On the edge of a sheer cliff that overlooked the main battle group sat the Bull of the North's tent. He always placed his tent on the highest post he could so he could see his entire army and them him. It also provided a good vantage point to keep watch for enemy movements. For the past two months he and the legions of the Realm had been locked in a stalemate. Each side continued to take new land when their Exalted members came to the front, only for the other to assail a different location.<br/><br/>It was just before dawn when he called a meeting of his Circle. First to arrive was Tepet Aisana, an Air aspect who his forces captured and turned three years ago. She served as his second in command and also the instructor of any Essence user who wished to learn the basics of enlightened martial arts.<br/><br/>He Who Laughs Within the Sky was next, a young man who arrived suddenly promising to assist however he could. As a skilled craftsmen he maintained the greater wonders they had captured, however his greatest skill was gathering information. Sky would vanish for a day can come back with more than the other spies had discovered in a months time. He also aided those who sought greater mastery in martial arts, though he was strangely lacking in more basic knowledge.<br/><br/>Aisha VonSaltise was almost late. The scatterbrained scholar had been captured when she broke into a ruin that the army was occupying. She proved to be a better fighter than any had expected her to be, taking a Scale of men to take down. Though once she'd met the Bull they created a fast friendship. The woman was an unparalleled healer, able to cure the most grievous wounds with barely a touch. She also could conjure fortifications, demonic reinforcements, and a chariot that swiftly carried all who occupied it wherever she wished.<br/><br/>The group was awaiting the newest member of their band, the bull's own daughter. They had an important mission for her that, if she succeeded, would make the current war an easy victory. Well an wasn't the proper word. There were a number of things that needed to be done far behind lines that the elder members of the circle were too busy to accomplish. Now it was a matter of waiting.<br/><br/>A harsh wind blew through the valley that many would say sounded like bells. According to Aisha it was an omen of great destruction. To Sky it was a signal that great change would soon be upon them.