Chapter 10

 

Ala Batcul an Arillirus

 

Which is:

The Wars of Arillirus

 

ven as Hifylar had guessed, Arillirus was far from being idle, indeed he had been readying himself since he first came to Xland. He had achieved massive devastation in those four years since he had come there, but it was not enough for him. He did not care if the minare were utterly destroyed then, only that they were in great turmoil. Thus, even as battle raged for Kazag-thar, his forces began to pour forth from Xland. He swore yet again for vengeance now that he saw it approach, and he swore also to regain the sceptre at any cost, for he desired to be free, and to rule the world to the last. Thus, on the first day of the two hundred and twenty ninth year, the wars of Arillirus were deemed to have begun, for on that day the first scattered forces entered into Daizagul and began vying with the Daizalpelari.

 

It was not long later when those of the fallen who had been driven as exiles from Minarand began to come to Xland, having fled through south Arakline even as Arillirus himself had once done. Zyzare and Hisarn led them hither, and they came there far quicker than Arillirus had for some knew the ways, though they were both in great anguish at being locked within bodily forms also. This was how they came to realise that the only way in which they would ever gain their freedom again would be by taking the sceptre by force, which was not detestable to them, for they had now much hate against the Bythar, and wished for the lordship to be passed back to Arbylar, and little allegiance remained within them to Hifylar. Thus upon their coming to Xland, they gave their allegiance to Arillirus, and they swore both at his throne;

 

“Q-gelk ilain ala-lno bild ara ala-bairad ila aigaz-durd

“I follow now only the true lord of the world and no other”

 

Then, after these dreadful words had been spoken, Zyzare said aloud; “Zyzare I am no longer, from now unto the end I am Zalzizur” And Hisarn who stood beside him said; “Hisarn has ended also, Now I am Drosarn” Which is the bloodied knife, named so for the destruction she had wrought upon Kazag-thar, where kindred blood was spilt by her hands. And it was thus that the four leaders of Xland were named true at last, and it was they that caused the many woes in these tales that follow.

 

Yet in those eighty or so years of peace that had been granted to the Ezleg following the fall of Zandline, things had most certainly not been idle either.  And thanks to the warning given to him by Ivonwe, Avternain had been readying all the force that he could, calling again to arms the veterans of Zandline and calling anew many more young men and women of the Elybylar.  Meanwhile far to the north the Vrolevili were ready at arms as they always were, and though he had not yet been informed, Nomleagth nevertheless foreboded that all the wars were not yet at a end, and that he would be forced to fight once again, which was in the event very true indeed.

 

In Daizagul though, the situation was far worse, for as told, the first strikes began at once, giving a hard picture of what was to come. The Daizalpelari, who now patrolled all of Daizagul, managed to repel the first forces sent against them in fierce skirmishes along the Lainad-Bair. But more forces filtered through the mountains, keeping the Daizalpelari on the defensive. Still the Daizalpelari would give no ground willingly, and thus tried to protect the thousand mile from, which they never had the forces to protect. Thus as the year progressed, the defences of the Daizalpelari in the east began to weaken. But all that was but little to what then happened, for he Daizalpelari failed to realise the danger that they were truly in at that time..

 

For then, whence a year had passed {it then being the two hundred and thirtieth year of Bair}Arillirus sent forth his full forces, for he was unable to restrain his quest for vengeance any longer. With hosts that were seemingly endless, which would have made any Ezleg present come to cower, he attacked through Romig Baraz {though it was given that name long after}and struck against the Ezleg. He failed then to realise that if he had waited longer, he may have been able to crush the west before they could gain the strength to resist, though none would have then thought that he could have been defeated by any force upon Bair, for his great hosts of Orglag seemed as a unstopping sea of foulness, while his Ukarak darkened the skies above and beasts innumerable followed on the heals of the army. Thus, striking into east Daizagul Arillirus managed to seize all of the Tarni Dinea flood plains in just a few short days, while destroying most of the Daizalpelari forces there, though thankfully his forces passed not over the DyZanddi ridge as yet, for none of the Ezleg yet lived this far east, but those of the Daizalpelari who had fled back to Daizline gave the news to lord Darazgul, who seeing his predicament, sent west asking for aid, while he prepared for the now inevitable invasion of his land.

 

Yet Arillirus’ assault on Daizagul came far too quick for any aid to come from the west. Within weeks of his entry into Daizagul the vanguard of his forces were pouring into Galir Vinotz, the eastern forest of Daizline. Already had the Daizalpelari lost many thousands who were killed, and much of the great forest was set alight. But despite all this the Daizalpelari struck back at once, and were not completely broken, and in many infamous night raids they would come upon their foes unawares and would thus slay many Orglag and beasts. The armies of Arillirus would pay perhaps five to one in such a exchange, but it was too cheap, for the Daizalpelari were far from a numerous people, and thus, as the war went on, their numbers dwindled.

 

Thus Darazgul was quickly beaten back through the glades of Galir Vinotz and in many cases the Daizalpelari were driven in rout. and Darazgul knowing quite rightly that his people would be completely destroyed if they remained fighting those forces, he led in retreat much of his people. His intention was to escape back into the relative safety of Arakline, but before he had pulled back through the burning forests even to the Rikelanear, which was the river that divided his realm in two, great forces of the enemy had already passed his southern flank, and whence he gained word of it, he realised that he could not now reach Bairgarand and could only cross the river and flee northward, but first of course, he had to cross the river.

 

It was thus that a battle was fought under burning forests to cross the cool waters of the Rikelanear. This was but fifty days after the first forces of Arillirus had invaded, and nigh on all resistance in Galir Vinotz had now been quenched by pure brute force alone. Thus a force that thrice outnumbered Darazgul’s entire people lay behind ready to drive him to his doom, with many times more not far behind that. But this battle is remembered in the minds of the Ezleg, for three thousand Daizalpelari decided to make the stand, to save the rest. They were for the most part the wounded or the weak, those who could not make the flight north. Thus while the remnants of their people crossed the river and turned north, the Orglag fell in droves to the arrows of this force, while throughout the forests many were burned to death in the fires. For fifteen days they held the crossing against forces that should have crushed them in a hour, but those brave Ezleg were all in the end slain in the saviour of their people, and no great and glorious graves did they ever have, but thanks to their stand at Batzul mil, the battle of life, Darazgul had departed north, and was troubled no more by the forces of Arillirus. For Darazgul, gathering the Daizalpelari of the west, had marched then unto the northern mountains, known later as the Avin Batzul, the battle mountains, where they long held out in secret. Perhaps two thirds of all the Daizalpelari survived in the end, a great amount it is deemed hereafter considering that their land was completely overwhelmed by the foe.

 

Arillirus, now poised for his great victory, readied his assault into Bairgarand by marching almost triumphantly into Lavados, thus seizing all but the northern most slivers of Daizline. He certainly cared no longer for the Daizalpelari, a remnant of a defeated people he deemed them to be, though in even that was far from true. It was then though, after but a few days, that he launched his forces unto Bairgarand, it then being but a hundred or so days since he had passed into Daizagul. He struck through Nar Baraz with the forces himself, believing that he had to secure the northern flank of Arakline. Arsgul remained with him, and between them they had the single greatest host yet brought together upon Bair. Meanwhile Drosarn was to strike through the Dure Baraz, for the plan was that she was to capture south Arakline and Oralath directly, thus trapping the city. Zalzizur marched with the smallest host {though still great indeed}through Dar Baraz unto the ruins of Zandline, where he could then strike west unto Dinear whence Arakline was brought unto ruin.

 

Though the Daizalpelari messengers had indeed reached Nomleagth to tell him of the situation, they had come late, for many were lost to the forces of Arillirus who had swung south, and those who did survive were forced to hide and scuttle, thus taking much time to come to Arakline. Thus by the time that Nomleagth had heard of the attack, Daizline was already burning and was all but lost. But he thought that he could at least hold the passes of the Avinkazag until the forces of the union and of Barline were ready to give him aid, though he did not truly yet know what he faced. It was then perhaps fortunate that messengers had been sent to Barline also.

 

But it was then that Arillirus struck, almost at the most critical moment of all, for Nomleagth was heading north to Nar Baraz with a force to aid the Daizalpelari. But mere minutes before Nomleagth was to come to the pass, Arillirus’ armies poured through into the soil of Arakline. Nomleagth, both shocked and startled, did not truly know what he was facing, began a fight for the pass as best as he could, knowing that he may well die doing so. But he halted the onslaught for a few hours, but could never stop it indefinitely

 

It was that very day, even as Nomleagth first arrived at Nar Baraz, that Avternain first heard of the rising of Arillirus in the east, and since all was stuck at the Daizalpelari, it seemed certain to him that the assault would once again be against the north at least at first, and remembering  Zandline all to well and wishing that the like of which would never happen to either Barline or any Ezleg land as long as he could. Thus he left but a token force in the south of Barline, and with his wife and son, headed north with the great bulk of his forces, with the intention of saving all of Bair if that needed to be done.

 

But the Onslaught of Arillirus was in fact so great that any hope that Nomleagth had of holding the passes fell very quickly, for after but a few hours of fighting Nomleagth’s northern forces were almost swept away, being driven as leaves in the wind. Indeed it was only due to Nomleagth’s quick thinking at the vital moments that many of the best forces of the Vrolevili union survived at all, for instead of committing the few reserves that he had to a useless battle, he turned his line southwards, using the Northern glades of Lavi Vinotz for defence. It was none to soon, for the main defence of the pass, Tal Orla, was over run even then. The manoeuvre saved Nomleagth’s forces from annihilation, but thought he drove off the first assaults unto Lavi Vinotz, he deemed that he had only two days at most before Arillirus could bring forth strength enough to dislodge what was left to him. But the other great force of Arakline was not so lucky, for that same night Belzeg was driven from Dure Baraz in rout, Drosarn indeed being more clever than Arillirus by falling upon her foes from the flanks. Belzeg’s forces who were guarding the pass were crushed, and nigh on all his four thousand foot were slain to the man, a company or two escaped south, but no more. This left Belzeg with ten thousand cavalry and wolf riders, who then charged forth again, in a desperate bid to recapture the pass, where they caught the forces of Drosarn as the last of the Vrolevili infantry fell. Thus pouring on a foe which was still in battle they annihilated many thousands of Orglag, and did greater deeds than could have been hoped for, but still they did not retake the pass, for Drosarn had held the mouth with all that she could bring through in time. Thus Belzeg held her in leaguer around the mouth of the pass, but this was like Nomleagth’s deed, little but a temporary respite to the troubles.

 

But even Nomleagth could not hold against the pressure that began to mount against him. It had taken Arillirus four days to bring forth the forces needed to dislodge Nomleagth, but Nomleagth thinking well ahead had already began to withdraw back two days before, leaving  only a skeleton force in place. He knew that if he had not done this that he would have bled dry in but a few days more. In truth this retreat would save his army, but in the heat of the war it seemed as though Arillirus was heading for a great and overwhelming victory over the Ezleg. Thus it was only four days later, ten since Nomleagth had left Oralath to seek victory, that he was back in Oralath preparing to avert defeat.

 

Belzeg was finally driven back after five days of desperate fighting, having kept strong pressure on the pass as long as his forces could. It was now that Drosarn had the forces to drive him to his death that he began to withdraw, and yet he still held a orderly retreat as far as the Narthgul. Many were lost in the retreat, but Drosarn could not crush Belzeg now without the advantage of surprise, whatever her numbers may have been. but when Belzeg came to make his stand at the Narthgul as he had dome all those years before, the war began to take a very different turn.

 

Nomleagth had thus only just returned to Oralath when Belzeg’s forces came to sight from the walls of Oralath, for it was at the Narthgul, within sight of Oralath that Belzeg’s resistance finally gave way, and broke into a rout once more. But the forces of Drosarn were already wrapping around him, threatening to surround him and slay his forces utterly near where Avternain and Nomleagth had met in battle all those years before. As to Nomleagth, who was watching from the walls it seemed now almost without hope, for he could see now no course of action possible for him, there had been many defeats against him and none yet major for the forces of Arillirus, in fact it was only the mass coming of supplies and troops into Oralath throughout the mountain passes that gave any hope to him, but soon the stage was set for the first truly great battle of that war within Bairgarand.

 

For the war in the north had now came to a very dark hour, for Belzeg was on the verge of annihilation, being trapped upon the Narthgul with no hope in sight. Thus Nomleagth made a decision that he knew would change the war for better of for worse. For Nomleagth launched his forces forward, pouring from the gates of Oralath as they had done before, hoping almost desperately that they had enough time to gain victory before Arillirus came down upon their flank. Thus like a tidal wave they poured onto the Narthgul, where Nomleagth’s forces were aided by many others who he had not brought forth, so that with over fifteen thousand men he fell on Drosarn’s forces, taking them by utter surprise, and slaying many thousands before they were able to pull back, though it was not done without loss, but in all it was few, and Nomleagth was united upon the eastern edge of the Narthgul with Belzeg. But there was nearly a far greater loss before that day had ended.

