In the distance, my falcon flies, circling above a clearing in theforest. Suddenly, I hear its cries as it falls to the ground to itsdeath. Leaving Destiny, I rush in the direction of its final cry. Ienter the clearing and stop in sudden horror as I view anunnatural spectacle of ancient fallen trees.
This is a fossilised forest, silent and calm, with no sign ofmovement save for the stain of my form. The spell of age haswoven its evil intent upon this hallowed ground as beneath thegrey clouds the forest was rent. Moving slowly, in deliberationand respect for the dead, I am revulsed by the scene played outbefore me. How these giants have fallen. Their majesty, theirpower, and all that they were are as dust to the soil and returnedto the earth. I know not why.I plead with Destiny for an answer as she arrives and she explainsit thus; "
It pays tribute to the accursed rains for of all that was,little remains. These grey flowers you see are but a poorreflection of what's left of humanity. They spoke the laws of oldyet chose to disoblige the Ancient, holding such decrees incontempt by their works. The bane of mankind is that all that heis until the day that he dies is a pawn that's expected to live by thelies of tradition. The human condition, it seems, is to reduce all totradition."I wander amongst the fallen trunks as though drawn, and find myfallen friend, my falcon forlorn. Lifeless, I hold his body hoping insome way he's free. Whilst clutching him, I notice something, nowwhat can this be?
Embedded in chalcedony within an aged oak is the semblance ofan ancient warrior sword. To suggest that this had aught to dowith the legend was a dream but to ignore the possibility I couldnot afford. I grabbed a nearby rock and began to smash awaythe quartz as crystal shards, they flew and cut into my flesh. Thegolden sword hilt exposed, I pulled with all my might as it wasloosed at last from its chalcedonic grave. And I held the swordaloft for all the land to see and I was filled with power beyond mydarkest dreams.
Destiny, with a smile, approaches saying, "
The Garensword holdsthe power to bequeath life as well as death" as I watch my falcontake wing to wind and soar high above the forest once again.
Following the bird, leaving the clearing behind us, we enter intothe forest and instantly I am startled. The sword has affected mysight, enabled me to see things which I have never noticed before.
There are thousands of graves amongst the trees; a cemetery forthe living. Headstones with no names, overrun with wild grey flowers.
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