The Book of Nuinavar

(( As originally written by AWRPG, I take no credit for this ))

Prologue

Greetings, people of Draeda. I am Nuinavar, the Voice of the Ancients. I am here to tell you what has long since been forgotten in the ancient mists of time. It has been decreed by Aл that not all should be revealed at once, but it is his wish that some should be divulged at times when it is decreed necessary. Who is he? Well that, people of Draeda, you shall soon find out.

Chapter 1.

The Birth of the Divine and the Creation of the Halls of Time

Long ago, before the halls of time were created, there awoke a being. Aл was his name, and with him awoke Erwл. They loved each other, and loved their presence, but a thought awoke within each of them, the desire to love things other than each other, and to have something new. So they created the Aranil, whom men call the Divine. The Aranil dwelt with them for uncounted ages, as time was not yet established, and they were content. Yet again, a new desire awoke in Aл and Erwл that they should dwell in a place not of void, but a place of substance.

But yet, they desired to not see it done of their own hands, but to allow they whom they created to take part in it. So, they gave to the Aranil the power of creation, and of destruction, that they might out of the void create a dwelling place for themselves and their creators. To each of the Aranil they gave one substance for them to govern. To Veyr, they gave governance over stone. To Eirose, they gave governance over the waters. To Ao, they gave governance over the light. And to Erebos, they gave governance over the dark.

In this, they commanded that the Aranil make for them a dwelling place, working together for all things good and wholesome, to make it the most beautiful place one could imagine. So, with that, the Aranil set to work, each governing that which he was set over. However, they worked together, as was their desire and love for the commandment which was given them. Veyr and Eirose wrought an island of stone amidst an endless ocean. Veyr upon that island created the Mountain of perfectly shaped stone, and surrounding that island, Eirose ordered the water in chaos, so that it would not be predictable, yet through that, it was beautiful.

Ao and Erebos also loved the commandment given them. And they took counsel upon how to create the most magnificent masterpiece containing both light and dark. They knew that if they were mixed, the result would be a dreary grey, yet guidance did Aл have for them. He told them to think not of mixing them, but rather of separating them, that they might compliment one another, much like the sea and island which Veyr and Eirose were creating. So, they created the stars and the night sky: the beautiful stars of light complimented by a dark sky. This also is why the land which they wrought is often called the land of twilight.

Now when the land, the sea, and the sky were completed, Aл and Erwл looked upon it and saw that it was good. However, they desired more. Therefore, they set upon it and spoke shaping to the mountain, and a city was shaped of it. The city, they named Aranna, the home of the Aranil. It was thus that the Aranil saw it, and hallowed it, and loved it.

But a new thought was shaping, that not only should the Aranil have a dwelling place, but also should Aл and Erwл. So, they set upon the summit of the mountain a palace unlike any that has been seen, or ever shall be seen. Veyr wrought it out of the peak of the mountain, and it was made of living stone, that which dies and crumbles not, but ever glitters and sparkles in the cold twilight. Eirose filled large chambers with his waters, and the walls were like glass, but much clearer because of Veyr's art. Erebos created the floor with a black marble which was so polished, that the sky above could be seen in it.

And thus, Aл and Erwл saw that it was good and dwelt in that which they named Belen, the halls of beauty. But Ao felt it was not complete, since he had not contributed much to its building. Long he thought in his placed on the mountain, and finally, he created the eternal flame, its light was of a golden hue and its life was in the center of the dome of the citadel. In that dome alone shone of the radiance of the light, it was contained therein. In the center of the citadel of the light, the thrones of Aл and Erwл were placed, and around them shone a golden light from above.

Now at the completion of the Citadel there were only four of the Aranil, and they were Veyr, Erebos, Ao, and Eirose. However, they were now filled with a desire to create more than just substance, they wished for company too, just as Aл and Erwл felt ere they created the Aranil. And so, they created lesser beings, they were called Seranil, and they took many forms, for the spirits of the Aranil could take form however they wished, they gave this power also to their servants, the Seranil.

