The Dawn of a New Age

A radio buzzes in the eerie silence beneath the streets of the northern Human Town, Silvergold. The sewers are damp and completely dark, save for the small light from the radio. The light illuminates a group of four slender Rat People huddled together listening.
"WARNING: WITH THE NEW EXPERIMENTAL DISEASE OF ANDRON PLAGUING THE SEWERS OF PRAUGRES, CITIZENS ARE ADVISED TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES AND TO AVOID ANY CONTACT WITH THE DEADLY VIRUS. NO HARM SHOULD COME TO THE PEOPLE AS PROFESSIONALS ARE DEALING WITH QUARANTINING THIS SMALL OUTBREAK IN THE SECLUDED PORTIONS OF THE SEWER SYSTEM. VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH SUPPLIES WILL BE PASSED OUT REGULARLY AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO THREAT OF THIS DISEASE WORKING ITS WAY INTO ANY WATER SYSTEMS. THIS SITUATION IS UNDER CONTROL AND THE OUTBREAK SHOULD BE CONTAINED AND ELIMINATED WITHIN A MATTER OFF MONTHS. CITIZENS SHOULD..." The radio's sound fades away as the smallest Rat Person, Yix turns it off. The Rat People are grim faced and dressed in old, worn and tattered suits of clashing styles.

The tallest, named Rothel, spoke. "It seems things in central Praugres are not improving. It is good that we have come here."
The other Rat People nod, and the group is off quickly.

***

They emerge to the surface of the outskirts of Sivlergold with their eyes squinting in the bright light. Their King had arranged them to meet with a general of the Drakin race after he found out about the disaster in Andron. Hopefully some mutual benefit could be met. The party waited at their assigned meeting place.

Once they got to the meeting place they would see the drakin had already been here for a small while, having set up a small war time camp. Seemingly unafraid of their proximity to the human city of Silvergold. Three drakin warriors, one thric ternock ((no scale)) approached them along with two ternock ((scale)) both in full drakin armor armed to the teeth, though one wasnt scaled and the others were all of them were at least 7 feet tall. They could tell these were highly ranked Dragon Guard. The thric ternock spoke first saying in a voice booming with authority "Are you the Nak that called for us?"

Rothel approached the Scale, feeling a more than a little intimidated at the sight of the powerful camp. Rothel was, however, a highly trained and prestigious member of the assassin group in Rat People society and skilled diplomat. He felt quite capable of handling the situation.
"We are indeed, ternock. I am Rothel Scumstalker, the diplomat sent from King Archibald."

Rothel gestures to two unusually stocky Rat People and a smaller one, "These are my escorts Viktor and Quetz. The other is Yix, he is learned scribe and businessman. Where may we contact your leader?"

The Drakin simply nodded and said "My name is Drakio Lavastrider, these men are Arkos and Norso. We are the Lord General Kain Warlord's personal guards, we will bring you too him." They would lead the rat people through the camp, the rat people would feel as if they were being watched and stared at the whole time because...well...they were. The drakin were not trusting of other races and despised humans. This race looked too human for them, so they were already slightly off put by their presence.

Rothel sensed the mistrust between from the Drakin. To be honest, he was not overly fond of the large monster-like race either, but he saw the benefits in working with them. They were strong and could prove very useful.
The Drakin and the Humans are centuries old enemies and Rothel was sure they would leap and any opportunity to strike back at the Humans. No Rat Person wanted the Human race to be destroyed, that would likewise be devastating to the Rat People as well. However, they had to think of the survival of their own race. Terrible things had occurred in Praugres and if they were left alone, Rat People could very well cease to exist in the near future.
Even though Rothel was sure they were in no harm, he could not help but glance nervously around. His companions did the same. They walked closer together until they arrived at the tent of general Kain

As they arrived the 8 and half foot tall golden fully scaled drakin stepped out of the tent, stretching his wings before looking down at the rats and re folding them. He smiled at them and signaled for his guards to leave "I apologize for my men, they are young Drakin, they must find your close relation to humans unsettling. I have lived for 857 years, i know the difference between good friend and terrible foe." He opened the flap of his tent and invited them inside.

The Rat People relaxed slightly when they were inside the tent and out of the sunlight. They tensed up again and cringed upon hearing the age of the Drakin. Rat People are usually short lived and the idea of living that long was unnerving.
"Your tolerance is refreshing, most noble ternock. I was starting to doubt how open to negotiation this settlement was."

Rothel paused and looked at the mighty Drakin. "It would appear that you have some good sense. I have information you would find valuable. Free of charge."

