The Queen didn't believe him at first. "The end you say? So have I. So has he and-" She motioned for her subordinate to leave off his attack. The man understandably thought the Queen was under attack. She continued, "So has most of the people outside this spire. We all have seen "the end" in same shape or form whether it is the end of school year, the end of the fiscal year, the end of...a contract...Even the end of a loved ones life. Everything comes to an end but where one thing ends something else begins. In one hand is life and the other death. It is a natural occurrence and is a part of life..."

Solomon's heart began to sink. The Queen wasn't taking him seriously. He straightened to his full height, almost seven feet tall, and studied her face for any hint of understanding. His gaze was frighteningly expressionless, as if he bore news so grave that no emotion could possibly describe it. And as Samantha stared back at him, it began to dawn on her that "the end" he referred to was of greater importance than she had first thought.

"There will be no more visitations for today Pyre," she commanded. "Close the doors and prepare my room. Be sure to give this gentlemen a room and whatever essentials he needs and then send him to me. You..." she said, addressing Solomon, "We will talk in a little bit."

Solomon bowed. The news was urgent, but he could afford to spend a few minutes learning about the woman so closely associated with The End. He already gathered that she was a Soulforce mage - that much was certain. What was less clear was whether her powers could affect the rise of the Awakened. He shuddered at the thought of them.

"As Your Majesty wishes. What you must do, I urge you to do in haste, for the coming storm draws nigh even as we speak."