Matlal and the Eldarie

[Alais d Nitesong]

It began as a private talk between Tass and Alais.

It resulted in a huge change for both the Dragons and the Eldarie.


I've accepted from Tass the project to build and develop the Isle of Matlal in the Emerald Isle chain. It is a daunting project, but the timing is impeccable, and I am happy for the opportunity to work on a project of this magnitude. It is also the perfect place to secure the books. The darkest sorceries of Annara will be hidden away here, and I will have a new residence to watch over them for a time.

The construction drawings are approved. The architect is ready.

My relocation to Matlal has begun.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The construction site I’ve chosen sits on the slope of the largest volcano comprising the Isle of Matlal. There is now a terrace-like break in the volcano’s slope that overlooks the channel that faces Tass’ main island of Odhran. The dragons have created this shelf in the slope of the volcano over the last several days. Here is where I will build my new home, and the safe haven for the books.

I left my temporary rooms in Tass’ estates and crossed the channel to my island. The shore is a glistening black sand, made from the incessant crushing of the obsidian of the volcano. The volcanic glass is ground into this shimmering black sand that creates a sharp delineation between the azure water of the deep channel and the emerald green of the island’s vegetation. The uppermost reaches of the volcanoes are currently encased in permanent snow and ice. It is an image of tranquil beauty.

The terrace is being prepared for the foundation of my home. The pale salmon feldspar has been arriving steadily, and as I walk toward the site, my staff in hand, I know today begins my work to initiate the wards and foundation of my own home. What I create here today will impact this structure for as long as it stands. My grandparents had built I’ Taurn. This would be my first attempt at such a major sorcerous construction. I had read the histories of I' Taurn, and had learned as much as I could from the documentation from the original construction. My grandfather had been wonderful about writing histories of our people and accomplishments. Those writings had originally been housed in the Druid sanctuaries in Nitesong. When Legend had been slain, I had moved all of the Druidic library to I' Taurn.

The first foundation stone for my home was being moved into position, I stood ready, my staff poised to be driven into the ground as the foundation stone settles into place. The Annaran words flow mellifluously over the site, pulling the first foundation wards to the foundation stone. Sorcery shimmered around everyone there as the stone became bound to the source of my magic, and locked to the ley lines of the island. We were now bound together, the foundation stone, the island, and my sorceries.

The feldspar stone retained a soft glow from the sorcerous power with which it had been imbued as well as my blended sigil forever written into the matrix of the feldspar. I lifted the point of my staff from the ground, and my dragonette chirruped. Several dragons flew overhead, curiosity peaked, several others landed in the rocks above my site to watch. I gazed up at them with a smile and waved. Little did they know that in the next weeks, I would require their help to complete the construction. But for now, let them watch and grow interested.

Work was ongoing throughout the morning. By early afternoon, I was exhausted. I have never spent so many hours using magic at such high demand levels. Yet, the foundation was strongly tied to both Annaran sorcery and the ley lines of the island. Any disturbance to my home would trigger immediate effects.

I took some time to wander down to the water, and strolled along the interface between land and sea. My footsteps were filled in with water as I traveled along the shore. Sea birds sailed the sky overhead, and I could see small fishes darting through the crystal blue water on my left. Idyllic peace met my gaze in all directions.

A shadow crossed my path, momentarily drenching me in cool darkness, and a chill of foreboding flashed through me. Nothing soared above me, no dragon was near enough to cast such a large shadow.

Darkness.

I stopped, freezing in place.

Dark Emptiness.

The sun vanished from my sight.

Blackness that was tangible wove itself around me, and the island ceased to be beneath my feet.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The blackness was tangible. I could touch it, smell it, taste it.

There is no up, no down, but blackness surrounds me.

In the blackness, whispers.....

"uvkhol-m’odeynu"

Silence.

"Nizkor et masoret hadorot v’nishzor bah et sarigey hayeynu"

Silence.

My mind grasped at the whispers. Filtering and processing the ancient language.

"With all our spirit, recalling the generations, We weave our lives into the tradition."

Silent blackness

[Alais d Nitesong]

In the unrelieved blackness, the whispers repeated, as though they were part of an incantation, weaving something unexpected into the matrices of a spell.

I listened, unable to do more than that in this absence of everything.

Nothing exists, nothing but the whispers and my conscience.

Everything is blackness.

Whispers, as though with each repeat of the phrase, a new stone is put in place, a new part is added, a new thread is woven into the cloth.

Blackness.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The blackness whispered, and then silence. I wondered momentarily if the two books I’d summoned had shown me where the third was, or had Khirsah somehow reached for me? As soon as these thoughts crossed my mind, the blackness released me. I stood again on the black sand beach.