Kain sat down on one side of a war table, cities and towns marked regardless of size, trade and supply routes, even military movements were marked on this map, this would let the rats know that kain had put his trust in them which may make them feel welcome, and afraid. If they crossed him, with such knowledge even at a glance, he would annihilate this group of Nak. He gestured for Rothel to sit "Sit my friend, you must be tired from your journey. What is this information you have brought to me?"

Rothel understood the subtle clues the Drakin was giving them. He knew they were being trusted a lot. He knew also that, if abused, this meeting would not end pleasantly. He sat down.
"Thank you. Might I have your name and word before we continue. What I am about to say is extremely secret. If word got out, it could ruin us both."
The request for secrecy was merely a formality. Rothel knew the Drakin would keep the information solely to himself. He did, however, want to remember the fellow's name for future reference.

Kain nodded and understood, he extended his hand and said "My name is Lord General Kain Warlord of the 2nd Regiment of the Drakin Dominion, i swear upon my honor, and the honor of my powerful and wise ancestral spirits that i shall not divulge this information to any third party." This was known throughout all of Velios, when a drakin swore on his honor, let alone the honor of his ancestors, he would never break this pact.

With the formalities out of the way, Rothel began to explain his presence to Kain. "You have been, no doubt, attempting to take this town for quite some time now. And I'm sure you've heard of the military base in Luboric..." Rothel left the sentence hanging.

"We have an idea that will allow the Drakin to capture both of these strategic points in one fell swoop." Rothel knew his claim was bold, but the plan he had organized could work if executed properly. It would require both the full efforts of the Drakin and the Rat People if it were to succeed.

Kain nodded "This city is simply so well defended even with a small garrison it has proven difficult to overtake and yes, Luboric is a stronghold against us. It's like a tidal wave crashing against a mountain, nothing good comes of any attack there." When the rat said that last part kain raised his eyebrows "Both points in one fell swoop? This is quite hard to believe Rothel, what is your plan?"

Rothel nodded. "Your doubt is expected, but let me assure you that we have secret ways into the city. Once inside we can hide away your men within underground catacombs. They have been unused and for years and none remember them now. There we can launch the attacks." Rothel knew this method would work, so long as Kain trusted them.
"If you put your faith in us during this attack, we can ensure that you will have Silvergold. With your strength and our stealth the humans will not be able to even retaliate."

Kain smiled and laughed "Well i have to give you Nak something, you can definitely find your way through a hole in the ground. Usually i would find such a tactic deplorable but...when all honorable battle methods are exhausted you must do what is needed to win. I accept your proposal, i suppose after we conquer the city you want the under ground as your own?"

"The sewers do not befit you, noble Kain. All we ask for is the underground. Allow our people to exist in this town without conflict." Rothel paused.
"I must admit to you that if we are to do this, that the battle must be dragged out. The town of Silvergold is a prize, no doubt, but to sweeten the deal we offered you Luboric as well. In order to take the military fort, we need to draw out it's forces. If the attack on Silvergold is drawn out and the men lose too many troops then we believe they'll send more from Luboric. Our people can hide your troops on the island to make them less suspicious. Once they leave the Drakin can attack and capture both towns."

Rothel concluded his point. "It will mean a greater loss for you, but capturing two major cities is no small feat. the deal is still the same, all we require is complete unhindered access to Silvergold for a period of time.

Kain scratched the scales on his chin as an old wise man would stroke a beard. He thought about this and nodded "Loss of life is part of war, and sometimes loss of life is assured if victory is to be attained...I accepted your proposal Rothel, the men we lose will die honorable deaths and their spirits shall be powerful and wise sooner than others." He smiled thoughtfully "Why have you come to us now? Why do the rats want silver gold's sewers, what has happened?"

Rothel cringed at the question. The Rat People looked at him nervously. None of them wanted to blatantly expose such a large weakness in Rat People society. Rothel knew he had no choice in the matter. The wise and old Drakin would surely be able to tell if he was lying and they needed to have complete trust with one another. After a brief pause, Rothel conceded and spoke.

"You have a sharp mind, Great Ternock Kain. There has been a certain epidemic in Praugres that has greatly affected the largest and most dense area of Rat People. Have your spies heard of a biological disease outbreak in Andron?" The question was merely rhetorical.

"The Government goes to great length to make is seem like there is no big deal but the people are all in a panic and great resources are being used on keeping them safe. Unfortunately, let us say that our race is getting the short end of the stick. The Government is more than willing to ask us for information, but they seem to forget about us when they spread biochemicals throughout our home. Suffice to say that our numbers are diminishing and we need a refuge. Let is rest at that."

Rothel had said far more than he wanted but there was no way around it. He had not lied, but he had not told the entire truth. The Rat People population had effectively been cut in half and the death count was devastating. His face and voice gave indication to anything more severe had occurred. He did not want to divulge any more than he had to.

