Chapter 5

 

An Avternain aigaz ala lan an Barline

 

Which is:

Of Avternain and the land of Barline

 

 

S the wars continued in the far north, Avternain and Hiare continued their journeys in the far less perilous south. After the journey to their promised land had ended, the Elybylar spread far and wide, forgetting the hardships of their travels and of their life before hand, and instead they prospered in their new home as the Ezleg have never since done. The lands of Barline then stretched from the mouth of the. Veinar in the south to Almvar in the north. But Avternain, lord of Barline, still led a great part of the Elybylar eastward through the great trees of Dar Vinotz, seeking for the final place to end. It was slow travelling once more, for Avternain, and Hiare also were wary of what would be found on the road, though they both deemed it far safer than in the north. So as they had done a fore, they both travelled alone into the forest and often around his realm to the north and south, and returned not until some time later, before continuing on once more. In this time many of the Ezleg turned southwards, where they came in time to found the city of Var’mina by the mouth of the Veinar. But their lord pressed ever on, seemingly seeking a goal that would never come.. But finally, on the twenty sixth year, as the Ezleg were upon the edge of Dar Vinotz, Hiare came and spoke with Avternain.

“I must leave you once more my friend” she said softly, “I must return to my own home once more.”

Avternain was about to protest, but even as he thought so he released that such action was futile, so instead he merely said, “I shall miss your council, and the more so your friendship.”

“Do not worry Star Stone, for I will not forget your people, as I have not before, and I will return to you in time, though I cannot say how long that shall be.”

“But what of me?” asked Avternain, “I know little of leading, safe of small companies, and though you said this land is safe, what if the Evils in those northern lands come hither? How can I deal with them?”

“That I cannot answer my friend,” Said Hiare, “But as my last words to you I shall say that danger may yet pass this way, for you and your people, but through any hardships you shall prevail as yet, I can see no danger as yet in your realm beyond your own control.”

So it was with a heavy heart that Hiare Minabair left Barline, where she did not return for many long years, and those of the Minabair who had remained with her followed also back to Minarand, and they did not return hither for many a year.

 

So Hiare returned to Minarand , after nineteen years of absence, having done a great, yet terrible deed in respect to the Ezleg. Now she was in mind to return to her home, and care for her own people for a time. But she decided to come first to Minriavi, to search for her husband whom she believed she would meet there. But when she reached the city square instead of Viler, she found Arzare waiting in the shadows of the white walled city.

“Long in absence Hiare.” Said the Bytha. “Where have you been these long years? And where is they lord, for I must speak with him?”

“He is where he can be without the care of you, and those of Minarand.” Said Hiare. 

“Speak not in riddles Hiare,” said Arzare quickly “for you are rarely so silent in what you say.”

Unknown to Hiare, her husband came into the square behind her.

“If you must know, we have been helping the mortals, helping them resist the will of your old master.”

“Hiare!” came a cry from behind, which was Viler’s.

Hiare turned to see her husband, looking shocked. “Can I speak with you?” he said in a angered tone.

“Yes husband,” she said, “But let us return home first,” and casting a final black glare at Arzare, she took to the western skies, heading for her home.

 

That fair white house of her family was much the same as she remembered, and the Minabair were already here, taking care of the things that needed to be done. She decided to wait outside, for her husband arrived presently.

“Why did you not tell me? I have a right to know of such a deed for am I not your husband!” his words were angry and sour.

“I did not tell you, for I wished no panic” she replied, “Even as I am seeing now.”

“Perhaps,” admitted Viler, “But first tell me what you have done, and what has happened.

And so she told him. Of the Ukarak, of Zandline, and of the sundering of the Ezleg and all that had come from it, including the long winter, which she had found out on her own. Viler seemed intrigued, if worried. “You have indeed been busy.” He said after she had finished speaking.

“All I ask of you on this matter is that our people, those who are valiant, put a watch upon Zandline, and if needs be, save the Vrolevili.”

“I will do what I can.” He replied, “But I can make no promises.”

“ That is fine, but let us put this aside for a time,” said Hiare “for I now wish to rest.”

 

Avternain though, certainly had no wish for a rest, for on the very day after Hiare had left him, he led his people out from the glades of Dar Vinotz and entered finally onto the open plains of Barline. And for the first time he, or any of those present saw those lands, and said to himself, “What a fair gift.” Indeed it was a handsome gift, a gift of Hiare that the Elybylar could never repay to her. Avternain continued onwards then, so it was that his people followed him yet, though with little haste. For many began to settle in homes around these lands. But still was Avternain not ready to halt, and he and still a great host of the Elybylar pressed on further.

 

Thus over the next three years the Elybylar travelled the lands east of Dar Vinotz, exploring their new home. They built homes and towns sprung up wither, though little need be said of their travels until the hosts came upon the river amidst the centre of Barline which became known as the Bylar, which is knowledge in the Ezleg tongue. That river formed from the three branches which bent together until they became as one, which was well before their waters fell into the sea. It was here, where the rivers joined that Avternain and his host came to halt at last. And here he said, “Here shall it be, the greatest of all mortal cities upon Bair” and looking again upon the waters he said, “Var’bylar it shall be named.”

 

Indeed it was true, Var’bylar was never matched by any mortal city ever after, and the spirits had no part in its making. A jewel it was, in the crown of Barline. One may have feared that being built upon a river junction it was liable to flood, or subside in marshy land, but this was not so. The land of Barline was of hard stone here, and the Ezleg were skilled in such craft that was needed to build hither, and they knew also how to prevent floods or ought else ruining the city. The city lived up to its name also, for with good foresight it was made well defended, for though the Elybylar feared not battle, the rivers made it secure to the north and south, and the Ezleg, as always, built with space for growth within its walls. Here halted all the Elybylar, and none pressed on to the east for a long while, indeed Var’bylar was many a year in the building, and all hands were busy in those days.

 

There was no great palace for Avternain, for he refused there to be so. But in any case it was not in the nature of the Ezleg to build great palaces as to be wasted by just one, but they certainly built giant structures, for Avternain had built instead a great, almost megalithic hall where the council and decisions of Barline were made. This was named Cularin, and it comes once into these tales, though it was lost hereafter, but its broken ruins still stand, a memorial of vanished greatness. But as for Avternain, he settled for a small home not far from the hall, and Avternain, humble in his lordship {As all Ezleg were} Did much of the building himself, and then turned to help others, and thus with the aid of all its people, Var’bylar was made in full/.

 

During this time, when Var’bylar was first being built, Avternain met a young Ezlag lady named Nimlith, who he became great friends with. They spent many days together in the youth of Barline, but were not joined together for many years, for  though Avternain had asked for marriage Nimlith was a wanderer, as was their child, and would not rest easy in Var’bylar at that time, for there was still much for her to see and do. Thus she and others rode often throughout Barline, exploring its confines and its borders, and both she and Avternain met rarely for many years hereafter.

 

The youth of Barline was for many of the Ezleg a time of tranquillity, for the Elybylar were in a time of great happiness, where few cared of little without their land, indeed it was not until the forty ninth year that the seeming paradise was first troubled. Here then came to Barline rumour of the first war, and all the wars that came with it. Most put it aside in mind, but Avternain was of old a tracker in the north, and thus realised that though there was little danger, little was enough. So he gathered those who were of old like he, trackers and warriors in the old realm of Zand Zlavind, and they were many. Of these, those who were still willing, became the first of Barline’s army, though they at first merely aided in the passage through forests, or in the building of homes, Minbylar they were named, the knowledge guard, and they remain the personal guards of the leaders of Barline. But when, after another ten years had passed, when Avternain wished once more to go eastward, to the mountains of the Avinkazag that he saw from afar, were they truly to be used.

 

For the east of Barline was a open land, with little in the way of forests or hills, just great open depression of grasslands and plains. Here, as the Elybylar, but a small host now, for most wished to remain in Var’bylar, crossed into these plains, Avternain and his small force, together with Nimlith and a few others, rode out across the lands. For two years did they do this, to make sure all was safe, and to find out about these new lands.

 

On the eastern side of the Bylar river, there was a long thin stretch of land, which extended from the mouth of the Bylar up to the Avin Lear and Karatnel in the north. This land was mostly of open plains where few people came to dwell at first. The northern part of this land was named Laznarth and the southern part Lazodë. They were bordered in the south east by the Lazrina river, beyond which was the most south easterly land of Barline. This land was more rugged, and more fertile. Zodëline it was named. Here came to its end the journeying of the Elybylar. But they found in this place a pass through the Avinkazag, which loomed high over this land. Marair Baraz it was named,  the watchful pass, and it is now infamous for reasons that shall be told in time. But Avternain and Nimlith continued onwards, and whence they came to the Avinkazag they turned north, passing through into the north of Barline, where they travelled on through all of Barline, surveying its new cities and its peoples, before he came at last back unto Var’bylar.

 

Laznarth and Lazodë became in time a lightly populated land of farmers and hunters. Zodëline though became more populated over the years, and later a few small towns and a single city were built there. But this was in times that lay long ahead, and for many years that land remained largely uninhabited, which was for the best at that time.

 

In the following years the rumours of war in the north dispelled themselves, and were largely forgotten in Barline. But Avternain, almost alone, remained vigilant, and remembered what had come from Zandline and what he had seen and done in that time, and fearing that it could escape that land and come whither it wanted. Indeed he was right in this, for none then knew of the far east, and what was happening there. For while eyes then looked north to the shadow land, they looked not east where Ravik had left followers, and thus Avternain never expected what came in later years.

 

But for another sixty years there was nothing, not even a hint of word from either Mina or Vrolevil. The Minare were either not watching or saw nothing, and The Vrolevili had not forgiven the Elybylar for there flight, and thus had not one even come south to speak to them, a rift had come between them, and though it was later lessened it ever remained on the edge of memory. Thus the years remained at peace, though it was not going to last.

 

When those sixty years had nigh on passed, and the one hundred and twentieth year was fading, Nimlith returned once more from her journeys to Var’bylar, where she came quickly to see Avternain, having then been several year in absence. Whence she came to his home she said then to him, “You once asked me my lover, if I wished to marry, I said no then, but if you so wish it, I say yes to you now.”

Thus then Avternain and Nimlith were married, and there was a great celebration in Var’bylar at that marriage. In fact it was said that the only taint on those days was the fact that Hiare did not come, for those Avternain had truly wished her to come {For it was now nearly a hundred years since they had seen each other}, he would not intrude into Minarand with any message. But it is said that Hiare, though all those long miles distant, knew of their marriage, and blessed it in her heart.

 

Unfortunately when not one year was past, the flood gates opened upon Barline, for the fear of attack that had hung on the edge of Avternain’s mind came true. For from Marair Baraz, in the beginning of the year came hither beasts of evil. But there came whither another beast, unknown as yet even to the Vrolevili.

 

Here was for the first time seen the Orglag, the dammed, creatures of great strength and evil, if not of mind and cunning. None then knew what they were or whither they had come from, but it was later known that they came from the far east, where Ravik had of old left Ukarak to do his bidding. Of what they were was never truly known either. But there are dark rumours that tell of those Ezleg who were taken a fore the journey south, and before the long winter, and that these were what the Ukarak had made them, but many have denied this, the Minare included, the truth may then never be known.

 

Here must be told that they were not all the same the Orglag. Most were somewhat taller than the Ezleg, but bowed heavily forward so that they appeared slightly shorter. They had  thick green leathery skin, and both sharp teeth and claws. Most as said were of little intelligence, and were of little control. But there were a few who were different. Black of skin and taller than most Ezleg, they showed a dark wit and mind, and were far by greater warriors, wielding good swords instead of using their claws. Both male and female fought, and there was little of difference at first sight, which matters not in these tales, save that Arak Orglag (black Orggs in our tongue) were all male.

 

This began Aln Batcul Orglag, the first Orgg war, which was the first war to carry on long past Barline,  from both north and south of Bairgarand, as is told later.

 

Now their onslaught through the Mountains was as if a tidal wave, pouring through out Zodëline in short days, though as said there was yet only few Elybylar hither. But those that resisted were butchered mercilessly, and the few that were taken became food for the beasts and Orglag alike. But most Ezleg, seeing that they could not resist, fled across the land, two places did they go. North to cross the Lazrina, or west into the small forest in the south corner of Zodëline, known here after as Mtal Vinotz, the forest of hiding. Thus within only a few days, the beasts had come close to seizing all of Zodëline.

