Now, with Elven forces being slowly stripped from the battlements and with few injured or healed left to replace them, Evermore was at its most critical. Down at the docks the people fought for passage, many dying in pointless rioting. The war of attrition lasted another slow and grinding few months with Kraigsvul now manning the walls with White Knights, Royal Lancers, Adventurers and any of the people who felt brave enough to throw down a ladder or turn a grappling iron. The people and the Guardians of the Wall were nearing the end. A great many Sumunai now lay in sick beds, afflicted by the way their minds had been overworked with the giant meta-concerts they had been employed in. One night in early October, Kraigsvul announced he would go to pray for guidance on Haver's Hill, the highest point in all of flat provincial Amatyr. No sooner had he left for the Hill than it truly began: now the Servants of the Enemy attacked as fast and as furiously as they were able, and at the worst possible moment a blanket of fog sprang up in the west and looked set for sure to roll across the battlefield.

Hope died then!

Even as the sun fell below the horizon, Adraldi took to the air in their hundreds - numbers we never thought they had! - and with them came flying and chittering things, spawned by what we do not know; a great black swarm across the horizon, coming on slowly and deliberately; and beneath them the much depleted banners of the once-proud Arachnians, their race decimated in service to the Enemy, always first to be used to scale battlements in any siege. Behind these were Broo and Gil Stormtroopers, no doubt to absorb raw damage, and then behind these the red, blue and black quartered tabards of traitor Darkendari Psionics of Houses Altioc and Ash Leah. Even as the count started, the dark things of the air came upon the battlements, and though many perished in a fall inspired by blunderbuss and point-blank cannon fire they came in their thousands. The Nuns of Gerhoden came to the battlements and, in a hope of valour, raised up songs amongst those defending. For a short while, inspired by Anarthren and others, their faces streaming with blood and sweat and tears, the sound of singing went up from the defenders. The Ullratha fighting furiously on the west sang the lay of Draconsmere and the Fall of the Dark Earth; immediately east of these, Warriors of Sumunai and house Kyrie-Sumunai sang 'Free Garda Day'. A company of Marnish musketeers struck up 'Over the Hills' with the warriors of the GLF and Ashale who stood with them, and yet further east the White Knights and Royal Lancers chanted, as Monks would, the Elujah Nemorah. Last but not least, on the far east of the greatest action, Adventurers of the Order of Radiance, Cold Steel and Free Warriors boomed the Heroes' Song.

Now I was not there and it strikes me that all should have been a cacophony of unbearable song, but whether the Nuns wove their magic or simply the people did, they say in Amatyr that each song called to its chosen heart, and the wounded, beaten and subdued took heart and rose from their beds. Not only this, but also the people took up arms in the knowledge that hiding against such an Enemy would not avail them now. The Guardians of the wall became extravagant, Ullratha, Gyr and even Marnishmen grappling as many enemies as they were able and, keeping tight hold, hurling themselves from the battlements when all else failed. One Ullratha named Hershlen fought hand to hand with a Fiad Warrior, dodging every blow for the time it took, and when the last of the Fiad's shields faltered with all his effort he hurled himself and the Black Warrior forward of the walls... Those who saw say that more than a hundred foul things fell in the warp blast. One of the Nuns, armed with little more than a dagger, frenziedly attacked some Rockwraiths which had seized a tower. Though her delicate body was wounded, by the time the Rovac reached her three Rockwraiths lay dead before her and the others had fled... Too numerous are the deeds of valour of the Marnish and Dwarvish Cannoneers who torched their own powder stores when they were to be overrun.

Kraigsvul, White Knight, first Servant of the King and a man in despair, watched all this from Haver's Hill and, in much the same way as I once did, realised he must get help somehow and he then did the deed, but did not have the blood...

