"So, this is Barnabian honor. While Inverness struggles against a larger foe, another larger than Inverness strikes out against us, e'en as the first sues for peace."

"So be it. Inverness hath faced this fate once before, and shall withstand it again. Dominion, Inverness accepts the gauntlet thou hath cast down."

"Tho' Barnabian honor be tainted, we shall show thee that Angelique acts in accordance to the Laws of War."

The Tower yet standsTelani, The Dragon of InvernessI

The sound of one set of feet running startled her out of her thoughts.

"What's that?" she mused.

One of her messengers appeared, glancing briefly her way, running a few steps more, looking at her again, and skidding to a halt. He changed course and ran to her, barely stopping short of running into Neris.

"My-- My lady!!" he panted.

She laughed. "What? What's the rush?"

He caught his breath enough to talk in complete sentences. "My lady, Oathbound sued for peace from Inverness!"

"THEY WHAT?!?!?!" she roared.

He flinched and repeated himself. "They sued for peace, My lady."

Neris fumed, pacing the floor of the hall. She had gone against her better judgement in agreeing to join this fight, and it had blown up in her face. She growled, muttering to herself about honor and loyalty and keeping everyone else informed, her body starting to glow slightly.. As her anger increased, she flashed brightly and her body transformed into a pillar of flame. She spoke gruffly to the messenger, who had backed away a few feet.

"Get me Synne. Get me Rahvin. Get me Aynia. Get me Langin. Get me Wildfire. Get them now. We must talk."

The messenger ran off to relay the "invitations".

"Impero Barnabatis, Iussum et Pax."
Imperatrix of The Dominion
Dominion

[This message has been edited by Neris (edited 11-03-99).]

*he sends word to Neris*
My Liege,
Shall I continue with my onslaught?..

*as the messenger leaves he snickers again and goes to admire his new lands*

He presents her with a slip of paper, and at her wry look he blushes. "Sorry, My lady.." He reads it, trying to recover from his embarassment at trying to hand a piece of parchment to a burning fire elemental. "It's from Baron G, Lady. It reads:

"My liege,
Shall I continue with my onslaught?

"I think he heard of OathBound's suit for peace."

Neris raises an eyebrow at the messenger, thinking that there was no doubt he heard of it, but she refrains from mentioning this. She learned from her father that even unintentionally insulting one's underlings can undermine one's position. She rubs her temples in thought, then gestures dismissively to the messenger.

"Tell him to stop, regroup, and await further orders."

The messenger bows. "Yes, My lady." He hurries from the hall, leaving Neris to her agitated pacing.

"Impero Barnabatis, Iussum et Pax."
Imperatrix of The Dominion
Dominion

[This message has been edited by Neris (edited 11-04-99).]

The candles flickered merrily as Rahvin stood up from the head of the long table. Raising his unusually large silver tankard in the air he proposes a toast.

To all our fallen fellow warriors who died in the battlefield today......WAIT........NO ONE FELL TONIGHT......HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW!!!

Bringing down his tankard towards his lips, Rahvin downs the contents in one giant gulp and continues to laugh uncontrollably. Following his example the hall erupted into an uproar of drunken laughter.

Rahvin! Rahvin! There is a message for you! From the Guild Mistress herself!

Snatching the sealed scroll from the half-drunken messenger, Rahvin begins to unroll the parchment.

Damn that woman! All work and no play! Why won't she let me enjoy my victory in peace?

Completely unfolds the sealed scroll, Rahvin's dark eyes move quickly through it's contents. His lips curl into a wicked smile as he crumples the note and sends it flaming through the window. Haphazardly stepping onto the buffet table, trying not to step on the various meats and desserts, Rahvin bellows..

I must take leave and handle some unexpected business. However, do not cancel the festivities due to my abscence! Drink and be merry ALL!!! You have earned it!!

Steps down off the table and stalks down the hallways grumbling to himself. Rushes out the grand marble entrance of his keep and speeds towards Neris's domain.

Rahvin
There is no Salvation without Destruction
Dominion

[This message has been edited by Rahvin (edited 11-04-99).]

A third messenger appears with Rahvin in tow. He bows to Neris, then gestures to Rahvin. "My lady, Lord Rahvin."

Neris waves her hand impatiently. "I know who he is. Leave me with him. Only interrupt in the event that you are called or that one of the others arrives."

The messenger nods and disappears.

Neris walks forward to Rahvin, her green eyes shining angrily. "You've heard the news, then? The OathBound have sued for peace after we agreed to fight for them, and they didn't do us the courtesy of informing us that our assistance was no longer needed. They have made us into bloodthirsty fools.

"How do you counsel, Rahvin?" She stares at him, her eyes hard, awaiting his response.

"Impero Barnabatis, Iussum et Pax."
Imperatrix of The Dominion
Dominion

[This message has been edited by Neris (edited 11-04-99).]

Here lay that which is the lands of the Oathbound. Trusting in the Laws of war, and that the Oathbound could live up to their name, e'en over an unsigned treaty, Inverness had retreated. 'twas a painful retreat indeed...for e'en though the enemy was both mightier and more numerous, Inverness had won themselves a victory.

And o'er there? The realm of the Dominion. After their first savage assault, one that had done measurable harm to several Inverness kingdoms, the front had grown suddenly quiet.

Again, Inverness stood between two giants...but this time, ne'er were so large, and both seemed unsure. Was it possible that the past would not indeed repeat itself?

Telani called a sprite to him, and commanded that his enchanted leaves be once again inscribed.

"To the Oathbound...nay...to the Guildmaster of the Oathbound. I ask thee...dost thou accept the agreement in principle negotiated by one who claims to have stood at thy right hand? Wilt thou accept a cessation of warfare? Or wilt thou stand side by side with another again larger than we?"

"The treaty still blows upon the winds somewhere within thy lands...thy servants can recover it if thou doth wish to put pen to paper."

"To the Guildmaster of the Dominion. It would seem that thou doth seek to claim a measure of vengance for a war long past. As thou doth wish. Inverness had not crumpled at thy first strike, and is prepared to take thy full measure."

