The camp was orderly and ready.  Even if they were still two days out from the nearest site of raiding Garreth insisted on a full watch and readiness.  Not that any of Lady Lauralana's followers would shirk their duty, but the grizzled dwarf knew it never hurt to remind them to stay alert and ready.  One could never let down their guard when it came to the Shadowspawn.  The blasted things were growing more and more crafty every day.  Not to mention less obvious.  Some weren't even actual spawn any more, but normal men lured into the Moon's service with promises of power or station or sometimes just base gold.  He shook his head and scowled.  He wasn't as dismissive of the animal races as most of his people, but even he had to admit there were dozens of them ready to betray and steal and murder each other over empty greed and anger for each honorable and strong spirit that he found.<br/><br/>His musing was interrupted by the approach of a group of humans on horseback, armored and covered with fine tabbards and livery.  Undoubtedly the knight the King had dispatched to deal with the raiding in his western reaches.  The dwarf planted the butt of his axe in the ground and stood watching the barded warhorses approach.  He was not the only one drawn to the sight.  There was an inescapable majesty to the dozen fully armored knights closing with the camp.  A quick glace confirmed that Lauralana's squire was among the gathered watchers.  "Go and make sure yer lady knows he's here lass," he said, "I'll see to his escort and bring him to her tent."<br/><br/>Without waiting for the girl's acknowledgment, he stepped forward.  The woman was young, but if Lauralana saw promise in her who was he to argue.  Soon enough, the thundering horses reached the edge of their camp.  The leader dismounted and removed his helm, exposing a smoothly shaven face framed with golden hair and set with a pair of starkly bright blue eyes.<br/><br/>"I am Prince Tristan of Bartain," he informed Garreth in a voice that sounded more suited to singing than shouting orders, "I am here to meet with the Lady Lauralana.  I would ask that my escort be afforded some water and rest as well."<br/><br/>The dwarf barely contained his sigh.  By every holy stone they'd sent a prince.  A young silver-tonged court-rat of a prince at that it seemed.  Hopefully he'd be smart enough to stay out of their way.  At least he hadn't not been arrogant enough to demand hospitality.  Garreth directed a couple of the camp followers to see to the other knights and turned towards the large command tent at the camp's center.  "This way yer Highness," he said as he trudged towards the tent.