The New Era

[Borg]

CHAPTER 1 The INQUIRY

The end of Excess

Twas the age of Expansion….it was the years after the ascension of Emperor Borg to Olympus. Emperor Greg had risen and continued the fight against the hoards of evil; defeating them at nearly every battlefield. The provinces had flourished and the Senate was strong with economic power. The Legion was fully supplied and the Council of Honor had just approved measures to build an Imperial Navy. The clans of Orcs were decimated and the resulting arrival of Savages was met by the Alliance. The Alliance, which was formed of the great realm Empires and Kingdoms of PGoH, GoL, KoJ, LER and VK, stood as the supreme force of good throughout the realm. No one would have expected that this was the beginning of the darkest of ages…the age of Excess.

>>>

It was a glorious morning and though we had lost many a soul and the lines had not slept for a week, we marched back to Trinsic to the bards songs of victory. All of the Orc strongholds had been destroyed and the Shadowriders now hunted down the scattered Orcs. Provincial citizens traveled homeward past the Legion lines, back toward their homes they had abandoned during the campaign. The sunrise was different today and as I looked up at it, I bathed in its brilliance and its warmth. The sun had been there all along but its warmth never was enough to overcome the coldness of death the wars had brought.

The cities, each of them in kind, welcomed home their protectors and celebrations seemed to last for weeks. City merchants thrived on the new resources, wares and gold brought back from conquest and through the reopening of trade routes once lost to Orc raiders. When news of the a primitive culture was reported replacing the Orcs in the provinces; mercenary forces met them and a cohort of the Legion was dispatched. The savages, though cunning and resourceful, also failed to be victorious against the mercenary forces that fought them…let alone the Alliance. The cities of the land slept secure and with no threat to their gates for months.

Shadowriders reported that Orcs and Savages were found in great pitched battles over the ruins of the Orc Strongholds that the Alliance had decimated and in odd twists the greed of mankind took over many minds as mercenaries chose sides in this battle over debris and ruins. New Orcs of great power and strength appeared and so did Savages of unparalleled skill appear on mounts of hideous appearance. The Alliance members discussed which side should they stand for and Pater Imperium Borg was summoned for guidance to this end.

“Do not stand for what you would sooner slay but support what you know to be evil”; Borg instructed.

This was an uneasy and uncomfortable command to enact. The sage Magistrate Balandar explained that he had instructed us to stand for neither but to aid what was once our oldest foe. This was difficult for many to accept because Orcs always were the enemy. The Phalynx Marcos the Black was captured by Orcs and our retribution for the loss of Cove to Orcs brought the end of Orc oppression everywhere. How could the Pater tell us to aid these beasts that still held Marcos. Furthermore, when the followers of Mercury, God of Mischief, found the new Orc strongholds evidence of Marcos training Orcs in the arts of war was found. Many in the Alliance and within the Legion itself began to speak of treason and fractures in the minds of men formed, like cracks in armor yield a weakness.

“Trust each in each other and trust in the Honor that binds thee”; Borg said in a dream to everyone in the Empire on the same night.

When Marcos was found on a battlefield with Orcs against Savages he was imprisoned and put on trial. His acquittal was shocking to some but his support of the Orcs was determined to be in the best interest of the Empire and realm itself. Still, some men and women left the Empire to continue to hunt down the Orcs and to also fight against the Savages. For the rest of the Empire the following months were difficult at best and surreal consistently. Conversations and debates were filled with anger and uneasiness at what should be done. Emperor Greg kept the Legion in check and the Empire out of the political and faction wars that began across the realm.

It was only until we realized Borg meant not to become their ally but to fight against this new threat along side the Orcs…for the Orcs knew what mankind would not accept. The Savages were the first from evil never seen before…the edge of a great dark shadow that now crept into the realm from beyond the edge of existence itself. This new evil was breaking against the realm like a great tide, spilling evil bit by bit into the realm.

“Evil knows Evil”; Borg told Emperor Greg and Senator of War Wolf.

“Mankind never accepts anything as real until it affects them directly”; Borg reminded them.