Kain's brow furrowed and he teeth barred in rage "Humans are monsters, always will be, always have been." he slammed his fist on the table "I swear on the great spirits of my family i WILL make sure the humans pay for what they have done to you and your people Rothel. Huamns do not deserve such supremacy in the west. With the fall of Luboric and Silvergold the Dominion will have broken through the front line and the days of Praugres shall be numbered." He smiled and said "Please, stay the night. You deserve a safe place to sleep and warm fire. My camp is your camp."

The Rat People eagerly sprang at the chance to keep warm and eat well after a long travel. Rothel merely smiled and stood up. "We thank you kindly for understanding. My companions may wish to stay the night, but I am afraid that Yix and I must take our leave tonight. Public Relations is always a busy job and Yix and I have other business that we must attend to. Your hospitality is very much welcome." Rothel nodded to Yix and the two made ready to leave.

"If we have no more business here than we shall depart shortly. My guards on not necessary now, and I will send more of our people to organize the war parties."

Kain nodded to him "May your ancestors smile upon your journey young Rothel." As they left the tent kain gestured for two of his guards to take the other rat people to the main camp to be given a tent and fire along with food. Kain looked to Drakio and said "Dran smiles on us tonight young Drakio, the Nak have brought us great information to turn the tide of this hundred year war."

Drakio nodded and said "I still find it hard to trust them, they look like human and even call themselves Rats." Kain simply smiled and put his hand on drakio's shoulder.

"Worry not young warrior, i do not feel treachery from them. They know the consequences of crossing the Drakin, the sons of Dragons."

Once outside, the two Rat people made no noise and spoke to no one in the camp. They did not even say a word to each other until they were safe in their sewers and miles away from the town of Silvergold. Yix finally stopped and looked at Rothel. "Okay, sir, we moved far enough. Just what is it you're planning? I was looking forward to a nice meal for once."

Rothel chuckled aloud and shook his head. "My friend, Yix I regret to say that this fine plan came straight from our leader himself. A most excellent one, but far too risky for my liking. Do you know what our pressing business is? We are going back to Andron."

Yix nearly fell over where he was standing. His eyes grew wide with horror. "No disrespect sir, but that's crazy! You've seen what it's like there and I've heard the reports. Gas masks are being passed out on the street, and the sewers are riddled with disease. It might be that the infection we keep hearing about has spread to the city! It's utter chaos!" Rothel silenced him with a hand.

"It is not chaos that spawned this disease, nor is this the rumored infection." Rothel explained. "The humans attempted a form of reverse engineering. It was their hope that they could understand the infection and counter it. Unfortunately, they only created a plague that kills it's host. They were left with several diseased bodies and unsanitary equipment. Rather than admit to the public that they failed, they dumped the disease into the sewers to eliminate both it and the Rat People." Yix gasped. "Yes," Rothel continued. "They wanted to eliminate our race. But we will not let them. Do you really think we want the destruction of the human race like the Drakin do?"

"But then why did we agree to-" Rothel interrupted Yix once more. "We thrive off of learning human interaction. Although we did divulge important secrets to the Drakin, the humans will soon find themselves in possession of equally important information. We will warn them of the attacks in exchange for our safety." "Won't that anger the Drakin? We would have outright betrayed them and they are a powerful enemy." Yix said.
Rothel paused and looked away. "That is the risky part, friend. Drakin do not forget easily. I fear that Kain, more than any other of my enemies." Yix's eyes were still frightened and Rothel was deep in thought.

***
They said nothing more to each other as they made their way to Andron, Praugres's capital, to make their deal with the humans. Dread filled each step. Rothel was doubtful of the human's willingness to cooperate. Let us hope you know what you are doing, King Archie.

It was late that night, most drakin were asleep except for the guards posted around the camp, and the wind was soft on his scales as he stood on a hill over looking the fields and then int he distance Silvergold. He smiled to himself and closed his eyes, spreading his wings wide out to let the wind flow around him.

He said, opening his eyes and looking toward stars "Ancestors, look upon my choices and my battles and smile at me. Dran look upon my choices and smile at me. Glorious blood of dragons know my choices and smile at me. I have chosen a way of battle that is under handed, treacherous, dishonorable. But the victory is required to teach these humans to fear the Sons of Dragons."

His looked toward the city and extended his clawed hand "Silvergold...." he sneered the name "You're very name is Avarice and Greed. A monument to all their sins and hate. My army shall tear you apart and burn you, you shall be reborn as the city Ashen, by decree of the Drakin Lord." He turned to walk back to his camp and he sighed to himself.

"But do i trust these Nak fully? I have no reason to doubt them, but i have every reason to doubt them at the same time...I shall take their word as friends, they have given unto us a royal gift."