This is the First Chapter of the Crystal Souls:
It speaks of the barriers.
I
Archwizard Garzahd sits upon a throne of ebony and gold, overseeing powers and principalities. His dark gaze pierces the darkness and into my soul.
Greetings, Dark One.
His mouth does not move as he speaks these words to my mind. His eyes, cold, blue, and unblinking burn through the swirling fog between us, locking only with my own. I cannot speak; and knowing this, I do not try as I once did. Garzahd controls the dream, as he has always controlled the dream.
It would be nice if he changed the setting. Or at least, the introductory message. "I have need of your services…" Give me a break, would it really be too difficult to switch things up?
I have need of your services in these dark times. Behold, there is a matter that requires your immediate attention.
And now comes the interesting part.
As you know, this war has begun to take its toll among our soldiers. We are winning, but morale is low and tempers are high, for all of us. Our tactics are not getting us as far as we anticipated. We require fresh perspective and new strategy.
To the point, Grumpy; I'm gonna oversleep if you keep this up.
I realize that the past few years have been difficult for you; and hope that you understand that we exiled you in preparation for this invasion as an act of subterfuge.
Sure. Whatever.
This is your official recall. Report to Fort Dolthar on the isle of Sss-Thsss. Keller will be there, waiting for you. You will need a Red Pass and passage on a boat I do not care how you acquire them. The following is what you will need to know.
As always, I witness a series of various ideas and images that Garzahd thinks that I need to know: a red scroll, covered with writing and official seals; a pillar of rock rising out of an island in the middle of a large lake; a map image of the location of that island; a warning to approach from the south in secret, and to beware of nagas.
Of course. There would be nagas. This is Garzahd.
The images fade to again present the throne of ebony and gold suspended in darkness with armies at its feet.
Your mission is assigned, Darkblade. Good luck.