 

Avternain heard quickly of what had happened, and leaving his home he came to the great hall, where he gathered together the small army of Barline, and pressed for more strength, while small companies kept the Orglag contained. Avternain said of this matter long later;

 

            “We had almost no idea of what to do, me not the least for I had only fought in

the field, and never had I had yet to command such a force onward, It seemed at

first that there was nothing that we could do to stop these beasts, but my wife,

Nimlith, helped me in one respect.” 

 

Nimlith quickly offered a suggestion to her husband, “husband,” she said, “There is one thing I can do save fight.”

“And what is that?” replied Avternain.

“I can go with riders and rally what I can from the east.” She answered.

“Then go wither you would my wife, I must go and see to the war.”

They parted then for a while, in a great sadness.

 

The Beasts first came against the Lazrina in Arinizar of the one hundred and twenty first year {which was the border of Zodëline}, just half a year since they had first broke through the Marair. They attacked where the Lazrina was closest to Var’bylar, where luckily, Avternain was waiting by the only ford that crossed the river at that point. This was but a skirmish, though a large one, for the battles were fortuitous. Avternain was simple in his tactics, as he stood and shot from the riverbank until the Beasts were close, then charged forth, he himself leading the charge. The beasts were easily beaten back, and they fled southward. But Avternain had for the first time fought a Orglag, and slain several, and he later said of the incident;

 

“From my Whrine I swung a full blow at one of the vile creatures necks. The blow              would had severed the head of any creature I knew, but the blade got stuck in the things                throat ,it died I course, but the thing was made of something very strong. ,it takes many arrow to slay even a single thing, though in battle, one who is agile

can merely avoid its strike.”

 

Though this minor victory raised the hopes of the Ezleg for a time, it was certainly not a major one, and the Orglag ran rife through Zodëline, pressing ever harder against Mtal Vinotz, though the Ezleg held them back as yet, and because of this Avternain was spared a single full blown attack against the river, and thus was given time, time he so desperately needed. The beasts tried once more to attack across the river as Vrozar began, but with little force, and certainly not enough to break through to Var’bylar. Avternain was relieved that there were no attacks through out Vrozar, the weather having a effect to slow the beasts. Thus Avternain managed to gather a greater force over the precious days that were given to him. Until his forces numbered nigh on ten thousand well trained soldiers

 

With the onset of the one hundred and twenty second year, the beast tried to cross the river once more, though this time with far greater force, for the Orglag had given up their battle against Mtal Vinotz, and turned their weight northward. But Avternain was as yet dug in strongly on the far bank of the river, and the beasts, even the Orglag had great trouble crossing the fords, though after a while there was blood shed on the far banks. But Avternain drove them off. With a far greater slaughter than had yet been achieved. Thus he felt in position to strike south, and reclaim what had been lost.

 

It was not long before he realised what must be happening. The beasts must be coming through the pass still. Thus his plan would indeed have to seal the pass through the Avinkazag. But there were the survivors of Zodëline as yet still trapped within Mtal Vinotz. Thus Avternain planned to strike first south, clearing the forest, then sweeping along the coast to Marair, where he would defeat the foe.

 

Thus as Almazar closed, Avternain, with nigh on ten thousand Ezleg, crossed the Lazrina river. Half the force was to head strait to the coast, the other half, lead by Avternain, was to clear Mtal Vinotz. This became a bloody affair, as Avternain’s cavalry caught many small hosts of beast upon the open plain, where they slaughtered them, so that within two weeks, west Zodëline was cleared. Avternain quickly got the people north, while he gathered his forces for the strike on Marair.

 

Just ten days later began the first great single battle that Barline was involved in. For Avternain closed as planned from the south, but the Orglag were seemingly ready for him, though if that was so they made a grave mistake of not protecting the pass, together with both flanks. Thus Avternain, who is now renowned as a tactical genius, Ordered a attack on Both flanks, with a holding action in the centre.

 

Thus began Batzul Marair, the first of all great battles that Barline fought. Avternain risked a lot in what he did, but he thought right, though his decision to stand with the infantry in the centre was said by some to be foolish, perhaps it was, but it did the Moral of the Elybylar no end of good. The battle was fiercest at the centre, where the infantry were hard pressed for a time. But the two cavalry commanders. Alcrond in the west, and Elmglan in the east, broke across the flanks of the Orglag, causing chaos. Indeed Alcrond slew a black Orglag known as Gularan, and Elmglan, a huntress of great skill, began the pursuit northwards even before the battle was truly over. Both won true renown for what they did, and they come both into these tales later, but suffice to say, the Orglag, their flanks broken by the smaller force, fled north in several hosts. Elmglan destroyed one of these in a great ambush in the Avin Lear, but the others survived, though greatly diminished in strength, and fled further north, where Avternain struggled to keep up the pursuit. Finally the Orglag, greatly diminished, fled into the Avin Alak, the border mountains, wither they then came to trouble the Vrolevili.

 

As to finish the war Avternain ordered that there be built several fortresses in Barline. Arak mina in the far north was fortified, though Avternain did not yet go there. Tal Rina was built in the Rina pass through the Avin Lear, and lastly, there was built Tal Avin, the mountain fort, blocking advances through Marair Baraz. Avternain also did another sensible thing, he made sure that all Elybylar received some military training, so that they could be called upon at need. He spent several years developing the techniques in Var’bylar, and thus grew his strength to army time what he would have elsewise had, though after the war, ten thousand were kept as a standing army in Barline.

 

Thus had Barline had its first taste of war, though indeed it did not effect great stretches of that land, still it was but a small taste of what was to come in the future days.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

An Belzeg aigaz ala KazVeriniz

 

Which is:

Of Belzeg and the Great Wolves

 

hus Avternain had come to save Barline, having driven the Orglag from the wide lands of the Elybylar. But yet the deed was not done as yet, for many a Orglag had been thus routed, and not destroyed, and whence they were driven into the Avin Alak they came undaunted into the wilds of Arakline, staining a peace that was ever all to fragile, and thus bringing war back once more into the north, awakening the malice of Zandline and the memories of the wild years. Though this war never came to engulf all of Arakline, let alone all the north, the Vrolevili had to fight it once again alone, still without the aid of their southern kin, who battle was deemed to have ended at the feet of the Avin Alak. But the Vrolevili were not in truth alone, and they indeed had allies this time, however unlikely they may have seemed.

 

Veriniz is the word on Bair for wolves, and most were beasts only to their own survival, and many as such fought in the beastly hoards of Zandline in their search for food in the fell north, and they slew any creature who came near, and were thus they were shunned often as creatures of evil. But there was another kind of wolves in Bair, who fought not for evil, but against it. KazVeriniz they were named, the great wolves, massive beyond the size of any normal wolf, more comparable to the size of a Ezlag were they. And unlike their smaller brethren they rarely saw, yet alone hunted the Ezleg. This was because of old they were mountain dwellers, mostly they were in the Avinkazag, where the Ezleg rarely went. Only rumour was heard of them to most, and the occasional tale of one who went into the wild and met them. But they were in war troubled times, and saw these great and noble beasts not as friends as would have been right, but as allies, some have said that the KazVeriniz were sentient beings, to which the Ezleg later agreed, and that was only because of what happened in the tale that follows. 

 

Belzeg was a Ezlag who was of old one of the company of Nomleagth who left with him before the coming of the Minare to Zand Zlavind, and thus was one of the original three thousand who came to Oralath in the first years of Bair. He knew Nomleagth as his lord and was also known to Nomleagth, as a companion, but not so close as to be called friends. He had no wish for any great deeds in Bair no wishes above a simple life that the Ezleg so wished for, though he fought during the wild years for the union, knowing that his wish would not come if they were destroyed. And at this time, soon after the entry of the Orglag into Arakline, he still travelled in the wandering guard parties that Oralath sent into the lands. In these days, with the Orglag hither, there were few who were willing to go out into the wilds at any great distance. Still though did some small groups try to find out what was becoming of the lands near the mountains, wither most were willing to hold the cities in force.

 

That is how Belzeg’s patrol found themselves in the east of Arakline that day, they were some distance north of Gleneal, but closer to that city than to  the fort of Tal Rela to the north. In these days Gleneal was a closed city, as it was far from Oralath and that city’s protection. Indeed it was now the one hundred and twenty seventh year and the war had been there now for four years, Gleneal had been isolated for much of that time, and the Orglag were beginning to gather together once more. Yet no city was willing as yet to go forth and drive them out, as none of the cities had yet been threatened in the extreme, save Gleneal, which had not the force to do so.

 

Now Belzeg and his few companions, coming hardly up to the foot of the Avinkazag, heard sounds of battle ahead, but as yet they saw nothing of a conflict at all. It all seemed too strange. Thus Belzeg counselled that they should pull back and seek aid, but he was not the commander, for that fell to a Ezlag named Celdin, who said; “Nay Belzeg, is it not our duty to protect this land?, we must go forth then and do so,” and thus Belzeg’s council was ignored, and the small company began to trek up into the mountains. It was hard going, for the Avinkazag was never a small range, and it thus took some time until they came in sight of the conflict, and it was a sight that none had ever seen before.

 

For here was fought a battle of great might between the great wolves and the forces of Zandline. It was never a battle in the general sense, for the wolves and the Orglag ran wild in a vile Millie, slaying wither they would. Throats were torn, legs were slashed and necks were broken, while the KazVeriniz, who were said to have been few in number, fought with the wildness of beasts and the nobility of the Ezleg. But upon seeing this, Celdin ordered the small company down behind a ridge, where he believed them safe, and from there they watched this dreadful battle be fought.

 

But little time it was indeed until the battle came to them. For the Orglag were great in number, and the KazVeriniz were few, and the Evils thus spilled through the noble animals, and it was as this that the Orglag came upon Celdin’s patrol, taking the leader by utter surprise. There fell Celdin at once, being torn asunder by the claws of the Orglag. There fell also many of his force beside him, but Belzeg was thrown away from the Millie, and fled away, bringing him into the main battle that lay ahead. Thus he found himself amidst a greater slaughter, he found himself alone, his companions lost or slain, and there came back all his lost memories of battles long gone, but most of all came back the memory of the land of Zandline, where he passed through long ago.

 

A black Orglag stood before him, tall and terrible like a nightmare. But it was not facing him, nor made any move against the Ezlag. For it faced a single great wolf, silver of sheen, and great of garb. That wolf is remembered in many tales among the Vrolevili even now, and though it had no name as then, history named it KlarVerinil, the royal wolf, though it is not known why that was so. The Black Orglag, struck then at the great wolf with its vicious claws, but the beast was too agile for him, and darted aside with ease. Again the Orglag stuck, this time catching the wolf on the side, sending it reeling. It was then that Belzeg, getting slowly to his feet, knew the Orglag would be upon him the instant he slew the wolf, thus, with out any thought of the consequences, Belzeg leapt upon the back of the Orglag and stuck home a surprise blow, bringing the Orglag to its death, but as the beast fell, its great fists fell upon Belzeg, bringing the Ezlag unconscious.

 

It was some time later that Belzeg awoke, he was rather bruised and sore from his experiences, but seemed otherwise fine, though not knowing where he was he was cautious about what he did. Slowly, as his vision came back to him, he realised in horror that he was inside a cave, which he knew as a wolfs lair. He did not know why the wolf had not slain him, nor how he found his way there. He pondered this for only a few moments, before he looked at the mouth of the cave. The unmistakable shape of the Great wolf stood thither, standing guard at the entrance to the cave. Belzeg, without warning, grabbed his sword, which lay at his feet, though he cared then not how it had came to be there. Then, whence Belzeg held the sword towards the wolf, the great beast turned to him.

 

Belzeg looked then for the first time face to face with the wolf. It had many small cuts and welts from it earlier battle, but Belzeg, who still admired the true majesty of the KazVerinil, wondered why it did not strike him where he stood, or why it had not done so before, as he had been helpless. But the beast did not advance against him, it lay there as if to bare a mount. “Why taunt me?” said Belzeg helplessly. “But why also am I not dead?.” He asked himself

Then Belzeg seemed to realise what must have happened. He had, it be his intentions or not, saved the creatures from the Orglag. Thus the beast must have carried him back thither to the cave, thus saving his life in return, though Belzeg could not imagine such intelligent or friendly thoughts from a animal as low in his mind as a wolf.

