INTRODUCTION

The people of Kaurath are a strong and ancient culture, whose rich and detailed history extents through legends for nine centuries. A land of myth, both savage and noble, where the way of the sword is tempered through the power of the bard; a wild, dangerous land, where forgotten horrors and untold mysteries walk the decimated, savage waste of the Plains of Morathel. In the land of the warrior kings, on the border of the Barrowheart only the strong survive. For this is the land of the Forgotten, the home of the Kaurathel, the Kingdom of Kaurath.

Kaurath is a kingdom on the brink. A land ravaged by centuries of war, brought to the edge of decay by siege and strife. The kingdom of Kaurath is a wild, savage place with enemies on all fronts. To the south, lies the once beautiful land of the Plains of Morathel. It is now a land rent asunder by foul magics and flame; a place where many heroes have died and Icons fear to tread. To the northwest Kaurath is protected by the vigilant guard at the walled bridge of Siltamuuri. There they protect the kingdom from the Darkness of the Barrowheart, a land of unspeakable horrors where the creatures of darkness rule.

The winds of change are raging across Kaurath. High King Vichol, Ruler of the Nine Nations, has issued a call for help. For centuries the kingdom has endured by the duty and sacrifice of its people but now the end of the Kaurathel may be nigh. Worn weary by constant struggle and internal strife High King Vichol fears for the future of his kingdom.

Months after my arrival Sir Janus Ejfel, a Kaurath who is now a King’s Knight of Evendarr, came offering High King Vichol a chance to ensure the continued protection of his people. He offered the good king a chance to join the rich, powerful kingdom of Evendarr. Under Evendarr, High King Vichol would become a Duke and his queen, a Duchess. He would have access to forces both great and powerful and be given a chance to defeat, once and for all, the forces of Darkness threatening his people. He would be given a chance to guarantee the continued safety of the Kaurathel.

He presented the possible solution to his many children, most supported the idea, save his eldest, Prince Nicholi. A great argument ensued and Nicholi left the capitol vowing to stand against any treaty subjugating the Kaurathel to the rule of the Evandarrians. King Vichol now has a choice, betray his people for their own protection, or face the evils of his homeland alone.

As a storyteller I quickly fell into the many myths and legends of this ancient northern kingdom. It brings me, as an adventurer and bard, back to the wild, mysterious places of epics and legend. I have entered a world rich in culture and story, where I was quickly lost in the lands and her people. I have investigated the mysterious and secret Surullinen Forest, sang with the bards and feasted with the gypsies of Kasember. I have riddled with the Sidhe and survived (with full thanks to my beautiful traveling partner). Next I plan to try to decipher the ancient runes scrawled on ruins in the land of the Ograth on the western edge of the Plains of Morathel.

Through my many travels since my arrival, I have studied Kaurath’s history under the guidance of Sir Ichabod Leagallow, Peacemaker of the Crown and scribe of the Order of Korlin. With Sir Leagallow’s guidance it is my pleasure and honor to compose and compile this collection of history, stories, and songs documenting the History of the Kaurath.

And so, as all of the great legends begin: “Once, in the age of time before time…”

Eloheh-I-Dangal

April 22, 603 E.R.
Huhtikuu, 22, 1108 K.H.

CHAPTER ONE

The Ancient History of the Kaurathel

The High King Uthios the Kaurath and his wife, the High Queen Anya Valag, formed the kingdom of Kaurath in its modern incarnation, however the kingdom’s history lays much farther back than that. To fully understand this land and its people we must start at the beginning in the year 0, by the Kaurath Calendar, or 505 years prior to the established Evandarrian Reckoning.

The Founding of the Kingdom

The Founding of the Kingdom is clouded within the fog of time. Legends and Myth are all that remain and the songs and stories of the Founding differ based on the region of the Kingdom you are in. What we can glean from the common areas of the story are as follows. During the First Age the Kaurathel held the strong and powerful kingdom of Jokai. Because of a great cataclysm called the Sundering, Jokai crumbled and fell into a dark time now referred to, in the poetic style of the Kaurathel, as the Forgotten Age.

Little is known from the time of the Forgotten Age. There are a few remaining stories or legends, and the odd superstitions are no doubt based from that time period. One item of importance that did survive from this age are the Tenants of War which are listed in Chapter Nine of this book.

Over centuries the powerful families formed small clans, which in turn became small Kingdoms led by a Chieftain, King or Queen. These clans and small Kingdoms lacked the strength that was needed to protect the land and their peoples and soon began to succumb to raids from brigands and other clans. During this period of the Forgotten Age a new threat was made clear, that of the Eliahnen. The beastmen.

The Eliahnen slowly took over the northern kingdoms of the Kaurathel, holding the land for hundreds of years. These strange creatures settled in what is now Kasember. An interesting side note, the name Kasember comes from this occupation. Farkasember is the ancient Kaurath word for werewolf. This leads us to believe that the Eliahnen were either Scavengers or some form of Were-creature. We may never know.

The Eliahnen occupation was a time of change for the Kaurath. The Eliahnen brought with them the knowledge of castle building, the secret of the arch, the secrets of steel making, the art of brewing wines (prior to their occupation the Kaurath solely drank mead) as well as the language now prevalent throughout much of Avalon, the common tongue. This hints that the Eliahnen were from the area that is now near the Kingdom of Evandarr.

During the Eliahnen occupation, a young southern king named Verimedve, or the “Blood Bear”, vowed to unite the Kingdoms and rid the land of the Beastmen. Verimedve held land in the center of what is now the Plains of Morathel. In the year 9 EKH, or 515 years Before Evandarrian Reckoning, at the age of 16, Verimedve waged a campaign of unification for the people of Kaurath. Those who did not join were declared Eliahnvella, Beast Servitors, and were either exiled or destroyed. To this day, to call someone an “Elianvella” is usually an invitation for a brawl.

The War of Unification, as it has come to be called lasted for roughly 9 years. The kingdoms of the rival clans fell one by one until at last, the northern kingdom of Kotkafarcas was the only remaining Eliahnen stronghold. The battle of Kotkafarcas began December 1, 1 EKH. Verimedve and his wife, the Warrior Queen Laulukirja led their armies into Kotkafarcas and surrounded the capitol city of Lakata on 20 December 1EKH. Verimedve took positions in the east and Laulukirja in the west. Together the two armies laid siege to the walled city. The army within the city, led by the Eliahnvella Vandall Grein, held tight repelling the invaders superior strength.

King Grein’s army stood strong and the siege lasted for eleven days eventually falling the morning of the 31st. King Grein opened the gates to his city and surrendered claiming that a woman in white appeared to him and told him that Verimedve was the destined leader of the Kaurathel. On the morning of 1 January 0 K.H, or January 1 in the first year of the Kaurathel, Vandall Grein, the last of the rulers of the north, swore fealty to Verimedve and Laulukirja. The Eliahnen were expelled from Kaurath and Vandall Grein’s life was spared. He was declared a hero of the Kaurath for holding his city for so long and granted title over the north as Lord Grein.

King Verimedve declared that day the beginning of Kaurathel Hallita, or the time of Kaurathel rule. In modern times it not only signifies the Founding of the Kingdom of the Kaurathel, but also the beginning of the Kaurath Calendar. The New Year beginning January first hints at the ancient connection between Evendarr and the Kaurathel. It is perhaps greater than coincidence that the beginning of the New Year starts on the same day in both kingdoms. Most likely the date was altered after the fact to better represent the Evendarr Calendar.

Later that same year, Lord Grein ordered an autumn feast to be held in honor of the unification of the Kaurath, as a way to give thanks to Verimedve for “uniting that, which should never have been broken”. Lord Grein chose time after autumn harvest, the third week of November as the feast date. Today this feast is still celebrated during the third week of November by the Kaurath and is called the Kiittääjauhot, or Feast of Thanks in common.

After this time the history of the Kaurath is blurred and laced with legends. There are, literally thousands of stories about this time period and to try to document them would take a lifetime of work. Aside from the many legendary stories and ballads, little actual history is left save the Litany of the Kaurathel, the list of Kings and Queens from King Verimedve to High King Vichol. I have included the Litany in Chapter Eleven of this work.

The Great Betrayal of King Uljas the Brave

In the year 374 KH (131 BER), great tragedies hit the line of Verimedve with the assassination and overthrow of King Uljas the Brave by his brother Prince Pettää the Betrayer. Pettää the Betrayer, jealous of his widowed brother’s power, staged a coup during the Autumn Revel. He waited, hidden in his revel costume, and killed his brother by poisoning him. Shortly after, Prince Pettää hid his brother’s body. Later that night Pettää the Betrayer made an attempt on the life of Uljas’ only heir, Princess Deynia.

The evil Prince crept into the young Princess’ chamber and drew his blade, intending to run his niece through. The Betrayer drove his blade deep into the blankets. The room erupted in feathers as the mattress gave way. There was no resistance of body on blade. Deynia was gone, taken in the night by Suojella, her nanny.

While gathering food for the revel, Suojella had witnessed the familial regicide. She immediately swept up Princess Deynia and fled into the Surullinen Forest where the Sidhe quickly hid the nanny and the Princess.

Pettää the Betrayer quickly took control of the kingdom as the only living heir. The deaths of the King and his Princess were blamed on an attack from the Red Cap gang known as the Tuska Koira, the Dogs of Agony. Pettää the Betrayer secretly called upon his seers to find the lost princess. It was then that the Vision of the True Hart came to be.

Tuleva Etsia was Pettää the Betrayer’s strongest seer and the one that saw the true future. Tuleva Etsia foresaw a great betrayal of Pettää’s line followed by a great war. When the war was over Deynia’s heir would be crowned king.

Pettää the Betrayer, fearful for his legacy, launched hundreds of troops into the kingdom in an attempt to find and destroy Princess Deynia; the Princess was never found. Safely hidden with the Sidhe, she was educated in the ways of royalty, and the arts of the Faery. She was taught that one day her line would rule the Kaurathel once more.

The Princess Deynia grew and matured and, as legend has it, married Rehellinen, a Sidhe man, also known in legends as the Forest Prince. The songs say they had many children who lived in the heart of the dark woods of the Surullinen Forest. Their children grew and prospered with their fae hosts and remained safely hidden from the forces of Pettää the Betrayer.

Pettää the Betrayer lived for many years and died in his bed an old lonely man. He had two sons, Tosi and Hyvästi. Hyvästi the youngest the child, disappeared while on a mission to the western Eltor Mountains. Tosi the eldest inherited the stolen crown and ruled with a kind hand. Tosi never considered himself a true king. On his deathbed he requested he forever be referred to as Tosi the Regent-King and that his line be stricken from the Litany until the true king returned. Upon King Tosi’s request, the Regent Kings line is all but forgotten save for the last, Regent King Uthios the Just.

CHAPTER TWO

The Golden Age of the Kaurathel

The time around the death of Regent King Uthios the Just, marks the traditional beginning of the Golden Age of the Kaurath. It is during this age that most of the legends of the kingdom hail. The death of the last of the Regent Kings also brings about the fulfillment of the Vision of the True Hart. To fully understand the manifestation of the Vision we must look at the situation that surrounds the demise of the Just King.

Authors Note: Due to the large volume of legends surrounding the Golden Age of the Kaurath only a summary of events most relevant to the history of the Kaurath are present.

The Meeting of Prince Morathel and Faranan

Once, in the age of time before time there was an orphaned hunter of royal birth. He was a brave and gentle man who was noble in both blood and deeds. This is the story of the Heir of Uljas, great grandson of Queen Deynia and King Rehellinen and the story of how the White Hart brought him to his love, his eternity.

One Morning Morathel, the Lost Prince was tracking a large white hart through the forests below the Eltor Paksu mines of Eltor Szakall. While tracking the beast he came upon an open grove. Morathel entered the grove and was taken aback by the beauty of it. The grove was a small copse of Blood Birch, white and red in a sea of green. The ancient trees stood at a great height and as the sun shone down through the dark crimson leaves it cast a sanguine quality to the already breathtaking scene. The color had power to it. He felt as if he had passed out of his world and into a world of dreams.

It was then that he saw her. She was standing in the shadows on the edge of the grove and she was beautiful. The good Prince’s heart jumped, but not from fear, no, it was because of something different. Something that made his very spirit ache with both sadness and joy. She appeared human, like he, with golden hair and skin as pure as virgin snow. Her eyes were piercing and endless. When she looked at him it was as if she were looking into his very heart. All of his secret desires and fears were exposed for her scrutiny. He was laid bare under her gaze.

He apologized if he frightened her. She said that he did not and he believed her. Her voice had a deep musical quality that made him feel as if he was the only person in the world. He offered her his name and she smiled. He asked hers and she said that she would tell him her name if he could prove himself worthy of her attention. So intoxicated he was by her presence that he readily accepted her challenge. He would have accepted any challenge placed before him, for he new that for her, he would succeed.

She said that he was to bring her the giant white hart unharmed. He could use no magic or alchemy, nor could he use the assistance of man or beast. The act must be pure for the beast was not a normal hart. The beast was magical, like the unicorns, and to capture one, purely, was to prove nobility and strength. Qualities appropriate for one in love with a creature such as her. Kneeling, Morathel pledged his eternal love and promised her the capture of the beast.

He left the grove and started tracking the argent beast. The quest took a year and a day. Morathel never lost track of the stag. He tracked the creature to the edge of the forest on the border of a great swamp. There he herded the Hart onto the open moors where it quickly sunk into the foul mud. From that day forth the great swamp in which Morathel captured the White Hart has been come to be called Valkeadier, now Valkadier, simply meaning, the White Hart. Carefully he attached a harness to the beast’s head and led it out of the flth to claim his prize.

Morathel led the Stag easily. The journey took him seven days and every day it was easier to lead the great beast. Morathel entered the forest and found his way to the grove of his love. In the grove Morathel waited for her to arrive. How she would know the good Prince was there he did not understand, but he knew she would come. The hart stood tall and graceful under the crimson canopy. He ate the sparse grass and nibbled the blueberries that lined the grove. He let Morathel approach him. It was as if the beast knew he was not going to hurt him. Morathel left the lead on, yet allowed him to roam free in the grove. Morathel knew he wasn’t going to run. Standing in the grove, Morathel was captivated by his size and strength and appalled that he was once tracking him to kill him. He stood as high as a war-horse and just as impressive. From his gently sloping brow sprouted two great antlers tall and wide in their presentation. He was majestic.

The beast rose to his full height and lifted his head to reach the tender shoots on a nearby pine. It was then that Morathel saw her, leaning gently against the flaky bark of the massive white tree. She looked up at the great beast and told the Prince that its name was Korlin and that he was now his steed and guardian. She told him that she was a forest creature though Folk or Fairy he knew not which. Finally she lent close, and kissed him on the cheek and whispered.

“Now it is time for your prize. I am Faranan Tunderi, and this is my home.”

Morathel’s love now had a name and it was Faranan. He knew that she was the one that he wished to spend eternity with. She was his forever. He knew that she would be the one in which he would marry, but that is a story for another time.

The Usurper Lord

With Faranan’s love empowering him, Prince Morathel quickly grew in prominence. After many adventures in and around the ancient Province of Allakansiel, in what is now the Plains of Morathel, he quickly grew in rank moving from Ranger under High Lord Knight Assilo to Kings Knight in a matter of a few years. Even though Morathel was the true heir to the throne he did not wish to usurp the Regent King. Morathel, like most of Uthios’ subjects, loved their leader and considered the Regent King to be a kind and noble ruler. As is the way of the Kaurathel, Morathel believed that the good of the nation out weighs the good of one man. Unfortunately, not all in the court had the same moral fiber.

Grand Vizier, Rahaban Zoradieth came from a distant elven kingdom and joined the court of the Regent King as a seer. There he quickly grew in rank until, at last, he became the main counsel of the king. His powers of the Weird Sight were so accurate that the Regent King refused to make decisions without first consulting Zoradieth.

For decades, Zoradieth faithfully served the Regent King and Queen. In truth he was patiently setting a trap. Zoradieth was breeding contempt and raising an army throughout the supernatural Beyrzar lords of the north.

On a stormy summer evening Zoradieth led a group of conspirators through the Castle Zaraphal where they overran the kings guards and entered the Royal chambers. There they slaughtered and Obliterated the last of the Regent Kings. From high atop the towers of Zaraphal Zoradieth fired flaming arrows into the night sky signaling the thirteen armies of the north to begin their attack. Led by the powerful supernatural Beyrzar Lords the city soon fell. Early morning, during a sunrise ceremony, Zoradieth declared himself King of the Kaurathel. The war had begun.

The Response of the True King

Morathel and Faranan received word of the attack via courier two weeks after the initial assault. Zoradieth and the Beyrzars had laid siege to the surrounding forest and the Allakansiel militias. High Lord Knight Assilo and his son Lord Assilomar were mounting the offensive. The militias were out numbered twenty to one and with out reinforcements the kingdom would fall.

Morathel, and Faranan sent word to the northern Provinces of Grein’s Reward and Vieras and the kingdoms of his great grandfather ‘s people and pleaded for reinforcements. He knew that with out a King, and with the provinces divided by great distances that the Kingdom would fall. He set off riding Korlin and traveled to the surrounding farms and villages raising militias to fight against the armies of Zoradieth. One by one they came to the castle at Balta until they numbered in the thousands. Still, Morathel rode and gathered.

Morathel sought Cozobari, the leader of the Razioch, a mysterious race of fierce and proud warriors living deep within the southern Surullinen. He pleaded for assistance and asked them to join his armies and to lead as generals. Upon hearing that their forest home was endangered Cozobari agreed on one condition, that there be a code of honor above and beyond the ancient Tenants of War for the rebellion to follow. Morathel agreed and, upon returning to Balta castle with Cozobari and the Razioch set a council to create the code of honor for the Kaurathel revolt.

The Council of Balta Torni

A council comprised of Morathel, Faranan, Assilo, Assilomar, Cozobari, Malinaugh, and the tribal leaders of the Razioch and representatives from the free races of the Kaurath, convened in the tower of Balta castle. For three nights they met and discussed. At the end of the third night, the code was done.

The Code was called the Luvata Kansa, which roughly translated, means “Promise to my Nation”. The code was comprised of one declaration and nine tenants. To this day the Luvata Kansa is still followed by the Kingdom and is, in the author’s opinion very similar to Evendarr’s Code of Chivalry.

On the morning of the fourth day Morathel and his generals assembled their armies. The generals and rangers called the thousands to order. All present knelt under the morning sun and spoke their promise to their nation.

The War of the True King

Morathel and his generals marched on the armies of Zoradieth. The battles were great and losses were met on both sides. For two long years Morathel fought while Faranan pleaded for reinforcements from her father, Olut, a faery king.

Olut stubbornly refused to assist his daughter claiming he was not going to support any army led by Morathel. Olut despised the fact that Faranan was in love with a mortal, let alone a half-breed, as Morathel was half-blooded Sidhe. Faranan pleaded further until Olut said that he would assist Morathel with troops only if Faranan left the mortal.

Faranan lied to her father and agreed to leave Morathel. She then took charge of an army and, accompanied by her brothers Celtios and Hiiri, led a host of Sidhe archers to Morathel on the battlefield near the Etela Gap. In private, she told Morathel of her betrayal against her father. Morathel, fearing that he would lose Faranan for eternity, married her that night in secret. With Celtios and Hiiri’s blessing, High Lord Knight Assilo performed the ceremony on a rise over looking the quiet battlefield.

The following morning Faranan bid farewell to her husband. She was to lead her father’s forces to flank the evil forces of the Usurper Lord. Morathel and Faranan would not see each other for two years.

The Quest for Fendreil

Morathel suffered many restless nights after his true love marched her armies off to war. He had visions of great battles, of men and fae locked in a bitter battle for survival, and of a weapon of such power that armies fell under its blade and heroes rallied behind its might. He woke each morning tired and exhausted, yet ever sure that the visions he was receiving in the night were truth; that deep within the wilderness was a sword of great magic and power.

The visions lasted for a week and became more and more intense as they progressed. Soon Morathel had a name for the weapon, Fendreil, and a location, Roadail; the site of a legendary battle where the lands of men and Fae fought following the horrors of the Sundering. Roadail was legend long before the War of Unification. Morathel knew on the morning of the seventh day that he would quest for Fendreil.

The weak-minded who held resentment and jealousy toward Morathel called it a fools errand, a quest for one who did not possess a grasp on reality. Others claimed that Morathel would die on the quest. Celtios and Hiiri, who were born shortly after the conflict ended and remembered tales of such a blade, supported their brother-in-laws decision to quest for the long lost weapon. Morathel placed his legions in the command of Celtios and Hiiri and rode off to quest for the legendary blade of Fendreil.

Morathel rode hard for two months, following his dreams. His travels took him through the Surullinen to the eastern Kalivan Mountains. There he rode north along the Taghrid River to the Malvor River and into the forests of Keskaur.

The Keskaurani elves were not known for their kindness and understanding. They were a strong and mysterious people who shunned contact with outsiders. The Keskaurani were dangerous, few who trespassed in their lands ever returned.

The Keskaurani were renowned hunters and trackers and soon Morathel found himself face to face with a party of guards. The elves stepped from their places of hiding. They were dressed in the deep forest colors of the Keskaur and appeared that they could disappear by standing still. Morathel slowly dismounted Korlin who, he could see, was preparing for a fight. A tall elf dressed in reds and greens introduced himself as the Keskaurani Fuadaun, Eldrickian. The Fuadain asked Morathel of his business in the forests. Morathel replied, telling the party of his quest. Fuadain Eldrickian thought for a moment and said that Morathel was to drop his weapons and he would be taken to see the Righ. Morathel agreed and soon found himself bound and being led by the neck to see the Righ of the Keskaur.

Righ Divyan ruled from the great elven palace of Aruinn Brugh. The palace stood on a rise overlooking a deep forest. Aruinn Brugh was made from living trees and stone and rose like a spire high into the sky. The sun filtering through the colored glass and green leaves of the palace cast a warm glow over the surrounding woods. Guards stood watch on the exposed rock surrounding the castle as birds of prey hunted overhead.

With the impenetrable forest of Keskaur behind him, Morathel was led to a gate imbedded in the rock below the palace. Korlin was placed in a stable made from stone in a natural occurring cave and Morathel was unchained yet remained bound. There he was blindfolded and led inside, up stairs, and what seemed like miles of twisting turning corridors. Eventually he was led through a door and stopped. His footsteps echoed as if he was in a deep chamber. He was forced to his knees and soon his blindfold was removed. He was momentarily blinded by the change in light. As his eyes adjusted he found himself standing below an enormous throne made from the living twisted branches of an enormous tree. There, sitting on his throne high above his court was Righ Divyan, ancient leader of the elves of Keskaur.

The Righ called upon Morathel to rise and explain his tresspass. Morathel did as he was asked and told of his quest to find the ancient battleground of Roadail. The Righ chuckled and shook his head. He told Morathel that Roadail was not a battlefield; it was an ancient artifact, a portal to the realm of the Sidhe. He told Morathel that Roadail was within Keskaur and he would be delivered to it. He also warned that the Roadail would ask Morathel a riddle. Should he fail the test his life force would be consumed by the gate and he would be lost forever. Morathel stood tall and told the Righ that he was ready for the test. His people were in mortal danger and this was a change to save them. The Righ agreed and soon Morathel was blindfolded and led to the portal of Roadail.