 

For Arillirus, seeing his time, launched his Ukarak against Oralath, forcing the city to close its gates, though the great catapults and pikes kept the Ukarak away from the walls, and the Vrolevili did not fear them. But they had in one stroke severed Nomleagth’s retreat unto Oralath, leaving him stranded with forces before him and forces behind, with another soon to be on his left, none of which he could defeat on his own. And his destruction was imminent if he held where he was, for his gamble had failed, and it left him but desperate choices. He could have tried to break through unto Oralath, which would take time, time enough for him to be surrounded and destroyed. He could try to break Drosarn’s bloodied forces, which would also leave him surrounded. Thus only one course of action lay open to him still, he could retreat south down to Barline where with Avternain he may have the strength to keep victory at hand. It was a hard decision for Nomleagth, for it meant abandoning Oralath in its time of need, possibly to its destruction, though he knew it could hold for many months against Arillirus’s artillery lacking forces, for its people would never surrender and with its reserves coming through the Zarin Mina paths it could hold out even longer, indefinitely perhaps. Thus he bowed to the necessity of saving his army, and ordered his forces south away from Oralath, but first he gave Belzeg charge of the rearguard, while he rode quickly to lead his force unto the south.

 

On that first day, ever on the edge of disaster, The rearguard held upon the ridge against ever increasing odds and the threat of being surrounded. Indeed it was only with the coming of Night that the nerve of the Vrolevili began to give, Belzeg’s included, thus with the coming of darkness, he called them back, none too soon, for the trap was nearly closed upon him, and there were fierce skirmishes all night upon the flanks, but Arillirus was left empty handed when the sun next rose, for Belzeg had escaped, and held up the pursuit south for a day. It was then that Arillirus made his great folly, for instead of destroying Oralath and all the north {which was well within his power}he decided to pursue Nomleagth to the end, thus unwillingly leaving his forces scattered over thousands of miles of hostile land. He feared no hindrance by the defeated army that fled at his head, and leaving Drosarn to besiege Oralath {with forces that could not take the city}he launched his forces to the south. But Belzeg and his wolf riders continued to fight, stopping every few miles to strike a raid at the advancing forces, until the next day when they turned and struck whole heartily against the arrogant Arillirus, destroying much of the pursuing forces, ending any chance of a orderly pursuit at once. This was the first battle in the Dln Rombatzul, the three battles of flight, that took place during that retreat, three acts of Bravery almost unequalled in the tales of those days.

 

I say almost unequalled, for Nomleagth had long remembered that ahead of them lay the southern most city of Arakline. Nitlen was not a large or important city, but it lay directly on the route south, and Nomleagth knew that Arillirus was not just going to ignore it, but raise it to the ground, for unlike Oralath, it was not greatly protected. Thus he arrived there ahead of the main retreat and began to evacuate its inhabitants. The main retreat arrived the next day, and the people of Nitlen followed onwards, all evacuated in a single day while Nomleagth brought forth as many of his soldiers as possible to hold out, and waited until Belzeg came hither. For when Belzeg did, Nomleagth emerged and with Belzeg’s aid, swamped the southern flank of the pursuers, driving many of them north and into the Veinar, thus allowing the great retreating host time to depart, such was that honourable deed. But Arillirus was now angered, and in response sent forth great swathes of Ukarak, to drive the forces of Nomleagth unto their death.

 

It was that very day when Nitlen was evacuated that the spirits first entered into those wars once more, for thought the Minare were not as yet come out in force {Though they would soon do so} Hiare with both all her family save Viler who stayed with the rest of the Minare, and her friends came to Barline in the north, knowing where Avternain now was. Ivonwe and Milralen came with young Iviseal, who despite being but eight years old, was already showing himself as a very perceptive young Mina, taking much notice in the ordering of things. They stopped at Almvar for a day, where Iviseal first met some of the Ezleg people whom he liked, before they continued on to the camp near Arak Mina. Here the family’s of Hiare and Avternain met once more, and though it was in a army camp which was readying for battle, it did not dim the joyous moods of those present. Indeed Avternain and Beldaron were beyond joy to see their friends once more, Ivonwe and Beldaron both went on a long walk together, in which Iviseal followed his father and Beldaron {Avternain’s son truly liked young Iviseal, though he was very much unlike his father} But it is the talk of Hiare and Avternain which concerns us, for there were grave issues of Battle to discuss.

“It is good to see you Hiare,” said Avternain grimly, “Indeed if I ever needed your council it is now.”

“I sorry I could not get here before,” Answered Hiare, “But my people have almost torn themselves apart of late due to the beast, and I came as soon as I could.”

“None to soon,!” laughed Avternain, “But I am glad that you sent your son here, or else I would still be in Var’bylar praying for time.”

“Do you know what is coming?” asked Hiare.

“My scouts upon the Avin Alak report over thirty thousand Vrolevili retreating down the Veinar towards us, and they are being pursued by nigh on five times their number,” Avternain wiped his brow, “I don’t know what Nomleagth has done, but he’s brought the devil to us this time.”

“I hope only that you are ready,” Said Hiare gravely.

 

In that time Oralath was sealed, and within were most of the people of Arakline, and those who were not there were either in the south east or in the mountains, for they were the only safe places left to them, but the stone city was better held than even the first war of Zandline, For the tunnels allowed reserves and supplies to come through to the fortress from Dinear, thus its strength increased rather than decreed under the siege. Drosarn had been left to take the city while Arillirus and Arsgul went south to Barline. But without Ukarak and sufficient weapons {Arillirus was ever unprepared for this war save in numbers} there was little hope that she could take the city, thus she held there, a great waste of Orglag which would have been far better used elsewhere, as shall be told.

 

It was then that Nomleagth’s forces approached Barline, and his tired and hungry forces were within sight of safety when the Ukarak and the vanguards of Arillirus came into view. By now Belzeg’s forces, who numbered twelve thousand at the start of the war, were now but three thousand in number. Yet they held the rearguard as best they could, but now were running out of both strength and numbers, and the forces that were in pursuit were building, now Avternain who stood upon a tower in Arak Mina saw this all, with his wife and son together with the family and friends of Hiare. They knew that without help that the rearguard was going to fall, and thus he said to all, “We shall go to save them,” He told Beldaron to take command of Arak Mina, where stayed Iviseal also, and all others, the Minabair, Ivonwe, Hiare, Milralen, and Nimlith, readied themselves for the coming battle.

 

It was but two hours later, when the forces of Nomleagth were but ten miles distant, that Avternain and the army of Arak Mina, or at least a good part of it, crossed the Veinon, {Which marked the northern most border of Barline} by many fords around Arak Mina. It was a vast force, all comprised of cavalry, some twenty thousand strong or more, and they broke forth even as Belzeg’s forces finally began to give way. Thus began the first great show of strength by Barline in that war, for they swamped the vanguards of Arillirus once more, where the forces of Belzeg, relieved at last, turned and brought their strength to the battle also. The Minare kept the Ukarak at bay, and the vanguard of Arillirus without aid was completely destroyed, while Arillirus himself was still at Nitlen, destroying the city in his wraith and he would not now have the initiative in his attack on Barline. And he cursed the worse upon hearing the cries of victory 

 

In the aftermath of that battle the rather bewildered and tired Vrolevili were brought across the Veinon into Barline, and were thus the first save a few individuals to come from the north into the world realm. Nomleagth was as bewildered as all others in the timely coming of aid, and when Avternain came to him, they rejoiced, having not seen each other for nigh on eighty years. Avternain let out a cry at their meeting, “Ala Relican!; The reunion!” Nomleagth was glad despite all the bloodshed, and is said to have remarked, “It seems that our fates are together.” Which was even more true for Avaner came to see him just then, to take them both to Arak Mina where they could tell their tales to all.

 

At Arak Mina Nomleagth and Avternain came to a large meeting hall high up in the fortress part of the city. Belzeg was there, wounded frequently but not seriously, together with Hiare her family and all the Minabair. Avternain’s family were there also, as were Alcrond and Elmglan, the two leading generals in the Barline army.

“It seems as though we have peoples here from over most of Bair.” Said Avternain, “But in the current circumstances I am not going to begrudge it, for we need all the allies that we can get.”

“Nomleagth?” asked Hiare

“Yes my lady?.” He said.

“I would think that the first thing that had best be known now is what has been happening up north,” she said.

Nomleagth thought for just a moment, then said, “But I would think it would be better to know how all this started, right at the beginning,”

Hiare was a little phased, but realised that it would be best if he did know, “Yes, you are right there my friend, but this may take some time, time that would be better spent in planning our actions.”

“If we do not know what we are to face, how can we plan to fight it?” he asked, to which Hiare nodded.

Thus Hiare recalled much of the entire Ardylamar up to here to Nomleagth, much of which only Avternain alone of mortals knew of before, she recalled the war of the spectrum right up to the release of Arbylar and the fall f immortals, after which there was a long silence before Nomleagth began to speak, recalling the messages from the Daizalpelari through to the evacuation of Nitlen, so thus the tale of this war was known to the leading parties, whence it passed into the peoples. Then though there was a long silence.

“Who can we defeat such a beast?” was the question that Avternain asked.

“Arbylar is a fool,” said Hiare, “He is unprepared for this war, and he knows little of your peoples as yet, he will make his mistake.”

“I hope you are right Hiare,” Said Nomleagth, “For we have barely survived as yet, and I have seen few mistakes save our own survival.”

Just then a messenger came into the room, “Arillirus is perhaps a days march from the river.”

“Then we have a day to be ready meet him,” answered Hiare simply, “I suggest that we prepare for this battle now.”

 

Arillirus was indeed only halted for a day by the rising of the Elybylar, and he cared little for the loss of his vanguard, for it was but a token part of his force. But it had held his advance long enough for the Armies of the Ezleg to gain back across the river. Thus he would have to now force his way across the Veinon, a nightmare that would take him fifteen centuries to master. He wasted no time in his attack though, for he descended upon the Veinon about fifty miles west of Arak Mina, here the plan that the council had devised was planned, for thought the river was a perfect defence, the forces there could not hold back the great swathes of Orglag that came upon them, and by the night on that day the Orglag had seized several fords, and had several thousands across already, and Avternain looking from the tower of Arak Mina with his son offered a prayer to the fathers, and said lastly to his son, “It all depends on you here son, and let us hope that Hiare is not wrong in what weather that we will receive. You and young Iviseal look after one another.” Then he left for the coming battle, and Beldaron and Iviseal were the only remnants of the Leaders to remain hither, for the others had their own deeds now to do.

 

For three days yet did the Orglag cross the river, building up their numbers as best they could, while the Ezleg of both north and south prepared themselves, for in those three days nearly a hundred thousand Orglag had crossed the Veinon, a third of Arillirus’s forces, while the Ezleg surrounded their bridgehead, and then came the rains that the Ezleg had waited for.

 

The Veinon quickly rose up in the great opening of the skies, and the fords were lost under the floods, such was the ploy of the Ezleg to wait so,  for though they had come late, Hiare, using her perception as a Mina, knew they would come in but a few days. Thus it was now that the Ezleg began their well laid plans, for at a distance great armies of the Ezleg waited, many thousands strong, and just as the Orglag realised they were cut off and began to panic, the great battle cries of  “To the end!” the forces of Barline and Arakline were launched into battle.

 

The Orglag in their panic did what Hiare had thought, and struck towards Arak mina, for it was a formidable feature in the east and despite their panic they numbered over one hundred thousand strong, nigh on a third of Arillirus’ whole force, and a colossal force in any time. Thus in the first day the majority charged thither, and came upon the hills of the Ephelt lire upon which the fortress stood. Thus Beldaron order the forces to fire, and they let loose many arrows, which together with the mud created by the rains, held the Orglag back, but from the south and west came the Ezleg Armies, The commands of Alcrond and Elmglan fell upon the Orglag around their flank, but the victorious strike was from the west by Avternain and Nomleagth, who struck through upon unprepared beasts, and the Ukarak were helpless in both such weather and most came to ground, where they were least useful. Thus the trap was set, and the Orglag had the battle taken to them, while Arillirus over the river could do nothing but wait for the outcome of the battle.

 

Despite their advantages, the Battle was never a easy one for the Ezleg, for the desperate assaults by the Orglag against Arak Mina began to tell, and by the second day they had finally gained a foothold against the fortress, where Beldaron knew not who to send to drive them back, it was then that young Iviseal gained his first battle, “Friend Beldaron, let me drive these beasts back, for you are needed here and there is none else left to send.”

“That is true young Iviseal,” Beldaron replied, “but you are but nine years of age, and that is but a stripling to us, and your father would never forgive me if you came to harm this day.”

“I can take care of myself,” he answered.

“Then there is no choice I suppose,” said Beldaron, “Then go young Iviseal, for we need all aid that we can in these crucial times.”

