"How does your task progress?" the voice demanded through the aether.
The respondent did not take kindly to the sub-creature's tone.
"Well," she responded tightly.
"And?..." it demanded, requiring further elaboration from her.
"I will have the village before long."
"See that you do," it continued, an edge creeping into its voice. "Your sisters' failures have set back preparations-- recover the idol lost to the ragged band of mortal adventurers and I shall personally see to the recovery of the idol that was taken by the wretched elves of the Valinesti. I shall expect word of your success in dealing with the fishmongers."
"I will recover that which was lost."
"If you do not,..." the speaker lingered appreciatively over the prospective horrors He Who Dreams in Darkness might unleash upon the hag should she fail. "You will wish your soul had never existed."
* * * * *
The Sorrowfens
Ghaelvwynne and Lothlaeril joned the other elders in the fortified grotto, officially opening the hastily convened war council.
"My kindred," Ghaele began curtly, "we gather here to form our defense against the horror that has arisen from the Sorrowfens. Time is not our ally in this cause. Already the creature has razed our outer settlements, and every moment it draws closer to this place, the heart of our homeland."
Nervous muttering spread amongst the assembled elves as their chief confirmed what they already suspected to be true. It was coming for them.
"My kindred!" the chief called out, summoning her fellows to silence.
"If the beast seeks conflict, then it shall have it! Let it come! Let it face us here, before the Life Tree of our forefathers and meet its doom!"
The throng gazed upon the ancient silver birch whose boughs were older than any living elf, and whose roots formed the mighty gate that guarded the naturally formed grotto that was the very center of their spiritual strength.
As they looked upon their totem, their hearts were lifted, and as one they let out a great roar of challenge.
As if in answer, the thundering hammer blows of the beast's fists began to rain upon the mighty outer gate.
* * * * *
Markus enthusiastically tore into the fried cod that had been placed before him. He hadn't been to the Black Kraken in quite some time, and he had forgotten how much he loved its bill of fare.
Dreng and Magda had already eaten earlier, and so had ordered drinks while their friend gorged himself. They watched the young cleric eat with mild amusement.
"I'll say this," Magda said, looking casually about the inn's common room. "The Kraken certainly has its charms..."
Dreng laughed. "It's just turned to spring, Magda. Let the priest enjoy himself after being cooped up for so long in his laboratory!"
The graying wizard smiled in reply. Their topic of discussion this evening would turn serious soon enough.
Out of the corner of her eye, Magda spotted a tattered vagrant moving among the tables, stopping at each. She did not recognize him from the village.
"While Markus eats his fill," she said. "What was the news you wished to share?"
"As you both know, the Redeemers have patrolled the lands outside the edge of Lord Kell's demesne for some time now. It appears that the orcs of the mountains have returned."
"So soon?" Magda remarked. "How can this be?"
"Don't worry, it's not a horde. At least not yet. It appears that they have sent a force to refortify the Black Edifice."
"Why do they keep marshaling at that area? Why there, of all places?"
"The disc," Markus mumbled between mouthfuls of fish. "It's the disc."
Magda sat back and considered the priest's words. What was it about the disc that drew the beasts? What if they brought it the thing here instead? Could it be studied? Could a way be found to destroy it?
"Here ye go, mum," the shabbily dressed vagrant announced, pressing one of the papers into Magda's hand while she was distracted. "Be sure t' come t' the show, ye won't be disappointed!"
Magda uncrumpled the paper and scanned its contents.
"Bellwether's Exposition and Fair?" she read aloud.
"A carnival?" she asked uncertainly.
"A carnival," Dreng repeated suspiciously.
"A carnival!" Markus exclaimed excitedly.
