Vol. 4 Valdis and His Armies

Valdis and His Armies
The Humans and the Morden of the eastern desert have formed an uneasy alliance -- uneasy because, though mutually beneficial, the alliance is built on the trade of goods and knowledge rather than on a natural similarity of beliefs and desires. For the beliefs of the two races could not be more dissimilar.
The Humans of Kalrathia came to live in the desert shortly after the cataclysm known as Turmanar, and consider themselves protected by Azunai the Defender. They treasure their freedom, and revile Zaramoth for his actions in the war. The Morden, on the other hand, have come to the deserts only recently, and believe that they are descendants of Zaramoth himself, and that Azunai is no better than a murderer.
Some of the Morden might be historically true -- it is well known that the Seck who made up most of Zaramoth's armies were created by him for the purpose, and no one knows where the Morden come from. It is indeed possible that they have Seck blood.
The tensions between the two races can easily be imagines. So, too, can the fierce loyalty which the Morden feel for their leader. For the Morden believe that Valdis is Zaramoth reborn, come to lead them to victory as Zaramoth led the Seck of old. It is said that Valdis bears the Sword of Zaramoth, and that the Sword itself gives him complete protection against all harm.
At first, however, conquest did not appear to be Valdis' goal. We first heard of him when he sent greetings to the leaders of all the cities of Aranna, stating that he would be leading his people in a quest for certain artifacts, but he meant no aggression. The messages also contained an offer to all young soldiers to join his armies for good pay. Many Humans, even some Edhel and Half-Giants, took Valdis at his word, and flocked to join him. ONly when it was discovered that his true purpose was to reforge all of Aranna as Zaramoth had before him, did any speak against ihm. And by then, the time for speaking had passed.
Category:Dungeon Siege II
Category:Books