Thus Iviseal, at but Nine years old, a adult maybe to the Minare, but was but a child to all else, took command of the counter against the Orglag. It is true that he was a adult in the minds of the Minare, but none yet knew how much so until know, for he took charge of the garrison troops, and led the charge out of the gates, giving orders as if they were just idle thoughts that caught all Orglag unawares. In just a hour he did more than drive the Orglag back off the ridge, he had sent them fleeing back towards the river in utter disarray. Beldaron was astounded, declaring afterwards that Iviseal was certainly the child of his father, and from that moment on it was known what skills he had.

 

The victories at Arak Mina were well bought, but unexpected, but the vast battle out upon the plain were much more devastating, for in the first day Avternain and Nomleagth’s command had surrounded over ten thousand Orglag, which Belzeg’s wolf riders proceeded to decimate utterly. Hiare led a smaller force from Arak Mina which broke the Orglag away from the river, where they where destroyed by the Massed spear charges of Alcrond’s command, never did the Orglag seem to gain a victory in all that fighting, and when the battle had reached its greatest ferocity, The marching forth of the garrison of Arak Mina by Beldaron and Iviseal slaughtered nigh on all the Orglag who had came against the fortress in a single engagement, Iviseal’s tactical wizardry telling once more, never had such a slaughter been achieved before, for whence it was all over after four days, over one hundred thousand Orglag were slain in all, less than a few hundred gaining back across the river, while the Ezleg lost but nine thousand in all, such was the magnitude of the slaughter, and as if to confirm the victory, the rains finally gave in the day after the victory had been achieved, thus Arillirus could see the magnitude of the disaster, and he swore vengeance against Barline, thought that indeed took many years to accomplish. Batzul Doroline, battle of the bloodied land, had been achieved.

 

The most honoured in that battle was Iviseal son of Ivonwe, whom Avternain honoured personally with the title of lord, Ivonwe his father was completely dumfounded when Beldaron told him the tale, and he congratulated his son ever more, Hiare was surprised also, and she did truly love her grandson, yet she thought there was a seed of something unpleasant there, but she said naught, and put the thought aside. But Iviseal was not alone, for others were honoured for their parts, including Belzeg, Nomleagth, and first and foremost all those nine thousand who had fallen in the defence against the evil.

 

But the war had not yet ended despite the honours, and quickly eyes were turned north once more. It was now that Arillirus began to clam from his madness,  and saw that he was assailable, realising now the many mistakes that he had made, and he saw foremost that he could indeed lose this war, and though he outnumbered the Ezleg of Barline still by two to one, he was in hostile lands, and had little hope of victory on Ezleg terms.

 

Indeed after but a week of recovering, the Ezleg struck forth, The cavalry of Barline and Belzeg’s wolf riders attacked to the north of Arak Mina, trying to cut Arillirus from the north, Arillirus held the off for a few days, but help unlooked for came then from Ager, for the Agerians answered the call of their union an of their people, and in great numbers stuck at Arillirus’ flank, causing great confusion, and when Avternain and Nomleagth’s forces crossed the Veinon in force, Arillirus was forced to do the ultimate act of humiliation, he was forced to withdraw, abandoning his hold upon Barline, and pulling back he headed north back to Oralath.

 

It was then that Zalzizur, still encamped within the ruins of Zandline, knew of the retreat at once, and also that the war was being lost, decided to alone attempt to change the course of the war, and to which he nearly did. For his forces blasted through Glimer Baraz, scattering its defenders almost at once, while also forcing Arak Baraz, which was then defended by Elnmil, who had heard also of the destruction of Daizline. Thus, unable to hold the exposed fortress, she withdrew back to Nivan, her plan was to draw Zalzizur there and keep him from advancing against the more important targets of Maren and Var’narth. And besides many refugees from the north came to Nivan also, Zalzizur saw all this, and believing that was the course he should take, wrongly struck against Nivan

 

There was thus a great battle in Nivan, with the great forces of Zalzizur against Elnmil and her parents, together with the small army of that city. In truth it was a defeat even before the battle even began, for the forces of Zalzizur were far to strong for the forces of Nivan to gain victory alone. Thus he stormed the city, breaking the battlements personally, for he was alone of those fallen Bythar to retain his nerve in battle, little did he know that the forces of the Minare were on there way, being led by Hifylar and Viler, together with the forces of Var’narth and Maren, but this was not to save the fate of Nivan, for he broke unto the fortress, his Orglag following in great numbers, until he came to the square, where there stood Elnue, Elnmil’s mother, baring his way into the west of the city with but a spear as defence, “Demons do not belong in these streets of the living foul one, you shall not pass so long as my life shall last.” Her nerve never wavering in her words.

“Then thou shall not live much longer fool Ezlag;” he said in reply.

“I founded this city fallen, and I do not intend to see it fall to one craven as you!”

Then in anger he struck at her, even as the city was being sacked around her, she fought unto the end, but against such a power her doom was thus set, and even as Elnmil her daughter with Nethar her husband lead the remnants of Nivan through the streets seeking safety, she was slain,  within the sight of them. Thus Elnmil was kindled to madness, and charged forth, her father was unable to restrain her, but she was blocked by a pair of figures in cloaks who stood facing Zalzizur, “Go back young one, I shall gain your revenge for you, for he is a foe beyond you.” Not until later did she know that it was Hifylar lord of the Bythar speaking unto her, with Bysarlar at his side. And at his words her anger was quenched and replaced with grief, and she followed her father quickly from the square in tears.

“Now fallen” spoke Hifylar, “Disrespect is a folly, but treason is a mistake unto death, now let it be done.”

Thus fought Hifylar and Bysarlar against Zalzizur the downfallen, even as they did in the Kelmetlar not so long ago. It was ever a battle of much power, for though Zalzizur was trapped within a bodily form, his strength as a Bytha had not been impaired, and he fought with his swords against them as one possessed of madness. But even the greatest of the Bythar would have had little chance against even the weakest two of their number, and Bysarlar stood forth, and cast fire into the face of the fallen, burning it black in screams of agony. Crying loud, Zalzizur fled, casting down buildings in his wake, and he slipped away, leaving Hifylar to pick up Elnue’s body, and carry her from the square which she had help build

 

As Zalzizur’s victorious hosts poured forth from the sacking of the city, their hearts were broken, for there upon the western side stood the armies of the Vrolevili and the Minare in waiting, such as was rarely seen again, and Viler, loosing his calm upon the fall of the city, shot forth as if kindled for battle {as he rarely did after}, and he was followed by many of his people and the Ezleg armies, and together in a fierce battle through the broken city, they utterly crushed Zalzizur’s forces, sending most of them fleeing across Dinear, where Almagarin’s riders cut them down in great droves, thus gaining a quick victory in the north in but a single battle, known there after as Batzul Ivanue, the battle of the silent moon, but Nivan itself was in ruin, and its joint founder had died facing one of the greatest beings in Bair, for the price of victory is ever high, and Elnmil’s grief was never truly eased after, for there are something’s that time itself cannot heal, even upon her grave was scribbled by her daughter. “Barailind” which means “remember” for she ever did so there after.

 

But before Batzul Ivanue had even began, there came to pass greater battles to the east in Arakline. For soon after Arillirus began his withdraw from the Veinon, the Ezleg struck out in pursuit. But unlike Arillirus their pursuit was greatly effective, and many thousands of Orglag were slain by Belzeg and Alcrond, who commanded the wolf riders and Barline’s advance cavalry respectively. They pounced upon stragglers by night, and slew them before they knew what was happening none can tell how many were slain in that time, but somewhere in the region of twenty five thousand may be near the mark. But Arillirus pulled back regardless, despite his rapidly diminishing forces, until he finally, after fifteen days of flight, he joined once more with Drosarn outside Oralath, which held out still, indeed, in all that time little damage indeed had been inflicted upon that fortress. And Arillirus, remembering what Ravik his lieutenant Ravik had told him of his own battle outside Oralath, he set in motion a plan to take victory form the verge of defeat, and thus began moving his forces to the south of Oralath, with but a token force to defend against a breakout form the city, or so it seemed.

 

Belzeg was the first to come within range of Oralath, for he was always at the head of a pursuit. He was not now very far ahead of the Ezleg armies, and believed that Arillirus could be defeated easily at first glance. But that was not to be, for Arillirus struck first, swamping Belzeg’s command and causing havoc in the Ezleg forces approaching him. The Ezleg were thus caught without a plan of battle, and as their main forces came to the fighting, they found themselves instantly sucked in. thus there was little room for manoeuvre as the fighting opened. Belzeg’s command barely survived, but Alcrond fell in the first strike, and with him much of the advance cavalry of Barline, and many of the Ezleg heroes and heroines fell also as the battle degraded into a wild melee, which the forces of Arillirus could stand much better than the Ezleg. Young Iviseal salvaged some hope that day, by leading a force that turned Arillirus’ southern flank, though it did not change the battle as a whole. For Neither Hiare nor Avternain could see any hope in a long battle of this sort, for the Ezleg were grossly outnumbered, and there was no way to withdraw without losing perhaps half the force to the enemy. Even Hiare herself was wounded in fighting that day, though it were but a glancing blow which did little harm. But even all the Minabair could do little to change the battle, and slowly the forces of the Ezleg were driven back down the Veinar.

 

Then, in the morning of the second day, even as the battle then seemed to be lost, the forces of Oralath, seeing then that they were needed, sallied forth, slaying the guards that held them back in short order, but even this played even into Arillirus’ hands, for then Drosarn, who had been hiding some distance away, came into battle, taking the forces of Oralath by surprise, for they had been meeting but little resistance, and many were slain at once, and driving them back towards Oralath with great loss, where the forces to the south could not get through to them, and the forces of the south were being driven even further away from their goal, while only Iviseal had any luck at all in holding down the forces of their foe, for he slaughtered many of Arillirus’s flank forces, but even those thousands were trivial to the turn of the battle as a whole.

 

Thus as the third day dawned the forces of Oralath were pinned near the city and were all but useless to the turn of the main battle. While in the south Arillirus was in the verge of a great and crushing victory, it seemed as nothing could be done to readdress the balance, there from the north, came a battle cry not yet heard within Bairgarand, “The return from the death!” was heard over Arakline as the Daizalpelari, under Darazgul, came to battle, having come forth whence all attention had left him. Thus he fell upon Arillirus in the rear, and drove Drosarn away from the forces of Oralath, whence both forces fell upon the main battle in the south, trapping Arillirus between the them. The attacks of the Orglag slowed, stopped, and faltered, and soon great droves of them were turning to flight, where Iviseal’s forces, ever Arillirus’ bane, were ahead of them, and slaughtered many helplessly, thus was the field cleared in but a few hours of fighting.. Arillirus and his companions were lucky to escape, and only because few knew who they were looking for, did they slide away in the slaughter, escaping from Arakline back into the east, leaving all which he had prepared for the destruction of Bair to the merciless Ezleg.

 

It was upon that field the next morning after the battle, known already as Batzul Kazelen, the battle of great victories, that the leaders of the forces came together and celebrated their great victory. Indeed it was a day of great celebration all over Arakline, for many saw the great victory as the beginning of the end for Arillirus, for he had lost all in that war, and little was left to him, but in the end, little eventually became enough, such was the way of things to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11

 

An Iviseal aigaz ala Risten an Xland

 

Which is:

Of Iviseal and the constraining of Xland

 

ith Bairgarand now once again freed from the Malice of Arillirus, it came to the minds of the leaders that the victory of the Ezleg should be now made complete, and that Arillirus and his minions be crushed utterly. Hiare indeed thought that this should be so, for she remembered how her people had ignored Zandline for so long, and how that negligence had almost become fatal. Thus it was that the leaders of the many peoples of Bair that had come to unite during the war, came then together in Oralath, and here they spoke of the war and who had been lost, of whom Elnue was the most grieved for, and in the course of but a few days the decision was made all but unanimously that Arillirus should be crushed utterly, or else his power driven beyond all there realms so that he should never threaten them again. This decision was wise according to the knowledge of the Ezleg, though none of them truly knew the powers that they faced, nor what they were capable of. Indeed Hiare, despite her support for the decision, ever had a gnawing doubt about the decision that she failed to speak of. In that she was perhaps alone, for the others present believed that the wars would soon be at a end utterly.

 

Thus the plan in those days was set, and was spoken by Nomleagth to that council, “our decision is made,” he said, “and now we must proclaim how we are to combat this beast in the east.” Thus this was spoke of, but Nomleagth himself had the most simple plan, and what would probably be the easiest and most effective also. “Since we have two objectives in this war,” he said, “to free Daizagul and destroy Arillirus, I believe the following plan should be the most effective. Arillirus is weak, but not yet beaten, and yet he is protected in Daizagul by the forests to the north, which even he only breached with overwhelming numbers, he will think that we cannot come that way with any great haste, and so we would have to approach south of Daizline and north of the split in the Rikelanear, giving him but a small front to defend. But I say that we should come from all fronts, Avternain and the Elybylar should cross to the south of Daizagul, I will face him from the centre, while another force should come with the aid of the Daizalpelari from the north, in which we shall free Daizline and trap Arillirus, and if he fights, he will lose, and if he flees he does then our duty for us.”