Pater Imperium Borg and the GODS of Olympus had tried to warn us that the evil that was coming would become real…if we allowed it to be. Through our complacency and satisfaction this evil did grow and through the greed of mankind the evil did prosper and become reality. Its foothold now was solid and the evil now has a full open gate into our realm. If we had only remembered what he had said…if we had only remained vigilant.

New lands have been found and the plunder and riches it holds are irresistible to the mercenary and merchants abroad. Even as the days pass, many do not realize the sun is not shining light and warmth; only the glow of greed is what they see with and what fuels their hearths fire. This greed is strong and with it has come overconfidence. This overconfidence now determines participation against evil when is appears. The rich see the battlegrounds as places beneath them and that they are untouchable in their personal fortresses or cities built by their ancestors and kin. This is the end of their age of Excess, the end of what they know to be true and real. This is the end of the age of Excess and the beginning of darkness that has existed for quite some time.

Colin Mor….I ask of you what shall we do now?

What day will break after this darkness has been overcome?

Will we even realize it is even dark at all?

Felix Felthwin, Gladiator PGoH Legion

I sent this reply to Felix as well as the Council of Honor

Sharpen your sword, supply your satchel and rally recruits

The Age of Twilight has begun.

How right I was for it has been a month and Lord Blackthorn now has returned....we need to rally and pray for the ancients to return....all will be needed I fear.....is it thunder of a storm or the drums of War approaching.

[Borg]

CHAPTER 2 THE RETURN

The Return

“You must return…….you must return……..”

Those words echoed through the endless eternity of the ethereal plane Pater Imperium Borg traveled….whether my prayers are loud enough, I can only hope they are.

The Strength and HONOR that brought an end to the Holy War against the Orcs and Undead was summoned by the GODS to establish new Empires within new worlds and time. Emperor Greg and his leadership were boldly forging new homes for the souls of the citizens that leave the shards of the Gem of Immortality. A Vanguard was in place within the Midgard realms of Gawaine in the Dark Age of Camelot. Toward the Horizon’s edge of the Empires of Istaria sat the Dragon clan of The Eclipse. In the darkness of Shadowbane, the Oligarchy was being established where they would become the light of HONOR. Even the Orcs, honorable and strong, prepared and encampment on the World of Warcraft. Finally, in a galaxy far far away operations were setting up to take part in the Galaxies of Star Wars. Bold and determined the great heros of Catskills expanded The Honor Empire….and prepared for the future.

So did another…but his designs and plans were more personal…Lord Blackthorn and his revenge!!!

The GODS had spoken and Borg informed us that a storm so great that the walls of Olympus and the GODS themselves felt its wake. Now we can see that Lord Blackthorn has returned and has sacrificed his humanity in order to gain power. Exodus orchestrates an evil plot and Lord Blackthorn begins to establish and branch out his wickedness through greed like a plague amongst our realm. He aims to dominate the whole realm and complete what he believes is his destiny.

“You must return…you must return Borg” I speak it now though not a prayer but in a sense of urgency.

Borg like many of the souls that live here in Catskills was not native of this realm. He was a traveler who by his own accord was sent here to investigate a recorded powerful energy source that his kind sought to acquire as part of their own. When he arrived he was more machine than man…a drone he called himself. One of many with the mind of one. It was the shrine of HONOR that he found and in attempting to assimilate it….he was assimilated….he was reborn as the man you know today. No longer a drone he was one….he was Borg. He knows what it is to be a drone….more machine than man….he knows then how to

stop one like Lord Blackthorn….now more machine than man.

It has been now 2 weeks since Lord Blackthorn arrived and everywhere you can see the effect. The era of excess was still lingering while the mercenaries and even parts of great kingdoms of the realm sought the wealth that existed in the pockets of the new evil forces. City streets and merchant shops are deserted…in place of the sound of commerce and trade….there is silence. I walk along a once beaten and solid path that leads to Olympus from Trinsic. The brush has overgrown it and would it be that I had not walked it a thousand times…I fear I could get lost myself. As I push back a low hanging branch, I am amazed to see a villa standing on the waters edge….what is this I wonder? The morning mist is burning off and as I step up onto its patio….the door is locked….I peer inside. I can see a vault constructed in the corner and a small bag in the middle of the floor. Who built this…I wonder. I reach up and pull off a sack covering the sign.

