I woke up before dawn and was dressed in my simple battle armor when Alec knocked on my door. I finished braiding my hair and grabbing my pack, swards, and cloak I walked out into the dark hallway. Alec was waiting for me and as I came out he nodded and we headed down and out to the courtyard.

There twenty elves where kneeling with a clawed hand over their heart. A female elf with long blond hair, and blue eyes known as Vairyin rose to meet me, “Lady.”

“No I am to be your captain not your princess.” I said, “From now on, you are to address me as Captain Tail and Alec is my Lieutenant, Ace.”

The Silver Dragons all bowed their heads and Vairyin held out a silver mask. I took it and marveled at the design. It was a half mask and it was covered in flame carvings. It looked like a strong wind blown through a fire, it was beautiful.

“Here la-Captain,” she said, “this will hide your identity while we are on the road and at the front lines. We will be wearing a similar design for our helmet.”

The elves held up their helmets with a design that matched mine only it was a full helmet instead of a half mask. The flames started at the chin, outlined their cheeks, went up the side of their head, across their forehead and met at the tip of their nose. I nodded to them and lifting the mask I place it upon my face and clip in place in the back. I look up and into the faces of my troop and smile.

Alec walks out of the stables leading Aslan, my black horse, and his tan mayer, Lucy. I take Aslan’s rains and tossing my bags over his back I secure them in place with a rope. I look over my shoulder at Alec and the Elves. I see them checking their bags to make sure that they wouldn’t fall off on the ride. I watch as a male Elf named Sarrin attaches two swift chocolate thoroughbreds to a small grey cart. In the cart were provisions for the journey as well as medical supplies for any injury that may occur.

I swing up on to Aslan’s back and trot to the head of my company. I trot a half circle to face them and as they mount up on their white quarter horses I look over at the sun rising above the pallas. I smile and turning Aslan to face the gates I say, “Silver Dragons, we ride.”