Taren led Jedin through the town to the south end where they came to a small fort-like castle, and after entering they went into a room to the right of the main gate. The central fixture of the room was a plain desk with maps spread on it. The desk was facing the door, and in front of the desk were a few seats to accommodate an audience.

As Jedin and Taren entered the office room, Jerith and Kassadea arose from where they had been seated. Taren took the seat behind the desk and gestured for the three of them to be seated.

“First, I am Taren, the leader of the Human Coalition, and this young man tells me that you are from Volerum.  If that’s true, how did you come to enter this world?” said Taren, with a skeptical sound to his voice.

Kassadea nodded and said “I am Queen Kassadea of Volerum, we came to this world by way of the gates between the worlds that were reopened by an errant mage named Moira.”

“Moira came through town just before you came and she burned two homes down,” said Taren.

“Yes, we came to stop Moira. Before she opened the gates, she claimed that she was going to take power over these worlds and that she served The Dark Force,” said Jedin.

Taren paused and considered what Jedin had said.

“Our people have been under the tyranny of the Demon Kings for generations, but I would not be certain if Thainos the Demon King is still loyal to The Dark Force. No, the demons only serve their own pleasures now.

“Thainos sits in his castle and blankets our cities in ice and snow to punish us for the human rebellion against his rule.”

“How long has this revolt been going?” asked Jedin.

“Well, really in a less organized way, it started two hundred years after the gates had been closed and the humans revolted serving the demons, but the Human Coalition organized itself only fifty years ago. We have been able to hold our position in three cities, but the demons still cover us with ice and snow from the Ice Wand,” said Taren.

“My Queen,” started Jerith after clearing this thought, “It seems that Thainos and the other demon kings may be a greater threat than Moira. Regardless of Thainos working with Moira, she will likely alert the demons here to the presence of the gate, which is something we must be prepared to deal with,” said Jerith.

Taren nodded.

Kassadea stood up and looked at Taren with a gaze that reminded Jedin of her ability to command power, “Sir Taren, your enemy is Volerum’s enemy, and we are prepared to send you aid. If you and your people join with the Kingdom of Volerum, together we can put an end to Thainos and stop Moira. You and your people will be free, and we will support you, Taren, as governor of this world.”

Taren looked at the three of them, not sure what to say, as he stopped to ponder today’s events: the appearance of Moira, and then Jedin leaping from the fire. The story that Kassadea and Jedin had given him was fantastic, yet rang true. “Volerum” he muttered to himself; he could remember the legends well. Then his thoughts turned to his people and to their plight, and decided that he could not reject the aid that Queen Kassadea offered.

Taren removed himself from his seat and knelt before Kassadea. “Queen Kassadea, I thank you for your aid, and I, Taren, Leader of the Human Coalition, do submit myself to you, and stand ready to serve you as your vassal.”

Jedin’s eyes widened; the feudal agreement was not what he had expected, but perhaps that is what Taren thought Kassadea expected of him. Kassadea herself appeared unfazed and reached forward with her hand and took Taren’s ear. “Sir Taren, I accept your oath of fealty, and am prepared to uphold my promises to you and your people. Now arise, for we have a great work to accomplish.”

Taren stood. “Yes, yes, a great work, and I am pleased to join with Volerum. I know where Thainos’ castle is and how it’s guarded, and I can show it to you,” said Taren as he pointed to the map on the desk.

“Good! Jedin, Jerith go with Taren to Thainos and do what you must to remove him, and place Taren as Governor of this land. I’ll go back to the palace and send troops to reinforce that of Taren’s,” stated Kassadea.

“Kassadea, let me send a patrol with you to escort you to your lands,” offered Taren.

Kassadea nodded and said, “Thank you, Taren.”

“We had better announce the new alliance and organize the troops,” said Taren.

They all went outside the small castle and Taren sent guards to have the people gathered to hear the announcement.

Soon, most of the people gathered to the castle and Taren stepped forward to address the people.

“People of Dezol, I come to you as your leader to announce the joining of our people and of the legendary Kingdom of Volerum. Volerum is sending forces through the gate to help us overcome the demons,” said Taren.

The people cheered, and some cried with hope from the memory of the legends of Volerum, a kingdom that stood against even The Dark Force.

Kassadea then stepped forward and spoke in a calm yet commanding voice, “I am Kassadea, Queen of Volerum, and now of your people, and as Queen I will work for your freedom. We have placed Taren as governor of this world and we will soon have forces come to reinforce those of this world.”

All the people clapped and cheered, “All hail Queen Kassadea of Volerum and Governor Taren of the Ice World!”

Jedin had to suppress a chuckle at the thought that the people here never came up with a better name for this world than Ice World.