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[Talon Skyfire]

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The early morning sun had just begun to peak over the horizon, spilling golden streaks across the ocean to the island nation of Moonglow. Already, the camp was buzzing with life. Knights and men at arms scurried about, buckling on armor and weapons as the campwomen prepared breakfast over small cookfires.

Talon stretched and yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. As he stood, his squire, Justice, assisted him in buckling on his usual onyx armor.

"Are the Lords ready yet?" Talon mumbled.
"Aye, your grace. They await you in town," Justice hurriedly said.

Baron Morus Mcstravick, the Captain of the Kingsguard, handed the King his sword. Talon took the gigantic greatsword, Ice, in one mailed hand and swung it over his back, tightening the straps.

"Almost ready, tell them I am on my way," ordered the King as Justice hurried off.

Talon grabbed his jet cloak and swung it over his shoulders, the golden wyrm emblazoned on the black field seeming to dance as it caught a gust of wind.

Throwing open the flap on the tent, Morus and Talon made their way towards Moonglow. The emcamptment was a testament to the military precision and discipline of its keepers. Lines of horses were brushed, saddled, and armored by groomsmen in preparation for the day. The ring of steel on steel resounded throughout the neat rows of black and gold tents as warriors trained for what may lie ahead. As they made their way through town, Talon took time for a quick word or polite gesture with those that crossed their path.

Two Sanctus men hastily bowed and stepped aside as the two Lords made their way to the town hall, which was serving as the command post for the Confederation. The Sanctus officers all rose and bowed before Talon waved them off, telling them to sit.

The town hall had definately undergone some changes since the conflict had began. Large maps decorated the walls and stockpiles of supplies were stacked neatly against the walls. The King quickly surveyed the attendees. All the nobles and officers were present: Queen Skyfire, Prince Zarlox, Duke Spawn, Baron Morus, Archon Toni, Lord Gailan, Lady Mallory, Lieutenants Stryke, and Lady Tika. The representatives from the allies were also present.

"Milords Greypawn and Fong, thank you for joining us." Talon politely said.
The elderly mage nodded his head in recognition. Looking to the other end of the table, Talon spotted what could only be an orc chieftan.

"Welcome to our Council Master Orc," Talon said, "I see our runner made it through."

"Yub, weh kum tu help. Weh am sik ob da Reejuncee takin ar land n klompin ar pepul. Weh redy tu pay bak da favur," the orc said with a gaptoothed grin while he fingered the large axe in his lap.

"We welcome your prowess and skill to our cause," Talon smiled. The King then looked to Prince Zarlox and Duke Spawn. "What news?"

Spawn adjusted his hat as he glanced at a document. "Our sources inform that the Regency is calling its banners together to remove us from the island," he said with a chuckle. "Rumor has it they are pulling in support from Tokuno and the Lost Lands as well. Yew, Papua, Zento, Trinsic, Vesper, Magincia, and Skara are already moving to assemble. Luna may pull out and remain neutral, if they don't join with us. Its looking like war."

Talon rubbed his chin in thought. "Lord Isk moves fast. He is conducting an excellent smear campaign against us. Its only proper that we play too. Is the poster ready?"

Lord Greypawn smiled and pushed a large poster across over to the King. "Have a look old friend, I think you will enjoy it. Our artists worked hard to portray the true Regent in his glory."

Talon held the poster up to the light. There were several caricatures on the parchment. The King roared laughter after seeing the crude cartoon. "This will surely have them howling for blood. Howling! Ah, the puns! Post it everywhere."

After the laughter died down, the meeting resumed. Prince Zarlox rose and made his way over to the maps. Grabbing a pointing stick, he began his brief.

"Our forces are firmly entrenched in Moonglow. Fortifications have been constructed at all access points to the city. We have emplaced heavy artillery at the Moongate: Scorpions, Onagers, and Ballistas to prevent any entry from that approach. Any entrance from the moongate will result in a quick and sudden death. Our ships patrols the harbor. The Regency fleet will in fact be much bigger than ours. I have taken the liberty of loading the ships with kegs of pitch, tar, and liquid fire. In the event they are overwhelmed, the ships will be torched and rammed into the fleets of the Regency," Zarlox said assuredly.

"What of our contingency forces?" The King inquired.

Zarlox circled several other locations on the map of Brittania. "We have hidden several reaving forces at key Regency strongpoints across the map. Lt Tyven has command of the fleet on the Western coast. While they are here fighting our main army, our other forces will lay waste to their supply chains. Once they near Moonglow, they will be cut off from the rear. Also, I have taken the liberty of leaving a garrison at Sanctus to prevent any aggression from Luna or Umbra should they decide to join in against us."

"An excellent plan my friend." Talon said calmly. "Let us hope good sense and diplomacy prevail. Otherwise we will be slaughtering each other by the end of the month.

With that, the War Council adjourned.
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~Lord Talon Skyfire
King of Sanctus
Lord Protector of Malas