The North, the most beautiful of them all yet so tragic! The snow-capped mountains trap the people of the north for a good 6 months. They hunt and store their food, oaks, and firewood for the first six months, and then the next six months, they rest and stay hidden behind the snow. Much of their growth had been limited because of the snow. Their actions and behavior can be attributed to their lack of success. The great mountain is the only way in and out for them. No one has dared to cross the passage during the heavy snow in the last 15 years, so the legend said. The group which tried crossing never made it to the other side, probably submerged. Not all was lost during the snow, there were many animals that roamed during this period and they hunted and roasted these animals during these times. North also boasted the biggest population in all of the forests. Normally a very reserved and just clan, their ways have begun to change during the reign of Queen Angela. Queen Angela and General Klick. The man with the large skull, created havoc on lesser skilled and the lesser populated. After the death of her father, the ways of Queen Angela also changed her ways and swayed into darkness. They shifted from hammers and bows to main swords. With a fighting population of over five hundred thousand, they were a menace to the other local population virtually wiping out the majority. Only the Makese people carry on to leave freely. A body of a human, and the face of an ape they had. They may look primitive, but their features had developed into that of an intelligent species. Very smart people known to speak many languages. Also very effective in the mountains and their hunting skills were much lauded. They predominantly lived deep in the mountains, which were very hard to access by normal people. That was the main reason, the North left them alone. Also, the Makarese were very careful to not cross the path of the Barbarianclan. Much like everyone they despised the Barbarians. Maybe, even more so! But they never showed it out. Doing favors for General Klick whenever asked, for it was essential for their survival! "The worst of his kind, the Makarese people remarked behind the back of General Klick. Often times he would hear it. "What did you say?" his eyes would turn red with fury. "The best of his kind" they would reply. "Yes, yes!" sing praises of your General, he would say, and walk away with pride. "A damned fool! the people would say. The North was also one of the few places in all of the lands completely outside the rule of the kingdom. The corporations and the rest of the forests (barring Wilmir ) were affected by the policies of the kingdoms. The Corporations becoming lesser and lesser dependent on the happenings of the kingdom. Their weapons and technology were becoming much superior and were beginning to feel that they did not have to listen to the kingdom, anymore! But for now, they still remain partly under the jurisdiction of the kingdom. The North however completely operating on its own. The last time the leader of the north met the King was two decades ago. When the father of Angela and the Queen went to the kingdom. King Maximus was not on the best of terms with the Barbarians but remained amicable throughout their stay. There was an argument that took place between the two leaders, the king remained calm. Suddenly the barbarian instinct took over her father. He drew his small knife. Marcus who had not uttered a word up until now. Got up and stabbed the table with his sword. The sword stabbed through the heart of the table and went through it. Her father at once came back to his senses and apologized to Maximus profusely. "We aren't in the presence of a normal man," her father said to her afraid that she would try to do an act of foolishness in order to protect the image of her father and her kingdom! Maximus remained standing and the sword still pierced. There were large moments of silence between them. Angela and her father left back to their homes that evening. His father looked back every now and then to see if they were being followed! The wrath of Maximus still remained etched in his mind! Queen Angela however grew her heart with anger and contempt for the kingdom. She was not used to any kind of embarrassment. That was it, the last time the kingdom and the north came face to face. A few years after General Marcus died, her father too passed away. Present Day Klick arrives with the Oak, and Queen Angela awaits "Store the oaks," Klick commanded. "To the warehouse," he ordered. "The carriages headed for the storage, one by one!" "Welcome Klick," greets the queen. Great work as usual! "As Always," replied the arrogant Klick. "Did they squeal like they always do?" asked the evil queen. Klicks face started to frown a bit, "Not exactly," he replied. "I saw an intruder there, It looked like someone from the camp of Darticus. I could make it out of their armor," he replied. "The Man, I saw it in his eyes, his lust for war. Not seen in any of the Algreids," he said confidently. "Did you know who it was?" asked the queen. "No, not particularly. I did not recognize him" said Klick with a frown. He was trying to recollect the face of Rylo. "Are you alright?" asked the queen as she saw that the frown did not dissipate from his face! "I was intrigued although, what the men of Darticus were doing there at Algreid," his expression then turned to that of a valiant fool! "Maybe," the queen replied with nonchalance, again hiding her true feelings as all great strategists did. "And I have news for you general. Darticus plans to visit before the snow arrives. Some sort of coalition he seems to be interested in" said the Queen. "He wants our men!" Said Klick "He wants to prepare for war," replied the queen. "What war?" He asked. "The kingdom does not concern us," said General Klick. "We cannot at once decline his offer, General, we need the oak." said the Queen "Yes, yes," Agreed Klick although with much hesitation. "General, when does the snow arrive?" asked the Queen. "In a month's time, could be earlier" replied Klick. "I'm sending word to him then, that he better arrive and leave here in a month's time," said the Queen with an assured sense of power in her voice. "So be it," replied Klick stamping his foot on the ground finally succumbing to his barbarian nature, unable to hide his contempt upon the arrival of King Darticus!