My breath caught in my throat as sunlight erupted around me. Vivid blues and greens flashed into existence, and I went to my knees in the sand. No dragons soared over head, there were no mages besides myself in these isles. Was this the two books? Was this Khirsah with the third book?

As I rose to my feet, my knees shook from the experience of primordial darkness. I’d been in darkness before, but never darkness of this kind. I needed to speak to Tass. If my suspicions are correct, the home for the books must be finished first, and the third book returned soon.

I left the construction site and returned to my rooms in the Momus Estates. The two books lay beside my spell book upon the tome stand. The Guardian flickered restlessly as I stood within touching distance of the dark books. I spoke softly to the books…

“ma’or kadmon, Y’hi ratzon l’fonecho, Toshes choshech vihi loylo”

“Ancient light, may it be your will, You make darkness and it is night”

I willed the books to speak to me again, to enlighten me with their knowledge, to teach me about the primordial darkness from whence they’d come.

And the whispers came.

[Alais d Nitesong]

I went to the Twilight Isle despite exhaustion and spent some time talking to Rhaine. The nightmares continue, and sleep is becoming scarce. She’d asked me again if I wanted her to undo the link that I have to her memories, but I would rather not ‘modify” my chemistry as she calls it if we do not have to do so. I will wait. These dreams should stop with time.

Tass arrived on the Isle, and I was thankful to see him. He’s been so busy that we have not run into one the other on his islands, and he approached Rhaine and I. Rhaine grew very tense and excused herself. “I am sorry, Alais, but... I'd better get out.”

I looked at her quizzically. “Rhaine, ye ken Tass, lass.”

She bowed to Tass and said, “Just enough to keep safely away.”

Tass lifted a brow at Rhaine, but otherwise gave no signal of recognition. This mutual avoidance was unnecessary and I sighed at them both. “Ah’m verra sorra ye willnae stay Rhaine.”

She looked at me and told me she could not stay because she’d prefer not to get fried. Now, I’ve known Tass a very long time, and I have never seen him attack someone in this kind of setting, let alone a friend of mine. He may not like my friends, but he’s never been anything but cordial if somewhat silent. Quirking a brow at her, “Fried?”

She nodded, “Fried, and eaten with some kind of hot sauce” as she grinned slightly.

I laughed, "Ah 'aff nae 'eard o' anna one eatin' vamps lately.” I could no more picture Tass turning her into a crunchy bite than I could imagine him doing that to me, but she seemed genuinely convinced that the dragon would make a tasty morsel out of her right then and there. "Well, your friend might consider it. Who knows."

Tass heard her concerns and spoke up with a completely emotionless voice, “You have no worry from me there, Rhaine. I would not ruin my appetite on you.” Now, from most other people, there would be sarcasm fairly dripping from such a statement, but coming from Tass in that flat, completely emotionless tone of voice, I knew there was trouble deeply rooted between these two. Just what has caused this rift, I do not know, but it’s there, and it’s deeply rooted.

I studied them both for long moments, “Wha's wrong wi' th' two o' ye?”

Tass maintained his emotionless state, “and for her, I could not say.. but I trust not the pseudo-vampire.”

I simply shook my head, all of this over misunderstanding and pride. “That is sad news my friend.” I told Tass. He wondered how so. “B’cause she ist mine friend Tass,”

He never blinked, “she is also the one who turned a blind eye when one of the bloodspeakers sought, and succeeded in inflicting themselves into my body, this after my return from their citadel which we both went looking for you....” Again it was that completely emotionless state that sends chills down my spine.

I know the story behind some of Rhaine’s actions. Actions that have cost her alliances and friendships in RhyDin, but they are not my secrets to tell. They are Rhaine’s, and if she will not explain herself to Tass, she will keep a dragon for an enemy, which is never a good idea.

Rhaine left, and the discussion was interrupted. With a sigh, Tass and I began our discussion about the books.

[Alais d Nitesong]

Picking up a pillow, wrapping my arms around it and curling up comfortably on the sofa, I studied Tass a moment. “Tass.... Ah've b'gun th' construction, an' we mus' needs speak aboot th' books..... an' their 'ome.” I knew he’d been receiving information on the construction on Matlal, and in fact it can be seen from some points in his estate complex. We needed this discussion about the home for the books because it is my intention to begin the work on the main storage chamber this week, and I want that chamber beneath the residence proper.

He remained standing, never settling onto a chair or the sofa beside me despite there being plenty of room, and only Rak remained on the Isle. “I know.. I've been receiving reports. I apologize for not being around.. there have been some situations which have warranted my attention.” He’s been nearly invisible on Odhran, and I know many things occupy his time and his thoughts. The construction has not required his presence, but I appreciate his apology. It is very important to me that he is pleased with the changes I’m implementing, it is, after all, his Island.