“Why did you save me?” asked Belzeg. It was a rhetoRikal question, but surprisingly the wolf rose its head and stared at him, its yellow eyes gleaming. Belzeg was sure the wolf knew what he said completely.

Then Belzeg remembered his companions, and he thought over their fate. “Will you take me to the site of the battle?” he asked the wolf, wonde3ring if the beast would be able to aid him.

The wolf in reply moved closer the Ezlag, and Belzeg, trying not to fear the wolf any more, stood up and came to the animal, and being brave he climbed upon its back, and in a instant the wolf took off unto the mountains, carrying them both back into the wilderness.

 

It was thus a hour or so later they came upon the site of the battle, and Belzeg knew the sight at once, for the stench of death was already ever present in the air, and he knew of that before he saw the ground with his eyes. It was not now a battle ground, it had become a burial ground. The bodies of Orglag and wolf alike littered the ground thither, many creatures now gone forever. It seemed though that the Great wolves had one this day, for several still walked around the bodies, but to Belzeg’s surprise, they did not touch a single once, and all the KazVeriniz that were eating were devouring but small game and such. But Belzeg was not interested in such things, for he had caught sight of his companions. They lay strewn across the ridge where they had been attacked, all were slain horribly, their bodies mangled, but thanks to the wolves, not mutilated. Belzeg shed more than a single tear for them, but did not weep more so, for he climbed off the wolf, and went to his companion, and he spent the next hour giving them a burial as which could be expected for those lost in battle, and above their graves he inscribed only a single sign;

 

ER MORNE KAZ VROLEVILI, CAL NUIL AN ALAMA

 

Which means:

 

HERE DIED GREAT VROLEVILI, SPEAK WELL OF THEM

 

After finishing this deed, Belzeg returned to the wolf, and said unto him, “Help me avenge them.”

The wolf in reply, crouched low, and Belzeg mounted upon him again, and then together they rode off into the Avinkazag once more.

 

For the remainder of that year and a good part of the next, the war remained as it had, being confined to the mountains as it were. The rumours within Arakline of the war remained, but now a new twist came to the tales. For now one was mentioned, the one who walked with wolves. Such tales were for there most part folk lore and fancy, for little is indeed known of Belzeg in this time, for he said naught of it later, but what can be said is that Belzeg and KlarVerinil did indeed continue to fight that war with the other great wolves, and for that time the battles did not spill out into Arakline.

 

Suddenly, in Arinizar of the one hundred and twenty eight year, over a year since he had disappeared, Belzeg was seen in Arakline near Hwëvi Vinotz in the north.  It was at this time many a Orglag were also seen gathering once more in the north of that land near the mountains, and were rumoured by many to be advancing on Oralath from the north. With hindsight it seemed like it was a false move, the Orglag and their beasts were seemingly too few in number by far to threaten Oralath. but there were still many a small town on route to Oralath, and if they were left alone they would ravage much before they would have come to Oralath. So it was that Nomleagth, worried by these sightings and rumours {Though he too knew of the Orglag in the mountains} began to mobilise a sizeable force to lead north to safeguard Arakline once more if needs be.

 

The First sighting of Belzeg and the wolves took place near Var’nel, which was a small fortress town guarding a pass through the Avinkazag. One of the out companies of that city saw the sight of a great host of wolves heading westward in the end of the year. The company stayed hidden from sight, and quietly returned to Var’nel to give warning to the city. Word was quickly sent to Nomleagth of the sighting, while the forces of Var’nel searched in vain for The wolves or the rumoured Orglag. {Of which no definite sighting had been made} But it was in vain, the wolves disappeared into the Vrozar snows, and so did any sign of the Orglag army.

 

Nomleagth was greatly worried by these sightings, though if he was worried more by the Orglag or the wolves this tale does not say. But he quickly decided that Vrozar that he would have to use force to stop whatever came south. Thus he prepared that Vrozar, and when the snows abated, he marched north with a sizeable force, though far from all that Oralath could then mobilise. He followed the Zarin Mina north into the land of Lavi Lan {which is the land between Oralath and Arak Baraz}and by the beginning of the new year he had covered great distances north.

 

Little did Nomleagth know that the Orglag were in fact mere miles ahead of him. For before Belzeg and the wolves had been seen, the Orglag had already passed secretly into Arakline, being driven so by Belzeg and the wolves {Though inadvertently it is said}The Orglag were fleeing form the wolves to the Zarin Mina, which was the next safe haven for the beasts. The Orglag were thus heading directly towards Nomleagth’s oblivious forces, and the Orglag, believing that they were almost to safety, were willing to battle anything in their bid to safety.

 

Nomleagth was thus surprised by the Orglag on his march, for he believed them to be much further north than this. The Vanguard was attacked while they were in a shallow valley, and it was for this reason that the Orglag were not seen in time. But none the less, the Vrolevili were attacked, and the lead units of Nomleagth’s Army took heavy casualties before Nomleagth could essay to bring forth extra troops, but even as he did this, the Great wolves came upon their quarry once more…

 

Belzeg, upon KlarVerinil, lead then a massive charge against the Orglag whom they had been hunting for weeks, he cried again and again; “Ala KazVeriniz Aigaz ala Vrolevili Lenegil!; The great wolves and the Vrolevili unite!” and he cried this even as he and his mount broke through the Orglag unto Nomleagth, breaking the Orglag apart in a single charge, scattering the Orglag far and wide as the Great wolves pursued them with utter relentlessness {Despite a pursuit of many days}this battle, which became known as Batzul KazVeriniz, the battle of the great wolves, was over in just a few minutes, but it was named so for indeed it was the great wolves who caused the victory that day. The Orglag were hunted by the wolves for many days after, for the Great wolves never gave up a chase save due to death its self..

 

On the fields of that battle Nomleagth met with Belzeg, and they both remembered each other from long before, and Nomleagth said; “Saviour are you this day my friend, saviour to Arakline, what would you wish for that could repay you?”

“Nothing save one thing my lord.” Replied Belzeg.

“And what would that be?”

That the great wolves are never hunted nor killed by us, and so that they will remained allied to us against the northern evils.”

“Then that shall be done.” Said Nomleagth, “But your tale has come a long way in rumour Belzeg, why did the wolf let you ride it?”

“Because I saved its life, as today have done all the Ezleg here, and so they shall do the same to all of Oralath’s soldiers.”

 

And even then it was so. In later times still does a memory still persist of the Wolf riders of Oralath, the most feared mounted troops in the history of Bair, Belzeg trained many for his whole life, and though the wolves were never tamed or captured, when the need of battle came, more would descend the mountains, and every major battle in Arakline did they fight and in every major battle which involved the Vrolevili or Arakline, and far distant as well. Belzeg’s tale had not yet ended either, though the deeds told here are among the best that remain known, he was involved in many other tales in his life. But the wolf riders remained a enigma for many years to even the Minare, until Belzeg’s death, when some of the inner truths became known, but are not told here.

 

Thus ended the first Orglag war, rather strengthening than weakening the Vrolevili. Both North and south had become strong in might in the years that followed, though indeed none deemed the evil to have ended yet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

Ala Aln Batcul an Zandline

 

Which is:

The First war of Zandline

 

t was in the one hundred and twenty ninth year of Bair that a child was born to Hiare and Viler in Minarand. And it is said that as his mother first looked upon him in a way only a spirit can, she named him Ivonwe, part of which means traveller, for Hiare said of him then; “Great deeds will he do, and a explorer of the lands he will be, he will love the lands also, and shall not leave Bair at will.” Viler did not comment on these words but a doom unforeseen came of these words.

 

It was several years previously, on the one hundred and twenty fifth year, that Avternain was born a son also. The young boy was much like his father in looks, being dark hared and tall even for the Ezleg. but he was given a name that had a strange pretence. Beldaron he was named by his father, a name which could mean “fated to seek”, so then it was unlikely a strange coincidence that he became a explorer also in time, and after his father he is by far the most renowned of the house of Bairmil, and perhaps of all the Ezleg.

 

It was around this time that Hiare first heard of the Orglag war, though it was by then some time past. Hiare though was deeply troubled by those tidings, for she knew not as yet what had come out of the east,. Thus she decided to come to Barline with her infant son, though he was then barely a year of age. But the spirits grow not like the mortals, and already Ivonwe spoke and chose form. It was said that even at his young age his mothers blood became apparent, for he often took the form of a young human child, which over the years of the first era became a enigma in the House of Hiare.

Var’bylar was by then the largest city in Barline, and the most fair. Hiare had never before been there, for she had left Barline before Avternain came thither. Still, coming into Barline, she gained news of the city, and that is thither they went.

               

Thus did Hiare and Ivonwe came to Var’bylar for the first time, though they would come thither many times in the years to follow. They found their way to the great hall, and they met Avternain within. The lord rejoiced at their coming, saying; “It has been long and dark with out you here my friend, and I see that we both have heirs now.”

Then he told Hiare much of Beldaron his son and of the land of Barline, but then of less pleaZandt things, such as the war that had engulfed southern Barline a decade previously, Hiare seemed very concerned, and questioned him about what she could, before he said finally, “will you come with me to my home Hiare, I would like you to meet my wife and son,” he said, “and I expect Beldaron would like to meet Ivonwe.” He said those last words in jest somewhat, but he did not know that they would become very true.

 

When they came to Avternain’s home, Nimlith was not Present and she had taken Beldaron with her. So Hiare and Avternain sat talked some more, for though they did not truly realise it at first, they had not seen each other for over a century. Presently though, Nimlith came in, and young Beldaron was with her. “Frin Ezlag.” Said Hiare in greeting, to which Nimlith replied, “Frin Mina, but I never though that I would see you again in Barline Hiare, for it has been so long.” Then she sat and they talked for a while, and Beldaron spoke his first words to Ivonwe, and they both talked and played together the rest of the day. Hiare and Avternain both saw that there was the seeds of a strong friendship between them, as indeed would there be for many long years.

 

Hiare decided that day not tell Avternain what had come to her mind about the beasts from the east, for it was then that she remembered then those of the Ezleg who were captured before they could come to their aid, and with the tales of the Orglag now at hand, she assumed the worst. That was a secret though that she never told, but none the less, some in time had those same thoughts, and thus did the idea pass into the world.

 

“Would you stay hither?” Avternain asked her finally as the day was closing, “for there are a many things beyond what I have  managed to say today that I would ask. Hiare did not have to think long, for she wished now not to have all the cares of Minarand upon her, and be content in raising her son “Yes Star Stone, I will stay,” she answered, “I believe that my son would not have it  any other way now.” Indeed within that day, Ivonwe and Beldaron had become soul mates, and were even walking through the home together as if they had already known each other for many long years.

 

Hiare did indeed stay in Barline, using the spare quarters of Avternain’s home. She had left her husband in control of matters in Minarand, and stayed thither to raise her son. Beldaron was four years the older than his friend, but Ivonwe grew the faster. And though children of the Minare are deemed adults at their fifth year, Ivonwe was much like a child as long as Beldaron, and both could rarely be separated. With their parents they often travelled around Barline, and both their childhood’s were blissful, and Ivonwe was the first infant Mina to be seen by the Ezleg, and many wished that more come among them so. In time Ivonwe and Beldaron travelled Barline together, both had the wish to see further lands, and even as their childhood ended they would not be separated, and remained for some years into adult hood in Barline. Beldaron came to be like his father, tall and fair, Ivonwe was like his mother in the form he chose though, Dark of hair though fair of face, for he too chose the form of a human, and this became a trait of the house of Hiare. Beldaron was the strongest and first to act, but Ivonwe was the more patient, and had little fear of anything, and was thus as wise as his mother. So both became as alike as they could be, almost as kin that could never be.

 

But this tale returns now to the Vrolevili, who had not again been troubled since the first Orglag war. In the times of peace they had built many strong fortresses. It was Nomleagth in Arakline who had built the great tower of Tal Valric, the Nether Guard in amidst the Redoubts in Arak Baraz to guard against any assault from Zandline in the north, and across that land there were many forts, Nomleagth knew as well as ant that a strike from Zandline could come at any time, thus he kept as vigilant as he could in those days. The KazVeriniz under Belzeg were now the most dangerous cavalry in Bair. In Dinear the defences had become strong also. To guard in the south, there had been built the fortress of Tal Baraz, though it was unfortunate that this fortress was not yet utterly complete. To the north a line of heavy strong points were built across Glimer Baraz, and so did the Vrolevili deem them selves ready for any assault that came from the north. But still the Vrolevili shunned the Elybylar, those who had abandoned them, but all that was to change now.

