Shullat: The Battle Before the Battle

It is often forgotten, by great warriors and weak alike, that the most crucial parts of every battle are that which are fought before the battle line are drawn and swords are crossed. The gods, at least the gods of my time, would certainly support a righteous cause, but they had little patience for fools. And a poorly equipped force charging head long into a battle with poor equipment and no idea what to accept would be precisely that: a fool.

And so it is that the battle with the Aboleth must be put off for a time while we prepare ourselves to defeat it.

For the most part, this means marshaling our allies. I am pleased that Arcadius and his company have not shirked their duty in this regard. One of their number was sent some time ago to gather an army, and it seems that his army is now almost ready.

The gods have shown their support, too. Gods that I recall from my days have resurfaced, and their priests march to join this Hrogar's army. An elven cleric, ancient by their standards, has joined us as well to face the main Aboleth itself.

The parts of the staff have been assembled as well, and another ally brought in who could explain what it was made into while I slept. It is typical of Elayna's cruel brilliance. It feeds on the energy of the followers to destroy the master. In one move, it destroys the entire foundation of the Aboleth's power and the monster itself, and all those who through their wickedness and weakness allowed themselves to be it's pawns.

To my disappointment, the staff was not assembled, but its pieces scattered again. The gods of this era value mercy over strength, and Arcadius fears that there are not enough willing followers, that innocents would die.

I don't know that there are innocents on this battlefield, and I wonder how many more good men may die for our not using the staff. But it is not my decision, so will try it this way.

And if it fails, I know where the pieces reside, now. I can be the one to do it, if the situation calls for it.

Though I will admit, I hope that it does not.

Tomorrow, we go to break a siege. And once that is done, it will be the Aboleth.

May his death be without honor or meaning.