“Ah didst figure ye'd r'ceived r'ports, an' sae far Ah haff nae needed yer 'elp ... bu' Ah'd like tae b'gin the book's 'ome,” there is too much that is happening in the islands that is attributable to the books and their influence. They need to be housed away as soon as it can be arranged.

Tass seemed almost made of stone, and his unyielding side was prevalent tonight for some reason, “my stand on where the books shall be kept will remain the same, Alais. I will not see you go through what I feel the Elder is,”

Frowning at him, he’d not spoken of Khirsah in some time, and this allusion brought new worries to me, “An' prithee, wha' ist Khirsah gaein' throu'?” The problem with talking to Tass sometimes is that he can be maddeningly enigmatic when he elects not to divulge information.

He continued on, “by putting the books within their own chamber, and sealing that chamber away from the home, I can at least have some semblance of knowing that they will not have an effect on you by you just being around them.” He remained unreadable.

But, elves are nothing if not persistent, after all, we taught the trees to speak, and that didn't happen over night. “Tass, Ah ken yer worried, bu' wi'in th' ouse, Ah'll feel anna attempt tae reach 'em,” I would hold two conversations at once if need be. First to house the books in the house, and the second to ferret out just what he means by “what the Elder is going through.”

He continued as though he’d not heard me ask what he meant by the Elder’s ordeals. “I understand why you wish to have the chamber placed beneath the estates.. but the same principle can still be enforced.. you can still feel the wards that will be around the chamber.. and you alone will have access to enter the chamber which will be designed...” His resolution was as etched in stone as his face at this moment.

For long moments I said nothing, at last, “Bu' th' wards o' th' 'ouse wouldst be added protection.... an' yer nae answerin' me aboot Khirsah.” I am not going to drop the subject of the Elder. There are too many open points right now revolving around that third book. Not the least of which is what effect it is having on the Elder. We have not seen him in weeks, and the third book is the most awful, the most powerful of all the books. I do not like it’s absence, and Tass’ words stir unease strongly. I muttered softly in Annaran, “Ah'm worra'd Tass. Ye were nae there whence th' darkness came.” My thoughts traveled back to earlier in the day when I’d been on Matlal, and experienced that primordial darkness for the first time.

His features darkened slightly as I spoke, even my Annaran seems to be something he understands. A language long dead and gone, but he did not miss my comment, “What darkness?” I do not know what passed behind his features, but he was born of ancient darkness himself, even if he was not as old as the Elder. Darkness is a thing he knows well, and my words caught his attention.

I turned to look up at him again, "Durin' th' buildin, Ah took a break tae the shoreline.... an' there, Ah was enveloped wi''in a tangible blackness... Ah couldst feel 't, taste 't, smell 't, bu' there was naught..... jus' blackness an' th' whispers 't was as though a shadow spread above me, an' thence Ah was wrapped wi'in 't.” The memory of that blackness wrapped itself around me as I explained to him what had happened.

His look grew even darker, “Do you know who brought this darkness to you?”

“Ah've neffer experienced a darkness li' tha' Tass." I shook my head negatively. "Nay, Ah 't first thought one o' th' dragons flew low o'erhead, bu' there were nae dragons flyin,” I had my suspicions, but I wanted to see what he thought without influencing him with my own ideas on the matter.

He nodded slightly, as if he were resigning himself to something only he understood. “this darkness.. it can be kept at bay.. if you so desire.” His reluctance to speak of it suggested that perhaps it was Khirsah more so than the 2 books I currently hold. He continued, “the darkness you describe is only of one kind.. and while I do not know the why of it, I do know, perhaps, the how of why you were shown it...”

So, my intuition had been correct, this was the first darkness that I experienced. His expression bespoke many things that he was reluctant to delve into, and I told him, “Yer thinkin' tae much Tass.... prithee, wha's amiss?” I need to know what he means by being able to keep the darkness at bay. Am I in danger if I do not keep it from claiming me, or would I be missing an opportunity of a life time to learn?

“I'm always thinking too much.. you should know this of me by now, what I know is this.. that darkness is The Darkness...” His words were softly spoken, but I’ve known him long enough to understand the weight of his world and responsibilities. They are not the things I would wish for, and in that moment, I could see every heavy burden reflected in his eyes. “and from what I.. understand.. you have something in your possession which was born of that Darkness.. much the same as the Elder was...”

I hold two of the books, two books that were formed and created in that early blackness. They are the creation of Primordial Darkness, and they now tie me to a time I was never meant to know.

