“My lord, our forces are stretched thin. We cannot sustain the front much longer. Our forces are weary from constant battle. They’ve not eaten or slept in days.”<br/><br/>The king, sitting rigidly upon his gold and rose-colored throne, considered the council of his general carefully, weighing his options. Though he had only worn the crown for three months, he had proven to be a keen tactician and a shrewd analyst. He could see things on the battle charts that most people missed.<br/><br/>“You’re right, General. We cannot expect to win this war with brute strength. Dispatch the reservists to replace those who have fought longest. They are to fight conservatively, and only when necessary. Draw the enemy forces inward and let them get comfortable. Make them think they are gaining ground. I have another pawn in play that will tip the tide for us.”<br/><br/>King Bahn sat back then, straightening his back and smiling slightly, for the plan he had already hatched was poised to unravel their rival nation from the inside out. While they turned toward their own lands and scrambled about like rodents, he would send his armies across the border and crush them. By the time Cordelan discovered what had transpired, it would be far too late to do anything about it.<br/><br/>**<br/><br/>The fog that blanketed the city of Delphia was just starting to burn away when the traveler approached the main entrance. The trade road, normally congested with caravans from all over the continent, was empty but for the single individual, his long brown cloak covering his body and his cowl hiding his face. His approach was halted by the gate guards, watching intently from the parapets atop the tall stone walls. With bows nocked and ready to draw, the guards called down to the loan visitor.<br/><br/>“Stop! What’s your business in Delphia.”<br/><br/>The man stopped and remained motionless for a few seconds, silent as the grave. He then lifted his chin as he pushed the cowl off his head. As soon as his face was revealed, those standing guard knew immediately who he was and why he was there. His presence was announced and, shortly after, the gates slowly parted, allowing him to enter.<br/><br/>Not bothering to cover himself again, Bayek strode into the streets of Delphia, a prominent city in Cordelan. Sitting beneath the eternal watch of the Grendale mountains, Delphia served as the final stop before one entered the mountain pass. People from all walks of life and social standings used Delphia as a springboard into the mountains, patronizing the town for goods, guides, and luxuries before making the days-long journey to the eastern side. It was widely known to be extremely busy at nearly all times of day, as merchants from all over the continent peddled their wares there.<br/><br/>Wherever Bayek walked, however, a nervous silence abounded. The townspeople knew what he was, and those that did not know were educated quickly. Whispers circulated through the crowd like snakes, coiling around the ears of every human present. Dragons were long believed to be heralds of death and destruction, so when the half-breed came to visit, everyone was set on edge. They hated him because they were afraid of him.<br/><br/>Bayek, however, did not seem to notice. Or if he did he simply did not care. It was not an uncommon reception, as far as he was concerned, so he ignored the whispers and the sideways glances. He ignored the mothers that wrapped their arms around their children as if he were preparing to devour them. Perhaps they would have hurt him in another life, but not then. He did what he did and left. There was no need to care about what anyone else thought.