"If the truth be told aright, and thou knewest not that thy realm was being thrown to a wolf whom he you called ally refused to face alone, then Inverness shall not question thy honor further in this matter."

"'tis a shame that two Werebears must gather together to smite a Wildman, but if the Wildman prove bold enough, perhaps one Werebear alone cannot bear it's measure. We shall see how the second fares."

Telani watched as the sprite sped off into the distance. Watched, and waited to here the replies.

The Tower yet stands
Telani, The Dragon of Inverness
I

He alights and declares that he is a messenger, sent to bring word to the Guildmaster of the Dominion.

Handing over his message, he remains outside the citadel, awaiting a reply...he watches warily, ready to depart at a moment's notice...for other Inverness messengers have suffered horrible fates before at the hands of the Barnabians.

The message is writ in Spider Silk upon an oak leaf, the letters changing and shifting as the observer watches. As the leaf is handed to Neris, the silk forms into...

It would seem that thou doth seek to claim a measure of vengance for a war long past. As thou doth wish. Inverness had not crumpled at thy first strike, and is prepared to take thy full measure.

If the truth be told aright, and thou knewest not that thy realm was being thrown to a wolf whom he you called ally refused to face alone, then Inverness shall not question thy honor further in this matter.

'tis a shame that two Werebears must gather together to smite a Wildman, but if the Wildman prove bold enough, perhaps one Werebear alone cannot bear it's measure. We shall see how the second fares.

My messenger awaits thy reply.

Swift as the fae winds...
So fly I
Telani's Alt

She shakes her head and begins her pacing again. "We entered this war solely because the OathBound asked for our assistance. Yes, we owe Inverness a strike back, but this was not to be it. Not while they were engaged in war with our brothers and sisters.. We will take our revenge when we face them one-on-one, again." She clenches her fists again, then unclenches one and pounds the other into it rhythmically, punctuating her words. "Revenge is a dish best served cold, as the saying goes.. And it's not quite cold enough for my tastes just yet. We are not showing them mercy by pausing in our attacks. We are showing honor. This was not to our vengeance, this was to help fellow followers of the Red God." She spat angrily on the floor then continues. "They have dishonored us, suing for peace as we amassed our forces to attack."

She growls and continues her agitated pacing, thinking over what to do next. She remembers the absence of the rest of her Ministri Imperii and looks back at Rahvin. "Where are the others? How long does it take to get here? The wording of my message should have made it clear that delay was not an option. What's--"

She breaks off as those same running footsteps are heard again. "In the name of Barnabas, now what??" She sighs in exasperation and stops pacing, placing her hands on her hips, running one over the dagger at her side, her stance exuding anger and attitude.

The messenger appears again, bearing an oak leaf. Neris snorts and strides quickly to meet him, recognizing Telani's chosen form of communication. She reads the paper aloud.

"It would seem that thou doth seek to claim a measure of vengance for a war long past. As thou doth wish. Inverness had not crumpled at thy first strike, and is prepared to take thy full measure.

"If the truth be told aright, and thou knewest not that thy realm was being thrown to a wolf whom he you called ally refused to face alone, then Inverness shall not question thy honor further in this matter.

"'tis a shame that two Werebears must gather together to smite a Wildman, but if the Wildman prove bold enough, perhaps one Werebear alone cannot bear it's measure. We shall see how the second fares.

"My messenger awaits thy reply."

She pauses for a moment, listening to see if any of her other advisors have arrived, then shakes her head emphatically. She points at the messenger and speaks.

"Take this down.

"This strike was not begun as an act of revenge, and it has not become one. We do not seek revenge from foes already engaged.

"The rumors are true. I ordered the attacks on behalf of the OathBound, at their request. They neglected to inform me that, as The Dominion's forces were preparing to take the field, they were sending ambassadors to sue for peace.

"They have proven their worth as allies. I will deal with them.

"When the werebear hears his brother's cry for help, he is obliged to answer."

She nodded and spun on her heel away from the messenger, who had been writing furiously the whole time she spoke, and resumed her pacing. "I believe you know what to do with that."

He nodded and hurried from the hall.

Neris glanced questioningly at Rahvin, wondering what his response would be to her letter to Inverness.

"Impero Barnabatis, Iussum et Pax."
Imperatrix of The Dominion
Dominion

[This message has been edited by Neris (edited 11-04-99).]

" Wait for me outside "

The wildmen reply, " Yes Lord Seren."

Seren proceeds over to Neris and Rahvin.

" Greetings Rahvin and Lady Neris. Thy have fullfilled thy orders, and report very low casulties."

Before proceeding further,,Seren notices the angry look on Rahvin and Neris' faces.

" Sorry for interupting, thy shall leave thee to finish your discussion. Thyself, and thy armies are at your disposal mi'Lady. Call when you request my prescence."

Lord Seren

Dominion

The noise grows louder, and he watches others as they react to it.

Surely this can't be the warriors from Oathbound!! We didst declare peace!

Leetah looks worried as the sound grows louder.

A servant comes running in

More Barnabas forces are attacking!!!!! Get AWAY! he screams to everyone.

I'm afraid I must go! Polgaria says to Leetah as people tear out of their costumes and run. She nods, and Polgaria transmutes into a raven, in order to get a clear view of the forces coming.

Outside the hall is utter hell. Inverness's glory is being tarnished by hoards of dishonorable Barnabas.

What......where? WHO ARE THESE RAIDERS?!?! Polgaria thought to himself.

He went in search of Telani. Not finding him, Polgaria decided to return to his kingdom and protect it.

Polgaria's heart sank when he reached his castle. There was hardly anything left to protect. His temples had crumbled, and his people were dead in the streets and their homes.

Walking among them, he stopped where there was a mother, cradling her dead baby.

Please M'Lord, help me! HELP US!!

A tear dropped from Polgaria's eye at this. He leaned down next to her, and cried with her.

