Fiction:The Firmament/The Break of Dawn

The Break of Dawn

It had been a long journey. The shattered isles of Adaman were not the most welcome for visitors, for the seas around them were notoriously violent, though it was nothing the mighty vessels of the high elves could not endure, for their fleet was the greatest of all of Telamon. Still, these isles were a very long way from their serene home of Aelvana; indeed, hardly anyone ever came to these islands at all, save for the occasional glory-seeking fool who sought to plunder the ancient ruins and deposits of precious adamantine scattered across them, only to never be heard from again.

However, this was not just an expedition done for the sake of loot. Upon the office of the vessel was none other than the highest authorities of the Order of Magicka, the lords of all matters pertaining magic among the high elves. Arch-Loremaster Alisterian was not just the greatest wizard among the Aesan; he was one of the greatest spellcasters of all Telamon, his authority respected even among foreign powers from other continents. The elf had a face of a stern but young adult despite being well over four hundred years old, with glowing green eyes and long, blonde hair which was mostly obscured by the cloak which made part of his robes, while to his side stood another figure; with a gray-ish tone of skin and dark clothes, he blended well with the shadows, as if he enjoyed not being the focus of attention. His illuminated purple eyes were all one could see in his face, for he wore a decorated mask which hid away all other features.

"Normally I would not pay heed to such things, but it is clear the stars are aligned", said Alisterian, as he took down a quill and begun writing down at the documents in his table. Closer inspection would reveal to actually be a map of Telamon, with the Arch-Loremaster making notes across it through areas where their ship travelled.

His companion, Ediminas of Sepharyn, reached his hand towards the map and passed his finger through it as he pointed across the path. "The ley lines all point to the same direction, as was revealed. They lead to this island", he said, as he pressed his finger upon one of the outer islands of Adaman.

"It is not every day we receive an omen like this", the Arch-Loremaster said as he turned to face his companion, a somewhat amused expression upon his face. "The astromancers all receive a vision from the stars, and our agents all report of these ley lines pulsating, almost as if roused by something. And our agents scattered across Dryadala report not a single other magical authority detected these anomalies. Just us."

"Indeed", replied Ediminas as he crossed his arms behind his back, "which is why I believe this is something that will benefit us. It does like something the Mother of Magic would come up with."

Alisterian returned to his notes as Ediminas talked. He was speaking of Infinitum, the greater goddess of all magic, a being highly venerated by the high elves and especially by the members of the Order of Magic. However, it was very unusual for the goddess, who was usually distant, to directly communicate with mortals in such a manner. However, he could not deny that his companion was right; the events they had detected could not be the work of a simple mortal, for only the greatest beings held within them the power to meddle with the ley lines, the great veins of pure arcane energy which permeate Telamon's crust and allowed magic to flow through the world.

"Perhaps," Alisterian said. "Which only fuels my curiosity. If this is her work, then we have a lot of work in our hands." Getting up from his seat, the Arch-Loremaster turned to his friend. "It is getting late. We can continue our research in the morning."

The other elf nodded, his expression impossible to discern under his mask. "So be it. I do wonder what the chef will be preparing tonight..."

"Fish", Alisterian replied, as his face displayed a certain dissatisfaction. "It's always fish, every night."

A week had passed since, and the Order of Magicka's crew had secured the ruin, with scholars and archaeologists scattered around it, taking notes and making observations. This ruin, hidden deep within the jungle of this island, held within it the marks of the ancient Primordials, the illusive race of beings who the elves believed to be their progenitors, as it was filled with inscriptures and large quantities of adamantine artifacts, which the elves made sure to secure back to their ship.

While the crewsmen were busy with the outer parts of the ruin, Alisterian and Ediminas ventured deeper inside. A glowing, yellow ball of magical light gently floated over their heads, granting them vision in the total darkness that was the underground as they made their way through decrepit hallways and chambers filled with nothing but debris, fungi and the occasional animal bones. Upon the walls were faded murals depicting humanoids - the ancient Primordials no doubt -, though they provided no light on who these mysterious beings were. This annoyed the Arch-Loremaster to some degree, for it seemed no manner how many ruins his people uncovered, none ever gave a straight answer to who or what the Primordials were, and how they connected to the elves - if at all.