 

It was in the middle days of the one hundred and fifty fifth year that they came. A cloud of darkness came suddenly over Arakline and the passes from Zandline. Then came forth the greatest hosts ever yet come from the evil land. Some fifty thousand Orglag it has been said, and with them all the beasts of evil as well, Not forgetting the Ukarak in great numbers, led by Ravik himself. They came against the strongholds of the Vrolevili, and proposed not to merely destroy the Vrolevili, but all of Bair.

 

In the first days of that war the Vrolevili took massive defeats at hand. The first disaster took place at Glimer Baraz, where the defences that the Vrolevili had placed their trust in were merely cast aside by the sheer amounts of the Orglag and the Ukarak. The pass was thus forces with great loss to the Vrolevili. Almagarin was indeed very fortunate to save much of his force at all, for he began to retreat to the south west when the battle was lost. He hoped to gain passage through to Hwëvi Vinotz, where he could make a stand, or else retreat back to Maren. But he was unfortunate that the battle had severed his forces, for while he maintained control of the larger part, many were driven westward towards Var’narth, away from him, thus weakening him even further.

 

Dinear was breached through the south in a titanic battle at Tal Baraz, where many fell defending the walls where the Ukarak breached them with fire. Here Elnmil fought as the commander, with Avaner holding in the valley. But the incompleteness of the fortress lost the Ezleg the day, for the Orglag and Ukarak broke through from below through incomplete walls, and thus came from below against the defenders. It was this way that Ivsraln found her way to the top. Thus did Elnmil face Ivsraln, and though the Ukarak should have won with ease, Elnmil fought her off, wounding her foe, but another Ukarak came up from behind Elnmil and smote her down, and carried her off as a prisoner. Almost at once Avaner knew what had happened to her friend, but was too late for her to aid her, for the tower then fell to the Orglag, and Elnmil was carried off captive to Zavaner Zar. Avaner swore there she would save her friend. But first she pulled back all those that she could, and she still had a large force with her, for the Victory was here very hard bought for the Ukarak, and their forces were badly diminished, but they pressed on in pursuit as best as they could, thus keeping Avaner withdrawing back down the line of the Zarin Mina.

 

The greatest force once more came for Arakline, for it had become Ravik’s obsession to slay Nomleagth almost as much as it was to slay Hiare, for only she had defied him the more. They were spotted before nightfall in Arak Baraz, but through the moon less night they came to the foot of Tal Valric, whither the battle began. Short and swift it was against such numbers. Belzeg, who commanded hither, could not stand against what came against him. He was driven from the redoubts with great loss, and was forced to withdraw south, thus leaving Tal Valric stranded. The fortress was Breached from Below, but the terror from Ravik who came thither drove many from the walls. Most fell within that fortress, fighting a hopeless battle, but a few fled into tunnels beneath, and came at length to the Zarin Mina from where they could withdraw south, but of the thousand who defended Tal Valric, only fifty survived, led south by Valgrek, a lieutenant of the fortress. But Ravik now aired, for he did not strike south with all he had, and instead pursued all which remained in North Arakline, thus giving time for Nomleagth to raise his defence.

 

Indeed the lord knew that he had little, if no hope against what he faced. Thus, putting aside his feelings, he sent messengers to the Elybylar, knowing that they could be the only hope in this troubled time.

 

Those messengers rode quickly south to Barline, though none knew they way passed Nitlen. They merely followed the Veinar river until they saw a city to the south. This was Arak Mina, the closest city of Barline to the Vrolevili lands. Thus one could imagine the great surprise to the Elybylar who watched from the city’s towers. The Elybylar thus crossed the Veinon {The first time that any of the Elybylar had dared do so} and came and met the three massagers, who’s names were, Nardran, Melena and Kelentani. Thus did these three Vrolevili become the first to meet the Elybylar face to face. It was Nardran who told the captain of their plight, and pleaded for held in the northern war. The Captain though, told them that they would have to go south and Ask for aid from Avternain himself. But the captain gave them her word that she would ready all the forces that Arak Mina had to offer in any case. She then took the Vrolevili back to Arak Mina, where rumour of them and their request had passed into the city and beyond. There they were re horsed, given a guide, and the next morning rode on through Barline towards Var’bylar. Already though had word gone far, and strange things began to happen almost at once.

 

The reaction of the Elybylar was unlike any that had yet happened in the face of war. The people rose up in aid, admitting the wrong of leaving their kin all those years ago, but refusing to let it happen again. Thus even before the messengers had reached Var’bylar, much of northern Barline was readying its self for war of its own free will.

 

When the messengers did reach Var’bylar, they rushed to see Avternain, though he had already heard rumour of them himself. When they came finally to the great hall they met Avternain, and also Hiare.

“My good lord,” Said Nardran “We are honoured to find you at last.”

“Nay” Said Avternain, “It is my honour…” He sighed “It has been many years since we regrettably left your people in the north,” He shook his head, but then spoke again. “Rumour of you and your war has come fast across this land, but I have heard but just that, rumours, perhaps you could tell us what my people a rising up for?”

Nardran shrugged, “All of the Ezleg remember the evil that struck us in the north,” He looked at Hiare doubtfully, “When we fled from the colds that came upon our first home, we came to warmer lands to the east, where unknown to us the evils came from. Against all odds we have survived, and held the evils restrained, but it was not destroyed, and now…now they have returned.”

He hesitated for a few moments then, before speaking again.

“Lord Nomleagth of Oralath, and all of the Vrolevili union ask, no, plead for your help against the evils that have divided us once, and asks that it does not do so again.”

Avternain looked sorrowfully at the table for a few moments, obviously in deep thought, before speaking again.

“My friends, we may have made a mistake once before, but I will not allow it to happen again. We shall come north, and we shall do all in our power to save you and defeat the darkness. I have heard also that the north of this land readies already for war, so, if you would wait for a few hours, we shall all go north, and defeat utterly these evils”

 

When the messengers had left, Avternain swore a private oath to aid his kin, to which his wife did the same, though he would not let his son Beldaron go to war, though he was now thirty five years old, saying, “You must protect Barline my son.” He was going to protest, but Hiare had said similar words to Ivonwe, “My son, you shall have your time to go out into the wild, but if anything happens to me, you are the heir of my house, stay with Beldaron, and aid him.”

But these words were said after Hiare had spoken to Avternain “ you truly mean to go, and undo all that we did all those years ago?”

“No” he said “I mean to help my kin, you must understand how I feel, we have all suppressed the fact that we left them, but now we must go to save them.”

“I know your feelings but not your reason” she answered him, “But I go now to rally my people, never should have Zandline been left to survive, it is a wrong that I must now amend myself.”

“Shall I meet you again before we go north?” asked Avternain.

“I shall try to, but I cannot say, but good luck to you my friend, we shall need it.” She then kissed him, and left him to his devises, less than a hour later, Avternain had departed leading his armies north, Hiare had departed also.

 

Minarand had already heard of the war, and the people were divided as to what should be done, Some wished to go, others not, Hiare was surprised to find that her husband was willing, and even more surprised to find that Hifylar was there, he told Hiare of what had happened to Elnmil, and that Avaner had resolved to go after her, he also told her that the war was going badly. Thus there in Minriavi did Hiare address her people once more, she did not expect all to go, the Minare could not, and would not be ordered so, but many were willing now. Lastly Hiare spoke to Hifylar again; “why do you come my lord, you have no need to do so?”

“Only because of friendship and obligation.” He said, and the Spirits came forth to war for the first time since before the ground they stood upon was created.

 

All the marshalling in the south took little time after, as many were ready in but a few days, but it was not until mid Vrozar that Ravik had began to move south again, and before this there was the first victory of that war for the Ezleg.

 

Meanwhile the forces of Tal Baraz, driven back down the Zarin Mina as had Nethar been a hundred years before, rallied once more at his command and that of Avaner. Nethar and Elnue had come forth from Nivan with  several thousand soldiers, and joined the withdrawing host of Tal Baraz at the site where Nethar had made his last stand in Batzul Narth, but this time there would be not last stand, for the Cavalry of Nivan lay in wait for some time before the battered forces of Ivsraln came forth, and then from hiding amongst the hills did the Vrolevili leap upon the hoards of Zandline, and in a short and vicious battle, cut them to ribbons. Avaner slew a Ukarak, as did Elnue, but Ivsraln escaped as she always did, for she cared for her own life more than any others. Thus a victory amidst the defeats came to the Vrolevili. Batzul Malir, the battle of hope it was named, and it did indeed give hope unto the Vrolevili in that time of woe.

 

But there were no such victories elsewhere to aid this hope, indeed there were but more defeats for a time. The forces of Zandline drove back Almagarin’s Command with great loss through Dinear. There was fierce battles within Hwëvi Vinotz, where Almagarin had hoped to turn the tide, and thus had committed himself, but the foe pressed on, and broke through south of Almagarin’s main force, thus hoping to cut Almagarin from Maren, which they came close to doing. A assault against the northern flank by the Cavalry of Var’narth was beaten back with loss, though it did save the remnants of Almagarin’s forces who were driven north. But now many foes now turned towards that city, though the main host continued south. Almagarin knew now that he must withdraw to Maren, or else be destroyed upon the open fields. Thus he withdrew quickly southward, and the Enemy were slowed by the Fens to the north east of the city. Thus Almagarin reached Maren two days before the foes did, but his command of five thousand had been reduced to just two thousand, and he could mobilise only another three thousand from Maren. Thus he had to defend Maren against ten thousand Orglag and twice as many beasts with only five thousand. Thus with Maren under siege, and Var’narth threatened, the war was looking grim once more.

 

Grimmer yet was the war to the east, as Arakline was by far the most under threat. Ravik finally stuck against Belzeg in the centre of Arakline, and in several fierce battles began driving him back with great loss. The Orglag  did indeed fall in droves, but it mattered not, for Ravik commanded over thirty five thousand of them, with twice as many beasts of Zandline. Belzeg’s eight thousand simply were overwhelmed, and though he indeed gave Oralath time, there was simply not enough to stop such a great advance. Belzeg eventually made his final stand at the ridges north of Oralath, where he was joined by several thousand from Oralath, though Nomleagth had decided to keep back what he could as a reserve, in case the very worst came to pass.

 

For two days did Belzeg hold those ridges, outnumbered nearly five to one at the start, and more than ten to one in the end. Many a time did he almost lose the ridges, and rallied his forces at the last. But then Ravik came, and he set fire to the Ridges, burning them black, and driving the Vrolevili from them across the plain to Oralath, leaving some four thousand dead upon those ridges, which became known here after as the Narth Gul, the North Fire.

 

Thus began the first Siege of Oralath, and the stone city was ringed by it foes. Form the Narth Gul to the heart of the Veinar did they hold and ever then did the forces of Zandline hold Arakline with a iron grip, one that the Vrolevili alone could not break. Nomleagth’s own words tell the story the best;

 

“As Belzeg’s forces came reeling into the city, I had just come upon the northern                ramparts, and the sight which greeted me was one of horror and disgust that I had                 never seen before, never could I have thought that the foe had come to be so strong                                in those peaceful years. Even then great hoards were swamping passed the gate,              cutting us from the outside world, and we had nothing that could resist such force.”

 

It was that very day that Hiare passed into Barline once more, this time leading a great army of the Minare the likes of which had never been seen before. Avternain had already gathered all that he could, some thirty thousand it was guessed, mostly those who had rallied at Arak Mina by their own will. Here at the northern most border of Barline was the plan of battle prepared, and the forces readied. Then Avternain, first of all Elybylar, crossed the Veinar, and entered into the most southern hills of Arakline, with saving the Vrolevili all that he then cared for.

 

For ten days did Oralath languish behind its leaguer, the city’s well crafted defences holding longer than which any would have thought against such virulent forces. But after bombardment by great catapults and ten days of assaults the towers upon the walls were in ruin, the walls were breached in two places. Even Nomleagth knew that the final day had come when the Orglag began to gather outside the walls that night, ready to strike the knife into the belly of the Vrolevili, and then at dawn, when they were on the verge of letting loose the great final assault, there was a great sight to the south.

