Sam woke to a thunderous banging on the door of his rented inn room, lacing his hands behind his head under the pillow he invited his mysterious visitors into the room [b]"Come in!"[/b]. At once the door was thrust open, revealing the hallway outside to be filled with iron-clad soldiers, the lead man grandiosely unraveled a scroll with the Emperor's seal upon it. [b]"Sam Arvarell? You are to answer the Emperor's summons"[/b] the soldier proclaimed. Sam relaxed his grip on the dagger beneath his pillow and began to stand up, [b]"Well, I suppose I better get dressed"[/b].

Half an hour later, he stood in the doorway of the Emperor's chambers, garbed in tanned leather armour and dark hooded cloak, a basic but sharp shortsword swung at his belt, and a concealed dagger in his left boot. Surveying the room he saw his companions to be, as had been explained by the guard en route. An eclectic bunch, but none would be here if not skilled, [b]"Good day"[/b], Sam nodded in way of greeting, pulling down his hood.