The war has ended, yet the loss was great. We mourn the loss of our King who died valiantly in battle against the Kalsidiens and we also mourn the loos of a great hero of our land Sir Hagor Barrafield. Yet before we bring you news of the final battle we shall bring you up to date on events leading to the battle that has now come to be known as the battle of Sara Kuen.
Irenayer fell. The rag tag army left to defend it finally wavered and fell despite the reinforcements from many of the Sarek Clans. The Saradown forces having now secured the Western lands turned their attention to Erland. Their forces started to advance through Farrel Forest until they eventually came to the County of Salloway, home of Sir Stephen and Lady Brionne. Sir Stephen, who had returned to his County with reinforcements had built up three defences around his castle in the forms of great walls. Soon the armies reached these walls and demanded Sir Stephen’s surrender. He refused and battle ensued. It took the Saradown forces only several hours to breach the first wall sending the Earlish armies back to the secondary defences. It was there that Sir Stephen’s forces made their stand and very little progress was made by either side. And so it remained for several days. On the third day the enemy  made their push once again and broke through the second defence and the push was so great that no doubt it would have broken through the last line of defence had it not been for several factors. There are reports of may Elven Archers taking their place on the battlements and with great speed and aim they slew many of the enemy. Also many of Erlands renowned heroes  aided the armies. Eltar Fireblade led one of the divisions and gained several victories. Their was also a dark robed priest who channelled the powers of the gods to bring great misfortune upon the enemy, he unfortunately fell in the battle facing a powerful Mage. Soon the battle had come to a stand still and a parley was made. The enemy withdrew knowing that reinforcements had been sent to Sir Stephens aid and a beacon of hope shone for Erland.
It was several weeks later as summer became Autumn that the Earlish fleets exhausted had to retreat from the Kalsidiens and it was now up to the armies to bring victory.  The Kalsidiens landed on the Earlish shore on the 6th of Rowen, Morrigan’s day and both sides prepared for the bloody battle that lay ahead. At three o’clock in the morning their forces attacked sweeping across the battlefields only to be met by the adamant Earlish armies. The battles took place on three sights, on the first sight our armies were led by Sir Hagor Barrafield, the second sight by our King Aldin III and the third by Sir Edward Peers. The first battle went well with many of our mages from the school being brought forth to counter the magics of the Kalsidiens. The second battle took place later at one in the afternoon. Things did not go at all well and we suffered many losses. Sir Edwards army suffered the most and had to retire from the field.  The remainder of his army joined sir Hagor’s which now had to spread out in order to counter two attacking forces.  As night drew in and the battles quieted down there was a sense of dread about the Earlish camp.  A new morning saw the battles start afresh.  For a while Sir Hagors forces felt victory was at hand when they pushed the Kalsidiens back.  Too late however did they realise that the enemies were joining the second battle, where our king fought.  Before Sir Hagors army could give aid a new enemy arose.  A black mist flowed in from the sea and onto the battlefield.  And from this mist came many dark forms.  These were no ordinary mortals.  They were demons and undead summoned up by the Kalsidiens dark wizards.  While Sir Hagors army was kept at bay, the Kalsidiens made a huge push against the king.  The King ordered the retreat but soon found himself surrounded.  His personal guard fought bravely but were soon overwhelmed.  The King lost his life that day, having slain many of the enemy.  As the menacing new army advanced, three figures stood in its way.  Each of them raised a sword and a bright white fire leapt from each blade, pummelling into the dark armies and destroying many.  The enemy retreated back to the beaches, leaving the Earlish to regroup.  It was later discovered that these swords were the swords of flame, last used together during the first Kalsidien war. Two of the swordsmen were Sir Stephen of shallowdale and Eltar Fireblade. The third swordsman is unknown. Three hours of quiet followed. The Earlish armies were ready for a counterstrike when Sir Hagor ordered a delay. He put Sir Edward in command of the armies and travelled off on his warhorse, giving no explanation. No sooner had he left when the ground began to shake. The sea began to froth and boil and great waves hit land and it was at that point that a great and terrible beast arose from the sea.  It was hundreds of feet tall, a black flaming humanoid figure with large horns protruding from his head and long sharp talons. The Demon started to wade towards land sending a wash of fear through all that laid eyes on it. Suddenly a huge white creature appeared before it .The creature was out of legends.  It was what no-one believed truly existed. It was a creature that represented all hopes and dreams. It was a great White Dragon. Many Balrogs appeared around the Demon as the two great figures engaged. The battle lasted for over an hour, with each landing many blows. When the Demon would send forth its black flames, the Dragon would respond with its white flames. Towards the end of the battle the Demon brought both of his claws down into the back of the Dragon, causing a mortal wound. The Dragon responded, biting deep into the Demons body, and simultaneously summoning up its white flames, consuming the Demon utterly.  The Dragon then gathered up the last remnants of its strength and took to the sky where it hovered for a minute before slowly fading away.
The war was finally over. The Kalsidiens were retreating.  Later, Sir Hagors body was found on the beach, surrounded by several Balrog corpses. Erlands greatest son was dead. Yet he had died as he had lived, a hero.

