A messenger came in from the southern gates and made his way to Prince Byakugan's court. He carried a letter from Baron Ruprecht von Hussendussel. The Prince was delighted to have word from his scouts. The Grand Vizier hoped and prayed they had been attacked by dwarves, with only a handful of maimed survivors left.
"Read me the message, boy!" shouted Byakugan with a smile.
The messenger opened the parchment and began reading....
Most Majestically Magnificent and Munificent Majesty,
We have trekked many weeks through mountains and forest, across hill and plain. We have arrived in the vicinity of the ruined dwarf fort. The land is burnt to the south and east as far as the eye can see. On our journey here, we have come across bands of dwarven refugees fleeing this area. They are abandoning their homes and sometimes even families. A great terror has befallen this land.
I have recently come to believe in the reports of Demons, strange as they may sound. Not only do all the dwarves in this area bear witness to that fact, but I have recently had the fortune of meeting a caravan of our traders making their way towards Blockedlance. From among their wares I was shown a crown made of demon bone! "Rubbish!" shouted the Grand Vizier.
The messenger pulled from his backpack a bone crown, and offered it to the Prince. Byakugan took it and looked it over. The bone was angular and sharp, as well as burnt and blackened. Tiny horns protruded from random places.
"Definitely demon bone," said Prince Byakugan.
"Nonsense!" shouted the Grand Vizier, hoping that repititious emotional outbursts would be enough to convince his Lord of the truth.
"No, this settles it....I trust these dwarves. They are a noble species, defending our southern borders from demonic hosts! Tonight we shall feast in their honor, for these courageous beings hold back the darkness. Blockedlance is a shining beacon of light and hope for all the world! We will not attack them!" proclaimed the Prince in response. "Not ever!"