City of Ineford

Dudrik looked at the great chamber that housed the Council of Merchants that roared in anger at the new threat to both the city and themselves. "So, our subordination to Jacob Longstrider and the Empire of Night has made us targets. Tell us why we should not revoke our treaty with these people?" Lord Du'mass asked before sitting down again. Lord Du'mass represented a political block that resented Inefords submitting to the Empire of Night and wanted Inefords independence once again.

"Ineford being targeted and the Council of Merchants being threatened has nothing to do with Jacob Longstrider or the Empire of Night. This threat is do to Middlebrough and the Governor that rose to power there. I assume you all know the Immortal Guild, Weighted Chance, is behind the current government at Middlebrough. They are the ones manipulating Governor Parris and keeping the current government in power there. If Jacob Longstrider had not warned us of these threats to our city and ourselves, we would have not have been prepared." Dudrik responded while looking directly at Lord Du'mass.

Another Lady stood, "Regeant Dudrik is merely explaining why they have increased security for all the Council member as well as key facilities within the city. Now that we know why I am sure no one present here should have any problems with the increased security. It's not like anyone here wants them to succeed, correct?' She asked while staring at Lord Du'mass who paled at the unspoken accusation. 'Moving on, what are we and Lord Longstrider doing about this new threat from Middlebrough? What do we know about the Immortal guild Weighted Chance?"

Dudrik smiled before responding, "Weighted Chance is a guild considered by most Immortals and Locals as the lowest of the low. A PK guild by the Immortal term, meaning they enjoy killing other Immortals and see Locals as nothing more than tools to be used then discarded. As far as what we are doing, we have set up an outpost to the north to warn us of any incursions into the Arathia Basin. Lord Longstrider has also promised to assist us in fighting off any incursions from Middlebrough. This threat is not just his to deal with though.' Dudrik said before Lord Du'mass could say anything toward that end, 'Middlebrough is a threat to Ineford, more then it is a threat to the Empire of Night. We must be willing to step forward and face these threats to our own sovereignty." The rumble of the council talking filled the room as Dudrik made his way back toward his seat. It was going to be a long day with the all the Council bitching but in the end, they would do what was necessary to survive.

Fortress of New Dawn

Brox looked at the long line of applicants, most looked malnourished but a couple of weeks of steady food and drills would repair their bodies. Brox had expected some to choose to join the Legions, he had not expected so many though. Of the 6,238 former slaves, they had freed from the Bloodsoaked Fort, 6,180 had decided to join the Legions. The remaining 58 were being filtered out and sent to the Pit at the Tomb of Eternal Night. Joining the Legions would start the process of repairing their minds and give them a chance to strike back at their former oppressors. Those that went to the Pit would receive some treatment but they would not receive the purpose of joining the Legions would give the new recruits.

King Longstrider hoped they would be combat ready within 30 days, but Brox was uncertain of that request. The sheer amount of new recruits was daunting and they had only 400 fully trained Legionnaires here and another 400 at Midnight. The First was stretched thin between the surface, training operations, and fortifying the new Bloodsoaked Fort. Brox was unsure if they would be able to hold if their enemies decided to press them too hard.

It would be weeks until the new recruits were properly equipped, but they all had food and shelter now. A large supply train had arrived from Ineford bringing tents, medical supplies, and food to New Dawn. The former slaves that had already signed were already being broken up into new military units and started going through basic sword and shield forms. Brox smiled as he remembered helping plan and instituting the training they were now imposing weeks ago and the first batch of former slaves undergoing all the training. It was going to be a long month.

Tomb of Eternal Night

Palace of Night- Master Suite

Jacob looked down on the city, he could see the workers in the middle city working on all the new construction and other crews knocking down old dilapidated buildings. Already new Cabins and Wells had been built to house all the workers there in the Middle city, the building that went to house and support the work crew would form the core of the new middle city. The Tomb Guards that were patrolling the middle city had already reported that monster spawn rates of monsters were down and would continue to dwindle as they reclaimed those portions of the lost city.

Suddenly Eiloma walked out onto the terrace, "I see that you exhausted Chalxae last night. Brox has sent us the initial numbers of those that have signed up for the Legions. Finale count as of now is 6,180 have joined the Legions and 58 have been sent to the Pit as of this morning. I have sent supplies to New Dawn but we are going to have to release more funds within two weeks and we might have to use Gilded Handz to import food and other miscellaneous supplies to support the new infusion of people. We are still waiting on the report on the Bloodsoaked Fort to see what resources they have there. The farms at New Dawn are being expanded and upgraded and will be able to double crop yields in one months time so. I would also suggest we see if we can increase the herds of Angl-Backs here and at Midnight."

