The river flowed swiftly to the city of Priroda, splitting in a perfect 45 degree angle around the magnificent city. the water glistened with the shin of the sun and fisher men were out in their boats, they looked like they would tip into the rapid flow and get pushed east towards the hills. If you look closely, you notice that the river split three ways, two created by nature and one by man, flowing into the city to provide water to the people. This is what Nicandros noticed as he looked upon his magnificent city, he would do nearly anything to protect this city, it was a perfect blend of nature and mans' work. The streets were littered with flowering bushes and trees lined the sidewalks. Many of the houses had gardens in the back and in the center of the city, there was a glorious tree. that is suppose to be as old as the city itself. Nicandros knew that the city would fall if the Dominion of Ordov attacked. He couldn't imagine the city burning and the followers of the Old Way executed. 

The council meeting was unscheduled and called quickly, man of the council members had to abandon their current projects to get to this meeting. They wondered what was so important that the high king had to call a meeting when the next one was only a week away. "We shall have to start without our sister from the Sisterhood of Water and Wind, this matter needs to be discussed now." 

The members that had arrived were the Head of the Horned Protectors and the lords of the three tribes. They all had the same thought, "What is this matter of discussion?"

"Now, I'm sure you are wondering what was so important that I needed to meet you now." says Nicandros "As many of you know, the Dominion has always been at our borders and have always planned to invade us. I believe-" Nicandros erupts into a nasty cough and his guards at his side are forced to make him sit in his chair, a servant comes in quickly handing him a glass of wine. "Now back to business, I believe they are planning to attack us as Seleukos as spotted a unusual amount of increased patrols. Our land and this city itself would be in the direct path of an attack, it would also affect our trade as they are also a major trade partner and are attacking their northern neighbors and a small trade partner, Taelyc. This are the matters that have forced me to move up our meeting."

"I don't see how this is a problem, my majesty." says Bogdan "They have always been threatening us, but they have also been a great help in many efforts."

"My dear sir, I understand that they have been a great help, but they have also never attacked their northern neighbor, yet they have now." answers Nicandros

"I am sorry my king, but I cannot support this." says Seleukos "They provide much of the income to my part of the kingdom."

"I have to agree with Seleukos." says Bogdan

The meeting was a failure and everyone was getting up to leave, Nicandros had grown old and no longer had the usual effect on his council. Mamigon was heading for the great door, bejeweled and covered in gold but also natural branches sticking out as if it was alive when Nicandros grabbed his arm. "Please, the kingdom needs protecting and you are our last hope."

"My king, I serve only the Horned Lord and you. I will try my best to station men at our western border."