Kuran's Demise (Epistle 3)

Kuran's Demise

Fourth Age, Period of Yourath's Children, 8th March 2415

For the attention of Aemlia Chira, Head of the Watchers, Guild of Thieves

My lady.

My men and I have arrived at Kuran to be met with a harrowing sight.

The port is all but decimated. There are but a handful of ships left in the water, now under the control of the krilens. They have dealt a deadly blow to Rilen by destroying almost its entire southern naval fleet in one swift stroke.

We have scouted much of the port city to find it empty. Sailors fill the waters and city folk cover the ground. There is but a token collection of krilens that are dotted around the city; it is clear that the krilens over powered them.

Checking some of the bodies, we found one poor soul who was gravely injured by an arrow to the stomach. Before he passed away, he told us that the krilens attacked during the night, coming from the north and the south. They divided the port guard, forcing the navy to assist. Though the navy fought valiantly, he said it left them open to a full frontal attack from the sea.

There was one bit of information the man told us that was disconcerting. He described strange blue creatures emerging from the waters and detonating some charge, destroying many of the navy's ships, before they had a chance to mobilise. What few ships the navy had managed to get out of the port were met swiftly with the krilens' large fleet, overpowering them. Kuran stood no chance.

My lady, these creatures we have heard of today, seem dangerous. I have checked reports from our branches in the west countries and the creatures they described are different to the ones we have heard here. It seems as if the sorcerer Yourath has different groups of his children, all tailored with different skills. If there are many more of these creatures, I am not sure how Durai will be able to defend against them.

I have additionally received reports from all over Rilen. The Theor river has been taken by the krilens. With the fall of Kuran at the mouth of the river, the sacking off Helmar and Gallon solidifies the krilens' strategic control of the river, from the Mountains of En right down to the sea.

The mountains seem to be the only thing that is keeping the small port town of Vadir protected at present. It is the last nearby port under the control of the navy and importantly for the royal family, if they need to flee. Elacra is the only other port available but is too far to travel to, leaving Vadir as their only realistic option.

The krilens have already marched upon the capital and are laying siege. The city of Brag is relenting but numbers are on the side of the krilens. However, the nights are getting bitterly cold and the Mountains of En are unforgiving. These lands are not the humid Forests of Kazan and I would be willing to wager a bet that the krilens will not like the cold wind from the north.

I have received a promising report from the north, which states that the Duke of Eltar has gathered his barons and is riding south to the aid of Brag. I pray the Duke and the northern Barons ride swiftly, as I am not sure how long Brag will hold out for. Patience will give out and the krilens will attack soon.

Aramis Kelaan, Second Watcher of the Guild of Thieves