These words were said with great conviction, but the plan, like all plans, had its flaws, for Arillirus if he still had strength enough could strike his weight against a single force, and the northern and southern forces could be badly delayed, but against all other plans it was by far the best, and they agreed to it in the end, but Avternain had a important question to ask. “I believe that I can do what you ask of me in the south, and I know Nomleagth here can take his force to victory against those of the centre, but who is to command in the furthest north?”

There were mutterings for a few moments until Nomleagth asked, “Who distinguished themselves in this war more than any other?”

All eyes turned then to Iviseal who stood by his father, as if he were a ghost or even Arillirus himself.

“Preposterous! said Varlidan, the lord consul of Var’narth, “he may be a Mina, but he knows nothing of warfare.”

“He saved Arak Mina by leading a counter attack that most others would have barely attained,” Said Nomleagth.” But he drove the enemy off the hills completely, and thus secured our victory in Barline and he was alone to truly challenge Arillirus’ forces at Batzul Kazelen, while all our forces were driven back. Thus I believe he should command.”

“That may be,” said Varlidan, “But how old is he, for I have never seen this mina before this very day, though he does indeed bare resemblance to Hiare our friend.”

It was Iviseal himself who spoke, “my age my lord?” he said “I am now in my ninth year of this life.”

“And Nine years to a Mina is worth ninety or more to us.” said Nomleagth quickly, thus silencing Varlidan before he could speak, “So I wish to see a vote for Iviseal son of Ivonwe son of Hiare, for the command in the north!”

Though far from unanimous, most present did indeed call for Iviseal, especially those from the battles in Arakline, where they all knew of his deeds, to which he was going to add many more in those days to come.

“That is then settled” said Nomleagth, “Now I believe that we should prepare ourselves, it will be a hard road, but we can succeed, as I have said before, because we are united.” And then those present began to depart, and Nomleagth said quickly to Iviseal, “I hope my faith in you is rewarded young one.” And left himself, leaving Iviseal to contemplate the task he had been given unwillingly.

 

After that council had ended, Iviseal decided not to stay in Oralath, and leaving the organisation of his armies to other, and more experienced hands, the young Mina spent those days drifting around the north, brooding deeply upon his task. His father tried several times to find and comfort him, but Iviseal was strong willed, and would heed no council at that time. Thus did father and son grow regrettably somewhat apart in those days. But what ever he decided in that self imposed exile, it later served him well. Thus when the time came, he returned to Oralath, and there he took command as if he had done so hundreds of times before, and he prepared for the coming battles then with great vigour and determination like few had seen before.

 

And when the day finally came, and the hosts of Bairgarand had assembled themselves in the passes and the foothills of the Avinkazag, the plan was set, and it waited now upon Iviseal to implement it. There Iviseal stood waiting in the mouth of Nar Baraz. He looked worryingly out onto the plains  and forests of Daizagul, as did many of those who awaited his orders that day. But while Avternain and Nomleagth were merely leading forth another army that day, Iviseal’s destiny awaited him, though he did not know it yet. Instead he stood surveying the army. Many thousands of souls, many of which would never return to their homes. He looked also upon his generals. Elnmil stood, waiting to seek vengeance for her mothers death, with he father standing beside her seeking also the same. Avaner stood loyally beside her friend, ready to protect the rulers of Nivan. Finally there was lord Darazgul, who waited to drive the enemy from his peoples land, and return his people home. Iviseal sighed, for he did not know if he could give them their wishes, but whence a few moments passed, Iviseal cried with a heavy heart;

 

“Aza ele wen ilain mada zelen!”

“Let us go now to victory!”

 

And thus did the hosts of Iviseal spring forth from waiting into the war in which they hoped to defeat Arillirus forever.

 

To the south, just a few scarce hours after Iviseal had begun his march into the east, Nomleagth stood watching the plains and forests of Daizagul with intent, even as Iviseal had done. Though he could see none of the foe upon the plains, he knew they were out there somewhere. Behind him stood Belzeg, his second in command, and with him Almagarin his friend and Varlidan of Var’narth, all of whom seemed impatient for noon and the battle to begin. Nerves were indeed frayed here as elsewhere, and all were at edge, but they knew that there was no turning back then, and they had no choice in this matter any longer. They had to do what had been placed on them.

Then, after what had seemed like a aeon, Nomleagth said “Let us be gone now” and hoisting the flag of the union which he had held, the wolf riders broke forth out onto the plain and into the forests, followed by Nomleagth and the great hosts who went to retrieve Daizagul from the evils.

 

It was the next morning that Avternain stood ready in the south lands. He looked more worried than he usually did before a battle, though he was always horrified before a battle in truth. And neither his wife nor his son, or even Hiare could calm him completely. In reply he merely said, “I am merely becoming more cautious with age.” But that could not hide the truth that he had never led such a force, nor committed to such a war before, and the prospect was unnerving at best.

Beldaron and Ivonwe were both preparing to lead the vanguard, though neither wished to in truth, Ivonwe the least, for he was worrying greatly about his son. His wife, Milralen, who was following Hiare, failed to get him to forgive himself about his broken relations with Iviseal, thus putting a even more sour moment to a bitter day.

The force of Barline was by far the greatest that was going to battle, not the least due to the Minare who came wither with Hiare, though they numbered perhaps a few dozen at best. But they still remembered what they now had to do, and that Iviseal was already a day ahead of them, and because of that they could not fail and had no choice but to advance. Thus Avternain said finally “Let us go now to the lands beyond” and so that force began to go forth into the unknown also.

 

Iviseal was by this time, even after a mere days march, delving deep into the great forest of Lavados, which was the western forest of Daizline. But his armies were most surprised to encounter almost no resistance. It was true that these forests had only been marginally taken this far north but they were nearly utterly unopposed for long, though it was clear that their foes had been thither, and there were a scarce few Orglag who indeed remained to be fought and defeated. But nether the less despite Iviseal’s deep concerns about this lack of resistance, his armies covered many miles every day, for day after day, until he came to the Rikelanear…

 

Nomleagth though had no such concerns, for his forces did encounter substantial resistance at several points along the march, though these were never more that a few hundred at best, often less, but never more. Such resistance was thus crushed by the shear power of Nomleagth’s forces, and no such forces had even the slightest hope often delaying him for long, yet alone stopping him. But it did mean that his journey through the trees was markedly slower and more careful than that of Iviseal to the north, between whom a great distance now separated.

 

Avternain’s forces, which were by far the greater in strength, had a different war to fight than that of Iviseal and Nomleagth. For while they had to navigate the immense forests of the north, Avternain had but the open plains of south Daizagul as far as the Rikelanear. There were indeed Orglag on the march, but with the open plains and the strength of the Barline cavalry, they had little chance, and were driven down by the riders and annihilated. But Avternain did have a wider front to cover, from the edge of the northern forests to the coast in the south. But even with this great front of many hundreds of miles, his forces were travelling forth with great speed, and Hiare, being intuitive, generally knew what has happening in the other forces. Thus it seemed that Arillirus was collapsing under the pressure, and for a while Hiare’s doubts began to subside, and victory seemed almost achieved even in the first few days.

 

But it was not the intention of Arillirus to run in the face of his enemies, at least not while a sizeable force remained to him. But though sizeable, he had not the forces to challenge all three of the advancing armies separately, and at best he could perhaps match two of the opposing forces in battle. But if he did so, and was not careful, the third force would fall upon him and crush him utterly. Thus he thought long then on a plan which would give him victory out of the jaws of defeat. In this he was aided by the distances that separated the advancing armies, and by the fact that he had for the moment the initiative, for the reasons for Iviseal’s early concern were that Arillirus had indeed pulled back, leaving only stragglers behind, and thus his forces were gathered in east Daizagul, where none knew of them, thus his plan was to try and make the use of this. He knew that he could not as yet surprise Avternain, who had the freedom of sight on the plains to the south, and to throw all his weight at Nomleagth was walking into the enemy’s jaws, but he could not merely throw his forces against Iviseal alone, for he saw a quick victory there, and that would waste time. Thus he decided to throw his weight against Iviseal, and a smaller force against Nomleagth. He hoped to crush Iviseal at once, and then his victorious forces would pour onto the then beleaguered Nomleagth. With the northern forces destroyed, it was believed that Avternain could then do little but go on the defensive, giving him the time need to beat Avternain utterly. And despite the obvious flaws in his plan, he thus committed himself to his last hope of victory, and began his strike.

 

Yet it was almost at once that Arillirus’s plan went astray. For the weight of forces that were sent against Iviseal were too much, and a great part of those forces spilled past him, into the forests and towards Nomleagth. Thus a far greater force fell upon Nomleagth than Arillirus had at first intended. But though this went against his plan, it almost worked to his advantage none the less, for Nomleagth at that time had barely made a crossing of the Rikelanear, and he held only a single bridgehead which was only a scarce few miles deep. He was thus completely unprepared for such a counterstroke, and Nomleagth himself was caught in the great ambush that took place at the front. Many of his best warriors were slain there as the Orglag poured forth, and Nomleagth himself received a serious stab wound in the chest, which brought him close to death. He is said to have only to have survived due to the bravery of Belzeg and KlarVerinil, who rode out into the advancing Orglag and carried the Vrolevil to safety, and that is counted not the least of Belzeg’s deeds. But the damage had been done, for the Vrolevili were in flight, or else being forcibly driven back with great loss towards the river, where many of Nomleagth’s force still remained on the far side. When they heard of the battle across the river, they foolishly waited for no order, and the greater part of those forces crossed the river by free will, giving needed aid to those beleaguered forces on the east bank, though it may perhaps of been better to withdraw back, but for a while the front was stabilised, and the retreat turned into a stalemate. Belzeg then took command whence Nomleagth had been taken to safety. But in less than a hour Nomleagth’s army had been brought to the brink of destruction.

 

Iviseal though was not left so helpless by the strike, for Darazgul’s scouts gave the Mina a few moments to ready his army. Iviseal took the obvious course, strike first, for his forces on the offensive could certainly match that which they faced. The cavalry led by Iviseal himself swung south to lead a flank attack, but there was no time for any other manoeuvres, for there were only a scarce few moments before the Orglag came. Thus the Ezleg let off a single volley of Bow fire, downing the first wave of beasts, and then they charged forth, being led by Elnmil, who’s fiery heart was burning for the battle, because of her need for vengeance.

 

The Orglag staggered at that first volley, but continued forth until they clashed with the Ezleg, though the Ezleg had the upper hand on that first blow. The battle became incredibly violent as the fighting dispersed through out the forests. The most dangerous thing for the Orglag was the presence of many Daizalpelari archers who had climbed many trees through out the area. These archers, seeking revenge for the defilement of their land, caused many Orglag to fall, and confusion soon began to spread, halting quickly the strength of the Orglag attack. But it was Iviseal, riding from the south with his cavalry that finished off the resolve of the Orglag, for though the cavalry were but a token force in truth, but Iviseal’s power was terrifying, and the Orglag who were assailed by sword, spear, arrow, and now by the power of the spectrum itself, broke in disarray, scattering far and wide, and Iviseal forces gathered quickly in pursuit. But Iviseal, knowing of the troubles of Nomleagth by the vigilance of Avaner, for she had seen the forces form the air, quickly pulled together as much of his force as possible, and forsaking the original plan for a time, he rode with great haste back to the west, in hope of saving Nomleagth.

 

Belzeg had held the Orglag at bay on that first day on a bridgehead that was twelve miles long but less than half a mile wide, and at some points less than a hundred yards deep. Those reinforcements who had crossed the river had halted the Orglag, but could not secure a victory. That night the Ezleg built as many defences as they could against the enemy, for from the next morning and a further twelve days the attacks against them never stopped, in which time many thousands of Vrolevili had fallen, and the bridgehead was reduced to but a mile length and perhaps a hundred yards from the river at the widest point. Belzeg had contemplated pulling back across the Rikelanear after the fierce struggles of the first days, but on the fifth day, Nomleagth, Hardly able to walk unaided, came back to battle, and forbade them to withdraw, knowing that the rout would be disastrous. Thus they held on, giving little by little of those few yards that were left to them, being without any true hopes other than that their stubborn resistance would give them the final victory, which was alas, beyond hope also.

 

Nomleagth did indeed realise the hopelessness of the situation, but he fought on regardless despite his wounds, until it was at last that the Orglag severed his forces, coming finally hard fought onto the banks of the Rikelanear. The remnant of the Vrolevili were thus within hours of annihilation, and Nomleagth, trapped with Belzeg in the larger northern force, saw no hope save attempting to gain back across the river, “None of us will ever survive otherwise,” he said. But such talk was still forlorn, it would be all but impossible to gain back across the river under attack, and trying to do so would end up at much the same result as fighting on thus they did so, attempting to sell their lives dearly for the sake of Bair.

