| |
|
| |
|
| |
The Legend (Chapter 2 of the Bloodtharken Trilogy) |
| |
|
|
Elemental Paragons (TM) |
|
|
|
There are strange and puzzling things in Deptford today. The mighty dragon Bloodtharken is dead, but there is a nest with an egg. The leader of the wicked Draco Disciples is dead, but there are rumors of a new, more powerful leader. And strangest of all, the Elemental Paragons – the ancient founders of the Order of the Sun and the Lunar Tribe – have returned and now walk among us. You know the story of the Elemental Paragons? No? |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
There was a time where all four elements worked together in harmony. The Lord of Light left four Paragons (one for each element) to care for the world in his absence. The Paragons befriended all of creation and loved it. That love turned to ashes in their mouths when one human, whom they loved dearly, sought to use the Dark powers of the goddess Tiamat. Through vile spells, the dragon Bloodtharken was unleashed upon the world. The Paragons began mounting attacks against the foul creature, but rank upon rank of their noble knights fell to the dragon's flames. |
| |
|
| |
After one particularly devastating loss, the Paragons met in council. The Air Master concocted a plan to ride to the Dark Keep under a banner of truce and break through the portcullis. That way they would not kill anyone under the truce banner outright; they would simply be opening a door to win the war. The Fire Master supported the plan quickly and vocally. End the war at any cost, he said. But the Water Master and the Earth Master would not support such a deceitful plan. They argued long into the night, but not one moved on their position. |
| |
|
| |
Dawn broke, and the Water and Earth Masters were not in camp. Elated that he commanded without opposition, the Fire Master sent a single rider to the Dark Keep under a banner of truce. Just yards from the gate, the rider was struck down by a single arrow through the throat. The armies raged at the insult – the dragon's disciples were lower than a poxy chicken to kill a peace bearer at their own gate. Enflamed as they were, the armies pounded the Dark Keep until they broke through. Bloodtharken escaped, but her stronghold had been taken. The knights of the Fire and Air Master had won the war. |
| |
|
| |
In the battle's aftermath, the Air Master confided her dark secret to the Fire Master: she saw the arrow that pierced the rider that morning and it did not come from the bow of a Draco Disciple; it was shot by the Water Master. |
| |
|
| |
"Betrayal!" cried the Fire Master. "Oath-breakers! Kin-slayers!" And he vowed that never again would he work with his two fellow Paragons. |
| |
|
| |
So the centuries have rolled by. Those who follow the Fire and Air Masters call themselves the Order of the Sun. Those who follow the Water and Earth Masters call themselves the Lunar Tribe. Now you must ask yourself: in the face of such insurmountable odds, who betrayed whom? If you seek to answer the mystery of the dragon egg, you must first answer that question. |
| |
|
| |
(written by: Julia McMillin) |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