Screaming from about a mile away brought Polgaria's attention back. More marauders. As they came closer, Polgaria drew up his sorcerous abilities, preparing for a fight.

A pinpoint of light appeared in front of Polgaria. The color of it shifted from blue to green, then red, and back again as it increased in size. Slowly, it formed a hollow shaft of light, centered about Polgaria.

The barbarians drew still closer, and he could see in their eyes what they wanted to do to the woman weeping beside him. Polgaria's rage against these heathens for destroying his kingdom and Inverness.....which he had worked so hard for.

NOT THIS TIME!!!!!! Polgaria screamed like a savage beast, and let loose the power he had been building against the Barnabas before him.

All manner of hell and earth broke loose, and the paladins of Barnabas had no hope. First, a gigantic flood drowned them. Then, a fire, taken out of the deepest depths of hell burned them. But this was not enough for Polgaria....his rage was too great. Finally, subzero temperatures froze them.

Not a single one lived.

Completely drained, Polgaria leaned against the wall of a burned house, and wept.

Lord Pol~ MIS
---Wizard of Inverness---
I

[This message has been edited by Polgaria (edited 11-04-99).]

Bent nearly in half to accomodate the low ceiling, Mernazul crosses the portal and stands before a very surprised Telani.

"What are you doing?!" The demon's voice, normally a lethal growl, comes in a terrible roar, so primal it is barely decipherable. "Suggesting peace with the Dominion?! Never!"

The great beasts eyes shone such a brilliant blue they almost seemed white. With each outraged word spat out, the massive demon advanced a short step on his master.

"Leave OathBound. Their pathetic 'kingdoms' are not worth our while. But these Dominion... they may yet prove a challenge. Their cowardly tactics are almost half as bad as those of the jackals of Bellum Lupus!! They must be destroyed, they shall be destroyed!"

Then, suddenly calming himself, Mernazul continued his tirade in a more customarily subdued growl.

"Allow me to unleash the true forces of Inverness upon these heathens. We shall bathe in their blood, we shall pile high their rotting corpses, we shall bring great the great suffering they so surely deserve..." Rambled on the demon, his growl taking on a curiously dreamy quality, "Let me destroy them."

Turning his back, Mernazul strode from the chamber as suddenly as he had entered it, leaving Telani without waiting for so much as a single word of reply. After all, if he was to prepare for joyful killing, he needed a little more space.

Mernazul, Reluctant Demon
Primus of War
I

Kllan sat in his tower, still unassailed, reading over reports, and listening through the new door that Loki had opened in his mind.

Loki had made him immortal, had made him to feed on the life force of his foes, yet had dashed his hopes, wiped them away, and replaced them with new ones. All at a stroke.

And now, the old and ancient foe, they who Loki warred with so much vigor, reared their heads against Inverness again?

He could hear the outraged demon, spilling magic all over the realm with his outburst. If he concentrated, he could hear the far off sounds of murmuring priests of lesser magic, beseeching their Gods to work vile misfortune upon their foes. Kllan grinned. An ingenious trick..

Almost worth the price.

He listened to the Dominion's leaders, their faint voices of power carrying lightly with their God, and therefore, his to be overheard. He heard bits and pieces.. indeed?

They were hung out to dry, swindled, by their own faithmates?

"How...delicious. I'll make quite a meal of them, then."

And Kllan prepared to leave, to satisfy his new hunger.

Garion had been sent out by DaMag, in search of Polgaria. He had disappeared for more than a day, and was needed in the Great Hall of Inverness. Garion had never met his master, but he knew what Polgaria looked like from numerous paintings that adorned Polgaria's castle of his family.

Led by the beckoning of the mass of destruction that lay before Garion which had ripped forth from Polgaria, he found him, sitting in the chair of a house missing three walls and almost all of the roof.

Polgaria had a dazed expression on his face. Slowly, Garion crept up to him.

M.....M'Lord Polgaria? he asked meekly. Polgaria made no responce to hearing Garion's words. He sat there motionless. Garion wondered if he was alive at all. M'Lord, ArchMage DaMag seeks thee out. Thou art needed amongst the other Lords and Ministers of Inverness. Even the great Dragon Telani seeks thy presence.

Garion's words became stronger as he spoke. Despite the many words told to Garion of Polgaria's love for his people, he was a little leery about the man's great powers.

Polgaria sat motionless for a moment longer. Then, with eternal slowness it seemed, he turned towards Garion. His eyes held within them the deepest sorrow Garion had ever seen. Polgaria stood ever so slowly and spread his arms wide. Finally, he angled his head to the sky.

WHY?!? Polgaria said in almost a whisper, but it had enough force in it to move millions of souls.

Garion, Squire of Polgaria

Polgaria's Alt

[This message has been edited by Polgaria (edited 11-05-99).]

Lady Neris,

I have consulted with those who aid my rule of Inverness. This is far from an accidental assault, and is not easily set aside.

If thou art willing to return unto Inverness the full measure of what hath been taken...acre for acre...then Inverness shall call this a misunderstanding, and shall accept a peace.

For the damage thou hath wrought, my people can accept no less.

Telani, The Dragon of Inverness

Swift as the fae winds...
So fly I
Telani's Alt

[This message has been edited by A Sprite (edited 11-06-99).]

She growled as he said what she had fully expected him to say.

"I have not seen any proof that there is a treaty, but no one at OathBound has made any effort to contact me and tell me that the rumors are false.

"We have been betrayed by our own.

She unsheathed her dagger and tossed it, with a flick of her wrist, across the hall, watching it come to rest with a solid thunk in the forehead of a figure in a tapestry.

"It does not matter that the members of Inverness are heathens. They are people. I will not attack them unjustly and repay their honor and respect with bloodthirsty dishonor. I would kill anyone who did that to me, I expect nothing less from my enemies. We entered this war only to help our faith-brothers. Not to exact revenge."

She snorted and sighed, halting her pacing and leaning against a wall. She looked at Rahvin and Wildfire, shook her head briefly, then spoke.

