The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

*Quintys Vahl watches the archers stand their ground and turns to Jarrick who stands next to her*

You are sure? You're certain that this alliance is no longer useful? How are we to get Gothar's jewel without the Shadow Creepers?

Yes... I am convinced now we shall have no profit from a union with a madmen. From my talks with him it is clear that he does not even know of the Key, let alone possess it.

*He looks across to the cloud*

It's beautiful magic, look at how it shimmers. I heard she called the spirit of the Great Storm once and sunk an entire navy... imagine just being born with such power Instead of all the years we have studied and grown. Not one that we should make an enemy of despite her antipathy to necromancers.

*He frowns*

My son still lives. Your husband still lives. I have spoken to Saygin Baal and he has spoken of my offer to Darl Thranmere. Those who fight under the blue banner of our clan will join the Kanaran cause. They will rise up and smite the so-called Knights of the Zoriat.

*He nods down towards the archers*

And now we must do our turn.

Then it is settled...

*She nods to eleven other cloaked necromancers who stand in a v shape behind her*

Death to those fools who think they are the chosen... and death to Keeler who thinks the lives of our people are so cheap.

*The necromancers bow their heads and chant. Black smoke appears from the ground that turns into sharp beaked ravens. They swoop down on the archers below with ruthless swiftness and peck out the eyes of the men. As the men fight off the ravens they turn back into smoke and thicker clouds of birds come down until there are few archers left unblinded. Their screams are heard across the valley.*

*The blue cloud lifts leaving the red blood to glow bright in the sunshine*

You are taking the child back to the castle? I understand from your comrades that it is the wish of the mermaid princess that the orphans are well cared for. I do not think she has the stomach for war.

*The necromancer steps casually over the dead bodies*

Many of the children saw their parents burn on the fires, it would have been their turn if the blue mist hadn't come. As we heard them scream for mercy, for protection, we thought none would come as it was the will of the Zoriat but then the fog came... and we knew what a mistake we had made. Keeler is a false prophet and those who follow will be punished.

*She moves closer*

Healers are with those too injured to be moved, others return to Stormrock... Your Master...

*She gives a knowing smile*

Rides to Stormrock as injured as he is. He was helped in his moment of need by a mercenary called Venn.... He said it was his wish that he dies in his wife's arms, if he is to die at all...