 

Thus came Avternain Bairmil, in the speech of that land, Star Stone, Worlds life, to us. And at his side stood Hiare Minabair, Queen of the Minare, holding a great sword and her bracelets upon her arms, and those bracelets shone with a white light from before Bair. Come also were both their peoples, Mina and Ezlag both, to end the Evils upon Bair was their goal it seemed. They chose now to avenge all those that had fallen upon the unaided war in the north of Bairgarand, avenge the cause of their sundering and this revenge drove them forth as if those above had given them the will to do so.

 

Thus began Batzul Pelpelar, the battle of the peoples, of which many tales still tell. For Hiare Minabair opened the great battle by leading the Minare high over Oralath, where the Vrolevili looked up in great wonder at the spirits as they came pouring upon the city everywhere, striking  down Orglag where they stood. Then from the south the great battle cries of the Elybylar were heard as their cavalry poured upon the beasts that tried in vain to hold them back, followed by the cold steel of all those who strode into battle on foot, wielding sword or spear or mace of whom Avternain Bairmil was one, and Nimlith his wife, it matters not to name names, for the plain came alive with their weapons in that hour, and there then came a great wailing cry from beyond the city, where the Ukarak lay in wait, and they knew that their challenge was accepted.

 

Then came like bats from a cave the great flight of the Ukarak up into the skies to challenge the Minare for the mastery of Arakline. Here Ravik came, leading all those who had abandoned Hiare before the world was begun. They came up into the sky, and the light clashed with the dark in a sound of battle as the Minare and Ukarak came together in force, and the battle was of hate that was older than both the sun and the moons.

 

Over the Avin Klan, which was the southern most of the mountains of which Oralath comprised, came together Hiare and Ravik for the first time, and she knew him, and he knew her, and his fire was kindled to a great rage, while she held back the hate that she held, “Be gone fallen, you belong in the darkness, do not trouble the light no more!” she cried.

“The light Hiare!” he snarled, the fire that was his eyes was blazing. “What would you know of the light, for it was you that called upon the Darkness!”

“No fallen, I cannot have caused it, because I am not of it,” She cried “now fall unto the pit whither you belong,”

Then she lashed at him through the Landruli, sending great white fire upon the demon, but he escaped past the flames, and they pitched against Avin Klan, scouring the rock, bringing boulders crashing down into the heart of the Veinar below. Ravik blasted her through his black sword, a black lightning, all the power that the spectrum could give him, but Hiare merely flew past it. Thus did the light and the dark fight in person above the fields and plains of Arakline.

 

But below the battle had come to mixed fortunes in short time. Alcrond, Avternain’s general in the east had Broken past all the foes he had fought, coming upon the flank with a great force of cavalry. Elmglan though, who was commanded to break through to Oralath from the west at all cost, was bogged down in the crossing of the Veinar, which though but a stream there, was slowing her down. In that hour she was aided unexpectedly by small forces emerging from Ager, but scarce less than what was truly needed. She was being held. Avternain though was the greatest threatened. For he had broken deep into the battle, seeking a way to reach the southern most hills of the Narthgul. He and his forces had pressed deep, slaying as they would, but now with their foes rising and Ukarak come, he was for a time being driven back, and was twice almost over run. He held though, but the battle was beginning to ebb away from them upon the ground. The battle would then have been lost, save a act of courage and recklessness unbefore seen by its executor.

 

For suddenly, without warning, the gates of Oralath swung open, and their stood Nomleagth, who cried aloud, “Ala Ezleg Relicar, Slavak mada ala Boria aza ala Drolic tra!; The Ezleg reunion, axes to the evils, let the blood flow!” and from Oralath came the Wolf riders, the most fear cavalry ever since, and the veterans of this war from all of Arakline, and Oralath was emptied of Ezleg nigh on, all that were able broke through the gates into the battle in their thousands, breaking through the thin line that had kept them held during the battle, they poured over the Orglag like a tide, slaying many, forgiving none.

 

Avternain, hearkened by the sudden arrival of the Vrolevili, charged once more forth, the forces of Barline breaking up the slopes of the Narthgul once more, where a veteran of the war came also. Valgrek was the leader of the exiles of Tal Valric, and as is told in the full tale of the first war of Zandline, he came to Avternain amongst that fighting, where they both faced a greater foe.

 

For a Ukarak great among the host of Ravik had come. He had not a true name, being known only as Glathmor, the death bearer. Who carried a banner of skulls, and wailed inZandely through the battle. Here Avternain and Valgrek fought the death bearer, and though both were wounded, their swords slew the demon, and together they came atop the Narthgul, Thus they had cut the forces of Zandline in half. The greater half was all fighting around Oralath, while the lesser half was trying to hold back the greater part of the Barline cavalry, which hounded the evils, and many on that front were fleeing, but the battle still raged with all the greater intestacy around the stone city. Thus Avternain brought his forces across the ridge, and now the forces of Zandline were attacked on four sides, yet they still would not break, nor yield a inch.  

 

As Nomleagth’s forces struck across the plain, and his wolf riders came to the Narthgul, Hiare and Ravik still fought, as did all the Minare and the Ukarak. Hiare still fought beside the mountain of Avin Klan, souring through the sky like a spirit of a child’s tale, though the battle that she fought in no child would have heard. Ravik was a equal for Hiare, or if not just slightly less in strength. But it mattered not, save that Ravik was of evil, and Evil knows fear the more than that of good. Thus Ravik, knowing of the fall of his banner bearer, quailed, and lost heart. There Hiare stuck him with all her might, and she seared his flesh, though he survived, for he was a great being, thus he descended from the sky, and before Hiare could pursue, he was lost amidst the battle. She was tired, and the Avin Klan had been broken in many places, so that it was always remembered for that duel. Hiare though, descended after the Ukarak, joining the battle against them. Hifylar had slain many, and the Ukarak had not done much damage to the Minare. In fact few had fallen in that battle, the strength of the spirits was great on both sides. But Hiare and Hifylar were greater than all else, and their strength counted for many of the deaths that day, whence the Ukarak, their banner dead, their leader fled, and their army in disarray, began to flee away to Zandline, leaving the battle to take its course with out them, and of course, the outcome could only now be defeat.

 

The Minare descended upon the Orglag like wolves, they tore through them, though they were on the verge of flight already. The Minare was the final blow. The Orglag who remained broke and fled, and were pursued all the way to Arak Baraz, where some of the skirmishes were the size of small battles, Alcrond and Elmglan sealed the pass in just ten days. But Batzul Pelpelar is deemed to have lasted only the one, and it was more than just a idle battle, for it changed the whole matter of the Ezleg once again, bringing the Vrolevili and the Elybylar together in alliance and friendship, as some said would never again happen.

 

That evening, even as pursuit was in force in the north, Avternain, Hiare, and Hifylar were honoured at the gates of Oralath.. Nomleagth greeted them with great respect. “I had doubted that I would ever see a host come from the south,” he said, “But you are a hope beyond any foresight, I thank you all for all the Ezlanarth.”

He handed each of them a white gem, taken from the mountains of the Zarin Mina, and thanked them all once again, until Avternain said, “Come friend, this is a night for friendship, and also a night for forgiveness,” then Avternain knelt upon the ground and said, “Will you all, the Ezleg of the north, forgive us for abandoning you when we most needed to be united?”

They cried “Yea” with one great voice.

And there the peoples of Bair as they were then were untied as they could be, and Nomleagth as he had said long before, had sought a bright star, to which he had now found Avternain, Star Stone, and his own words came to pass, and yet their deeds were not all done, for still Zandline survived and one of its armies was still in Dinear.

 

The evil army in Dinear, though it was on the verge of a major victory, quailed at the news of the defeat in Arakline. At that time they had Maren under siege, and were advancing against Var’narth. But the news of the defeat ended all resolve to fight, while it could only raise the moral of the Ezleg. Almagarin responded by launching several attacks across the lake, bringing confusion and loss to the foe. But it was Varlidan in Var’narth that gained the victory in the end, for a long prepared cavalry forces struck out with his lead to aid those who still held back the Orglag. This reserve force was unlooked for by the foe, and in a fierce battle to the south of Var’narth, the forces of Zandline were defeated, and driven back towards Glimer Baraz in rout. From the south came the Agerians and the forces of Maren, who together lifted the siege, and thus gained back the lands of Dinear. The Forces of Zandline however, fled back to their home, leaving many thousands of their dead in their wake.

 

There was one other tale in that war that happened then, for Avaner had sworn to Save Elnmil, and she was not a Mina to vow lightly. Thus, after the victory at Batzul Malir was complete, and the forces of Zandline were driven from east Dinear, she left Nethar in command, and departed quietly into the Avin Zandlear. There she crossed into Zandline, following the one thing that all knew in that land. The tower of Zavaner Zar. She crossed that land, and reached the tower gates even as Nomleagth began to launch his forces from the Gates of Oralath to win Batzul Pelpelar. She shrouded herself in a great cloak, and descended into the pits, following the trails that only she could find. She spent many hour in those dungeons, being the first to infiltrate a strong hold of the evils, though Hiare and Adam Othl did so many years later. Until she found Elnmil.

 

The Vrolevil was in a bad state. She had many wounds, and lay chained to a wall. Avaner woke her, thought she was still drowsy, “Av-Avaner?” she questioned wearily.

“Yes Elnmil, it is me, I have come to take you back.” Avaner had only realised that Elnmil had been hither now for nearly a week, and yet had a little strength left in her.

But as Avaner removed the chains, which was not a problem for her, Ravik entered unto Zavaner Zar, with all his Ukarak who had survived the battle in the south, and as Avaner lifted Elnmil up, a Ukarak came into the room, with many Orglag following. Avaner slew the Ukarak at once, and darted past the Orglag, and even as alarm was raised against her she departed from Zavaner Zar, taking the southward skies, to find her queen.

 

Avaner came to Oralath late on the night of the battle, whither Hiare and the Ezleg lords were still awake. She brought Elnmil into Oralath, and met Hiare in the home of Nomleagth, where the Avternain and Nomleagth were. Hiare took Elnmil from her, and Nomleagth came to address her. “Avaner” he said, “I may have not been able to ask before, but may I ask for your friendship now?”

Avaner smiled, “It was never in question good Nomleagth, it was only time that mattered.”

Avaner and Nomleagth clasped hands together then, and ever held their friendship.

But Avaner Quickly departed after Hiare and Elnmil, and coming to their quarters she instantly asked; “How is she?”

“She will live,” Hiare answered, “Though it is not the physical scars I worry of, it is the mental ones, for she must have been through a lot.”

“She is strong willed,” Said Avaner, “She will be fine.”

“How fairs the war in Dinear?” asked Hiare.

“We gained victory in the south,” Said Avaner, “Though I cannot speak for the north as yet.”

She did not know that victory was approaching their also.

 

The next day there was but one topic on the minds of the leaders present in Oralath, what was the next objective, it was a answered question really, they were going to sack Zandline. Hiare sent messengers among her own people to Dinear that day. They were to make Dinear seal the passes into the Shadow land, while the Armies of Barline and Arakline together with the Minare were to crush the armies within Zandline. It would not take long for the armies to prepare, for the Ezleg were beginning to gather together already. It was thus only a few days before the Armies of Dinear sealed Zandline once more. The stage was set for one last titanic battle for victory.

 

The Attack upon Zandline is not named, only the Attack on Zavaner Zar, which is named Batzul Zand Viline, the battle of the shadow spire. Ten days did the battles within that land last. The main forces that remained to Zandline were destroyed in the first days of the assault, indeed the great majority of the Orglag died defending Zavaner Zar. The Ezleg  though would not press deeper into the land than Zavaner Zar, supplies became short, and the Minare feared that some could not cope. But the Minare destroyed the Orglag out in the furthest reaches of Ephelt Morzag, until all that had survived had gathered in Zavaner Zar. There the Minare battered the walls with the Ezleg at the base. In the end it was said that Avaner than finished the tower off, her anger loosed a great force that broke the foundations and sent the tower tumbling eastward, where it fell into the Lmorarni, forcing the river’s course further westward. In that fall thousands of Orglag were slain, and the Ukarak fled or died, most did die indeed, though a few did indeed survive. The Orglag though were utterly annihilated, and Zandline was utterly destroyed and devoid of life, for the pits themselves were stormed, until nothing survived within, so thus ended the black glory of Zandline, and that of Zavaner Zar, the first stronghold of Evil upon Bair. But that evil could build another, for Ravik and a few others had fled far distant into the east, where they joined with those few that had remained thither many years previously, where they began to build another fortress, but of this noting was known in the west until much later.

