We set off around the lake, making our way northward towards the rugged
mountains rising before us in a grand show of might. Wagner and Taurus
walked before and behind us, respectively, Wagner leading the way and
Taurus erasing the marks of our passing, and both watching for any signs
of ambush. Bernibus walked abreast of myself, keeping me in pleasant
company, for he was a very enjoyable companion.

During our walk, Bernibus and I had an insightful conversation, of which
I will relate to you the following, as you may find it interesting:

"Tell me," I said to him, "You seem to be a jovial people, despite the
war that you find yourselves in, but are all of your people of the same
attitude?"

"Very nearly, yes," he replied, "For though we do not wish war, the
principles at stake here are important enough for us to sacrifice an
easy life for them. We've grown used to it, everything is done in such a
way as to promote secrecy and stealth, those being our main advantages
in the conflict. Out of hundreds of outposts like the one we were just
in, for example, only four others have ever been discovered, and the
Zards still have no clue where our fortress is." This he said in a
boastful manner, but as he did a faint spirit of sorrow spread across
his face for an instant, as if in memory of one of the raids of previous
times.

"That explains their rapture when they found the false map," I returned,
"But I must admit that I am still ignorant of the cause of the wars. It
was said that it was conflicting ideologies, yet that is self-evident,
as all conflict is at heart just that. I don't mean, either, the actions
that caused the most recent inflammation, but what exactly your