We had heard the stories from other world leaders, but we had prayed we might be overlooked. As my Lord read aloud the demands he had received from the Sorcerer Nessus, I knew they were not idle threats.

The words made their way through my mind several times before I truly grasped the situation.

"Surrender your rule and acknowledge me as the rightful leader of the universe, or face complete and utter destruction!"

I watched my Lord closely. Both outrage and worry appeared in his eyes. He leaned back on his throne, dropping the scroll which contained Nessus' demands on the floor. As his eyes closed, he became lost in thought, weighing his options.

I waited a few minutes in silence, giving him time to decide on a course of action. I had served my Lord for almost three decades now. I had participated in every military campaign he had ordered during that period. My faith in his wisdom was absolute. He had never let me down.

I was almost certain I knew what he would decide. Though he was never one to start a conflict, he never cowered to avoid one either.

I spoke softly. "Sire.. What shall we do?"

He opened his eyes, looking directly into mine as he responded, "I have sat on this throne for nearly two centuries now. I have worked long and hard to unite this world under one banner and insure it has always enjoyed relative peace. I would rather face utter destruction than take a course of action that would force my kingdom and it's people into servitude. Better to die in defiance of tyranny, than live as the slaves of a tyrant. But, let us pray it does not come to that.

Malek, you are my most powerful and loyal warrior. Your service has been key to much of my success as a king. I give you the option of fleeing our world and finding somewhere else to live the rest of your life, as the Gods know, you deserve peace and perhaps a family. But, if your willing, I have a mission for you, perhaps the last great deed anyone from this world will ever attempt. It may end in your death, but who knows, it just might end in life for us all."

He grew silent, awaiting my response. I needed little time to consider the options he gave me. Though I appreciated the right to choose, I had no intention of abandoning my king in his greatest time of need.

I bowed my head as I responded. "My service is at your disposal, Sire, always."

Smiling a little, he nodded. He rose from his throne, then picked up the scroll he had received from Nessus. He moved toward me and handed me the message as he gave his first orders of the mission:

"Take this and travel to the sorcerer's fortress. Let him know that the World of Soren and it's king surrender. Find out as much as you can about the fortress and Nessus himself before you return. We will need every bit of information we can obtain if we hope to defeat him."

I nodded. "Aye sire.. It will be so."

Neither of us said another word. He returned to his throne as I headed out to gather my equipment. As I moved through the halls of the castle, I took the time to greet every person I passed. None of them had any clue that our world was in such peril. However, my acknowledgements of their passings seemed to brighten their days just a tiny bit. I had heard that I had a reputation for being some what of a reclusive figure. I suppose this temporary break from my natural tendencies was my way of saying goodbye, just in case the chance did not come again.

I mounted my horse and rode out of the courtyard. The twin suns of Soren were high in the sky. The warm wind carried the scent of the blossoming forest as it blew lightly over my face. I have never been much for sentiment, but I took the time to enjoy the beauty of the countryside as I hurried to prepare for my journey.

I did not waste much time at home. I shared the keep with but a handful of servants who were not even around when I arrived. With no farewells to give, I simply strapped on my armor and sheathed my blade. I wish I had had someone important to share those precious moments with, as the tale might seem a bit more tragic if it featured a recount of a tearful goodbye between a loving wife and myself. But alas, my maiden was my kingdom. She had always kept me too busy to allow my heart to be claimed by another.

I took a last look around then opened the scroll my Lord had received from Nessus. I ran my fingers over a short row of runes etched beneath the Sorcerer's demands.

They flashed for a split second then the air around me began to hum. The sound grew steadily louder and lower in pitch as a vortex began forming directly in front of me. At first, it was transparent, then as the magical portal began to swirl faster, it suddenly surged with power, turning a shade of bright blue.