30th of Glade, 122 AS
The trip had been uneventful, relaxing even about the luxurious airship that carried them closer and closer to Gel'Grandal. The food served, while simple, was appetizing and the drinks were complimentary for those who paid the extra coin to access the large, glass-domed observatory located at the center of the ship. As they traveled the weather was calm and beautiful, the winds just right with sunlight to guide their days and a sea of stars to lead them at night.
They traveled a route that was well regarded as safe, for the Imperium guarded the airspace across their lands with greater fervor. Because of this the Captain and his crew had little reason to fear the skies above, and thus they did not pay heed when the black ships rose from the valley below.
*****
Without warning the ship was rocked by trimmers, and the translucent shields that surrounded it flickered to life in a shimmer of green.
"Attention, this is your Captain speaking. Return to your cabins and bar the doors." Another trimmer was followed by the ship tipping violently to one side before correcting itself, "I repeat, return to your cabins and bar the doors. We are under assault. A call for aid has been sent to Gel'Grandal, and aid is coming. Remain in your rooms until the danger has passed."
Another trimmer came with the sound of falling glass, the great dome having cracked to rain glittering shards down on the floor below. Through the hole, a breach in the magical shield, the black hull of a ship could be seen coming closer, a flag of red stars on a gold background flying in the wind.