Anahid opened his eyes and moaned as yet another night proved to give little rest. Rising from his bed he couldn't help straying to that moment in his mind, when the Druchii's blow had been blocked by the intervention of his men, while the timely arrival of the Reavers leading a small force of cavalry had broken the dark elves' spirit as they fled into the woods of Cothique.
A victory yes but the memory of his near death had haunted Anahid for a year, to seemingly subside, only to return after six decades.
Following a short ritual he clothed in a gray robe, around his waist he put a belt of black silk, and picking up his sword he walked towards the balcony. The sun had risen above the mountains to the east blessing the city with its warmth, gulls flew by screeching as they usually do. From the city, despite the early hour came the sound of movement as bakeries opened and fishers arrived with the catch. Farmers from nearby orchards arrived with fruits and all began setting up their stalls at the market place. The ocean glimmered as a silver mirror, broken only by the occasional ship, many of which were sleek warships either returning from patrols or readying to sail. The early light shone brightly on highly polished armor of the Sea Guard patrolling the walls of the city. Closing his eyes Anahid welcomed the new dawn.
He was disturbed by a knock at the door,

"Come in"

the door opened and the jingle of mail informed him that one of the Sea Guard under his command arrived,

"My lord, the cook is wondering what to set on the table"

"That is of little importance," – he turned around and walked to the door,- "I will be in the garden till it is ready."

"One more thing my lord, a message arrived, I believe it is from your parents, again."- he paused, a hint of a grin appeared on his face before he continued- "You should do what they tell you, otherwise they might decide to take matters in their own hands."

"Thank you Theron, further comments are not required."

Theron gave a roughish smile before bowing and leaving. Anahid silently chuckled, in many ways he liked the younger noble, though only a handful of people knew that. Making his way down Anahid opened the letter. He was expecting yet another reminder that his life numbered more than 4 centuries and this was the prime age for marriage. Entering the garden and reading the letter he was surprised to see that he was wrong,

"Prince Fileandrel summons the lord Anahid to arrive as soon as possible on urgent business."

Somewhat surprised Anahid was ready to summon his servants to prepare him
for travel when he noticed something at the bottom,

"P.S. When will you finally marry boy?"

Anahid cursed loudly, leaving a servant that had come to inform him that
breakfast was ready, wide eyed in shock.

**

The guards snapped to attention as Anahid rode past, dismounting he
looked with renewed awe at the Princes tower. As his father was an
important figure, he had spent his childhood in these halls, yet after
the decades since he had left he had forgotten how it glimmered in the
sun as a spike of pearl and silver. For a moment he stood there taking in
the surroundings before remembering that he was not here on social
purposes and strode up the marble steps. Inside, a guard led him through
chambers filled with statues of ancient heroes and the forefathers of the
Prince. Banners hung from pillars, while the sun shone through windows of
multi-colored glass (though some claimed they were made of crystals)
presenting the scenes displayed there on the floor, scenes presenting the
ancient days of Ulthuan, days of glory; and on newer windows scenes
reminding that those days were long gone. They walked across floors of
marble without a stain. He bowed while still moving to the Prince's kin,
and accepted the bows of servants and guards. He had heard that the tower
could hold even a hundred residents comfortably, but these days not even
half the rooms were taken; another reminder of the passing of the Asur.
After passing a number of rooms he stood before the master of the house.

"My lord, lord Anahid has arrived."-the steward announced.

Anahid bowed low as the Prince turned towards him, he straightened only
when the Prince ordered him to rise with a gesture of his hand.

"Anahid, how long would it take you to ready your men for sea travel?"

"If the journey would be a short one, I could get them ready in an hour, the horses could take some more time , but by noon everything would be ready."

"Then ready them at once, our dark kin have struck and we are the nearest force strong enough to fight them with any chance of victory."

"Immediately my lord!"

Anahid left to carry out his lords instructions while Fileandrel remained
with his staff and began making plans for the conflict at hand.

**