"Now wh--"

Yet again the sound of footsteps cut her off. "So help me Barnabas, if this happens one more time--" The messenger appeared again, bearing another message from Inverness. Neris shook her head again and held out her hand. The messenger cautiously placed the leaf in it and moved back to a safe distance. She read the letter aloud..

"Lady Neris,

"I have consulted with those who aid my rule of Inverness. This is far from an accidental assault, and is not easily set aside.

"If thou art willing to return unto Inverness the full measure of what hath been taken...acre for acre...then Inverness shall call this a misunderstanding, and shall accept a peace.

"For the damage thou hath wrought, my people can accept no less.

"Telani, The Dragon of Inverness."

She leaned her head back against the wall, staring at the ceiling overhead for a moment, then closing her eyes.

"Somehow, I knew this would happen," she thought.

She didn't need to open her eyes to see the looks she knew she was getting from the messenger, Wildfire, and Rahvin. She knew all too well what they were thinking..

But more so, she knew what she had to do.

"Honor," she thought, swallowing.

"Send out the orders," she said to the messenger. "All attacks, if not already halted, must stop now.

"Cede them the land."

The messenger's jaw dropped. "My lady--"

"Cede it to them!!" she shouted. He nodded meekly and ran from the hall.

She felt herself begin to slide down the wall, felt the weakness in her knees, knew what would probably come next.. Mutiny. She knew the members of her guild didn't see eye-to-eye with her on this. Forced from office. Stripped of rank. Exiled.

Somehow, though, she remained standing.

"Impero Barnabatis, Iussum et Pax."
Imperatrix of The Dominion
Dominion

[This message has been edited by Neris (edited 11-06-99).]

"Lord Telani, the Dominion has agreed to thy terms."

"Very well...prepare the troops for...WHAT?!?."

A long silence persisted through the chamber. Telani, so often unaffected by word or deed, stood with an expression of shock on his face.

Finally, he composed himself, and replied...

"Command the troops to stand down. Prepare an expeditionary force for the SOLE purpose of demarking and reclaiming lands."

"Send trusted fae throughout the lands to take a FULL accouting of the lands lost. Assure any lords they must speak with that any attempt to lay claim to what was not once theirs will be punished severely."

"By my command, NONE shall strike out against the Dominion, so long as Neris rules. Any who do so are no longer of Inverness, and shall be dealt with accordingly."

"And send for Mernazul and Richard ManMeat. Do not inform them of what the matter I must discuss is, but tell them that Telani commands their presence immediately, and that he shall brook NO delay."

"Inverness has given it's word, has asked for terms by the Laws of War, and shall not go back upon those terms. So long as Angelique is honored here, the Law is paramount."

Telani then sat down upon a boulder newly formed beneith him...his normally featureless gaze could only be described as...troubled.

The Tower yet stands
Telani, The Dragon of Inverness
I

A devoted wildman stood before Seren, and froze the crowd as he blew through a trumpet.
Seren stepped forward as the crowd silenced.

" Years of suffering are over my friends. We are bound with great allies who together will assure our prosperity. Our faith in Barnabas will guide us."

A great roar of jubilance thunders from the crowd. Seren raises his hands and the crowd again silences.

" All attention is to be focused on our new fortresses, they must be finished by tomorrow, for thy am preparing a great festival in celebration of our victory, and our new allies within the Dominion."

Just as Seren had finished his speech, a startled messenger races to Seren's side.

"Mi'lord, thy have a message from the keep of Neris"

Seren replies, " Retaliation,,,have the forces of Inverness gathered so quickly?"

Seren takes the scroll from the messenger and unrolls it. His eyes grow red as they roar through the message. Seren crumbles the scroll and throws it to the ground. He then turns into the shadows and begins to talk aloud to himself.

" Cede the land? CEDE the land? How can thy be liable for the mistakes of others. The gold and days of work, who will repay this. Can thy be expected to return land for which thy people died for."

Seren turns to his second in command,

" Thy want thou to gather an ambassador party, and make sure it is well-armed. Thy will ride to Neris' keep tonight."

Lord Seren

Dominion

"You are to appear before Telani with all do haste!!"

ManMeat's tolerrance for such encounters, between himself and one so weak, would have normally been sorely tested. However THIS messenger approahed with no fear, and barked the order as if possesed by the goddess Angelique herself.

"ggggggrrrrrrrr..."

He silently followed the messenger, annoyed at the slowness of the pace. For he so eagerly wished to return quickly to his now readied forces, from this meeting with Telani, and begin yet again the process of shedding heathen blood. The messenger suddenly veered off, indicating where Telani be, and ManMeat continued onward...

He respectfully sheathed his blades as he approached the seated Telani. ManMeat was unaccustomed to approaches so...DIRECT. When he had reached the appropriate distance from the Great Dragon, he knelt...

"You wish audience with me m'lord?...."

Fear not, for death by Assassin hands is quick!!
Richard ManMeat - Assassin of Inverness
I

[This message has been edited by Richard ManMeat (edited 11-07-99).]

*leans his head over to his second in command*

ahh what a great day... our warriors are feeling great.. the peasents are happy and i'm feeling good.. this was a fine war.. not to many losses. no?

*Ranthon looks over at Chathsolen*
no sir not to many losses and yes it was a fine war.

*continues to watch as my kingdom grows then all of a sudden I hear the pitter-patter of feet running my direction*

*i look over to see who it is and what i guessed a messanger*

What do you want !?

*the messanger stops quickly*

sir i have a message from the priests

*I grab the scroll out of his hand and reads it*

LOL what you mean to tell me this is of importance? BLAH! there no way they can harm me with Sorcery attacks

*and continues to keep laughing as i walk on to the priests main casting pit*

Count Chathsolen

Legatus of Dominion

Peace? Resigning of territory? Indeed?

Kllan's hunger, building all this time, reminded him of his now obsolete strike force, whic followed him to a land that was now quite at peace with him.

He swore, a log string of Orcish curses, with a few the Centaur had taught him to let the troops know just how he felt. Running over what he would say to him men in his mind, Kllan came upon a better idea.

