Ransitar, the Court Magician (Wizard) of Pharaoh Macongie II, was preparing to go to the Barrier Peaks. Karnak's request could not be complied with, because of not wishing to be asking apparently for a battle. Marching troops through friendly territory without permission, and suddenly the land turns to hostile. No, no acts of war. Just a foothold for now. But investigate it thoroughly, and personally report all findings at regular intervals. These reports of new weapons seemed interesting. Discover all you can about everything you can. If possible, enter and control and fortify against outside invaders.
Ransitar volunteered as the answer to Karnak's request for a magic-user. His private reason though was to get into Karnak's life right now, before he got too powerful with these weapons. And if possible, Ransitar would learn what he could. Just to make the fight even. Of course, he did not work alone. Kas, the Lord Prince of Aahz, was also Chief Assassin, and the title was well-earned. Right now, he is following Karnak, and has disguised himself as a member of a reinforcement unit, come from Baron Elmo's to help Karnak's troops fortify. So, with the assassin disguised as a porter, and the wizard disguised as an inquisitive friend, Karnak's future will be decided.
Or so they thought.