"I sense great arcane power here", said Ediminas, as they made their way down a flight of stairs. "The ley lines really do converge into this location in a most peculiar manner."

"This ruin is well-preserved, all things considered," responded the Arch-Loremaster. "I would have expected this place to have been picked clean of valuables by pirates. It is not even that far away from the shore."

"Who knows? Perhaps it did not want to be found... until now", said the masked elf, glancing at his companion. This led Alisterian to look back at him with a raised eyebrow, though given the power this place seemed to radiate, perhaps it was not too unfolded.

Eventually, the two arch-mages reached what seemed to be a dead end, and the largest chamber by far. While its corners were ruined, the image in the outer wall was impressive to behold; it resembled a large statue of a dragon, pristine in condition save for the dust covering it, who held in its forelimbs a large vessel. Under it was what seemed to be a massive set of doors which did not have any apparent means to open; no handles or locks. The two elves inspected the area in clear awe, for it was perhaps the most well-preserved piece of Primordial architecture anyone had ever laid eyes upon. The entire chamber radiated incredible power, and it did not take them any effort to realize there was extremely powerful magic present. Upon the doors themselves was another inscripture, though unlike the others, it was actually legible.

The arch-mages of the Order of Magicka are all versed in Primordial language - it is a requirement to enter their ranks, after all - and as such, it was easy enough for the two wizard lords to understand their words.

"The blood of dragons is the key to Wardens' abode."

As they inspected it and discerned its meaning, Ediminas turned to the Arch-Loremaster. "It would seem the doors require dragon blood to open."

Alisterian glanced at his companion. His expression was somewhat wary. "We do not know what to expect. Should we not call the rest of the crew, and prepare any defenses?"

"No," the wizard said, walking ahead. "The more I study this chamber, the more I'm led to believe its contents should remain secret. Besides, the two of us can take care of ourselves."

There was a certain confidence in the elf's words which Alisterian could not quite agree with, but he thought, he was a creature able to discern the arcane better than any mortal. Before his eyes, Ediminas was surrounded by waves of pure arcana as his form changed and he rapidly grew in size, sprouting a quadrupedal stance, a large pair of wings, a long tail and a powerful horn upon his now draconic snout. It was not often when Edimerath revealed his true form, that of an ether wyrm, to anyone but a selected few. And Alisterian was among them; he had seen this transformation take place many times, though he would lie if he said it did not still impress him. The dragon walked up ahead, standing on his hindlegs as he bright a forelimb up to the vessel held by the statue, before clenching his claws as hard as he could. Within moments, shining purple drops of blood drippled down through them and fell upon the vessel, and the ether wyrm proceeded to stand back.

There was a rumble which caused the Arch-Loremaster to somewhat lose his footing, though his dragon companion remained unmoved. Before them, the statue's eyes begun to shine a radiant golden light, and the doors opened themselves, with the entire chamber being engulfed in radiant light. As they stepped inside, both the elf and the wyrm had their eyes widened to what they witnessed; a grand, impeccable golden temple, far larger than it would be feasible for the ruin they had entered. At its center laid another statue of a dragon, identical to the one at the entrance, though this one had a different pose; the dragon was depicted as resting, with its tail coiled around itself as if it was asleep.

"Magnificent...", was all that escaped Alisterian's mouth as he looked around. "An entire demiplane... just waiting to be found."

"Indeed, it has waited for many eons", a voice spoke out. This surprised both the Arch-Loremaster and the ether wyrm, who kept close to one another, unsure of where it came from. Though as it spoke again, they realized it came from the statue. "You are the first beings to enter this sanctum since the fall of the World Worm."

"Who are you?", asked Edimerath, to with the statue replied. "I am Vixaath, and I was once master of an order which battled the forces of darkness. Over eight millenia ago, the demon lords and the gods of evil tasted the bite of our blades and our magic."

"Vixaath... Is this name familiar to you, Edimerath?", asked Alisterian as he turned to his dragon companion, though he shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I have never heard of anything of the sort."

"Unsurprising," the statue responded, "though no doubt your people know of me, child of Kaltaroth. For your mother once fought by our side too."

The ether wyrm was surprised at the mention of the name. Kaltaroth, matriarch of the ether wyrms, was rarely known by mortals, for she dwelled far beyond the atmosphere of Telamon alongside his children. "You know my mother, ancient?"