Souls were souls, after all.

And think of the expenditure saved, now that he had no need for an army, with no foe to turn them against.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loki was amused at the chaos that Kllan rent through his own Wildmen. Not one had survived the combination of physical and magical attack Kllan now commanded. The dead were rising, pulling the living back into the necromancer's grasp. The ground spat acids, and melted the hooves of soldiers to the knee.

Kllan feasted long, and when his hunger was sated, it was a long ride back to his keep, alone.

"Stay right there so I may send ya back with reply."

*Expecting the news to be of good things being done upon the lands properly taken from the Heathen of Inverness, she reads.*

"All attacks, if not already halted, must stop now.

"Cede them the land."

*Her grin twists into a scowl as flames lick from her talons and burn the missive in her palm. She repeats the last line aloud.*

"Cede the land"...CEDE THE LAND!?

*She paces around her horse, the ground blackening under her flaming footsteps, pale colored eyes darkening and seeming to alight like fire ambers. Her own people sidestep away, having seen this countenence before*

"Cede...MY LAND!? Never in all my time with the Thirteenth Baatorian Legion would I have been ORDERED to cede land BACK to Heathen scum. I knew The Dominion would be different...aye...but this...reprehensible! Never will I simply give a single solitary acre unto followers of a False God."

*She turns to the messanger and sends him back with a one-word reply to Neris*

"Tell "Mistress" Neris this...NEVER!"

*The messanger runs from Tara's land hurrying back to Neris. She opens her palm and spits on the ashes of Neris' missive and lets the ashes blow with the Four Winds. Tara then calls for her own messanger, remembering an honorable friend, one who's opinion she trusts and respects. She takes paper and pen from the messanger and writes a detailed letter to her friend telling of all that has transpired in this and what it means for her people*

"Deliver this to Shayanna Griffinsbane and await her reply."

*The messanger tucks the letter away and runs from the city to meet with Shayanna*

*Tara mounts her horse, pulling her father's battleaxe onto her back and rides through her lands giving orders of strictest defense to her Basilisks and mages as well. Coming to public assembly she dismounts and addresses her masses who'd begun following her through the city*

"Defend OUR lands with your lives! Not one acre will we repay the Heathen of Inverness! Know this...we go against our Guildmistress in this, something we have never done. There is a time we must choose for ourselves. The time has come. This means leaving The Dominion. You all stood with me when together we saw the Great Thirteenth Baatorian Legion to it's Final Days. Together we came to The Dominion. Together we will leave. I ride to meet my brother, Baron G. He and his forces will accompany me in search of a PROPER home for us. The Dominion has proven they are not what we had searched for. Barnabas does not see his Faithful through battle only to give back lands to followers of a False God. Now, darken our lands and they will be shrouded in Barnabas' favor."

*The assembled crowd cheers its approval as Tara mounts and rides through the gates of her city, slamming shut behind her, she looks over her shoulder once to see her mages' shroud falling over her lands. She prays to Barnabas to guard her lands and people in her absense and disappears into the night*

~Tara d'Adreci~
~Warrior Sorceress of Barnabas~
=Dominion No Longer=

[This message has been edited by Tara (edited 11-07-99).]

Telani doth wish to see me, and DaMag as well? Polgaria said to the boy.

Yes, M'Lord. Garion spoke, finding this change in the man before him remarkable.

Well, it wouldst be a terrible thing to keep them waiting! With that, Polgaria stepped out of the wreckage and towards the boy.

Drawing again on his magical abilities, he transported the two of them to the Great Hall of Inverness, where he found together the Dragon, the WarLord, the ShadowLord, and finally, the ArchMage he had been searching for for the past days.

Polgaria approached him, and embraced him for a moment.

Word has reached me that thou dist wish to see me, my Dragon? And thou as well, DaMag?

~Lord Pol
Wizard of Inverness
Minister of Internal Security

I

[This message has been edited by Polgaria (edited 11-07-99).]

"There will be no reprisal attacks against the Dominion. No vengance. A lawful compact hath been agreed upon, and that compact shall be obeyed."

"Neris, Master of the Dominion, hath agreed to return to Inverness the full measure of what was taken in their Unlawful attack upon us. In doing this, she has humbled me with the single most impressive act of honor, one which places the act of honor above the consequence."

"Upon my instruction, we shall take only what has been lost. Not one acre, not one coin, not one seed more than has been lost. There will be no attacks of vengance, no acts of reprisal, no burnings in the night."

"Any who attack against my command are no longer of Inverness."

Telani gestures to the assembled, to indicate they may depart. Richard ManMeat, however, he motions to remain.

"Thou hath once before told me that in an assassin's heart there is no room for vengance, hatred, or spite. The test of thy lawfulness is before thee now. Wilt thou stand down, and tell all thy assembled forces that there shall not be war this day?"

Without waiting for Richard's reply, Telani gazes off in the distance.

"Thy orders are set, and I already know thy answer. See to it that Inverness' will be done. I must now await the approach of Mernazul, and I must await him alone."

Telani turned his gaze to the skies, and watched for the demon lord's approach.

The Tower yet stands
Telani, The Dragon of Inverness
I

I remember still the time before MoPri, when the Lords of Dominion reigned supreme and crushed all beneath their iron heel. The Lords of Dominion grew arrogant with their power, after defeating their enemies they discarded any pretension to honor they might have had. Then the Cataclsym laid them low- how things have changed.
Evil? What is Evil? Good? What is good? In the final accounting there is only power and victory- and the eyes of our god upon our quest to obtain them. Who can know what the gods require? It is good to see that those under the Dominion have, once more, embraced the honor which they once discarded. Also to see those of the Inverness showing the grace to accept that honor. So many in these days do not...

Hate is a tool for those strong enough
to wield it Gm-Everhate
EH

Ristin entered the room with a raised eyebrow.

"Ye summoned me Great One?"

"Aye.
I got an avairy this morning and would like ye to tell me who it be from and what it be saying."