”The Port Authority of PGoH”; I read on it.

I hear the call of an eagle and I turn to see it flying in from the bay; its vast strong wings cutting apart the mist as it travels over my head and toward Olympus. The mist separates and I can see the Walls of Olympus….my eye swells with pride and devotion for above it is a standard…..a standard I have not seen in quite some time….the standard of Borg. I rush to the castle doors, nearly tripping on the soul stone. That stone sits in the shadow and protection of Olympus as a binding point for all the fallen and lost warriors…near to their home and the GODS of Skills. I reach for the great doors and I can feel that they are warm…as I enter a feeling of comfort and saftey flows through me. The smith station is stocked and the air from the alchemy alcove dances with the smell of reagents. I pass through into the courtyard and the walls shimmered in the morning sun. I move toward the great hall and as I do the doors open….as if Olympus itself was welcoming me home. The great hearth is gone….replaced now with a great stone table. Behind the table are the standards of the Empire hanging proudly from the wall. The Elf, Praetorian Guard, Legion and Orc Clan surround the standard of Emperor Borg. On the far wall hang the Senate and State colors guarding a great stone chalice made of granite. As I turn and spin to take in the whole room….I feel myself rise into the air and the room begins to fill with light.

I am weightless and moving upward at incredible speed through the air. Realizing my relative position I gulp deeply…I can see Trinsic and the land becoming smaller as the light turns to darkness I now only see a spinning colorful gem. I feel my feet touch ground beneath me…I regain my footing and then I hear him.

“He will not take them…”; a voice states.

I turn my head to see Borg on one knee looking out across the darkness and as he points to one of the colorful gems he begins to talk to me.

“He will not take them Colin….he will try to take them all…and with all means at his disposal he will impose his will upon them.”

Borg paused a moment.

“All will resist….some may fall….that I must admit is a possibility…but Catskills will not!”; Borg exclaimed, pointing at one of the gems now bursting in light and effects.

“The great knights still prepare the other realms…are they returning?”; I asked Borg.

“Perhaps…perhaps not….regardless the level of aid…they will always be with us Colin. They are always with us in the struggles, battles or even in our ordinary duties of our lives. It is the HONOR that binds us…beyond the body and soul. HONOR is everywhere and within everything Colin…you should know that you taught me that long ago. The key now is and always will be…to unlock that power and focus it to serve the good of the many.”; Borg replied.

Nodding to Borg and feeling quite small in this darkness with gems dancing around us….I coyly ask; “Respectfully m’lord….umm where are we?”

Borg looked over to me and acted surprised in his reply.

“Huh?!…Colin….are you that old of a man?….do you not know your own room?!”; Borg smiled.

As I looked away from his eyes I found myself standing on the floor of my own room overlooking a crystal ball filled with small gems.

“Those gems where….are…BLAST IT…those were the shards from the gem of Immortality!!!” I barked.

Borg began to take amusement at me and held back chuckles

“This is my room from my old forge house near the Honor shrine in Felucca!” I continued to bark.

I could see through the window I was inside the villa in front of Olympus and on my bed sat keys to a vault and commissions to outfit 1000 Legion soldiers.

“Raise the Legion Colin”; Borg said as he opened the door toward the stairwell.

“ME?!…I am too old for that….Borg….Borg…gah…I am just a bookkeeper now, my days of glory are long gone.” I said as I followed him down the stairwell.

“It was you…OLD MAN…it was you Colin who took me in after finding me at the HONOR shrine…you who returned me to humanity from what I was and it was you who became my father here in this realm.”; Borg said as he turned at the front doors.

Placing both his hands on my shoulders he said to me; “You are a great teacher Colin and if we can retain half of what you think you have forgotten in your age….well we will be 10 times greater men. You know the power of the good of the many holds…teach it again.”