The forest opened into fields marked with small cabins and elven tree homes. Morathel’s blindfold was removed as he was led through the elven hamlet. Turning, Morathel found that he was far from Aruinn Brugh and could not see the palace. He was at the mercy of the elves.

After an hour of riding Morathel could begin to see a fortress in the distance. Ancient and weathered, the fortress bowed from corner to corner of a deep valley. Walking through the gates they traveled within the small valley until they came across a clearing. Standing on the far side of the clearing was a stone arch surrounded by runic writing. On the keystone of the arch was a painting of an eye marked on the stone itself.

The Righ of the elves made Morathel an offer. If he succeeded in answering the riddle of Roadail he would be set free, however he would be beholden to the elves of Keskaur and would owe them one favor in return to their generosity. Morathel agreed and was unbound. Dismounting Korlin, he approached the gate.

As Morathel walked to the gate the pupil glowed a deep red, illuminating the dark clearing. The Keskaurani stood back, some retreating to a safer distance. A deep voice resonated from the stone of the arch. It asked Morathel if he was worthy of the test. Morathel said that he was and the arch spoke further:

“What rules the children of night and rules the children of day but when twilight comes rules nay?

Morathel pondered for a moment and with confident said that he and his people did. He said that the answer was Sidhe. The portal said that Morathel was correct and soon opened. Morathel quickly stepped through.

The land on the other side of the portal was obviously in the Otherworld of the fae. The sky was a deep purple with no stars of clouds. Skeletal remains of elves, humans and fae were scattered through out the realm as far as the eyes could see. The bones of the dead were ancient and fragile, the slightest touch scattered the bones to dust.

In the distance, Morathel saw a pale white glow. Rallying his courage he started for the light on the horizon. Cresting a ridge he saw the glow came from a wizened old woman sitting among the pile of bones, her white glowing robes flowing over the frames of the dead.

Morathel carefully approached the woman. The old woman opened her eyes, looked upon Morathel and smiled. Morathel asked her if she was well and offered her a drink of wine from a flask he had strapped to his side. She gladly thanked him and took a drink. Smiling she asked how she could repay his generosity. Morathel told her that no payment was necessary and that he must be off, for he was questing for the lost blade. The old woman smiled revealing rotted yellowed teeth. She told him that she had been waiting an eternity for him to arrive. Standing, she shifted her robes. Lying at her feet was Fendreil, Sword of the Ancients. She picked up the blade and offered it to him. Morathel humbly accepted the weapon and thanked the old woman. She smiled and vanished.

Morathel emerged from the portal roughly one week after he had entered, though it was a matter of minutes to him. The elves had established a watch to alert them of Morathel’s return and soon the elves who led him to Roadail approached. Seeing that he had accomplished his goal they returned him to the Righ.

The Righ was amazed that he had survived at all but reminded him of his promise. In the future Morathel of Morathel’s line were to assist the Keskaurani once whenever they so required. Morathel gave his word and was soon escorted out fo the forests of Keskaur.

Morathel rode fast and hard back to his armies. Soon he regained control and used the vast powers of Fendreil to drive the forces of Zoradieth on to an even field. With renewed morale the Kaurath rallied the cause. Soon the forces of the Usurper Lord would fall.

The Riddle of the Stones and the Quest of Malinaugh

The war raged on and through the power of Fendiel, Zoradieth’s armies slowly fell. Morathel led the people of Kaurath closer to Jokainen. The last major obstacle between the armies of the revolution, and the capitol city of Jokainen were the powerful Beyrzars. Their might and abilities were awesome. Hundreds died by their hand and no weaknesses could be found.

Morathel, seeking answers, wrote to the Oracle deep in the northern Surullinen Forest and asked her to help him in his search for a weakness. Her response was in the form a riddle. The riddle, now known as the Riddle of the Stones is as follows:

Twins born of the same heart,
What was once alone is now apart.
Ripped in twain by the powers that be,
To create their own eternity.
From the Drakes Heart face the setting sun,
Place chisel to stone, Fourteen from one.
Green Lords hold the Prison

It took months for Morathel to try to decipher the riddle with no avail. The Drakes Heart referred to a place, most probably located in the Dragon Spine Mountains that separated the lands of Farkasember and Grein’s Reward, now Kasember, from the barbarian kingdoms of the northeast. It was the quick wit of the Razioch Second named Malinaugh that solved the riddle. He knew that there was a cave in the eastern face of the Dragon’s Spine called Dracosydan, Meaning “Heart of the Dragon”. There the river ran blood red due to the clay surrounding the cave. It was said that at nightfall the gate to the Shadowlands, the realm of the Sidhe opened. He also speculated that the Green Lords represented the knights of the Sidhe. They held the gift.

Morathel sent Malinaugh, and those of his choosing, to go and collect the gift from the Oracle. Malinaugh and his band moved quickly and silently through the lands held by the Barbarians and the Beyrzars. They reached the Dracosydan and waited for the sun to set and for the gate to open. It never did. Baffled, Malinaugh looked closer at the riddle. While researching the text, Corvauness, the mighty Razioch warrior found, imbedded in the stone, what looked like a sun setting over the peaks of some mountain range. Below, lying on the ground, was a round rock split in two; one half white, one black. Malinaugh pulled a chisel and a hammer and went to the white stone. He struck hard and it broke evenly into fourteen pieces. He struck the black half hard and it too broke into fourteen more. Collecting the pieces he was struck with a vision. He would imprison the Beyrzars in the white pieces. The Black counterpart acted as the key. Once all of the Beyzars were captured both the white and black pieces would be hidden. Gathering up the magical salvation, he returned to Morathel.

Malinaugh returned to the forces of Morathel roughly one month after his discovery. He found Morathel and told him of the stones. Morathel declared that victory would soon be theirs and granted Malinaugh a position as general. Morathel told him to gather forces of his own. He had his pick of soldiers, for he was going to lead the main assault against the Beyrzars. He was placed in charge of capturing the Beyzars one by one with the Stones of Malinaugh, as Morathel called them. After which he would hide the stones. Only he was to know of the locations of the stones after the Beyzars had been captured. The fourteenth stone would be placed in a secret hiding place known only to Malinaugh.

Malinaugh set out with his armies and through the use of superior tactics began to capture the supernatural generals of Zoradieth’s armies. Slowly and surely Morathel’s army to the west, Faranan’s to the east, and Cozobari’s armies to the north and south pushed hard against the forces of the Usurper Lord. Zoradieth was retreating.

As spring grew near Zoradieth’s army consisted of a few battered battalions until at last the final Beyrzar was captured. The three armies of the Rebellion closed in on the capitol city. By the end of May they were in sight of each other. The armies surrounded Jokainen and laid siege to their capitol city.

Malinaugh set off to hide the stones. His quest would be difficult, for if anyone would find the stones they Beyrzars could be released. He left to fulfill his quest and to personally guard the final stone. He would never return.

In early July the final siege began and the gates broke. The armies marched through Jokainen killing off the last of Zoradieth’s forces. Upon entering the castle Morathel and his forces met with stiff resistance. They fought bravely until at last Morathel entered the throne room and engaged Zoradieth. The battle was fierce and ended with the destruction of the Usurper Lord. Though Zoradieth’s spirit was strong and he resurrected, he had been routed and driven into exile.

The New King

The Kingdom of the Kaurathel belonged to the Kaurath once more. The people started to rebuild and in a show of kingdom wide unification declared Morathel, true heir to the throne, as the new King. He accepted and declared Faranan as his Queen. Their first order of royal business was to honor those who led the rebellion.

Cozobari and the Razioch were knighted. The entirety of their race was bound to the land and declared as the Silver Legion, Forest Lords of the Kaurathel. They were to forever protect the land and its peoples.

Assilomar was declared as High Lord Knight of Allakansiel. Celtios, Faranan’s Brother was granted title over Vieras. Corvauness was made High Dame Knight of Grein’s Reward and Farkasember, and Cozobari was declared the High Lord Knight of Jokainen.

The rebuilding was well underway and by mid winter, Faranan found herself with child. With the Kingdom recovering and a new heir to the thrown on its way, the people of Kaurath started to let down their guard for the first time in a long time. The Golden Age was now underway.

Jokainen

The city of Jokainen was a beautiful city. Marble lined thoroughfares ran in concentric circles around the blue gilded castle of Zaraphal. Made entirely of the blue granite that was famous in the ancient province of Allakansiel its gilded stags and gold accents gave the future kingdom it’s royal colors. Deep within Zaraphal the heart of the Kaurath beat strongly.

Faranan gave birth to a strong little boy. They named him Prince Harcos, arguably the most popular of Morathel and Faranan’s children. In time the little prince would grow and mature and eventually become a gifted warrior and poet. His poem to his future queen is listed in the Stories, Legends, and Songs of the Kaurath section of this book.

The kingdom grew and prospered. The people were happy, the armies were strong and trade was beginning with the outside kingdoms. The time of peace allowed the heroes of Jokainen to venture out and explore the frontiers of the north. Soon they discovered the Hobling Colony of Seannaught and the lands of the Gythainen deep within the swamp of The Valkeadier, now called Valkadier. Regular trading routes were established via barge up the Lansi River to the ancient dwarven home of Eltor Paksu, sheep and reindeer were traded with the barbarian lands to the north, and in a few short years the Kaurath were more prosperous than they have ever been before.

The Wisdom of Faranan

During this time of peace, Faranan established the Viisas Talo, a college of learned Kaurath who would travel to towns and villages through out the Kingdom and open Viisas. The Viisas were schools where citizens of the Kaurathel could go and learn.

To ensure parents would send their children, Faranan declared the decree of Suojata Innostas, which stated that any family who sent their children to Viisas and have it verified by the Isanta or teacher, would not be required to pay taxes to the Kingdom. It was said that in the Golden Age, all could read, all could write, and magic flowed freely from the hands of all its citizens.

The Return of the Dark Lord

Years past and the people of the Kingdom prospered. Faranan was again with child. Morathel had just returned from assisting the Barbarian King Vorlanok in the unification the tribes of barbarians in the north and spent many days at home with his wife and son. He was eagerly anticipating the birth of his new child. It was here, in his private chambers within Zaraphal that he received word of the pending invasion.

Cozobari came to Morathel and told him that his Silver Legion spotted a large host marching through the troll infested Tonttuel Peaks. He informed the King that the army appeared to be undead who could travel during the day and that they marched under the flag of the Dark Lord, Zoradieth.

Morathel bid his wife farewell. Faranan, though a fierce and brave warrior was close to giving birth and could not afford to enter combat. In her stead Hiiri, Faranan’s youngest brother attended the army. Hiiri was a powerful and gifted rogue, well known for his deft negotiating skills. Morathel intended to utilize this ability of his brother-in-law to try to end the battle before it began. Hiiri would act as the Peacemaker under the Tenants of War.

They gathered the army and marched northwest toward the Tonttuel Peaks. The two armies met on the Plains of Uljas. Hiiri raised the blue, and white flag of the Peacemaker and rode out into the center of the battlefield to wait for an emissary of Zoradieth. Soon a representative of the Dark Lord met with Hiiri and the negotiation began. He offered safe, protected passage through the Tonttuel Peaks if Zoradieth’s army quit the field. The Emissary refused. Reaching a stalemate both Peacemakers returned to their hosts. The Battle was about to begin.

The armies charged and many warriors died on both sides. After hours of bloodshed the battle was over. Zoradieth had been captured and his army had been destroyed but at a huge cost. Morathel’s army had been decimated. Of the fifteen thousand men roughly three thousand survived. Morathel sent a squad to gather the equipment and personal belongings of his fallen soldiers. They would camp for four days on the battlefield, allowing wounds to heal, equipment to be gathered, and men to rest.

Morathel and his generals questioned Zoradieth. The Dark Lord responded stating that he will resurrect and return with an unstoppable army from the north to destroy the last of Morathel and Faranan’s line. He had witnessed the act in a vision and his visions never lied. This would to come to be called the Vision of Zoradieth. The Dark Lord then went rigid and died, his body dissipating, the spirit leaving immediately.

Hiiri ensured Morathel that it could not happen. Morathel was not too sure. He had witnessed Zoradieth’s predictions come true first hand. Knowing that seers could not accurately predict visions about their own future was little comfort.

The following evening a great disturbance rocked the encampment. Roughly around the same time as the prior nights battle, part of the undead army they had vanquished the night before rose from the ground. Catching the Kaurathel off guard the undead made quick work of the patrolling units. With lightning wit, Morathel rallied his troops and destroyed the attacking threat. Morathel sent patrols of Silver Legion to search out and destroy whatever Necromancer raised the dead. The Legion found no signs of any sorcerer.

The following evening Morathel posted double the guards of the prior night and again the dead rose. The armies made quick work of their undead attackers, however rumors started to spread that the land they were in was haunted or cursed. Desperate to keep morale high, Morathel ordered the camp to break at first light.

Upon returning to Jokainen, Morathel found that Faranan had given birth to a beautiful little boy. He was named Medve after Morathel’s ancestor, Verimedve. Upon seeing his newborn son Morathel could not shake his feeling of dread that had bore a hole in his gut since Zoradieth made his accursed prediction.

The following morning Morathel consulted his sages and granted them the responsibility of finding a way to defeat Zoradieth once and for all. He would do what he could to protect his family and his people. Morathel swore that he would not rest until the Dark Lord was destroyed once and for all.

A Grandfather’s Displeasure

Years passed with little events. Eventually the immediate threat of Zoradieth’s return had passed. The Silver Legion patrolled the borders of the kingdom yet found no sign of Zoradieth or his armies.

In time Faranan was again pregnant and again she gave birth to little boy. The little prince was named Faracam. All of her children showed signs of their mixed lineage. Harcos the Warriorbard inherited a fierce fighting ability yet could write and sing, he was the greatest bard of the day, Medve the Wild had the gentle pointing ears and gold eyes of his grandfather and could speak to the creatures and trees of the forest, Faracam showed the greatest of traits. Faracam had long pointed ears, much longer than an elf’s, and could change his appearance at random. When he grew into a young boy he would pose as a rabbit in the gardens surrounding Zaraphal and spy on his two older brothers. For these abilities he had been given the name of Faracam the Changeling.

The boys grew and played in the castle, attending court whenever their studies would allow. They were strong little boys who enjoyed the pleasures of life yet still understood that a great responsibility would someday be theirs. They were allowed to be children while their family prepared them for the burden of leadership.

Though they had a happy home, all was not right within their family. King Olut, their grandfather, broke all contact when he discovered that Faranan had betrayed his trust. For nine long years he refused to meet with her or his grandchildren. He declined countless invitations to holidays or family events. For all intents and purposes, Olut had disowned his daughter. In one last effort Faranan invited her father to come and attend their tenth anniversary wedding celebration. Much to Faranan’s shock he accepted.

Zaraphal was prepared for a Kings welcome. Decorations lined the great hall and great feasts were prepared. King Olut and his court arrived and were escorted to their chambers. There they stayed until the start of the feast.

King Olut was given a seat of honor at the table. He graciously accepted. He was introduced to his grandsons, Harcos was eight, Medve, five, and two year old Faracam who had to be coaxed with sweets to change from the puppy he appeared as to a little boy so that he could properly meet his grandfather.

King Olut was kind to the children and granted each of them presents from his kingdom. Harcos was granted a magic quill, enchanted to turn into a sword when needed, Medve was given a wand, which could heal both plant and animal, little Faracam was given a pendant, which could open a portal to the Brightlands or the Darklands, the lands of the Sidhe. Throughout the presentation of gifts, Olut remained pleasant, almost forcedly so.

The children accepted their gifts and in turn presented their grandfather with displays of their powers. Harcos performed a composition he had written at the age of six entitled “Ode to my Grandfather” and concluded by defeating the Royal Quarter Master in a challenge of wooden swords and shields. Medve displayed his power of Wildspeak and had his animal companions perform complex movements and feats of dexterity. Faracam, with much coaxing from his mother, proceeded to change into a variety of forms and beasts, finishing to a crescendo of laughter when he appeared as a decidedly large-nosed, goblin-like version of his older brother Harcos.

A feast of reindeer, lamb, and salmon followed the recitation of the Luvata Kansa. After dinner came the mead and beer followed by the guest presentations and toasts. The toasts to the King and Queen were many and the following conversation and entertainment lasted for hours.

Olut and his court consumed large amounts of both mead and beer and, by the end of the evening were becoming quite loud. Through out the course of the evening scathing comments could be heard from Olut about Morathel and Faranan. Later at night the intoxicated Olut was unbearable.

At the end of the evening Morathel proposed a toast to Faranan and thanked her for their ten years together. He vowed his love and eternal devotion to her and their children. With tears in his eyes, he recounted the tale of their meeting.

At the end of the tale Olut was visibly angry. In a rage he slammed his fist drunkenly on the table and started shouting, attacking Morathel, calling him a half-breed who childishly fell for his daughter’s magical charms. Morathel responded by defending Faranan. Olut threatened to claim the children and take them to his kingdom, where their mortal lives could be salvaged.

Upon hearing the threat, High Lord Knight Assilomar grabbed his sword, the famed Moradan, and lunged across the table taking a guarded stance in front of the children. He declared that the children would not be taken. Olut’s court erupted into action, grabbing their weapons they prepared for the worst. Accusations flew like arrows. The argument was a court on court shouting match.

Olut looked at his sons Celtios and Hiiri and said that they had a choice to make, either come home to Olut’s kingdom of Vaalea in the Brightlands, or stay forever banished in the mortal realm. Celtios and Hiiri stood behind the children. Bending over they picked up Medve and Faracam and, leading Harcos by the hand took up a position behind Morathel. Their choice was made. They had chosen to stay in the Shadowlands.

Olut was outraged. Grabbing his sword he lunged onto the table and threatened to take the children by force if necessary. Morathel drew his sword and proclaimed that any action against his family would result in a war to end all wars. The respective courts drew their weapons and prepared for battle.

Faranan leapt with great agility on to a table in the center of the room. She called to her father and husband to stop the argument. The candles in the room dimmed and she glowed with an internal light that threatened to swallow up the very castle itself. All movement and noise ceased. Her very words stopped time. She told both sides that the argument would end now.

King Olut started to speak and was quickly silenced by Faranan. She told King Olut that she was a queen in the Shadowlands this was her home and that it was he who had deserted her. She went on to say that Morathel was a fine husband and father and even though apparently quick to anger, a jab that made Morathel flinch he had loved her and was devoted to her as she was to him. She told her father that he and his court was to leave her kingdom on the morrow. She then gathered up her sons and dismissed them from the feast.

King Olut and his court left the following morning never to return. Faranan and Morathel forever feared that the King would return and seize his grandchildren. As such, extra guards were placed by their bedchambers at night.

The Quest for the Lost Stone of Malinaugh

The next few years were ones of growth for Morathel and his family. Soon the three brothers welcomed a younger sister, Haltia the Pure, and the family was complete. The Children grew and matured. Harcos became a fine man and strong leader. Medve left to train with the Silver Legion, and Faracam started his training in the art of high magics. Little Haltia was gifted with the power of the Walk, the ability to move through the forest at an astronomically high speed. At the age of ten she started her training in the armies scouts and quickly became proficient.

On a trip to the northern elven kingdom of Innos Halal eighteen-year-old Harcos met the elven Princess Makea Alatan and fell deeply in love. Like his father before him his love was complete and total. Four for years they courted until, on bended knee in front of the Alatan Court Harcos proposed. Makea accepted and the wedding was planned. They would marry in the early spring in the great hall of Karsia Castle, on Lake Kostaa.

The day before the wedding, representatives from the surrounding lands came bearing gifts for the bride and bridegroom. Sitting on living thrones in the elven ballroom visitors by the hundreds filed through to see the future King and Queen of the Kaurathel and Haran and Harni of Innos Halal, and present them with treasure and riches. The representatives entered, bowed and placed their gifts at the feet of the soon-to-be-wed. The dwarves of Eltor Paksu brought chests of gold. Barbarians from Farkasember brought rich furs and weapons made of bone. The hoblings from Seannaught brought a stout called Kaurathi Gold, the hoblings from Briar Hollow brought their famed Kaurathi Red Tea, and the Sidhe of the northern Surullinen brought flasks of Faery Wine.

Midway through the day a cloaked figure bearing the Flag of the Messenger entered and knelt before Harcos and Haltia. Reaching into a satchel he brought forth a bound and bloodied cloth bundle. Unwrapping the cloth he laid out the black and white flag on the marble at the Prince’s feet. It was the flag of Zoradieth.

Harcos stood and praised the messenger asking him if the Dark Lord was dead? The Messenger rose and lowered its hood revealing a creature with crimson skin, pointed ears, and deep black hair. Locking eyes with the prince the creature said that Zoradieth was not dead, on the contrary he was alive and more powerful than ever, and he was raising an army the like of which had never been seen. He said that the Dark Lord had sent him under the Flag of the Messenger to present a gift, word that the Vision of Zoradieth was true, and a banner of Zoradieth the Eternal, soaked in the blood of a Stag, one of the magical beasts of Kaurath.

Harcos stood and drew his blade and started for the Messenger as Makea caught him. She reminded him that to slay a courier traveling under the Flag of the Messenger was against the Tenants of War. Harcos sheathed his blade and gave the creature a message to deliver to the Dark Lord. He told the Messenger that the line of Morathel was eternal and that his master would be hunted down and destroyed like the dog he was. Bowing, the creature bid Harcos’ leave, gathered up the Flag of the Messenger, and left.

The following day, after the ceremony Harcos told his father and mother of the visit from the messenger. That night, they met discussed the threat. By morning a plan had been devised. The heroes of Kaurath, would quest for the Lost Stone of Malinaugh. Malinaugh had brought fourteen pair of stones from Dracosydan, thirteen were used to capture and imprison the Beyrzars. One remained hidden, guarded for eternity by the Razioch, Malinaugh.

The following month Morathel bid farewell to his heroes as they set off in search of their goal. Crown Prince Harcos and Crown Princess Makea prepared for the worst. Harcos knew his father’s devotion to his subjects. He knew that soon the good King Morathel would follow in his heroes’ footsteps and search for the salvation of his kingdom.

A King’s Devotion

Years passed and no sign of Malinaugh or his stones were found. Morathel and Faranan order the training of more forces and prepare to leave to rally their heroes and lead in the quest. Harcos and Makea are declared King and Queen Regent of Kaurath. On a rainy morning Morathel and Faranan bid farewell to their family and to each other. The Quest of the King had begun. Morathel would be heading toward the Tontuuel peaks with a small guard, Faranan would be heading to the barbarian Kingdom of the north, and Faracam the Changeling would enter the Mountains of the south.

The Promise of Harcos

Harcos and Makea soon found themselves with child. Makea gave birth to a strong little girl whom they called Tiszta. Tiszta was a cunning child who was better with a blade than with diplomacy. Though she appeared elven she possessed the aging properties of her father and powers of her grandmother Faranan. The little girl grew at the same rate as a human until she grew into maturity at which time, like her father, the aging process would slow. Tiszta was Sidhe. She could summon the powers of the Brightlands and travel freely in the gloaming.

