The Dragons Tomb
It was a dark time, Vakor was tearing itself apart.
The corruption within the capital who called himself Xander the Great, was securing his power base, securing the Loyalty of three of the nine realms. He had the Kingdom on the Eastern Shore, The Kingdom in the Mountains and the Kingdom of Storms. Whilst the Kingdom of the Desert, the Kingdom of the Lions, The Southern Raja and the Viking Earldoms all declared their Neutrality in the Civil War that everyone knew was coming.
But the Entirety of the Kingdom of Nordinbar had rallied to a new king, the one they deemed to be the rightful ruler of the Continent. Proclaiming him as the King of Vakor, unlike all of his ancestors whom had been the High Kings of the Nine Realms.
His name was Avos Dracko, the son of the Last Draco King, Acroll the Kind. After returning from 8 years in self imposed exile in the far east. Avos has finally returned, aided the family that protected and raised him as if he was one of them. With his aid, the Bearin Family now under the leadership of Robert Bearin declared its sole loyalty to Avos the Dragon, blessed as the only mortal in history to have a Dragons loyalty, a declaration that was followed quickly by the Elven rebels lead by Resurgan Veshara and the Northern Orc and Goblin Clans under the speaker Mattrox.
Now after months of preparation and organisation, Avos the newly dubbed Avos the Dragon begins his march south. Whilst some had followed out of honour to the King they had chosen, For some it was more personal.
For Robert, he had chosen to follow his brother of bond, both out of honour to the young man he grew up with. But also so that he could find out what had happened to his younger brother, who had gone with their father only to be arrested, Marcus was publicly executed but Hector disappeared entirely.
For Avos, it was this too, but something more. For almost 9 years ago when he left to go into exile, with the hope that his departure would ensure the safety of those he loved, had failed, he wanted to protect them, but more over he wanted the people whom he had remembered as proud and free to be the same again, instead of being oppressed, beaten and broken. He wanted to help them find themselves again.
And if it meant he must take the throne to achieve this, then so be it.
A strong believer of the Opinions of others, Avos did not take the title of King, kings and kingdoms had existed since time in memorial, this would be different. He wanted a nation where a ruler did not hold all the power but the people would decide the future and be subject to laws that they had a hand in making.
Despite being at war, Avos ordered the creation of a Parliament where elected individuals from across the nation would gather to decide on matters of politics. The first Parliament voted unanimously in choosing the new nation "THE EMPIRE OF ALBION" and Avos as its first Emperor.
Chapter 1: We March
The Air was cold and the soil frozen, the wind whistled instead of bellowed, the short grass of the Nordin plains had only a slight twitch against the wind from its stocky shoots and strong roots.
But this would not defend it from the thunder of 10,000 men and horses marching atop it, this was an army unlike any that had ever been seen before, unlike the fumbled armies of the past, no better than a force of conscripted peasants given a sword and a shield then sent into the field. This was a true army, all of them volunteers, wearing not simple clothing, but the finest weapons and armour, their armour either solid plate for certain roles and lighter and more flexible chain mail for those requiring speed or manoeuvrability, such as archers and light infantry. Dividing the column were cavalry detachments like the infantry some donning heavy armour for shock force charges and others in lighter chain mail for speed and flanking movements yet the colours remained the same, all dyed black to match the banners. Above them all were the same individual banner of their new nation, this was an army for the Empire of Albion instead of numerous banners and flags flying in the wind with the crests of various kings, lords and families, only one would fly in the open air, a Golden Dragon upon a black field.
They Marched with a strength in conviction with their leaders ahead of them, four beings upon their rides.
One an orc wearing the traditional lack of armour for his people, wearing only a strong helmet with a Crest arising like those of all the officers within this Legion, starting at the back of the head, leading upon the top of the head towards the forehead like the fin of a shark only reversed. Upon his forearms and wrists were single gauntlet metal plates, his skin cushioned with layers of leather and fur to make a shock break for his tough bones. Covering his waist and upper legs, was a tunic like skirt made of leather and given some metal protection with long stripes of dangling chain mail links. Strapped across his back was his main weapon of choice, like nearly every Orc within the Legion of the Dragon, he wielded a multiple purpose weapon, for him it was the Orcish Great Warhammer, a brutish made tool meant for stone work, but easily turned for warfare. Meant to be used by both hands for long and powerful swings or crushing downwards blows.
One an orc wearing the traditional lack of armour for his people, wearing only a strong helmet with a Crest arising like those of all the officers within this Legion, starting at the back of the head, leading upon the top of the head towards the forehead like the fin of a shark only reversed. Upon his forearms and wrists were single gauntlet metal plates, his skin cushioned with layers of leather and fur to make a shock break for his tough bones. Covering his waist and upper legs, was a tunic like skirt made of leather and given some metal protection with long stripes of dangling chain mail links. Strapped across his back was his main weapon of choice, like nearly every Orc within the Legion of the Dragon, he wielded a multiple purpose weapon, for him it was the Orcish Great Warhammer, a brutish made tool meant for stone work, but easily turned for warfare. Meant to be used by both hands for long and powerful swings or crushing downwards blows.
The other was an elven warrior of some age, instead of riding a horse however, he was riding a beast of warfare long associated with the Elven ancients. This creature was not very commonly seen now, this was a Elkon, a great deer which stood over 6 foot at the shoulder, with an immense set of antlers that dwarfed all other deer like beasts in the whole world. Atop this strange but beautiful creature was the well recognisable, Infamous Resurgan Veshara or Resurge Vesh for short, Vesh to his friends. He was a grizzled old elf when compared to most within the rest of the legion, but his knowledge of indirect or unconventional warfare was well respected. For he had spent many years fighting his own private war of sorts against humanity, yet this was now of the past, like his greying hair, tucked back into a long tail behind his head, this could be seen even with his head covered by the Officers helmet of the legion, but for him and the other elves a small addition had been made, extra room on the sides of their helmets to allow them comfort with their more elongated and pointed ears.
Vesh was wearing the armour of all the officers, strong plate armour and chain mail protecting his upper and lower body, Whilst his primary weapon of choice was the classic Sword. Yet he had chosen to have a weapon of purpose, something to remind him of something he had sworn, the Sword was like all others throughout the legion, yet the pummel and handle were engrave and decorated in a way that he shall never forget, covering the handle were the marking of a flower and its stem stretching and reaching all around.
Between them was a human male, wearing strong metal plates of the Rank of General, with a long Greatsword upon his back, this was Robert Bearin, the newly dubbed Lord Governor of the Province of Nordinbar and in his spare time the Commanding General of the Dragon Legion. His face had not changed much since the battle to reclaim Bear Point from the Peacock King and his supporters, the only difference from before was that he was now sporting a full dark brown beard and moustache upon his chin, cheeks and lip.
But the focus was ahead of them, leading the Legion was the one man whom had managed to bring together people from all walks of life and unite them for one reason. To change the world.
This was Avos Dracko, the legendary Avos the Dragon, the young man who unlike all of the others of his fathers lineage who had been The High Kings of the Nine Realms, Avos was the King of one and only one Kingdom, the Kingdom of Vakor, the kingdom he now sought to bring together into a future of peace and prosperity.
Avos was a young man, but experienced, his dark hair was cut short no lower than the cusp of his ears. His face still stained with both fear and strength, his pale skin a kin to the many months of winter without a strong sun. Along with the constant wearing his helmet, despite the fact that he demanded his armour be like that of any other legionnaire he conceded to allow having the emblem of the Dragon Engraved onto the chest plate.
They marched with the drums beating, the crash of the legions feet striking the cold, dry soil in complete unison. When a slow and sudden shadow encompassed them all, some would say a shadow of the clouds gathering above them ready for the slow setting of the sun. But this was further from the truth, for a cloud has no shape, this was the shadow of the Dragon gliding high above this great army. The long slender body of such a beast its long slender jaws riddled with the sharpest teeth of varying size and shape. Its wings stretched out collecting the air beneath and pushing it up, its long and thin tail stretched out behind, acting as a balancing act for every movement its makes, no matter how slight.
The winter months had granted it to regain some semblance of its health, what was once a broken, degraded black dragon covered in cuts and scars. Now swooping across the sky was a golden marvel its golden scales glistening in the setting sun.
Chapter 2: Letters, Songs and Revelations!
Late at night the army had changed quickly, from a long snake moving across the landscape, it was now a strong tortoise, gathered within a well established encampment, encircled by a strong palisade wall that had been brought with them, tall watch towers looking out across the open tundra plains.
Whilst within the camp was organised to the smallest detail, the tents were set up according to their cohorts and legions. 100 men to a company each lead by a Captain, 10 companies form a Battalion commanded by a Centurion, 5 battalions to a legion, each lead by a Legatus, to make sure that these "Officers" were truly capable to lead the troops under their command, Avos always promoted not by noble blood but instead by ability and experience only, for he had seen time and time again noble blood commanders act proud, but at the first sign of trouble become cowards and blame the troops under them. When witnessing the lowest peasant charge head on into combat even when death seemed certain.
The camp had proper structure, latrines on the far side of the camp, well away from any food stores and kitchens. A single area in the very heart of the camp where everyone could come together and enjoy each others company, they could gather around the great fires, sing songs, tell jokes, make conversation and so much more. An idea that is meant to encourage the different cultures and races to forgo their differences and criticisms.
It was near this gathering space that the greatest member of this army was most commonly found when in the camp, a single circle of grass and wooden posts to mark where no one was allowed to set up a tent or be disrespectful. This was named the circle of the Dragon, where the "great beast" that some called it would rest, curling up in a solid circle of its own, its head tucked into behind its tail and its great wings covering over the top.
