-Outside the Obsidian Palace-
Simon walks toward one of the encampments, looking up as he does so and seeing that the Imperial banner no longer flies over the citadel, but a new banner has not yet been raised in its place. Looking around, he sees a tent where some of the wounded were being taken for treatment, and nearby a campfire where some people were enjoying their morning meal. He approaches them and says,
"Excuse me, what's happening here? I have been traveling for a long time, and was not aware of such turmoil! In what name do these armies gather, and who now holds the castle?"
One of the people, a Lisk like himself, looks up and replies,
"It's revolution, boy. A new order around here. I don't know too much for sure, I just joined up for the pay, and because I could tell which way the wind was blowing you know? But there's been a name going around, Kigar, a lot of orders have come down with his name on them. Say, just how far are you from anyway?"
"I'm from Southforge, but if you could--" Simon stops suddenly and looks up, as a shadow seems to fall over the encampment.
From all around, but mostly from the south due to the castle's location, a massive flock of birds flies in low, converging on the castle and spiraling in, before scattering, their landing site disturbed, and settling all around. The other people are looking at the birds too, many wondering why they were there. One Ruko picks one up and says,
"I used to send these out when I worked at the post office, these are mail birds!"
Looking around, Simon asks, "Why are there so many of them?"
The Ruko puts the bird back down and replies, "Well this is the capitol, and they're only sent once a month unless it's an emergency so there tends to be quite a backlog. Hey, you said you were from Southforge? What's your name?"
"Uh, Simon, nice to meet you mister..." Simon holds out his hand.
The Ruko shakes his hand and replies, "Luke, and this one's for you." He hands Simon a small canister, designed to hold a roll of paper and be attached to a bird's leg.
Simon takes the canister, unrolls a long, thin strip of paper and reads,
Dear Simon,
I don't know when you will get this, or if it will reach you at all, but I had to at least try to tell you that war has broken out here. Our town is holding out against the raiders for now, but the forces of the Empire are nowhere to be seen. Everywhere we've seen warlords setting up their own little kingdoms and struggling for dominance. A few of the towns around here have pulled together and established a provisional Council, to restore order until we can get word from the Empire again. I have been elected to a position on this council, so if you make it back I should be able to put in a good word for you. Look for the Compass and Sun.
With love,
Your father, Matthew Renault
