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monoliths.  The light flickered violently and expanded to all four corners of the monoliths, creating a wall of light.  Moments later, a hand emerged from the wall.  A figure stepped through the wall of light, standing a towering seven feet tall and clad in a full ensemble of heavy black armor.  Jagged spikes lined the broad shoulders of the armor.  The helm bore a crown formed into its structure.  Upon the faceplate of the helm was a depiction of a wide mouth full of fangs clenched together.  Glowing red eyes looked upon the world from within the terrifying suit of armor.  The figure walked along the sea bed path dragging a blade of almost unimaginable proportions.  Matching the suit of armor, the blade was black.  Red magical energy circulated around it like lightning dancing through the sky.  A human skull was formed into the bottom of the hilt, signifying all the terror that had been unleashed from this horrifying weapon.  The figure’s tattered crimson cape fluttered in the wind as it moved along the path.
    Upon reaching the shoreline, the being spoke with a deep crackling voice. “This place… it is different… how much time has passed here?”  He looked around the area slowly, peering at the forest of the valley and the mountain range that secluded it from the rest of Zaneen.  “These mountains…”  The being paused momentarily, shifting his sight toward the forest.  “This forest, they were not here before…”
    The dark being let out a terrifying roar that shook the immediate area.  Chirping birds took flight from the trees.  Wolves on the prowl in the valley whimpered and retreated to their dens.
    The dark being turned and viewed the light emitting from the monoliths.  “I understand,” said the monstrous voice.  “The exodus gate has been secluded from this world to slow me down.  She must have orchestrated this… that vile bitch.  No matter.  It is but a mild inconvenience.  I must summon two of my Generals through the gate.”
    The dark being extended his arm and raised his hand.  His fingers spread apart as the sand beneath him began to levitate.  A lightning bolt of red energy shot forth from his hand.  The energy made contact with the exodus gate.  Ripples began to spread in the gate, like a stone tossed into a still water pond.  Two more dark beings emerged, both equal in height to the first.  They walked along the sea path side by side in perfect sync.  One being was shrouded in a long black cloak.  Black chainmail armor clanged with each step.  A black cloth rose from his cloak, masking all but the glowing red eyes upon his face.  The dark cloaked being gripped a tall skeletal staff, the bones that made up its construction a dark brown as if aged for centuries.  The other monstrous warrior wore nearly identical armor.  He lacked a cape of any kind, and his helm lacked the crown forged into its design.  Slung across his back was a jagged and curved black saber.  They approached the figure awaiting them upon the beach of the Eternal Sea and knelt before him in unison.
    The figure on the right spoke in a deep echoing voice, “My Lord Commander Dreathous.”
    The figure on the left spoke in a slithering voice, “My Lord, your will be done.”
    Dreathous looked down upon the two kneeling figures.  He gripped his helm, detaching his faceplate with a click and tossing it on the sand to reveal his sinister face.  Dreathous’ facial structure was human-like.  His skin was a dark grey in color, almost black.  Hints of red could be seen on his skin following the path of his veins.  The devilish red glow from his eyes faded, revealing a red iris with black pupils.  A lone scar ran down his face diagonally from the corner of his left eye to just beyond the right corner of his lips.  He had a scruffy, short white beard.  Dreathous snarled, revealing teeth that were disconcertingly human-like with the exception of a set of four fangs.
    With Dreathous’