Close-by was the Tent of the King, Avos had no choice for this, this tent was actually two separate ones sewn together, one was larger than the other. For this was the main focus of the armies leadership, the leaders of the various factions and groups would gather here to discuss their next steps and when necessary have a vote on their next move.
At its heart was the map table, the largest Table they could get their hands on, that still fit inside the tent and didn't take up all of the space within. Upon it were maps of all the Realms of Man, from the Southern Raja to the Vyke Earldoms, Avos wanted these maps, to be more specific he wanted maps that had the tiniest detail to to see, as he described sometimes the tiniest grain of dirt can tip the scale of a battle.
They were all here, every Legatus, Resurge Vesh, Mattrox, Robert and Avos. They were here to try and decide where they should go. Some of the Legates wanted to lead the army straight on south and take the fight to the Royalists. But Resurge was against this, for he had been getting information from his spies, and they reported grim news.
Reaching Vesh grabbed the small statuettes with circular bases like those of a chess piece that were no bigger than his index finger, each representing an army or fort when placed on a map. These were shaped however, One was the Shape of a Griffin, another the shape of a lightning bolt a third the shape of a sword pointing to the ground. He then placed them a certain points of the largest map, which showed the entirety of the Nine Realms, The Sword was placed at the location of the Capital City, the Griffin and the Lightning Bolt however was placed closer to the Lakou border with the Kingdom of the Mountains.
They all understood straight away, they had 10,000 legionnaires ready to fight, but the Royalists under the Peacock King had 3 armies at their beck and call, three armies who had years of experience putting down revolts and smaller rebellions. Or more specifically the one who commanded this Royalist Army, the legendary King of the Mountains, Oakard Griffin the King on the Battlefield who had never tasted even the smallest defeat, each and every battle, skirmish and siege that the Great Oakard had fought in, he had won without any doubt, from either side who had fought.
But for Avos there was but only one response. "No one is invincible.... Everyone has a weakness"
"And what pray tell is the Peacocks Uncle?" Robert Questioned
"Pride for starters" everyone gave a questioned look "Oakard has had nothing but victory after victory, he won't be able to stand the idea of defeat.... we don't have to defeat his combined army in battle..... we just need to defeat him" Avos Explained
Robert finally clicked to what was being said "If we defeat him, then there goes his legend"
Avos nodded and returned to the war table, "We'll continue the march to the Lakou Nation.... but before entering their territory, I'll send a message requesting they join our forces and if not if they'll allow us passage through their territory"
They all nodded and bowed their heads, each leaving one at a time to their own tents so that they may get a good nights rest before the following days march. "Robert wait" his brother halted his exit "Scribe!" Avos shouted, When scurrying in came a skinny Elven female who with reddish hair and the classic pointed ears, scurried with a small plot of wood and a sheet of parchment gripped in one hand, whilst a quill and ink well balanced within the other.
With precision she wrote all that Avos said to her word for word, something that he always wanted, not something neat and tidy but something that showed the man himself.
"To your most honourable
Lord Protector Toussaint Gatoral, Leader of the Lakou folk and defender of their Nation.
I speak to you not as a Self Proclaimed King but as a man who seeks... No begs for your help.
I know for a fact that you yourself were a good friend to my Father and it is for this reason that I speak these words.
For the people that have always served and for those you have aided in the past, will you stand with us and help us in seeking a better world.
One where we are not divided by our differences, but are United by our willingness to learn from Each Other."
Yet Strangely these words did not come from Avos, they came instead from Robert, for it was him who knew the history of Nordinbar and the Lakou.
For those of you who don't understand, the Lakou and the Nordin have friendship in eternity, for during the endless wars during the Second age of Man, the Lakou were enslaved by the D'leons of the Plains, yet when they rebelled and formed their own nation, the Nordin were not only the first Kingdom to recognise them, they willingly sent help to defend them when the D'leons decided they had enough of the troublesome swamp people. Since then the Nordin and Lakou have held close friendship, it was so close that a custom was made where one child from Each ruling family would spend at least one year under the tutelage of the other.
Avos could only watch as the first time Robert seemed to show a form of determination that was focused on something other than himself. It was hard for him, because he still held memories so close of him and Robert when they were growing up, yet now he could clearly see that Robert had grown up at least in some ways.
Looking at each other, Robert bowed his head ever so slightly as an indication that he was now going to take his leave. Avos could only watch the man before him leave and only hold onto the past of the young boy who this man replaced.
Once outside though Robert found his attention and focus lapse, for he soon found his way to one of the various fires dotting the camp, where surrounding the roaring flames sitting calmly with cups in their hands were elves, orcs and goblins all of whom were humming the same kind of tune, a slow, deep steady melody.
When slowly a single Elven woman began to sing, in the same melody
Her voice was almost perfect as she sang, her words heard by everyone present, effecting them all profoundly. Yet Robert could tell that this was more than a simple song for it sounded poetic and slowly dawned as he saw the gathering grow and grow and more and more orcs, Goblins and Elves joined the symphony of humming, it was as if this was something that United them.
"The days were dark and the world was torn
as vakor all Drowned in blood and gore
the old world burned, as fires great and small churned both Bone and Sword
From Mountains Grim to the Forests deep
none may rest in ever lasting peace
When ere of day came a break from decay
from across the raging seas
atop a winged beast
We crept from the shadows of night and day
from east and west we came to end the fight of fearful hate upon the Bay
as swords were sheathed and Arrows lay
Under the dragon, great and tall, its wings unfurled long and full
our King hath come to bestow us all
our foe, the Serpent of fear and Dread,
With precision she wrote all that Avos said to her word for word, something that he always wanted, not something neat and tidy but something that showed the man himself.
"To your most honourable
Lord Protector Toussaint Gatoral, Leader of the Lakou folk and defender of their Nation.
I speak to you not as a Self Proclaimed King but as a man who seeks... No begs for your help.
I know for a fact that you yourself were a good friend to my Father and it is for this reason that I speak these words.
For the people that have always served and for those you have aided in the past, will you stand with us and help us in seeking a better world.
One where we are not divided by our differences, but are United by our willingness to learn from Each Other."
Yet Strangely these words did not come from Avos, they came instead from Robert, for it was him who knew the history of Nordinbar and the Lakou.
For those of you who don't understand, the Lakou and the Nordin have friendship in eternity, for during the endless wars during the Second age of Man, the Lakou were enslaved by the D'leons of the Plains, yet when they rebelled and formed their own nation, the Nordin were not only the first Kingdom to recognise them, they willingly sent help to defend them when the D'leons decided they had enough of the troublesome swamp people. Since then the Nordin and Lakou have held close friendship, it was so close that a custom was made where one child from Each ruling family would spend at least one year under the tutelage of the other.
Avos could only watch as the first time Robert seemed to show a form of determination that was focused on something other than himself. It was hard for him, because he still held memories so close of him and Robert when they were growing up, yet now he could clearly see that Robert had grown up at least in some ways.
Looking at each other, Robert bowed his head ever so slightly as an indication that he was now going to take his leave. Avos could only watch the man before him leave and only hold onto the past of the young boy who this man replaced.
Once outside though Robert found his attention and focus lapse, for he soon found his way to one of the various fires dotting the camp, where surrounding the roaring flames sitting calmly with cups in their hands were elves, orcs and goblins all of whom were humming the same kind of tune, a slow, deep steady melody.
When slowly a single Elven woman began to sing, in the same melody
Her voice was almost perfect as she sang, her words heard by everyone present, effecting them all profoundly. Yet Robert could tell that this was more than a simple song for it sounded poetic and slowly dawned as he saw the gathering grow and grow and more and more orcs, Goblins and Elves joined the symphony of humming, it was as if this was something that United them.
"The days were dark and the world was torn
as vakor all Drowned in blood and gore
the old world burned, as fires great and small churned both Bone and Sword
From Mountains Grim to the Forests deep
none may rest in ever lasting peace
When ere of day came a break from decay
from across the raging seas
atop a winged beast
We crept from the shadows of night and day
from east and west we came to end the fight of fearful hate upon the Bay
as swords were sheathed and Arrows lay
Under the dragon, great and tall, its wings unfurled long and full
our King hath come to bestow us all
our foe, the Serpent of fear and Dread,
now lies upon the earth Slain and Dead
He named the grasses green and mountains grey
Laying upon our heads low, Gifts of Iron, Gold and Flowers Bold
When the world grew dark and past into legends forgotten never to be told
as the dragons fire great turned from bold to ice and cold
no song was sung as the king went unto his hall hidden long unto the world of old
But Fear shall never hold for our hope stands strong and Bold
from the day 'ere Dragons Light Decay
For someday the stars shall shine Bright and Shear, for all to see in the sky of Night Clear
until the time comes again for the oath of old to be heard once more
for our ears to hear the words we hath prayed and cherished in awe
Look high for once more the Stars you hath to see
Oh great folk of old, the summons you must take heed
Come haste come haste, across the blooded waste
For the king forgotten, Now Once More
We shall answer Dragons call
and come back unto our oath of old
The King hath come, unto a throne under the stars bright and bold
For finally the Dragon has returned to lead,
He named the grasses green and mountains grey
Laying upon our heads low, Gifts of Iron, Gold and Flowers Bold
When the world grew dark and past into legends forgotten never to be told
as the dragons fire great turned from bold to ice and cold
no song was sung as the king went unto his hall hidden long unto the world of old
But Fear shall never hold for our hope stands strong and Bold
from the day 'ere Dragons Light Decay
For someday the stars shall shine Bright and Shear, for all to see in the sky of Night Clear
until the time comes again for the oath of old to be heard once more
for our ears to hear the words we hath prayed and cherished in awe
Look high for once more the Stars you hath to see
Oh great folk of old, the summons you must take heed
Come haste come haste, across the blooded waste
For the king forgotten, Now Once More
We shall answer Dragons call
and come back unto our oath of old
The King hath come, unto a throne under the stars bright and bold
For finally the Dragon has returned to lead,
for he hath finally awoken from his sleep"
Robert watched the whole procession, with a moment of awe and amazement, all the stories he had heard in his life, He had never once heard this tale. When a tap on his shoulder shook him back unto the world. Twisting his head he met the gaze of the ageing Elven fighter Resurgan, "Listening to tales old eh boy" the old one questioned.
