Lyons mind was clicking as fast as Alyx's and could he trust the lad. He would put him to the test. "Gentlemen come with me and I will not be surprised...If Draco had an army the forest would hide it. He usually attacked from the South. We keep that area heavily fortified. Now with Winterfest this would be a good  surprise. Lad, your a diversion. You want to fight for your new life here?" Lyons looked at the young man with a very serious expression. "How are your acting skills, Alyxander?"<br/><br/>Lyons got up and hurried to his study. He took down roll of maps of the shire and boarders. Alyx a quick lesson on where we are and where your former master has his known armies. The band is minor threat. As the garrison outside the shire is at full strength. I have anticipated a winter attack for years. The forest is filled with small bands of mercenaries and allied with us. I need not remind you that you turn on us and you will killed no questions asked."<br/><br/>The officers and Sir Walter were in the room and the knight's eyes narrow looking at the young man. He was curious of Alyx. "M'Lord I will keep the lad with me. My squire knows this man. If they were cell mates, I loyalty should not be concern." His right hand was clenched tightly to the pummel of his short sword. He removed his broadsword prior to entering Lyon's house.<br/><br/>Kate and the others began putting away the plates. Kate knew this was going to be a long night and best she keep out of the way as the planning would take hours. The soldiers were moving in and out of the study. Weapon were distributed and messengers were sent to garrisons. The knight and Alyx were suited and armed as they were to be sent to the mountains.<br/><br/>Before Alyx left, Kate took Alyx aside into a secret room off the study. "I am not only a healer Alyx, I am  enchanter. Please take this sword it will give you twice the damage. It will feel heavy and still have good balance. Wear this amulet it will protect 3x if wounded. She hands him a pouch of 5 vials. "These will heal you as strong as my mana. Feed off those you kill..there is no disgrace to keep strong." She took a breath to calm her emotions. She did not want him to go. She knew he was needed by her father. "Please keep this talisman (the images was a silver fox on one side and runic writing on the other), you can mind-speak with Matt. He wears the same. Papa is waiting, the mages will be summoned if battle comes. Hide in shadows and keep up in trees. It is rare Orcs and Trolls look up." She hugs him tightly. "May you not be gone long. No good byes, you will return." Kate places a dark scarf around his neck and hands him woolen gloves. "Keep this book with you. It tells secrets of shadowing. I was told it was written by a vampire that perfected the skills." She placed the leather bound book with a large leather strap that locked in place into his thick woolen coat pocket. The quarter master will keep you provisioned with warm clothes and armor." Kate pulled from him and swallowed hard, she coughed to fight her emotions. She found it hard to let him go. She forced a smile. "I want first dance with you when you return."