I sent off two tribesmen at top speed to the Whitepeaks tribal stones bearing this message.

"Brothers, I must warn you about the areas under the mountains you are camped upon. There is a demon in the caverns that hungers to be let loose upon the world. Do not venture in unless the darkest of events occurs and you are forced in by your enemies, for no friend would send you down there."

"There is a large division of our sworn enemies 'The Fist of Chal' heading to your area. They will attack you on sight. Scout them well and have a plan ready for when more of your brothers arrive. If you must raid for food, raid to the north of the Whitepeaks stones. The alm there is named Sepiam and has declared himself an enemy of the Orzan. At this time, only raid for food unless attacked. Save your strength for the Fist, not for Sepiam unless he forces your spears."

"Saer Nav"

Ok, time to get serious. I will gather 20 members of each tribe that is here at the Whitepeaks tribe. Gather them to a ceremony of the Pamori where the Ancestors of the Whitepeaks stones are heard out loud by all who attend. Let questions be asked, and hopefully answered. Then disperse them to those waiting below the wall to share their "encounter" with the ancestors. This is what we are coming back for, not for some land or cattle or water. We are coming back for our ancestors. ( I will try to be inspiring for this speech.)

I will also send 50 of the Whitepeaks tribe currently here back down the wall to speak to the 1500 that wait there below the wall. The is message will be, "Your stones have been reclaimed. The Fist is coming to destroy them. Will you stand down below and wail to the sky in anguish or will you stand on the mountain and throw stones upon the ones who would do this deed. The time is now. Look to one who has tasted victory, not to one who is steeped in defeat. Leave your useless waiting and make your ancestors proud like they have not been proud in many hundreds of years."

I need information on when the Fist will arrive. T'j has proclaimed his intention to fight at the Whitepeaks. So I need to know when to move out. I fear it will be too soon.

Runner sent around the area and below the wall.

"The Orzan is enticing his enemies to a battle at the Whitepeaks. He will lead the Shawnal to battle and use our enemies' blood to water the sand. Prepare, be ready, be there."

Saer is tireless and inspired. T'j has motivated him thus. There is not a person who speaks to him that could possibly come away feeling other than that Saer believes to his soul in this rightness and timing of his cause.

Now that there is a strong foundation and operation for our 'activities' in Cas'lm. Of our rougues gallery of 17; 4 will be involved with protection rackets, 4 will work on political/strategic intelligence and information selling (spying), 7 will be devoted to 'property collection and redistribution'(smuggling, dealing, and stealing), and the last 2 will work closely with Lataj doing research and uncovering information regarding the more 'mysterious' areas of interest (Tattoos, Demons, etc.). Hopefully with this setup we will be able to continue to expand, profit, and use some resources to obtain information about just what the hell is going on with all these crazy assassins creeping around with tatoos, etc.

Because I want the Tiger Mafia to grow quickly both in scope and reputation, each section (except the 'X'files working with Lataj) will have a 'Leiutenant' appointed who will report Directly to me, but only through prior arrangement with Mahamat. Shakar will be seen less and less as himself... if he goes out, he will usually wear a disguise or have something to cover his face. He covers his eyes with colored glass to conceal their appearance. Hopefully someday it will be said that if you see the Tiger's Eyes, you will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams, or you will dream no more. Only Lataj or Mahamat would see Shakar undiguised on a regular basis. This is not to say that Shakar will not be devoted to the operation of the newtork, on the contrary he will spend most of his waking hours committed to it.

If Lataj has knowlege of the way to see if men, or women are truthful through Shadow Magic, I would have him use it to screen the 17 on my behalf. Of course I realise that Lataj may need more 'persuasion' to work so close with the TigerMafia?, he will be well rewarded, and given the oppourtunity to do compeling, mystical research into the workings of the Dark Paraj. His 2 assitants will be chosen for their discretion and any flair they might have for digging up information and research. I'm sure that Tj and Saer are trying to find out more about the Dark Paraj as well, but they are busy with conflict, and our geographical position (so close to Saip) might proove advantageous to uncovering pieces of the mystery. As well as the Tatoo symbol and the methods we will focus on the refrences to 'Arkabalan' and 'Second Prophecy'. Any word on the translation of the documents we found on the courier who was meeting with Saip's representatives?

Lastly, with difficulties perhaps soon to be encountered with the Fist in the South. We will try to focus our more far ranging projects in locating and disabling the Fist. Hopefully we can find out where the Fist will reform into an Army. Specifically focusing on Sepian and E'Pval's lands.

Shakar

?

Saer, no riots. They will not been needed.

Here are my plans. Please consider them and bring any benefits/drawbacks that you see to light. I have alerted our Hunting Tiger and an awaiting to hear of his thoughts as well.

Alm Sepiam will be our first target. He is our biggest threat at this point. He has a large number of troops that he is not committing to the civil war. He's expecting a battle here. The Church has some hand in that as well.

I first plan to mobilize about one-third of my Pirem military to do an important job to securing the east. They will go and secure the trade routes to Alm Asalam's lands. We both need the trade. The soldiers will not only protect those trade routes but will also re-build them where necessary. I do not want to use Shawnal for this job. Tensions are too tight. I want the military presence there, however, for when I attack Sepiam's lands. I need to have a force that can delay a flank attack. Just before I begin the attack on Sepiam I will let Asalam know on my intention to increase his land base and trading potential. Either he'll sit by and do nothing or he will give assistance to me. That will depend on how we do against Sepiam.

Next I will alert Shal'aj to my intentions - personally if I can. I need to be near him to convince him of my plan. I have no intention of causing harm to Shal'aj. In fact, once Sepiam is out of the picture I plan to offer Alm Shal'aj one-third of Sepiam's lands - excluding stone lands. If I can meet with him then I can convince him. However, timing is critical since I must not be late for the battle againt Sepiam.