 

But then, without warning, there was a gallop of hooves, and a breath of wind broke through the trees, and lo! There came Iviseal son of Ivonwe, great and powerful like the Mina that he was. The charge through the battle scared grounds he led, and the Orglag withered as but leaves, though the beasts were far the greater in number, and could have won the battle even then. But more riders followed Iviseal onward, while Nomleagth and Belzeg stood knowing that the miracle that they had needed had come to them. Nomleagth then fell to his knees, his wounds finally bringing him down, though he merely watched where he sat the battle that was fought. For then Belzeg’s few surviving wolf riders joined the melee, and those of Nomleagth’s forces that still could leapt forth on the offensive, filled now with new strength were the men and women of the Vrolevili.

 

The battle raged wildly down the Rikelanear as Iviseal ran through his charge. The Orglag did indeed wither at first, but some began to rally together further south, for the southern half of the Vrolevili forces had been all but destroyed, with but a few holding out as yet, and a few who had swam the river to safety. Thus the Orglag held there for several hours, driving off several attacks against them, until they were finally driven back by Darazgul’s people, who had ran through the forests and almost kept up with Iviseal’s cavalry, though at great pains. It was these forces which finally broke the Orglag in a great battle on the river bank. The Orglag, defeated, fled south out onto the plains of south Daizagul, where the forces of Avternain, alerted by Hiare, fell upon the time and time again, decimating those who remained, until after battles lasting ten days, they were all slain indeed.

 

The plans of the Ezleg may now have gone astray, but they had in the end achieved their goal so far. Arillirus on the other hand was without any hope, at least any hope of holding Daizagul, or to gain a victory as yet. Thus he gave in now to the council of Arsgul, his beloved; “We have lost this battle my love, and mayhap a chance for victory for many long years. But what of it? Let them have their lands and wallow in their peace, for in time we shall come forth and take back your lordship and the sceptre.”

Thus it was that Arillirus withdrew back behind the edge of the world and sat himself once more upon his throne in the dark halls of Xland, secure he believed even from the might of the spirits without, and gritted his teeth while he waited for his time to come.

 

While their rearguard fought against the Orglag fleeing from the forests, Avternain and Hiare had long since crossed the Rikelanear and were pressing on into eastern Daizagul, and were already some three hundred miles east of the river, and they were driving all before them, for the remnant Orglag now fled wildly in their attempts to reach the edge of the world and beyond. The well trained and enduring Elybylar were covering perhaps forty miles a day, and were pressing hard for the Lainad-Bair, with which their war would be over. Iviseal, ever determined to complete his tasks, quickly travelled back to his forces, who had pressed on under the command of Elnmil. He was back in but a week, and his forces were thus ready to go. Nomleagth’s forces, though much reduced, pressed on also to the east, though far behind and with great loss. But Iviseal and his forces issued from Galir Vinotz in great numbers and saw the great mountains that marked the edge of the world ahead. Iviseal was pleased, but not yet content, and he pressed on south, destroying the last remnants of Arillirus’ forces who had attempted to seize Bair. It was thus only a few days later that he came to Avternain fifty or so miles to the west of what would become known as Romig Baraz. That meeting was glad in many ways, Daizagul had been freed for one, and unknowingly they were within four hundred miles of Xland, and Iviseal met his mother and father once again, and they were reconciled from their separation. But Nomleagth and the remnants of his forces were far behind, and would not come wither for many weeks, many had fallen in their forces, though far less than that which had actually been feared. But council was taken there and then to discuss what was now to be done, for there had been but a few whispers of what was to be done once Xland was reached.

 

It was then decided then in haste that Iviseal should enter the mountains and lay siege to Xland as best as he could, for they had little in the way of siege engines to beset even a weak fortress. Iviseal was chosen for the simple fact that a Mina could have a battle plan spanning many long years, and the siege, or at least constraining of Xland would take many years at least. Iviseal then accepted this duty wholeheartedly, and thus quickly sent forces into the mountains, and came with them himself, this being the first Ezleg to come thither, and the first of all beings form the west save Ivonwe only {Who refused to go thither again} They passed through high passes of the mountains in force. While this was done, Avternain attempted to take and force Romig Baraz, for the pass was held still by the Orglag. But the weight of Avternain’s attack was great, and the forces of Bairgarand burst out onto Borlag-Line-Bair.

 

The desolation of those lands beyond seemed complete, for in little over two centuries the Ukarak had reduced that land to but a wasteland where nothing sane could survive for long, indeed the sky glowed, and the ground was like the worst conceptions of evil that one would surmise. Howling winds and dark clouds covered that land, and Borlag-Line-Bair, the dammed land of the world, remains as such even now. There also the Ezleg saw for the first time Xland, built into the mountains of the Nargul Viline; the fire spire. It seemed invincible at first sight, and it is said that when Iviseal first looked at the fortress of Arillirus he waved his fist in anger, for he saw that Arillirus was prepared, and that he had no chance as yet to take Xland, But he thought as yet he would take it in time. Little did they all know that not assaulting at once was perhaps the greatest mistake that they made in the entire affair, for Arillirus had time enough to prepare defences for himself, of which the Ezleg had no knowledge.

 

It was thus decided that they should first seal the fortress off, and prevent Arillirus from breaking out against them. Then, whence force enough had be built up they would then assault Xland. This council was agreed by most, though not all, but it was pressed on, and the Ezleg spread far and wide up the edge of the world. Then they built strong towers and fortresses along those slopes, guarding all routes through the mountains. All along those mountains they built these defences. Indeed a entire complex of fortresses was built on the eastern end of what later became known as Romig Baraz, the fortress perceived as one of the most formidable ever built at the time, became known as Rekand Nain, citadel of stars. Thus the defences extended from Seldilr Baraz in the north, through to within thirty miles of Xland in the south, before being withdrawn deeper into the mountains in the furthermost south. All of this great network of defences were masterminded by Iviseal, proving that his military mind extended beyond battles themselves.

 

It was only three years later, with the great network of defences only partly complete that Arillirus attempted to take the besiegers unawares, and break the siege that was now in place. But as the Orglag whom he had sent forth came towards the edge of the world, Iviseal’s scouts espied them, and Iviseal quickly readied his forces, and began a bombardment of them with great catapults that had been constructed. And whence the shaken Orglag came close, Iviseal and his forces sallied forth through the gates of Recand Nain, and the Orglag, unprepared for such a onslaught, were broken, and ridden down as they fled. But some of Iviseal’s vanguard, seeking glory perhaps, pursued the Orglag back even to Xland, and broke through its gates in their pursuit. Alas, few survived thus, for it is believed that the Ukarak waited within, and came upon them unawares. None could say for certain though, for none of those who passed the gates returned, and scarce few of those who came nigh to Xland made the retreat back to the mountains.

 

Iviseal was not deterred by this show of defiance, and indeed thought that it was a foolish error of Arillirus wasting his forces in such a way. He continued then with the construction of the defences. In a further four years they were for the most part complete, though work would continue on in places for the decades to come. but after several years of preparation, Iviseal was now ready to begin thinking of a final victory against Arillirus.

 

Iviseal was then given singular command of the siege by Avternain and Nomleagth, who returned to their respective realms with some of their forces, but leaving the greater parts of them in the charge of Iviseal, who reorganised those who remained into a single army. Though very few of those that fought there on the siege were professional soldiers, but instead a system was devised that all Ezleg would serve for ten years of every century, so that throughout the many long years Iviseal always had a large force remained to Iviseal, who had also the Aid of the Daizalpelari. Such a system gave Iviseal a standing army of over two hundred thousand souls, and if he was to need more, he could increase that number three fold or more. Thus it was that Iviseal, one who never took anything for granted, deemed that not even Arillirus could breach the defences of the west.

 

Whence again thirty more years had passed, Iviseal began his first attempt to destroy Xland. He knew fully well that it was never to be a normal siege, as one less than a great Mina could not batter down the walls of a mountain with any ease. But Iviseal believed that he indeed had both the forces and the time to make Xland succumb, indeed he had all the time of Bair. But on the other hand so had Arillirus and Iviseal also knew that any normal assault would not take, nor even breach into Xland, at least not without a army greater than any that had yet been seen upon Bair. Thus it was that he came up with a plan that he though may just work.

 

He thus led a army out onto the dark plains, displaying his strength visibly, as if to taunt the foe. Then Arillirus became angered at such dissent, and like a fool he sent forth great forces against them, perhaps the greater part of the Forces of Xland. Iviseal, seeing that the enemy had fallen into his grasp, quickly mounted a retreat back towards the edge of the world, where the Orglag followed him. Thus were unleashed the forces that Iviseal had lain hidden in the mountains, and a rain of Arrows was followed by the thunder of hooves, as Iviseal’s forces fell upon the Orglag, joined by forces from both south and north. The slaughter was complete, and Iviseal, believing that the greatest part of Xland’s forces lay dead, pressed on, and broke through the black gates of Xland, pouring into the fortress of evil and slaying Orglag even upon the very stairs to the halls of hell. It is said that Arillirus, sitting on his dark throne, trembled at the approaching sound of Iviseal’s forces battling in his halls. But sent forth his last strength, and in the midst of the fortress there was many a terrible battle as the last forces of Arillirus clashed with the forces of Iviseal, which in the end was enough to push Iviseal’s forces back through the tunnels, for Iviseal knew as yet of no way to gain the initiative within those caves and thus his forces gave ground and were pushed back until finally Iviseal, to save his forces, gave the order to retreat.

 

Thus Iviseal was at last driven out of Xland, though he had been very close to victory. He was fortunate that the losses had been relatively light, and he managed to gain a retreat back to the mountains with little extra loss, for the forces of Xland had suffered far the worse that day, and did not pursue. Though he had failed then, Iviseal was determined to try again, and he still saw no reason why Arillirus could not be defeated as yet.

 

Only thrice times more did Arillirus try to break back into Daizagul in those six hundred years and more of siege. The first was in the three hundred and fifty third year, when a great force of Orglag tried to seize Seldilr Baraz in the north. But it was espied in time, and Iviseal led a force north across the foot of the mountains and crushed the Orglag utterly, driving the few remnants into the northern ice. But Arillirus tired twice to break Recand Nain and both times his forces were broken against those formidable defences, these attacks being in the five hundred and eighty ninth and the five hundred and ninety second years of Bair

 

It was after these failed attempts to take Recand Nain that Iviseal tried once more to take Xland. This time his main forces passed through the Nargul Viline to take the fortress from the south, and they broke into the tunnels from there, while a great Armed force assaulted the gates once more, breaking in amidst the confusion. And though Iviseal’s forces broke deep into the fortress once again, they were finally driven out, while the forces that attacked from the south suffered heavy losses before they too withdrew. A single company of that force was lost in full, and no tale knows the truth of their end, save only a rumour that says that they faced Arillirus upon his black throne, and met their doom thither. No more can be said on the matter.

 

It was after this second failed attempt that Iviseal became discouraged, and afterwards, seeing the damage done to his army in those attacks, refrained from striking at Xland, thinking that his line was impregnable. Little but raids came against the line again, which were easily driven off. Thus Iviseal saw a stale mate which none could win. Thereafter he built ever greater defences, trusting hereafter in the strength of the mountains. It was many years before that trust was tested indeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 12

 

An ala Minu an Glimer

 

Which is:

Of the smiths of Glimer

 

 

t has been told briefly in the tale of Nomleagth that one of the Ezleg hosts which fled the ruin of Zand Zlavind during the long winter was led by a Ezlag named Minarl. Minarl was a craftsman from the first, making all kinds of wonderful things from the mostly sparse materials that Zand Zlavind could yield. But when the Minare came, they taught the Ezleg many things, and Minarl was one of those most eager to learn. In truth he learned more from the Minare during their stay in Zand Zlavind than perhaps any other, and soon, those of a like mind had gathered to learn from him, and to follow him. It is said that it was he and his followers that first devised the weapons that kept the evils at bay whence they came to Bair, and for that alone would he truly be remembered, but he is remembered the more for what happened after.

 

When Hiare came back to Zand Zlavind to lead the Ezleg to safety, Minarl was of a like mind to follow those who had taught him much of what he knew. But for the sake of both his following, and also for his land, he decided not to go to the south, and thus he grieved heavily at the Sundering of the Ezleg. It was that in the years that followed the sundering, he continued to learn more, and also to teach, but from there on there was ever something missing from his life, and that sense of loss drove him ever harder in his pursuits, but he did not find what was missing as yet.