*Ristin gave a small smile which drew a dark look from Shayanna*

"Of couse Milady." *S*

*Ristin read the avairy aloud word for word.
Shayanna frowned apon hearing what the empire of Oathbound did and raised her eyebrows in surprise and shock about the settlement between Inverness and Dominion.
When Ristin finished, Shayanna silently took it all in.
After a moment of thought, she spoke*

"Ristin.
Remove Oathbound from me list of empires I be interisted in.

I will nae join an empire who uses the tactics of a Letorian.
Barnabas will eventually deal with that empire in time."

"Yes Milady."

*Ristin paused for a second and finaly had to ask*

"What be ye opinion of how Lady Neris handled the settlement?"

"I like her."

*Ristin was surprised at this statement*
Ye seriously agree to this sort of settelment!?"

"Nae.
I said I like her.

However I disagree with her actions.
She commited herself to aiding Oathbound.
There is nae a dishonor in that.

The full brunt of dishonor falls apon Oathbound.
I think I have a dislike of them that rivals the Letorians.
To use a fellow empire like they did be a complete disgrace to what we stand for.
I wish the Letorians and Angelicans well on their conquest of Oathbound, for Barnabas surely would nae care at this point."

As for Neris....

*She ponders in thought as she trys to figure out how to say how she feels*

"What can I say.
I like her.
However, I do nae understand why she takes the dishonor apon herself.
I firmly believe from what I have read that she nae once intended to act dishonorably.

Everyone makes mistakes.
Trusting in ye fellow empires of Barnabas should NOT have been a mistake.
I would more than likely have made the same mistake as Neris.

But I would nae question me honor over it.
The most Inverness would have gotten from me be an immediate cease of attack and formal apology for the misunderstanding.

Although I highly prize honor, Balance in all things must be upheld.

When Honor inspires ye to do irrational things, it becoms fanaticisim.

I believe Neris be fighting a personal battle with the Goddess Angelique in her own head.
And I really hopes she wins.
Although fanaticisim of this magnitude could give Angelique the power to manipulate her, If she be stong willed enough, she can overcome this weakness.

But I will tell ye this...
As long as she leads Dominion, I will nae ever question their honor nor their words.
They be the best ally any Barnabarian empire could ask for without having to worry about treachery.

I prize honor greatly Ristin.
And she showed me up.
That be why I like her.
But I could nae ever join Dominion.

Send an avairy to Tara.
Begin quote."

*Ristin drew forth his tablet, inkwell, and pen*

"Lady Tara.
Tis been over 11 months since last we spoke in the realms of Castle.
I understand ye reasons for leaving Dominion, but being without an empire in this day and age be suicide.

I be sure The Knights of the Flame would be more than happy to take ye in.

One thing be for sure, we will have to get together and vist "The Court of Vampires" for old times sake and enjoy a good frosty mug of ale or whatever it stuff ye drink be.

~§hayanna~

End quote."

*Ristin finished the avairy and sent it on its way wondering if he should have asked Tara how she did that leaf avairy trick*

----=(§hayanna Ðanielle Griƒƒinsbane)=----
"Selkies, They can kiss me white ass!!"
¤-The Great One-¤
listen.to/shay

FLAME

[This message has been edited by Shayanna Griffinbane (edited 11-07-99).]

He throws open the doors and finds Neris staring directly at him

I cannot let this happen. NO ONE agrees with your decision. We are not your soldiers. We are Kings, Queens, we have only enterd into the alliance of Dominion for the furthering of Barnabas' cause. We are not your pawns. We are not your toys. Many of us are even greater than you. Your position is a position which WE gave to you. You have overstepped your power.

What the guild wants is what I stand for. What they want is not to cede the land.

So now you have a choice. Tell the heathens that we will not give them a free shot at us.

If they want their land back, let them take it from OB.

Perhaps you have gone soft. Perhas you are not fit to lead.

The choice is yours. Do as the guild wants or leave. If neither of those is accomplished, then you will be responsible for the destruction of Dominion.

You've said that Dominion is not a democracy. You would have it be a tyranny. The followers of Angelique believe in tyranny. The Letos, anarchy.

So I ask you, what should we be?

For WE will not be tyrannists and we will not be anarchists.

Langin O'Sagen, Ambassador of Dominion
Destiny-Not chosen, yet decided by your choices.
Dominion

"Thy have never been one to allow another to speak for thee, thus the reason for my company."

"Thy people have trialed for many years, we struggled to erect a powerful stronghold, and I thought we made it even stronger when I allied with the forces of Dominion. Thy do not expect my people to give up the land for which they died for, nor will thy ask it from them. Thy don't claim to know all of the history with Inverness, for thy am a new member, but what of the monies and time spent building upon the land, who wil repay this? Thy beg you to reconsider your decision. Thy will await your reply mi'lady."

Lord Seren

Dominion

The scouts from the Dominion were no longer lurking about my lands....

Before it seemed a daily task, running them out of the lands. Now, they were gone. Fortunately, I was able to avoid heavy losses to my kingdom during this short period of war. As always, there was damage done, but nothing that we can't rebuild.

The eerie silence over the kingdom startles me. Nothing happening... Strategically, an excellent time to regroup, and strengthen my forces... Mentally, it was driving me insane.

Must taste blood.

I have an unquenchable thirst for the undeniable, but, as always, i must remain within the fine lines of honour, and dignity that at times are a burden, at times a saviour.

I need some rest.

Lord Accolade

Squire of Inverness

My friends while I am not the most eloquent with the written word...I felt the need to write this letter to you all. I can not standby and watch the dismantling of a proud guild. If any think I would just surrender my land freely you are truly insane Inverness can pry the land from my cold dead fingers..I will find a guild that will have me as I am I do hope to see many of you on the battlefield someday soon until that time beware my brothers there is more to this incident than you may know

Baron G

*he reads the letter over and motions to his servant* prepare this letter for each of the members of Dominion save Neris and hand deliever them by noon..
*he nods and the servant runs off*

*he then begins another letter*

Neris..while I see the point in your decision I will NEVER freely give away my holdings and do not wish to argue the point this is a HOLY WAR and you are trying to turn it into a diplomatic venture I am NOT here to kiss heathen ass so I take my leave of you and your few remaining guildmates and know serveral others will do the same perhaps one day Barnabas will speak to you and show you the err of your ways until that time beware for heathen slime will soon be pounding down your door good luck may Barnabas save thee..

