"The whole division is on the move." -Lt. Mroz

Confused shouting echoes in the courtyard behind you as you slip into the woods. After a few crafty turns, pursuit is almost impossible. Thrash picks through the underbrush and darkness, leading the unit to the extraction point.

It is still chilly, but there are leaves on the trees now. A few night birds rustle and coo above you, and only the bravest of insects chitter dumbly from the bushes. Near the narrow cart path, the party relaxes in the darkness. The looming shadow of the castle remains visible, but the faint clank of distressed guards eventually peters out. Occasionally a deer or fox crumples through the brush, but there are no patrols. An hour passes; Golan, on watch while the party naps, hears a small commotion near Pelleton, then the muffled rumble of three carts racing south. Away from the castle, away from the party. Then nothing. Four more hours pass before a large cart clatters up the path. Two smartly dressed light cavalry lieutenants leap from the bench and scan the surrounding forest. Cpt. Golan steps from concealment and flags the two young officers. They wave you over, nervously eying the castle in the near distance.

The carriage is larger but quieter than the hay cart you rode in on. Six wheels and a suspension system make the ride more comfortable, as well. The passenger section is fully enclosed, four long bunks running along the wall and a seating area at the front. Five minutes into the trip, most of your armor is off and your gear stowed. A panel on the front wall slides open and one of the lieutenants, almost curtly, says: "Colonel Mandrake says get as much rest as possible. We're taking you directly to him. The whole division is on the move."

With that, he hands Tam an envelope with Mandrake's seal. Inside is a map of the Toth Valley, a large natural valley well to the east, about 173 miles due north of the capitol city Corvair. There are some markings on the map, which appears accurate but hastily drawn, but they don't make much sense out of context. Mandrake has scrawled a short message on the back:

"Captain:

The Toreahan 16th Division is a makeshift unit comprised of what's left of the 11th and 1st Brigades. Brigadier General Varmus is leading the division in Tomas' absence. Scouts report that unit cohesion is surprisingly good, considering the obstacles faced in putting it together.

"Our best intelligence indicates the following:

1 Battalion of King's Cavalry (4th)
1 Regiment of King's Men (remnants of the 21st and 23rd Battalions)
1 Regiment archers (30th and 19th)
1 Regiment heavy foot (14th and 17th)
1 Regiment infantry (44th and 36th)
1 Battalion heavy pike (7th)

"That's the 16th Division, numbering approximately 1000 men. While we've seen evidence of heavy artillery traveling with the columns, we do not know how effectively it can be deployed. Major General Tomas' execution was intended to slow the formation of this unit, but shortly after you left it became clear that the work was finished before you could possibly have gotten to him. Whether or not you can shed any light on his motives for going to Castle Pelleton is irrelevant; Tomas' death hurts the tactical effectiveness of the 16th. Our outriders caught Brig. General Varmus bringing the 16th into Toth Valley; it is easy marching and they will make good time. He is heading for Corvair as fast as he can with hopes of breaking the siege. However, there is only one way out of Toth Valley, and I intend to move my 9th Division (undermanned but combat ready) to block his exit. If we hold our ground and the 16th can't relieve the siege, this will likely be Toreah's last battle. Lieutenants Mroz and Unkstle have orders to catch you up with the main column as quickly as possible. I should hope to see you within 24 hours. Be ready for immediate deployment into the field. Colonel Mandrake"