The mist that was now encroaching on the western shore started to dissipate, and as it did a cry from the Ullratha went up for there were ships that had been hidden by the mist; at the same time, ships had landed north and east of Amatyr itself and were now disembarking troops. In the dark panic and fear ruled. Then one oldster who had fought in ancient wars, for his species were most long-lived, recognised the white banner with the grey and gold setting sun above grey and blue sea. Ombarg Duran Dusk, as is always the nature of this strange creature, had held the forces of Dusk Island for this last and most desperate of times. Before the longboats beached, Erith-Thane in their hundreds - the Sentinels with them - began to disembark, and alongside them warriors clad all in white save for black armour, boots, gauntlets and helms in the Kamarthian style with face mask, each carrying a naginata and vast array of other arms. Shan-tun and Towan Monks also came. But still the matter of the East remained - then through the garbled panic it was heard: the Ullratha did not warn of enemies - 'The Lindainians are here!' - and sure enough Dochim had finally yielded to Tallia, Gunta, Rothan and Inol-to-pal and had sanctioned their aid. Now came hundreds of Kamarthians, ponies and all, High Leah psionics in their daunting red and black uniforms, Edhaals tall and grim and the renowned ferocity of the 'Released' Edain. Finally, plated for war and with huge battle axes, came the Kleetian Warknights who had aided me well once before, long ago...

Errolfini had stretched his forces on Thimblek's Wall - perhaps wise Shandor knew he would - and now had not the reserves. The battle lasted a full day, and though to this day Sonnats Gil still harries Thimblek's Wall, they may not cross: they no longer have the strength of numbers, the wall now repaired and intact again - ah yes! I forgot Kraigsvul. He summoned Treybourn and compacted to repair the wall and forever render it indestructible; for a soul like Kraigsvul's, Treybourn was only too happy. Then, with perhaps a cleverer cunning than I myself have exercised, Kraigsvul summoned one called Har, whom Treybourn would not look at, but instead held his eyes to the floor. Upon the General's bidding Har, also of the Fianrada, fulfilled his promise made five thousand years ago and released Kraigsvul from his fearful promise; should they wish to keep you alive, the Fianrada may refuse you death should you owe them favour, and should they refuse you this mercy then only another of theirs may take your life. We may never know what had passed between Har and Kraigsvul in the King's first reign, and then again we may know one day, but for now there is only praise for the clever General, First Servant of the King, honores Tuam.

But for now those with whom I bargained wish me back in my Gaol, and as I have bargained with them I've had my year in every hundred of freedom. They are very cunning, my keepers, and do not tell you that they measure time in the same nature as their gaol world, Kaz Kyr Utmarl. Ah well, to those who will read this: Be Strong, Be Brave and Be True!

With Kraigsvul's demise our people became leaderless, and though the enemy was well and truly driven back, for a time the Eilindainians returned to their own Island, as did (though a little later) Dusk's people. It was obvious that, although highly fertile, Amatyr could not support the remaining population and so Dochim suggested that the bulk of the civilian population be removed to an Island just east of their own home. The Archipelago is vast and none are sure how or why it was never charted on any maps, nor why the Peckfortain Scouts did not find this place in their evacuation nearly one hundred years ago. The Ygiru who live on their own Island say cryptically that 'one day we will find out'.

Although they haven't the numbers to continue to occupy Evermore and regularly attack the wall as well as search for us, we know that they search: their ships have been seen and the Atlanteans regularly mention the odd sinking. It transpires that we're in a small cluster of five islands at the southern tip of the group. The Eilindainians hold Math-tul-anam (called oft tul-anam meaning 'the hope of home' in Darkendan); our Island, as seems to be the flavour, also opted for sentiment with New Amatyr. Only the Elves broke with true sentimentality, but still showed their bit for naming their island Tol Aman-estel (something to the effect of 'blessed star island, free of evil'.) The Ygiru's isle is in the southern tip and before us is an island we're just starting to explore.