Now so great were the hosts of the Seranil that the island was filled as a large city, and so beautiful were their voices that never was there a time that the Seranil were not singing their praises of Aл and Erwл, and it is said that at the times of festival, when the Seranil filled the Citadel with their praises, and the golden light flowed about them, that even the Aranil were filled with wonder. Such praise and majesty was shown there, that none could abide it and be yet unmoved.

In one of the many festivals, Aл stood, and Erwл beside him, and they began to sing. The halls fell silent, for such a thing had not even the Aranil imagined, beauty was entwined between each note, and such majesty unknown was revealed in them. Yet the Aranil and Seranil understood it not, but stood in awe. Then, in the dome of the Citadel, the flame began to grow brighter, until at last none could look at it directly. But, before it grew to that point, it began to split into two pieces, both of equal size and light. As the two were singing, one of the pieces shot into the floor, and the Aranil and Seranil gathered around it, for it was curious.

They looked into the place where the floor once was, now with a large hole in it, and saw a new void, but where one of the lights had traveled. Aл then stood and commanded aloud that the Aranil and Seranil should therefore go hither and create within that void a realm more beautiful than Aranna, and to prepare it for a new creature that would come when all was made ready. And so it was that a light passed into the void, and the inhabitants of the city save Aл and Erwл descended into the new realm which was void.

Out of it, the Aranil molded such as was first in Aranna, but yet it was different, for there was now the light which inhabited the land. Veyr and Eirose took counsel together to create larger and more splendid seas and lands, and it was so. Ao and Erebos took counsel on the sky, for the light now traversed it, and covered up the night sky, for they had created the stars as was in Aranna. Ao loved it but Erebos hated it, just as she had the light of the Citadel. Yet then she had said nothing in the presence of Aл, for fear of his wrath. However, now, she spoke openly against it, wishing to cover it up and make it not so. But Ao countered saying that it was placed there by Aл and Erwл and only by them should it be removed.

The day and the night were now more beautiful because of it, but yet Erebos hated the bright light and plotted to cover it. So, she at last revealed her covering, the clouds. She attempted to use the bright light against itself, making the waters vulnerable to it, and creating great veils of cloud and darkness wherever the light might traverse. She did not know, however, that it would not completely succeed. For instead of covering it, the clouds complimented it, save in very thick coverings.

In these realms were wrought the halls of time, and it was measured according to the traverse of the light across the sky, and love grew between the Seranil and the realm of time, for they had not thought of such beauty. As they danced upon the water and stone, Aл and Erwл looked down and arose from their seats, and descended into the realm of time. They looked upon it and a new desire was set into their hearts, so they stood in a vast valley, and sang a new song. Before their feet, grass grew and flowered; trees and all living things came forth and spread to the whole realm. Then, seeing it was good, they returned to Aranna and with them, all the Aranil and Seranil.

As they sat down again upon their thrones, they called forth Erebos, and Aл spoke, Daughter, you have hated the light in your heart, and tried to conceal it from me. You have wronged me, Erwл, and yourself all three. But hear me! Even thought you did intend to do evil to that which we have set there, your creation shall only help what we have done there this day. For the green shall need water to grow and to survive and your creation shall supply that, and in that, become more beautiful! Now go, you are forgiven! However, this doom is laid on they whom you have created and in turn will be created, that your people shall first be they to suffer from your creation?

Now Erebos was moved by the pity of Aл and silently left the Citadel, loving and hating the pity which was shown her. She deemed that Aл loved the light, and thus Ao, more than herself. So it was that the first sundering of the Aranil came, and there was restlessness upon the Lands.





The restlessness was not solely due to Erebos, but rather to the song which Aл and Erwл had sung, for it foretold of a new people which would awake in the new land. The Arcandili these newcomers were called, and Men they called themselves. They awoke in Narvina, which is called the waters of awakening, and for years they dwelt there in peace, loving life itself. There they developed the common tongue, which all men would speak until the sundering.

There were three races of Men which developed there, the Sanye, the Dea, and the Lanai. For three ages they dwelt in Narvina, but finally, it was in their hearts to move, for they had a love of new things, and wished to see all that was here to see. So, the Sanye, wandered south, the Dea wandered north and west, and the Lanai wandered the plains west of Narvina, but not yet to the great mountains. This is called the sundering, for here their speech and blood strayed, and they developed their own languages and cultures.