 

When the long winter fell upon Zand Zlavind, and the first home of the Ezleg became a frozen wasteland, Minarl was one of the last to flee the ruin. It is said that he would not have fled if he could have remained there, and it is also said that he alone of the Ezleg who did flee saw those of the Ezleg who remained and built their homes beneath the ground, though he said naught of it thereafter. In the end though, he too was forced to flee from the colds. And leading his few hundred followers eastward, he came in time through Litheren Vinotz to the Vrolivar river and the borders of Dinear. They came and stayed a while in the fledgling city of Var’narth, where many stayed until they had recovered form the ordeals that they had suffered, but after a short while, he and his people departed for Maren in the south

 

It was thus that Minarl and his people were encamped at the city of Maren when Nomleagth came thither seeking to found the Vrolevili union. Minarl, as the leader of a host, was indeed willing to sign his support to any plan to protect the Ezlanarth. Thus was his name among the many that signed the deeds that were kept in Maren. But Minarl and his people were then but a small part of the many hosts that had fled form the wrack of Zand Zlavind, and were thus little noticed by any in Maren, though a few remembered what Minarl had done for them, and he was honoured indeed. But now he sought a place where his people could devote themselves to their works.

 

It was thus that soon after he had signed the union, Minarl and his people departed from Maren on the eastward road. They came in time through the wild lands and wild times to the lands between the Hwëvi Vinotz in the south and Glimerel to the north. It was in these lands that they found great deposits of workable metals, and thus they halted, and built there what would become the mining town of Narlim. And though that town is little remembered in these tales, some of the finest craftsmanship of all the Vrolevili took place within those very walls, and a great many arms would wrought here for the many wars that plagued the north. Over the years the town grew indeed, until it was perhaps a small city. But it survived both the wild years and the many wars of the north with but a few skirmishes at the gates and the loss of a few of their people fighting for the union. Minarl Governed his city well through this time, welcoming all who came thither, but desiring as yet to have no part in the great deeds of Bair that took place across the north.

 

But all that changed in the wars of Arillirus, for both Minarl and a great part of his people followed the banners of Nomleagth in the invasion of Daizagul. In the battle upon the Rikelanear was Minarl severely wounded, though he survived on to see with his own eyes the fortress of Xland. It was then that what he deemed missing seemed to come back to haunt him. And he saw then that the siege upon Xland would not be held forever. Thus, whence he and his people had come back to Dinear, he began searching that land for a impregnable fortress, and soon a great part of the people of Narlim were doing this also.

 

On one of these journeys he came to the Avin Zandlear in the north, and as he walked towards Glimer Baraz, he stooped. And there he looked up at the most western point of those mountains, and saw a grand vision of a fortress built up in those peaks with the mountain its self as their defence. He then climbed those heights, and found at the heights a great, flat plateau, where a city of thousands could easily be built, and looking back down to Dinear below, he could see that even a minute force could hold off a army of thousands, for the slopes of a mountains are not easy to conquer. He returned then to Narlim, and told his people of what they should do, and a great many followed him to the mountains. Thus, on the two hundred and ninety second year, he came again to the Avin Zandlear, where he and his people began to build a new city high up on the plain, a city that Minarl deemed that would be unassailable to any foe. But he knew also that the Avin Zandlear were full of both metal and gems, so that a great part of the city was built from the mines upon which it was built, and a great many miners dug deep even as the first images of a city began to emerge high up in the mountains

 

Soon, a great many Ezleg began to flock to the city in the mountains, which had already been given the name Glimer, the city of jewels, though if it had any other name it is no longer remembered. For even before the city was complete, tales of its beauty spread throughout the north, so that in but twenty five years, Glimer was the largest city in all the north, outstripping even Maren and Oralath. Minarl welcomed them as he ever did, and thus with many more hands the city grew ever the faster, and to signify its completion {as far as any city is ever complete} there was built the great watchtower of the Narth Nain, the north star, which stood higher than any mountain of the Avin Zandlear, and its great light could be seen easily form the city of Maren, a great many miles distant indeed.

 

Minarl, who had fought against the forces of Arillirus knew rightly that the city that he had built was well placed indeed, it could be defended with ease, and from farms within the city and mountain springs the city was elf sufficient. But Minarl worried still, believing that even the slopes of a mountain would not be a great enough defence if a million Orglag assaulted. Thus when seventeen years had passed since the founding of the city of jewels, there began the greatest labour of the Ezleg upon that city, for now were created the defences that the city was famed for. Well over a century it took to complete, for there began the construction of what became known as the Talgul, which is the fire fort. This was the greatest defence ever created by the Ezleg then or after, and the greatest ever upon Bair save perhaps that of Xland only.

 

Nine levels did it comprise, each over a hundred foot high. No fire could fell such a structure, for it was carved from the solid rock of the mountain face. The gates at each level were many feet thick, and were so heavy that only a great many winches could ever open or close them. These gates were set at angles so that while the first gate was set centre, the second faced north west, and the first to the Southwest. This continued even until the top, where one would come to the city walls, which were themselves almost impregnable. No homes could be built beyond the walls, only inside the great spaces within, so that the Talgul was free only for defence. Thus was the defence that made Glimer seem utterly impregnable indeed. And thus it was that Glimer soon became the greatest of all the Vrolevili cities, surpassing Maren and Oralath in their entirety, though they too were great cities. It was matched by Var’bylar alone of all mortal cities.

 

It is told in that lay made by the son of the last ruler of Glimer, that Minarl’s lineage ever ruled in that city with the title of Minu, which is smith. This smith controlled all the lands from the Avin Zlavind in the north to Narlim in the south, for there did remain a large people in Minarl’s first city, though it was ever but a shadow to the city of jewels. Thus was that a realm of some three hundred miles, a great realm indeed it was.

 

There were eight ruling smiths of Glimer all told. First of the line stands Minarl, the founder, then followed his daughter Mineln, then Minleagth the unrivalled, Minridel the counted, who died in battle far way, and Minbair his son who fell soon after. Then was Mindiln the sorrowful, followed by Heldran and Hoek, who was the last ruling smith of Glimer, well over a millennia since the city was founded. But even then the line of Minarl did not fail, and continues on as yet, still undaunted by the year that have passed since they last ruled.

 

Minarl, before he died, forged a great helm, which he fitted with the greatest jewels ever found in the mines of the city. He fitted them so that they could never be removed, and were to remain untarnished forever. This he gave to his daughter Mineln, which she cherished, and from her it passed on down the line of the smiths to the end. This was in fact the helm, though lost in days to come, that was found and recovered by Adam and Gial Othl, the first humans ever to come to the east of Bairgarand, and thus did they ever gain the respect of the Ezleg people by returning it to its keeper, though that lies far ahead indeed in these tales, and no more need be said of it here.

 

When Minarl died in the four hundred and ninetieth year, the rule of the realm passed to his daughter Mineln, where it was maintained through the years by smith after smith until; the days of Hoek, the last smith of Glimer. But even them the line did not fail, and fails not, and survived into later days with the memories of their forefathers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 13

 

An ala Ezleg aigaz alana Faluni

 

Which is:

Of the Ezleg and their houses

 

he Ezleg have had a great many families of prominence of old, and here shall be told of those most dear to the memory of that people up until the time that the siege of Xland was broken. First among them all though rightly stands the house of Bairmil, the house which first allied the Ezleg people to that of the Minare, the house which took the fate of their people in their stride and followed the fortunes of them with their own blood, and a great many of the tales of those now long lost days are interwoven with the fate of that family.

 

First of that line stands Avternain Bairmil, star stone and saviour. A tall lord with a great sense of friendship to all, it was he who was the first of all Ezleg to form a deep friendship with one of the Minare. As has been told, he and the lady Nimlith fell in love in the youth of Barline. She was dark of hair, almost as one of the Vrolevili, but she was indeed a Elybyla who followed that people south. She was a traveller in her youth, and long delayed any union between herself and Avternain, for she was indeed the first to map the land of Barline, and it was long indeed until she saw it fit to end her journeys, and whence she did so, both were joined together in marriage.

 

The child of Avternain and Nimlith was named Beldaron, the one fated to seek. He was much like his father in face, but much more like his mother in heart, for he inherited his mothers restless heart indeed. Thus, when still in early youth he befriended Ivonwe, Hiare’s son of the Minare, who was also a traveller at heart. Both became inseparable, and few friendships amongst those two races, the Ezleg and the Minare have ever been so close. Beldaron, long in his own wanderings around Barline, for long had no desire to wed, for it was not necessary for the Ezleg to do so. But on one of his journeys through the Vrolevili lands, he came to Maren, and there he met the daughter of Nuelith of Var’nue, who was named Klarnue. Both fell deeply in love upon their first meeting, and soon it was that both returned to Barline, and they soon married indeed.

 

Beldaron and Klarnue had together only a single child, who was born in the six hundred and thirty second year. This child was the first daughter born to the line of Avternain. It was Beldaron who gave her the name Nimraphel, in remembrance of her grandmother whom she never met, for Nimlith had died some years before. And though her name was but a pseudonym, as her true name was Nuemil, it was by the name of Nimraphel that she that she has been ever remembered by.

 

Nimraphel alas! Had a unfortunate life for she suffered a life long illness {which was almost unknown amongst the Ezleg} that meant she was often ill and racked with pain. As a consequence she rarely left Var’bylar. But on one of her few journeys out of the city, she rode to Var’mina in the south west of Barline, and there Met a Ezlag named Tralik, who was the harbour master of the city. Nimraphel fell deeply in love with him, and he her. Thus both returned to Var’bylar, where was born their only child, a son, Mikealar, in the seven hundredth year. But alas!, Nimraphel’s illness returned there after, and ever over the years she steadily declined in vigour, until the end, which came suddenly. Thus she died, it then being the seven hundred and sixty second year, thus she was very short lived for one of her race, being only one hundred and thirty years old when she had died, outliving her father by a mere fifty four years, thus making her reign very short indeed, though not the shortest. As for Tralik, he returned to Var’mina and became once more the harbour master, though he comes once more into these tales of old.

 

Thus Mikealar became the lord of Barline at but sixty two years of age. He was not plagued by the illness that has so maimed his mother, and ruled well while his time lasted. He married soon after his mother had died. His bride was a lady Namleth who had hailed from Arak Mina. But unlike those before them, Mikealar and Namleth came indeed to have a large family of five children, very few Ezleg families were ever so large. Their first child was a son, named Alnadan , who was born in the eight hundred and second year, and was widely believed to be one of the best generals of his day, though he rarely showed his talent in that time of peace. For he spent many years at the siege in the east, learning from Iviseal himself the arts of war, which his father had never truly learnt.

Their second child was also a son, who was called Darideln and was born on the eight hundred and ninth year. He was also a fair general, though he was never to match his elder brother in that respect. Instead he absorbed himself in history, and is credited as the first to write a true history of Bair up until that time.

Their third child was a daughter, who was known as Marian. She was born on the eight hundred and  twenty second year. She, like Alnadan, was a soldier, though she was no general, and instead wished to lead her troops herself into battle, and is remembered for her valour more than anything else.

The their fourth child was another son, known as Rikal, who was born in the eight hundred and ninety ninth year. Unlike those before him, he never learned more of battle than to wield a spear. He was a dreamer, and fell in love when only fifteen years of age with a lady Elyna, who was of the same age as he. His father did not approve of this, for it was not normal for a Ezleg to engage in a relationship before their twentieth year. But Rikal and Elyna stayed together regardless, though the obeyed the law and did not yet marry as yet, though they still went against the wishes of the lord of Barline.

The fifth and youngest child of Mikealar and Namleth was a daughter, who is remembered by the name Veinareln. She was named so due to her wild temperament, especially in battle, for which she trained often. Such was Mikealar’s family, all of which alas, were destined to be short lived.

 

For reasons that shall later be told, it was through Rikal that the house Of Bairmil continued, despite the fact that he was the fourth child of Mikealar. And thought the house of Bairmil does indeed continue on from the point that we have now reached, this is all that needs to be said of that family for now.

 

Nomleagth’s line did continue on after him also for after the wars of Arillirus had ended, he returned to Oralath for a time, as to nurse his wounds, and he stayed there for a while, before heading south to Barline, and he thus spent much time with Avternain in the years that followed. And it was that while spending time in Barline he met a lady of the Elybylar named Neldrith, whom he remembered to have met long before in the colds of Zand Zlavind, though he had put such memories aside long ago, and only now, after nearly three hundred years they met once more in the land of Narth Bylar, which lay to the north of Var’bylar, in a village by the name of Ivdlvar, where he met her by chance on route to Var’bylar to see Avternain, they spent several nostalgic days together, and afterwards, when Nomleagth continued his journey to Var’bylar, Neldrith came with him. They stayed in Var’bylar for several years, in which time they came to marry, before returning to Oralath. This thus becoming the first prominent marriage between a Vrolevil and a Elybyla, though not indeed the very first.

