(The Jodari are a people
of the western plains of Avalon who resemble Scavengers but who take
considerable offense if called such. It was brought to Aran Elenaro in
Padash in October of 597.)
As I slept, I dreamt, and
in my dreams, there came unto me visions of a time yet to come; a time
that hath not been. In my dreams, I saw a power rising in the north, which
stretched out a glowing hand, like an eerie spider, to cast its webs over
kingdoms and principalities. This power had been, but had slept, and now
it woke again, though centuries had passed, to make wrought upon the land
great errors and dire happenings. No place on Tyrra was free from the
touch of the ghostly hand, and many died, while others wept and trembled.
And this power was in form like a dark king, though its crown was
fashioned of Pain, both its own and that of others. But there rose, from
over the lands, many crowns and powers to contest the Crown of Pain.
First among them came the
Bereaved, who was not king nor queen, but wore her Loss like a crown, and
veiled herself with a mantle, made from the thin bark of birch trees. And
the Bereaved cast a net over the Crown of Pain, and held it fast. She had
lost much, and she acted to see that the land itself was not lost.
A Crown came from the
Heart of the Land, and it was fashioned of Golden Leaves. And the Crown of
Golden Leaves brought a cloak of magick to protect the other crowns
together. And the Crown of Pain flung its thorns against those who came
against it, but it was for naught.
A Crown came from the
East, and it was fashioned of Silver. And the Silver Crown brought a sword
made of the earth, with which the Crown of Pain was struck a painful
wound. And the Crown of Pain recoiled in agony.
A Crown came from the
North, and it was fashioned of Shadow. And the Crown of Shadows brought
tiny arrows, which flew like hornets against the Crown of Pain, and
wounded it such that it could not strike with force or focus against those
who sought its destruction.
A Crown came from the
South, and it was fashioned of Steel. And the Steel Crown brought many
warriors to ring the Crown of Pain with flashing steel, such that it was
blinded and forced to hold within the nets of the Bereaved.
A Crown came from the
West, and it was fashioned from Claws. And the Crown of Claws brought such
powers of life and death that the Crown of Pain could not cast its dark
spirit magicks upon those assembled for its destruction.
And standing by were many
other crowns. A Crown of Fangs was there, and a Crown of Stone. A Crown of
Bells was there, and a Crown of Song. And all these crowns and many more
besides stood and watched, and bore witness, and directed their lands and
loyalty against the Crown of Pain, so that it could not act except to
cringe, recoil, and wait its doom.
And, finally, a cage,
fashioned of Hours and Stars, was brought to contain the Crown of Pain.
And it was sealed within, to await until the cycle of time came full round
again, when it might come forth to wreak its pain on others. But, for that
time, there was peace, and the crowns did rejoice, and the lands did enter
into a time of friendship and unity.