The Sandguard trudged into the city, tired and wounded. Just getting out of Treal had been a tough task. The Haders had surrounded the city completely and the Sandguard’s companion had lost his life in the bid to break through. Now the Sandguard knew that the responsibility of informing Azuria lay on him. But first he needed to warn the people of Vilorach. But the whole city seemed deserted. There were signs of a battle everywhere, but no bodies. He noticed a smattering of blood on the ground which appeared inky black. Only too late did he realize that it was black and that the blood was that of a Hader. He heard a screech and suddenly he was engulfed by a swarm of Haders, clawing at him and tearing him apart. As he gasped his last breath, all he could see were the starry skies.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Captain Skarr was flying through the same skies, on his warbird. The battle had been futile. Skarr and his men had lost. Outnumbered and defeated, Skarr and a few of his men who had survived, were fleeing to Azuria. As for King Gauloth, he had disappeared in the middle of the battle. For all Skarr knew, King Gauloth was already ….

Suddenly, the towering spires of the Azurian palace floated into view and Skarr knew that he had reached Silon, the capital of Azuria.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

They were all assembled in the Grand Hall of the Azurian palace. Skarr’s message had been powerful enough to get them all out of bed. King Gordaz and Queen Cordelia sat on their thrones, looking perturbed. Skarr also saw Prince Lynx, consulting maps and war strategies, and the very beautiful Princess Eliya. He also saw a wizened old man with his head hidden behind his hood, clothed in silver. Skarr knew him to be the White Guardian of Azuria, Ruxdan Craniolus. His head was not really under his hood; in fact it wasn’t there at all, for he was of the family of Craniolus, who give up their heads for greater control over magic. Next was the Black Guardian of Azuria, Baspar Flest, who was muttering something about the return of Vylorde and inevitable doom. However, behind his grotesque wooden mask, it was hard to say whether he was happy or angry about it. Also in the room was Kenos, the commander of the Royal Guard.

Once he had everyone’s attention, which wasn’t too hard, Skarr said, “I’ll make this as simple as possible. The Haders have attacked with full force. They have killed all the Sandguards, except us, and captured our warbirds. King Gauloth is missing. The Haders are going to attack Azuria and Arrakesh anytime now. The question is, what can we do about it?” King Gordaz calmly said, “I think I can suggest something.”