"For generations I have watched this world grow and blossom into what it is today. Kingdoms have come, civilizations rose and fell, magic learned and then forgot. Now some of the old ways are threatening the very people who have turned away from them. Oh that I could speak out to them, warn them of this coming chaos." Just then realization dawned upon the timeless face and a warmth spread across the figure as if he had been struck by lightening. Even though he couldn't tell them exactly what was coming he could coach them. In a way he could push things in the right direction.

Springing from the chair he sat pondering the predicament he rushed about preparing himself. He could not take the chance that someone down there would recognize him. Pulling robes from rooms far off with but a jester of his hand he found the most basic one to infiltrate the court of Emperor Kil Jorow. Then reaching across space he gazed at the court. It was important that he pick the right man to replace. Someone who had the Emperor's ear. Finding that man a smile split his lips.

In moments the deed was done. He was now in the throne room while the man he switched places with was in a state of slumber. After things had been started he would send the man back none the wiser that things had gone on without him. And there before him was the Emperor himself. Of course he was flirting with one of his many concubines but that was to be expected. The hour was late, just how late Emperor Kil could not know. Projecting his voice, "Oh your worship!" The Watcher quickly made his way towards the Lord and his sex object.

"My Lord may I speak with thee?" He bowed not looking up tell he was address.

"You know you may speak freely Odios," A youthful voice escaped the Emperors lips, "Go ahead Lorin and await me." The young woman turned and scurried off only glancing back quickly once. Something on her face bothered The Watcher, but he quickly put it out of his mind quickly. When he looked back up into the face of the Emperor he finally realized how young this man actually was.

Though he sat on the throne for twenty three years The Watcher had forgotten that he had but yet been a boy when he took the throne, only nine years of age. Now this man of thirty two years ruled an Empire like none had ever seen. True unity was in his grasp if The Watcher could make things straight again.

"My Lord," he began, "I have received word that some of the settlements on the borders of the empire have been attacked. None are spared while the bodies are left to rot and fester in the sun. No tracks are ever found at the sites of what has done this." The face that was so full of joy only minutes before was now sunken showing the pain and depression such news brought.

"Dispense a troop of guards quickly then. We must know what is happening to our people. I will not nor cannot stand by and watch our people die."

xxxxxxx

Word fast reached the barracks of the man in charge of the empirical army, Jarred Laster. As the worn hands took the parchment from the messenger he nodded and turned. Hands scared with the cuts of many battles and tanned from exposer from the sun silently began to unfold the parchment. Grey eyes deeply set into the expressionless face saw the red ink. Red ink could only mean marching orders that would lead to battle.

He sat down on the cot shaking his head as he scanned down the page. Things he had thought stories or rumors appeared to be true. Yet how could that be his scouts had not reported anything like this. Surely the Captain of the Guard would know before some bureaucrat. But here it was in writing. Turning to the foot of his bed he reached and picked up his helmet he had placed there at the end of training. Standing he walked out of his tent towards his men.

Some had already started to undress to clean themselves from the days training. Already there were some down by the stream that cut through the compound taking baths. His presence in full gear was enough to let them know to dress and fall in. He didn't say as he stood there awaiting them to come to formation. He did not have long to wait for which he was very grateful. As the last few fell in he began to speak.

"It appears that we have orders to leave tonight men," he listened for any signs of discontentment but none came. He was impressed but saddened at the same time. For the last three months this group had been out in the field on campaign. Only yesterday had they returned to do one last exercise, today they were to return to their families. These were men not machines. Yet none showed a sign of discontentment. They stood there as made out of stone awaiting the rest of what he had to say.

"Some of the settlements on the northern borders have been attacked. Every one killed with their bodies left for the animals. It s our duty to find those responsible and bring them to their knees." This brought a murmur from the group, for some where from that very area. The captain continued, "There are no signs of what or who has done this. No tracks or signs have been left. We have our job cut out for us."

Again they were silent. These were true men of valor. Ready to give their lives for Emperor and country. That is what made the next words so hard, "Even though this is an order from the Emperor I am telling you any man who wishes not to go is free to go home. Your duty was over today. Any that leave have to fear no punishment for doing so." He had expected at least one or two to move, to go home. None moved. Trying to make his voice even harder, "We leave in the hour! Dismissed!"