"Heard many a tale... but not this one" Robert answered and queried "But I suspected that its something much more am I Right?"
Resurgan smirked "Aye it is...." he paused to look at the still gathering group staring into the roaring fire. "Its an long old tale of our past.... according to the story the world was engulfed in endless wars, everyone fighting each other, Elf, Goblin, Dwarf, Orc and even the Woodlings if you believe in them.....when from across the horizon and across the sea a being came riding a dragon, he showed a great power of magic that he held within himself and declared the wars over"
Robert listened intently, as if he was hearing not a legend but something that actually happened, "if you believe such things when the wars came to an end he gathered everything, from the Five races to Dragons, Griffins, Giants, Trolls and When we looked up to see him, a crown of Five stars appeared above his head..... so many believe it to be a sign from the spirits and gods that he had been ordained to rule over us"
"And the sleep?" Robert Questioned
Resurgan took a strong breath before answering "It is said when he passed from this world, the Dragons began their slumber, the Trolls moved North, the Giants disappeared into hiding and the world grew darker.... the legends say that the Dragon himself was taken into the deepest place of the world and watched over by the Woodlings and other beasts guarded him until the day he shall arise again"
Robert finally clicked on to what was being said "Until the Dragon awakens from his sleep, and when he does you are bound by an oath to return to his side"
The ageing elf nodded with his face plain and with no emotion, "But make no mistake, some here may believe him to be the Dragon Awoken.... but I have a more important Reason for being here... an oath not made by some long forgotten ancestor..... but by me"
Chapter 3: Upon the Wings Memories Are Found
The morning air was the same as it always was in Nordinbar, stale and chilled. Even in the summer the air was cold in the mornings and evenings, something that taught the Nordin to keep their larders full and their beds warm.
But for Avos he could only toss and turn, even though he had insisted that his bed be no better than any other in the Legion. The world had gone against him, he wanted a simple lifestyle in this war, but the world had prepared a tent larger than any other, with comfortable beds and proper chairs. 8 years of constant moving meant that Avos could no longer really feel at ease in such a bed, he was so used to sleeping on the floor with only cloth rolls and furs cushioning his body into sleep. But no not now.
With it Clear that he would never get anymore sleep that he already had gotten he decided to focus his mind towards something that would be more constructive for the fight ahead. An idea had come to him during this constant tossing and turning, he got himself into a his clothes and immediately marched out of the tent, passing the guards who bowed their heads and made it clear they see him with a statement of "Your Majesty!". He merely smiled and continued his push, he wanted to hold onto the idea in his head, his first stop was the tannery where the well practised tanners worked the leather that repaired everything from the saddles from the cavalry horses to the boots that each legionnaire wore. With it being the early hours of the morning, the sun still not even cresting the horizon, he found the tent to be empty, all he did was get a dis-repaired saddle and a collection of various strips and lengths of leather and buckles.
Now he found his way through the camp towards the Dragons Circle as it was called by the army. There resting, all curled up tightly was the great Dragon that Avos had released from containment in Bear Point, despite many months of steady healing. The Great beast was still a shadow of its former self, the once great skull was now misshapen, much longer and skinnier that those of its brethren, it wings although still great were still healing the various minor tears and cuts in the membrane.
The Dragon could hear him approach and raised its head, bowing his head, Avos showed his respect, even though the beast had sworn its loyalty, he couldn't help showing some respect to such a creature. Showing what he intended to do, the Dragon lowered its head and extended its long neck, Now Avos got to work, he fitted the saddle carefully within the various spikes running along the creatures neck, then with the straps and buckles he fitted them along the first and second spikes in front and behind the saddle. Once confident the saddle couldn't shuffle he added one final modification, a safety belt he called it, something that fastened onto the saddle and an additional harness he fashioned, so then when the Dragon banked, dived and climbed he wouldn't have to fear falling off and plummeting to the Earth.
With the work done, he made his way slowly along the length of the neck running his hands across the scarred scales towards the long skull. Now looking into the great golden eye, with the long vertical pupil within the eye, he found almost a peace, as if the Dragon was trying to speak to him. He was suddenly reminded of something he once read as a child.
But his attention was suddenly caught off when Robert came walking up behind him, he knew this from the reflection within the darkness of the Dragons eye.
"Hey brother...." Avos turned "You know the ancients believed that the Dragons had a language so profound, so clear, so endless that they believed the only way we mortals could understand it was by looking into their eyes....." Robert just queried, looking on without a single word "Do you know of anyone or anything that could make you feel so much without making a sound"
When Robert tried, he did indeed feel something fear, and his breathing quickened as Avos slowly brought him forward, from where he was indeed comfortable standing, but now he was standing in front of the greatest creature that had ever lived, he was terrified he had seen what such a beast could do to an entire fleet of ships, but now here in this moment as he looked into its eyes, he turned, his soul was changing it was as if he was beginning to have a conversation without a sound on either side being made, it was truly profound.
But then he returned to the world and focused his mind "Toussaint Gatoral has sent a reply already... he intends to meet us at the border"
Avos smiled, "Well then lets get going!"
Robert himself could only smirk before he took a strong breath "All Legions!!!!" he shouted "Prepare to march as soon as able!!!!"
Now in most places, people would need a few minutes to compose themselves or need sternness to be awoken, but practice had come into play, like a wave, officers awoke and they in turn woke up their subordinates, who in turn readied themselves for the day, ate a quick breakfast, took down their tents and encampment defences, readied the horses and carts to carry everything they didn't need for the march itself.
By the time the sun was truly rising, the Legion was already on the March. But this time it was not Avos leading it upon his horse, no now it was Robert, Resurgan and Mattrox respectfully. So called Avos the Dragon, was somewhere else entirely, instead of marching he was riding, but instead upon the earth, he was riding high above it.
For the first time in his life Avos was experiencing the amazement of the world through a dragons eyes, soaring through the skies. the Dragon itself wanted to give him an experience, as it banked and rolled, dived and swooped down upon the legion below sending gusts of air through them. All the while Avos cheered, laughed and whooped at the experience.
But as they got closer and closer to the Great Tortavall River, the river which served as the border to the Kingdom of Nordinbar and The Lakou Nation. A river so vast and deep that it only had one location suitable for an army to properly cross, the point where the banks of both sides were the closest. Avos felt something a slight rumble in his stomach, but also a tingle in his head, some would pass it off, but Avos recognised it, the feeling was a magical presence, something he need to investigate.
Swooping to the front of Legion, the Dragon came to a halt and set down carefully with its head low. Avos looked straight to one person "Robert..... lead the legion on and meet me at the Tortavall Crossing I'll meet you there"
Befroe Robert Could put a grievance in, Avos pulled back and the Dragon took the Queue to pull back and then leap into the air with all its might. They circled around and then soared off into the distance at a slight different direction that the Legion was to take.
As they glided over the world, the landscape changed very quickly, from the tundra and taiga like grasslands of Nordinbar with mismatch trees, to the immense jungle and swamps of the Lakou. All the while the feeling of Magic grew stronger and stronger, until it became more and more of a head ache than a tingle. Until finally Avos discovered the sources location, a small islet amongst various rivers and streams, giving the signal, the dragon Swooped down and set down on the muddy isle. Avos unclipped himself from the saddle and swung his left leg around and down to cushion him as he hopped off.
The closer he moved through the bushes of the isle the more he noticed something odd for a place so remote, a small hut of the thinnest planks, covered in moss and vines. The Door was opened ajar, as he closed the distance he began to feel something even greater than before, this time it was focused not on his head, but upon his senses. He began to hear the screams of a woman, but they were distant. And they grew clearer the more he approached, until when he finally stood in the single roomed hut, they were clear as day, but there was no one there, there was no sign of anyone being here for decades.
Avos suddenly realised what this was he was feeling, hearing, smelling and tasting, Memorance. An ancient and powerful form of magic, where a person is almost able to relive a moment of their life with perfect clarity, as if it was happening in that moment, they would be able to see, hear, taste, smell and feel everything they had in that point of their past all over again. But Avos didn't understand he had never been out of Nordinbar before his Exile, so why was it he was experiencing a memorance here, "Could this be a memorance of a lost soul" he thought "Or maybe one from my Father?".
Focusing himself, he closed his eyes and focused magic through him, to try and make the memorance clearer, but he couldn't, the only thing feeling was the sound of the woman screaming, then many voices, all male, one with anger, one with fear, one with authority, one with concern.
"Now" he heard from the voice of concern, then the woman screamed again, and again the same word followed by a scream, then a sudden silence.
He thought it was over, before he could figure out what had happened here but then the silence ended by a new cry, that of a baby. Slowly it was beginning to Dawn on him, as he heard the man of Fear calm down and ask the woman "What shall we call him?" only to hear the woman reply "Avos".
In a moment of shock and awe, Avos fell to the ground, his face pale, his mouth agape, eyes so wide they could easily pop out of their sockets, his breath had gone from the steady and focused breaths of a man with experience to a constant huff, as he sucked in as much air and possible with each intake.
For he now understood, this Memorance was not of a lost Soul or even his Father, even though he was there....
Through the memorance, he could not see for his eyes were not open, He could not feel anything but his own skin.
For this Memorance was of his Birth....Yet the memories did not end there...
