Prologue

It began with Dragons.

In the deep, endless void of the cosmos, before time existed and all was naught but swirling gasses and cosmic energy; from the complexity of this wondrous collection a consciousness arose. Infinite yet indefinable, it sought to bring some order to the chaos of its being.

For reasons no mortal can comprehend, utilizing the substance and energy of the cosmos itself, life was brought into the universe in the form of Dragons. Formed from the essence of the stars, and the primordial matter and energy that is at the heart of all life. Giant beings, there were only two in this beginning of time. As the essence of existence has two components, opposite yet complementary to one another, so were the Dragons made male and female, in order to maintain the balance that holds the fabric of reality together. Equal and opposite, yet incomplete without the other.

An integral component of the emerging cosmos was the formation of planets. Worlds where the magnificent variety of life, representing the soul of the universe itself, could be manifest. The Dragons were given the great privilege of creating a world of their own; one over which they would serve as both protectors and mentors to the life to emerge there.

Gheyaral, the male, guided the formation of the world itself. A vast variety of geography and climate gave it beauty, and assured that life there would find many places in which to dwell. Mountains and seas, lakes and rivers, deserts and forests: all comprised the glorious planet they were to make their own.

Neyalha, the great female, oversaw the seeding of the world, which they called Edon. Animals and birds with endless variations, fish and other sea creatures to keep the oceans vital. Humankind she also seeded there, for the race of humans was one of the most remarkable creations of the universe. Versatile and intelligent, with endless potential for growth and advancement. The Dragons had developed a particular fondness for humanity, unique in the vast cosmos, for they had evolved quickly on other worlds in the young cosmos, displaying a great skill for survival, and with seemingly boundless curiosity. Neyalha was sure that the world of Edon would thrive with their presence.

Edon serenely orbited its star, and the Dragons observed in satisfaction for many thousands of years as life there evolved and expanded. The human population, growing as all cultures do, learned with each generation how life could be improved, and how curiosity led to further discoveries to satisfy humanity’s endless desire for innovation and knowledge.

As Edon continued its evolution, so Neyalha and Gheyaral came to know that they, though immortal, also felt a desire to have progeny that could serve not only to expand the race of Dragons, but could aid them in their task of guiding the inhabitants of Edon.

And so were born to them, emerging from their shining, silvery shells upon the highest peak in the Erimanthe Mountains, a pair of young Dragons. As with their parents, so too were the young ones a male and a female. Yet they were so vastly different in appearance it was immediately evident which was which.

The male was dark, his scales an iridescent black that shimmered with ripples of color in the morning light. Red eyes glowed beneath his brow ridges, filled with an eagerness that was undeniable.

The female was a wonder, even to the immortal beasts from whom she had been born. Her scales were a radical contrast to her sibling’s; indeed, they glittered as clear crystal, light fragmenting in glorious rays as the sunlight reflected from them. Eyes like blue ice held an equal amount of eagerness and readiness to begin life.

They were given the names Nayara and Ghaeron, for the light and darkness. Like their parents they were immortal of spirit, with innate abilities to manipulate mystical energy, though not to the degree that their parents could. They grew swiftly as Dragons do, and soon were mature enough to assume their roles as guardians.

The population of Edon grew, rising to a level of civilization comprised of metal tools and bladed weapons, with society being structured in the form of Kingdoms and nations. There was conflict among them, but the Dragon guardians understood that such conflict was not only normal but conducive to humanity’s growth, and they were not overly concerned.

On occasion there would arise a ruler with a ruthless desire for power and dominion, and wars would spread over many lands, with much death and destruction. Again the guardians limited themselves to advising other rulers in these situations, for it would be disastrous to intervene and solve all the humans’ problems for them. Self-sufficiency was vital to the survival of human society. Though it pained them to see the people suffer, Nayara and Ghaeron let the human conflicts play out with little interference.

Among the emerging societies were two prominent groups, each founded to create assemblages of remarkable individuals with talents both physical and mystical.

