Lok’reshad was happy. His request for approval to raid the Blackscale Ganger base had finally been granted. He realized that the Captains had more important things on their minds, what with preparing for the flamewinds and the threat of the lands falling to a New Demonlord, Kalok. He had been asking for weeks to be allowed to take out this threat in the backyard before it could grow. Now, with the shelters prepared for the flamewinds and most everyone in the region moving to take care of the Demon, he had been told to solve the problem.
He decide that the easiest way was a raid to disrupt their camp and steal the artifact to slow the growth. He was told the he could take a small force to attack the base, So now he set off to the barracks to find some troopers to aid him.
It only took a few minutes for Lok’reshad to convince eight of the Dead Troopers and two of the former conscripts to join his posse. They might be able to drive out the Black Scale gangers through force of arms alone, and Lok’reshad was happy to go on his way.
As he passed by the outer stockade walls around Drewsport, he saw an elderly looking man standing by the welcome sign. He recognized him instantly as L’gani, high steward of the Redeemer. His erstwhile “uncle” and adoptive father figure. Out of respect alone, Lok’reshad stopped his troope, and greeted his uncle. L’gani offered a bag to the younger K’ias and said.
“Here is bread, and Mak hoblok cheese for your journey,” said the older K’ias, “Eat some, and save the rest to break bread with those you meet.”
“I really don’t plan on meeting anyone,” replied the young K’ias, “Its a sneak in, sneak out sort of plan.”
“Then my dear young friend, you are missing out on your most effective weapon against your enemies…the people you will one day call allies,” countered L’gani, as he offered the younger k’ias a bottle of finest binber wine, “The lessons of the K’ias wars, Lok’reshad were that we cannot stand alone and in judgement of others, no matter how different or how flawed we percieve them. Our kind were the guardians of light and justice in a golden age that spanned over one thousands years of peace and prosperity across the entire known universe. When we thought ourselves so perfect and infallible as to stand alone, we quickly grew insular and argumentative with other less refined species.
I have sent out invitations in your name, through trusted merchants, to some of the finest mercenaries known to work south of the colonial borders. They will meet you at a tavern I have selected on the road to the encampment.”
“This was my mission L’gani,” said the young K’ias growing bolder now that he had a taste for the shoes of a raider captain, “I have it planned out perfectly. If I allow others to get involved…they will disrupt my plans, destroy my works, and turn an easy victory into an epic failure.”
“Oh Lok’reshad, you have grown like a son to me, and to Commander Tomog’ru,” said L’gani, “You are dear in my heart, and I often feel great pride when Captain Torlok’ab reports your exploits in battle and in diplomacy.
But despite your own perfections, I ask you again to stop at this tavern, and speak with these soldiers of fortune. Once you have met them, you may choose to tell them what you wish.”
Lok’reshad bowed respectfully, saying, “I will go to them, and I will test their measure. But I will not tell them of the artifact, or how the Black Scale Gangers have controlled the dragons.”
The face of an old man smiled as L’gani rejoiced, “Thank you Lok’reshad. May Falos protect you.”