"I need not remind each of you what is to come. Our Lord's time is almost at hand and each of you will have a part in shaping the history of the entire world. You've done a superior job in establishing a base camp and I am very proud of you. However, our task here is incomplete. We will be establishing a barracks and you can expect recruits to come in by the hundreds. They will be housed, they will be trained and above all, they will be disciplined. Those who fail will not be allowed to go home; they will be slain for their weakness. All of you have proven strong, so expect the same standards from any recruit for if they fail, they are the enemy."

The General galloped away followed by his aids and commanders all on horseback. The officers commanded the troops to return to their daily tasks.

A man in dark robes walked before the camp's commander, a white furred Minotaur known only as Colonel Skurn.

"About time you came, wizard." Skurn growled to the mage.

"I had previous orders to attend to." The hooded mage offered as an explanation.

"No matter." Skurn replied. "Can you develop what the General has asked of you?"

"It's possible." The mage replied.

"Then we shall collect that which is needed, mage. You may develop a workshop within the caves; just make sure you keep those things far away from the rest of us, understood?" Skurn said without emotion.

"It's understood, Colonel. However, I have a request. I know full well the amount of aid and cooperation we will be asking from the Knights. I am requesting the aid of a few men without such....how do I put this...Knightly morals?"

Skurn snarled. "A man without honor can not be trusted. But if you keep them in the caves and away from us, then I will allow them to live. If they enter base camp, or if we see them even look at us, they will join the fate of the rest of the world."

"Agreed, and if they meddle, I'll handle them myself." The mage replied.

Skurn raised an eyebrow. "Whom do you have in mind, mage? Another one of your Clavists'? Perhaps someone from that clan that calls themselves "Malice"?

A smile appeared from below the dark hood. "For what I require, I'm afraid I need an even worse sort of person."

"Ahh" Skurn smirked. "The Pirates! Yes, our Lord would not be pleased with you if they showed themselves here. Be sure that they understand this."

"Of course Colonel." The mage replied as he departed.

The mage seemed to glide from under his robes showing little body movement. The soldiers had all gossiped among themselves that this was no mage at all, but a spirit drabbed in dark robes as a cover. No one really knew, but the rumors seemed to gain new theories daily.

Skurn walked over to a team of Dwarves, all arguing over a blue print of a barracks. The Minotaur and the Dwarves had a great understanding of each other and the team of architects and builders were very fond of Skurn. He had displayed both honor and a fierce battle rage that almost all Dwarves could respect. If only they get him to partake in some Ale one Dwarf had said earlier.

"How long?" Skurn asked.

"3 weeks." One Dwarf said.

"A month." Another replied.

"2 months" said another.

Skurn laughed. "You have 6 weeks, but knowing your reputation, I wouldn't be surprised if it were done in 2 weeks."

Footsteps with no feet, or body for that matter, appeared to swirl leaves around slowly, but quietly. Finally, after a few miles from the camp, an Elvish female appeared as a magical cloak was removed. She was a beautiful elven female with a tanned face and slight features. Long, flowing, auburn hair cascades down her back and her eyes are a striking emerald green color.

Faerynn Shae'loren knew what she must do. "People must know and prepare." She said to herself. She didn't know how she got to where she was, her surroundings did not look familiar. A magical spell had placed her there and she knew only the blessing given to her by Sebatis could get her home from this lost place. Faerynn closed her eyes and uttered a prayer, one that this enchanter had uttered several times. When her eyes opened, she was in Shalonesti.