The council chamber of the Wildlands Federation simmered with tension.
Eight chiefs occupied the round stone table.
The leaders of Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Goliaths, Centaurs, Beastmen, Lizardfolk and Birdfolk.
At its head sat Ashreth, chief of the Human State and also the Supreme Leader of the Federation.
He rose slowly then placed a hand over his chest. His expression was heavy with guilt.
"Brothers. Sisters. I have failed you," he said. His voice was so heavy it seemed to press on the very air. "The Kingdom and the Holy Empire have conspired against us. Alone, I am helpless. Together… perhaps we can endure."
From his sleeve he drew a crystal magic tool. Light burst across the wall behind him, coalescing into a moving image.
The chiefs leaned forward and their eyes narrowed as scenes unfolded.
Chariots breaching their borders. Bombs raining from the sky. Monsters driven to madness. And Lucien with his men cutting them down.