 

But in Bairgarand the victory was utterly complete, nothing save a few beasts of the evils survived within the continent, and those were swiftly dealt with. The Minare departed swiftly from the north, their task done with only a few losses. The Armies of Barline departed also, though Elybylar did occasionally come still to the north in the following days, and never again would the north and the south be completely estranged. Avternain remained for a few weeks, in which time he came to know Nomleagth as a friend. Then he departed with his wife to see their son. Hiare stayed as long as Avternain, then left with him, until only Avaner and Hifylar were still left in the north, but now they helped the Vrolevili freely, and counselled at need, though there was little need, the evils were gone, or so did the people of Bair then think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

Ala Relican an Bor

 

Which is:

The release of Evil

 

Hus it was believed that the evil had been utterly ended upon Bair. The Minare, secure in their victory, had assumed that it was so, and the Ezleg believed also for the most part. They at least hoped that the Minare were correct, but then, who could doubt the facts? Many had seen the fall of Zavaner Zar, the black tower collapsing unto ruin was as sure a sign as one could want. Thus many believed the evil had fallen with it.

 

In the aftermath of the fall of Zandline, the forces of Barline began to return to their land. Victory was indeed in their hearts, but war was there no longer. The Vrolevili were sorry to see them go, but from then on the Elybylar would return often to see their northern kin, and the Vrolevili would at time travel to Barline. Thus it was deemed that the Ezleg would never truly be sundered again.

 

Avternain and Hiare departed Arakline together, wishing to return to Var’bylar and see their own children. Beldaron, who had remained in Barline as regent, was certainly glad to see his mother and father. But Ivonwe was more cautious when his mother told him that his father was coming to see him. Ivonwe did not hold with many of his fathers beliefs, and Viler thought the same way about his son, thus a clash was perhaps inevitable. Viler came to Var’bylar only a scarce few days after Hiare, and upon entering the city, he met Avternain, who spoke to him as a friend. But he did not care for the Ezlag, and in turn, Avternain believed Viler to be cold and bitter, but no harsh words were spoken between them. Then Viler met his son for the first time in a long while.

 

They spoke alone in a small room in the great hall of Var’bylar. What they spoke of that day is not recorded, but it is certain that whatever was said was not in agreement. Those in the hall heard bouts of shouting in the late hours, until at last, Viler stormed out, and without even seeing his wife, he departed from Var’bylar. He only ever returned thither once more, and Avternain never saw him again, which some though was for the better

 

Hiare came to Ivonwe that night. She found him greatly distressed by his fathers words. It must be remembered that Ivonwe was raised among mortals, and thus had become like them a little in mind, and held ethics that were greatly different to his fathers. He told Hiare that he wished to go out and travel Bair in some time hence.  But he also told her something else, something that was never passed to anyone else. For it was that he said to her that in his heart he wished to be Mortal, for he did not wish to leave them, and would rather to go with them. Hiare was both shocked and angered, though in later years she came to have much the same thoughts herself. But she then told him never to speak of such things again, and to put those thoughts aside and he never again told anyone of those thoughts, though they ever stayed with him.

 

It was not until another eight years had passed that Ivonwe decided to leave Var’bylar and travel out into the world. It was not a easy decision for him, being torn between desire and his friends. He would indeed miss his mother, and Beldaron possibly even more, but in the event he could not hold back any longer, and he thus prepared to leave Barline, his home, and begin his destiny.

 

Ivonwe came first to his mother, whom he knew would not wish him to go. But coming to see her he said; “I am leaving now mother” it was all that he could find to say to her.

“Yes my son,” she replied, “I knew that you would in the end, it was what you were named for.”

They said their farewells there, and they did not see each other again for many long years.

 

Lastly Ivonwe came to Beldaron, and spoke his farewells to him also, “It shall be tough with out you my friend,” said Ivonwe.

“My friend, we have been beside each other for nearly forty years now, and I know that you shall be fine alone, I would come of course, but my father wants me here, and I doubt that I could keep up with you in any case, but no doubt I shall have my journey in time.”

That was a black parting, but Ivonwe forced himself past second thoughts, and left Var’bylar that night, to travel the confines of Bair.

 

Ivonwe’s journeys were never completely chronicled, for though he spoke of places he had seen, some of which were not reached by any other for millennia to come, His delight was in the travelling, and not in the telling. It is said though that he went mostly to the south, to lands that men still have not come. He certainly crossed the Arnigul, which is the fire sea, and came to the southern continents it is sure, though the map of that little known land is not to be found here, for these tales concern the Northern lands.

 

But after staying there for many years, Ivonwe then decided to find what lay beyond the Avinkazag, for it was closer to his home, and of more use for the Ezleg to know of, being in reach of their own travels, thus he travelled north once more, and entered into the land that is named Daizagul.

 

Daizagul is named so for two reasons, firstly, because it is distant from Bairgarand, being hidden and severed by the Avinkazag, but also because the soil there was of a scorched black, as though fire had seared all the land. Grasses never grew there, though nearly all other plants did indeed. But the lack of grass ever left a large part of that land a hazard, for parts of it could easily flood, and remain as a quagmire for months on end. But despite this, the land was perfectly hospitable, and it was because of this that Ivonwe found that he was not the first to cross the mountains to this land.

 

For in the north of this land the Ezleg had come recently thither. On the one hundred and sixty third year one host of the Vrolevili, the first to migrate for many years, passed through the Avinkazag from Arakline in to the lands beyond. They were led by a Ezlag who had a name some how fit for his land. Darazgul he was named, and he became the first king of the nation that was founded in the north of Daizagul, Daizline it was named, and it was located within the two forests of the north. Lavados in the west against the Avinkazag, and Galir Vinotz in the east. Separating them was a long river,  the Rikelanear it was named, and it stretched south until it spilled into the ocean. Despite their realm only being in the north, the Daizalpelari patrolled all of Daizagul at times, for occasionally the evil beasts wandered that land, though never as yet in great numbers. None yet knew where they came from, but one had no need to worry, for save these forests in the north, all of Daizagul was deserted,  and was to be uninhabited for many years yet, these beast were believed to be but a dying remnant, soon to be extinct.  Thus it was that Ivonwe came thither when the kingdom was but fifteen years old, on the one hundred and seventy eight year.

 

Ivonwe spent several years in the fledgling nation, helping the people there build their homes, and instructing them somewhat. These people learned quickly, and soon became utterly different from the Vrolevili, and that was why they were more often known as Daizalpelari. They became forest dweller in the extreme, returning to a more simple life. No cities did they ever build, and only one true fortress, which was later raised to the north of their land which does not concern us here. Ivonwe, friendly as ever, soon came to know lord Darazgul quite well, and forged a relationship with his land and that of Barline. Those several years that Ivonwe spent there were thus pleaZandt for him, but then Ivonwe decided to travel on once more, as his heart ever yearned to travel, and it was eastward that he decided to go.

 

Thus, when one hundred and eighty one years had passed since the coming of the Minare to Bair, Ivonwe son of Hiare left the Daizalpelari, and left for the mountains which he could see on the eastern skyline, he knew naught of what he would find ahead and the Daizalpelari could tell him nothing of what was to come, for none of them had ever been so far, though there was rumours of a darkness beyond, which Ivonwe never even heard in his stay. Thus Ivonwe was on his own.

 

He thus came in but a little time across Daizagul, until he came to foot of those mountains which he had seem. These mountains as yet but the shadowy mane given to them by the Daizalpelari, the Lainad-Bair, the “edge of the world” which was the name they bore ever after. Ivonwe then began to scale the mountains, finding his way into small passes, until he reached to summit, and then became the first to see the sights of what lay beyond.

 

Now one must remember back to those tales which tell of the very earliest days of Bair, back to when Ravik and the Ukarak first came upon Bair. One should remember that he came in the Fareast east, and it was here that he left a few of his servants, not many, but a few, which was known as yet by none of the Minare and none of the Ezleg. But now came first to that place was Ivonwe, and looking out upon the lands beyond he realised that the evil had not died with the fall of Zandline.

 

Borlag-Line-Bair it is now named, though there was no other before that. Those words name and symbolise the Dammed land of the world, which is what it had become, a great expanse of evil, covered by a black reeking shroud which made the darkness over Zavaner Zar seem almost like day light in comparison. Within this land there were Orglag uncountable, where they had been ever since, and from where they had come of old unknowns to the west. Never has a being crossed that whole land and come to the end of it, for even now, days uncounted since Ivonwe looked down from the summit of the edge of the world, none have crossed through there, nor would any Zande being wish to, for more than Orglag resided within that land, beasts of many shapes and sizes of which by a few are known to us now. Ivonwe looked across the boundaries of that land in dismay, and saw then the great mountain of Nargul Viline, the Firespire, which was later infamous for what it became. For upon those mountains, and within, was where the Ukarak had first came, and it was here that they now resided, for fleeing from the ruin of Zandline, had the Ukarak come thither, and it was where all the evils now resided, though Ivonwe was not to know that, and needing to know what had created such a place, he departed from the Lainad-Bair to the Nargul Viline, where very few from Bairgarand came ever after, save as thralls.

 

Those halls of hell that he entered upon were lesser then than that which they became, but were still full of great dread, and Ivonwe, usually unfearing of all, was indeed become with fear. But whence he came inside those caverns he swore himself a oath, “What ever did this,” he said, “I shall discover, no matter how long it takes, and no matter how many hardships, for the west must know who did this.” Then he went deeper into those caverns, where he stayed indeed for many years, determined to honour his vow. This is indeed counted as the greatest deed of Ivonwe, for there are few who could have withstood the shear horror of those depths, and fewer would, or could return with their Zandity. And whence within he remained hidden from the Orglag and Ukarak and often and reluctantly he took the form of one of them, though it often pained him to do so. But over time, he began to learn many secrets that the Ukarak would not have wished him to know, the first of which was that of Ravik’s and Ivsraln’s survival, whence followed more and more until the last.

 

Then came the greatest error that had yet been made in Bair, though it was not willingly done. For while Hiare was gone, Hifylar returned yet for a while to Minarand to rule once more but Arzare was thither, impatient to see him as always. Hifylar though, was tired, and longed for rest, but Arzare said to him; “You said that my husband shall be restrained until the world was safe and Mortals rule, you have had great victories over those evils, and the mortals now rule the open lands of Bair, wilt thou now let my husband free? He has endured his torment for many years already.”

Hifylar did not wish to heed those words, for he had remembered that Ravik had not been found, and he remembered also that Arbylar had craved a inZande wish, a wish that even two centuries of entrapment may not have healed, but the words of Arzare won him over, and he had indeed made such a promise before that Arbylar would be released. He though that Arzare merely missed him, and so, without the council of Hiare, which in hindsight he should have used, he took the Nathurihlain, and he freed Arbylar in the city of Kazag-thar, two hundred and twelve years after the sun first rose upon the western shores.

 

Then, with a flash of spectral light, Arbylar, the lord of knowledge, fell upon the floor in front of Hifylar. His form was that of a great man, tall by far than any Ezlag, as the Bythar usually were. Arbylar looked around in a daze, not truly realising where he was.

Then said Hifylar, “Arbylar, I have done that which I had promised, that you should be allowed within Bair whence it was safe. Now you can roam free around this land, though you shall not depart from Minarand as yet, and you shall ware the form that you have been given so that you cannot deceive us, but otherwise your rights of the spectrum shall remain to you, save those that you have ever forfeited.”

Arbylar the replied, “My lord, I shall bow to your will, and my folly shall never be repeated.”

But those were not the words that he then thought.

Thus Arbylar had been released, and none yet knew what two centuries of brooding upon his hate and desire had done to him. For it had changed from a desire to a inZande lust for dominion that could not be quenched, and Hifylar’s sealing of him into a body was not going to halt him in that desire.

 

It was but soon after in Barline that Hiare realised what had happened, and was instantly very worried, thus, with saying only a quick farewell to Avternain and his family, she came with all the speed that she could to Kazag-thar, and arrived only a few days after Arbylar’s release. She came to the Kelmetlar, and met Arbylar, who stood beside the king, and looking upon him, she saw through his face, and saw the shadow that lay beneath, and she spoke to him, seemingly fair seeming in words, though greased with hate; “how does you fare Arbylar?” she asked.

“I am becoming used to this place Hiare, which I have heard you have done in all those years that you have been here?” Hiare did not reply, and not wishing to speak more to him she went to Hifylar.