Baron G

*this letter he takes to the aviary himself*

Send this letter by way of pigeon as swiftly as possible..

*he then turns and retuns to his chamber to contemplate his next move*

Baron G
Bloodthirsty Warrior
Formerly Dominion

*gives a evil grin*

*the priest nods in agreement and turns about to disbuse the order*

go about your business

*priest says* yes sir

*i leave to head back to my main keep and after a hours walk i arrive*

(makes mental note to add some gaurds)

*as i set down at my desk made of stone i notice a Note.. and i start to read it*

CEDE land!! i think not... as i burst out in a loud voice.. i've worked hard to get this far... no way i'm cedeing land.

*calls up a Demon messanger and writes a note*

Yes sire. says the Demon

Here take this not to Neris keep.

Yes sire. says the demon and departs

(note says: sorry i can't cede land i have lost troops and money getting i have been a standing Dominion member for quit sometime back when Synne was leader and when we would wipe the planet of all Leto and Angie's. and as of now i withdraw all my Ambassadors from Dominion it was a pleasure
signed Count Chathsolen Fire Elemental of the burning fields)

<sighs>

*calls up a Sprite messanger and writes a note*

Yes sire. says the Sprite

Here take this message to these people and wait for there reply.

Yes sire. says the Sprite and departs

*continues to stay setted and ponders*

Count Chathsolen
A Dark-Elven Fire Elemental

A once proud Legatus of Dominion
Now seeking a new home

He moved quickly throughout the winding staircases and corridors, flinging aside any stray creatures that dared cross his path, as he approached the audience chamber where he knew Telani would be waiting.

Finally, late as usual, the demon stood before his Master. In recognition, Mernazul gave a slight bow of the head.

"My presence, as you requested." Came the prideful sneer. Mernazul did not being ordered, and as such had delayed his arrival as much as possible.

"I have heard that Neris has actually accepted your offer. It is rare to find one would do such a thing." Came the Primus' growl, almost with an amused ring to it. "But I have heard too, from some unforetunate little creatures I have chanced upon in my recent travels, that there are rumblings of discontent within the Dominion. I am eager now for the fools of Dominion to go against their leader's wise words. Then - oh then - we may feast upon their kingdoms the way it is meant to be done... Through the great glory of bloody combat and death."

Then he stood silently, apparently awaiting his Master to speak on why he had summoned the demon in the first place.

Mernazul, Reluctant DemonPrimus of War I

"Know this well then, Mernazul, for Angelique's LAW demands it. Should Neris remain, and honor her agreement, the lands shall be taken, but only in equal measure to what is lost, and WITHOUT any more force than is absolutely required to deal with those who resist."

"Morover, should Neris be deposed, I shall sent to their new ruler and ask if he or she will accept these same terms. Although Angelique has no fear of war, She prefers peace, and I will do all that I can to assure that a just peace is obtained."

Telani looked on Mernazul, and noticed that a seething hatred began to build. Knowing what would come next, still he had to continue.

"And we shall deal with them politely."

The Tower yet stands
Telani, The Dragon of Inverness
I

"NEVER!!" The demon's enraged roar ripped through the air, echoing far down the corridors, to the farthest reaches of the Tower of Inverness.

"We should be in their lands riping their bodies to shreds right now, instead of wasting our time on this... this... diplomacy!! I want spilt blood!!"

His massive chest heaving in exertion, muscles bulging to gigantic proportions, Mernazul spun around, burning eyes coming to rest on the quasit slave that had come at it's master's roar.

The demon felt a strong compulsion rising in him to stay his hand. It was the same feeling that always came when he tried to strive against the will of Inverness. But this time...this time his hand would not be stayed.

With a mighty roar of defiance, the demon's taloned hand shot out, blasting into the unfortunate quasit's chest, and continuing on, to exit from the creature's back. As the corpse hung limply, impaled upon his forearm, Mernazul turned back again to his master.

His hunger sated, Mernazul unfurled his claws to reveal, on his palm, the still beating heart of the quasit.

"Let me do this to our enemies."

Mernazul, Reluctant Demon</Font><font face=Primus of War </Font><font face=
I

[This message has been edited by Mernazul (edited 11-07-99).]

"Most unusual," Telani mused,"Mernazul is rarely able to act against my wishes...it seems clearing the hall was a wise precaution after all...it would not do to see my lords and ladies strewn about in such a manner."

"Know this, Mernazul. I give thee what few who hath mastered a demon will. A choice. Thou shalt e'er accept the Law of Inverness, or thou shalt suffer my will. All matters shall be conducted AS I HAVE SPOKEN THEN before the Dominion. Should thou have cause to question again, thou shalt remain..."

The stone behind Mernazul began to ripple, and then silenltly rise up as if a wave.

"...behind..."

With a rush, the liquid stone crashed against Mernazul's back. About his legs, his hips, and the bottom parts of his wings, the now-solid wave encased the lower half of the demon.

"...when next we march!"

Telani stood, and then rose from the ground a good five feet, to gaze directly into Mernazul's eyes...the Demon, held firmly and contorted into an obviously painful position, looked back.

"Do I make myself clear?"

The Tower yet stands
Telani, The Dragon of Inverness
I

Finally, the silence was broken.

"I will lead the armies. Never shall that be taken from me. I will do as... as I must."

Ignoring the pain, so as to retain what pride he had left, Mernazul waited for the stone to disolve about him. When again his feet stood upon normal floor, the demon straightened his shoulders, drew a breath, and stepped back.

Never taking his gaze from Telani's pentrating eyes, Mernazul backed another stride, then turned and marched from the chamber.

