The Radasanthian Reader
Volume III, Issue 3, Final Edition
SPECIAL REPORT: Carnelost Destroyed!
Scramble to Protect Elven Homeland
by W.J. Pullhearst
ANEBRILITH, RA -- Early this morning, the Elven Army's outpost at Carnelost was overrun by the forces of Raiaera's arch-enemy, Xem'zûnd. Shortly past midnight, watchers from the walls of Eluriand could see the fires begin to blaze in the southerly city, a clear signal from the garrison there that they were under attack.
Nearly a half-hour after the signal fires were lit, they went out. Unsure of what portents were afoot in the city, General Findelfin ap Fingolfin sent out his fastest riders to seek news of the city's fate. They returned with dire tidings -- Carnelost had fallen to a horde of undead monsters, and the slain among them had been resurrected to fight against their former friends. The survivors were spattered with blood and gore, and told tales of horrific destruction.
The few survivors of the massacre at Carnelost also confirmed what many in Raiaera have been long fearing -- that the evil necromancer Xem'zûnd was returned. Eyewitness accounts from both survivors and scouts report that a figure matching his description and wielding his powers is leading the army. If true, it could be truly devastating to Raiaera. When last he was seen, Xem'zûnd was defeated in part because he tried to control his army from a secure point. If he is now bold enough to lead the troops himself, they will be much more fierce than they once were.
General Fingolfin, though strained, sounded notes of cautious optimism. "We have no reason to believe the inner city walls of Eluriand will not hold," he said. He also commented that the city was designed specifically to counter attacks from darker branches of magic, and had full confidence in the defenders.
He sounded less sure when asked about reports that fast-moving groups of undead were pressing with all due haste northward towards the Kilyanen River. Their target is unsure, though they seem to be leaving a trail of sickness behind them that is affecting all living things -- so far only Elves appear immune to the effect.
"We don't know where they are going," said Fingolfin, "but we have confidence that defenders at New Aurient can stop them." He also went on to say that operations are beginning already to destroy the bridges across the Elleduin river and thus slow any attempts by Xem'zûnd's army to reach the city of Anebrilith.
Varalad Del Tirin, Raiaera's High Bard, expressed full confidence in General Fingolfin's leadership. At the same time, he is beginning to evacuate the city of its citizenry, especially humans, those too weak to fight, and those whose skills are desperately needed. Several prominent members of the High Bard Council are being sent to secret locations across the continent. "We are hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst," said the High Bard in a tersely worded statement delivered hours after the evacuation operation began.
Eluriand braces for war.
SPECIAL INSERT: Chaos in Salvar!
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