It started with the stilling of the trees. The forests began to become too quiet. Hunters would move underneath the canopies— cautious and confused as the monsters that claimed refuge in the woods had disappeared.
Then the bridges became safe to cross without offerings to the beasts beneath. The swamps followed— the misty lights that lured travelers in were nowhere to be found.
Until they were.
A horde of monsters had gathered at the edge of the realm. The kingdom raised the armies & young men prepared to die.
And yet— the horde did not move. The shadows cast by the horrid shapes that the dark of night oft covered did not face the people of the realm. It faced away— towards the Spine Mountains that created the crescent shape of the land.
The King Namlin ordered his armies to pin the monsters to the mountains. They marched double time to the killing grounds— only to find a cloaked man standing before the horde.
“There is no fight to be found here,” He said staring down a glittering, but ragged army. “These creatures are not yours to take.”

The soldiers stared in disbelief. A man leading monsters? How had he not been eaten?Their general scoffed at the man’s words.
“We do not make deals with Devils. Stand aside and we will deliver you to safety.”

A horn of war blasted and the many feet of a tired army surged towards the man and his monsters.
“I wish it did not have to come to this.” The man said. His hands tightened on the staff he leaned against. A great clap split the air and where there were would-be heroes, lay greasy marks and the scent of ozone. Only the general and his staff stood untouched.
“Tell your king he has no more business in the north of the realm.”