Through N'Jal, Nosdyn learned patience, timing, discipline.

N'Jal taught the demon lord a lot about tactical strategy and out witting one's enemy.

Nosdyn looked at his son. Tharak, son of Nosdyn. Named after Nosdyn's own father. He listened to the boy's counsel. He trusted his son a lot those days, more than most of other soldiers.

"If the envoy in Xaliel comes through we can strike when the moon is full." Tharak said calmly.

Nosdyn nodded, his arms folded across his chest. He was deep in thought.

"What is it father?" Tharak asked.

"Kortar Precept number 55. State it." Nosdyn said quietly.

Tharak's eyes narrowed in concentration. "Always strike a wounded enemy when they are down." He began. "Enemy on the field deserves no mercy."

Nosdyn listened and nodded. Nosdyn's mind was swirling with possibility. Ideas. Strategem. He looked at the boy. "The pieces are slowly coming together." Nosdyn said. "When we face him, Zieg will not be there." Nosdyn, the wizened old demon, considered what they were going to do.

"Father, you might be killed. You're no good to us dead." The boy said carefully.

He nodded. "I've dodged death for a long time. Perhaps...there will be a foe there worthy of my sword." He folded his arms across his powerful chest. He was thinking, military strategem was not a pup's game. The were going to kill a powerful enemy.

There was a knock on the door. Nosdyn nodded to his son. "Come." Nosdyn ordered.

Denethal entered the room carefully bearing a message.

Five hours.

Nosdyn admired the effectiveness of his Xaliel contacts...

Nosdyn looked at his undead warrior. His trusted sword. "Read the message. Commander."

Denethal unrolled the scroll he'd received prior. "They agree to your terms." The letter said simply, written in code.

Nosdyn nodded. "All these years of fighting. Alerar. N'Jal. All of it, has come down to this."

Denethal nodded. "Your army is ready." He said calmly. He was a good soldier.

He kept his arms folded across his chest. "Tharak. I am leaving you in charged when we are gone. If I should fall to him. You take over House Krotar." Nosdyn carefully gave the instructions.

Tharak nodded. "Me and Lilly will prepare father, you have our word."

***

A few hours later, Nosdyn entered the travel carriage and several other carriages mobilized with him.

It was time.