In its heydey, the Shardrake Imperium decided to build a massive wall around the Northern Reaches. It was supposedly built to protect the cities of the Imperium from attack, but I-as well as other inhabitants of Anahelm-believe it was built for other purposes. Hundreds of slaves-of all races-died in its construction. There is only one gate, and the Shardrake Highway leads right up to it. Somehow the wall surivied the blast, but the gates were disintegrated. We decided to make camp outside the gate, planning and preparing for what lay within. Aloen was ground zero of the blast, and the home of the Tower of Sciences. There is no telling what manner of creature survived and was mutated by the powers of that blast. Most of what lies within is probably rubble, but I have heard that some men within managed to survie, one of these groups has my sister, and I will find them.
"Sleep will not come easy for me this night," I remarked. "So I ill take first watch."
Grim and Taurox nodded in silent agreement, possibly with undersanding too.
Taurox asked, "What of the coming days? It is more than likely nothing but a large pile of stone, steel, and other debri past these walls. How are we to find where your sister is being held?"
"In their note, they told me to meet in the courtyard of the Tower of Sciences."
At this both of my companions eyes opened wide. Grim chocked on his water.
"The Tpwer? Are ye crazy?"
I shook my head, "I assure you, Grim, I am perfectly sane."
"Do ye not know the history of that accursed place?"
Again I nodded, "I do."
"What?" Taurox asked. "We minotaurs do not keep up with the problems of Men."
"The Magi of Sciences knew there experiment was about to fail. They locked themselves in their tower and warded it withtheir most powerful spells. They were not enough, though. The entire to half of the tower was blown away with the rest of Aleon. The beasts and creatures of the other planes they had sealed in thier basement were released. The corruted air affected some of the surviving magi as well as these demons. None who have ever seen these fell beasts in person have returned. The tales of them ar merely speculation."
"But there is some truth in all speculation?" Taurox asked.
I nodded, "That is what I fear."
I turned and looked at the wall, over it. An errie, sickly pink red glow was emitting from with the walls, seeming to throb like aninfected wound. I had no doubt that we would find and rescue Valanthe. Whether we would all then be able to escape the Northern Reaches, I was not so sure.