Jacob nodded, "Agreed. I will send a message to Tarren, he should still be at Bloodsoaked Fort, he will write up a report on whatever they have there and send it to us. I want the farms at New Dawn expanded and upgraded to the maximum as soon as possible so we do not have a food shortage again in the future. Write up the necessary orders to those that oversee the Angle-Back herds and I will sign it once done. We are going to have to commission orders for arms and armor for all the new Legion members, write that up as well. We will outsource at least 2,000 suits of armor to the smiths in Ineford, I am sure Dudrik can use that information to make the Council of Merchants happy." Jacob said as he pulled the other Vampire into his embrace and kissed her.

Suddenly a portal opened and disgorged Cathrine and two of her Deathwalkers, she looked tired and exhausted but smiled when she saw Jacob. "Don't let me interrupt dear one," she said as she poured some water into a cup while the two Deathwalkers disappeared into nearby shadows.

Eiloma tried to break away but Jacob kept firm control of her, "I have..." she started to say before Jacob kissed her again while grinding her core against his hardened member and causing her to moan in pleasure.

"Don't forget dear one, she likes it when her nipples are pinched," Cathrine said as she watched Jacob play with the other Vampire but before he could continue to tease and torment her, Eiloma broke away and holding up a finger in his face stopping him.

"We both have duties and you sent your wife to the Hallowed Tombs with a request. Now I am leaving." Eiloma turned and started walking away but Cathrine smacked her ass firmly as she walked by causing the other woman to turn, her eyes flashing red in annoyance or lust. Before she could say anything Chalxae pounced on her from behind and dragged her to the bed while smothering her objections with kisses. Both Jacob and Cathrine laughed at her outraged expression that was quickly turning into something else.

Jacob gazed at his first wife, pulling her into his embrace and kissed her thoroughly before leaning back against the guardrail. "So, what was the Nine decision on allowing access to the Plague Lords destroyed fortress?" Jacob asked her as he studied his tired wife.

Cathrine winced and based on their link Jacob could tell she was worried, "They said yes but you will be required to take a representative with your party. At first, they wanted to appoint some stooge but I insisted that I could fill the role as their eyes and ears during your run through the ruins."

"You think I would argue with you or forbid you from going?" Jacob asked her and she nodded causing him to snort. "I remember not to long ago when someone decided to follow me on my campaign to destroy all the outposts the SIsters had set up in this area of the Underdark...Did I say or do anything then?" Jacob asked while drawing her tighter in his embrace and causing her to lay her head on his chest.

"No, but you did not know about it then. I only told you afterward and..." before Cathrine could continue he kissed her and cupped her ass before drawing back.

"Yes I did not know about it at the time, but I know for a fact you are well trained and are a powerful Mind Mage. I trust you and if you believe that you can fill the role I believe you and that is that. Do I like the fact you are putting yourself into danger, no but since I will be there I cannot say much about the situation. Did they say anything else?" Jacob asked as he ran his fingers up and down her spine knowing it would distract her.

Cathrine smiled before continuing to relay what the Nine had said, "A traitor of the Nine had defected late in the war against the Plague Lords. A Death Knight, Xin Black-Hand, and one of the silent wardens of the Nine, they are unsure if he died in the last battles against the Plague Lords or if he survived. They want you to confirm his death and if he is not dead they want you to kill him."

Quest Issued: Plagued Ruins

Description: The Council of Nine has granted you access the Plague Lords fallen fortress to search for the rings of the Blood Lords armor set. The only request they make is that you either confirm the death of a traitor or kill him if he has survived all these years. DO NOT LET ANYTHING ESCAPE FROM THE RUINS.

Xin Black-Hand Dead: Unknown

Requirement: Bring along Cathrine On'tel-Longstrider, Level 33, Party Size 10

Rewards: 30,000 Experience, Variable

Jacob quickly read the quest description, he had already planned on sending Chalxae to watch Darren's back tomorrow when he went to Ineford to get information from his contact. They could run the dungeon tomorrow he thought, "I understand dear wife. I planned on sending Chalxae with Darren tomorrow, you can take her spot for the day with my War party." Suddenly a long drawn out moan emitted from the bed that suddenly cut off as Chalxae came out on the terrace naked.

"Where am I going and with whom?" Chalxae asked while Jacob and Cathrine eyeballed her naked body but before Jacob could respond a hand clamped down on her mouth and dragged her back into the room beyond much to the amusement of Jacob and Cathrine.

"Before any of that happens, I need some rest. Before that though, I would like you to fulfill your husbandly duties." Cathrine said as she started stripping her armor and weapons off as she walked toward the bed and toward the two writhing bodies on it. Jacob smiled and quickly ditched the robe before throwing himself at the Banshee as she laughed.