As he opened the door he said: “If we are to be successful against Lord Blackthorn in this campaign then I must find Dawn and begin to coordinate our resistance”

“Resistance is not futile….remember Colin…you taught me that….patience is an ally and with that we will defeat evil again. I must find Dawn….Raise the Legion Colin….Prepare the dogs of WAR!!!”; Borg exclaimed.

Borg cast a gate and as he walked into its brilliance he turned to me, smiled and winked…..he was gone.

[Borg]

***Posts to Catskills Bulletin boards***

Men, Women…Mages, Warriors…Citizens.

The Imperial Legion of PGoH is accepting

recruits into the Legion to prepare for the

defense of Trinsic and the realm itself.

Whether ye be human, elf or orc….all are

welcome within the Empire.

The good of the many will provide us all

saftey and prosperity.

Lord Blackthorn is not a moral man….

he is not even a man at all now….

he cannot rule.

Join the Empire and join HONOR!!!

Colin Mor, PGoH recruiter.

[Borg]

CHAPTER 3

The Summoning part 1

CALL TO ARMS

Picture Format for part 1

The Summoning part 2

Elwe D'Loche, nicknamed spawn affectionately by his Legion brotheren, rode back to the Impeial barracks in Trinsic. Dismounting, he ran to the officers quarters in search of Centurion Baltazar Con Wec. Centurion Coldren sat at the steps sharpening his tools of craft in the afternoon sun.

"Looking for someone my little friend?"; asked Coldren, Centurion of Gladiators.

"Yes sir....Centurion Baltazar"; replied Elwe

"I saw him this morning pack heavy for a journey to find the Praetorian Guards"; answered Centurion Coldren.

Observing that Elwe appeared a bit edgy and that it is rare to see a Shadowrider disheveled, the Centurion Coldren attempted to put the Shadowrider at ease.

"Come on lad, lets get some lunch in you and see if any reports have come in, perhaps there is something that I can do."; Centurion Coldren said as he motioned Elwe to join him at the mess hall.

"Yes sir, but I do...."; Elwe began to reply but stopped short of finishing his statment.

"Do we have sentries on the Ramparts of Trinsic and Olympus?"; continued Elwe

"Only the city guards and Olympus holds one...the area is secure Shadowrider, why....no army can march upon us without the outposts sending word."; answered Centurion Coldren.

Stopping at the doorway to the mess hall, Elwe looked up at the Centurion of Gladiators.

"It is not an army marching upon the city of Trinsic I worry about. It is the......"; replied Elwe as Centurion Coldren opened the door to the mess hall.

Shouts of ELWE, SPAWN, ELWE come from several brotheren inside the hall feasting on lunch.

Raising his voice a bit to Centruion Coldren, Elwe turns to him and finishes his statement.

"It is FLYING INTO TRINSIC I AM CONCERNED ABOUT"; Elwe finishes and is pulled into a seat by fellow Legion warriors.

Centurion Coldren absorbs what he says and with a tightining of the brow; Coldren begins to look back at the city skyline toward Destard. The Heran Knights, while thier lines thin, have controlled the skys with thier Dragon forces. What could Elwe be that concerned about.....an Army cannot fly. Coldren's thought is broken by a shout by Marcos from inside the hall to shut the door.

"Centurion, did you grow up in a barn?....shut the door!!!", Phalynx of Gladiators humorously jokes.

Centurion Coldren blinks a bit while he see a squad of Legionnaires return from training....turns and enters the mess hall completely. Looking down at Elwe eating with his brothers, Elwe looks at the Centurion and jestures slightly by pointing to the air.

Centurion Coldren continues to join his Gladiators line as they eat...but while he does he thinks about Elwe's concern and waits for after lunch to discuss this further...now is not yet the time to send alarms through the lines that reform slowly.

The Legion is not ready....soon....soon....Centurion Coldren thinks to himself.