So far we've discovered an Island to the north on which live a tribe of vicious death-worshipping cannibals; also there is more than one pirate base in these Islands. Some avoid harming us, others see us as prey - we have not learned to distinguish their ships yet. We are very close to Nova Atlantis - it being some handful of leagues due west - but also 'New Midigan' is only a similar distance south and east of us. There are estimated to be anything up to thirty islands in the group, our own quite a small one in comparison to some. How many are inhabited we do not know as yet. Immediately worthy of note, though, is an Island on the edge of centre of the group. The Ygiru insist we do not visit it and the only way we can translate their description is 'powerful malevolent Mage'. Despite all our warnings, shiploads of refugees have sailed off into the group to 'forge' new lives away from the war.

In summary, Erin, Frozenmere and Amatyr are free. The Military are rotating their forces three months on / three months off the wall; high ranking Adventurers are often invited or conscripted to stand the wall. No real rule has been formerly restored: the Amoriath who did not accompany Thunderer are permanently based on the wall and are seldom seen. Many small towns have sprung up across the Island and mutual friendship prevails, though it must be said that a level of lawlessness never experienced at home now prevails.

During March 5860 after two years without contact Dhahal arrived at Tal-Anam to announce that Choiristas Keep though badly damaged in the long siege still held against the Armies of the Gil. Owain Glyndour also arrived to announce that the situation on the Wall was still as ever and that Gil on a regular basis attacked and would be successfully driven back... Orc Sleepers have been discovered on Tal-Anam, but have been at least at the moment successfully contained with virtually no casualties. Graver news is that an Outpost has been set up by the Inquisition of New Midigan within the Archipelago. As yet they are known to be aware of the Evermorian presence, but as one of their smaller bases was successfully destroyed with no survivors and Gil Troops were about, we may conclude our position not overly compromised...

The Final piece of the Maelstrom has been located and a mission to install the Warding about our Islands is imminent, the more reason so since Gil Forces have been alerted... Future News... the Island of the Elves has increased reports that the Lizard beasts indigenous to these islands that we have names Skrailings are on the increase and seem to be arriving at the Elven settlements in greater numbers as the days pass. For the moment Elven Military forces are having very little difficulty in controlling the Beasts, but if the steady increase continues casualties are sure to follow... Also allies from Atlantis have reported that raids have increased from Humans whom they believe to be linked to two groups of pirates known to lair in the Archipelago. These raids are taking the form of grab and run operations on Atlantean Artefact stores... their effectiveness is found to be disturbing to the Atlanteans although no real damage has occurred yet... Some Settlers who had decided to penetrate deeper into the Island group have disappeared. Having checked with the Ygiru it would seem that the course they were heading in came close to the "devourer of souls" island that has been mentioned by our allies. It would appear that the Ygiru despise this place and say it brings darkness to the hearts of those who trespass, and a reference to Cannibalism has been made... Despite this a party must be sent, if not for the settlers' sake then to assess this potential threat to us.

The Elves continue to be besieged by the Skraylings for another month and there are a few score casualties inflicted on the 'new' inhabitants. A Marnish Corsair attempting to bombard the beech from off shore is boarded by Skraylings......no survivors! Then the Elven Druids converge their power to change the weather and alter the season....in a few short days the Skraylings have abandoned their mating season and swam out to sea and from there back to whichever island they previously came from. All seems well and within a week the Elven Nobility are back home with the Huscarls blessing. Meanwhile the Dozii, now being closely observed by the Evermorian Seers continue their advance North and therefore further into the Archipelago. As yet they have not headed towards the Alliance Islands in any great numbers. Kyrie - Summunai mourn the loss of James Dorian and attempt to familiarise themselves with his Simulacrum (which they have now been warned will only last a year and a day). The Elven Princes give their blessings to Atlantae and create him as the first Elven Swan Knight ordained on the new Island.

