The Cormyr Marine Corps, in which the Bane Godspawn had placed such high hopes, found its route into the city blocked by a band of mercenaries.
The mercenaries wore a motley assortment of clothes and looked nothing like regular soldiers. Their professions were just as varied: Barbarians from the North, Druids from the south, Artificers from the west, and adventurers from the Sword Coast.
But they all shared one identity: members of the Harpers.
The Harpers were a very unusual organization. Unlike the Zhentarim, with its rigid hierarchy, strict rules, and strongly militaristic character, the Harpers were more like a club. Their leadership was obscure, their internal administration chaotic, and the ties between their members loose. Their understanding of goodness also varied from person to person. Some were as honorable and upright as Paladins, but others held definitions of goodness that not everyone accepted-some Harpers committed acts far crueler than ordinary punishments, killing nobles they deemed guilty without trial or warning.
The Cormyr marines spotted the group. Their captain sat astride his horse and roared, "Who's there? The army is on the move! All uninvolved parties, clear the road!"
"I am Samir Morningstar, a lesser lord of Suzail, bearer of the First-Class Purple Dragon Medal, and descendant of the Dragonspike family!"
Samir, the first Chaos Warrior under Aaron's command, spread his arms. The Harper wore his Purple Dragon medal and lesser lord's insignia on his chest, and his usual lazy smile remained on his face as he signaled for the army to stop.
At the sound of Samir's name, the marine captain's expression shifted slightly. He respectfully saluted Samir. "So it's Lord Samir of the Arabel Five Heroes. What can we do for you?"
"Turn back immediately!" Samir ordered the captain. "That's an order."
An uproar swept through the marines.