Ten Years Ago...

Carrying an extremely heavy iron bound box full of gold and silver, Coren entered the main hall of Darkhold Keep behind Captain Ragnar. Only seventeen, Coren had been the third mate on the pirate captain's vessel - the Drakkar - for just six months now. Considering his background, a slave to the Dragonlords, many considered it a great honour.

Coren most certainly did not.

Captain Ragnar was a cruel and evil man. He delighted in performing the Dragonlords' orders and more. He lived to raid the various sea towns of Northreach, pillaging, slaughtering and raping the inhabitants. Life aboard the Drakkar was not a pleasant one and Coren despised the captain. And he was still a slave, whatever position he was given. His life was not his own.

As they walked into the hall, there in front of them sat Dragonlord Valgard clad in his ornate dragon armour. Thankfully, his riding beast Gorynych was away from its master’s side at the moment, either hunting for food or relaying some important message. Coren, for one, was glad he did not have to look at the black wyrm's squirming form nor inhale its vile reek.

Both Captain Ragnar and Coren approached the Dragonlord without muttering a word. When they came within twenty yards of their master, Coren lifted the chest off his shoulder and placed it onto the marble floor. He had seen Ragnar fill it full of money, more money than he had ever seen before. Coren knew that the small fortune would be enough to see a normal man set up for life. A normal, free man that was.

Although still staring intently at the box full of gold, Coren noticed Captain Ragnar take a step forward out of the corner of his eyes.

"My lord", Captain Ragnar's voice quivered a little as he announced his presence. "I bring gold and silver captured from the ships and towns of Northreach in your honour. You... you requested my presence?"

The Dragonlord looked up. His piercing gaze alighted on Coren and the treasure for a moment before moving to Captain Ragnar. Although somewhat hidden by the dragonhelm that the powerful lord wore, Coren could see that Lord Valgard was a cruelly handsome man. He's strong, square jaw was clean-shaven and his eyes were a cold, sparkling blue. No smile resided on the lord's lips and Coren guessed that the man had not smiled nor experienced true happiness for many years, if at all.

"Ragnar!" the Dragonlord's deep voice called out, echoing around the stone hall. "Your tribute pleases me, though I suspect you kept a substantial share of spoils yourself. No matter. The time of the Dragonlord's supremacy over the lands of this world draws near. We shall crush the clans of Northreach, the Lord of Desire decrees it. The dragon hoards shall rain fire onto these pitiful people, burn their homes and crush their remains to dust".

Captain Ragnar face broke into a wicked grin. He rubbed his hands together and bowed his head.

"Yes, oh lord and master", Ragnar simpered. "Your power will destroy 'em all. You..."

"Ragnar", continued the Dragonlord, interrupting and ignoring the captain's words. The armour-clad lord pointed a gauntlet at the captain.

"The time to commence the war-plan is at hand. I, Lord Valgard, order you to take the Drakkar and as many men as it will hold. Tell the other captains to do the same. Prepare yourselves as planned. In two days time, you will set sail for Danaar. Take the city and kill all those who oppose you. Crush them and then make your way inland, destroying all that stand in your path. War is upon us, Ragnar. The Dragonlords will be victorious!"

"Aye, my lord" cackled Captain Ragnar, bowing to the Dragonlord.

"War?" the young Coren mumbled, incredulously. "What does he mean...?".

Captain Ragnar snapped his head around and glared at Coren, the evil smile now replaced by a cruel snarl on his face. "Quiet, lad", he spat. "Just do as you're ordered and don't ask questions".

"Ragnar", Lord Valgard called out, bringing the captain's attention back to his master. "You have your orders. You know the plan. Now go... and do not fail me", warned the Dragonlord, his voice dripping with venom and the promise of harsh punishment if the man ever disobeyed him.

Captain Ragnar nodded and turned around quickly, his black coat swirling around him.

"Come lad. There is much to do", the captain said to Coren. He began to march out of the hall, his black boots slapping on the marble floor.

Coren began to follow him. As he did, he dared a glance behind him. He saw the Dragonlord was watching him, his harsh cerulean stare boring into him, piercing his very mind. Coren shivered and quickly pulled his gaze back to the retreating form of Captain Ragnar. He followed his master out of Darkhold keep and onwards towards the nearby port of Karmeik.