May his reign last long and his Kingdom prosper.

Lord Oge: I know the way through the forest from every angle now. I think its time to attack. All in favor?"

All responded with "Aye".

Lord Oge: We will send him out terms of his surrender. If he does not agree, we will indeed attack this Sunday.

*********************************************************
*********************************************************
. TERMS OF SURRENDER

King Terri Shalonost,

The people of Shalonesti will lay down their arms, open the city gates, and permit entry of Lord Oge and the Marauders. Men of fighting age will report to Lord Oge and be given the opportunity to serve in the Marauders. If they refuse, they will be made prisoners.

If you accept Lord Oge's terms, he will spare your city from harm. He will leave your women and children in peace. If you do not accept his terms, but persist in refusing your surrender, Lord Oge will burn your city and house down to the ground, your men taken as slaves, your women given to the Ogres to do with as they wish and your children will be slaughtered before their mother's eyes. Lord Oge gives you until Saturday Morning to Surrender. if you do not, we will invade on Sunday.

Signed,
Lord Oge
General Grimlok
Admiral Chronus
General Bosik
General KrothGar
General Hammurabi

Oge: Chronus, take the 5th Regiment of Knights and head west along the Thaxonos Mountains. We will out flank them.

KrothGar: If we don't run into the lot of them in this blasted forest.

Chronus: It would be wise of them. The elves know this forest like the back of their hand.

Oge: Hmm, good point. Do it anyway.

Chronus boggled.

Oge: Trust me on this. If the hit us in the woods, we will sound the alarm. You will hear it I am sure. I have never heard such quiet in any woods before.

Chronus: Very well Highlord.

Chronus saluted, then took the 5th Knighted Regiment and headed west. He joined the 5 units of infantry that Oge had sent previously.

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The front line of the Marauder infantry walked as quietly as they could muster through the forest toward the city. No one heard a thing.
*THWOCK* a group of Marauders fell to their knees as elven made arrows made their way into their chests. Head to head the armies went charging and screaming. Sounds of metal against metal could be heard for miles. The battle began. 2 Shalonesti infantry units were immediately cut down by Marauder Calvary.
The overwhelming forces of the Marauders pummeled their way through the Shalonesti troops. Shalonesti warriors fell back and their cavalry charged forward. KrothGar's 2 Knighted regiment met them. The Shalonesti cavalry was not match for knights and fell quickly. King Terri had sent a group of elves to flank the Marauders, but then ran right into Chronus and was defeated. All in all, the Marauders were too many and the Shalonesti army fell. The last section of King Terri's army was his own command. They fought bravely trying to prevent the Marauder takeover, but ultimately were forced to flee into the woods.
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The gates of Shalonesti were pried open. Women, children and the elderly stared in disbelief at the slaughter. Some wept; most stood in shock. The Marauder army made way for Highlord Oge and his command.
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Oge: Fear not citizens of Shalonesti. Obey my laws and NO harm will come to you. Disobey, and it will mean yours and your children's deaths. Go to the woods, bury your dead. Return home before nightfall. Tomorrow you WILL open your shops, and your stores or I will burn this city to the ground with all of you in it.

In Althainia, a ceremony where Highlord was named Emperor Oge stunned everyone. Silence filled the crowd as Oge spoke.

Citizens of Althainia, New Thalos, and Shalonesti,

I have claimed the throne of Althainia. Do not call me King. We are bigger and greater than any one King could hope to be. King Terri of the Shalonesti and Sultana Myra of New Thalos have agreed and signed a proclamation unifying us all to the Empire of Althainia. They will lead their kingdoms still, and we shall work together to increase the quality of our kingdoms under this one Empire. I will lead the marauders no more, I leave that task in the hands of General Krothgar. I will still pay for the marauder's headquarters on another continent, but not if they resist this ruling. If they do, they will lose, I have wealth and can beat them. Any attack upon Shalonesti and new Thalos, means you must fight the entire Empire! This is the beginning of the makings of the most powerful Empire ever known! I am confident that the Emperor of Verminasia and the King of Arkane will work with us. Long live the Althainian Empire.

*************************************************************
The interview!
Journalists: Will the Marauders back off?
Emperor Oge: They will if they want their new Headquarters. Without co-operation, they will have nothing except a homeless army and there is no telling how many of them will go with me.

Journalists: What prompted all of this?
Emperor Oge: I saw greater glory in this. A lot of Marauders have stopped being warriors and are instead becoming ruthless thugs. I only hope that KrothGar can do a better job than I.

Journalists: How much money did you take with you?
Emperor Oge: 99% of all money of the Marauders was collected by me. Most of the Marauders just boasted behind my accomplishments while I made the contacts with the backers.

Journalists: Do you still own New Thalos and Shalonesti?
Emperor Oge: They will run their own Kingdoms, but they belong to the Althainian Empire. We ALL will work together to better improve our Kingdoms. The first thing we will work on is our regeneration rooms in ALL kingdoms.

Emperor Oge: No more questions at this time, I have much to do.

He walked through the trees searching for the intruder. It was odd that he heard no footsteps. A trail of blood was all he had. From the way the blood was splashed onto the leaves, it suddenly made sense. The Assassin was flying.

With bow in hand, Eajl Sha'falas Luiril looked up. There on a limp stood a black clad figure with bow in hand. The assassin, realizing it had been spotted, drew its bow quickly and fired a shot off at Eajl.

Eajl could hear the arrow whistling down on him. He tumbled forward with traditional quick elven movement and the arrow only grazed his back. The cut on his back began to burn immediately. It was not a burn that would normally accompany torn flesh, but something different.

