CHAPTER I: Planning The sun was slowly sliding under the smooth horizon, casting long shadows all over the city of Antapolis. During this seemingly serene evening, the bustling city was ablaze with rumors. Rumors of war, rumors of policy change. Rumors that something big was about to happen... In the center of the great city was a huge, tall building built of stone, an engineering marvel. Deep within the building, a figure walked through the passageways. Workers and officials alike saluted in respect as the figure, a young majharrat named Fendemas, passed by. Fendemas reached a door deep within the parliamentary building. The door led into a large chamber. The chamber, in the shape of a circle about fifty feet in diameter, was ringed by rows of wooden benches, on which hundreds of government officials sat, talking with each other. Lamps bolted onto the walls lit the windowless room. Fendemas joined several others as they entered the chamber. He sat down at the red table near the center reserved for the fifteen majharrat in Parliament. Zemouregal, an intimidating majharrat that was the leader of the nation, stood up and stepped onto a raised platform emblazoned with the symbol of Zamorak. There was no podium. "Now that everyone is present, let us begin the meeting," Zemouregal said as soon as Fendemas sat down. Zemouregal was the tallest of the twelve present, easily eight feet tall. Underneath his hood was a fair face with sharp features, resembling an elf's. His prescence seemed to radiate an aura of power that filled the room. "Zamorak bless us all." "Amen," the others replied. Their voices echoed throughout the chamber. "We are gathered here today to discuss something that has troubled us a great deal," Zemouregal announced in his somewhat raspy yet intimidating voice. "As all of you know, the Asgarnians have continued in their policy of conquest. They are already the strongest nation on the face of Gielinor. Soon, they, the filthy Saradomonists, may decide to encroach on our own borders, and continue to steal our land as they have done many times in the past. Far too many times." The entire chamber seemed to be hanging on to his words. "Much of their military strength is now concentrated westward, against Kandarin. The fools have turned on their former ally, and are now engaged in a war that is demanding the attention of their men and resources. Therefore, we must strike quickly and decisively into the heart of their empire before they have a chance to regroup, rendering them incapable of military activity. Thus, we would remove the threat that is upon our nation, gain back what is ours, and honor our Lord Zamorak." The officials immediately began muttering and trading glances. "We have received intelligence that the Asgarnian military has lessened their prescence in the upper reaches of their empire. The only things defending the area are scattered forts and local militias. A large force could easily capture substantial amounts of territory. If we take Burthorpe, we would establish a foothold that their scattered army could not break." "If we take Burthorpe." Fendemas stood up. "And though the city may be defended by a skeletal force, it would still be a great feat. And if it were accomplished, the wrath of Asgarnia would be upon us. Their great army is undefeated, their military strength unmatched on this planet. Even with the time we have before they can counterattack, it would be very difficult to keep from being driven back." "The northern territories mean nothing to them, at least not anymore. The city is the only thing that is of any worth, and they will not fight two wars at once to reclaim it," Zemouregal replied. "You forget that the Asgarnians are extremely proud," a majharrat named Hazeel said. "They will not appreciate us invading their lands." The discussion went back and forth for nearly an hour, until almost everyone had expressed their opinion. Then, it was time to vote. "Whoever is in favor of the invasion, raise their hands," Zemouregal announced. Most of the officials out their hand up. He quickly counted them all. "Three hundred and one vote for the invasion. That is the majority." "It is decided, then. We shall prepare a force to invade Asgarnia. The battle plan will be formulated at a later date, with the generals." Fendemas did not vote for the invasion. We're biting off more than we can chew. And he would probably have to participate in it.