For many years, the Barony of Norlake has been one of the poorest regions of Fiorgynsheim. Harsh conditions, poor harvests, and the decline of the local mining industry all took their toll. Most of the inhabitants dreamed of nothing more than finding a way out.

That began to change when an odd magician took up residence in Norlake. Gordon Dexter, a traveling singer and adventurer, had a plan to revitalize the town. Somewhere along the course of his journeys, he had learned the art of creating Gates, magical portals that can instantly transport travelers great distances, or even to other worlds. Gordon himself had used a Gate to visit the great trade-city of Valedium, where traders from countless realms meet, mingle, and exchange their exotic wares. Even the least share of that trade would utterly transform his new home. Calling upon sturdy adventurers to gather the resources he needed, Gordon began constructing a permanent Gate to Valedium.

Despite formidable hazards, Gordon's project has been a success. Quick to scent an untapped market, the merchants of Valedium have established trade with Fiorgynsheim, and Norlake is getting its fair share. A number of enterprising merchants who dislike the crowding of the city have even established shops in the town of Norlake, making their wares readily available. It seemed that all would be well.

Then an unscrupulous wizard, seeking to control trade through the Gate, placed a curse of sleep upon the Baron's daughter, Leah. Gordon sealed the Gate against him as he sought to escape, but the Gate closed a moment too late, catching the wizard in transit and destroying him utterly. Leah was trapped in a sleep that drifted closer to death with each passing day, and no magic or herb could wake her.

Desperate to undo the harm he had caused, Gordon decided to reveal the hidden nature of his Gate: it is no ordinary portal, but Great Gate, capable of opening into any existing Gate known to its user. He had planned to use it to return to his home, Carillon, but ran afoul of a trap laid against him. Instead, he was forced to send a band of bold adventurers to his world to seek the Dawn Flute, a mighty artifact that held the power to break the curse.

His trust was not misplaced, and the Dawn Flute succeeded where all other magics had failed. However, his agents also brought dark tidings from Carillon. Shadowy agents of an old foe had infiltrated one of the bastions of the kingdom's defense and been narrowly routed. 

For now, Norlake is at peace. Leah is well. Trade is burgeoning. The Sacred Spring of Mordra has been rededicated, and its blessings have done much to restore the land. Still...there is trouble brewing, just beyond the Gate, and Gordon knows he must soon open it once more.

The story will resume this fall with Knightshade (A Dirge for Death: First Movement).