Chief in these tales are the Dea, whom the Aranil loved most of all the children of men. They wandered far and wide, but finally made their home in the valley of Aen, which was where Aл and Erwл sang the song of awakening. They loved the valley, and even more, the sea near to it and the desert north of it. It is said that at this time, the people of Dea split into three peoples, those who loved the desert dwelt in the land eventually called Sah, and those who loved the sea dwelt in the delta of Aen and became Ashinae, and those who loved the valleys dwelt in sight of the mountains, and were called Draeda.

In Aranna, the Seranil rejoiced at the Dea’s choice of a dwelling place, for even they had placed the most of their labor in that valley. But even now, the Arcandili were wandering folk, never making lasting abodes, and the Dea were chiefly like this even in the valley of bliss, as the valley of Aen was often called. Soon, the families banded together, and the head of the household was the father. Still, their means of living were primitive at best, and disease was common throughout. Seeing the suffering of the Dea, four of the chief Seranil begged leave of Aл and Erwл to go down and to help relieve the suffering of the Dea. Mandanor, Thalimet, Elenna, and Serposan all begged leave of their masters. They were granted the leave, and they descended unto the valley of Aen.

The coming of the Seranil unto the Dea was so beautiful and magnificent that all in the valley of Aen looked up and wandered, for they had never seen anything of the realms of the Aranil. As great flames they appeared in descent from the realm, and the flame of their beauty was all around them, yet through the flame the Dea could see the beings themselves, even from afar. Yet some were afraid and hid themselves, but most looked and loved the beauty of the Seranil.

When the Seranil descended, they first visited the household of Nuindol all together, and there took counsel of the course of action they should take in teaching the Dea. It was here where they first assumed their worldly forms. All of them had forms in Aranna of tall men and women with great wings on their backs as eagles. These forms they wore in their descent and into the household of Nuindol. Mandanor took to himself the form of a bear, Thalimet took to himself the form of a lion, Elenna took to herself the form of an eagle, and Serposan took to himself the form of a serpent.

These forms they used to travel, but when there was the need to teach the Dea, they took to their forms as they had in Aranna. Thus they traveled far and wide in the valley of Aen, and taught all whom they found. They taught of the making of the world, and of Aranna, and many other wise things. Among these were those things which Erwл spoke to them ere they descended about the making of men. That they had spirits inside of them which were given to them by Aл and Erwл, and that after they passed on, they were called to the Citadel, and were called to dwell in Aranna. But this was only to be if they were deemed worthy. If not, their spirits wandered the world, until a way was found by which they could prove themselves yet again worthy.

Up above the world, the Aranil watched the teaching, and as men grew wiser, they were amazed. But Erebos was filled with doubt, for she did not think that men should know of these things. She sent her servant Serposan only because he had requested it. Even then, she was had not fallen, nor would for a long time to come.

Meanwhile the Dea continued to become wiser, and they became a great people, thought still wandering. The Dea separated into three general tribes, the Sasakens, the Ashians, and the Draedans. The Sasakens loved the drier areas of the north, and became sundered from their kin, of Seranil whom came, they had the greatest love for Serposan, and he taught them many things. The Ashians had a great love for the sea and the river Aen, so they began to only wander in those areas; they had the greatest reverence for Elenna and Mandanor. Of Elenna, they learned the speech of the wind, and often did they hear news from the wind, and of Mandanor they learned the craft of ship building. Mandanor was instructed by Eirose and had the greatest skill in craft above any in Aranna save Eirose himself.

The Draedans had the greatest love for the valley of Aen, and dwelt in the easternmost parts of it. They were taught most by Thalimet, who taught them gentleness of speech and song, for he was most praised in Aranna for his voice of all the Seranil. But he also taught them of growing things, for from Aл he received instruction on the planting of living things and their care, while Mandanor and Serposan were taught of hunting, and Elenna of fishing. This they taught to all peoples, but to some they gave greater instruction in such than others.

