They had only been flying west for a couple of hours. Zordrak peered over the Roc's shoulder and saw the town of Artalia appear over the horizon. It was surrounded by a large wall that protected the citizens from the constant threat of Orcs. It's heavily guarded gates lie in the south wall and was the only visible entrance. However it wasn't the only way out for there are many hidden tunnels dug by the Red Dwarves that lead to a secret harbour off the north coast. If Artalia ever fell to its enemies then the ships would sail it's citizens east to Valthadaya.
Balathustrius made his home in a secluded area of the town. He liked his privacy but every now and then people would come from afar to seek his aid and he would welcome their company. He had dwelled in Artalia for five years among the Red Dwarves, ever since their leader Ebnar Krig signed the Peace Treaty against Lord Syndr's will.
Syndr was a man of war and detested the Amazons so he refused to sign the Treaty and warned the leaders of the Fire Realm to do the same. However the Red Dwarves were not made for fighting and wanted to put an end to the war as much as the rest of Urak. When news got to the Warlord that Balathustrius had secretly entered Artalia and had Ebnar Krig sign the Treaty he was infuriated and sent the Orcs of Marlok to raid the town, capture them both and destroy the others as an example.
Balathustrius helped fight against the Orcs until help came from the east. The harbour was built in 1641 along with the tunnels and re-enforcements posted at the gates, but the raids had become so frequent that Balathustrius' leave had been delayed further until King Thurgaos could bring a full scale army to drive out the Orcs once and for all.

Even as Zordrak and the Roc hovered above the town he could see a struggle at the gates, but it seemed like the guards had things under control for now. They swooped down and landed in the backyard of Balathustrius' home where he often came out to study in the sun.
Indeed there he was stood behind an easel painting a miniature lava spring at the back of his garden surrounded by a bed of Thuuth Shaln or "fire flower" in the Common language. His head popped out from the side of the canvas. He looked annoyed.
"So much landing space in my garden and you thought it best to park your bird right in my line of vision?!"
Zordrak dismounted and sent the Roc on its way. "Begging your pardon old friend. But I had no say in its decision." He apologised.
Balathustrius laid his palette aside and laughed as he came to greet his guest properly. "How are you my friend?" He was very tall, dressed in a blue robe with gold pattern stitched along the collar and cuffs, his white beard grew down to a his waist and his eyes were a deep blue and full of wisdom.
"I see the fury of Lord Syndr hasn't died down." Zordrak said.
"Indeed," Balathustrius agreed. "The Orcs will not rest until the Warlord sees poor Ebnar and I tossed into the mouth of Mount Jarkl." He lead Zordrak around the garden and they spoke at length of their travels since the last time they met.
"I hear that your little meeting with Ron'Evir ended in disaster." Balathustrius said. "By the looks of you ‘disaster' seems like an understatement."
"It did not end quite as I had hoped, even though I knew the Drow Lord's answer before I even left Nogren." Zordrak laughed. "However it was not all in vain."
Balathustrius gazed at him with new found interest. "Oh is that so? Might I ask what you got out of the experience?"
Zordrak felt his stomach rumble. "If it's no trouble to you, my stomach and I would much appreciate it if we could talk about it over a hot meal."
Balathustrius laughed. "I think we would both appreciate a hot meal. It's two o' clock and neither of us have had breakfast I bet."

Balathustrius prepared a large feast for him and his starved guest. As they ate Zordrak gave the full account of his meeting with Ron'Evir, his time spent on the island and of the pit he discovered at its centre. The wizard listened with great interest for even he, The Wise One was unaware of this pit.
"That is indeed an amazing discovery my friend." He said finally. "And I think I know why you came to me about it. You wish for us both to go back there don't you?" He put his knife and fork down and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm afraid I wont be joining you on this venture into the depths of Urak. I have just come up with a theory about this pit and my heart tells me that such a place is best left forgotten."
Zordrak was disappointed at this hasty decision. Even though he hadn't mentioned it the thought had been there about Balathustrius coming along and the Wise One had seen right through him. "So what is this theory?" He asked him.
"Lets just say that a strange island off the Zerapan Coast would not house any good." Balathustrius said as he stood up and collected the empty plates.
"I see." Zordrak said. "Then there is no need for me to take up anymore of your time. Besides I must return to Nogren and give my report about the Drow Lord's decision regarding the Treaty."
"You should at least rest here for the night." Balathustrius insisted. "Nogren is a great distance from here, plus the raids are at their worse in the evenings. It would be impossible to exit through the gates at this time. Orcs rest in the morning and most of the day, that would be the best time to escape. I will prepare the spare room for you, then make arrangements for a steed. By sunrise you should be all set to go."
"I appreciate your offer." Zordrak told him. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. I'll see to it that this favour is returned as soon as I meet with my Lord."