Rhaine returned in that moment, and we immediately ceased discussion of the books. It was time for these two to clear the air and undo this misunderstanding.

[Alais d Nitesong]

I returned to Odhran late after Tass and Rhaine had finally spoken. They have not resolved their situation into one of amicability. Dragons and Asmodeans have a lot in common. Their unyielding natures are much too similar.

I opened the balcony doors and gazed out over the water toward Matlal. The candles burned softly and scented my rooms with hints of ginger and stephanotis, and sleep beckoned. The only problem is that I know if I succumb to the lure of sleep, the nightmares will return.

At last, as the isles grew silent, I too settled in for the night, and Morpheus embraced me in that scented darkness.


I am in a large hall with a statue of what appears to be a human with a large two-handed sword. The space seems distorted and unreal... I walk in, and see a man walking towards me. He appears to be human, but his eyes glow hellfire-red, and he is translucent for my eyes. Somehow I know that it's the dracolich I have seen in my previous dreams...

"What have you done to yourself!" I scream angrily. His shoulders slump slightly, but he withstands my look full of fury. "I had to do this", his voice is deep and resolute, "I have to destroy the last remnants of human nature in me. This is what I must do, my Bishop, to become the harbinger of Dread I'm destined to be". A touch of pain fills my soul... deep searing torment... The picture becomes fuzzy.

The dream fades and shifts, a new one forming to take it’s place….

A tall lean elf with slightly reddish skin looks at me curiously. He is wearing dark dragonscale armor, adorned with blacksteel and mithril runes, his jet-black hair flows smoothly, and his emerald eyes are clear and cold. "So, a felpur that dares to become a Knight of Asmodeus? Try. I do not know if you would become a good soldier, but with your resolution it may be possible". I bow deeply. "I shall try, milord. Whatever it takes..."

Deep in lush jungle. Demonic being with purple orbs of eyes walks together with me, and our magical shields shimmer. Two golden-skinned elves come for our heads - and I rush into the fight gladly, wielding two sabers - crimson and cold blue... Where is the black blade? And why are my hands - similar to cat paws covered with silvery fur? The fight does not look messy - everything seems to be going as planned, but soon a team of three human and celestial warriors comes in. We are trapped... and suddenly the familiar elf arrives, together with a demonacy that can only be described as horror embodied... They turn the tides of battle. The purple-eyed demon's shielding fades, he flees - but I don't, I stay in, long after my shielding fades. After the enemies either die or run, the elf nods at me. "You may become a Knight. If you practice".

I waken with a start. The candles are still burning, and once more I am in the Emerald Isle’s. No more sleep tonight. I cannot face the darkness with visions such as these. I will need to find Rhaine.

[Alais d Nitesong]

After the Talon of Redwin tournament, I went to I' Taurn with Sylus. We spent the evening together, but the dark dreams kept me from sleeping peacefully. I woke with a start and a scream on my lips. Rising silently, I went onto the balcony. Sylus slept peacefully as I watched the stars wheel overhead.

I should return to Matlal. Construction is progressing, and my sorcery is needed. I will begin the chamber for the books today.

Returning to my rooms, I dressed for the day, and lightly kissed Sylus farewell. He stirred slightly, but did not waken when I threaded my fingers once through his waist length ebony hair. I would prefer he not cut it, but, it is his to care for.

With one last look around I' Taurn, I stepped onto the gate rune that would take me back to Matlal. Dawn was just lightening the sky as I arrived. The pale salmon stone that is already in place held a faint glow just before the rising sun struck it.

I walked into the periphery of the foundation, seeking the precise center point of the structure. Here, deep below ground I would make the chamber for the books.

Dragons began to arrive. Three landed just beyond the perimeter, and shifted into a human form before stepping across the warded stone. "Good morrow Lady Alais, you are here early today." The speaker I'd been calling Garl, much to his amusement, because I cannot pronounce his real name. Garl is a gregarious and friendly dragon, and seems to be the leader of those who are helping me with the construction.

"G'morn tae ye Garl, aye, Ah'm gae'in tae b'gin th' books, n' Ah didst seek tae start b'fore th' sun hath risen tae 'igh."

He studied my markings and mused a moment. "Lady Alais, I believe Lord Tasslehofl has decreed that the chamber is not to be within the house - yet you've chosen a spot directly in the center of the structure." His gaze held my own for long moments.

"Garl, Lord Tasslehofl prefers the chamber to be separate and indeed does not favor my preferred place, but he has not explicitly forebade me to place it within the perimeter of the house." I know Tass is strongly opposed to this location, and he may be displeased, but I remain confident in my choice of locations.