In all these things the Dea learned of the Aranil, and of Aл and Erwл, and loved them, and honored their names. It was not until the days of forgetfulness that they forgot those whom they now revered.







Now while the Seranil were teaching the Dea, a great love was birthed in them for the Dea, and for all living things which walked on the earth: a love so deep that they desired to add to its beauty through means of their own. So, for a little while, they ascended quietly again into Aranna, where they begged of their masters to begin their own peoples, yet over such the Aranil had no power. So, the Seranil went up into the Citadel, and there stated their love for the things of the realm. It is said that in that hour, Aл was not willing to allow them such, but that Thalimet sang a song of surpassing beauty of anything that had been heard from the mouths of the Seranil. In that song, the fate of the four offspring was woven.

Once it was finished, Aл rose and Erwл with him and they were moved. They saw in that moment the great love that the four Seranil had for the earth and its beauty, and this they declared: that it shall be done even as the song of Thalimet had declared, and that in a time soon to come, each of them would become the father or mother of their offspring. To the offspring, Erwл granted speech and life, that they might bring about more beauty to the realm of time.

And so it was that of the Seranil came four races of beings. Of Thalimet came the race of lions, whose beauty surpassed the wild lions which then roamed the earth. Of Mandanor came the race of bears. Of Elenna came a race of great and noble eagles. And of Serposan came the greatest of these races, of which tales speak of even into the days of forgetfulness. Serposan was the father of dragons. All of these were noble races and lived long through the ages. Some still have contact amongst the Dea, and others have roamed far throughout the earth.

And so passed the days of learning in the valley of Aen, but neither the Dea nor the Seranil forgot the bond which they shared, and often the Seranil walked among them. It was in those days that the offspring of Serposan wrought their caves in the northern mountains, in the Firboarn range, which are the highest of peaks in the halls of time. It is said that the tips of them come close even unto Aranna. But yet, Serposan loved also to be near the Dea, and thus commanded that a dwelling be made nigh unto them. And so a dwelling place was built south of the land where the Draedans dwelt.

It is said that Elenna first wished to inhabit the mountains of the north, but that she wished no strife between her offspring and that of Serposan. So, she built her dwellings in the cliffs of the mountains where they meet the sea. This was on the borders of the Xinthaen range, which is south of the dwellings of the Draedans, yet east of that of the Ashians. To her offspring did the mariners of Ashinae ever cry when in need of help on the endless seas, for her offspring had a great ability in fishing and far could their eyes see where men could not.

It is said that though Mandanor loved the sea, which his master had wrought both in Aranna and in this realm, his love furthered to the woods, whence his offspring chose as their dwelling places. But, they settled not in the valley of the Aen, but rather went over the mountains, to the east, where a great wood larger than any in the valley of Aen could be found. There they made their homes, and were content.

Of Thalimet, the great race of lions stayed few in numbers but noble. Little did they travel in the lands of Aen, and rather, they settled south of the Xinthaen range, where broad grasslands grew and where they could roam free as the wind. But, it is said that Thalimet had wings even in his lion form, where his offspring did not, and that he would at times fly over the mountains and still dwell with the Dea.




Amidst the time of teaching the Dea, there came a time of feasting in Aranna. In it, Aл and Erwл called for a new song to be sung, but at this time, it came into the hearts of some of the Seranil to fill the song with their own musical notes and rhythm. This they hid in their hearts until it came time for them to sing and make music. It is said that each of them considered their new parts separately and did not know of each others thoughts. But, he whom is considered the leader in such matters was named Kelmikar, mighty was he among the Seranil, and of him came the most terrible things this world has seen. He was one of Ao’s people, though he later forfeited that place.

It was he, Kelmikar, whom devised the strongest rhythm and notes that was heard. When the song began, he started as his part, but soon began singing a different tune. Then the others, who thought alike, sang their own parts, some harkening to Kelmikar’s part, and others none at all. But there was discord in the music and the voices of all faltered to hear it, save Kelmikar. Seeing that Kelmikar was mighty in his own devices, Aл arose, and countered with a song of magnificence, more majestic than any had heard one sing. It is said that in the end of days, it will be that song that all of the races of mortals and immortal alike shall sing in the Citadel, and all will be fulfilled.