Eajl realized that these arrows were poison tipped. Another arrow whizzed by his head, missing its mark and quickly another was on target for his chest. Eajl swung his large sword in a swift movement knocking back the arrow. It was more luck than skill, a reaction. Re-sheathing his sword, Eajl grabbed his bow and fired off 3 shots in unison like only an elf could. The first two arrows missed their mark but the third nailed the assassin in the thigh.

The assassin reacted quickly by throwing down a ball of some sort which exploded into a tremendous amount of smoke. When it cleared, the assassin was gone.

Eajl ran back to where he left the Queen. Rhiadora was unharmed, unscratched. She was kneeling by the bodies of 3 of her personal guard. She looked up at Eajl with eyes full of tears.

"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.

Snarkerl raised his head from the ground and yawned. The Dragon's large pointy teeth were the same size as the Balanx who was trying to wake him.

"You've missed the entire war, or at least the first wave!" Austanis said. "I can't tell you what's to come, but I can tell you what you've missed if you like." He said without any emotion in your voice.

"So some mortals went to war and killed one another. What do I care?" The Green Dragon hissed.

"Not quite" Austanis said, "a bit more than that occurred."

The green dragon yawned. "Didn't you alter something historic by waking me up? Go away!"

Austanis "No, you'll be dead in an hour anyway."

Now the Balanx had the Green Dragon's attention.

Snarkerl changed his expression from careless and tired to serious. "Speak. Or you'll be joining me."

"One day, but not today, my green friend." Austanis replied. "The Gods have started a War with each other."

Snarkerl asked "A full war?"

Austanis nodded his head, "All out war. The Good Gods against the Evil with the Neutral Gods caught in between trying to find peace before the world is destroyed. Many in Algoron are dead, much is destroyed."

"How long did I sleep?" asked Snarkerl.

"Not long, especially for a Dragon. You slept about 3 days." Austanis replied. "But as you know, when the Gods choose the affect the world, it happens quickly. Many Dragons slept, as did many mortals. That was not by choice, but by the protection of some Gods."

"So I slept to be protected only to be killed in 1 hour?" The dragon snarled.

"Yes. Your protection has run out." Austanis said without emotion.

"Wonderful!!" The Dragon said sarcastically. "What else happened? Who's dead?"

"The Dragons who did not sleep launched a full assault on the Slayers keep. Much to the mortal's credit, they fended off the Dragon coalition. Their downfall occurred when a Blue Dragon landed awkwardly on top of the keep. It was crushed under the Great Wyrm's weight."

"The Slayers Doom was the result of a fat Blue Dragon landing on them?" The dragon laughed.

"I wouldn't call him fat, big boned for sure, but he was a Great Wyrm, just as you are. Anyway, other clans fell to the Gods themselves. Armada was destroyed by the Pirates. The Gypsies wagons were burned by the Kingdom of Verminasia as order by Malachive. Malachive, son of Necrucifer single handedly destroyed the Pirates killing many and reducing their hideout to rubble. Malice fell before Nadrik and his Knights while Valor was destroyed by Necrucifer and his knights. Eclipse was terminated from within by Renegade Yinn opposition."

"Knighthood and Shadow took out Malice and Valor?" the dragon asked. "And Malachive? I already refused to join him! I knew he'd destroy the world instead of conquering it!"

"Yes." The Balanx replied. "It seems the honorable factions had the discipline to accomplish their lord's goals quickly. There are a lot of survivors and it's my understanding that those left alive are seeking a place in the newer starting clans. The people are calling these new orders Bloodlust, Wrath of Justice and the Order of the Talon."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" The dragon asked.

"I am here to document your death. I am just passing the time with this story. It feels refreshing to share my knowledge, especially knowing you can do no harm with it."

"I suppose I should feel privileged. Continue." The Dragon said again sarcastically. "What of the rest of the World?"

"The Elves enclosed themselves in the forest avoiding the war, as did the Dwarves who shut the mountain's gates. Both thought it was the rest of the world's problems since they were not attacked. A natural reaction I suppose. The Conclave finally did the inevitable and merged the towers under one ruler. They are the same as they were, except unified as 1 conclave with the 3 factions. They are also building a non-warring faction to teach magic. Sebatis even moved the Red Robe tower out of the main focus of these battles, to Ice Wall.

"The Austinians were destroyed by Goblins who simply sought out loot in the time of turmoil. The survivors are now calling themselves the Gray Church and are opening their doors to anyone without constraints.

"A lot of artifacts and magical items were destroyed in the world. Mages seem to have an awful advantage, for now, as the fighting types tend to figure out how to counter that. They've already starting manufacturing better armor types. The Banks have crumbled as they were looted. Looters ran rampant on those kept sleeping as well. Hundreds have been executed for their part in that. Yes, it appears the first wave of this war is over and order is coming back - for now."

"And what of me? How am to die? And why?" The dragon asked nervously.

"You're going to die by Malachive's hand for not joining him." Austanis said.

"And where is he?" The dragon asked.

"You are speaking to him, idiot." Austanis said.

"What?" The dragon asked as he watched Austanis' form change to Malachive's.

"I hope you've enjoyed today's report. Enjoy yourself in Hell dragon." Malachive said with a smile.

Malachive struck his hand into the dragon's chest and pulled out its enormous still beating heart before the Dragon could react.

The dragon's mouth flew wide open as to yell in pain, but before it made a sound, Malachive threw the heart into the dragon's mouth, forcing it to swallow it whole.

Malachive grinned as he simply said "Heh"