This had been anticipated by some and generally discussed, so there was little reaction. But then, Baldric said, in a bleak, quiet voice that seemed to fill the hall with thick dread, "What you do not know, is that there are also reports from far to the northeast of the movements of what is believed to be another enemy." He paused, waiting for his startled guests to subside. "It is our belief," he continued, "that someone is amassing a force to take the lands that were once ancient Morag.
"Of these forces, two things are clear: That there is an unstable alliance between them; and that, at some point, they will be at war with one another. Our best guess is that these two are none other than our ancient foemen, the Demon King who rules the Underworld beneath the Burning Lands, and Morlock the Wizard.
"On the subject of Wizards," he said with a sudden winterly smile, "I do have a brief announcement to make, though doubtless you are aware of this fact already. Anest, formerly apprenticed to our own Belloc the Wizard, is now fully a Wizard himself, and is part of that ancient order." There was no need for a celebratory toast, as a short ceremony had been held earlier, but there was an appreciative murmur from those present nonetheless.