Decades passed and Little Tiszta was betrothed to a Forest Lord of the Valkea named Mabanikar. Faranan returned from the north for her granddaughter’s wedding. Upon arriving at Zaraphal, she told her son that the Barbarians were sending a host to establish a northern watch and the draconic race known as the Wyvernoth had build a great wall called Etelamuuri and sealed the Etela Pass from the Southern Wastes. She would have to leave again to travel to the Surullinen to rally her people, but would stay for the wedding and a few months after with her children and grandchildren.

The wedding was elegant. Tiszta, mischievous as a child, was more so as an adult. At the reception after the wedding she played practical jokes on her new husband and his family, who in turn, returned the gesture. Much drink and dancing ensued and the great hall was more reminiscent of a very elegant tavern and public house than a ballroom in the castle in the capitol of the kingdom. The party died down and guests started to become sleepy and quite drunk, until at last, Tiszta and Mabanikar bid farewell to their family and retired for the night.

Months passed quickly and Faranan savored every second of it. Harcos was a true king, kind and just. Medve had grown into a man obsessed with duty to his people. Faracam, back from the south, never lost his playful nature. Haltia grew into a beautiful woman who devoted her life to the study of healing. Faranan’s children had grown into fine leaders. She only wished that Morathel were there to see it.

Faranan had not seen Morathel in thirty-four years. He had taken up permanent residence at the front and had refused to see her. Though he wrote to her daily professing his love he bid her not to come to see him. He could not explain why, he could only state that it was for the good of the land.

A rider from the front lines entered Zaraphal and delivered Faranan an letter and a bundle. Faranan read the letter and called her family to court. Holding the letter and a parcel from her husband she told the court that the battle was imminent and the fronts were forming. She continued stating that King Morathel has decided to personally lead the main defense on the Plains of Uljas. He has a host of dwarven warriors from Eltor Paksu as well as militia of Gythainen, a race of Lizard creature from the swamp of Valkeadier. The war was about to begin and Harcos must lead his people to safety. Faracam was to attend his father on the front, Medve was to travel with a small band of Silver Legion and escort his mother to the Surullinen. Haltia was to organize and oversee the production of healing elixirs and alchemy. Finally, bowing her head, Faranan said that Morathel and she were abdicating the throne. The coronation of Harcos and Makea were to happen immediately and following the war, Morathel and Faranan would take up residence in the castle of Brianoch on the south western edge of the Dragonspine Mountains.

Taking a deep breath she placed the letter down and slowly unwrapped the reindeer fur wrapped parcel. Everyone in the room stood perfectly still. Lying in the center of the fur was the blade of Morathel, weapon of the ancients, the legendary sword Fendreil. Lying at the pummel of the blade was a note scrawled on a piece of sheepskin.

“My Son, My King,

This is the sword of the ancients. It has served me well, may it now serve you until the end has passed. What is found shall be lost and found again. This is the way my dreams have dictated our fate. So let it be done my son.

Morathel”

The court was in awe. The great Monarchs Morathel and Faranan had stepped aside so that their son could rule. The tone of the letter was one of finality. Morathel spoke as if, in his dreams he had known something of the coming days. As the new King of the Kaurathel raised the legendary Fendreil the court knew, Morathel would die defending his kingdom.

The Dark Horizon

The assault began in late summer. First smoke on the horizon and then the sight of open flame. The Dark Lord was burning the forests and fields as he and his dark host marched. Zoradieth had raised an army of creatures that numbered in the tens of thousands. The very ground shook with their footsteps. Morathel and his heroes put their courage to the sticking-place and prepared for the attack.

The Peacemakers failed and the war raged through the summer at a stand still. A western front was established and reinforcements came. The Barbarians from the north came and joined the western forces, the draconic Wyvernoth left Etelamuuri and joined the forces in the south, and Mabanikar gathered his armies of fae and dispersed along the front.

The fall passed into winter and the fighting continued at a standstill. The armies of Morathel were wearing thin. He knew that the resistance would fall. His heroes had not returned with word of the Lost Stone of Malinaugh and he and Korlin had failed in finding their location.

Zoradieth’s forces were replenished daily and less and less of Morathel’s armies were returning from Resurrection. Hordes Zoradieth’s creatures were arriving daily, each stronger than the one before it. The battle at the front had been decided.

On a cold evening in February the stalemate broke. Zoradieth’s new wave of creatures erupted from the frozen earth behind the lines of Morathel’s armies. Thousands died. The tides had turned.

The war raged on as the Dark Lord’s armies marched forward toward the capitol city of Jokainen and the castle of Zaraphal. The Vision of Zoradieth was coming to fruition. The Dark Lord’s armies slaughtered all who got in their way. They were burning and poisoning the lands they conquered. This was not a war of conquest. This was a war of extermination.

The Goodbye

King Harcos received word from his father that Zoradieth’s forces had broken through the line and were marching on Jokainen. Faracam had infiltrated the Dark Army when they had broken through and was currently moving with them. His father bid him farewell and had charged him with a task. He was to deliver his goodbyes to his wife and children. Morathel was going to destroy the Dark Lord Zoradieth. Harcos knew his father would never return.

King Harcos had not seen his brother Medve or his mother in months. The risks of going to the Brightlands to see King Olut were great. If they made it to see his Grandfather there was no guarantee that Olut would ever allow them to leave. Harcos feared that he would never see his mother and brother again. Faracam was somehow traveling with the Dark Army, most likely in the form of a dog or some other animal. Haltia was healing the wounded and resurrecting the dead. She would be the only one who would hear her father’s letter.

The Good News and the Preparations of War

Over half of the Surullinen forest south of what is now the Swamp of Valkadier had been burned to the ground, its scorched skeletal trees ground into ash by the footsteps of thousands of Zoradieth’s creatures. The smoke on the horizon was so thick at times that the sun never shown through. The kingdom was in total darkness for months and ashen rain often fell on the capitol city.

Prince Mabanikar had returned blackened by soot and bloodied. He had recuperated for a brief time and by March Princess Tizsta was expecting. This happy event did little to ease King Harcos fears. Zoradieth was on the move and his kingdom was quickly falling. The Dark Army would be at Jokainen by November. For months Harcos prepared for the long siege.

King Harcos prepared the city for an extended attack, he would not allow for his heir to be destroyed by the Dark Army. The Warriorbard rallied what troops he could and set them as an advanced guard. Fae archers, led by Prince Mabanikar took stances at the gates of Jokainen waiting for the Dark Armies to arrive. The child would be due by December.

The Year of the Purge

In early April, Morathel’s army, in a last desperate attempt to stop the forces of Darkness tried to reestablish a front at the walled village of Omena. Morathel ordered his forces to dig trenches and establish a wall of parapets. Sidhe trappers rigged the surrounding forests with explosive and gas traps and the elves of Innos Halal formed units of mounted archers to strafe the oncoming Darkness.

Soon both armies fell upon each other. Thousands of Dark Creatures died and the armies of Morathel lurched forward. The Darkness was stopped and the forces of Morathel held strong. The war had stalled and for two months the tides appeared to be turning.

Late June arrived and the Dark Army pushed through the line. Jumping on Korlin, Morathel rode hard, bounding over the heads of the Dark Army and heading straight for its leader. He rode for hours over the Darkness and flames until at last he saw Avorocain the walking castle of the Dark Lord.

The castle was make from solid granite and moved forward above the burning Surullinen on spider-like legs. The entrance to the castle was a platform forty feet above the scorched embers of the forest. Korlin, though a magical beast and possessed of supernatural strength could not leap as high as the platform. Morathel looked and saw the Dark creatures of Zoradieth stretched on for miles trampling all beneath their ironclad feet. Soon they would be on him and his life would be over.

High above Morathel a giant eagle circled and dove, grabbing him by his armor. Taking flight, the giant raptor lifted him off of the ground and deposited him on the platform high above. The bird then landed and changed into the form of his son, Prince Faracam. Together they entered the castle fighting.

Morathel and Prince Faracam fought their way into Avorocain. Deep in the center of the castle, they entered the throne room of Zoradieth. The Dark Lord had been waiting for them. Within the throne room was the pinnacle of his creations, the feared race called the Choromath.

The Choromath attacked Morathel and Prince Faracam. The struggle was massive and bloody; father and son fighting back to back in a battle for both their Kingdom and their lives. Prince Faracam fell. His body was dragged from the melee and devoured by the Choromath. He did not resurrect.

Morathel, seeing his son’s body ravaged by Zoradieth’s creatures, flew into a murderous rage. The Choromath attacked but were being cut down faster than they could be healed. Soon the room began to flood with the blood of the fallen.

Zoradieth fled the room and ran to his walking citadel’s tallest tower. Morathel quickly dispatched the last of the Choromath and gave chase. Covered in blood and nearing exhaustion the legendary Morathel fell further behind the Dark Lord.

At the top of the tower Morathel came across a large gilded door bearing the skeletal face of a stag. Pushing open the giant door he entered and was immediately taken aback. Lining the walls of the chamber were the shields and banners of his heroes, long since rusted and worn. Sorrow overcame him. Scanning the room he saw the Dark Lord standing in front of a large glass case. Zoradieth turned to face Morathel, smiled, and stepped sideways to reveal the contents. There in its glass lined coffin, was the dried, mummified body of Malinaugh.

Rage drove out the sorrow and Morathel lunged at the Dark Lord. Zoradieth dodged and reaching into his robes brought forth the Lost Stone of Malinaugh. He spoke the name of Morathel and a great light filled the room. The light diminished. Morathel was gone, trapped forever in the Lost Stone of Malinaugh. The Year of the Purge was nearing its end. The Kingdom belonged to the Darkness.

The Escape of the Little Prince

In Early November Quinos Arathi, leader of the armies of Innos Halal, approached Zaraphal hours ahead of the Dark Army. He was riding Korlin and bore word of the slaughter of the forward defense and of Morathel’s heroics and ultimate demise. King Harcos hid his devastation and asked that for the sake of morale his troops not be told until the battle was over.

The Dark Army attacked. The Castle of Avorocain could be seen in the distance raised on its spindly legs. Deep inside the castle, the Dark Lord Zoradieth turned the Stone of Malinaugh over in his hands and smiled. Jokainen would fall, Zaraphal would be destroyed and his former nemesis’ seed would be purged from Kaurath forever.

In the capitol city of Jokainen, in the castle Zaraphal, King Harcos was in a meeting with his advisors when he received the news that his daughter’s water broke. He rushed from the meeting chambers and summoned Princess Haltia, to attend her. Deep in the hidden dungeons of Zaraphal preparations had been made for this event. Princess Tiszta was taken to the safe room and Princess Haltia soon joined her when a loud crash echoed through Zaraphal. The eastern wall of Jokainen had collapsed. The Dark Army was now within the city.

The forces of Jokainen were quickly falling to the Dark Army. Avorocain could be seen in the distance start to lurch forward on its arachnid legs. Choromath flooded through the city killing all in their way and setting buildings alight. Soon they arrived at the walls of Zaraphal.

Hundreds died at the hands of Zoradieth’s menace while below Zaraphal’s towers Princess Tiszta was in labor, the Heir of Harcos on its way into a war-ravaged world. King Harcos and Prince Mabanikar left the birth and headed to assist in the reinforcement of the gates.

The Castle of Avorocain lumbered over the corpse of Jokainen and collided with the walls of Zaraphal tearing large cracks in its blue granite face. Huge rams mounted on the side of Avorocain slammed hard on the side of Zaraphal. The wall crumbled under the onslaught. Zoradieth and his Choromath were now within the heart of the castle.

King Harcos and Prince Mabanikar led a unit of Silver Legion to the breach. The battle was hard and fierce yet in the end the forces of Harcos were no match for the Darkness. The King and Prince were dead.

Deep in the dungeons of Zaraphal Princess Tiszta was deep into labor. Accompanied by Princess Haltia and Queen Makea the last of the monarchy waited desperately for the heir to be born. Princess Tiszta screamed as a spasm wracked her body. Soon after a head appeared and then a shoulders soon Princess Haltia was holding a strong baby boy who was named Veszithios. Princess Tiszta screamed again. Another child was coming. Tiszta was having twins.

From the upper chambers shouting could be heard and soon blood could be seen dripping from the ceiling. The battle was raging above and within moments they would find the entrance to the hidden chambers. In a moment of terror footsteps could be heard outside of the door to the room. Everyone froze save for the agonized mother. The lock on the door unlatched and it swung open. Standing in the doorway, above the threshold stood a tall powerful man dresses from head to toe in pure white robes and a white fur mantle. From his forehead two stag-like horns bordered a deep blue crystal.

The room filled with an air of quiet calm. The Man-beast stepped forward and reached for the newborn child, dressed it in swaddling clothes and held him close to his chest. Looking over the assembled monarchs the beast spoke. In a deep calming voice he said that he was the servant of Morathel and his people and that he was here to save the heir. A unit of Silver Legion remained in the forests to the east of the city and awaited him and the child. He could not save the family, but the line of Morathel would rule again.

A large crash shook the castle. Footsteps and light could be heard at the top of the stairs. The secret chambers had been found. With great emotion and a palpable sense of despair, the man-beast bid farewell. With tears in his eyes he held the child turned and fled from the castle and into the night.

Outside of the city the forces of the Silver Legion waited for Korlin. Soon the Stag burst through the smoke and the trees, flames licking its belly as it leapt. With the escort of the last noble Lords of the Kaurathel, Korlin and King Veszithios quietly slipped into hiding.

CHAPTER THREE

The Dark Age

After Zoradieth’s purge of the Kingdom and the destruction of Jokainen the Dark Lord and his creatures occupied the devastated wasteland for fifty-years. Korlin and the knights of the Silver Legion took King Veszithios to the legendary Kings Grove deep in the eastern ranges of the Kalivan Mountains. There they trained the young king in the arts of war and peace. Soon he would emerge from hiding and rebuild his kingdom.

As the last noble lords of the Kingdom, the Silver Legion continued to ride their giant warhorses across the ruined devastation of the vast plains of ash and bone. There they would raid and destroy the small Choromath encampments and try to instill hope in the refugees living in the outlying lands. They would not rest until Karauth was free again.

Decades passed and King Veszithios grew and matured. He was strong and just like his father and mother before him. He had been gifted with the blood of his father. He was Sidhe in nature and appearance and so would live for centuries. At the age of forty-five, King Veszithios bid farewell to his knights and rode Korlin to the lands of the north to look for a partner in which he could share his mantle of leader ship. He went in search of a Queen.

The Time of the Quest

While King Veszithios quested for a bride the peoples of the kingdom began their rebuilding. In the years of the King’s quest four major events occurred in what is now the borders of the modern kingdom. They are: the pact of Nu’ori Kansa, the War of the Dubhember, the Holocaust of Eltor Paksu, and the The War of the Vuoritontu. Though not involved in the quest for a queen, they are listed chronologically for the sake of ease in understanding.

Innos Halal and the Pact of Nu’ori Kansa

In the years since the destruction of the Kingdom of the Kaurathel, most refugees migrated north and east. One group who did not flee were the elves of Innos Halal. With their Haran and Harni dead the kingdom of the elves entered a state of emergency organization. A Haran and Harni, or king and queen, were chosen to protect and reestablish the Kingdom of the elves until the true king returned. The Haran and Harni were chosen from the heroes of the War of the Purge as it had come to be called by the elves.

Of the hundreds that fought, five elves of Innos Halal survived. The five heroes were equally suited for the task, however only two were knights of King Harcos. The declaration of Quinos Arathi and his lifemate, the beautiful and powerful Galanya occurred on a cold summer day in the year 228 ER.

Quinos and Galanya refused the titles of Haran and Harni choosing instead the titles of Taar and Taari or Regent King and Queen. Both were knights under King Harcos and Queen Makea and both felt that King Harcos and Queen Makea’s heir was the rightful Haran or Harni of Innos Halal. The Taar and Taari would lead their people until the Heir of the True Haran returned.

The Taar and Taari organized their people, knighted leaders, and established the heart of their kingdom at the castle of Innostas. The castle was abandoned at the start of the War of the Purge as the elves of Innos Halal moved south to establish camps on Lake Kostaa. After driving out the bogles and portunes which had taken up residence in the empty halls of the living castle the Taar and Taari of the elves held court and established the Pact of the Nu’ori Kansa.

The Pact of the Nu’ori Kansa stated that the elves of Innos Halal would first reestablish themselves in their homeland, after which point, as is the Innostian way, they would seek to help the Nu’ori Kansa. Literally translated, Nu’ori Kansa means “young people”. In the language of the elves, the ancient language of the Kaurathel, this term refers to the young races of Kaurath, such as the half-ogres, hoblings, and races of man.

The Pact of Nu’ori Kansa was ratified by the Lords of Innos Halal and was immediately implemented. The elven kingdom of Innos Halal was quickly reborn and soon they found themselves assisting the local peoples in the rebuilding of their farms and establishing settlements of Nu’ori Kansa on the banks of lake Kostaa. Though it is not widely talked about among the elves, the Pact of Nu’ori Kansa is widely thought of among the “young peoples” of Kaurath as the turning point in the survival of the region.

The War of the Dubhember

Little is known about the War of the Dubhember. The records of the conflict were destroyed during the Holocaust of Eltor Paksu. All that survived are tales and songs passed down from family to family.

Deep in the mines of Eltor Paksu the dwarves uncovered a deep cave. They searched the cave walls and found that it was littered with hidden doors that led to dark, well-crafted tunnels. The dwarves thought they knew all of the races of the earth, yet the craftsmanship of the tunnels did not match any style they previously knew. The cave was sealed off and guards were posted around the entrance until the creators of the tunnels could be discovered.

The dwarves feared that they had discovered the passages of the legendary Sihtehl, the dark dwarves. Eons before, the dwarves and dark dwarves were one people. The High Thanes wanted to establish trade with the outside races, the Sihtehl refused. Eventually the Sihtehl joined forces with the mining Sihteeri and a great war erupted. The war lasted for one hundred years until the heroic dwarf Oskar Danilheim led a charge to the Sihtehl caverns and drove them out of the Undermount. Since that time no Sihtehl has been seen, though cave-ins and kidnappings are often attributed to them.

If the dwarves had stumbled onto the hiding place of the Sihtehl the entire dwarven kingdom would be in danger. The High Thanes met and a plan of action was established. A dwarven host would be formed and sent to investigate each of the tunnels. Should anything be found or if the dwarves did not return, the Kingdom of Eltor Paksu would enter in a state of war.

The Host split into equal parts, and along with their trusted hounds, set off into the darkness. They never returned. The kingdom began their readying of their forces and for two weeks heavy guards were set at the mouth of the cavern.

After two weeks the hounds returned, covered in dried blood and gore. Tied to their collars with a piece of leather were bundles and notes, all bearing the same message: “The invasion forces have been destroyed. Prepare to die.” When the bundles were opened horrified gasps echoed through the chamber. Wrapped in the dirty cloths were the scalped beards of the missing dwarves.

The armies of Eltor Paksu raided the tunnels and marched for what seemed like ages. They traveled town a single tunnel until they became tired and had to stop. They made camp, established a watch, and settled in for their rest. Midway through the camp the fires died and went out. Screams erupted from the dwarf host and blood flowed freely. The dwarves fought blind for what seemed like hours.

Soon their eyes adjusted to the dim light emanating from the glowing moss on the walls. Their attackers had come from secret doors that opened from the sides of the wall. They were the size of the dwarves, about the size of a human. They had deep black skin, long pointed ears, and hair as black as soot. They did not have the gray skin and the long white hair and beards of the Sihtehl. These were not the tunnels of the dark dwarves as they had originally thought. This was an enemy none before had encountered. The dwarves had made a costly mistake. The war was on.

The dwarves that survived the first attack, and returned to Eltor Paksu told of the dark assailants. They were called the Dubhember, or dark humans. The dwarves retaliated and finally caught a small foothold in the following battle. The Dubhember were caught unawares and the dwarves broke through the secret doors and into the main complex of the dark ones.

Guerilla bands and strike forces from both sides conducted raids. Hundreds were killed or destroyed. Finally, after the daughter of the High Thane was kidnapped, tortured, and killed. A truce was called.

Through use of the mysterious race known only as the Messengers a treaty was established and signed. The High Thane of Eltor Paksu and the Davan of the Dubhember met in the original chamber and signed the treaty. Hostilities would end and the Dubhember would leave Eltor Paksu. They would go to the mountains of the south, in what is now called the Dubhember Peaks. The original chamber would be permanently sealed and the dwarves would never again enter tunnels of the dark ones. Eltor Paksu lived in relative peace for years, until a fateful visit from the fae during the Dark Age of the Kaurath set their doom upon them.

A Tale of Fire and Pride: The Holocaust of Eltor Paksu

The following tale of the fiery destruction of Eltor Paksu is a summary of the dwarf ballad entitled “A Tale of Fire and Pride”. The ballad is considered one of the few pieces of work still shared between the many dwarven descendants of the disaster and serves as a lesson to those who would be foolish enough to trust the Green Children. The song tells of a tale of dwarven conquest, of their insatiable search for gold and riches beneath the face of Tyrra and their betrayal by the Coblynau.

The race of mining fae known as the Coblynau had existed in competition with the dwarves of Eltor Paksu for centuries. The dwarves would leave offerings of beer and mushroom pie in shafts that they had claimed. The Coblynau would accept the offer and mine elsewhere. This unspoken pact had been commonplace.

One day, deep in the dwarven great hall, the Coblynau presented the dwarves with a right proper bargain. The Coblynau offered the dwarves two magical items, though they could only choose one. There choice was either a hearth that would forever produce bread, or magical picks that could mine stone as if it were made of cheese. For payment, the fae demanded all of the treasure produced by the Kingdom for one year.

The Lords of the Undermount held council and agreed that the offer was fair. In their infinite wisdom they chose the picks. More treasure would purchase more grain making the hearth but a novelty. The dwarves brought their decision to the Coblynau and the deal was made. The fae would return in one year and one day.

Eltor Paksu was well stocked and the underground farms produced more than enough grain to get the kingdom through the year. The picks made light work out of the mining and the miners finished a days labor in half the time. The miners would then return home early every night and soon many children were on the way.

For one year the dwarves mined and many riches were harvested for the fae. A chamber of untold size was created and the treasures of the Eltor Paksu were piled high. The picks worked the stone and soon the chamber quickly filled.

A year and a day later the mining stopped and the Coblynau returned. The Lords of the Undermount brought the fae to the chamber and showed them their riches. Great care was taken to ensure that not even the dust from finished gems was left out of the booty.

The fae looked pleased and then frowned. With a sly smile they said that not all of the treasure was present. The dwarves were outraged. They demanded to know why their word was challenged. The dwarves said that their picks made fine work of the mines and all of the treasure that was hewn from the stone was presented.

The Coblynau’s faces split in a wicked grin. They stated that the bargain was that all of the treasure produced by the kingdom would be presented, not just the treasure mined. Confused the dwarves asked what treasure was absent. The Coblynau replied by asking a simple question: “Do you not treasure your newborn children?” They told the dwarves that their children were produced because of the leisure time created by the picks.