 

Nomleagth and Neldrith’s only child was a daughter, who they named Milendran, who was born in the three hundred and first year. She was almost unique amongst the Ezleg in having red hair, even as her name suggests. Though she was a child of both Vrolevil and Elybyla, she was certainly her fathers child and was in all ways more like a Vrolevil. She thus spent a good deal more of her life in the north amongst her fathers people and after him, it was she that governed Oralath. She herself fell in love with a Vrolevil named Gelnald, who was nineteen years younger than she. And although they never married, they had one daughter, who was known as Beldaril, who after ruled the city of Oralath and the realm of Arakline.

 

Of the other Ezleg houses far less is now remembered, or indeed, said. In Dinear many of the Ezleg houses came to an end after the first generation. Almagarin for one never married and had no children. Thus he proposed that after he died, that Maren should be governed by its people. Thus Almagarin left behind a strong legacy to his city, for after he died in the five hundred and ninety first year, the city continued to flourish. The council of Maren ruled well in after years, so much so that other cities of the north wished to be ruled by Maren after their rulers died and even before the council had been formed in truth.

 

Nivan was one of the two cities to do so. For after Elnue had died, Nethar never remarried and after he died on the Lainad-Bair in the five hundred and first year, the rule passed to Elnmil his daughter. But her life never clamed form the warrior of her youth, and she had no wish to rule the city which her mother had founded and had died defending. Thus she joined Nivan to the rule of Maren in the five hundred and tenth year. Elnmil never ceased to be a warrior even in her twilight years, and despite the love that came between her and Valgrek of Tal Valric, Neither of them settled into a secular life while their days lasted, and indeed both died together a death worthy of a warrior, as is after told.

 

The other city which came into the council of Maren was Var’nue. For after Beldaron had fallen in love with Klarnue, both left for Barline, and neither returned again. Thus Nuelith, when she died, passed the rule of the city to Maren. Her people were indeed happy to se this happen, for Maren had ever been their greatest ally in times of need.

 

Of both the realms of forests, little need be said. Darazgul indeed had a son, named Indlazgul, though of his mother nothing is known, as is very little of him. In turn Indlazgul had three daughters, who are told of later, Alndril, Celdarnil and Ednaril were their names, but again, nothing of their mother is known, for the Realm of Daizline was somewhat forgotten in the peace, though it became very well known thereafter. As for Ager, even less is known. It is known that they were ruled by a council, for Nomleagth faced one when he came there. But of this council little was learned, for the people of Ager were secretive, trusting in their forests for defence. thus of all the Ezleg who fled the long winter, it is of the Agerians about which the least is known.

 

Var’narth is the last city of the north to be told of. This city was not ruled by a council, but by a single ruler who was chosen by the people. the founder of the city, Varlidan, founded these rules, though he ruled ever on while his days lasted. But after he died in the six hundredth year, the system that each ruler should rule for only five year became normal, save only if the people wished them to continue, else another ruler would be chosen.

 

As for Nomleagth, when Neldrith died in the four hundred and ninetieth year, he made his last journey south, coming one last time to Barline and Var’bylar, where he once again met Avternain. Both were as hale as ever on the outside, but on the inside their life’s labours had wearied them both, and were now old in heart. Nomleagth never again returned to the lands that he had called home for nearly five hundred years, and instead he remained with the house of Bairmil in Barline in his last days. He and Avternain spent many days together over the next dozen years, until a message came to Hiare in Minarand from Ivonwe in the five hundred and second year. Avternain and Nomleagth had been taken seriously ill, and thus she departed for Barline at once.

 

When she saw them both, lying out on beds stricken with illness and age, she was badly distressed. For though she knew of death by weapons, she did not understand death by age, which was alien to her and her people. But it is also said that Hiare took such grief’s much harder than any other amongst the Minare.

“It…It is good to see you again my friend,” said Avternain rather weakly.

Hiare though had no words to speak. Indeed all those present, including Beldaron and Nimlith seemed to be taking this better than her. She merely stood as if in a daze, contemplating many things.

“Can we be alone with our friend please?” asked Avternain then.

“Do not worry,” said Nimlith then, breaking the silence, “I shall see you again,” she then kissed his hand, and left the room sobbing and all the others followed, until only Hiare remained with Avternain and Nomleagth.

Hiare then finally began to weep, but Avternain spoke sternly to her, “Why do you weep Hiare?” he asked, “this happens to all of us in time.”

“Not me,” sobbed Hiare, “for I shall live forever, which feels to me like the greater curse now.”

“Let it not be so,” said Nomleagth, “for your race has yet many great things to do upon Bair, while we are but pawns in a much larger game.”

“That I cannot believe,” Hiare replied, “Your people have defeated Arillirus, and saved all of Bair, how can one say they are but a pawn if they can do all those great deeds?”

“But remember then Hiare,” said Avternain, “that if you had not come to Zand Zlavind all those years ago we would not be here talking now.”

“It all goes back to the first time I saw you does it not?” laughed Hiare amidst her tears, “I still remember the first time I met you there.”

“I wonder what happened there in truth?” Avternain asked, “For none have ever dared go back to our first home.”

“Then I promise you this Star Stone,” she said, “that one day I shall return to Zand Zlavind in your memory, and find out what happened there.”

Avternain smiled, and coughed violently. It was a few moments before he spoke again, “Our children are ready now to inherit the world,” he said to Nomleagth.

“It is time for the next generation take the fore” Nomleagth replied.

Hiare was crying freely now, and Avternain said then to her, “Our days together have ended guardian, but I hope that our friendship will last forever.”

Hiare held both of their hands tightly then, and after a few moments said, “But what will become of your peoples?”

But they did not speak again.

Thus passed Avternain Bairmil, star stone and saviour, the first and greatest lord of Barline. And with him passed Nomleagth lord of Arakline, the first of all explorers to whom even Ivonwe looked up to. And then Hiare, unable to control herself, fled the room saying only “I shall remember you Star Stone!” And none of those outside could stop her fleeing the home of Avternain. She departed then from Var’bylar and came back to Dar Vinotz, where she remained lost in her grief for many years, and never did she truly recover from that ordeal, for Avternain’s death was Hiare’s first great grief, but alas he was to be far from the last, and that was but the beginning of a long horror which lasted through the many long years of Bair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 14

 

Ala phelwe an Beldaron

 

Which is:

The voyage of Beldaron

 

n her self imposed exile from the world, Hiare spent nearly seventy years shunning all civilisation in Dar Vinotz. There she returned to where the Elybylar had long before made their homes, but all of those old homes were now abandoned to the elements, and little trace of the old camps were to be found. It was here that Hiare wandered, drowning in her sorrows. She long forgot the world without in that time, and perhaps she would have not returned to it had her son not one day come to her…

 

After Avternain had died, Beldaron, who was now the lord of Barline, remained in Var’bylar with Ivonwe for a time. But as it was, neither of them wished to stay any longer in long before seen lands of Barline, for neither had yet completely escaped what they had been named for, and both wished yet to travel out into the world, Beldaron the more so, for he was now three hundred and seventy six years old, and had scarcely gone further abroad than the lands of the Vrolevili alone. But in contrast to all other explorers of the time, he decided not to go east across the lands, but instead he decided to head west, to see what really lay beyond the Arinika ocean, where none of those of Bairgarand had yet gone, nor could be said, had thought to go. Thus was conceived what would become known as the voyage of Beldaron, and also was first conceived the sailing ship.

 

All the Ezleg, but far more commonly the Elybylar, had sometimes used small boats and rafts to navigate rivers and the like, but up until this time none had ever used what would now be called a ship. Indeed many Ezleg then feared the sea, for they knew it to be treacherous, and of little worth to go out into it they deemed. Thus it was Beldaron who first conceived first the idea of great ships that would one day come to rule the waves, and for that reason he is also named ArdyPend, the Ship Builder, for he was truly the first to think of what would later be the great galleons and battle ships of the sea that would rule the waves. But in the beginning there was just the one. A great leviathan in its time, and still a fair sized ship even many thousands of years after. Glathnwe it was named, the journeying banner. Many spent the best part of a decade working on the ship, which though Beldaron  conceived and Ivonwe made practical, they did not hoard but gave freely, and they did not leave it all to others, and both worked as hard as anyone on the great ship. But long before it was completed, Beldaron decided that some of the great heroes of Bair should come also with himself and Ivonwe. they did not think only of Barline, but of the north also, so that all would be represented, and in time he sent messages to those few whom he wanted to come. Ivonwe thought about this also, and he knew at once who else he would want to come.

 

Ivonwe thus sought for his mother, and though he did not know precisely where she was, he believed that she would most likely still be in Barline. Luckily for him, he thus had a fair idea where she would in fact be, and then went with haste unto Dar Vinotz. He searched for a while, before coming upon what seemed like the ruins of the Ezleg homes there from long before. It was here that he found her, it then being the five hundred and seventy first year.

“I had a feeling that you would come and find me sooner or later my son,” she answered when she first saw him.

“It is good to see you after all this time mother.” Ivonwe said, he had not in fact seen her for nearly seventy years.

“Perhaps it is my son,” she answered cryptically, “But why have you come hither to see me? Is their a reason for your search?”

“Beldaron and I wish to cross the Arinika ocean, in his ship, and both he and I wish that you would come with us.”

Hiare thought for a few moments, before saying; “Perhaps I shall follow the seeker, but surely I am not the only one to be offered this journey?”

“Nay mother, a few others are to come aside the crew,” answered Ivonwe, “Elnmil and Avaner of whom I know, together with Valgrek and Nimlith, and perhaps a few others whose names I do not yet know.”

“When does this ship set sail?” she asked.

“In ten days mother” answered Ivonwe, “with the coming of Elmëgezar.”

Then Hiare said; “If I am there, I will come, but if I am not, then do not wait for me my son.”

Then after saying his farewells, Ivonwe departed form Dar Vinotz, and Hiare said to herself, “What would you do star stone, what would you do?”

She stayed there that night, living once more in memories past.

 

It was ten days later that Elnmil, for the first time in her life, walked the silver streets of Var’bylar. At her side walked Valgrek, her love, and both, though now old in years by then, were still hale, and only their silver laden hair and dimming eyes showed their age in the slightest. They still stood tall and upright, if a little slower than they would of done in their youth, for both were still unyielding in spirit. Elnmil still carried her dagger at her belt, though she had known well hat in Var’bylar no such defence would ever be necessary. She was merely determined now to see as much of the city as she could in the time that remained unto them, for she had said upon entering the gates of the city, “this will be my first and no doubt my last time here.” In event she was not wrong, though none were to know it yet.

 

Both of them came in time to the banks of the Bylar where they first saw the moored Glathnwe, a sight beyond all others was a ship of such size and craft in those days. Both continued to marvel as they came to the quay side. There already stood Nimlith, Beldaron’s mother, an explorer herself in her youth. Beldaron and Ivonwe stood aboard the ship tending to what had to be done. It was not long however, until the two friends came down to meet them both. “how fairest thou my friends?” asked Beldaron upon heir meeting.

“Age takes its toll my friend,” Elnmil replied, “but I hope that I am hale for one last journey.”

Just then however two other figures came down unto the quay, it being none other than Hiare and Avaner. Hiare seemed much more cheerful to Ivonwe than she had before, and was indeed glad that she had decided to come. Elnmil also was happy to see her friend also.

“I hope that we have not kept this journey from beginning?” asked Hiare then.

“Nay mother,” said Ivonwe, “a few hours more will pass until we shall go out unto the unknown.”

 “Then let us be ready,” she said.

 

In the time before the ship was launched, they were joined by Elmglan, and old general who had long served Barline in the wars, and then they were joined by the rest of the crew. Then the ships moorings were untied and the Glathnwe began to sail away down the path of the Bylar. Beldaron and Ivonwe both remained at the helm of the great vessel, seeing that all was well, whilst others took sights at the marvels that they saw of the land of Barline from the deck. They all watched the Bylar widen as they passed further south, until they came unto the sea

 

After a day or so of travel, the ship emerged from the moth of the Bylar river, coming out into that great bay which was then known as Brin Bylar, which is Bylar bay, but was afterwards named Brin Beldaronad, the bay of Beldaron in honour of the one who first transversed it. In the middle of that bay there was an island on which they had no need to land, for it had first been seen by Ivonwe some years before when he travelled into the south. Thus it was named Mare Ivonwe, the isle of Ivonwe, in homage to the explorer. But then the Glathnwe sailed out of the bay to the west, though as yet staying close to land, and following the coasts through the dark nights.

                The first nights upon that ship were greatly pleaZandt in all respects. The Minare stayed up all those nights keeping watch across the silent seas, and Beldaron joined them for many nights while the other companions rested, after all, most of them were quite aged now, and were not so active as they used to be. Hiare though was the one who seemed to enjoy herself the most, glad to be back out upon the seas which were the first thing she ever saw of Bair. All seemed well to her, which it had not done since before Avternain had died.

