A yelp was heard from outside the first aid station. Ate, Cueball, Smirk, and Raziel looked out through the doorway from their breakfast. Two shadows appeared where their gazes were held. In walked Charjer with his weapon drawn and a young messenger with a relieved look on his face.

"You're up early this morning," said Ate. Charjer nodded and Ate went back to eating as did the others. "So, why up and about at this hour? You're usually still dreaming of killing harpies."

"Yeah, felt like getting some fresh air this morning. I saw this kid here running from one of those rabid dogs."

"Mmmm," said Cueball while trying to chew some food already in his mouth. "Nasty things. Almost got bit by one myself."

"So who's the kid," asked Smirk, eyeing the teenager.

"He's just a waif," replied Charjer.

The boy nodded. "I have information from the land below." Everyone looked at him. At that moment Ryoga walked towards them from the far end of the room. "Master Ryoga!!!" the boy exclaimed.

Ryoga looked at the boy. "Good morning. Do I know you?"

"No sir," replied the little waif. "But you are known across the lands as the apprentice of Alith himself. What I bring is urgent news, sir."

Everyone stopped what they were doing. "I wonder what it could be?" asked Raziel.

The boy continued. "Rutger's armies have been on the march to Ragnar's kingdom. They mean to take it over."

Ryoga nodded. "The tension has been building even more in the last few months. But, why strike now?"

Charjer looked at everyone, then towards the door. Min was walking in with Sven trailing behind.

"It's good to see you all again," said Min with a big smile on his face. "Look who I ran into on my way here."

Sven stood tall as he looked at everyone. "What brings you here, chief?" asked Cueball.

He looked over to the cleric. "I smell blood," he replied. "There's going to be a war."