Garl shook his head as the other two dragons with him looked on. "Lady Alais, we have strict instructions regarding this part of the project. We will not be able to help you if you insist on this location."

My attention snapped to Garl. "When did you receive such instructions?" I could not believe that Tass had gone to these lengths to assure that the chamber would not be within the house proper.

Garl gave the equivalent of a dragon's shrug, "When he first told us you were coming."

I had to laugh, crafty old dragon!

[Alais d Nitesong]

Garl and the others stood quietly regarding my calculation for the precise center of the house. They did not approve of my continuing to find the precise point, but they did not actively seek to stop me either.

The center point was marked and I turned toward them. "Garl, I would like to begin excavating here please. You may rest assured, the first level is not for the books. I would however like to have a wine cellar here. Tass would not begrudge me a basement in my home."

Garl looked skeptical, but decided that I would not lie to him, and that the books would need to be much deeper than a single level excavation. By mid morning, the dragons had completed the subterranean space, and the plagioclase was moved to begin the underground room.

Commotion in the surface work pulled me from the basement room. Garl went with me as we reached a throng of dragons and the architect's crew. As we made our way through the mass, something shifted inside me. Almost as if a living thing lived beneath my skin, symbiotic to my Eldarie self.

As I stepped into the opening around the corner stone of my home, I stopped dead in my tracks.

It could NOT be!

Daemonbane!

The great black blade lay atop the foundation stone. It's rippled ebon black pulled all light into it and reflected none. As I slowly approached it, Garl reached out to grab my arm, "don't". The dragons could feel it. The dark sorceries that had gone into the forging of Daemonbane. Unease whispered amongst them as I approached the sentient blade.

I could feel Daemonbane pulling at me, seeking me, almost imploring me to pick it up.

I reached for the hilt of the great Annaran blade, but Garl's hand held me back. I blinked at him, and my hand fell to my side. I was shaking, badly. This is the second time Daemonbane has sought me out.

"Garl - set guards, No one, and I do mean NO ONE is to touch that sword!" In mellifluous Annaran, I left Matlal in search of Tass. The Annaran spell touched Daemonbane, and it writhed upon the stone as I vanished.

[Alais d Nitesong]

Tass stepped through the portal with a preceding peal of thunder. I have not seen him in such a mood in many years, decades even. Fire flashed in his purple eyes, a fire that did not bode well at all. His attention was focused solely upon me, and he paid no heed to any of the other island occupants

I had gone in search of him earlier, and now he'd found me. He knew about the appearance of Daemonbane, this did not surprise me. What DID surprise me is what he said next - "do you know why the blade has come to the Isle?" I told him that I suspected the blade was seeking me, but he said that Daemonbane had sought refuge!

I went very still, "Refuge from what?"

The fire in Tass' eyes increased. "There is a tear Alais."

"Where ist the tear?" I asked him.

He lifted his head a moment towards the skies.

"Where does the tear originate?" I was worried now, Tass was deeply troubled.

He turned toward the portal as cold fingers of dread played down my spine, and I prayed my suspicions were wrong, but the flames grew a bit in his eyes, "The tear, Alais, leads from Riverbend," then he stepped through the portal.

I followed him through as I'd tried to stop him, but he ignored my touch and age slipped off his shoulders and a younger man left the portal area. This is a man determined to do whatever was necessary to deal with this tear between the dead world of Annara and the living world of the dragons.

He does not know where the tear ends, but he does know where it originates. The only reason it could exist is because Tass had come for me to Riverbend. Tass had come to a world he should never have been in, and something had gone wrong on his trip to find me. The question now is how to fix it.

[Alais d Nitesong]

I had come from Matlal to the Arena to stand as Second with Tass for his Baronial defence against the lovely Kaja, who’d challenged him earlier. Xenograg was there, along with Rhaine. When Tass arrived, I summoned Morvinyon from oblivion and waited for the Challenge to begin. Imp was there to call it, and as always, he’s a very entertaining sort of creature.

Xeno greeted me with troubling news. It seems that Legend is back, she’d paid him a visit at the Dojo. My absence from I’ Taurn has not gone unnoticed it seems. I do hope Baphe comes back soon, I’d like to get Legend banished as quickly as possible.

Tass and Teleperien joined Xeno, Rhaine and I briefly before Imp called him to his ring. I rose and excused myself to go and stand outside his ring at attention during the duel. Dimitri was there, but until the match was concluded, I needed to remain where I was as Tass’ second.

The duel did not go as I would have liked, but Kaja dueled superiorly and Tass was ever gracious. We congratulated Kaja and wished her the best of success as the newest Baroness.

