Garrison Bujak, Imperial Highness of the West, Emperor of one of Greyhawk’s greatest kingdoms, sits dejectedly upon his throne, staring at a crown of unimagineable wealth and a sculpture of incredible beauty. His face reveals the pain of defeat and despair as he tosses the small golden coin from hand to hand.

The dark figure of Curevar, the chancellor, stands before him. "You look troubled, Emperor," he says.

Bujak smiles grimly. "We enter a dark time, my friend. A time of terror and chaos - a time of betrayal."

Curevar frowns. "Forgive me, Highness, but I do not understand."

"What is your appraisal of the gift from Lasker’s tomb ?"

"A gift of unimagineable power and inestimable value. Truly fit for an Emperor."

Bujak grins before handing his chancellor the coin. "What about that ?"

Curevar frowns. "A gold crown ?"

"Not just any crown, Curevar, the crown of Morsh."

The chancellor’s face is mortified. "You mean ?"

Bujak nods. "I have been betrayed. Not just any betrayal, but my soul is now in the hands of another man. That man is the Elemental Lord, Allius Queylar."

"You should have destroyed him when you had the chance, emperor," Curevar barks angrily.

"If I had the leisure of hindsight then I’d agree - but I do not. The question is, what do I do now ?"

"Destroy him, destroy them all !"

The emperor allows himself a calm smile. "Not so hasty, Curevar. There are many factors in this mess that we do not understand. I have no evidence to suspect any other than Queylar. Let us not tar them all with the same brush just yet."

"Why, highness ? After all your help - why should he betray you ?"

"Allius Queylar is an extraordinary young man, Curevar, he possesses a unique talent, the kind I have not seen for several centuries. With his skill and perception it is not inconceivable that he has discovered my involvement in the death of his parents and his subsequent rise to prominence in the art of the elements."

"Your habit of concealing things from me, highness, is - if I could be so bold - infuriating. It is difficult enough to do my work without more secrets."

Garrison smiles. "Forgive me, chancellor, but some things are better left as secrets."

"I am an adult, emperor, I think I can handle it."

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