--- --- ---Leiton --- --- ---
After checking for some sign of life, it was obvious to Mawz that the Archmage was dead. There was little possibility that even an Archmage could survive with so many pieces of shrapnel embedded in his chest or with so many broken ribs. While Mawz was studying the Archmage's wounds, however, he came across a small slip of paper, now dappled in the blood of the dead man. It read:
Archmage Claudius,
We of the Arcane Order have discovered most distressing news. An army is being built on our borders. You have been chosen as our representative to investigate the validity of these rumors. If there is truth to this, you must expend every effort to avert disaster. Our plans cannot be disrupted now and peace must be of the utmost importance.
May the Light shield you,
High Arcanomach Xerah
--- --- --- Everyone --- --- ---
Durvard, being well past his prime and was chosen to head this detail through his merit as a commander, was soon passed in his pursual of the fleeing scribe. One, some Crow-Cat mix got to him first and tackled the man. Several others were arriving.
--- --- ---
The young lynx in Cifero's arms struggled wildly.
"Let me go!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. "Let me go! You don't understand! He won't let me stop! LET ME GO!"