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are referring to your prophecy.” At his mention of this, King Halvar spotted a brief flash of anger from the elf. But it quickly faded.
    “That prophecy was not meant for dwarf ears,” Lotheri told him. “And the manner in which it was obtained would ensure that you did not hear it accurately.”
    He must be aware that his kin had been tortured for the information, the dwarf king considered. Though, as this fact was little known even among his own people, he could not imagine how the elf ruler had found out.
    “It was long ago,” Halvar said. “Perhaps the words were distorted with time. Why don’t you tell them to me now?”
    “I think more trust should be established between us before I reveal what your people tried to steal,” he replied. Though his tone did not betray his emotions, his eyes burned.
    “What was done was long ago,” said Halvar. “You have no cause to hold us accountable. And I would remind you that there has been killing on both sides.”
    The two monarchs locked eyes for an uncomfortably long few seconds. Eventually, Lotheri held up his hand. “This is not the time for opening old wounds,” he said. “Now is the time we as leaders of our people must marshal our strengths and ready ourselves for what is to come.”
    “And I suppose you know exactly what that is?”
    “No,” Lotheri replied. “Aside from the fact that war is on the horizon.”
    “And why must there be war?” asked Halvar. “Are not Ethan Dragonvein and the other mages destined to defeat Shinzan? Why must there be more bloodshed?”
    “Because their victory is not a foregone conclusion,” Lotheri answered flatly. “And should they fail, we must continue to fight.”
    Halvar sneered. “So you actually think you have hope against the power of the Emperor? Don’t be a fool. If you elves are really so wise and perceptive, you would know that such a fight is futile.”
    “And yet you still prepare for war yourselves,” Lotheri countered. “If the battle is lost before it has begun, why bother with it at all?”
    There was steel in Halvar's reply. “My people are weary of living on their knees. We have decided that death in battle is preferable to a slow, withering demise.”
    “Then our minds are in agreement,” Lotheri said, his smile returning. “My people have groveled for far too long. Just like you, we have feared annihilation. We have feared that our passing would be the end of our beloved Mother. We can hear the screams of our ancestors as Shinzan slowly corrupts our home. We have waited long for our opportunity to fight. And now it would seem that the time has finally arrived.”
    Halvar scrutinized the elf. His sharp angular features and fluid movements were nothing like any dwarf. Yet the look in his eyes was that of a leader with true conviction and courage. He was beginning to understand why King Ganix desired this alliance.
    “You realize we will be fighting alone,” he said. “The humans will certainly rally to Shinzan’s banner - out of fear, if for no other reason. Even with our weapons, their sheer numbers will be enough to overcome us.”
    “There is no denying that,” agreed Lotheri. “But all of our allies have yet to reveal themselves.”
    It had already occurred to King Halvar that Ethan might be able to sway some humans to their cause. But he doubted they would be sufficient to attain victory. Ultimately, all would be decided in a battle between the mages and Shinzan. “You may be right,” he said. “But not all of our enemies are revealed either.”
    Just as Lotheri was about to respond to this, the door burst open and a young dwarf rushed in. He halted after only a few steps, out of breath. Though he addressed his king, his eyes kept shifting uneasily to the elf sitting opposite. “Your Highness,” he panted. “Forgive my intrusion.”
    Halvar forced a smile. “It’s all right. What is it?”
    “Trolls,” he replied. “They’re at the gate. Hundreds of them.”
    Halvar