[Borg]

Chapter 3 the Summoning part 3

INSIGHT

Rendering of The Summoning part 3

[Borg]

Chapter 3 the Summoning part 4

MONDAINS LEGACY

Rendering of The Summoning part 4

[Borg]

CHAPTER 4

The Book Wyrm

part 1

Sitting in the Infirmary office, Dr Codene places the satchel of books he had gathered from the Vampire’s lair onto the desk.  Lighting a small burner flame nearby the room begins to glow and flicker with light.  It is a cool evening and the clear sky and slight wind combine to chill the air. The good Dr. stands and lights a second burner to heat up water for a cup of his favorite tea.  Sitting back down the cool breeze gusts outside as he opens the satchel of books.  Writing down into a journal he records their titles and condition.  Briefly skimming pages he lists a general context for the book.  Some of the books are written in language unfamiliar to him while other are in common tongue.  Many are written in what appears to be blood and after a simple test on a sample the assumption is confirmed.  Nearly finished with this recording of the books; Dr Codene reaches into the satchel and his finger is cut by a sharp edge of a book.  Opening the satchel wider and carefully looking inside he can see a dark covered book with metal bindings and ancient etchings.  He picks up the book with both hands and a drop of his blood that remained on one of the metal binding seems to vanish into the cover itself….or was that the light flickering doing tricks to his eyes?  

Examining the book from all sides, Dr Codene cannot find any text…only a symbol on the cover.  The symbol is of a bird crudely and simply drawn standing facing the left.  He brushes his hand over the cover and its cover is quite coarse and ancient.  Realizing he has just smeared some blood from his cut onto the cover, Dr Codene moves to the supply chest for a rag to clean the cover.  Returning to the book the Dr pauses as he sees that the cover has no blood upon it at all.  Dr Codene picks up the book and again examines it from all sides….no blood.  Placing a bandage on his hand he turns and with his uninjured hand he passes his hand across the cover again…..still the same etchings nothing new….except the cover appears to be less coarse.  As Dr Codene becomes puzzled at this difference the quiet of the Infirmary is broken by the whistle of the water boiling for his tea.

The teapot steam billows out into the cool evening air and condenses on the window above.  Dr Codene pours his water and makes his tea; as he lifts the cup to sip his Earl Grey his eye catch a glimpse of a face within the condensation on the window and he hears a whisper behind him…”Beware”.  Dr Codene burns his tongue on the hot tea, turns to look for the source of the whisper and drops the cup of tea to the floor.  His attention and gaze search the corners of the room, the window the shadows and then focus down to the book that lays now open on the table in front of him.  On the corner of the desk sits a pair of blood vials and the contents of the vials begins to creep up and out around the caps that contain the blood within them.  Dr Codene watches as the blood trickles toward the open book.  Quickly gathering his wits he knocks the vials to the floor, slams the book closed, places the book back into the satchel and then wraps it tightly.  He places the book within a small chest and locks it securely.  He is amazed to see the wood of the chest begin to age and darken black….he places the small chest into a crate…..it again begins to blacken.  Dr Codene places that crate into a larger chest and again it blackens but not as fast or dark..  Finally placing the blackened chest into a large crate the turning seems to be halted.

Dr Codene gathers the other books and places them within another chest and as he reaches for his journal notes he hears movement downstairs on the Infirmary floor.  Reaching into the Alchemist supplies Dr Codene picks up an explosion potion and reaches for one of the Tribal spears he collected while researching the Savage Tribes.  Sipping an agility potion, the good Dr then glides down onto the Infirmary floor like a man half his age.  Dr Codene moves slowly and methodically from the one end of the Infirmary to the other, peering into the shadows.  Nightsight he thinks to himself….always have Nightsight….old fool he thinks to himself as he realizes upstairs he did not drink one before coming downstairs.  As the Dr reaches the end of the room a short gust pushes open the door of the Infirmary; as it creeks open the Dr can see a shadow on the doorstep.  No longer does the night air feel chilly, for Dr Codene’s heart now races strong and as he moves closer to the doorway he snaps the trigger on the explosion potion.

