In a small hut along the Adriatic, the old diplomat sits on a wooden slab as he reads a large book. In it are the rites of the Mother, treasured by his people. As he reads, a man enters, saying "Sire, the black-iron has arrived. We have sent some to the Fathers of the Flame to examine, the rest has been given to Skaludersson in the form of a sword. And sire... The High King has sent word that they grow close to the Great River, he requests a raid." With a nod, the diplomat hisses, "Send word to the Bear, the ships burn in three days."