The song which Aл sang rang throughout Aranna, unto the depths of the ocean and into the starlit void of the heavens, and all was silent save his voice alone. Kelmikar could not keep singing, though he tried at first, and of that came his hatred of all those who held allegiance to Aл and Erwл, for he was shamed, and his eyes darkened.

Such things are meant to be, that shame is the source of a hidden fire. Alas, in this case, one of the mightiest singers of old descended into shadow. He had scarce less talent than Thalimet himself. He then descended into the realm of the earth, for he would not suffer himself to undergo the judgment of Aл, or the wrath of Ao. And he brought with him a tithe of those whom sang apart from the followers of Aл. The others underwent the judgment of Aл and he was gracious unto them. But to Kelmikar and his followers, he gave none, and forever the descendants of Kelmikar, descendants of the Seranil shall be at war, save one only, but he is numbered amongst the descendants of the Seranil though he was a Shadow by birth.

So it was that Kelmikar and his followers descended to the earth, taking upon them forms dark and terrible, as shadows they were, and never did those forms leave them. There, they began their own colonies, in the valley of Aen, so that they could thwart any designs Aл or the Aranil had for that valley. In that day, the men and women of the Dea shook, as they beheld the horror of Kelmikar. That name was then forfeit, for it meant “Lover of Light” and thence forward was known as Ildon, The Shadow King.

For long he dwelt on the summit of Ildonnai, the Mountain of Shadow, and built a people and an army. By which he planned to make war upon the dragons, for he desired their strength, to enslave them and for them to do as he bids. And he did indeed attack, fiercely. Finally, after years of preparation, he unleashed his army upon the dragons, and caught them unaware. It was then that the first war took place, and as of yet, weapons were not thought of but by Ildon. He caused great spears to be made, by which his warriors could slay even dragons.

The hosts of the Dragons, lead even by Serposan, were driven back unto the very entrances of their caverns. But, great friendship did they have throughout the world, and the other three races of the Seranil came to their aid. The Dragons were trapped in the mouth of the great cave Aiduile, and little hope did it seem, until Thalimet, Elenna, and Mandanor came to their aid. From above, the eagles attacked their foes, driving them mad, and from around came the lions and bears. Then, seeing that there was hope, Serposan led his people in a great attack from the mouth of Aiduile, and utterly thwarted his foes. This first war, however, was not without great loss on both sides, and it grieved all those who loved Aл to see the evil of what was done that day. Ildon escaped and returned to Ildonnai, where he lay hid for a little while. This was the end of the first battle between Shadow and Dragon.

Seeing the weapons of Ildon, Serposan caused the Dragons to forge in their fires great armor, of diamonds and silron, which is a blend of Silver and Iron. They were foes grim to behold to the shadows, and their spears would not penetrate the armor. Serposan, then seeing that the Dragons could no longer be killed using weapons, pondered how he might rid himself of the Shadows for good early on in this apparent war. So, he ordered his army into four groups, each led by a large General. He thus decided to assault Ildonnai from every direction, using the four groups. When the time came, his warriors flew long and perilous journeys to escape being detected by the Shadow King’s sentinels. But when the attack came, it came at the breaking of Dawn, for the shadows most of all living things hated the light which Ao had made and Aл had sent.

The attack was vastly successful in destroying the city upon Ildonnai, but it neither threw down Ildonnai, nor did it kill Ildon. He had created escape routes, deeming that Serposan would do exactly this, and had even evacuated the city before Serposan attacked. So ultimately, the attack appeared vastly successful, and all of the Dragons rejoiced, yet secretly, it failed.

So it was that there was peace for many years, and all of the descendants of the Seranil prospered and grew, and walked along with the Dea as friends and neighbors. And it came to pass that Aл saw that they were well, and so he called the four Seranil back into Aranna, for all missed their company. So it was that Serposan, Mandanor, Elenna, and Thalimet all ascended back up into the heavens. It was said by a prophet shortly afterwards, that they would not come into contact with men for many, many lives of men. And that they would come unto the Dea, and the Dea would recognize them not.