Styk reveals that although not completely certain it seems that Covert Operations may very well have had something to do with the demise of the bards council. Ador continues to meddle with the Elemental powers and Hawley Smoot establishes that this is not Ador, brother to Arbicor himself! Also along the way he Possesses Fisturiel and Fade making them immune to further Possession by Ador, as Freya gives an impassioned speech on the fate of her people. Elindandian island reports despite there being more Orcs about than was originally thought their military forces are managing to keep ahead of things. Meanwhile Pirates calling themselves the Blue Reef Clan claim to have captured a Sonnats Gil Scout shuttle only a few leagues off the Archipelago they propose to barter their one surviving prisoner to the Elves for supplies. Then almost as calm seems to have returned all hell breaks loose as thousands of eggs hatch miniature Skraylings. Smaller and weaker than their parents these young, though, are even more ferocious and even as the sun sets casualties are coming in from all over the Island as the new threat feeds to grow.

Within only a handful of days the ruin wrecked by the Skrayling Hordes is tidied away and Elven island returns slowly but steadily to its normal routine. Communications with the other islands soon commences and as politely as possible the 'guests' of the Elves are asked to leave. Evermorians to New Avmar, Elindanians to Tal-Annum. The reason for the request is that the Elven spiritual leaders wish to plan and organise a large 'private' festival to celebrate their deliverance by Krull Hrodvitnir. Eventually and finally all others are evacuated.

While on the way home Evermorians are alarmed to hear of a skin disease that has broken out in the far east of their new Island home....... although it has as yet claimed no victims lives, it disfigures the face and body will blue welts that form something like lightning strikes. The disease is virulent and has afflicted some few hundreds in only one week. No sooner have they docked then many Evermorian adventurers and traders re-board ship destined for Elindanian Island. Finally our spies give us an answer. a hundred and fifty ships and around one hundred thousand soldiers and creatures are now amassed at Lom Gil.

There is no further trouble from Hanuman Able and the Prime Minister of Krull and no further requests for audience. A number of Pirate Captains approach Alliance officials and tender their Ships availability should the Alliance require at any point a bigger fleet. It is decided shortly after that the Sea-Wolves (cpt. Frain commanding) are no longer Outlaws but are instead to be considered Privateers. As are the Great-White Barrier clan (cpt. Gramllel Commanding). It is forecast unless the Malestrom is activated quickly a naval engagement wilt have to be fought with the Sonnats Gil fleet. After a short search a small number of ships from the Marnish/Shinni fleet encounter the Gil vessels in Tal-Anum's waters and after a short skirmish the Gil are driven off. Meanwhile no trace can be found of the Gil ships reportedly in the waters off Evermorian island nor Elven island. Patrols are increased.

It now seems more than likely that an attempt will be made to overrun guard outposts defending the shield (even as we speak the islands leaders and military are reconfiguring their shields to isolate themselves from the rest of the group) and then 'Gate' soldiers directly to the various islands if this should fail. Alternatively it seems likely, should assault on the gate shields fail, attempt will be made to cross the barrier by sea and then land ground forces directly. This noted each island steps up its security. Also of note and direct concern, the Dozii Shamans storm continues to wreck havoc on all communications spells, save those at the very tip of the archipelago.

Trouble continues on Evermorian istand with the New GLF claiming responsibility for the bombing of a number of public areas in less well policed townships along the East Coast (the significance of the East coast is as yet unknown). The Elind intelligence network has discovered an interesting couple of facts, firstly, having now mastered sailing and shipping the Inquisition of New Midigan are now strip mining a nearby much smaller istand, rich in mineral resources....... the Platinum mine Overseer has reported a record of 1500 weight of platinum (around 1500 platinum crowns) this month which is due to be shipped to New Midigan) in the month along with 12,000 gold crown and 5500 silver crown later this month.

A number of bizarre written threats have been received by the Order of Radiance from an Order calling itself Ordo D'Tempii Sinistra. No further details are known at this time! It seems that it is almost inevitable that a naval engagement will be fought against the Sonnats Gil fleet in an attempt to stop it landing on any of the islands. The unprecedented decision is to utilize all ships capable of Sea Warfare (risking leaving none for evacuation. A Naval advisory Officer today announced, if we can't finally activate the Malestrom device in time, we'll need to do as much damage at sea. The number of troops involved could devastate any one Alliance island in hours!'