Deadhouse Landing/Prologue

__NOTOC__
==Dariyal==
From the walls of the harbour fortifications, Cartheron Crust watches Dariyal, capital city of the Napan Isles, burn. There has been a battle for power in the city and his side has lost. While opposing militia fight in the streets below, a messenger arrives from Captain Hawl. Crust's side has lost control of the north quarter and he orders Hawl's troops to withdraw and meet at the rally point.
Crust finds Princess Sureth at the top of the wall's tower and recommends she and her forces withdraw--her brother Tarel has won this day. The prince's offers to the Council have bought their loyalty. Sureth had offered a similar amount through Councillor Amaron, but her frankness and demeanour have won her no friends on the Council. Tarel has succeeded with lies and flattery while Sureth has refused to play the game of statecraft.
A chastened Sureth agrees to guard her mouth more closely in the future. As they prepare to leave, Crust says they can return and fight another day, but Sureth knows leaving means exile.
==Malaz City==
Nedurian fishes in the Malaz City harbour thinking on his long ago decision to retire from the military life. He had spent years as a battlemage fighting the wars of Purge, Bloor, Tali, and others. But no more. Now he serves a better cause. On this backwater island he has discovered many talents whose skill surpasses any of the mighty mages he had duelled on the mainland. All serve as opposition to the Stormriders whom he had considered only legends.
At dusk he makes way to the Oar and Anchor for a drink and meal, stopping to chat with Renn and the other old-timers along the way. Looking back towards the waterfront, he senses something new, like an echo of a far off plucking of the Warrens. At the same, the weathervane atop Mock's Hold suddenly spins to point east. Nedurian considers for a moment before deciding not to jump at every visiting talent passing through town. Maybe the new arrival will come to nothing.
00