A secret meeting

Rank and file, the Duke´s army dutifully guarded the elven settlement. Elves were a proud people, the only reason why this could happen, the necromancer reasoned, was if the Duke conquered these lands.

The Duke was reckless and proud. For him to march once he heard of his vassals defeat was beliveable; to think he achived his goals so fast was dubious at best.

His shadow became a raven, and a messenger. It flew unnoticed through the watchful gaze of the sentinels, until it found his liege. He had his trusted honor guard about him, and they were dutifully waiting.

"Caw" the shadow whispered, so that only Aloric could hear. The duke saw the black bird, and though nothing of it, "Caw", it repeated, and this time the shadow stared back. A supersticious man, the duke cursed his luck and heed "Deliver your message and begone, bird of ill fortune". And it did.

"Stay your hand, my liege, for even **** and shadows kneel in service. I failed you once, but never again. This is I, Sir Farthof, who speaks to you, and the rotten army that lurks is under your service" These words were heard by the Duke alone, but still he commanded his guard to stay there, while he rode away. "Tell me more". And it did.