Mernazul, Reluctant DemonPrimus of War I

She was staring at a particular set of doors in the hall, almost prescient of what was coming, when Langin threw them open. As he spoke to her, almost shouting, it seemed, she held his gaze the whole time.. And she listened.. And she shook her head as he ended.

"Not a democracy. Not tyranny. Not anarchy. I lead, you advise, the war rages on. This is not about weakness on my part. This is about honor."

She knew, though, that they didn't see it.. All they saw were enemies, not fellow warriors, respectable foes. And a leader who was weak because she chose honor before personal gain.

Part of her whispered urgently.. "It's not too late.. You can change your mind.. It's not too late.." But it was too late, even if she would have chosen that path. They would never follow her again, not like they had.

Lord Seren entered, and he, like they all did, asked her to reconsider.

She turned her back on them and left the hall, walking, not slowly, not quickly, through the corridors of her keep.. She didn't have a destination in mind, but it didn't surprise her at all when she ended up in the section reserved for her family's rooms.. The only people inhabiting the vast set of apartments were herself and her daughter. She found herself at the door of her daughter's suite, and she knocked quietly.

Unsurprisingly, her daughter's nurse, Lidy, answered the door, opening it just a crack. She caught sight of Neris standing there, and she hurriedly pulled the door open fully, admitting her ruler then shutting the door quickly. Neither spoke as Lidy guided Neris through the rooms to the spot where Rese was sitting a short distance from the window, the shutters closed..

She could see out, but no one could see in. Obviously, matters were detoriating much faster than Neris had thought they would.

Rese turned around as her mother entered and nodded out the window. "You can barely hear them..

"It didn't go over well, did it?"

Neris shook her head. Her daughter was astute, for fifteen.

Rese nodded, looking out the window again for a moment, then she turned back to her mother. "Now what?"

"You need to go."

Rese shook her head emphatically. "I can't. I have to stay with you."

Neris turned to Lidy, who nodded slightly and left the room. She sat beside her daughter, memorizing the lines of her face, so similar to her own. She stared into green eyes that matched hers. "You have to. I have...some idea as to where you should go.. But you most certainly cannot stay here. You know that as well as I do."

Rese frowned darkly. "I'm not going."

Neris shook her head. "And I'm not letting our line die here, today. Yes, it is for a good cause...but there've been enough mistakes here."

"Where'll I go?"

"I--" Neris sighed and pushed a blonde lock away from her daughter's face. "You understand what I did today?" Rese nodded. "What do you think about it?"

Rese's eyes got dark and she spat on the floor next to them. "We were first betrayed by the OathBound. Now we are being betrayed by the rest of Dominion. You're their leader! And you're acting with honor! How dare they go against it?"

Neris smiled wryly. "They're free people. And they're just as fiery, at heart, as we are."

Rese shook her head again and looked out the window. "Even the people of our kingdom disagree."

Neris nodded. She had somehow known that would happen.

Lidy reappeared with a small sack of clothing and Rese's cloak. Both Neris and Rese glanced up at her, and Rese turned a glare to her mother. "You're going to make me, aren't you?"

Neris nodded.

"Where will I go?"

Neris frowned. "I don't think you could stay in the lands of The Dominion." Rese shook her head. "I do know one place you would be welcome, but I don't know how receptive to the idea you are." Rese waited. "I'm pretty sure, from my dealings with him, that Telani would find you a place in his lands."

Rese's eyes widened and she whispered fiercely. "Angelicans??!! Mother, I couldn't, I--"

"I don't know that you would be safe in any Barnabian lands. In fact, I'm quite sure you wouldn't be." She laughed. "You're very obviously my daughter."

"They'll kill me. I'm Barnabian."

"First and foremost, you're an honorable warrioress, like your mother, like all of the women of our line. They respect that."

Rese looked at Lidy and the bag and sighed. She moved her gaze again to the view out the window, where peasants were working themselves into a riot. "If these honorless...people are an example of how Barnabians react when faced with problems like this, I'd rather be a heathen.

"At least they have honor," she said bitterly.

Neris frowned and shook her head. "These are unusual circumstances." The sound outside crescendoed and her frown deepened. "You two need to go."

Rese's bitterness changed to frantic concern. "You have to come with us!"

"If I go with you, they'll hunt us, most assuredly. If I stay here, it ends here." She took the cloak from Lidy and put it on Rese, making sure it covered the tell-tale face and blonde hair. She tugged the hood of Lidy's hood up and looked sternly at them both. "Go." She hugged Lidy, then hugged Rese tightly and kissed her forehead. She let her worry show in her eyes. "Please."

Rese swallowed once, hard, then nodded. Lidy took her hand and pulled her from the room.

Neris looked again at the window and sighed. She left her daughter's suite and entered her own, pulling the ceremonial sword used for state occasions from its spot on the wall and attaching it to her belt. She strode out of her rooms and back through the corridors.. She headed to her study instead of the hall where she had made her decision.

Set into one of the walls of her study was a small altar to the Red God, fire burning upon it, incense filling the air around it. She knelt in front of it, grabbing a small handful of the dust the priests kept in a golden bowl beside the altar and sprinkling it on the flames.. The fire leapt higher for a moment and sparkled and the musky scent intensified. She leaned back, sitting on her heels, and closed her eyes.

Recent events flashed through her head.. Receiving the request to aid OathBound.. Discovering, after her forces had already engaged Telani's, that OathBound had sued for peace.. The sickening realization that they had not only been betrayed by their brethren, but had had their honor tarnished. The choice given by Telani.. The chaos that had resulted from her decision..

She sighed and opened her eyes, staring into the flames. Hopefully, Lidy had gotten Rese out.. The sounds inside and outside the keep were growing.. Very, very soon, disgruntled soldiers would find their way here, and she would be waiting.

She expected things to end rather quickly after that.

"Impero Barnabatis, Iussum et Pax."
Imperatrix of The Dominion
Dominion

[This message has been edited by Neris (edited 11-08-99).]