Impossible Dream (Part Two)

"Because the Vale of Mists is still weaker than it needs to be," Ritchel said, placing a heavy hand on the younger man's shoulder and giving him a firm squeeze. "Her Eternity is borrowing an army. She has taken the Mongrel Horde, the Black Wolf Brigade, the Sorcerers of Sundered Earth… None of these forces belong to her, but she must make use of them to defend the Vale of Mists against the humans."

"Say what you will about the Tuscans," Ritchel continued, his grip on his son's shoulder growing tighter as he wrestled with his own conflicted feelings. "They are true giants who will accomplish almost as much by striking fear into the hearts of humans as they will by crushing them underfoot. That isn't the kind of resource that Her Eternity can easily turn away. Lady Heila may not have had a choice in the matter," he added.