Ominous Arrival

[Sighter Tnailog]

When the rider landed at the docks on Knife's Edge, it was early morning. The sea voyage had taken but a short time, for the schooner was light and quick. Traveling up the river had been a bit more tricky; they had several times to hois sail while smaller vessels passed.

It was apparent that the men at the docks had been told to wait for a messenger bearing the seal of Raiaera. Upon arrival, the rider was immediately taken under royal guard to the central plaza of the King.

By now, people were talking. What was this messenger? Some had heard of a summons that had been sent to Raiaera a few days earlier...but what portents could be so dire as to warrant so quick a response? And so the city of Knife's Edge held its breath. They would know when the time was ripe.

[Ashiakin]

Hours later, the stone doors of Castle Rathaxea swung open and twelve diplomats were greeted by a crisp wind that swept through the main square. One of them was the Raiaeran envoy, but the rest were clearly Salvic agents--badges an emblems all bearing the seal of the crown. They rushed past onlookers, ignoring shouted questions, and made their way down the winding streets to the docks.

Amidst the filth and grime, the figures parted and climbed into two different vessels. They sailed down the river toward the open sea, where two even larger ships waited to take them to their final destinations: One to Raiaera, the other to Alerar.

Rumors crept their way into taverns all over the city, despite the late hour. Did this have something to do with the army being called up just weeks ago? Was this why much of the Western Navy had made the long journey around Alerar and Raiaera to join its counterpart in the Broken Flowers? Was there to be war?