The War of the Broken Promise

by Povis Hestra - Master Librarian


 Some few years before the beginning of hostilities, the grand mage Tarjan paid
visit to the research facility of the Eastern Keep.  In this place, Tarjan met
with the lord of the keep and joined with him in his research of necromancy.
Lord Mercer welcomed such a billiant mind as Tarjan.  Tarjan's magical skill
was great, and with his help great strides were made.  It is said that this is
the place where Tarjan first began his search for immortality.

 In his time at the academy, Tarjan sought to combine the magics of alchemy
and elementalism.  He therefore went to speak with the leading alchemist of the
Western Castle, the home of Lord James Mercer.  Though this was his story, in
truth Tarjan had planned to meet with James Mercer all along and not with the
alchemists located there.  In this manner he hoped to garner sufficient
loyalty so that he might in turn gain control of the alchemists' work.

 Tarjan spoke to Lord Mercer saying, "In truth, great things have been
accomplished.  Daily we will kill select prisoners and then raise them.  In this
manner we are able to study the life energies as they both leave and enter
the body."

"I do not think that my brother would do such a thing." Mercer replied.
"Though he continues his foolish and wasteful research into these dark arts,
he has never been one to take life.  Indeed, his very purpose is to save it."

"Then perhaps you do not know him as well as you thought." replied Tarjan.

"Enough!  I will ask him myself.  We have never had secrets from one another
and he will tell me the truth."

And so enraged, James Mercer went to confront his brother on these
accusations.  At this Tarjan smiled, for he knew that his plan was set in motion.

 No record exists of this encounter between the brothers.  However, judging
from the obvious split between them it can be concluded that harsh words were
exchanged.
   
 As timed passed, all attempts between the bothers to contact one another were
usually intercepted by Tarjan or by members of each household loyal to him.
In this manner, he was able to facilitate the growing rift between the
two.  Indeed, he was able to infiltrate the guard of the Western Castle;
placing those loyal to him into positions of command.  Tarjan had
wrested control of each side from their respective rulers and played each
off of the other.

 The last meeting of the two brothers came in the following spring when they
met to honor their father.  It was here that Tarjan made his final move.
Tarjan ordered those loyal to him on both sides to attack the other.  Each
brother saw the other attack first and each vowed that such dishoner would
not be unpunished.  The war of the Broken Promise had begun.

 The entire war consisted of a series of raids between the two forces.  Though
their forces were stong and their men loyal, neither could overcome the others
defenses.  During this time, Tarjan, in secret, spoke with both kings. He
furthered their mistrust and strengthened their pride so that each
would continue to fight the other.  While each king grew weaker in power,
Tarjan became the true lord of both realms.  After three years of constant
battle, Tarjan left, taking with him a portion of both armies.  What became of
the madman and his army is unknown to this scholar.

 For the brothers, it was too late.  The deep mistrust kept them apart even
though neither now had an army with which to attack the other.  To this day
they remain locked in a stuggle from which there is no escape and no resolution.