Tass has changed since the last time I’ve seen him. He’s got an inner fire that has not been evident until now. He is also armored tonight, something I have not seen him do in many years. More surprising however are the three blades he’s carrying. Blood I rather expected since he is wearing armor beneath the simple cloak he now wears.

We joined Teleperien and Xenograg at a table, and I invited Dimitri to join us. Xenograg poured us all Eldarie tea, which is rich and hot, providing a soothing sensation that it appeared Teleperien needed. There is still a fair amount of mistrust and thinly veiled hostility between Rhaine and Teleperien, which is too bad, but will need to be worked out between themselves.

I spent some time speaking with Dimitri. He looks better than the last time I’d seen him, and he tells me that he’s seeing Alia Anor again. That in fact, she has helped heal some of his wounds. Alia Anor had never shown healer tendencies, but if she can ease some of Dimitri’s suffering, this is a fine thing. He offered to set up a meeting between Alia Anor and myself, but I do not think my daughter will allow such a thing. I’ve asked him to give her time and not to push too hard too fast.

Rhaine once again retreated and sought a duel when Tass approached. For some reason Rhaine fears Tass above almost everything. And tonight, the look in Tass’ eyes suggests she has good reason to fear the dragon.

Tass spoke at some length with Teleperien. It seems the dwarves in her lands are seeking their own state, and a reduction in taxes. She is troubled deeply by this, but told Tass she’d not come to the Arena to discuss them.

Xeno poured the tea, and we sat and talked for some time. And Tass worked to keep the cloak about him to cover the armor. Teleperien must have recognized it when he put his arm around her, but she didn’t say anything.

Teleperien noted Tass’s inner fire, and the talk soon changed to one of war. The Queen excused herself and returned to Eldicor, while Tass’ attention shifted to Xenograg. Their mutual salutes were those of experienced warriors acknowledging one another and then Xeno departed with the Queen.

Tass’s words in parting were very soft, and I am not certain even Xenograg heard them. “May grace go with you, General, for I cannot see it will for me.”

I studied Tass long moments. He was deeply worried over the tear, and what he expects to come to pass. “Tass, you’ve brought out two blades I did not expect to see.”

He lifted a brow. “Two?”

I nodded at the twin scimitars. “Blood I did half expect.”

He softly said, “things are worse than I had hoped. The tear has been located.”

I could feel color flee from my face, “where?”

His smile was tight, “the one place which you cannot go on the Isle.”

I pondered that, he’d not told me anywhere was off limits, “You have not told me any place was off limits Tass.”

“No, but the place itself is a place which you cannot reach.” The fire in his eyes was one of determination and clarity of purpose.

“Where Tass?”

“The summit of The Pearl” he told me. I now understand why he says I cannot go there. When we’d come back from Riverbend, we’d stepped through the place he’d left his home from, and that was with his sorcery and my own that I survived the biting cold and desolation of that mountaintop.

I reminded him that he’d taken me there, and that I had survived, but he told me he would not risk me.

I studied him long moments. “I have things to prepare Tass, and the tear does affect me as well you know.”

He nodded, “Alais, the chamber must be finished, and quickly,” he lifted a finger to keep me from speaking, “and with this change, the House will not be sufficient protection.”

Warily, “What else is required?”

He sighed, “Less Annaran influence I fear…” his voice trailing off.

I was shocked. “This is not the way it was supposed to be Tass. The books are Annaran, and must be held by Annaran sorcery.”

He shook his head, “No, it wasn’t, but would you have the Annaran protection fail to prevent those who are Annaran?”

I pondered his words, he worries that the Annaran dead may come through that tear, and that Annaran sorcery would be needed to control them. That would mean Daemonbane coming back into play, and neither of us desires that.

“No, I would not, but the ties between my sorcery and the Isle’s is woven already Tass.”

He nodded again, “but the chamber is not made, and thus, is not tied to you.”

His meaning became clearer. If the chamber were protected by Annaran sorcery, it would be easier for the Annaran dead to reach the books, and loose the destructive powers of those books upon the world again. I summoned my staff from oblivion and silently regarded the old dragon. “The chamber will be ready.” And with that promise to my old friend, I departed the arena to return to Matlal.

[Tasslehofl Momus]

The night had gone less smooth than he had hoped. The challenge, though least in his mind, was still a sour note. But the bright side to it was that the ring was held by one he felt worthy to wear it. Kaja would do the ring honor.

Yet, it was not the challenge that bothered him. It was the knowledge which he had recently uncovered that bothered him… the tear. Alais new little of what was transpiring on the sumit of the Pearl. The tear was growing, as were the sorceries that emanated from the other side.