Robert watched the whole procession, with a moment of awe and amazement, all the stories he had heard in his life, He had never once heard this tale. When a tap on his shoulder shook him back unto the world. Twisting his head he met the gaze of the ageing Elven fighter Resurgan, "Listening to tales old eh boy" the old one questioned.
"Heard many a tale... but not this one" Robert answered and queried "But I suspected that its something much more am I Right?"
Resurgan smirked "Aye it is...." he paused to look at the still gathering group staring into the roaring fire. "Its an long old tale of our past.... according to the story the world was engulfed in endless wars, everyone fighting each other, Elf, Goblin, Dwarf, Orc and even the Woodlings if you believe in them.....when from across the horizon and across the sea a being came riding a dragon, he showed a great power of magic that he held within himself and declared the wars over"
Robert listened intently, as if he was hearing not a legend but something that actually happened, "if you believe such things when the wars came to an end he gathered everything, from the Five races to Dragons, Griffins, Giants, Trolls and When we looked up to see him, a crown of Five stars appeared above his head..... so many believe it to be a sign from the spirits and gods that he had been ordained to rule over us"
"And the sleep?" Robert Questioned
Resurgan took a strong breath before answering "It is said when he passed from this world, the Dragons began their slumber, the Trolls moved North, the Giants disappeared into hiding and the world grew darker.... the legends say that the Dragon himself was taken into the deepest place of the world and watched over by the Woodlings and other beasts guarded him until the day he shall arise again"
Robert finally clicked on to what was being said "Until the Dragon awakens from his sleep, and when he does you are bound by an oath to return to his side"
The ageing elf nodded with his face plain and with no emotion, "But make no mistake, some here may believe him to be the Dragon Awoken.... but I have a more important Reason for being here... an oath not made by some long forgotten ancestor..... but by me"
Chapter 3: Upon the Wings Memories Are Found
The morning air was the same as it always was in Nordinbar, stale and chilled. Even in the summer the air was cold in the mornings and evenings, something that taught the Nordin to keep their larders full and their beds warm.
But for Avos he could only toss and turn, even though he had insisted that his bed be no better than any other in the Legion. The world had gone against him, he wanted a simple lifestyle in this war, but the world had prepared a tent larger than any other, with comfortable beds and proper chairs. 8 years of constant moving meant that Avos could no longer really feel at ease in such a bed, he was so used to sleeping on the floor with only cloth rolls and furs cushioning his body into sleep. But no not now.
With it Clear that he would never get anymore sleep that he already had gotten he decided to focus his mind towards something that would be more constructive for the fight ahead. An idea had come to him during this constant tossing and turning, he got himself into a his clothes and immediately marched out of the tent, passing the guards who bowed their heads and made it clear they see him with a statement of "Your Majesty!". He merely smiled and continued his push, he wanted to hold onto the idea in his head, his first stop was the tannery where the well practised tanners worked the leather that repaired everything from the saddles from the cavalry horses to the boots that each legionnaire wore. With it being the early hours of the morning, the sun still not even cresting the horizon, he found the tent to be empty, all he did was get a dis-repaired saddle and a collection of various strips and lengths of leather and buckles.
Now he found his way through the camp towards the Dragons Circle as it was called by the army. There resting, all curled up tightly was the great Dragon that Avos had released from containment in Bear Point, despite many months of steady healing. The Great beast was still a shadow of its former self, the once great skull was now misshapen, much longer and skinnier that those of its brethren, it wings although still great were still healing the various minor tears and cuts in the membrane.
The Dragon could hear him approach and raised its head, bowing his head, Avos showed his respect, even though the beast had sworn its loyalty, he couldn't help showing some respect to such a creature. Showing what he intended to do, the Dragon lowered its head and extended its long neck, Now Avos got to work, he fitted the saddle carefully within the various spikes running along the creatures neck, then with the straps and buckles he fitted them along the first and second spikes in front and behind the saddle. Once confident the saddle couldn't shuffle he added one final modification, a safety belt he called it, something that fastened onto the saddle and an additional harness he fashioned, so then when the Dragon banked, dived and climbed he wouldn't have to fear falling off and plummeting to the Earth.
With the work done, he made his way slowly along the length of the neck running his hands across the scarred scales towards the long skull. Now looking into the great golden eye, with the long vertical pupil within the eye, he found almost a peace, as if the Dragon was trying to speak to him. He was suddenly reminded of something he once read as a child.
But his attention was suddenly caught off when Robert came walking up behind him, he knew this from the reflection within the darkness of the Dragons eye.
"Hey brother...." Avos turned "You know the ancients believed that the Dragons had a language so profound, so clear, so endless that they believed the only way we mortals could understand it was by looking into their eyes....." Robert just queried, looking on without a single word "Do you know of anyone or anything that could make you feel so much without making a sound"
When Robert tried, he did indeed feel something fear, and his breathing quickened as Avos slowly brought him forward, from where he was indeed comfortable standing, but now he was standing in front of the greatest creature that had ever lived, he was terrified he had seen what such a beast could do to an entire fleet of ships, but now here in this moment as he looked into its eyes, he turned, his soul was changing it was as if he was beginning to have a conversation without a sound on either side being made, it was truly profound.
But then he returned to the world and focused his mind "Toussaint Gatoral has sent a reply already... he intends to meet us at the border"
Avos smiled, "Well then lets get going!"
Robert himself could only smirk before he took a strong breath "All Legions!!!!" he shouted "Prepare to march as soon as able!!!!"
Now in most places, people would need a few minutes to compose themselves or need sternness to be awoken, but practice had come into play, like a wave, officers awoke and they in turn woke up their subordinates, who in turn readied themselves for the day, ate a quick breakfast, took down their tents and encampment defences, readied the horses and carts to carry everything they didn't need for the march itself.
By the time the sun was truly rising, the Legion was already on the March. But this time it was not Avos leading it upon his horse, no now it was Robert, Resurgan and Mattrox respectfully. So called Avos the Dragon, was somewhere else entirely, instead of marching he was riding, but instead upon the earth, he was riding high above it.
For the first time in his life Avos was experiencing the amazement of the world through a dragons eyes, soaring through the skies. the Dragon itself wanted to give him an experience, as it banked and rolled, dived and swooped down upon the legion below sending gusts of air through them. All the while Avos cheered, laughed and whooped at the experience.
But as they got closer and closer to the Great Tortavall River, the river which served as the border to the Kingdom of Nordinbar and The Lakou Nation. A river so vast and deep that it only had one location suitable for an army to properly cross, the point where the banks of both sides were the closest. Avos felt something a slight rumble in his stomach, but also a tingle in his head, some would pass it off, but Avos recognised it, the feeling was a magical presence, something he need to investigate.
Swooping to the front of Legion, the Dragon came to a halt and set down carefully with its head low. Avos looked straight to one person "Robert..... lead the legion on and meet me at the Tortavall Crossing I'll meet you there"
Befroe Robert Could put a grievance in, Avos pulled back and the Dragon took the Queue to pull back and then leap into the air with all its might. They circled around and then soared off into the distance at a slight different direction that the Legion was to take.
As they glided over the world, the landscape changed very quickly, from the tundra and taiga like grasslands of Nordinbar with mismatch trees, to the immense jungle and swamps of the Lakou. All the while the feeling of Magic grew stronger and stronger, until it became more and more of a head ache than a tingle. Until finally Avos discovered the sources location, a small islet amongst various rivers and streams, giving the signal, the dragon Swooped down and set down on the muddy isle. Avos unclipped himself from the saddle and swung his left leg around and down to cushion him as he hopped off.
The closer he moved through the bushes of the isle the more he noticed something odd for a place so remote, a small hut of the thinnest planks, covered in moss and vines. The Door was opened ajar, as he closed the distance he began to feel something even greater than before, this time it was focused not on his head, but upon his senses. He began to hear the screams of a woman, but they were distant. And they grew clearer the more he approached, until when he finally stood in the single roomed hut, they were clear as day, but there was no one there, there was no sign of anyone being here for decades.
Avos suddenly realised what this was he was feeling, hearing, smelling and tasting, Memorance. An ancient and powerful form of magic, where a person is almost able to relive a moment of their life with perfect clarity, as if it was happening in that moment, they would be able to see, hear, taste, smell and feel everything they had in that point of their past all over again. But Avos didn't understand he had never been out of Nordinbar before his Exile, so why was it he was experiencing a memorance here, "Could this be a memorance of a lost soul" he thought "Or maybe one from my Father?".
Focusing himself, he closed his eyes and focused magic through him, to try and make the memorance clearer, but he couldn't, the only thing feeling was the sound of the woman screaming, then many voices, all male, one with anger, one with fear, one with authority, one with concern.
"Now" he heard from the voice of concern, then the woman screamed again, and again the same word followed by a scream, then a sudden silence.
He thought it was over, before he could figure out what had happened here but then the silence ended by a new cry, that of a baby. Slowly it was beginning to Dawn on him, as he heard the man of Fear calm down and ask the woman "What shall we call him?" only to hear the woman reply "Avos".
In a moment of shock and awe, Avos fell to the ground, his face pale, his mouth agape, eyes so wide they could easily pop out of their sockets, his breath had gone from the steady and focused breaths of a man with experience to a constant huff, as he sucked in as much air and possible with each intake.
For he now understood, this Memorance was not of a lost Soul or even his Father, even though he was there....
Through the memorance, he could not see for his eyes were not open, He could not feel anything but his own skin.
For this Memorance was of his Birth....Yet the memories did not end there...
He began to feel more and more but this time further away out, returning to his ungainly and unsteady feet, he started to follow new sounds, the crackle of fire. Then the crunch of a sword striking blood and bone, he heard the words "Take our son and run... go".
He heard constant huffing and heavy breathing, pulling him away from the hut and into the swamp, then the words of the man who said "Now"... "You three go.... I'll hold them back" Followed by more and more clanging and clanking of metal alongside screams.
