<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #FF4000"><span style="font-size: 200%; line-height: 116%;">Archibald the Puppet Master</span></span></div><br/><br/>It was not the sort of attitude that was shockingly surprising for the archmage to get from the young king as it had been something the elder mage had dealt with since the young one had been a child. Still, to have someone, even the king, address Archibald in such a way made the dark magician feel a bit disturbed. The questioning of the mage's magical abilities added to that feeling as Archibald nodded his head,<span style="color: #FF4000">"I am quite capable of such a minuscule task, my king. I will take care of that right away."</span>Archibald spoke while holding back a look of disgust that would have read across his face otherwise. When the king questioned his late night endeavors, the mage thought about his new minion before speaking again,<span style="color: #FF4000"> "I have added a well known street rat to the ranks of our undead warriors, one that should prove to provide many resources into the underground networks that are said to infest the lands. This should help us in gathering information on our enemies. For now though, I shall make my way to the mountains. Good day, my king."<br/></span><br/>It was several minutes later that Archibald had found himself standing at the base of the mountains his highness had been speaking of, having used a travel spell to make a trip that would have taken at least several hours by foot. The archmage walked up to the hard rocky surface of the mountain and pressed his hand against it, feeling the density of the object. The idea of having the king question his ability continued to ring in his head as he began speaking an incantation in a low, quiet tone, barely only a whisper. A few spoken words later, bright lights began to appear on the surface area of the stone in the shapes of rune like carvings. Taking a step back, Archibald took the scythe from the sheath on his back and held it firmly in both hands, blade pointed towards the wall that was now covered in runes that shone brightly.<br/><br/>Very carefully the dark mage edged the weapon closer to the rocky surface while continuing to speak the spell that he had begun. With precision care he slightly touched the tip of the blade to the mountain side while finishing the incantation. In an instant, the runes flashed bright white light and then began to fade away, as did the stone that they were once set upon. A few minutes pass by as the mage's eyes watch the stone evaporate into black smoke that lifts into the air, eventually revealing a large cave. Wanting to be sure of his work, the old man made his way into the darkness and began roaming the caverns, many twisting, winding paths that are designed to throw off any sort of enemy who would be trying to spy or strike. Having completed the survey of the area that would later be the training grounds for the king's men, Archibald summoned a messenger spirit before him,<span style="color: #FF4000">"You will go and inform the good general that the mountain has been prepared for his troops and he may move them in. Go forth and do not waste a second, lest I bind your soul to eternal torment."</span>With that, the tiny spirit flew off quickly towards the castle in order to relay the message.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0040FF"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 200%; line-height: 116%;">Earl Seaward, the Archivist Assistant</span></div></span><br/><br/>Ever since the death of Millie, the young man had done his best to comfort Harold, knowing that the older gentleman would never be the same without her. This made the overall feeling around the library a bit tense and somewhat morbid at times, which was to be expected. Earl would notice the archivist fidget with his jewelry every so often, especially during times of great worry,<span style="color: #0040FF">"I have noticed that a few times before, Harold. I worry about you during those times."</span>He let a break of silence set over the room before continuing to speak while watching his mentor eat the food,<span style="color: #0040FF">"I sometimes think it is the reason you push yourself so hard in the library, I am afraid that you will end up running yourself into the ground if you keep at this pace. I can't imagine Millie wanting to see you like this."</span><br/><br/>He lifted a piece of meat to his mouth and chewed with delight as Harold mentioned King Allistair possibly having need for the two of them, wondering if the king too had any knowledge of whatever presence was being felt by the Archivist. Certainly the Archmage would have felt it and have a way to figure out the source of such a sinister taint that had been filling the air.<span style="color: #0040FF"> "Is there any sort of aid we can provide in regards to the impending war you speak of or this horrible presence that fills the castle?" </span>The thought of war made the hairs on the back of his neck stand as he began to consider what sort of protection he would be able to bring for the kingdom and Harold. His broadsword, which was kept always on the mantle above the fireplace, would provide some form of guard in the young assistant, though he is not as trained as he would like to be. Aside from that, the knowledge he has gained from reading many of the libraries vast collection of books has increased his mental capabilities to the point where he can be an excellent strategist, diplomat, and record keeper. He knew though, however, that the kingdom's future would rely on the King and his trusted men.