Rughoi was pulled out of his thoughts by a brilliant light materializing right in the center of his meeting hall, looking for all the world like a tear in reality itself. He shielded his eyes from its blinding glow till it receded. When it was gone, Rebat stood in its place, already down in a kneel.

"Your Might, I bring good news," he said, with as much flourish as he could muster, holding out the sealed letter. Rughoi took it from his hand, then with one claw, broke the seal. His fingers were trembling as he read the letter, not able to hide his fear. He can't deny anymore that the powers that surrounded him were larger, crueler, and endlessly more powerful than he. Their demands he already knew would be unreasonable, but he would have to capitulate.

"Good news indeed," Rughoi muttered. The more he read, the angrier he became. But in that anger, an idea came to him, one that would hinge on the arrogance of the court of Hekaga and their disdain for the kobold forces. "There's no way out. I will have to honor our agreement. Rebat, you're our friend in their court. Bring with you three thousand legionnaires and send them back over to serve at the city of our new allies."

"But Your Might, that is no more than half of our whole army, probably less," Rebat said. He was never quick of mind, and he knew it, but he was beginning to catch on to the plan.

"They don't need to know that," Rughoi said. "March them around, flaunt their skill, make it look like that's our whole army. No doubt every dracon in this whole continent is sure we can barely scrape together a hundred. Now back to Hekaga with you, Rebat. Don't leave our friends waiting." Rebat bowed again, and left to assemble the army.