“He has not changed,” she said, “He still wants all that he wished for before, and there are more lies behind his eyes.”

“I think not” Hifylar replied, “though I share in your watchfulness, and so Arbylar must ware that form for ever, until I wish to change that decree.”

“That is good” said Hiare, “but what of the Ukarak, surely he was responsible for them coming to Bair? And what if they survive still? What will they do If they learn that their old master is now free?”

“I do not think that he did order them my friend,” Hifylar answered, “for he was chained and gagged, and could not give them orders to do anything, perhaps they came wither on their own, but it matters not, for many have fallen, and if any survive they will not threaten us, and in any case they will probably do little now, I have also wondered where they have come to.”

Hiare shrugged, for she failed to share in his enthusiasm.

 

Many miles distant, Ivonwe was about to discover the answer to Hifylar’s question.

Those thirty long years that he had spent within those caverns was but little to Ivonwe, who had spied upon those evils for all those years. He learned his way through the caverns better than any, but at the same moment that his mother first learned that Arbylar had been freed, he came upon a old foe of his family. For he had at last found Ravik, and with him, he had found the answers that he had sought for so long.

 

Ravik, who stood atop a pinnacle of rock in one of the deepest caverns, was addressing many Ukarak who were present. Ivonwe quietly slipped in and slunk behind a pile of rocks. Here he listened to all that was then said.

“Our master has returned!” cried Ravik, his eyes flaming in wild delight, “Those fools in the west have released him this very day!”

The Ukarak rose in a great uproar, cries of delight echoed throughout the cavern while Ivonwe was sorely worried by those words.

“With our master returned, he will lead us to utter conquest of the world!” Ravik called, “He tells me already that we shall destroy those who have defied him!”

Then the Ukarak cried;

 

“Arbylar nail eltari mada zelen!”

“Arbylar will come to victory!”

 

And whence those words were spoken, Ivonwe finally learned the truth of all the evils. Few doubted that they were those who had followed Arbylar in the beginning, but all had thought that with their master captured, they had come seeking only their own dominion, but this was never the case. For they had come only for, and at the word of their master, and as Arbylar was ordering them, he was as possessed in his lust for conquest as he ever was. Ivonwe realised also that with Arbylar released the whole of Bair was in mortal danger.

Then, having learned all that he needed, or could, he ran to the cavern entrance, hoping that the Ukarak were not vigilant., but they were. And as he ran a Ukarak saw him, and lashed out. But Ivonwe was nimble, and with- a single swipe he slew the Ukarak in the very heart of their realm, and in the confusion he managed to slip away. A vain pursuit followed him through the tunnels of that place, but Ivonwe knew his way around there very well by then. And coming to the surface, he slew the Orglag who guarded the gates, and thus escaped out into Bair, and with great haste he came back to the lands that he knew, and that he wished to save.

 

It was not long after that Ivonwe came to Minarand. His journey had been swift, but he felt as if he was in a strange land now, for he had not been in the west of Bairgarand since his very first year, and thus he did not know his way around the home of his people. But he had only a little trouble finding his way, for few who approach Minarand could mistake the great city of Kazag-thar. He came to the guarded land in the time of evening, whence Milare had passed over the eastern skies. Yet there was a council in Kazag-thar. And thus the Bythar were gathered in the Kelmetlar, together with Hiare and Viler. Arbylar was addressing the council on some matter when Ivonwe stormed in, his clothes tattered and torn. “I should have known that I would find you here shadow,” said Ivonwe in anger, “but why do you talk? For I know that when our backs are turned you shall slay us all!”

“Ivonwe!” cried Hiare, who came to him quickly, “What has happened?”

“So he is your son then Hiare?” sneered Arbylar, “I should have known, for your hate for me is in all your family.”

“Why would you have hate towards one whom you have never met young one?” asked Hifylar.

“Hate my lord?” laughed Ivonwe bitterly, “I have hate for I know what this beast here is going to do!”

“Fool Mina” snarled Arbylar, “what could you possibly know of one whom you have never met until this very night?”

“I know Arbylar” said Ivonwe, “that even upon the night that you first came upon Bair, that you spoke to your Ukarak, those who you order to come to Bair and defeat us,  whom you have ever ordered to your will, and whom you now control once more!”

The shock was utter within the chamber, and all eyes turned to Arbylar.

“you mock me child?” laughed Arbylar, “you mock me even as your mother did? Then you mock the greatest being that has ever been, or ever will be!”

Arbylar then rushed for the doors of the hall, and Ivonwe who stood there, was thrust aside trying to stop him. Hifylar though, would have stopped him, but Arzare, screaming "“Noooo!” Knocked him down, and both she and Arbylar slipped away, and Arbylar cried finally, “The lord of all has returned!” and those words echoed all over Bair that night, and stirred the hearts of many, as is told hereafter.

 

In the chaos within that hall no pursuit was mounted for some time Though Hifylar, angered by what had happened, slammed the sceptre into the ground, and there was a great flash of spectral light, and he said to those present, “I have done what I can now, Arzare is bound like he within a body, as are all of the Bythar for now, but unlike she, I shall release those loyal whence we have defeated them.” To this action most of those present agreed, but Hifylar said finally, “but alas their strength remains to them.” The last words trailed off into a forlorn whisper.

Ivonwe, stunned, but unharmed, together with his mother, felt as though they had failed, and far distant, Avternain felt a pang of dismay, knowing that something dreadful had happened.

 

But Arbylar and Arzare escaped out into the night, never to be seen again in Minarand until the end. And though they were locked forever within their bodily forms, they escaped vengeance, and though their flight is not told in this tale, it is said that they came, after seven years unto the edge of the world, and then onto the fortress that their servants had long prepared. Thus had the evil been released, but alas, that was only the beginning of what was to befall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

Ala Ylan an Illmatte

 

Which is:

The Fall of Immortals

 

t is said that whence Arbylar and Arzare had fled, and no trace of them could be found, there was a great unrest amongst the spirits at what had befallen. But worse was yet to befall, for some have said that Arbylar’s final words struck deep into the hearts of all in that land, Many spirits were overcome by fear, for it must be remembered, that it was only those who most agreed with him went to his allegiance before time, and many others agreed with him in heart, but repented whence he was defeated. And now he was free And many long lost memories and long forgotten vows were awoken from their sleep. Others, those who had openly supported Arbylar, and had repented only through fear, now switched their loyalties back to him once more  Thus within the bliss of the guarded realm, a shadow began to  arise, though it was but slowly, and at first none noticed it at all, for in that time Arbylar was in the wild, trying to escape to a secure dwelling, and people sought for the evils without, not the evils within..

 

But in the aftermath of Arbylar’s flight, Hifylar and Hiare declared that the realm should be readied for war, though this was never completed in entirety, for few had yet feared war. But within several weeks of the incident, the famed fortress of Tal Nomoth was being built to guard the pass through the Avin Mina, and there was a guard placed within Niean Vinotz. Hiare in this time, took her son aside to speak to him in full of what he had seen and done. Ivonwe was never truly the same after those days for much of his childhood spirit was lost within black pits beneath the mountains in which he had spent so long. He told his mother all omitting nothing, and to his father also, to whom he was reconciled with, and thus the guardians first heard of the great land on evil in the far east, where, though other places would they abide, it would remain hereafter, and not until this very day were they driven forth and destroyed. Ivonwe, after telling his tale, would not rest and take thought, but would rather go quickly to Barline, and warn the Ezleg of the grave danger that all of Bair had now been placed in. His mother though restrained him for a while, for he was weary and distressed. So he remained, and for the first time in memory he wandered the streets and gardens of Minriavi. It was there, one day, but a few weeks since the flight of Arbylar, he met a Mina whom he had not seen before. This Mina was a beautiful lady, with long dark braids and a pale, elegant face. To Ivonwe she was the most beautiful person he had ever seen, and he came to her in a garden in the heart of the city, and they remained there together that day, and for many others, and were soon said to be in love, But Ivonwe could not remain, and in the Next Almazar he left once more for Barline.

 

Now Arbylar and Arzare, fleeing the wraith of the Guardians, had to merely flee as best as their feet could carry them, for they were now trapped in earthly bodies, and could flee no faster than one who could run. Some have said that it was this that drove them to their madness, for they believed themselves robbed of their most basic rights, and thus they would destroy all life on Bair to gain control of the sceptre to free themselves again. But their flight was hindered for Arbylar knew not the way at all, and Arzare knew but very little of eastern Bairgarand. They came through northern Barline it is said, and a company of Elybylar soldiers were later found slaughtered horribly in the north, the powers of the two Bythar were not weakened by their imprisonment. It was only after Ivonwe arrived in Var’bylar that it was found out what had happened to those Ezleg, but by then, the Bythar had passed into the Avinkazag and were lost from the knowledge of the Elybylar.

 

Ivonwe arrived in Barline in the two hundred and thirteenth year, nearly a year since Arbylar had fled from Minarand. He quickly met Avternain, who was still troubled by the death of the company, and Beldaron, who was indeed glad to see his friend, but they greeted Ivonwe as they had always done, with great courtesy before their friendships, “I fear though my lord,” said Ivonwe, “That I must tell you of a danger greater than that which once came from Zandline may  come upon us”

“That is then a true danger,” said Avternain, “so let us speak of it.”

Thus Ivonwe told Avternain of all that had happened. Hiare had told the Ezlag tales of Arbylar before, so that he knew what her son was speaking of, the more so for he wrote of those deeds, and he was thus greatly worried.

“That is then the cause of a fallen company in the north,” said Avternain “a hundred souls lost with no enemy dead to be found.”

“That would be the work of them,” said Ivonwe bitterly, “But my mother only asks to be ready for anything, for Arbylar now has the initiative, and he will make the first strike.”

“That I shall do,” said Avternain, “though against the greatest being upon Bair I fail to see what we can do?”

“He may indeed be the greatest being that has ever been created,” said Ivonwe, “But one who is created is never to be unassailable, and Arillirus is no different in the matter,”

“Then,” asked Beldaron, “would you remain and help us be ready to assail him?”

“I will for now” Ivonwe replied, “but do not worry on my words as yet, merely heed them for now.”

Thus did Ivonwe remain in Barline for over a year, aiding the Ezleg in preparation for a what may come forth, but this time it was not merest Orglag that they faced, but the beings that created them.

 

Ivonwe finally returned to Minarand in the next year. He wished to see both his mother and Milralen again. Ivonwe thus met Milralen in Minriavi, and together they went to see his mother for the first time, who gave them both her greatest blessings, and wished them all the best together. In fact she was a little glad that he had found someone who had the power to restrain him form his travels. In fact he never did stop, though he left now less often, for in the eve of the next year, Ivonwe and Milralen were married in Minriavi.

 

It was eight years later that the first child of the third generation of Hiare’s house was born. For Ivonwe and Milralen’s first child was born on the seventy sixth day of Almazar that year. A son it was, and he was named by his mother Iviseal. He was to become great in his own way, though he was unlike his parents and grandparents alike, though they still loved him. But the telling of those tales must wait, for greater things were afoot in the world at that time.

 

Arbylar though passed from the knowledge of both the Ezleg and the Minare for a time after, but, as afterwards was known, he came to Borlag-Line-Bair, it being then the two hundred and twenty sixth year of Bair, fourteen years since the flight from Minarand had began. He came wither one night into the underhalls that his servants had built, and that only Ivonwe had yet seen, and his Ukarak were waiting for him. Ravik at once knelt at his feet and said; “I will appease you not my master, for I have failed you thrice, and do not deserve forgiveness for failure.”

Arbylar laughed aloud, a cold laugh of a cold heart. “Failed me? No Ravik, you have scattered these peoples all across this world, whither we shall strike them one by one, until we have taken Bair for our own” Then he stood forth and said dark words.

“This place shall be named Xland, for it is the home of the right full king of Bair, but Arbylar is a name for the weak, and that I shall be named never after, for I shall now be called Arillirus., and so shall you all name me hereafter.” And to his side Arzare said, “Like him I shall no longer be named as one of the weak, Arsgul I am from this moment forth, the lady of fire.”

