The Wings of a Raven
Aegon shook his head with contempt as he read the letter. The raven had just arrived this morning with the news that Dhem Koldur had been the target of thievery. He could not help but smile though. In a world that was plagued with the absence of action, they had finally provoked someone into doing something. The funnier part was still that Dhem Koldur was nothing more than an outpost for the Argus alliance. Should they focus their strength into the outpost and make it a key city? Perhaps it would be more useful to remain a combat stronghold?
The ideas rolled around in his head for a moment before he picked up his quill. The words began to flow from his mind onto paper, a raging river with nothing to stop it.
The Argus Alliance is hereby on stand down until further notice.
For the past several months we have done the unthinkable. Osiris
fell prey to our calculated attacks and now no longer exist. The
very purpose of this alliance was to spur conflict and draw people
into what the Artifact wanted. Instead, now we are compelled by
our power and greed for more. I ask that all members of Argus
understand my reasons and agree to this. We shall no longer go
on the offensive unless our title as Capital is threatened. It is at
that point that I recommend we unleash the hounds, so to speak.
Until that time comes, I propose we wait and remain on the
defensive. Expand as you see fit. Focus on your economies and
uphold the integrity of our standards in all areas. This call for a
stand down is not an order as we all know that Argus does not
function under dictatorship. This is a proposal and I respectfully
request that my allies...my friends, agree to this decision.
I look forward to speaking with you all at the next Council.
Aegon looked at the parchment once more before pulled several blank ones closer to make copies. His heart was torn between that of peace and conflict. It was in his blood to wield a sword and stand next to his brothers in arms for glory. Was there any other way to leave this world with pride? Hope was all he could hold onto. Hope that it was not too late. Hope that he and the rest of Argus could earn their title with not only their prowess in combat, but prove that they were the leaders this world needed.
His thoughts strayed on his way to the aviary. The one thing that he could never escape was the thought of what still lay on the horizon. The Artifact was a strange companion to have, but he chose to pursue answers more every time he sought its company. Just as they were plunged into this world of conflict with the technology that allowed for the claiming of territory, more was yet to come. As if it were not enough when they discovered the Valley of the Artifacts, and that not only was there more than one Artifact, but three more. Then there was Vale of Conquest which shed more light on the operations of the Ancients. Territory technology was the first that affected their world directly. I know. I know that this will not be the last. The relic spoke to him enough that he knew more was on the way. It was bad enough that he could see the most imminent change. The darkness beyond that was what concerned him most. That darkness, would require everyone to begin learning what it meant to work together as a people and not separately as town citizens.
As he forced his thoughts back to the present, he tied the message to the respective ravens and loosed them, one by one. They flew off into the darkness of the morning. This was the solemn hour of quiet. News would travel on the wings of a raven and he would soon have his answer. Will they agree…or understand? It was time Argus began preparing for more...and preparing Loka for more...