Leaping out onto the porch he addresses the source of the shadow with a yell……….AAaaahhhhHHA!!!

Nothing is there except the shadow from a tree on the wall of Olympus next door.  Relaxing a bit with a sign, Dr Codene then yelps and throws the ticking explosion potion toward the open ground nearby.  The nights eerie quiet is broken with the explosion and the Olympus Sentry Tod comes over to offer aid.

“Dr…..is everything alright?” Tod asks.

“Aye…..just a slip of an explosion potion….my apologies for the disturbance”; answered Dr Codene with a bit of embarrassment.  

As Tod turns to return to his post, Dr Codene asks; “Have ye seen anyone about this evening Sentry?”

“Nay…..was a quiet evening till your slip”; answered Tod the Sentry.

Nodding and waving goodnight, Dr Codene began to turn to go back inside when his eyes glimpsed a small imprint in some mud by the porch.  Kneeling down the Dr traced the outline with his finger.  The imprint was a large pawprint in the mud, one larger than he had ever seen before.  Dr Codene returned to the laboratory and searched for some cast supplies to make a mold of the print.  Upon returning to the imprint…..it was gone..  Dr Codene looked around into the night air and cursed himself again…..nightsight you old fool…..nightsight.  Returning into the Infirmary he checked the books secured within their chests and they were all account for.  It was late and for an old man the evening had been quite a stir.  Locking up the Infirmary, Dr Codene walked around the corner of Olympus and there was Tod standing his post calmly.

“I think I will spend the night inside Olympus this evening”; Dr Codene remarked as he reached for the door.

“Very well sir…”; Tod smiled and helped open the great doors of Olympus Castle.

[Borg]

Book Wyrm part 2

The morning sun rose from the eastern sea and as it burned off the nights chill, small birds sang their songs of sunrise.  In the distance could be heard the calls of harbormasters coordinating the arrival of new trade ships and the echo of caravan horses trotting into the mother city of Trinsic.  This was part of the beauty and simplicity of mornings; everything anew and the air had not been filled with record of days activities.

Dr Codene, had spent the night in Olympus after an unnerving evening at the Infirmary.  Though Olympus held no beds, he had found the cushion of Emperor Borg’s Throne comfort enough to drift into slumber.  Had not a pair of small birds chasing each other in playful flight through the chamber awoken him, the Dr may have slept till noon.  Alas, even an old man has his duties to perform and Dr Codene stretched and wiped the sandman’s work from his eyes.   Standing and moving toward the doorway he could feel the warmth of the morning sun begin to fill Olympus Castle with energy.  The clock on the wall read nearly 7am and like clockwork his morning calling for breakfast rumbled within his stomach.  As he exited the Emperor’s chamber he turned and propped himself up between a pair of wall stones and looked out over the bay toward Trinsic.  A beautiful site the city of Trinsic is in the morning he thought as the tops of the buildings glistened like jewels and families of birds darted in and out of the treetops.  Taking in deep breathes Dr Codene searched for a familiar flavor.

“You think Anakkin has breakfast ready yet?” asked a voice from above the Dr’s right shoulder.

“Not yet, but Nona the baker does have fresh muffins ready” answered Dr Codene.

“Tis a beautiful sight m’lord….how far can you see from up there?” asked Dr Codene.

“Yes…this is a sight to behold….from this rampart one can see all the way to the Honor Shrine”; replied Emperor Borg who stood on the rampart above his chamber.

Gliding down on the morning air, Emperor Borg greeted Dr Codene formally and asked if he could join him for breakfast.  As the two began to make their way downstairs they spoke about personal matters and as brothers enjoyed the simple company on each other.  Leaving the Olympus Castle,  the pair chose to walk toward Trinsic to enjoy further the morning warmth and awakening of the day around them.  The pair reached the western gates of Trinsic and the keen nose of Dr Codene picked up Anakkin’s work.

“Ahh………that man is an artist”; Dr Codene remarked as he took in a deep breath of air.