After the Seranil ascended back into Aranna, there was peace but a short time before Ildon came back to his old residence, and rebuilt it haughtier and mightier than before. He feared only Serposan and the other Seranil, but not their descendants. So he gathered his strength, and made open war upon the Dragons. Five long years did this battle last, and all the lands west of the Firboarn range were turned barren, even unto the sea. It later became a desert, and the people of Sah loved it most of the entire valley.

The Dragons had made Serposan their High King, yet in his absence, a lesser King did they bring forth. A Might dragon was he, mightiest of old. Ezai was his name. King Ezai was fiercer than any of that race, and the shadows fled before his face. Long did he rally his dragons, and long did he get pushed back, further and further. One might wonder how they were getting pushed back when they had wings to fly above their foes. But in this battle, Ildon unleashed a new weapon, archery. So that when the Dragons flew above their foes, torrents of arrows were unleashed upon them. The arrows were to small to be stopped by the armor which the dragons were wearing, so many fell.

The battle was going terribly for the Dragons, and uncounted thousands were dead. So burnt and bare was that land that a great cloud of smoke and dust rose and choked the sun from the wasteland. And thus the words of Aл were fulfilled concerning Erebos and her people, for in the shadow of the great cloud, the shadows grew stronger. Almost would the Dragons had been lost, save that in their moment of need, the lions of the south joined their fight, and the light of Ao was in their eyes.

For three months after the Lions aided the dragons, the battle went on, and during that time, the eagles and the bears came also to the dragon’s aide. Even with this, all was nearly lost. When they were all trapped on a single hill in the midst of the wasteland, with shadows all around, they made a last stand. And in the moment of their defeat, four great flames descended from Aranna to their aide, and the Seranil did not forsake their peoples.

Then did all of the four kindred from the lands gather upon the field of Sahsaken, for before there was only a part of each kin. And under their ancient and immortal creators, they made a final desperate battle against the shadows. The four Seranil were ablaze with the fire of Aranna, and none could withstand them. And so it was that Serposan came even unto Ildon and made battle with him, and even as the hosts of Ildon were being defeated, so Ildon was defeated by Serposan.

Yet a Seranil cannot be killed by means of mortal wounds. So, they called upon Aл and Erwл, that they might come and make a prison which none; be he Aranil, Seranil, man, or descendant of any; can escape from. Aл and Erwл heard their cries, and sent Veyr to the bowels of the earth to create a cavern where none could escape. Then he came and bound Ildon, and cast him thence. Aл then proclaimed that Ildon should stay there for one age. None knew what he meant, but that such a time was far off. And so the earth had peace from the shadows, for they were all scattered, and many hid themselves in the deep places of the earth.







Now to the south the Sanye wandered, many years did they wander through mountains and valleys and over rivers and plains. Their leaders always had their eyes turned southwards, and they were discontent unless moving in any other direction. For nearly fifteen generations of men they wandered steadily southward. No apparent purpose was driving them, but a desire to move further south. There came a time, however, when they came no longer to mountains, or valleys, or rivers, or plains, but unto a great sea, and it was not crossable. There, they turned aside, and drew east, whence the sun rose.

It was then that they found a lush valley, far beyond anything they had thus far seen, and called it beloved. They chose to dwell there, and to forever more call it their home through good times and bad. Do’rath they named it, and they found within the hills surrounding their valley many previous gems and gold. For many generations they lived there, and even as the Dea were first wandering into the valley of the Aen, the Do’rathians were already a thriving people. Their chief city was named Amynilies, where the basis of the population resided. Within Amynilies there were built great temples of stone and great palaces of gold. Surrounding the city, many pastures and farms dotted the valley, where most of the food came from.

Now there came a time when King Hialies reigned upon the throne of Do’rath, that they were strong that they sent heralds throughout the lands, seeking for adventurers bold in spirit, to go beyond the borders of the land, which none could now remember, and seek what could be found. So, the call went throughout the land, and many heeded it, for rich rewards were promised to those who went out and came back. So it was that many went out from Do’rath to the world, and some came even unto the valley of the Aen, where they met the Dea. When they had left the valley there was left within Draeda a token which, when activated, would carry one across the endless leagues of the earth to Do’rath. Though it was soon lost, the name of it lived on in legend.