Soon he came to a small jetty, rotted away but still standing from the strength of the mud beneath, he heard the creak of wood upon water, he knew straight away it must have been a boat of some kind. He noticed the renewal of cries, those of a baby.
He then heard a womans voice... "Take him... please..." a quiet moment "Take him and look after him promise me please.." before the sounds of someone running off and shouting "Over here!"
As the memorance faded he began to question everything, and he knew there was only one person who could give him the answers, the only person who he knew was still alive and whose there that day.
Chapter 4: Meet Again
Meanwhile back at the Crossing, the river divided two different camps, one of the Legion on the North. And a makeshift camp made of simple houses and quick-make huts on the south for the Lakou.
Hidden away within the Legions camp however a grizzled old Elf sat alone, looking into a well stocked raging fire. Alone he sat as, those all around the camp left him be out of respect, when a shadowy figure appeared behind him, slowly creeping up with a purpose unknown until he was finally standing just behind the elf. When suddenly the Elf spoke out in old Elvish "Ultea ma Detra Ice sealen us Oat" or in the common tongue "Unto my Death I swear this Oath".
The Shadow came about and revealed himself to the fire and the elf respectfully, Showing an old man with a dark skin, wearing the tattered and torn simple clothing of the Lakou folk, a long machete blade strapped like a sheath on his left hip. His head was clean shaven, which was common among the Lakou folk, but through his tattered cloth and leather vest, several scars of varying degree could be seen, upon his right hand was something very different when compared to rest of his wear.
It was ring upon his ring finger, one with an old and very recognisable family crest, a great Lion. the Emblem of the D'leon family, something that had been a family heirloom for centuries not of the family it represented but of the family that claimed it from a corpse.
"How did you know it was me?" the man spoke as he took a seat just next to the Grizzled Elf "Do you have eyes in the back of your head Vesh?"
The Old elf leaned forward and shook the hand of the man before him "Who else would try and sneak up on me like that.... except an old friend... Toussaint" The man before him was the lord of the Lakou Nation. "How are you my friend? it has been too long" Resurgan asked.
"I am troubled....." Toussaint Paused "The Royalists are marching their army North, Two whole armies, the Eastern Shore and the Griffin forces.... Alongside them I have a new Army coming upon my Northern Border..... and the Westerners amassing across the straits" once again he paused "And worried because Resurgan Veshara, legendary Elven nationalist had declared his loyalty to a human, and Crowned the same human King of Thorns"
They both leaned back into their respected seats and continued to converse "You know me Toussaint.... I would never do something unless I believe that it would benefit my people"
Toussaint looked quaintly "Things never change old friend Never.... what makes you think that this King of Vakor, this so called Dragon would be any better than that bastard Peacock...... besides I doubt this boy has any claim to the throne.... the peacock is all we've got"
"the only High King.... but not the Only Hope" Vesh interrupted, but before he could continue a call came from behind them.
"Vesh!" Robert came walking towards them "Sorry to disturb you.... my good brother has returned, he wants to talk"
Vesh swivelled in his chair "Oh where are my manners?" he cleared his through and rose up from his seat "Toussaint Gatoral.... Allow me to introduce you to Robert Bearin... Marcus's oldest son" Extending his right arm out in Roberts direction to properly announce him.
Toussaint rose up alongside Vesh as he bowed his head at the young man before him "A pleasure Robert.... I'm sorry about your Father... I only wish I could have something to help him"
Robert paused, for he had only heard stories of the Lord Toussaint of the Lakou, all of them from his Father. Marcus and Toussaint had been friends since their childhood growing up together in the shared alliance between their two families, but Robert had never really met him, since the Lord of the Lakou has the tradition of never leaving the Nation except in a time of war. "Its an honour My lord, my father spoke highly of you.... I hope you are here to join us in the fight against the Peacock... alongside my brother"
The Lord looked confused for a second before he made his inquiry "It was to my understanding that your Brother Hector is being held hostage by the Peacocks family"
Vesh stood firm and took a deep breath "I think you know better, Gator.... Robert if you please.... I know that the Lord of Lakou would like to meet" Looking past Robert to the rest of the camp "Avos Dracko..... Again"
The face of Toussaint Gatoral turned away from both Robert and Vesh to beyond where a figure was walking in their direction his expression transformed to awe, it was almost as if his face turned form the dark complexion of his people to the palest white. All from hearing a single name, he began to walk forth towards the figure, like a man in a trance he moved forward at a slow pace.
Robert turned to Vesh who only watched with a saddened smile on his face as his friend approached his King.
As soon as Toussaint and Avos were close enough Toussaint began to speak clearly and calmly, like a man trying to hide the fact he was close to breaking down. "Toussaint Gatoral... young Avos... but of course we've met before"
Avos himself questioned "I know of you my lord... but I've never had the privilege of meeting you in person"
"No" the reply came "We have...... when you came into the world..... don't think too hard on it now" Avos suddenly froze, one word caught him "Now" the person standing in front of him was there in the memorance, this person Lord of the Lakou was there when he was born, he was the one who helped his mother bring him into the world. "My hands were the ones to pass you over to your mother.... and for a long time I thought we had lost Acroll and Rosetta's son" Rosetta was that his mother, it had to be from the words, but Avos could barely pay attention he was in too much emotional shock. "for now we can finally tell you the truth of your life...... of how your father fell in love.... of how that woman loved him..... of how the world wouldn't except the love of a king to an Elvish Servant"
Chapter 5: I say Unto You.... The Truth of your Past
The Air had begun to grow colder for that day, two armies amassed one organised and structured to the finest point. The Greatest army the world shall ever know, The Legion of the Dragon.
Whereas opposing them across the Tortavall straits was the more simple but no less braver army of the Lakou Nation, standing before them was their leadership standing knee deep in the rivers centre, Toussaint Gatoral standing up for his people and his home as his ancestors had do so many times before.
Speaking to him were two young men, Avos Dracko the King of Vakor and his leading General Robert Bearin, they looked to each other carefully as Avos spoke the words.
"Will you support us my Lord.... will you stand with us in this fight.... are you willing to help us in not only seeking but also building a better future...... what do you say?" He paused looking past his opponent and towards the host behind him standing on the river bank "What do you say noble Lakou folk.... will you stand up and defend yourselves from those who would take all that you have so that they may fatten themselves"
Toussaint did not speak, he merely turned his head to the great host behind him, here was a man torn in two. He knew for certain that should he support and join this Dragon Rebellion then thousands of his people would suffer and die, but on the other hand he had an oath he had sworn to the father of one of these young men in the presence of the others. So with a heavy heart he took a deep and strong breath before returning his gaze towards Avos Dracko, For although he was a man torn apart by two oaths, one to the High Kings Crown and another to watch over and protect the young Avos. He had already made his decision.
He pointed his right hand index finger at the young rebel king "I say Unto you Avos Dracko......" he halted to take a strong breath, before pulling the machete on his left side out into his right hand and raising high "LONG LIVE THE KING!!!".
This prompted the host behind him to do the same as they grabbed their varied weapons, spears that looked like harpoons, Machetes instead of sword and blow pipes for bows, as they too shouted "LONG LIVE THE KING". The answer was clear for all to see, the Lakou Nation had joined the new Kingdom of Vakor, now the Peacock king in the south had to deal with a nation never conquered and an nation known for its strength and determination.
But for Avos despite now having the support of two whole Kingdoms as well as his own Legion, but his mind was still shaken from the long Conversation that had taken place the night before. Where as he sat with Robert by his side and a flickering fire before and Toussaint and Vesh sitting opposite them.
Where he had to listen to the long tale of his mother and Fathers love.
"Your Mother was an Elvish Maid in the capital, the lowest of the low some would say" Vesh explained, "Does this give you some comfort", Avos gave a small nod with tears forming within his eyes, though he tried not to show it, for this news did give him some comfort, the idea that His father, the Father he did not know, nor ever meet did not care for the expectations of the Royal Families and the upper echelons of society.
"But she was far more than this" Vesh continued, catching Avos once more with complete focus "She was a woman that managed to change the world around her"
Toussaint chuckled at this regaling of the past "And that my boy is putting pleasantly.... As a boy Avos and you too Robert.... your fathers and I constantly got ourselves into trouble..... always sneaking out of the castle to get drunk in the taverns and inns, or picking fights with kids twice our size..... thats how we met Vesh here...."
Robert made a quick question he wanted to make clear "Wait.... My father... the one who always advocated peace.... picked a fight with you vesh?" Vesh didn't answer at first, but pulled his lower lip down indicating that he was missing a tooth on his bottom row of teeth.
"Indeed.... but then he met her.... and then everything changed..... when he looked upon her in the halls of the Castle in the Capital........ afterwards they became close and as we grew up from our teens we realised very quickly that it had grown into something more" Vesh continued
Avos and Robert began to chuckle to themselves for they were beginning to a pattern emerge, for they were the same as their fathers as it seems. For like them they too often disregarded Marcus Bearins requests that they stay out of trouble, only to actively seek it out.
Vesh leaned forward with a stern look upon his face "Then one day..... Toussaint, Marcus and I each received small notes.... encoded messages from when we were younger...... they all said the same thing...... I need your help"
"So in complete secrecy..... Vesh here got Acroll and Rosetta out of the Capital....whilst I met with Marcus and sent word to meet at a small" Tousssaint pressed on with the story only to be interrupted by Avos.