The dwarves were outraged. When they reached for their picks and weapons to retaliate for the threat they found that they could not move. Faery magic held them strong. The Coblynau declared that the bargain was not met and punishment would be dealt. For the dwarves greed they would mine until they reached a stone that could not be mined. With a wave of their hand the gold and the newborn children vanished. The Coblynau then stated that their children would soon be changed into Henkies, protectors of the mining Sihteeri. They bid the dwarves farewell and with a nod vanished.

A fever overcame every dwarf. They grabbed their picks and shovels and mined for months with out rest. The miners dug deeper and deeper until the air was thick and boiling with heat. Soon the vein of fire had been opened and the stone that could not be mined came pouring in. The spell was broken and the dwarves fled their once glorious home. Cavern walls crumbled and the heart of Eltor Paksu was buried forever.

The dwarves fled, and the dwarven nations of Kaurath were formed. The dwarven gem and tin miner caste created the kingdom of Eltor Szakal, the dwarven gold and silver miner caste created the kingdom of Kulta Kerros, and the dwarven lords who agreed to the fae plot were driven from their mountain homes. They now are known as the Ahkera and are forever banished from their mountain homes.

The War of the Vuoritontu

The Ograth are a secretive people. Almost nothing is known about their culture or legends. The Ograth are self–proclaimed protectors of the forests. They are rumored to serve the fae, though that rumor is unsubstantiated. What is known is that they take trespassing in their lands very serious. After the destruction of Eltor Paksu the Ograth patrolled the foothills and borders of the mountains. Prior to the discovery of this tale no one in Kaurath knew how the Trolls became so powerful or why the Ograth all but disappeared during the Dark Age. Had it not been for the detailed investigations by Sir Ichabod Leagallow, this tale and section of history may never had been discovered.

The destruction of the mountain kingdom of Eltor Paksu created havoc in the Eltor Mountains. The collapse of the largest mountain on the range sent shockwaves through out the whole of the kingdom. The thick black smoke that belched out of the ruined dwarven halls sent Kaurath into a week of night.

During this upheaval a new and dangerous enemy emerged from the Eltor Mountains. The Troll Masters and their Vuoritontu. The trolls of Kaurath, called the Vuoritontu, or mountain goblin, were once much like the trolls of Evendarr. They were massive brutes of little intelligence that any well-seasoned adventurer could defeat. This changed with the coming of the Troll Masters.

The Ograth had long sought to contain the Trolls in the peaks and had developed powerful weapons of flame to counter their numbers. To retaliate, the Troll Masters began to breed their trolls to become more and more powerful. The Ograth would lead raids into the Eltor Mountains and conduct raids on the trolls and their masters during the day, when the trolls are at their weakest. They would wipe out whole camps of Troll Masters and their stock. At night the Vuoritontu would retaliate.

As the Ograth would develop newer, more powerful weapons the Troll Master would breed resistances for the trolls. The war raged and the forces of the Ograth were slowly diminishing. The troll masters bred more powerful beasts until eventually they became too dangerous to control and began turning on the Troll Masters.

The Ograth waged a final valiant push to destroy the Troll Masters and the Vuoritontu. The battle was great, but in the end the trolls had turned on the Troll Masters and eventually the Ograth succeeded. The remaining Troll Masters went into hiding. Trolls still stalked the mountains but rarely entered the forests. The war had ended.

The Vadoni Queen

King Veszithios searched for years for true love. His quest took him throughout the lands of the north into what is now northern Kasember and Harcos and deep in the Plains of Renszvarvas. At the age of sixty-five, though appearing only twenty he met his true love.

While traveling deep in the Plains of Renszvarvas, King Veszithios came upon a nomadic tribe of humans called the Vadoni. They were hunters and made their living by hunting the reindeer of the plains and occasionally hiring themselves out as guides to the hoblings of Seannaught.. When the reindeer would move on, so would the Vadoni.

King Veszithios rode Korlin to the outskirts of the camp when the guards of the Vadoni stopped him. He introduced himself simply as Veszithios the Kaurath and stated that he was a lone traveler in need of food and shelter and that he would pay well for hospitality. The guards agreed and escorted King Veszithios to an empty tent. The guards then collected a few sovereigns, escorted Korlin to a pasture a few yards a way from the tent, and returned to the tent to escort the traveling king to dinner.

The inside of the tent was cavernous and lined with delicate carpets of died wool. King Veszithios changed into a set of clean clothes. He then washed his hands in a basin of water that was supplied within, beat the dust out of his traveling clothes and packed them. Choosing a bedroll near the middle of the tent then laid down his pack and exited the tent.

Outside the night air was cool and crisp and King Veszithios was hungry from the long days ride. The smell of roasting reindeer and vegetables could be detected wafting on the cool night breeze. The Vadoni and a few extra travelers were assembled around a large cooking fire. Turning above the flames and embers was the carcass of a reindeer.

The meat was cut from the bone and the vegetables unburied from the coals, their clay wrappers shattered exposing the tender bulbs of roast turnips and carrots. The food was presented on the fennel trenchers made famous by the Vadoni. The King sat down and ate a rich and hearty meal, all the while exchanging stories with his fellow travelers and Vadoni hosts.

After the meal the Vadoni told stories of the great heroes, now lost on the southern Plains of Morathel as the scorched and dead lands of Allakansiel had come to be called. After the tales came dancing and eventually singing from the Vadoni Singer of the Hunt.

King Veszithios was lost in thought when she walked to the center of the assembled group. It wasn’t until she began to sing and her ethereal voice hit his ears did he notice her. King Veszithios looked at the beautiful Vadoni woman singing and fell deeply in love. Her name was Rakastaa and he had found his queen.

King Veszithios traveled with the Vadoni for two years and courted Rakastaa. They fell in love and were married in a ceremony in the northern Plains of Renszvarvas with all of the Vadoni and the Silver Legion in attendance. After the ceremony Veszithios revealed that he was King and heir of King Morathel and King Harcos and that Rakastaa was now his Queen. Together they would rebuild the kingdom that was stolen from them by the evil forces of Zoradieth.

The Vadoni became his court, the first knights of the new kingdom and the hunters of the king. They began the preparations for the rebuilding of the Kingdom of the Kaurath. The Vadoni and the Silver Legion escorted King Veszithios to the Castle of Brianoch in the southern tail of the Dragonspine Mountains. The trip took two years, and by the end of their journey, Rakastaa was with child.

The Heir of Kaurath was born in early December. The halls of Brianoch Castle had been cleaned and insulated with reindeer hides and the once bitter castle was now warm and safe. The King and Queen doted over their newborn Prince and named him Uthios after the great Regent King.

Prince Uthios grew. Like his father he was of the Otherworld. Like his mother he possessed the gift of the hunt. The little prince grew and matured into a fine and strong man and attended his father and ailing mother.

King Veszithios knew the curse of his Sidhe blood. He had barely aged a decade in the fifty years that he and Rakastaa reigned. His love for his queen was total, and he sat near her bed every day as she grew older and nearer to death.

On a cold October evening Queen Rakastaa died. She was seventy-one. King Veszithios, was devastated. He abdicated the thrown and bid farewell to his only heir. Entering the bedchamber King Veszithios walked to his Queen and lay beside her body. Though he appeared only thirty, he died a few hours later. It is said that the King of the Kaurathel had died of a broken heart.

CHAPTER FOUR

The Age of Kaurath

The coronation of the High King Uthios the Kaurath marks the beginning of the modern age of the Kaurathel. It is these few hundred years that brings us to the kingdom we know today. In this time period the Kingdom of Kaurath rises from the destroyed remnants of a once great empire, to a diverse Empire made up of many different Kingdoms all ruled by a High King. Though vast and dynamic, the new kingdom started with one man, a Stag, and a vision.

The Return of the Lost King

The coronation of King Uthios’ was held shortly after his father and mother’s death. He and his Vadoni cousins met in the great hall. He knelt before the Lords of the Silver Legion and recited the Luvata Kansa. They crowned him with the steel crown of his father and the coronation was complete.

The Silver Legion took him by the shoulder and let him into the wilderness. Unlike his father or mother, Uthios and the Silver Legion performed a ceremony binding his will to the land. King Uthios was chosen by the Stag to rebuild his kingdom. He had been chosen by the power of Korlin and the wisdom of the Razioch.

The following morning his father and mother’s bodies were burned in the way of the ancients. On a peak over looking the castle he saw Korlin. In his heart Great King Uthios knew it would be the last he ever would seeof the strong steed of his ancestors.

The fire raged into the night. Early the following morning Great King Uthios gathered the ashes of his father and mother and assembled the court. He said that he was leaving on the morrow to bring his father, the lost king, home. He declared that it was a new tradition of the Kaurath. Once the monarchs died their final death they would be burned on the pyre collected and escorted with King’s Guard to the home of the heroes and the dead. The following morning Great King Uthios bid his cousins farewell and set off with the Silver Legion for the ruined city of Jokainen and the Cemetery at Kiranoth.

Kaurath Reborn

Word soon spread through the lands that were once Grein’s Reward and Farkasember that the true king had returned and had established his reign at the ancient royal castle of Brianoch. Large migrations of Kaurathel traveled south and settled in the hills and valleys surrounding the ancient castle. The settlement came to be called New Jokainen, and was soon considered the new capitol of Kaurath.

The old provincial ties were lost and the former provinces of Grein’s Reward, Farkasember, and the eastern portion of Vieras had become the lands of Kasember. The provincial capitols of Lahja and Kahtos grew and soon became important trading centers for the kingdom, each city specializing in its own commodity. Lahja in the south traded in grains and vegetables from the areas farms and imported beer and tea from the hoblings of Briar Hollow, Kahtos in the north specialized in livestock, furs, and imports from the Vaeltaa, Vorlonal, and Ijjen of the Plains of Renszvarvas and the hoblings of Seannaught.

Through this new economy, the Kaurath started to grow and prosper and soon their power was felt through out the lands of Kasember. The people of Kaurath grew and spread north through the lands of Kesember. King Uthios was quickly rebuilding the kingdom of his people.

Praise for the Fallen

For a short time the Kaurath enjoyed their prosperity, however such success in the face of hardship caused dissent among the neighboring kingdoms. Soon bandit and brigand bands were robbing and pillaging the southern countryside. Hiding in the devastated former province of Allakansiel, now called the Plains of Morathel, the brigands would raid the farms and hamlets scattered throughout the south. In the north, rogue forces of Ijjen tribes raided the caravans and small farms scattered over the northern countryside.

The lands of the kingdom soon became a harsh and inhospitable place. Hundreds died and the Vadoni knights and Silver Legion were already spread thin. To remedy the situation King Uthios called a council of the bravest and noblest of commoners throughout the kingdom. There he presented his scheme of protection to them all; to follow the Luvata Kansa and the Tenants of War and to protect his people as knights and lords of Kaurath. Warriors and Rangers would become Knights and would use their bravery and steel to stand watch over their people. Wizards and Mages would become Lords and use their magics to protect, heal, and defend their charges. They all accepted and in the presence of King Uthios and his Silver Legion, recited the Luvata Kansa as the oath of their position.

King Uthios had a grand feast prepared honoring his new knights and lords of the Kaurath. The knights and lords assembled and King Uthios rose and prepared to speak. His new nobility sat in rapt attention. King Uthios quietly picked up his goblet and looked out over his new nobles. He then took a deep breath and addressed the room.

“We have traveled through devastation and hardship. We have died at the hands of the Darkness and have been reborn. We have lost our heroes and our path, but through it all we have found our way home. We have forged our legacy from the blood of those who died ensuring our survival as a people. And so let it be to those who have died that we sing our praise for the fallen.”

In a powerful response the knights and lords replied: “Praise to the fallen!” To this day this toast is still used. It is spoken at every feast and seasonal Meet and is considered the proper way to honor the dead.

Soon the Knights of Kaurath traveled forth and established their estates. Similar to Evendarrian Barons, these knights had the power over life and death. They had the power to write the laws and raise an army within their estate. Soon armies were raised and defenses mustered and life was returned to relative safety under their protection. For years the odd peace was held and the Kaurath grew further. A time of prosperity returned.

A Promise Fulfilled

As a relative peace settled over Kaurath, the Silver Legion prepared to move on. They addressed the king in a private meeting. Sir Esau, the leader of the Legion told King Uthios that the kingdom had been rebuilt and that their duty to their king lied elsewhere.

They said that they must return to the Plains of Morathel to begin the healing of the land after the devastation of the southern Surullinen. They said that their duty to their kingdom would not be fulfilled until the Plains were healed. King Uthios agreed and told them that they would forever possess the bond granted to their ancestors by the great King Morathel. They would be forever considered heroes of Kaurath, keepers of the Luvata Kansa, and possessors the bond of the Kings blood. Their nobility was a birthright and placed upon Esau the right to lead his people as a Prince. He could knight and lord as he saw fit and levy judgment over the skeleton of Allakansiel.

Prince Esau, told King Uthios that they were forever loyal to the Kings of Kaurath. They would not be gone forever, though. When needed they could be summoned by the true king of the Kaurathel. The Silver Legion left the following morning at daybreak and rode headlong into the Plains of Morathel.

King Uthios publicly addressed his court and told them that the Legion had returned home to heal the devastation of the War of the Purge. He then went on to say that he had never been graced with the large family of his Grandfather, King Harcos. He had never had a brother or a sister until now. He declared Esau Prince of the Kaurath, and an heir in line for the throne.

The Kingdom of Darkness

Years of a harsh peace followed and strange word came from the Ahkera workers who traveled seasonally with the reindeer herds. They spoke of settlements in their old destroyed homeland of Eltor Paksu. Which lies past the walled bridge called Siltamuuri, beyond the crumbled tower of Kulta Hazhoz, and through the Troll infested Dubhember Pass.

First they spoke of the odd campfire, then of stone buildings built from the rubble and of the barbarian hoards that had taken up residence since the destruction. The once great dwarven kingdom had become a place of ever-night. Thick black smoke rose from the lake of fire at the buried heart of Eltor Paksu. The smoke drifted skywards and was trapped by the tall surrounding peaks of the Eltor Mountains. There it hung like a blanket of night over part the buried heart.

The destruction of the Akhera settlements followed. Queen Adalisz, of the Valag, ruler of the Vaeltaa sent forces to assist the Akhera. They fought along side of the Akhera but if was of little help. Soon the former dwarven lords were driven out of their homeland.

As the displaced Ahkera left the Barrowheart, they started to tell tales of construction under the darkness of the ever night. They spoke of towers and ramparts and of groups of farmers beginning to till the small part of land still bathed in daylight. They spoke of a great tower, which they had claimed, appeared overnight.

Rumors reached King Uthios in Brianoch. Fearing that the tower signified the return of Avorocain and Zoradieth, he ordered a scouting party to travel through the Dubhember pass and investigate. They never returned.

Royal Meetings and Runaway Horses

Months past and with no word from the scouts King Uthios grew anxious. If Zoradieth was rebuilding an army he would soon march on the still vulnerable people of Kaurath. King Uthios ordered the knights and lords of his people to start raising an army. He then sent a Messenger north to the Vealtaa Valag to seek an audience with Queen Adalisz, ruler of the gypsies.

Soon the messenger returned and a meeting was established. King Uthios was to travel north to the small outpost of Kallio on the northern ridge of the Dragon Spine Mountains. There he would meet with the Queen of the Valag and negotiate.

King Uthios rode north with the Vadoni and soon arrived at Kallio a day early. They set camp on the outskirts of town and waited for the arrival of the Vaeltaa. Morning came and soon the caravan could be seen on the horizon. King Uthios and the Vadoni mounted their horses and rode out to meet the visiting Queen.

King Uthios and the Vadoni met with the Vaeltaa and rode with them to their campsite next to King Uthios’ own. King Uthios and the Vadoni helped the Vaeltaa set the tent and prepare dinner. They ate and drank together, and enjoyed the company of the Vaeltaa. After dinner they told stories and sang songs. Soon they grew weary and retired for the night.

Early the next morning, King Uthios was awoken by a crack of thunder in the valley above the camps. He stretched. As he was leaving his tent heard a distant screaming. It was early morning and both camps were quiet and still. Searching for the source of the noise King Uthios saw a horse riding out of control in the distance. Dangling from one foot, hanging from the saddle, was a little girl.

King Uthios jumped onto the nearest horse he could find and rode hard and fast toward the panicked horse. Riding alongside of it, he reached down and grabbed the child by the ankle. He lifted with her and drawing his short sword slashed at the piece of leather wrapped around her foot. He cut through the strap with ease and hefted the child into his lap. He slowed down his horse, reached into his pouch and produced a clean rag with which he offered her to clean the tears from her eyes. She took the rag. King Uthios asked her if she was hurt and in a deep Vaeltaa accent said that she was not.

King Uthios rode back sharing the saddle with the child. The camp was still quiet when he returned. He dismounted and reached for the child as he did so he saw that he was looking at little Princess Anya, heir to the Vaeltaa Valag, Crown Princess of the Gypsies.

King Uthios asked her what happened and she responded that she had wanted to go riding, but her mother’s guards would not allow it, so she poisoned them with a Sleep elixir and went for a ride. She said that the horse got spooked by the crash of thunder and took off leaving her in the state in which King Uthios found her. She pleaded with him not to tell her mother. King Uthios told her that he would not lie to the queen, however if she didn’t ask there was no reason why she would have to know. Princess thanked him, gave the good king a big hug, and ran off back to the tent of her sleeping guards.

The Treaty of Kallio

Later in the day the King of the Kaurath and the Queen of the Vaeltaa met. King Uthios gave his sympathies for her recent loss of her King who had died in a skirmish with rogue Ijjen. She responded in kind commenting him for his knighting of such just and honest nobles.

With pleasantries over they discussed the potential dangers of the new settlement in the Barrow Heart of Eltor Paksu. She agreed and soon a treaty was written and signed. The treaty, now called the Treaty of Kallio, said that groups made up of both Vaeltaa and Kaurath, would patrol the lands surrounding the Dubhember Pass. Such precautions had to be taken. There was a war brewing with the Trolls deep in the Eltor Mountains and the Sidhe of the Surullinen broke all contact with the mortals after the destruction of their southern home. Both the Trolls of the mountains and the Sidhe of the forest were powerful enemies, which threatened any party that ventured into their realm.

The Rise of the Barrowheart

The parties of Vaeltaa and Kaurath patrolled the northern Surullinen forest and the Dubhember pass. Soon they penetrated the mountains and carefully made their way unseen into the Barrowheart. They saw a vast and impressive castle, with tall stone towers rising into the eternal twilight. In the valley, on the center of the ruined valley there was a lake of fire glowing. The lake, called Lo’chellan, cast an eerie red glow over the lands beneath the blanket of smoke. Further on, they came upon the area at the edge of the blanket. Here were farms and settlements for as far as the eyes could see. They traveled further on, toward the entrance of the Dubhember pass. The pass was once the former tunnel that led to the opening at the tower of Kulta Hazhoz and Siltamuuri, long collapsed after the Holocaust of Eltor Paksu. At the entrance of the pass they saw a host of warriors standing in rapt attention. Some appeared human, others undead, and others still appeared foreign and alien to the scouts on patrol. They numbered in the hundreds and appeared as if they would be ready to battle at a moments notice.

The scouts silently left through the mountains in which they came. Only four made it to the other side. While traveling through the mountains they came across a solitary troll the likes of which they had never seen. The troll killed twenty-one of the scouts in a matter of seconds.

The four left the mountains and hunted and fished along the Lansi River. When they had enough for themselves, and enough to pay their toll through the Surullinen they headed home to presented their findings to King Uthios and Queen Adalisz. The group stopped for suppliues at Kahtos and split, two headed for Brianoch, and two headed for the plains of Rensvarvas to find the Vaeltaa Valag.

Both King Uthios and Queen Adalisz had the same response. They prepared their forces for war. King Uthios rallied his troops and established a border Guard along the banks of the Keskus River. Queen Adalisz sent her forces deep into the Surullinen, where they gathered on the eastern side of the crumbling walled bridge of Siltamuuri and waited. The kingdoms of both people grew tense waiting for the initial strike. The waiting lasted for a decade.

The Quest for Fendreil and the Long Awaited Goodbye

The waiting was intense and soon grew on the morale of the kingdom. Every month word of casualties at the hands of the Sidhe.came to the capitol city and recruitment into the armies dwindled as time went by. Those scouts that survived the wrath of the trolls reported that the build up of troops at the western side of the Dubhember pass had grown to a huge size. Legions upon legions of warriors stood at the ready in the Barrowheart.

King Uthios needed something to rally the morale of his people and lead his troops into the inevitable war. He knew what he must do. He must quest for Fendriel, the legendary sword of Morathel and Harcos.

He assembled the Vadoni and told them that they must rule in his stead as he quested for the blade of the ancients. He told them of his quest. The Vadoni feasted and drank in celebration of his bravery and foresight. He declared his cousin Kafsiya as Queen Regent and left the following morning to the Plains of Morathel and the ruined castle of Zaraphal.

The Plains of Morathel looked like a blasted, scorched wasteland. For miles in all directions lay the ancient husks of burned trees. Black ash and soot could be seen through the thin scrub and grasses. Areas of vast raw earth and charred sand spread out across the once great forest.

King Uthios would often find odd footprints and skeletons of unfamiliar beasts scattered across the landscape. At night would hear creatures lurking in the darkness and saw the dead walk as ghosts and specters across the lands. He traveled safe and slow and many times had to hide from the evils of the Plains. Goblins and packs of Kobolds prowled the nights and creatures of unspeakable evil lurked in the debris and caves during the day. He had traveled to the outskirts of Jokainen once before, when he buried his father and mother in the Cemetery at Kiranoth.

Hundreds of destroyed and ravaged villages and towns were scattered the devastated landscape. After a month of moving and hiding in the skeleton of the past kingdom, surviving on wits and luck alone, he traveled past the Cemetery at Kiranoth and came upon the burned out ruins of Jokainen.

The castle of his ancestors rose defiantly out of the ashes of the dead city. Zaraphal stood tall among the ruins of Jokainen. King Uthios knew that his grandfather, King Harcos had died wielding Fendreil in the halls of Zaraphal. Screwing his courage to the sticking place, he entered the dead city and made his way through the ruins to the castle of Zaraphal.

The city appeared deserted and showed no signs of the former occupation by Zoradieth all those years ago. It was then that he knew the Dark Lord came only to destroy the line of Morathel. Zoradieth went on a war of extermination, not conquest. When the city fell, he eliminated anyone living and left. He didn’t establish camp, or grow crops to support his army; he simply annihilated the Kaurathel, and left.

King Uthios made his was through the deserted city, over the crumbled marble thoroughfares, and into the courtyards of Zaraphal. The castles blue granite and gilded stags and gargoyles still shone with a defiant beauty. Even among the devastation and debris Zaraphal still stood as a noble reminder of King Uthios’ family legacy.