At first, the token of Do’rath was kept by the household of Nuindol, and until the fall of Ais, it was kept secretly by them. None knew of it, save that it existed, and only the heads of the house held it and knew its story and power, for it was passed from the father on his deathbed to his son.

In Do’rath, King Hailies prospered, and when the explorers returned, he was joyous that he found another tribe of which to communicate with. However, the explorers also brought news that there were many thousands of leagues between Do’rath and the Aen, and that the single journey there had taken over three years, and the same coming back. They also brought him tidings of the token of Do’rath, however, it would be powerless save if one of the house of Nuindol used it. So for many uncounted years it lay dormant, awaiting someone to use it.

Chapter 6.

Ashinae and the House of Nuindol

Of the three tribes of the Dea, it is said that the Ashinae were the greatest in the earliest history of the Dea, for they were powerful in both spirit and flesh, it was they whom were taught the most by the Seranil; and of Ashinae, the greatest household was that of Nuindol. They were the keepers of the mysterious token of Do’rath, and it was they who kept mighty secrets, which lesser men considered magic.

Though the common arcane was not to come into existence until much later, there was a deeper art from beyond the realms of time, founded before the foundation of the earth, set into place by Aл and Erwл themselves, and structured in the song by which they brought life to the earth. Many great things were taught to the house of Nuindol by the Seranil, and much knowledge did they have of things beyond the realm of the Dea. Greatest of these secrets were the Great Crystals, though only shards of the Crystals of Power in the hands of the Aranil when they are in their splendor in the Citadel, they had much power in the halls of time, and many things could they do which were of supernatural origin.

Now, about the time which the wars between the dragons and shadows were coming to and end, the head of the household of Nuindol decided that a home should be built for the household, and that it should be a grand home to be a wonder of the world, that it may show all whom they are. So they built the grand halls of Nuindol, which later the city of Ashinae was founded around. They chose a site upon a hill next to the Aen, where all in the realm of the future Ashinae could see it, and upon the tower of Nuindol, one could see the entire valley of the Aen, even unto the sea.

A great and golden hall it was, and it was in that home that the shards of the Great Crystals were kept, in secret. For it was through them that much of the house had been built, for no structure had ever been built as that home had been. A great and glorious place it was, and the light of Ao shone upon it, who above all the house of Nuindol most revered. Many years did it exist in peace after the shadows had been scattered. And many lesser households set camp down below, and built for themselves small homes. So was it that the city, though none had thought of it as such yet, of Ashinae had been built.




Chapter 7.

The Great War of the World



But yet, Ildon still lived. Though he was imprisoned, he hated above all the house of Nuindol, for to him it seemed as if it were built in mockery of his own place, and that his master loved them in mockery of his fall. After his sentence was complete, he had delved deep into the eastern range, deeper than any of the Seranil had ever delved before, and there he once again gathered the shadows unto him. He delved a network of vast tunnels throughout all of the valley of Aen and the mountains around them. Wherever he and the shadows delved, a great disquiet fell upon the peoples in that area, and soon the entire valley was covered in a discontent. Soon, petty fights broke out, and it was not long until the great leaders of the land discerned that something was wrong, very wrong.

So it was that the leaders came together and held the first Spirit Council in the halls of Nuindol. The head of each tribe came, as did the leader of each of the peoples of the Seranil. Amarel came from the tribe of Ashinae, he was the head of the house of Nuindol and very powerful in both mind and spirit. Naa’rth came representing the Sah, whom now resided in the newly created deserts of the north. Romera came representing the Draedans. Meril, son of Ezai, came as King of the Dragons. Elanna came as Queen of Eagles. Thalimion came as King of Lions. And Mendel came as King of Bears. Together, they took counsel of what was happening. For three days they spoke of all the happenings of their lands, and for three days, the world waited.