"Wooden hut on a small isle in the middle of a swamp river near the Nordinbar border"
The two elders looked to each other with surprise "Yes" Toussaint finally continued "It was there that we found the reason for the meeting"
Vesh took control of the tale "Your mother was pregnant with you and was close....very close to you..." He paused to hold his breath and prepare himself for what was to come "When you were born..... we all knew that.... you would be marked for death..... Acroll had not yet married and had no intention to...... so with you.... there was always going to be the danger that those who sought the throne would try to kill you"
"So we all decided that for your own safety.... you would be protected away from the Capital... far away from you parents......." Toussaint commented, "But something happened that made matters worse for you"
"We were attacked" Vesh interupted, "Some humans came out of the forest and attacked us minutes after you were born... Your father shouted at us to take you and to run" Avos knew he was speaking the truth for this was within the memorance he had experienced, "So we ran..."
Toussaint regained his place within the conversation "But they followed us... so I held back to try and slow them down... giving Vesh, Marcus and your mother time.... I was able to fight back to Acroll and we held them back"
"But not all of them... a few managed to follow us to a jetty where Gator had a boat waiting for us" Vesh paused "So you mother gave you to me and made me and Marcus promise that we would keep you safe... she then ran off and started shouting... its the last time I ever saw her"
A moment of silence came over the group "Please tell me what happened?" Avos begged holding back the tears. Only Toussaint could do anything to break the silence.
"Well..." he stuttered "After everything that had happened eased off we found ourselves.... Acroll and I went our separate ways, taking your mother with him, Acroll declared that he had an illegitimate child, who wouldn't have the right of inheritance.... hoping that this would keep you safe"
Robert pressed a question of his own "But that all changed when Acroll Died didn't it?", wanting to know what went wrong.
Toussaint gazed over "Everything changed.... When Acroll died we readied ourselves for the upcoming storm, when Marcus came south on his way to the Capital, he told me that he had given Vesh here the signal, to get Avos and get him down here where I would meet up and take him into hiding..... but that never happened"
"Because I left" Avos muttered "Because I decided to leave"
Toussaint paused and questioned himself "That Can't be right.... everyone knows that it was the Bearin Children that got you away... they snuck you away"
"We didn't know he was going until he was gone" Robert exclaimed
Avos looked to them "Thats what the world believes, the Royalists think that you, Miranda and Hector smuggled me out of Vakor.... but I did it myself"
Vesh continued the explanation "Explains a lot.... when I got to your little Hut... I thought you must have escaped by yourself so decided to hide any trace....."
Toussaint began to become emotional as he spoke a single final statement "We were meant to protect you son..... but you'd gone....... We had lost Acroll and Rosetta's son...... It was a wound that had never Healed...... Until now....."
Chapter 6: Never Before...
The night was peaceful as the Dragon Legion and the contingent of Lakou warriors slept within the safe confines of the protected camp along the riverside. The lookouts maintained a constant watch as they did every night, the archers stood tall and ready in the towers, the patrols walked their usual path in continuous circles never in a routine to prevent a timing being guessed.
But this would be a night unlike any other before, for something was coming that they never really trained themselves for.
It was around midnight when a sudden surge of horns began to echo through the camp, this was the alarm of an intruder, the entire army rose from their tents weapons readied. They ran to there respective post in the event of an intruder or attack, the infantry and spearmen would secure the perimeter whilst the archers moved the defensive positions on the upper battlements, with the cavalry getting their horses and amassing in the centre of the camp alongside the Werewolves ready to commit a counter attack.
Avos came running out of the Kings tent with no armour, but only some trousers, a rugged shirt and his boots, sword in hand. He looked around him, he saw Robert coming running wearing only his trousers, no boots or shirt, "Wheres the attack?" Avos questioned.
Robert caught his breath "No attack but there is an intruder!"
"Capture him if possible... he may be a scout for the Royalists" Avos ordered as he ran off to assist in the search, yet as he ran he noticed that the Great Dragon had not even shifted itself, it still lay in the Dragons circle fast asleep, which he found odd since Dragons are famed for their Anger of being awoken. As he pondered this Avos was suddenly caught off guard and was distracted by a series of shouts coming from the Northern side of the Camp.
Running in the direction, he countless men weapons readied all looking in the direction of the Food Stores, He queried what kind of an intruder would risk infiltrating a heavily defended military encampment just to steal food.
Yet his answer came very quick, when from behind a tower of crates and barrels, a monstrous beast came charging. This was a beast he knew well, for the it was large, hairless, its skin was grey, scaly in some points but cracked and cragged like stone and rock around the face, back and head. Atop its skull a pair of thick antlers that resembled small trees. The beast charged out showing its size and strength at least 10 foot tall with a body of all muscle its fore arms were huge larger than the reach of a mans arms. It rushed out its mouth wide open showing two sets of huge dagger like upper and lower canines.
He knew this creature, it was a Troll.
He shouted to all present "Fall back.... Fall BACK!" the troops around him pulled back, soon moving as fast as possible into a more open space, the beast soon found itself in one of the several sparring rings, that the Legion had for practice. The Legionnaires surrounding it, spearmen ready to hold the beast back if needs be, archers with an arrow ready to rain down on the animal.
But Avos was adamant, no action would be taken, because he was curious. He entered the Sparring ring, to try and get a closer look at this creature, he wanted to see if there was any problem to it for there was a question lingering in his mind since the first second he caught a sight of it.
But the Troll saw him and charged head on, Avos turned and sprinted as fast as his legs could go, but the quickness of his getting ready on hearing the Alarm had turned on him, he slipped from his own feet and fell to the ground. The Troll stopped just in front of him reared up pulling its arms into the arms fists clenched ready to bring down a smash, The Archers came up and drew their bows, Avos however shouted "NO!" yet his word was not like any other time before, it was stronger, deeper like it was spoken not out of desperation but Authority.
The Troll paused, lowered its arms slowly and then backed down. Almost as if it was obeying an order.
Everyone was in a state of shock from the highest lord to the simplest soldier, for stories were told of how Trolls had pummelled people into the mud like they were weeds. And yet here was one such creature backing down from someone shouting the word No.
Avos got up from the soil and moved closer to the Troll who now stood still, yet as Avos stood just before it, the Troll leaned down onto its immense arms and lowered its head, almost as if it was bowing down to him. Avos who was just as perplexed at what was happening for he had fought such creatures before and killed many yet here was one submitting to him, opening his left hand and slowly placing it on the head of the beast before him, he whispered "Go in peace".
The Troll raised its head, stood back up on all fours and then slowly wandered off in the direction of the nearest gate for the Camp. "Let it pass and open the gate so that it can leave" He ordered, slowly the troops opened up and allowed the creature that had just terrified them just walk by as if it didn't care that they had just tried to kill it.
Avos just stood there however at least until two people came to check on him, "Hey" a pat came on his shoulder, turning to see Robert "You alright", Avos just nodded "Never seen anything like that Brother... you just stopped a Troll single handed without killing it"
A second voice came "I have never seen a troll before"
Avos returned to the world with a piece of knowledge "it must have come from the Alaramera Moors in the lands beyond the North... they often raid the lands of Nordinbar to hunt for food"
"But that makes no sense" Robert butted in "Trolls have never come this far south..."
"At least not since someone... else ruled these Forests" Avos whispered "I am going back to bed, stand the troops down let them rest... we've got a long day tomorrow" slowly the crowds diminished and returned to their respective tents or posts.
Chapter 7: The Order of Battle
The Following morning the army readied itself, the Lakou armies were being brought into the organised nature of the Dragon Legions. But before anything Avos gathered the leaders of the Legion including Robert and Toussaint.
"Kneel" Avos stated drawing his sword, Toussaint unsure of what was happening did as he was told but with some sense of apprehension. Avos brought his sword down slowly tapping Toussaint on the right shoulder, "Do you swear to uphold the Laws of Albion" he asked
Toussaint was quick in his reply "I do"
"Do you swear to answer the call of her people whether at peace or in war"
"I Do"
"And shall you honour the wishes of the Imperial Parliament and the Empire"
"I shall"
"Then I dub thee" now bringing his sword across to the left and then back to the right "Toussaint Gatoral Imperial Governor of the Lakou Province" Sheathing his sword, Avos offered his hand with the final words "Stand and be recognised", Toussaint took the hand and rose to cheers and applause.
With that job done they all retreated to the war table, they knew a battle was coming and now they needed to be ready for it and plan ahead. as they looked over the maps, Avos questioned "Veshara, what do your spies tell you?"
The old elf stepped forward, placing two pieces onto the map of the Lakou nation, one a griffin the other a lightning bolt, "The Griffin is brining his army straight up the middle, likely to hit you in the front whilst the Stormers swing around"
"Taking our flank" Robert interjected, "If we fight, then we'll be fighting on two fronts"
Avos smiled, seeing his lessons had been taking effect, for during the winter that they trained the legion, Avos had been mentoring Robert in everything he had learned, from how to fight properly, how to lead, how to read the signs of battle and importantly how to recognise when to fight and how to fight.
"So we deny him that" he said, everyone looked to him curious of the statement "The two armies are a reasonable distance apart, so they can't help each other if caught off guard"
Mattrox was next to step in "I see, if we engage one army the other won't be able to react in good time"
"We can engage one army and leave the other waiting" Toussaint interjected
Avos shook his head as did Robert, "No their apart but close enough to come to each others aid if needs be and if we get bogged down in a battle" Robert stated worryingly moving the pieces closer as if playing a battle in his head "we'd be caught between a wave and a rock"
Stepping forward again, moving the lightning bolt further back to its original place further on the eastern side, "So we just need to make it so one army can't help the other because they'll be having their own problems" Avos realised the plan, placing a Alligator piece onto the map infront of the Lightning bolt, and then moving the dragon to the griffin at a marker.
"Toussaint, your people know how to fight in these swamps, we don't" Pausing Avos continued to explain his plan, "Take your army and move to intercept the Stormer army in this area" pointing to a heavy boggy area as marked on the map "Meanwhile, we'll take the Legion and engage the Griffin here" pointing at a river crossing. "Ready the army you leave as soon as possible" Toussaint bowed his head and left the tent.
