The Saga Of Haven De Milford

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TheSagaOfHavenDeMilford

The Saga Of Haven De Milford

Bright the morn and high our hearts as we set out upon our quest. 'Twas Saturday, and our companion Tommy had joined us early to embark on the great adventure that was to become known as the adventure of Haven de Milford.

We had hired a Chariot from Hertz van Rental, the well-known Dutch trader. He had made a special effort for us, opening earlier than his usual hour, knowing as he did the magnitude of our journey and the importance of reaching our destination ere the setting of the sun.

Far we had to travel, verily, and direct could not be our route, for we had yet one more companion to meet upon the way.

We had arranged to meet our final companion close to the borders, ensuring our party was complete before venturing into the deeper wilds of Wales. We intended to meet when the sun was at its highest - 12:44 by the kingdom's reckoning, and it was far to travel before we came to that meeting. But make it we did, with a goodly time to spare. The travelling gods smiled upon us and we met with no major impediments. And in this we were indeed fortunate, for our remaining fellow-traveller had also journeyed well and himself arrived a good half hour before the appointed time.

The extra time thus gained was well-employed, for we dined at a local waystation, refreshing ourselves in preparation for the remaining journey. The fare was no better than adequate, but that sufficed, for the company was pleasant.

And on we ventured, the four of us. Colin son of Alan son of Eric, and his wife Rachel, Tommy of the family Wong, visitor from a far off country, now established in his chosen land of residence, and Bill of family Lu, previously unknown to us, but highly regarded, and possessed of high status in his own realm.

Our journey to Haven de Milford passed without incident. Many pleasantries were exchanged as the questers forged a bond that would see them through the hours ahead. And thus it was that we arrived in Haven de Milford in the light of a westering sun.

We established our camp and saw to the safety of our few belongings before making that day's remaining visit - to pay our respects to the guardians of the portal. It was but a short distance to the centre of control, and that was covered without delay. Thus we reached our first objective in good spirits and with time to spare.

We were greeted warmly by the keepers of the watch, offered refreshment and given time to observe and make ourselves comfortable. Bill was initially content to admire the view afforded of the portal and the equipment of the keepers of the watch, but after a short time he began to question those present concerning the methods used to ensure the safety of those using the portal.

It was clear from the tenor of his questions that in his own land similar needs were felt for safety and security, but equally was it clear that he had not himself used the methods employed here. Thus was his visit to prove fruitful, for both Colin son of Alan, and Tommy of the family Wong were able to enlighten Bill of the family Lu in matters concerning the detection and monitoring of forces yet afar off.

"The detection method employs a tame cousin of lightning." explained Colin, "We send scouting parties in a known direction with instructions for some members to return each time they find something of interest. Using knowledge of their speed of travel we can determine the length of the journey, and thus we know the displacement of our enemies' troops and our friends' reinforcements.

"We then have pictsels to dance in a pattern that shows the relationships between the various forces. They talk directly to the daemons that control the tame lightning, and thus we see the situation as though looking down upon it from on high."

"But are the scouts never confused by nature or by enemy contrivances?" asked Bill.

"Oh, Yes" came the reply. "The scouts, in their scouting parties, have won great renown for their speed, but that comes at a price. They travel very fast indeed - they could encircle the globe 10 times in the space of a warrior's resting heartbeat - yet still they are simple in mind. They must only travel in a straight line, lest they lose sight of their home, become lost and die. They cannot in truth tell the difference between enemy and ally - we must interpret the disposition of those forces they reveal. But worst of all, they are easily confused by mirrors. Even the sparkle from a momentary wave front can send them back, falsely to report."

And thus spake Bill, "Then surely their reports cannot be trusted?...