The first was an elite group of Knights. Men and women of great physical prowess and intelligence, sworn to defend their kingdom from enemies both human and supernatural. For the mystical energy that had been part of the very formation of Edon and the life thereupon had also allowed non-human creatures, varied in form and abilities, to spring forth amid the forces of creation. Many saw mankind as an enemy, and craved the dominance that humanity had in the world. The Knights were united into the order of the Black Knights, in part to honor their Dragon advisor Ghaeron. They were also known as the Grenyaar, meaning “protector” in the ancient tongue, and they were the mightiest fighting force in the world.

The second group was dedicated to finding and training those whose talents lay in the realm of magic and sorcery. The founding body was a group of exceptionally talented women, Sorceresses of great power. They became the Na’Himara, defenders against all forces of an unnatural and mystic origin. They learned the secrets to manipulating elements and utilizing the inherent magical properties that existed throughout the cosmos. They dressed in white, a counterpart to the order of the Black Knights and honoring Nayara’s bright scales.

There came a time, however, when the forces of both humanity and Dragon would be tested, though not in the way any of them might have expected.

Neyalha, the Dragon Mother, ageless and seemingly exceedingly wise, grew more and more restless. Her mate Gheyaral did not understand. Together they had created this world, and from his perspective all was proceeding well. Yet Neyalha continued to grow more and more unsettled as she observed the actions of the life she had seeded so many ages before.

They fight among themselves constantly, she would grumble to her mate. They were made to be better than this. Every skirmish seemed an affront to her; how could beings to whom she had given life so flagrantly disregard its worth? It made no sense. Being mortal should have made them cherish life more dearly; instead they continued to kill one another with apparent lack of care.

They are what they are, he would reply. Like all living things, they require time to grow and mature. Being mortal, it falls to subsequent generations to learn from their forebears. They do not have the benefit of endless years such as we are granted. Give them time. You have done well, and they will make you proud in time.

Gheyaral felt that there was more to her dissatisfaction, something beyond the ongoing bloodshed among the mortals. Any query he made, however, was met with dismissal. The great Dragon observed with aching helplessness as Neyalha grew more and more irrational.

Finally, though Gheyaral counseled her often to be patient, Neyalha decided to act upon her dark feelings of disappointment and betrayal.

On a dark and terrifying day in the history of the inhabitants of Edon, Neyalha decided to intervene. In her distorted wrath she vowed to end the life she had seeded there. Her enormous, dark form blotted out the sun as she swooped down toward the surface. Her hot, flaming breath incinerated huge swaths of land and hundreds of people at a time. Cities were charred, farmlands reduced to ash. Gheyaral tried to reason with her, but she turned her fire on him as well, so lost was she in her anger. He escaped without serious injury, but knew he had to seek out the assistance of their offspring.

Nayara and Ghaeron were appalled at what their mother was doing, and were more than willing to aid their sire in stopping her. Neyalha would not be subdued easily; her powers were vast, able to draw upon the raw energy of the universe. No, the Dragons decided, it would take more than their own efforts. Therefore Nayara and Ghaeron sought out the aid of the Na’Himara and the Black Knights. They would require forces both mystical and physical to stop Neyalha’s destructive rampage.

Both of these elite groups agreed to help them. It was plain that the very survival of their world depended upon it. The Sorceresses gathered all of their forces, over three hundred Na’Himara, placing themselves among the cliffs of a large valley in the Haedral Mountains. The Grenyaar gathered their forces as well, numbering some five thousand of the Black Knights. They arranged themselves on the valley floor, armed with their best swords, spears, and a hundred heavy catapults as well. They also had at their disposal five large Ballista, armed with large metal-shod arrows.

To the surprise of many, a large battalion of Minotaurs had joined with the Black Knights to defend the land. The inhuman beasts towered tall, imposing in their glittering armor and with the sharp horns on their bull-like heads ready to rend and tear. They had formed an alliance with the Grenyaar to defend all lands from the great Dragon’s wrath.

Gheyaral got his mate’s attention by flaming at her himself. At first she ignored his assault, but as he persisted she finally swung around, huge wings beating, and charged after him. He led her toward the valley where the human forces and their offspring waited.