Smiling back to Dr Codene, Emperor Borg nodded and the two continued on to Nona’s shop to pick up a tray of muffins to take to breakfast at the Imperial Mess hall.  As they reached  the shop Emperor Borg could see a squad of Shadowriders heading to the Arch of Honor from the Southern gates area.

“Seems Anakkin’s work is reaching many this morning Dr”; remarked Emperor Borg.

“Egads…we must hurry….young men have deep stomachs”; added Dr Codene.

Purchasing their muffins and some pots of honey, Dr Codene and Emperor Borg moved toward the Arch of Honor and the Imperial Trinsic Barracks.  Though only half past 7am they could already hear activity in the Youth Bureau as aspiring men and women trained for their role in the Legion.  Nearing the barracks area the sound of heavy horse passing under the Arch of Honor came from behind them.

”For HONOR and Empire”; a trio of voices exalted.  

The trio of Cataphractii, heavily armored cavalry Dragoons, soon arrived at the barracks and as they dismounted and rushed to the mess hall.  Emperor Borg opened the door and Dr. Codene entered and was followed by the three Dragoons.  Emperor Borg welcomed them all in and it was a bit of a humorous moment as the trio had been so interested in getting to the table they did not at first recognize the doorman was their Emperor.  Embarrassed the trio stopped and fumbled a bit at the doorway until Emperor Borg put them at ease with a smile and comment.

“If you don’t hurry up and get inside….the Dr will surely finish off all the muffins and we all will have a cold plate of eggs and bacon.”; Emperor Borg said as he put his arm around one of the shoulders of the Dragoon.

The hall was a buzz with morning chatter and the rich smell of Anakkin’s breakfast splendor.  As the door to the mess hall closed, one by one the hungry men recognized who was with them this morning for breakfast.  Standing and passing salutations Emperor Borg asked them to please return to the fine meal.  It was as well the humor of Gladiator Felix Felthwin who, in his hast to salute, slapped a fork full of eggs onto his own face….that put the room back to ease and enjoyment of the breakfast.

“As long as their courage is as strong as their appetite….I think we will be fine indeed”; commented Dr Codene.

“Agreed Dr….but your eyes tell me that you worry about more than their appetite or simple courage”; replied Emperor Borg.

Looking at Emperor Borg, Dr Codene nodded slowly and added: “Yes….there more, but I know not what to say as of yet.”

“Still studying those books Dr?”; asked Emperor Borg as he held out a plate for Anakkin to fill with eggs.

“Yes…until I know more, I have locked them up until I can find some reference material to help me in translating several of the texts.  The writings are ancient and I have never seen such in any of the libraries, even in the great libraries in Britain or in Moonglow’s Lyceum.” Dr Codene answered.

As the two began to enjoy the breakfast, Emperor Borg offered a possible solution; “Then perhaps you should seek one who is an Ancient….and I do not mean one of our own.”

Emperor Borg placed a forkful of egg and his demeanor turned a bit serious as he looked at Dr Codene; who now froze a bit and gulped deeply realizing what the Emperor meant.

“Don’t worry old brother….give me what questions you wish and I will get your questions answered.  Besides…Ancient Wyrms tend to enjoy company…..at least once and a while”; added Emperor Borg.

“Did I hear Wyrm…..like in Wyrm hunt?”; asked one of the Legion.

The room began to quiet a bit and Emperor Borg looked over toward the eager Legion Shadowrider and replied; “Soon brother….yes we may need to do a Wyrm hunt…for now…scout out the location in Ilshenar where one can be found and contained.  We need to seek its council on matters we will explain later after the Wyrm has answered some questions.”

“Very good sire….we shall find it.”; replied the Shadowrider.

[Borg]

Tod the Sentry, feels a brush against his cheek as an arrow thrusts into the door of the Olympus Castle.

Attached to the arrow is a message.....Tod unfurls the small piece of paper.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trinsic is no longer yours....protectors of Trinsic ye are not....ye are nothing but fools dreaming of days gone by.

You will not threaten me again.

Lord Blackthorn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tod pulls out the arrow and examines it....it is JUKA!!!!