The earth crunches softly under Tilliana’s feet as she paces slowly between the ruined buildings of the ghetto. Long already have the burned bodies of her fellows been removed and buried, and the roads—more like paths of loose dirt and stone—cleared of rubble and refuse. But even with this, the ghetto remains, and may always … Read More “Dawnbringer 2.4: Thoughts and Memories” »
A few days later, Eldarien walks through the fields surrounding the city of Ristfand, immersed in thought. Scattered homesteads dot the landscape, simple houses of wood or stone with thatched roofs, and here or there a larger estate, smoke spiraling into the clear sky from many a hearth. There are numerous livestock fenced or stabled: … Read More “Dawnbringer 2.3: Hearts United” »
Rorlain walks alone through the streets of Ristfand and passes through a high archway of stone into the southwestern section of the city, where the barracks and training grounds of the militia are located. So much has happened already in the short time since he and Eldarien arrived in the city, and he finds the … Read More “Dawnbringer 2.2: Doubts and Suspicions” »
Fire surrounds him, licking at the hem of his garments like poisonous tongues and billowing forth smoke of blackest night, filling his lungs and blinding his eyes. It sweeps across the land, scorching earth and sky, turning the air itself into living flame. He opens his mouth to cry out, but no sound emerges. Instead, … Read More “Dawnbringer 2.1: Awakening” »
Eldarien and Rorlain make their way through the streets of the city to the haeras’ palace, an imposing structure of stone in the center of Ristfand, surrounded by a grove of trees and a narrow moat dug more for decoration than for defense. Its water glistens in the dappled light of the sun shining through the … Read More “Dawnbringer 1.19: In the Crucible of Flame” »
Eldarien and Rorlain navigate through the streets of Ristfand, leading their horses by the bridle, until they come to the courtyard in which the temple of Niraniel rises before them. They tie the horses to a post and ascend the steps to the large wooden doors, in which are carved ornate designs and runes—the temple … Read More “Dawnbringer 1.18: Mysterious Meetings” »
Elmariyë rides into the city in the late afternoon and, after entrusting Fenarion to the stable master, walks to the temple. The streets are filled with anxiety, even fear, and she does not know why; but she also feels another emotion, which it takes her a large part of the walk to the center of … Read More “Dawnbringer 1.17: Grave News” »
After gathering their supplies, Eldarien and Rorlain set off on horseback, their faces to the early morning sun. The land before them is flat, an almost uninterrupted plain stretching to the east, dotted with farmland of wheat and beans and strawberries, and pastures for livestock as well, interspersed with groves of trees and ponds or small lakes … Read More “Dawnbringer 1.16: Like the Wind” »
“Can we rest for a bit before continuing further?” Eldarien asks, sitting down at the side of the road. “Most definitely,” Rorlain replies, crouching down beside him. “It is after lunch time already, and we have both eaten very little over the previous few days and more.” After a moment, he adds, “How are you … Read More “Dawnbringer 1.15: Seeking Aid” »
Malrûn departs shortly after their conversation is concluded, accepting from Eldarien and Rorlain some provisions and wishing them well on their journey to the southeast—to Ristfand—while they wish him the same on his journey westward. They are deeply aware that both directions lead into danger, even unto death, but they do not hesitate, for each … Read More “Dawnbringer 1.14: Moradoch Steppe” »