"Indeed. As defenders of the cosmic balance, your kind has always been stalward allies", the statue responded, its tone amiable.

"Please, what is this order you speak of? What is this place?", Alisterian asked as he approached the front of the statue. "We received omens which have led us here, and we must know the purpose."

"You stand in the halls of the Dawn Wardens," the dragon statue responded, each word causing its eyes to glow a faint gold. "They were once a collection of Telamon's greatest heroes, united to combat the forces of Varagarash Narahil and the demon lords who rampaged across the world. Though near the end of the war, we were decimated to our last, and I have been petrified. Yet I knew the day would come where the Wardens would once again be needed."

"So... It was you who sent us these signs?", the Arch-Loremaster asked. "For what reason?"

"The World Worm writhes in its prison. It will not be today, nor tomorrow, nor in the immediate future", the statue spoke, its tone growing serious. "But it will break free, and Telamon is not ready for another Great Gap. Heroes must rise to defend it, and prevent it from happening."

"So you wish for us to repopulate your sanctum, ancient", said Edimerath as he reverted back to his elven guise, his arms crossed behind his back. "I'm afraid things are not so simple. The world is not unified as I can assume the time of the Primordials was."

"And why us?", asked Alisterian. "Why call us and only us? If you want heroes, then should you not call for all of Telamon?"

"No", the dragon statue responded. "No, that would not do. I called you here, Alisterian of Sepharyn, for I believe you are the judge of character I require. The one I believe would make a fine Grandmaster to the Dawn Wardens."

The high elf blinked in surprise. "Wh-What? Grandmaster...? No no, you are mistaken. I am no hero; I am a scholar and politician, and I have no time to chase adventurers across the world for some order I know nothing of."

"In the ancient's defense, he is correct; you are an excellent judge of character", said Ediminas as he glanced at the Arch-Loremaster, though the elf remained unmoved. This was too sudden; too unexpected. He was not one to take decisions hastily.

"I can read your soul like a book", the statue responded, "and I know what I see. You have a mighty soul, one which your gods smile upon. And I know you are aware of the darkness which has slowly crept into this world over the last thousands of years."

Alisterian remained in silence for a moment, before letting out a sigh. The statue was not entirely wrong, for the world was infested with evil. The orcs of the far northeast were now under the direct rule of demons, and the loathsome rakash were spreading across the world at an alarming rate. He was also well aware of the growing cult dedicated to the "World Worm", which was being sighted more and more often in the most recent years. And of course, there were the traitorous Fiction:The Firmament/dark elves of the far northwest, his people's worst enemies. After a full minute of silence, the Arch-Loremaster turned his eyes to the statue once again.

"I demand full access to your entire library of knowledge", he said. "If I'm to join some archaic order, then I must know all about it. I may be able to find you individuals of exceptional power and esteem, but I do not promise anything. And also I-"

"I know you seek answers; answers about the ancient folk", the statue interrupted him, its tone somewhat saddened, "though I am afraid I cannot aid you with that. Even though I was there to fight by their side, the Great Gap has made me forget them too. Even as a spirit bound to this statue, I cannot recollect much anymore. Which is another reason I am unfit to seek out these heroes on my own".

An annoyed grunt came out of Alisterian, and Ediminas shook his head in disappointed. "Typical. It was too easy to be true."

"As for your demands", the statue continued, "they are acceptable. Though I ask you not to let anyone know of this place. At least, not until it is time."

"So be it", the Arch-Loremaster replied. These terms were, for now, acceptable for him. Still, he was not entirely too happy about it.

The trek home would take a few weeks, allowing the crew who worked on the ruins a well deserved rest. The area was secured by the Order of Magicka and its artifacts taken for study, though the Arch-Loremaster refused to elaborate on what he had found in the deeper portions of the place, which he had deemed off-limits. In his office, he had piles upon piles of ancient books and scrolls, taken from the sanctum where him and Ediminas had spoken to Vixaath; it would take him weeks, if not months to go through all this knowledge, and while he was annoyed to have been thrust into the role he was given so suddenly, something deep within him believed it was for a good reason.

As he looked outside the window of his office in the ship's lower deck, he noticed the sun was rising. He was so lost in thought he had not slept.

"Dawn Wardens, huh... I will give it to the ancient, it has a nice ring to it."