The King is Dead. Long live the King.
The son of Aldin III, Urath has been crowned King Urath II. Long may he rule and heal Erlands many wounds.

There have been reports that the infamous Black Rose is not dead after all and has returned after a wealthy merchant was robbed and a black rose was found in his chambers. Many claim that it is either a copycat, or one of the Black roses many illegitimate sons.

The adventuring group known as the Wiccam Wanderers have overcome a goblin infestation which had taken root in some ancient dungeons near Salloway. They are said to have slain all of the goblins yet sadly, they also lost a few of their own.  It looks like these young men and women could be our countries future heroes.

News has come that the School of magic has closed its doors and is not allowing any more to join. It is not known why they have done so but speculations are that its head, Pelenor Darkwing seeks to bring many changes. The church, which usually has good relations with the school has called back its ambassadors. Only priests of Math Mathonwy remain in contact with the school. Is this Pelenor to be trusted?

Top Twenty Most Notable People
1. Duke Carathway Verningdale (Admiral of the Earlish Fleet)
2. Sir Stephen of Shallowdale (Hero of the Battle of Muldayer Woods)
3. Sir Christopher Darkmoor (Duke)
4. Lady Brionne of Farrel Keep (Adventuress)
5. Allister the Black (Necromancer)
6. Sir Conrad (Weneth National Hero)
7. Sir Edward Peers (Commander of the Earlish army)
8. Corack Fellings (Pirate captain of the Crimson Tides)
9. Ben Durn (Outlaw)
10. Nessan Harvey (Outlaw)
11. Eltar Fireblade (Adventurer)
12. Jason Cruelhart (Swashbuckler)
13. Colin the Bashful (Thug, Businessman)
14. Pelenor Darkwing (Head of the School of Magic)
15. Rackume Deepshadow (Goblin)
16. Thordan Kranthe (Ronic Rune Warrior)
17. Brynn Llewellyn (Warp Warrior)
18. Colm Murphy (Irenayern Hero)
19. Jacob the Pathfinder (Ranger)
20. Lady Lucinda Conway (Enchantress)

Top Ten Adventuring Groups
1. The Crimson Tides (Pirates led by Corack Felling)
2. The Redcloaks (Mercenary Warrior-Mages)
3. The Rangers (Bounty hunters)
4. The Chandeliers ( Roguish group led by Jason Cruelhart)
5. The Tartan Terrors ( Sareks, who bring terror by Claymore and Bagpipe)
6. The Crushers (Gang led by Colin the Bashful)
7. The Black Knights (Arlof Mercenaries)
8. The Wiccam Wanderers (Young Hopefuls)
9. Wotans Wolves (Ronic berserkers led by Thordan Kranth)
10. Warped (Warp Warriors led by Brynn Llewellyn)