 

Thus ended Arbylar the lord of knowledge and Arzare his wife, and those names were scarcely ever used by any there after, and they were known most often by the names they gave themselves, and it was thus that with those names that all fragments of their old allegiance fell away, and ever after were they all hated, but the most so was ever Arillirus, for he began it all, if he did not end it all. But alas! They were not the last of the immortals to fall thus…

 

As has already been told, the first whispers of shadow first stirred when Arillirus {So he shall now be called} first fled from Minarand. Those stirrings remained hidden from most, but many had hidden thoughts that contested their allegiance. Many had already been seduced before the Warmaster ever reached Xland, but whence he came there, and called out his name, his will gained power over theirs, and the hidden evils now awoke into the world, and thus many spirits who had once served him, or had been minded to serve him, followed now his call from that day forth, and thus began the second fall of the Immortals and the only one ever to take place within Bair.

 

At once it seemed as though the evils spread like some unnatural pestilence through out all of Minarand, but most surely did the evils come to the two cities within that land, Minriavi and Kazag-thar. Soon they were as good as infested, and through the streets there began to arise whispers of Arillirus, the one who they would follow or else be destroyed. None could hide from it, and most were panicked by it, until waves of Paranoia began to flow through the cities, causing scenes never before seen by the spirits, and it was then that the violence began.

 

At first it came as what would be called petty street squabbles, but even that was almost completely unknown to the spirits. Then, towards the end of the year, it began to intensify, but it was not until the first spirits were killed that one could no longer ignore what was happening. Thus those who still deemed themselves loyal began to fight back, and thus violence met violence. Thus the uncontrolled response only made the situation worse, for kinslaying was rife, and there were battles in the very streets of Minriavi, while Kazag-thar was quickly loosing all cohesion and falling into a war zone. Hiare and her family watched on, trying in vain to calm the people, until it was certain that only force could stop it now, much to Hiare’s distress. Thus in the chaos of Minarand, Hiare set out to restore order, while Arillirus but laughed on his dark throne.

 

When Hiare and her followers did begin to act, they ever had a uphill struggle, the city was in chaos, one could not tell who would be a friend or a foe, and one who walked the streets at day was no safer than one at night. But attempt they did, only realising that the use of force merely increased resistance against them. Thus did this but to continue the slide into utter anarchy. But Kazag-thar had already slipped so far, for the evils had already taken much of the eastern side of the city, and were held only by Varziya, who defended the Niean Vinotz with all her strength. Hifylar did indeed try to regain order as Hiare did, but to no avail, and many of those who were loyal gathered then in the hall of the king, and in their number were all of the Bythar save the fallen and Varziya. Thus was Hifylar in trouble, but he knew not what he should now do.

 

Hiare though certainly knew what next to do, or to at least attempt, for as the new year dawned. She and her people began a drive that was to drive out the evils. Thus she attacked from the palace, and in face of her people, the evils began to wither, and much of the northern city was freed. Civil war may have been in full swing by then, but Hiare believed she would gain the victory in only a few days, but her foe was not going to give her a easy victory as yet, and after several days of fighting, they struck back with great force, doing little injury to Hiare’s people, but causing great confusion, so that almost at once did Hiare’s attack come to a end, and the Evils began to gain ground one more. Thus Hiare, despite desperate counterattacks, had failed, and though she had forces enough to hold out for many years, the hopes of Minarand were failing. The evils were united as one, and the loyal peoples were in utter disarray, end seemed nigh in those days.

 

Hiare was indeed greatly angered at this, but also dismayed. Thus she spoke to her husband in council, and they both decided that they should split there forces now, Hiare to leave, and Viler to remain. One might say it was fool hardy to do so. “go now my love” he said, “And return with strength enough to save us and not before.” Hiare was grieved to do so, and said finally “Protect your self and those who remain, we shall return indeed.” Thus, with her family, friends, and half the forces of Minriavi, she stuck out to the west, causing massive confusion in sudden battles, that those who would have opposed her were already dead, and Hiare was leading her people to her homer in the west. Ivonwe and Milralen were some of the most glad to leave, for neither of them wished for their young son, Iviseal, then only four years old, to grow up in a land of war, but in that they were already to late, for Iviseal always remembered his early years clearly, which some have said made him what he was in later years. But it was only a few days before the host of the Minare came to Hiare’s home on the western cliffs. Here they prepared to protect themselves and to win the war.

 

Despite the great loss in numbers, Viler retained a strong defence in Minriavi for some time, aided by the confusion wrought by his wife. Though he knew that in time his defence would eventually falter, but he believed he had a year at the least, but he remembered also that he was no real general. But he had luck, and if one could uses luck as they wished, he did it better than any. But none the less, he knew that he would certainly be place on the defensive most of the time.

 

But for most of that year Viler managed to hold north of the Kalarni with out any serious resistance. At one point he had taken back most of the city, facing only the most marginal opposition. But in early Vrozar, the evils rose up against him, seeking now to crush him at last and to take Minriavi as their own. They seized most of the northern bank before Viler truly knew all of what was happening, and they were across the river before Viler could even slow them. He was now hard pressed indeed to stop them with the few troops that he had. But as he later found out, many of his foes turned away from the city, and turned instead towards the west, seeking another force to challenge…

 

Hiare had used the time wisely indeed, for she was rarely one to be idle in the face of danger. Her people had long prepared for the battles ahead, even her grandson Iviseal had learned some of the arts of battle. Avaner and Olara kept many scouts out to the east, and finally her home was well protected, and was now more like a fortress. Thus, when Avaner came and brought warning that the Evils were coming, they were all but ready.

 

Thus Hiare led her people to the woods that lay to the east of her home, and they waited, hidden unseen amongst the trees. Thus, when the fallen came, they knew not what trap lay for them, and Hiare and her people fell upon them. That battle, now known as Batzul Drofin, the battle of blood wood, was swift and brutal, with a great many of the fallen slain by surprise in the very first moments. The Minabair led the charge, Hiare herself at their head, claiming many kills. In even the battle was so complete that not a single loyal Mina of Hiare’s following fell that day, while not a single survivor amongst those who followed Arillirus. Hiare was greatly pleased that they had heavily damaged their foe, but also in horror that she had slain those of her own race, even those she had called friends a few years before. But even so, the Evils were indeed damaged, but the war was not yet over.

 

Viler soon gained word of Hiare’s victory, and was pleased, and the more so as the attacks of the evils against him faltered  at that time. He did not know however, that Hiare then went on the offensive, fighting for the lands to the west of Minriavi. In this she spent the rest of that year and a good part of the next clearing those lands of the foe, in which time Viler languished in a stalemate, and Hifylar struggled to defend the last remnants of Kazag-thar against the foe.

 

As time grew on to the two hundred and twenty eighth year, the war remained as yet undecided. Hiare as yet failed to be decisive in the west, and Viler struggled on in Minriavi, and Hifylar made a few gains amidst the chaos of Kazag-thar, but generally the situation remained grim, and even worse, the sway that Arillirus had over the spirits began to reach its zenith. Then, as Arinizar of that year dawned, Viler was struck once more, and this time, with very few people left, he found himself being driven back through the city almost in a state of rout. He managed to hold onto the river for a few days, before that too was lost to the foe. But as all was on the verge of collapse, he was finally given deliverance.

 

For Hiare, secure now in the knowledge that she would not be bypassed or attacked from the rear, launched the long awaited attack to save Minriavi. On the night after Viler lost the river, her forces attacked the city from north and south, and before either Viler or the fallen knew what had happened, Hiare had gained almost all the western side of Minriavi and a good part of the east.

 

Outnumbered and taken by surprise, it was believed that many of the fallen could do little except die fighting. But in event this was not the case, for as many were indeed lost, those who cloud fled wildly away, for those who had given themselves to Arillirus had lost all courage in doing so, and thus they fled wildly to the east, many died trying, and those that remained were no match for what they faced. Thus within a mere five days of the assault, Minriavi was back in the hands of its rightful leaders, but the war was still being fought elsewhere. 

 

Fro those o the fallen who had escaped the wrack of Minriavi fled eastward unpursued until they came to Kazag-thar, which was already in outright civil war. The coming of this second host brought utter anarchy into the streets so that the fallen prowled now where they wished. Only the Vilinemalir remained totally in the control of Hifylar, and even that great place was being attacked time and time again. It was said that it was only the power of the Nathurihlain that held the fallen at bay, and that itself would not work forever.

 

Even while the days darkened over Kazag-thar, victory remained high over Minriavi. Hiare and Viler met again, a brief moment of happiness amidst the ruins. Indeed much of Minriavi was sorely damaged, and many lives had been lost thus far, and on top of that the war was not yet over. Hiare thus began to prepare to free Minarand utterly, but it was then that Arillirus’ will over Minarand grew to its Zenith, and even those greatly resistant to his will felt his presence searching them, searching for those who would listen. But the minare now knew him for what he was, and would bare no heed, but alas! There were others in that land that would…

In Kazag-thar, as the first day of the two hundred and twenty ninth year began, and as battle raged wildly around the Vilinemalir, Hisarn, Zyzare, and Yletha came to Hifylar, who sat yet on the Kelmetlar. Beside him stood Bysarlar his friend, and also Zylena, both of whom were warriors of the Bythar. They came to him as if they were his superiors, and came speaking portents of doom.

“Hifylar!” cried Hi, “you have let our land be reduced to ruin, and yet you sit there as kingly as ever, as if you are the saviour of the world !”

Hifylar though was no fool, and he quickly saw through the words of Hisarn “You also?” he said wearily, “I thought at least that those who now remain were truly loyal, but now I know that this is not the case.”

“Loyal!” shouted Hisarn, “It is you that are not loyal, for you fought against our true master, and usurped him as king, that we can allow no longer!”

Suddenly there was a loud explosion, and the great iron doors of the Vilinemalir burst open, and through them came the fallen in droves. “Now our leader shall return!” cried Hisarn, and she lashed out at Hifylar, followed by her companions.

 

                Thus there was battle in the very heart of the Vilinemalir, even upon the Kelmetlar, As Hifylar, Bysarlar and Zylena fought against Hisarn and Zyzare. Yletha fought them also, but with a look of dread upon her eyes. The Minare within, now but a few dozen in number, fought hopelessly against the tides of the fallen, but neither side was going to surrender. Hifylar struggled to fight off Hisarn, who struggled with him for the sceptre, and Bysarlar stuck down Yletha, leaving her wounded upon the marble floors. But even then the fallen were to be victorious, save that then a event unforeseen occurred.

 

For through the broken door stood then another force, and one of whom that all knew stood there. For Hiare, queen of the minare stood tall there, with a great host of her people beside her. None had known that she had entered Kazag-thar that night when all the fallen were converging upon the Vilinemalir. And now, with the cry of “To arms my people!” Hiare went forth to save Minarand.

 

The battle became ever more ferocious as the Minare went into battle. Hiare came direct to Hifylar’s aid, and Zyzare was driven back, and fled away through the corridors of the Kelmetlar. Hisarn was more reluctant, and only fled when it was clear that she could not win. She fled away also, and whence she escaped she cried, “If I cannot rule this city none shall!” and with her power she cast down a great many buildings to rubble, hindering any pursuit against her. For the minare were far greater in number than the fallen, and they began to drive them back. Before the fallen were either dead or fled away, leaving Minarand only a step higher than a ruin. But this time many minare set off in pursuit, which lasted for many hundreds of miles, until only a few of that host survived to escape to the west, but a few was still a great many, and the cost had been horrendous indeed.

 

Hiare came to Hifylar, who was unharmed, save perhaps in trust, “I should have known that they were not loyal” he said unhappily, “But they remain bound as the rest of us, but as I said to you of Arbylar, their power remains to them, and if we do not fight them than that strength may rule the world.”

 

Hiare walked through Kazag-thar soon after, for she was surveying the ruins of the city. She came down to the River, and she found a person weeping by the waters, it was Yletha.

“Why do you cry my friend?” Hiare asked, not knowing the sins that she had committed, “the evil has passed, and this land shall soon be at peace once more.

“not with me” sobbed Yletha, who lifted her head to show a great scar upon her brow from where Bysarlar had struck her, “Tell Hifylar I am repentant of what I did, and that I will never trouble him, or his land again.” Then she walked away, and was rarely ever again seen in Bair, but rumour of the one who roamed in the wilds was many times heard later. And it was only after Hiare had returned to Hifylar that she found out what had happened, and understood the words that were spoken to her, and that she retold to Hifylar. “she shall be spared if repentant” said Hifylar sternly, “But the others must be found, and at this moment we must prepare for Arillirus, for that is his name now, and he may be readying even as we speak.”

 

                Indeed, Arillirus was readying, readying to seize the world for his very own, as shall now be told.