The good king carefully moved the fallen debris and entered the castle. The castle of his ancestors was in an advanced state of disrepair, moth eaten tapestries hung loosely from the faded, painted walls of the inner chambers. Few of the many stone staircases that ran an elegant spiral up the inside of the tall spire remained passable. Most crumbled under the weight of the upper walls as they were battered open three stories above them.

King Uthios drew his sword and started up the nearest passable stairs to the second floor. Skeletons of fallen heroes lined the staircase. Zoradieth’s forces left the dead where they lay their equipment still with the bodies. The blue tower was haunted with the dead of his people. Their spirits walked the halls and grounds in a tormented state. The castle Zaraphal was no longer a castle it was a tomb.

The second floor was worse than the first. The white marble floors had been stained a rusty brown by the constant flow of blood dripping from the dying soldiers during Zoradieth’s final massacre of the Kaurathel. The skeletal bodies of his ancestors were laid out on the floors. King Uthios searched for yet another staircase and again slowly crept his way further up the inside of the castle to the third floor.

The third floor was ripped apart by the forces of Avorocain’s rams. Pieces of marble and granite lined the outer walls of Zaraphal and a massive gaping wound lay in the side of the castle. Skeletal bodies were everywhere, some misshapen, others obviously those of human, elves, and half-orc.

In the center of the room lay the skeletal body of a man in rusted armor. His mummified flesh was still clinging to the body. A large gaping hole had been sliced through the man’s chest, and on its head was a thick, rust colored stain. It was the remnants of a crown.

King Uthios was staring at his great grandfather, King Harcos the Warriorbard. He knelt over his grandfather’s remains and mourned the hero he never knew. Gently, with dignity the King then delicately searched for the sword of his ancestors. He found naught but an empty scabbard. The sword of his ancestors had been stolen.

King Uthios threw caution to the wind, and gathered up the remains of the tapestries and old ancient furniture and piled it in the center of the floor. He wrapped the body of his grandfather in an old tapestry and placed him on the unlit pyre. He searched for the bodies of his other family lost in the onslaught.

King Uthios knew the location of his ancestors from the stories told to him by his father. Zoradieth had left the bodies where they lie and soon the macabre task was done. When the bodies of his ancestors were laid upon the pyre he stood back and threw the torch on the dried pile. As the sun set in the west the flames of the pyre grew stronger and higher. For one night the King of the Kaurathel had returned to Zaraphal and had reclaimed it as his own. With the first morning light King Harcos gathered up the ashes of his ancestors and buried them in the Cemetery at Kiranoth.

Like Grandfather Like Son

King Uthios left the Cemetery at Kiranoth and traveled through the Plains of Morathel, hiding by night and traveling by day. After four months of walking, with little provisions left, he came across a wide scar in the land. Sand stained black with ash and soot stretched far ahead of him. Covering his face against the blowing ash and sand he made his way into the desert.

King Uthios traveled for a day through the black desert when he came across an island of stone in the center. Burned trees stood in and among island plateau. King Uthios climbed the stones to look for water and to view the desert from a higher vantage point. At the top of the stones, in a surrounding bowl in the rock, covered in ash and soot there lay a body of a man wearing long white and red robes. He appeared recently dead.

King Uthios climbed down to the man and reached for him. When he turned him over he saw that he was just barely alive. King Uthios pulled the last of his wine from his pack and cradling the man, let him drink his fill. The man emptied the skins and soon color began to return to his cheeks. Though King Uthios knew that without the wine he would surely die in this forsaken place he knew that he would rather die so that the man could have a chance to live.

King Uthios stayed with the man that night and stood guard over his weak frame. By the early twilight of dawn the man was strong enough to stand. He thanked the good king and asked him if he would like payment for his generosity. King Uthios said that it was not necessary and that it was his privilege to help. Again, the man offered some trinket for the king’s generosity, and again King Uthios merely stated that the man’s company while traveling would be enough.

The man smiled at the king’s response and told him that his great great grandfather Morathel said the same. King Uthios was in shock and inquired how the man knew King Morathel. The man smiled with a large toothy grin and said that long ago when the King was but a young prince he had braved the unknown and entered his grove. He was a Changeling and the Guardian of the Sword of the Ancients and the Crown of Power; charged by the Green Lady herself to protect both from the corruption of the Shadowlands. They were to be granted only to those who can walk the worlds of twilight and the worlds of light. Morathel had proven worthy and claimed but one, but for King Uthios’ great sacrifice he would be granted both.

The Guardian then turned and stepped toward the stone which surrounded them, there he reached for the rock and in a language long since dead on Tyrra, spoke words of power. A door in the rock opened and light poured out into the early morn. There, resting on a golden table lay the legendary Fendreil and a simple steel circlet, the Crown of Myrdhan. The Guardian entered the stone, gathered the sword and crown, and returned as the first light of morning broke over the eastern horizon. As the light touched the stone, the door vanished.

The Guardian handed Fendreil to King Uthios, removed the King’s crown, and placed the Crown of Myrdhan on his head. Placing his father’s crown in a small sack, he handed it back to King Uthios saying that Myrdhan possessed great powers. With the crown he could walk through realms and travel safely in the Otherworld. It would allow safe travel through the Valkea and our groves. He went on to say that the Darkness it going to attack, and soon. The Guardian instructed King Uthios to place his hand upon the stone and walk through it to the Otherworld.

King Uthios could feel the magical warmth in the blade and the crown on his head grow within him. He thanked the Guardian and inquired for his name. Smiling, the Guardian replied that no one ever asked him such things before; they were too caught up in the greed that drove them to seek out the artifacts of the ancients. He smiled and said that his name was Viisachol the Keeper, Protector of the Artifacts of the Valkea.

King Uthios thanked Viisachol for his generosity and asked if he would like to accompany him home to Brianoch and join his court. Viisachol told the ageless king that he could not. His place was in the groves of power protecting that which the Fool had hunted. King Uthios told the old keeper that he would never be forgotten and would live forever in the Litany of the Kaurathel.

King Uthios turned, placed his hand upon the rock face, and stepped through. The stone washed past his face like warm water and he found himself in the Otherworld. There he traveled instinctively from glen to glen, grove to grove to Brianoch.

He walked from a wall in the great hall to the gasp and shock of all assembled. Calmly, he walked to the throne, turned and addressed the court. He said that Fendreil and Myrdhan were his, gifted to his family by Viisachol the Keeper, Protector of the Artifacts of the Valkea. He then said that the war would begin soon and we shall fight, and with the powers of the Artifacts of the Ancients, survive.

King Uthios declared that the new banners of the Kaurathel would forever fly over their people. He declared that the colors of the banner would be the Blue and Gold of Zaraphal, legendary castle of their people. Blue as the blue granite, meaning loyalty and truth, gold as the golden stags that protected Zaraphal, meaning generosity; blue a field and the gold a Gyron to represent the unity between the Kaurath and the Vaeltaa Valag. As a charge in the center would be the head of Korlin issuant from a gold crown with red felt. He went on to say that this would fly as the Pride over our forces as we meet the Darkness.

The court erupted in a mighty cheer. Flags, banners, and sir coats were made. Belt flags and sashes were sewn and distributed. Under the color of the Kaurathel’s Pride the forces stood at the ready. It was not long after that Zoradieth’s forces began their march.

The Darkness

The thundering could be heard through the Dubhember Pass, thousands of feet marching in unison. The armies of the Valag stood at the ready. The Kaurath, with Vaeltaa of lower tribes, and gangs from Seannaught and Briar Hollow stood on the eastern Banks of the Keskus River. Peacemakers of the four kingdoms were sent to wait atop the crumpled ruins of Kulta Hazhoz. As the thundering footsteps grew nearer, boulders surrounding the ruins of Kulta Hazhoz and the walled bridge of Siltamuuri began to rain down on the valley below.

The armies of the Dark Lord appeared within sight of Siltamuuri. They had been reduced in numbers due to attacks from the trolls in the Dubhember Pass, however they still appeared to outnumber the armies of the four kingdoms by three to one.

What appeared to be a human broke ranks from the Barrowheart forces and rode under the flag of the Peacemaker to Siltamuuri. Negotiations between the five Peacemakers were swift. The Peacemaker of the Darkness said that the only way for their host to quit the attack was for the Valag to remove the queen from power and abdicate their control over the Vaeltaa. They had assisted an enemy of their Master and needed to be dealt with. If they were to do this with haste the army of the Barrowheart would leave. The Peacemakers of the four said that that was not an option. The Peacemaker of the Barrowheart replied that the extermination of the Valag should commence with the setting of the sun.

The Peacemakers of the five armies rode back to their hosts. Word was quickly sent to Brianoch and the Vorlonal that Zoradieth had returned. As the sun set, a roar erupted from the ruins of Kulta Hazhoz. The second War of the Purge had begun.

The Survival of a Monarchy

The forces of Darkness swarmed over the ruins and engaged the Valag under the cover of darkness. The Valag were quickly driven back and soon regrouped at the second front along the Keskus River. The Dark Host soon arrived and a tenuous front was formed along the Keskus River. Reinforcements from the east were on their way but wouldn’t arrive in time.

Upon receiving word from the front King Uthios and Queen Adalisz placed Princess Anya in the care of Dame Kafsiya. The Vadoni knight was to place Princess Anya under heavy guard and she was to enter into hiding in the Dragon’s Spine. Princess Anya raised protest. She was no longer the little Princess that King Uthios saved all those years ago. She was a woman and a strong and powerful ranger who should be leading her people on the front.

King Uthios agreed, and told her that all she said was true, however now the safety of the Vaeltaa rested in her hands. By placing her in hiding they would guarantee the survival of the tribe of Valag, rulers of the Vaeltaa. She reluctantly agreed and left the following morning for the Dragon’s Spine Mountains.

King Uthios then suggested to Queen Adalisz that she and the remaining forces of the Valag ride south and plead for shelter in the castle of Drakon in the Vorlonal city of Vanhakard. In her stead King Uthios would have the lords of the Vadoni lead a host north to reinforce the troops at the front while he rode to Briar Hollow and Seannaught for more troops to attack the Darkness from behind. She was insulted at the suggestion claiming that to have others fight in her stead was not the Valag way. The King urged her to reconsider, but she refused. Queen Adalisz rode to the front the following morning with a host of reinforcements. She traveled north and then west. King Uthios left soon after and traveled to Briar Hollow to gather more troops. From there he would head north, up the Keskus to lead an assault from the rear.

Reinforcements

At the front, days passed and the battle raged on. Soon reinforcements from the Barrowheart arrived and marched toward the waiting army on the far banks of the Keskus River. They met the waters edge and continued to walk under the water. The troops were undead day-walkers. They emerged on the eastern banks of the Keskus and soon destroyed the line. Hundreds of dead scattered the battlefield as the armies of Darkness marched into the lands of Kaurath.

The forces of Darkness marched into Kaurath and headed north following the retreating forces of the four armies. Soon the four armies were met with reinforcements from the Ijjen and the kingdom of Vorlanal. The war waged on and both sides suffered massive casualties.

King Uthios arrived in Briar Hollow and met with their leader, the Grand Sheriff Chester Barnstead. King Uthios pleaded the Grand Sheriff for more troops. The Grand Sheriff said that he had sent all that they could spare, however should the King wish to recruit volunteers he could do so.

That night King Uthios walked onto the stage of the Glass and Spoon in the town of Linder’s Pool. There he said that anyone brave enough to join him in his charge would be greatly rewarded by his kingdom. Soon volunteers started to stand and approach the stage. He thanked them for their bravery and outfitted them with weapons and armor from local merchants.

The next morning the forces of Uthios, along with one hundred hobling conscripts, marched north, behind the enemy lines, to County Sondleton and the hoblings of Seannaught. There he met with their leader, the Grand Foreman Padrick Turlough in the upper rooms at the Scally and Scalp in Sondleton. He again asked for more forces and again he was denied. King Uthios then mentioned that that was the same response he received from Briar Hollow. Within minutes the Grand Foreman sent word out to the Public Houses of the county seats and soon gangs of Seannaught arrived to assist the good king.

First to arrive were the Sondleton Scallies, Gang of County Sondleton, followed by the Ballyburr Brawlers, Gang of County Borrdeigh and finaly the Tomb Skullduggery, Gang of County Cran. Within a day other gangs and adventuring companies arrived to show up the Briar Hollow volunteers. Within a week the armies size had reached double what it was when they left Brianoch.

The army marched in the early morning toward the rear guard of the Barrowheart forces. Spirit and morale was high. King Uthios, was confident that he would be victorious over the forces of Darkness. Last word to reach Seannaught was that the front had been broken, but and had retreated into Vorlanol, where they had been met with reinforcements of the Ijjen. The front had reformed and the forces of Barrowheart were suffering massive casualties.

The Pride of the Kaurath, and of the gangs of Briar Hollow and Seannaught were held high as the troops marched onward. The many banners flew proudly and defiantly over the forces of the free kingdoms. They knew that they could be beaten and bloodied, but that the legacy of their people would live on; the purge would be stopped.

The Scattered Darkness

Within a month after marching from Seannaught, King Uthios’ forces met the rear line of the Barrowheart army. The forces of the Barrowheart were beginning to fall under the might of King Uthios and the powerful Fendreil. Thousands of Barrowheart warriors fell and rose every night for three nights after they were cut down. King Uthios would slaughter all in a brigade, retreat, and wait for nightfall to clean up the returning undead.

After months of battle, the leader of the Barrowheart forces could be seen in the distance. The evil commander was nicknamed Lord Droch by the hoblings after a character in a popular hobling children’s story. The derogatory name stuck and soon the Seannaught pipers were playing the Dirge of Lord Droch during the battles. Rallied by the success the troops had been having they fought on and on until they had slaughtered the guard personal guard of Lord Droch. The evil commander had escaped, but the point had been driven to heart. The Kaurath would defeat the Darkness and drive it back to the Barrowheart.

The Last

In a desperate attempt to complete their mission, splinter brigades from the forces of Darkness broke off and fought to rout out and destroy the forces of the Valag, often bypassing other tribes to do so. Soon many members of the Valag met their final death at the hands of these groups. In time the Queen her self was routed and killed by the suicide squads. Over the course of the yearlong battle, the numbers of Valag had diminished to less than a hundred. In time the remaining Valag’s spirits grew weak. The end of the tribe would come soon.

With the forces of King Uthios pushing hard to the west, Lord Droch personally led attacks against pockets of remaining Valag. Reinforcements of Vaeltaa, Vorlonal, Ijjen, and Kaurath poured in to support the dying tribe, but it did little help. The Valag refused to enter hiding deciding it better to fight to extinction than allow others to fight in their stead. Soon Lord Droch’s forces routed and destroyed the last pocket of Valag, the Queen fled to the lands of Vorlonal. Lord Droch marched the remnants of his troops after her, slaughtering all who stood before him to reach his goal.

The Vorlonal suffered massive casualties at the hands of the Dark forces. Soon the Vorlonal hid the Queen, of the Valag in Drakon Castle in Vanhakard. The forces of Darkness surrounded the castle and Lord Droch, leader of Zoradieth’s army, ordered the Necromancers to raise the dead to supply fodder for the fight.

King Uthios and his forces collected broken and wandering bands of Vorlonal, Ijjen, and Vaeltaa and rallied them to the fight. Gaining strength and growing in morale daily, the good king marched on Drakon Castle until Lord Droch’s army was surrounded. The battle lasted for a month and at the end both sides suffered heavy casualties, but King Uthios never broke the siege against the Darkness.

During an intense battle, King Uthios felt a deep sense of loss in his heart. The feeling of remorse was so great that the King almost fell of his horse. Soon after the Barrowheart forces broke and King Uthios ordered a charge. Hundreds of the Barrowheart were slaughtered.

King Uthios charged down the host and saw a group of large fast warhorses riding hard and fast south toward the Plains of Morathel. King Uthios and his guards turned their horses and rode after the fleeing figures. The gap soon closed and King Uthios could see that it was the evil Lord Droch and a groups of his forces. The fleeing invaders were cought and a great fight ensued. King Uthios leapt from his horse, Fendreil held high above his head. The blow from Fendreil hit Lord Droch firmly on the shoulder killing him instantly. His upper body slid free from the lower half and was trampled by the rushing mounts. Soon the remaining forces of Darkness were hunted down and destroyed.

When King Uthios reached Drakon he was in shock. A large hole was torn into the castle. It was similar in size to the gaping wound of Zaraphal. Entering the castle he found few survivors. He made his was through to the throne room and was in shock at what he saw. In the center of the floor was the Formal Magic circle, at its center were two bodies. King Uthios ran to the nearest body and roll him over. It was King Taivuu, King of the Vorlonal. Covering the dead monarch gently he moved on to the next, it was Queen Adalisz. Both had been ritually obliterated. They had met their permanent death.

King Uthios had proven himself to be the great leader of his people. The second War of the Purge was over but at a great cost. Princess Anya was the last of her tribe, the last of the Valag.

The Treaty of Vahnakard

The war had cost a terrible price. In the end two monarchs were permanently dead, and the ruling tribe of Vaeltaa had almost been annihilated. Zoradieth had returned and had proven that he was as strong as ever. He could attack at any time and the people of the five Kingdoms must be ready.

King Uthios, who suffered the least destruction and loss, lead the rebuilding of the kingdoms and soon his heroics and generosity were legendary. He placed Princess Anya under the protection of the Vadoni until the tribes of Vaeltaa had returned to her. He ordered the rebuilding of Castle Drakon and soon there after was an honored guest of Prince Valdoz when the heir of the Vorlonal thrown was crowned king. He had opened up the lands surrounding Briar Hollow and gave every family that assisted twenty acres each. The hoblings of Seannaught, for their generosity, were given the surrounding royal wheat fields and royal orchards of the north.

On a warm July day a meeting of the Five leaders was arranged in the rebuilt Castle Drakon at Vanhakard. In attendance was King Uthios the Kaurath, Queen Anya of the Valag, King Valdoz of the Vorlonal, Grand Sheriff Chester Barnstead and Grand Foreman Padrick Turlough. Together they debated and entered into negotiations for a week. Queen Anya had suggested they form a union. They would each remain sovereign nations and operate as they saw fit, but would all declare and serve a High King of the Kaurath, as the peoples of the lands had come to be called. She then nominated King Uthios and his line to take over as High King of the Kaurath.

A roar of agreement filled the room from all in attendance. King Uthios rose and very calmly said that he did not agree with the proposal and that tyrants were born in such ways. He declared that a counter balance had to be issued to keep the high king honest. He proposed that a meeting would be held once every season so that the High King could sit and hold council with the Kings of the sovereign nations. The sovereign leaders would then debate and cast votes on issues important to Kaurath. After which time the High King had the power to accept or deny any ruling from the council. All agreed and the treaty was drafted and signed. King Uthios rode back to Brianoch as High King of the Nations of Kaurath.

The Love of an Ageless King

High King Uthios had given Queen Anya chambers in Brionoch from which she could rule her people. The young Queen found that she had grown very fond of the High King in the years that followed the war and soon discovered that she was deeply in love with the ageless monarch. He would often turn her away or ignore her all together, catching glances and shy hellos from the monarch in the halls of Brianoch. She found that the great and mighty ruler of the Five Kingdoms was terminally shy in matters of the heart. As was they way of her people, she took it upon herself to win the High King.

Queen Anya gently pursued King Uthios for a year. At last the monarch swallowed his fear and gave into the beautiful queens requests and attended her for a private dinner. They ate and spoke late into the night.

At the end of the evening King Uthios stood to leave, Queen Anya stood with him and approached him, gently taking his hands in hers. Looking into his eyes she told him that she had fallen deeply in love with the High King. The King flushed deep red with embarrassment and starting to shake with nerves. The hero of the Five Kingdoms began to stutter a mangled response. Leaning closer, Queen Anya asked for King Uthios to repeat what he had said. This only caused the High King’s heart to beat faster and for his color to darken to a deep crimson. The queen then leaned in to kiss him. The high king quickly pulled away.

He told her that he loved her with all of his being, but he had seen his mother grown old and die while his father stayed forever young. He said that he could not bear it if it happened to them. Smiling she took his hands and looked at him until their eyes met. She said that she was not worried, that he had saved her twice before and that he would save her again. Leaning closer she kissed him, the High King did not pull away. He had given in to his heart.

The King and Queen were married in a ceremony in the outpost of Kallio. The leaders of the Five realms were in attendance and the celebration lasted deep into the night. The Kingdom of Kaurath been granted a High Queen and had doubled in population. King Uthios had become the King of the Vaeltaa.

The Wise

High King and Queen Uthios and Anya returned to Brianoch and after a few months, High Queen Anya was expecting. Preparations were made and healers and midwives were called in. The High Queen gave birth to a young prince, with High King Uthios by her side. He looked down at his wife and child with deep love and admiration. Brushing the hair from his wife’s forehead he told her the full story of his quest for Fendriel. He told her of his discovery of the old man and of his promise. Queen Anya smiled and told her husband that the name Viisachol was an ancient name that was derived from the ancient Vaeltaa word Viisas, meaning the Wise. She said that Viisachol meant wise one and would be a wonderful name for her first born.

Years passed and it was found that the little Prince was a fast study. As he grew and matured he specialized in the art of tactics and war. At his mother’s request, Prince Viisachol was taught the ways of his subjects. He was taught to respect the cultures that made up Kaurath. At the age of fifteen, Prince Viisachol was sent to study with the finest teachers in the Five Kingdoms. When he returned at twenty-one Crown Prince Viisachol was a noble and just man

The Order of Korlin

In the decades that followed the attack of Lord Droch, High King Uthios and Crown Prince Viisachol, developed an elite order to act as an army of the High King. Called the Order of Korlin, they reported to the High King and marched as his personal army during wartime. They were trained and supplied with the best training and equipment the High King could find. After fifteen years of training they were considered the greatest and bravest heroes in the land.

The Order of Korlin led the watch of the Barrowheart. They were trained in hiding from the dangerous Sidhe in the northern Surullinen Forest and of how to deal with them when they were spotted. They were trained in combat against the trolls of the Dubhember Pass and would often spend long weeks on watch in and among the Eltor Mountains. They infiltrated the Barrowheart and walked in secret through the cities of undead and brigands that fill the evil empire of Zoradieth. They were well versed in negotiation and diplomacy and acted as ambassadors to the elven nations of Innos Halal and Keskaur, and the dwarves of Eltor Szakal and Kulta Kerros. The Order of Korlin acted as the King’s Representatives in the Five Kingdoms. They served as national leaders of regional forces. It is because of the order of Korlin that the Kaurath survived to this day.

A Rain of Spells and Arrows: The Guard at Siltamuuri

Word reached Brianoch that the Barrowheart had mounted forces at the mouth of the Dubhember Pass. Hundreds massed at the entrance of the pass. The order of Korlin, led by High King Uthios stood tall against the darkness at the walled bridge of Siltamuuri.

Lord Droch marched his troops through the Dubhember Pass. Hundreds died at the hands of trolls inside the pass. With half of his troops surviving, Lord Droch reached the entrance of the Dubhember Pass. As before, Peacemakers were sent and again a reasonable solution could not be found. The Peacemakers returned and the armies waited for war.