It was decided that it was indeed Ildon who had put the shadow upon the land, but it was not known how he was doing this, for all had excellent posts, and they trusted their guards with their lives. Furthermore, the idea of delving caverns as deep and as extensive as Ildon had done did not enter their darkest dream.

Though the first Spirit Council failed in concern to its aim, it did establish the Spirit Council as an entity that would survive for many years. It was decided that it would exist of seven individuals, the leader of each tribe: three of the Dea, and Four of the Descendants of the Seranil.

So the shadow deepened, and all in that part of the world feared some evil had come upon them so strong and terrible that none could break it. Then, Ildon’s designs became full, and he released his army of shadows which he had been breeding under the earth for hundreds of years. He had dug right into the middle of Ashinae, and released thirty thousand shadows upon the inhabitants of Ashinae.

So it was that Ashinae had no warning, and almost all of the they who lived near the house of Nuindol perished. But, Amarel would not allow Ildon to destroy his people as he was. So, Amarel went to the entrance of his mansion, with his sword in hand. His sword, which was named Idan and meant “Darkness Bane,” was white and covered in the ruins of Aranna. It was forged even by Eirose long ago, as a gift to the house of men. As he came to the courtyard, he saw even Ildon walking up the steps with his dark sword. The hate burned in Ildon’s eyes, as he loathed Amarel, and wished to feed his blood unto the birds.

Such a duel has never been seen by the eyes of men since, for in that hour, Amarel’s eyes burned fiercely with the light of the sun, and his sword let out the light of Ao. Amarel charged at Ildon, with the cry “For My People!” A greater love has few leaders had for their brethren than Amarel had for his then. But alas, a fierce love and light could not save him. They fought, for one week they fought. The House of Nuindol broke and the hill crumbled, and they fought on. They fought on the banks of the Aen, even unto the sea. But even so, Amarel was only human. He began to weaken, yet each day a single wound did he deal to his opponent, that Ildon would never forget it. Seven wounds, but finally, he weakened. Ildon struck him down, and crushed him.

The sorrow of all was that even as Ildon dealt Amarel his death blow, the Six armies came at last to Ashinae’s rescue. The Shadow Army, after defeating Ashinae and scattering them, had gone once again into the caverns, whence none knew yet. But a child, of only 14, whom was Amarel’s son, made it unto Elanna’s presence, where after hearing his tidings, sent eagles to every army in the valley of Aen. Thus, it was in seven days that Amarel looked to the sky as Ildon raised his sword for the blow, and saw the eagles of Elanna coming towards them, and smiled. Such a smile Ildon loathed and flinched, but lowered his sword, killing Amarel. Then, turning around, he saw in horror what Amarel smiled about.

He fled, even to the mouth of the tunnel whence he came, where he once again released his army. Eight banners flew there, but it was seven against one. Yet, that one was so strong now that the numbers were equal. This was the great battle, and though sorrowful were all of that day, it was soon to be lost. The battle was turning ill, and even upon the remnant of the household of Nuindol, the armies made their last stand. But it was not the end.

Through the final night they fought, and they despaired. But at dawn a new banner arose to the south, the golden crown surrounded by white flowers upon a blue banner waved in the wind. And with the rising of the sun, the Armies of Do’rath arose and came to the rescue of the Dea and the Descendants of the Seranil. The Grandson of King Hailies rose with his army and defeated the shadows. The other armies saw this and in turn gave such an onslaught that the host of the shadows were driven between two great armies (for even in near defeat, the eight armies were still very strong), and were utterly defeated.

Three years earlier, a dream from Erwл herself prompted King Hailies III to rise from his throne and arm his men, and lead an army of fifty thousand through the long leagues between them and the valley of the Aen. They arrived just in time, for the peoples of earth were nearly defeated and were dying. Yet when his banner waved, the light of Ao was birthed in all people’s eyes. The shadows could not stand before them, and fled. They killed foes all about them, and a great joy was birthed in them, yet sorrow was still there.

Though they had won the battle, this was the first battle of the war of all the peoples of the earth, for though they had destroyed the army Ildon had sent, he had wisely only sent a quarter of his troops, and he blocked up the cavern underneath Ashinae, so that none could find where he was.