Turning he headed back towards his tent. There was a letter to write to a wife explaining he would not be returning this night nor the next. He would be gone for a unspecific time but would return as soon as he was able. At the thought of his wife the grim face seemed to almost smile.

XxxxxX

When the hour was over all the men stood at the ready to march. At their head Jarred Laster lead them out the gate into the fading sun light. There was no one to bid them farewell and safe return for none knew of their departure. Or at least they didn't know yet. Many prayers would be said for them of that he was sure but those prayers would not start tell the families got the letters from their sons and fathers. Those wouldn't begin to circulate for yet another two hours for that was the instruction he had given the army messengers. Let the families have some joy for the next little while expecting their loved ones before those hopes were shattered. They marched in silence into the night.

XxxxxX

It had been two weeks since the Emperor had sent his troops but they had yet to send word or return. Could things be worse then he had expected. Surely the enemy wasn't that powerful. After all there wasn't any indication that any of the lower plains had opened nor that any of the inhabitants of them had come to this plain. The Watcher paced the room that he as Odios kept. He had to return to his realm, find out what had become of the men who had been sent out on his word.

As he left the room he noticed from the covered walk that a heavy fog lay over the palace and surrounding country side this morning. Pulling the cloak around himself he quickly moved towards the throne room. As he turned a corner into another open hallway a figure appeared in the open gate. It was one of the soldiers that was clear but he was filthy. It appeared this soldier would collapse any moment. Looking around he saw noone else.

Given the hour that did not surprise him so his pace became a run as he headed towards the man. "What has become of the others? Where is the rest!" He reached the man as his strength gave out. Scooping the broken soldier into his arms he could see the many wounds that lay over the mans body. Flesh looked shredded as if an animal had torn into him, his face swollen with the jaw hanging limp. The Watcher began to yell trying to raise someone to come to his and the soldiers aid.

XxxxxX

In the war room of the palace the Emperor, The Watcher, a General of army, the Captain of the Royal Navy, and many other members of the Emperors council and members of the military stood around a table looking at a map. The Watchers finger was firmly pointing to a spot on the map. "This is where they were sent. My sources told me something had been laying waist to settlements in this area. It appears to be true."

All nodded in grim agreement. What little the healers had been able to do for the young man had only given the man enough time to tell them that the others were dead. Either he was o scared by what he had seen or he himself could not remember for he could not say what happened and spells could not withdraw the information. In the end he had given in to his wounds and fright also passing from this mortal coil.

"The Captain of your Army is a great loss," Richard Yammon said, "But the Navy has ships we can send to scout. I request you allow this so no more men perish in the attempt to gather information."

"Surely you do not think by simply by sending ships you can find out what cost us our greatest military leader. Men would have to go ashore and see what was there!" Shot back the general.

"This bickering will bring nothing but contention which we can not afford at this time!" Shot The Watcher at all gathered, "I suggest that your majesty send a call for a group of volunteers to form a group. A group of heros if you will, and send them."

"A group of 'heros' where a troop of his royal majesties army failed! You fool! We need more the a few fortune seekers!" Spat the General to which Richard, the Captain of the Navy, nodded his agreement.

"Listen to reason you damned fools! We have lost a troop of the Empires best guard. This is something we cannot afford to do again. Our best bet is for a group of those willing to go of their own will. For as you put it these 'fortune seekers' are more careful to not draw attention and can get into places men known to be of the guard can not." As he finished speaking everyone present broke out screaming. Shaking his head The Watcher just watched. It was going to be a lot more difficult then he had hoped.

XxxxxxxX

It was two days later when the decree went out. Finally they had come to an agreement, one which The Watcher wasn't happy with but one that was the best of what had been offered. He stood on the terrace with the Emperor.

"This is something that I do not do lightly," Kil spoke sternly, "You know I agree with my military advisors that a larger force should be going out."

He nodded, "I know." The Watcher said as he watched the messengers go out with the decree, "I know but trust me that this is something you must do if you wish to truly unite this kingdom. Surely three weeks is not long to give this group. Besides you are sending a man of your own."

"I know," Was all the Emperor said and left it as that as the two men looked out over the city in front of the palace.