Selwyn was surprised to see a group of people marching his way. They're faster than we thought they were. His party was about halfway between Torfen and the Tower of Magi.
"Come on men, let's hurry it up. We want to find out who these people are."
"Yes, sir," said Lt. Mandon, the officer in charge of the troops.
They hurried forward, and the other group followed suit.
When they finally got close enough to speak, the woman leading the other column asked, "Who are you?"
I am Lieutenant General Selwyn, chief of the diplomatic core of majesty, King Lartaynior of Avernum. Am I correct in presuming that you have come from the Tower of the Magi?"
"You are sir, but not originally. I am Morgain, a representative from Commander Stephen Samuels of Upper Avernum. We have come from the upper caves in search of allies."
"You have come to the right people then. I have been sent to escort you to Torfen, where his grace awaits."
"Torfen? Why is the king in such a backwater? What's wrong with the Castle?"
"The Castle has been destroyed, ma'am. The Great Cave has gone through quite a turmoil. His majesty is attempting to restore order."
"Alright, well you can take me to him."
"Then, I suggest that we get on our way."
OOC: The rest of this post was written by Nikki for his faction. It has been included for context.
Morgain sighed inwardly; a sigh of relief. So there are still some Avernites left. And a nice amount, at that. Samuels will be very pleased.
She was waiting outside King Lartaynior's throne room, preparing to see his Majesty. The news of the Castle struck her deeply indeed, and she was still moved by the fact. On the journey here, she also learned of the many factions from Selwyn. If she could get an envoy to the Abyss, she might be able to recruit even more men... But that would wait.
A voice called to her from the air.
"You can enter now."
She approached the door, and waited as it opened for her...
---------
Lartaynior was seated on a plush velvet throne, on the highest point in the room. Serious looking guards watched like hawks as she approached, collected.
"Greetings, sire. I am Magi Morgain Yorke, an emissary from Commander Samuels of the Avernite Protection League. We, the people of Upper Avernum, would like to propose an alliance, one of mutual benefit."
Lartaynior mused for a moment. Then he smiled.
"Well met. As you are probably aware, Avernum is fragmented, split apart at the seams, with many factions fighting for power, dominance over one another, and for wealth. We, however, wish only to return Avernum to the glory it once held. An interest I sense you share as well. Tell me, what treaty would you propose?"
"Well, my lord, my main mission was to secure military backing to strengthen our position in the Upper Caverns. Even as we speak the Empire is launching an onslaught on our people."
"You want me to commit my men to fighting the Empire? We have been at peace for centuries!"
"Yes, sire, I am aware. But, with respect, the facts speak for themselves. As I left the upper caverns, surface forces were marching on Fort Emergence. They have forgotten the alliance, and will probably attack Avernum proper. I'm not asking for men to assault the Empire - that would be madness. I ask only that you spare 2,000 men to help defend our homeland - YOUR homeland."
"And what would we get?"
"Well, my lord, safe passage to Upper Avernum for one. We have established the portal in the ToM ruins, and would be prepared to allow you to use it. The upper caverns are also rich in magic - both Ghikra and Erika's Tower are sure to house artifacts that we could share with you. And, of course, you would gain an ally. A rare thing indeed in these times of turmoil. What say you?"
"Hmmm. Very well. I will allow you to take 2,000 of my men with you to Upper Avernum. As well as this, I give to you this orb, as a means of communication between our people. see that your leader recieves it. Now, let us forget business for a while and eat."
Morgain smiled, both inwardly and outwardly. She had secured troops. Now the bastards above would pay...

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