Neyalha’s sense of reason had fled. She followed him in blind rage, determined that if he so earned it, she would destroy him along with the hordes of humanity and other creatures that had betrayed her.

Few remain who were actually witness to the clash of forces that followed. As the monstrous, huge Dragons approached the valley, the sorceresses called upon all of their talent to create a magical barrier. Nayara and Ghaeron added their own magical energy, for it would take much to contain the bulk and power of their dam. The ranks of the Black Knights tensed, eager for battle, readying weapons to aid in subduing the god-like Dragon. The daunting nature of the task did not deter them. The gathered Minotaur host let out an inhuman roar that was both inspiring and frightening to the gathered humans.

Neyalha roared in fury as she saw the gathered Grenyaar, preparing to incinerate them in a massive breath of fire. The Minotaurs bore the brunt of that attack as she swept past, fire engulfing them. Some of the Black Knights were injured also, but sadly it was the noble, bull-like beasts that suffered the most loss.

Neyalha circled and swept back, intent on burning the remaining opposition to ash. But the magic of the Na’Himara and the other Dragons formed a mystical barrier that stopped her short in mid-air. Flapping frantically, she flamed at the shield, but was unable to penetrate it. Spears were flung at her, passing through the shield to make little impact on her scaled hide. Stones from the catapults caused her some discomfort, but no serious damage. Even the large arrows from the Ballistae had little luck in penetrating her scales.

Realizing that flame would not free her, the enraged Dragon drew upon other mystical energies, straining the capabilities of the Sorceresses and her offspring as well. They persisted, refusing to allow her to escape. It was up to Gheyaral to initiate the final step. He swept down upon his mate, using his own mystical talents to enhance the nature of the shield. It took every ounce of his magical ability to do so, but what he planned was necessary, and the only way to subdue his crazed mate.

A vortex of light appeared, swirling beneath the struggling Neyalha. The voices of the Na’Himara echoed from the cliffs as they invoked more of their own magic as well. The thudding of hoofs and clank of metal weapons bouncing from her hide added to the cacophony that filled the valley. Nayara and Ghaeron rose into the air from their cliff-top perches to hover over her on either side.

Neyalha roared with rage, a deafening sound over all the others.

Gheyaral, exerting all of his magical energy, swooped down toward her, spewing flame as well as he descended. The swirling void had grown larger and more dark. He slammed against her, his hind claws pushing her toward the vortex.

Her eyes glowing in madness, his mate swung her head around to flame at him also, but could not stop her downward movement. She twisted, using her own hind claws to rake at his belly. Gheyaral roared in pain, but by now the vortex had taken hold. Neyalha could do nothing as she was pulled in, her roars of protest again echoing from the cliff walls as men and women clapped their hands to their ears to soften the painfully deafening sound.

Then she was gone.

A strange silence hung in the valley for a long moment as all those present struggled to realize what had happened. Then the Knights began to cheer, clanking their weapons and congratulating one another on surviving the battle. The Sorceresses were less vocal, but were equally proud and relieved that the task was done.

Nayara and Ghaeron, however, flew down to the far end of the valley, where their sire had fallen to the ground. The Knights and Sorceresses were intrigued, but were reluctant to approach the body of the huge Dragon, who was easily twice the size of his offspring. It was apparent that his mate had managed to inflict a serious wound upon him. A pool of blood formed beneath the great gash in his belly. And while a Dragon’s essence was immortal, it was possible for their physical form to perish, though it was difficult to cause it to do so. There was little that could be done for Gheyaral, and the younger Dragons moved to his head to see if his body still lived. He looked upon them with eyes semi-glazed, but he managed to speak to them.

Well done, my children.

They had no ready reply.

He could sense regret for their actions in them. We have done what was necessary. The void will hold her – for a time. Long enough, I think, for this world to recover and grow, and thus be able to face her should she emerge again.

Watch over the humans. Guide them well.

With that, his eyes closed and the immortal spark of his life departed from his body.

Nayara and Ghaeron did as their sire wished, and continued to advise the human society. Many years passed, but they always held in their hearts the knowledge that their mother might someday emerge from her imposed exile.

All they could do was plan for that day, and hope it never came to pass . . .