Amidst the Darkness

Prologue. Death of an age.

The King is dead! Long live the King! Came the call as men announced the death of King Lervan, fifth king since the age of the fourth war. Lord of Narthdarm, ruler of the plains of plenty. The Kingdoms people were in uproar for their King had passed during the night, and he had left no male heir. People were rushing back and forth. Some, were weeping, while others were wondering about the future for the throne. Whispers ran amok amongst everyone.

In the darkness a cloaked figure stood alone on a balcony. Watching the chaotic scene unfold. The cloak was dark and of the highest quality. A frown was upon their face. While watching the city below, the cloaked figure whispered into the crisp night air.

"I know you're there Barnsworth. Come into the light. Say what you have to say."

"Yes, Your Highness." Came a reply as a man stepped into the light.

"Your Highness. Things are not looking good. While The Nobles of our lands recognize Princess Davina as their sovereign. Our neighbours in the surrounding kingdoms are looking down on us. They've been watching us for any signs weakness for quite some time and now that King Lervan is dead. Well, I fear they might see this as the perfect opportunity to invade. Long have they coveted our lands. It was only because they respected king Lervan that they stayed their hand, and didn't take up arms against us, and now."

"And now you fear they will declare war." Replied the cloaked figure.

Barnsworth smiled weakly.

"Just so Your Highness. It's not a question of if they will invade. But when. Nor is it a question of time, because we have a very limited amount. Without Allies, We're doomed."

"But who would become our ally? We have nought to offer that they couldn't take by force." Said the cloaked figure unenthusiastically. "We are in a hopeless predicament."

"We could." Said Barnsworth softly. "ask the Avisshear Mountains for help."

"You don't mean the Avisshear Kingdom? We can't. Do you remember that we declared war on them sixteen years ago? And that we were swiftly defeated soon after? How could we go and ask them for help now? And why would they support a woman on the throne?"

Replied the cloaked figure agitatedly.

"Because I've met King Harvold years ago and I remember him as a Just and fair man, I've also heard rumours that in his Kingdom all serve in his army, regardless of gender, or background as long as their heart is true to their country."

"I've also heard rumours." Replied the cloaked figure angrily.

"Rumours. That he is heartless, that he hunts his enemies for sport. That he has a great dog made of mist and shadows that he feeds his subjects to. That he is friends to Dwarves. That he has a troll for a wife. Rumours are just hearsay and should be treated with a grain of salt until proven otherwise! And besides no one can prove anything! the Avisshear borders have been closed for years. And very little trade comes in or out of there, and anyone who goes in. Doesn't come back out. How can a country survive without trade? How can they live without exported goods? Questions, questions, questions! That Kingdom is just one big question! One big rumour!"

"Even so Your Highness. We should try. For the sake of our people, and princess Davina." Said Barnsworth slowly.

"Perhaps, but even if we do, it might take months of travel. Even if we get there, there's no guarantee that King Harvold will grant us an audience. That's not even mentioning the Trolls in the mountains." Whispered the cloaked figure with their face in their hands.

"That's True You're Highness. There's no guarantee of anything if we go. But staying here guarantees us nothing."

"How long do you estimate it will take the other kingdoms to make a move Barnsworth?"

"Well once they've gathered enough intel on us, and stopped spying on each other. I estimate six months at least to gather their armies and to procure provisions. If we are to go it would be best to leave before your sister's coronation, if we leave after, too many eyes will be on us." Pointed out Barnsworth.

"Agreed. If we are to leave now would be the best time. So we have four months to get there and back. Assuming we survive the journey. Very well Barnsworth let us depart, I leave the details of our journey to you. Let us make haste. For my sister's sake and for our kingdom."

"Yes Princess Lucille." Said Barnsworth bowing.