about you in return. All right?"
"All right," replied Tip, "though I won't take an oath on it."
Beau laughed and said, "Neither will I."
Tip strapped his quiver of arrows to his thigh and slung on his pack and took up his bow. He hesitated a moment and looked at his small lute packed in velvet in a leather bag, then caught it up as well, saying, "After all, Jaith said this lute should go wherever goes this bard."
Beau grinned and helped him fix it to his back, and then they walked toward the place where the council had met.
As they strolled for the circle, Vail stopped Tipperton long enough to embrace him. "Take care, my small friend," she said, then turned away, her hands brushing her cheeks.
"I will, Lady Vail," replied Tip. "And you take care as well."
Sighing, Tip watched her stride away, then turned to Beau. "Let's go."
At the council circle they found waiting Bekki, Loric, Phais, Gara, Loden, and Ruar. Phais knelt and kissed Tip on the cheek and said, "In a twoday we ride, in a threeday we cast our lot 'gainst the foe. May Fortune turn Her smiling face upon us all. Till we meet again, keep safe, my small friend, for thou hast yet a mission to fulfill beyond."
"You keep safe as well, Lady Phais," replied the buccan.
Now Loric embraced the Waerling. "We shall see thee in the days after."
Tip nodded to Ruar and Loden and Gara, and then embraced Beau. "Take care, bucco."
"Keep well, Tip," replied Beau, returning the hug, "and remember, as Lady Phais has said, you've a coin to deliver."
Bekki cleared his throat, and Tip turned to the Dwarf. Bekki glanced at the sky. "It is time, Waeran."
Tip drew in a deep breath and then said, "All right. I'm ready."
They set off up the beringing slopes on a northeasterly tack, and just as they reached the crest of a low ridge, someone called out, "Good luck, Waldan! Good luck, Dwarf! May Fyrra amble at your side."
Tip turned to see Bwen waving, and beyond, Vail and Brandt and Durul and a host of others watching, even Counsellor Tain. And Tip held high his Elven bow, and those below held high clenched fists in response. And then Tipperton looked down to the council circle, where Beau stood waving. Tip waved back and then turned to follow Bekki over the ridge and down, the buccan wondering if a mere three days from now he would survive what was coming. Would he be alive to see any of these folks again, and if so, how many of them would yet live?
Chapter 35
B'eau waved as Tipperton held high his Elven bow and then waved back to him. Then Tip turned and disappeared beyond the ridge, and Beau wondered if he would ever see his friend alive again… or if he himself would live beyond the next three days.
Phais stepped to the Waerling. "Come, Beau, let us see if we can find aught worthwhile to eat." And together with Loric they set out toward the mess wagons, where perhaps some meal better than jerky and crue and plain water could be had… mayhap a green apple or two.