Fortress of Midnight

War Room

Jacob looked at the display with his Captains, "Jax is already setting aside food at New Dawn, I want Sgt.Umurn to construct 4 Ballista and 2 Catapults. By the time construction is done on them, the remaining Legion men will be done with training and receive their armor and weapons. In three weeks time, we will be at the walls of the Fortress of Baereghel."

"Are you going to call on any allies for this fight?" Tathlyn asked while he continued to study the map.

Jacob considered that question, he could but he needed to test all the new recruits. The needed experience to see what they could do in battle, but if the battle went bad it could destroy his new army before they really even started. "I will think about it, but I have not decided one way or the other." The Drow nodded at his statement and Jacob could not tell if he approved or not.

Darkfang Hold

Sosa walked among the Hold with Dolbrug and 6 guards, "Do we have word on what happened with Jacob Longstrider?" Sosa asked her brother.

"No word yet but I am sure he is fine. You worried about his safety?" Dolbrug asked while smiling and laughing.

Sosa glared at him, "He is a new ally and our uncle won't like the fact if we allow our new ally to be weakened. So yes I am a worried brother, but not for what you are implying."

"Then why are you blushing sister?" Dolbrug asked while laughing until Sosa punched him in the stomach. Suddenly a portal opened near the Chieftans Hall, the guards immediately went on alert because they had no one scheduled to arrive but the emerging warriors bore the crest of Clan Darguun. The warriors were led by a Hobgoblin-Orc halfling, Alog Tor'akon, who looked around before moving toward the Darkfang siblings and with a growl he picked both up and hugged them.

"Niece and nephew, you two need to visit more often. Your aunt wants you both to visit more often before your cousins get too much older." Alog said as he threw his arms over their shoulders leading them toward the Chieftans Hall. "So from what I hear you managed to defeat the Sisters of the Damned army, when can I meet Clan Darguun's ally?"

"We don't know, he and his people were attacked recently and he ran off. We have had no contact with Jacob since then." Sosa responded causing Alog to look at Dolbrug.

"Jacob?" Alog asked while Dolburg smiled with his Uncle at the blushing Sosa. "Well, I am sure you can contact him and arrange a face-to-face dear niece. Today please."

Unknown Location

Atlas glared at Oceanus as Hyperion lay exhausted and healing, "What happened, brother?" Atlas asked the other Titan.

"We collected a couple hundred of the faithful and led an assault on a known fortress where we know Jacob Longstrider wields power. The Vampire showed and they fought. He fed off of Hyperion and well, I pulled him out before he could kill our brother." Oceanus responded not meeting his brothers' eyes.

"So, you lost a couple hundred of the faithful. I assume since you retreated the fortress is intact and did not fall. Hyperion is now weaker than ever and Jacob Longstrider will now be even more on guard and is stronger since he fed off a fallen god. Did I miss anything?" Atlas asked as he stepped closer to Oceanus placing his hand on his brother. Oceanus tried to step back but Atlas held him firmly in place. Oceanus sighed and nodded. Atlas slammed Oceanus against the wall and started punching him until Oceanus lay bleeding and unconscious. Oceanus would be healed fully and recovered within an hour but Hyperion recovery was an unknown.

Fortress of Midnight

"This is a warm welcome Lord Longstrider and an impressive new home," Alog said as he looked around, his eyes settled on Star Forged Smithy of Possibilities causing his eyes to widen in surprise and reconsider the other halfling. "Aren't you full of surprises."

"More then you know High Chief Tor'akon. I am no threat to my allies though, you have my word." Jacob told him while looking at Sosa and Dolbrug.

"So you say, so you say. Our clan has not had the best of luck with allies, they tend to turn on us and try to take what is not theirs or fail to give us what is our due. You have upheld your alliance so far." Alog said while eyeballing his reaction but it was Cathrine who reacted.

"My husband keeps his word Alog of Clan Darguun, so do I. Veiled threats from your clan, on the other hand, have become tiresome. So why don't we dispense with the pleasantries and get on with why you wanted this meeting." Cathrine said as she fingered her daggers while staring at the halfling with hostility.

"Do you let your woman fight for you too?" Alog asked while smirking at Jacob who laughed in his face.

"She could bring you to your knees with a whisper and kill you with a scream. Feel free to underestimate her if you will, but if you are that stupid you won't be High Chief of Clan Darguun for long and I can continue this conversation with your successor." Jacob said with a smile, "Now if we are done with veiled threats and dick measuring, let's cut the bullshit and get to the point of why you wanted to get here." Jacob said but with no friendliness. He was starting to get pissed, he had to deal enough with bullshit, much less from a High-Chief of a clan he was tentative alliance with.

Before Alog could respond Sosa slapped the back of his head, "Enough uncle, you wanted to meet our new ally, here he is. If you wish to trade insults with people, go back to your hold. I am sure Jacob has more important things to do than trade insults." Alog glared at his niece but smiled before turning back toward Jacob.

Alog considered the halfling before him before continuing, "My niece is correct. I would like some time alone to talk with you Jacob Longstrider if I may?"

Arang'mor

City of Arkburn-Citidal of the Light

King Othgad Lightbringer stared at the display, "How long has it been gone?"

"The display is checked every week as you know. The Tome was here last time it was checked. None of the wards were tripped and the vault has not been opened since last week my king." the priest said.

"Keep the vault sealed. Whoever did the inspection, make sure they know their continued existence hinges on them keeping their mouth shut. Summon the Commanders of the Inquisition and Silver Guard, I don't care where they are or what they are doing. I want them here, now." Othgad silently contemplated what the consequences would be for what had happened. Othgad had control of the Tome of the Heavens for 2 1/2 years. It had been the reason why he had gained control of this nation in the first place. Now the Tome of the Heavens had disappeared for an unknown reason, he knew it could happen he just did not expect it to happen.