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It was winter. Soft, pure-white snow covered the ground. The trees had shed their leaves and were left bare, and looked as if they were merely skeletons of the Nordland trees. As the sights and sounds of winter mingled together, Alfreid Kleinsdottr sighed inwardly. As general of the 4th Nordland interior guard, it was crucial to the defense of the Empire that Kleinsdottr and his men remained vigilant in their patrols against the insidious Hordes of Chaos that so often came down from the northern wastes. However, it had been many weeks since any activity worth notice had occurred. "By Sigmar," he muttered under his breath, "What are those northmen devils up to?" Kleinsdottr looked up towards a knight by the name of Zellner Fraustov. Zellner was an old friend of Alfried's, a companion over the better part of two grueling decades, and Alfried moved his horse next to Zellner's to discuss his concerns. "Zellner," Alfried began, but was cut off by his companion. "I know what's on your mind Alfried" Zellner said, the understanding tone of his voice clear. "The Northmen, Sigmar damn their hides, have ceased their usually frequent raids. "It's just unnatural Zellner. It's unlike those savage bastards to bide their time..." To an unlearned observer, it would sound as if Alfried's tone had a hint of fear. Zellner furrowed his aged brow, deep in thought. "Perhaps they have gathered under one banner, as they did back in the time of Magnus?" Alfried certainly hoped not. From what was said about the Great War against Chaos, the northmen's horde sounded as if it had been unstoppable. Savage men fought alongside debased beasts. Monsters, their forms twisted and altered until nature itself abhorred their visage, stood amongst the ranks of this mighty horde. Vile sorcerers and champions, the chosen servants of the four Ruinous Powers, lent their foul magics and prowess of blade to their blasphemous cause. As if this were not enough, daemons, unholy servants of the Chaos gods, had walked amongst them. Had it not been for the vision and courage of Magnus the Pious, Asavar Kul and his dark allies might have brought the Empire to its knees, and with it the known world. Alfreid would have continued down this path of fearful thoughts had he not been alerted by Zellner that a rider was apporaching the marching column. Alfried looked at tthe rider approaching the column. He was young, no more than nineteen winters, his face drenched in sweat. He had a frightened look in his eye, akin to that of a skittish horse. As he came closer, Alfreid could hear the young man's heavy panting. "Clearly" Alfreid said, "You must have important news"

And that's all for now folks, more later.