Years later after the complete and utter destruction of Kahloon and its inhabitants, The Ward council (formed in the early years of war to combat Ogrekan aggression) believed it was time to disband their armies and bring them home. This decision while greeted with open arms at first amongst the Orc populace. Quickly transformed into outright anger and outrage as the shamans took to the streets proclaiming loudly and vehemently of the blasphemies occurring all over their world. Thus creating a divide amongst the Orcish people. The Ward Council tried to persuade the people that this would only lead to a never ending war, but too few were willing to listen to reason. Sezrath had dug his claws deep into their hearts.

Added to this turmoil erupting within the heart of the realm, Orc warriors returning from the field of battle consecrated with the power of Sezrath were siding with the Shamans. Turning the Capital Zarkan into a bloody warzone as those who opposed the warmongers were dragged out into the street to be slaughtered like sheep for all to see. Fearing the Shaman's rapacious ambitions, The Ward Council reacted swiftly and formed the Stone Guard; recruited from Goblin, Dwarven and Ogrekan slaves that resided in their dungeons. Their job would be to patrol the streets and restore order. A decision that would further inflame the supporters of the Shamans and strengthen resistance to their rule.

Given basic training and plenty of privileges to ensure their loyalty the Stone Guard battled the Warmongers in the streets, using their advantage in numbers to overwhelm their enemies, and drive them out of the Capital. Grozak the leader of the Shamans realising they were far too outnumbered to face the full weight of the Council, wisely chose to withdraw from the City and flee to Kahloon. There he rallied the Orcish armies that were still in the field to his banners and prepared for his return to Orkeylium.

The Council panic stricken over the news the Orc armies were betraying their oaths of fealty to the Council and were re- swearing allegiance to Lord Sezrath. Still hesitated to take action against the Shamans, despite the counsel of Kozak Ka a former member of The Ward Council, who advised the Council to prepare for war. Too many on the Council still hoped for a peaceful solution to their current crisis so instead sent emissary after emissary to the Shamans seeking to speak with them. None returned. With no choice, but to go to war The Ward Council reluctantly agreed to Kozak Ka's request to gather an army to protect the Capital. Using his considerable influence and contacts he quickly began mobilizing a mixed force of Orc conscripts. Dwarven, Goblin, and Ogrekan mercenaries and a large allied complement of Fae'lon warriors, who also feared the Shaman's growing power in the region (Fae'lon are also known as elves in the human tongue.) To be Continued...