I plan to be there when the attack commenses. My presence will be a strengthening factor in my claim to be called Orzan.

Another third of Sepiam's lands will go to Asalam so that he may trade with Shal'aj directly. The remaining lands I will consider handing to Azariah - for his past assistance. This will enable him to gain a foothold on this side of the river should he need it. Note that I plan to chop up Sepiam's lands around the stones as necessary. If he declines then we'll decide on a ruler. I don't want to be splitting myself up. Having other rules that are somewhat loyal to myself or at least to the south will give me a buffer zone.

What do you think of offering the Shadow Mages some waterfront property for a new library/university/whatever? I need them to at least remain neutral.

The spliter group that is arriving - that's a large group. I am hoping that they will be able to act as support.

Finally there is the Fist. I want the Shawnal to go up against them. That will whip them into the frenzy that Saer wants to instill in them. The Fist are buying horses up - a cavalry. I know that cavalry can be an awesome opponent. However, how many of those Fist have spent much time on a horse. It's one thing to stick a man on a beast and point him towards the battle. It's another thing when he can point the horse himself.

I want those horses. Even if I can't use them - I'll trade them west.

Saer, where are the Fist now? Can you find the spliter group and can we assist their arrival.

I will mobilize about one-third of my Pirem military to do an important job to securing the trade routes to the east - another third to go the west and north. The soldiers will not only protect those trade routes but will also re-build them where necessary.

Quick Note to Asalam,

In response to your request for opening up the trade routes from your lands to the west I have mobilized a portion of my troops to assist in this regard. They will also be available for dealing with the Fist should they decide to try enforcing their laws upon either one of us. The Shawnal will be moving away soon but we do need to speak of their intentions. Please send forth a deligate who can speak on your behalf so you may hear of my plans.

Letter to Alm Shal'aj,

Your support the past days has been greatly appreciated. I ask of you one more favour and then I will attempt to repay your kindness, should you accept the gift. I propose to meet with you personally, along with a deligate from Alm Asalam as you are both affected by my future intentions. Please send word back as to whether we can meet. I sincerely suggest that we do.

I need to see who we will encounter first. The Fist or Sepiam. The Shawnal will be prepared for travel to war. I want my top generals to take an equal portion of the Shawnal and see what battle tactics they have and what they can be taught.

Three small scouting forces will be sent to find the Fist. They can let themselves be seen and I want them seen from different sides of the Fist. I want the appearance of huge numbers of forces.

I want those horses. Even if I can't use them - I'll trade them west. The scouting forces have permission to steal some - not more than they can handle, however.

I fear your young runner will travel more distance in the next little while than she will in her whole life. I write to let you know the substance of our actions. I hope you can convey the unique opportunity we have now that will not come again.

The Pirem Empire is too large and too powerful for the Tribes to ever take it by force. The false leaders of the past have proven that beyond my ability to hope. The Orzan is the true leader, he is from the Empire. He is a son of a Great Man and has the ability to be heard wherever he speaks. The Emperor himself would hear him if he called. For us to return above the wall, the Empire must invite us. This will happen.

T'j Pract'la has convinced 5 of the Alms' to let us live in peace. We physically contend with only one. This has to be recognized by the council. The time is now. This turmoil that the Empire is in will not last. Already the South weakens. We have a limited time to support the South against it's enemies within the Empire.

This plan is simple, and will be effective if implemented. The Southern lords will view us as neighbours, not invaders. I have spoken with the Ashani. Two tribes have regained their ancient lands. All will be won or lost by the simple presence or absence of the Tribes remaining below the wall.

If you have influence, use it now. Share my letter. Bring the council. Show by example that the Jarazine have faith. I could not ask this of you if I did not know it to be true. Those who call it "Saer's Belief" belittle the entire Journey of Tears. The Ashani are speaking. Come listen to their words.

I fear your young runner will travel more distance in the next little while than she will in her whole life. I write to let you know the substance of our actions. I hope you can convey the unique opportunity we have now that will not come again.

The Pirem Empire is too large and too powerful for the Tribes to ever take it by force. The false leaders of the past have proven that beyond my ability to hope. The Orzan is the true leader, he is from the Empire. He is a son of a Great Man and has the ability to be heard wherever he speaks. The Emperor himself would hear him if he called. For us to return above the wall, the Empire must invite us. This will happen.

T'j Pract'la has convinced 5 of the Alms' to let us live in peace. We physically contend with only one. This has to be recognized by the council. The time is now. This turmoil that the Empire is in will not last. Already the South weakens. We have a limited time to support the South against it's enemies within the Empire.

This plan is simple, and will be effective if implemented. The Southern lords will view us as neighbours, not invaders. I have spoken with the Ashani. Two tribes have regained their ancient lands. All will be won or lost by the simple presence or absence of the Tribes remaining below the wall.

If you have influence, use it now. Share my letter. Bring the council. Show by example that the Jarazine have faith. I could not ask this of you if I did not know it to be true. Those who call it "Saer's Belief" belittle the entire Journey of Tears. The Ashani are speaking. Come listen to their words.

Kodalr,

The Eels hearts may be of stone, but their feet are not. Bring them to the Hall of the Jarazine. The leaders of the Eels have the right to ask the Jarazine to accompany them. And if, as I believe will be the case, if the Jarazine have already left for the Empire, then the Eels must follow. The Orzan is leading the Tribes home.

The Silver Eels must not be left behind. The heart of Saer Nav would be heavy indeed if this was their fate. You must inspire them brother. Bring them to the Hall and let the Eels inspire themselves.

I am keeping a watchful eye and an attentive ear out for Amuari and Arcor.