Prologue
A pair of incomprehensible monstrosities lurked in the boundless 11th dimensional void.
<Has there been progress?> asked monstrosity A.
<When have you ever known me to call idly,> replied monstrosity B. <Yes, I bring word of a prophecy. For your ears only, as it were.>
<We know the stakes. We swear upon the link between us, it will go no further.>
<But are you permitted to swear thusly?>
<We may not be a hierarch, but we require no one's permission.>
<Very well. The prophecy is this: Sleepy day after restless night, ere the little water falls upon the foot of Cayuga, the Spear will be found.>
<You said once that there was a chance of success without the shield, but none without the spear. Yes?>
<Just so. But great care is needed! You cannot acquire the Spear until it is ready. And it won't be ready, since no one has yet touched the Shield. They are intricately linked.>
<We are threading a very fine needle, Old Friend. Please continue to keep us apprised.>
<I know. I shall.>
Monstrosity A turned and began to float away in furtherance of other duties.
<OH! And one more thing. Watch closely. Be mindful of... electrical storms.>