Yes, the chamber needed to be completed, and it would need to be completed without the influence which Alais would give. He knew she would not approve, but that mattered little at the moment. He could withhold her anger for the time being. But the safeties of the books were now his first priority.

This was the time to put aside his animosity, at least for the time being, and enlists one who would be able to aid… Rhiane.

He had approached her after Alais had departed and with the end of her duel, he had spoken briefly and cordially with her. It was a matter which would take preparing, but none the less, he would need her presence.

The chamber would be prepared… but not as Alais had planned.

[Alais d Nitesong]

I'd left Tass to return to Matlal. I'd vowed to him that the chamber would be ready, and ready it will be.

I spent the rest of that evening on Matlal. As the sun rose over the water, glittering blue mirrored a cloudless sky overhead.

Beneath my feet, deep within the rock of the island was the first chamber. It was lined with bronze basalt, and is approximately 10' in diameter. It lay isolated within the heart of the volcano. A small void within the mountain that no one would be able to detect.

I am exhausted. This would have been easier with the dragons, but there was no time, and I could not afford to argue with Garl.

I gazed across the channel toward the Momus Estates. Tass would not be pleased, but the first storage location was completed.

With a soft whisper of Annaran, I went to retrieve the two books that I hold. I walked the empty corridors of Tass' home making my way to my temporary rooms to retrieve the books. I did not meet any one, not even household staff. This is most unusual.

Reaching my rooms, I retrieved the books and returned to Matlal.

The dragons were hard at work with the construction, and I did not expect anyone to question my presence amongst them. I was mistaken. Garl walked toward me as I headed for the center of the construction.

"Hello Garl, what can I do for you?" I asked as he approached.

He looked at me hard, then at the books. "Things have changed here, I can feel it. And those must be the reason."

I looked at the books and back at him. "Yes, these are 2 of the 3 reasons for all of this. Things have changed Garl, and I need temporary storage for these."

He looked out over the water, then toward The Pearl. He stood there in silence. Finally turning his glittering gaze on me. "Ward it well, but understand, this is not the final resting place for those." With that, he turned and left me.

I uttered the spell to take me to the heart of the chamber. Leaving the books on a stand in the center of the void, I warded them with everything I know, and then departed the chamber. It's location to be my secret.

[Alais d Nitesong]

Twilight Isle was quiet. There were not many people there, and it was pleasant to walk along the shore in the shadows, listening to the calls, and yet not having to participate. The water lapped the shore in peaceful regularity, and there were no sea birds to interupt the night. The wondrous thing about Twilight Isle is that sorcery maintains the Isle, and it seems to respond to each person’s moods and needs. For me, the shadows grew darker, and peace seeped into my soul.

I had not been walking along the shore line long when I felt Tass’ presence as he stepped through the portal. Pausing, I turned my face up to the moon above, closing my eyes as I knew he had come about the first chamber. He would know about it, if not where it is located, and he would not be happy with it’s location. None the less, I am always happy to see him, especially now with things growing more dangerous with the tear that now binds Annara to The Pearl. Power is growing on the other side of the tear, there are events in Annara that are troubling indeed. A power source resides in Riverbend that has not been there previously, and while I am now bound to the Emerald Isles through the sorceries used to ward my new home there, I am feeling compelled to return to Riverbend to see precisely what is going on.

Tass and I need to talk, and he has come to Twilight Isle. A quick smile crosses my face before I turn to regard the armor clad dragon, my friend, who stands just within the portal. “You going to stand just inside the portal all night?”

I walked back toward the portal, and the shadows lightened as I stepped from the deepest of the darkness. He stepped further onto the island, his cloak lifting slightly as he moved, and I could see glimpses of the polished armor beneath. He’d been armor clad for the last two times I’d seen him, and tonight was no exception. He’s worried. More worried than I first suspected. “You’re still expecting things to be very, very bad.”

He lifted a brow at me, “and you don’t?”

I regarded him long moments before speaking, “I think it will be bad enough, yes. I’ve a mind to return to Riverbend Tass, to see what is going on.” I did not want to worry him further with the things I’d already felt happening from Annara. The ripples in the power, the disturbances in Annaran sorceries are an unknown factor right now. None of these things bode well, and while I remain in Matlal, they will continue to be a troubling source of unknown influence.

His look grew hard and cold. Cold enough to freeze the blood in a person’s veins, and I took an involuntary step back. “We have need to know what is there Tass, and the books are safe for the moment.”

His voice was soft, in such contradiction to his thunderous expression, “I know where the books are.”

I gave him a startled look, although I should know by now that nothing passes in his islands that he does not know about. “How?”

He looked at me with a long, level look, yet said nothing. When Tass decides not to answer a question, no amount of pushing will succeed. Thus I continued, “Since you know the location, it would be safe for me to go. You would be able to retrieve them if anything happened to me.”

