Portraits of Empire: Being the Second Tale of the Gateway Wars

The Loranians send an ambassador to the Empire of Randar along with multiple wizards. To curry favor with the Loranians and to spy on them, Phillip d'Arcy, the favorite court artist of the emperor's wife is sent to the embassy to paint portraits of the ambassador and two other Loranians. During the winter months, Phillip and the Loranians exchange information on names, beliefs, and ideas for the future. And the Loranian wizards cause problems that include fires in Bersa, and assassinations in other lands around the Empire of Randar. The dragon, Keslar in his human form, visits Bersa and arranges for one of the Loranian wizards to meet a fiery end. After more discussions, Phillip realizes that there is no chance for peaceful co-existence with the Loranian Hegemony; war is inevitable between the two empires.