A deafening roar sounded from the valley below and the armies of Zoradieth charged. Casters and archers from the Order of Korlin started to rain spells and arrows down on the forces of the Barrowheart. The army of Lord Droch was quickly decimated. Those who survived retreated through the Dubhember pass to almost certain death at the hands of the trolls.

Inspired by the victory, High King Uthios ordered that Siltamuuri be rebuilt with the stones and debris from the original walled bridge and the destroyed tower of Kulta Hazhoz. The High King hired stonemasons from Eltor Szakal and laborers from Seannaught and Briar Hollow. Soon Siltamuuri grew and reformed into a huge impenetrable structure.

Siltamuuri is set between two steep cliffs and spans across the canyon walls of the Dubhember Pass. Large bonfires are set on either end to ward off the constant troll menace. The Kings Watchtower is the highest point on Siltamuuri and reaches a towering fifty feet off of the valley bellow. The wall is a large curved semicircle wall bows inward allowing archers in turrets near the bonfires the ability to fire at any forces scaling the face of the forty foot high wall.

Housing for one hundred and fifty soldiers and fifty commanders is located within the wall itself and can be sealed via magical means to protect those within should the wall become overrun, which can and does happen. Within the living area are common rooms, kitchens, and a great hall for feasting and tactical meetings. The eastern face of the wall lies one mile from the Lansi River. A guard station was established. The support town of Deathach, which is the ancient hobling word for smoke, soon rose and was quickly populated by hardy and brave adventurers and merchants.

High King Uthios declared that the Order of Korlin lead the watch and that it will be manned by soldiers and volunteers from each of the Five Kingdoms. He declared that tours of duty would last from one month to a year and could be decided at the time of enrollment. Serving at Siltamuuri is an honor and volunteers are awarded the Mark of Siltamuuri. All who serve proudly wear the Mark of Siltamuuri and are often granted a higher level of respect.

Once completed, Siltamuuri successfully stopped hundreds of attacks from the forces of the Barrowheart. The towering wall seemed nigh invincible. Peace once again returned to the nations of Kaurath as an uneasy calm fell over Siltamuuri and the castle of Brianoch. The wall had grown quiet, and the Darkness grew.

The Breach

Lord Droch’s forces attacked with such force and ferocity that Siltamuuri trembled. A gate had been opened in the valley below the wall and thousands of forces poured out. Hundreds of ladders were raised and hordes of the Dark Host poured up and over Siltamuuri. High King Uthios and Crown Prince Viisachol ran from the King’s Watchtower and fled downstairs and into the melee. High King Uthios was overrun and sensing defeat, the High King threw Fendriel to his charging son. Crown Prince Viisachol caught Fendriel and charged for his father’s body. The High King was torn to shreds. The Dark Host seized High King Uthio’s body and threw him into the waiting horde below. The body was brought to the rear of the line where a caster was waiting to perform an Obliteration.

For fifty minutes Crown Prince Viisachol fought his way to his dying father. The forces of Darkness fell before the might of Fendreil, and the Crown Prince slowly waded through the bodies of the dead toward his father and the caster. Arrows from the still living archers rained down around him as threats were being picked off.

Crown Prince Viisachol was now within range of the formal caster. He stepped through the circle and swung Fendreil in a wide arch killing the caster. The spell was at its end and the backlash was immediate. A shockwave filled the valley killing all within. Casters from the top of Siltamuuri fought their way into the valley below.

Crown Prince Viisachol was reached first and a Life spell was administered. For High King Uthios it was too late. Despite the backlash, the Obliteration had taken effect. The great father of the Five Kingdoms was dead.

Twenty Years of Mourning

High Queen Anya was devastated at the news of her beloved husband dying at the hands of the Barrowheart. The backlash weakened the spirit of Crown Prince Viisachol to the extent where resurrection was impossible. Prior to mourning the loss of her husband, the great and noble High Queen thought first of her people and swiftly went into action notifying the citizens of the Five Kingdoms that their High King was dead.

Crown Prince Viisachol brought his fathers preserved body back from Siltamuuri. He was laid out in the great hall of Brianoch and the masses were allowed to walk through and pay their respects to the noble ruler and his family. Hundreds came. Nobles and heads of state from the Five came and offered their condolences to the High Queen. The following day the body of High King Uthios was cremated and placed into a golden urn crowned with a stag’s head and placed in the catacombs until High Queen Anya would join him.

In a ceremony in Brianoch castle Crown Prince Viisachol presented his mother with the Crown of Myrdhan and Fendriel. She was the sole leader of the Five Kingdoms and sole head of the Order of Korlin. Her duty was set and her path was clear. She would rule alone until her death when she would at last join her husband and be forever placed in the Cemetery at Kiranoth.

The High Queen first ordered the drastic increase of the guard at Siltamuuri followed by a strict increase of the military. During her reign, the Barrowheart attacked many times over, and under her military command they never once broke the defenses at Siltamuuri. The great warrior queen of the Kaurath led her troops to victory countless times. She is the only monarch in the years since the creation of the Barrowheart, that has never lost a battle.

The great Queen died in her bed twenty years after the death of her husband. Her body was cremated, as is the way of the Kaurath. High King Viisachol, with a king’s guard made up of the finest and bravest of the Five Kingdoms left for the Cemetery at Kiranoth. The first High King and Queen of the Kaurath were laid to rest with their ancestors in the ancient cemetery. Over the graves of the fallen kings and queens the litany was read.

High King Viisachol looked up after the reading of the Litany and saw something almost unbelievable. In the distance, standing on a rise overlooking the royal graves stood a man dressed in full white and red robes. The man was alone and carried with him and old, worn wineskin. High King Viisachol looked around to see if others had seen him, but no one did. When the High King looked back the man was gone but in the distance, a white Stag could be seen bounding off into the wilds of the Plains of Morathel.

CHAPTER FIVE

Modern Kaurath

The death of the High King and Queen and the coronation of High King Viisachol take us into the modern era of the Kaurath and to our present day. This time period ushers in the under-kingdoms of Innos Halal, the Magocracy of Gythai, the nations of the Ograth, and the return of the Razioch. This time period also saw the worst of the attacks by Zoradieth’s Barrowheart and an increase in the harassment by the Valkea and Sihteeri of the Sidhe.

The Wise King

King Viisachol’s reign was for only a brief twenty-five years. Shortly after his coronation High King Viisachol married his long time love Eliasana Ellyllon; the Ben Rigan of the human clans in the Ferrishyn Forest, north of the Great Ice Lake. Together High King Viisachol and High Queen Eliasana ruled in a tenuous peace. Soon the High Queen was with child and gave birth to a little boy.

Crown Prince Vichol, named after the High King’s childhood nickname, was an introspective child who was often lost in thought. Like his father he was a quick study and received the best education available to the Kaurath. He began his education at the age of three and would spend hours with the finest scholars in the kingdom.

When Crown Prince Vichol was five, High Queen Eliasana gave birth to a rambunctious little boy. High King Viisachol and High Queen Eliasana named the child Robkiel. As the boys grew it was obvious that Crown Prince Vichol and Prince Robkiel had little in common.

The Paths of the Two Princes

Crown Prince Vichol was a somber child with a voracious appetite for knowledge where as Prince Robkiel was jovial and an upstart troublemaker. Both princes were educated abroad like their father, however their training was drastically different. Crown Prince Vichol was trained in the arts of the king, such as diplomacy, history, and tactics whereas Prince Robkiel was trained solely in the arts of war.

Crown Prince Vichol studied with the greatest minds of the Five Kingdoms where he was trained to be a just and compassionate leader. He quickly grew in status and reputation as a passionate, honest, and somewhat stubborn man.

As a young man of twenty, Crown Prince Vichol was granted title over the Order of Korlin. He led the guard at Siltamuuri and stood watch vigilantly from the King’s Watchtower, only leaving the wall to act as Peacemaker for his father. Crown Prince Vichol’s life was that of duty and servitude. For his brother, however, life offered more choices.

Being second-born and therefore not directly in line for the crown, Prince Robkiel was granted a special freedom by his birthright. He had the opportunity to pursue subjects that interested him. At a young age he chose the military and the greatest heroes of the Five Kingdoms trained Prince Robkiel in the art of war.

The young prince grew and in time took command of the armies of the Five Kingdoms. There he made vast and radical changes such as introducing the special units of the Provinces such as the Kasember Harriers and the Harcos Talons as well as the separation of the armies into companies composed of mixed units of healers, soldiers, casters, and rogues. Soon the army grew to an unparalleled strength.

On the off chance of relaxation, the good prince was still as rambunctious and wild as ever choosing parties and revelry to the quiet contemplation preferred by his brother. Prince Robkiel was a rabid gambler and would often take unnecessary risks for the thrill of the act.

As a young man Prince Robkiel had a rabid temper. The young prince was infamous for starting the odd bar fight and random brawl. After which he could often be seen talking to the air, as if there was another present. Soon rumors started flying around the kingdom that the good prince was not quite in tune with this world and operated on a skewed reality. Many believed that the young prince was going insane.

Of Autumn Revels and Debts Unpaid

The Autumn Revel is a time when the two courts of the Sidhe, the Valkea and Sihteeri, would meet in our realm for a revel. According to the Legend of the Green Lady and the Fool, the purpose of the revel is to celebrate their truce and renew the vows of the otherworldly monarchs. During the revel the Sidhe walk freely among the Kaurathel and often hold wild parties in and around the taverns and public houses of the Five Kingdoms. To walk safely among the Sidhe, citizens of the Five Kingdoms will sometimes don elaborate costumes and masks.

It was during the autumn revel of 499 that the reign of High King Viisachol and High Queen Eliasana ended. Prince Robkiel was gambling with a group of Sidhe. The game lasted for hours and the morning light was soon approaching. Eventually it was down to Prince Robkiel and a Sihteeri of the Tuska Koira, often called the Dogs of Agony. The pile of Kaurathi Pounds, coins, and items littered the table. The cards were laid on the table and it was evident that Prince Robkiel had lost.

The Sihteeri offered Prince Robkiel a chance to win back the prize double or nothing. The prince agreed and the rules were set. The Sihteeri was to declare a riddle. If Prince Robkiel guessed correctly, the Sihteeri would double the winnings on the table. Should the prince fail, the Sihteeri would own the subject of the Riddle. Prince Robkiel agreed and the riddle was set forth:

“Moon for a moment in a fiery gilded sky.
Three Suns in orbit two burned out one is nigh,
I am not the Moon or the Suns that have died.
I am the last and brightest tell me now, who am I?”

Prince Robkiel thought long and hard. At last as the first light of the false dawn lit the eastern sky the Prince spoke his answer. He said that the Moon was the Kingdom of Jokai, which was powerful until it’s destruction during the Forgotten age. The first Sun was the kingdom of King Verimedve, lost during the betrayal of King Uljas the Brave, the second Sun was the kingdom of Morathel, rent asunder by the War of the Purge, the last, brightest sun was the kingdom of his father, the Kingdom as it stands today. Prince Robkiel then stood and began to collect his winnings.

The Sihteeri smiled a sinister smile and stopped Prince Robkiel from collecting the treasure. The Sihteeri told the good prince that his guess was incorrect. The Moon was Princess Tiszta, the two suns were King Veszithios the Lost, and High King Uthios the Kaurath. The last, brightest sun was High King Viisachol. Prince Robkiel stood, mouth agape at the answer to the riddle. It seemed so obvious once he had heard it. The Sihteeri thanked Prince Robkiel, gathered up his treasure and left into the early dawn.

One week later Prince Robkiel and Crown Prince Vichol received word of their parents state. The morning after the Autumn Revel the High King and Queen were found in their beds. Both had been reduced to mere shells of their former selves. Both were invalids and catatonic. Mages had been called in to investigate their state and it was soon theorized that the Sihteeri arcane magics had stolen their minds and had cursed their flesh with a wasting disease.

The following week was difficult in Brianoch castle. The High King and Queen were steadily deteriorating. By the end of the week they were both gaunt and pale as a corpse. The following morning nothing was left of the High King and Queen save their clothes and a pile of filth and black slime. The Kingdom entered a state of mourning.

The following weekend, during the Autumn Meet, Crown Prince Vichol was crowned High King of Five Kingdoms. Shortly after he and his younger brother led their troops and a King’s Guard to the Cemetery at Kiranoth. The High King and Queen of the Five Kingdoms were laid to rest next to the graves of their ancestors.

The Mad Prince

The loss of the High King and Queen devastated Prince Robkiel. His responsibility in their fate was too much for the young prince to bear. Haunted by the unending guilt Prince Robkiel slipped further and further into madness. Though still a strong and powerful military leader, his mind was slipping. It is said that the Sihteeri took not only the High King and Queen on that fateful night, but also the Princes mind.

The Return

In the year 500, a year after the death of High King Viisachol and High Queen Eliasana, the kingdoms were still reeling from the unexpected loss. A harsh frost had devastated the spring crops and by early autumn, the kingdoms were on the brink of famine. Morale was low and High King Vichol and his court were struggling to keep the Kingdoms of Kaurath fed.

Lord Droch took this opportunity to launch a massive assault on Siltamuuri. After a twenty-one day siege the guard at the wall broke and the host of the Dark Lord marched into the northern Surullinen where their advance was halted on the banks of the Keskus River. Seannaught gangs and the King’s Army formed a strong front and soon the Darkness was routed and herded south toward the hobling colony of Holly Head on Loch Sydan. Word was sent to Brianoch and soon a second army made of the King’s Guard and the Order of Korlin stopped the Darkness and forced them back into the Surullinen towards the elven kingdom of Innos Halal.

High King Vichol led a host south, along the Etela River through Lindher’s Pool to Innos Halal. Lord Droch’s forces had arrived days earlier and High King Vichol found the elves deep in a bloody fight for survival. The High King fought forward to meet Taar Quinos Arathi. He marched under the Blue and Gold banners of the Kingdoms of Kaurath to Innostas Castle. The short march from the battleground was tough as the forces of the Barrowheart were attacking from the depths of the forest.

During lulls in the combat, High King Vichol’s army whispered about the dangers that lurked in the shadows of the Sidhe’s wood. Most of the soldiers had never set food in the faerie’s forest and, if given a chance, most never would again. The men and women of the armies fidgeted with their vials of honey and sacks of bread, preparing to be stopped by a Sidhe at any time.

Soon the tall spires of Innostas Castle thrust out of the Surullinen like a giant tree, reaching forever skyward. The battle raged on around the base of the living fortress; its main gate closed by the massive roots surrounding the castle. Elven guards of all types manned the earthworks surrounding Innostas and fought with dignity and honor.

High King Vichol led his troops into the fray and soon found themselves deeply entrenched in a fight to the death. The Forces of Barrowheart, caught between the two armies, pushed outward and formed a shield wall on either front. The wall held strong. After what seemed like hours hundreds of great flashes of light could be seem coming from within the ranks of the Barrowheart. Within minutes, great screaming could be heard from the entirety of the elven nation. The forces of the Barrowheart lurched and soon moved closer to Innostas, the defenses of Innos Halal had broken.

From the vantage point of High King Vichol, hundreds of dark creatures could be seen running up the embankments of Innostas’ defenses, over taking the elves as if they were reaping wheat. The elves rallied and formed a protective barrier in the path of the dark creatures. The elves suffered heavy losses, but the dark creatures began to fall.

High King Vichol’s troops met the army of the Barrowheart with an unbridled ferocity and soon most of the Dark Lord’s army was driven back into the Surullinen where the Sidhe would make quick work of their lingering numbers. The High King then turned his attention on the dark creatures brought forth from the foul magics. They had driven the elves and were encircling them. The armies of Innos Halal and Kaurath were outnumbered by the dark creatures and soon, both sides were falling under their might.

Word from the front line reached High King Vichol. The forces of Kaurath could not affect the dark creatures. All blows dealt the cat-like creatures would immediately heal. High King Vichol’s greatest fears were confirmed; the Darkness had summoned the legendary Suith’brogair, the Pantherghasts.

In the distance the elven nobles were falling under the combined forces of the Pantherghasts. The dark hunters were Obliterating all who fell. The cycles of magic were not as they are today, an obliteration meant permanent death. The army of Kaurath threw themselves in front of the Pantherghast’s claws, trying with all of their might to protect the elves, to give them a chance to destroy the foul creatures. Still the elves fell.

Within half an hour after the summoning of the Suith’brogair, the armies of Kaurath and Innos Halal were outnumbered three to one with the gap swiftly growing. If the surviving forces of the Barrowheart were to return the battle would be over. It seemed as if all hope was lost.

An exhausted High King Vichol stopped his push and closed his eyes. According to letters and songs written by those who survived the high king was glowing, others say he grew in size, others still said he spoke with such ferocity that the battle itself stopped. What we do know is that the High King spoke in a language long forgotten in Kaurath. As he did, the very forest itself erupted with a deafening thunder crack. From the four directions of the compass they came. Long gone from Kaurath, they had returned, called by the True King, Morathel’s Heir; for standing on the forests edge surrounding Innostas castle were four Stags. The battle would soon be over.

The Haran of Innos Halal

A battle cry erupted from the High King and the forces of Kaurath pushed hard forward. The Stags tore through the line of Pantherghasts as if they were zombies under a hero’s sword. Soon the line broke and the Pantherghasts fled into the shadowy forest followed in close pursuit by the Stags. High King Vichol rode forward to search for the Taar and Taari of Innos Halal. He soon found them.

Taar Quinos Arathi and Taari Galanya Arathi had fallen under the Suith’brogair. The Taar and Taari of Innos Halal were no more. Their bodies were wrapped in linen and brought within Innostas Castle. Word of the elves loss reached High King Vichol and he soon approached the castle to pay his respects to the fallen leaders of the elves and to offer his support to their son and rightful heir, Quinar Arathi.

The High King and his generals were escorted to Quinar. The heir of Innos Halal met with High King Vichol and his generals in the great hall of Innostas Castle. Quinar was distant and in mourning when he met with the High King of the Kaurath. Quinar bowed deeply and offered the High King a chair. High King Vichol sat and the discussions began.

Quinar told High King Vichol that his father was awaiting his return, that after the end of the War of the Purge he had chosen the title of Taar and Taari rather than Haran and Harni out of loyalty to King Harcos and Queen Makea. He went on to say that when Harcos and Makea’s Heir returned, they were planning on stepping down to serve the true Haran. He also said that it was obvious by High King Vichol’s demonstration of his royal powers that he was the heir of Harcos and Makea and therefore rightful Haran of Innos Halal.

The news gave High King Vichol a start. He never considered that he could be the heir to the elven homeland. High King Vichol knew what to do, he asked Quinar for a few days of consideration. Quinar agreed and arranged a room for the High King. In the following days he learned much of Quinar, his love for his people and his philosophical beliefs. On his night before his final day High King Vichol made his offer.

High King Vichol addressed the assembled mass of Elven Houses and to all who were assembled spoke his terms. He said that he was the heir of Harcos and Makea, and as such Innos Halal was his birthright. He said that the Taar and Taari had led the people of Innos Halal with dignity and without their help hundreds of common folk would have perished over the centuries following the War of the Purge. He said that the Pack of Nu’ori Kansa had saved the younger races of the Kingdoms and without the wisdom of the Taar and Taari civilization would have ended in Kaurath. He then went on to say that the Taar and Taari were no more and it was time that the Haran returned. A low murmur spread through out the room at this comment. High King Vichol said that, as the heir of Harcos and Makea he would now claim his privilege and the Naming of the new Haran of Innos Halal would now begin.

High King Vichol walked and stood beside Quinar. Placing his hand on Quinar’s shoulder he said that the assembled houses, those mighty and glorious of houses that had chosen the Haran and Harni after the War of the Purge had also decided the Haran at present. High King Vichol, under his birthright, named Quinar Arathi, son of Quinos and Galanya Arathi, Haran of Innos Halal. A crescendo of applause filled the chamber as one by one the heads of the houses stood to honor their new Haran and show their support for the High King’s decision.

High King Vichol knelt before the new Haran and gave his thanks for all that they have done for the free races of Kaurath. Standing, he made his offer. He wished that Innos Halal would join the Kingdom of Kaurath in much the same way as the other Kingdoms were bound under the Treaty of Vanhakard. The Haran agreed and the following Wintermeet was chosen to serve for the negotiations to incorporate the kingdom into the union of the Five.

As a promise of support and show appreciation, the Haran offered the High King the island castle of Karsia and the surrounding cleared lands around Lake Kostaa. The High King agreed and declared that the kingdom would be included within a new Province west of the Keskus River, it would be named Haltia, after the great healer, and his ancestor. The new Province would hold the new capitol of the High King. Named Kaurath, it would be established on the eastern banks of Lake Kostaa and Karsia would be the High King’s new home.

The following morning, the High King rode to Brianoch to inform his household. Wintermeet would be held in the great hall of Karsia Castle. There they would decide the fate of the Six Kingdoms and the integration of Innos Halal. Leaving half his host in Innostas under the control of Haran Quinar, High King Vichol rode east toward the rising sun.

The Treaty of Karsia

Upon High King Vichol’s return to Brianoch, preparations were made to move the Royal Household to the island castle of Karsia. The treasures were packed and the household prepared for the long move. Brianoch castle was granted to Prince Robkiel and the city of New Jokainen was named as a Princely Estate.

By November of the year 501, High King Vichol and his household were prepared to make the journey to Karsia. Barges were prepared on the Etela River where they were loaded with the personal effects of the High King. An armed guard would follow the barges while the High King and his Household would travel by land. The High King would wait for the barges in Linder’s Pool, Wopplingshire. There the barges would be loaded on wagons and escorted by the Vadoni to Lake Kostaa and on to Karsia Castle.

The total trip took a month, and by the Feast of Thanks, High King Vichol arrived at Karsia and preparations for Wintermeet were taken. High King Vichol’s household rid the castle of faeries, cleaned, and hung tapestries. At the end of December the castle was ready for the meeting of the Kings. The date of Wintermeet was chosen and sent to the leaders of the Five. Soon the leaders of the Five were on their way.

In February 502, in the great hall of the castle, the Five drafted the Treaty of Karsia.. The treaty was very similar to the Treaty of Vanhakard signed all those many years ago. In it, the elven kingdom of Innos Halal was officially inducted into the Kingdom of Kaurath, and the Haran of Innos Halal pledged to lead his people in the way that he saw fit, in return he would swear fealty to High King Vichol. The Surullinen between the Lansi and Keskus Rivers would be called the Province of Haltia. The Kingdom of Innos Halal would act as the provincial army and protectorate.

The Offer of the High King

To populate the new capitol city, High King Vichol granted land in the city of Kaurath to merchants and farmers willing to make the journey. The compensation offered to the settlers differed based on the style of settlement. Farmers were granted a set acreage of land and an ox, merchants were granted a plot of land in the city itself and a five-year stipend of Kaurathi Pounds, and fishermen were granted a small plot of waterfront land and a small fishing boat.

Over the following years the brave and fool hardy accepted the offer and settled in the new city and soon the capitol grew. Though much smaller than New Jokainen, the village-sized city of Kaurath attracted the roughest and toughest of the Six Kingdoms. Adventuring companies were established in and around the city and most reside there to this day.

