Chapter 3

The large ivory doors opened, revealing a grand hall. The two walked sternly forward dwarfed by the statues lining the walls. Light emanated from censers behind the statues giving a shadowy glow. At the end of their walk, they both dropped to one knee, lowering their gaze to the floor. The first, clad in steel armor, emblazoned with the markings of a field cleric. His glimmering mace hung at his side. The other bore wraps of cloth, designate of the desert nomads. A bow and a scimitar the most prominent of the weapons he wore.
A regal voice from ahead of them spoke “Wilgar the Cleric? The War Priest of Titane and a companion from the Great Desert have come to my throne? How interesting. You may rise.”
As the two raised their heads, the King before them rose to his feet.
Wilgar spoke in a precise, courtly tone, “This is my friend and ally, Oshiah of the Undying Nomads. We bring you troubling news, Excellency.” Several of the king’s aides stirred uncomfortably at the mention of trouble. “I have plenty of trouble, Wilgar. I’m sure you’ve noticed we’re about to go to war against the Orcish nations again. That damned Crescent Moon clan has cost us many lives.” Wilgar, after a quick glance back to Oshiah, responded, “A war with the Orcs would cost many more lives, but would be in vain. For they are not the enemy that razes your lands. The foe you now face is one of human blood. The facemask of the Crescent Moon conceals not only their face, but their mission as well.”
“You know this?” The king responded, “How? Nevermind, I know your honor Wilgar and I don’t have time to consider the details. What is your plan to resolve this?”
“I intend to go into the northlands, peacefully I hope, to meet with the chieftan of the Crescent Moon tribe. To find out their involvement in this.”
“You?” the king stared as if Wilgar were insane. “You are going to just wander into the Orc lands and ask the chieftan of his involvement? Do you know this chieftan? What makes you think he’ll talk to you with your head still intact?”
“No, Excellency, I do not know this chieftan, but I do know the Archmage of Evermore and he can ease my entry into the orclands.”
“Bah, I should’ve known you’d rely on some sort of sorcery.”
“Of course. I stand here at the will of Titane, so I have the power of the spirit on my side. The Archmage weilds the power of the mind, and Oshiah weilds the power of the body. I fear not these Orcs, I only wish to prevent an unnecessary war.”
“What do you need of me then? I have no men left to send with you, I can only give you my prayers in your success and my blessing on your mission.”
“That’s all I ask.” Bowing as they withdraw Oshiah and Wilgar head back through the ivory doors.
“So, who is this Archmage? You’ve not mentioned him before.”
“He’s an old friend. I only hope that our need is in his best interest.”
“And if it’s not?”
“Then the marauders will be the least of our worries.”