 

As the journey progressed the Glathnwe passed the coasts of southern Barline, which had not been before passed by sea. Indeed when they came to dock at Var’mina, a small city hidden from most eyes behind the Mina Lear and the Ephelt Gul, there was quite a shock amongst the people. Here they stopped for a while before continuing their journey westward. Now that they had passed the coast of Barline, all believed that they were into their journey proper. Soon they came to the coast of Minarand. For even from the coast they could all see the great tower of the Vilinemalir, which was over two hundred miles inland, and many wished to see the almost legendary land of the spirits. Hiare, though hesitant at first, was persuaded by Ivonwe and Beldaron to stop, and also by a most bizarre event. For some Minare on the coast had seen the passing of the ship, and they came out to greet those on board, surprising the crew, but they themselves were also surprised to see their queen aboard. Thus Glathnwe turned inland, and sailed up the Vrozlan into Kazag-thar, where no mortal peoples had yet come. Here at length they saw the great city, and the party met Hifylar upon the gates to the Vilinemalir. Thus did Hifylar and Beldaron, the lords of the greatest realms of Bair meet. None who came wanted to leave in truth, Elnmil the least it seemed. But they did indeed leave by nightfall on the day of their arrival, having spent only a single day in the city, and none of the mortals ever returned there, and Beldaron later described the city as; “A city of beauty which Var’bylar can only ever dream of matching.”

 

Sailing on for a few days hence they came to Minriavi. Here they stopped also, though Hiare had said that it would never match Kazag-thar for pure beauty. But here they met many Minare, including most of the Minabair who were not following them on their journey. Viler did not see them however, and once again they did not stop long in the city, and they sailed  back down the Kalarni back out onto the sea. they sailed along the Zer Virlg out into uncharted waters. Whence Avaner and Elnmil stood on the stern, looking back upon the sunset in the east whilst Hiare remembered the first time that she had seem Milare on the very first day of the world.

 

Thus they were quickly gone into places where no beings had yet seen. This did not deter Beldaron or Ivonwe in the slightest, but gave them all something to think about as they crossed the Arinika ocean. But at first they were not out upon the oceans for long, for they came to a island which had been seen by the Minare, but not visited by them. This was the northern most of three great islands in the Arinika ocean which became known as Milare Mare, “the sun isles” The Glathnwe came to a halt on the northern side of the isle, where they landed for two days. But knowing that this isle was still close to home, and that they had travelled but a short distance as yet. Beldaron asked his mother to name the island, and all present agreed to her suggestion of Mare Nain, “the isle of the star”, which was named in the memory of Avternain. Then, with need to press on, the ship was boarded once again, and the Glathnwe sailed now out into the great unknown.

 

The next leg of their journey lasted far longer, for now they were travelling upon the open expanses of the Arinika ocean, and no land was seen for many days indeed. They continued to follow the rising sun day after day. Never though were they threatened by a storm on that journey, a rarity indeed, though some have said that it was the Minare that dispelled the fierce winds from the ships path, though on this none can now say. Beldaron and Ivonwe continued to plot their course as the days passed by, and Hiare and those of like mind spent the time enjoying themselves, living in nostalgic days as the Glathnwe continued onwards.

 

But eventually, after many long days of travel, their ship came finally to the shores of the western lands. This land was quickly seen to span the entire horizon, and seemed uninhabited as yet, save for lesser creatures. This land, though not mapped for many long years after this, extended from the furthest north down to near the centre of the world, making its southern most shores much further south than that of Barline, and the northern most heights far further north than Zandline. The Glathnwe came in those days to the southern most part of that land, which was at the south of a great arced bay spanning many hundreds of Miles, which was greater in size than the whole of Barline. This land was named at that time Cravliad, “The discovery”, but has long since been given the name Arkarand, “the dark continent,” though the meaning of that name need not concern us here. But now the Glathnwe was moored in a small bay for several days, as Beldaron and Ivonwe searched high into nearby mountains. Hiare stayed with the others upon the beaches, and they wandered the lands closer to the ship, creating a plaque to commemorate their arrival thither;

 

Seeking now the Distant lands

Glathnwe.

571 FE

 

It was many years indeed until this plaque, which was carved in a great stone by the beach was found again, but it indeed was, and is a cherished memory of the past in those lands.

 

When the Glathnwe got under way once more, there was a decision to be made on which way they should now travel. Should they skirt the edge of the new land and travel east? Or should they turn south? In event, they chose the south, for west they had travelled long enough, and Ivonwe and Beldaron had seen from the mountains that the land would continue on for many long miles that would be tiresome to see. Hence they turned south. Here none had seen either, for Ivonwe had before only travelled across the seas to the south of Bairgarand, and had never travelled so far west. Thus their journey continued onward, crossing warming seas to the south of Arkarand.

 

When indeed, on the last day of the year, they came in sight of another land to the south, the temperature had risen massively despite the time of year. And unfortunately, Elnmil and Valgrek were taken ill shortly before they were to arrive on land, and when the Minare had tried to treat their illness and failed, for it was more their age than illness, they were both brought ashore to spend their last hours, to rest on the land now known as Elmare, where the Seldar have now come, and here, was unfortunately recorded the first deaths on that land, for Valgrek died in the night of arrival, but Elnmil survived through unto dawn, and Avaner had remained at her friend’s side all night. It is not known what the two friends talked of, but in the early morning Avaner emerged and broke down in tears, Elnmil the never yielding warrior, had at last been defeated, and so passed one of the greatest heroines of Bair.

 

Their graves were made upon a hill not far form the sea, unseen it was until the Seldar came there many years later, and it was never touched by them at all. The inscription on the grave read thus;

 

Elnmil      Valgrek

Warriors of Bair

14-572FE  43-572FE.

 

It was Avaner that gave this island its first name, Kalatailna, “the broken heart” though it was remembered for many years simply as KaLatand, “Broken” but in these tales it is simply remembered by the name that the Seldar gave to it Elmare. But the name of that day reflected hard upon the travellers, for it was a dark day indeed for them.

 

They did remain there for several days after, for Beldaron and Ivonwe went off searching the island once more, but they returned in due time. And the Glathnwe set sail once more. Hiare and Avaner disappeared for many nights there after, and many were thereafter spent in silence, save Ivonwe and Beldaron, who upon the night of their departure said to each other,

“It has been a sombre end to our journey my friend” said Ivonwe.

“It has been a sombre few days to be sure” admitted Beldaron, “But out journey has not yet ended.”

Indeed that was true, for though they were now on the return leg of their journey, having decided that the far south could be sought by other explorers, they were still far from home, indeed a very great distance away. Here in the oceans they passed many small islands, the like of which they had never seen to the north, and though they stopped on several of these they were for the most part left, and no names were given to them. But there was one more major stop, which they reached late that year. This was the second of the sun isles, which Beldaron and Ivonwe both knew, for they were directly to the south of the isle that they had named Mare Nain. Thus they named this isle for the moons, as the first had been named for the stars, but it was more pacifically in honour of Elnue, Elnmil’s mother, who had died fighting for the Vrolevili, and was thus given the name Mare Nue, “the isle of the moon” Both then believed there was a third isle, which Ivonwe later found, which he named Mare Leagth, “the unrivalled isle” in honour of Nomleagth. But at that time they were tired, and wished not to seek no more. Thus, having stopped on Mare Nue for several days, they pressed on then for home, across the Arinika ocean.

 

Thus, when little over a hundred days had passed, the lands of Bairgarand were seen once more. These were the shores of Barline near Var’mina, but the companions had decided to remain together until they reached the place where their journey had begun. Thus they came back to the docks at Var’bylar, and it was only there that they disembarked, and they said their farewells, for never again did they all meet together again. Then Hiare and Avaner departed to Barline for a time, and Ivonwe returned to see Milralen his wife. Beldaron took up again the lordship of Barline. And last of all, was Nimlith, who remained in Barline for another twenty years before she herself died. And thus at that time ended the first generation of the Ezleg upon Bair. The Glathnwe survived for many years as a relic, before being replaced by faster and larger ships, before it was sent out to sea eight hundred years later, and scuttled to the sea that it conquered. But some years after the return Nimraphel, Beldaron’s daughter, placed a plaque upon the quayside at Var’bylar. Ivonwe and Hiare were there thus to remember their friends, and to see the plaque that read thus;

 

The Voyage of Beldaron

571-572FE

In memory, to those who were first of all mariners.

Beldaron Bairmil

Nimlith Bairmil

Ivonwe Minabair

Hiare Minabair

Avaner Minabair

Elnmil of Nivan

Valgrek of Tal Valric

Elmglan of Var’bylar.

Together with their ship;

Glathnwe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 15

 

Ala Falun an Hiare

 

Which is:

The house of Hiare

 

iare was a Mina from before the world, thus being a being who was made before the world. This was the same also for her first love, Viler, who later however abandoned her. But in those years that they were together they were both content, even though they ever spent much time apart, for Hiare’s duties often carried her far from him indeed,

 

It has been told that Hiare was born a son in the hundred and twenty ninth year of the first era, and that she named him Ivonwe, the traveller, and that she brought him to Barline in his youth, and also that he befriended the other great traveller of that era, Beldaron son of Avternain. He did indeed travel Bair as his name suggests, and from him does much of our world be known even now. It has also been said that Ivonwe met and married a Mina named Milralen, and it has been told that they were born a son named Iviseal, and that he grew up during the fall of Immortals, and that it ever shaped him to what he did afterwards. Iviseal never found love, for he was devoted to the duties that  came unto him. But Iviseal was not Ivonwe and Milralen’s only child, for they were born a second son in the three hundred and ninety first year, and he was named Nathire.

 

Nathire was a Mina in almost all ways unlike his brother, for he was a being of clam temperament and unskilled in battle or the tactics that surrounded it. He was also one to care for things rather than fight for them, save only in great need. But despite their differences, Iviseal and his brother were ever good friends, and indeed when Iviseal learned he had been born a brother, he left the siege lines for a few years to meet Nathire and to be with him in his youth. But Nathire, though he was not skilled in battle, was ever one to put his own life at risk for others when the need arose, and for that reason he was surnamed Roal, the brave.

 

Nathire was brought up amidst those who were friends to the mortals, and thus he befriend them also. He thus spent much time with those of the Minabair, all of whom he came to call close friends. But between him and the Mina named Olara, there came to be something more than mere friendship. They were always very close indeed, but later a great love came between them, and before much time had passed, they were united together, becoming the first union between the house of Hiare and those who would be her companions. But this union, though the first, was not the last

 

Nathire and Olara were born two children in time. The first was a son, who was born on the five hundred and sixty first year. Rathninear he was named, though he was later surnamed DyZand, “the distant” for he was indeed a very distant being, for he often live in dreams and memories. He was also said to be the most like Viler of Hiare’s descendants, for he did not care much about the mortal peoples. He did later fight alongside them, but not for their safety, but for that of the Minare. He was thus perhaps the least known, and certainly the least understood of Hiare’s family

 

The second child of Nathire and Olara was a daughter, who was born in the five hundred and ninety sixth year. She was thus the first female born to Hiare’s line in Bair, and she was named Perenna. Her likeness to Hiare was said to be astounding to some. But unlike her great grandmother, who was a spokes person for her entire people, she spoke very little, and was thus surnamed Ivd, “the quiet” she never wedded, but instead often followed Hiare, and the two of them were often seen together, and rare to part at times. Perenna though, unlike her brother, did befriend the mortal peoples at times. She never had one single great friend among them, but cared for them as much as she would any Mina. For protecting all beings of light until the last she believed was the true mark of the lineage from Hiare

 

 

Though Rathninear was a distant person, he did indeed find love, and he did come to marry. For he met a Mina named Eylen, who was said to be akin to Milralen wife of Ivonwe. She, it is said, was more like Hiare’s people in that she cared for the mortal peoples to a degree. Their two children were some of he most celebrated, and the most despised of Hiare’s line, for they were born twin sons in the seven hundred and first year, who were named Namlos and Naglos. Eylen taught them to care for the mortals to a degree, but Iviseal was their mentor, for they spent much time with their kinsman in the east in their youth, and in time both became his chief lieutenants, for throughout their early years both were utterly inseparable. Bust as shall be told a great doom later fell upon Naglos, which came to afflict his brother as much as he. Thus Naglos never wed or even found one that he loved. But Namlos, even from his youth had loved one Avaner, Hiare’s friend. Avaner returned his love, but owing to the great misfortune that came between he and his brother, he and Avaner were not united until many long years after. But when at last they were, they were born a daughter, who was named Myan. She was by far the closest friend of the mortals there ever was in that family, for she spent almost all her life among them, healing the bereaved and the harmed. It may not be so disturbing to hear that her doom was strange indeed when it came, but that all lies far in the future, for Myan was not born for many long years, but all will be heard later.

 

Many strange events came to this family, and as is later told, some did not survive, others befell other dooms and unfortunate ends. But the fate of Bair was ever linked to that of this family, as these tales shall tell.