From Etelamuuri to Siltamuuri

Merchants were slow to populate the new city because of the high dangers and lack of roads to and from the capitol. By 503 there were only three businesses in the city of Kaurath, a blacksmith, a cooper, and a tavern and public house, each owned by Phineas Barnstead, a retired adventurer from Hollyhead.

To draw more merchants High King Vichol ordered the building of a King’s Road from the sturdy southern wall of Etelamuuri to Siltamuuri in the north. On the road, one days travel from each other, would be gatetowns. Each Gatetown would be led by a chosen Keeper and manned by both the Order of Korlin and hired adventurers. The gatetowns would be under the direct control of the High King and would, therefore be exempt from provincial or under-kingdom control.

The gatetowns would be stocked with supplies and act as an armory. In the case of regional conflicts the nearest gatetown would serve as a headquarters for the High King’s army. Once the conflict ended, the Keeper would serve as the governor, should one be declared.

The building of the Kings Road and Gatetowns started in the spring of 504. Two crews were designated, one building the road from Kaurath south to Etelamuuri and the other north to Siltamuuri. The construction on the roads took a total of six years. The north King’s Road was completed on August 21, 507. The road to Etelamuuri was completed on September 5, 510.

A total of five hundred workers died while constructing the King’s Road, five permanently. To honor those who had permanently died High King Vichol named the first five gatetowns after the fallen workers and memorialized them with a ballad of remembrance. The Ballad of the Highwaymen is now hung in every gatetown from Beyjarat in the south to Deathach in the north.

Storms, Secrets, and Promises

In the years that followed the completion of the King’s Road life in the city of Kaurath was moving at a fast pace. The city was being watched over by Haran Quinar and his Forest Knights, and the adventurers and merchants of Kaurath were going about their business in relative safety. An eerie peace settled over the capitol city broken only rarely by the threat of the Sidhe or an occasional raid from the Barrowheart.

With his kingdom safely defended, High King Vichol took a regular watch at Siltamuuri, often traveling between Kaurath and Deathach a few times a year. The High King enjoyed the trip and looked forward to his journeys, traveling by day and staying in the Gatetowns at night.

While staying in the Gatetowns the High King gained a reputation as a free spirit who loved his beer, stories, and song. Where his brother was often considered reckless in leisure, the High King was reserved and, somehow regal in these frontier taverns. Even while relaxing and enjoying himself, the High King presented a calm of quiet dignity.

In July of 512 ER, High King Vichol decided to winter at Siltamuuri and ordered Autumn and Wintermeet take place in Deathach. He left from Karsia with his entourage of soldiers. The High King traveled for three days with little distraction. On the evening of the Fourth day a strong storm gathered over the western mountains, one of the many thunderheads that gathered so often over the Barrowheart. Soon the storm would be on them and their travels would become much more dangerous. As the rain started to fall the Gatetown of Goranathel could be seen on the horizon.

As lighting pierced the sky the High King’s party approached. Boronos, the Keeper, met them at the gate. He welcomed the royal party with open arms and led them inside the walled city. The Keeper led the High King to the tavern in the center of the town. From this vantage point the walls could not be seen through the thick trees and the scene reminded the High King of the days of his youth and the small villages and shires so prevalent throughout his lands.

The High King and his party entered the tavern and ordered dinner while the Keeper’s steward fed and sheltered the horses from the growing storm. The wind grew as their small feast came. The weary travelers ravenously attacked their food and soon packed their bellies full. Tired and sore from their long days journey the royal party was escorted to their quarters, most fell fast asleep as the storm tore outside.

The High King fell into a restless sleep and dreamed of a wondrous world where the forest glowed with an inner light. In his dream the High King heard the beautiful song of some far-off maiden. He searched for what seemed like hours for the source of the beautiful melody and soon found her. She was kneeling by the side of a red stream, washing the dusty sir coat he wore on his long journey. He silently approached her and called to her, with a start she dropped the sir coat. The blue and gold material was quickly swept down stream and into the realm of dreams.

She stood quickly and straightened her skirts. She was beautiful. She had dark raven hair and the brightest green eyes. The odd ever-light shone off her perfect pale skin. She spoke, and excused herself for not noticing the good King.

The High King blushed at the sound of her voice. Never had the sound of someone’s voice affected him so. He felt as if he knew this woman forever and wanted very much to take her and hold her, and marry her. She was no stranger to him. She was a part of his heart. She was his eternity.

In his dream he told her that he loved her, and she told him that she loved him. He told her that he wanted to make her his queen and she told him that he could not; it was not the way it was supposed to be. With that, she stepped close to him and kissed him, he could feel his heart race and a deep sense of loss grow in his heart.

As she stepped back from him she smiled and held her hands to her belly. She whispered that she loved him and turned, returning to the river. On the banks of the stream she knelt and folded her hands in her lap. Looking at the High King she smiled, and fell backwards into the flowing stream.

High King Vichol woke with a start. The wind was howling outside and rain pounded at the shutters over the windows. Rubbing his eyes with his hands he sat up and sought his bearings. The ride had left him tired and sore, but he was done with sleep. Rising, he donned his clothes and cloak and left into the storm. Lightening arched across the sky and the rain and the wind whipped at his cloak. The sky was still dark and song and merriment from the tavern was quieting as, one by one, those who drank their fill left for their beds.

The High King went to the tavern, as he approached, the last of the nights merry makers were off and on their way to bed. As the High King entered the tavern it was all but empty save for the odd traveler drinking stew and ale and eating their nights meal from trenchers of day old bread. The High King took a seat opposite the door and ordered a pint of Seannaught stout. The barman delivered it and the good king drank his fill and settled in to play a game of bones and staves.

The high King was quickly lost in thought when he heard the door to the tavern open. Looking from the game he saw a slender figure wrapped tightly in a cloak. The summer warmth was driven away by the storm and the small figure, obviously soaked to the bone, rushed and huddled by the raging fire.

High King Vichol, always one to help those in need called over the barman and ordered warmed mulled wine. The barman returned with the spiced drink and the High King brought it to the small huddled figure by the fire. He placed the drink beside the traveler and said to drink it up, that the warmth would do the traveler well. He then offered the traveler his cloak, which was warm and dry and would do far better than the soaked garment the traveler was currently wearing. The traveler spoke words of thanks, which were quickly covered up by the strong winds howling outside. The High King then took the wet cloak from the traveler and set it on a nearby table.

He could see by her form that the traveler was a young hooded woman, wrapped in soaked well-worn clothing and a large mantle, and who was now shivering in the damp air. He quickly placed his cloak upon her shoulders and inquired her name. She said that it was Aisling and that she had traveled here to seek employment in the tavern.

They talked for a short while, the High King and future barmaid. She did not notice who the kind stranger was and the good king had no intentions of telling her. For a moment they were equals; two weary travelers talking as weary travelers often do. Her voice sounded familiar and comforting. He could not see her face under her deep wool hood, but the High King knew he knew her from elsewhere, though he could not remember an Aisling in his travels.

The conversation lulled as both the High King and the future barmaid watched the flames lap at the cindered wood. The wind howled outside with greater ferocity and the force of the gale broke a branch loose from a nearby tree. The bough struck the roof of the tavern with a loud crack causing the High King and Aisling to jump. The two adventurers laughed off their small embarrassment and settled back into conversation.

The fire warmed Aisling and soon she found the cloak and mantle much too hot. She removed the cloak and lifted the mantle from her shoulders. Her beautiful raven hair cascaded down her back. The High King stared in utter disbelief. The traveler with whom he had conversed for so long was the woman from his dream.

Speechless, the High King stared in amazement. The feelings from the dream returned. It was as if he had known her his entire life. He was home in her presence and as such, she was all that has ever been and will ever be in the world. She was his future and his past.

She asked the good King if there was anything the matter. He replied that there was not. She asked him why he was traveling so far from safety and was he seeking employment at the Gatetown or was he taking Guard at Siltamuuri. The High King chuckled under his breath. He said that he was bound to take Guard at Siltamuuri and it was his duty to his people to protect them. She smiled and said that it was a fine man who looks after his family so, and asked if he had many children. The High King commented that he was unmarried, and though he had no children of his own felt as if he had thousands.

The two talked until long after the storm ended and the false dawn shown in the morning sky. Aisling then stood; the High King rose with her. She leaned close to him and kissed him on his cheek, thanking him for his kindness and generosity. She then said that she must be off to bed if she was to impress the Barman to hire her.

The High King escorted her to her quarters and bid her good night. She smiled and kissed him again, full on his lips. He gave in to her and held her, as the sky grew brighter. He then spoke softly and told her to sleep well, kissing her again, he bid her farewell.

The following day the High King did not see the woman from his dreams. He and his men hunted cony in the nearby forests and ate them while safely watching a troll stalk on the far banks of the Lansi River. The High King and his party returned for dinner. Full from the rabbits the High King skipped the feast for a well needed rest. He dreamt of a beautiful maiden, Aisling, washing his sir coat by a river and woke with a start as she fell backwards into the river.

The night was full and deep when he left his cabin. The tavern was empty and the fire was but low coals. He entered, upset that he missed his raven-haired beauty, and sunk into a well-worn chair in front of the embers. He soon found himself lost in thought. He did not hear the kitchen door open and close, nor did he hear the soft footfalls on the worn wooded floor behind him, but he knew it was she. He stood and rose from the chair. He heard a screech behind him and quickly turned.

Aisling was leaning on a table, hand clutched tightly to her heart. She said that he had startled her. She then calmed and went to him. Taking his hand she led him to the fire, and bid he sit. She then pulled a cushion from a nearby bench, placed it on the ground in front of him, removed her shoes and stockings and sat, leaning against him. She stretched her tired feet and put them on the hearth to be warmed and told him with a sweet laugh that he should work the soreness out of her back and shoulders. He agreed and started kneading the knots from her back.

She asked him his name he said that he was named Vichol. She commented, like the King and he agreed. Very much like the King. They talked and held each other close. She told him that she had dreamt of him the night before. That she was washing a royal sir coat by the side of a river and he approached. She went on to say that it was as if she had known him all of his life and that she knew she loved him. She then said that he kissed her and she returned to the bank by the stream, when she did, he fell into the water. It was then that she woke.

The High King told her of his dreams. After word they sat in silence listening to the crackling of the dying fire. Leaning her head to his chest she said that she did love him. She knew little of him and soon he would have to leave for his post, but something in her heart told her it was true. He told her that he loved her as well and that after his watch he would come for her and taker her home, if she’d have him. She said that she would and laid her head on his chest to hear his heart beat. Hours passed and the two held each other tight. When the first light hit the sky, he led her to her quarters. They kissed and embraced and again he bid her goodnight and left.

The same happened for the next four nights. The High King would meet her late and they would hold each other, and talk of their dreams and desires. She made the High King feel like a normal man, a man untouched by the burden of leadership. They would talk of their childhoods and the deaths of their parents, for they were both orphaned. They talked of their families, he of his brother and her of her aunt, who had raised her after her family died. They talked for hours and grew deeper in love.

On the fifth night, the High King didn’t leave her in the morning, but went with her to bed. As the morning sun broke over the horizon the two lovers were lost in each other’s embrace. The High King had found his Queen and she loved him for his heart, not for his title. He had found his eternity and on the following morning, he had to leave.

The two rose in the early afternoon and broke their fast with apples and bread. The High King knew what he must do. He knelt before the barmaid and took her hand. He told her of his secret; that he was the High King of the Six and that he was hers. He asked her for her heart and devotion. He asked her to make him whole, to be his wife, his Queen. Aisling wavered and fell to her knees. With tears in her eyes she said that she would be his wife and would take him as her husband.

The High King left the following morning and bit farewell to his betrothed. He would send a guard to take her to Karsia where they would prepare for their wedding. She packed her things, moved them to the royal quarters, and waited for her escort to her knew home.

On the road to Siltamuuri High King Vichol spotted movement on the road ahead. In the distance he saw a woman in white standing in the road watching him approach. The High King called out to her. As he did a white Stag stepped from the trees and walked to the woman. She climbed onto the back of the magical beast, turned to look at the High King, placed her band to her heart, and bowed her head. As fast as it came, the Stag, bearing its rider, bounded off into the forest. When the King’s Party arrived at the spot of the woman and Stag they found a small circle of mushrooms with a small red rose growing from its center.

The Circle and the Rose

The Autumn and Winter were a long time for High King Vichol. When the good king arrived at Deathach he sent word to send for a King’s Guard to escort Aisling from Goranathel to Karsia, but by the time the message reached the capitol late autumn had set in and Autumnmeet and the Autumn Revel had come and gone. Over the winter word reached Siltamuuri that Aisling was expecting the High King’s child.

Escorting her while she was with child would prove too risky. The future queen would be stranded at Goranathel for the winter. Because of the snows and Barrowhearts marauders, a party could not risk getting her until April, the time she was due. The High King sent word to Goranathel to inform Aisling that she would continue to stay in his quarters and receive anything she wanted. He would personally travel to her to be with her and his child and to marry her prior to the child’s birth.

The winter passed and no word had arrived from Goranathel. The High King and his escort rode hard and fast to the King’s Bride. After weeks of hard riding they came to the Gatetown of Kaltiel, one days ride from Goranathel. That night the king once again dreamed.

He was back on the river bank in the magical world, Aisling was there holding a small baby boy. She walked to him and said that his name was Bulzaric and he was their son. The family embraced and the High King took his son in his arms. He held him close and could feel his warmth against his arms. Aisling stepped back and told the High King that she loved him. She then began to change. Much to his horror her body twisted and a sharp spasm shot through her body. The screamed and changed. Within moments she was gone, replaced by a perfect red rose growing from a small circle of mushrooms.

The High King woke in horror. He ran from bed and threw on his clothing, ran to the stables and rode hard toward Goranathel. By early morning he reached near where the woman and stag had been seen. Rounding the bend he saw her, standing all in white. She was facing the forest and held in her arms a small bundle.

The High King jumped from his horse and drew Fendreil. He ran to the woman and demanded to know who she was and what happened. The woman in white nodded and told him that she was the Oracle of the Ancients. She had returned and saved his heir. He demanded to know what had happened to Aisling. The Oracle replied that she was not meant to be. Though their love was pure and true, she was not meant to be queen. That was destined for another.

High King Vichol demanded that he see her but the Oracle said that she was gone, returned to the home of her birth in the land of light. She then stepped from her circle and presented him with his son. She offered the baby to the High King, he sheathed Fendreil and reached for his son. He knew that it was his and that his name was Bulzaric. He knew it in his heart. He also knew that Aisling was still alive and would still be waiting for him. He vowed he would love her forever, whether the Green Lady released her or not.

Holding his son he asked the Oracle what had happened, why was he cursed with the loss of his love. She replied that Aisling was never meant to be his. They met in the realms of the brightland and consummated their love in the land of the shadow, of the mortal and so birthed a mortal. They had somehow changed fate and had something that was pure and true magic. Whether they would meet again the Oracle did not say. Her visions and wisdom would not reach into the clouded future created by their meeting. She went on to say that the Green Lady claimed Aisling however would not claim the boy out of respect for the High King’s heritage.

The Oracle then returned to her circle and told the High King that she had returned to the shadowlands and when needed could be found. She then bid the good king farewell, knelt and vanished.

High King Vichol stood, empty and hollow on the King’s Road. The thunder of hooves could be heard behind him. Little Bulzaric didn’t make a sound; he simply stared into his father’s eyes with a look of devotion and sympathy. The little prince was special and pure. He would grow to be a great leader that was certain.

As the frantic King’s Guard rode hard and fast to surround and protect the High King, Vichol noticed something in the little princes hand. Reaching he gently opened the tiny fist and quickly held his son close, tight against his chest. Clasped in the prince’s hand was a lock of raven hair tied with a purple ribbon.

Contracts and Noble Blood

Prince Bulzaric had a happy childhood. His father raised him and trained him. Regardless how much the High King wished it, he could not see his son to be king. In the Kaurathel culture, royal children born outside of the contract of marriage could not inherit the throne, yet still, the training Prince Bulzaric received was a King’s education. The young prince excelled at his training and more. He had a strong and kind, compassionate heart.

When he reached his late teens he proved himself a hero, often patrolling the provinces keeping piece wherever he went. At the age of twenty he took a long guard at Siltamuuri and in 539, at twenty-five, led the first invasion of the Barrowheart holding the Barrowheart village of Carthan for five weeks.

After being routed from Carthan Prince Bulzaric returned to Siltamuuri and led the defense against the Barrowheart’s retaliation. The good prince stopped four subsequent retaliations and in the end established the Patrol, a group of elite soldiers of the Order of Korlin who infiltrate and watch the Dubhember Pass.

The Forging of Finndragol

In 540, Prince Bulzaric was having dinner in the tavern at Deathach. He was enjoying his meal and watching the Sotetlatas perform a play based on the good Prince’s invasion of the Barrowheart. The Sotetlatas were a tribe of Vaeltaa who were often known to inspire visions in those who watched their performances. The performance that night was no exception.

While Prince Bulzaric was watching the show he was struck by a powerful vision. He was standing by the wall with his father. He reached to the chain around his neck and found the small gem at its center. Below the gem was a piece of his mother’s hair, given to him by his father all those years ago.

In the vision the forces of Lord Droch were attacking. Their mocking black and white banners charged with a skeletal stags head, flying high above their host. They attacked and as they did Lord Droch grew in both size and stature. Soon he was towering over the High King and his son. The agent of Zoradieth reached out and began tearing great heaps of stone from the face of Siltamuuri. Soon the wall collapsed save for a rough pillar of stone surrounding the High King and Prince Bulzaric. As the hordes of the Barrowheart erupted from the Dubhember Pass Lord Droch reached for the High King. Seizing him around the waist he wrenched the High King skyward.

Prince Bulzaric reached for his weapon, but did not find it in his scabbard. He then felt the burn from his necklace. He reached and tore it from his neck. As he did the piece of hair below the gem grew and formed into a brilliant weapon. Prince Bulzaric leapt and swung his new sword and in doing so lopped off the hand holding his father. He landed and threw the sword at Lord Droch. The blade hit him firmly in the chest and drove him backwards into the Dubhember Pass. Blood poured down the pass like a river as Lord Droch’s body erupted in a shower of filth and gore.

Prince Bulzaric’s head cleared as he was beginning to fall. He caught himself and quickly took in his bearings. He was still sitting in the tavern at Deathach and the play was still being performed. Looking around the room he had noticed that no one had seen him begin to fall. At once he knew what he had to do. He stood and raced to the stables.

Prince Bulzaric rode as fast as he could stopping only to refresh his horse and occasionally sleep. He rode for days and was soon nearing the Gatetown of Goranathel As he rounded a bend in the king’s road he found what he was looking for, the Circle and the Rose.

Prince Bulzaric jumped from his horse and ran into the circle. As he hit the center he was transported into another world. He was in a strange grove by a river, standing at its center was a woman in white, the Oracle. She lowered her hood and looked at him, smiling she asked him for his necklace. He handed it to her. She looked at it closely and asked for he to follow her.

She walked to the side of the grove and stepped into the side of a massive oak. He did as he was asked and emerged in a stone room. At its center there was a gold table and in the corner, a forge. The Oracle called out, but there was no answer. She called again and again received no response. She then walked to the gold table and called out again, this time by name. She called for Viisachol the Keeper, Protector of the Artifacts of the Valkea.

A door that was not there prior opened and a small haggard old man dressed in white and red robes came stumbling out brushing dust off of his worn robes. He looked at the Oracle and asked her what she wanted. She said that she required him to forge a weapon of power. The Keeper laughed and said that such a thing would be impossible. Only the Greene Lady could make such requests.

The Oracle then leaned closer to the Keeper. The light in the room darkened as the Oracle spoke. She told the Keeper that he would do as he was told, grabbed the prince by the shoulders moving him into the center of the room and stated that Faranan’s blood required his service. The Keeper visibly wilted under her presence.

Upon seeing the young Prince and the Keeper livened up and welcomed him to his home, commenting how much he looked like his great-grandfather. He asked the Prince what it is he would like to have done. The Prince relayed his vision to the Keeper. The Keeper looked at the Oracle and asked if this was true. She said that it was very most likely that it was.

With a sigh the Keeper took the necklace from the Oracle and brought it to his forge. He snapped the gems apart and took the piece of hair from between them. He heated his forge and with a pair of tongs placed the hair in the fire. Prince Bulzaric called out in protest. Such a flame would destroy the hair and it was the only thing he had from his mother. The Oracle calmed him and told him that it was all right. That the Keeper knew what he was doing.

The Keeper removed the hair from the fire. It was glowing white-hot. He brought it to his stone anvil and with a magical hammer began to pound away. As he brought the hammer down on the hair it grew and lengthened. After what seemed like hours the hair did not look like hair at all. It was long and sharp, like a sword. The color had changed from black to silver. The Keeper worked for another hour. The blade became more pronounced and the cross-guard took on a shape and color of its own.

The keeper finished and began to polish away the filth from the forge. After a short time he picked up the gems and fixed them to either side of the cross-guard. Wrapping the handle in padding and leather he handed the blade to Bulzaric.

As Prince Bulzaric took the blade he found it warm to the touch. He knew it was a sword of true power; it possessed his mother’s love for he and his father. It would protect them and their people.

He bid farewell to the Oracle and the Keeper and returned to his horse. As he mounted the stallion noticed movement down the King’s Road. As he looked more closely he was taken aback. Standing in his path was the white Stag. As the Stag bounded into the woods he heard a whisper on the breeze. He knew it at as the name of his blade. Finndragol.

The War of Valkadier

In 541 the lizardmen and goblin tribes of southern Valkedier attacked the reptilian tribes of the Gythainen. The mage-led Gythainen put up a strong resistance but soon fell to the sheer numbers of lizardmen and goblins. Emissaries of the Gythainen traveled to Karsia Castle in a desperate attempt to gather troops to drive out the forces of the south.

High King Vichol and Darweshi the Elder, leader of the Magocracy of Gythai met in the great hall of Karsia and the conditions were set. Since the Gythainen had lost so many assisting the Kaurathel during the War of the Purge High King Vichol was happy to lend assistance, but feared for their future safety. In return for the Kaurath assistance, and for their safety, the Gythainen must agree to join the Six Kingdoms of Kaurath and swear fealty under the High King. Darwishi the Elder pondered and agreed and the conditions were set.

The High King ordered Prince Bulzaric and Prince Robkiel to lead the assault. Prince Robkiel led his troops down the King’s road and attacked from the south while Prince Bulzaric led the troops from the north directly against the occupying army. As both armies marched on Valkadier the legions of Lizardmen and goblins were quickly driven out and retreated in devastation. Soon the Gythainen were returned to power.

The High King ordered Prince Bulzaric to stay and act as the governing body while the leadership structure of the Magocracy could be rebuilt. After the rulers were in place High KingVichol ordered a council of leaders. Meeting in Karsia Castle the Treaty of Valkedier was drafted and signed.

