Merat watched as slowly, this tiny party of less than ten began wiping out his warband of thirty. One by one, all the fools who thought hiding or standing was a good idea were cut down by sword or spellcraft, while the smarter ones either backed up and shot in traditional skirmishing pattern or simply broke and ran for Xigyll as soon as they saw death. Merat couldn't help but glower at that. Idiots and cowards, the lot of them. Still, though, it would not do to die just yet, so he turned and fled, not before emptying his quiver at the approaching enemy force.

"Seize him," was the first thing Rughoi said upon Merats entrance into Xigyll's walls. Two burly guards grabbed him, one on each side, and held a sword to his throat. "I'm not sure you're aware of what you've done," said Rughoi, looking quite mad.

"Fought Mitronians. Lost. Need assistance," came Merat's reply.

"Wise Sister Kila seems to have a different story to tell," said Rughoi, ice creeping into his voice. "Your little Mitronians are what she calls Akydon, a hero of the Fertile Valley, and for that matter associated with two major powers. Now the thing about these two powers is that they are NEUTRAL! On the edge of invading us as well, for that matter! And guess what!? You've just given them an excuse!" Rughoi slammed his claw on his new table of kobold work. It was clearly made for a council smaller than his gargantuan frame, and the surface smashed under his fist. "Now, how does that feel? Being a traitor to the kobold cause? I am going to mail you to the two powers, with an offer of non-aggression and possible alliance, and let them judge you. I will specifically ask they not show any mercy. Take him away." With that, the two guards, followed by six more, dragged Merat out of the room, and began making their way to the Fertile Valley. Then, Kutur approached from his chambers, and made his own report.

"I have corresponded with the Archmage at Bythesea, as per your orders, Your Might," said Kutur, uncharacteristically giddy. "The Bythesea Emperor is sympathetic to your cause. Soon, a force of five thousand human warriors will sail from the human continent to join our cause."

"Finally, something goes right today," sighed Rughoi. "Now I must deal with Rama. He put my mother in danger. When I get my hands on him, I'll split his head from eye to tooth."

_____

"Quick, Rama! This way!" shouted Krakas, ducking her head and running in the direction of the city. Rama was bravely protecting her, but kobolds were being killed in droves here, and to be mistaken for a soldier would be fatal to them both. Then, a bright arc streaked from the sky. A stray bolt of magic, about to land on a soldier taking cover behind a rock. It landed with a direct hit, frying him in his armor. The force resonated out from that point, strong enough to knock Krakas on her back. "Ooohhh . . ." she muttered, getting up from the ground. Her legs felt like they were being stung by a thousand needles. The gory effects of magic on the battlefield.