[Title in Progress]

Chapter 1

Our story begins on a continent known as Hythe, a place filled with peace, prosperity, and magnificence. However, nowhere was there more glory and extravagance than the city of Tricon. Not only was this marvelous city at the heart of the continent, but it was ruled by a benevolent king who loved his people as well. People spoke of the city with a smile on their face and respect in their hearts; everyone was happy there.

But all good things eventually fade into darkness.

It began slowly, and it spread quickly, like a sickness. It wasn't noticeable until it was too late. The once content people split in two, with one group standing with their king and the other group determined on taking him down. The rebels left their beloved city and fled into the wilderness. Once they had reached a permanent residence, hundreds of miles away from Tricon, the rebels realized they needed a more stable and stronger leadership if they wished to have a real chance of taking the king down. A few people had risen up in Tricon to lead the resistance there, but it wasn't suitable in the long run.

Therefore, after a long debate, the rebels chose a group of seven known as the Veiled Ones, who were said to be the most brilliant minds that Hythe had produced, to lead them. A small group of rebels protested saying that they didn't want complete strangers as the head of the Rebellion. Fortunately for the rebels, a compromise was quickly reached, and the faction of dissenters were quickly satisfied and the Veiled Ones assumed leadership of the Rebellion.

Meanwhile, back at Tricon, the king was faced with the issue of managing his city after losing a significant portion of the population along with preparing for a war. Any other man may have buckled under the pressure, but the king was wise enough to recognize his limits and humble enough to admit he needed other aid. Thankfully, most of the city's wealthy had remained in the city, so the king took it upon himself to hire mercenaries from the shadowy city of Murzok to make up for the soldiers he had lost. He held great trust in the efficacy of the mercenaries, and he felt he was ready to put down the rebellion, but he was sadly mistaken.

Three years passed. There were glorious victories, but also crushing defeats. Many other cities were pulled into the conflict, until the whole of Hythe was touched by the war. The king of Tricon was viewed as an inspiration for those fighting for him but was viewed as a tyrant who would crush anyone to achieve peace by those opposing him.

In truth, he was simply a man who was tired of the war but felt as if he was powerless to do anything to stop it.

Having exhausted nearly all of his resources and unable to produce any more positive results, the king decided he needed fresh, new ideas. For the third time this month, he summoned his council of advisors. As they sat assembled before him, he viewed them wearily as they started their usual endless bickering.

"I have an announcement to make!" the king shouted. There was instant silence. "I'm going to abdicate my position as ruler of Tricon and negotiate a peace with the rebels!"

Immediately the room filled with angry protests, with the king unable to pick any distinct voice out from among the chaos. The king ignored his council members and instead spoke to one of his personal servants standing near the door, "Grinof, what do you have to say about this matter?"

The man quietly strode over to the king and knelt before him. "Your Majesty, I believe you are acting too rashly." he stated quietly, out of earshot of the other members.

The king raised an eyebrow. "And who are you to tell me what to do?" Grinof pushed himself further down in submission.

"Forgive me Majesty, perhaps I spoke too hastily, " he apologized, glancing at the other council members, "but what I really mean is, have you ever considered that your council is the reason that we're losing the war?"