He turned, and looked out over the water toward his islands. “I can stop you from going to Riverbend Alais, but I will not.” His pause before he said “but I will not” gave me time to voice the same, “I know you could, but you will not,” and I know there was a cold glint in my eyes as we spoke. The dragon COULD prevent my return. I’m tied to his lands, his magics, and as such, he would have the power to prevent my leaving, yet Tass has been a friend for a very long time, and to do this thing would damage our friendship deeply. Something I do not believe either of us would like to see happen. His jaw clenched as I repeated his own words, and he told me in the language of the Darkness, “D'iYKHiYD,oYoA AeMuOT, AiYT, LHaL.” Only death is there. His words were a bare whisper of sound above the ebb and flow of the water.

Yes, and I too stared across the water as I stood beside him, and answered in an equally soft thread of sound, “Death is always there Tass, it is the realm of the dead, and my legacy from Morrin.”

He closed his eyes, and lifted his face to the moon above us, and I reached over to lightly touch the mail clad arm, “it is alright, I do belong there.” I sought to reassure him that my return to Riverbend would pose no danger, and is in fact something that we both need, to understand what is going on there.

His eyes remained closed, and the faint thread of sound barely carried to my elven ears, “No Alais, you do not.”

I sighed softly, I know he believes that I do not, but my path was chosen long ago when I first began to study with Morrin. “I do Tass, they cannot touch me, they do owe me allegiance and they know that I have Daemonbane.”

Tass turned to look at me, and in his eyes there was NO life. In the time we’d stood there, it was as if all hint of life had fled from his gaze, “and what of that blade? It still sits on the stone of your manor, untouched.”

The change that had come over him took my breath away, ‘Yes, it does, and there it should remain untouched by anyone.” There were dragons guarding the blade every moment of every day. The great black blade remained upon the corner stone, and all construction was proceeding around it, but until I can find a way to move it without touching it, there the Annaran sword of Kings must remain.

He remained silent, holding his own counsel yet again. My frustration grew with each passing moment. “You disagree?”

He answered without looking at me, “Of much, yes.”

“Then perhaps you should speak with me and not withdraw.” These events involve me as much as they do my friend, and yet he will not confide his thoughts, and I cannot wait for him to take care of everything while I wait.

He turned his gaze toward the water once more, “it is hard to speak to one who has their mind already set.”

There were two very stubborn creatures standing on that shore at that moment. “It is difficult to speak to one who is not present, and then one must keep to one’s own counsel Tass. I have done what I must given the circumstances.” My actions have been because he has been unavailable, and things cannot remain untouched. He may not agree with my choices, but when there is no discussion, actions cannot be coordinated. “I think you know the meaning of keeping to your own counsel better than most.”

His voice quivered with the weight of his true age, “it is because the one who I could speak to about the things that weigh upon my mind, I can no longer reach.” Tass was alone with his worries. His brother and confidante was missing.

I could feel the blood rush from my face, “Tass, what do you mean you cannot reach him?” He’s lost the ability to reach Khirsah??? This is a development that no one had foreseen, and one that changes everything we do.

He turned slowly toward me, and his voice was once more the soft whisper of sound, “I will not stop you Alais, if you choose to return to Riverbend; but I cannot guarantee that I will be able to protect you there.”

I searched his features for answers. “Tass, what’s happened, you must tell me, I beseech you, what has happened??” His expression was lined with concerns of such gravity that I cannot fully fathom all that is going on in his mind.

He gave me an odd look, “What has happened? Alais, that is just it, I don’t know what has, nor what will happen.”

“Tass, prithee, why do you worry so about my return to Riverbend? What troubles you so?” His actions were so weighed with gravity, this is a side of Tass that I have not seen in centuries. Tass has always had the weight of his world upon his shoulders, but this is different.

He turned his gaze once more to the dark night sky, then took the first steps onto the water that would lead to his islands, and I followed him to the edge of the water. “Tass, I do wish you’d talk to me not in riddles, mayhap you’d like my choices better, mayhap I can be of help.”

He stopped after awhile, still atop the surface of the water as I sidestepped into the darkest shadows. He turned only his head, looking over his shoulder at me, “Alais, all I have is riddles. The past is changing, and the future is uncertain.”

I frowned from deep within the shadows, “how do we stop the past from changing Tass? How do we get Khirsah back?” My questions remained unanswered, and he continued to walk across the water toward the Emerald Isle’s.

Khirsah and the book have become one, and Tass no longer is able to reach his brother in that Primordial Darkness. He’s told me that the past is changing, and a changing past will change our futures.