Daren looked down at the army of Wiliks in the grounds of the castle, made of pitch black brick. He smiled, but it didn’t reach his stone-cold eyes.

“Preparations are almost complete, My Lord.” A small man, only about 4'6”, with a mop of light brown, almost blonde hair on top of his head entered the dimly lit quarters of his Master. He bowed awkwardly as Daren placed his piercing gaze upon his lieutenant. He was young, only 26, but he had an excellent knowledge of battle strategy.

“Good. The Alelians won’t expect it.” his deep voice resonated in the scarcely furnished chamber. “I won’t have some silly child ruin my plans this time.”

*****