With that Done Avos now needed to figure out how to defeat a man known for never being defeated in battle, they needed a plan that would "Outfox a Griffin". Countless ideas came from the other officers.
"Why not ambush him on the path"
"We could swing around, catch him the flank""
"Force him to come at us through the bogs"
Suddenly Avos slapped the table, "That's it, all of it...." he ruffled through the maps like a mad man, looking for one specific that showed the Lakou nations paths, the only ways for armies to safely travel from North to south. "There, the crossing of Eldaruth, a narrow river ford, that is only wide enough for armies to cross 10 abreast"
"With thick boggy mud, sand and water on either side" Robert noticed, "We make it so he has to come at us where his numbers are meaningless"
"Better" Avos Chuckled "We hold the centre ground with infantry, with strongest troops behind them, with the flanks lightly guarded"
Mattrox realised it "He sees that our strongest troops are in the centre and conclude that is what we fear most the centre breaking"
Robert interjected "And move for the flanks which thinks are lightly defended and fall into the mud and bog"
"Which he will when we plant a few extra plants along the water" Avos joked, with everyone looking at him querying the joke "the crossing of Eldaruth is recognised by the reeds that grow on either side of the ford, where you see reeds its safe to cross and Oakard Griffin knows that"
Everyone now understood Robert included "So we plant some reeds on either side and he'll know the fords crossing... and go for the flanks, where the archers will pick them off"
Avos stood tall and proud "Ready the legion, we march as soon as we are ready, we need to get there with plenty of time" The Legion commanders bowed their heads and made their exit, all except Robert who was curious.
"A good plan but you forgot something" Robert looked out to the sound of the dragon roar "You didn't mention him"
Avos leaned forward onto the table "Robert this is going to be a long war, I can't be everywhere... so you'll be in charge during this battle" Robert suddenly froze being in charge meant that he was in command of the whole plan and every choice would be his "And when the time comes for me and my friend to make an appearance you'll know"
Chapter 8: The Battle of Eldaruth
The crossing of Eldaruth, better recognised as part of the only route that connects the Kingdom of Nordinbar and the rest of the Realms of men to the south. For although there are numerous paths and "Roads" through the Lakou swamps, Bayous and Jungles there was only one that was even remotely suitable for armies to march along, the path of Eldar and that route leads across one of several rivers that cut the Lakou world into untold little pieces.
The crossing itself is merely a place where the water is shallow enough to come to the shins of those wanting to cross, but it holds a secret hazard that is hard to spot. The focal point of the crossing is the reeds that grow on either side of the crossing point itself, where the reeds stop is the point where the water gets only slightly deeper but the sand become a quagmire for anyone trying to move what made it more treacherous was the fact that just down stream to the west of the ford was torrent of rushing water that went deep into the unexplored jungles and swamps. This was where the first battle of the Dragon War would begin.
The armies amassed on either side of the crossing, the armies of the Sparrow Mountains, with the Griffin banners flying high and proud, their foot soldiers in full plate armour with their cloth dyed the colours of the Griffin, blue with small streaks of gold. These troops ranged in weapons but the majority were clear, there were Voulgiers, swordsmen, spearmen, behind them the heavy cavalry in the form of the strong lancers and heavy armoured knights.
Oakard Griffin was no fool though, he studied his battleground and defined his strategy upon it and what he saw he liked.
Although he could not see Avos the so called Dragon, he could view the army against him, well organised, well equipped. Yet oddly positioned, "inexperienced" he thought, strong troops on the left and right flanks "That is what he worries most about, his flanks" he quried his options as he looked to the centre, "Heavy bill men with either bills, halberds long swords, tow handed axes and even large warhammers, swordsmen in the centre supported by some archers" so the Dragon weakened his centre to hold his flanks, "He's trying the horse shoe move", a move where an army will weaken its centre to goad the enemy to focus on it then turn the flanks in on them.
Oakard gave the orders, his heavy infantry and swordsmen moved forward watching the reeds as they moved across the ford, they marched slowly saving their breath for the final charge. Robert sitting upon his horse with the reserves gave the order "Archers", the long bows of the legion locked their arrows and began to draw on the order they unleashed a volley into the air. As the Griffins moved closer they heard the whizz as the arrows came upon them the arrows pierced their strong armour with ease, some falling to the water in writhing agony as the arrows had struck a point that left them screaming in pain, whilst others just fell to the ground their blood soiling the shallow water. Oakard responded with his own volley from his small collection of archers in his reserves, but to little effect, just as the Dragon archers had committed to his forces, some wounded but very few killed.
As they got closer, the order came to charge, Robert gave a second order as he saw the Griffin banners begin to run at the frontline. "Ready" among the armoured billmen and swordsmen were archers with special bows that were smaller but stronger at close range, they drew and aimed over the shoulders of those in-front, three whole lines of these archers released in unison as they had been trained at the enemy charging them. The sudden volley shook the Griffin forces, as their charge was broken up as the final order came for the Dragon Legion "Charge!!".
The centre charged into the shallow water into the still onrushing force of Griffins, the sound of metal began to echo through the mangrove trees across the river banks and beyond, coupled with the screams of the wounded, dead or dying. As time passed from seconds into minutes into an hour, the waters of the once calm crossing of Eldaruth had become a churning stretch of blood, guts and for want of better words, shit and piss. As every second ended with another life being taken.
Yet a difference was becoming clear, the lighter chainmail and specified armour of the Legion alongside their training was saving more of their lives than those of the Griffin. Being able to move in armour that was made for them alone as well as being trained and drilled in that same armour, made it apart of them as the training despite only being training helped them greatly. As their swords pierced the gaps in the standard plate armour of the Griffins, as their Axes cleaved body parts, their hammers indenting even the stoutest metal plates. Yet they were still taking more and more losses, as the weight of numbers became clear, despite the training, weapons and armour they were being pushed back further and further until they were from their shins in blood soaked water, to their ankles and then not at all.
Oakard watching from behind it all, smiled as his plan was coming to fruition, in the distance he could see Robert Bearin rave and shout to the flanks. Looking left and then right, Oakard saw what he wanted, "The rebels are moving their forces back to reinforce the centre" he allowed himself a small thrilled chuckle "Now we move" he ordered, "Lancers to the flanks".
The heavy cavalry of the Griffin lancers moved forward at the trot into the water then as they entered they pressed into the gallop. Whilst Oakard chose now to join the victory, ushering his horse and his personal guard into the centre of the battle, knowing the rebel flanks will break under his cavalry then they will turn on the centre, whilst the Stormer army will come upon the rebels from behind just as planned.
As he joined the battle, swinging his sword this way and that into countless men around him, he felt a sudden jolt as his horse reared up and threw him off, landing in the water he was quickly pulled back up by his guards who had dismounted to join their king. Spitting out the foul water from his mouth and away from his lips he yelled out "Griffins!" a cry his guards followed as they charged into the enemy.
Yet during the constant moving, slashing and thrusting of blades against sword, spear, axe and hammer Oakard looked to see something unexpected, the flanks of the rebels were holding.
Gazing over with bewilderment and exhaustion in his breath, he saw instantly why, the Lancers were stuck in the water and worse were being picked off easily by rebel archers and spearmen. Those that did get across the river and out of the mud were without their horses and were being cut down by Dragon sword, hammer and axe. Suddenly into his ear a cry came from one of his commanders "We're losing!"
Turning back to the fight, he saw what the cry meant, the rebel centre was being strengthened by more forces and his army was being pushed back into the water, over the corpses of their fallen. Oakard cried to his commanders to gather "On me.... on Me!", slowly they gathered around him, fighting the whole way there and even when next to him. "Where in the hells are the Stormer?!". No one knew the answer, what he didn't know was that the Stormer armies were currently fighting off the army of the Lakou in a battle royale of their own.
With no option, Oakard knew he needed to regain the initiative "Call up the reserves we have to break their centre line". As the signal of a waving flag was committed, the Griffin reserves began to march forward, fresh troops that had been held back, rested and ready. Yet this was what the Dragons had been waiting for.
"NOW AVOS.... NOWS YOUR TIME!" Robert cried out to an lonely archer. Who locked an arrow lit the tip alight with a small torch and shot the lone arrow into the sky. What followed would go down into legend and forever change the name of the crossing.
Oakard and the entire Griffin army froze as an immense, resounding roar echoed over the screams. Looking over the length of the river, to the west, Oakard felt for the first time fear crawl up his spine, as from the horizon getting closer and closer was a shimmering in the slow setting sun, a golden dragon with it mouth wide open. The creature rushed over the southern side of the crossing, leaving a destructive wave of fire and ash in its wake, utterly wiping out half of the Griffin reserves.
Looking around him Oakard Griffin, King of the Sparrow Mountains, famed throughout the world as never once being defeated in battle, felt something beyond fear, beyond terror, beyond even anything mortal. Turning his head back and forth at the battle and the battlefield, he saw his men being cut down left, right and centre, the waters of the river were filled not with Dragon rebels but the bodies of Griffin soldiers, it was not golden dragon on black field banners drenched in the bloody waters. It was the banner he had been so proud of all his life. Falling to his knees, sword still in hand, he felt his heart sink as his voice croaked out an order. An order he had never once given "Retreat", then again all the more louder "RETREAT!!!" and again even louder "RETREAT!!!!".
This was the final nail in the coffin for the Griffins army, they were not losing, they had lost. If their legendary general and King was calling retreat then it was real. And they ran for their lives across the waters and back the way they had once proudly marched.
Whilst high above, Avos cheered to his brave legion down below pressed forward knowing the truth of the day. They had the day. Swooping down into what could be said as hovering, over the rushing waters down stream of the ford, cheering to his following of victors just forward and below, at the focus of his vision was Robert, because this victory would be the first in him getting his brother back.