Bulzaric and his legion remained in Gythai for three years training Gythainen warriors and mages in the art of tactics. The Gythainen trained and quickly mastered the lessons. An elite force, called the Majasi, was created to serve as the special warriors of Gythai. Though Gythainen do not have gills the Majasi were magically manipulated to breathe in the water. They had excelled in their lessons and by the end of the training the Majasi had secured the southern borders of their lands and had reestablished the southern watch. The Magocracy of Gythai was strong once more.

The Oracle Returns

Years came and went. The Seven Kingdoms of Kaurath went on as they had for years before. Trade had established over the King’s Road and soon bands of professional highwaymen sold their services to ensure safe travel along the long dangerous road. Crops were sown and harvested and children were born as the elders died. Eighteen years passed and still High King Vichol did not age.

During the harvest of 559 a farmer outside of the capitol city found a faery circle in a field of wheat. The occurrences of faery circles were nothing rare. What was odd about this one was what was found inside it. Growing from the center of the circle was a single red rose.

Word of the strange occurrence was immediately sent to Ichabod Leagallow, the King’s steward at Karsia. Ichabod delivered the word and soon the High King was on his way. When the High King arrived he walked to the circle and knelt beside it. Convinced that it was the same as the circle he experienced on the King’s Road, he stood and stepped through.

The High King did not enter into another world, nor did he age or passed into a faery trick. He just stood in the center for all to see. Nothing appeared to have happened. When the High King exited the circle he looked concerned. When asked what had happened he said that a voice, the voice of the Oracle had told him that his Kingdom was in danger. In order to secure the safety of his people he was to seek out the Ograth, the half-ogres of the Sidhe, the warriors of the Surullinen.

The Drawing of the Ograth

High King Vichol traveled south, through the Plains of Morathel to the Southern Surullinen below the Swamp of Valkedier. There he and his guard came across a small man, no taller than a child, sitting on a rock by the side of the road.

Calling from his stone he hailed the travelers and bid them come near. The King, suspecting that he was in the presence of a fae did as he was asked. He rode close to the man. The small man demanded a toll of milk bread or honey be paid. The High King reached into his traveling pouch and withdrew from it his toll, wrapped in a small bundle and tossed it to the fae.

The High King then withdrew a small flask and told the fae that in the bottle was full of a fine hobling stout and that if he helped the High King the bottle and its contents were his. The little man asked what it was that the High King wanted. The king replied that he wished to be escorted to the Ograth. The fae quickly agreed and reached for the bottle. The High King said not until they had reached the Ograth. The fae smiled and said that the job was done. The Ograth were behind them.

The meeting with the Ograth went well. They had said that they were expecting the High King and that they would join his Kingdom. The exact details of the meeting and of the treaty signed are still considered secret and therefore locked deep within Karsia. It is known, however, that in the summer of 560, the Treaty of Si’ell was signed in the southern Gatetown of Kiisa on the shores of Lake Aismir. The Nations of Kaurath were now Eight.

The Warrior Princess

In the year 562 forces of Ijjen and Vanastagg were regularly raiding the Vorlonal. Soon the armies of Harcos were growing slim. Prince Robkiel asked his brother for more troops and soon a large host was moving through Kasember toward the Dragon’s Spine.

The forces arrived and were split under the leadership of Prince Bulzaric, Prince Robkiel, Warrior Princess Arianith Ulfsark of the Vorlonal, and King Uthgar Ulsark of the Vorlonal. The forces set a tenuous front between the Dragon’s Spine and the Keskaur Mountains. The front would hold and weaken. When it did more forces were brought in to halt its collapse. The war raged for years and in the end, the forces of the Kaurath were weakened considerably.

The conflict lasted for nine years. Hundreds permanently died and the Province of Harcos was left in utter ruin. Even though the forces of Ijjen and Vanastagg had been driven back, rogue bands and marauders are a constant threat to this day.

Feeling that if High King Vichol acted sooner the devastation of Harcos would not have been as great, King Uthgar demanded an emergency meeting of Kings in march of 572. The Council met in the great hall of Brianoch and the outlook was dreary. King Uthgar was adamant that something be done to guarantee the protection of his kingdom and province or else he would break the Treaty of Vanhakard.

The Council debated for two weeks and in the end they came to a conclusion. High King Vichol and Warrior Princess Arianith would wed. The resulting union would secure and guarantee the safety of the Vorlonal as well as ensure an heir to the thrown of the Kaurath.

On the 12th of June in the year 572 High King Vichol and High Queen Arianith married at Karsia. The heads of the Eight Kingdoms were present. High King Vichol was ninety-eight, High Queen Arianith was nineteen.

One Hundred Years and The Seven Heirs

Over the next few years the High King and Queen grew to love each other. By the early spring 573 Arianith was with child. Soon the true heir of the Kaurath would be born. Little Prince Nicholi was born in October of 573, a year and a month before his father’s 100th birthday.

The following year the kingdom prepared for a massive celebration, to celebrate both the birth of the heir as well as the High King’s 100th birthday. The finest of food and drink was brought from all around to Karsia castle. The celebrations would last for ten days and kingdomwide faires and carnivals would be erected in shires and glens to join in the celebration. The celebrations arrived and went and the morale of the kingdom was on its way to reparation. After the long Vorlonal war the heart of many a Kaurath was warn and broken. They now had permission to start to heal.

The following seven years, from 575 to 581 saw the most prolific growth of a royal family since before the reign of Morathel. Five princes and princesses were born; Prince Naivan, Princess Ruthiel, Prince Vaellan and the twins, Prince Wulfram and Princess Makea. The rooms in Karsia were quickly growing full.

By the age of five it was discovered that Prince Naivan was suffering from a wasting disease. Scholars from across the land were called in to investigate the young prince’s condition. No cause could be found however conclusions were made. He would most likely live a normal human lifespan, however he would not be as strong or as resilient as his siblings.

The children grew and matured and could soon be seen delving into the arts offered to Royals. Crown Prince Nicholi was trained in the arts of the King while Prince Naivan studied the realms of Celestial Magic, much to the distain of his mother. Princess Ruthiel quickly delved into the arts of war, often spending months on end with her dying grandfather, King Uthgar. Prince Vaellan was an entirely different story all together.

As a child Prince Vaellan would often play intricate pranks on his older brothers and sister. He was a raucous troublemaker who could often be found hiding from his tutors in the bars and back alleys of Karauth, often playing dice or occasionally shoplifting from local merchants. In 588, at the age of ten, as punishment for a particularly felonious act, the young prince was sent to serve with his half brother at Siltamuuri. Vaellan quickly excelled and seemed to fall into track. Shortly after the birth of Prince Talvi, the youngest heir, Vaellan was assigned a place in the Order of Korlin and reassigned to Karsia castle. Where he dutifully looked after his little brother, Prince Talvi.

Prince Talvi was born ill like his brother Naivan. He too suffered from a wasting desease, however the strain was far more devastating than Naivan’s. Little Talvi suffered his first death from the disease in 592. Within a month the seven children all returned to Karsia castle to assist in the care of the young prince.

The Haran and Harni of Innos Halal

In 594 Prince Talvi was suffering, Princess Ruthiel, now a beautiful warrior and leader in her own right, led a party to Innostas to seek aid from the Haran of Innos Halal. The Haran was a powerful healer and his potions and elixirs were legendary.

He met her in his labs and was taken by the sight of her. She had an otherworldly beauty, which, no doubt, was an effect of her fae heritage. He had prepared the elixir for her in advance and handed it to her. She thanked him and as she turned to leave he asked if she needed escort to Karsia. She knew that she did not, She was powerful enough to hold her own against the Barrowheart, a simple journey through the Surullinen she would survive though she said that she did. She was taken with the elven king and sought to spend time with him and learn more about him. Due to the occasional Barrowheart patrol, the trip took longer than anticipated and by the time they had arrived at Karsia little Prince Talvi and suffered another death.

Haran Quinar stood watch over the dying prince administering him potions and elixirs to try to keep him alive. Princess Ruthiel fell in love with Haran Quinar for his devotion to her brother, and in time he fell deep in love with her and though the marriage of an elf of Innos Halal and a human was considered taboo, Haran Quinar asked for her to make him whole and to become his Queen. Princess Ruthiel accepted.

In a quiet ceremony in the garden of Karsia they were married. The officiator, Sir Ichabod Leagallow, onetime steward of the High King, performed the ceremony. As he neared the completion he called for the Cords of Binding, the lengths of cord used to bind the couple in the contract of marriage. The small crowd parted as Prince Bulzaric carried the small frail Prince Talvi in his arms. He walked to the officiator and as he did Prince Talvi handed Sir Ichabod two lengths of leather cord. Prince Bulzaric then placed the young prince down on a small chair next to his sister, and returned to the line. Sir Ichabod continued and soon the cords were wrapped and the ceremony was complete. The Haran and Harni of Innos Halal then picked up the young prince and returned him to his chambers. The celebrations would have to wait..

The Death of the Little Prince

Shortly after the marriage of the Haran and Harni Prince Talvi slipped into a deep coma. Within the month the little prince was dead. The nation mourned the loss of the little prince and gifts and condolences flooded in from the kingdom. As is the way of the Kaurath the body was cremated and placed in a small silver casket fashioned by the dwarves of Eltor Szakal. The royal family held a public funeral in honor of the prince. Hundreds came to listen to the High King speak.

A King’s Guard was formed and the small casket was marched to the Cemetery of Kiranoth. As the casket was lowered into the ground thunder tore across the sky. The High King jumped at the sound and as he did he noticed a brilliant white Stag watching from a far distance. This time the Stag did not run when it was noticed. Instead it appeared as if it bowed its head to the High King. The High King returned the gesture and started to break down. Prince Talvi had always wanted to see a Stag.

The Wilderness

The royal family was devastated by the loss of the prince. High King Vichol became quiet and withdrawn in private, however was still a strong ruler. The Princes and Princesses each dealt in their own way. Prince Bulzaric returned to Siltamuuri. Prince Nicholi attended the High Queen, Harni Ruthiel returned to Innostas Castle with her husband, and Prince Vaellan reverted back to the wild days of his youth, while the twins delved deeper into their lessons.

The High Queen, devastated by the loss of her youngest son, became angry and violent. She would train in the armory for hours and her temper grew more and more severe. In the summer of 597 High Queen Arianith broke down and demanded that she be alone. She retired for the night and by the next morning was gone. It has been theorized that the High Queen, the warrior queen of the Vorlonal, entered the wilderness.

The High King organized a search that spanned the entire kingdom. The High Queen was never found. He ordered that the few permanent circles in the kingdom report immediately if she resurrected. She never did. The High Queen was gone.

The Loss of a Son and the Threat of a Kingdom

After the death of Prince Talvi, High King Vichol focused on the defense and protection of his Kingdom. Over the previous five years all of his focus was on saving his youngest son. Now he had to return to his kingdom. They needed him.

The Barrowheart had fought their way through the Dubhember Peaks and had fortified a path through the troll-infested mountains. They were now sending in huge assaults from this secret road through the impassable Eltor Mountains.

The Sidhe were increasing their harassment of the city of Kaurath and in the autumn of 598 kidnapped many children from the surrounding farmlands. The sale of false potions and talismans to ward off the fae had increased and his people were relying on unproven remedies rather than the proven, faerystones.

In Harcos the unrest of the Ijjen and raids by the Vanastagg grew and now bordered on an all out war greater than the War of Vorlonal fought all those years ago. To make matters worse King Uthgar was lying in Castle Drakon at Vahnakard dying. Soon he would be gone and his warrior lords may try to seize control of the Kingdom.

In an attempt to correct the problem High King Vichol assigned his sons to seize control of the provinces. Prince Nicholi was granted title over the Province of Harcos and would choose the successor of his Grandfather. Prince Naivan was granted title over the Swamp at Valkedier where his knowledge of Celestial magics would serve the Magocracy of Gythai, Prince Vaellan would rule the Province of Kasember. Haran Quinar and Harni Ruthiel would take their rule outside of Innos Halal and serve as the provincial rulers of Haltia. Prince Bulzaric would seek the return of the Razioch and if he succeeded would be granted title over the Plains of Morathel. The fight for the survival of the Kingdom had begun.

Eight Become Nine

Prince Bulzaric left with a host on May 1, 599 to seek out the lords of ancient Kaurath. He sought to find the Heir of Esau. The journey was long and difficult. Before he left his father told him to follow his heart and he would find them and so he did. Prince Bulzaric kept to the Funerary Trail and headed straight for the ancient city of Jokainen.

His mind and heart was on visiting the grave of his young half-brother. However he knew that he would not. He must find the Razioch, true noble lords of the Kaurath. His father said that they were the key to the survival of the kingdom. He would not fail. After a long journey Jokainen was in sight.

It is better to read the words of one who had witnessed the event. Richard Kanodar, a loyal soldier of Bulzaric’s guards, was with the Prince when he reached Jokainen. The following is his words:

“As we approached the faded city of Jokainen, our expeditionary force was filled with quiet awe. The once beautiful capitol of our people lay in ruins faded blue granite parapets and walls collapsed and left useless, worn away by the ages.

Though the city looked dead, those of us who traveled with His Highness, Prince Bulzaric, knew that it was not so. Here, in the Heart of the Plains of Morathel, the Half-Orcs had built their stronghold. Had we not been with the Prince, I think that we would not have had the courage to carry on.

Known for their ferocity, dedication and skill in battle, the half-orcs of the plains would be a vital component in the solidifying the union of the Nine Kingdoms. These savages were feared, but also greatly respected. There were some who said that they were the ancient and noble Razioch, others say spawn from Zoradieth’s horde. So, led by our Prince, we had marched here through the wasteland of the Plains of Morathel. Many horrors and wonders had we encountered along the way, but what awaited us in the ruined city of Jokainen was nothing we could be prepared for.

As we drew closer to the ruined citadel of our ancestors, we began to see signs of life. Fire pits, horse droppings, all around us there were signs of habitation. It was difficult to keep calm, but the presence of his Highness bolstered our resolve. After all, he was the great Bulzaric, Warrior Prince of the Kaurathel. We crept silently closer to the ruins that were the Half Orc stronghold. Though we could not discern how they could defend something with few standing walls, and little shelter.

Entering the city, we continued to see small signs of life and yet there were no people inhabiting the place. Deeper into the ruins we carefully made our way, eventually arriving at the once great castle of Zaraphal. With sadness in our hearts, we walked through the ruined halls that had once held the pride of our folk. Even the great Prince was struck by the truth of this place this, and the men could sense it.

The inner walls of the castle at the center of Jokainen were scorched bare and faded by the harsh winds, and what little we did find inside was ancient and rotted. Nothing lived in this place. The stories had been wrong. We would not find the Lords of the Plain in this crumbled palace; we probably wouldn’t find them at all.

That night, we set camp within the weathered great hall of the castle. Guards were kept as normal, though none of us really slept. I could not tell you whether the place was haunted or not, but memories of the tales of it’s once splendor and ultimately it’s terrible fall weighed heavily on each of the men. His highness was no exception.

After a sleepless night, we gathered our belongings and set out once more. The Prince was determined to find what his father needed, in the blasted Plains of Morathel, or in the Dragonspine peaks. Prince Bulzaric would not fail his father. With heavy hearts we made out way out of the ruined city, and into the wilds again.

Upon leaving ruined city of Jokainen we were met by a host the likes of which this humble scribe has never seen, and never wishes to face again. The half-orcs met us there. There stood a great host was arrayed before us, orchish weapons and armor gleaming in the harsh morning sun, beautiful in its terrible majesty. Those we had come seeking had found us. The men were frightened, and even the presence of the Prince could not keep them from showing signs.

A voice rang out. T’was thick, gravelly, a voice that well matched this barren place. The Lord of the Orcs was addressing our Prince in a language that I could not understand, and our Lord spoke back to him in the common tongue of the Kaurath. I remember it well. The mighty Prince drew his blade, Finndragol, and declared in an even voice that he had come to claim the armies of the Plain as his own.

The leader of the Orcish host signaled to his men, and there was a flurry of action. We were separated from our liege, and he was brought to face the large Half-orc. Encircled by a ring of the gray skinned soldiers, we could not see the fate of our Lord. Pushing forward in an attempt to join the Prince, we were met by a wall of ironclad warriors. A fight broke out, weapons drawn, but was quelled when the voice of Bulzaric rang out ordering the peace be kept. Laying down our blades, we gave in to the Half-orcs at the behest of our Lord.

Our party was taken away to an impromptu camp set up by the Half-orc legion. We could still hear Bulzarics voice, as well as that of the Orcish leader speaking in his strange tongue. The voice of our Lord gave the men hope that we would survive this encounter, though we still expected the worse and were ready to fight our way to Bulzaric’s side should the need arise.

The day passed with little change, and as night fell we were fed and then taken to tents outfitted with pallets for sleeping. We had still heard nothing from our Lord, but needed the rest. Under orders to keep the peace, the company chose tents and settled down to a night of uncertainty and unrest.

The next day, as we woke from fitful sleep, Prince Bulzaric came to us. He had with him the blazon of the Half Orcs, which he handed to us. He had battled the Half-orc Lord in ritual combat, and he had defeated the gray and green skinned Plains Warden. It was time for us to return to King Vichol with good tidings. Prince Bulzaric the Kaurath had been victorious, and now the Lords of the Plains of Morathel were his to command. The Eight Kingdoms were now Nine.”

The Coming of Evendarr

In the spring of 601, word reached Kaurath City that a traveler had come from the Southern Wastes claiming that he was Sir Janus Ejfel, a king’s knight from a kingdom known as Evendarr. He said he had come as an emissary of his king and would like to seek audience with High King Vichol.

The King agreed to a meeting and sent Prince Bulzaric south to serve as escort to the visiting knight. The Journey along the King’s Road was long and tiresome and by the time Prince Bulzaric and the Evendarrian knight reached Kaurath City is was late summer.

Sir Janus met with High King Vichol and his advisors in the great hall of Karsia. He told the good king that he was born from human stock in Harcos and left as a young man to seek his fortune. During that time period he joined the forces of the Duchy of Volta, south of the Southern Wastes. Eventually he found himself in the Duchy of Ravenholt where he joined the armies of the Barony of Eastwyck. He rose to high rank during a war with an invading force called the Sessuar. With full military honors he left the Eastwyck Rangers and traveled to Evendarr City. After receiving his knighthood he wished to establish contact with his birthplace. He said that he had returned to offer the High King a chance to establish contact with the powerful Kingdom of Evendarr and to potentially open negotiations of higher matters.

High King Vichol agreed that allies were just what might be needed to ensure their survival. He told Sir Janus the trials and tribulations of the past twenty years. He also reminded the former Kaurathel that their kingdom had not accepted contact with the outside kingdoms since before the War of Unification.

Sir Janus said that he understood. When he left times were hard for the Kaurathel, and that he suspected that things would have gotten more dangerous. He said that the Kingdom of Evendarr offered many improvements to Kaurath life. They had a Guild run Healer system where permanent circles were established and maintained by Guild chartered representatives. Currently Kaurath had private resurrection circles scattered through out the land where travelers would pre-pay for their services. Should payment not have been made, upon dying a family member would travel to their nearest circle, which had been chosen prior to death and pay to have their family member resurrected. No payment, no resurrection.

Sir Janus also said that Evendarr was very powerful. Under their protection they offered a chance to ensure the continued protection of the Kaurathel. He offered the good king a chance to join the rich, powerful kingdom of Evendarr. There he would become a Duke and his queen, the Duchess. He would have access to forces both great and powerful and be given a chance to defeat, once and for all, the forces of Darkness threatening his people. He would be given a chance to guarantee the continued safety of the Kaurathel.

High King Vichol told Sir Janus that he would consider the offer. He called in his scribes and had them transcribe the offer. He then sent word to his family and under-kings. This was something that had to be decided at Autumnmeet. Prior to the council, High King Vichol bid that Sir Janus prepare a presentation about the Kingdom, its cultures, and its merits. He would present them at the Meet.

As summer turned into fall, Sir Janus met with the Royal family and the leaders of the Nine and spoke of the cultures and lands of Evendarr. Many listened with great interest taking notes and asking questions about the subtleties between the kingdoms. As Autumnmeet approached debate ran rampant in the halls of the elven lords, the taverns and public houses of the hoblings, the vardos of the Vaeltaa and the castles of the Vorlonal. There was much discussion of the coming of Evendarr and of the wonders they offered and the evils they harbored.

The Evendarrian duchy of Niman supported slavery. By endorsing the duke of Niman King Mykell of Evendarr was endorsing such atrocities. Slavery is considered a great evil in Kaurath. In the history of the kingdoms there were times when every race was once the slaves of another. To join King Mykell and swear fealty under Evendarr would be tantamount to supporting the legalizing of slavery.

Autumnmeet was held in the great hall of Karsia. All in attendance voted on the proposition of joining Evendarr. The voting was split evenly. The High King had to make his deciding vote. He refused to decide, instead choosing to enter into an elongated negotiation phase with the Evendarrians.

The Rogue Prince

Following Autumnmeet Crown Prince Nicholi met privately with his father. He spoke his mind to his father and announced his shame. The Prince could not believe that his father would consider dissolving the Kingdom of his ancestors. High King Vichol tried to explain his actions and intent at the negotiations. The High King had to decide whether to betray his people for their own protection, or face the evils of his homeland alone.

Prince Nicholi still refused to accept his father’s explanation and a great argument ensued. Prince Nicholi declared to his father that if he continued to entertain such traitorous thoughts that he would leave Karsia and establish his own hold on the kingdom. The High King and the Crown Prince argued into the night. In the end Prince Nicholi left the capitol vowing to stand against any treaty subjugating the Kaurathel to the rule of the Evandarrians. In response, High King Vichol named Harni Ruthial as provincial leader of Harcos.

Under the traditions and laws of the Kaurath, High King Vichol had to deal with the rogue Prince in the way of his people. The High King charged the Vadoni to hunt the Crown Prince down. The Vadoni gathered and set out in search of the Crown Prince. They are to bring him in without harm if possible, however his traitorous ways must be punished.

Prince Nicholi is now somewhere in the wilds of Kaurath. He moves like a fox, always staying out of the sight of the Vadoni. He has gathered followers and has knighted warriors and the learned to lead his cause. These Ranger Knights are still given the same courtesy as others knights of the Nine, however they are often held for questioning.

In February 603, High King Vichol offered a pardon to his son should he give up his revolt and stand once again at his father’s side. Prince Nicholi responded with the following letter:

“Dear Father,

Your offer of pardon is most gracious, however I have made my decision and will stand for the good of my people. In return I offer you this offer of pardon; cease all negotiations with Evendarr and you will be forgiven. I will return to Kaurath and stand by your side. Do this not, and I will fight for the protection of my people.

Crown Prince Nicholi”

Valmis

The Kingdom of Kaurath’s long history is still writing itself. In my short time here I have done countless hours of research and yet I have much to learn about this place. What the future will hold I cannot say, for I am a storyteller, not a seer. The Kingdom is changing, though for good or ill I know not.

It is my hope that you read through this document with an open mind and a sense of wonder and curiosity. What is presented is a summary of thousands of documents, tales, legends, and songs. It is not the fact of the place, but it is its spirit. So come, and join me at the Barnstead’s where we’ll raise a pint and sing our praise to the fallen.

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