A flock of Mages and the Secret of a Commander

Sire,

Your attention is required urgently. This letter was transcribed hurriedly by messenger loyal the throne of Aqualonia. As you will no doubt discover upon reading the scroll, its news is of great importance. It is no secret that a new power has emerged from mighty walls of Riverfall calling its self the Blood Dawn. Its ranks multiply at an alarming rate, disturbing an already fragile balance of power within the surrounding lands.

As I’m sure you would agree my Lord, our wisest counsel and spies are at a loss to determine the intentions nor the allegiances of the mysterious faction. The last spy sent investigate the intriguing network of the Dawn seems to have defected whether by choice, persuasion or dark magic we do not know.

* The rushed scrawls of a man in haste can barely be deciphered, yet the King reads its words closely putting aside his goblet of wine and giving it his full attention. *


My dear friend

I was shocked to hear of the recent attacks upon Lady LeeLoo's people, and I would like to extend my sympathy to you and those who were hurt in the recent struggles. I have heard of the Three Rings organisation - who has not? - and cannot fathom their purpose. They have been at the forefront of events in this world, and thus far a champion of peace - what drives this change in their policy?

As I write, I experience a struggle of my own. The call of my god can no longer be denied, so it is with a heavy heart that I must abandon my position as a Priestess of Dagon, and follow the call of the fire within. I and a small band of mages will leave our home in Y-ha'nthlei and travel north, and I beg that you will give us sanctuary within the walls of Riverfall. I have heard so much of your great and beautiful city and I yearn to see it.

I can bring only a small force, but if - as your last communication to me suggested - war is coming to these lands, then we will aid you in any way we can.

And now to the last matter. I hesitate to mention it, for the land of Stygia is plagued by Seers and Prohets, each crazier than the last. So how can one single incident be considered significant? Nevertheless...I ask you to picture a cup, a simple goblet finely carved but made of wood. Inside this goblet is the honey mead that I used to love so during my time in Acquilonia. And threaded inside the mead is a swirl of blood that grows ever stronger, until the whole cup is filled to the brim with a crimson stain, and overflows, a sweet, sticky, bloody syrup pouring down the sides.

such a scene was described to me by one of the beggars in the souk in Khemi as I passed by the other day. Normally one ignores their insane babbling, but that image stuck in my mind. What does the blood signify? The strengthening of blood ties, of the rise of a powerful house? Or does it foreshadow tidings of war?

I have not told you yet the beggar woman's last words to me, as I walked on by, appearing not to heed her. For they were Will you drink, lady? Will you drink?

Whatever the cup brings...I feel I cannot ignore this call. Whether it be friendship or laughter, or tears, or bloody war that overflows...let it come.

I will bid you farewell, my friend, until we speak again.

Abi-Ka


Whether the new Dawn that rises poses a threat to your throne is still unclear. If the scroll you have just read is accurate, the incursion of the mages and beast worshipers from the south, whose motives and actions have long installed fear within the hearts of our people, this news can only fuel speculation.

What we do know is this my lord, tensions rise between the Band known as Three Rings and the Blood Dawn. Three Rings have always declared their actions for the good of your throne. Can they still be trusted to act on your behalf? What is your decision my lord?

Some say it’s Lady Leeloo’s charm or perhaps skills of grand magic but reports have come to our attention that Cimmeria’s Heart, Clan Fearghal elders have been seen in open talks of friendship despite cultural misgivings. If i may be so bold my Lord...? A Cimmerian born warrior once took the throne of Aqualonia by force... Perhaps a mere mercenary was not adapt as such a serious polictical mission.

*Speaks low in a hushed voice *

Sire many noble's would not want me to divulge this information but... it appears it was Commander Darion Baltitus Velan of the 11th legion who seems to have taken it upon himself to employ the Tyrant persumed dead... Reuben...