But as he cheered his left hand clenched into a fist raised into the air as he shouted "For Albion!", only to find a sudden surge of force pushing him out of the saddle on the dragons long neck and down its back. For one of those simple Griffin archers had took a shot, a shot that had pierced into Avos's left shoulder forcing him back and down. As he lost consciousness Avos spotted the clear broken arrow sticking out of his shoulder then the torrent of muddy water, with his ears becoming overcome with the rushing waters and the screams of the dragon.
Robert having seen it all charged headlong into the waters just before the rapids, screaming and shouting to anyone around "Find him!!" he cried "FIND HIM!!!!!!" He chucked his helmet aside along side the chain mail hood that would have gone with it, whipping his head left and right as he prayed to see his brother bobbing in the river. With tears streaking down his face, his mouth agape for his eyes could see that Avos would have been thrown further down river by the rushing waters and that he had no way of helping him.
But someone did.
Chapter 9: A Tomb of one in darkest sleep
He did not know what had happened after the rushing water had struck him, but he found his eyes awakening again with great pain. What he saw was odd, he saw soil and tree roots growing through it, his first fear was that he was dead and buried, but the world around him was alit by fiery torches flickering around him. He was lying on his back without any of his armour or clothing on his torso but he was still wearing his trousers and boots, in his hands he felt fur and leather, guessing it was the bed he was laying on.
Pulling himself up, he felt the pain rush again upon him, gripping the wound upon his shoulder he found it bandaged and clean. Then a voice came to his ears, "Don't" he looked around and saw an oddity, a short elderly person slightly hunched over with his age. Skinny in the arms and legs with one hand clutching a wooden staff, the old man was wearing clothing tattered and torn made of leather and animal pelts. "The wound is still fresh and you need to let it heal" the old man said.
"Where am I? How am I alive?" Avos queried
The Old man continued to walk in and stand before Avos, who by now was leaning up straight leaning on his extended arms. "Because I pulled you from the water and treated your wounds"
Again Avos questioned looking around again and more closely at the old man before him, he realised something in that second. "Your a wood Elf!" he stated under his breath, the old man just nodded "But i thought you were all extinct", Avos was remembering his readings of the ancient times, during the age before man, when the lands of Continent of Vakor was inhabited not only by the Orcs, Goblins, Dwarves and Elves, but also all manner of other cultures such as the giants in the mountains and the Wood elves in the deep forests. Yet the Giants and Wood Elves were wiped when Mankind decided they wanted to be the dominant race in the western world.
The old man looked to the floor of solid soils and stone "Many of our people managed to escape into these swamps and forests... it is our last stronghold"
"But why help me? If anything you should be killing me not helping me" Avos declared, the old man twitched his head in the direction he had come. Avos pulled himself up but even when he was stood up he had to hold his head sideways else it would constantly bang his head upon the ceiling. He was lead through a tunnel with a series of torches lighting the path, along the way he saw through other "Doorways" entire families of wood elves living in seclusion all watching him and his every move.
Things changed though as the tunnel grew wider and extensively taller, the compact soil and roots that made the walls, ceiling and floors became more solid cobblestone and shaped stone like those found in castles and cities. As they continued to travel Avos began to notice that the hall was becoming more and more dark as there were no torches set up along it nor were there doorways to see through just solid stone walls. But there was artistic depictions upon the stone walls, painted straight onto the stone, using his magic to create a source of silvery light to see better, it began to show a story of some kind.
He saw figures of varying sizes apparently fighting each other, there were tall giants with long trees as clubs, small dwarves with axes, what he supposed were orcs with hammers, elves with swords and wood elves with bows and arrows. As he continued to follow the old wood elf, the wall showed more and more of the story, soon it was what could only be the depiction of a battlefield with countless bodies scattered across. It was here that he began to remember a song he had read of.
"The days were dark and the world was torn
as vakor all Drowned in blood and gorethe old world burned, as fires great and small churned both Bone and Sword
From Mountains Grim to the Forests deep
none may rest in ever lasting peace"
The old one guiding him heard the words "Not many know of that song"
"I uh read it many years ago" Avos muttered hoping not to cause offence "This a depiction of that song isn't it" looking back to the wall "The Tale of the Dragon".
The old man smiled "Yes, a tale as old as the time itself, a tale we remember very well, for each day we pray for it to be true again" before continuing down the hall towards with his torch began to show a truly immense doorway, so high that ten men standing on each others shoulders could get through.
"Wait what" Avos spoke aloud surprised at the response, "Are you saying this is a temple.... because if it is then its not very well lit" Following behind slowly.
"Its only dark because of the one who has not been in here for nearly 25 winters" the old man declared as he pointed his staff through the giant archway that served as the door to a room held in the grips of truly deepest night. Avos cautiously walked through but the instant he did he shot back.
For as he took a single step forward and place a single foot onto the other side a sudden flare of fire and light sprang up from either side, as a single flame began to spread out in a curved line around what was clearly a round chamber. As the flames travelled they showed more and more of the chamber, there were a small case of stairs leading up to higher placement, but his focus was the rushing flames and the walls that were covered in depiction as well, but these were not painted but carved, it looked as if the entire walls of the chamber had been carved so that these depictions clear as day.
They showed everything, from birds and beasts great and small, to creatures long extinct such as the Griffins alongside the Trolls from beyond Nordinbar. To Races of the Elder days, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Goblins, Wood Elves to even the extinct Giants. Yet all were kneeling down as if bowing down to something or someone, as the fire reached the opposite side of the Archway that was the entrance, Avos was entranced at the beauty of the carvings and the beauty of the system that allowed it be fully alight with a ring of fire, but soon his focus was on something else.
Opposing him on the wall opposite the archway was that which all the carving were bowing down to, it was the depiction of a Dragon with its wings unfurled whilst high above were carvings of five stars shaped like a crown. But depicted in front of the dragon where the creatures chest and forelimbs were was a what could be regarded as a person with a long spear in their right hand, yet Avos could not see much to be precise from where he was standing. "This is a temple" he muttered.
"No" a reply came, turning around Avos saw the old wood elf alongside dozens if not hundreds more standing back "It is so much more... this chamber has been silent and dark for 25 years since he left"
"Who" the old one again pointed his staff forwards, at first Avos thought he was indicating to go up the stairs. As he did, Avos took slow steps concerned as to what he might find, but his surprise was a sarcophagus of some kind that was huge and expertly carved from stone, yet the slab which would have laid across the one inside was cracked into five great pieces and spread across the sarcophagus. "its not a temple... its a tomb.... but Whose?" again looking back to the Wood Elves who still refused to enter, but were clearly praying from the way they held their hands close to their chests. All except the old one who had come up following him.
"It is yours" he uttered clearly, Avos scoffed and jittered barely able to speak a clear word, but the old man was clear as he pointed again with his staff forwards toward the carving of the Dragon. Avos looked more carefully now at the figure in front of the dragon, he now realised that the spear was being held out from the carving with the figures arm extended out and the spear was rotted and old with blade rusted away beyond use. But soon his focus shifted as his breath was taken away. And now everything became clear.
When ere of day came a break from decay
from across the raging seas
atop a winged beast
We crept from the shadows of night and day
from east and west we came to end the fight of fearful hate upon the Bay
as swords were sheathed and Arrows lay
Under the dragon, great and tall, its wings unfurled long and full
our King hath come to bestow us all
our foe, the Serpent of fear and Dread,
from across the raging seas
atop a winged beast
We crept from the shadows of night and day
from east and west we came to end the fight of fearful hate upon the Bay
as swords were sheathed and Arrows lay
Under the dragon, great and tall, its wings unfurled long and full
our King hath come to bestow us all
our foe, the Serpent of fear and Dread,
now lies upon the earth Slain and Dead
He named the grasses green and mountains grey
Laying upon our heads low, Gifts of Iron, Gold and Flowers Bold
When the world grew dark and past into legends forgotten never to be told
as the dragons fire great turned from bold to ice and cold
no song was sung as the king went unto his hall hidden long unto the world of old
But Fear shall never hold for our hope stands strong and Bold
from the day 'ere Dragons Light Decay
For someday the stars shall shine Bright and Shear, for all to see in the sky of Night Clear
until the time comes again for the oath of old to be heard once more
for our ears to hear the words we hath prayed and cherished in awe
Look high for once more the Stars you hath to see
Oh great folk of old, the summons you must take heed
Come haste come haste, across the blooded waste
For the king forgotten, Now Once More
We shall answer Dragons call
and come back unto our oath of old
The King hath come, unto a throne under the stars bright and bold
For finally the Dragon has returned to lead,
He named the grasses green and mountains grey
Laying upon our heads low, Gifts of Iron, Gold and Flowers Bold
When the world grew dark and past into legends forgotten never to be told
as the dragons fire great turned from bold to ice and cold
no song was sung as the king went unto his hall hidden long unto the world of old
But Fear shall never hold for our hope stands strong and Bold
from the day 'ere Dragons Light Decay
For someday the stars shall shine Bright and Shear, for all to see in the sky of Night Clear
until the time comes again for the oath of old to be heard once more
for our ears to hear the words we hath prayed and cherished in awe
Look high for once more the Stars you hath to see
Oh great folk of old, the summons you must take heed
Come haste come haste, across the blooded waste
For the king forgotten, Now Once More
We shall answer Dragons call
and come back unto our oath of old
The King hath come, unto a throne under the stars bright and bold
For finally the Dragon has returned to lead,
for he hath finally awoken from his sleep
The old one said the Tomb has been devoid of light for 25 years, the same number of years that Avos had been on this earth, For the figure standing before the dragon in the carving, the figure that all the birds, beasts, creatures and races were bowing before was him.
To be Continued
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